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The International Journal on Drug Policy Apr 2024Punitive legal responses to prenatal drug use may be associated with unintended adverse health consequences. However, in a rapidly shifting policy climate, current... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Punitive legal responses to prenatal drug use may be associated with unintended adverse health consequences. However, in a rapidly shifting policy climate, current information has not been summarized. We conducted a survey of U.S. state policies that utilize criminal or civil legal system penalties to address prenatal drug use. We then systematically identified empirical studies evaluating these policies and summarized their potential public health impacts.
METHODS
Using existing databases and original statutory research, we surveyed current U.S. state-level prenatal drug use policies authorizing explicit criminalization, involuntary commitment, civil child abuse substantiation, and parental rights termination. Next, we systematically identified quantitative associations between these policies and health outcomes, restricting to U.S.-based peer-reviewed research, published January 2000-December 2022. Results described study characteristics and synthesized the evidence on health-related harms and benefits associated with punitive policies. Validity threats were described narratively.
RESULTS
By 2022, two states had adopted policies explicitly authorizing criminal prosecution, and five states allowed pregnancy-specific and drug use-related involuntary civil commitment. Prenatal drug use was grounds for substantiating civil child abuse and terminating parental rights in 22 and five states, respectively. Of the 16 review-identified articles, most evaluated associations between punitive policies generally (k = 12), or civil child abuse policies specifically (k = 2), and multiple outcomes, including drug treatment utilization (k = 6), maltreatment reporting and foster care entry (k = 5), neonatal drug withdrawal syndrome (NDWS, k = 4) and other pregnancy and birth-related outcomes (k = 3). Most included studies reported null associations or suggested increases in adverse outcome following punitive policy adoption.
CONCLUSIONS
Nearly half of U.S. states have adopted policies that respond to prenatal drug use with legal system penalties. While additional research is needed to clarify whether such approaches engender overt health harms, current evidence indicates that punitive policies are not associated with public health benefits, and therefore constitute ineffective policy.
Topics: Humans; United States; Pregnancy; Female; Substance-Related Disorders; Public Health; Surveys and Questionnaires; Criminal Law
PubMed: 38484529
DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2024.104380 -
Acta Obstetricia Et Gynecologica... Mar 2024We aimed to investigate the incidence, prenatal factors and outcomes of twin-to-twin transfusion (TTTS) with right ventricular outflow tract obstruction (RVOTO). (Review)
Review
INTRODUCTION
We aimed to investigate the incidence, prenatal factors and outcomes of twin-to-twin transfusion (TTTS) with right ventricular outflow tract obstruction (RVOTO).
MATERIAL AND METHODS
A systematic search was conducted to identify relevant studies published until February 2023 in English using the databases PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science. Studies reporting on pregnancies with TTTS and RVOTO were included. The random-effect model pooled the mean differences or odds ratios (OR) and the corresponding 95% confidence intervals. Heterogeneity was assessed using the I value.
RESULTS
A total of 17 studies encompassing 4332 TTTS pregnancies, of which 225 cases had RVOTO, were included. Incidence of RVOTO at time of TTTS diagnosis was 6%. In all, 134/197 (68%) had functional pulmonary stenosis and 62/197 (32%) had functional pulmonary atresia. Of these, 27% resolved following laser and 55% persisted after birth. Of those persisting, 27% required cardiac valve procedures. Prenatal associations were TTTS stage III (53% vs 39% in no-RVOTO), stage IV TTTS (28% in RVOTO vs 12% in no-RVOTO) and ductus venosus reversed a-wave (60% in RVOTO vs 19% in no-RVOTO). Gestational age at laser and gestational age at delivery were comparable between groups. Survival outcomes were also comparable between groups, including fetal demise of 26%, neonatal death of 12% and 6-month survival of 82% in RVOTO group. Findings were similar when subgroup analysis was done for studies including head-to-head analysis.
CONCLUSIONS
RVOT occurs in about 6% of the recipient twins with TTTS, especially in stages III and IV and those with reversed ductus venosus a-wave. The findings from this systematic review support the need for a thorough cardiac assessment of pregnancies complicated by TTTS, both before and after laser, to maximize perinatal outcome, and the importance of early diagnosis of TTTS and timely management.
