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Lancet (London, England) Nov 2015Antenatal care of women with epilepsy is varied. The association of epilepsy and antiepileptic drug exposure with pregnancy outcomes needs to be quantified to guide... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Antenatal care of women with epilepsy is varied. The association of epilepsy and antiepileptic drug exposure with pregnancy outcomes needs to be quantified to guide management. We did a systematic review and meta-analysis to investigate the association between epilepsy and reproductive outcomes, with or without exposure to antiepileptic drugs.
METHODS
We searched MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane, AMED, and CINAHL between Jan 1, 1990, and Jan 21, 2015, with no language or regional restrictions, for observational studies of pregnant women with epilepsy, which assessed the risk of obstetric complications in the antenatal, intrapartum, or postnatal period, and any neonatal complications. We used the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale to assess the methodological quality of the included studies, risk of bias in the selection and comparability of cohorts, and outcome. We assessed the odds of maternal and fetal complications (excluding congenital malformations) by comparing pregnant women with and without epilepsy and undertook subgroup analysis based on antiepileptic drug exposure in women with epilepsy. We summarised the association as odds ratio (OR; 95% CI) using random effects meta-analysis. The PROSPERO ID of this Systematic Review's protocol is CRD42014007547.
FINDINGS
Of 7050 citations identified, 38 studies from low-income and high-income countries met our inclusion criteria (39 articles including 2,837,325 pregnancies). Women with epilepsy versus those without (2,809,984 pregnancies) had increased odds of spontaneous miscarriage (OR 1·54, 95% CI 1·02-2·32; I(2)=67%), antepartum haemorrhage (1·49, 1·01-2·20; I(2)=37%), post-partum haemorrhage (1·29, 1·13-1·49; I(2)=41%), hypertensive disorders (1·37, 1·21-1·55; I(2)=23%), induction of labour (1·67, 1·31-2·11; I(2)=64%), caesarean section (1·40, 1·23-1·58; I(2)=66%), any preterm birth (<37 weeks of gestation; 1·16, 1·01-1·34; I(2)=64%), and fetal growth restriction (1·26, 1·20-1·33; I(2)=1%). The odds of early preterm birth, gestational diabetes, fetal death or stillbirth, perinatal death, or admission to neonatal intensive care unit did not differ between women with epilepsy and those without the disorder.
INTERPRETATION
A small but significant association of epilepsy, exposure to antiepileptic drugs, and adverse outcomes exists in pregnancy. This increased risk should be taken into account when counselling women with epilepsy.
FUNDING
EBM CONNECT Collaboration.
Topics: Anticonvulsants; Epilepsy; Female; Humans; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Complications; Pregnancy Outcome
PubMed: 26318519
DOI: 10.1016/S0140-6736(15)00045-8 -
BJOG : An International Journal of... Aug 2016Observational studies showed that women with a donor oocyte (DO) pregnancy have an increased risk of pregnancy complications. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Observational studies showed that women with a donor oocyte (DO) pregnancy have an increased risk of pregnancy complications.
OBJECTIVES
Systematic review and meta-analysis to compare pregnancy complications of DO pregnancy with autologous oocyte in vitro fertilisation (IVF), and whether DO pregnancy acts as an independent risk factor.
SEARCH STRATEGY
Online searches of databases from 1 January 1980 to 31 January 2015 were performed using a set of relevant keywords.
SELECTION CRITERIA
All studies comparing pregnancy complications of women with donor oocyte IVF and autologous oocyte IVF were included.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
Data collected included demographics and pregnancy complications. Methodological quality assessment was performed using the Newcastle-Ottawa scale. Statistical analysis was performed using review manager 5.3 and stata 13.0. Meta-regression was performed for age.
MAIN RESULTS
In total, 11 studies (n = 81 752) were included. Ten studies (n = 11 539) examined the primary outcome. The risk of developing hypertensive disorders in pregnancy was significantly higher for DO pregnancy (odds ratio, OR 3.92; 95% confidence interval, 95% CI 3.21-4.78). Further subgroup analysis for singleton and twin pregnancies showed that the risk was significantly higher for DO pregnancy in each group. Secondary outcomes including small for gestational age (OR 1.81), caesarean section (OR 2.71), and preterm delivery (OR 1.34) were significantly higher with DO pregnancy. Meta-regression for the covariate of age suggested that risk was independent of age.
AUTHOR'S CONCLUSIONS
Donor oocyte pregnancy acts as an independent risk factor for pregnancy complications, including hypertensive disorders, small for gestational age, and preterm delivery. Women should be counselled carefully before undergoing DO-assisted conception.
