Predicting outcomes of emergency cerclage in women with cervical insufficiency using inflammatory markers in maternal blood and amniotic fluid

Risk factors for high-stage histological chorioamnionitis among pregnancies with cervical incompetence

AIM

The study aimed to identify predictive risk factor to identify high-stage histological chorioamnionitis (HCA) in pregnancies with cervical incompetence (CIC).

METHODS

A retrospective cohort study was conducted by including 116 pregnant women with cervical incompetence that required prophylactical and therapeutical cerclage. The histopathology examination on placenta was conducted with informed patient consent. All the cases included in this study were divided based on the severity degree of HCA. The demographic characteristic and the parameters related to maternal and fetal outcome were all analyzed. Besides, perioperative parameters of cerclage, including cervical length, cervical morphology, and laboratory indexes were also compared between two groups. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis were used to determine the risk factor of severe chorioamnionitis.

RESULTS

Severe HCA was significantly associated with cervical morphology, cerclage indication, cerclage type, and cervical length measured via ultrasound and vaginal examination. After adjusted for confounders, V-type funneling and short cervix was indicated as independent risk factors of severe HCA by multivariate logistic regression analysis, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

V-type funneling and short cervix may indicate the elevated risk of high-stage HCA. Due to the negative outcomes related with high-stage HCA, appropriate prenatal treatment would improve the pregnancy outcomes in cerclaged population. To facilitate postpartum treatment, placental histological examination should be routinely recommended to identify the high-stage HCA, especially in high risk pregnancies.

Factors Associated with Spontaneous Preterm Birth after Ultrasound-Indicated Cerclage

Ultrasound-indicated cerclage (UIC) is recommended to prevent spontaneous preterm birth (sPTB) in women with a short cervix at mid-trimester and a history of PTB. We assessed the factors related to sPTB after UIC and determined the corresponding risks. This retrospective cohort study was conducted at a university hospital. UIC was performed between 15 and 26 weeks of gestation in women with a cervical length of <2.5 cm. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to examine factors associated with sPTB after UIC. An earlier gestational age and shorter cervical length at UIC were associated with sPTB after UIC. While PTB history was not associated with an increased risk of sPTB, it did increase the risk of repeat cerclage after UIC. Higher levels of preoperative serum inflammatory markers and obesity significantly increased the risk of sPTB after UIC. These findings provide helpful guidance for patient counseling and management in predicting the delivery timing after UIC in women with a short cervix in the mid-trimester.

Degree of expression of inflammatory proteins in the amniotic cavity, but not prior obstetric history, is associated with the risk severity for spontaneous preterm birth after rescue cerclage for cervical insufficiency

PROBLEM

To examine whether the severity of spontaneous preterm birth (SPTB) risk after rescue cerclage for acute cervical insufficiency (CI) is linked to the degree of inflammatory response in the amniotic fluid (AF) based on the concentrations of various inflammatory proteins and prior obstetric history.

METHOD OF STUDY

We conducted a retrospective cohort study of 65 singleton pregnant women (17-25 weeks) who underwent rescue cerclage following the diagnosis of acute CI and were subjected to amniocentesis. EN-RAGE, IL-6, IL-8, and IP-10 as inflammatory mediators and kallistatin, MMP-2/8, and uPA as extracellular matrix remodeling-related molecules were assayed in the AF using ELISA. The level of each inflammatory mediator was divided into quartiles.

RESULTS

Intra-amniotic inflammation (IAI; AF IL-6 level ≥2.6 ng/mL) was independently associated with SPTB after cerclage placement. The odds of SPTB at < 32 weeks, even after adjusting for confounders, increased significantly with each increasing quartile of baseline AF levels for each inflammatory mediator (p for trend < .05). Kaplan-Meier survival curves showed that the cerclage-to-delivery intervals were significantly shorter as the quartiles of AF EN-RAGE and MMP-8 increased (log-rank test, p < .01 each). Neither previous term birth nor prior PTB was associated with SPTB risk or cerclage-to-delivery interval after rescue cerclage. Multiparous women who experience CI after term birth showed significantly elevated levels of MMP-8 and reduced kallistatin levels in the AF.

CONCLUSION

In patients with CI, SPTB risk (especially risk severity) after rescue cerclage is associated with the degree of the inflammatory response in AF as well as the presence of IAI but not with prior obstetric history.

