PubMed Health⌕ Search

Biomedical subjects

M Miodovnik

Publications and source records attributed to M Miodovnik.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

Risks of preeclampsia and adverse neonatal outcomes among women with pregestational diabetes mellitus. National Institute of Child Health and Human Development Network of Maternal-Fetal Medicine Units.

OBJECTIVES: This study was undertaken to determine the frequencies of preeclampsia and adverse neonatal outcomes among women with pregestational diabetes. STUDY DESIGN: This was a prospective observation of pregnancy outcomes among 462 women with pregestational diabetes mellitus (White classes B-F) and singleton pregnancies who were enrolled in a multicenter trial to compare low-dose aspirin with placebo for preeclampsia prevention. The main outcome measures were preeclampsia and neonatal outcomes. RESULTS: Among 462 women with pregestational diabetes, 92 (20%) had preeclampsia. Preeclampsia frequency rose significantly with increasing severity of diabetes according to White classification (class B, 11%; class C, 22%; class D, 21%; class R plus class F, 36%; P <.0001). Preeclampsia was also more common among women who had proteinuria at baseline (28% vs 18%; odds ratio, 1.75; 95% confidence interval, 1.02-3.01). Frequency of preterm delivery at <35 weeks' gestation rose greatly with increasing severity of diabetes (P =.0002). Women with proteinuria at baseline were significantly more likely to be delivered at <35 weeks' gestation (29% vs 13%; odds ratio, 2.6; 95% confidence interval, 1.5-4.6) and to have small-for-gestational-age infants (14% vs 3%; odds ratio, 5. 4; 95% confidence interval, 2.7-17.7), and they were less likely to have large-for-gestational-age infants (14% vs 40%; odds ratio, 0.2; 95% confidence interval, 0.1-0.5). CONCLUSION: Among women with pregestational diabetes mellitus, the frequency of preeclampsia rose with increasing severity of diabetes. Proteinuria early in pregnancy was associated with marked increases in adverse neonatal outcomes independent of preeclampsia development.

Aspirin↗

Hypertensive disorders in twin versus singleton gestations. National Institute of Child Health and Human Development Network of Maternal-Fetal Medicine Units.

OBJECTIVE: This study was undertaken to compare rates and severity of gestational hypertension and preeclampsia, as well as perinatal outcomes when these complications develop, between women with twin gestations and those with singleton gestations. STUDY DESIGN: This was a secondary analysis of prospective data from women with twin (n = 684) and singleton (n = 2946) gestations enrolled in two separate multicenter trials of low-dose aspirin for prevention of preeclampsia. End points were rates of gestational hypertension, rates of preeclampsia, and perinatal outcomes among women with hypertensive disorders. RESULTS: Women with twin gestations had higher rates of gestational hypertension (relative risk, 2.04; 95% confidence interval, 1.60-2.59) and preeclampsia (relative risk, 2. 62; 95% confidence interval, 2.03-3.38). In addition, women with gestational hypertension during twin gestations had higher rates of preterm delivery at both <37 weeks' gestation (51.1% vs 5.9%; P <. 0001) and <35 weeks' gestation (18.2% vs 1.6%; P <.0001) and also had higher rates of small-for-gestational-age infants (14.8% vs 7. 0%; P =.04). Moreover, when outcomes associated with preeclampsia were compared, women with twin gestations had significantly higher rates of preterm delivery at <37 weeks' gestation (66.7% vs 19.6%; P <.0001), preterm delivery at <35 weeks' gestation (34.5% vs 6.3%; P <.0001), and abruptio placentae (4.7% vs 0.7%; P =.07). In contrast, among women with twin pregnancies, those who remained normotensive had more adverse neonatal outcomes than did those in whom hypertensive complications developed. CONCLUSIONS: Rates for both gestational hypertension and preeclampsia are significantly higher among women with twin gestations than among those with singleton gestations. Moreover, women with twin pregnancies and hypertensive complications have higher rates of adverse neonatal outcomes than do those with singleton pregnancies.

Abruptio Placentae↗

Preterm prediction study: is socioeconomic status a risk factor for bacterial vaginosis in Black or in White women?

