Association of interpregnancy interval and risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes in woman by different previous gestational ages

Background:With an increasing proportion of multiparas,proper interpregnancy intervals(IPIs)are urgently needed.However,the association between IPIs and adverse perinatal outcomes has always been debated.This study aimed to explore the association between IPIs and adverse outcomes in different fertility policy periods and for different previous gestational ages.Methods:We used individual data from China’s National Maternal Near Miss Surveillance System between 2014 and 2019.Multivariable Poisson models with restricted cubic splines were used.Each adverse outcome was analyzed separately in the overall model and stratified models.The stratified models included different categories of fertility policy periods(2014-2015,2016-2017,and 2018-2019)and infant gestational age in previous pregnancy(<28 weeks,28-36 weeks,and≥37 weeks).Results:There were 781,731 pregnancies enrolled in this study.A short IPI(≤6 months)was associated with an increased risk of preterm birth(OR[95%CI]:1.63[1.55,1.71]for vaginal delivery[VD]and 1.10[1.03,1.19]for cesarean section[CS]),low Apgar scores and small for gestational age(SGA),and a decreased risk of diabetes mellitus in pregnancy,preeclampsia or eclampsia,and gestational hypertension.A long IPI(≥60 months)was associated with an increased risk of preterm birth(OR[95%CI]:1.18[1.11,1.26]for VD and 1.39[1.32,1.47]for CS),placenta previa,postpartum hemorrhage,diabetes mellitus in pregnancy,preeclampsia or eclampsia,and gestational hypertension.Fertility policy changes had little effect on the association of IPIs and adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes.The estimated risk of preterm birth,low Apgar scores,SGA,diabetes mellitus in pregnancy,and gestational hypertension was more profound among women with previous term births than among those with preterm births or pregnancy loss.Conclusion:For pregnant women with shorter or longer IPIs,more targeted health care measures during pregnancy should be formulated according to infant gestational age in previous pregnancy.

Accuracy of Trans-Cerebellar Diameter and Placental Thickness in Third Trimesteric Pregnant Women for Calculation of Gestational Age: A Cross Sectional Study

Background: Accurate determination of gestational age has become important for deciding the appropriate time for termination of the pregnancy as well as to monitor the fetal growth during the entire period of pregnancy. Objective: The aim of the study was to assess whether the trans-cerebellar diameter, placental thickness or combining both of them is more accurate for assessment of gestational age in the 3rd trimester of pregnancy. Patients and Methods: This is a cross sectional study conducted at outpatient Clinic and Obstetric ward, Ain Shams University Maternity Hospital, over a period of six months from March 2019 to September 2019. One hundred pregnant women were recruited according to inclusion criteria either from outpatient clinic or were admitted in obstetric ward Ain Shams Maternity Hospital to find out the most accurate fetal biometric measurement in the third trimester either trans-cerebellar diameter placental thickness or both compared to reliable LMP (last menstrual period) dates confirmed by crown rump length (CRL) in the first trimester. Results: Trans-cerebellar diameter mean ± SD was 46.0 ± 3.5 with range 38.2 - 51.7. The mean of placental thickness was 39.6 ± 7.1 with range 22.8 - 54.3. Placental thickness had highest determination (0.813) for last menstrual period followed by trans-cerebellar diameter (0.802). Combining trans-cerebellar diameter and placental thickness increased determination (0.902) for last menstrual period. Conclusion: Combined use of trans-cerebellar diameter and placental thickness in the third trimester of pregnancy is a reliable indicator for gestational age in women whose last menstrual period is unreliable or unknown, but placental thickness had higher accuracy than trans-cerebellar diameter.

Predictors and Complications of Prematurity in Two Health Facilities in Fako Division, Southwest Region, Cameroon