PubMed: 38482999
DOI: 10.1111/aogs.14825 -
American Journal of Obstetrics and... Mar 2024We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to examine the relationship between stillbirth and various perinatal outcomes in subsequent pregnancy. (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVE
We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to examine the relationship between stillbirth and various perinatal outcomes in subsequent pregnancy.
DATA SOURCES
PubMed, the Cochrane Library, Embase, Web of Science, and CNKI databases were searched up to July 2023.
STUDY ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
Cohort studies that reported the association between stillbirth and perinatal outcomes in subsequent pregnancies were included.
METHODS
We conducted this systematic review and meta-analysis in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines. Statistical analysis was performed using R and Stata software. We used random-effects models to pool each outcome of interest. We performed a meta-regression analysis to explore the potential heterogeneity. The certainty (quality) of evidence assessment was performed using the GRADE approach.
RESULTS
Nineteen cohort studies were included, involving 4,855,153 participants. From these studies, we identified 28,322 individuals with previous stillbirths who met the eligibility criteria. After adjusting for confounders, evidence of low to moderate certainty indicated that compared with women with previous live births, women with previous stillbirths had higher risks of recurrent stillbirth (odds ratio, 2.68; 95% confidence interval, 2.01-3.56), preterm birth (odds ratio, 3.15; 95% confidence interval, 2.07-4.80), neonatal death (odds ratio, 4.24; 95% confidence interval, 2.65-6.79), small for gestational age/intrauterine growth restriction (odds ratio, 1.3; 95% confidence interval, 1.0-1.8), low birthweight (odds ratio, 3.32; 95% confidence interval, 1.46-7.52), placental abruption (odds ratio, 3.01; 95% confidence interval, 1.01-8.98), instrumental delivery (odds ratio, 2.29; 95% confidence interval, 1.68-3.11), labor induction (odds ratio, 4.09; 95% confidence interval, 1.88-8.88), cesarean delivery (odds ratio, 2.38; 95% confidence interval, 1.20-4.73), elective cesarean delivery (odds ratio, 2.42; 95% confidence interval, 1.82-3.23), and emergency cesarean delivery (odds ratio, 2.35; 95% confidence interval, 1.81-3.06) in subsequent pregnancies, but had a lower rate of spontaneous labor (odds ratio, 0.22; 95% confidence interval, 0.13-0.36). However, there was no association between previous stillbirth and preeclampsia (odds ratio, 1.72; 95% confidence interval, 0.63-4.70) in subsequent pregnancies.
CONCLUSION
Our systematic review and meta-analysis provide a more comprehensive understanding of adverse pregnancy outcomes associated with previous stillbirth. These findings could be used to inform counseling for couples who are considering pregnancy after a previous stillbirth.
PubMed: 38437893
DOI: 10.1016/j.ajog.2024.02.304 -
Archives of Gynecology and Obstetrics May 2024Symptomatic hydronephrosis in pregnancy can cause both maternal and obstetric complications. In various studies, factors predicting the need for surgical intervention... (Review)
Review
PURPOSE
Symptomatic hydronephrosis in pregnancy can cause both maternal and obstetric complications. In various studies, factors predicting the need for surgical intervention have been evaluated, however these factors have not been systematically assessed yet. This systematic review analyzes published studies about hydronephrosis during pregnancy and determines the predictive factors for the need for surgical intervention for hydronephrosis during pregnancy.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
A systematic review was conducted in January 2023 using the Medline, Web of Science and ScienceDirect/Scopus databases according to PRISMA guidelines. We searched these databases with the following search strategy: (intervention OR nephrostomy OR stent insertion) AND (pregnancy hydronephrosis).
RESULTS
The literature review revealed 2461 potentially eligible studies. After the screening, six studies were enrolled in this review. High neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, high C-reactive protein level, high white blood cell count, high creatinine levels, fever, persistent pain for more than 4 days, presence of ureteral stones more than 8 mm, high grade hydronephrosis, high fetal body weight and high delta resistive index were reported to be related with the need for surgical intervention.
CONCLUSION
The rate of symptomatic hydronephrosis and requirement for surgical intervention is low during pregnancy. However, as symptomatic hydronephrosis may cause serious obstetric complications, it is important to know the parameters that can predict patients who may need surgical intervention. These results will assist gynecologists and urologists to stratify pregnant women for surgical intervention.