Bacterial vaginosis (BV), an important risk factor for preterm birth, is a more common infection in Black compared with White pregnant women. Because Black women in the United States are more likely to have lower measures of socioeconomic status (SES), this study examined the hypothesis that BV is associated with low SES. The project evaluated data from the Preterm Prediction Study of 2,929 women prospectively followed during their pregnancies. The women, who were screened for BV at 24 and 28 weeks of gestation, underwent a structured interview to evaluate demographic factors, SES, home and work environment, drug or alcohol use, and prior medical history. Black women in the study had many measures of lower SES compared with the White women, and reported less use of tobacco, alcohol and drugs. In neither the Black nor White women was an association found between BV and measures of SES (with the sole exception of "absence of a home telephone"). Most measures of SES do not explain the difference in rates of BV in Black and in White pregnant women.

Black or African American↗

The preterm prediction study: granulocyte colony-stimulating factor and spontaneous preterm birth. National Institute of Child Health and Human Development Maternal-Fetal Medicine Units Network.

OBJECTIVE: Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor is elevated in the amniotic fluid and plasma of women with chorioamnionitis and active preterm labor. We investigated the relationship between plasma granulocyte colony-stimulating factor and subsequent spontaneous preterm birth in pregnant women without symptoms. STUDY DESIGN: We performed a nested case-control study involving 194 women who had a singleton spontaneous preterm birth and 194 matched term control subjects from the patient pool (n = 2929) enrolled in the Preterm Prediction Study. Plasma collected at 24 and 28 weeks' gestation was analyzed for granulocyte colony-stimulating factor, and the results were compared with subsequent spontaneous preterm birth. RESULTS: Compared with term control subjects, women who were delivered of their infants spontaneously at <28 weeks' gestation had increased mean granulocyte colony-stimulating factor values at 24 weeks' gestation (84.7 +/- 38.4 vs 67.7 +/- 28.6 pg/mL; P =.049), and women who were delivered of their infants at <32 weeks' gestation had increased mean plasma granulocyte colony-stimulating factor values at 28 weeks' gestation (80.4 +/- 24.1 vs 55.9 +/- 16.5 pg/mL; P =. 001). At 24 weeks' gestation a granulocyte colony-stimulating factor value >75th percentile in control subjects (approximately 80 pg/mL) was found in 48.9% (23/47) of all women delivered of their infants at <32 weeks' gestation versus 14.9% (7/47) of the term control subjects (adjusted odds ratio, 6.2; 95% confidence interval, 1.8-20. 8). At 28 weeks' gestation a granulocyte colony-stimulating factor value >75th percentile was found in 36.8% (7/19) of women delivered of their infants at <32 weeks' gestation versus 5.3% (1/19) of term control subjects (adjusted odds ratio, 25.7; 95% confidence interval, 1.5-470.4). When measured at 24 or 28 weeks' gestation, granulocyte colony-stimulating factor did not predict spontaneous preterm birth at 32 to 34 weeks' gestation or at 35 to 36 weeks' gestation. CONCLUSION: In pregnant women without symptoms at 24 and 28 weeks' gestation, elevated plasma granulocyte colony-stimulating factor levels are associated with subsequent early (<32 weeks' gestation) spontaneous preterm birth, especially within the next 4 weeks, but not with late spontaneous preterm birth. These data provide further evidence that early spontaneous preterm birth is associated with an inflammatory process that is identifiable by the presence of a cytokine in maternal plasma several weeks before the early spontaneous preterm birth; however, later spontaneous preterm birth is not associated with this process.

Adolescent↗

The preterm prediction study: cervical lactoferrin concentration, other markers of lower genital tract infection, and preterm birth. National Institute of Child Health and Human Development Maternal-Fetal Medicine Units Network.

