The impact of advanced maternal age on pregnancy outcome

Parents' age and total fertility rate in selected high-income countries from Europe and North America, 1990-2020

OBJECTIVE

To provide a comprehensive picture of trends in parents' age and total fertility rate in selected most populous high-income countries from Europe and North America.

STUDY DESIGN

Data were retrieved from official statistics published by the United Nations, the World Bank, the European Union (EU), and by national health statistics offices.

RESULTS

Mean maternal age at birth showed increasing trends in all considered countries; in 2020, the highest mean age was observed in Italy (32.2) and Spain (32.3), and the lowest one in the USA (28.8). Mean maternal age at first birth also showed upward trends. In the 1990s, mean age at first birth ranged from 25.5 to 26.9 years, except for the USA where it was below 25 years. The countries with the highest average maternal age at first birth were Italy and Spain, reaching 31 years over the most recent years. Data on mean paternal age at birth were scant. In Germany (2019) it was 34.6 and in the USA (2014) 27.9 years. In Italy, mean paternal age increased from 34.2 in 2000 to 35.5 in 2018, in the UK from 30.7 in 1990 to 33.4 in 2017, and in Canada, a decrease was observed from 29.1 in 2006 to 28.3 in 2011. Finally, Sweden and the USA had the highest fertility rates, around two children in some years, while Italy and Spain had the lowest ones, with less than 1.5 children over the whole period.

CONCLUSIONS

Monitoring of trends in reproductive factors is crucial to gain insight into society from a cultural and sociological point of view and to analyze the impact of these changes on reproductive health and related conditions.

Establishing a risk score for prediction of intrapartum cesarean delivery among older women: A retrospective cohort study

OBJECTIVE

To determine risk factors and to develop a risk prediction score for intrapartum cesarean delivery (CD) in women over 40 years old.

STUDY DESIGN

A retrospective cohort study, in a single university-affiliated tertiary medical center. All women aged 40 years or more who planned a trial of labor between 2012 and 2022. Women who opted for an elective CD and those with non-viable fetuses were excluded. Maternal and neonatal characteristics of women who delivered vaginally were compared to those who underwent an intrapartum CD. Risk factors were examined using univariate and multivariate analysis. A score was developed to predict the need for intrapartum CD. We assessed a receiver operating characteristic curve to evaluate the performance of our model.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE

An unplanned intrapartum cesarean section.

RESULTS

During the study period, 122,583 women delivered at our center, of whom 6122 (4.9 %) aged 40 years or more attempted a trial of labor. Of them, 428 (7 %) underwent intrapartum CD. Several independent risk factors were identified, including nulliparity, regional anesthesia, induction of labor, use of antibiotics during labor, multiple gestation, previous cesarean delivery, and the presence of gestational diabetes or preeclampsia. A risk score model, employing a cut-off of 7, demonstrated successful prediction of intrapartum CD, with an area under the curve of 0.86.

CONCLUSION

The score model for intrapartum CD can be used by caregivers to offer a more informed consultation to women aged 40 years or more deciding on the mode of delivery.

Fertility treatment for people with epilepsy

Fertility treatment, including assisted reproductive technology (ART), is increasingly used. Sex hormones influence seizure control as well as interacting with antiseizure medications, and so the hormonal manipulation involved in fertility treatments has direct implications for people with epilepsy. Here, we summarise the various fertility treatments and consider their important influences on epilepsy care. While early observations raised concerns about seizure exacerbation associated with ART, there are limited data to guide best practice in people with epilepsy, and further research is needed.

Uterine contractile activity and neonatal outcome - A blind analysis of a randomized controlled trial cohort

INTRODUCTION

Sufficient contractions are necessary for a successful delivery but each contraction temporarily constricts the oxygenated blood flow to the fetus. Individual fetal or placental characteristics determine how the fetus can withstand this temporary low oxygen saturation. However, only a few studies have examined the impact of uterine activity on neonatal outcome and even less attention has been paid to parturients' individual characteristics. Our objective was therefore to find out whether fetuses compromised by maternal or intrapartum risk factors are more vulnerable to excessive uterine activity.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Uterine contractile activity was assessed by intrauterine pressure catheters. Women (n = 625) with term singleton pregnancies and fetus in cephalic presentation were included in this secondary, blind analysis of a randomized controlled trial cohort. Intrauterine pressure as Montevideo units (MVU), contraction frequency/10 min and uterine baseline tone were calculated for 4 h prior to birth or the decision to perform cesarean section. Uterine activity in relation to umbilical artery pH linearly or ≤7.10 was used as the primary outcome. Need for operative delivery (either cesarean section or vacuum-assisted delivery) due to fetal distress was analyzed as a secondary outcome. In addition, belonging to vulnerable subgroups with, for example, chorioamnionitis, hypertensive or diabetic disorders, maternal smoking or neonatal birthweight <10th percentile were investigated as additional risk factors.

RESULTS

A linear decline in umbilical artery pH was seen with increasing intrauterine pressure in all deliveries (p < 0.001). Among parturients with suspected chorioamnionitis, every increasing 10 MVUs increased the likelihood of umbilical artery pH ≤7.10 (odds ratio [OR] 1.17, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.02-1.34, p = 0.023). The need for operative delivery due to fetal distress was increased among all laboring women by every increasing 10 MVUs (OR 1.05, 95% CI 1.01-1.09, p = 0.015). This association with operative deliveries was further increased among parturients with hypertensive disorders (OR 1.23, 95% CI 1.05-1.43, p = 0.009) and among those with diabetic disorders (OR 1.13, 95% CI 1.04-1.28, p = 0.003).

CONCLUSIONS

Increasing intrauterine pressure impairs umbilical artery pH especially among parturients with suspected chorioamnionitis. Fetuses in pregnancies affected by chorioamnionitis, hypertensive or diabetic disorders are more vulnerable to high intrauterine pressure.

Development of a machine learning-based prediction model for clinical pregnancy of intrauterine insemination in a large Chinese population

PURPOSE

This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a random forest (RF) model in predicting clinical pregnancy outcomes from intrauterine insemination (IUI) and identifying significant factors affecting IUI pregnancy in a large Chinese population.

METHODS

RESULTS: A total of 11 variables, including eight from female (age, body mass index, duration of infertility, prior miscarriage, and spontaneous abortion), hormone levels (anti-Müllerian hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone), and three from male (smoking, semen volume, and sperm concentration), were identified as the significant variables associated with IUI clinical pregnancy in our Chinese dataset. The RF-based prediction model presents an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) of 0.716 (95% confidence interval, 0.6914-0.7406), an accuracy rate of 0.6081, a sensitivity rate of 0.7113, and a specificity rate of 0.505. Importance analysis indicated that semen volume was the most vital variable in predicting IUI clinical pregnancy.

CONCLUSIONS

The machine learning-based IUI clinical pregnancy prediction model showed a promising predictive efficacy that could provide a potent tool to guide selecting targeted infertile couples beneficial from IUI treatment, and also identify which parameters are most relevant in IUI clinical pregnancy.

Protocol for cost-effectiveness analysis of a randomised trial of mHealth coaching (Bump2Baby and Me) compared with usual care for healthy gestational weight gain and postnatal outcomes in at-risk women and their offspring in the UK, Australia, Ireland and Spain

INTRODUCTION

Gestational diabetes mellitus and overweight are associated with an increased likelihood of complications during birth and for the newborn baby. These complications lead to increased immediate and long-term healthcare costs as well as reduced health and well-being in women and infants. This protocol presents the health economic evaluation to investigate the cost-effectiveness of Bump2Baby and Me (B2B&Me), which is a health coaching intervention delivered via smartphone to women at risk of gestational diabetes.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

Using data from the B2B&Me randomised controlled trial, this economic evaluation compares costs and health effects between the intervention and control group as an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio. Direct healthcare costs, costs of pharmaceuticals and intervention costs will be included in the analysis, body weight and quality-adjusted life-years for the mother will serve as the effect outcomes. To investigate the long-term cost-effectiveness of the trial, a Markov model will be employed. Deterministic and probabilistic sensitivity analysis will be employed.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

The National Maternity Hospital Human Research and Ethics Committee was the primary approval site (EC18.2020) with approvals from University College Dublin HREC-Sciences (LS-E-20-150-OReilly), Junta de Andalucia CEIM/CEI Provincial de Granada (2087-M1-22), Monash Health HREC (RES-20-0000-892A) and National Health Service Health Research Authority and Health and Care Research Wales (HCRW) (21/WA/0022). The results from the analysis will be disseminated in scientific papers, through conference presentations and through different channels for communication within the project.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

ACTRN12620001240932.

Adverse maternal outcomes and associated factors among mothers of advanced age delivering at a tertiary hospital, southwestern Uganda: a cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

Mothers of advanced age, defined as pregnant women aged ≥ 35 years at the time of giving birth, are traditionally known to be associated with increased risks of adverse maternal outcomes. We determined the prevalence of adverse maternal outcomes and associated factors among mothers of advanced age who delivered at Kabale Regional Referral Hospital (KRRH), in Southwestern Uganda.

METHODS

We conducted a cross-sectional study at the Maternity Ward of KRRH from April to September 2023. We consecutively enrolled pregnant women aged ≥ 35 years during their immediate post-delivery period and before discharge. We obtained data on their socio-demographic, obstetric, medical characteristics and their maternal outcomes using interviewer-administered questionnaires. We defined adverse maternal outcome as any complication sustained by the mother that was related to pregnancy, delivery and immediate post-partum events (obstructed labour, antepartum haemorrhage, mode of delivery [cesarean or vacuum extraction], postpartum haemorrhage, hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, preterm or postdate pregnancy, anemia, premature rupture of membranes, multiple pregnancy, and maternal death). A participant was considered to have an adverse outcome if they experienced any one of these complications. We identified factors associated with adverse outcomes using modified Poisson regression.

