Iron versus Iron and Vitamin B6 Supplementation in Treatment of Iron Deficiency Anemia during Second Trimester of Pregnancy: Quasi Experimental Trial

Background: Anemia is one of the most prevalent complications during pregnancy. It is commonly considered a risk factor for poor pregnancy outcomes and can result in complications that threaten the life of both mother and fetus, such as preterm birth, and low birth weight. There is clear evidence to support prompt treatment in all patients with iron deficiency anemia because it is known that treatment improves quality of life and physical condition as well as alleviates fatigue and cognitive deficits. Objective: The aim of the study was to evaluate the value of addition of vitamin B6 to iron in treatment of iron deficiency anemia in pregnant women during the second trimester. Patients and Methods: The study was done by giving anemia pregnant women iron therapy and vitamin B6 which represent group A and iron therapy alone which represents group B. For each pregnant woman, age, parity and gestational history were taken before treatment. All pregnant women took their allocated treatment regularly for three weeks after diagnosis of iron deficiency anemia with complete blood picture and followed up after three weeks. Results: Results of the study revealed that there was no statistically significant difference between the two groups of therapy according to the hemoglobin level before treatment (p-value = 0.734), statistically significant higher mean value in after treatment than before treatment (p-value = 0.048), there was a significant difference in the rate of change of hemoglobin (p-value = 0.011) and body mass index (p-value 0.001). Conclusion: Iron and vitamin B6 seems to increase hemoglobin level more than iron only. Thus, in pregnant women with iron deficiency anemia iron plus vitamin B6 may be considered as a more effective alternative treatment than iron only.

Validity of Different Methods to Prenatal Screening for Down’s Syndrom During First and Second Trimester Pregnancy of Chinese Women

Objective To identify and determine the optimal method to screening for fetal Down＇s syndrome （DS）. Methods Three large cohorts with 17 118, 39 903, 16 646 subjects were enrolled for the first trimester double marker （pregnancy-associated plasma protein A and free [B-human chorionic gonadotropin） screening （FTDMS）, second trimester double marker （c{-fetoprotein and free B-human chorionic gonadotropin） screening （STDMS）, and second trimester triple marker （a-fetoprotein, free 13-human chorionic gonadotropin and unconjugated estriol 3） screening （STTMS）, respectively. The sensitivity, specificity, false positive rate （FPR）, false negative rate （FNR） and the areas under ROC curves （AUCs） were estimated in order to determine the optimal screening method in women under or above 35 years old. Results For women under 35 years old, STTMS was the best method with a detection rate of 68.8% and FPR of 4.3% followed by the STDMS with a detection rate （sensitivity） of 66.7% and FPR of 4.9%. The FTDMS had a lower detection rate of 61.1% and FPR of 6.3%. For women above 35 years old, the detection rate of all the methods was similar, but STTMS method had a lowest FPR of 15.9%. For women under 35 years old AUCs were 0.77 （95% CI, 0.64 to 0.91）, 0.81 （95% CI, 0.71 to 0.91）, and 0.82 （95% CI, 0.69 to 0.96） for FTDMS, STDMS, and STTMS methods, respectively; for those above 35 years old, AUCs were 0.70 （95% CI, 0.56 to 0.83）, 0.70 （95% CI, 0.59 to 0.82）, 0.78 （95% Cl, 0.58 to 0.97） for FTDMS, STDMS and SITMS, respectively. Conclusion Findings from our study revealed that STDMS is optimal for the detection of fetal DS in pregnant women aged under 35. For individual women, if economic condition permits, STFMS is the best choice, while for women aged above 35, STTMS is the best choice in this regard.

Plasma motilin concentration in the second and third trimesters of pregnancy and postpartum

Plasma motilin concentrations were measured in 135 women during the second andthird trimesters of pregnancy and 3～5 d after delivery and the results were compared withthose of 20 healthy nonpregnant women.The mean plasma motilin concentration (323.96±125.10 ng/L) in women during the second trimester of pregnancy was lower than in healthynonpregnant women (366.12±96.23 ng/L) (P【0.05),but that was significantly higher thanin women during the third trimester of pregnancy (121.04±27.00 ng/L) (P【0.01);theplasma motilin concentration in women during 3～5d after delivery (443.05±140.79 ng/L)was significantly higher than that in pregnant women (P【0.01).The results showed thatpregnancy appears to have a profound inhibitory effect on plasma motilin,and this may partlybe responsible for the gastrointestinal hypomotility associated with pregnancy.

