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Antibiotics (Basel, Switzerland) Jun 2024Urinary tract infections (UTIs) represent the most prevalent infections among pregnant women. Many pregnant women experience frequent voiding or lower abdominal pain...
OBJECTIVE
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) represent the most prevalent infections among pregnant women. Many pregnant women experience frequent voiding or lower abdominal pain during pregnancy due to physiologic changes. Due to the possible consequences of a UTI in pregnancy, pregnant women are more often tested for UTIs. This study aimed to assess the diagnostic accuracy of dipsticks in diagnosing UTIs in pregnant women while using the urine culture as the reference standard.
STUDY DESIGN
This was a retrospective cohort study, conducted at two academic hospitals in the Netherlands among pregnant women. Pseudonymized data were collected from patient files. The results of the urine dipstick and the urine culture in pregnant women were linked. Additionally, nitrofurantoin prescriptions were linked to culture results. A positive urine culture was considered the reference test for a UTI.
RESULTS
Between 1 January 2017 and 28 February 2021, a total of 718 urine samples with leukocyte esterase dipstick results within 24 h of the urine culture were analyzed. Of these samples, a nitrite dipstick result was also available in 337 cases. Only 6.8% of the 718 urine samples yielded positive cultures. The sensitivity and specificity of leukocyte esterase were 75.5% and 40.4%, respectively; for nitrite, 72.0% sensitivity and 73.4% specificity were found. When at least one of the two tests was positive, the sensitivity and specificity were 92.0% and 27.9%, respectively. When both tests were positive, the sensitivity and specificity were 52.0% and 82.7%, respectively. In only 16.8% of the women to whom nitrofurantoin was prescribed, the urine cultures returned positive using a cut-off of 10 colony forming units/mL.
CONCLUSION
The diagnostic performance of leukocyte esterase, nitrite, or their combination in clinical practice is lower than previously reported in study settings among pregnant women. A significant proportion of women treated with nitrofurantoin were found to have no UTI, suggesting potential over-prescription based on dipstick test results. Healthcare providers should be aware of this reduced performance in clinical practice and carefully weigh the risks of antibiotic treatment by suspicion of a UTI against the possibility of delayed treatment awaiting culture results in individual patients.
PubMed: 38927233
DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics13060567 -
BMC Endocrine Disorders Jun 2024Advanced maternal age may affect the intrauterine environment and increase the risk of neurodevelopmental disorders in offspring. Thyroid hormones are critical for fetal...
BACKGROUND
Advanced maternal age may affect the intrauterine environment and increase the risk of neurodevelopmental disorders in offspring. Thyroid hormones are critical for fetal neurological development but whether maternal age influences fetal thyroid hormone levels in euthyroid mothers is unknown.
OBJECTIVE
This study evaluated the association between cord blood thyroid hormones and maternal age, fetal sex, maternal thyroid function, and other perinatal factors.
METHODS
The study population consisted of 203 healthy women with term singleton pregnancies who underwent elective cesarean section. Maternal levels of free T3 (fT3), free T4 (fT4) and TSH before delivery, and cord levels of fT3, fT4 and TSH were measured. Spearman's correlation coefficient and multiple linear regression analyses were performed to determine the correlation between cord thyroid hormone parameters and maternal characteristics.
RESULTS
There were no significant differences in maternal serum or cord blood thyroid hormone levels between male and female births. In multivariate linear regression analysis, maternal age and maternal TSH values were negatively associated with the cord blood levels of fT3 in all births, after adjusting for confounding factors. Maternal age was more closely associated with the cord blood levels of fT3 in female than in male births.
CONCLUSION
The inverse association between maternal age and cord blood levels of fT3 in euthyroid pregnant women suggested an impact of maternal aging on offspring thyroid function.
Topics: Humans; Female; Maternal Age; Adult; Male; Pregnancy; Fetal Blood; Infant, Newborn; Triiodothyronine; Sex Factors; Thyroid Function Tests; Thyrotropin
PubMed: 38926806
DOI: 10.1186/s12902-024-01631-3 -
BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth Jun 2024Preeclampsia (PE) is a pregnancy-related multi-organ disease and a significant cause of incidence rate and mortality of pregnant women and newborns worldwide. Delivery...