Topics: Humans; Pregnancy; Female; Pregnancy Complications; Hydronephrosis; Prenatal Care; Pain
PubMed: 38413423
DOI: 10.1007/s00404-024-07391-8 -
PloS One 2024The COVID-19 pandemic has exerted devastating effects on healthcare delivery systems, specifically those for pregnant women. The aim of this review was to determine the...
INTRODUCTION
The COVID-19 pandemic has exerted devastating effects on healthcare delivery systems, specifically those for pregnant women. The aim of this review was to determine the maternal perception of antenatal health care services during the COVID-19 pandemic critical phase.
METHODS
Scopus, Web of Science, SAGE, and Ovid were systematically searched using the keywords "maternal", "COVID-19 pandemic", "maternal health service", and "maternal perception". Articles were eligible for inclusion if they were original articles, written in English, and published between January 1, 2020, and December 12, 2022. This review was performed based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Eligible articles were assessed using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool. Thematic analysis was used for data synthesis.
RESULTS
Of 2683 articles identified, 13 fulfilled the inclusion criteria and were included in the narrative synthesis. Five themes emerged regarding the determinants of maternal perception of antenatal healthcare services during the COVID-19 pandemic critical phase: lack of psychosocial support, poor maternal healthcare quality, poor opinion of virtual consultation, health structure adaptation failure to meet women's needs, and satisfaction with maternal health services.
CONCLUSION
Maternal perception, specifically pregnant women's psychosocial and maternal health needs, should be focused on the continuation of maternal care during the COVID-19 pandemic. It is critical to identify the maternal perception of maternal health services during the pandemic to ensure health service equity in the "new normal" future.
Topics: Female; Pregnancy; Humans; Prenatal Care; Pandemics; COVID-19; Pregnant Women; Maternal Health Services; Perception
PubMed: 38394134
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0297563 -
Allergy Feb 2024We performed a systematic review to investigate the current evidence on the association between allergic diseases and short chain fatty acids (SCFAs), which are... (Review)
Review
We performed a systematic review to investigate the current evidence on the association between allergic diseases and short chain fatty acids (SCFAs), which are microbially produced and suggested as one mechanism on how gut microbiome affects the risk of allergic diseases. Medline, Embase and Web of Science were searched from data inception until September 2022. We identified 37 papers, of which 17 investigated prenatal or early childhood SCFAs and the development of allergic diseases in childhood, and 20 assessed SCFAs in patients with pre-existing allergic diseases. Study design, study populations, outcome definition, analysis method and reporting of the results varied between papers. Overall, there was some evidence showing that the three main SCFAs (acetate, propionate and butyrate) in the first few years of life had a protective effect against allergic diseases, especially for atopic dermatitis, wheeze or asthma and IgE-mediated food allergy in childhood. The association between each SCFA and allergic disease appeared to be different by disease and the age of assessment. Further research that can determine the potentially timing specific effect of each SCFA will be useful to investigate how SCFAs can be used in treatment or in prevention against allergic diseases.
PubMed: 38391245
DOI: 10.1111/all.16065 -
International Journal of Gynaecology... Jul 2024Infectious diseases including syphilis, HIV, and hepatitis B are major contributors to maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality worldwide, especially in low- and... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Infectious diseases including syphilis, HIV, and hepatitis B are major contributors to maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality worldwide, especially in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). The World Health Organization has prioritized elimination of vertical transmission of these three diseases.
OBJECTIVES
To rapidly assess the impact of interventions designed to improve antenatal screening rates for syphilis, HIV, and hepatitis B in LMICs and to identify areas for future implementation research.
SEARCH STRATEGY
A comprehensive search was conducted across PubMed, Embase, and EconLit, targeting articles published between January 1, 2013, and June 27, 2023.
SELECTION CRITERIA
We included quantitative interventional studies in English, involving pregnant adults (15 years or older) from LMICs. Exclusions were studies based in high-income countries, qualitative studies, or those investigating accuracy of diagnostic methods.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
From an initial 5549 potential studies, 27 were finalized for review after various screening stages. Data extraction covered aspects such as study design, intervention details, and outcomes. Findings were qualitatively synthesized within a systems thinking framework.