Placenta Percreta Causing Rupture of Uterus in Second Trimester of Pregnancy in Non Scarred Uterus with an Unusual Presentation: A Case Report and Review of Literature

Placenta percreta causing second trimester, spontaneous uterine rupture in non high risk women is less frequent and fewer cases have been reported in the literature. We report a case of uterine rupture in second trimester of pregnancy due to placenta percreta with non specific symptoms in otherwise uncomplicated pregnancy without any high risk factors. This case report describes the case of young woman presenting second gravid with 21 weeks pregnancy with complaints of whole abdomen pain and dysuria. Ultrasonography shows single intrauterine dead fetus;placenta was fundoposterior in upper segment, a hypoechoic area seen below the placenta suggestive of abruption placentae or placenta accreta. Suddenly patient deteriorated in two hours of hospital stay, frank hemoperitoneum detected, emergency laparotomy done, per operatively whole fundal area of uterus became papery thin and cystic on touch, a small rent seen on fundal surface of uterus. The placenta was densely adhered to the fundoposterior aspect of the uterus. Patient had emergency subtotal hysterectomy. This case highlights that placenta percreta is a rare but serious complication of pregnancy which may present in early pregnancy without any associated high risk factors for placenta percreta with unusual symptoms.

Second-trimester maternal β-human chorionic gonadotropin level associated with subsequent development of pregnancy-induced hypertension

Objective:To determine whether maternal β-human chorionic gonadotropin(β-hCG) level in second-trimester may be associated with subsequent development of pregnancy-induced hypertension(PIH).Methods:Seven hundred and sixty-two women in mid-trimester were to have maternal urine β-hCG standardized concentrations and maternal serum β-hCG measurements.Their case histories were recorded and reviewed from mid-trimester to delivery.The relation was observed between maternal urine,serum markers and subsequent development of PIH.Results:Among 762 women,504 cases were normal pregnancies,42 cases had PIH,94 cases had premature rupture of membrane (PROM),69 cases had preterm delivery (PD),53 other cases were excluded by various reasons.The levels of maternal urine,serum β-hCG in PIH were (61.75±9.78) IU/L and (304.56±54.17) ng/mg respectively,which were higher significantly than normal pregnancy group ([20.65±7.61] IU/L and [146.34±47.81] ng/mg,P<0.05).When maternal serum,urine β-hCG levels ≥2 MOM(multiple of mean),the incidences of developing PIH were increased significantly as compared with those of β-hCG <2 MOM women.The incidence of PIH increased from 5.1% in pregnancies with urine β-hCG ≥2 MOM to 11.7% in cases with urine β-hCG ≥4 MOM.Conclusion:The elevation of maternal mid-trimester urine,serum β-hCG levels is not only an early signal for dysfunction of placenta but also a dangerous signal for development of PIH.Second-trimester maternal urine β-hCG measurement proves to be superior to serum marker in clinical prediction.

Assessment of fetus during second trimester ultrasonography using HDlive software:What is its real application in the obstetrics clinical practice?