TWEETABLE ABSTRACT
Donor oocyte conception is an independent risk factor for obstetric complications.
Topics: Case-Control Studies; Cesarean Section; Female; Fertilization in Vitro; Humans; Hypertension, Pregnancy-Induced; Infant, Small for Gestational Age; Maternal Age; Odds Ratio; Oocyte Donation; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Complications; Premature Birth; Risk Factors
PubMed: 26854328
DOI: 10.1111/1471-0528.13910 -
Ultrasound in Obstetrics & Gynecology :... Sep 2019To review systematically current literature on kidney function changes during pregnancy, in order to estimate the extent of adaptation over the course of both healthy... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
OBJECTIVES
To review systematically current literature on kidney function changes during pregnancy, in order to estimate the extent of adaptation over the course of both healthy physiological and complicated singleton pregnancies, and to determine healthy pregnancy reference values.
METHODS
PubMed (NCBI) and EMBASE (Ovid) electronic databases were searched, from inception to July 2017, for studies on kidney function during uncomplicated and complicated pregnancies. Included studies were required to report a non-pregnant reference value of kidney function (either in a non-pregnant control group or as a prepregnancy or postpartum measurement) and a pregnancy measurement at a predetermined and reported gestational age. Kidney function measures assessed were glomerular filtration rate (GFR) measured by inulin clearance, GFR measured by creatinine clearance and serum creatinine level. Pooled mean differences between pregnancy measurements and reference values were calculated for predefined intervals of gestational age in uncomplicated and complicated pregnancies using a random-effects model described by DerSimonian and Laird.
RESULTS
Twenty-nine studies met the inclusion criteria and were included in the analysis. As early as the first trimester, GFR was increased by up to 40-50% in physiological pregnancy when compared with non-pregnant values. Inulin clearance in uncomplicated pregnancy was highest at 36-41 weeks, with a 55.6% (53.7; 95% CI, 44.7-62.6 mL/min) increase when compared with non-pregnant values, and creatinine clearance was highest at 15-21 weeks' gestation, with a 37.6% (36.6; 95% CI, 26.2-46.9 mL/min) increase. Decrease in serum creatinine level in uncomplicated pregnancy was most prominent at 15-21 weeks, with a 23.2% (-0.19; 95% CI, -0.23 to -0.15 mg/dL) decrease when compared with non-pregnant values. Eight studies reported on pregnancies complicated by a hypertensive disorder. Meta-regression analysis showed a significant difference in all kidney function parameters when comparing uncomplicated and hypertensive complicated pregnancies.
CONCLUSIONS
In healthy pregnancy, GFR is increased as early as the first trimester, as compared with non-pregnant values, and the kidneys continue to function at a higher rate throughout gestation. In contrast, kidney function is decreased in hypertensive pregnancy. © 2018 The Authors. Ultrasound in Obstetrics & Gynecology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of the International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.
Topics: Adult; Creatinine; Female; Glomerular Filtration Rate; Humans; Hypertension, Pregnancy-Induced; Kidney Function Tests; Nitric Oxide; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Complications; Vascular Resistance
PubMed: 30288811
DOI: 10.1002/uog.20137 -
Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology :... Oct 2022Zonulin is a novel biomarker of intestinal permeability. The existing data suggest that upregulation of zonulin might be linked to systemic inflammation and pregnancy... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Zonulin is a novel biomarker of intestinal permeability. The existing data suggest that upregulation of zonulin might be linked to systemic inflammation and pregnancy complications. A systematic search was performed in medical electronic databases to identify eligible studies that reported circulating zonulin levels in complicated pregnancies compared to controls. Eight studies with 1196 serum samples of pregnant women were included in the systematic review. Meta-analysis on four studies revealed a significant increase in serum zonulin in women with Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) compared to healthy controls (Cohen's = 2.06; 95% Confidence Interval (CI): 0.15, 3.98). By pooling four studies that investigated zonulin levels in Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP), higher zonulin concentrations were found in cases, while the difference was not significant (Cohen's = 0.86; 95% CI: -0.04, 1.75). Current evidence suggests that higher levels of zonulin during pregnancy seem to be associated with inflammation-related complications, including GDM and HDP.Impact Statement Increased zonulin levels are considered as a marker of intestinal hyper-permeability. Upregulation of zonulin and concurrent systemic inflammation, are known to be associated with some pregnancy complications. We performed a meta-analysis to evaluate changes in serum zonulin levels in pregnancies complicated with Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP), and Intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP). According to our results, zonulin levels were significantly higher in complicated pregnancies than in normal pregnancies, particularly for GDM. Our findings revealed a probable association between increased zonulin levels and inflammation-related complications during pregnancy. Moreover, zonulin could serve as a reliable diagnostic clinical biomarker to identify (or predict) complications during pregnancy. Further studies are needed to examine the clinical accuracy of zonulin for detecting pregnancy-related complications.
