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Placenta Sep 2021Impaired placentation is an important contributing factor to intra-uterine growth restriction and pre-eclampsia in fetuses with congenital heart defects (CHD). These...
Impaired placentation is an important contributing factor to intra-uterine growth restriction and pre-eclampsia in fetuses with congenital heart defects (CHD). These pregnancy complications occur more frequently in pregnancies with fetal CHD. One of the most important factors influencing the life of children with CHD is neurodevelopmental delay, which seems to start already in utero. Delayed neurodevelopment in utero may be correlated or even (partly) explained by impaired placentation in CHD cases. This systematic review provides an overview of published literature on placental development in pregnancies with fetal CHD. A systematic search was performed and the Newcastle-Ottawa scale was used to access data quality. Primary outcomes were placenta size and weight, vascular and villous architecture, immunohistochemistry, angiogenic biomarkers and/or placental gene expression. A total of 1161 articles were reviewed and 21 studies were included. Studies including CHD with a genetic disorder or syndrome and/or multiple pregnancies were excluded. Lower placental weight and elevated rates of abnormal umbilical cord insertions were found in CHD. Cases with CHD more frequently showed microscopic placental abnormalities (i.e. abnormal villous maturation and increased maternal vascular malperfusion lesions), reduced levels of angiogenic biomarkers and increased levels of anti-angiogenic biomarkers in maternal serum and umbilical cord blood. Altered gene expression involved in placental development and fetal growth were found in maternal serum and CHD placentas. In conclusion, abnormal placentation is found in CHD. More extensive studies are needed to elucidate the contribution of impaired placentation to delayed neurodevelopment in CHD cases.
Topics: Biomarkers; Female; Fetal Development; Heart Defects, Congenital; Humans; Placenta; Placentation; Pregnancy
PubMed: 34388551
DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2021.07.297 -
BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth Sep 2023Prelabour rupture of membranes at term affects approximately 10% of women during pregnancy, and it is often associated with a higher risk of infection than when the...
INTRODUCTION
Prelabour rupture of membranes at term affects approximately 10% of women during pregnancy, and it is often associated with a higher risk of infection than when the membranes are intact. In an attempt to control the risk of infection, two main approaches have been used most widely in clinical practice: induction of labour (IOL) soon after the rupture of membranes, also called active management (AM), and watchful waiting for the spontaneous onset of labour, also called expectant management (EM). In addition, previous studies have demonstrated that vaginal examinations increase the risk of chorioamnionitis. However, the effect of vaginal examinations in the context of prelabour rupture of membranes have not been researched to the same extent.
METHODS
This systematic review analyses and critiques the latest research on the management of term prelabour rupture of membranes, including the effect of vaginal examinations during labour, with a focus on the outcomes of both normal birth, and chorioamnionitis. Due to its complexity, three research questions were identified using the PICO diagram, and subsequently, the results from these searches were combined. The systematic review aimed to identify randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and observational studies that compared active vs expectant management, included number of vaginal examinations and had chorioamnionitis and/or normal birth as outcomes. The following databases were used: MEDLINE, EMBASE, Maternity and Infant care, LILACS, CINAHL and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled trials. Quality was assessed using a tool developed especifically for this study that included questions from CASP and the Cochrane risk of bias tool. Due to the high degree of heterogeneity meta-analysis was not deemed appropriate. Therefore, simple narrative analysis was carried out.
RESULTS
Thirty-two studies met the inclusion criteria, of which 27 were RCTs and 5 observational studies. The overall quality of the studies wasn't high, 15 out of the 32 studies were deemed to be low quality and only 17 out of 32 studies were deemed to be of intermediate quality. The systematic review revealed that the management of term prelabour rupture of membranes continues to be controversial. Previous research has compared active management (Induction of labour shortly after the rupture of membrane) against expectant management (watchful waiting for the spontaneous onset of labour). Although previous studies have demonstrated that vaginal examinations increase the risk of chorioamnionitis, no prospective studies have included an intervention to reduce the number of vaginal examinations.