RESULTS

Out of 417 participants, most were aged 35-37 years (n = 206; 49.4%), and had parity ≥ 5 (65.5%). The prevalence of adverse maternal outcomes was 37.6% (n = 157, 95%CI: 33.1-42.4%). Common adverse maternal outcomes included caesarian delivery (23%), and obstructed labour (14.4%). Other complications included anemia in pregnancy (4.5%), chorioamnionitis (4.1%), preterm prelabour rupture of membranes (3.9%), and chronic hypertension and preeclampsia (both 2.4%). Factors associated with adverse maternal outcomes were precipitate labour (adjusted prevalence ratio [aPR] = 1.95, 95%CI: 1.44-2.65), prolonged labour, lasting > 12 h (aPR = 2.86, 95%CI: 1.48-3.16), and chronic hypertension (aPR = 2.01, 95%CI: 1.34-3.9).

CONCLUSION

Approximately two-fifth of the advanced-aged mothers surveyed had adverse outcomes. Mothers with prolonged labour, precipitate labour and chronic hypertension were more likely to experience adverse outcomes. We recommend implementation of targeted interventions, emphasizing proper management of labor as well as close monitoring of hypertensive mothers, and those with precipitate or prolonged labor, to mitigate risks of adverse outcomes within this study population.

Maternal age and adverse pregnancy outcomes among Meitei women of Manipur, Northeast India: A cross-sectional study

OBJECTIVE

The study examines the outcomes of pregnancies conceived at advanced maternal age (AMA) and maternal complications after childbirth among Meitei women of Northeast India.

METHOD

A total of 760 women participants were included in this study and compared among women aged ≥35 years, with a reference group of women aged 20-34 years. Data on obstetric characteristics were collected after obtaining consent. The data were compared using chi-square analysis, and the results were adjusted using a logistic regression model. Decision trees were developed to predict the potential variables associated with preterm delivery and postpartum complication.

RESULTS

In the study, 18.95% of AMA women experienced one or more adverse pregnancy outcomes (APOs). Women with AMA are at significantly increased risk of placenta previa (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 4.89, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.78-8.57), induction of labor (AOR = 3.69, 95%CI: 2.48-5.50), and caesarean section (AOR = 3.42, 95%CI: 2.28-5.12). Moreover, AMA women have a 1.86-2.76 AOR for developing gestational diabetes, pregnancy-induced hypertension, urinary tract infections, preterm delivery, and postpartum complications. Decision tree analysis revealed that AMA and urban residence independently predict preterm delivery and postpartum complications.

CONCLUSION

The study's findings confirm the adverse impact of AMA on pregnancy outcomes and postpartum complications. Such issues should be addressed, and counseling on the risk of AMA should be provided, particularly for those in the high-risk group. Further prospective studies are needed to understand other potential risk factors of APOs and the impact of AMA complications to prevent the associated burden.

Human Umbilical Cord Mesenchymal Stem Cells Derived Exosomes Improved The Aged Mouse IVM Oocytes Quality

During assisted reproductive technology (ART) treatment, the aged women, especially those over 35 years old, have fewer mature oocytes and poorer quality of the oocytes comparing with the young women. In vitro maturation (IVM) technology facilitates the usage of immature oocytes, which is clinically important for the aged women. However, the maturation rate is low for the oocytes from the aged women. Human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells derived exosomes (HUCMSCs-exosomes), as important mediators of intercellular communication, have been widely used to restore ovarian function and improve female fertility. In this study, we isolated HUCMSCs-exosomes and collected the immature germinal vesicle oocytes from the naturally aged mouse model. And we added these HUCMSCs-exosomes to the conventional IVM culture system. The effects of HUCMSCs-exosomes on IVM oocytes were observed and analyzed from multiple aspects including maturation rate, spindle morphology, mitochondria function, and development potential. We found the quality of oocytes was improved by HUCMSCs-exosomes. Based on the results, we propose that HUCMSCs-exosomes may provide a novel and cell free strategy in the improvement of the IVM in elderly infertile women in the future.

Predictors of Postpartum Hemorrhage and Associated Outcomes at a Midwest Academic Medical Center

Background

Postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) remains a significant cause of maternal morbidity and mortality around the world, with rates increasing in the United States. The objective of this study was to determine predictors of, and outcomes associated with, PPH at a Midwest academic health center.

Methods

Demographic and clinical data were obtained from the electronic medical record on all consecutive delivering patients between May 1, 2020, and April 30, 2021. Associations between PPH and perinatal characteristics and outcomes were assessed using logistic regression models. A significance threshold of 0.05 was used for all comparisons.

Results

Of the 2497 delivering patients during the study period, 437 (18%) experienced PPH. Chronic hypertension, gestational hypertension, and preeclampsia with and without severe features were all associated with increased odds of PPH (odds rations [ORs], respectively, 1.61 (95% CI:1.13-2.24, p = 0.006), 1.62 (95% CI 1.18-2.21, p = 0.003), 1.81 (95% CI 1.14-2.80, p ≤ 0.001), and 1.92 (95% CI 1.29-2.82, p = 0.009). There were also increased odds of PPH with type I diabetes: 2.83 (95% CI 1.45-5.30, p = 0.001), type II diabetes: 2.14 (95% CI 1.15-3.82, p = 0.012), twin delivery: 3.20 (95% CI 2.11-4.81, p ≤ 0.001), cesarean delivery: 5.66 (95% CI 4.53-7.09, p ≤ 0.001), and assisted vaginal delivery: 3.12 (95% CI1.95-4.88, p ≤ 0.001). Infants of mothers with PPH had high odds of NICU admission (CI = 1.34-2.07, p < 0.001) and hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy (CI = 1.64-7.14, p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Our findings confirm previous literature that preexisting and pregnancy-related hypertension, diabetes mellitus, multiple gestation, cesarean delivery, and assisted vaginal delivery are important predictors of PPH. In addition, we found that neonates of mothers with PPH had more adverse outcomes. These results may help to inform clinical care as rates of PPH continue to rise in the United States.

The value of G-CSF in women experienced at least one implantation failure: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Objective

Despite the developments of in vitro fertilization (IVF) protocols, implantation failure remains a challenging problem, owing to the unbalance between the embryo, endometrium, and immune system interactions. Effective treatments are urgently required to improve successful implantation. Recently, many researchers have focused on granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) to regulate immune response and embryo-endometrium cross-talk. However, previous studies have reported inconsistent findings on the efficacy of G-CSF therapy on implantation failure. The objective of this review was to further explore the effects of G-CSF according to administration dosage and timing among women who experienced at least one implantation failure.

Methods

We systematically searched MEDLINE, Embase, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Scopus, and Web of Science for randomized controlled trials of G-CSF on implantation failure up to July 21, 2023. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated and the heterogeneity of the studies with the I2 index was analyzed.

Results

We identified a total of 2031 studies and finally included 10 studies in the systematic review and meta-analysis. G-CSF administration improved the clinical pregnancy rate (CPR), implantation rate (IR), biochemical pregnancy rate (BPR), and live birth rate (LBR) in women with at least one implantation failure. Subgroup analyses showed that G-CSF treatment could exert good advantages in improving CPR [OR=2.49, 95%CI (1.56, 3.98), I2 = 0%], IR [OR=2.82, 95%CI (1.29, 6.15)], BPR [OR=3.30, 95%CI (1.42, 7.67)] and LBR [OR=3.16, 95%CI (1.61, 6.22), I2 = 0%] compared with the blank control group. However, compared with placebo controls, G-CSF showed beneficial effects on CPR [OR=1.71, 95%CI (1.04, 2.84), I2 = 38%] and IR [OR=2.01, 95%CI (1.29, 3.15), I2 = 24%], but not on LBR. In addition, >150μg of G-CSF treatment increased CPR [OR=2.22, 95%CI (1.47, 3.35), I2 = 0%], IR [OR=2.67, 95%CI (1.47, 4.82), I2 = 0%] and BPR [OR=2.02, 95%CI (1.17, 3.47), I2 = 22%], while ≤150μg of G-CSF treatment improved miscarriage rate (MR) [OR=0.14, 95%CI (0.05, 0.38), I2 = 0%] and LBR [OR=2.65, 95%CI (1.56, 4.51), I2 = 0%]. Moreover, G-CSF administration on the day of embryo transfer (ET) could increase CPR [OR=2.81, 95%CI (1.37, 5.75), I2 = 0%], but not on the day of ovum pick-up (OPU) or human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) injection.

Conclusion

G-CSF has a beneficial effect on pregnancy outcomes to some extent among women who experienced at least one implantation failure, and the administration dosage and timing influence the effect size.Systematic review registration: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/, identifier CRD42023447046.

The effect of gestational diabetes mellitus on pregnancy outcomes in advanced primiparous women: A retrospective study

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) could have a variable degree of adverse effects on pregnancy outcomes for both pregnant women and newborns. The purpose of the study was to explore the effect of GDM on pregnancy outcomes in advanced primiparous women. A total of 1076 advanced primiparous women were included between January 2020 and December 2022. All these women were divided into the GDM group (n = 434) and the non-GDM group (n = 642). Variables included baseline characteristics, maternal, and newborn outcomes were collected. The risk of each adverse outcome was analyzed by multivariate logistic regression models. The effect of blood glucose control on pregnancy outcomes was further analyzed among GDM women with good glycaemic control (n = 381) and poor glycaemic control (n = 53). Analysis of baseline characteristics demonstrated a significant difference in prepregnancy body mass index (median, IQR: 22.27 [20.58-24.44] vs 21.17 [19.53-22.86], P < .01) between the GDM group and the non-GDM group. A significantly higher incidence rate of adverse pregnancy outcomes was found in advanced primiparous women with GDM, such as polyhydramniosis, premature birth, low-birth weight, macrosomia, and neonatal intensive care unit admission (all P < .05). Compared with the non-GDM group, the risk of polyhydramniosis was nearly twice as high in the GDM group (adjusted odds ratio: 1.94, 95% confidence interval: 1.01-3.72, P = .04) after adjusted baseline characteristics. Among the GDM group, the women with poor glycaemic control showed a significantly higher incidence rate of polyhydramnios, hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, cesarean delivery, premature birth, low-birth weight, macrosomia, and neonatal intensive care unit admission was significant than the women with good glycaemic control (all P < .05). GDM was an independent risk factor for polyhydramnios in advanced primiparous women. At the same time, good glycaemic control in diabetics advanced primiparous women could reduce adverse pregnancy outcomes.

