Analysis of Perinatal Outcomes of Twin Pregnancy in a Referral Hospital for High Risk

Introduction: The incidence of twin pregnancies has increased significantly in recent decades. These pregnancies require more attention due to their worse outcomes than singleton pregnancies. Objective: To analyze the characteristics and perinatal outcomes of twin pregnancies at the Caxias do Sul General Hospital. Methods: This is a descriptive and retrospective study that included all births related to twin pregnancies between March 1998 and June 2018. Maternal and perinatal variables were analyzed. Descriptive analyses were carried out using measures of central tendency and dispersion for continuous variables (mean and standard deviation or median and interquartile range), according to a prior assessment of distribution using the Shapiro-Wilk test, and absolute (n) and relative (n%) frequencies for categorical variables. Results: 172 pairs of twins/21,972 births (0.8%) were identified. There was a high percentage of interpartum interval of less than 12 months, adherence and prenatal visits, body mass index, and need for neonatal intensive care. Stillbirth and neomortality rates were within acceptable parameters. Conclusion: The sample studied showed a percentage similar to that in the literature, a high rate of maternal and perinatal complications, characterizing it as a high-risk fetal pregnancy.

Perinatal Morbidity, Mortality, and Neurodevelopmental Outcomes of Neonates with Fetal Growth Restriction

Objective: This study aimed to assess perinatal morbidity, mortality rates, and neurodevelopmental outcomes in the management of fetal growth restriction (FGR) at a single tertiary institute. Methods: Among 2465 deliveries between 2013 and 2019, 109 cases of FGR were reviewed retrospectively for causes, indications for pregnancy termination, perinatal death, overall neonatal outcomes, and long-term prognosis. Results: Excluding FGR due to congenital anomalies (n = 17), the mortality rate was 3.3% (3/92). One neonate delivered at 23 weeks developed cerebral palsy (1.1%). Retinopathy of prematurity occurred in four neonates (4.3%). Neurodevelopmental disorders were present in six neonates (6.5%), all of whom were delivered at 32 - 38 weeks. Significantly lower gestational age at delivery, lower birth weight, and higher umbilical artery resistance indices were observed in neonates with neurodevelopmental disorders. Conclusions: Intact survival before 27 weeks of gestation at delivery with FGR is uncommon. Neurodevelopmental disorders may still develop after delivery at 32 - 38 weeks;consideration should be given to the timing of delivery usingfetal ductus venosus Doppler waveforms measurements to reduce neurodevelopmental disorders.

The Obstetric and Perinatal Outcomes of Adolescent Pregnancies in a Developed Cosmopolitan Middle Eastern Country: A Retrospective Pearl-Peristat Registry

Background: Early marriage is prevalent in Middle Eastern culture. The objective of this study was to investigate the pregnancy outcomes of married pregnant adolescents in a prosperous and highly developed Middle Eastern society, when they receive sufficient prenatal care and social assistance. Methods: A retrospective analysis was performed on the Peristat-based Maternal-Newborn registry utilizing hospital data acquired from four main governmental hospitals in Qatar. The study analyzed the pregnancy outcomes of young adults [ages 20 - 24) who experienced their first pregnancy and compared them to the pregnancy outcomes of adolescents aged 15 to 19 years old. Results: The study comprised a cohort of 3152 pregnant married women. This cohort included 2674 women between the ages of 20 and 24, as well as 478 adolescents aged 15 to 19 years old. In comparison to the young adult group, the non-Qatari population in the adolescent group was significantly higher (78.6% (376/478) vs. 71.5% (1914/2674), p-value = 0.003). Other Arab nationalities accounted for more than half of the adolescent population. All the mothers were married, did not use alcohol, and were nonsmokers. There were no documented mothers under the age of 15. Attending antenatal clinics was significantly higher in the adolescent group (p < 0.001). There was no significant difference in the mean gestational age at birth between adolescents and young adults (38.5 ± 2.3 weeks vs. 38.7 ± 2.1 weeks, p = 0.06). Furthermore, adolescent mothers had a higher rate of low birth weight (13.6% vs. 10.4%, p < 0.001) than young mothers. There was a non-statistically significant rise in pre-eclampsia incidence. Other unfavorable pregnancy outcomes were less common among them, such as diabetes, operative vaginal delivery, caesarean section, stillbirth, NICU hospitalization, and an Apgar score of less than 7 at five minutes. There were no maternal deaths;however, there was a comparable rate of neonatal in-hospital mortality. Conclusion: Pregnancy during adolescence may not relate to significant problems in a well-tolerant culture that ensures dedicated antenatal and social support.

