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Sheppard M, Ibiebele I, Nippita T, Morris J. Asymptomatic bacteriuria in pregnancy. Aust N Z J Obstet Gynaecol 2023; 63:696-701. [PMID: 37157162 DOI: 10.1111/ajo.13693] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2023] [Accepted: 04/11/2023] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Asymptomatic bacteriuria (ASB) is associated with adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes and is routinely screened for and treated in the first trimester. Prevalence of ASB in the second and third trimesters of pregnancy is unknown. AIMS The aim is to determine the prevalence of ASB in the second and third trimesters of pregnancy. METHODS Prospective cohort study of 150 pregnant women. Mid-stream urine samples were tested for ASB in the second (24-28+6 ) and third (32-36+6 ) trimesters. Women were assigned to one of two groups: (i) ASB in any trimester of pregnancy and (ii) no evidence of ASB in pregnancy. Maternal and neonatal outcomes were compared between groups. RESULTS Among 143 women included in the study, the rate of ASB was 4.9% (2.1, 2.1 and 3.2% in the first, second and third trimesters, respectively). Of those with ASB, 14% had it in every trimester, whereas 43% had it on two or more samples. Of those with ASB in pregnancy, 43% were detected for the first time in the third trimester. Rates of maternal and neonatal outcomes were not statistically significantly different between the two groups. No women with ASB were induced for chorioamnionitis or growth restriction. CONCLUSION The rate of ASB was highest in the third trimester of pregnancy, with rates of 2.1, 2.1 and 3.2% in the first, second and third trimesters, respectively. This study was underpowered to assess maternal and fetal outcomes. Although numbers were small, the absence of ASB in the first trimester was a poor predictor of ASB in the third trimester.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madeleine Sheppard
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, Reproduction and Perinatal Centre, The University of Sydney, New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
- Kolling Institute, Northern Sydney Local Health District, New South Wales, St Leonards, Australia
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Royal North Shore Hospital, New South Wales, St Leonards, Australia
| | - Ibinabo Ibiebele
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, Reproduction and Perinatal Centre, The University of Sydney, New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
- Kolling Institute, Northern Sydney Local Health District, New South Wales, St Leonards, Australia
| | - Tanya Nippita
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, Reproduction and Perinatal Centre, The University of Sydney, New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
- Kolling Institute, Northern Sydney Local Health District, New South Wales, St Leonards, Australia
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Royal North Shore Hospital, New South Wales, St Leonards, Australia
| | - Jonathan Morris
- Kolling Institute, Northern Sydney Local Health District, New South Wales, St Leonards, Australia
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Royal North Shore Hospital, New South Wales, St Leonards, Australia
- Clinical Excellence Commission, New South Wales Ministry of Health, New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
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Saito K, Nishimura E, Ota E, Namba F, Swa T, Ramson J, Lavin T, Cao J, Vogel JP. Antenatal corticosteroids in specific groups at risk of preterm birth: a systematic review. BMJ Open 2023; 13:e065070. [PMID: 37739474 PMCID: PMC10533784 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2022-065070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2022] [Accepted: 09/01/2023] [Indexed: 09/24/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study aimed to synthesise available evidence on the efficacy of antenatal corticosteroid (ACS) therapy among women at risk of imminent preterm birth with pregestational/gestational diabetes, chorioamnionitis or fetal growth restriction (FGR), or planned caesarean section (CS) in the late preterm period. METHODS A systematic search of MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, Cochrane Library, Web of Science and Global Index Medicus was conducted for all comparative randomised or non-randomised interventional studies in the four subpopulations on 6 June 2021. Risk of Bias Assessment tool for Non-randomised Studies and the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool were used to assess the risk of bias. Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluations tool assessed the certainty of evidence. RESULTS Thirty-two studies involving 5018 pregnant women and 10 819 neonates were included. Data on women with diabetes were limited, and evidence on women undergoing planned CS was inconclusive. ACS use was associated with possibly reduced odds of neonatal death (pooled OR: 0.51; 95% CI: 0.31 to 0.85, low certainty), intraventricular haemorrhage (pooled OR: 0.41; 95% CI: 0.23 to 0.72, low certainty) and respiratory distress syndrome (pooled OR: 0.59; 95% CI: 0.45 to 0.77, low certainty) in women with chorioamnionitis. Among women with FGR, the rates of surfactant use (pooled OR: 0.38; 95% CI: 0.23 to 0.62, moderate certainty), mechanical ventilation (pooled OR: 0.42; 95% CI: 0.26 to 0.66, moderate certainty) and oxygen therapy (pooled OR: 0.48; 95% CI: 0.30 to 0.77, moderate certainty) were probably reduced; however, the rate of hypoglycaemia probably increased (pooled OR: 2.06; 95% CI: 1.27 to 3.32, moderate certainty). CONCLUSIONS There is a paucity of evidence on ACS for women who have diabetes. ACS therapy may have benefits in women with chorioamnionitis and is probably beneficial in FGR. There is limited direct trial evidence on ACS efficacy in women undergoing planned CS in the late preterm period, though the totality of evidence suggests it is probably beneficial. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER CRD42021267816.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kana Saito
- Pediatrics, Saitama Medical Center, Kawagoe, Saitama, Japan
| | - Etsuko Nishimura
- Graduate School of Nursing Science, St Luke's International University, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Erika Ota
- Graduate School of Nursing Science, St Luke's International University, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, Japan
- The Tokyo Foundation for Policy Research, Minato-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Fumihiko Namba
- Pediatrics, Saitama Medical Center, Kawagoe, Saitama, Japan
| | - Toshiyuki Swa
- Division of Health Science, Osaka University School of Medicine Graduate School of Medicine, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Jenny Ramson
- Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health Program, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Tina Lavin
- Department of Sexual and Reproductive Health and Research, World Health Organization, Geneve, Switzerland
| | - Jenny Cao
- Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health Program, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Joshua Peter Vogel
- Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health Program, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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Acute chorioamnionitis in pregnancies complicated by placental abruption and short-term neonatal outcomes: A retrospective cohort study. Placenta 2022; 130:67-69. [DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2022.11.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2022] [Revised: 10/25/2022] [Accepted: 11/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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Tiwari P, Gupta MM, Jain SL. Placental findings in singleton stillbirths: a case-control study from a tertiary-care center in India. J Perinat Med 2022; 50:753-762. [PMID: 34587673 DOI: 10.1515/jpm-2021-0179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2021] [Accepted: 08/11/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Placental examination in a case of stillbirth can provide insight into causative/associated factors with fetal demise. The aim of this study was to compare placental and umbilical cord pathologies in singleton stillbirth and livebirth placentas, and to find prevalence of various associated maternal and fetal clinical factors. METHODS This case-control study was conducted at a tertiary-care center in India over a period of 20 months. About 250 women who delivered stillborn fetus ≥28 weeks' gestation and 250 maternal-age-matched controls were recruited. Sociodemographic and clinical details were noted and placental gross and microscopic examination was done. Placental findings were compared between stillbirth and livebirth (overall), preterm stillbirth and preterm livebirth as well as term stillbirth and term livebirth in six categories - placenta gross, cord gross, membranes gross, maternal vascular malperfusion, fetal vascular malperfusion and inflammatory response. Prevalence of 11 maternal and fetal factors were studied in all categories of placental findings in both livebirth and stillbirth. RESULTS Placental findings in all six categories were significantly associated with stillbirths (p<0.05). The placental findings associated with stillbirth with highest odds included placental hypoplasia (OR 9.77, 95% CI 5.46-17.46), necrotizing chorioamnionitis (OR 9.30, 95% CI 1.17-73.96) and avascular villi (OR 8.45, 95% CI 3.53-20.25). More than half of the women with stillbirths had medical disorders (n=130, 52.0%) and the most prevalent was hypertensive disorder (n=45, 18.0%). CONCLUSIONS Changes in placenta are associated with development of stillbirth. Therefore, antenatal investigations to identify placental dysfunction should be investigated to determine whether these reduce stillbirth. Also, placental examination in a case of stillbirth can detect/diagnose many maternal/fetal conditions and thereby can help in preventing future stillbirths.