Trajectories tracking of maternal and neonatal health in eastern China from 2010 to 2021: A multicentre cross-sectional study

Background

China's fertility policy has dramatically changed in the past decade with the successive promulgation of the partial two-child policy, universal two-child policy and three-child policy. The trajectories of maternal and neonatal health accompanied the changes in fertility policy are unknown.

Methods

We obtained data of 280 203 deliveries with six common pregnancy complications and thirteen perinatal outcomes between 2010 and 2021 in eastern China. The average annual percent change (AAPC) was calculated to evaluated the temporal trajectories of obstetric characteristics and adverse outcomes during this period. Then, the autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA) models were constructed to project future trend of obstetric characteristics and outcomes until 2027.

Results

The proportion of advanced maternal age (AMA), assisted reproduction technology (ART) treatment, gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), anaemia, thrombocytopenia, thyroid dysfunction, oligohydramnios, placental abruption, small for gestational age (SGA) infants, and congenital malformation significantly increased from 2010 to 2021. However, the placenta previa, large for gestational age (LGA) infants and stillbirth significantly decreased during the same period. The AMA and ART treatment were identified as independent risk factors for the uptrends of pregnancy complications and adverse perinatal outcomes. The overall caesarean section rate remained above 40%. Importantly, among multiparas, a previous caesarean section was found to be associated with a significantly reduced risk of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP), premature rupture of membranes (PROM), placenta previa, placental abruption, perinatal asphyxia, LGA infants, stillbirths, and preterm births. In addition, the ARIMA time series models predicted increasing trends in the ART treatment, GDM, anaemia, thrombocytopenia, postpartum haemorrhage, congenital malformation, and caesarean section until 2027. Conversely, a decreasing trend was predicted for HDP, PROM, and placental abruption premature, LGA infants, SGA infants, perinatal asphyxia, and stillbirth.

Conclusions

Maternal and neonatal adverse outcomes became more prevalent from 2010 to 2021 in China. Maternal age and ART treatment were independent risk factors for adverse obstetric outcomes. The findings offered comprehensive trajectories for monitoring pregnancy complications and perinatal outcomes in China, and provided robust intervention targets in obstetric safety. The development of early prediction models and the implementation of prevention efforts for adverse obstetric events are necessary to enhance obstetric safety.

Intrauterine adhesions treated with hysteroscopic adhesiolysis and subsequent obstetric outcome: A retrospective matched cohort study

OBJECTIVE

To examine whether a history of hysteroscopic adhesiolysis (HA)-treated intrauterine adhesions (IUAs) was associated with an increased risk of adverse obstetrical outcomes in subsequent pregnancies.

DESIGN

Retrospective cohort study.

SETTING

A tertiary-care hospital in Shanghai, China.

POPULATION

A cohort of 114 142 pregnant women who were issued an antenatal card and received routine antenatal care in Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, between January 2016 and October 2021.

METHODS

From the cohort of 114 142 pregnant women, each woman with a history of HA-treated IUA prior to the current pregnancy (n = 780) was matched with four women without a history of IUAs (n = 3010) using propensity score matching. The matching variables were maternal age and parity, mode of conception, pre-pregnancy body mass index and prior history of abortion.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Pregnancy complications, placental abnormalities, postpartum haemorrhage and adverse birth outcomes.

RESULTS

Compared with women with no history of IUAs, women with a history of HA-treated IUAs were at higher risk of pre-eclampsia (RR 1.69, 95% CI 1.23-2.33), placenta accreta spectrum (RR 4.72, 95% CI 3.9-5.73), placenta praevia (RR 4.23, 95% CI 2.85-6.30), postpartum haemorrhage (RR 2.86, 95% CI 1.94-4.23), preterm premature rupture of membranes (RR 3.02, 95% CI 1.97-4.64) and iatrogenic preterm birth (RR 2.86, 95% CI 2.14-3.81). Those women were also more likely to receive cervical cerclage (RR 5.63, 95% CI 3.95-8.02) during pregnancy and haemostatic therapies after delivery (RR 2.17, 95% CI 1.75-2.69). Moreover, we observed that the RRs of those adverse obstetrical outcomes increased with the increasing number of hysteroscopic surgeries.

CONCLUSIONS

This study found that a history of HA-treated IUAs, especially a history of repeated HAs, was associated with an increased risk of adverse obstetrical outcomes.

Association of spontaneous abortion with bipolar disorder and major depression based on inverse probability treatment weighting of multigroup propensity scores: Evidence from the UK Biobank

BACKGROUND

Few studies have explored the association between the number of SAs and bipolar disorder and major depression (BDMD). This study aims to investigate the association between SA and BDMD, and the possible dose-response relationship between them.

METHODS

We conducted a cross-sectional study of 13,200 female UK Biobank participants. Participants were classified into BDMD and no-BDMD groups based on their BDMD status. The number of SAs was grouped into non-SA, occasional SA (OSA), and recurrent SA (RSA). Baseline characteristics of the three groups were balanced using inverse probability treatment weighting (IPTW) based on propensity scores. The three-knots restricted cubic spline regression model was utilized to assess the dose-response relationship between the number of SAs and BDMD.

RESULTS

The IPTW-adjusted multivariate logistic regression revealed that SA was an independent risk factor for BDMD, with adjusted OR of 1.12 (95 % CI: 1.07-1.19) and 1.32 (95 % CI: 1.25-1.40) in the OSA and RSA groups, respectively. The strength of this association amplified as the number of SAs (P for trend <0.001). There was a nonlinear relationship between the number of SAs and the risk of BDMD, with an approximately inverted L-shaped curve.

LIMITATIONS

The information of the SA and BDMD status relied on self-reported by volunteers, and the study sample was mostly of European descent.

CONCLUSIONS

Women who reported experiencing multiple SAs are more likely to have BDMD. Therefore, it is imperative to provide psychological care and interventions for women in the postpartum period.

Structural and metabolic cumulus cell alteration affects oocyte quality in underweight women

This study aimed to investigate the structural and metabolic changes in cumulus cells of underweight women and their effects on oocyte maturation and fertilization. The cytoplasmic ultrastructure was analyzed by electron microscopy, mitochondrial membrane potential by immunofluorescence, and mitochondrial DNA copy number by relative quantitative polymerase chain reaction. The expression of various proteins including the oxidative stress-derived product 4-hydroxynonenal (4-HNE) and autophagy and apoptosis markers such as Vps34, Atg-5, Beclin 1, Lc3-I, II, Bax, and Bcl-2 was assessed and compared between groups. Oocyte maturation and fertilization rates were lower in underweight women (P < 0.05), who presented with cumulus cells showing abnormal mitochondrial morphology and increased cell autophagy. Compared with the mitochondrial DNA copies of the control group, those of the underweight group increased but not significantly. The mitochondrial membrane potential was similar between the groups (P = 0.8). Vps34, Atg-5, Lc3-II, Bax, and Bcl-2 expression and 4-HNE levels were higher in the underweight group compared with the control group (P < 0.01); however, the Bax/Bcl-2 ratio was lower in the underweight group compared with the control group (P = 0.031). Additionally, Beclin 1 protein levels were higher in the underweight group compared with the control group but without statistical significance. In conclusion, malnutrition and other conditions in underweight women may adversely affect ovulation, and the development, and fertilization of oocytes resulting from changes to the intracellular structure of cumulus cells and metabolic processes. These changes may lead to reduced fertility or unsatisfactory reproduction outcomes in women.

Risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes in pregnant women with gestational diabetes mellitus by age: a multicentric cohort study in Hebei, China

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is an unique metabolic disorder that occurs during pregnancy. Both GDM and advanced age increase the risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes. This study used a GDM cohort study to investigate the role of age in the adverse pregnancy outcomes for pregnant women with GDM. From 2015 to 2021, 308,175 pregnant women were selected, and the data received from 22 hospitals by the Hebei Province Maternal Near Miss Surveillance System. There were 24,551 pregnant women with GDM that were divided into five groups by age (20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44 years old). Because the prevalence of adverse pregnancy outcomes was lower in pregnant women with GDM aged 25-29, they were used as a reference group (P < 0.05). Compared with GDM women aged 25-29 years, GDM women aged 35-44 years had a significant higher risk of cesarean delivery (aOR: 2.86, 95% CI 2.52-3.25) (P < 0.001), abnormal fetal position (aOR: 1.78, 95% CI 1.31-2.37) (P < 0.001), pre-eclampsia (aOR: 1.28, 95% CI 1.01-1.61) (P < 0.05), macrosomia (aOR: 1.25, 95% CI 1.08-1.45) (P < 0.05), and large for gestational age (LGA) (aOR: 1.16, 95% CI 1.02-1.31) (P < 0.05), GDM women aged 40-44 years had a higher risk of placenta previa (aOR: 2.53, 95% CI 1.01-6.35) (P < 0.05), anemia (aOR: 3.45, 95% CI 1.23-9.68) (P < 0.05) and small for gestational age (aOR: 1.32, 95% CI 1.01-1.60) (P < 0.05). Advanced maternal age was an independent risk factor for abnormal fetal position, pre-eclampsia, anemia, macrosomia, and LGA in pregnant women with GDM.

Transcriptomic integrity of human oocytes used in ARTs: technical and intrinsic factor effects

BACKGROUND

Millions of children have been born throughout the world thanks to ARTs, the harmlessness of which has not yet been fully demonstrated. For years, efforts to evaluate the specific effects of ART have focused on the embryo; however, it is the oocyte quality that mainly dictates first and foremost the developmental potential of the future embryo. Ovarian stimulation, cryopreservation, and IVM are sometimes necessary steps to obtain a mature oocyte, but they could alter the appropriate expression of the oocyte genome. Additionally, it is likely that female infertility, environmental factors, and lifestyle have a significant influence on oocyte transcriptomic quality, which may interfere with the outcome of an ART attempt.

OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE

The objective of this review is to identify transcriptomic changes in the human oocyte caused by interventions specific to ART but also intrinsic factors such as age, reproductive health issues, and lifestyle. We also provide recommendations for future good practices to be conducted when attempting ART.

SEARCH METHODS

An in-depth literature search was performed on PubMed to identify studies assessing the human oocyte transcriptome following ART interventions, or in the context of maternal aging, suboptimal lifestyle, or reproductive health issues.

OUTCOMES

ART success is susceptible to external factors, maternal aging, lifestyle factors (smoking, BMI), and infertility due to endometriosis or polycystic ovary syndrome. Indeed, all of these are likely to increase oxidative stress and alter mitochondrial processes in the foreground. Concerning ART techniques themselves, there is evidence that different ovarian stimulation regimens shape the oocyte transcriptome. The perturbation of processes related to the mitochondrion, oxidative phosphorylation, and metabolism is observed with IVM. Cryopreservation might dysregulate genes belonging to transcriptional regulation, ubiquitination, cell cycle, and oocyte growth pathways. For other ART laboratory factors such as temperature, oxygen tension, air pollution, and light, the evidence remains scarce. Focusing on genes involved in chromatin-based processes such as DNA methylation, heterochromatin modulation, histone modification, and chromatin remodeling complexes, but also genomic imprinting, we observed systematic dysregulation of such genes either after ART intervention or lifestyle exposure, as well as due to internal factors such as maternal aging and reproductive diseases. Alteration in the expression of such epigenetic regulators may be a common mechanism linked to adverse oocyte environments, explaining global transcriptomic modifications.

WIDER IMPLICATIONS

Many IVF factors and additional external factors have the potential to impair oocyte transcriptomic integrity, which might not be innocuous for the developing embryo. Fortunately, it is likely that such dysregulations can be minimized by adapting ART protocols or reducing adverse exposure.

Weight Management during Pregnancy and the Postpartum Period in Women with Gestational Diabetes Mellitus: A Systematic Review and Summary of Current Evidence and Recommendations

BACKGROUND

Weight management during pregnancy and the postpartum period is an important strategy that can be utilized to reduce the risk of short- and long-term complications in women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). We conducted a systematic review to assess and synthesize evidence and recommendations on weight management during pregnancy and the postpartum period in women with GDM to provide evidence-based clinical guidance.

METHODS

Nine databases and eighteen websites were searched for clinical decisions, guidelines, recommended practices, evidence summaries, expert consensus, and systematic reviews.

RESULTS

A total of 12,196 records were retrieved and fifty-five articles were included in the analysis. Sixty-nine pieces of evidence were summarized, sixty-two of which focused on pregnancy, including benefits, target population, weight management goals, principles, weight monitoring, nutrition assessment and counseling, energy intake, carbohydrate intake, protein intake, fat intake, fiber intake, vitamin and mineral intake, water intake, dietary supplements, sugar-sweetened beverages, sweeteners, alcohol, coffee, food safety, meal arrangements, dietary patterns, exercise assessment and counseling, exercise preparation, type of exercise, intensity of exercise, frequency of exercise, duration of exercise, exercise risk prevention, and pregnancy precautions, and seven focused on the postpartum period, including target population, benefits, postpartum weight management goals, postpartum weight monitoring, dietary recommendations, exercise recommendations, and postpartum precautions.

CONCLUSIONS

Healthcare providers can develop comprehensive pregnancy and postpartum weight management programs for women with GDM based on the sixty-nine pieces of evidence. However, because of the paucity of evidence on postpartum weight management in women with GDM, future guidance documents should focus more on postpartum weight management in women with GDM.

Histologic chorioamnionitis in extremely preterm births, microbiological findings and infant outcome

BACKGROUND

Histologic chorioamnionitis (HCA) is most often caused by ascending bacterial infection originating from the cervicovaginal tract.

OBJECTIVES

To investigate whether HCA with a fetal inflammatory response (FIR) has a worse clinical outcome than HCA alone. Further, if FIR or a positive maternal microbiologic culture obtained prior to birth were related to adverse neonatal outcomes in a cohort of extremely preterm (EP) neonates.

METHODS

Prospective observational cohort study recruiting EP singleton pregnancies (gestational age at birth ≤28 weeks) with confirmed HCA. FIR was defined by fetal neutrophils in the chorionic vessels and/or umbilical vessels. Positive culture was defined as growth of potentially pathogenic bacteria in a sample from the cervicovaginal tract prior to birth, or if a cervicovaginal culture was lacking, a culture result from the placenta was used. Logistic regression was used to estimate odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals for the associations between FIR, a positive culture result and adverse outcomes, defined as bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), brain pathology assessed by magnetic resonance imaging, retinopathy of prematurity, necrotizing enterocolitis, early-onset neonatal sepsis, and perinatal death. A composite outcome variable included one or more adverse outcomes.

RESULTS

We included 71 cases with HCA, of which 51 (72%) had FIR. Maternal age, rate of clinical chorioamnionitis (CCA), preterm pre-labor rupture of membranes (PPROM), the number of women receiving antenatal steroids and antibiotics, and the rate of positive maternal cultures of potentially pathogenic bacteria were all significantly higher in the HCA with FIR. Neonates in the FIR group had significantly higher levels of blood leukocytes compared to those without. FIR was associated with a longer interval from PPROM to delivery (log-rank test: p = .022). Microbiological sampling had been performed in 63 (89%) cases, of which 60 (95%) were cervicovaginal samples. No associations were found between a positive culture and adverse neonatal outcomes, in contrast to FIR, that was significantly associated to BPD and brain pathology.

CONCLUSIONS

In a cohort of EP pregnancies with confirmed HCA, the presence of FIR was associated with advanced maternal age, CCA, PPROM, antenatal steroids and antibiotics, and a positive maternal culture of potentially pathogenic bacteria. However, the presence of FIR, and not a positive culture, was associated with adverse neonatal outcomes.

The interaction effect of pre-pregnancy body mass index and maternal age on the risk of pregnancy complications in twin pregnancies after assisted reproductive technology

OBJECTIVE

The widespread use of assisted reproductive technology (ART) has led to an increased twin pregnancy rate and increased risk of pregnancy complications. Pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI) and maternal age are both risk factors for pregnancy complications. This study aimed to explore whether there is an interaction effect between pre-pregnancy BMI and maternal age on pregnancy complications in women with twin pregnancies after ART.

METHODS

Data of 445,750 women with twin pregnancies after ART were extracted from the National Vital Statistics System (NVSS) database in 2016-2021 in this retrospective cohort study. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to explore (1) the associations between pre-pregnancy BMI, maternal age, and total pregnancy complications; (2) interaction effect between pre-pregnancy BMI and maternal age on total pregnancy complications; and (3) this interaction effect in parity, race, gestational weight gain (GWG), and preterm birth subgroups. The evaluation indexes were odds ratios (ORs), relative excess risk of interaction (RERI), attributable proportions of interaction (AP), and synergy index (S) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

RESULTS

A total of 6,827 women had pregnancy complications. After adjusting for the covariates, compared with women had non-AMA and pre-pregnancy BMI <25 kg/m2, higher maternal age combined with higher pre-pregnancy BMI was associated with higher odds of total pregnancy complications [OR = 2.16, 95%CI: (1.98-2.36)]. The RERI (95% CI) was 0.22 (0.04-0.41), AP (95% CI) was 0.10 (0.02-0.19), and S (95% CI) was 1.24 (1.03-1.49). Subgroup analysis results indicated that the potential additive effect between pre-pregnancy BMI and maternal age on total pregnancy complications was also found in women with different race, multipara/unipara, GWG levels, or preterm births/non-preterm births (all p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Pre-pregnancy BMI and maternal age may have an additive effect on the odds of pregnancy-related complications in women with twin pregnancy after ART.

Growth Velocities Across Distinct Early Life Windows and Child Cognition: Insights from a Contemporary US Cohort

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the relative importance of overall and period-specific postnatal growth and their interaction with fetal growth on cognition in a generally well-nourished population.

STUDY DESIGN

We included 1052 children from Project Viva, a prospective cohort in Boston, Massachusetts. Using linear spline mixed-effects models, we modeled length/height and body mass index (BMI) trajectories from birth to 7 years and estimated standardized overall (0-7 years) and period-specific growth velocities ie, early infancy (0-4 months), late infancy (4-15 months), toddlerhood (15-37 months), and early childhood (37-84 months). We investigated associations of growth velocities as well as their interactions with birthweight-for-gestational age on mid-childhood (mean age: 7.9 years) IQ, visual memory and learning, and visual motor ability.

RESULTS

Greater overall height velocity was associated with modestly higher design memory score, (adjusted β [95% CI] 0.19 [-0.01,0.38] P = .057])points per SD increase but lower verbal IQ (-0.88 [-1.76,0.00] P = .051). Greater early infancy height velocity was associated with higher visual motor score (1.92 [0.67,3.18]). Greater overall BMI velocity was associated with lower verbal IQ (-0.71 [-1.52,0.11] P = .090). Greater late infancy BMI velocity was associated with lower verbal IQ (-1.21 [-2.07,-0.34]), design memory score (-0.22 [-0.42,-0.03)], but higher picture memory score (0.22 [0.01,0.43]). Greater early infancy height velocity (-1.5 SD vs 1.5 SD) was associated with higher nonverbal IQ (margins [95% CI] 102.6 [98.9106.3] vs 108.2 [104.9111.6]) among small-for-gestational age infants (P-interaction = 0.04).

CONCLUSIONS

Among generally well-nourished children, there might not be clear cognitive gains with faster linear growth except for those with lower birthweight-for-gestational age, revealing the potential importance of early infancy compensatory growth.

Impact of advanced maternal age on neonatal morbidity: a systematic review

OBJECTIVE

This systematic review aimed to understand the impact of advanced maternal age (AMA) on the neonatal morbidity, based on the available scientific evidence.