MAIN RESULTS
The interventions assessed varied in terms of geographic locations, health care system levels, and modalities. The review highlighted the effectiveness of interventions such as community health interventions, service quality improvements, and financial incentives.
CONCLUSIONS
The study underscores the potential of specific interventions in enhancing antenatal screening rates in LMICs. However, there is a discernible research gap concerning hepatitis B. The findings emphasize the importance of capacity building and health systems strengthening in public health interventions.
Topics: Humans; Female; Hepatitis B; Pregnancy; Syphilis; Developing Countries; HIV Infections; Pregnancy Complications, Infectious; Prenatal Diagnosis; Infectious Disease Transmission, Vertical; Mass Screening
PubMed: 38391190
DOI: 10.1002/ijgo.15425 -
BMC Women's Health Feb 2024Birth preparedness and complication readiness (BPCR) is an essential component of safe motherhood programs. This study aims to systematically identify and synthesize... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Birth preparedness and complication readiness (BPCR) is an essential component of safe motherhood programs. This study aims to systematically identify and synthesize available evidence on birth preparedness and complication readiness among pregnant and recently delivered women in India.
METHODS
The study followed PRISMA guidelines and used databases such as PubMed, Cochrane Library, and ProQuest. Joanna Briggs Institute [JBI] Tool was used for critical appraisal of studies. The meta-analysis was conducted using Comprehensive Meta-Analysis [CMA] tool and R studio software. Statistical heterogeneity was evaluated using visual inspection of the forest plot, Cochran's Q test, and the I statistic results. Funnel plot and Egger's tests were applied to explore the possibility of the publication bias in the studies [PROSPERO: CRD42023396109].
RESULT
Thirty-five cross-sectional studies reported knowledge on one or more components of birth preparedness [BP], whilst knowledge on complication readiness [CR] or danger signs was reported in 34 included studies. Utilizing the random effect model, the pooled result showed that only about half of the women [49%; 95% CI: 44%, 53%] were aware on BPCR components. This result ranged between 15% [95% CI: 12%, 19%] to 79% [95% CI: 72%, 84%] in Maharashtra and Karnataka respectively [I = 94%, p = < 0.01]. High heterogeneity [> 90%] is observed across all components [p < 0.01]. The result of subgroup analysis indicated no significant difference in the proportion on BPCR among pregnant women [50%; 95% CI: 45%, 55%] and recently delivered women [54%; 95% CI: 46%, 62%]. However, the southern region of India indicates relatively better [56%; 95% CI: 45%, 67%] prevalence.
CONCLUSION
Our study highlights the low prevalence of BPCR in India and the factors associated with it. Scaling up cost-effective interventions like BPCR that have a positive overall effect is necessary. Authors strongly suggests that birth preparedness and complication readiness should be given utmost importance to reduce maternal morbidity and mortality to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. Consideration should be given to fortifying existing resources, such as frontline workers and primary healthcare, as a strategic approach to augmenting the effectiveness of awareness initiatives.
Topics: Female; Humans; Pregnancy; Cross-Sectional Studies; Delivery, Obstetric; Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; India; Pregnancy Complications; Prenatal Care
PubMed: 38355501
DOI: 10.1186/s12905-024-02932-4 -
Child's Nervous System : ChNS :... Jun 2024To evaluate the outcomes and demographics of encephalocele patients who were born and received treatment in our neonatal ICU and conduct a PRISMA literature review.
INTRODUCTION
To evaluate the outcomes and demographics of encephalocele patients who were born and received treatment in our neonatal ICU and conduct a PRISMA literature review.
METHODS
An Institutional Review Board (IRB)-approved retrospective cohort study was undertaken to investigate the results of treating encephalocele patients at Jackson Memorial Hospital (JMH) from 1998 to 2022. The study focused on assessing outcomes and the impact of maternal socioeconomic factors, such as religion, age, and education, along with the timing of diagnosis, in connection with a systematic review.