OBJECTIVE: This study was undertaken to determine the relationship among cervical lactoferrin concentration, other cervical markers potentially related to infection, and spontaneous preterm birth. STUDY DESIGN: Cervical lactoferrin concentrations obtained at 22 to 24 weeks' gestation among 121 women who had a spontaneous preterm birth <35 weeks' gestation were compared with cervical lactoferrin concentrations among 121 women matched for race, parity, and center who were delivered at >/=37 weeks' gestation. Results were compared against levels of cervical interleukin 6, fetal fibronectin, and sialidase, against cervical length according to ultrasonography, and according to the bacterial vaginosis Gram stain score. RESULTS: Cervical lactoferrin concentrations ranged from not measurable (19% of the concentrations were below the threshold for this assay) to a titer of >/=1:64. There was no significant difference in the overall distributions of lactoferrin concentrations between the case patients and control subjects (P =.18). Only when the highest titers of lactoferrin were considered were there more women in the spontaneous preterm birth group (6/121 vs 0/121; P =.03). According to Spearman correlation analyses the cervical lactoferrin concentrations were strongly related to interleukin 6 concentration (r =.51; P =.0001), sialidase activity (r =.38; P =.0001), and bacterial vaginosis (r =.38; P =.0001), were weakly related to fetal fibronectin (r =. 16; P =.01), and were not related to cervical length. With the 90th percentile (a dilution of 1:32) used as a cutoff to establish a dichotomous variable, lactoferrin concentration had the following odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals for associations with other potential markers of infection: bacterial vaginosis odds ratio, 4.8 (95% confidence interval, 2.2-10.3); interleukin 6 concentration odds ratio, 2.8 (95% confidence interval, 1.2-6.5); sialidase activity odds ratio, 5. 5 (95% confidence interval, 2.2-13.7); fetal fibronectin concentration odds ratio, 0.6 (95% confidence interval, 0.2-2.0); chlamydiosis odds ratio, 2.3 (95% confidence interval, 0.8-6.9); and short cervix odds ratio, 0.5 (95% confidence interval, 0.2-1.4). CONCLUSIONS: Lactoferrin found in the cervix correlated well with other markers of lower genital tract infection. High lactoferrin levels were associated with spontaneous preterm birth but had a very low predictive sensitivity.

Bacterial Infections↗

The Preterm Prediction Study: sequential cervical length and fetal fibronectin testing for the prediction of spontaneous preterm birth. National Institute of Child Health and Human Development Maternal-Fetal Medicine Units Network.

OBJECTIVES: This study was undertaken to further elucidate the pathogenesis of preterm birth by means of traditional risk factors and new markers for preterm birth derived from the Preterm Prediction Study. STUDY DESIGN: A total of 3076 women (2929 with singleton gestations and 147 with twin pregnancies) were categorized according to the presence of risk factors including black race, low body mass index, the presence of bacterial vaginosis, and previous preterm birth. At 24 and 28 weeks' gestation cervical length was measured and categorized as short (</=25 mm) or normal (>25 mm). Vaginal and cervical fetal fibronectin concentrations were measured at 24, 26, 28, and 30 weeks' gestation and results were categorized as positive (>/=50 ng/mL) or negative (<50 ng/mL). RESULTS: At 24 to 26 weeks' gestation women with each of the risk factors were more likely to have positive fibronectin test results or to have a short cervix. Among women with negative fetal fibronectin results at 24 to 26 weeks' gestation those with a short cervix were more likely to have positive fetal fibronectin results at 28 to 30 weeks' gestation, and among those with normal cervical length those women who had positive fetal fibronectin results were more likely to have a short cervix at later evaluation. Most women who had positive fetal fibronectin results at 24 to 26 weeks' gestation had negative results at 28 to 30 weeks' gestation, whereas most but not all women who had a short cervix at 24 to 26 weeks' gestation still had a short cervix at 28 to 30 weeks' gestation. In each period women with both a positive fetal fibronectin result and a short cervix were at substantially increased risk of spontaneous preterm birth; women with either marker alone had intermediate and approximately equal risks of spontaneous preterm birth, and women without either marker had a low risk of spontaneous preterm birth. CONCLUSION: Regardless of other risk factors, a short cervix predicts a subsequent positive fetal fibronectin result, and a positive fetal fibronectin result predicts subsequent cervical shortening. These data do not support a single sequence of events leading to spontaneous preterm birth.

Biomarkers↗

Vaginal fetal fibronectin measurements from 8 to 22 weeks' gestation and subsequent spontaneous preterm birth.

