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BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth Mar 2024Pregnancy is one of the most remarkable experiences in a woman's life. Prenatal depression, characterized by stress and worry associated with pregnancy, can reach severe... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Pregnancy is one of the most remarkable experiences in a woman's life. Prenatal depression, characterized by stress and worry associated with pregnancy, can reach severe levels. On a global scale, mental and addictive disorders affect more than one billion people, causing 19% of years lived with disability. It is estimated that 25-35% of pregnant women experience depressive symptoms, with 20% meeting the diagnostic criteria for major depression.
METHODS
A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted to examine depression during pregnancy in Ethiopia. The search was conducted from March 1-31, 2023. Data extraction used Microsoft Excel, and analysis was performed using STATA version 17. The New Castle-Ottawa Scale quality assessment tool was employed to evaluate the methodological quality of included studies. The Cochrane Q test and I2 statistics were used to assess heterogeneity. A weighted inverse variance random-effects model estimated the pooled level of antenatal depression (APD). Publication bias was detected using a funnel plot and Begg's and Egger's tests.
RESULTS
Out of 350 studies searched, 18 were included in the analysis. The overall pooled prevalence of depression in Ethiopia was 27.85% (95% CI: 23.75-31.96). Harari region reported the highest prevalence (37.44%), while Amhara region had the lowest (23.10%). Factors significantly associated with depression included unplanned pregnancies, low social support, low income, previous history of depression, intimate partner violence, and history of abortion.
CONCLUSION
This systematic review and meta-analysis demonstrate that approximately one-quarter of pregnant women in Ethiopia experience depression during pregnancy. Unplanned pregnancy, low social support, low income, previous history of depression, history of abortion, and intimate partner violence are determinants of depression. To address this high prevalence, the Ethiopian government and stakeholders should develop policies that incorporate counseling during pregnancy follow-ups. Improving the quality of life for pregnant women is crucial for the well-being of families, communities, and the nation as a whole.
Topics: Female; Pregnancy; Humans; Ethiopia; Depression; Quality of Life; Pregnant Women; Abortion, Spontaneous; Prevalence
PubMed: 38532382
DOI: 10.1186/s12884-024-06409-y -
Immunity, Inflammation and Disease Mar 2024This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the diagnostic value of the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) in... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
OBJECTIVE
This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the diagnostic value of the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) in women with a history of abortion (missed and threatened) and recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) in comparison with healthy pregnancies.
METHODS
Electronic databases including MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science, Embase, and Cochrane Library were searched for NLR and PLR in women who experienced early pregnancy loss up to January 1, 2023 with a combination of proper keywords. Meta-analysis was done for comparison with three or more studies and summary estimates were measured.
RESULTS
A total of 390 citations were retrieved initially, and after screening, 16 articles were deemed eligible for the final review. Among these, 14 studies underwent meta-analysis. The meta-analysis revealed that the standard mean of the NLR was significantly higher in abortion cases compared to the control group. However, there was no significant difference in the PLR between the pregnancy loss group and the control group.
CONCLUSION
NLR was significantly higher among RPL patients compared to the control group, according to these data, NLR may be capable of being used in the diagnosis of RPL as an easy, cheap, and accessible modality. Further studies, which take these variables into account, will need to be undertaken to determine the diagnostic value of NLR and PLR in early pregnancy loss.
