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Health Technology Assessment... Feb 2021Currently, pregnant women are screened using ultrasound to perform gestational aging, typically at around 12 weeks' gestation, and around the middle of pregnancy....
BACKGROUND
Currently, pregnant women are screened using ultrasound to perform gestational aging, typically at around 12 weeks' gestation, and around the middle of pregnancy. Ultrasound scans thereafter are performed for clinical indications only.
OBJECTIVES
We sought to assess the case for offering universal late pregnancy ultrasound to all nulliparous women in the UK. The main questions addressed were the diagnostic effectiveness of universal late pregnancy ultrasound to predict adverse outcomes and the cost-effectiveness of either implementing universal ultrasound or conducting further research in this area.
DESIGN
We performed diagnostic test accuracy reviews of five ultrasonic measurements in late pregnancy. We conducted cost-effectiveness and value-of-information analyses of screening for fetal presentation, screening for small for gestational age fetuses and screening for large for gestational age fetuses. Finally, we conducted a survey and a focus group to determine the willingness of women to participate in a future randomised controlled trial.
DATA SOURCES
We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE and the Cochrane Library from inception to June 2019.
REVIEW METHODS
The protocol for the review was designed a priori and registered. Eligible studies were identified using keywords, with no restrictions for language or location. The risk of bias in studies was assessed using the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies 2 (QUADAS-2) tool. Health economic modelling employed a decision tree analysed via Monte Carlo simulation. Health outcomes were from the fetal perspective and presented as quality-adjusted life-years. Costs were from the perspective of the public sector, defined as NHS England, and the costs of special educational needs. All costs and quality-adjusted life-years were discounted by 3.5% per annum and the reference case time horizon was 20 years.
RESULTS
Umbilical artery Doppler flow velocimetry, cerebroplacental ratio, severe oligohydramnios and borderline oligohydramnios were all either non-predictive or weakly predictive of the risk of neonatal morbidity (summary positive likelihood ratios between 1 and 2) and were all weakly predictive of the risk of delivering a small for gestational age infant (summary positive likelihood ratios between 2 and 4). Suspicion of fetal macrosomia is strongly predictive of the risk of delivering a large infant, but it is only weakly, albeit statistically significantly, predictive of the risk of shoulder dystocia. Very few studies blinded the result of the ultrasound scan and most studies were rated as being at a high risk of bias as a result of treatment paradox, ascertainment bias or iatrogenic harm. Health economic analysis indicated that universal ultrasound for fetal presentation only may be both clinically and economically justified on the basis of existing evidence. Universal ultrasound including fetal biometry was of borderline cost-effectiveness and was sensitive to assumptions. Value-of-information analysis indicated that the parameter that had the largest impact on decision uncertainty was the net difference in cost between an induced delivery and expectant management.
LIMITATIONS
The primary literature on the diagnostic effectiveness of ultrasound in late pregnancy is weak. Value-of-information analysis may have underestimated the uncertainty in the literature as it was focused on the internal validity of parameters, which is quantified, whereas the greatest uncertainty may be in the external validity to the research question, which is unquantified.
CONCLUSIONS
Universal screening for presentation at term may be justified on the basis of current knowledge. The current literature does not support universal ultrasonic screening for fetal growth disorders.
FUTURE WORK
We describe proof-of-principle randomised controlled trials that could better inform the case for screening using ultrasound in late pregnancy.
STUDY REGISTRATION
This study is registered as PROSPERO CRD42017064093.
FUNDING
This project was funded by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Health Technology Assessment programme and will be published in full in ; Vol. 25, No. 15. See the NIHR Journals Library website for further project information.
Topics: Cost-Benefit Analysis; Female; Gestational Age; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Mass Screening; Parity; Pregnancy; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Ultrasonography
PubMed: 33656977
DOI: 10.3310/hta25150 -
American Journal of Obstetrics &... Nov 2020This study aimed to determine whether routine third-trimester ultrasounds in low-risk pregnancies decrease the rate of perinatal death compared with regular antenatal... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
OBJECTIVE
This study aimed to determine whether routine third-trimester ultrasounds in low-risk pregnancies decrease the rate of perinatal death compared with regular antenatal care with serial fundal height measurements.
DATA SOURCES
This was a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized control trials to identify relevant studies published from inception to October 2019. The databases used were Ovid, PubMed, Scopus, ClinicalTrials.gov, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials using a combination of key words related to "third trimester ultrasound" and "low-risk."