OBJECTIVE: We sought to determine the range of fetal fibronectin values in the vagina from 8 to 22 weeks' gestation, the factors associated with both low and high values, and whether high values are associated with gestational age at birth. STUDY DESIGN: Vaginal fetal fibronectin was quantitatively determined in a prospective cohort study of 13,360 women being evaluated for participation in the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development Maternal-Fetal Medicine Unit treatment trials for bacterial vaginosis and Trichomonas vaginalis. Fetal fibronectin values were correlated with gestational age at screening, race, the presence of bacterial vaginosis and Trichomonas vaginalis, and gestational age at delivery. RESULTS: Vaginal fetal fibronectin values at each gestational age ranged from unmeasurable to >1000 ng/mL, with median values always being <10 ng/mL. Fetal fibronectin values declined progressively with increasing gestational age at sampling. Bacterial vaginosis and black race were associated with higher values, whereas nulliparity was associated with lower values. High values after 13 weeks' gestation were associated with a 2- to 3-fold increased risk of subsequent spontaneous preterm birth overall and a 4-fold increased risk of very early preterm birth. CONCLUSION: Elevated vaginal fetal fibronectin levels from 13 to 22 weeks' gestation are associated with a significantly increased risk of spontaneous preterm birth.

Black People↗

The Preterm Prediction Study: association of second-trimester genitourinary chlamydia infection with subsequent spontaneous preterm birth.

OBJECTIVE: This study was undertaken to determine the association between genitourinary tract infection with Chlamydia trachomatis and spontaneous preterm birth. STUDY DESIGN: Genitourinary tract infection with C trachomatis was determined with a ligase chain reaction assay of voided urine samples collected at 24 weeks' gestation (22 weeks' to 24 weeks 6 days' gestation) and 28 weeks' gestation (27 weeks' to 28 weeks 6 days' gestation). Case patients (spontaneous preterm birth at <37 weeks' gestation; n = 190) and control subjects (delivery at >/=37 weeks' gestation, matched for race, parity, and center; n = 190) were selected from 2929 women enrolled in the Preterm Prediction Study of the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development Maternal-Fetal Medicine Units Network. RESULTS: Genitourinary C trachomatis infection (11% overall) was significantly more common among the case patients than among the control subjects at 24 weeks' gestation (15.8% vs 6.3%; P =.003) but not at 28 weeks' gestation (12.6% vs 10.9%; P =.61). Women with chlamydia infection were more likely to have bacterial vaginosis (57.1% vs 32.9%; P =.002) and a short cervical length (</=25 mm; 33.0% vs 17.9%; P =.02) but not a body mass index <19.8 kg/m(2) (35.0% vs 23.9%; P =.17) or a positive fetal fibronectin test result (7.1% vs 9.5%; P =.62). After adjustment for risk factors for spontaneous preterm birth, women with C trachomatis infection at 24 weeks' gestation were 2 times as likely as uninfected women to have a spontaneous preterm birth at <37 weeks' gestation (odds ratio, 2.2; 95% confidence interval, 1.03-4.78) and 3 times as likely to have a spontaneous preterm birth at <35 weeks' gestation (odds ratio, 3.2; 95% confidence interval, 1.08-9.57). CONCLUSION: Genitourinary C trachomatis infection at 24 weeks' gestation was associated with a 2-fold to 3-fold increased risk of subsequent spontaneous preterm birth.

Adolescent↗

The impact of digital cervical examination on expectantly managed preterm rupture of membranes.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of digital cervical examination on maternal and neonatal outcomes among women with preterm rupture of membranes. STUDY DESIGN: This analysis includes data from a previously reported trial of antibiotic treatment during expectant management of rupture of membranes at 24 to 32 weeks' gestation in singleton and twin gestations. Patients from both the randomized trial (n = 299 in the antibiotic group and n = 312 in the placebo group) and the observational component (n = 183) are included in this analysis. The groups were divided into those with one (n = 161) or two digital cervical examinations (n = 27) and those with no digital cervical examinations (n = 606). RESULTS: The gestational ages at enrollment were similar in the two groups (29 +/- 2 weeks' gestation for one or two examinations vs 29 +/- 2 weeks' gestation for no examinations; P =.85). There were no differences in chorioamnionitis (27% vs 29%; P =.69), endometritis (13% vs 11%; P =.5), or wound infection (0.5% vs 1%; P >.999) between the group with one or two examinations and the no-examination group. Infant outcomes were also similar in the two groups, including early sepsis (6% vs 5%; P =.68), respiratory distress syndrome (51% vs 45%; P =.18), intraventricular hemorrhage (7% vs 7%; P =.67), necrotizing enterocolitis (5% vs 3%; P =.19), and perinatal death (7% vs 5%; P =.45). A composite outcome made up of these neonatal outcomes was not different (56% vs 48%; P =.10) between the group with one or two examinations and the no-examination group. The time from rupture to delivery was shorter in the digital examination group (median value, 3 vs 5 days; P <. 009). Multivariable analysis to adjust for antibiotic study group, group B streptococcal culture status, race, and maternal transfer did not modify these results. CONCLUSION: Performance of one or two digital cervical examinations during the course of expectant management of rupture of membranes between 24 and 32 weeks' gestation was associated with shorter latency but did not appear to worsen either maternal or neonatal outcome.