Background: Prematurity is the leading cause of neonatal mortality. Most preterm births can be associated to an identifiable risk factor. In Cameroon, especially in the Southwest Region, there is limited data regarding prematurity associated risk factors. The aim of this study was to evaluate the risk factors and complications of prematurity in two health facilities in the Fako division, the BRH and RHL. Methods: A hospital based retrospective case control study was done from the 1st of January 2021 to 28th of February 2022. We assessed the gestational ages at which preterm birth occurred and their short-term outcome using a structured pretested questionnaire to collect data from files. Data was analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 26. Results: The minimum sample size was 137 preterms. 45.5% of cases were born between 34 and increased the risk of having a preterm birth meanwhile being married (AOR: 0.410;95% CI: 0.217 - 0.773;p = 0.006) decreased the risk. Hospital complications were neonatal infection 103 (51.5%), respiratory distress 79 (39.5%) and neonatal jaundice 61 (30.50%). Among the cases, 97 (48.50%) stayed in the hospital for 2 to 4 weeks and 177 (88.5%) were discharged alive. Conclusions: Modifiable factors that increased the risk of prematurity were advanced maternal age, secondary level of education, rural residence, and prenatal alcohol consumption. Being married decreased the risk. The most common hospital complications in both the cases and controls were neonatal infection, respiratory distress syndrome and neonatal jaundice.

Low Birth Weight in Cameroon: Research and Analysis of Factors Associated with Their Occurrence in Douala Maternity Wards

Introduction: Low birth weight (LBW) is defined by the World Health Organization (WHO) as a birth weight strictly below 2500 g, whatever the term of pregnancy. It constitutes a major public health problem, both in developed and developing countries, due to its magnitude and its strong association with infant morbidity and mortality. Main objective was to study the factors associated with the occurrence of small-for-gestational-age newborns in Douala. Methodology: We carried out a cross-sectional analytical study with prospective data collection using a technical pretested sheet in the maternity wards of the Douala General Hospital, the Laquintinie Hospital, and the District hospitals of Deido, Nylon and Bonassama over a period of 4 months (January to April 2020). We were interested in any newborn, born alive, vaginally or by cesarean section, of low weight, seen in the first 24 hours from a full-term single-fetal pregnancy whose mother had given her consent. Our sampling was consecutive and non-exhaustive. We excluded newborns whose term was unclear and those with congenital malformations or signs of embryo-foetopathy. Data collection was done using survey sheets. Statistical analyzes were carried out with CS Pro 7.3 and SPSS version 25.0 software. The Student, Chi-square and Fischer tests were used to compare the means of the variables, the percentages with a significance threshold P value Results: During the study period, 305 full-term newborns were included, divided into 172 boys and 133 girls. The percentage of small-for-gestational-age newborns was 9.8%;after multivariate analysis by logistic regression to eliminate confounding factors, we found maternal factors associated with small for gestational age newborns;maternal age less than 20 years, primiparity, gestational age (37 - 38), a delay in prenatal visits greater than 14 weeks, anemia in pregnancy, positive toxoplasmosis serology in pregnancy, a body mass index of Conclusion: Our study revealed the potential determinants of low birth weight at term in the Cameroonian urban context and specifically in Douala.

Role of Ultrasonographic Measurement of Fetal Kidney Length in Determination of Gestational Age during Third Trimester of Pregnancy

Background: In routine ultrasonography, the ultrasonologist measures the bi-parietal diameter (BPD), head circumference (HC), abdominal circumference (AC) and femur length (FL) in estimating the gestational age (GA) and estimated date of delivery. However, as the pregnancy advances these parameters become increasingly unreliable in prediction of GA. Estimation of GA in late second and third trimester accurately still a problem till now. Fetal kidney has been shown a steady growth of 1.7 mm fortnightly (every 2 weeks) along pregnancy and is unaffected by growth abnormalities. Many studies have reported that fetal kidney length (FKL) correlates with the gestational age in late trimester very strong. The study aimed to assess the accuracy of the gestational age estimated by mean fetal kidney length compared to multiple growth parameters like BPD, HC, AC & FL in addition to the actual gestational age derived from the reliable last menstrual period. Methods: Cross sectional hospital based study, was conducted at ultrasound unit;department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University from the period of July 2018 to December 2018. A total number of 115 Pregnant women at their third trimester by reliable LMP attended antenatal care clinic at Ain-Shams University Hospital and consented to participate in this study. Every woman was subjected to: Expected date of delivery was calculated according to Naegle’s formula: Ultrasonography: Fetal biometry and estimated date of delivery (EDD) by assessment of BPD, HC, FL & AC. Expected fetal weight measured by Hadlock formula. Fetal lie and presentation. Exclusion of fetal anomalies. Measurement of both right & left fetal kidney length. Results: In this study, 255 participants were recruited and assessed for eligibility, 125 women were allocated to perform obstetric ultrasound just 115 completed and were included in the final analysis. The current study found that there was a highly significant positive correlation between gestational age (according to ultrasound parameters) and KL, BDP, HC, AC and FL but Kidney length was the most correlated parameter. Also this study found that there was significant positive correlation between gestational age (according to LMP) and gestational age estimated by BPD, HC, AC, FL and KL with the most significant positive correlation being with KL. Also this study found that there was no significant difference (matched) in KL and Gestational age compared to other parameters. This means that KL is the most accurate parameter for Estimating Gestational age, correlation between MKL and GA by LMP (r = 0.951, p = 0.000) the most significant correlation. In this study, no significant difference was found between gestational age estimated by KL and gestational age in all stages of pregnancy. This means that KL remains accurate as a predictor for gestational age regardless stage of pregnancy. Conclusion: Kidney length can be used as an individual parameter in estimating gestational age.