STUDY ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
We included all randomized control trials of singleton, nonanomalous low-risk pregnancies that were randomized to either one or more third-trimester ultrasounds (ultrasound group) or serial fundal height (fundal height group). Exclusion criteria were patients with multiple gestations, maternal medical complications, or fetal abnormalities requiring a third-trimester ultrasound.
STUDY APPRAISAL AND SYNTHESIS METHODS
The primary outcome was the rate of perinatal death. The secondary outcomes were rates of fetal growth restriction, suspected large for gestational age, polyhydramnios, oligohydramnios, fetal anomalies, antenatal interventions, stillbirth, neonatal death, cesarean delivery, induction of labor, and other neonatal outcomes. This meta-analysis was performed with the use of the random effects model of DerSimonian and Laird to produce relative risk or mean difference with a corresponding 95% confidence interval.
RESULTS
A total of 7 randomized control trials with 23,643 participants (12,343 in the ultrasound group vs 11,300 in the fundal height group) were included. The total rate of perinatal death was similar among the groups (41 of 11,322 [0.4%] vs 34 of 10,285 [0.3%]; relative risk, 1.14; 95% confidence interval, 0.68-1.89). The rate of fetal growth restriction was higher in the ultrasound group (763 of 10,388 [7%] vs 337 of 9021 [4%]; relative risk, 2.11; 95% confidence interval, 1.86-2.39) and the rate of suspected large for gestational age (1060 of 3513 [30%] vs 375 of 3558 [11%]; relative risk, 2.84; 95% confidence interval, 2.6-3.2). Polyhydramnios was also significantly higher in the ultrasound group than the fundal height group (18 of 323 [6%] vs 4 of 322 [1%] relative risk, 3.93; 95% confidence interval, 1.4-11). The rates of the remainder of the secondary outcomes were similar among the groups.
CONCLUSION
Routine third-trimester ultrasounds do not decrease the rate of perinatal death compared with serial fundal height in low-risk pregnancies. Ideally, an adequately powered trial is warranted to determine whether perinatal mortality in the fundal height group can be reduced by one-third with third-trimester ultrasound.
Topics: Female; Fetal Growth Retardation; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Perinatal Death; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Trimester, Third; Stillbirth; Ultrasonography, Prenatal
PubMed: 33345941
DOI: 10.1016/j.ajogmf.2020.100242 -
Mayo Clinic Proceedings. Innovations,... Aug 2020The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of serial amnioinfusion therapy (SAT) for pulmonary hypoplasia in lower urinary tract obstruction (LUTO) or...
Serial Amnioinfusion as Regenerative Therapy for Pulmonary Hypoplasia in Fetuses With Intrauterine Renal Failure or Severe Renal Anomalies: Systematic Review and Future Perspectives.
The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of serial amnioinfusion therapy (SAT) for pulmonary hypoplasia in lower urinary tract obstruction (LUTO) or congenital renal anomalies (CRAs), introduce patient selection criteria, and present a case of SAT in bilateral renal agenesis. We conducted a search of the MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science, and Scopus databases for articles published from database inception to November 10, 2017. Eight studies with 17 patients (7 LUTO, 8 CRA, and 2 LUTO + CRA) were included in the study. The median age of the mothers was 31 years (N=9; interquartile range [IQR], 29-33.5 years), the number of amnioinfusions was 7 (N=17; IQR, 4.5-21), gestational age at first amnioinfusion was 23 weeks and 4 days (N=17; IQR, 21-24.07), gestational age at delivery was 32 weeks and 2 days (N=17; IQR, 30 weeks to 35 weeks and 6.5 days), birthweight of newborns was 3.7 kg (N= 9; IQR, 2.7-3.7 kg), Apgar score at 1 minute was 2.5 (N=8; IQR, 1-6.5), and Apgar score at 5 minutes was 5.5 (N=8; IQR, 0-7.75). In conclusion, SAT may provide fetal pulmonary palliation by reducing the risk of newborn pulmonary compromise secondary to oligohydramnios. Multidisciplinary research efforts are required to further inform treatment and counseling guidelines. We propose a multidisciplinary approach to prenatal classification of fetuses with LUTO to inform patient selection.
PubMed: 32793867
DOI: 10.1016/j.mayocpiqo.2020.04.008 -
Taiwanese Journal of Obstetrics &... Jan 2020Electrical injuries can occur in pregnant women but currently their incidence is not completely known. Notwithstanding, those represent clinical important events such...