Topics: Pregnancy; Female; Humans; Diabetes, Gestational; Hypertension, Pregnancy-Induced; Pregnancy Complications; Pre-Eclampsia; Inflammation; Biomarkers
PubMed: 36094006
DOI: 10.1080/01443615.2022.2114822 -
The Journal of Clinical Psychiatry Nov 2012The postpartum period is generally considered a time of heightened vulnerability to bipolar disorder; however, there is controversy about the effect of pregnancy on the... (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVE
The postpartum period is generally considered a time of heightened vulnerability to bipolar disorder; however, there is controversy about the effect of pregnancy on the course of bipolar disorder. This article reviews the literature on the relationship between pregnancy and bipolar disorder and suggests areas for future research.
DATA SOURCES AND STUDY SELECTION
Three electronic databases, MEDLINE (1966-2010), PsycINFO (1840-2010), and EMBASE, were searched on April 30, 2010, using the following keywords: pregnancy, bipolar disorder, manic depressive disorder, suicide, hospitalization, pharmacotherapy, and psychotherapy. The reference lists of articles identified were also searched. All relevant papers published in English were included.
RESULTS
A total of 70 articles were identified and included in the review. Evidence from studies using nonclinical samples, some retrospective studies, and studies on psychiatric hospitalization rates is suggestive of a positive effect of pregnancy on bipolar disorder; however, recent studies conducted at tertiary care facilities have reported high rates of recurrence following discontinuation of mood stabilizers.
CONCLUSIONS
Understanding the relationship between pregnancy and bipolar disorder has implications for perinatal treatment and etiologic understanding of the disorder. Research is urgently needed to estimate the prevalence of bipolar disorder during pregnancy, using both clinical and nonclinical samples.
Topics: Age of Onset; Antidepressive Agents; Antimanic Agents; Antipsychotic Agents; Bipolar Disorder; Causality; Cross-Sectional Studies; Depression, Postpartum; Female; Hospitalization; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Complications; Pregnancy Trimesters; Psychotherapy; Recurrence; Substance Withdrawal Syndrome; Suicide; Suicide Prevention
PubMed: 22938889
DOI: 10.4088/JCP.11r07499 -
Journal of Gynecology Obstetrics and... Sep 2021Maternal thyroid hormones are vital for a normal pregnancy and the development of fetus and childhood; inadequate availability of thyroid hormones during pregnancy is...
Maternal thyroid hormones are vital for a normal pregnancy and the development of fetus and childhood; inadequate availability of thyroid hormones during pregnancy is associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes. Isolated maternal hypothyroxinemia (IMH) is defined as a low maternal T4 in the absence of TSH elevation. This systematic review aimed to investigate the association between IMH and adverse pregnancy outcomes. PubMed, Scopus and Web of science were searched for retrieving observational studies published up to September 2020, investigating the association of IMH with adverse pregnancy outcomes. From a total of 308 articles, 17 met our eligibility criteria and were used for the purpose of the present study. Definition of IMH varied in different studies. While some studies reported no adverse pregnancy outcomes for IMH, other studies found a positive association between first trimester IMH and feto-maternal outcomes including gestational hypertension, gestational diabetes, preterm delivery, fetal distress, small for gestational age, musculoskeletal malformations, spontaneous abortion, placental abruption and macrosomia. IMH, identified in the second trimester was associated with an increase in the risk of gestational diabetes, and hypertensive disorders of pregnancy in one study. There is no consensus on the adverse effects of IMH on pregnancy outcomes. Further comprehensive cohort studies using one standard definition for IMH, with large sample size and control of important confounders such as iodine status and maternal Thyroid peroxidase antibody (TPOAb) are needed for precise assessment of this association.
Topics: Adult; Female; Humans; Hypothyroidism; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Complications; Pregnancy Outcome
PubMed: 33401029
DOI: 10.1016/j.jogoh.2020.102057 -
Human Reproduction Update 2016Traditionally, pregnancy was considered to have a positive effect on endometriosis and its painful symptoms due not only to blockage of ovulation preventing bleeding of... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Traditionally, pregnancy was considered to have a positive effect on endometriosis and its painful symptoms due not only to blockage of ovulation preventing bleeding of endometriotic tissue but also to different metabolic, hormonal, immune and angiogenesis changes related to pregnancy. However, a growing literature is emerging on the role of endometriosis in affecting the development of pregnancy and its outcomes and also on the impact of pregnancy on endometriosis. The present article aims to underline the difficulty in diagnosing endometriotic lesions during pregnancy and discuss the options for the treatment of decidualized endometriosis in relation to imaging and symptomatology; to describe all the possible acute complications of pregnancy caused by pre-existing endometriosis and evaluate potential treatments of these complications; to assess whether endometriosis affects pregnancy outcome and hypothesize mechanisms to explain the underlying relationships.
