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.

Correlates of Mistimed Pregnancy and Unmet Need for Family Planning among Women of Reproductive Age in Sandema, Ghana

Background: Globally, an estimated 80 million unintended pregnancies comprising both mistimed and unwanted pregnancies are recorded yearly. Yet only half of the women at risk of mistimed pregnancy use contraceptives. In developing countries, over 100 million females have unmet need, and national surveys in Ghana indicate 23% unmet need rate. Methods: Using a cross-sectional community-based approach, a sample size of 300 women of reproductive age were selected using multi-step cluster sampling techniques. The study was quantitative, using structured interviewer-administered questionnaires. Results: Two-third (66%) of the women in reproductive age still had unmet need, 71% were currently pregnant, and more than a third (36%) confirmed ever having a mistimed pregnancy. Fifty-three percent (53%) of the women confirmed never communicating with their partners on family planning issues, a little below half (45%) took their own health care decisions. Seventy nine percent (79%) ever received family planning services from a health professional. Factors related to unmet needs included mistimed pregnancy, level of education, preferred birth/pregnancy interval, communication between partners and the autonomy to spend self-earnings. Conclusion: Considering that high rates of unmet need results in mistimed pregnancy, improved policies around the influence of unmet need on mistimed pregnancies are needed.

Prevalence and Individual-Level Determinants of Uptake of Three or More Doses of Sulphadoxine-Pyrimethamine for Intermittent Preventive Treatment of Malaria in Pregnancy in Busia County, Kenya

Background: Malaria in pregnancy causes maternal anemia, low birth weight, intrauterine growth retardation, and preterm deliveries. In malaria-endemic regions in Kenya, percentage of pregnant women hospitalized with malaria reach up to 60%. WHO recommends at least three doses of sulphadoxine pyrimethamine for Intermittent Preventive Treatment of Malaria in Pregnancy (IPTp) antenatally. This study sought to ascertain the prevalence and individual-level factors influencing the uptake of IPTp-SP3+. Methods: A facility-based cross-sectional study at Busia County Referral Hospital. 384 mothers were consecutively sampled at the maternity unit during delivery. Semi-structured questionnaires were used to collect data. Odds ratio (OR) and adjusted OR were used to determine statistical significance of individual factors influencing uptake of three or more IPTp-SP. Results: 43.0% of participants took IPTp-SP3+. Individual factors that affected the uptake of IPTp-SP3+ included starting ANC visits in the first trimester (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 2.1, 95% CI: 1.23 – 3.67, p = 0.046), having more than four ANC visits (aOR = 3.1, 95% CI: 1.49 – 6.50, p = 0.002), having a higher monthly income (aOR = 2.6, 95% CI: 1.24 – 5.36, p = 0.012), being aware of the advantages of IPTp-SP medications (aOR = 3.7, 95% CI: 1.40 – 9.74, p = 0.008), and having a positive attitude toward ANC services (aOR = 3.2, 95% CI: 1.61 – 6.31, p = 0.001). Conclusion: Less than half of the pregnant mothers are complyingIPTp-SP3+. There should be aggressive efforts by the County and National Ministries of Health promoting initiation of ANC attendance early and attendance of all the recommended eight visits together with ensuring availability of the drugs.

Analysis of Cardiac Functional Status and Factors Influencing Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes in Pregnant Women with Combined Heart Disease