OBJECTIVE
Preeclampsia (PE) is a pregnancy-related multi-organ disease and a significant cause of incidence rate and mortality of pregnant women and newborns worldwide. Delivery remains the only available treatment for PE. This study aims to establish a dynamic prediction model for PE.
METHODS
A total of 737 patients who visited our hospital from January 2021 to June 2022 were identified according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, forming the primary dataset. Additionally, 176 singleton pregnant women who visited our hospital from July 2022 to November 2022 comprised the verification set. We investigated different gestational weeks of sFlt-1/PLGF (soluble FMS-like tyrosine kinase-1, placental growth factor) ratio combined with maternal characteristics and routine prenatal laboratory results in order to predict PE in each trimester. Multivariate logistic regression was used to establish the prediction model for PE at different gestational weeks. The discrimination, calibration, and clinical validity were utilized to evaluate predictive models as well as models in external validation queues.
RESULTS
At 20-24 weeks, the obtained prediction model for PE yielded an area under the curve of 0.568 (95% confidence interval, 0.479-0.657). At 25-29 weeks, the obtained prediction model for PE yielded an area under the curve of 0.773 (95% confidence interval, 0.703-0.842)and 0.731 (95% confidence interval, 0.653-0.809) at 30-34 weeks. After adding maternal factors, uterine artery pulsation index(Ut-IP), and other laboratory indicators to the sFlt-1/PLGF ratio, the predicted performance of PE improved. It found that the AUC improved to 0.826(95% confidence interval, 0.748 ∼ 0.904) at 20-24 weeks, 0.879 (95% confidence interval, 0.823 ∼ 0.935) at 25-29 weeks, and 0.862(95% confidence interval, 0.799 ∼ 0.925) at 30-34 weeks.The calibration plot of the prediction model indicates good predictive accuracy between the predicted probability of PE and the observed probability. Furthermore, decision-curve analysis showed an excellent clinical application value of the models.
CONCLUSION
Using the sFlt-1/PLGF ratio combined with multiple factors at 25-29 weeks can effectively predict PE, but the significance of re-examination in late pregnancy is not significant.
Topics: Humans; Pregnancy; Female; Pre-Eclampsia; Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor-1; Placenta Growth Factor; Adult; Biomarkers; Predictive Value of Tests; Gestational Age; Logistic Models; Retrospective Studies
PubMed: 38926668
DOI: 10.1186/s12884-024-06627-4 -
The Journal of Maternal-fetal &... Dec 2024Preeclampsia is associated with adverse perinatal outcomes, including fetal growth restriction (FGR) and preterm delivery. The maternal serum ratio of soluble fms-like... (Observational Study)
Observational Study
INTRODUCTION
Preeclampsia is associated with adverse perinatal outcomes, including fetal growth restriction (FGR) and preterm delivery. The maternal serum ratio of soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase receptor-1 (sFlt-1) to placental growth factor (PlGF) can be used to evaluate placental dysfunction in cases of preeclampsia and FGR. A need for delivery within 2 days has been recommended for sFlt-1/PlGF ratios > 655 (normal ratio < 38) measured before 34 weeks' gestation. However, few studies have assessed this recommendation in a real-world setting and there remains a need for further evidence-based guidance on the use of the ratio in delivery timing planning in this situation.
AIM
To assess the need for delivery within 2 days associated with sFlt-1/PlGF ratios > 655 before 34 weeks' gestation.
METHODS
A retrospective audit of all sFlt-1/PlGF ratio test results obtained at a single maternity hospital between September 2016 and November 2022. The primary outcome was time to delivery after recording a ratio > 655 in patients with a pregnancy between 20 + 0 and 33 + 6 weeks' gestation. Statistical analysis was performed using IBM SPSS Statistics v29.0.0.0.
RESULTS
During the study period a total of 33 patients with suspected or confirmed preeclampsia and/or FGR recorded sFlt-1/PlGF ratios > 655 before 34 + 0 weeks' gestation. Amongst cases with ratios > 655, median time to delivery was 4 days (IQR 1.0-9.0), with 14 (42.4%) delivering in ≤ 2 days, 8 (24.2%) delivering between 2 and 7 days and 11 (33.3%) delivering after 7 days. A significant inverse correlation was observed between time to delivery and gestational age at the time of ratio testing ( = -0.484, = 0.004).