Antenatal Corticosteroid Use and Perinatal Mortality According to Gestational Age among Preterm Singletons Born at 27 to 34 Weeks of Gestation in Hospitals in Tanzania

Background: Antenatal corticosteroid (ACS) treatment has been proven to decrease rates of adverse perinatal outcomes when administered to pregnant women at risk for preterm delivery. Given the uncertainty about the benefit of ACS according to gestational age, we aimed to examine whether there was any benefit of ACS on perinatal mortality and respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) according to different gestational ages at birth. Methods: Secondary analysis of data from an observational prospective chart review study was conducted in four hospitals located in the Mwanza region, Tanzania. The study population consisted of singleton infants delivered between 27 and 34 weeks of gestation between July 2019 and February 2020. Sociodemographic and medical data were recorded from participants’ medical records. Results: Over an eight-month period, 838 preterm singletons were delivered between 27 and 34 weeks of gestation. Three hundred and twelve (37.2%) pregnant women received at least one dose of ACS. Among infants exposed to ACS, perinatal mortality rates were significantly lower than those without exposure at the 27th week (27.8% vs 94.4%, P < 0.001), the 29th week (13.3% vs 51.4%, P = 0.012) and the 34th week (3.0% vs 18.2%, P < 0.001). Among infants exposed to ACS, the RDS rate was significantly lower than those without exposure only at the 32nd week (9.5% vs 25.0%, P = 0.039). Conclusion: Our findings add to the literature about the benefits of ACS for preterm infants of various gestational ages in low-resource settings. Compared to unexposed infants, those exposed to ACS and born at 27th and 34th weeks of gestation experienced lower rates of perinatal mortality. Future research, especially among infants born before the 27th week of pregnancy, is a priority.

Expectant Management of Preterm Ruptured Membranes before 34 Gestational Weeks at the University Hospital of Kinshasa, a Tertiary Referral Hospital in the Democratic Republic of Congo

Premature Rupture of Membranes (PROM) with the resulting prematurity remains a major public health issue in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). This study aimed to assess expectant management of PPROM before 34 weeks at the university hospital of Kinshasa. We conducted a retrospective analysis of expectantly managed PROM before 34 weeks between January 2008 and December 2018. Maternal and fetal outcomes were collected, and all data were analyzed using the SPSS 23.0 software. Of the 113 patients included in the study, 2.6% were diagnosed with PROM before 34 weeks. We observed prolongation of the pregnancy duration;the median latency period was eight days, and the average gestational age at delivery of 32.85 ± 2.5 weeks. Chorioamnionitis (23%), severe oligoamnios (7%), and acute fetal distress (4%) were complications observed during the latency period. In the postpartum period, endometritis (6.2%), neonatal jaundice (39.8%), anemia (25.7%), ulcerative necrotizing enterocolitis (6.2%), cerebromeningeal hemorrhage (5.3%), and acute respiratory distress syndrome (4.4%) were complications observed. The risk of infection during the latency period was significantly associated with irregular (P = 0.045) or lack (P = 0.006) antenatal care (ANC) attendances and C-Reactive Protein (CRP) results 6 (P = 0.013). The risk of neonatal death was significantly associated to infection during the latency period (P = 0.011), irregular (P = 0.009) or lack of ANC (P = 0.000) attendances, Birth weight g (P = 0.039) as well as Gestational age at birth between 28 to 30 Weeks (S) (P = 0.021). These findings report first-time pregnancy outcomes related to the management of PPROM before 34 weeks in our setting. We found that the conservative attitude adopted allowed the prolongation of pregnancies, reducing the risks associated with prematurity. Nevertheless, attendance in good quality ANC could reduce the frequency of PROM and related adverse outcomes.