METHODS

A systematic search was conducted on 22 November 2021, using the PubMed and Scopus databases to identify studies that compared the morbidity of neonates delivered to AMA mothers with that of neonates delivered to non-AMA mothers.

RESULTS

Sixteen studies that evaluated the effect of AMA on the neonatal morbidity were included in this review. Nine of these studies found some association between AMA and increased neonatal morbidity (with two of them only reporting an increase in asymptomatic hypoglycemia, and one only reporting an association in twins), six found no association between AMA and neonatal morbidity and one study found a decrease in morbidity in preterm neonates. The studies that found an increase in overall neonatal morbidity with AMA considered older ages for the definition of AMA, particularly ≥40 and ≥45 years.

CONCLUSION

The current evidence seems to support a lack of association between AMA and the neonatal morbidity of the delivered neonates. However, more studies focusing on the neonatal outcomes of AMA pregnancies are needed to better understand this topic.

Advanced parental age affects cardiometabolic risk in offspring

Advanced age at conception usually refers to human mothers aged 35 years plus and fathers aged 40 years plus. Advanced parental age may be responsible for genetic and/or epigenetic alterations and may affect the health of offspring. Limited epidemiological and experimental studies have addressed the effect of advanced parental age on cardio-metabolic functions in human and rodent offspring. This mini review aimed to present the knowledge by focusing on adverse and favourable outcomes related to sex-specific risks and intergenerational inheritance. The outcomes identified by this review were mainly negative, but there were also some positive results.

Longitudinal changes of oxidative stress and PON1 lactonase activity and status in older pregnant women undergoing assisted reproductive technology: a prospective nested case-control study

BACKGROUND

Childbearing in women with advanced maternal age (AMA) has increased the need for artificial reproductive technology (ART). ART and oxidative stress are associated with many pregnancy complications. Paraoxonase (PON) 1 is one of the key components responsible for antioxidative activity in high-density lipoprotein (HDL). This study aimed to investigate the longitudinal changes of oxidative stress and PON1 lactonase activity and status in older women undergoing ART.

METHODS

This prospective nested case-control study included 129 control and 64 ART women. Blood samples were obtained respectively at different stages of pregnancy. PON1 level and lactonase activity were assessed using 7-O-diethylphosphoryl-3-cyano-4-methyl-7-hydroxycoumarin (DEPCyMC) and 5-thiobutyl butyrolactone (TBBL) as a substrate, respectively. A normalized lactonase activity (NLA) was estimated based on the ratio of TBBLase to DEPCyMCase activity. Serum total oxidant status (TOS), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), malondialdehyde (MDA), homocysteine (HCY), PON1 C-108T and Q192R genetic polymorphisms, and metabolic parameters were analyzed.

RESULTS

Lactonase activity and level of PON1 gradually decreased with pregnancy progression, while glycolipid metabolism parameters and TAC levels increased with pregnancy progression or significantly raised during the 2nd and 3rd trimesters, and NLA of PON1, TOS, OSI, MDA, and HCY significantly increased before delivery in the ART and control groups. Compared with the control women, the ART women had substantially higher or relatively high lactonase activity and NLA of PON1 and TAC during pregnancy; higher triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, atherogenic index, apolipoprotein (apo) B, and apoB/apoA1 ratio in the 1st trimester; and higher fasting glucose, fasting insulin, homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance, and TG levels before delivery. No significant differences were found in the frequencies of PON1 C-108T and Q192R genotypes and alleles between the ART and control groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Women with AMA undergoing ART had higher TAC, PON1 lactonase activity, and PON1 NLA than control women, suggesting increased compensatory antioxidant capacity in ART women, thus showing higher sensitivity to oxidative stress-related injury and diseases.

Potential factors result in diminished ovarian reserve: a comprehensive review

The ovarian reserve is defined as the quantity of oocytes stored in the ovary or the number of oocytes that can be recruited. Ovarian reserve can be affected by many factors, including hormones, metabolites, initial ovarian reserve, environmental problems, diseases, and medications, among others. With the trend of postponing of pregnancy in modern society, diminished ovarian reserve (DOR) has become one of the most common challenges in current clinical reproductive medicine. Attributed to its unclear mechanism and complex clinical features, it is difficult for physicians to administer targeted treatment. This review focuses on the factors associated with ovarian reserve and discusses the potential influences and pathogenic factors that may explain the possible mechanisms of DOR, which can be improved or built upon by subsequent researchers to verify, replicate, and establish further study findings, as well as for scientists to find new treatments.

Primiparity at an Advanced Age: Emerging Pattern Needing Courtesy to Achieve SDG Maternal Health Targets

Primiparity at an advanced age, which means having a first birth at age 35 years and beyond, is a recent emerging phenomenon in low- and middle-income countries that significantly affects maternal and child health. However, this evolving phenomenon has not been given due attention as many countries still deal with health-related issues during early-age pregnancies. This paper describes the emerging trend of primiparity during advanced age, focusing on low- and middle-income countries, elaborates on the linked adverse feto-maternal outcomes, and outlines potential interventions to bring the scenario to policymakers' and practitioners' attention.

Association of Maternal Risk Factors with the Prevalence of Caesarean Section Deliveries: A Cross-Sectional Study

In the last few years, there has been a gradually increasing rate of caesarean section deliveries worldwide that negatively affects both mothers' and children's health. The present survey intended to explore the relations of common maternal risk factors with the prevalence of caesarean sections. This is a cross-sectional study including 5182 healthy mothers from geographically diverse regions of Greece, which has applied relevant inclusion and exclusion criteria. An elevated 56.4% incidence of caesarean sections was noted. The prevalence of caesarean section deliveries was estimated to be 51.5% in private hospitals and 48.5% in public hospitals. Maternal age, pre-pregnancy overweight/obesity, excess gestational weight gain, preterm birth, financial status, smoking habits, and private type of birth hospital were considerably associated with a high probability of caesarean section, regardless of several confounders. In conclusion, caesarean section rates are constantly increasing, and various maternal risk factors additively elevate its incidence, which additionally enhances the likelihood of postpartum complications for both the mothers and their infants. Public health procedures and approaches are strongly recommended to notify future mothers of the potential risk factors that may result in adverse pregnancy outcomes of caesarean section delivery, highlighting its use only for emergency medical reasons and also promoting healthier nutritional and lifestyle habits that may reduce the increasing prevalence of caesarean section deliveries.

Dose-response associations of maternal age with pregnancy complications and multimorbidity among nulliparas and multiparas: A multicentric retrospective cohort study in southern China

Background

Advanced maternal age is becoming an increasingly common issue worldwide, presenting substantial health risks to pregnant women. However, dose-response associations of maternal age with a comprehensive range of pregnancy complications and their multimorbidity remain unclear.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective cohort study using data from China's National Maternal Near Miss Surveillance System for 2017-2018, including 18 hospitals in southern China. We included 135 274 pregnant women aged 15-54 years with a singleton birth. We used multivariable logistic regression and restricted cubic spline to examine dose-response associations between maternal age and various pregnancy complications, as well as multimorbidity. We employed the Apriori algorithm to mine the association rules among pregnancy complications and identify frequent multimorbidity patterns.

Results

We found three distinct patterns of associations between maternal age and specific pregnancy complications. In relation to increasing maternal age, gestational diabetes mellitus, preeclampsia, and gestational hypertension showed nonlinear increasing trends for both nulliparas and multiparas, as did multimorbidity in nulliparas. Conversely, we observed linear increasing trends for placental previa in both nulliparas and multiparas, placental abruption in nulliparas, and multimorbidity in multiparas. Infection and severe anaemia had an approximate J-shaped curve among nulliparas, while postpartum haemorrhage exhibited a similar curve in both nulliparas and multiparas. Advanced maternal age was linked to an elevated risk of multimorbidity during pregnancy or postpartum period, exhibiting more complicated patterns. The most common multimorbidity patterns in this age group were "preeclampsia + gestational diabetes mellitus", "gestational hypertension + gestational diabetes mellitus", "infection + gestational diabetes mellitus", and "placental previa + gestational diabetes mellitus".

Conclusions

Maternal age was associated with pregnancy complications and multimorbidity in three broad dose-response manners, including approximate J-shaped curves, as well as nonlinear and linear increasing trends, depending on the specific outcome and parity, which may suggest different underlying biological mechanisms. Women with advanced maternal age had a higher risk and more complicated patterns of multimorbidity during pregnancy or postpartum, suggesting that this group should be targeted for more intensive health care.

The effects of advanced maternal age on perinatal mortality in Ethiopia: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Background

Pregnancy in women over the age of 35 years is considered advanced maternal age. The relationship between advanced maternal age and the risk of perinatal mortality is still controversial. As a result, this systematic review and meta-analysis were carried out to clarify the relationship between advanced maternal age and perinatal mortality in Ethiopia.

Methods

The following electronic databases were used for this systematic review and meta-analysis: PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, Science Direct, Google Scholar, HINARI, and African Journals Online up to March 2022. Addis Ababa, Gondor, and Jimma University research repositories were also searched. A random-effects model was used to pool study-specific odds ratios.

Results

A total of 18 articles, including a total of 45,541 participants, were included in the meta-analysis. A total of 11 cross-sectional, 2 case-control, and 5 cohort studies were included. The overall pooled estimate indicates that women with advanced maternal age had a 1.58 higher risk of perinatal mortality compared to women in the younger age group (odds ratio = 1.58; 95% Confidence Interval: 1.13-2.03). The subgroup analysis also revealed that there were differences in the effect size as the geographical region differed. The result showed that the odd of perinatal mortality was highest in the Oromia region and lowest in the Southern Nations Nationalities and Peoples' Region.

Conclusion

The overall pooled estimate indicates that women with advanced maternal age had a 1.58-fold higher risk of perinatal mortality. Even though this risk could also be increased with other comorbid diseases, it is important for healthcare providers and other concerned stakeholders to be aware of the increased risks associated with advanced maternal age and provide different intervention programs designed to create awareness and provide counseling services to couples who seek to have a child in their later ages about the risks of advanced maternal age pregnancy on perinatal mortality and other adverse pregnancy outcomes.