Objective:To investigate the cardiac function of pregnant women with complicated heart disease during pregnancy and the factors influencing the adverse pregnancy outcome.Methods:A total of 162 cases of pregnant women with complicated heart disease admitted to the Beijing Anzhen Hospital from October 2021 to December 2023 were selected to compare the occurrence of adverse pregnancy outcomes in pregnant women with complicated heart disease at different levels of cardiac function and to analyze the single and multi factors leading to adverse pregnancy outcomes in pregnant women with complicated heart disease.Results:Among 162 pregnant women with combined heart disease in pregnancy,the highest percentage of heart disease type was congenital heart disease(80/49.38%),and the lowest percentage was other(9/5.56%);the overall incidence of adverse pregnancy outcomes in pregnant women with combined heart disease in pregnancy with cardiac function grades of 3–4 cardiac function(30/68.18%)was higher than that in pregnant women with combined heart disease in cardiac function grades of 1–2(40/33.90%)(P=0.000);age,marital status,hypertension,and past history of all pregnant women were not statistically significant(P>0.05);gestational age,type of heart disease,and cardiac function grading were statistically significant(P<0.05),and these factors were all independent risk factors for adverse pregnancy resolution in pregnant women with combined heart disease(P<0.05).Conclusion:The overall incidence of adverse pregnancy outcomes was higher in pregnant women with heart disease than in those with heart disease grades 1–2,and the number of pregnancies,the type of heart disease,and heart function grades were all independent risk factors for adverse pregnancy outcomes in pregnant women with heart disease.

Rare uterine serosal pregnancy after in vitro fertilization in a woman with bilateral salpingectomy

Objective:To improve the understanding of ectopic pregnancy after bilateral salpingectomy through case analysis and literature review.Method:A case of uterine serosal pregnancy after in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer(IVF-ET)in a woman with bilateral salpingectomy was reported in detail and summarized,and relevant literatures searched in Pubmed were analyzed.Results:The patient had a sudden abdominal pain 18 days after transplantation.Ultrasound showed no pregnancy sac in the intrauterine cavity and bilateral adnexal areas,but there was a large amount of fluid in the Pouch of Douglas,which was an indication for surgical exploration.During the operation,the pregnancy tissue was found on the uterine serosal and cleared in time.And the patient recovered well after surgery.Review of the literatures showed that most of ectopic pregnancies after bilateral salpingectomy were treated surgically and had a good prognosis.Conclusion:Ectopic pregnancy after bilateral salpingectomy is extremely rare and should be early judged by the patients’signs.Surgical treatment timely can achieve good outcome.

A Study on the Correlation of Body Mass Management During Pregnancy with Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes and Labor Progression

Objective:To investigate the effects of body mass management during pregnancy on adverse pregnancy outcomes,duration of labor,and neonatal birth weight.Methods:472 pregnant women who visited Beijing Anzhen Hospital from January to December 2023 were selected,and the pregnant women were divided into 236 each in the observation group and the control group.Body mass of pregnant women was measured and BMI was calculated in early and late pregnancy respectively,and the pregnant women in the control group were guided by routine management,while the observation group was guided by body mass management during pregnancy.The growth of maternal body mass,mode of delivery,postpartum hemorrhage,neonatal score,neonatal blood glucose at birth,and umbilical artery blood,as well as the comparison of the duration of labor,were observed.Results:The observation group was significantly better than the control group in terms of mode of delivery,postpartum hemorrhage,and body mass growth,with statistically significant differences(P<0.05),and there was no statistical significance in terms of neonatal scores,neonatal blood glucose at birth,and umbilical artery blood(P>0.05);the time of the first stage of labor and the time of the second stage of labor of the mothers in the observation group was significantly better than that of the control group,with statistical differences(P<0.05),and the time of the third stage of labor of the mothers in the observation group was statistically better than that of the control group.There was no statistically significant difference between the time of the third stage of labor in the observation group and the control group(P>0.05),and the time of the total stage of labor in the observation group was statistically better than that in the control group(P<0.05).Conclusion:Body mass management during pregnancy can effectively improve maternal control of weight gain,reduce labor time,and decrease the occurrence of adverse pregnancy outcomes.