The Relation of Fetal Colon Diameter with Estimation of Gestational Age

Background: Conventional ultrasound dating is not very accurate after 34 weeks of gestation and has standard deviation of about 2 weeks. Objective: Verify whether fetal colon diameter can be used as a tool for estimating gestational age (GA) of fetuses between 34 to 40 weeks. Materials and Methods: This was a prospective cross-sectional study conducted at Obstetrics and Gynecology University Hospital, Damascus, Syria, during the period from September 2019-September 2020. The study enrolled 395 women with uncomplicated singleton pregnancies at 34 - 40 weeks of gestation. Fetal bi-parietal diameter, head circumference, abdominal circumference, and femoral lengths were assessed by ultrasound. In addition, descending colon diameter was assessed at the level of colonic haustra. The correlation between GA and colon diameter was assessed by the Pearson correlation test. Results: Significant correlation between fetal colon diameter and gestational age was observed P < 0.0001 (r = 0.852). In addition, a highly significant correlation between colon diameter and bi-parietal diameter, femoral length, head circumference and abdominal circumference were found with P values < 0.0001. The correlation between gestational age at 3rd trimester and colon diameter was significantly stronger than the correlation between gestational age and bi-parietal diameter, head circumference, and abdominal circumference. Whereas, no significant difference was found when comparing colon diameter and femoral lengths (P = 0.089). Conclusion: The present study suggested that colon diameter can be used for predicting third trimester gestational age.

Impact of Periconceptional Multi-micronutrient Supplementation on Gestation:A Population-based Study

Objective To examine the effect of periconceptional multi‐micronutrient supplementation on gestation and birth outcomes.Methods A population‐based community intervention program was conducted in 18 counties in China.Participants were divided into an intervention group,who received multi‐micronutrient supplementation from at least 3 months before pregnancy throughout the first trimester,and a control group.Pregnant women were followed up to record information about birth outcomes.Maternal socio‐economic characteristics and main birth outcomes were evaluated.Gestational age was further analyzed using survival analysis,to determine the time distribution of delivery.Results Periconceptional multi‐micronutrient supplementation was associated with higher birth weight,birth length and occipitofrontal head circumference,and with lower incidence rates for stillbirth,low birth weight,and preterm birth.Moreover,periconceptional multi‐micronutrient supplementation changed the time distribution of delivery,making the deliveries more clustered in the period between day 275 and day 295 of gestation.Conclusion Our study shows that periconceptional multi‐micronutrient supplementation is beneficial for fetal development and optimizes all measured aspects of health in neonates in socioeconomically disadvantaged areas in China.The change in time distribution of deliveries caused by multi‐micronutrient supplementation needs further clarification.

One-year experience in the retinopathy of prematurity: frequency and risk factors, short-term results and follow-up

· AIM: As a result of the increase in premature births and the advances in neonatal intensive care, retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) remains one of the most important causes of childhood blindness worldwide. The main factors in the development of ROP are gestational age, birth weight and oxygen therapy. ROP continues to gain importance due to the increasing survival rates of more immature babies. · METHODS: Between January 2007 and October 2008, 203 premature infants treated at the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NNICU) were prospectively enrolled and the relationship between known risk factors and the occurance of ROP was studied. · RESULTS: ROP in various stages developed in 86 cases (42.4%). Statistically significant correlations were found between the development of ROP and birth weight (P < 0.0001) gestational age (P <0.0001), oxygen treatment and its duration (P <0.0001 and P =0.002), mechanical ventilation (MV) and its duration (P =0,0001 and P =0.0001), apnea(P = 0.001), intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) (P =0.046), sepsis (P =0.0001), use of erythropoietin (EPO) (P =0.003), the number of blood transfusions and frequency (P =0.0001 and P =0.0001), surfactant application (P =0.0001), the presence of patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) (P =0.001) or bronchopu- lmonary dysplasia (BPD) (P =0.0001). No significant correlations were found between the occurance of ROP and maternal pre-eclampsia (P =0.293), multiple pregnancy (P = 0.218), or hyperbilirubinemia (P =0.494). Severity of ROP was related significantly with birth weight (P =0.0001), but no significant correlation between severity of ROP and gestational age was present. · CONCLUSION: Early description and reduction of the risk factors related with the occurance of ROP with the help of routine screening programs may warrant the prevention of visual loss, however early ophthalmic diagnosis and treatment are still mandatory to provide better visual rehabilitation. ·

