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Medicina (Kaunas, Lithuania) May 2024Worldwide, preterm birth (PTB) stands as the primary cause of mortality among children under 5 years old. Socioeconomic factors significantly impact pregnancy outcomes,...
Worldwide, preterm birth (PTB) stands as the primary cause of mortality among children under 5 years old. Socioeconomic factors significantly impact pregnancy outcomes, influencing both maternal well-being and newborn health. Understanding and addressing these socioeconomic factors is essential for developing effective public health interventions and policies aimed at improving pregnancy outcomes. This study aims to analyse the relationship between socioeconomic factors (education level, marital status, place of residence and nationality) and PTB in Latvia, considering mother's health habits, health status, and pregnancy process. A cross-sectional study was conducted using data from the Medical Birth Register (MBR) of Latvia about women with singleton pregnancies in 2022 ( = 15,431). Data analysis, involving crosstabs, chi-square tests, and multivariable binary logistic regression, was performed. Adjusted Odds ratios (aOR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were estimated. Lower maternal education was statistically significantly associated with increased odds of PTB. Mothers with education levels below secondary education had over two times higher odds of PTB (aOR = 2.07, < 0.001, CI 1.58-2.70) and those with secondary or vocational secondary education had one and a half times higher odds (aOR = 1.58, < 0.001, CI 1.33-1.87) after adjusting for other risk factors. Study results also showed the cumulative effect of socioeconomic risk factors on PTB. Additionally, mothers facing two or three socioeconomic risk factors in Latvia exhibited one and a half times higher odds of PTB (aOR = 1.59, = 0.021). The study highlights the cumulative impact of socioeconomic risk factors on PTB, with higher maternal education demonstrating the highest protective effect against it. This underscores the importance of education in promoting optimal foetal development. Since the influence of socioeconomic factors on PTB is not a widely studied issue in Latvia, further research is needed to improve understanding of this complex topic.
Topics: Humans; Latvia; Female; Adult; Premature Birth; Cross-Sectional Studies; Pregnancy; Socioeconomic Factors; Risk Factors; Logistic Models; Educational Status; Odds Ratio; Adolescent; Infant, Newborn; Young Adult
PubMed: 38793009
DOI: 10.3390/medicina60050826 -
BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth May 2024Labor induction is a common obstetric intervention aimed at initiating labor when spontaneous onset is delayed or deemed necessary for maternal or fetal well-being....
INTRODUCTION
Labor induction is a common obstetric intervention aimed at initiating labor when spontaneous onset is delayed or deemed necessary for maternal or fetal well-being. Despite its widespread use, the practice's impact on maternal and neonatal outcomes remains a subject of ongoing research and debate. This study aims to evaluate the maternal and neonatal outcomes associated with labor induction in a tertiary hospital setting in Tanzania.
METHODOLOGY
A descriptive analytical cross-sectional study was conducted over a seven-month period from January 2021 to July 2021 at Muhimbili National Hospital in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. A total of 120 pregnant women who underwent labor induction during this period were included in the analysis. Data on maternal demographics, obstetric characteristics, indications for induction, methods of induction, labor outcomes, and neonatal outcomes were collected from medical records and analyzed descriptively.
RESULTS
Among 4773 deliveries during the study period, 120 women underwent labor induction, accounting for 120 (2.5%) of all deliveries. The most common indications for induction were postdate pregnancy 60 (50%), hypertensive disorders of pregnancy 38 (31.7%), and premature rupture of membranes 22 (17.5%). The majority of induced women 74 (61.7%) delivered vaginally, with 46 (38.3%) undergoing cesarean section. Maternal complications were minimal, with the most common being failed induction of labor 17 (14.2%). Neonatal outcomes were generally positive, with 120 (100%) of neonates having Apgar scores of 7 or higher at five minutes, although 10 (8.3%) required admission to the neonatal ward for further care.
CONCLUSION
Labor induction at Muhimbili National Hospital demonstrated favorable maternal and neonatal outcomes, with low rates of maternal complications and positive neonatal Apgar scores. Postdate pregnancy emerged as the most common indication for induction. While the study highlights the benefits of labor induction, its retrospective nature and single-center setting limit the generalizability of findings. Prospective studies with larger sample sizes are warranted to validate these findings and inform evidence-based obstetric practices.