COVID-19 in pregnancy:Perinatal outcomes and complications

BACKGROUND The risk of severe coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)in pregnant women is elevated.AIM To examine the outcomes of pregnant women with COVID-19 and report perinatal outcomes and complications,while providing a brief review of current literature.METHODS The study included pregnant women presenting from April 2020 to February 2022 to the emergency department(ED)of a tertiary hospital.We retrospectively recorded the maternal and perinatal files,including patient epidemiological and clinical characteristics,laboratory values,outcomes,treatment modalities and associations were explored.RESULTS Among the 60 pregnant women,25%required hospitalization,all of whom were symptomatic.Preterm delivery occurred in 30%of cases.Ten percent of neonates required admission to the neonatal intensive care unit,and 5%were classified as small for their gestational age.All mothers survived COVID-19 and pregnancy,with 6.6%requiring invasive mechanical ventilation.Preterm delivery rates did not differ between hospitalized and non-hospitalized pregnant women;composite unfavorable perinatal outcomes,including stillbirth,small for gestational age,or neonatal intensive care unit(ICU)admission,did not significantly increase in the cases hospitalized for COVID-19(P=0.09).The odds of hospitalization increased 2.3-fold for each day of delayed ED presentation[adj.OR(95%CI:1.46-3.624),P<0.001].Comorbidity status was an independent predictor of hospitalization,albeit with marginal significance[adj.OR=16.13(95%CI:1.021-255.146),P=0.048].No independent predictors of adverse fetal outcome(composite)were identified,and eventual hospitalization failed to reach statistical significance by a slight margin(P=0.054).CONCLUSION Delayed ED presentation and comorbidities increase hospitalization odds.This study highlights the importance of continuous and specific guidance for managing pregnant COVID-19 patients,including timely and appropriate interventions to minimize maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality.

Intrahepatic Cholestasis of Pregnancy: Biochemical Predictors of Adverse Perinatal Outcomes

Summary： This study aimed to identify biochemical predictors of adverse perinatal outcomes in in- trahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy （ICP）. A total of 106 ICP cases were analyzed retrospectively by the combination of receiver operating characteristic curve and binary logistic regression analysis. ＂Adverse perinatal outcomes＂ included spontaneous preterm labor, meconium-staining of amniotic fluid, stillbirth and Apgar score ≤7 at 1 or 5 min. Total bile acid （TBA） [AUC=0.658, 95%CI （0.536, 0.781）, P=0.031] was a valuable predictor for adverse perinatal outcomes. The critical value of TBA above which adverse perinatal outcomes were observed was 40.15 μmol/L （Youden＇s index=0.3）. Binary multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that the risk of adverse perinatal outcomes increased when TBA ≥40.15 /.tmol/L [OR=3.792, 95%CI （1.226, 11.727）, P=0.021]. It is concluded that the risk of adverse perinatal outcomes in ICP increases when maternal TBA ≥40.15 gmol/L.

Maternal and perinatal outcomes of induction of labor at term in the university clinics of Kinshasa, DR Congo