A Case-Control Study on Leisure Time Physical Activity (LTPA) during the Last Three Months of Pregnancy and Foetal Outcomes in Italy

The association between Leisure Time Physical Activity (LTPA) during pregnancy and foetal outcomes has been extensively investigated. However, epidemiological studies specifically referred to LPTA in the last months of pregnancy are scarce. We evaluated the association between LPTA and the risk of both preterm delivery and small for gestational age (SGA) during the last three months of pregnancy in Italy. A nationwide case-control study was performed in nine Italian cities. A total of 299 preterm delivery, 364 SGA and 855 controls were enrolled in the study. A self-administered questionnaire was used to assess socio-demographic variables, medical and reproductive history, life-style habits and LTPA referred to the last three months of pregnancy. Univariate and multivariate regression analyses were performed in order to estimate Odds ratios and 95% CI. LTPA during the last three months of pregnancy decreases the risk of preterm delivery (adjusted OR = 0.56;95% CI 0.39 - 0.79). Among the different types of physical activity, walking, the most frequently referred activity, appears significantly protective against preterm delivery (adjusted OR = 0.53;95% CI 0.36 - 0.81). Moreover, a small protective effect of walking was evidenced against SGA (adjusted OR = 0.72;95% CI 0.51 - 1.00). In conclusion, a mild physical activity such as walking in the last three months of pregnancy seems to reduce the risk of preterm delivery and, at a lesser extent, of SGA, confirming the beneficial effects of physical activity along the whole pregnancy.

Use of antenatal corticosteroids among infants with gestational age at 24 to 31 weeks in 57 neonatal intensive care units of China: a cross-sectional study

Background:Antenatal corticosteroids(ACS)can significantly improve the outcomes of preterm infants.This study aimed to describe the ACS use rates among preterm infants admitted to Chinese neonatal intensive care units(NICU)and to explore perinatal factors associated with ACS use,using the largest contemporary cohort of very preterm infants in China.Methods:This cross-sectional study enrolled all infants born at 24^(+0)to 31^(+6)weeks and admitted to 57 NICUs of the Chinese Neonatal Network from January 1st,2019 to December 30th,2019.The ACS administration was defined as at least one dose of dexamethasone and betamethasone given before delivery.Multiple logistic regressions were applied to determine the association between perinatal factors and ACS usage.Results:A total of 7828 infants were enrolled,among which 6103(78.0%)infants received ACS.ACS use rates increased with increasing gestational age(GA),from 177/259(68.3%)at 24 to 25 weeks’gestation to 3120/3960(78.8%)at 30 to 31 weeks’gestation.Among infants exposed to ACS,2999 of 6103(49.1%)infants received a single complete course,and 33.4%(2039/6103)infants received a partial course.ACS use rates varied from 30.2%to 100%among different hospitals.Multivariate regression showed that increasing GA,born in hospital(inborn),increasing maternal age,maternal hypertension and premature rupture of membranes were associated with higher likelihood to receive ACS.Conclusions:The use rate of ACS remained low for infants at 24 to 31 weeks’gestation admitted to Chinese NICUs,with fewer infants receiving a complete course.The use rates varied significantly among different hospitals.Efforts are urgently needed to propose improvement measures and thus improve the usage of ACS.

Assessment of Used Formulae for Sonographic Estimation of Fetal Weight in Sudanese Population

The objective of this study is to assess commonly used formulae (Sheppard, Campbell, Hadlock I, II, III, and IV) for estimation of fetal weight in Sudanese population. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted at Saudi Hospital-Khartoum-Sudan;from December 2015 to April 2016. The study included 225 singleton pregnancies. The fetal biometry—Biparietal diameter (BPD), head circumference (HC), abdominal circumference (AC), femur length (FL) and actual birth weights (ABW) were taken. Statistical analysis showed significant results at p ≤ 0.005. Results showed that the significant highest positive correlation between the ABW and the EFW/Kg was seen in the Hadlock I, III and IV equations having an equal values (0.951) followed by Hadlock II (0.946), Sheppard (0.872) and lastly Campbell (-0.925) with significant high degree of negative correlation. The new established equation EFWFLHCAC is the best formula identified in our study to predict Sudanese babies weight ranged between 1.86 Kg to 3.987 Kg.

