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Medicina (Kaunas, Lithuania) Jun 2023Twin pregnancies demonstrate a 2-3-fold higher chance of developing PE compared to singletons, and recent evidence has demonstrated that the sFLT1/PIGF ratio is strongly... (Review)
Review
Twin pregnancies demonstrate a 2-3-fold higher chance of developing PE compared to singletons, and recent evidence has demonstrated that the sFLT1/PIGF ratio is strongly associated with PE, adverse pregnancy outcomes, as well as imminent deliveries due to PE complications. The primary objective of this systematic review was to summarise the available data on the levels of sFLT1, PlGF and their ratios in twin pregnancies and to investigate their association with the development of PE, adverse pregnancy outcomes and the timing of the delivery. A systematic search of Ovid Embase, Web of Science, Science Direct, PubMed, Ovid Medline, Google Scholar and CINAHL was carried out. sFLT1 levels and the sFLT1/PIGF ratio appeared higher in twins compared to singleton pregnancies, especially in the third trimester, while PlGF levels appeared higher up until the third trimester, with their values showing no difference or being even lower than in singletons thereafter. The sFLT1/PIGF ratio has been reported to be an independent marker of adverse outcomes related to pre-eclampsia and is associated with the mean time until delivery in an inverse manner. Further research is required in order to establish the optimal sFLT1/PIGF cut-off values and to stratify the risk of adverse outcomes in twin pregnancies.
Topics: Female; Humans; Pregnancy; Biomarkers; Placenta Growth Factor; Pre-Eclampsia; Pregnancy, Twin; Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor-1
PubMed: 37512044
DOI: 10.3390/medicina59071232 -
Frontiers in Pharmacology 2023To evaluate the effectiveness of vaginal progesterone in preventing preterm birth in women with a singleton gestation and short cervical length and to determine which...
Comparing the efficacy of vaginal micronized progesterone gel and capsule for prevention of preterm birth in singleton pregnancies with short cervical length at midtrimester: an indirect comparison meta-analysis.
To evaluate the effectiveness of vaginal progesterone in preventing preterm birth in women with a singleton gestation and short cervical length and to determine which of the two formulations, micronized progesterone vaginal capsule versus vaginal gel containing micronized progesterone, is more effective for preventing preterm birth. A systematic search was performed in the following databases: EMBASE, PubMed (MEDLINE), The Cochrane Library, and the Clinical Trials Registry (clinicaltrials.gov). Randomized controlled trials (RCTs), prospective and retrospective observational studies were included. We searched for progesterone administration to prevent preterm birth in asymptomatic women with a shortened cervix (<25 mm) measured by ultrasound in the second trimester of singleton pregnancy. Assessments of the risk of bias of RCTs were performed by applying the Cochrane Collaboration's Risk of Bias Tool; non-randomized control trials were evaluated with the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS). The primary outcome was preterm birth ≤33 weeks of gestation. Pooled relative risks (RR) and 95% CI's were calculated for dichotomous outcomes. Heterogeneity of treatment effect was assessed with the I statistic. We pooled results of the primary outcome for individual studies using a random-effect model. We then performed a network meta-analysis to pool indirect comparisons between the two formulations (gel vs capsule). This analysis was performed using the network meta-analysis package within the R environment. Five studies met the inclusion criteria (4 RCTs, one cohort study) including 1,048 women. The meta-analysis demonstrated that vaginal micronized progesterone significantly reduces preterm birth risk, Risk Ratio = 0.63; 95% CI, 0.48-0.82; = 0.0006; with no heterogeneity between the studies: = 0%. In the network meta-analysis, no significant difference was demonstrated (OR = 0.85; 95% CI, 0.43-1.69) between the effect of the two formulations of vaginal micronized progesterone (vaginal gel versus vaginal capsules) on the risk of PTB. Vaginal progesterone is associated with a decreased risk of premature birth in women with a shortened cervix in the second trimester of pregnancy. No differences were found between vaginal micronized progesterone in gel or capsule formulations. PROSPERO, identifier CRD42020165198.