AIM To show imaging results from application of fourdimensional(4D) ultrasound lightening technique(HDlive^(TM)) in clinical obstetrics practice. METHODS Normal and abnormal fetuses at second and third trimester of pregnancy undergoing routine scan with 4D HDlive^(TM)(5DUS) in the rendering mode are described. Realistic features of fetal structures were provided by 5DUS in the rendering mode. Normal anatomy as well as pathology like cleft lip, hypoplastic face, micrognathia, low-set ears, corpus callosum, arthrogryposis, aortic arch, left congenital diaphragmatic hernia are highlighted in this study. Anatomical details of the fetuses were provided by 5DUS with higher quality imaging modality compared to those obtained using conventional 2D/3D ultrasound. RESULTS Realistic views of fetal anatomy details were displayed by means of 5DUS in the rendering mode, with high image quality obtained either in low-risk or in high-risk obstetrics population. Corpus callosum, esophagus, and aortic arch were obtained in normal fetuses. Cleft lip, cleft lip and palate, micrognathia, hypoplastic face, lowset ears, arthrogryposis, left congenital diaphragmatic hernia, exomphalos, and clitoris hypertrophy were clearly rendered by 5DUS application.CONCLUSION The use of 5DUS in the rendering mode, when clinical available, was diagnostic in a variety of congenital anomalies, aided understanding of the parents-tobe and improved prenatal counseling and perinatal management.

Value of α-fetoprotein,β-HCG, inhibin A, and UE3 at second trimester for earlyscreening of preeclampsia

Objective: To study the value ofα-fetoprotein (α-FP),β-human chorionic gonadotropin (β-HCG), inhibin A, and uncojugated estriol (UE3) at the second trimester for early screening of preeclampsia. Methods: This cohort study was performed on 1713 consecutive pregnant women with gestational age from 15 to 18 weeks. We measured the serum levels ofα-FP, β-HCG, inhibin A, and UE3 and they were followed-up for 48 h after delivery. Results: A total of 1713 women were recruited and through the study 151 women (8.8%) were diagnosed with preeclampsia (n=123, 21.5% in the pregnant women with high risk, n=28, 2.5% in the pregnant women with low risk;P<0.0001). The area under receiver operating characteristic curve was estimated to be 2.39 MOM forα-FP, 2.84 MOM forβ-HCG, 1.92 MOM for inhibin A, and 0.77 MOM for UE3. The best cutoff value was specifically considered for each marker that was determined a positive predictive value ranged 19.60% forα-FP, 17.62% for β-HCG, 18.33% for inhibin A and 14.88% for UE3, a negative predictive value ranged 95.63% for α-FP, 93.89% for β-HCG, 94.28% for inhibin A and 93.57% for UE3, and an area under receiver operating characteristic curve ranged 0.70 forα-FP, 0.63 forβ-HCG, 0.65 for inhibin A and 0.61 for UE3. Conclusions: This study reveals that the new cutoff values are more valuable in screening preeclampsia. Although these markers have a low positive predictive value, they present a high negative predictive value. Also, the combination ofα-FP,β-HCG and inhibin A and the combination ofα-FP and inhibin A have the highest value in screening preeclampsia.

The AL-SENSE Test is Reliable for Detection of Second Trimester Amniotic Fluid

Objective: To validate the reliability and stability of the AL-SENSE panty-liner for detection of amniotic fluid in the second trimester. Study design: Amniotic fluid drawn during amniocentesis between 16 to 23 weeks of gestation was used for the study.100 μl and 400 μl of amniotic fluid, were dripped onto two panty liners, respectively. After 5 minutes the indicator strip was removed from the AL-SENSE, dried and examined. The color was recorded at time 0 and 5 minutes, and then every 10 minutes for the first 30 minutes, then at 1, 2, 6 and 12 hours. Results: 50 women were enrolled and 49 completed the study. 100% of both volume samples changed color from yellow to blue during the first 5 minutes and remained stable after twelve hours of follow-up. In the 100 μl subgroup, seven of the 49 samples (14.3%) had a delayed color change and in the 400 μl subgroup one of 49 (2.04%) had a delay in change of color. Conclusion: Amniotic fluid drawn during amniocentesis at weeks 16 - 23 of gestation have a positive, stable staining effect on the AL-SENSE panty liner. Hence, AL-SENSE may be reliable for detection of amniotic fluid leakage during the second trimester.