Objective: This paper aims at assessing outcomes following induction of labor and characteristics likely to predict vaginal delivery. Study design: This is a descriptive retrospective cohort study including all women with singleton pregnancies who delivered at term in the university clinics of Kinshasa, DR Congo, from January 01, 2006 until December 31, 2010. Induction was initiated regardless of cervical status. Methods of induction included: oxytocin perfusion, vaginal Misoprostol, intracervical insertion of the Foley catheter and amniotomy. Results of induction were compared in terms of failure of labor, cesarean section, fetal distress, and neonatal distress. Logistic regression was used to seek for independent contributing factors for adverse outcomes. Results: During the period of the study 115 patients at term (3.2%) were concerned with induction of labor. Means for maternal age, gestational age and weight at confinement were 30.5 ± 5.7 years, 37.95 ± 1.54 weeks and 69.3 ± 15.1 kg, respectively. The mean parity and gravidity were 2.4 ± 1.9 and 2.9 ± 1.9, respectively. The mean Bishop score was 6.2 ± 1.5 at the first induction, with 66 women (57.3%) having less than 7. Indications for induction were: preeclampsia (52 = 54.1%), premature rupture of membranes (34 = 29.5%), post term (17 = 14.6%), gestational diabetes (5 = 4.3%), stillbirth (5 = 4.3%), polyhydramnios (3 = 2.6%) and cardiopathy (1 = 0.8%). Methods of induction at the first attempt included: oxytocin (86 = 74.7%), vaginal misoprostol (20 = 17.3%), transcervical Foley catheter balloon (14 = 12.1%), and amniotomy (1 = 0.8%). Failure to induce uterine contraction at the first attempt was noted in 9/115 (7.8%) women. Vaginal delivery occurred in 78 (66.9%) women, and cesarean section in 34 (29.6%). The majority of cesarean sections were performed at the primary induction, most of them (29/34 = 85.3%) in women with bad Bishop score. Failure of induction was more likely to occur in association with high maternal weight (OR 6.8;CI 1.2 - 39.7), and somewhat birth weight (OR 2.1 but CI containing 1). Risk for cesarean section was increased in association with induction of labor in cases of high maternal weight (OR 10.3, CI 16.0 - 67.0), and somewhat of high birth weight (OR 2.3, but CI containing 1). Fetal distress was associated only with maternal weight (OR 15.7, CI 1.3 - 187.8), and neonatal distress only with Bishop score (OR 10.9, CI 1.1 - 108.0). Conclusion Induction of labor in our setting in order to get vaginal delivery is affected of a high risk of adverse outcomes such as failure of induction, cesarean delivery, fetal and neonatal distress. This risk is significantly influenced by maternal weight, birth weight and Bishop score. Lack of worse outcomes between the first and the subsequent attempts to induce labor can be regarded as a reason to try induction even in the presence of unfavorable cervix.

Evaluation of Perinatal and Developmental Outcomes in Neonates with Abstinence Syndrome Admitted to NICU

Drug abuse by pregnant women is one of the significant problems for mothers and their neonates.This study aimed to investigate the effects of maternal substance use disorder during pregnancy on neonatal developmental criteria.In a case-control study,clinical records of 90 neonates diagnosed with neonatal abstinence syndrome who were admitted to NICU in one of four hospitals affiliated with Shahid-Beheshti University of Medical Sciences in Tehran,Iran between 2017 and 2020 were compared to 90 neonates without neonatal abstinence syndrome(control group).Demographic information and data for neonatal developmental characteristics and complications were extracted from the clinical records of this convenience sample.Data for the type and method of maternal substance use during pregnancy were collected through a telephone call with mothers.Our data showed that the prevalence of drug addiction was 1.8%among pregnant women,and the most common drugs used by mothers were opium(n=45%,50%),amphetamine(n=30%,33%),and methadone(n=14%,16%).Neonates with abstinence syndrome had a higher prevalence of transient tachypnea of the newborn(TTN)(P=0.004),and a prevalence of being admitted to NICU(P=0.05)and for a longer duration(P<0.001).Their mothers had a higher prevalence of having pre-eclampsia(P=0.010).Using morphine vs.amphetamine showed no difference based on their effects on mothers and neonates.Substance use during pregnancy increased the prevalence of pregnancy complications(pre-eclampsia)and neonatal complications(TTN and prevalence and duration of hospitalization).Therefore,planning for the development of health policies to raise awareness among women and more broadly,all members of the community,is important to prevent the tendency to engage in this potentially high-risk behavior.