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Affiliation(s)
- Purnima Tiwari
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences Nagpur, Nagpur, India
| | - Madhavi M Gupta
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Maulana Azad Medical College and associated Lok Nayak Hospital, New Delhi, India
| | - Shyama Lata Jain
- Department of Pathology, Maulana Azad Medical College, New Delhi, India
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Wong YP, Wagiman N, Tan JWD, Hanim BS, Rashidan MSH, Fong KM, Norhazli NN, Qrisha Y, Shah RNRA, Mustangin M, Zakaria H, Chin SX, Tan GC. Loss of CXC-Chemokine Receptor 1 Expression in Chorioamnionitis Is Associated with Adverse Perinatal Outcomes. Diagnostics (Basel) 2022; 12:diagnostics12040882. [PMID: 35453930 PMCID: PMC9028796 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics12040882] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2022] [Revised: 03/30/2022] [Accepted: 03/30/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Chorioamnionitis complicates about 1−5% of deliveries at term and causes about one-third of stillbirths. CXC-chemokine receptor 1 (CXCR1) binds IL-8 with high affinity and regulates neutrophil recruitment. We aimed to determine the immunoexpression of CXCR1 in placentas with chorioamnionitis, and its association with adverse perinatal outcomes. Methods: A total of 101 cases of chorioamnionitis and 32 cases of non-chorioamnionitis were recruited over a period of 2 years. CXCR1 immunohistochemistry was performed, and its immunoexpression in placentas was evaluated. The adverse perinatal outcomes included intrauterine death, poor APGAR score, early neonatal death, and respiratory complications. Results: Seventeen cases (17/101, 16.8%) with chorioamnionitis presented as preterm deliveries. Lung complications were more common in mothers who were >35 years (p = 0.003) and with a higher stage in the foetal inflammatory response (p = 0.03). Notably, 24 cases (23.8%) of histological chorioamnionitis were not detected clinically. Interestingly, the loss of CXCR1 immunoexpression in the umbilical cord endothelial cells (UCECs) was significantly associated with foetal death (p = 0.009). Conclusion: The loss of CXCR1 expression in UCECs was significantly associated with an increased risk of adverse perinatal outcomes and could be used as a biomarker to predict adverse perinatal outcomes in chorioamnionitis. Further study is warranted to study the pathophysiology involved in the failure of CXCR1 expression in these cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yin Ping Wong
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Jalan Yaacob Latif, Bandar Tun Razak, Kuala Lumpur 56000, Malaysia; (Y.P.W.); (N.W.); (B.S.H.); (M.M.); (H.Z.)
| | - Noorhafizah Wagiman
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Jalan Yaacob Latif, Bandar Tun Razak, Kuala Lumpur 56000, Malaysia; (Y.P.W.); (N.W.); (B.S.H.); (M.M.); (H.Z.)
- Department of Pathology, Hospital Sultanah Aminah, Johor Bahru 80100, Malaysia;
| | - Jonathan Wei De Tan
- ASASIpintar Programme, Pusat Genius@Pintar Negara, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Bangi 43600, Malaysia; (J.W.D.T.); (M.S.H.R.); (K.M.F.); (N.N.N.); (Y.Q.); (S.X.C.)
| | - Barizah Syahirah Hanim
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Jalan Yaacob Latif, Bandar Tun Razak, Kuala Lumpur 56000, Malaysia; (Y.P.W.); (N.W.); (B.S.H.); (M.M.); (H.Z.)
| | - Muhammad Syamil Hilman Rashidan
- ASASIpintar Programme, Pusat Genius@Pintar Negara, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Bangi 43600, Malaysia; (J.W.D.T.); (M.S.H.R.); (K.M.F.); (N.N.N.); (Y.Q.); (S.X.C.)
| | - Kai Mun Fong
- ASASIpintar Programme, Pusat Genius@Pintar Negara, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Bangi 43600, Malaysia; (J.W.D.T.); (M.S.H.R.); (K.M.F.); (N.N.N.); (Y.Q.); (S.X.C.)
| | - Naufal Naqib Norhazli
- ASASIpintar Programme, Pusat Genius@Pintar Negara, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Bangi 43600, Malaysia; (J.W.D.T.); (M.S.H.R.); (K.M.F.); (N.N.N.); (Y.Q.); (S.X.C.)
| | - Yashini Qrisha
- ASASIpintar Programme, Pusat Genius@Pintar Negara, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Bangi 43600, Malaysia; (J.W.D.T.); (M.S.H.R.); (K.M.F.); (N.N.N.); (Y.Q.); (S.X.C.)
| | | | - Muaatamarulain Mustangin
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Jalan Yaacob Latif, Bandar Tun Razak, Kuala Lumpur 56000, Malaysia; (Y.P.W.); (N.W.); (B.S.H.); (M.M.); (H.Z.)
| | - Haliza Zakaria
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Jalan Yaacob Latif, Bandar Tun Razak, Kuala Lumpur 56000, Malaysia; (Y.P.W.); (N.W.); (B.S.H.); (M.M.); (H.Z.)
| | - Siew Xian Chin
- ASASIpintar Programme, Pusat Genius@Pintar Negara, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Bangi 43600, Malaysia; (J.W.D.T.); (M.S.H.R.); (K.M.F.); (N.N.N.); (Y.Q.); (S.X.C.)
| | - Geok Chin Tan
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Jalan Yaacob Latif, Bandar Tun Razak, Kuala Lumpur 56000, Malaysia; (Y.P.W.); (N.W.); (B.S.H.); (M.M.); (H.Z.)
- Correspondence:
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Exposure to intrauterine inflammation and late-onset sepsis in very preterm infants. Pediatr Res 2022; 91:230-234. [PMID: 33731804 DOI: 10.1038/s41390-021-01455-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2020] [Revised: 02/16/2021] [Accepted: 02/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Late-onset sepsis is an important cause of mortality and morbidity in preterm infants. As these infants rely mostly on their innate immune system to fight off infection, enhancing this immune system by appropriate stimuli may prevent late-onset sepsis. However, it remains unclear which stimuli can enhance the neonatal immune system. This study aims to investigate the influence of intrauterine inflammation on late-onset sepsis. METHODS This is a retrospective cohort study in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit in the Netherlands. Between 2005 and 2016, 1014 infants with ≤32 weeks gestational age and/or with a birth weight ≤1500 g were included. Intrauterine inflammation was subdivided into histological chorioamnionitis, fetal inflammatory response, and funisitis. Logistic and Cox regression analyses were performed to investigate the influence of intrauterine inflammation on late-onset sepsis. RESULTS Thirty-six percent of the included infants developed late-onset sepsis; 24% of placentas showed intrauterine inflammation. Late-onset sepsis incidence did not differ between infants with or without exposure to intrauterine inflammation after adjustment for gestational age (histological chorioamnionitis aHR 0.928 [CI: 0.727-1.185], p = 0.551; fetal inflammatory response aHR 1.011 [CI: 0.793-1.288], p = 0.930); funisitis aHR 0.965 [CI: 0.738-1.263], p = 0.797). CONCLUSIONS Late-onset sepsis in very preterm infants seems not to be associated with intrauterine inflammation. IMPACT Intrauterine inflammation is not protective of developing late-onset sepsis in premature infants. A large cohort study on the effect of intrauterine inflammation on neonatal outcome. This study adds to existing knowledge on finding appropriate stimuli to enhance the immune system of premature infants to improve neonatal outcome.
