Pregnancy related issues in inflammatory bowel disease: Evidence base and patients' perspective

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) affects women of childbearing age and can influence fertility, pregnancy and decisions regarding breastfeeding. Women with IBD need to consider the possible course of disease during pregnancy, the benefits and risks associated with medications required for disease management during pregnancy and breastfeeding and the effects of mode of delivery on their disease. When indicated, aminosalicylates and thiopurines can be safely used during pregnancy. Infliximab and Adalimumab are considered probably safe during the first two trimesters. During the third trimester the placenta can be crossed and caution should be applied. Methotrexate is associated with severe teratogenicity due to its folate antagonism and is strictly contraindicated. Women with IBD tend to deliver earlier than healthy women, but can have a vaginal delivery in most cases. Caesarean sections are generally recommended for women with active perianal disease or after ileo-anal pouch surgery. While the impact of disease activity and medication has been addressed in several studies, there are minimal studies evaluating patients' perspective on these issues. Women's attitudes may influence their decision to have children and can positively or negatively influence the chance of conceiving, and their beliefs regarding therapies may impact on the course of their disease during pregnancy and/or breastfeeding. This review article outlines the impact of IBD and its treatment on pregnancy, and examines the available data on patients' views on this subject.

Nd:YAG water mist laser treatment for giant gestational gingival tumor: A case report

BACKGROUND This case of gestational gingival tumor is huge and extremely rare in clinical practice.As the growth location of this gingival tumor is in the upper anterior tooth area,it seriously affects the pregnant woman's speech and food,causing great pain to the patient.The use of Nd:YGA water mist laser to remove the gingival tumor resulted in minimal intraoperative bleeding,minimal adverse reactions,and good postoperative healing,which is worthy of clinical promotion and application.CASE SUMMARY The patient,a pregnant woman,reported a large lump in her mouth on the first day of postpartum treatment.Based on medical history and clinical examination,the diagnosis was diagnosed as gestational gingival tumor.Postoperative pathological biopsy also confirmed this diagnosis.The use of Nd:YAG water mist laser to remove the tumor resulted in minimal intraoperative bleeding,clear surgical field of view,short surgical time,and good postoperative healing.CONCLUSION In comparison to traditional surgery,Nd:YAG water mist laser surgery is minimally invasive,minimizes cell damage,reduces bleeding,ensures a clear field of vision,and virtually eliminates postoperative edema,carbonization,and the risk of cross infection.It has unique advantages in oral soft tissue surgery for pregnant patients.Therefore,the clinical application of Nd:YAG water mist laser for the treatment of gestational gingival tumors is an ideal choice.

Status,outcome,and related factors of postpartum hypertension in the Shanghai community

BACKGROUND Postpartum hypertension poses a considerable health risk.Despite research on gestational hypertension,comprehensive studies focusing on postpartum hypertension in communities are limited.Understanding its prevalence and associated risk factors is crucial for effective prevention and management.AIM To provide insights for postpartum hypertension’s prevention and management.METHODS In total,3297 women who gave birth between June 2021 and December 2022 in Xuhui District,Shanghai were selected.Blood pressure was measured thrice within one month post-delivery during home visits.Eighty-six women with hypertension were followed up for four months to analyze hypertension persistence and its related risk factors.A predictive model for persistent postpartum hypertension was established and verified using the Nomo diagram model.RESULTS Hypertension prevalence 1 month post-delivery was 2.61%(86/3297).Among the 86 pregnant women,32(37.21%)had persistent hypertension at four months post-delivery.Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that older age[odds ratio(OR)=1.212;95%confidence interval(CI):1.065–1.380]and higher pre-pregnancy body mass index(BMI)(OR=1.188;95%CI:1.006–1.404)were associated with hypertension(OR=10.781;95%CI:1.006–1.404)during pregnancy.A 95%CI of 1.243–93.480 is a risk factor for persistent postpartum hypertension.The Nomograph model accurately predicted the risk of persistent postpartum hypertension,demonstrating high precision.CONCLUSION In Xuhui,older age,higher pre-pregnancy BMI,and gestational hypertension are risk factors for persistent postpartum hypertension.Our prediction model can identify high-risk individuals,thereby improving patient quality of life.

Acute fatty liver of pregnancy associated with severe acute pancreatitis:A case report

Acute fatty liver of pregnancy is a rare disease that affects women in the third trimester of pregnancy. Although infrequent, the disease can cause maternal mortality. The diagnosis is not always clear until the pregnancy is terminated, and significant complications, such as acute pancreatitis, can occur. Pancreatic involvement typically only occurs in severe cases after the development of hepatic and renal impairment. To date, little knowledge is available regarding how the disease causes pancreatitis. Treatment involves supportive measures and pregnancy interruption. In this report, we describe a case of a previously healthy 26-year-old woman at a gestational age of 27 wk and 6 d who was admitted with severe abdominal pain and vomiting. This case illustrates the clinical and laboratory overlap between acute fatty liver of pregnancy and pancreatitis, highlighting the difficulties in differentiating each disease. Furthermore, the hypothesis for this overlapping is presented, and the therapeutic options are discussed.