Topics: Humans; Female; Pregnancy; Labor, Induced; Tanzania; Cross-Sectional Studies; Adult; Pregnancy Outcome; Infant, Newborn; Young Adult; Cesarean Section; Apgar Score; Delivery, Obstetric
PubMed: 38789941
DOI: 10.1186/s12884-024-06578-w -
JAMA Network Open May 2024
Topics: Humans; Climate Change; Infant, Newborn; Female; Pregnancy; Premature Birth; Hot Temperature
PubMed: 38787564
DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2024.12026 -
JAMA Network Open May 2024Heat waves are increasing in frequency, intensity, and duration and may be acutely associated with pregnancy outcomes.
IMPORTANCE
Heat waves are increasing in frequency, intensity, and duration and may be acutely associated with pregnancy outcomes.
OBJECTIVE
To examine changes in daily rates of preterm and early-term birth after heat waves in a 25-year nationwide study.
DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS
This cohort study of singleton births used birth records from 1993 to 2017 from the 50 most populous US metropolitan statistical areas (MSAs). The study included 53 million births, covering 52.8% of US births over the period. Data were analyzed between October 2022 and March 2023 at the National Center for Health Statistics.
EXPOSURES
Daily temperature data from Daymet at 1-km2 resolution were averaged over each MSA using population weighting. Heat waves were defined in the 4 days (lag, 0-3 days) or 7 days (lag, 0-6 days) preceding birth.
MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES
Daily counts of preterm birth (28 to <37 weeks), early-term birth (37 to <39 weeks), and ongoing pregnancies in each gestational week on each day were enumerated in each MSA. Rate ratios for heat wave metrics were obtained from time-series models restricted to the warm season (May to September) adjusting for MSA, year, day of season, and day of week, and offset by pregnancies at risk.
RESULTS
There were 53 154 816 eligible births in the 50 MSAs from 1993 to 2017; 2 153 609 preterm births and 5 795 313 early-term births occurring in the warm season were analyzed. A total of 30.0% of mothers were younger than 25 years, 53.8% were 25 to 34 years, and 16.3% were 35 years or older. Heat waves were positively associated with daily rates of preterm and early-term births, showing a dose-response association with heat wave duration and temperatures and stronger associations in the more acute 4-day window. After 4 consecutive days of mean temperatures exceeding the local 97.5th percentile, the rate ratio for preterm birth was 1.02 (95% CI, 1.00-1.03), and the rate ratio for early-term birth was 1.01 (95% CI, 1.01-1.02). For the same exposure, among those who were 29 years of age or younger, had a high school education or less, and belonged to a racial or ethnic minority group, the rate ratios were 1.04 (95% CI, 1.02-1.06) for preterm birth and 1.03 (95% CI, 1.02-1.05) for early-term birth. Results were robust to alternative heat wave definitions, excluding medically induced deliveries, and alternative statistical model specifications.
CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE
In this cohort study, preterm and early-term birth rates increased after heat waves, particularly among socioeconomically disadvantaged subgroups. Extreme heat events have implications for perinatal health.
Topics: Humans; Female; Pregnancy; United States; Premature Birth; Adult; Infant, Newborn; Cohort Studies; Hot Temperature; Young Adult; Pregnancy Outcome; Extreme Heat
PubMed: 38787560
DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2024.12055 -
BMJ Global Health May 2024Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) have surpassed infectious diseases as the leading global cause of death, with the Southeast Asian region experiencing a significant rise... (Clinical Trial)
Clinical Trial
INTRODUCTION
Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) have surpassed infectious diseases as the leading global cause of death, with the Southeast Asian region experiencing a significant rise in NCD prevalence over the past decades. Despite the escalating burden, screening for NCDs remains at very low levels, resulting in undetected cases, premature mortality and high public healthcare costs. We investigate whether community-based NCD prevention and management programmes are an effective solution.
METHODS
In Indonesia, we compare participants in the community-based NCD screening and management programme with matched non-participants with respect to their uptake of screening activities, health-related behaviour and knowledge and metabolic risk factors. We use statistical matching to redress a possible selection bias (n=1669). In Viet Nam, we compare members of , which were offered similar NCD health services, with members of other community groups, where such services were not offered. We can rely on two waves of data and use a double-difference approach to redress a possible selection bias and to measure the impacts of participation (n=1710). We discuss strengths and weaknesses of the two approaches in Indonesia and Viet Nam.