Adult↗

The Preterm Prediction Study: prediction of preterm premature rupture of membranes through clinical findings and ancillary testing. The National Institute of Child Health and Human Development Maternal-Fetal Medicine Units Network.

OBJECTIVE: Our objective was to determine the relative importance of demographic characteristics, clinical risk factors, and ancillary screening tests in the prediction of preterm birth as a result of premature rupture of membranes. STUDY DESIGN: A total of 2929 women were evaluated in 10 centers at 23 to 24 weeks' gestation. Demographic and clinical characteristics were ascertained. Cervicovaginal fetal fibronectin and bacterial vaginosis were evaluated. Cervical length was measured by vaginal ultrasonography. Patients were evaluated for spontaneous preterm birth caused by preterm premature rupture of membranes at <37 and <35 weeks' gestation. Multivariate analyses were performed separately for nulliparous women and multiparous women. RESULTS: Premature rupture of membranes at <37 weeks' gestation complicated 4.5% of pregnancies, accounting for 32.6% of preterm births. Univariate analysis revealed low body mass index, pulmonary disease, contractions within 2 weeks, short cervix (</=25 mm), positive results of fetal fibronectin screening, bacterial vaginosis, and a previous preterm birth caused by premature rupture of membranes (in multiparous women) to be significantly associated with preterm birth caused by premature rupture of membranes in the current gestation. Short cervix, previous preterm birth caused by premature rupture of membranes in multiparous women, and presence of fetal fibronectin were the strongest predictors for both preterm birth caused by premature rupture of membranes at <37 and <35 weeks' gestation. Women with positive fetal fibronectin screening results and a short cervix had greater risks both of preterm birth caused by premature rupture of membranes at <37 weeks' gestation (relative risk, 4.9) and of preterm birth caused by premature rupture of membranes at <35 weeks' gestation (relative risk, 13.5) than did those without these risk factors. Multiparous women with all three risk factors had a 31. 3-fold increased risk of preterm birth caused by premature rupture of membranes at <35 weeks' gestation. CONCLUSION: The combination of short cervical length, previous preterm birth caused by preterm premature rupture of membranes, and positive fetal fibronectin screening results was highly associated with preterm delivery caused by preterm premature rupture of membranes in the current gestation.

Cervix Uteri↗

The preterm prediction study: quantitative fetal fibronectin values and the prediction of spontaneous preterm birth. The National Institute of Child Health and Human Development Maternal-Fetal Medicine Units Network.

OBJECTIVE: A cervicovaginal fetal fibronectin value of >/=50 ng/mL has been used to define women at risk of having a preterm birth. We evaluated the relationship between quantitative fetal fibronectin values and spontaneous preterm birth. STUDY DESIGN: Cervical and vaginal specimens for fetal fibronectin were obtained at 24, 26, 28, and 30 weeks' gestation from 2926 women. Quantitative fetal fibronectin values were calculated by using absorbances determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The highest fetal fibronectin value (cervical or vaginal) for each woman at each visit was evaluated in relation to spontaneous preterm birth at <35 weeks' gestation. Receiver operating characteristic curves were constructed to determine the optimal cutoff point for fetal fibronectin values to predict spontaneous preterm birth at <35 weeks' gestation and within 4 weeks of testing. RESULTS: The risk of spontaneous preterm birth increased as a function of increasing fetal fibronectin values from approximately 20 to 300 ng/mL. Fetal fibronectin values > or =300 ng/mL were not associated with a further increase in spontaneous preterm birth. Examination of the receiver operating characteristic curve indicates that the optimal cutoff point for a positive fetal fibronectin test result at 24 to 30 weeks' gestation to predict spontaneous preterm birth at <35 weeks is between 45 and 60 ng/mL. CONCLUSION: Increasing levels of cervicovaginal fetal fibronectin up to 300 ng/mL are associated with an increasing risk of spontaneous preterm birth. Nevertheless, at 24 to 30 weeks, the value currently used, 50 ng of fetal fibronectin per milliliter, appears to be a reasonable cutoff point for predicting spontaneous preterm birth at <35 weeks' gestation.