RESULTS
A total of 20 encephalocele patients were identified (13 females and 7 males), with 15 having available medical records for review. Most of these cases involved occipital encephaloceles (73.3%). Maternal ages at the time of delivery ranged from 15 to 42 years, with a mean age of 27.3 years. The average gestational age at birth was 37 weeks. Ten cases had a prenatal diagnosis documented, occurring between 12 and 24.5 weeks of gestation. Three of the surviving patients had records of prenatal counseling that included discussions about termination. No infections were reported. Among the 15 cases, 11 patients (73.3%) were alive at the last follow-up, with a mean age at follow-up of 4.12 years, ranging from 6 weeks to 15 years post-birth. Hydrocephalus was noted in 26.7%. Only 1 mother had completed high school. Most mothers were either on Medicaid (9 patients) or uninsured (3 patients), with only 3 having commercial insurance. Religious affiliations varied among the mothers, with 14 out of 15 identifying with a particular religion. The systematic review identified 22 articles from various countries, with 11 articles meeting the inclusion criteria for qualitative analysis. These articles revealed potential maternal risk factors for encephaloceles, including low-nutrient diets, inadequate folic acid intake, young maternal age, advanced maternal age, low socioeconomic status, and limited educational attainment.
CONCLUSIONS
In the twenty-first century, there is a positive trend in the survival rates of children born with encephalocele. However, maternal factors such as low socioeconomic status and limited educational attainment remain prominent, affecting their ability to access timely prenatal care and impacting follow-up medical care for these children.
Topics: Humans; Retrospective Studies; Encephalocele; Female; Male; Young Adult; Infant, Newborn; Adult; Adolescent; Treatment Outcome; Social Determinants of Health
PubMed: 38347306
DOI: 10.1007/s00381-024-06312-z -
Ultrasound in Obstetrics & Gynecology :... Jun 2024To assess the diagnostic accuracy of ultrasound for detecting placenta accreta spectrum (PAS) during the first trimester of pregnancy and compare it with the accuracy of... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
OBJECTIVE
To assess the diagnostic accuracy of ultrasound for detecting placenta accreta spectrum (PAS) during the first trimester of pregnancy and compare it with the accuracy of second- and third-trimester ultrasound examination in pregnancies at risk for PAS.
METHODS
PubMed, EMBASE and Web of Science databases were searched to identify relevant studies published from inception until 10 March 2023. Inclusion criteria were cohort, case-control or cross-sectional studies that evaluated the accuracy of ultrasound examination performed at < 14 weeks of gestation (first trimester) or ≥ 14 weeks of gestation (second/third trimester) for the diagnosis of PAS in pregnancies with clinical risk factors. The primary outcome was the diagnostic accuracy of sonography in detecting PAS in the first trimester, compared with the accuracy of ultrasound examination in the second and third trimesters. The secondary outcome was the diagnostic accuracy of each sonographic marker individually across the trimesters of pregnancy. The reference standard was PAS confirmed at pathological or surgical examination. The potential of ultrasound and different ultrasound signs to detect PAS was assessed by computing summary estimates of sensitivity, specificity, diagnostic odds ratio and positive and negative likelihood ratios.
RESULTS
A total of 37 studies, including 5764 pregnancies at risk of PAS, with 1348 cases of confirmed PAS, were included in our analysis. The meta-analysis demonstrated that ultrasound had a sensitivity of 86% (95% CI, 78-92%) and specificity of 63% (95% CI, 55-70%) during the first trimester, and a sensitivity of 88% (95% CI, 84-91%) and specificity of 92% (95% CI, 85-96%) during the second/third trimester. Regarding sonographic markers examined in the first trimester, lower uterine hypervascularity exhibited the highest sensitivity (97% (95% CI, 19-100%)), and uterovesical interface irregularity demonstrated the highest specificity (99% (95% CI, 96-100%)). In the second/third trimester, loss of clear zone had the highest sensitivity (80% (95% CI, 72-86%)), and uterovesical interface irregularity exhibited the highest specificity (99% (95% CI, 97-100%)).
CONCLUSIONS
First-trimester ultrasound examination has similar accuracy to second- and third-trimester ultrasound examinations for the diagnosis of PAS. Routine first-trimester ultrasound screening for patients at high risk of PAS may improve detection rates and allow earlier referral to tertiary care centers for pregnancy management. © 2024 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.
Topics: Humans; Female; Pregnancy; Placenta Accreta; Ultrasonography, Prenatal; Sensitivity and Specificity; Pregnancy Trimester, First; Pregnancy Trimester, Third; Pregnancy Trimester, Second; Pregnancy Trimesters
PubMed: 38324675
DOI: 10.1002/uog.27606