Quality Control of Second Trimester Ultrasound Examinations in the Gynecology and Obstetrics Department of the University Teaching Hospital Yalgado Ouedraogo (UTH-YO) of Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso

Objective: To evaluate the quality of second trimester ultrasound examinations in patients consulting in the gynecology and obstetrics department at the University Teaching Hospital Yalgado Ouedraogo (UTH-YO) of Ouagadougou. Method: Our study took place from January 1st to March 31st 2017, in the department of Obstetrics and Gynecology of the University Teaching Hospital Yalgado Ouedraogo of Ouagadougou. This was a descriptive study on the records of the second trimester ultrasound of pregnancy, with analysis of the iconography. We used the criteria of the Technical Committee of Fetal Echography (TCFE) of France to analyse all the ultrasound reports brought by the patients. Results: Three hundred ultrasound reports were collected over three months. It revealed that, in terms of patient identification, 100% of the reports bore the surname and first name of the pregnant woman;88% and 94.67% of the ultrasound scans bore the surname and first name of the ultrasound specialist respectively. Only 2% presented the brand and type of ultrasound scanner. The study of the quality of the appointment showed that 52% of the ultrasounds had been performed at the right time, between 20 Gestational Age (GA) and 25 GA. For the quality of the iconography, referring to the recommendations of the Technical Committee of Fetal Echography (TCFE) of France and taking into account the data confirmed by the literature, we found that the quality was slightly acceptable either respectively for biometric and morphological sections. Conclusion: The quality of the ultrasound reports of the second trimester ultrasounds in patients consulting in the obstetrics and gynecology department of the University Hospital Yalgado OUEDRAOGO was not totally satisfactory.

A perspective study and financial analysis of different protocols of second trimester maternal serum screening for Down's syndrome

Objective:To compare the efficiency and related financial parameters of the double- and triple-marker test for the second-trimester maternal serum screening for Down's syndrome. Methods:The serum samples were collected from the 2^(nd) trimester pregnant women in this hospital and were examined for three biomedical markers[alpha-fetoprotein(AFP),freeβ-human chorionic gonadotropin(freeβ-hCG) and unconjugated estriol(uE_3)]by TR-FIA.The pregnancy outcomes were followed up and screening efficiency calculated for double-marker(AFP+freeβ-hCG) and triple-marker(AFP+ freeβ-hCG+uE_3) test. Results:(1)A total of 4,707 serum samples of 2^(nd) trimester pregnancy were collected in this study,of which 4,245 pregnancy outcomes got followed up by May 30,2009,with 462 cases lost to follow-up.The follow-up rate was 90.2%.3 cases of Down's syndrome,4 cases of other chromosome abnormalities and 1 case of neural tube defect (NTD) were found.There was no medically induced miscarriage by invasive tests.(2) Detection rate and false positive rate of triple marker test for Down's syndrome screening were 66.7%and 5.26%,respectively,while those in double marker test were 33.3%and 4.01%,respectively.The detection rate of all chromosome abnormalities was 75%in triple marker test and 37.5%in double marker test.The detection rate of NTD was 100%either in double or triple marker test.(3) It costs 499,375 RMB to avoid one Down's syndrome birth by using triple marker test and 781,200 RMB by using double marker test. Conclusion:Triple-marker test is superior to double marker test in 2nd trimester maternal serum screening for Down's syndrome,and costs less to avoid a Down's syndrome birth.

Maternal Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone Level and Thyroid Peroxidase Antibody Status in the First and Second Trimester of Pregnancy and Their Relationship with the Risk of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus

Objective:To investigate thyroid-stimulating hormone(TSH)levels and thyroid peroxidase antibody(TPOAb)in early pregnancy and to estimate the risk of development of gestational diabetes mellitus(GDM).Methods:The levels of TSH,free thyroxine,free triiodothyronine,and TPOAb were retrospectively evaluated in 2333 pregnant women.All women recruited were divided into groups of TSH high(H),TSH low(L),TSH(H)TPOAb positive(+),TSH(H)TPOAb negative(-),TSH normal(N)TPOAb(+),TSH(L)TPOAb(+),TSH(L)TPOAb(-),and estimated the risk of GDM.Results:TSH level(X^(2)=13.0024,P=0.0015)and TSH combined TPOAb(X^(2)=20.0038,P=0.0012)were correlated to development of GDM.The level of TSH in 95 women was increased,and in 216 women were decreased.Of the 2333 pregnant women,546 patients were diagnosed with GDM,with a prevalence of 23.40%.The prevalence of GDM was 35.78%and 28.70%for the TSH high(H)and TSH low(L)pregnant women,respectively.The increased TSH(P=0.0013,odds ratio:2.09,confidence interval:1.34-3.28)was correlated to increase GDM incidence.TSH(H)TPOAb(+)(n=29),TSH(H)TPOAb(-)(n=58),TSH normal(N)TPOAb(+)(n=265),TSH(L)TPOAb(+)(n=30),TSH(L)TPOAb(-)(n=154)were in this study.The prevalence of GDM was 51.72%,29.31%,23.02%,26.67%,and 29.87%for the TSH(H)TPOAb(+),TSH(H)TPOAb(-),TSH(N)TPOAb(+),TSH(L)TPOAb(+),and TSH(L)TPOAb(-)pregnant women,respectively.Only the TSH(H)TPOAb(+)pregnant women had a significant higher incidence of GDM(P=0.0018,odds ratio:3.63,confidence interval:1.62-8.16).Trimester specific results showed that only second trimester had higher GDM risk either analyze TSH or the combination of TSH and TPOAb.Conclusion:Elevated TSH level and TPOAb positive in the second trimester of pregnancy were correlated to an increased risk of GDM.

Successful Deliveries of Twins from Two Pregnant Women Following Preterm Prelabor Rupture of Membranes in the Early Second-Trimester Pregnancy

The management of preterm prelabor rupture of membranes (PPROM) before 34 weeks of gestation is intractable, due to pulmonary immaturity, many complications, poor pregnancy outcomes. In particular, the pre-viable PPROM (<23 weeks of gestation) is much more difficult to be treated. The clinical recommendation is to terminate the pregnancy as soon as possible. The pregnancy outcomes of PPROM in the early second-trimester of two twin pregnant women in our hospital were reported to explore the treatment protocols. The pregnancies of the two women developed PROM at 12 and 16 weeks of gestation, respectively. After expectant treatment, they were deliveried successfully at 34+6 and 34+4 weeks of gestation, respectively. The assessment of growth and development of infants was normal during the following six months after birth. Therefore, if PPROM occurs in the early second-trimester of pregnancy, the management of PPROM should be individualized, it’s a long process which should include comprehensive communication between patients and families regarding alternative treatment options (including expectant management) and risks and benefits of the procedure. In the absence of spontaneous labor or occurrence of complications that would prompt delivery (intra-amniotic infection, abruptio placenta, cord prolapse), and fetal status is normal, the patients should proceed with expectant treatment, induction of labor is commonly performed in pregnancies with PPROM ≥34 weeks of gestation.

Comparison of Preliminary Clinical Efficacy for Two Cervical Preparations for Early Second-trimester Pregnancy Termination at 12-17 Weeks Gestation

Objective To compare clinical efficacy for two cervical preparations for early secondtrimester pregnancy termination at 12-17 weeks gestation. Methods Seventy healthy women aged 18-41 years requesting legal termination of pregnancy at 12-17 weeks of gestation were equally randomized into two groups. Two cervical preparations, the Dilapan-STM combined with mifepristone and misoprostol （DMM） method, and the mifepristone combined with misoprostol （MM） method, were used to end early second-trimester pregnancy for group DMM and group MM, respectively. Clinical outcomes and complications for these two methods were compared. Results No differences were found on rates of successful abortion within 48 h and blood loss after abortion at 2 h between the two groups （P〉0.05）. DMM group had significant shorter induction-to-abortion interval and hospital stay compared with group MM （P〈0.01）. In both DMM and MM groups, side effects including nausea/vomiting, diarrhea, chills and rigors, and fever occurred, and incidences of these side effects were no difference （P〉0.05）. Conclusion DMM method would have similar clinical efficacies with MM method for early second-trimester pregnancy termination. Besides,DMM method has shorter induction-to-abortion interval and hospital stay, which benefits its clinical application.

