Gestation-specific reference intervals for fetal cardiac Doppler indices from 12 to 40 weeks of gestation

We aimed to establish gestation age specific reference intervals for Doppler indices of fetal cardiac function from 12 to 40 weeks of pregnancy. In a cross-sectional observational study of singleton pregnancies, examinations were performed in 221 women evenly distributed across each week of pregnancy. Blood flow through the four cardiac valves was examined with Doppler. For the atrioventricular valves, velocity and duration of early (E) and atrial (A) waves and the interval (a) between E/A complexes was recorded. For the outflow valves, the duration (b), peak and average velocity of flow in systole was measured. Myocardial performance index (MPI) was calculated as (a - b)/b. Outlet valve diameters were measured and cardiac outputs were calculated. Gestation age specific ranges were constructed for all these parameters. We demonstrated that the cardiac output, peak systolic and time-averaged velocity increase with advancing gestation. However the MPI and E/A ratios show little change across gestation. Fetal cardiac physiology can be studied and Doppler indices reliably measured as early as the late first trimester of pregnancy. Establishing gestation age specific ranges for various cardiac indices throughout pregnancy will help the study of development of fetal cardiac function.

A Ten-Year Review of Primary Postpartum Haemrrhage at a University Teaching Hospital, Sagamu, Nigeria: A Case-Control Study

Objective: To determine the incidence of primary postpartum haemorrhage, identify risk/aetiological factors contributing to primary postpartum haemorrhage and review the different therapeutic approaches in the management of primary postpartum haemorrhage. Method: A retrospective case-control study of all patients with primary postpartum haemorrhage from January 1, 2001 to December 31, 2010 at Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital, Sagamu, Nigeria. Result: In the period under review, 272 cases of primary postpartum haemorrhage were documented while there were a total of 5929 deliveries, giving an incidence of 1 in 26 (25.6%). The average blood loss in the cases reviewed was 1550 mls whilst in the controls, the average blood loss was 200 mls. There was statistical significant difference between the grandmultiparous cases and grandmultiparous controls (58.4% versus 16.5%, OR = 6.74, p < 0.05), suggesting that grandmultiparity may be an implicated factor in primary postpartum haemorrhage. In the unbooked cases, retained placenta was the major cause of primary postpartum haemorrhage constituting 109 (51.7%), whereas in booked cases, uterine atony contributed 70.5% to primary postpartum haemorrhage. Four maternal deaths were recorded giving a case fatality rate of 1.5%;all were unbooked. Conclusion: Postpartum haemorrhage ranks high in the list of causes of maternal death and the case fatality rate can be very high. Prevention is the key to reducing the incidence of PPH and its sequale, with preventive measures based upon the identification of risk factors, surveillance of women at risk and seemingly not at risk and avoidance of procedure during delivery which could potentially result in complications.

维生素C和维生素E用于存在先兆子痫风险孕妇的随机安慰剂对照试验(VIP试验)

Background: Oxidative stress could play a part in pre-eclampsia, and there is some evidence to suggest that vitamin C and vitamin E supplements could reduce the risk of the disorder. Our aim was to investigate the potential benefit of these antioxidants in a cohort of women with a range of clinical risk factors. Methods: We did a randomised, placebo-controlled trial to which we enrolled 2410 women identified as at increased risk of pre-eclampsia from 25 hospitals. We assigned the women 1000 mg vitamin C and 400 IU vitamin E (RRR α tocopherol;n = 1199) or matched placebo (n = 1205) daily from the second trimester of pregnancy until delivery. Our primary endpoint was pre-eclampsia, and our main secondary endpoints were low birthweight ( < 2.5 kg) and small size for gestational age ( < 5th customised birthweight centile). Analyses were by intention to treat. This studyis registered as an International Standard Randomised Controlled Trial, number ISRCTN 62368611. Findings:Of 2404 patients treated, we analysed 2395 (99.6% ). The incidence of pre-eclampsia was similar in treatment and placebo groups (15% [n = 181]vs 16% [n = 187], RR 0.97[95% CI 0.80- 1.17]). More low birthweight babies were born to women who took antioxidants than to controls(28% [n = 387]vs 24% [n = 335], 1.15 [1.02- 1.30]), but small size for gestational age did not differ between groups(21% [n = 294]vs 19% [n = 259], 1.12 [0.96- 1.31]). Interpretation:Concomitant supplementation with vitamin C and vitamin E does not prevent pre-eclampsia in women at risk, but does increase the rate of babies born with a low birthweight. As such, use of these high-dose antioxidantsis not justified in pregnancy.

Impact of Prophylactic Betamethasone Indication on the Neonatal Outcome in 38-Week Pregnancies Prior to Elective Cesarean Section

Objective: To assess whether the use of prenatal betamethasone in pregnancies with elective Caesarean section (C-section) at 38 weeks has a similar risk of adverse neonatal respiratory outcomes than elective C-section at 39 weeks. Methods: Retrospective cohort study of pregnant patients with singleton pregnancies and elective C-section at term in a one-year period. Cases were C-section at 38 weeks of gestation with a complete course of betamethasone started 48-hours before. As a control group, pregnancies with a C-section at 39 weeks without betamethasone were included. Results: During the study period, 186 patients were included. Of these, 91 were delivered at 38 weeks and 95 at 39 weeks. There were no significant differences in maternal age and parity. Moreover, there were no significant differences in respiratory complications (respiratory distress syndrome [RDS] = 0% vs 1.1%;p = 1.0, transitory tachypnea [TT] = 0% vs 0%) and admission to Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) (8.8% vs 6.3%;p = 0.7) between deliveries at 38 weeks and 39 weeks, respectively. Conclusion: Prophylactic use of betamethasone in early term pregnancies who undergo an elective C-section at 38 weeks is associated with similar adverse neonatal respiratory outcomes than patients with C-section at 39 weeks without corticosteroids.