PubMed: 37502216
DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1153013 -
Women's Health (London, England) 2023Regular exercise performed during pregnancy has been shown to reduce the risk of developing perinatal gestational hypertensive conditions. Further evidence on the exact... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Regular exercise performed during pregnancy has been shown to reduce the risk of developing perinatal gestational hypertensive conditions. Further evidence on the exact parameters of exercise needed to explain these beneficial responses is required, within both uncomplicated and at-risk pregnancies.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to investigate the effects of aerobic and resistance exercise on blood pressure during pregnancy.
DESIGN
Systematic review and meta-analysis.
DATA SOURCES AND METHODS
An online search of six search engines was conducted up to February 2023. Randomized controlled trials, quasi-experimental, cohort, and longitudinal studies were included. Studies included an acute exercise bout or intervention of land-based aerobic and/or resistance exercise during any trimester in uncomplicated and at-risk pregnancies. Outcomes included mean arterial pressure (MAP), or systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP).
RESULTS
Following the removal of duplicates, 1538 articles were screened with 59 studies meeting the inclusion criteria for the review (randomized controlled trials (RCTs) n = 34, clinical trials n = 19, cohort n = 5 and cross-sectional n = 2), and 21 studies included in the meta-analysis. A random effects model was used with mean difference calculated in mmHg. Overall, there were no statistically significant effects of exercise on resting blood pressure (BP) outcomes in pregnant women with normal blood pressure compared to control/usual care populations following intervention (SBP mean diff -1.54 mmHg (favours intervention), p = 0.38; DBP mean diff -2.25 mmHg (favours intervention), p = 0.1; MAP mean diff -1.75 mmHg (favours intervention), p = 0.31). In at-risk pregnant women, both aerobic and combination exercise significantly reduced BP outcomes compared to control (SBP mean diff -3.91 mmHg, p < 0.01; DBP mean diff -2.9 mmHg, p = 0.01; MAP mean diff -2.38 mmHg, p = 0.01). Twenty-seven studies reported an acute increase in SBP and DBP during aerobic exercise, with no difference found between uncomplicated and at-risk pregnancies.
CONCLUSIONS
Compared to usual care, aerobic and/or resistance exercise performed throughout uncomplicated pregnancy had no influence on blood pressure. Pregnant women with no diagnosed complications should be encouraged to exercise regularly due to the multitude of known benefits. In women who are at risk of, or diagnosed, with gestational hypertensive conditions during pregnancy, moderate to vigorous exercise during pregnancy improves blood pressure outcomes. Higher risk pregnancies may reduce their risk of future cardiovascular complications through regular exercise training during pregnancy.
REGISTRATION
CRD42020159998.
Topics: Pregnancy; Female; Humans; Blood Pressure; Resistance Training; Hypertension; Exercise
PubMed: 37455490
DOI: 10.1177/17455057231183573 -
The Journal of Maternal-fetal &... Dec 2023Using straightforward and accessible haematological parameters platelet/lymphocyte ratio (PLR) to diagnose preeclampsia (PE) early and precisely remains a challenge.... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Using straightforward and accessible haematological parameters platelet/lymphocyte ratio (PLR) to diagnose preeclampsia (PE) early and precisely remains a challenge. Although several clinical studies suggested that PLR is able to diagnose PE, there has been no systematic evaluation of the diagnostic utility.
OBJECTIVES
To examine the diagnostic accuracy and potential applicability of PLR in the detection of PE.
STUDY DESIGN
Seven databases were searched using a combination of PLR and PE terms, and all potentially pertinent studies were systematically searched up to March 2023. All potentially relevant studies both prospective and retrospective were reviewed. To assess the diagnostic value of PLR for PE, pooled sensitivity (Sen), specificity (Spe), diagnostic odds ratio (DOR) and area under the summary receiver operating characteristic curve (SROC-AUC) were calculated.
RESULTS
Thirteen studies were enrolled in the meta-analysis. In the second and third trimesters, the PLR suggested a diagnostic value for PE with a pooled Sen of 54.7% [95% confidence interval (CI) (51.7, 57.6)], Spe of 77.8% [95% CI (75.5, 80.0)], + LR of 2.457 [95% CI (1.897, 3.182)], -LR of 0.584 [95% CI (0.491, 0.695)], DOR of 4.434 [95% CI (3.071, 6.402)], the SROC-AUC of 0.7296 and the standard error (SE) of 0.0370.
CONCLUSION
For the diagnosis of PE, PLR has a limited sensitivity but an acceptable specificity, and showed moderate accuracy. Further using complete blood count (CBC) indicators such as PLR alone or in combination to diagnose and predict PE could reduce healthcare costs and improve maternal and child prognosis.