Fetal abdominal obesity and the ensuing adverse perinatal outcomes in older obese pregnant women with or without obesity and with normal glucose tolerance

To investigate whether the increased risk of fetal abdominal obesity (FAO) is present in the older (≥ 35 years) and/or obese (≥ body mass index 25 kg/m2) women with normal glucose tolerance, we reviewed medical record of 6721 singleton pregnancy. At 24-28 gestational weeks (GW), fetal abdominal overgrowth was assessed by the fetal abdominal overgrowth ratios (FAORs) of the ultrasonographically estimated gestational age (GA) of abdominal circumference per actual GA by the last menstruation period, estimated GA of biparietal diameter or femur length, respectively. FAO was defined as FAOR ≥ 90th percentile. Compared to young and non-obese women, older women showed significantly higher FAORs irrespective of obesity and the prevalence of FAO in older and non-obese women was significantly higher (11.8% vs. 8.6%, p < 0.05). The odds ratio for large for gestational age at birth were 3.06(1.96-4.77, p < 0.005), 1.47(1.16-1.86, p < 0.005) and 2.82(1.64-4.84, p < 0.005) in young and obese, older and non-obese, and older and obese women, respectively. The odds ratio for primary cesarean delivery in older and non-obese women was 1.33 (1.18-1.51, p < 0.005). An increased risk of FAO at 24-28 GW and subsequent adverse perinatal outcomes have been observed in the older women with or without obesity, compared to younger and non-obese women, despite normal glucose tolerance.

Perinatal Outcomes of Monochorionic Twin Pregnancies Conceived Naturally Versus through Assisted Reproductive Techniques

Objective: It has been reported that monochorionic twin pregnancies conceived through assisted reproductive techniques (ART) display a higher risk of second-trimester miscarriage, cesarean delivery, and neonatal death than those conceived naturally. The aim of this study was to compare the perinatal outcomes of monochorionic diamniotic (MCDA) twin pregnancies conceived naturally and through ART in a tertiary hospital. Methods: This was a retrospective cohort study of all MCDA twin pregnancies that received obstetric care and delivered at La Fe University and Polytechnic Hospital between 2015 and 2021. MCDA pregnancies that were referred to the tertiary hospital for specialized management, follow-up, and delivery were also included. The study was approved by The Health Research Institute Hospital La Fe (IIS La Fe). Results: Among the 184 MCDA pregnancies, 149 (81%) had a natural conception, and 35 (19%) were conceived through ART. Patients with an MCDA pregnancy who conceived through ART had a significantly older maternal age (38.0 [35.5-42.5] vs. 32.0 [29.0-36.0], p < 0.001) and an elevated rate of nulliparity (80.0% vs. 50.3%, p = 0.001). Regarding pregnancy complications, MCDA pregnancies through ART were associated with a significantly higher incidence of gestational diabetes (22.9% vs. 2.7%, p < 0.001), hypertensive disorders during pregnancy (22.9% vs. 9.4%, p = 0.04), and other pregnancy complications such as threatened labor or preterm prelabor rupture of membranes (14.3% vs. 36.2%, p = 0.015), than naturally conceived MCDA pregnancies. No differences were found in the incidence of twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome (20% vs. 33.6%, p = 0.155). MCDA pregnancies through natural conception had a greater rate of vaginal delivery than MCDA through ART (16.8% vs. 2.9%, p = 0.032). When adjusted for confounding factors, MCDA pregnancies through ART were only more likely to develop gestational diabetes than those naturally conceived (aOR 7.86, 95% CI 1.55-39.87). No differences were found regarding neonatal outcomes between groups. Conclusions: Compared with naturally conceived MCDA twin pregnancies, those conceived through ART displayed a significantly higher risk of developing gestational diabetes. No differences regarding other pregnancy complications, mode of delivery, or neonatal outcomes were found between groups.

Association of blood cadmium and lead levels with self-reported reproductive lifespan and pregnancy loss: The national health and nutrition examination survey 1999-2018

Cadmium and lead are known to interfere with the endocrine function. Thus, hormonally regulated processes such as menarche, menopause and pregnancy are likely influenced by chronic exposure to these metals. In US post-menopausal women, who already completed their reproductive lifespan, we evaluated the association between blood cadmium and lead levels with self-reported reproductive lifespan and personal history of pregnancy loss. We selected 5317 post-menopausal women participating in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), 1999-2018. Blood cadmium and lead levels were measured by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Reproductive lifespan was defined as the number of years between self-reported age at menarche and menopause. Personal history of pregnancy loss was defined as number of self-reported pregnancy losses out of the self-reported number of pregnancies. The fully adjusted mean difference in reproductive lifespan (95% confidence interval [CI]) comparing the 80th to the 20th percentiles of blood cadmium and lead distributions was, respectively, 0.50 (0.10, 0.91) and 0.72 (0.41, 1.03) years. Ever smoker showed stronger association of blood lead with reproductive lifespan. For self-reported pregnancy loss, the corresponding fully adjusted relative prevalence (95% CI) was 1.10 (0.93, 1.31) for cadmium and 1.10 (1.00, 1.21) for lead, and remained similar after additional adjustment for reproductive lifespan. In never smokers, the relative prevalence was 1.07 (1.04, 1.11) and 1.16 (1.05, 1.28) for blood cadmium and lead, respectively. These findings suggest that blood cadmium and lead exposures increase reproductive lifespan and prevalence of pregnancy loss in the general population. Additional studies are needed to improve the understanding of mechanisms and prevention potential of metals-related pregnancy outcomes.

Risk factors for blood component therapy in parturients-Case-control study

OBJECTIVE

Postpartum hemorrhage is a major cause of maternal morbidity and mortality, so early identification of patients at risk is crucial. In this study, we aim to assess the risk factors for major transfusion in parturients.

METHODS

A case-control study was conducted between 2011 and 2019. The cases included women who were treated with postpartum major transfusion compared with two control groups, one of which was treated with 1-2 packed red blood cells and one of which was not treated with packed red blood cells. Cases were matched with controls based on two variables: multiple pregnancies and previous history of three or more cesarean sections. A multivariable conditional logistic regression model was used to determine the role of the independent risk factors.

RESULTS

Of the 187 424 deliveries included in the present study, 246 (0.3%) women were treated with major transfusions. After applying a multivariate analysis, maternal age (odds ratio [OR] 1.07, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.996-1.16), antenatal anemia with hemoglobin less than 10 g/dL (OR 12.58, 95% CI 2.86-55.25), retained placenta (OR 5.5, 95% CI 2.15-13.78), and cesarean delivery (OR 10.12, 95% CI 0.93-1.95) remained independent risk factors for major transfusions.

DISCUSSION

Retained placenta and antenatal anemia (hemoglobin < 10 g/dL) are independent risk factors for major transfusion. Of these, anemia was found to be the most significant.

Analysis of risk factors and construction of nomograph model for critical condition of patients with hypertension during pregnancy

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to construct the risk prediction nomogram model of critical condition in patients with hypertension during pregnancy and to verify its evaluation effect.

METHODS

A total of 531 patients with hypertension during pregnancy were randomly grouped into 427 model group and 104 validation group. The model group patients included 59 cases of critical group and 368 cases of non-critical group according to the occurrence of critical situation. Multivariate Logistic regression analysis was conducted to determine the risk factors of critical condition in patients with hypertension during pregnancy, and R software was used to construct the nomogram model. Moreover, the prediction efficiency of the model was evaluated.

RESULTS

The proportions of patients aged over 30 years, with an educational background of junior high school or below, a family history of hypertension, anemia during pregnancy, and a lower erythrocyte count were significantly higher in the critical group compared to the non-critical group (P < 0.05). Age > 30 years old, educational background of junior high school and below, family history of hypertension, anemia during pregnancy, and red blood cell count were independent risk factors for the occurrence of critical condition in patients with hypertension during pregnancy (P < 0.05). The prediction model formula Z = 1.857×Age + 1.167×Education + 1.601×Family history of hypertension + 1.815×Pregnancy anemia + 3.524×Red blood cell count+(-19.769). The area under the curve (AUC) of the nomogram in the modeling group for predicting the risk of critical situations was 0.926 (95% CI = 0.887 ~ 0.964), indicating excellent discrimination. The calibration curve closely resembled the ideal curve, demonstrating good agreement between the predicted and actual values. The AUC of the validation group's nomogram to predict the risk of critical situation was 0.942 (95% CI = 0.872 ~ 0.998), with good discrimination. The calibration curve was close to the ideal curve, and the actual value was in good agreement with the predicted value.

CONCLUSION

The nomograph model can predict the risk of critical condition in patients with hypertension during pregnancy and screen high-risk population.

Retrospective Study of First Trimester Metrorrhagia: Pregnancy Follow-Up and Relationship with the Appearance of Gestational Complications

Background and Objectives: The purpose of this study was to describe and evaluate the bleeding that occurs during the first weeks of gestation and its implications throughout pregnancy. Secondarily, we assessed the associated complications in order to identify potential risk factors that could be used to select women at higher risk of adverse outcomes that could benefit from an early diagnosis and improved monitoring. Materials and Methods: We made a selection of all the women who consulted in the Emergency Department of the Hospital QuirónSalud in Malaga on 2015 presenting with first trimester metrorrhagia. We refer to first trimester metrorrhagia as that which occurs until week 12 + 6. Once these pregnant women were identified, we studied several variables not related to the gestation and some others associated with it and its natural course. Results: The average age of the patients assessed was 34.1. Associated gestational complications were metrorrhagia in the second trimester (6.3%), threatened preterm labor (7.4%), preeclampsia (2.5%), gestational diabetes (7.4%), late abortion (1.2%), and early postpartum hemorrhage (1.8%). We sought associations to assess possible risk factors, establishing an increased maternal age as an aggravating factor for the development of complications. We also studied gestational complications, finding a higher prevalence of them in older women, such as prematurity (33.11 vs. 34.48 years), gestational diabetes (33.11 vs. 36.06 years), and preeclampsia (33.25 vs. 35 years). Conclusions: Maternal age is a risk factor for first-trimester spontaneous miscarriage and for the development of complications of pregnancy. It is crucial to perform a correct screening of different pathologies throughout the pregnancy to anticipate potential complications.