Dynamic Change of Novel Systemic Inflammation Markers to Predict Maternal-Neonatal Prognosis After Cervical Cerclage

Objective

Cervical cerclage is an effective method to prevent preterm birth. However, the clinical indicators that can predict cervical cerclage remain limited. This study aimed to explore whether dynamically inflammatory markers are valuable biomarkers for the prognosis of cervical cerclage.

Methods

This study included 328 participants. Inflammatory markers were calculated using maternal peripheral blood before and after the cervical cerclage procedure. The Chi-square test, linear regression, and logistic regression were performed to evaluate the dynamic change of inflammatory markers with the prognosis of cervical cerclage. And the optimal cut-off values of inflammatory markers were calculated.

Results

Totally 328 pregnant women were analyzed in the study. 223 (67.99%) participants obtained successful cervical cerclage. This study revealed that the maternal age, the baseline BMI (cm²/kg), the times of gravida, the rate of recurrent abortion, the PPROM, cervical length shorter (<1.5cm), cervical dilation (≥2cm), the bulging membrane, the Pre-SII, the Pre-SIRI, the Post-SII, the Post-SIRI, and the ΔSII were significantly associated with outcomes after cervical cerclage (all P<0.05). Pre-SII, Pre-SIRI, Post-SII, Post-SIRI, and ΔSII levels were mainly related to maternal-neonatal outcomes. Furthermore, the results demonstrated that the ΔSII level had the highest OR (OR=14.560; 95% CI (4.461-47.518)). In addition, we revealed that Post-SII and ΔSII levels had the highest AUC (0.845/0.840) and relatively higher sensitivity/specificity (68.57/92.83% and 71.43/90.58%) and PPV/ NPV (81.82/86.25% and 78.13/87.07%) compared with other indicators.

Conclusion

This study suggested that the dynamic change of SII level and SIRI level are important biochemical markers to predict the prognosis of cervical cerclage and maternal-neonatal prognosis, especially the Post-SII and ΔSII levels. They can help to determine candidates for cervical cerclage before surgical procedure and enhance postoperative surveillance.

Abnormal vaginal flora and spontaneous preterm birth in high-risk singleton pregnancies with cervical cerclage

OBJECTIVE

To investigate abnormal vaginal and suture-based bacterial flora for associations with spontaneous preterm birth in high-risk singleton pregnancies with an ultrasound-indicated or emergency cervical cerclage.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A retrospective study of 196 singleton pregnancies with an ultrasound-indicated or emergency cerclage at the Royal Women's Hospital, Australia, from 2004 to 2018. High vaginal swabs were collected regularly between 14 and 26 weeks' gestation, including pre- and post-cerclage insertion, and sent for microscopy and culture. Cervical suture was cultured upon removal. Primary outcomes were spontaneous preterm birth <37, <34 and <30 weeks.

RESULTS

43.4% (85/196) of women delivered preterm. The acquisition and persistence of vaginal Escherichia coli following cerclage insertion were independently associated with spontaneous preterm birth <37 weeks (p = .0225, p = .0477). Escherichia coli growth from the cervical suture upon removal was associated with spontaneous preterm birth <34 weeks (p = .0458). The acquisition of vaginal mixed anaerobes post-cerclage was independently associated with spontaneous preterm birth <34 weeks (p = .0480).

CONCLUSION

For singleton pregnancies with an ultrasound-indicated or emergency cerclage, the presence of vaginal or suture-based Escherichia coli following cerclage insertion yields increased risk of cerclage failure and spontaneous preterm birth.

Prediction of emergency cerclage outcomes in women with cervical insufficiency: The role of inflammatory, angiogenic, and extracellular matrix-related proteins in amniotic fluid

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to determine whether various novel inflammatory, angiogenic, and extracellular matrix-related mediators in amniotic fluid (AF) can independently predict emergency cerclage outcomes in women with acute cervical insufficiency (CI).

METHODS

This was a retrospective cohort study conducted among 50 singleton pregnant women (18-25 weeks) who underwent emergency cerclage for CI and were subjected to amniocentesis. The AF samples were assayed for endoglin, endostatin, haptoglobin, insulin-like growth factor-binding protein (IGFBP)-3, -4, kallistatin, lumican, macrophage colony-stimulating factor (M-CSF), pentraxin 3, p-selectin, receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE), resistin, transforming growth factor beta-induced (TGFBI), and vitamin D-binding protein (VDBP) levels. Interleukin (IL)-6 levels in the AF were also measured for comparison with potential biomarkers assessed in this study. The primary endpoint was spontaneous preterm delivery (SPTD) at <34 weeks following emergency cerclage.