Median mitral valve technique in the second trimester with zero contrast intraoperative nursing

Summarized a case of intraoperative nursing experience in a second-trimester patient with mitral bioprosthetic valve destruction undergoing median mitral valve technique with zero contrast agent.In this case,a patient with 18 weeks of intrauterine pregnancy after artificial insemination,who had a sudden palpitation,was sent to the hospital in an emergency and diagnosed with severe intravalvular regurgitation and severe pulmonary hypertension after mitral artificial biological valve replacement.A treatment plan was developed after the systematic and comprehensive evaluation of the condition of the patient under a multi-disciplinary combination.Intraoperative nursing cooperation,patient condition monitoring,fetal X-ray protection,prevention of massive bleeding,sudden arrhythmia,and other emergency rescue cooperation were implemented in the processing of surgery,and no intraoperative nursing complications occurred.The patient recovered and was discharged from the hospital.The pregnancy was terminated by cesarean section after full term and the newborn survived with no deformity.

Influence of Vitamin D Level in the Second Trimester of Pregnancy on the Complications of Chinese Pregnant Women and Fetuses

Background:Vitamin D has been found to have more biological effects beyond the traditional research range,which involve in immunoregulation,occurrence,and development of tumor,reproduction,cell differentiation,and so forth.Herein,the influence of Vitamin D level in the second trimester of pregnancy on the Chinese pregnant women and fetal weight was investigated.Methods:Totally 1,612 pregnant women were followed up during the study,the 25-hydroxyvitamin D(25(OH)D)level was measured with ELISA at the 16th gestational week,and the fasting blood glucose was measured with hexokinase method using an automatic biochemistry analyzer at the same time.At week 24,oral glucose tolerance test(OGTT)was performed to test the blood glucose level(fasting blood glucose,1 h and 2 h after oral administration of glucose).Besides,other indices(e.g.,fetal birth weight)were recorded and analyzed by SPSS version 19.0 software.Results:Pearson’s correlation analysis indicated that the serum 25(OH)D had a negative correlation with blood glucose at 1 h after oral glucose administration at week 24 in OGTT(correlation coefficient:−0.03,P=0.01).However,it did not have correlations with the fasting blood glucose at weeks 16 and 24 as well as the blood glucose at 2 h after oral glucose administration at week 24.The Pearson’s correlation analysis was used to analyze the correlation between Vitamin D level in the pregnant women and fetal birth weight,and there was no correlation between them.Conclusion:The Vitamin D level in the second trimester of pregnancy had a negative correlation with blood glucose glucose at 1 h after oral glucose administration and had no correlation with fetal birth weight.

Comparison of second-trimester maternal serum free-p-human chorionic gonadotropin and a-fetoprotein between normal singleton and twin pregnancies： a population-based study

Background The second-trimester maternal serum screening in twin pregnancy is still controversial, as the serum marker levels in twins are not as clear as those in singletons. This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between the levels of the second-trimester maternal serum free β-human chorionic gonadotropin （free β-HCG） and a-fetoprotein （AFP） in normal twin and singleton pregnancies and to estimate feasible analysis methods for utilizing these markers in second trimester screening for twin pregnancy. Methods On the basis of a prospective population-based study of second-trimester maternal serum screening, the concentrations of maternal serum AFP and free β-HCG of 195 normal twin pregnancy and 26 512 singleton controls at gestational weeks 15 to 20 were measured by time-resolved fluoroimmunoassay in one laboratory. The levels of markers were compared between the twins and singletons using weight-correction and gestational age-specific model. Results According to the research protocol, 95 communities were randomly sampled, which covered the whole Jiangsu province, the east of China. A total of 26 803 pregnant women （98%）, from the target population accepted prenatal screening for maternal serum AFP, β-HCG detection, and all babies were followed up for at least six months. There were 197 （0.73%） twin pregnancies, of which one case had fetal trisomy 18, and one case with fetal anencephaly. The others were normal twin pregnancy. From a total enrollment of 26 803 women participants, 26 512 women with normal singleton pregnancies were selected as the model controls. The other 291 pregnancies, including trisomy 21, neural tube defect （NTD）, trisomy 18, and other fetal abnormalities, were excluded. No significant differences were found in the medians of gestational age-specific maternal serum free β-hCG and AFP in normal twin pregnancy comparing with twice those in model controls with the exception of the medians for free β-hCG during the 16th gestational week （P=0.012）. Conclusion The weight-correction and gestational age-specific levels of Chinese Han population maternal serum free β-hCG and AFP in normal twins were twice the levels as those in the singleton controls during the 17-19 gestational weeks.