Comparison of Perinatal Outcomes in Late Preterm Spontaneous and Indicated Preterm Birth Neonates

Objective: We aimed to compare the perinatal outcomes in late preterm spontaneous and indicated birth neonates. Methods: We studied 289 late preterm births, classified as either aspontaneous late preterm birth (sLPTB) group (preterm labor with intact membranes and preterm premature rupture of membranes) or an indicated late preterm birth (iLPTB) group (hypertensive disorder in pregnancy, placental causes, and maternal diseases), according to the delivery indication. We then compared the maternal and neonatal characteristics and perinatal outcomes, including the Apgar score, admission to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) or special care nursery (SCN), duration of NICU stay, and the rate of composite morbidity (antibiotic use, hypoglycemia, hypocalcemia, hyperbilirubinemia requiring phototherapy, respiratory support, and respiratory distress syndrome). Results: A total of 198 neonates were in the sLPTB group and 91 were in the iLPTB group. In spite of greater gestational age at the time of delivery in the iLPTB group, the mean birth weight was lower than that in the sLPTB group. Additionally, the iLPTB group showed lower Apgar scores, and higher rates of NICU or SCN admission, respiratory support, and hypoglycemia, but there was no difference in the rate of composite morbidity between the two groups. Conclusion: iLPTB neonates had lower birth weights despite greater gestational age than those in the sLPTB group, but there was no difference in the rate of composite morbidity between the two groups.

Blastocyst elective single embryo transfer improves perinatal outcomes among women undergoing assisted reproductive technology in Indonesia

Objective:To compare the effectiveness of blastocyst elective single embryo transfer(eSET)and double embryo transfer(DET)in reducing low birth weight,preterm birth,and perinatal mortality in in vitro fertilization(IVF)cycles of Indonesian women.Methods:A retrospective observational study was conducted at Morula IVF Clinic,Jakarta,Indonesia.A total of 179 women who underwent either eSET or DET and had met the eligibility criteria were included.Seventy-six women underwent eSET while 103 underwent DET in their IVF cycles.Low birth-weight rate,preterm birth rate,and perinatal mortality rate of both groups were measured as the primary study outcomes.Neonatal intensive care unit(NICU)admission rate,Apgar score,multiple pregnancy,and maternal complications during pregnancy were also evaluated.Results:The risk of low birth weight[odds ratio(OR)=0.21,95%confidential interval(CI):0.10-0.45,P<0.001]and preterm birth(OR=0.25,95%CI:0.13-0.49,P<0.001)was significantly lower in the eSET group compared with the DET group.Furthermore,eSET efficiently reduced the incidence of NICU admission and multiple pregnancy(P=0.01 and P<0.001,respectively).No significant difference was observed in terms of perinatal mortality rate,Apgar score,and maternal complications including gestational diabetes,preeclampsia as well as pregnancy-induced hypertension(P≥0.05).However,a lower incidence of antepartum hemorrhage was noticed in the eSET group than in the DET group(P=0.03).Conclusions:Compared with DET,infants conceived through IVF cycles with eSET have a significantly lower risk of low birth weight,preterm birth,and NICU admissions.Moreover,eSET is shown to reduce multiple pregnancy rate,yet no significant differences are observed in the perinatal mortality rates,Apgar score and maternal complications(except for the incidence of antepartum hemorrhage)between both groups.

Predictive Value of Amniotic Fluid Index in Term Small for Gestational Age with Normal Doppler Studies for Perinatal Outcomes

Background and Aim: Delivery of a fetus with SGA is associated with increased risk of perinatal morbidity and mortality. Evidence is limited for the accuracy of Oligohydramnios to predict substantive perinatal morbidity and mortality in non–anomalous SGA fetuses monitored with normal Doppler studies. The aim of this study is to determine the association between amniotic fluid index and adverse perinatal outcomes in term SGA fetuses with normal Doppler studies. Method: This is a prospective observational study carried out by 340 pregnant women who were admitted to obstetrics unit, Sri Jayewardenepura from January 2019 to January 2023. Singleton pregnancies at term who were diagnosed with SGA (EFW 10th centile or AC 10th centile) with normal umbilical artery and middle cerebral artery Doppler studies were included. AFI was assessed predelivery and data were collected according to demographic details, mode of delivery, time of delivery, intrapartum events, and neonatal outcomes. Results: A total of 340 term pregnant women were studied. Out of them, 44% were in AFI more than 10 groups and 37% and 19% were in AFI 5 - 10 and less than 5 groups respectively. More obstetrics interventions were reported in AFI 5 groupa in terms of induction of labor (P 0.04) and emergency caesarean sections (P 0.003). No significant deference in immediate neonatal outcome was detected between each group. (Meconium-stained liquor (P 0.634), 1 minute APGAR (P 0.575) and 5-minute APGAR P 0.165)). Neonatal unit admission (P 0.001) and long-term neonatal complications were