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Kitase Y, Chin EM, Ramachandra S, Burkhardt C, Madurai NK, Lenz C, Hoon AH, Robinson S, Jantzie LL. Sustained peripheral immune hyper-reactivity (SPIHR): an enduring biomarker of altered inflammatory responses in adult rats after perinatal brain injury. J Neuroinflammation 2021; 18:242. [PMID: 34666799 PMCID: PMC8527679 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-021-02291-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2021] [Accepted: 10/07/2021] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Chorioamnionitis (CHORIO) is a principal risk factor for preterm birth and is the most common pathological abnormality found in the placentae of preterm infants. CHORIO has a multitude of effects on the maternal–placental–fetal axis including profound inflammation. Cumulatively, these changes trigger injury in the developing immune and central nervous systems, thereby increasing susceptibility to chronic sequelae later in life. Despite this and reports of neural–immune changes in children with cerebral palsy, the extent and chronicity of the peripheral immune and neuroinflammatory changes secondary to CHORIO has not been fully characterized. Methods We examined the persistence and time course of peripheral immune hyper-reactivity in an established and translational model of perinatal brain injury (PBI) secondary to CHORIO. Pregnant Sprague–Dawley rats underwent laparotomy on embryonic day 18 (E18, preterm equivalent). Uterine arteries were occluded for 60 min, followed by intra-amniotic injection of lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Serum and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were collected at young adult (postnatal day P60) and middle-aged equivalents (P120). Serum and PBMCs secretome chemokines and cytokines were assayed using multiplex electrochemiluminescent immunoassay. Multiparameter flow cytometry was performed to interrogate immune cell populations. Results Serum levels of interleukin-1β (IL-1β), IL-5, IL-6, C–X–C Motif Chemokine Ligand 1 (CXCL1), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and C–C motif chemokine ligand 2/monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (CCL2/MCP-1) were significantly higher in CHORIO animals compared to sham controls at P60. Notably, CHORIO PBMCs were primed. Specifically, they were hyper-reactive and secreted more inflammatory mediators both at baseline and when stimulated in vitro. While serum levels of cytokines normalized by P120, PBMCs remained primed, and hyper-reactive with a robust pro-inflammatory secretome concomitant with a persistent change in multiple T cell populations in CHORIO animals. Conclusions The data indicate that an in utero inflammatory insult leads to neural–immune changes that persist through adulthood, thereby conferring vulnerability to brain and immune system injury throughout the lifespan. This unique molecular and cellular immune signature including sustained peripheral immune hyper-reactivity (SPIHR) and immune cell priming may be a viable biomarker of altered inflammatory responses following in utero insults and advances our understanding of the neuroinflammatory cascade that leads to perinatal brain injury and later neurodevelopmental disorders, including cerebral palsy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuma Kitase
- Division of Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 600 N. Wolfe Street, CMSC Building, 6-104A, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Eric M Chin
- Department of Neurology and Developmental Medicine, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Sindhu Ramachandra
- Division of Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 600 N. Wolfe Street, CMSC Building, 6-104A, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Christopher Burkhardt
- Division of Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 600 N. Wolfe Street, CMSC Building, 6-104A, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Nethra K Madurai
- Division of Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 600 N. Wolfe Street, CMSC Building, 6-104A, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Colleen Lenz
- Department of Neurology and Developmental Medicine, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Alexander H Hoon
- Department of Neurology and Developmental Medicine, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Shenandoah Robinson
- Division of Pediatric Neurosurgery, Department of Neurosurgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Lauren L Jantzie
- Division of Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 600 N. Wolfe Street, CMSC Building, 6-104A, Baltimore, MD, USA. .,Department of Neurology and Developmental Medicine, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, MD, USA. .,Division of Pediatric Neurosurgery, Department of Neurosurgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA. .,Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
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Vitaliti G, Falsaperla R. Chorioamnionitis, Inflammation and Neonatal Apnea: Effects on Preterm Neonatal Brainstem and on Peripheral Airways: Chorioamnionitis and Neonatal Respiratory Functions. CHILDREN-BASEL 2021; 8:children8100917. [PMID: 34682182 PMCID: PMC8534519 DOI: 10.3390/children8100917] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2021] [Revised: 10/01/2021] [Accepted: 10/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Background: The present manuscript aims to be a narrative review evaluating the association between inflammation in chorioamnionitis and damage on respiratory centers, peripheral airways, and lungs, explaining the pathways responsible for apnea in preterm babies born by delivery after chorioamnionitis. Methods: A combination of keywords and MESH words was used, including: "inflammation", "chorioamnionitis", "brainstem", "cytokines storm", "preterm birth", "neonatal apnea", and "apnea physiopathology". All identified papers were screened for title and abstracts by the two authors to verify whether they met the proper criteria to write the topic. Results: Chorioamnionitis is usually associated with Fetal Inflammatory Response Syndrome (FIRS), resulting in injury of brain and lungs. Literature data have shown that infections causing chorioamnionitis are mostly associated with inflammation and consequent hypoxia-mediated brain injury. Moreover, inflammation and infection induce apneic episodes in neonates, as well as in animal samples. Chorioamnionitis-induced inflammation favors the systemic secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines that are involved in abnormal development of the respiratory centers in the brainstem and in alterations of peripheral airways and lungs. Conclusions: Preterm birth shows a suboptimal development of the brainstem and abnormalities and altered development of peripheral airways and lungs. These alterations are responsible for reduced respiratory control and apnea. To date, mostly animal studies have been published. Therefore, more clinical studies on the role of chorioamninitis-induced inflammation on prematurity and neonatal apnea are necessary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanna Vitaliti
- Unit of Pediatrics, Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Pediatrics, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-34-0471-0614
| | - Raffaele Falsaperla
- Pediatrics and Pediatric Emergency Operative Unit, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Policlinico G.Rodolico-San Marco, San Marco Hospital, University of Catania, 95124 Catania, Italy;
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Policlinico G.Rodolico-San Marco, San Marco Hospital, San Marco Hospital, University of Catania, 95124 Catania, Italy
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Gatti AM, Montanari S, Ferrero S, Lavezzi AM. Silver nanoparticles in the fetal brain: new perspectives in understanding the pathogenesis of unexplained stillbirths. Nanomedicine (Lond) 2021; 16:265-274. [PMID: 33533653 DOI: 10.2217/nnm-2020-0391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
We report, for the first time, the surprising presence of toxic nanoparticles, especially silver, in the brain of a fetus, who died unexpectedly at the end of a regular pregnancy. After an accurate autopsy, including the examination of the fetal annexes, an in-depth anatomopathological study of the nervous system and a search by scanning electron microscopy of nanoparticles in the brain, we highlighted the sequence of events that may have led to this fetal death, triggered primarily by the transition of nanosized xenobiotics from the mother to the fetal bloodstream. From this report emerges the importance of considering the search of nanosubstances in the brain during routine investigations following unexpected and unexplained fetal and infant deaths.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonietta M Gatti
- Health, Law, Science Association, Genève, Switzerland.,Nanodiagnostics, San Vito, Modena, Italy
| | | | - Stefano Ferrero
- Division of Pathology, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda, Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy.,Department of Biomedical, Surgical & Dental Sciences, "Lino Rossi" Research Center for the Study & Prevention of Unexpected Perinatal Death SIDS, University of Milan, Milan Italy
| | - Anna Maria Lavezzi
- Department of Biomedical, Surgical & Dental Sciences, "Lino Rossi" Research Center for the Study & Prevention of Unexpected Perinatal Death SIDS, University of Milan, Milan Italy
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10
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Telomere erosion as a placental clock: From placental pathologies to adverse pregnancy outcomes. Placenta 2020; 97:101-107. [PMID: 32792055 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2020.06.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2020] [Revised: 06/25/2020] [Accepted: 06/25/2020] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
The placenta provides nutritional and gas exchange between fetus and mother. Early in pregnancy, placental trophoblasts proliferate rapidly and invade aggressively. As pregnancy progresses, placental cells begin to age. Indeed, pregnancy itself has a tightly regulated duration, determined in large part by placental lifespan. Late in pregnancy, placental cells reach a senescent apoptotic state, activated by a number of intrinsic and extrinsic factors, including oxidative stress (OS), and DNA damage. Pregnancy complications, stillbirths and neonatal deaths have been related to OS and abnormal placental aging. Telomeres, the protective nucleoprotein structures at the ends of linear chromosomes, shorten both from cell replication and from exposure to OS. When telomeres become critically short they trigger cell cycle arrest and eventually cell death. Telomere attrition thus provide an intrinsic mechanism to explain tissue senescence and aging. Mounting evidence suggests that senescence of placental and fetal membrane cells results from telomere attrition. We review the studies that have addressed the role of telomere length (TL) in placentas from normal and complicated pregnancies, including pre-eclampsia, intrauterine growth restriction, gestational diabetes, and stillbirth. To date studies have uncovered associations between TL and a number of obstetrical complications. Future research is needed to determine whether these associations are causative, i.e. whether these clinical conditions result from telomere dysfunction, and whether particular features of telomeres, e.g. mean or shortest length, etc. could serve as clinically useful biomarkers of placental health.