Integrins and their potential roles in mammalian pregnancy

Integrins are a highly complex family of receptors that, when expressed on the surface of cells, can mediate reciprocal cell-to-cell and cell-to-extracellular matrix(ECM) interactions leading to assembly of integrin adhesion complexes(IACs) that initiate many signaling functions both at the membrane and deeper within the cytoplasm to coordinate processes including cell adhesion, migration, proliferation, survival, differentiation, and metabolism. All metazoan organisms possess integrins, and it is generally agreed that integrins were associated with the evolution of multicellularity, being essential for the association of cells with their neighbors and surroundings, during embryonic development and many aspects of cellular and molecular biology. Integrins have important roles in many aspects of embryonic development, normal physiology, and disease processes with a multitude of functions discovered and elucidated for integrins that directly influence many areas of biology and medicine, including mammalian pregnancy, in particular implantation of the blastocyst to the uterine wall, subsequent placentation and conceptus(embryo/fetus and associated placental membranes) development. This review provides a succinct overview of integrin structure, ligand binding, and signaling followed with a concise overview of embryonic development, implantation, and early placentation in pigs, sheep, humans, and mice as an example for rodents. A brief timeline of the initial localization of integrin subunits to the uterine luminal epithelium(LE) and conceptus trophoblast is then presented, followed by sequential summaries of integrin expression and function during gestation in pigs, sheep, humans, and rodents. As appropriate for this journal, summaries of integrin expression and function during gestation in pigs and sheep are in depth, whereas summaries for humans and rodents are brief. Because similar models to those illustrated in Fig. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 are present throughout the scientific literature, the illustrations in this manuscript are drafted as Viking imagery for entertainment purposes.

Emergency department management of acute agitation in the reproductive age female and pregnancy

BACKGROUND:Agitation is a common presentation within emergent departments(EDs).Agitation during pregnancy should be treated as an obstetric emergency,as the distress may jeopardize both the patient and fetus.The safety of psychotropic medications in the reproductive age female has not been well established.This review aimed to explore a summary of general agitation recommendations with an emphasis on ED management of agitation during pregnancy.METHODS:A literature review was conducted to explore the pathophysiology of acute agitation and devise a preferred treatment plan for ED management of acute agitation in the reproductive age or pregnant female.RESULTS:While nonpharmacological management is preferred,ED visits for agitation often require medical management.Medication should be selected based on the etiology of agitation and the clinical setting to avoid major adverse effects.Adverse effects are common in pregnant females.For mild to moderate agitation in pregnancy,diphenhydramine is an effective sedating agent with minimal adverse effects.In moderate to severe agitation,high-potency typical psychotropics are preferred due to their neutral effects on hemodynamics.Haloperidol has become the most frequently utilized psychotropic for agitation during pregnancy.Second generation psychotropics are often utilized as second-line therapy,including risperidone.Benzodiazepines and ketamine have demonstrated adverse fetal outcomes.CONCLUSION:While randomized control studies cannot be ethically conducted on pregnant patients requiring sedation,animal models and epidemiologic studies have demonstrated the effects of psychotropic medication exposure in utero.As the fetal risk associated with multiple doses of psychotropic medications remains unknown,weighing the risks and benefits of each agent,while utilizing the lowest effective dose remains critical in the treatment of acute agitation within the EDs.

Primary hyperparathyroidism-induced acute pancreatitis in pregnancy:A systematic review with a diagnostic-treatment algorithm