Perinatal outcomes associated with meconium-stained amniotic fluid in Japanese singleton pregnancies

Introduction: We examined the perinatal outcomes in Japanese singleton pregnancies associated with meconium-stained amniotic fluid (MSAF) in relation to gestational age at delivery. Methods: We reviewed the obstetric records of all Japanese singleton deliveries after 22 weeks’ gestation managed at Japanese Red Cross Katsushika Maternity Hospital between 2002 and 2008 (n = 11,249). Results: The incidence of MSAF in the whole singleton pregnancies was 13%. The incidence of MSAF at preterm, term and post-term were 9.1%, 13% and 48%, respectively. The incidence of intrauterine fetal death, low Apgar score and low umbilical artery pH at delivery in cases with MSAF were significantly higher than those without MSAF in various gestational ages at delivery. Conclusion: Obstetric management should be affected by meconium in the amniotic fluid.

Effect of Carbohydrate Intolerance and Gestational Diabetes on Obstetric and Perinatal Outcomes

Objectives: To compare the frequency of obstetric and perinatal complications among patients with carbohydrate intolerance (CHI) and gestational diabetes (GD). Materials and Methods: In a prospective study at the Civil Hospital of Culiacán, we studied 182 pregnant patients between 16 and 30 weeks of gestation (WG) who received a glucose tolerance test following the oral administration of 100 g of glucose. The patients were classified as normal (n = 53), CHI (n = 61) and GD (n = 68) between January 15 to November 30, 2012. The analyzed variables included the frequency of polyhydramnios, preeclampsia-eclampsia, obstetric hemorrhage, fetal macrosomia, and admission to a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Results: No significant differences were found between women with CHI and women with GD with respect to obstetric hemorrhage (P = 0.774), preeclampsia-eclampsia (P = 0.590), and macrosomia (P = 0.119). However, polyhydramnios was more frequent in CHI group (OR = 3) compared to GD, whereas admission to the NICU was lower in the CHI group compared to GD group (OR = 0.38). Conclusion: Preeclampsia-eclampsia, obstetric hemorrhage, and macrosomia were similar among patients with CHI and GD. In contrast, polyhydramnios was more frequent in patients with CHI compared to patients with GD, but admission to the NICU was more frequent in patients with GD.

Obstetrical and Perinatal Outcomes of Adolescent Pregnancies in Cameroon: A Retrospective Cohort Study at the YaoundéGeneral Hospital

Background: Adolescent pregnancy is a serious health and social problem worldwide as well as in Cameroon. The aim of this study was to determine the obstetrical and perinatal outcomes of nulliparous adolescent pregnancies in a reference hospital in Cameroon. Methods: A retrospective cohort study to compare the outcomes of nulliparous adolescent pregnancies to those of nulliparous women aged 20 to 25 years was carried out at the Yaoundé General Hospital between January 1993 and December 2012. Results: Adolescent deliveries represented 2.84% (331 deliveries) of all deliveries registered during the study period. The adolescent mothers had a significantly higher incidence of preeclampsia/eclampsia, preterm delivery and low birth weight babies (<2500 g) when compared to the control group (OR, 3.46;CI 95%, 1.46 - 8.18;OR, 1.94 CI 95%, 1.34 - 2.79;OR, 1.98, CI 95%, 1.39 - 2.46, respectively). However, placenta previa, abruptio placenta, episiotomy, cesarean section, vaginal instrumental delivery, perineal tears and post partum hemorrhage were not significantly different in the two groups. Furthermore, there was no statistically significant difference between the two groups regarding fetal distress, low Apgar score (st and 5th minutes), the rate of admission in the neonatal intensive care unit, stillbirth and neonatal death. Conclusion: Adolescent pregnancy is associated with an increased risk of preeclampsia/ eclampsia, preterm birth and low birth weight.