RESULTS

The AF levels of pentraxin 3, RAGE, and resistin were significantly higher in women who had SPTD at <34 weeks after cerclage placement (pentraxin-3: P = 0.003; RAGE: P = 0.041; and resistin; P = 0.002). In multivariate analysis, elevated AF levels of pentraxin 3 (P = 0.007) and resistin (P = 0.006), but not those of RAGE (P = 0.069), were independently associated with the occurrence of SPTD at <34 weeks after cerclage, following adjustment for baseline clinical variables (e.g., cervical dilation). The area under the curve (AUC) values of AF pentraxin 3, RAGE, and resistin for the prediction of SPTD at <34 weeks were 0.749, 0.669, and 0.770, respectively, which were similar to those of AF IL-6. However, in univariate analyses, no differences in the AF levels of endoglin, endostatin, haptoglobin, IGFBP-3, IGFBP-4, kallistatin, lumican, p-selectin, TGFBI, and VDBP were found to be associated with SPTD at <34 weeks after cerclage placement.

CONCLUSIONS

In women with acute CI, the AF levels of pentraxin 3, RAGE, and resistin could be useful novel biomarkers for predicting SPTD following emergency cerclage. However, the clinical utility of these new biomarkers should be validated in larger multicenter studies.

Inflammation-related immune proteins in maternal plasma as potential predictive biomarkers for rescue cerclage outcome in women with cervical insufficiency

PROBLEM

This study aimed to determine whether various novel plasma mediators of immune regulation associated with inflammation could independently predict the clinical outcome of rescue cerclage in patients with cervical insufficiency (CI).

METHOD OF STUDY

A total of 41 singleton pregnant women (17-25 weeks) who underwent rescue cerclage for CI were retrospectively evaluated. Stored plasma samples were assayed for IGFBP-1, -2, -3, IL-6, latexin, LBP, lipocalin-2, M-CSF, MIP-1α, MMP-8, -9, pentraxin 3, resistin, S100A8, S100A8/A9, thrombospondin-2, TIMP-1, and TNFR2 levels. The primary outcome measures were spontaneous preterm birth (SPTB) at < 28 and < 34 weeks after cerclage placement.

RESULTS

Multivariate Firth's logistic regression analysis revealed that high levels of IGFBP-3 and S100A8/A9, and low levels of MIP-1α were significantly associated with SPTB at < 28 weeks after cerclage placement, whereas only low MIP-1α levels were significantly associated with SPTB at < 34 weeks, even after adjustment for baseline clinical covariates (e.g., cervical dilatation). For the prediction of SPTB at < 28 weeks, the area under the curves (AUC) of IGFBP-3, MIP-1α, and S100A8/A9 were of .686, .691, and .693, respectively. Similarly, the AUC of MIP-1 α was of .659 to predict SPTB at < 34 weeks.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings suggest that plasma IGFBP-3, MIP-1α, and S100A8/A9 can represent noninvasive independent biomarkers for identifying women with CI at high risk for SPTB following rescue cerclage. Nonetheless, further in large, multicenter clinical studies should be performed to confirm the clinical value of these biomarkers.

Antibody microarray analysis of amniotic fluid proteomes in women with cervical insufficiency and short cervix, and their association with pregnancy latency length

Introduction

This study aimed to investigate amniotic fluid (AF) proteins that were differentially expressed between patients with cervical insufficiency (CI) and asymptomatic short cervix (SCX, ≤ 25 mm), and whether these proteins could be predictive of spontaneous preterm birth (SPTB) in these patients.

Method

This was a retrospective cohort study of 129 singleton pregnant women with CI (n = 80) or SCX (n = 49) at 17 to 26 weeks who underwent amniocentesis. An antibody microarray was used to perform comparative proteomic profiling of AF from matched CI (n = 20) and SCX (n = 20) pregnancies. In the total cohort, an ELISA validation study was performed for 15 candidate proteins of interest. Subgroup analyses of patients with CI and SCX were conducted to evaluate the association between the 15 proteins and SPTB at < 32 weeks of gestation.