Neonatal hemorrhage stroke and severe coagulopathy in a late preterm infant after receiving umbilical cord milking:A case report

BACKGROUND Umbilical cord milking(UCM)is an alternative placental transfusion method for delayed umbilical cord clamping in routine obstetric practice,allowing prompt resuscitation of an infant.Thus,UCM has been adopted at some tertiary neonatal centers for preterm infants to enhance placental-to-fetal transfusion.It is not suggested for babies less than 28 wk of gestational age because it is associated with severe brain hemorrhage.For late preterm or term infants who do not require resuscitation,cord management is recommended to increase iron levels and prevent the development of iron deficiency anemia,which is associated with impaired motor development,behavioral problems,and cognitive delays.Concerns remain about whether UCM increases the incidence of intraventricular hemorrhage.However,there are very few reports of late preterm infants presenting with neonatal hemorrhage stroke(NHS)and severe coagulopathy after receiving UCM.Here,we report a case of a late preterm infant born at 34 wk of gestation.She abruptly deteriorated,exhibiting signs and symptoms of NHS and severe coagulopathy after receiving UCM on the first day of life.CASE SUMMARY A female preterm infant born at 34 wk of gestation received UCM after birth.She was small for her gestational age and described as vigorous with Apgar scores of 9 and 10 at one minute and five minutes of life,respectively.After hospitalization in the neonatal intensive care unit,she showed hypoglycemia and metabolic acidosis.The baby was administered glucose and sodium bicarbonate infusions.Intramuscular vitamin K1 was also used to prevent vitamin K deficiency.The baby developed umbilical cord bleeding and gastric bleeding on day 1 of life;a physical examination showed bilateral conjunctival hemorrhage,and a blood test showed thrombocytopenia,prolonged prothrombin time,prolonged activated partial thromboplastin time,low fibrinogen,raised D-dimer levels and anemia.A subsequent cranial ultrasound and computed tomography scan showed a left parenchymal brain hemorrhage with extension into the ventricular and subarachnoid spaces.The patient was diagnosed with NHS in addition to disseminated intravascular coagulation(DIC).Fresh frozen plasma(FFP)and prothrombin complex concentrate were given for coagulopathy.Red blood cell and platelet transfusions were provided for thrombocytopenia and anemia.A bolus of midazolam,intravenous calcium and phenobarbital sodium were administered to control seizures.The baby’s clinical condition improved on day 5 of life,and the baby was hospitalized for 46 d and recovered well without seizure recurrence.Our case report suggests that preterm infants who receive UCM should undergo careful clinical assessment for intracranial hemorrhage,NHS and severe coagulopathy that may develop under certain circumstances.Supportive management,such as intensive care,FFP and blood transfusion,is recommended when the development of massive NHS and associated DIC is suspected.CONCLUSION Our case report suggests that for late preterm infants who are small for gestational age and who receive UCM for alternative placental transfusion,neonatal health care professionals should be cautious in assessing the development of NHS and severe coagulopathy.Neonatal health care professionals should also be more cautious in assessing the complications of late preterm infants after they receive UCM.

Meta-Analysis on the associations between Prenatal Perfluoroalkyl Substances Exposure and Adverse Birth Outcomes

The epidemiological associations between the prenatal perfluoroalkyl substances(PFASs)exposure and the reproductive outcomes remain controversial.A continuous evaluation is needed to combine the inconsistent results.In this study,we explored the associations between PFASs exposure and the low birth weight(LBW),preterm birth and small for gestational age(SGA).The quality of selected literature,quantitative estimates,publication bias and subgroup analysis were performed on the basis of 17 retrieved articles published before December 2020.The results showed a significant positive association between the perfluorooctane sulfonate(PFOS)exposure and the risk of LBW[Odds ratio(OR)=1.17;95%confidence interval(CI):1.01,1.36;heterogeneity:P=0.30,I2=17%].The positive association was also observed between the PFOS and the risk of preterm birth(OR=1.19;95%CI:1.01,1.39,P=0.007;I2=62%).There was a paucity of evidence regarding the negative effects of perfluorooctanoic acid(PFOA),perfluorohexanesulfonic acid(PFHxS)and perfluorononanoic acid(PFNA)on the pregnancy outcomes.The findings from the subgroup analysis(the sampling period,the birth gender and biologic specimens)did not substantially altered the results of the overall pooled estimate ORs.The increased prevalence of negative birth outcomes with gestational PFASs exposure warrants further explorations from biological process perspective.