Topics: Pregnancy; Humans; Female; Neutrophils; Blood Platelets; Lymphocytes; Abortion, Habitual; Databases, Factual
PubMed: 38506423
DOI: 10.1002/iid3.1210 -
Reproductive Biology Jun 2024Conflicting findings have emerged regarding the levels of high mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) in individuals experiencing adverse pregnancy outcomes. Here we conducted a... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Conflicting findings have emerged regarding the levels of high mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) in individuals experiencing adverse pregnancy outcomes. Here we conducted a meta-analysis to assess the association between maternal blood HMGB1 levels and adverse pregnancy outcomes. Utilizing databases such as PubMed, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Web of Science, Embase and China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), a systematic literature search was conducted in January 2024. Eligible literature was screened according to inclusion and exclusion criteria. Quality assessment was evaluated using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS). The extracted data were analyzed using Review Manager 5.4 and STATA 12.0 software. 21 observational studies with a total of 2471 participants were included in this meta-analysis. Significantly higher peripheral blood levels of HMGB1 were associated with preeclampsia (PE) (SMD=1.34; 95% CI: 0.72-1.95; P < 0.0001) and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) (SMD=1.20; 95% CI: 0.31-2.09; P = 0.009). Additionally, HMGB1 levels in peripheral blood were significantly elevated in patients with unexplained recurrent spontaneous abortion (URSA) than those in pregnancy controls (SMD=4.22; 95% CI: 1.64-6.80; P = 0.001) or non-pregnancy controls (SMD=3.87; 95% CI: 1.81-5.92; P = 0.0002). Interestingly, higher blood HMGB1 levels were observed in women with preterm birth (PTB), however, the results did not reach a statistical difference (SMD=0.54; 95% CI: -0.36-1.44; P = 0.24). In conclusion, overexpressed maternal blood HMGB1 levels were associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes, including PE, GDM and URSA. Further studies should be conducted to validate the efficacy of HMGB1 as a biomarker for assessing the risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes.
Topics: Pregnancy; Female; Humans; HMGB1 Protein; Pregnancy Outcome; Diabetes, Gestational; Pre-Eclampsia; Biomarkers; Pregnancy Complications; Premature Birth
PubMed: 38492434
DOI: 10.1016/j.repbio.2024.100859 -
Scientific Reports Mar 2024The effect of weight loss before in vitro fertilization (IVF) procedures on pregnancy outcomes in women with overweight or obesity and infertility remains controversial.... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
The effect of weight loss before in vitro fertilization (IVF) procedures on pregnancy outcomes in women with overweight or obesity and infertility remains controversial. In this systematic review and meta-analysis, we investigated whether weight loss before IVF in these women affected the IVF results and reproductive outcomes. PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library databases were searched from the inception dates until December 2022, using combinations of relevant keywords. Only six randomized controlled trials, including 1627 women with obesity or overweight, were analyzed. The weight change in the intensive care group, compared to the control group who underwent IVF without weight loss was - 4.62 kg (mean difference; 95% confidence interval [CI] - 8.10, - 1.14). Weight loss before IVF did not significantly increase the live birth rate in women with obesity or overweight and infertility (odds ratio, 1.38; 95% CI 0.88, 2.10). The clinical pregnancy, miscarriage, ongoing pregnancy, and ectopic pregnancy rates did not differ between the weight loss and control groups before IVF. This meta-analysis demonstrated that even significant weight loss before IVF in women with obesity or overweight and infertility did not improve the live birth, clinical pregnancy, ongoing pregnancy, or ectopic pregnancy rates. PROSPERO Registration Number: CRD42023455800.
Topics: Pregnancy; Female; Humans; Overweight; Fertilization in Vitro; Infertility; Pregnancy Rate; Live Birth; Obesity; Weight Loss; Pregnancy, Ectopic
PubMed: 38486057
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-56818-4 -
Gynecologic and Obstetric Investigation Mar 2024Vitamin D deficiency increases the risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes. The high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency worldwide requires the analysis of scientific...
Vitamin D deficiency increases the risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes. The high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency worldwide requires the analysis of scientific publications to make recommendations for the prevention, management and treatment of vitamin D deficiency in pregnant women. The purpose of the research was to explore the relationship between pathology and pregnancy outcomes with serum 25-hydroxycholecalciferol levels and vitamin D supplementation. A literature search was performed for systematic literature reviews with meta-analyses published between January 2018 and February 2023. 42 publications were selected for further analysis. 24 meta-analyses evaluated associations between serum 25-hydroxycholecalciferol levels on the one hand and the course and outcome of pregnancy on the other. 18 meta-analyses focused on the preventive effect of vitamin D preparations on the development of obstetric and paediatric pathology. Vitamin D deficiency was identified to increase the probability of spontaneous abortion (OR=1.6 (1.11; 2.3), preterm labour (OR=1.33 (1.15; 1.54)), especially in multiple pregnancies (OR=2.59 (1.35; 4.95)), pre-eclampsia (OR 1.58 (1.39-1.79)), anaemia of pregnancy (OR=1.61 (1.41; 1.83), postpartum depression (OR=3.67 (1.72; 7.85), autism spectrum disorders in early childhood (OR=1.54 (1.12; 2.1). High vitamin D levels reduce the risk of gestational diabetes (RR=0.87 (0.79; 0.97)), and low birth weight (RR=0.65 (0.48; 0.86)). The target level of 25-hydroxyvitamin D during pregnancy is a serum concentration of more than 30 mg/ml. Vitamin D supplementation during pregnancy at a dose of 2000 IU or higher is preventive for pre-eclampsia, insulin resistance, and the development of bronchial asthma in early childhood. Vitamin D screening is indicated for all pregnant women. Dosages of vitamin D preparations should be determined individually, considering laboratory tests and risk factors.