Obstetrical and Perinatal Outcomes of Teenage Pregnant Women Attending a Secondary Hospital in Hyderabad

Objective: To evaluate the frequency of adverse maternal and perinatal outcomes in teenage pregnancies at secondary hospital Hyderabad. Methods: Retrospective record review was conducted between January 2012 to January 2016. Total No. of deliveries was 15,395 out of which No. of teenage was 452. Results: Rate of teenage pregnancy in our hospital during study period was 2.93%. Majority of women were uneducated. Teenage mother more likely to develop pregnancy induced hypertension 19.5%, frequency of mild, moderate, and severe anemia were reported to be 69.9%, 28.8% and 1.3% respectively. Conclusion: Fetal and neonatal outcome was not adversely affected. Teenage pregnancy outcome can be achieved favorable with good antenatal care.

Maternal and Perinatal Outcomes of Pregnant Women with Heart Disease in Three YaoundéReferral Hospitals

Heart disease in pregnancy is the cause of significant maternal and perinatal morbidity. We wanted to evaluate the maternal and perinatal outcomes of pregnant women with heart disease in Yaoundé, Cameroon. This was a cross sectional study with retrospective data collection of 45 pregnancies in 42 women with heart disease followed at three Yaoundé referral hospitals in Yaoundé, Cameroon from January 1st 2015 to December 31st 2020. We collected data on maternal obstetrical and perinatal outcomes. The frequency of pregnancies with heart diseases was 0.1%. The mean maternal age was 29.05 ± 6.5 years. At first antenatal visit, all patients were in class I (84.4%) and II (15.6%) of the New-York Heart Association (NYHA) functional class. Valvular heart disease (51.1%) was the most common type followed by cardiomyopathy (37.7%). Over half of the deliveries were vaginal (51.1%). A cesarean section was generally indicated for the usual obstetrical reasons (54.5%) and for heart disease (31.8%). Complications included 17 (37.7%) cases of heart failure, 6 (13.3%) cases of pulmonary edema, 2 (04.4%) cases of pulmonary embolism, 3 (06.6%) maternal deaths and 3 (06.3%) perinatal deaths, 14 (29.7%) premature births and 3 cases of (6.3%) intrauterine growth retardation. The maternal deaths were cases complicated by pulmonary edema and all had dilated cardiomyopathy. The maternal and perinatal outcomes of pregnant women with heart disease are marked in our environment by increased morbidity and mortality. Therefore, it is necessary to improve the prenatal, per partum and postpartum management of this high-risk group.

Impact of metabolic syndrome components on clinical outcomes in hypertriglyceridemia-induced acute pancreatitis

BACKGROUND The incidence of hypertriglyceridemia(HTG)-induced acute pancreatitis(AP)is steadily increasing in China,becoming the second leading cause of AP.Clinical complications and outcomes associated with HTG-AP are generally more severe than those seen in AP caused by other etiologies.HTG-AP is closely linked to metabolic dysfunction and frequently coexists with metabolic syndrome or its components.However,the impact of metabolic syndrome components on HTGAP clinical outcomes remains unclear.AIM To investigate the impact of metabolic syndrome component burden on clinical outcomes in HTG-AP.METHODS In this retrospective study of 255 patients diagnosed with HTG-AP at the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University,we collected data on patient demographics,clinical scores,complications,and clinical outcomes.Subsequently,we analyzed the influence of the presence and number of individual metabolic syndrome components,including obesity,hyperglycemia,hypertension,and low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol(HDL-C),on the aforementioned parameters in HTG-AP patients.RESULTS This study found that metabolic syndrome components were associated with an increased risk of various complications in HTG-AP,with low HDL-C being the most significant risk factor for clinical outcomes.The risk of complications increased with the number of metabolic syndrome components.Adjusted for age and sex,patients with highcomponent metabolic syndrome had significantly higher risks of renal failure[odds ratio(OR)=3.02,95%CI:1.12-8.11)],SAP(OR=5.05,95%CI:2.04-12.49),and intensive care unit admission(OR=6.41,95%CI:2.42-16.97)compared to those without metabolic syndrome.CONCLUSION The coexistence of multiple metabolic syndrome components can synergistically worsen the clinical course of HTGAP,making it crucial to monitor these components for effective disease management.