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Jaiman S, Romero R, Pacora P, Jung E, Bhatti G, Yeo L, Kim YM, Kim B, Kim CJ, Kim JS, Qureshi F, Jacques SM, Erez O, Gomez-Lopez N, Hsu CD. Disorders of placental villous maturation in fetal death. J Perinat Med 2020; 0:/j/jpme.ahead-of-print/jpm-2020-0030/jpm-2020-0030.xml. [PMID: 32238609 PMCID: PMC8262362 DOI: 10.1515/jpm-2020-0030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2020] [Accepted: 02/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Objective The aims of this study were to ascertain the frequency of disorders of villous maturation in fetal death and to also delineate other placental histopathologic lesions in fetal death. Methods This was a retrospective observational cohort study of fetal deaths occurring among women between January 2004 and January 2016 at Hutzel Women's Hospital, Detroit, MI, USA. Cases comprised fetuses with death beyond 20 weeks' gestation. Fetal deaths with congenital anomalies and multiple gestations were excluded. Controls included pregnant women without medical/obstetrical complications and delivered singleton, term (37-42 weeks) neonate with 5-min Apgar score ≥7 and birthweight between the 10th and 90th percentiles. Results Ninety-two percent (132/143) of placentas with fetal death showed placental histologic lesions. Fetal deaths were associated with (1) higher frequency of disorders of villous maturation [44.0% (64/143) vs. 1.0% (4/405), P < 0.0001, prevalence ratio, 44.6; delayed villous maturation, 22% (31/143); accelerated villous maturation, 20% (28/143); and maturation arrest, 4% (5/143)]; (2) higher frequency of maternal vascular malperfusion lesions [75.5% (108/143) vs. 35.7% (337/944), P < 0.0001, prevalence ratio, 2.1] and fetal vascular malperfusion lesions [88.1% (126/143) vs. 19.7% (186/944), P < 0.0001, prevalence ratio, 4.5]; (3) higher frequency of placental histologic patterns suggestive of hypoxia [59.0% (85/143) vs. 9.3% (82/942), P < 0.0001, prevalence ratio, 6.8]; and (4) higher frequency of chronic inflammatory lesions [53.1% (76/143) vs. 29.9% (282/944), P < 0.001, prevalence ratio 1.8]. Conclusion This study demonstrates that placentas of women with fetal death were 44 times more likely to present disorders of villous maturation compared to placentas of those with normal pregnancy. This suggests that the burden of placental disorders of villous maturation lesions is substantial.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sunil Jaiman
- Perinatology Research Branch, Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Bethesda, Maryland, and Detroit, Michigan, USA
- Department of Pathology, Hutzel Women’s Hospital, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Roberto Romero
- Perinatology Research Branch, Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Bethesda, Maryland, and Detroit, Michigan, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, USA
- Center for Molecular Medicine and Genetics, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan, USA
- Detroit Medical Center, Detroit, Michigan, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Florida International University, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Percy Pacora
- Perinatology Research Branch, Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Bethesda, Maryland, and Detroit, Michigan, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - Eunjung Jung
- Perinatology Research Branch, Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Bethesda, Maryland, and Detroit, Michigan, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - Gaurav Bhatti
- Perinatology Research Branch, Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Bethesda, Maryland, and Detroit, Michigan, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - Lami Yeo
- Perinatology Research Branch, Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Bethesda, Maryland, and Detroit, Michigan, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - Yeon Mee Kim
- Perinatology Research Branch, Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Bethesda, Maryland, and Detroit, Michigan, USA
- Department of Pathology, Haeundae Paik Hospital, Inje University College of Medicine, Busan, Republic of Korea
| | - Bomi Kim
- Perinatology Research Branch, Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Bethesda, Maryland, and Detroit, Michigan, USA
- Department of Pathology, Haeundae Paik Hospital, Inje University College of Medicine, Busan, Republic of Korea
| | - Chong Jai Kim
- Perinatology Research Branch, Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Bethesda, Maryland, and Detroit, Michigan, USA
- Department of Pathology, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Asan Medical Center, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jung-Sun Kim
- Perinatology Research Branch, Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Bethesda, Maryland, and Detroit, Michigan, USA
- Department of Pathology, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Samsung Medical Center, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Faisal Qureshi
- Perinatology Research Branch, Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Bethesda, Maryland, and Detroit, Michigan, USA
- Department of Pathology, Hutzel Women’s Hospital, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Suzanne M. Jacques
- Perinatology Research Branch, Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Bethesda, Maryland, and Detroit, Michigan, USA
- Department of Pathology, Hutzel Women’s Hospital, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Offer Erez
- Perinatology Research Branch, Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Bethesda, Maryland, and Detroit, Michigan, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Soroka University Medical Center, School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Nardhy Gomez-Lopez
- Perinatology Research Branch, Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Bethesda, Maryland, and Detroit, Michigan, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan, USA
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology, and Immunology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - Chaur-Dong Hsu
- Perinatology Research Branch, Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Bethesda, Maryland, and Detroit, Michigan, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan, USA
- Department of Physiology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan, USA
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12
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Lorthe E. [Epidemiology, risk factors and child prognosis: CNGOF Preterm Premature Rupture of Membranes Guidelines]. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2018; 46:1004-1021. [PMID: 30385352 DOI: 10.1016/j.gofs.2018.10.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To synthetize the available evidence regarding the incidence and risk factors of preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM). To describe the evolution of pregnancy, neonatal outcomes and the prognosis of infants born in a context of PPROM, according to the existence of an associated intrauterine infection and to the latency duration. METHOD Consultation of the Medline database, from 1980 to February 2018. RESULTS PPROM before 37 and before 34 weeks' gestation occur in 2-3% and <1% of pregnancies, respectively (LE2). Although many risk factors are identified, few are modifiable, and the vast majority of patients have no risk factors (LE2). Consequently, individual prediction of the risk of PPROM and primary prevention measures have not been shown to be effective and are not recommended in clinical practice (Grade B). Most women give birth within the week following PPROM (LE2). The main complications of PPROM are prematurity, intrauterine infection and obstetric and maternal complications (LE2). Latency duration and the frequency of complications decrease with increasing gestational age at PPROM (LE2). Neonatal prognosis is largely conditioned by gestational age at birth, with no apparent over-risk of poor outcomes linked to PPROM compared to other causes of preterm birth (LE2). In contrast, intrauterine infection is associated with an increased risk of in utero fetal death (LE3), necrotizing enterocolitis (LE1) and early-onset sepsis (LE2). The association of intrauterine infection with neurological morbidity remains controversial. Prolongation of latency, from gestational age at PPROM, is beneficial for the child (LE2). CONCLUSION PPROM is a major cause of prematurity and short- and long-term mortality and morbidity. Antenatal care is an important issue for obstetric and pediatric teams, aiming to reduce complications and adverse consequences for both mother and child.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Lorthe
- Inserm UMR 1153, obstetrical, perinatal and pediatric epidemiology research team (Épopé), Center for epidemiology and statistics Sorbonne Paris Cité, département hospitalo-universitaire risks in pregnancy, Paris Descartes university, 75000 Paris, France; EPI unit - institute of public health, university of Porto, rua das Taipas n(o) 135, 4050-600 Porto, Portugal.
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13
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Harrison MS, Thorsten VR, Dudley DJ, Parker CB, Koch MA, Hogue CJ, Stoll BJ, Silver RM, Varner MW, Pinar MH, Coustan DR, Saade GR, Bukowski RK, Conway DL, Willinger M, Reddy UM, Goldenberg RL. Stillbirth, Inflammatory Markers, and Obesity: Results from the Stillbirth Collaborative Research Network. Am J Perinatol 2018; 35:1071-1078. [PMID: 29609190 PMCID: PMC6436964 DOI: 10.1055/s-0038-1639340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Obesity is associated with increased risk of stillbirth, although the mechanisms are unknown. Obesity is also associated with inflammation. Serum ferritin, C-reactive protein, white blood cell count, and histologic chorioamnionitis are all markers of inflammation. OBJECTIVE This article determines if inflammatory markers are associated with stillbirth and body mass index (BMI). Additionally, we determined whether inflammatory markers help to explain the known relationship between obesity and stillbirth. STUDY DESIGN White blood cell count was assessed at admission to labor and delivery, maternal serum for assessment of various biomarkers was collected after study enrollment, and histologic chorioamnionitis was based on placental histology. These markers were compared for stillbirths and live births overall and within categories of BMI using analysis of variance on logarithmic-transformed markers and logistic regression for dichotomous variables. The impact of inflammatory markers on the association of BMI categories with stillbirth status was assessed using crude and adjusted odds ratios (COR and AOR, respectively) from logistic regression models. The interaction of inflammatory markers and BMI categories on stillbirth status was also assessed through logistic regression. Additional logistic regression models were used to determine if the association of maternal serum ferritin with stillbirth is different for preterm versus term births. Analyses were weighted for the overall population from which this sample was derived. RESULTS A total of 497 women with singleton stillbirths and 1,414 women with live births were studied with prepregnancy BMI (kg/m2) categorized as normal (18.5-24.9), overweight (25.0-29.9), or obese (30.0 + ). Overweight (COR, 1.48; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.14-1.94) and obese women (COR, 1.60; 95% CI: 1.23-2.08) were more likely than normal weight women to experience stillbirth. Serum ferritin levels were higher (geometric mean: 37.4 ng/mL vs. 23.3, p < 0.0001) and C-reactive protein levels lower (geometric mean: 2.9 mg/dL vs. 3.3, p = 0.0279), among women with stillbirth compared with live birth. Elevated white blood cell count (15.0 uL × 103 or greater) was associated with stillbirth (21.2% SB vs. 10.0% live birth, p < 0.0001). Histologic chorioamnionitis was more common (33.2% vs. 15.7%, p < 0.0001) among women with stillbirth compared with those with live birth. Serum ferritin, C-reactive protein, and chorioamnionitis had little impact on the ORs associating stillbirth with overweight or obesity. Adjustment for elevated white blood cell count did not meaningfully change the OR for stillbirth in overweight versus normal weight women. However, the stillbirth OR for obese versus normal BMI changed by more than 10% when adjusting for histologic chorioamnionitis (AOR, 1.38; 95% CI: 1.02-1.88), indicating confounding. BMI by inflammatory marker interaction terms were not significant. The association of serum ferritin levels with stillbirth was stronger among preterm births (p = 0.0066). CONCLUSION Maternal serum ferritin levels, elevated white blood cell count, and histologic chorioamnionitis were positively and C-reactive protein levels negatively associated with stillbirth. Elevated BMIs, both overweight and obese, were associated with stillbirth when compared with women with normal BMI. None of the inflammatory markers fully accounted for the relationship between obesity and stillbirth. The association of maternal serum ferritin with stillbirth was stronger in preterm than term stillbirths.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Barbara J. Stoll