Multiple Sclerosis in Pregnancy—A Practical Guide for the Obstetrician

Technological advances, a deeper understanding of disease processes and increased sophistication of therapeutic methods have all led to better outcomes in rare diseases which previously had devastating effects on many women’s lives. The inevitable result of this progress is that women, who in the past did not contemplate pregnancy because of significant morbidity, now get to adulthood and are reasonably “disease free” enough to have their own families. The ever expanding, but relatively new specialty of Obstetric medicine seeks to further improve the outcome in pregnant women with intercurrent disease by enhancing the literature base, thereby contributing to the creation of appropriate guidance in the management of these patients. This article is a brief but useful guide for the busy obstetrician who may have limited experience in dealing with multiple sclerosis in pregnant women.

New Sudanese Reference Chart of Fetal Bi-ometry and Weight Using Ultrasonography

Background: Many centers in Sudan use the reference data for fetal biometry. The recently published population-based reference either overestimated or underestimated the weight of the fetuses. Objective: To establish a national reference for fetal biometry, and weight by gestational age for singleton fetuses in Sudan. Methods: Data were collected on all singleton live births documented in the data collection sheet done at Saudi Hospital from 2015 to 2016 (n = 225). Gestational age estimation was based on the last menstrual period and fetal ultrasound thereafter. Fetal biometry and weight and other 6 fetal weight formulae were assessed. Reference data for fetal growth by gestational age were created. Results: New charts and reference equations are reported in Sudanese population for fetal biparietal diameter, head circumference, abdominal circumference and femur length and fetal weight. Conclusion: We advocate that these reference charts and equations for fetal biometry and weight might be valuable in the clinical use for appropriate ethnic Sudanese.

New Sri Lankan Crown Rump Length Chart

Introduction Accurate pregnancy dating is important for many aspects of obstetric care at individual level as well as population level. Traditionally, pregnancy dating has done by adding 9 months and 7 days to the last menstrual period (LMP) using Naegele’s formula. Determination of gestational age by ultrasound is more precise. Most commonly used parameters are mean sac diameter, gestation sac volume, crown-rump length (CRL), biparietal diameter (BPD), head circumference (HC) and femur length (FL). After 24 weeks, gestational age cannot be accurately determined by ultrasound scans. The biological variability of CRL is small and growth is very rapid. There are many factors that can affect CRL such as measurement errors, differences in growth rates between individuals, fetal sex and maternal conditions such as diabetes mellitus. A correctly performed measurement of CRL is the most accurate way of estimating the gestational age in early pregnancy from 8 weeks to 13 weeks + 6 days. Objectives Our study aims were to prepare a new Crown Rump Length chart with Sri Lankan population data and to compare new CRL chart with existing intergrowth CRL chart. Method Prospective observational study with recruitment of subjects by Quota sampling technique was carried out from April 2015 to March 2016. Spontaneously conceived uncomplicated singleton pregnancies with normal Body Mass Index (BMI) 18.5 - 23 kg/m2 were recruited at the time of registration to antenatal care. Consenting woman with known LMP with regular cycles in preceding 3 months were undergone ultrasound examination only once at gestational age (GA) ranging from 8 weeks to 13 weeks + 6 days. If ultrasound dating was different from LMP dating by more than 5 days in pregnancies with POA less than 9 weeks and dating differences more than 7 days in pregnancies between 9 weeks and 14 weeks were excluded. Pregnancies complicated with uncertain viability, congenital anomalies and spontaneous miscarriage were excluded from statistical analysis. Data collection done with pre-tested interviewer administered form and analysis was carried out using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 21. Results A total of 653 subjects were recruited for the study and 557 turned up for ultrasound dating assessment. Dating discrepancy and multiple pregnancies excluded 31 subjects, uncertain viability and spontaneous miscarriage excluded 15 subjects resulting 511 subjects for final statistical analysis. The mean CRL increased with GA almost linearly from day 56 to 97. Conclusions We have produced new CRL chart based on Sri Lankan data and it can be used for clinical practice in Sri Lanka. There is no statistically significant difference between our CRL chart and intergrowth CRL chart.