Topics: Child; Female; Humans; Pregnancy; Lymphocytes; Pre-Eclampsia; Prospective Studies; Retrospective Studies; ROC Curve; Sensitivity and Specificity
PubMed: 37455131
DOI: 10.1080/14767058.2023.2234540 -
Medicine Jul 2023This meta-analysis aimed to investigate the diagnostic value of color ultrasound screening for fetal cardiovascular abnormalities during the second trimester in China. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
This meta-analysis aimed to investigate the diagnostic value of color ultrasound screening for fetal cardiovascular abnormalities during the second trimester in China.
METHODS
A literature search was conducted to evaluate the clinical value of color ultrasound screening for fetal cardiovascular abnormalities during the second trimester using English and Chinese databases. Numerical values for sensitivity and specificity were obtained from false-negative, false-positive, true-negative, and true-positive rates, presented alongside graphical representations with boxes marking the values and horizontal lines showing the confidence intervals. Summary receiver operating characteristic (SROC) curves were applied to assess the performance of the diagnostic tests. Data were processed using Review Manager 5.3.
RESULTS
Four studies (151 patients with fetal cardiovascular abnormalities and 3397 undiagnosed controls) met our evaluation criteria. The sensitivity was 0.91 and 0.96, respectively, and the specificity was 1.00. The Area Under the Curve (AUC) from the SROC curves was >90%; therefore, it was classified as excellent. Furthermore, there were 6 types of fetal cardiovascular abnormalities, and the pooled screening rate of atrioventricular septal defects was the highest.
CONCLUSION
Our meta-analysis showed that the use of color ultrasound during the second trimester can be an excellent diagnostic tool for fetal cardiovascular abnormalities.
Topics: Female; Humans; Pregnancy; Cardiovascular Abnormalities; Pregnancy Trimester, Second; Sensitivity and Specificity; Ultrasonography, Doppler, Color; Ultrasonography, Prenatal
PubMed: 37443473
DOI: 10.1097/MD.0000000000034211 -
JTCVS Open Jun 2023To evaluate the ongoing debate concerning the choice of valve prosthesis for women requiring mitral valve replacement (MVR) and who wish to conceive. Bioprostheses are...
OBJECTIVES
To evaluate the ongoing debate concerning the choice of valve prosthesis for women requiring mitral valve replacement (MVR) and who wish to conceive. Bioprostheses are associated with risk of early structural valve deterioration. Mechanical prostheses require lifelong anticoagulation and carry maternal and fetal risks. Also, the optimal anticoagulation regimen during pregnancy after MVR remains unclear.
METHODS
A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted of studies reporting on pregnancy after MVR. Valve- and anticoagulation-related maternal and fetal risks during pregnancy and 30 days' postpartum were analyzed.
RESULTS
Fifteen studies reporting 722 pregnancies were included. In total, 87.2% of pregnant women had a mechanical prosthesis and 12.5% a bioprosthesis. Maternal mortality risk was 1.33% (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.69-2.56), any hemorrhage risk 6.90% (95% CI, 3.70-12.88). Valve thrombosis risk was 4.71% (95% CI, 3.06-7.26) in patients with mechanical prostheses. 3.23% (95% CI, 1.34-7.75) of the patients with bioprostheses experienced early structural valve deterioration. Of these, the mortality was 40%. Pregnancy loss risk was 29.29% (95% CI, 19.74-43.47) with mechanical prostheses versus 13.50% (95% CI, 4.31-42.30) for bioprostheses. Switching to heparin during the first trimester demonstrated a bleeding risk of 7.78% (95% CI, 3.71-16.31) versus 4.08% (95% CI, 1.17-14.28) for women on oral anticoagulants throughout pregnancy and a valve thrombosis risk of 6.99% (95% CI, 2.08-23.51) versus 2.89% (95% CI, 1.40-5.94). Administration of anticoagulant dosages greater than 5 mg resulted in a risk of fetal adverse events of 74.24% (95% CI, 56.11-98.23) versus 8.85% (95% CI, 2.70-28.99) in ≤5 mg.