- University of Texas Health McGovern Medical School, Houston, Texas
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Deborah L. Conway
- University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas
| | - Marian Willinger
- Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, Rockville, Maryland
| | - Uma M. Reddy
- Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, Rockville, Maryland
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14
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Stojanovska V, Miller SL, Hooper SB, Polglase GR. The Consequences of Preterm Birth and Chorioamnionitis on Brainstem Respiratory Centers: Implications for Neurochemical Development and Altered Functions by Inflammation and Prostaglandins. Front Cell Neurosci 2018; 12:26. [PMID: 29449803 PMCID: PMC5799271 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2018.00026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2017] [Accepted: 01/17/2018] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Preterm birth is a major cause for neonatal morbidity and mortality, and is frequently associated with adverse neurological outcomes. The transition from intrauterine to extrauterine life at birth is particularly challenging for preterm infants. The main physiological driver for extrauterine transition is the establishment of spontaneous breathing. However, preterm infants have difficulty clearing lung liquid, have insufficient surfactant levels, and underdeveloped lungs. Further, preterm infants have an underdeveloped brainstem, resulting in reduced respiratory drive. These factors facilitate the increased requirement for respiratory support. A principal cause of preterm birth is intrauterine infection/inflammation (chorioamnionitis), and infants with chorioamnionitis have an increased risk and severity of neurological damage, but also demonstrate impaired autoresuscitation capacity and prevalent apnoeic episodes. The brainstem contains vital respiratory centers which provide the neural drive for breathing, but the impact of preterm birth and/or chorioamnionitis on this brain region is not well understood. The aim of this review is to provide an overview of the role and function of the brainstem respiratory centers, and to highlight the proposed mechanisms of how preterm birth and chorioamnionitis may affect central respiratory functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vanesa Stojanovska
- The Ritchie Centre, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Suzanne L Miller
- The Ritchie Centre, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Monash University and Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Stuart B Hooper
- The Ritchie Centre, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Monash University and Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Graeme R Polglase
- The Ritchie Centre, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Monash University and Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
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15
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Stojanovska V, Atik A, Nitsos I, Skiöld B, Barton SK, Zahra VA, Rodgers K, Hooper SB, Polglase GR, Galinsky R. Effects of Intrauterine Inflammation on Cortical Gray Matter of Near-Term Lambs. Front Pediatr 2018; 6:145. [PMID: 29963540 PMCID: PMC6013568 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2018.00145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2018] [Accepted: 05/01/2018] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Ventilation causes cerebral white matter inflammation and injury, which is exacerbated by intrauterine inflammation. However, the effects on cortical gray matter are not well-known. Our aim was to examine the effect of ventilation on the cerebral cortex of near-term lambs exposed to intrauterine inflammation. Method:Pregnant ewes at 119 ± 1 days gestation received an intra-amniotic injection of saline or lipopolysaccharide (LPS; 10 mg). Seven days later, lambs were randomized to either a high tidal volume injurious ventilation strategy (INJSALN = 6, INJLPSN = 5) or a protective ventilation strategy (PROTSALN = 5, PROTLPSN = 6). Respiratory parameters, heart rate and blood gases were monitored during the neonatal period. At post-mortem, the brain was collected and processed for immunohistochemical assessment. Neuronal density (NeuN), apoptotic cell death (caspase 8 and TUNEL), microglial density (Iba-1), astrocytic density (GFAP), and vascular protein extravasation (sheep serum) were assessed within the frontal, parietal, temporal and occipital lobes of the cerebral cortex. Results:A significant reduction in the number of neurons in all cortical layers except 4 was observed in LPS-exposed lambs compared to controls (layer #1: p = 0.041; layers #2 + 3: p = 0.023; layers #5 + 6: p = 0.016). LPS treatment caused a significant increase in gray matter area, indicative of edema. LPS+ventilation did not cause apoptotic cell death in the gray matter. Astrogliosis was not observed following PROT or INJ ventilation, with or without LPS exposure. LPS exposure was associated with vascular protein extravasation. Conclusion:Ventilation had little effect on gray matter inflammation and injury. Intrauterine inflammation reduced neuronal cell density, caused edema of the cortical gray matter, and blood vessel extravasation in the brain of near-term lambs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vanesa Stojanovska
- The Ritchie Centre, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Anzari Atik
- The Ritchie Centre, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Ilias Nitsos
- The Ritchie Centre, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Béatrice Skiöld
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Samantha K Barton
- The Ritchie Centre, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, VIC, Australia.,Centre of Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Valerie A Zahra
- The Ritchie Centre, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Karyn Rodgers
- The Ritchie Centre, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Stuart B Hooper
- The Ritchie Centre, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, VIC, Australia.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Graeme R Polglase
- The Ritchie Centre, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, VIC, Australia.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Robert Galinsky
- The Ritchie Centre, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, VIC, Australia.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
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16
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McPherson E, Nestoridi E, Heinke D, Roberts DJ, Fretts R, Yazdy MM, Lin AE. Alternatives to Autopsy for Fetal and Early Neonatal (Perinatal) Deaths: Insights from the Wisconsin Stillbirth Service Program. Birth Defects Res 2017; 109:1430-1441. [DOI: 10.1002/bdr2.1112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2017] [Revised: 07/19/2017] [Accepted: 07/24/2017] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Elspeth McPherson
- Center for Human Genetics; Marshfield Clinic Research Institute; Marshfield Wisconsin
| | - Eirini Nestoridi
- Massachusetts Center for Birth Defects Research and Prevention; Massachusetts; Department of Public Health; Boston Massachusetts
| | - Dominique Heinke
- Massachusetts Center for Birth Defects Research and Prevention; Massachusetts; Department of Public Health; Boston Massachusetts
| | - Drucilla J. Roberts
- Department of Pathology; Massachusetts General Hospital; Boston Massachusetts
| | - Ruth Fretts
- Harvard Vanguard Medical Associates; Wellesley Massachusetts
| | - Mahsa M. Yazdy
- Massachusetts Center for Birth Defects Research and Prevention; Massachusetts; Department of Public Health; Boston Massachusetts
| | - Angela E. Lin
- Massachusetts Center for Birth Defects Research and Prevention; Massachusetts; Department of Public Health; Boston Massachusetts
- Genetics Unit; MassGeneral Hospital for Children; Boston Massachusetts
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17
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Nichanahalli K, Arjunan Y, Pampapati V, Maurya D, Subrahmaniyan S. Oral misoprostol with mifepristone versus misoprostol alone for inducing labor in intrauterine fetal death: A randomized placebo-controlled trial. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ADVANCED MEDICAL AND HEALTH RESEARCH 2017. [DOI: 10.4103/ijamr.ijamr_70_16] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
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18
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Tavares Da Silva F, Gonik B, McMillan M, Keech C, Dellicour S, Bhange S, Tila M, Harper DM, Woods C, Kawai AT, Kochhar S, Munoz FM. Stillbirth: Case definition and guidelines for data collection, analysis, and presentation of maternal immunization safety data. Vaccine 2016; 34:6057-6068. [PMID: 27431422 PMCID: PMC5139804 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2016.03.044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 116] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2016] [Accepted: 03/15/2016] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Bernard Gonik
- Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Mark McMillan
- The University of Adelaide, North Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | | | | | | | | | - Diana M Harper
- University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY, USA
| | - Charles Woods
- University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY, USA
| | - Alison Tse Kawai
- Harvard Medical School and Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute, MA, USA
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19
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Walfisch A, Brown R, Mallozzi A, Hallak M, Shrim A. Maternal characteristics of pregnancies with intrauterine fetal demise. J Perinat Med 2016; 44:779-784. [PMID: 26124047 DOI: 10.1515/jpm-2015-0135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2015] [Accepted: 06/02/2015] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To identify maternal characteristics independently associated with pregnancies resulting in intrauterine fetal demise (IUFD). STUDY DESIGN This was a population-based cohort study of all births taking place at the McGill University Health Centre in Montreal, Canada, between 2001 and 2007, using the McGill University Obstetrics and Neonatal Database. Maternal characteristics were compared between pregnancies that resulted in IUFD and control pregnancies resulting in live newborns. A logistic regression analysis was constructed to identify parameters independently associated with IUFD. RESULTS We identified 20,744 births during the study period, 87 of which were complicated by IUFD. Mothers with IUFD were more likely to be younger, with less formal education, higher rates of smoking during pregnancy, and more fetal anomalies (42.5% vs. 7.5%, P<0.001). After exclusion of pregnancies with congenital and/or chromosomal abnormalities, less formal education (7 vs. 13.6 school years, P<0.001) and smoking during pregnancy (24% vs. 7.7%, P<0.001) remained significantly more common in pregnancies resulting in IUFD. In the multivariable regression analysis both smoking and number of maternal school years were independently associated with IUFD pregnancies (OR 2.22 for smoking, P=0.007 and OR 0.865 for number of school years, P<0.001). CONCLUSION Lower levels of education and smoking during pregnancy are independent predictors of IUFD.