BACKGROUND Primary hyperparathyroidism(PHPT)-induced acute pancreatitis(AP)during pregnancy has rarely been described.Due to this rarity,there are no diagnostic or treatment algorithms for pregnant patients.AIM To determine appropriate diagnostic methods,therapeutic options,and factors related to maternal and fetal outcomes for PHPT-induced AP in pregnancy.METHODS A literature search of articles in English,Japanese,German,Spanish,and Italian was performed using PubMed(1946-2023),PubMed Central(1900-2023),and Google Scholar.The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses(PRISMA)protocol was followed.The search terms included“pancreatite acuta,”“iperparatiroidismo primario,”“gravidanza,”“travaglio,”“puerperio,”“postpartum,”“akute pankreatitis,”“primärer hyperparathyreoidismus,”“Schwangerschaft,”“Wehen,”“Wochenbett,”“pancreatitis aguda,”“hiperparatiroidismo primario,”“embarazo,”“parto,”“puerperio,”“posparto,”“acute pancreatitis,”“primary hyperparathyroidism,”“pregnancy,”“labor,”“puerperium,”and“postpartum.”Additional studies were identified by reviewing the reference lists of retrieved studies.Demographic,imaging,surgical,obstetric,and outcome data were obtained.RESULTS Fifty-four cases were collected from the 51 studies.The median maternal age was 29 years.PHPT-induced AP starts at the 20th gestational week;higher gestational weeks were seen in mothers who died(mean gestational week 28).Median values of amylase(1399,Q1-Q3=519-2072),lipase(2072,Q1-Q3=893-2804),serum calcium(3.5,Q1-Q3=3.1-3.9),and parathormone(PTH)(384,Q1-Q3=123-910)were reported.In 46 cases,adenoma was the cause of PHPT,followed by 2 cases of carcinoma and 1 case of hyperplasia.In the remaining 5 cases,the diagnosis was not reported.Neck ultrasound was positive in 34 cases,whereas sestamibi was performed in 3 cases,and neck computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging was performed in 9 cases(the enlarged parathyroid gland was not localized in 3 cases).Surgery was the preferred treatment during pregnancy in 33 cases(median week of gestation 25,Q1-Q3=20-30)and postpartum in 12 cases.The timing was not reported in the remaining 9 cases,or surgery was not performed.AP was managed surgically in 11 cases and conservatively in 43(79.6%)cases.Maternal and fetal mortality was 9.3%(5 cases).Surgery was more common in deceased mothers(60.0%vs 16.3%;P=0.052),and PTH values tended to be higher in this group(910 pg/mL vs 302 pg/mL;P=0.059).Maternal mortality was higher with higher serum lipase levels and earlier delivery week.Higher calcium(4.1 mmol/L vs 3.3 mmol/L;P=0.009)and PTH(1914 pg/mL vs 302 pg/mL;P=0.003)values increased fetal/child mortality,as well as abortions(40.0%vs 0.0%;P=0.007)and complex deliveries(60.0%vs 8.2%;P=0.01).CONCLUSION If serum calcium is not tested during admission,definitive diagnosis of PHPT-induced AP in pregnancy is delayed,while early diagnosis and immediate intervention lead to excellent maternal and fetal outcomes.

Iron supplementation during malaria infection in pregnancy and childhood:A review

Malaria presents a significant global public health challenge,with severe malarial anaemia being a primary manifestation of the disease.The understanding of anaemia caused by malaria remains incomplete,making the treatment more complex.Iron is a crucial micronutrient essential for haemoglobin synthesis,oxygen delivery,and other vital metabolic functions in the body.It is indispensable for the growth of human beings,as well as bacteria,protozoa,and viruses in vitro and in vivo.Iron deficiency is among the most common nutritional deficiencies and can have detrimental effects during developmental stages of life.Malaria-induced iron deficiency occurs due to the hemolysis of erythrocytes and the suppression of erythropoiesis,leading to anaemia.Meeting iron requirements is particularly critical during pivotal life stages such as pregnancy,infancy,and childhood.Dietary intake alone may not suffice to meet adequate iron requirements,thus highlighting the vital role of iron supplementation.While iron supplementation can alleviate iron deficiency,it can exacerbate malaria infection by providing additional iron for the parasites.However,in the context of pregnancy and childhood,iron supplementation combined with malaria prevention and treatment has been shown to be beneficial in improving birth outcomes and ensuring proper growth and development,respectively.This review aims to identify the role and impact of iron supplementation in malaria infection during the life stages of pregnancy and childhood.