PubMed: 38461819
DOI: 10.1159/000538085 -
European Journal of Obstetrics,... May 2024Placental mediated pregnancy complications (PMPC) are common, often recurring, and pose a significant health risk to mother and fetus. Evidence suggests that the... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Placental mediated pregnancy complications (PMPC) are common, often recurring, and pose a significant health risk to mother and fetus. Evidence suggests that the hypercoagulable state associated with many PMPC, could reflect reduced expression of Annexin 5 (ANXA5), a naturally occurring anticoagulant protein in placental tissue. The ANXA5 M2 haplotype is a genetic variant, which results in reduced expression of ANXA5 protein. M2 haplotype carrier couples may therefore be at increased risk of PMPC. Evidence regarding the effectiveness of anticoagulation to prevent PMPC is inconsistent. Furthermore, studies have not selected or stratified for M2 haplotype carriers, in whom there is a predisposition to hypercoagulability, to assess the effectiveness of anticoagulation, which may vary from those without the M2 haplotype.
OBJECTIVES AND RATIONALE
The aim of this study was to systematically review the current evidence to assess whether anticoagulant treatment improves pregnancy outcomes in couples positive for M2 haplotype.
SEARCH METHODS
The review was registered on PROSPERO (CRD42022343943). A comprehensive literature search was performed using MEDLINE, Embase and Cochrane collaboration databases from inception to January 2023. Two reviewers assessed the articles for eligibility and extracted the data simultaneously. Primary outcome was successful pregnancy and live birth. Secondary outcomes included PMPC (implantation failure, miscarriage, pre-eclampsia, preterm birth and fetal growth restriction).
OUTCOMES
From a pool of 410 references, 10 were selected for full text review, of which three studies (a post hoc analysis of a randomised controlled trial, cohort study and a case report) were included in this review. Included studies comprised of 223 individuals, 129 of whom who received anticoagulation treatment after testing positive for M2 haplotype. The studies collectively showed an improvement in pregnancy outcomes in M2 haplotype positive individuals however, given the heterogeneity of studies, it was not possible to conduct a meta-analysis and draw firm conclusions.
WIDER IMPLICATIONS
Current evidence is limited, such that the value of screening couples for the M2 haplotype to select or stratify for treatment with prophylactic anticoagulation remains unknown. Thus, further studies including well designed, large, multi-centre randomised controlled trials are required to assess whether anticoagulation treatment will be effective in improving pregnancy outcomes in M2 haplotype couples.
Topics: Female; Humans; Pregnancy; Anticoagulants; Cohort Studies; Haplotypes; Placenta; Pregnancy Outcome; Premature Birth; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
PubMed: 38452530
DOI: 10.1016/j.ejogrb.2024.02.039 -
European Journal of Obstetrics,... May 2024Although vaginal repair of isthmocele is an effective and safe surgical option, data on reproductive and obstetrical outcomes are lacking. The aim of this study is to... (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVE
Although vaginal repair of isthmocele is an effective and safe surgical option, data on reproductive and obstetrical outcomes are lacking. The aim of this study is to evaluate reproductive outcomes of women undergone vaginal repair of isthmocele. We also systematically reviewed the existent literature to offer a general view of available data.
STUDY DESIGN
Retrospective analysis of a database prospectively collected between January 2018 and January 2022 at San Raffaele Hospital, Milan, Italy. We included secondary infertile women with ultrasound documented isthmocele who undergone vaginal repair. Post-surgical clinical, reproductive and obstetric outcomes were recorded. An advanced systematic search of the literature up to January 2023 was conducted.