RESULTS
In Indonesia, participants have significantly higher uptake of screening for hypertension and diabetes (+13% from a control mean of 88% (95% CI 9% to 17%); +93% from a control mean of 48% (95% CI 79% to 108%)). In both countries, participants show a higher knowledge about risk factors, symptoms and complications of NCDs (Indonesia: +0.29 SD (0.13-0.45), Viet Nam: +0.17 SD (0.03-0.30)). Yet, the improved knowledge is only partly reflected in improved health behaviour (Viet Nam: fruit consumption +0.33 SD (0.15-0.51), vegetable consumption +0.27 SD (0.04-0.50)), body mass index (BMI) (Viet Nam: BMI -0.07 SD (-0.13 to -0.00)) or metabolic risk factors (Indonesia: systolic blood pressure: -0.13 SD (-0.26 to -0.00)).
CONCLUSION
Community-based NCD programmes are well suited to increase screening and to transmit health knowledge. Due to their extensive outreach within the community, they can serve as a valuable complement to the screening services provided at the primary healthcare level. Yet, limited coverage, insufficient resources and a high staff turnover remain a problem.
TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER
NCT05239572.
Topics: Adult; Aged; Female; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Community Health Services; Diabetes Mellitus; Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; Hypertension; Indonesia; Mass Screening; Program Evaluation; Risk Factors; Vietnam
PubMed: 38777393
DOI: 10.1136/bmjgh-2024-015053 -
BMJ (Clinical Research Ed.) May 2024To determine the effect of labour epidural on severe maternal morbidity (SMM) and to explore whether this effect might be greater in women with a medical indication for...
OBJECTIVES
To determine the effect of labour epidural on severe maternal morbidity (SMM) and to explore whether this effect might be greater in women with a medical indication for epidural analgesia during labour, or with preterm labour.
DESIGN
Population based study.
SETTING
All NHS hospitals in Scotland.
PARTICIPANTS
567 216 women in labour at 24+0 to 42+6 weeks' gestation between 1 January 2007 and 31 December 2019, delivering vaginally or through unplanned caesarean section.
MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES
The primary outcome was SMM, defined as the presence of ≥1 of 21 conditions used by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) as criteria for SMM, or a critical care admission, with either occurring at any point from date of delivery to 42 days post partum (described as SMM). Secondary outcomes included a composite of ≥1 of the 21 CDC conditions and critical care admission (SMM plus critical care admission), and respiratory morbidity.
RESULTS
Of the 567 216 women, 125 024 (22.0%) had epidural analgesia during labour. SMM occurred in 2412 women (4.3 per 1000 births, 95% confidence interval (CI) 4.1 to 4.4). Epidural analgesia was associated with a reduction in SMM (adjusted relative risk 0.65, 95% CI 0.50 to 0.85), SMM plus critical care admission (0.46, 0.29 to 0.73), and respiratory morbidity (0.42, 0.16 to 1.15), although the last of these was underpowered and had wide confidence intervals. Greater risk reductions in SMM were detected among women with a medical indication for epidural analgesia (0.50, 0.34 to 0.72) compared with those with no such indication (0.67, 0.43 to 1.03; P<0.001 for difference). More marked reductions in SMM were seen in women delivering preterm (0.53, 0.37 to 0.76) compared with those delivering at term or post term (1.09, 0.98 to 1.21; P<0.001 for difference). The observed reduced risk of SMM with epidural analgesia was increasingly noticeable as gestational age at birth decreased in the whole cohort, and in women with a medical indication for epidural analgesia.
CONCLUSION
Epidural analgesia during labour was associated with a 35% reduction in SMM, and showed a more pronounced effect in women with medical indications for epidural analgesia and with preterm births. Expanding access to epidural analgesia for all women during labour, and particularly for those at greatest risk, could improve maternal health.
Topics: Humans; Female; Pregnancy; Analgesia, Epidural; Adult; Scotland; Analgesia, Obstetrical; Labor, Obstetric; Young Adult; Obstetric Labor, Premature
PubMed: 38777357
DOI: 10.1136/bmj-2023-077190 -
Einstein (Sao Paulo, Brazil) 2024This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of hypertensive disorders during pregnancy among Brazilian women with preterm births and to compare the epidemiological...
OBJECTIVE
This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of hypertensive disorders during pregnancy among Brazilian women with preterm births and to compare the epidemiological characteristics and perinatal outcomes among preterm births of women with and without hypertension.