DHA supplementation and pregnancy complications

Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) supplementation is recommended for women during pregnancy because of its neurological, visual, and cognitive effects. Previous studies have suggested that DHA supplementation during pregnancy may prevent and treat certain pregnancy complications. However, there are contradictions in the current related studies, and the specific mechanism by which DHA acts remains unclear. This review summarizes the research on the relationship between DHA intake during pregnancy and preeclampsia, gestational diabetes mellitus, preterm birth, intrauterine growth restriction, and postpartum depression. Furthermore, we explore the impact of DHA intake during pregnancy on the prediction, prevention, and treatment of pregnancy complications as well as its impact on offspring neurodevelopment. Our results suggest that there is limited and controversial evidence for the protective effect of DHA intake on pregnancy complications, with the exception of preterm birth and gestational diabetes mellitus. However, additional DHA supplementation may improve long-term neurodevelopmental outcomes in the offspring of women with pregnancy complications.

Psychosocial factors associated with health behaviors in pregnant women of advanced maternal age in Korea

Objectives

To determine the association between psychosocial factors and health-promoting and health-impairing behaviors in pregnant women of advanced maternal age (AMA) in Korea.

Design

A cross-sectional survey study.

Setting

Online survey.

Samples

A total of 217 pregnant women aged 35 and older agreed to participate in the study, with 207 participants completing the self-report questionnaires.

Methods

We collected self-reported data on demographic, obstetric, and psychosocial factors and prenatal health behaviors using standardized measures. We conducted a descriptive analysis of the collected data and a linear regression to identify significant associations with health-promoting and health-impairing behaviors.

Results

We found that maternal-fetal attachment (β = 0.43, p < 0.001) and "social atmosphere" of pregnancy stress (β = 0.13, p = 0.047) were positively associated with prenatal health-promoting behaviors. We found that artificial conception (β =-0.16, p = 0.011) was negatively associated with prenatal health-impairing behaviors and that multiparity (β = 0.23, p = 0.001) and "maternal role" of pregnancy stress (β = 0.27, p = 0.003) positively associated with prenatal health-impairing behaviors.

Conclusion

Health-impairing behaviors of pregnant AMA women need assessment and the importance of health-promoting behaviors for maternal and infant health need reinforcing. We recommend pregnancy stress assessments at prenatal checkups and stress relief interventions that consider cultural differences and contexts rather than standardized interventions.

The Biomedical Subjectification of Women of Advanced Maternal Age: Reproductive Risk, Privilege, and the Illusion of Control

The United States is experiencing a demographic transition toward older motherhood. Biomedicine classifies pregnancies among all women of advanced maternal age (AMA) as high-risk; paradoxically, women having first births at AMA are typically economically and racially privileged, which can reduce the risk of risks. This article examines the implications of the biomedicalization of AMA for first-time mothers, age 35 and older, using qualitative interviews. We find participants had substantial cultural health capital, which informed their critiques of AMA and the medical model of birth. When they found themselves subjected to biomedical protocols and concerned about reproductive risk as their pregnancies progressed, their subsequent biomedical subjectification compelled most to accept biomedical interventions. Consequently, some participants had traumatic birth experiences. Our findings illustrate that while first-time mothers of AMA anticipated that they would have more control over the birth process because of their advantages, ultimately, most did not.

Obstetric admission to intensive care units in Japan: a cohort study using the Japanese Intensive care PAtient Database

PURPOSE

This study aimed to describe the epidemiology and annual trends of obstetric patients using a multicenter intensive care database.

METHODS

This multicenter, retrospective cohort study used the Japanese Intensive care PAtient Database (JIPAD). We included obstetric patients registered in the JIPAD between 2015 and 2020. We investigated the proportion of obstetric patients among all patients in the intensive care unit (ICU). We also described the characteristics, procedures, and outcomes of obstetric patients. In addition, the annual trends were examined by nonparametric tests for trends.

RESULTS

Of the 184,705 patients enrolled in the JIPAD, 750 (0.41%) were obstetric patients from 61 facilities. The median age was 34 years, the number of post-emergency surgeries was 450 (60.0%), and the median APACHE III score was 36. Mechanical ventilation was the most common procedure performed in 247 (32.9%) patients. There were five (0.7%) in-hospital deaths. The proportion of obstetric patients in the ICU did not change between 2015 and 2020 (P for trend = 0.32). However, there was a trend for a significant decrease in the severity of illness and length of hospital stay on an annual basis between 2015 and 2020. Most patients were admitted to the ICU because of a pregnancy-related disorder postoperatively.

CONCLUSION

The proportion of obstetric patients was 0.41% of all ICU admissions. The proportion of obstetric patients admitted to the ICU did not change from 2015 to 2020, but the patients' severity of illness and length of hospital stay significantly decreased over time.

Pre-pregnancy body mass index and risk of maternal or infant complications with gestational diabetes mellitus as a mediator: A multicenter, longitudinal cohort study in China

AIMS

We explored the complex relationships between pre-pregnancy body mass index (pBMI) and maternal or infant complications and the mediating role of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) in these relationships.

METHODS

Pregnant women from 24 hospitals in 15 different provinces of China were enrolled in 2017 and followed through 2018. Propensity score-based inverse probability of treatment weighting, logistic regression, restricted cubic spline models, and causal mediation analysis were utilized. In addition, the E-value method was used to evaluate unmeasured confounding factors.

RESULTS

A total of 6174 pregnant women were finally included. Compared to women with a normal pBMI, obese women had a higher risk for gestational hypertension (odds ratio [OR] = 5.38, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 3.48-8.34), macrosomia (OR = 2.65, 95% CI: 1.83-3.84), and large for gestational age (OR = 2.05, 95% CI: 1.45-2.88); 4.73% (95% CI: 0.57%-8.88%), 4.61% (95% CI: 0.51%-9.74%), and 5.02% (95% CI: 0.13%-10.18%) of the associations, respectively, were mediated by GDM. Underweight women had a high risk for low birth weight (OR = 1.42, 95% CI: 1.15-2.08) and small for gestational age (OR = 1.62, 95% CI: 1.23-2.11). Dose-response analyses indicated that 21.0 kg/m² may be the appropriate tipping point pBMI for risk for maternal or infant complications in Chinese women.

CONCLUSION

A high or low pBMI is associated with the risk for maternal or infant complications and partly mediated by GDM. A lower pBMI cutoff of 21 kg/m² may be appropriate for risk for maternal or infant complications in pregnant Chinese women.

Secular trends of birthweight in a population of live-born, singletons, without congenital anomalies in Queensland, Australia

Objectives and importance

Maternal and family patterns are changing, and these changes can influence birthweight. Past research and organisational reports focus on short temporal timelines or broad trends, but trends across a longer temporal period are important. The aim of this study is to assess the trends in birthweight and maternal characteristics across a 19-year period using descriptive statistics.

Study type and methods

Birth records (n = 1,166,055) were obtained for a 19-year period (2000–2019) and a descriptive secular trend analysis was performed.

Results and conclusions

Mean birthweight trended down across the study period, while rates of large for gestational age births increased. This appears to be driven by a decrease in gestational age across the period. Maternal factors, such as smoking, BMI and Indigenous status, were found to be linked with changes in mean birthweight and the proportion of small for gestational age or large for gestational age. More babies were born to older women by the end of the study period. There was a sharp rise in gestational diabetes, and more large for gestational age births to these women. Over time, the large for gestational age births started to decline, suggesting better care practices for women with gestational diabetes.

Prevalence of perinatal anxiety and its determinants in mainland China: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Perinatal anxiety is among the most common mental health conditions that have a huge negative impact both on mothers and their children. This study aimed to establish summary estimates of the prevalence of perinatal anxiety and its influencing factors in Mainland China.

METHODS

A systematic search was carried out from nine major English and Chinese electronic databases to identify studies published up to August 20, 2022 with data on the prevalence of perinatal anxiety. Two reviewers conducted data extraction and quality assessment. Meta-analysis was performed using a random-effects model. Subgroup and meta-regression analyses were performed when possible.

RESULTS

271 studies representing 369,477 women were included in the study. Pooled prevalence of perinatal anxiety was 17.4 % (95 % CI: 16.2 % to 18.7 %), with prenatal anxiety 17.4 % (95%CI: 16.1 % to 18.8 %) and postpartum anxiety 17.5 % (95%CI: 13.5 % to 22.4 %). However, the overall estimates presented substantial heterogeneity (I² = 98.93 %). Qualitative summaries demonstrated some main potential risk factors of perinatal anxiety such as women with abnormal pregnancy-labor history, poor health status, pregnancy complications, and unplanned pregnancies, and some potential protective factors such as high family income, good social support, good interpersonal relationships, and history of multiple deliveries.

LIMITATION

Very large heterogeneity among studies was observed in meta-synthesis, and all included studies used self-report scales to identify anxiety rather than diagnostic interviews.

CONCLUSION

Varying degrees of perinatal anxiety is prevalent among Chinese women. Screening and evidence-based interventions are urgent and necessary to address this public concern and promote their health and well-being.

Adverse pregnancy, delivery and neonatal outcomes across different advanced maternal ages: A population-based retrospective cohort study

Objective

Characterize the risk for adverse pregnancy, delivery and neonatal outcomes among different advanced maternal ages (AMA).

Study design

We conducted a population-based retrospective cohort study using data from the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project-Nationwide Inpatient Sample to characterize adverse pregnancy, delivery and neonatal outcomes among different AMA groups. Patients aged 44-45 (n = 19,476), 46-49 (n = 7528) and 50-54 years (n = 1100) were compared to patients aged 38-43 years (n = 499,655). A multivariate logistic regression analysis adjusted for statistically significant confounding variables.