Summarizing the evidence for robotic-assisted bladder neck reconstruction: Systematic review of patency and incontinence outcomes

Objective:Bladder neck contracture and vesicourethral anastomotic stenosis are difficult to manage endoscopically,and open repair is associated with high rates of incontinence.In recent years,there have been increasing reports of robotic-assisted bladder neck reconstruction in the literature.However,existing studies are small,heterogeneous case series.The objective of this study was to perform a systematic review of robotic-assisted bladder neck reconstruction to better evaluate patency and incontinence outcomes.Methods:We performed a systematic review of PubMed from first available date to May 2023 for all studies evaluating robotic-assisted reconstructive surgery of the bladder neck in adult men.Articles in non-English,author replies,editorials,pediatric-based studies,and reviews were excluded.Outcomes of interest were patency and incontinence rates,which were pooled when appropriate.Results:After identifying 158 articles on initial search,we included only ten studies that fit all aforementioned criteria for robotic-assisted bladder neck reconstruction.All were case series published from March 2018 to March 2022 ranging from six to 32 men,with the median follow-up of 5e23 months.A total of 119 patients were included in our analysis.A variety of etiologies and surgical techniques were described.Patency rates ranged from 50%to 100%,and pooled patency was 80%(95/119).De novo incontinence rates ranged from 0%to 33%,and pooled incontinence was 17%(8/47).Our findings were limited by small sample sizes,relatively short follow-ups,and heterogeneity between studies.

Unicompartmental knee arthroplasty vs high tibial osteotomy for knee osteoarthritis:A comparison of clinical and radiological outcomes

BACKGROUND Unicompartmental knee arthroplasty(UKA)and high tibial osteotomy(HTO)are well-established operative interventions in the treatment of knee osteoarthritis.However,which intervention is more beneficial to patients with knee osteoarthritis remains unknown and a topic of much debate.Simultaneously,there is a paucity of research assessing the relationship between radiographic parameters of knee joint alignment and patient-reported clinical outcomes,preoperatively and following HTO or UKA.AIM To compare UKAs and HTOs as interventions for medial-compartment knee osteoarthritis:Examining differences in clinical outcome and investigating the relationship of joint alignment with respect to this.METHODS This longitudinal observational study assessed a total of 42 patients that had undergone UKA(n=23)and HTO(n=19)to treat medial compartment knee osteoarthritis.Patient-reported outcome measures(PROMs)were collected to evaluate clinical outcome.These included two disease-specific(Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score,Oxford Knee Score)and two generic(EQ-5D-5L,Short Form-12)PROMs.The radiographic parameters of knee alignment assessed were the:Hip-knee-ankle angle,mechanical axis deviation and angle of Mikulicz line.RESULTS Statistical analyses demonstrated significant(P<0.001),preoperative to postoperative,improvements in the PROM scores of both groups.There were,however,no significant inter-group differences in the postoperative PROM scores of the UKA and HTO group.Several significant correlations associated a more distolaterally angled Mikulicz line with worse knee function and overall health preoperatively(P<0.05).Postoperatively,two clusters of significant correlations were observed between the disease-specific PROM scores and knee joint alignment parameters(hip-knee-ankle angle,mechanical axis deviation)within the HTO group;yet no such associations were observed within the UKA group.CONCLUSION UKAs and HTOs are both efficacious operations that provide a comparable degree of clinical benefit to patients with medial compartment knee osteoarthritis.Clinical outcome has a limited association with radiographic parameters of knee joint alignment postoperatively;however,a more distolaterally angled Mikulicz line appears associated with worse knee function/health-related quality of life preoperatively.