Electrical injuries can occur in pregnant women but currently their incidence is not completely known. Notwithstanding, those represent clinical important events such maternal and fetal death, which can be avoided if properly managed. The objective of this paper is to describe the results of electrical injury (high and low voltage), in pregnant women in scientific reports. A systematic search was performed with keywords "electrical injuries", "lightning injuries", "lightning strike", "pregnant women" and "pregnancy", using the databases: MedLine, Scielo, Lilacs, Clinical key, Web of Science, Scopus, Springer, Science Direct, Embase and Medic Latina. Filters like language, time, design and availability of text were not used. Descriptive analyses were carried out for variables such as maternal-fetal consequences, voltage and type of exposure, based on the reports identified. From the total 74 cases identified, 71.1% survived after the exposition. From the total live-births 28.6% did not show any alteration, 7.1% presented maceration and burns, while 64.3% had another outcome. Electric injury leads to fetal compromise and death in exposed pregnant women, mainly in the first hours after the injury. However, monitoring should be continued for the risk of complications such as placenta abruption, oligohydramnios and fetal distress. It is possible an underreporting of these events.
Topics: Electric Injuries; Female; Fetal Death; Fetal Distress; Humans; Maternal Exposure; Pregnancy; Prenatal Injuries
PubMed: 32039774
DOI: 10.1016/j.tjog.2019.11.001 -
The Journal of Maternal-fetal &... Nov 2021To compare the utility of maximum vertical pocket versus amniotic fluid index for predicting adverse perinatal outcomes. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Diagnostic utility of maximum vertical pocket versus amniotic fluid index in assessing amniotic fluid volume for the prediction of adverse maternal and fetal outcomes: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
OBJECTIVE
To compare the utility of maximum vertical pocket versus amniotic fluid index for predicting adverse perinatal outcomes.
METHODS
Systematic review of randomized clinical studies comparing these two ultrasound techniques and random-effects meta-analysis to quantify a range of perinatal outcomes.
RESULT
Six studies with 4278 women were eligible. Use of the maximum vertical pocket reduced the rate of diagnosis of oligohydramnios (pooled relative risk 0.38; 95% confidence interval 0.27, 0.53). Use of the maximum vertical pocket was associated with significantly lower rates of non-reassuring fetal heart tracing, cesarean delivery for fetal distress, and induction of labor for oligohydramnios. There were no differences in the rates of cesarean delivery, presence of meconium, umbilical artery pH <7.1, 5-minute Apgar score <7, or admission to the neonatal intensive care unit.
CONCLUSION
The use of maximum vertical pocket is associated with a lower rate of pregnancy intervention without any worsening of adverse pregnancy outcomes.
Topics: Amniotic Fluid; Female; Fetal Distress; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Labor, Obstetric; Oligohydramnios; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Outcome
PubMed: 31709861
DOI: 10.1080/14767058.2019.1691988 -
European Journal of Obstetrics,... Dec 2019Maternal perception of reduced fetal movements (RFM) is an important clinical marker to identify women at higher risk of adverse perinatal outcomes. Preventing and... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Maternal perception of reduced fetal movements (RFM) is an important clinical marker to identify women at higher risk of adverse perinatal outcomes. Preventing and reducing stillbirths can only be achieved through better detection and management of women with RFM, however the characteristics of women who present with RFM in pregnancy vary. A systematic review was conducted to explore the risk factors associated with reduced fetal movements (RFM) in pregnancy. PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL, Maternity and Infant Care, PsycINFO and Science Citation Index were searched, from their inception date, for studies published up to 16 May 2019. Non-randomised observational studies reporting risk factors in pregnant women presenting with a primary complaint of RFM during pregnancy were included. The quality of the included studies was assessed with the Quality in Prognosis Studies (QUIPS) tool. Meta-analyses were performed using RevMan 5.3 software for each identified risk factor where two or more studies reported on the same risk factor. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines were followed. Twenty-seven studies reporting on risk factors for RFM during pregnancy were included. Women presenting with RFM during pregnancy are more likely to be Caucasian, smokers, and have an anterior placenta, oligohydramnios and polyhydramnios. No difference was found in parity or the mean age of women presenting with RFM and women who did not present with RFM. Previous caesarean section, postdates >42 weeks', and other medical conditions, including diabetes and hypertensive disorders were not predictive for RFM during pregnancy. Modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors associated with RFM in pregnancy were identified. These results can be used to raise awareness of factors associated with RFM, and prompt women to attend their maternity care provider should concerns arise.