METHODS
This was a secondary cross-sectional analysis of the Brazilian Multicenter Study on Preterm Birth. During the study period, all women with preterm births were included and further split into two groups according to the occurrence of any hypertensive disorder during pregnancy. Prevalence ratios were calculated for each variable. Maternal characteristics, prenatal care, and gestational and perinatal outcomes were compared between the two groups using χ2 and t-tests.
RESULTS
A total of 4,150 women with preterm births were included, and 1,169 (28.2%) were identified as having hypertensive disorders. Advanced maternal age (prevalence ratio (PR) 2.49) and obesity (PR= 2.64) were more common in the hypertensive group. The gestational outcomes were worse in women with hypertension. Early preterm births were also more frequent in women with hypertension.
CONCLUSION
Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy were frequent among women with preterm births, and provider-initiated preterm births were the leading causes of premature births in this group. The factors significantly associated with hypertensive disorders among women with preterm births were obesity, excessive weight gain, and higher maternal age.
Topics: Humans; Female; Pregnancy; Brazil; Premature Birth; Cross-Sectional Studies; Adult; Hypertension, Pregnancy-Induced; Prevalence; Pregnancy Outcome; Young Adult; Infant, Newborn; Risk Factors; Maternal Age; Prenatal Care; Obesity; Adolescent; Gestational Age
PubMed: 38775604
DOI: 10.31744/einstein_journal/2024AO0514 -
Balkan Medical Journal May 2024Premature rupture of membranes (PROM) is defined as the leakage of amniotic fluid before the onset of labor and delivery contractions. Some studies found that women who...
BACKGROUND
Premature rupture of membranes (PROM) is defined as the leakage of amniotic fluid before the onset of labor and delivery contractions. Some studies found that women who experienced PROM had significantly lower vitamin C blood levels than those who did not, while others found no significant differences. Previous systematic reviews and meta-analyses on the efficacy of vitamin C in the prevention of PROM had conflicting results.
AIMS
We aimed to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis to determine if there was a significant difference in vitamin C blood levels in women who had PROM versus the control group who did not and to determine if vitamin C supplements could help prevent it.
STUDY DESIGN
Systematic review and meta-analysis.
METHODS
We registered our protocol with PROSPERO (CRD42022371644). We searched PubMed/MEDLINE, Web of Science, and Scopus through February 15, 2024. Additionally, backward and forward citation searches were conducted. Studies were selected based on predetermined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Meta-Essentials: Workbooks for Meta-Analysis (Version 1.5) was used for analysis.
RESULTS
Twenty-five studies (26 reports) met all eligibility criteria, with 18 studies (18 reports) assessing vitamin C levels and seven studies (eight reports) evaluating efficacy. Women with PROM, whether preterm or term, had significantly lower vitamin C levels [Hedges' g, -1.48; 95% confidence interval (CI): -2.82, -0.14; = 0.020; = 94.08%) and specifically preterm PROM after removing the outlying study [Hedges' g, -1.29; 95% CI: -1.85, -0.73; < 0.001; = 87.35%). Vitamin C supplementation significantly reduced the risk of preterm or term PROM [risk ratio (RR), 0.57; 95% CI: 0.39, 0.81; < 0.001; = 12.17%), particularly for preterm PROM (RR, 0.67; 95% CI: 0.45, 0.99; p = 0.001; = 0.00%). There were no significant differences in vitamin C levels between women with term PROM and controls, and there were no differences in the risk of developing term PROM between women taking vitamin C supplements and controls. Results were not robust in all sensitivity analyses.
CONCLUSION
Women with PROM, particularly those who developed it preterm, appear to have significantly lower vitamin C levels, and vitamin C supplementation appears to be effective in reducing the risk of PROM, particularly preterm PROM. More high-quality studies with low risk of bias, more homogenous, and larger samples are needed to confirm these findings.
PubMed: 38775321
DOI: 10.4274/balkanmedj.galenos.2024.2024-2-79 -
Genetics, Selection, Evolution : GSE May 2024Nine male and eight female calves born to a Normande artificial insemination bull named "Ly" were referred to the French National Observatory of Bovine Abnormalities for...
BACKGROUND
Nine male and eight female calves born to a Normande artificial insemination bull named "Ly" were referred to the French National Observatory of Bovine Abnormalities for multiple fractures, shortened gestation, and stillbirth or perinatal mortality.