CONCLUSION
A RCT assessing the consequences of active management and expectant management as well as the effect of vaginal examinations during labour for term prelabour rupture of membranes is necessary.
Topics: Female; Pregnancy; Infant; Child; Humans; Chorioamnionitis; Delivery, Obstetric; Labor, Obstetric; Databases, Factual; Infant Care
PubMed: 37684576
DOI: 10.1186/s12884-023-05878-x -
American Journal of Obstetrics and... Dec 2021A systematic review was conducted to determine placental outcomes following prenatal alcohol exposure in women. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
OBJECTIVE
A systematic review was conducted to determine placental outcomes following prenatal alcohol exposure in women.
DATA SOURCES
The search terms "maternal OR prenatal OR pregnant OR periconception" AND "placenta" AND "alcohol OR ethanol" were used across 5 databases (PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and CINAHL) from inception until November 2020.
STUDY ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
Articles were included if they reported placental outcomes in an alcohol exposure group compared with a control group. Studies were excluded if placentas were from elective termination before 20 weeks' gestation, animal studies, in vitro studies, case studies, or coexposure studies.
METHODS
Study quality was assessed by 2 reviewers using the Newcastle-Ottawa Quality Assessment Scale. Title and abstract screening was conducted by 2 reviewers to remove duplicates and irrelevant studies. Remaining full text articles were screened by 2 reviewers against inclusion and exclusion criteria. Placental outcome data were extracted and tabulated separately for studies of placentation, placental weight, placental morphology, and placental molecular studies. Meta-analyses were conducted for outcomes reported by >3 studies.
RESULTS
Database searching retrieved 640 unique records. Screening against inclusion and exclusion criteria resulted in 33 included studies. The quality assessment identified that 61% of studies were high quality, 30% were average quality, and 9% were low quality. Meta-analyses indicated that prenatal alcohol exposure increased the likelihood of placental abruption (odds ratio, 1.48; 95% confidence interval, 1.37-1.60) but not placenta previa (odds ratio, 1.14; 95% confidence interval, 0.84-1.34) and resulted in a reduction in placental weight of 51 g (95% confidence interval, -82.8 to -19.3). Reports of altered placental vasculature, placental DNA methylation, and gene expression following prenatal alcohol exposure were identified. A single study examined placentas from male and female infants separately and found sex-specific placental outcomes.
CONCLUSION
Prenatal alcohol exposure increases the likelihood of placental abruption and is associated with decreased placental weight, altered placental vasculature, DNA methylation, and molecular pathways. Given the critical role of the placenta in determining pregnancy outcomes, further studies investigating the molecular mechanisms underlying alcohol-induced placental dysfunction are required. Sex-specific placental adaptations to adverse conditions in utero have been well documented; thus, future studies should examine prenatal alcohol exposure-associated placental outcomes separately by sex.
Topics: Abruptio Placentae; Alcohol Drinking; Female; Humans; Placenta Previa; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Outcome; Prenatal Exposure Delayed Effects
PubMed: 34181895
DOI: 10.1016/j.ajog.2021.06.078 -
BMC Pediatrics Nov 2023Congenital abnormalities, as one of the fetal complications of placenta previa, may cause health problems or disability of the child throughout life. This study aimed to... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Congenital abnormalities, as one of the fetal complications of placenta previa, may cause health problems or disability of the child throughout life. This study aimed to determine the relationship between placenta previa and congenital abnormalities.
METHODS
Potential articles were retrieved from three electronic databases (PubMed/Medline, Scopus, and Web of Sciences) up to 21 May 2023 without limit of time and language. A random effect model was applied for meta-analysis. The heterogeneity was calculated based on I statistic and Cochrane Q-test. All analyses were conducted at the significance level of 0.05 using STATA software, version 14. The quality assessment of the included studies was performed using the improved Newcastle-Ottawa Scale.