METHODS
This systematic review is based on material searched and obtained via Pubmed and Medline between January 1950 and March 2015. Peer-reviewed, English-language journal articles examining the impact of endometriosis on pregnancy and vice versa were included in this article.
RESULTS
Changes of the endometriotic lesions may occur during pregnancy caused by the modifications of the hormonal milieu, posing a clinical dilemma due to their atypical appearance. The management of these events is actually challenging as only few cases have been described and the review of available literature evidenced a lack of formal estimates of their incidence. Acute complications of endometriosis during pregnancy, such as spontaneous hemoperitoneum, bowel and ovarian complications, represent rare but life-threatening conditions that require, in most of the cases, surgical operations to be managed. Due to the unpredictability of these complications, no specific recommendation for additional interventions to the routinely monitoring of pregnancy of women with known history of endometriosis is advisable. Even if the results of the published studies are controversial, some evidence is suggestive of an association of endometriosis with spontaneous miscarriage, preterm birth and small for gestational age babies. A correlation of endometriosis with placenta previa (odds ratio from 1.67 to 15.1 according to various studies) has been demonstrated, possibly linked to the abnormal frequency and amplitude of uterine contractions observed in women affected. Finally, there is no evidence that prophylactic surgery would prevent the negative impact of endometriosis itself on pregnancy outcome.
CONCLUSIONS
Complications of endometriosis during pregnancy are rare and there is no evidence that the disease has a major detrimental effect on pregnancy outcome. Therefore, pregnant women with endometriosis can be reassured on the course of their pregnancies although the physicians should be aware of the potential increased risk of placenta previa. Current evidence does not support any modification of conventional monitoring of pregnancy in patients with endometriosis.
Topics: Abortion, Spontaneous; Diagnostic Errors; Endometriosis; Female; Gestational Age; Humans; Intestinal Diseases; Lung Diseases; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Complications; Pregnancy Outcome; Premature Birth; Prenatal Diagnosis; Skin Diseases; Urologic Diseases
PubMed: 26450609
DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmv045 -
Journal of Affective Disorders Mar 2016There is a growing interest in exploring maternal mental health effects of unintended pregnancies carried to term. However, the evidence base from a small number of... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
There is a growing interest in exploring maternal mental health effects of unintended pregnancies carried to term. However, the evidence base from a small number of available studies is characterised by considerable variability, inconsistency and inconclusive findings. We present a systematic review and meta-analysis of all available studies on unintended pregnancy as these are related to maternal depression.
METHODS
Using PRISMA guideline, we systematically reviewed and meta-analysed studies reporting an association between unintended pregnancy and maternal depression from PubMed, EMBASE, PsychINFO and Google Scholar. We used a priori set criteria and included details of quality and magnitude of effect sizes. Sample sizes, adjusted odds ratios and standard errors were extracted. Random effects were used to calculate pooled estimates in Stata 13. Cochran's Q, I(2) and meta-bias statistics assessed heterogeneity and publication bias of included studies.
RESULTS
Meta-bias and funnel plot of inverse variance detected no publication bias. Overall prevalence of maternal depression in unintended pregnancy was 21%. Unintended pregnancy was significantly associated with maternal depression. Despite statistically significant heterogeneities of included studies, sub-group analyses revealed positive and significant associations by types of unintended pregnancies, timing of measurements with respect to pregnancy and childbirth, study designs and settings.
CONCLUSIONS
The prevalence of perinatal depression is two-fold in women with unintended pregnancy. Perinatal care settings may screen pregnancy intention and depression of women backed by integrating family planning and mental health services.