Topics: Female; Fetal Movement; Humans; Maternal Age; Oligohydramnios; Parity; Polyhydramnios; Pregnancy; Risk Factors; Smoking
PubMed: 31677496
DOI: 10.1016/j.ejogrb.2019.09.028 -
Neurosurgical Focus Oct 2019Comparing prenatal and postnatal surgical repair techniques for myelomeningocele (MMC), in utero fetal surgery has increasingly gained acceptance and is considered by...
OBJECTIVE
Comparing prenatal and postnatal surgical repair techniques for myelomeningocele (MMC), in utero fetal surgery has increasingly gained acceptance and is considered by many specialized centers the first choice of treatment. Despite its benefits, as demonstrated in the Management of Myelomeningocele Study (MOMS), including reduced need for CSF shunting in neonates and improved motor outcomes at 30 months, there is still an ongoing debate on fetal and maternal risks associated with the procedure. Prenatal open hysterotomy, fetoscopic MMC repair techniques, and subsequent delivery by cesarean section are associated with maternal complications. The aim of this systematic review is to assess the available literature on maternal and obstetric complication rates and perinatal maternal outcomes related to fetal MMC repair.
METHODS
The authors identified references for inclusion in this review by searching PubMed and MEDLINE, with restrictions to English language, case series, case reports, clinical trials, controlled clinical trials, meta-analyses, randomized controlled trials, reviews, and systematic reviews. The rate of maternal and obstetric complications was analyzed based on studies focusing on this issue and presenting clear results on the matter.
RESULTS
Of 1264 articles screened, 36 were included in this systemic review, whereof 11 were eligible for data analysis and comparison. The average overall rate of maternal and obstetric complications corresponds to 78.6%. The majority of the described events are obstetric complications, varying from chorioamniotic membrane separation in 65.6% of cases, oligohydramnios in 13.0% of cases, placental abruption in 5.0% of cases, spontaneous or preterm premature membrane rupture in 42.0% of cases, and early preterm delivery in 11.3% of cases due to uterine dehiscence, occurring in 0.9% of cases. The most common medical complications are development of pulmonary edema occurring in 2.8%, gestational diabetes in 3.7%, gestational hypertension/preeclampsia in 3.7%, and need for blood transfusions in 3.2% of cases. Limitations of the review arise from the lack of data in the current literature, with maternal and obstetric complications being underreported.
CONCLUSIONS
Although the efforts of further advancement of intrauterine prenatal MMC repair aim to increase neonatal outcomes, maternal health hazard will continue to be an issue of crucial importance and further studies are required.
Topics: Adult; Cesarean Section; Female; Fetal Membranes, Premature Rupture; Fetoscopy; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Meningomyelocele; Neurosurgical Procedures; Pregnancy; Premature Birth
PubMed: 31574465
DOI: 10.3171/2019.7.FOCUS19470 -
Current Opinion in Obstetrics &... Dec 2019To review literature about risk factors of neonatal hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE). (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
PURPOSE OF REVIEW
To review literature about risk factors of neonatal hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE).
RECENT FINDINGS
Search in PubMed, MEDLINE, Embase, Clinicaltrials.gov and reference lists from 1999 to 2018.
INCLUSION CRITERIA
study population composed of neonates who manifested HIE within 28 days from delivery, data reported as proportional rate. Studies were excluded if they included preterm pregnancies, postnatal conditions leading to HIE and/or fetal malformations, focused on a single risk factor, were not in English language. PRISMA guidelines were followed. Interstudies heterogeneity was assessed and a random/fixed models were generated as appropriate. Comparison between neonates with HIE vs. controls was performed by calculating odds ratio-95% confidence interval (OR-95% CI). Differences were significant if 95% CI did not encompass 1. Twelve articles were included. Fetuses with growth restriction (OR: 2.87; 95% CI: 1.77-4.67), nonreassuring cardiotocography (OR: 6.38; 95% CI: 2.56-15.93), emergency cesarean section (OR: 3.69; 95% CI: 2.75-4.96), meconium (OR: 3.76; 95% CI: 2.58-5.46) and chorioamnionitis (OR: 3.46: 95% CI: 2.07-5.79) were at higher risk of developing HIE. Nulliparity, gestational diabetes, hypertension, oligohydramnios, polyhydramnios, male sex, induction of labor, labor augmentation, premature rupture of membrane, and vacuum delivery were not significantly different.