Cervix Uteri↗

Preterm delivery in women with pregestational diabetes mellitus or chronic hypertension relative to women with uncomplicated pregnancies. The National institute of Child health and Human Development Maternal- Fetal Medicine Units Network.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to compare the rates of indicated and spontaneous preterm delivery among women with chronic hypertension or pregestational diabetes mellitus with the rates among healthy women. STUDY DESIGN: This was a secondary analysis of data from healthy women with singleton gestations enrolled in a prospective observational study for prediction of preterm delivery (control group, n = 2738), women with pregestational diabetes mellitus requiring insulin therapy (n = 461), and women with chronic hypertension (n = 761). The two latter groups were enrolled in a randomized multicenter trial for prevention of preeclampsia. The main outcome measures were rates of preterm delivery, either spontaneous (preterm labor or rupture of membranes) or indicated (for maternal or fetal reasons), and neonatal outcomes. RESULTS: The overall rates of preterm delivery were significantly higher among women with diabetes mellitus (38%) and hypertension (33.1%) than among control women (13.9%). Rates were also significantly higher for delivery at <35 weeks' gestation. Women with diabetes mellitus had significantly higher rates of both indicated preterm delivery (21.9% vs 3.4%; odds ratio, 8.1; 95% confidence interval, 6.0-10.9) and spontaneous preterm delivery (16.1% vs 10.5%; odds ratio, 1.6; 95% confidence interval, 1.2-2.2) than did women in the control group. In addition, they had significantly higher rates of both indicated preterm delivery (odds ratio, 4.8; 95% confidence interval, 3.0-7.5) and spontaneous preterm delivery (odds ratio, 2.1; 95% confidence interval, 1.4-3.0) at <35 weeks' gestation than did control women. Compared with control women those with chronic hypertension had higher rates of indicated preterm delivery at both <37 weeks' gestation (21.9% vs 3.4%; odds ratio, 8.1; 95% confidence interval, 6.2-10.6) and at <35 weeks' gestation (12.1% vs 1.6%; odds ratio, 8.2; 95% confidence interval, 5.7-11.9), but there were no differences in rates of spontaneous preterm delivery. CONCLUSION: The increased rate of preterm delivery among women with chronic hypertension relative to control women was primarily an increase in indicated preterm delivery, whereas the rates of both spontaneous and indicated preterm delivery were increased among women with pregestational diabetes mellitus.

Adult↗

Is human myometrial sampling at the time of cesarean delivery safe?

OBJECTIVE: The mechanism for the initiation of human labor remains unknown and is under extensive investigation. Myometrium from patients in labor and not in labor is the ideal tissue to study structural, cellular, and molecular changes that occur during parturition. This study was designed to determine whether myometrial sampling at the time of cesarean delivery increases maternal morbidity. STUDY DESIGN: This is a prospective cohort study including 118 study and 236 control patients. A full-thickness myometrial sample was obtained from the superior edge of a transverse uterine incision at the time of cesarean delivery. Demographics and standard surgical morbidity data were collected. Statistical methods used included univariate and multivariate analysis. RESULTS: The study and control groups did not differ significantly with respect to age, gravidity, parity, birth weight, and Apgar scores. The estimated intraoperative blood loss was greater in the control group (P <.02); however, the change in hematocrit level (preoperative vs postoperative values) was not different. There were no significant differences in the rates of endometritis, wound infection, and venous thrombosis up to 6 weeks post partum. When study and control patients were stratified into term in labor, term not in labor, preterm in labor, and preterm not in labor categories and compared for maternal morbidity, there were still no significant differences for any of the outcome measures evaluated. CONCLUSION: On the basis of our data, human myometrial sampling at cesarean delivery does not increase overall maternal morbidity, irrespective of gestational age and the presence or absence of labor.

Adult↗

Is insulin lispro associated with the development or progression of diabetic retinopathy during pregnancy?