RESULTS
17 women were included. The mean age of the included patients was 37.2 ± 2.7 years. The median of previous caesarian sections was 1 (1-2). One intra-operative complication (5.9 %) was reported (bladder injury, repaired at the time of surgery). At follow up, bleeding was successfully treated in 8 women (8/10; 80 %). Pregnancy was obtained in 7 women (7/17; 41.2 %): the conception was spontaneous in 4 women (4/7; 57.1 %) and trough assisted reproductive technology in 3 patients (3/7; 42.9 %). The mean time from surgery to pregnancy was 10.8 (±6.7) months. One spontaneous abortion was reported (1/7; 14.3 %), while live birth was achieved in 6 pregnancies (6/7; 85.7 %). All deliveries were by caesarian section at a median gestational age of 37.5 (36-38.25) weeks. No obstetrical complications were reported. At the time of caesarean section, no defects on the lower segment were retrieved. Regarding the systematic research, among the 21 studies screened, only 4 articles were included in the review. Pregnancy rate was around 60-70 % with very few obstetrical complications (0.01 %) such as abnormal placentation or preterm birth.
CONCLUSIONS
Vaginal repair of isthmocele is a minimally invasive, safe and effective surgical approach in terms of postsurgical residual myometrium tichness. Systematic review to date has found low-quality evidences on the impact of vaginal surgery in the management of secondary infertility and obstetrics outcomes in women with isthmocele.
Topics: Infant, Newborn; Pregnancy; Humans; Female; Adult; Infant; Cesarean Section; Infertility, Female; Retrospective Studies; Cicatrix; Premature Birth
PubMed: 38447278
DOI: 10.1016/j.ejogrb.2024.02.025 -
Journal of Gynecology Obstetrics and... May 2024We aimed to determine the association between polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) and cervical incompetence (CI). We hypothesise that insulin resistance induces a glucose... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
OBJECTIVE
We aimed to determine the association between polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) and cervical incompetence (CI). We hypothesise that insulin resistance induces a glucose metabolism disorder that could potentially cause cervical incompetence, resulting in an adverse outcome.
DESIGN
We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies to summarise the evidence regarding the strength of the association of occurrence of CI in a PCOS pregnant woman compared to a non-PCOS pregnant woman. We defined PCOS as the presence of two of the three Rotterdam criteria, and a combination of clinical symptoms and ultrasound findings were used to diagnose CI.
METHOD
This review adheres to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA 2020) reporting standards and the PROSPERO registration. We systematically searched PubMed, Embase and Cochrane databases to identify observational studies up to December 2022. We included studies in English which compared the PCOS and non-PCOS pregnant women who were diagnosed using Rotterdam criteria and subsequently developed CI in the same pregnancy. We excluded the studies which did not report CI as an outcome. Two reviewers independently screened studies, extracted data, and assessed the risk of bias (JBI critical appraisal tools). In the meta-analysis, effect estimates were pooled using the random effects model, and heterogeneity was measured using I statistics.
RESULTS
We identified 23 articles, of which 19 were screened, and three studies were included in the meta-analysis. Three observational studies reported the data of 3845 pregnant women with PCOS and 9449 pregnant women without PCOS. One hundred and forty-one (3.7 %) pregnant women with PCOS developed CI compared to 58 (0.6 %) non-PCOS pregnant women [Risk ratio: 5.3; 95 % confidence interval: 1.9-14.6; I: 89 %]. Of the three studies included, two had a low risk of bias, and one had a moderate risk of bias.
CONCLUSION
The findings of the review suggested higher risk of CI in a pregnant woman with PCOS compared to pregnant women without PCOS. These findings highlight the necessity of establishing guidelines for early identification of CI in PCOS pregnant mothers to prevent adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes following preterm labour.