RESULTS
In the initial search, 829 articles were retrieved. Finally, according to the inclusion criteria, eight studies were analyzed in the meta-analysis. A significant association was reported between placenta previa and risk of congenital abnormalities based on crude form (OR = 1.81, 95% CI = 1.34 to 2.28) and adjusted studies (OR = 6.38, 95% CI = 1.47 to 11.30). The high heterogeneity was observed among the studies reported based on adjusted and crude form, respectively (I = 97.9%, P = 0.000) (I = 80.6%, P = 0.000). Therefore, publication bias was not observed among studies. Seven studies of the included studies were of high quality.
CONCLUSION
Our study provides evidence that there is a positive and significant association between placenta previa and congenital malformations, including all structural anomalies, chromosomal defects, and congenital hypothyroidisms. Therefore, monitoring congenital abnormalities in the fetus of a mother with placenta previa is necessary.
Topics: Pregnancy; Female; Child; Humans; Placenta Previa; Network Meta-Analysis; Mothers
PubMed: 38031046
DOI: 10.1186/s12887-023-04433-z -
Reproductive Biology and Endocrinology... Jun 2023This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to explore the relationship of endometrial thickness (EMT) with obstetric and neonatal outcomes in assisted reproductive... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
PURPOSE
This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to explore the relationship of endometrial thickness (EMT) with obstetric and neonatal outcomes in assisted reproductive cycles.
METHODS
PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library and Web of Science were searched for eligible studies through April 2023. Obstetric outcomes include placenta previa, placental abruption, hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP), gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and cesarean section (CS). Neonatal outcomes include birthweight, low birth weight (LBW), gestational age (GA), preterm birth (PTB), small for gestational age (SGA) and large for gestational age (LGA). The effect size was estimated as odds ratio (OR) or mean difference (MD) with 95% confidence interval (CI) using a random-effects model. Inter-study heterogeneity was assessed by the chi-square homogeneity test. One-study removal method was used to determine the sensitivity of the meta-analysis.
RESULTS
Nineteen studies involving 76,404 cycles were included. The pooled results revealed significant differences between the thin endometrium group and the normal group in placental abruption (OR = 2.45, 95% CI: 1.11-5.38, P = 0.03; I = 0%), HDP (OR = 1.72, 95% CI: 1.44-2.05, P < 0.0001; I = 0%), CS (OR = 1.33, 95% CI: 1.06-1.67, P = 0.01; I = 77%), GA (MD = -1.27 day, 95% CI: -2.41- -1.02, P = 0.03; I = 73%), PTB (OR = 1.56, 95% CI: 1.34-1.81, P < 0.0001; I = 33%), birthweight (MD = -78.88 g, 95% CI: -115.79- -41.98, P < 0.0001; I = 48%), LBW (OR = 1.84, 95% CI: 1.52-2.22, P < 0.00001; I = 3%) and SGA (OR = 1.41, 95% CI: 1.17-1.70, P = 0.0003; I = 15%). No statistical differences were found in placenta previa, GDM, and LGA.
CONCLUSION
Thin endometrium was associated with lower birthweight or GA and higher risks of placental abruption, HDP, CS, PTB, LBW and SGA. Therefore, these pregnancies need special attention and close follow-up by obstetricians. Due to the limited number of included studies, further studies are needed to confirm the results.
Topics: Infant, Newborn; Pregnancy; Female; Humans; Birth Weight; Abruptio Placentae; Cesarean Section; Placenta; Placenta Previa; Premature Birth; Diabetes, Gestational
PubMed: 37312205
DOI: 10.1186/s12958-023-01105-6 -
Human Reproduction Update Oct 2021Preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) includes methods that allow embryos to be tested for severe inherited diseases or chromosomal abnormalities. In addition to... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) includes methods that allow embryos to be tested for severe inherited diseases or chromosomal abnormalities. In addition to IVF/ICSI and repeated freezing and thawing of the embryos, PGT requires a biopsy to obtain embryonic genetic material for analysis. However, the potential effects of PGT on obstetric and neonatal outcomes are currently uncertain.
OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE
This study aimed to investigate whether pregnancies conceived after PGT were associated with a higher risk of adverse obstetric and neonatal outcomes compared with spontaneously conceived (SC) pregnancies or pregnancies conceived after IVF/ICSI.
SEARCH METHODS
PubMed, EMBASE, MEDLINE, Web of Science and The Cochrane Library entries from January 1990 to January 2021 were searched. The primary outcomes in this study were low birth weight (LBW) and congenital malformations (CMs), and the secondary outcomes included gestational age, preterm delivery (PTD), very preterm delivery (VPTD), birth weight (BW), very low birth weight (VLBW), neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admission, hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP), gestational diabetes, placenta previa and preterm premature rupture of membranes (PROM). We further pooled the results of PGT singleton pregnancies. Subgroup analyses included preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD), preimplantation genetic screening (PGS), cleavage-stage biopsy combined with fresh embryo transfer (CB-ET) and blastocyst biopsy combined with frozen-thawed embryo transfer (BB-FET).
OUTCOMES
This meta-analysis included 15 studies involving 3682 babies born from PGT pregnancies, 127 719 babies born from IVF/ICSI pregnancies and 915 222 babies born from SC pregnancies. The relative risk (RR) of LBW was higher in PGT pregnancies compared with SC pregnancies (RR = 3.95, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.32-6.72), but the risk of CMs was not different between the two groups. The pooled results for the risks of LBW and CMs were similar in PGT and IVF/ICSI pregnancies. The risks of PTD (RR = 3.12, 95% CI: 2.67-3.64) and HDP (RR = 3.12, 95% CI: 2.18-4.47) were significantly higher in PGT pregnancies compared with SC pregnancies. Lower gestational age (mean difference [MD] = -0.76 weeks, 95% CI -1.17 to -0.34) and BW (MD = -163.80 g, 95% CI: -299.35 to -28.24) were also noted for PGT pregnancies compared with SC pregnancies. Nevertheless, compared with IVF/ICSI pregnancies, the risks of VPTD and VLBW in PGT pregnancies were significantly decreased by 41% and 30%, respectively, although the risk of HDP was still significantly increased by 50% in PGT pregnancies compared with IVF/ICSI pregnancies. The combined results of obstetric and neonatal outcomes of PGT and IVF/ICSI singleton pregnancies were consistent with the overall results. Further subgroup analyses indicated that both PGD and PGS pregnancies were associated with a higher risk of PTD and a lower gestational age compared with SC pregnancies.
WIDER IMPLICATIONS
This meta-analysis showed that PGT pregnancies may be associated with increased risks of LBW, PTD and HDP compared with SC pregnancies. The overall obstetric and neonatal outcomes of PGT pregnancies are favourable compared with those of IVF/ICSI pregnancies, although PGT pregnancies were associated with a higher risk of HDP. However, because the number of studies that could be included was limited, more randomised controlled trials and prospective cohort studies are needed to confirm these conclusions.