Changes in sexual activity in young women during pregnancy

Objective:To conduct changes in sexual activity during pregnancy and its related factors in pregnant women.Methods:The present descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in 2017 on pregnant women who referred to the women's clinic of Afzalipour Hospital in the southeast of Iran.Participants were included in the study through convenient sampling.The data collection tool was a researcher-made questionnaire consisting of two parts of personal social information of the couple and questions to measure the level of sexual activity and the attitude of the subjects during pregnancy compared to before pregnancy.Results:201 Pregnant women were included.The average age of pregnant women was(27.3±6.1)years and their average gestational age was(24.7±11.8)years.More than 62%of women had decreased sexual activity.There was a significant relationship between the amount of changes in sexual activity and delivery time(P=0.013),abortion history(P=0.001)and premature birth history(P=0.002).Most pregnant women believed that sex during pregnancy caused damage to the fetus(67.7%).A decrease in the intensity of sexual desire was reported in 63%of pregnant women.More than 60%of the subjects did not consult with doctors and midwives with regards to sexual issues(63.5%).The most common reason for not consulting was not feeling the need(32%).Most women experienced back pain during(42.8%)and after(39.8%)intercourse.Conclusions:Changes in sex life during pregnancy are often caused by the lack of sexual knowledge and the increase in misconceptions among couples,which can affect the quality of relationships.The role of education is essential.Therefore,it is suggested that by including sexual counseling along with pregnancy care,wrong beliefs and information among women will be corrected.

Predictors of Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes Following Traumatic Injuries

Objective After traumatic injury in pregnant women,providing timely and appropriate management for high-risk patients is crucial for both pregnant women and fetuses.This study aimed to identify risk factors that predict adverse pregnancy outcomes after traumatic injury.Methods A retrospective cohort study including 317 pregnant patients who experienced trauma was conducted.The collected data included general demographics,injury mechanisms and adverse pregnancy outcomes.Patients were divided into two subgroups based on the absence or presence of trauma-related adverse pregnancy outcomes.Univariate and multivariate logistic regressions were conducted to estimate the associations between clinical variables and adverse pregnancy outcomes.Results A total of 41(12.93%)patients experienced adverse pregnancy outcomes within the first 24 h post-trauma.This study revealed that age>35 years(OR=14.995,95%CI:5.024–44.755,P<0.001),third trimester trauma(OR=3.878,95%CI:1.343–11.204,P=0.012),abdominal pain(OR=3.032,95%CI:1.221–7.527,P=0.017),vaginal bleeding(OR=3.226,95%CI:1.093–9.523,P=0.034),positive scan in focused assessment with sonography for trauma(FAST)positive(OR=8.496,95%CI:2.825–25.555,P<0.001),9≤injury severity score(ISS)<16(OR=3.039,95%CI:1.046–8.835,P=0.041)and ISS≥16(OR=5.553,95%CI:1.387–22.225,P=0.015)increased the probability of posttraumatic adverse pregnancy outcomes.Maternal age,gestational age at delivery,vaginal bleeding and positive FAST results were risk factors for abnormal delivery.Conclusion Advanced maternal age,third trimester,and positive FAST results should alert multidisciplinary trauma teams to closely monitor patients to prevent adverse pregnancy outcomes.

Subsequent pregnancy outcomes and fertility rates in the case series that underwent bilateral hypogastric artery ligation(BHGAL)due to severe postpartum hemorrhage

Objective:To evaluate the effect of bilateral hypogastric artery ligation(BHGAL)on women's pregnancy outcomes and fertility rates in cases with severe postpartum hemorrhage.Methods:Patients hospitalized in a tertiary care center between 2007 and 2018 were included in the study.The records of cases were obtained from the hospital database,retrospectively.Maternal demographic data,morbidities or complications associated with BHGAL surgery,any additional haemostatic interventional or surgical procedures,preoperative admission and lowest postoperative haematocrit-hemoglobin values,blood products given,type of anaesthesia,intensive care unit(ICU)and length of hospital stay were recorded.In cases without surgical sterilization,future fertility and subsequent pregnancy outcomes were assessed for at least two years after operation.Information was obtained through face-to-face or telephone interviews with patients whose long-term fertility and subsequent pregnancy outcomes were assessed.Results:Sixty-eight patients with BHGAL surgery history were included in the study.26 Of 37 cases(70%)that did not undergo surgical sterilization had a desire for pregnancy after the surgery.Six of these cases(23%)were diagnosed with secondary infertility.The fertility rate of these cases was 77%,and subsequent pregnancy was detected in 20 women.A total of 25 pregnancies,including first and second pregnancies,developed,and 15 of these pregnancies resulted in term delivery,six preterm births,one stillbirth,and three abortions.Conclusions:The postoperative pregnancy rate was found to be higher than the rate of women with infertility problems,and this surgery does not seem to adversely affect pregnancy outcomes.This is a tertiary center experience and cohort studies with large patient series are needed.