Results

Eighty-six proteins showed intergroup differences. ELISA validation confirmed significantly higher levels of AF EN-RAGE, IL-8, lipocalin-2, MMP-9, S100A8/A9, thrombospondin-2, and TNFR2 in patients with CI than in those with SCX. Multivariable analysis showed that increased AF levels of EN-RAGE, S100A8/A9, and uPA were independently associated with SPTB at < 32 weeks in patients with CI; whereas in patients with SCX, high AF levels of APRIL, EN-RAGE, LBP, and TNFR2 were independently associated with SPTB at < 32 weeks.

Conclusions

Multiple AF proteins show altered expression in patients with CI compared with SCX controls. Moreover, several novel mediators involved in inflammation were identified as potential biomarkers for predicting SPTB after the diagnosis of CI and SCX. These results provide new insights into target-specific molecules for targeted therapies to prevent SPTB in patients with CI/SCX.

Antibody microarray analysis of the amniotic fluid proteome for predicting the outcome of rescue cerclage in patients with cervical insufficiency

Little is known about the biomarkers that can identify patient candidates suitable for rescue cerclage procedure. The purpose of the study was to identify novel biomarkers in amniotic fluid (AF) that can predict the outcome of rescue cerclage in patients with cervical insufficiency by using an antibody microarray. This case–control study was conducted using AF samples collected from singleton pregnant women who underwent rescue cerclage following a diagnosis of cervical insufficiency (19–25 weeks). Patients were divided into case (n=20) and control (n=20) groups based on the occurrence of spontaneous preterm delivery (SPTD) at <34 weeks of gestation after cerclage placement. The AF proteomes were analyzed using an antibody microarray for biomarker discovery work. Ten candidate biomarkers of interest were validated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Thirty-one molecules studied showed significant intergroup differences (≥two-fold change in signal intensity). Validation by ELISA confirmed significantly higher levels of a proliferation-inducing ligand (APRIL), S100 calcium-binding protein A8/A9 complex (S100 A8/A9), tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1), macrophage inflammatory protein-1α (MIP-1α), and interleukin-8 (IL-8) in women who had SPTD at <34 weeks. Of these, AF S100 A8/A9 and TIMP-1 levels were independent of other potentially confounding factors (e.g., cervical dilatation). S100 A8/A9 had the highest area under the curve (AUC) at 0.857. Using protein–antibody microarray technology, we identified differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) and several novel biomarkers (APRIL, IL-8, MIP-1α, S100 A8/A9, and TIMP-1) in AF from women who had SPTB at <34 weeks after cerclage for cervical insufficiency. These data can provide an insight into the molecular mechanisms underlying SPTD after rescue cerclage in patients with cervical insufficiency.

Proteomic identification of biomarkers in maternal plasma that predict the outcome of rescue cerclage for cervical insufficiency

Objective

We sought to identify plasma protein biomarkers that are predictive of the outcome of rescue cerclage in patients with cervical insufficiency.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study included 39 singleton pregnant women undergoing rescue cerclage for cervical insufficiency (17–25 weeks) who gave plasma samples. Three sets of pooled plasma samples from controls (cerclage success, n = 10) and cases (cerclage failure, n = 10, defined as spontaneous preterm delivery at <33 weeks) were labeled with 6-plex tandem mass tag (TMT) reagents and analyzed by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Differentially expressed proteins between the two groups were selected from the TMT-based quantitative analysis. Multiple reaction monitoring-mass spectrometry (MRM-MS) analysis was further used to verify the candidate proteins of interest in patients with cervical insufficiency in the final cohort (n = 39).

Results

From MRM-MS analysis of the 40 proteins showing statistically significant changes (P < 0.05) from the TMT-based quantitative analysis, plasma IGFBP-2, PSG4, and PGLYRP2 levels were found to be significantly increased, whereas plasma MET and LXN levels were significantly decreased in women with cerclage failure. Of these, IGFBP-2, PSG4, and LXN levels in plasma were independent of cervical dilatation. A multiple-biomarker panel was developed for the prediction of cerclage failure, using a stepwise regression procedure, which included the plasma IGFBP-2, PSG4, and LXN (area under the curve [AUC] = 0.916). The AUC for this multiple-biomarker panel was significantly greater than the AUC for any single biomarker included in the multi-biomarker model.