SUMMARY
Neonatal HIE has multifactorial origin and its cause is often undetermined and not preventable.PROSPERO (Registration number: CRD42018106563).
Topics: Cardiotocography; Cesarean Section; Chorioamnionitis; Female; Fetal Growth Retardation; Humans; Hypoxia-Ischemia, Brain; Infant, Newborn; Male; Meconium Aspiration Syndrome; Odds Ratio; Pregnancy; Risk Factors
PubMed: 31567446
DOI: 10.1097/GCO.0000000000000581 -
PloS One 2019The number of studies associating the use of sildenafil in gestation is increasing. This drug inhibits phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5), an enzyme responsible for... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
The number of studies associating the use of sildenafil in gestation is increasing. This drug inhibits phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5), an enzyme responsible for degradation of nitric oxide, and its efficacy is greater in the placental territory, as the maternal side of the placenta have more PDE5 than other sites. For this reason, promising results have been observed related to the prevention of preeclampsia and intrauterine growth restriction and to improvement of maternal-fetal morbidity in cases of placental insufficiency.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the benefits of using sildenafil in pregnancy.
SEARCHED STRATEGY
MEDLINE, ClinicalTrials.gov, Embase, LILACS and Cochrane databases were searched through September 2018. There was no restriction in language or year of publication. This study was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42017060288).
SELECTION CRITERIA
Randomized clinical trials which used sildenafil for treatment or prevention of obstetric diseases compared with placebo were selected.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
The results were obtained using the inverse variance method for continuous variables and Man-Whitney for categorical variables.
MAIN RESULTS
Among a population of 598 pregnant women from the seven clinical trials included, 139 had pre-eclampsia, 275 had intrauterine growth restriction, and 184 had oligohydramnios. A significant increase of 222.58 grams [27.75 to 417.41] was observed in the fetal weight at birth of patients taking sildenafil. The other outcomes did not show any statistical significance. This may be due to the small number of patients used in each study and the great heterogeneity between the groups.
CONCLUSIONS
Sildenafil could be associated with increasing fetal weight at birth in placental insufficiency despite the limitations of this meta-analysis, even though more studies in this field are needed to introduce this drug into obstetric clinical practice.
Topics: Birth Weight; Delivery, Obstetric; Female; Fetus; Gestational Age; Headache; Humans; Infant; Infant Mortality; Labor, Obstetric; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Outcome; Publication Bias; Risk; Sildenafil Citrate; Umbilical Arteries
PubMed: 31339910
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0219732 -
Women and Birth : Journal of the... May 2020There is widespread and some unexplained variation in induction of labour rates between hospitals. Some practice variation may stem from variability in clinical...
BACKGROUND
There is widespread and some unexplained variation in induction of labour rates between hospitals. Some practice variation may stem from variability in clinical guidelines. This review aimed to identify to what extent induction of labour guidelines provide consistent recommendations in relation to reasons for, and timing of, induction of labour and ascertain whether inconsistencies can be explained by variability guideline quality.
METHOD
We conducted a systematic search of national and international English-language guidelines published between 2008 and 2018. General induction of labour guidelines and condition-specific guidelines containing induction of labour recommendations were searched. Guidelines were reviewed and extracted independently by two reviewers. Guideline quality was assessed using the Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation II Instrument.
FINDINGS
Forty nine guidelines of varying quality were included. Indications where guidelines had mostly consistent advice included prolonged pregnancy (induction between 41 and 42 weeks), preterm premature rupture of membranes, and term preeclampsia (induction when preeclampsia diagnosed ≥37 weeks). Guidelines were also consistent in agreeing on decreased fetal movements and oligohydramnios as valid indications for induction, although timing recommendations were absent or inconsistent. Common indications where there was little consensus on validity and/or timing of induction included gestational diabetes, fetal macrosomia, elevated maternal body mass index, and twin pregnancy.
CONCLUSION
Substantial variation in clinical practice guidelines for indications for induction exists. As guidelines rated of similar quality presented conflicting recommendations, guideline variability was not explained by guideline quality. Guideline variability may partly account for unexplained variation in induction of labour rates.
Topics: Diabetes, Gestational; Female; Fetal Macrosomia; Humans; Labor, Induced; Labor, Obstetric; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Complications; Pregnancy, Prolonged
PubMed: 31285166
DOI: 10.1016/j.wombi.2019.06.004