Topics: Embryo Transfer; Female; Fertilization in Vitro; Genetic Testing; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Outcome; Preimplantation Diagnosis; Prospective Studies; Retrospective Studies
PubMed: 34473268
DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmab027 -
Zeitschrift Fur Geburtshilfe Und... Feb 2024COVID-19 pregnancies are associated with increased rates of premature delivery and stillbirths. It is still a matter of debate whether there is a COVID-19-associated... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
COVID-19 pregnancies are associated with increased rates of premature delivery and stillbirths. It is still a matter of debate whether there is a COVID-19-associated pattern of placenta pathology. We updated our previously published results on a systematic literature review and meta-analysis of COVID-19 pregnancies. In total, 38 reports on 3677 placentas were evaluated regarding histopathological changes. Maternal vascular malperfusion (32%), fetal vascular malperfusion (19%), acute and chronic inflammation (20% and 22%) were frequent pathologies. In non-COVID-19 pregnancies, placentas show similar histologic patterns and mainly similar frequencies of manifestation. It has to be taken into account that there might be an observation bias, because some findings are diagnosed as a "pathology" that might have been classified as minor or unspecific findings in non-COVID-19 placentas. COVID-19 placentitis occurs in 1-2% of cases at the most. In conclusion, this updated meta-analysis indicates that COVID-19 infection during pregnancy does not result in an increased rate of a specific placenta pathology and COVID-19 placentitis is rare.
Topics: Pregnancy; Female; Humans; Placenta; COVID-19; Placenta Diseases; Premature Birth; Chorioamnionitis; Stillbirth
PubMed: 38330958
DOI: 10.1055/a-2220-7469 -
Microbial Pathogenesis Sep 2022Bovine rotavirus is the primary pathogen causing diarrhea in cattle and can be transmitted vertically through the placenta. It mainly presents with clinical signs such... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Bovine rotavirus is the primary pathogen causing diarrhea in cattle and can be transmitted vertically through the placenta. It mainly presents with clinical signs such as depression, loss of appetite, diarrhea, vomiting, and dehydration.
METHODS
A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted to assess the prevalence of BRV infection in mainland China. We conducted a literature search on the prevalence of BRV infection in pigs between Jan 1, 1979 and Dec 31, 2021 in English and Chinese databases, including PubMed, Google Scholar, Cochrane library, Clinical Trials, VIP, CNKI, and WanFang database. Selections were made based on the title and the abstract of the paper, Search strings included if they reported the cattle samples of more than 15 cattle and provided information that allowed us to establish the prevalence of BRV. Moreover, we excluded repeated studies, reviews, other hosts. Finally, we extracted the number of cattle with BRV infection from the obtained studies and provided information that permitted us to estimate the prevalence of BRV infection in cattle in mainland China.
RESULTS
The data of 29 articles (including data on 10677 cattle) are compliant with the standards. The pooled prevalence of BRV in cattle in China was 46%(6635/10677), the pooled prevalence of BRV in cattle from Northeast China (40%) was significantly lower than those from other regions. In addition, the prevalence of BRV was associated with publication time of paper, detection methods, age of cattle, and clinical symptoms(diarrhea, etc.).
CONCLUSION
Our findings suggest that BRV infection is common among cattle in China. It is, therefore, necessary to carry out further research and monitor the prevalence of BRV infection. Furthermore, powerful and effective regulatory measures should be taken to prevent the transmission and spread of BRV among cattle populations.
Topics: Animals; Cattle; Cattle Diseases; China; Diarrhea; Female; Pregnancy; Prevalence; Rotavirus; Rotavirus Infections; Swine
PubMed: 35988882
DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2022.105727 -
American Journal of Obstetrics and... May 2024This study aimed to investigate the prognostic role of concomitant histological fetal inflammatory response with chorioamnionitis on neonatal outcomes through a... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
OBJECTIVE
This study aimed to investigate the prognostic role of concomitant histological fetal inflammatory response with chorioamnionitis on neonatal outcomes through a systematic review and meta-analysis of existing literature.
DATA SOURCES
The primary search was conducted on October 17, 2021, and it was updated on May 26, 2023, across 4 separate databases (MEDLINE, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Embase, and Scopus) without using any filters.
STUDY ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
Observational studies reporting obstetrical and neonatal outcomes of infant-mother dyads with histological chorioamnionitis and histological fetal inflammatory response vs infant-mother dyads with histological chorioamnionitis alone were eligible. Studies that enrolled only preterm neonates, studies on neonates born before 37 weeks of gestation, or studies on neonates with very low birthweight (birthweight <1500 g) were included. The protocol was registered with the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (registration number: CRD42021283448).