Genetic counseling, prenatal screening and diagnosis of Down syndrome in the second trimester in women of advanced maternal age： a prospective study

Background The incidence of autosomal trisomy in livebirths is strongly dependent on maternal age. Special consideration is given to the provision of prenatal screening and cytogenetic testing to women of advanced maternal age （AMA）. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of second trimester prenatal screening and amniocentesis for Down syndrome （DS） and compare the trends of choice of screening and amniocentesis among AMA women. Methods A total of 5404 AMA patients with natural singleton pregnancy were recruited for this prospective study from January 2008 to December 2010. The gestational weeks were from 15 weeks to 20~6 weeks. The patients referred were grouped into a screening group （2107 cases） and an amniocentesis group （3297 cases） by their own decision. The prevalence of DS was compared between the two groups by chi-square test. Choice rates for each maternal age with trends were compared by regression analysis. Results There were 18 cases of fetal DS detected in the screening group with a prevalence of 8.54%o （18/2107）. Twenty- five cases of fetal DS were diagnosed in the amniocentesis group with a prevalence of 7,58%0 （25/3297）. No statistical difference was observed in the prevalence of DS between the screening and amniocentesis group （P=0.928）. The invasive testing rate for DS in the amniocentesis group was 5.54 times higher than that of the screening group （1/131.88 vs. 1/23.78）. With the increase of the maternal age, the choice of amniocentesis increased while the choice of the screening showed an opposite trend. The choice of the AMA women between the screening and amniocentesis was significantly age relevant （P=0.012）. Conclusions The second trimester serum screening age alone to screen for DS. We suggest educating screening and amniocentesis options. in combination with maternal age was more effective than maternal the patients by recommending AMA women be informed of both

Gut microbiota dysbiosis in preeclampsia patients in the second and third trimesters

Background:Preeclampsia(PE)is a serious complication that affects maternal and perinatal outcomes.However,the mechanisms have not been fully explained.This study was designed to analyze longitudinal gut microbiota alterations in pregnant women with and without PE in the second(T2)and third trimesters(T3).Methods:In this nested case-control study,which was conducted at Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital,fecal samples from 25 PE patients(25 fecal samples obtained in T2 and 15 fecal samples obtained in T3)and 25 matched healthy controls(25 fecal samples obtained in T2 and 22 fecal samples obtained in T3)were collected,and the microbiota were analyzed using 16S rRNA gene sequencing.The diversity and composition of the microbiota of PE cases and controls were compared.Results:No significant differences in diversity were found between the PE and control groups(P>0.05).In the control group,from T2 to T3,the relative abundances of Proteobacteria(median[Q1,Q3]:2.25%[1.24%,3.30%]vs.0.64%[0.20%,1.20%],Z=-3.880,P<0.05),and Tenericutes(median[Q1,Q3]:0.12%[0.03%,3.10%]vs.0.03%[0.02%,0.17%],Z=-2.369,P<0.05)decreased significantly.In the PE group,the relative abundance of Bacteroidetes in T2 was lower than in T3(median[Q1,Q3]:18.16%[12.99%,30.46%]vs.31.09%[19.89%,46.06%],Z=-2.417,P<0.05).In T2,the relative abundances of mircrobiota showed no significant differences between the PE group and the control group.However,in T3,the relative abundance of Firmicutes was significantly lower in the PE group than in the control group(mean±standard deviation:60.62%±15.17%vs.75.57%±11.53%,t=-3.405,P<0.05).The relative abundances of Bacteroidetes,Proteobacteria,and Enterobacteriaceae were significantly higher in the PE group than in the control group(median[Q1,Q3]:31.09%[19.89%,46.06%]vs.18.24%[12.90%,32.04%],Z=-2.537,P<0.05;1.52%[1.05%,2.61%]vs.0.64%[0.20%,1.20%],Z=-3.310,P<0.05;0.75%[0.20%,1.00%]vs.0.01%[0.004%,0.023%],Z=-4.152,P<0.05).Linear discriminant analysis combined effect size measurements analysis showed that the relative abundances of the phylum Bacteroidetes,class Bacteroidia and order Bacteroidales were increased in the PE group,while those of the phylum Firmicutes,the class Clostridia,the order Clostridiales,and the genus unidentified Lachnospiraceae were decreased in the PE group;and these differences were identified as taxonomic biomarkers of PE in T3.Conclusion:From T2 to T3,there was an obvious alteration in the gut microbiota.The gut microbiota of PE patients in T3 was significantly different from that of the control group.