A pregnant patient with type II osteogenesis imperfecta pregnancy

Osteogenesis imperfecta(OI)is a primary bone fragility disorder with an estimated prevalence of 1/15,000 births and is a hereditary syndrome characterized by one or more of the following:fractures,blue sclerae,impaired hearing,defective dentition,and hyperlaxibility throughout life.[1,2]We report a pregnant woman with type II OI and review her prenatal counseling,diagnosis,and pregnancy management to assist obstetricians in understanding the disease and managing it in emergency situations.

Covid-19 vaccination in pregnancy and placental pathology

Objective:To describe and determine the association between Covid-19 vaccination in pregnancy and placental pathology.Methods:Conducted in a tertiary hospital in Medan,Indonesia,from April 30th 2022 to June 30th 2022,this single-center cross-sectional study involved Covid-19 vaccinated and unvaccinated women with singleton full-term pregnancies delivering live fetuses via cesarean section.Maternal characteristics,placental pathologies,and the placental index were documented at enrollment.The association between Covid-19 vaccination status and placental pathology was assessed.Results:The study enrolled 200 pregnant women,including 110 vaccinated women and 90 unvaccinated women.No significant differences were observed in birthweight(P=0.48),placental index(P=0.48),and placental pathology findings[intervillous bleeding(P=0.20),increased syncytial knots(P=0.83),chorangiosis(P=0.13),villous stromal edema(P=0.13),vascular dilation and congestion(P=0.13),and vascular wall thrombus(P=0.71)]between the vaccinated and unvaccinated groups.Conclusions:This study revealed no statistically significant association between Covid-19 vaccination and placental pathology.The findings support the safety of Covid-19 vaccination during pregnancy,in regards to changes of the placental pathology.

Repeated pregnancy losses with multiple aneuploidies and major genomic imbalance:A case report

Rationale:If one of the partners is having balanced autosomal translocation,it is usually observed that the offspring inherit either normal chromosomes,balanced translocation identical to one of the parent or unbalanced chromosomal rearrangements of the same parental chromosome having translocation.Concern:A unique case presented with history of 8 miscarriages for genetic counseling.The last abortus material evaluation showed monosomy of chromosome X(Turner syndrome)in all the analyzed cells.There was a history of infertility and also repeated second trimester abortions on the paternal side.On the maternal side,there was a history of intellectual disability.Diagnose:History of repeated abnormal pregnancy outcomes.Wife’s karyotype is normal;however,husband shows translocation between chromosome 4 and 22.Intervention:Peripheral blood sample around 3 mL was collected for karyotype.Embryo biopsy was done and DNA was extracted and processed for whole exome sequencing.Outcomes:Wife’s karyotype is normal and husband has translocation between chromosome 4 and 22.Surprisingly,the entire pregnancy outcome including embryo screening has different,complete or partial aneuploidies of chromosomes other than chromosome 4 and 22.Main lesson:Though the translocation in one of the parent is balanced,we have to think beyond traditional ways for evaluating a couple with repeated pregnancy loss as we cannot predict the errors at cell division.Option of in vitro fertilization and preimplantation genetic diagnosis in couples having balanced translocations should be discussed so that early intervention can prevent the agony of pregnancy loss.