Women Who Develop Diabetes Later in Life Have Diabetes-Associated Complications during Preceding Pregnancies

Aims:?The aim of this study was to explore the outcome of previous pregnancies in women who later developed diabetes. Method: A Swedish population based cohort of 23,524 women from 1990 aged 45 - 85 yr in 2000 when they self reported health status in a questionnaire. To identify which women who delivered we matched it towards the Swedish Medical Birth Register (SMBR). We identified 14,856 women who appeared in both registers and a total of 30,559 new birth registrations. Among these women 216 had developed diabetes after their pregnancy (ies) and additional twelve women were reported to have gestational diabetes in SMBR. These 228 women and their 455 pregnancies were compared with women without diabetes. Results: Women who developed diabetes later in life were already heavier before the pregnancy (ies) (69.2 ± 13.9 vs. 63.2 ± 10.3 kg;p < 0.001) but had less weight gain during pregnancy (13.3 ± 5.4 vs. 14.1 ± 4.6 kg;p = 0.03) compared to women without diabetes. Newborns to women with diabetes diagnosed any time after pregnancy had higher birth weight (3602 vs. 3507 g;p < 0.001), were more often large for gestational age (10.5% vs. 3.1%;p < 0.001), were more often delivered by caesarean section (4.8% vs. 2.7%;p = 0.005) and had lower Apgar scores. Conclusion: Women who developed diabetes after pregnancy had hyperglycaemia-associated complications during their pregnancy (ies). We therefore postulated that women with Type 2 diabetes are mainly recruited from women with earlier GDM. A general screening for GDM should identify these women and enable life style intervention that may prevent or at least delay diabetes.

Clinical Study on Pathogenic Factors and Screening Strategies of Retinopathy of Prematurity

Objective: To investigate the incidence of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP), analyze the risk factors of ROP, and put forward effective screening strategies, to reduce its incidence. Background: Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is an eye disease that can happen in new born premature (born early) babies or have weigh less than 3 pounds at birth. ROP happens when abnormal blood vessels grow in the retina. There are multiple risk factors, which are causing the ROP. In our study we will analyses the risk factors of ROP. Methods: From February 2016 to August 2021, 190 premature infants in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) who received inpatient care and ophthalmic screening was selected as study subjects. ROP group (n = 32) and non-ROP group (n = 158) were selected, and the clinical data of the two groups were compared. Including oxygen concentration, mechanical ventilation, broncho pulmonic dysplasia, delivery mode (cesarean section, vaginal delivery), blood transfusion, anemia, gestational diabetes, gestational hypertension, fetal distress, preterm birth weight, gestation age, etc. Women were divided into two groups according to whether they had gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) or not: gestational diabetic (n = 38) and non-gestational diabetics (n = 152). Age, pregnancy times, birth times, oxygen inhalation, birth weight, and gestational age were compared between the two groups. The X2 test for counting data and the t-test for measuring data are then conducted according to the distribution characteristics of the data, The correlation analysis between ROP and a single risk factor was performed by chi-square test, and the analysis of the correlation between many risk factors and ROP was conducted by Logistic regression analysis. Results: 1) The incidence of ROP in the GDM group was higher than that in the non-GDM group (P P > 0.05). 3) Univariate analysis showed that oxygen use, birth weight, gestational age, bronchopulmonary dysplasia, pregnancy-induced hypertension, and fetal distress in the ROP group and non-ROP group were statistically significant (P P > 0.05). 4) Logistic multivariate analysis showed that oxygen use, gestational hypertension, diabetes mellitus during pregnancy, fetal distress, bronchopulmonary dysplasia, birth weight, and gestational age were the main risk factors for ROP. Conclusion: 1) Gestational diabetes mellitus is a high-risk factor for ROP. 2) Oxygen inhalation, birth weight, and gestational age are related to the occurrence and development of ROP. 3) In determining the initial screening time for ROP.