OBJECTIVE: This study was designed to determine whether there is an association between the use of insulin lispro during pregnancy and the development or progression of diabetic retinopathy. STUDY DESIGN: This observational cohort study included women with type 1 diabetes mellitus (n = 12) who were enrolled in our diabetes mellitus in pregnancy program and were treated with insulin lispro during pregnancy. We compared these women with a historical cohort (n = 42) who were treated with regular insulin during pregnancy. All patients underwent ophthalmologic examinations before 24 weeks' gestation and post partum, and retinopathy was graded according to a previously defined scale. RESULTS: Whereas none of the patients in the insulin lispro group showed any change in retinopathy status, 6 patients in the regular insulin group (14%) demonstrated changes in retinopathy status. Mild background retinopathy (change from grade 0 to 1) developed in 3 of these patients, and extensive proliferative retinopathy developed in 1 patient after normal results of the baseline examination (change from grade 0 to 6). Two patients had progression of retinopathy--1 had progression from background retinopathy to mild proliferative retinopathy (change from grade 2 to 4) and 1 had progression from mild proliferative retinopathy to extensive proliferative retinopathy (change from grade 4 to 6). CONCLUSIONS: These preliminary findings provide no evidence that insulin lispro treatment during pregnancy is associated with the development or progression of diabetic retinopathy.

Adult↗

Medical complications of diabetes mellitus in pregnancy.

Many women with diabetes develop complications of their chronic disease that may have a tremendous impact on their quality of life and their ultimate prognosis. Because Type 1 diabetes often begins at a very early age, it is quite common for women in their child-bearing years to be affected by these complications. As described in this article, diabetic complications and pregnancy may significantly affect each other, but it is not always easy to predict the course of either and to counsel these patients accordingly. Nevertheless, it appears that only in rare occasions should women with diabetes be advised against pregnancy, and that in most situations, with careful and knowledgeable management, a favorable outcome of pregnancy can be expected both for the mother and her infant.

Coronary Disease↗

Safety of labor epidural anesthesia for women with severe hypertensive disease. National Institute of Child Health and Human Development Maternal-Fetal Medicine Units Network.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine whether epidural anesthesia during labor increased the frequencies of cesarean delivery, pulmonary edema, and renal failure among women with severe hypertensive disease. STUDY DESIGN: We performed a secondary retrospective analysis of a subgroup population within a multicenter double-blind trial of low-dose aspirin therapy for women at high risk for development of preeclampsia. Subjects in whom severe hypertensive disease developed were selected. The primary outcomes were the overall frequencies of cesarean delivery among women with severe hypertensive disease who had labor with and without epidural anesthesia. Other maternal and neonatal outcomes were also compared between women who did and did not receive epidural anesthesia. RESULTS: Among the women with severe hypertensive disease (n = 444) 327 had labor. Among the women with severe disease who had labor there was no difference in either the overall cesarean delivery rate (32.1% vs 28.0%; P =.44) or the rate of cesarean delivery for fetal distress or failure to progress (27.8% vs 22.0%; P =.26) between women who did and did not receive epidural analgesia. Women with chronic hypertension were more likely to have a cesarean delivery overall if they received epidural anesthesia, but there was otherwise no difference in the frequencies of cesarean delivery for these indications between women with and without epidural anesthesia within each of the high-risk groups. Pulmonary edema was rare and acute renal failure did not develop in any women. CONCLUSION: Epidural anesthesia use did not increase the frequencies of cesarean delivery, pulmonary edema, and renal failure among women with severe hypertensive disease.

Adult↗

The preterm prediction study: effect of gestational age and cause of preterm birth on subsequent obstetric outcome. National Institute of Child Health and Human Development Maternal-Fetal Medicine Units Network.