Klebsiella pneumoniae infections after liver transplantation:Drug resistance and distribution of pathogens,risk factors,and influence on outcomes

BACKGROUND Liver transplantation(LT)is the only curative treatment for end-stage liver disease.However,LT recipients are susceptible to infection,which is the leading cause of early mortality after LT.Klebsiella pneumoniae infections(KPIs)in the bloodstream are common in LT recipients.We hypothesized that KPIs and carbapenemresistant Klebsiella pneumoniae(CRKP)infections may affect the outcomes of LT recipients.AIM To assess KPI incidence,timing,distribution,drug resistance,and risk factors following LT and its association with outcomes.METHODS This retrospective study included 406 patients undergoing LT at The Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University,a tertiary hospital,from January 2015 to January 2023.We investigated the risk factors for KPIs and assessed the impact of KPIs and CRKP infections on the prognosis of LT recipients using logistic regression analysis.RESULTS KPI incidence was 7.9%(n=32),with lung/thoracic cavity the most frequent site of infection;the median time from LT to KPI onset was 7.5 d.Of 44 Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates,43(97.7%)and 34(77.3%)were susceptible to polymyxin B or ceftazidime/avibactam and tigecycline,respectively;>70%were resistant to piperacillin/tazobactam,ceftazidime,cefepime,aztreonam,meropenem,and levofloxacin.Female sex[odds ratio(OR)=2.827,95%confidence interval(CI):1.256-6.364;P=0.012],pre-LT diabetes(OR=2.794,95%CI:1.070-7.294;P=0.036),day 1 post-LT alanine aminotransferase(ALT)levels≥1500 U/L(OR=3.645,95%CI:1.671-7.950;P=0.001),and post-LT urethral catheter duration over 4 d(OR=2.266,95%CI:1.016-5.054;P=0.046)were risk factors for KPI.CRKP infections,but not KPIs,were risk factors for 6-month all-cause mortality post-LT.CONCLUSION KPIs occur frequently and rapidly after LT.Risk factors include female sex,pre-LT diabetes,increased post-LT ALT levels,and urethral catheter duration.CRKP infections,and not KPIs,affect mortality.

Retrospective Cohort Study to Investigate Pregnancy Outcomes in a Population of Advanced Maternal Age Congolese Women of Kinshasa: A Study Protocol

Introduction: Pregnancies at advanced maternal age (AMA) are those occurring after the age of 35 years old. They carry a high risk of maternal-fetal morbidity and mortality, thus constituting a public health problem. Several African countries have reported an upward trend in both the age of childbirth and the frequency of women with AMA over the past 20 years. In the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), where maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality remain very high, data on AMA pregnancies go back more than 20 years. Objective: We propose evaluating obstetrical outcomes among women in AMA in our setting and the associated factors. Methods: This retrospective cohort study will be conducted in two healthcare facilities (ESS) in Kinshasa. The study population will consist of all women who delivered a single fetus after 28 weeks of gestation between January 2012 and December 2022 (10 years) in the selected ESS. The data collected will be analyzed using R software version 4.2.0. Quantitative variables will be summarized as means with standard deviation or medians with interquartile range. Qualitative variables will be presented as proportions (%). Multivariate logistic regression will be used to determine the main maternal-fetal complications associated with AMA and predictors of obstetric outcomes. P Discussion: The high maternal and infant mortality rates in DRC are among the highest in the world. The context of maternal age has become a topic of growing interest due to its potential implications for the health of women and newborns, it is crucial to identify the risk factors associated with obstetric outcomes by identifying obstetrical outcomes associated with advanced maternal age in the DRC. Many Congolese women tend to start their maternity journey at a relatively young age. However, there is also an emerging trend towards delayed childbearing, particularly in urban areas and among women with access to education and family planning services. Conclusion: The results of this study will enable us to update the frequency of AMA pregnancies in our environment. The socio-demographic and clinical profile of these pregnancies will be determined. The main maternal-fetal complications associated with AMA in our setting and the associated factors will be identified.