Clinical analysis of laparoscopic surgery for ovarian masses under different conditions during the second trimester

Background Laparoscopic surgery in pregnant women has become increasingly more common; however, the safety of laparoscopy in this population has been widely debated in emergent situations and big size at bigger pregnant weeks. This study was to determine the characteristics of laparoscopic surgery for adnexal masses in different conditions during the second trimester of pregnancy. Methods Between April 2002 and December 2011, 24 patients with suspected ovary cyst during the second trimester underwent laparoscopic surgery at the Peking Union Medical College Hospital retrospectively. Clinical data were collected retrospectively and patient＇s outcomes were analyzed. Results The incidence of laparoscopic surgery for ovarian cysts during pregnancy was 0.12% of all laparoscopic gynecological surgeries performed at the hospital. No patients required conversion. There were 9 （37.5%） patients whose gestational age was no less than 16 weeks, and 15 patients whose gestational age was less than 16 weeks; no difference was noted in the operation time between the two groups （P 〉0.05）. Emergency surgery due to abdominal pain was performed in 4 （16.7%） patients, 2 （8.3%） of whom underwent simple salpingo-oophorectomy because of ovarian necrosis. The other patients underwent enucleation of the ovarian cyst. There were no severe complications. Twenty （83.3%） pregnant women delivered healthy term infants and 4 （16.7%） cases were lost to follow up. Conclusion Laparoscopic surgery for ovary masses is a safe and feasible procedure for the treatment of ovary cyst in dif- ferent conditions during the second trimester, even if gestational age reaching 16-19 weeks or in emergency.

Osteoprotegerin,interleukin and hepatocyte growth factor for prediction of diabetes and hypertension in the third trimester of pregnancy

BACKGROUND Gestational diabetes mellitus(GDM)raises the risk of high blood pressure and may cause a series of life-threatening complications in pregnant women.Screening and management of GDM and gestational hypertension(GH)in pregnancy helps to control and reduce these risks and prevent adverse effects on mothers and their fetuses.Currently,the majority criteria used for screening of diabetes mellitus is oral glucose tolerance tests,and blood pressure test is usually used for the screening and diagnosis of hypertension.However,these criteria might not anticipate or detect all GDM or GH cases.Therefore,new specific predictive and diagnostic tools should be evaluated for this population.This study selected three biomarkers of osteoprotegerin(OPG),interleukin(IL)and hepatocyte growth factor(HGF)for GDM and GH predication and diagnosis.AIM To explore the feasibility of changes in placental and serum OPG,IL and HGF as tools for prediction and diagnosis of diabetes and hypertension in pregnant women.METHODS From January 2018 to January 2019,44 pregnant women with GDM and GH were selected as an observation group,and 44 healthy pregnant women were selected as a control group in the same period.Serum OPG,IL and HGF were compared between the two groups.RESULTS The levels of OPG and HGF in the observation group were lower than in the control group,and the level of IL-1βwas higher in the observation group than in the control group(all P<0.05).Furthermore,OPG and HGF were negatively associated with gestational diabetes and gestational hypertension,while IL-1βwas positively associated with GDM complicated with GH(all P<0.05).CONCLUSION The evaluation of serum OPG,HGF and IL-1βlevels in patients with coexistent gestational diabetes complicated with hypertension can predict the degree of disease and play an important role in the follow-up treatment and prognosis prediction.