OBJECTIVE: We sought to evaluate the association between prior spontaneous preterm delivery and subsequent pregnancy outcome. STUDY DESIGN: A total of 1711 multiparous women with singleton gestations were prospectively evaluated at 23 to 24 weeks' gestation. Prior pregnancies were coded for the presence or absence of a prior spontaneous preterm delivery. If a prior spontaneous preterm delivery had occurred, the gestation of the earliest prior delivery (13-22, 23-27, 28-34, and 35-36 weeks' gestation) was recorded. Current gestations were categorized as spontaneous preterm delivery at <28, <30, <32, <35, or <37 weeks' gestation. The risk of spontaneous preterm delivery in the current gestation was determined on the basis of the occurrence, gestational age, and cause of the earliest prior spontaneous preterm delivery. RESULTS: The incidences of spontaneous preterm delivery before 28, 30, 32, 35, and 37 weeks' gestation were 0.8%, 1.1%, 1.9%, 5.1%, and 11.9%, respectively. Those with a prior spontaneous preterm delivery carried a 2.5-fold increase in the risk of spontaneous preterm delivery in the current gestation over those with no prior spontaneous preterm delivery (21. 7% vs 8.8%; P </=.001). Gravid women with an early prior spontaneous preterm delivery (23-27 weeks' gestation) had a higher risk of recurrent spontaneous preterm delivery (27.1% vs 8.8%; P </=.001). Prior spontaneous preterm delivery was more closely associated with subsequent early spontaneous preterm delivery at <28 weeks' gestation (relative risk, 10.6) than for spontaneous preterm delivery overall (relative risk, 2.5). An early prior spontaneous preterm delivery (23-27 weeks' gestation) was most highly associated with early spontaneous preterm delivery (<28 weeks' gestation) in the current gestation (relative risk, 22.1). The relationship between prior spontaneous preterm delivery and current outcome was not as strong for those with a very early spontaneous preterm delivery (13-22 weeks' gestation). Prior spontaneous preterm delivery caused by preterm premature rupture of the membranes and preterm labor was significantly associated with similar outcomes in the current gestation (P <.001). CONCLUSION: Prior spontaneous preterm delivery is highly associated with recurrence in the current gestation. An early prior spontaneous preterm delivery is more predictive of recurrence and is most highly associated with subsequent early spontaneous preterm delivery.

Adult↗

Obstetric determinants of neonatal survival: antenatal predictors of neonatal survival and morbidity in extremely low birth weight infants.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to compare clinical and ultrasonographic variables obtained before delivery as predictors of neonatal survival and morbidity in infants weighing </=1000 g at birth. STUDY DESIGN: Maternal data available before the birth of singleton infants with birth weights </=1000 g who were delivered at the 11 tertiary perinatal centers of the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development Network of Maternal-Fetal Medicine Research Units were studied. Births that followed extramural delivery, antepartum stillbirths, multiple gestations, induced abortions, infants with major malformations, and fetuses delivered at <20 weeks' gestation were excluded. Ultrasonographic variables, including estimated fetal weight, obstetrically estimated gestational age, femur length, and biparietal diameter, and clinical variables, such as maternal race, antenatal care, substance abuse, medical treatment, reason for delivery, fetal gender, and presentation, were studied with logistic regression as predictors of neonatal outcome, including intrapartum stillbirth, neonatal death, and survival to 120 days after birth or to discharge from the hospital with or without the presence of markers of major morbidity. RESULTS: Eight hundred eight infants met enrollment criteria; 63 were excluded because of incomplete data and 32 were excluded because of malformations, leaving 713 for analysis, 386 of whom had an ultrasonographic examination within 3 days of delivery that recorded femur length, biparietal diameter, and estimated fetal weight. Forty-two percent of births were the result of preterm labor, 22% were the result of preterm ruptured membranes, 12% were the result of preeclampsia or eclampsia, 9% were the result of fetal distress, 4% were the result of placenta previa or abruptio placentae, and 2% were the result of intrauterine growth restriction. Perinatal mortality before 24 weeks' gestation exceeded 81% (19% stillbirths and 62% neonatal deaths) but declined sharply thereafter. Most survivors born before 26 weeks' gestation had serious morbidity. Fetal femur length and estimated gestational age predicted survival better than did biparietal diameter or estimated fetal weight. Infants who survived with markers of serious long-term morbidity could not be distinguished from those who survived without morbidity markers before delivery by ultrasonography or clinical data. Threshold values for ultrasonographic measurements of biparietal diameter and femur length were developed to distinguish fetuses with no chance of survival. CONCLUSION: Ultrasonographic assessment of either fetal femur length or gestational age predicts neonatal mortality better than do other antenatal tests. No tests accurately predicted neonatal morbidity in infants weighing </=1000 g at birth.

Female↗