Results

With advancing age, rates of chronic hypertension, pregestational diabetes, thyroid disease and multiple gestation increased (p < 0.001). The adjusted risk of hysterectomy and need for blood transfusion substantially increased with advancing age, reaching up to an almost 5-fold (aOR, 4.75, 95 % CI, 2.76-8.19, p < 0.001) and 3-fold (aOR, 3.06, 95 % CI, 2.31-4.05, p < 0.001) increased risk, respectively, in patients aged 50-54 years. The adjusted risk of maternal death increased 4-fold in patients aged 46-49 years (aOR, 4.03, 95 % CI, 1.23-13.17, p = 0.021). Adjusted risks of pregnancy-related hypertensive disorders, including gestational hypertension and preeclampsia, increased by 28-93 % across advancing age groups (p < 0.001). Adjusted neonatal outcomes demonstrated up to a 40 % elevated risk of intrauterine fetal demise in patients aged 46-49 years (aOR, 1.40, 95 % CI, 1.02-1.92, p = 0.04) and a 17 % increased risk of having a small for gestational age neonate in patients aged 44-45 years (aOR, 1.17, 95 % CI, 1.05-1.31, p = 0.004).

Conclusions

Pregnancies at AMA are at increased risk for adverse outcomes, particularly for pregnancy-related hypertensive disorders, hysterectomy, blood transfusion, and maternal and fetal mortality. Although comorbidities associated with AMA influence the risk of complications, AMA was demonstrated to be an independent risk factor for major complications, with its impact varying across ages. This data imparts clinicians with the ability to provide more specific counseling to patients of varied AMA. Older patients seeking to conceive must be counseled regarding these risks in order to make well-informed decisions.

Independent and Joint Associations of Age, Pre-pregnancy BMI, and Gestational Weight Gain with Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes in Gestational Diabetes Mellitus

INTRODUCTION

To explore the independent and combined effects of maternal age, pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI), and gestational weight gain (GWG) on pregnancy outcomes in gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM).

METHODS

A total of 2171 pregnant women with GDM attending the Women's Hospital of Zhejiang University were retrospectively included. We compared pregnancy outcomes in different age, BMI, and GWG groups after adjusting for confounding variables.

RESULTS

Results showed that (1) advanced maternal age increased the risk of primary Cesarean section and hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) in normal weight; (2) independent of age and GWG, high BMI significantly increased the risk of HDP, primary Cesarean section, and macrosomia; (3) Women with excessive GWG had a higher risk of primary Cesarean section and HDP, even they were ≤ 29 years old or normal weight, respectively; (4) Pregnant women with inadequate GWG had a higher risk of preterm birth and a lower risk of macrosomia in both the 30-34 age group and the normal weight group; (5) BMI was a better predictor of HDP than GWG among women younger than 30.

CONCLUSIONS

Among the GDM population, women over the age of 35, overweight and obese, or with an excessive GWG were more prone to adverse pregnancy outcomes, especially primary Cesarean delivery and HDP.

Characterization of Fertility Clinic Attendees in the Abu Dhabi Emirate, United Arab Emirates: A Cross-Sectional Study

This study describes the primary and secondary infertility in patients attending fertility clinics and reports factors associated with primary infertility. A cross-sectional survey was conducted in two fertility clinics in Abu Dhabi Emirate, United Arab Emirates (UAE) between December 2020 and May 2021. The collected information covered sociodemographic, lifestyle, medical, and fertility-related characteristics. The mean age and age at marriage (±SD) of the 928 patients were 35.7 (±6.7) and 25.2 (±6.3) years, respectively. Of the total, 72.0% were obese and overweight, 26.6% reported a consanguineous marriage, and 12.5% were smokers. Secondary infertility (62.5%) was more frequent than primary infertility (37.5%). Primary infertility was inversely associated with age (aOR, 0.94, 95% CI: 0.91-0.98) and not being overweight (aOR, 0.6, 95% CI: 0.4-0.9) while positively associated with a nationality other than Middle Eastern nationality (aOR, 1.9, 95% CI: 1.1-3.3), married for ≤5 years (aOR, 6.0, 95% CI: 3.9-9.3), in a nonconsanguineous marriage (aOR, 2.4, 95% CI: 1.5-3.9), having a respiratory disease (aOR, 2.3, 95% CI: 1.1-4.6), an increased age at puberty (aOR, 1.2, 95% CI: 1.0-1.3), and self-reported 6-<12 months (aOR, 2.4, 95% CI: 1.2-5.1) and ≥12 months (aOR, 3.4, 95% CI: 1.8-6.4) infertility. Patients with primary infertility were more likely to be diagnosed with infertility of an ovulation, tubal, or uterine origin (aOR, 3.9, 95% CI: 1.9-7.9). Secondary infertility was more common than primary infertility. Several preventable fertility-related risk factors including overweight, smoking, and diabetes were found to be common among the fertility clinic attendees.

A new perspective on semen quality of aged male: The characteristics of metabolomics and proteomics

Background

Semen quality is negatively correlated with male age and is mainly quantified by a routine semen analysis, which is descriptive and inconclusive. Sperm proteins or semen metabolites are used as the intermediate or end-products, reflecting changes in semen quality, and hold much promise as a new biomarker to predict fertility in advanced-aged males.

Objectives

In this study, we sought to assess whether the semen metabolome and proteome of aged males can affect semen quality and serve as biomarkers for predicting semen quality.

Materials and methods

We retrospectively analyzed 12825 males that underwent semen routine analysis to understand the age-dependent changes in sperm quality. To identify the difference between aged and young adults, metabolomics (n=60) analyses of semen and proteomics (n=12) analyses of sperm were conducted. Finally, integrated machine learning of metabolomics was conducted to screen biomarkers to identify aging semen.

Results

We discovered that male age was positively correlated with sperm concentration as well as DNA fragmentation index(DFI), and negatively with progressive motile sperm count, total sperm count, sperm volume and progressive sperm motility. The differential metabolites were significantly enriched in various metabolic pathways, and four of these differential metabolites (Pipamperone, 2,2-Bis(hydroxymethyl)-2,2',2''-nitrilotriethanol, Arg-Pro and Triethyl phosphate) were utilized to establish a biomarker panel to identify aging semen. Proteomic analysis showed that differential proteins were significantly enriched in protein digestion and absorption and some energy-related pathways. An integrated analysis of the metabolome and proteome identified differential energy metabolism and oxidative stress-related proteins, which could explain the decreased motility and the increased DFI of aging sperm.

Discussion and conclusion

We provide compelling evidence that the changes in semen metabolome and sperm proteome are related to the decline of semen quality in aged males. Moreover, a biomarker panel based on four metabolites was established to identify aging semen.

Hormonal IUD is the major hormonal contraceptive method used among women aged 40-49 years: Data from the 2015-16 Tromsø Study, Norway

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to investigate hormonal contraceptive (HC) use and user characteristics in women aged 40-49 years in Norway, as little is known on use of HCs in this age segment.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

This prevalence study included 2296 women aged 40-49 years who participated in the 2015-16 Tromsø Study, which collected self-reported sociodemographic information and data from a wide range of validated health questionnaires. The participants had been sexually active the last 12 months prior enrollment, were not pregnant, not trying to conceive, and had no prior fertility problems. We categorized use of HC into three groups; no HC use, hormonal IUD use and other HC use. Explanatory variables included demographic, educational, economic and general health variables. All analyses were performed in SPSS with chi-square test and logistic regression at significance level p < 0.05.

RESULTS

Nearly 50 % of the study sample reported HC use with hormonal IUD use as the major method (39.5 %/40-44 years; 43.4 %/45-49 years old women). There were no differences in HC use by partner status, educational level, or BMI. Though statistically significant, we found only minor differences in HC use by occupational status, gross household income, and general health status, with higher proportions of women with no paid work, the lowest income, and poor health status reporting no HC use.

CONCLUSION

The high HC use and the minor differences found across demographic and socioeconomic parameters indicate that HC use, and hormonal IUD use in particular, is widely used among middle-aged women living in the city of Tromsø.

Serum C-reactive protein levels are associated with clinical pregnancy rate after in vitro fertilization among normal-weight women

OBJECTIVE

To assess whether low-grade inflammation, measured by serum high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) levels, is associated with in vitro fertilization (IVF) outcomes.

DESIGN

A retrospective study.

SETTING

University-affiliated IVF center.

PATIENTS

In the present study, 875 women of normal weight who underwent their first fresh embryo transfer (ET) cycles for IVF treatment were divided into three groups according to serum concentrations of hsCRP.

INTERVENTIONS

Serum from women undergoing IVF was collected on days 2-4 of a spontaneous menstrual cycle prior to the commencement of ovarian stimulation.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

The IVF outcomes included implantation, biochemical pregnancy, clinical pregnancy, miscarriage and live birth rates.

RESULTS

The women were divided into three groups according to the baseline serum levels of hsCRP as follows: low hsCRP (<1 mg/L; n=517), medium hsCRP (1-3 mg/L; n= 270), high hsCRP (>3 mg/L; n=88). The maternal age was similar among the three groups. The women in the high and medium hsCRP group had significantly higher BMI compared with those in the low hsCRP group. The protocol of controlled ovarian hyperstimulation, the gonadotropin dose administered, the serum estradiol levels, progesterone levels and the endometrial thickness on the day of triggering, as well as the number of retrieved oocytes, fertilized oocytes and good quality embryos, and the oocyte maturation rate were similar among the three groups. Implantation, biochemical pregnancy and clinical miscarriage rates did not differ significantly were not significantly different among three groups. The clinical pregnancy rate was significantly lower in the high hsCRP group compared with that in the low hsCRP group (50.0% versus 63.4%; P<0.0167), which contributed to a significant decrease in birth rate (39.8% versus 53.8%; P<0.0167). High serum hsCRP levels was found to be a factor affecting live birth rate.

CONCLUSIONS

Among women of normal weight undergoing their first IVF treatment, it was found that low-grade inflammation was associated with reduced clinical pregnancy and live birth rates following fresh ET cycles.