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20
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O'Brien CM, Arbuckle S, Thomas S, Rode J, Turner R, Jeffery HE. Placental inflammation is associated with rural and remote residence in the Northern Territory, Australia: a cross-sectional study. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 2015; 15:32. [PMID: 25884543 PMCID: PMC4404597 DOI: 10.1186/s12884-015-0458-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2014] [Accepted: 01/27/2015] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The Northern Territory has the highest rates of perinatal morbidity and mortality in Australia. Placental histopathology has not been studied in this high-risk group of women. Methods This is the first study to detail the placental pathology in Indigenous women and to compare the findings with non-Indigenous women in the Northern Territory. There were a total of 269 deliveries during a three-month period from the 27th of June to the 27th of August 2009. Seventy-one (71%) percent of all placentas were examined macroscopically, sectioned then reviewed by a Perinatal Pathologist, blinded to the maternal history and outcomes. Results Indigenous women were found to have higher rates of histologically confirmed chorioamnionitis and or a fetal inflammatory response compared with non-Indigenous women (46% versus 26%; OR 2.4, 95% CI 1.3-4.5). In contrast, non-Indigenous women were twice as likely to show vascular related pathology (31% versus 14%; OR 2.77, 95% CI 1.3-5.9). Indigenous women had significantly higher rates of potentially modifiable risk factors for placental inflammation including genitourinary infections, anaemia and smoking. After adjusting for confounders, histological chorioamnionitis and fetal inflammatory response was significantly associated with rural or remote residence (Adjusted OR 2.5, 95% CI 1.08 – 5.8). Conclusion This study has revealed a complex aetiology underlying a high prevalence of placental inflammation in the Northern Territory. Placental inflammation is associated with rural and remote residence, which may represent greater impact of systemic disadvantage, particularly affecting Indigenous women in the Northern Territory.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cecelia M O'Brien
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Royal Darwin Hospital, Tiwi, Northern Territory, Australia. .,Discipline of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The University of Adelaide, Women's and Children's Hospital, North Adelaide, 5006, South Australia, Australia.
| | - Susan Arbuckle
- Department of Anatomical Pathology, The Children's Hospital, Westmead, New South Wales, Australia.
| | - Sujatha Thomas
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Royal Darwin Hospital, Tiwi, Northern Territory, Australia.
| | - Jurgen Rode
- Department of Anatomical Pathology, Royal Darwin Hospital, Tiwi, Northern Territory, Australia.
| | - Robin Turner
- School of Public Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.
| | - Heather E Jeffery
- School of Public Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.
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Ptacek I, Sebire N, Man J, Brownbill P, Heazell A. Systematic review of placental pathology reported in association with stillbirth. Placenta 2014; 35:552-62. [DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2014.05.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 108] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2014] [Revised: 05/25/2014] [Accepted: 05/27/2014] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Monari F, Gabrielli L, Gargano G, Annessi E, Ferrari F, Rivasi F, Facchinetti F. Fetal bacterial infections in antepartum stillbirth: a case series. Early Hum Dev 2013; 89:1049-54. [PMID: 24041816 DOI: 10.1016/j.earlhumdev.2013.08.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2013] [Revised: 08/12/2013] [Accepted: 08/14/2013] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study aims to assess the frequency of fetal bacterial infections in stillbirth (SB) and to evaluate the best samples for the diagnosis of infection-related SB. STUDY DESIGN Consecutive cases of antepartum SB were enrolled. Vaginal and placental swabs, as well as heart blood cultures and surface swabs from the neonate, were collected. Histological examinations were performed by the same examiner. Immunohistochemistry for leukocyte common antigen was performed in the placenta and fetus. Each case was discussed in a multidisciplinary audit. RESULTS One hundred and nine cases were enrolled. Fetal blood cultures were positive in 20/95 cases (21%). Significant histological findings in the placenta/cord and in at least one fetal organ were observed in 8 cases of them (4 Group B Streptococcus GBS, 2 Listeria monocytogenes, 1 Coagulase negative Staphylococcus, 1 Pseudomonas aeruginosa). Neither tissue damage nor inflammatory infiltrate was found in the 12 remnant cases. Funisitis while not histological chorioamnionitis was associated with microbiological findings. Positive findings in maternal/placental/fetal swabs occurred in 18-32% of cases with both negative fetal blood cultures and histopathological findings. With the exception of GBS, no other bacteria agent could be detected by any of the swabs. CONCLUSIONS Eight cases (8.4%) fulfilled both microbiological and histology criteria allowing the diagnosis of SB-related fetal infection demonstrating that search for infections is essential in SB evaluation. Fetal blood culture, placenta swab for GBS and search for histological funisitis are mandatory actions within the SB work-up in order to guide pathology examination and reach clinical conclusions.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Monari
- Obstetric Unit, Mother Infant Department, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Italy
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Stormdal Bring H, Hulthén Varli IA, Kublickas M, Papadogiannakis N, Pettersson K. Causes of stillbirth at different gestational ages in singleton pregnancies. Acta Obstet Gynecol Scand 2013; 93:86-92. [PMID: 24117104 DOI: 10.1111/aogs.12278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2013] [Accepted: 10/04/2013] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To compare causes of stillbirth in preterm and term pregnancies. DESIGN Cohort study. SETTING All delivery wards in Stockholm, 1998-2009. POPULATION Stillbirths from singleton pregnancies of gestational age ≥22(+0) (n = 1089) extracted from a web-based database including all stillbirths in the major Stockholm area since 1998. METHODS The parents of the stillborns were all offered an extensive standardized investigation. The causes of death were assigned in a perinatal audit using the Stockholm classification of stillbirth. Singleton stillbirths were divided into preterm (gestational week 22(+0) -36(+6) ) and term/post-term (gestational week ≥37(+0) ). The term/post-term group was subdivided into term (gestational week 37(+0) -40(+6) ) and post-term stillbirths (gestational week ≥41(+0) ). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE Causes of stillbirth at different gestational ages. RESULTS A higher proportion of placental abruption and preeclampsia/hypertension was seen in preterm stillbirths compared with term/post-term stillbirths, which instead had a higher proportion of umbilical cord complications and infection. Infection was more common in post-term than term stillbirths (46.5 vs. 19.8%, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION Increased knowledge of causes of stillbirth in different gestational ages may be valuable in developing strategies for prevention of fetal death. The high proportion of infection in post-term stillbirths could be clinically important and warrants further studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanna Stormdal Bring
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Karolinska University Hospital and Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
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Hulthén Varli I, Kublickas M, Papadogiannakis N, Petersson K. Chorioamnionitis without foetal inflammatory response is associated with stillbirth in early preterm pregnancies. J Matern Fetal Neonatal Med 2013; 26:953-9. [PMID: 23339524 DOI: 10.3109/14767058.2013.766706] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to compare placental findings from early preterm stillbirths with gestational week-matched liveborn infants. The main focus was to investigate the differences in the presence and distribution of inflammatory signs in the placentas of these two groups, especially referring to histological acute chorioamnionitis (CAM). METHODS A case-control study of preterm stillbirths, between 22 and 32 weeks gestation, here referred to as early preterm, (cases, n = 112) and gestational week-matched liveborn infants (references, n = 166) in Stockholm. Relevant clinical data were collected from a web-based database (for cases) and delivery records (for references). Macroscopic and histological examinations of placentas were performed according to a structured protocol (placental weight relative to gestational age, accelerated villous maturation, infarction, intervillous thrombosis, foetal thrombosis, chronic villitis and CAM (polymorphonuclear leucocytes in the chorion/amnion), with and without foetal inflammatory responses (FIRs) (vasculitis in placental and/or cord vessels and funisitis). Statistical analyses were performed using a multivariable logistic regression. RESULTS Small for gestational age (AOR: 2.13, CI: 1.26-3.62) and CAM without a FIR (AOR: 2.44, CI: 1.10-5.41) were associated with an elevated risk of preterm stillbirth. CONCLUSIONS Histological acute CAM without a FIR is associated with a higher risk for stillbirth in early preterm pregnancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ingela Hulthén Varli
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Karolinska University Hospital, Solna and Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.