Pregnancy in Patients with Shone Complex: A Single-Center Case Series

Background:There is limited literature written on the course and outcomes for pregnant mothers with Shone complex.Methods:We describe a case series of five pregnancies in four women with Shone complex within a multidisciplinary cardio-obstetrics clinic from 2016–2018.Results:Maternal age ranged from 21–39 years.Three patients had preserved left ventricular function while one had moderately decreased function.Gestational age at presentation ranged from 6–15 weeks.There were three successful pregnancies(mean gestational age=37 weeks,range 35–39 weeks)with one patient accounting for two unsuccessful pregnancies.All infants were delivered via Cesarean section.One infant required a NICU stay,but all other infants delivered were healthy.Conclusion:Patients with Shone complex can have successful pregnancies although complications can occur for both the mother and the baby.Comprehensive prenatal care,coordinated and consistent management during pregnancy,and tertiary care support can promote positive maternal and fetal outcomes.

Clinical Management and Long-Term Follow-Up of Patients with Peripartum Cardiomyopathy: A Prospective Registry Study

Introduction: Peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM) is a rare pathology in Western countries but is common in Africa. Its progression is highly variable, left ventricular function improves in almost one-third to one-half of patients. In sub-Saharan Africa, there are few prospective cohort studies. We aimed to describe the long-term evolutionary aspects of this pathology in a sub-Saharan African country, so we developed a PPCM registry;here, we present the first results after 2 years of follow-up. Methodology: This work was performed at the cardiology clinic of the Aristide Le Dantec Teaching Hospital of Dakar from January 01, 2017, to January 01, 2021, for a total duration of 4 years. This was an observational, longitudinal prospective study including patients admitted for peripartum cardiomyopathy. Results: During our study, 5372 patients were admitted to the cardiology clinic. Considering the inclusion criteria, 79 patients were consecutively recruited. The mean age was 30.5 ± 6.7 years, ranging from 18 to 42 years. Half of the patients came from rural areas (56.3%), and 78.2% of patients had a low socioeconomic status. Multiparity and twin pregnancies were noted in 72.8% and 20% of the patients, respectively. A total of 91% of patients had advanced NYHA stage 4 heart failure, and 3 patients had cardiogenic shock. Left ventricular dilatation was found in 52 patients, and severe left ventricular systolic dysfunction was found in 50 patients (90.9%). During hospitalization, 19 patients (34.5%) had complications. The evolution in the hospital was favourable in 45 patients (81.8%). The global mortality rate was 7.3% at 2 years. In multivariate analysis, fewer patients with a dilated left ventricle, a severe alteration of the LVEF and an advanced age progressed towards remission. Conclusion: The long-term evolution of PPCM is very variable. Despite a good rate of remission, progression to end-stage heart failure and death is not negligible in cases of advanced maternal age and severe left ventricular impairment.

Early plasma exchange and continuous renal replacement therapy improve puerperal prognosis in hepatitis B virus-related acute-on-chronic liver failure in pregnancy

Background and aim:Hepatitis B virus(HBV)-related gestational acute-on-chronic liver failure(ACLF)is a severe condition with limited treatment options.This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and ideal timing of plasma exchange and continuous renal replacement therapy(CRRT)in managing pregnant women with HBV-related ACLF.Methods:This study retrospectively analyzed 51 eligible patients with HBV-related gestational ACLF between 2009 and 2020.Patients admitted to the study were divided into a conventional treatment group and a new treatment group according to whether they received the new management protocol,which included more aggressive plasma exchange(PE)and CRRT strategies.All 19 pregnant women with hepatic encephalopathy(HE)were divided into an early treatment group and a non-early treatment group according to whether PE therapy was initiated within three days.Our study had two primary objectives.Firstly,we aimed to evaluate the impact of PE and CRRT on puerperal survival.Secondly,we sought to assess the effects of early PE and CRRT regimens on puerperal survival in women with HE.Results:The levels of total bilirubin on the second day postpartum(D3),the third day postpartum(D4),and the fifth day postpartum(D6)were significantly lower in the new treatment group compared to the conventional treatment group(P=0.02,0.01,and 0.02,respectively).The ALT of D3 was significantly elevated in the new treatment group compared to the conventional treatment group(P=0.02).The incidence of HE overall increased from prenatal to postpartum D4,peaked on D4,and then gradually decreased from the fourth day postpartum(D5)(P=0.027).The first week after delivery revealed a significant difference in survival rate between the two groups,the conventional treatment group had statistically higher mortality rates compared to the new treatment group(P=0.002).Similarly,the entire puerperal period mortality rate of the conventional treatment group was statistically higher than the new treatment group(P=0.002).Moreover,among all patients with HE,the non-early treatment group showed significantly higher puerperal mortality rates compared to the early treatment group(P=0.006).Conclusions:Early PE and CRRT conducted within three days post-childbirth,enhance puerperal prog-nosis for HBV-related gestational ACLF.

Correlation between women's sub-health and reproductive diseases with pregnancies and labors

OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether female sub-health conditions and reproductive diseases areassociated with pregnancies and labors.METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was performed by using a structured questionnaire. A total of 1343 women aged 35 years or younger in six urban areas of Chengdu were included in the study.According to the Screening Criteria of sub-health conditions, these women were categorized into three groups: postpartum healthy group,sub-healthy group, and reproductive disease group. Data were double-entered using EpiData and the nanalyzed by SPSS.RESULTS: Pregnancy and labor were correlated with postpartum sub-health conditions. The number of pregnancies was negatively correlated with women's postnatal health but was positively correlated with the incidence of postpartum reproductive diseases.CONCLUSION: The number of pregnancies and labors is probably an important factor leading to sub-health conditions and the occurrence of reproductive diseases in women. Avoiding or reducing unwanted pregnancies and labors, enhancing the awareness of health among child bearing-age women are effective measures for preventing sub-health conditions.