RESULTS
Using Illumina BovineSNP50 array genotypes from affected calves and 84 half-sib controls, the associated locus was mapped to a 6.5-Mb interval on chromosome 19, assuming autosomal inheritance with germline mosaicism. Subsequent comparison of the whole-genome sequences of one case and 5116 control genomes, followed by genotyping in the affected pedigree, identified a de novo missense substitution within the NC1 domain of the COL1A1 gene (Chr19 g.36,473,965G > A; p.D1412N) as unique candidate variant. Interestingly, the affected residue was completely conserved among 243 vertebrate orthologs, and the same substitution in humans has been reported to cause type II osteogenesis imperfecta (OI), a connective tissue disorder that is characterized primarily by bone deformity and fragility. Moreover, three COL1A1 mutations have been described to cause the same syndrome in cattle. Necropsy, computed tomography, radiology, and histology confirmed the diagnosis of type II OI, further supporting the causality of this variant. In addition, a detailed analysis of gestation length and perinatal mortality in 1387 offspring of Ly and more than 160,000 progeny of 63 control bulls allowed us to statistically confirm in a large pedigree the association between type II OI and preterm delivery, which is probably due to premature rupture of fetal membranes and has been reported in several isolated cases of type II OI in humans and cattle. Finally, analysis of perinatal mortality rates and segregation distortion supported a low level of germ cell mosaicism in Ly, with an estimate of 4.5% to 7.7% of mutant sperm and thus 63 to 107 affected calves born. These numbers contrast with the 17 cases reported and raise concerns about the underreporting of congenital defects to heredo-surveillance platforms, even for textbook genetic syndromes.
CONCLUSIONS
In conclusion, we describe a large animal model for a recurrent substitution in COL1A1 that is responsible for type II OI in humans. More generally, this study highlights the utility of such datasets and large half-sib families available in livestock species to characterize sporadic genetic defects.
Topics: Animals; Cattle; Mutation, Missense; Osteogenesis Imperfecta; Collagen Type I; Male; Female; Collagen Type I, alpha 1 Chain; Cattle Diseases; Premature Birth; Pedigree; Pregnancy
PubMed: 38773368
DOI: 10.1186/s12711-024-00909-3 -
Public Health Jul 2024To determine whether gestational cardiovascular health (CVH) during the first trimester is associated with a risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes.
OBJECTIVES
To determine whether gestational cardiovascular health (CVH) during the first trimester is associated with a risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes.
STUDY DESIGN
A multicentre prospective cohort; part of the China birth cohort study.
METHODS
Pregnant women were recruited at 6-13 gestation weeks and followed to delivery to identify pregnancy outcomes. Gestational CVH in the first trimester was assessed using five CVH metrics: body mass index, smoking, blood pressure, glucose, and lipids. Multilevel modified Poisson regression models calculated the relative risks (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) of gestational CVH for adverse pregnancy outcomes.
RESULTS
Among 56,852 pregnant women, the mean score for gestational CVH during the first trimester was 9.1. Adjusting for confounding factors, each 1-point decrease in the total gestational CVH score significantly increased the risk of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (RR = 1.682, 95% CI: 1.624-1.743), gestational diabetes mellitus (RR = 1.405, 95% CI: 1.384-1.426), preterm birth (RR = 1.184, 95% CI: 1.174-1.195), large for gestational age (RR = 1.224, 95% CI: 1.199-1.250), caesarean delivery (RR = 1.073, 95% CI: 1.049-1.097), and low Apgar score (RR = 1.131, 95% CI: 1.003-1.277) significantly increased. Meanwhile, the risk of small for gestational age decreased (SGA; RR = 0.922, 95% CI: 0.898-0.946). Worsened CVH categories significantly increased the risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes, excluding SGA.
CONCLUSIONS
Poor gestational CVH in the first trimester significantly increases the risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes, emphasising the need for early improvement in gestational CVH.
Topics: Humans; Pregnancy; Female; China; Pregnancy Trimester, First; Pregnancy Outcome; Adult; Prospective Studies; Diabetes, Gestational; Birth Cohort; Risk Factors; Cardiovascular Diseases; Body Mass Index; Premature Birth; Infant, Newborn; Blood Pressure
PubMed: 38772197
DOI: 10.1016/j.puhe.2024.04.028