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O'Neill SM, Kearney PM, Kenny LC, Khashan AS, Henriksen TB, Lutomski JE, Greene RA. Caesarean delivery and subsequent stillbirth or miscarriage: systematic review and meta-analysis. PLoS One 2013; 8:e54588. [PMID: 23372739 PMCID: PMC3553078 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0054588] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2012] [Accepted: 12/13/2012] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To compare the risk of stillbirth and miscarriage in a subsequent pregnancy in women with a previous caesarean or vaginal delivery. DESIGN Systematic review of the published literature including seven databases: CINAHL; the Cochrane library; Embase; Medline; PubMed; SCOPUS and Web of Knowledge from 1945 until November 11(th) 2011, using a detailed search-strategy and cross-checking of reference lists. STUDY SELECTION Cohort, case-control and cross-sectional studies examining the association between previous caesarean section and subsequent stillbirth or miscarriage risk. Two assessors screened titles to identify eligible studies, using a standardised data abstraction form and assessed study quality. DATA SYNTHESIS 11 articles were included for stillbirth, totalling 1,961,829 pregnancies and 7,308 events. Eight eligible articles were included for miscarriage, totalling 147,017 pregnancies and 12,682 events. Pooled estimates across the stillbirth studies were obtained using random-effect models. Among women with a previous caesarean an increase in odds of 1.23 [95% CI 1.08, 1.40] for stillbirth was yielded. Subgroup analyses including unexplained stillbirths yielded an OR of 1.47 [95% CI 1.20, 1.80], an OR of 2.11 [95% CI 1.16, 3.84] for explained stillbirths and an OR of 1.27 [95% CI 0.95, 1.70] for antepartum stillbirths. Only one study reported adjusted estimates in the miscarriage review, therefore results are presented individually. CONCLUSIONS Given the recent revision of the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence guidelines (NICE), providing women the right to request a caesarean, it is essential to establish whether mode of delivery has an association with subsequent risk of stillbirth or miscarriage. Overall, compared to vaginal delivery, the pooled estimates suggest that caesarean delivery may increase the risk of stillbirth by 23%. Results for the miscarriage review were inconsistent and lack of adjustment for confounding was a major limitation. Higher methodological quality research is required to reliably assess the risk of miscarriage in subsequent pregnancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sinéad M O'Neill
- National Perinatal Epidemiology Centre, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Cork University Maternity Hospital, Wilton, Cork, Ireland.
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Risk factors for antepartum stillbirth and the influence of maternal age in New South Wales Australia: a population based study. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 2013; 13:12. [PMID: 23324309 PMCID: PMC3552834 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2393-13-12] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2012] [Accepted: 12/18/2012] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Maternal age is a known risk factor for stillbirth and delayed childbearing is a societal norm in developed country settings. The timing and reasons for age being a risk factor are less clear. This study aimed to document the gestational specific risk of maternal age throughout pregnancy and whether the underlying causes of stillbirth differ for older women. Methods Using linkage of state maternity and perinatal death data collections the authors assessed risk factors for antepartum stillbirth in New South Wales Australia for births between 2002 – 2006 (n = 327,690) using a Cox proportional hazards model. Gestational age specific risk was calculated for different maternal age groups. Deaths were classified according to the Perinatal Mortality Classifications of the Perinatal Society of Australia and New Zealand. Results Maternal age was a significant independent risk factor for antepartum stillbirth (35 – 39 years HR 1.4 95% CI 1.12 – 1.75; ≥ 40 years HR 2.41 95% CI 1.8 – 3.23). Other significant risk factors were smoking HR 1.82 (95% CI 1.56 –2.12) nulliparity HR 1.23 (95% CI 1.08 – 1.40), pre-existing hypertension HR 2.77 (95% CI 1.94 – 3.97) and pre-existing diabetes HR 2.65 (95% CI 1.63 – 4.32). For women aged 40 or over the risk of antepartum stillbirth beyond 40 weeks was 1 in 455 ongoing pregnancies compared with 1 in 1177 ongoing pregnancies for those under 40. This risk was increased in nulliparous women to 1 in 247 ongoing pregnancies. Unexplained stillbirths were the most common classification for all women, stillbirths classified as perinatal infection were more common in the women aged 40 or above. Conclusions Women aged 35 or older in a first pregnancy should be counselled regarding stillbirth risk at the end of pregnancy to assist with informed decision making regarding delivery. For women aged 40 or older in their first pregnancy it would be reasonable to offer induction of labour by 40 weeks gestation.
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Ferrari F, Facchinetti F, Yin H, Saade GR, Longo M. Single-nucleotide polymorphisms in genes involved in placental function and unexplained stillbirth. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2012; 207:316.e1-7. [PMID: 23021696 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajog.2012.06.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2012] [Revised: 04/25/2012] [Accepted: 06/14/2012] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to evaluate the association between unexplained stillbirth (SB) and single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in genes involved in placental function using a well-characterized cohort. STUDY DESIGN Placentas were obtained from 50 unexplained SB and 46 live birth controls. Classification of stillbirth was by Wigglesworth criteria. SBs were stratified by weight: appropriate (AGA-SB) and small for gestational age (SGA-SB, less than the 10th percentile) and gestational age: before 32 and after 32 weeks. Placental DNA was extracted and various SNPs in the endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), Klotho, hypoxic inducible factor-1α, and and tumor necrosis factor-α genes were evaluated. RESULTS None of the SNPs were associated with SB overall. Significantly different genotype distribution emerged for eNOS-SNP rs1800783 when comparing AGA-SB with SGA-SB and control (P = .004). Its allele-A was more frequent in AGA-SB compared with both controls (P = .03) and SGA-SB (P = .001). No differences were seen accordingly to gestational age. CONCLUSION Unexplained stillbirth in the setting of adequate growth is associated with carrier of allele A of rs1800783 eNOS gene in the placenta.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Ferrari
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Mother-Infant Department, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy.
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Khashan AS, Quigley EMM, McNamee R, McCarthy FP, Shanahan F, Kenny LC. Increased risk of miscarriage and ectopic pregnancy among women with irritable bowel syndrome. Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol 2012; 10:902-9. [PMID: 22373726 DOI: 10.1016/j.cgh.2012.02.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2011] [Revised: 01/23/2012] [Accepted: 02/14/2012] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is the most commonly diagnosed gastrointestinal condition and is most prevalent in women of reproductive age. We investigated the effects of IBS on risk for adverse outcomes from pregnancy. METHODS We conducted a cohort study by using the United Kingdom General Practice Research Database. The study cohort consisted of 100,000 women selected by stratified random sampling from all women with a diagnosis of pregnancy from January 1, 1990, to December 31, 2008. Those with a recorded diagnosis of IBS before pregnancy were identified (n = 26,543). Outcome measures were spontaneous miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, preeclampsia, and stillbirth. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for the association between IBS and pregnancy outcomes were estimated by using logistic regression adjusted for several potential confounders. RESULTS Of women diagnosed with IBS before pregnancy, 6578 (7%) had a spontaneous miscarriage, 741 (0.74%) had an ectopic pregnancy, 425 (0.43%) developed preeclampsia, and 217 (0.22%) had a stillbirth. Maternal IBS was associated with a moderately increased risk of miscarriage (OR, 1.21; 95% CI, 1.13-1.30) and ectopic pregnancy (OR, 1.28%; 95% CI, 1.06-1.55). There did not appear to be an association between IBS and preeclampsia (OR, 1.09; 95% CI, 0.85-1.39) or stillbirth (OR, 1.00; 95% CI, 0.69-1.44). CONCLUSIONS IBS, a common disorder in women of reproductive age, appears to increase the risk of miscarriage and ectopic pregnancy. These findings indicate the importance of prenatal care for women with IBS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali S Khashan
- Anu Research Centre, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University College Cork, National University of Ireland, Cork, Ireland
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Abstract
OBJECTIVE Recent research suggested that maternal stress and anxiety increase the risk of asthma and eczema in the offspring. In this study, we aimed to study whether maternal exposure to death of a spouse or a child is associated with risk of asthma hospitalization in the offspring using a very large population-based cohort. METHODS In a cohort of 3.2 million births in Sweden between January 1, 1973, and December 31, 2004, mothers were considered exposed if their spouse or child died up to 6 months before or during pregnancy. Offspring were followed up from birth to their death, migration, first hospitalization with asthma, or December 31, 2006, whichever came first; hospital admissions were identified by linkage of several national Swedish registers. Log-linear Poisson regression was used for data analysis. RESULTS Overall, the risk of offspring asthma was increased with any prenatal exposure to bereavement in any exposure period (adjusted relative risk [RR] = 1.20 [95% confidence interval {CI} = 1.03-1.39]). The risk was higher when the exposure period was restricted to pregnancy only (adjusted RR = 1.43 [95% CI = 1.06-1.92]). Furthermore, the risk of asthma was increased in relation to death of a spouse during pregnancy (adjusted RR = 1.59 [95% CI = 1.10-2.30]). CONCLUSIONS These findings suggest that prenatal exposure to severe life events increases the risk of hospitalization for asthma in the offspring. Fetal programming may be a plausible explanation for the association.