Topics: Humans; Polycystic Ovary Syndrome; Female; Pregnancy; Uterine Cervical Incompetence; Pregnancy Complications; Insulin Resistance; Observational Studies as Topic
PubMed: 38432628
DOI: 10.1016/j.jogoh.2024.102763 -
Reproductive Toxicology (Elmsford, N.Y.) Apr 2024There is a high global prevalence of NSAIDs during pregnancy. However, current evidence is largely conflicting regarding the safety of gestational NSAIDs use both for... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
There is a high global prevalence of NSAIDs during pregnancy. However, current evidence is largely conflicting regarding the safety of gestational NSAIDs use both for the pregnancy and offspring health. The aim of this study is to systematically review the relationship between NSAIDs use during pregnancy and the risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes and congenital abnormalities. Cohort studies and case control studies on congenital malformations, miscarriage and preterm birth in infants born to mothers who were exposed to NSAIDs during pregnancy were identified via PubMed, Medline, Embase, the Cochrane Library databases and the Reprotox® database from inception to 26 March 2021, and updated on 6 April 2023. On the whole, compared with the unexposed group, infants exposed to NSAIDs during early pregnancy showed a 28% increased risk of overall congenital anomalies (OR 1.28, 95%CI 1.16-1.40), and 19% for major birth defects (OR 1.19, 95%CI 1.08-1.30). Contrary to previous beliefs, there appeared to be a trend towards a higher risk of miscarriage among women who were exposed to NSAIDs during pregnancy, but the association was not statistically significant (OR 1.20, 95%CI 0.93-1.55). According to our study findings, the use of NSAIDs by pregnant women has been linked to a higher risk of congenital anomalies and a negative impact on preterm birth. Therefore, we advise pregnant women to carefully consider the potential benefits and risks before using NSAIDs during pregnancy.
Topics: Female; Pregnancy; Infant, Newborn; Humans; Pregnancy Outcome; Abortion, Spontaneous; Premature Birth; Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; Pregnancy Complications
PubMed: 38423229
DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2024.108561 -
Fertility and Sterility Feb 2024Weight loss before conception is recommended for women with overweight or obesity to improve fertility outcomes, but evidence supporting this recommendation is mixed. (Review)
Review
IMPORTANCE
Weight loss before conception is recommended for women with overweight or obesity to improve fertility outcomes, but evidence supporting this recommendation is mixed.
OBJECTIVE
To examine the effectiveness of weight loss interventions using lifestyle modification and/or medication in women with overweight or obesity on pregnancy, live birth, and miscarriage.
DATA SOURCES
An electronic search of MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Library, including Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature was conducted through July 6, 2022, via Wiley.
STUDY SELECTION AND SYNTHESIS
Randomized controlled trials examining weight loss interventions through lifestyle and/or medication in women with overweight or obesity planning pregnancy were included. Random-effects meta-analysis was conducted, reporting the risk ratio (RR) for each outcome. Subgroup analyses were conducted by intervention type, type of control group, fertility treatment, intervention length, and body mass index (BMI).
MAIN OUTCOME(S)
Clinical pregnancy, live birth, and miscarriage events.
RESULT(S)
A narrative review and meta-analysis were possible for 16 studies for pregnancy (n = 3,588), 13 for live birth (n = 3,329), and 11 for miscarriage (n = 3,248). Women randomized and exposed to a weight loss intervention were more likely to become pregnant (RR = 1.24, 95% CI 1.07-1.44; I = 59%) but not to have live birth (RR = 1.19, 95% CI 0.97-1.45; I = 69%) or miscarriage (RR = 1.17, 95% CI 0.79-1.74; I = 31%) compared with women in control groups. Subgroup analyses revealed women randomized to weight loss interventions lasting 12 weeks or fewer (n = 9, RR = 1.43; 95% CI 1.13-1.83) and women with a BMI ≥ 35 kg/m (n = 7, RR = 1.54; 95% CI, 1.18-2.02) were more likely to become pregnant compared with women in the control groups. Miscarriage was higher in intervention groups who underwent fertility treatment (n = 8, RR 1.45; 95% CI 1.07-1.96).
CONCLUSION(S)
Pregnancy rates were higher in women undergoing preconception weight loss interventions with no impact on live birth or miscarriage rates. Findings do not support one-size-fits-all recommendation for weight loss through lifestyle modification and/or medication in women with overweight or obesity immediately before conception to improve live birth or miscarriage outcomes.
PubMed: 38408693
DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2024.02.038