DISCUSSION
This study provides updated recommendations on the use of the sFlt-1/PlGF ratio in predicting the risk of imminent delivery amongst those with high ratios > 655 measured before 34 weeks' gestation. Our results suggest that the risk of imminent delivery can be stratified based on ratio level and gestational age, which in combination with the results of other clinical assessments, can be used to plan delivery timing and allow for considerations of fetal lung maturing corticosteroid and neuroprotective magnesium sulfate therapies prior to delivery.
Topics: Humans; Female; Pregnancy; Retrospective Studies; Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor-1; Placenta Growth Factor; Adult; Premature Birth; Pre-Eclampsia; Gestational Age; Biomarkers; Fetal Growth Retardation; Infant, Newborn
PubMed: 38926094
DOI: 10.1080/14767058.2024.2371047 -
Tropical Medicine and Infectious Disease Jun 2024Congenital toxoplasmosis is a parasitic disease caused by the transmission of the protozoan during pregnancy that can potentially cause severe consequences for the... (Review)
Review
Congenital toxoplasmosis is a parasitic disease caused by the transmission of the protozoan during pregnancy that can potentially cause severe consequences for the fetus or neonates. The disease disproportionately impacts the global population and is generally correlated with the Human Development Index. Despite its prevalence, there are knowledge gaps among pregnant women and healthcare providers regarding the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of this condition. This narrative review aimed to examine the current state of knowledge of toxoplasmosis among both groups, with a focus on exploring the Brazilian and global perspectives and highlighting opportunities for enhancing education and communication. A search was conducted across five databases, and 60 studies were selected (23 in Brazil and 37 worldwide). Quantitative analysis revealed that general knowledge of toxoplasmosis among pregnant women is notably poor, with 66% of Brazilian women and 72% of women worldwide lacking sufficient understanding. Among those with some knowledge, the most recognized association is with cats (46% in Brazil and 38% worldwide), followed by raw or undercooked meat (27% in Brazil and 25% worldwide), and improperly sanitized vegetables or water (15% in Brazil and 21% worldwide). Similarly, gaps in knowledge were found among healthcare providers. Difficulty with IgG avidity test interpretation is higher in Brazil (43%) compared to worldwide (18%). The most recognized association is with cats (66% in Brazil and 74% worldwide), followed by raw or undercooked meat (49% in Brazil and 70% worldwide), and improperly sanitized vegetables or water (31% in Brazil and 32% worldwide). These findings emphasize the need for tailored local and global public health educational initiatives to enhance knowledge of toxoplasmosis among pregnant women and healthcare providers.
PubMed: 38922049
DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed9060137 -
Cells Jun 2024Exposure to cigarette smoke is known to induce disease during pregnancy. Recent evidence showed that exposure to secondhand smoke (SHS) negatively impacts fetal and...
Exposure to cigarette smoke is known to induce disease during pregnancy. Recent evidence showed that exposure to secondhand smoke (SHS) negatively impacts fetal and placental weights, leading to the development of intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR). Electronic cigarettes (eCigs) represent a phenomenon that has recently emerged, and their use is also steadily rising. Even so, the effects of SHS or eCigs during gestation remain limited. In the present study, we wanted to characterize the effects of SHS or eCig exposure at two different important gestational points during mouse pregnancy. C57/Bl6 mice were exposed to SHS or eCigs via a nose-only delivery system for 4 days (from 14.5 to 17.5 gestational days (dGA) or for 6 days (from 12.5 dGA to 17.5 dGA)). At the time of necropsy (18.5 dGA), placental and fetal weights were recorded, maternal blood pressure was determined, and a dipstick test to measure proteinuria was performed. Placental tissues were collected, and inflammatory molecules in the placenta were identified. Treatment with SHS showed the following: (1) a significant decrease in placental and fetal weights following four days of exposure, (2) higher systolic and diastolic blood pressure following six days of exposure, and (3) increased proteinuria after six days of exposure. Treatment with eCigs showed the following: (1) a significant decrease in placental weight and fetal weight following four or six days of exposure, (2) higher systolic and diastolic blood pressure following six days of exposure, and (3) increased proteinuria after six days of exposure. We also observed different inflammatory markers associated with the development of IUGR or PE. We conclude that the detrimental effects of SHS or eCig treatment coincide with the length of maternal exposure. These results could be beneficial in understanding the long-term effects of SHS or eCig exposure in the development of placental diseases.