Conclusions

Proteomic analysis identified useful and independent plasma biomarkers (IGFBP-2, PSG4, and LXN; verified by MRM) that predict poor pregnancy outcome following rescue cerclage. Their combined analysis in a multi-biomarker panel significantly improved predictability.

Amniotic immune biomarkers as risk factors in women with different symptoms of threatened late miscarriage

PROBLEM

To investigate risk factors that can help identify the possibility of pregnancy loss in threatened late miscarriage (TLM) patients with and without spontaneous uterine contractions.

METHOD OF STUDY

Amniotic immune biomarkers (IL2β receptor, IL6, IL8, IL10, IL1β, and TNFα) were assayed, and "sludge" was assessed. Patients without intrauterine infections were treated and followed up until delivery, and pregnancy outcomes were recorded. The two groups were compared for the differences in biomarker levels and "sludge," and the independent associations of biomarkers, "sludge," and other maternal factors with late miscarriage were investigated.

RESULTS

The amniotic levels of IL2βR, IL8, and TNFα were higher in the group with contractions (P < .05). When considered alone, each of the six biomarkers was significantly associated with late miscarriage in the no-contractions group and four of these (IL8, IL10, IL1β, and TNFα) in the contractions group (P < .05). Biomarker levels were correlated, and in multivariate Cox regression analysis, there was an independent effect only for IL8 in the no-contractions group (HR = 18.16, 95% CI: 5.75-57.43) and TNFα in the contractions group (HR = 4.11, 95% CI: 1.68-10.08). For patients with contractions, IL10, IL8, and IL1β were different in those with and without "sludge," but no such difference was seen in the no-contractions group.

CONCLUSION

For TLM patients without intrauterine infections, amniotic immune biomarkers differ between patients with different symptoms, not only for their levels but also for the impact of these biomarkers on the risk of late miscarriage. These findings suggest that the symptoms of TLM should be considered in the study of miscarriage risk.

The Identification of Immune-Related Plasma Proteins Associated with Spontaneous Preterm Delivery and Intra-Amniotic Infection in Women with Premature Cervical Dilation or an Asymptomatic Short Cervix

BACKGROUND

We aimed to investigate whether various immune-related plasma proteins, alone or in combination with conventional clinical risk factors, can predict spontaneous preterm delivery (SPTD) and intra-amniotic infection in women with premature cervical dilation or a short cervix (≤ 25 mm).

METHODS

This retrospective study included 80 asymptomatic women with premature cervical dilation (n = 50) or a short cervix (n = 30), who underwent amniocentesis at 17-29 weeks. Amniotic fluid (AF) was cultured, and maternal plasma was assayed for interleukin (IL)-6, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9, tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases (TIMP)-1, and complements C3a and C5a, using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kits. The primary outcome measures were SPTD at < 32 weeks and positive AF cultures.

RESULTS

The plasma levels of IL-6, C3a, and C5a, but not of MMP-9 and TIMP-1, were significantly higher in women with SPTD at < 32 weeks than in those who delivered at ≥ 32 weeks. The women who delivered at < 32 weeks had more advanced cervical dilatation, and higher rates of antibiotic and tocolytic administration and were less likely to be given vaginal progesterone than those who delivered at ≥ 32 weeks. Using a stepwise regression analysis, a combined prediction model was developed, which included the plasma IL-6 and C3a levels, and cervical dilatation (area under the curve [AUC], 0.901). The AUC for this model was significantly greater than that for any single variable included in the predictive model. In the univariate analysis, plasma IL-6 level was the only significant predictor of intra-amniotic infection.

CONCLUSION

In women with premature cervical dilation or a short cervix, maternal plasma IL-6, C3a, and C5a levels could be useful non-invasive predictors of SPTD at < 32 weeks. A combination of these biomarkers and conventional clinical factors may clearly improve the predictability for SPTD, as compared with the biomarkers alone. An increased plasma level of IL-6 predicted intra-amniotic infection.