Efficacy and safety of acupuncture in treating low back and pelvic girdle pain during pregnancy:a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Objectives:Low back and pelvic girdle pain(LBPGP)is common during pregnancy.Acupuncture is an effective and safe therapy for pain relief.However,further evidence is required to confirm the efficacy and safety of acupuncture in treating LBPGP during pregnancy.This study aimed to systematically review and investigate the clinical efficacy and safety of acupuncture for the treatment of pregnancy-related LBPGP.Methods:The PubMed,EMBASE,Cochrane Library,CNKI,VIP,and WanFang databases were searched from January 2000 to August 2023.Only the randomized controlled trials(RCTs)involving pregnant women between 16 and 34 weeks of gestation diagnosed with LBPGP were included in the study.A meta-analysis was conducted and pooled risk ratios(RRs)or mean differences(MDs)with 95%confidence intervals(CIs)were compared.Results:Meta-analysis included 12 RCTs involving 1,641 participants.Eleven trials compared acupuncture alone or acupuncture combined with standard care(SC),of which three trials also used non-penetrating or placebo acupuncture as the control group.One trial compared acupuncture alone with non-penetrating acupuncture.Compared with SC,acupuncture combined with SC group significantly decreased visual analog scale score(mean difference(MD)=−2.83,95%CI=−3.41 to−2.26,P<0.00001),cesarean section rate(RR=0.69,95%CI=0.49–0.97,P=0.03),preterm birth rate(RR=0.42,95%CI=0.27–0.65,P<0.0001),labor duration(MD=−1.97,95%CI=−2.73 to−1.20,P<0.0001),and Oswestry disability index score(MD=−9.14,95%CI=−15.68 to−2.42,P=0.008).In addition,acupuncture combined with SC significantly improved 12-Items Short Form Health Survey of physical component summaries(SF12-PCS).No significant differences were observed in the spontaneous delivery rate,newborn weight,drowsiness,and 12-Items Short Form Health Survey of mental component summaries(SF12-MCS)between the two groups.Adverse events such as needle pain and needle bleeding were aggravated in both the SC and acupuncture treatment groups but none were associated with acupuncture during or after the treatment period.Conclusions:Meta-analysis showed that acupuncture combined with SC had better efficacy than SC alone and could be a potential therapy for LBPGP during pregnancy.The safety results imply that acupuncture caused few adverse reactions;however,more evidence is required for further confirmation.

Impact of uterine artery embolization on ovarian function and pregnancy outcome after uterine-fibroids treatment:A prospective study

Uterine fibroids are benign tumors that originate from smooth muscle cells of the uterus.It is the most common gynecological disorder,affecting up to 80%of women of reproductive age.Uterine fibroids can cause various symptoms such as abnormal uterine bleeding,pelvic pain,infertility,and pregnancy complications.The treatment options for uterine fibroids include medical therapy,surgical intervention,and minimally invasive techniques.AIM To compare ovarian function of women with uterine fibroids who did or did not undergo uterine artery embolization(UAE).METHODS This prospective cohort study enrolled 87 women with symptomatic uterine fibroids who underwent UAE,and 87 women with the same symptoms who did not undergo UAE but received conservative management or other treatments.The two groups were matched for age,body mass index,parity,and baseline characteristics of uterine fibroids.The primary outcome was ovarian function that was evaluated by serum levels of follicle-stimulating hormone(FSH),luteinizing hormone(LH),estradiol(E2),and anti-Müllerian hormone(AMH),as well as ovarian reserve tests,such as antral follicle count(AFC)and ovarian volume(OV).The secondary outcome was fertility that was evaluated based on the menstrual cycle,ovulation,conception,pregnancy,and delivery.The participants were followed-up for 36 months and assessed at 1,3,6,12,24,and 36 months after treatment.RESULTS The study found that the most common minor complication of UAE was postembolization syndrome in 73.6% of women,resolving within a week.No significant differences were observed between the UAE group and the control group in serum levels of reproductive hormones(FSH,LH,E2,AMH)and ovarian reserve indicators(AFC,OV)at any point up to 36 months post-treatment.Additionally,there were no significant differences in conception,pregnancy,or delivery rates,with the average time to conception and gestational age at delivery being similar between the two groups.Birth weights were also comparable.Finally,there was no significant correlation between ovarian function,fertility indicators,and the type or amount of embolic agent used or the change in fibroids posttreatment.CONCLUSION UAE resulted in significantly positive pregnancy outcomes,no adverse events post-treatment,and is a safe and effective treatment for uterine fibroids that preserves ovarian function and fertility.