Topics: Adult; Depression; Female; Humans; Mental Health Services; Odds Ratio; Perinatal Care; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Complications; Pregnancy, Unplanned; Prevalence
PubMed: 26707348
DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2015.12.008 -
American Journal of Perinatology Aug 2009We conducted a literature review to determine the clinical characteristics of genital sarcoma during pregnancy. The systematic literature search was conducted using the... (Review)
Review
We conducted a literature review to determine the clinical characteristics of genital sarcoma during pregnancy. The systematic literature search was conducted using the search engines PubMed and MEDLINE with keywords "sarcoma" and "pregnancy" and was limited to female genital organs such as ovary, uterus, cervix, vagina, vulva, and retroperitoneal sarcoma. Kaposi's sarcoma, metastatic sarcoma, history of sarcoma, bone sarcoma located in pelvis, and fetal sarcoma were excluded in this study. There were 40 cases of genital sarcoma during pregnancy between 1955 and 2007. The majority of the cases were uterine sarcoma (37.5%), followed by retroperitoneal sarcoma (27.5%), vulvar sarcoma (22.5%), and vaginal sarcoma (12.5%). Mean age of the patient was 27.8 +/- 7.0. The distribution in the onset of symptoms had two peaks: first trimester (27.5%) and third trimester (50.0%). Growing mass (42.5%), abdominal pain (30.0%), and vaginal bleeding (22.5%) were the three most common symptoms. Incidental diagnosis was made in 22.5% and included during cesarean section (12.5%) and routine pelvic exam (7.5%). The cases initially not suspicious for malignancy were 42.5%. Thirty-three (82.5%) cases had live-born infants with term delivery in 55.2%. Mean birth weight was 2843 +/- 791 g, and male infants were more common (66.7%). Intrauterine growth retardation was seen in 12.5% of cases. Preterm labor was a common complication. Median survival period was 2.5 years (95% confidence, 1.9 to 3.1). The 2-, 3-, and 5-year cumulative survival rates were 60%, 38%, and 17%, respectively. Genital sarcomas in pregnancy are rare. There is a delay in diagnosis due to low index of suspicion. A majority had live births, and the 5-year survival is similar to that of advanced-stage sarcoma in nonpregnant women.
Topics: Adult; Cesarean Section; Combined Modality Therapy; Female; Genital Neoplasms, Female; Humans; Neoplasm Staging; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Complications, Neoplastic; Pregnancy Outcome; Pregnancy Trimesters; Premature Birth; Prenatal Diagnosis; Prognosis; Risk Assessment; Sarcoma; Survival Analysis; Time Factors; Young Adult
PubMed: 19288396
DOI: 10.1055/s-0029-1215428 -
Acta Obstetricia Et Gynecologica... Dec 2023The association between extreme birth spacing and adverse outcomes is controversial, and available evidence is fragmented into different classifications of birth spacing. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
INTRODUCTION
The association between extreme birth spacing and adverse outcomes is controversial, and available evidence is fragmented into different classifications of birth spacing.
MATERIAL AND METHODS
We conducted a systematic review of observational studies to evaluate the association between birth spacing (i.e., interpregnancy interval and interoutcome interval) and adverse outcomes (i.e., pregnancy complications, adverse birth outcomes). Pooled odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated using a random-effects model, and the dose-response relationships were evaluated using generalized least squares trend estimation.
RESULTS
A total of 129 studies involving 46 874 843 pregnancies were included. In the general population, compared with an interpregnancy interval of 18-23 months, extreme intervals (<6 months and ≥ 60 months) were associated with an increased risk of adverse outcomes, including preterm birth, small for gestational age, low birthweight, fetal death, birth defects, early neonatal death, and premature rupture of fetal membranes (pooled OR range: 1.08-1.56; p < 0.05). The dose-response analyses further confirmed these J-shaped relationships (p < 0.001-0.009). Long interpregnancy interval was only associated with an increased risk of preeclampsia and gestational diabetes (p < 0.005 and p < 0.001, respectively). Similar associations were observed between interoutcome interval and risk of low birthweight and preterm birth (p < 0.001). Moreover, interoutcome interval of ≥60 months was associated with an increased risk of cesarean delivery (pooled OR 1.72, 95% CI 1.04-2.83). For pregnancies following preterm births, an interpregnancy interval of 9 months was not associated with an increased risk of preterm birth, according to dose-response analyses (p = 0.008). Based on limited evidence, we did not observe significant associations between interpregnancy interval or interoutcome interval after pregnancy losses and risk of small for gestational age, fetal death, miscarriage, or preeclampsia (pooled OR range: 0.76-1.21; p > 0.05).
CONCLUSIONS
Extreme birth spacing has extensive adverse effects on maternal and infant health. In the general population, interpregnancy interval of 18-23 months may be associated with potential benefits for both mothers and infants. For women with previous preterm birth, the optimal birth spacing may be 9 months.
Topics: Pregnancy; Infant; Infant, Newborn; Humans; Female; Pregnancy Outcome; Premature Birth; Birth Intervals; Pre-Eclampsia; Birth Weight; Abortion, Spontaneous; Pregnancy Complications; Fetal Growth Retardation; Mothers; Fetal Death
PubMed: 37675816
DOI: 10.1111/aogs.14648