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Histological chorioamnionitis is increased at extremes of gestation in stillbirth: a population-based study. Infect Dis Obstet Gynecol 2011; 2011:456728. [PMID: 21785555 PMCID: PMC3140189 DOI: 10.1155/2011/456728] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2011] [Accepted: 06/16/2011] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective. To determine the incidence of histological chorioamnionitis and a fetal response in stillbirths in New South Wales (NSW), and to examine any relationship of fetal response to spontaneous onset of labour and to unexplained antepartum death. Study Design. Population-based cohort study. Setting. New South Wales Australia. Population. All births between 2002 and 2004 with stillbirths reviewed and classified by the state perinatal mortality review committee. Methods. Record linkage of the Midwives Data Collection and the Perinatal Death Database including placental histopathology and standardised cause of death classification. Results. 952 stillbirths were included. The incidence of histopathological chorioamnionitis was 22.6%, with a bimodal distribution. A fetal inflammatory response was present in 10.1% and significantly correlated with spontaneous onset of labour. The absence of a fetal inflammatory response was strongly associated with unexplained antepartum death. Conclusions. The increased incidence of histological chorioamnionitis at extremes of gestation is confirmed in the largest dataset to date using population data. This has important implications for late gestation stillbirth as the percentage of unexplained stillbirths increases near term.
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HISTOLOGICAL CHORIOAMNIONITIS: CURRENT CONCEPTS OF DIAGNOSIS, CLASSIFICATION AND CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2011. [DOI: 10.1017/s0965539511000015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Interest in the clinical associations between maternal intrapartum fever and adverse neonatal outcome has been longstanding, with publications of a relationship between maternal fever and cerebral palsy dating from the 1950s. Further recognition of the associations between either clinically or histologically characterised chorioamnionitis, ascending infection and neonatal wellbeing followed, with numerous reports in the 1960s and 70s, particularly as the neonatal significance of group B streptococcal infections became apparent. Similarly, with the systematic introduction of diagnostic light microscopy into clinical medicine, chorioamnionitis (inflammation of the placental membranes) and funisitis (inflammation of the umbilical cord) were recognised as distinct histological entities, with increasing recognition that the aetiology was likely to be infective. There are numerous texts discussing in detail the pathogenesis and histological features of chorioamnionitis and funisitis. The aim of this review is to provide an overview of the salient associated issues for clinical practitioners and to highlight areas of ongoing uncertainty and recent developments in understanding.
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Abstract
Untreated infection may cause stillbirth by several mechanisms, including direct fetal infection, placental damage, and severe maternal illness. Many bacteria, viruses, and protozoa have been associated with stillbirth. In developed countries, up to 24% of stillbirths have been attributed to infection, although with increased availability of sophisticated diagnostics and rigorous screening, it appears likely that higher numbers may actually be associated with infection. In developed countries, ascending bacterial infection is usually the most common infectious cause of stillbirth, with a number of viral infections also an important factor. Screening, prevention, and treatment of maternal infections are important to reduce stillbirth risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth M. McClure
- Department of Epidemiology, Global School of Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, CB 3400, Chapel Hill, NC 27599-3400, 919-316-3773 (office), 919-541-6000 (fax)
| | - Donald J. Dudley
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, 7703 Floyd Curl Drive, San Antonio, TX 78229, 210-567-5035 (office), 210-567-3013 (fax)
| | | | - Robert L. Goldenberg
- Department of Obstetrics/Gynecology, Drexel University College of Medicine, 245 N. 15th Street, 17th Floor, Room 17113, Philadelphia, PA 19102, 215-762-2014 (office), 215-762-2310 (fax)
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Abstract
Infection is an important cause of stillbirths worldwide: in low-income and middle-income countries, 50% of stillbirths or more are probably caused by infection. By contrast, in high-income countries only 10-25% of stillbirths are caused by infection. Syphilis, where prevalent, causes most infectious stillbirths, and is the infection most amenable to screening and treatment. Ascending bacterial infection is a common cause of stillbirths, but prevention has proven elusive. Many viral infections cause stillbirths but aside from vaccination for common childhood diseases, we do not have a clear prevention strategy. Malaria, because of its high prevalence and extensive placental damage, accounts for large numbers of stillbirths. Intermittent malarial prophylaxis and insecticide-treated bednets should decrease stillbirths. Many infections borne by animals and vectors cause stillbirths, and these types of infections occur frequently in low-income countries. Research that better defines the relation between these infections and stillbirths, and develops strategies to reduce associated adverse outcomes, should play an important part in reduction of stillbirths in low-income countries.
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The role of fetal autopsy and placental examination in the causes of fetal death: a retrospective study of 132 cases of stillbirths. Arch Gynecol Obstet 2010; 283:231-41. [PMID: 20052483 DOI: 10.1007/s00404-009-1317-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2009] [Accepted: 11/26/2009] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To investigate the most plausible cause of stillbirth by evaluating clinical records and postmortem examination findings including placental analysis. METHODS A retrospective cohort study concerning 132 stillbirths from 124 pregnancies occurred in the Mother-Infant Department of the University Hospital of Modena, Italy, from January 2000 to December 2004. Collected data were reviewed and classified according to the Gardosi ReCoDe system. RESULTS A reasonable cause of fetal death was identified in 99/124 pregnancies (79.84%). No associated relevant factors were disclosed in 25 fetuses (20.16%) classified as unexplained stillbirths. A succeeding scrupulous analysis of the placenta and an accurate clinical record review were useful to detect other conditions in 82 cases, including 5 cases of unexplained stillbirth. The major relevant conditions associated to stillbirths were feto-placental infection especially in the early fetal gestation age, under the 24th week of gestation, and placental insufficiency occurred both in early and late gestation age fetuses and mainly associated with a IUGR (<10th customized percentile). The main frequent secondary conditions were represented by placental anomalies including cluster of avascular villi with stromal fibrosis associated to thrombosis in minor and/or major vessel(s). Through the further analysis of the placenta, we were able to reduce the unexplained stillbirth rate from 20.16 to 15%. CONCLUSION Accurate fetal autopsy and placental examination related to meticulous clinical collecting data are requisites in the valuation of stillbirth and could play an important role in reduction of unexplained stillbirth rate.
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Rawlinson WD, Hall B, Jones CA, Jeffery HE, Arbuckle SM, Graf N, Howard J, Morris JM. Viruses and other infections in stillbirth: what is the evidence and what should we be doing? Pathology 2008; 40:149-60. [PMID: 18203037 DOI: 10.1080/00313020701813792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
In Australia, as in other developed countries, approximately 40-50% of stillbirths are of unknown aetiology. Emerging evidence suggests stillbirths are often multifactorial. The absence of a known cause leads to uncertainty regarding the risk of recurrence, which can cause extreme anguish for parents that may manifest as guilt, anger or bewilderment. Further, clinical endeavours to prevent recurrences in future pregnancies are impaired by lack of a defined aetiology. Therefore, efforts to provide an aetiological diagnosis of stillbirth impact upon all aspects of care of the mother, and inform many parts of clinical decision making. Despite the magnitude of the problem, that is 7 stillbirths per 1000 births in Australia, diagnostic efforts to discover viral aetiologies are often minimal. Viruses and other difficult to culture organisms have been postulated as the aetiology of a number of obstetric and paediatric conditions of unknown cause, including stillbirth. Reasons forwarded for testing stillbirth cases for infectious agents are non-medical factors, including addressing all parents' need for diagnostic closure, identifying infectious agents as a sporadic cause of stillbirth to reassure parents and clinicians regarding risk for future pregnancies, and to reduce unnecessary testing. It is clear that viral agents including rubella, human cytomegalovirus (CMV), parvovirus B19, herpes simplex virus (HSV), lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV), and varicella zoster virus (VZV) may cause intrauterine deaths. Evidence for many other agents is that minimal or asymptomatic infections also occur, so improved markers of adverse outcomes are needed. The role of other viruses and difficult-to-culture organisms in stillbirth is uncertain, and needs more research. However, testing stillborn babies for some viral agents remains a useful adjunct to histopathological and other examinations at autopsy. Modern molecular techniques such as multiplex PCR, allow searches for multiple agents. Now that such testing is available, it is important to assess the clinical usefulness of such testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- W D Rawlinson
- Microbiology SEALS, Prince of Wales Hospital, Randwick, Australia.
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