Proteomic Analysis of Amniotic Fluid Proteins for Predicting the Outcome of Emergency Cerclage in Women with Cervical Insufficiency

We aimed to identify novel biomarkers in amniotic fluid (AF) that predict the outcome of emergency cerclage in women with cervical insufficiency. This retrospective cohort study included 40 singleton pregnant women who received emergency cerclage for cervical insufficiency (17-25 weeks) and underwent amniocentesis. Label-free liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) was used to identify AF proteins in pooled samples (n = 16) using a nested case-control approach. The six candidate biomarkers of interest were validated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) in the final cohort (n = 40). The differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) were analyzed by pathway analysis software. The primary outcome measure was failure of emergency cerclage [defined as spontaneous preterm delivery (SPTD) at < 34 weeks of gestation after cerclage placement]. Sixty-eight proteins were differentially expressed (P < 0.001) in AF from SPTD cases and near-term controls, of which 44 (64.7%) were upregulated and 24 (35.3%) were downregulated. Validation by ELISA confirmed that AF from women with cerclage failure contained significantly higher levels of myeloperoxidase, lactoferrin, glucose-6-phosphate isomerase, lipocalin-2, and lymphocyte cytosolic protein 1, the first four of which were independent of cervical dilatation at presentation. The five pathways with the most differentially regulated proteins were actin cytoskeleton signaling, acute phase response signaling, ILK signaling, glycolysis, and gluconeogenesis. Proteomic analyses of AF in this study identified DEPs and specific protein pathways related to poor prognosis after emergency cerclage for cervical insufficiency. Four novel independent biomarkers in AF for cerclage failure have been identified using proteomics.

How do platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio change in women with preterm premature rupture of membranes, and threaten preterm labour?

The aim of the study was to investigate peripheral blood platelets, neutrophils and lymphocytes counts in women with preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM) and threatened preterm labour (TPL) compared with gestation-matched controls in order to learn how they change. This study was conducted on 60 women with PPROM, 50 women with TPL and 47 healthy pregnant women. Laboratory parameters (including complete blood count, C-reactive protein (CRP)) of all the participants were recorded. The neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) values were significantly higher in PPROM group than TPL group and healthy control group (6.1 ± 3.9, 4.4 ± 1.7, 4.4 ± 2.2, p = .007, p = .018, respectively). At a cut-off level of 5.14, NLR accurately predicted occurrence of neonatal sepsis (AUC =  0.717 (95% confidence interval 0.610-0.824), p = .001) with sensitivity and specificity rates of 69.7% and 72.0%, respectively. In the management of the patients with PPROM, NLR can be used as a more cost-effective method than other blood parameters that require the use of a kit.IMPACT STATEMENTWhat is already known on this subject? There is only one study in the literature evaluating blood count parameters (such as platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), NLR) in PPROM pregnancies. That study demonstrated PLR and NLR were both higher in the PPROM group.What do the results of this study add? The present study demonstrates that only NLR is higher in the PPROM group. Furthermore, we have also demonstrated distinctively that NLR can predict occurrence of neonatal sepsis.What are the implications of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research? High values of NLR may be useful for predicting adverse outcomes in PPROM and TPL patients as a cost-effective method. Further studies are needed to determine whether these parameters can be used to predict if a pregnant woman who is at risk of preterm labour will result in adverse perinatal outcome.

Patients with acute cervical insufficiency without intra-amniotic infection/inflammation treated with cerclage have a good prognosis

Background The frequency of intra-amniotic infection/inflammation (IAI/I) in patients with midtrimester cervical insufficiency is up to 50%. Our purpose was to determine the perinatal outcomes of cervical cerclage in patients with acute cervical insufficiency with bulging membranes, and to compare the admission-to-delivery interval and pregnancy outcomes according to the results of amniotic fluid (AF) analysis and cerclage placement. Methods This was a retrospective cohort study including singleton pregnancies with cervical insufficiency between 15 and 26.9 weeks in two tertiary health centers. IAI/I was defined when at least one of the following criteria was present in AF: (a) a white blood cell (WBC) count >50 cells/mm3; (b) glucose concentration <14 mg/dL; and/or (c) a Gram stain positive for bacteria. Three different groups were compared: (1) absence of IAI/I with placement of a cerclage; (2) amniocentesis not performed with placement of a cerclage; and (3) IAI/I with or without a cerclage. Results Seventy patients underwent an amniocentesis to rule out IAI/I. The prevalence of IAI/I was 19%. Forty-seven patients underwent a cerclage. Patients with a cerclage had a longer median admission-to-delivery interval (33 vs. 2 days; P < 0.001) and delivered at a higher median gestational age (27.4 vs. 22.6 weeks; P = 0.001) than those without a cerclage. The neonatal survival rate in the cerclage group was 62% vs. 23% in those without a cerclage (P = 0.01). Patients without IAI/I who underwent a cerclage had a longer median admission-to-delivery interval (43 vs. 1 day; P < 0.001), delivered at a higher median gestational age (28 vs. 22.1 weeks; P = 0.001) and had a higher neonatal survival rate (67% vs. 8%; P < 0.001) than those with IAI/I. Conclusion The pregnancy outcomes of patients with midtrimester cervical insufficiency and bulging membranes are poor as they have a high prevalence of IAI/I. Therefore, a pre-operative amniocentesis is key to identify the best candidates for the subsequent placement of a cerclage.