METHODS
The records were selected by title, abstract, and full text, and disagreements were resolved by consensus. Random-effect model-based pooled odds ratios with corresponding 95% confidence intervals were calculated for dichotomous outcomes.
RESULTS
Overall, 50 studies were identified. A quantitative analysis of 14 outcomes was performed. Subgroup analysis using the mean gestational age of the studies was performed, and a cutoff of 28 weeks of gestation was implemented. Among neonates with lower gestational ages, early-onset sepsis (pooled odds ratio, 2.23; 95% confidence interval, 1.76-2.84) and bronchopulmonary dysplasia (pooled odds ratio, 1.30; 95% confidence interval, 1.02-1.66) were associated with histological fetal inflammatory response. Our analysis showed that preterm neonates with a concomitant histological fetal inflammatory response are more likely to develop intraventricular hemorrhage (pooled odds ratio, 1.54; 95% confidence interval, 1.18-2.02) and retinopathy of prematurity (pooled odds ratio, 1.37; 95% confidence interval, 1.03-1.82). The odds of clinical chorioamnionitis were almost 3-fold higher among infant-mother dyads with histological fetal inflammatory response than among infant-mother dyads with histological chorioamnionitis alone (pooled odds ratio, 2.99; 95% confidence interval, 1.96-4.55).
CONCLUSION
This study investigated multiple neonatal outcomes and found association in the case of 4 major morbidities: early-onset sepsis, bronchopulmonary dysplasia, intraventricular hemorrhage, and retinopathy of prematurity.
Topics: Humans; Pregnancy; Chorioamnionitis; Infant, Newborn; Female; Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia; Infant, Premature; Infant, Very Low Birth Weight; Respiratory Distress Syndrome, Newborn; Retinopathy of Prematurity; Prognosis; Cerebral Intraventricular Hemorrhage; Premature Birth
PubMed: 37967697
DOI: 10.1016/j.ajog.2023.11.1223 -
Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology... Nov 2023Planned hysterectomy at the time of cesarean delivery may be reasonable in cases other than placenta accreta spectrum disorders. Our objective was to synthesize the... (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVE
Planned hysterectomy at the time of cesarean delivery may be reasonable in cases other than placenta accreta spectrum disorders. Our objective was to synthesize the published literature on the indications and outcomes for planned cesarean hysterectomy.
DATA SOURCES
We performed a systematic review of published literature from the following databases from inception (1946) to June 2021: MEDLINE, PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane CENTRAL, DARE, and clinicaltrials.gov.
STUDY SELECTION
We included all study designs where subjects underwent planned cesarean delivery with simultaneous hysterectomy. Emergency procedures and those performed for placenta accreta spectrum disorders were excluded.
DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS
The primary outcome was surgical indication, though other surgical outcomes were evaluated when data permitted. Quantitative analysis was limited to studies published in 1990 or later. Risk of bias was assessed using an adaptation of the ROBINS-I tool.
CONCLUSION
The most common indication for planned cesarean hysterectomy was malignancy, with cervical cancer being the most frequent. Other indications included permanent contraception, uterine fibroids, menstrual disorders, and chronic pelvic pain. Common complications included bleeding, infection, and ileus. The surgical skill for cesarean hysterectomy continues to be relevant in contemporary obstetrical practice for reproductive malignancy and several benign indications. Although the data indicate relatively safe outcomes, these studies show significant publication bias and, therefore, further systematic study of this procedure is justified.
PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER
CRD42021260545, registered June 16, 2021.
Topics: Pregnancy; Female; Humans; Placenta Accreta; Retrospective Studies; Risk Factors; Hysterectomy; Neoplasms
PubMed: 37380105
DOI: 10.1016/j.jogc.2023.04.025