CONCLUSIONS
A bioprosthesis seems the best option for women of childbearing age who are interested in future pregnancy after MVR. If mechanical valve replacement is preferred, the favorable anticoagulation regimen is continuous low-dose oral anticoagulants. Shared decision-making remains priority when choosing a prosthetic valve for young women.
PubMed: 37425470
DOI: 10.1016/j.xjon.2023.05.001 -
European Journal of Obstetrics,... Sep 2023A Cesarean Scar Pregnancy (CSP) is a variant of uterine ectopic pregnancy defined by full or partial implantation of the gestational sac in the scar of a previous... (Review)
Review
A Cesarean Scar Pregnancy (CSP) is a variant of uterine ectopic pregnancy defined by full or partial implantation of the gestational sac in the scar of a previous cesarean section. The continuous increase of Cesarean Deliveries is causing a parallel increase in CSP and its complications. Considering its high morbidity, the most usual recommendation has been termination of pregnancy in the first trimester; however, several cases progress to viable births. The aim of this systematic review is to evaluate the outcome of CSP managed expectantly and understand whether sonographic signs could correlate to the outcomes. An online-based search of PubMed and Cochrane Library Databases was used to gather studies including women diagnosed with a CSP who were managed expectantly. The description of all cases was analysed by the authors in order to obtain information for each outcome. 47 studies of different types were retrieved, and the gestational outcome was available in 194 patients. Out of these, 39 patients (20,1%) had a miscarriage and 16 (8,3%) suffered foetal death. 50 patients (25,8%) had a term delivery and 81 (41,8%) patients had a preterm birth, out of which 27 (13,9%) delivered before 34 weeks of gestation. In 102 (52,6%) patients, a hysterectomy was performed. Placenta Accreta Spectrum (PAS) was a common disorder among CSP and was linked to a higher rate of complications such as foetal death, preterm birth, hysterectomy, haemorrhagic morbidity and surgical complications. Some of the analysed articles showed that sonographic signs with specific characteristics, such as type II and III CSP classification, Crossover Sign - 1, "In the niche" implantation and lower myometrial thickness could be related to worse outcomes of CSP. This article provides a good understanding of CSP as an entity that, although rare, presents with a high rate of relevant morbidity. It is also understood that pregnancies with confirmed PAS had an even higher rate of morbidity. Some sonographic signs were shown to predict the prognosis of these pregnancies and further investigation is necessary to validate one or more signs so they can be used for a more reliable counselling of women with CSP.
Topics: Pregnancy; Infant, Newborn; Humans; Female; Cesarean Section; Premature Birth; Cicatrix; Watchful Waiting; Pregnancy, Ectopic; Pregnancy Outcome; Placenta Accreta; Fetal Death; Retrospective Studies
PubMed: 37421745
DOI: 10.1016/j.ejogrb.2023.06.030 -
The Journal of Maternal-fetal &... Dec 2023This meta-analysis aims to review the effect of serial transabdominal amnioinfusion (TAI) on short-term and long-term perinatal outcomes in mid-trimester preterm... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
OBJECTIVE
This meta-analysis aims to review the effect of serial transabdominal amnioinfusion (TAI) on short-term and long-term perinatal outcomes in mid-trimester preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM).
METHODS
Literature searches of PubMed, Web of Sciences, Scopus, and Cochrane Library were performed from their inception to April 2022. Studies comparing conventional treatment with serial TAI in women with proven PPROM at less than 26 + 0 weeks of gestation with oligohydramnios were included. Studies that included oligohydramnios due to other reasons such as fetal growth retardation or renal anomalies were excluded. Risk of bias in observational studies was assessed using the tool of the Cochrane Review group identified as risk of bias in non-randomized studies - of interventions. The risk of bias assessments for RCTs were performed according to the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool for randomized trials. An score was used to assess the heterogeneity of included studies. The analyses were performed by using random-effect model, and the results were expressed as relative risk (RR) or mean difference with 95% confidence intervals (CIs).
RESULTS
Overall, eight relevant studies including five observational studies ( = 252; 130 women allocated to the intervention) and three RCTs ( = 183; 93 women allocated to the intervention) were eligible. The pooled latency period was 21.9 days (95% CI, 13.1-30.8) and 5.8 days (95% CI, -11.6-23.2) longer in the TAI group in the observational studies and RCTs, respectively. The perinatal mortality rate reduced in the intervention group when tested in observational studies (RR 0.68; 95% CI, 0.51-0.92), but not in RCTs (RR 0.79; 95% CI, 0.56-1.13). The rate of long-term healthy survival was higher in the children whose mothers were treated with the TAI (35.7%) than those were treated with the standard management (28.6%) (RR 1.30, 95% CI 0.47-3.60, "best case scenario").