Emergency cerclage: gestational and neonatal outcomes

BACKGROUND

The gestational and neonatal outcomes of women with early cervical dilatation undergoing emergency cerclage were evaluated and compared with women treated with expectant management and bed rest.

METHODS

Retrospective analysis of pregnant women admitted between 2001 and 2017 with a diagnosis of early cervical dilatation and/or bulging membranes. Patients with a singleton pregnancy of a fetus without malformations, between 16 and 25 weeks and 6 days, with cervical dilatation of 1 to 3 cm were included; patients who delivered or miscarried within 2 days after admission were excluded.

RESULTS

The study enrolled 30 patients: 19 in the cerclage group and 11 in the rest group. There was a significant difference, with the cerclage group showing better results concerning gestational age at delivery (28.7 vs. 23.3 weeks; p=0.031) and latency between hospital admission and delivery (48.6 vs. 16 days; p=0.016). The fetal death rate was lower in the cerclage group (5.3% vs. 54.5%, p=0.004). Considering gestational age at delivery of live newborns, no difference was observed between the cerclage and rest groups (29.13 vs. 27.4 weeks; p=0.857).

CONCLUSIONS

Emergency cerclage was associated with longer latency, a significant impact on gestational age at delivery and reduction in the fetal death rate.

[Maternal neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio as a prognostic biomarker for placental inflammatory response in late pregnancy]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the association between maternal serum neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and placental inflammatory response (PIR) in late pregnancy.

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed the clinical and follow-up data of 478 pregnant women undergoing routine prenatal examination and delivery in our hospital in the year 2016. According to the placental pathological results, the women were divided into PIR group (238 cases) and control group (240 cases). The levels of serum inflammatory makers including leukocytes, neutrophils, lymphocytes, C-reactive protein (CRP) and NLR were compared between the two groups to analyze the association of these markers with PIR. Multivariate analysis was performed to identify the independent risk factors of PIR. Logistic regression model was established and the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) was used for analyzing the prognostic value of these makers in late pregnancy.

RESULTS

The areas under the curve (AUC) of leukocytes, neutrophils, lymphocytes, CRP and NLR were 0.698 (95%CI: 0.485-0.766), 0.716 (95%CI: 0.453-0.783), 0.329 (95%CI: 0.228-0.431), 0.725 (95%CI: 0.677-0.765) and 0.801 (95%CI: 0.742-0.856), respectively. After adjusting the confounders, multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that preterm labor (OR=2.446, 95%CI: 1.003-4.590), premature rupture of membranes (OR=2.304, 95%CI: 1.049-4.161), NLR &gt; 7 (OR=3.268, 95%CI: 2.071-6.920), and CRP &gt; 15 mg/L (OR=2.137, 95%CI: 1.412-8.236) were independent risk factors for PIR.

CONCLUSIONS

An increased NLR in late pregnancy can serve as an effective indicator for predicting the risk of PIR.

Complement C3a, But Not C5a, Levels in Amniotic Fluid Are Associated with Intra-amniotic Infection and/or Inflammation and Preterm Delivery in Women with Cervical Insufficiency or an Asymptomatic Short Cervix (≤ 25 mm)

BACKGROUND

We aimed to estimate whether elevated levels of complement C3a and C5a in amniotic fluid (AF) are independently associated with increased risks of intra-amniotic infection and/or inflammation (IAI) and spontaneous preterm delivery (SPTD) in women with cervical insufficiency or a short cervix (≤ 25 mm).

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective cohort study of 96 consecutive women with cervical insufficiency (n = 62) or a short cervix (n = 34) at 17 to 27 weeks, and who underwent an amniocentesis. AF was cultured and analyzed for C3a and C5a by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits. The primary outcome measures were IAI (defined as a positive AF culture and/or an elevated AF interleukin-6 level [≥ 7.6 ng/mL]) and SPTD at < 32 weeks.