Managing adult-onset Still's disease in pregnancy:A case report

BACKGROUND Adult-onset Still’s disease(AOSD)is a rare systemic inflammatory disorder characterized by fever,arthritis,skin rash,and systemic symptoms.The etiology of AOSD is unknown;however,it is thought to be related to immune dysregulation.Although a rare disease,AOSD can significantly impact reproductive health,particularly during pregnancy.This case study assesses the implications of pregnancy in a patient with AOSD,as well as the potential for heredity of the disease.Neonatal hemophagocytic lympho-histiocytosis(HLH)is a rare and lifethreatening disorder characterized by hyperinflammation and uncontrolled activation of immune cells,leading to multiple organ dysfunction.This case report aimed to introduce neonatal HLH from a mother with AOSD.CASE SUMMARY This case study presents a 29-year-old female with AOSD who became pregnant and gave birth to a premature infant who was diagnosed with neonatal HLH.AOSD can significantly impact pregnancy and childbirth,as it may become more severe during pregnancy,with an increased risk of fetal loss and preterm birth.The management of AOSD during pregnancy involves the use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and glucocorticoids,as well as immunosuppressive agents in severe cases.However,the use of immunosuppressive agents during pregnancy may be associated with potential risks to the fetus.The hereditary implications of AOSD are unclear;however,available evidence suggests that genetic factors may play a role in the disease development.CONCLUSION AOSD can have significant implications for pregnancy and childbirth,including an increased risk of fetal loss and preterm birth.Neonatal HLH,a complication of AOSD in pregnancy,requires prompt diagnosis and management.Women with AOSD who are considering pregnancy should discuss their options with their healthcare provider and develop a management plan that addresses the potential risks to both mother and fetus.

Managing Vogt–Koyanagi–Harada disease during pregnancy with steroid pulse therapy:A case report

BACKGROUND High-dose steroid administration is a common initial therapeutic approach for Vogt–Koyanagi–Harada disease(VKH).Nonetheless,administering substantial doses of steroids to pregnant women necessitates meticulous consideration due to the potential impacts on the mother and fetus.We present a case wherein steroid pulse therapy was administered to a patient who developed VKH during the late stages of pregnancy.CASE SUMMARY The patient was a 26-year-old nulliparous woman.At 33 weeks and 1 day of her pregnancy,she experienced a decline in visual acuity and noticed metamorphopsia in her left eye.Examination revealed bilateral serous retinal detachment,leading to VKH diagnosis.A collaborative effort involving the departments of ophthalmology,internal medicine,and neonatology was initiated.Steroid pulse therapy was administered at 34 weeks and 1 day of pregnancy under hospital supervision.Complications,such as threatened preterm labor and gestational diabetes,emerged,necessitating the initiation of oral ritodrine hydrochloride and insulin therapy.Then,serous retinal detachment was resolved,and visual acuity was restored.Labor pains initiated 32 days post-initiation of steroid pulse therapy(at 38 weeks and 4 days of gestation),culminating in a normal delivery.Mother and newborn experienced an uneventful puerperal course and were discharged from the hospital on the 5th day following delivery.CONCLUSION VKH management in pregnancy requires multidisciplinary coordination,emphasizing collaboration with ophthalmologists and specialists in internal medicine and neonatology.