Topics: Pregnancy; Female; Animals; Tobacco Smoke Pollution; Mice; Mice, Inbred C57BL; Placenta; Placenta Diseases; E-Cigarette Vapor; Maternal Exposure; Blood Pressure; Fetal Growth Retardation; Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems
PubMed: 38920640
DOI: 10.3390/cells13121009 -
Archive of Clinical Cases 2024Mediastinal tumors are exceedingly rare during fetal development, presenting significant diagnostic challenges and potentially leading to severe outcomes such as...
Mediastinal tumors are exceedingly rare during fetal development, presenting significant diagnostic challenges and potentially leading to severe outcomes such as stillbirth or metastatic disease if not promptly identified and managed. Pleuropulmonary blastomas are primitive mesenchymal tumors often linked to mutations in the DICER1 gene, indicating a hereditary pattern associated with other common adult neoplasms with dominant inheritance. This report describes a case involving a 20-year-old Caucasian woman whose pregnancy was complicated by a stillbirth in the second trimester. Initial suspicions of a mediastinal tumor arose from blood tests and ultrasound examinations during pregnancy surveillance. However, the definitive diagnosis of a type II pleuropulmonary blastoma was established through a pathological examination at autopsy. This case underscores the complexities of diagnosing fetal mediastinal tumors and contributes to the sparse literature on neonatal pleuropulmonary blastomas. Our comprehensive review of the differential diagnoses and literature emphasizes the unique characteristics of pleuropulmonary blastoma and its similarities to other soft tissue sarcomas, enhancing understanding of their clinical and genetic profiles.
PubMed: 38919847
DOI: 10.22551/2024.43.1102.10286 -
AJOG Global Reports May 2024Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy are increasing in prevalence and a leading cause of early postpartum readmissions. Stricter blood pressure target goals for treatment...
BACKGROUND
Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy are increasing in prevalence and a leading cause of early postpartum readmissions. Stricter blood pressure target goals for treatment of hypertension during pregnancy have recently been proposed, however, the treatment goals for management of postpartum hypertension are less well established.
OBJECTIVE
We sought to evaluate the clinical factors associated with early postpartum readmissions for hypertensive disease and to evaluate blood pressure thresholds associated with these readmissions.
STUDY DESIGN
We conducted a retrospective cohort study of women delivering at a tertiary care center between January 2018 and May 2022 who experienced a hospital readmission for postpartum hypertension or new onset postpartum preeclampsia. Charts were reviewed for clinical and sociodemographic data. Patients with early readmission (<72 hours after discharge) were compared with patients readmitted after 3 days of initial discharge. Data were analyzed using chi-square, Student test, Mann-Whitney test, and logistic regression where appropriate. The value <.05 was considered significant.
RESULTS
During the study period, 23,372 deliveries occurred. Postpartum readmission due to worsening of a known diagnosis of hypertension or new onset postpartum preeclampsia occurred in 1.1% and 0.49% respectively. Patients with early readmission were more likely to have hypertensive disorders of pregnancy as the indication for delivery. Among patients readmitted, 93% had 2 or more systolic blood pressure ≥140 mmHg or diastolic blood pressure ≥90 mmHg, and 73% had blood pressure of either systolic between 130 and 139 mmHg or diastolic between 80 and 89 mmHg within 24 hours before initial discharge. Only 27 patients met criteria (blood pressure ≥160/110 mmHg on >1 vitals check during their hospitalization) to be started on antihypertensives before initial delivery discharge; of those 25 (93%) were discharged with a new prescription for an antihypertensive. After controlling for confounding variables, predischarge blood pressure between 130-140 mmHg/80-90 mmHg (adjusted odds ratio, 2.4 [1.5-4.0]) was associated with an increased likelihood of early readmission.