CONCLUSIONS
The efficacy of serial TA on early PPROM associated morbidity and mortality is not attested. Additional randomized control trials with adequate power are needed.
Topics: Pregnancy; Infant, Newborn; Child; Female; Humans; Pregnancy Trimester, Second; Oligohydramnios; Fetal Membranes, Premature Rupture; Delivery, Obstetric
PubMed: 37408113
DOI: 10.1080/14767058.2023.2230511 -
Gynecological Endocrinology : the... Jun 2023Serum uric acid (SUA) is considered as a risk factor for gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). However, current studies showed inconsistent results. This study aimed to... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
AIMS
Serum uric acid (SUA) is considered as a risk factor for gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). However, current studies showed inconsistent results. This study aimed to explore the relationship between SUA levels and GDM risk.
METHODS
Eligible studies were retrieved from PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, and Wanfang databases up to November 1, 2022. The pooled standardized mean difference (SMD) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were used to represent the difference in SUA levels between GDM women and controls. The combined odds ratios (OR) and 95% CI were applied to assess association between SUA levels and GDM risk. Subgroup analyses were conducted on study continents, design, and quality, detection time of SUA, and GDM diagnostic criteria.
RESULTS
Totally 11 studies including five case-control and six cohort studies, in which 80,387 pregnant women with 9815 GDM were included. The overall meta-analysis showed that the mean SUA level in GDM group was significantly higher than in controls (SMD = 0.423, 95%CI = 0.019-0.826, = .040, = 93%). Notably, pregnant women with elevated levels of SUA had a significantly increased risk of GDM (OR = 1.670, 95%CI = 1.184-2.356, = .0035, = 95%). Furthermore, subgroup analysis performed on the detection time of SUA showed a significant difference in the association between SUA and GDM risk within different trimesters (1st trimester: OR = 3.978, 95%CI = 2.177-7.268; 1st to 2nd trimester: OR = 1.340, 95%CI = 1.078-1.667; between subgroups <.01).
CONCLUSIONS
Elevated SUA was positively associated with GDM risk, particularly in the 1st trimester of pregnancy. Further studies with high quality are required to validate the findings of this study.
Topics: Pregnancy; Female; Humans; Diabetes, Gestational; Uric Acid; Pregnancy Trimester, First; Risk Factors; Pregnancy Trimester, Second
PubMed: 37406646
DOI: 10.1080/09513590.2023.2231101 -
Nutrients Jun 2023Maternal folate has been shown to relate to the risk of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). However, the existing studies have yielded inconsistent conclusions. The... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Maternal folate has been shown to relate to the risk of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). However, the existing studies have yielded inconsistent conclusions. The purpose of this study was to systematically review the association between maternal folate status and the risk of GDM. Observational studies up to 31 October 2022 were included. Study characteristics, the means and standard deviations (SDs) of folate levels (serum/red blood cell (RBC)), the odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) and the time for folate measurement were extracted. Compared with the non-GDM group, serum and RBC folate levels in women with GDM were significantly higher. Our subgroup analysis demonstrated that serum folate levels in the GDM group were significantly higher than in the non-GDM group only in the second trimester. RBC folate levels in the GDM group were significantly higher than in the non-GDM group in the first and second trimesters. Taking serum/RBC folate levels as continuous variables, the adjusted odds ratios of GDM risk showed that increased serum folate concentration rather than RBC folate elevated the risk of GDM. In the descriptive analysis, five studies reported high serum folate levels increased GDM risk, whereas the other five showed no association between serum folate levels and GDM risk. Moreover, the rest three studies pointed out high RBC folate levels increased GDM risk. Altogether we found that the risk of GDM is associated with high serum/plasma and RBC folate levels. Future studies should determine the recommended folic acid cutoff balancing the risk for GDM and fetal malformations.
Topics: Pregnancy; Female; Humans; Diabetes, Gestational; Folic Acid
PubMed: 37375669
DOI: 10.3390/nu15122766