CONCLUSION
Patients with delivery for hypertensive disorders of pregnancy and predischarge blood pressure ≥140/90 mmHg were less likely to have an early readmission within 3 days of initial discharge, however, patients with predischarge blood pressure 130-139 mmHg/80-89 mmHg were more likely to have an early readmission for hypertensive disorders of pregnancy and postpartum preeclampsia. Further research is indicated to evaluate interventions to prevent postpartum readmission in patients at high risk for persistent hypertension or new onset postpartum preeclampsia.
PubMed: 38919706
DOI: 10.1016/j.xagr.2024.100323 -
Frontiers in Psychiatry 2024Antenatal depression in Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) positive pregnant women can have significant adverse effects on both the mother and newborns, yet it is often...
BACKGROUND
Antenatal depression in Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) positive pregnant women can have significant adverse effects on both the mother and newborns, yet it is often overlooked in pregnancy care in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Despite this, there is limited data on the combined prevalence of antenatal depression and its predictors among HIV-positive women in the region.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the pooled prevalence of antenatal depression and its associated factors among HIV-positive women in SSA.
METHODS
All primary cross-sectional studies published before 1 January/2024, were included. We conducted searches in relevant databases; PubMed, HINARI, Web of Science, PsycINFO, Psychiatry Online, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar. The Joanna Briggs Institute checklist was used to critically appraise the selected studies. To assess heterogeneity among the studies, we utilized the I test. Publication bias was evaluated using a funnel plot and Egger's test. The forest plot was used to present the combined proportion of antenatal depression and odds ratio, along with a 95% confidence interval.
RESULTS
The pooled prevalence of antenatal depression among HIV-positive women in Sub-Saharan Africa was found to be 30.6% (95% CI, 19.8%-41.3%). Factors significantly associated with antenatal depression among HIV-positive women in SSA included being unmarried (AOR: 3.09, 95% CI: 1.57 - 6.07), having a previous history of depression (AOR: 2.97, 95% CI: 1.79 - 4.91), experiencing intimate partner violence (IPV) (AOR: 2.11, 95% CI: 1.44 - 3.09), and experiencing stigma (AOR: 1.36, 95% CI: 1.05 - 1.76).
CONCLUSION
High prevalence of antenatal depression among HIV-positive women in SSA underscores the need for prioritizing identification and management. Interventions addressing factors like IPV and stigma, along with training for healthcare providers in recognizing symptoms and providing support, are recommended.
SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION
https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/, identifier CRD42024508236.
PubMed: 38919635
DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2024.1385323 -
Journal of Pregnancy 2024Thyroid hormones regulate fetal growth and differentiation of several tissues. Maternal dietary patterns may be correlated with changes in the level of neonatal...
Thyroid hormones regulate fetal growth and differentiation of several tissues. Maternal dietary patterns may be correlated with changes in the level of neonatal thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH). We hypothesized that since maternal nutrition affects birth weight and offspring growth, it may also impact endocrine patterns in offspring. This study is aimed at assessing the relationship between maternal dietary phytochemical index (DPI) in the first trimester of pregnancy and neonatal cord blood thyroid hormone levels. This cross-sectional study is a substudy of a birth cohort. Overall, 216 mothers, aged 16-45 years, were recruited in their first trimester of pregnancy. To calculate DPI, the daily energy percentage of phytochemical-rich foods was divided by the total daily energy intake. At delivery time, TSH and free thyroxine (FT4) levels were measured in cord blood samples using chemiluminescence immunoassay. The mean (standard deviation (SD)) age of mothers was 29.56 (5.50) years, and 47% of newborns were girls. The mean (SD) of DPI in the first, second, third, and fourth quartiles was 25.03 ± 4.67, 33.87 ± 2.18, 40.64 ± 2.10, and 51.17 ± 4.98, respectively. There was not any significant correlation between DPI score with cord serum TSH and FT4 levels in crude and adjusted analysis. No significant relationship between maternal DPI with cord serum TSH and FT4 levels was shown. Limited experience exists about the effect of maternal diet quality indices on neonatal thyroid function, and further studies are needed in this regard.
Topics: Humans; Female; Adult; Infant, Newborn; Cross-Sectional Studies; Pregnancy; Thyrotropin; Young Adult; Thyroxine; Adolescent; Fetal Blood; Male; Phytochemicals; Diet; Thyroid Gland; Maternal Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; Middle Aged; Thyroid Function Tests
PubMed: 38919582
DOI: 10.1155/2024/9558023