RESULTS

In multivariable analysis, AF level of C3a was the only variable significantly associated with IAI, whereas C5a level in AF and serum C-reactive protein level were not associated with IAI. Using SPTD at < 32 weeks as the outcome variable in logistic regression, elevated AF levels of C3a were associated with increased risk of SPTD at < 32 weeks after adjusting for other baseline confounders, whereas elevated AF levels of C5a were not.

CONCLUSION

In women with cervical insufficiency or a short cervix, elevated AF level of C3a, but not C5a, is independently associated with increased risks of IAI and SPTD at < 32 weeks. These findings suggest that subclinical IAI or SPTD in the context of cervical insufficiency is related to activation of complement system in AF.

Amniotic fluid proteomic signatures of cervical insufficiency and their association with length of latency

PROBLEM

Cervical insufficiency is a precursor of preterm birth. Treatment with emergency cervical cerclage is contraindicated in the presence of intra-amniotic infection. Detecting infection with Gram stain and culture of amniotic fluid lacks sensitivity. Proteomic profiling of amniotic fluid in cervical insufficiency may help identify pregnancies best suited for emergency cerclage.

METHOD OF STUDY

Thirty-two pregnant women underwent amniocentesis for routine genetic testing (n = 22) or after diagnosis of cervical insufficiency (n = 10). The proteomic profiles of the amniotic fluid samples were compared in a cross-sectional fashion, including sub-analyses of women with cervical insufficiency and latency periods of <1 week and >1 week post-diagnosis.

RESULTS

Mean gestational age at diagnosis of cervical insufficiency was 21.4 weeks (95% CI 20.6-22.1). Proteomic analysis yielded 40 (7.2%, P < 0.05) differentially expressed proteins between women with delivery <1 week (n = 6) vs. >1 week (n = 4). Women who delivered <1 week had activated inflammatory response (z = 2.3, P = 6.71E-09), chemotaxis of immune cells (z = 2.9, P = 2.01E-08), and inhibited bacterial growth (z = -2.2, P = 5.82E-05). A multivariate model of eight biomarkers positively associated with cases of <1 week latency and distinguished cases from controls (97.8%, cross-validation accuracy 92.7%, P = 0.0009).

CONCLUSION

In this pilot study, significant differences in the amniotic fluid proteomic profiles in cases of cervical insufficiency compared to genetic amniocentesis were observed. Proteomic signatures were predictive of achieving latency > 1 week after diagnosis of cervical insufficiency. These preliminary findings suggest that proteomic analysis may be of value in predicting outcome following cervical insufficiency and warrants further validation in larger studies.

Non-invasive prediction of preterm birth in women with cervical insufficiency or an asymptomatic short cervix (≤25 mm) by measurement of biomarkers in the cervicovaginal fluid

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether various proteins in the cervicovaginal fluid (CVF) known to be involved in immune regulation, alone or in combination with clinical risk factors, can predict spontaneous preterm delivery (SPTD) in women with cervical insufficiency or a short cervix (≤25 mm).

METHODS

This retrospective cohort study included 62 asymptomatic women with cervical insufficiency (n = 27) or an asymptomatic short cervix (n = 35) at 18-27 weeks. CVF swab samples were taken for assays of vitamin D binding protein (VDBP), interleukin (IL)-8, matrix metalloproteinases (MMP)-9, tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases (TIMP)-1, and Dickkopf-related protein 3 (DKK3) before cervical examination, and maternal blood was collected for the determination of the C-reactive protein (CRP) level. The primary outcome measurement was SPTD at <32 weeks of gestation. Logistic regression analysis and receiver operating characteristic curves were used for the statistical analyses.

RESULTS

The rate of SPTD at <32 weeks was 40.3% (25/62). The CVF levels of VDBP, TIMP-1, and DKK3, but not IL-8 and MMP-9, were significantly higher in the women who had SPTD at <32 weeks than in those who did not deliver spontaneously at <32 weeks. The women who had SPTD at <32 weeks had a significantly more advanced cervical dilatation at presentation and a higher level of serum CRP. Using the stepwise regression analysis, a prediction model was developed by combining various proteins in the CVF and clinical factors, resulting in the inclusion of cervical dilatation, CVF VDBP, and use of corticosteroids (area under curve, 0.909).

CONCLUSIONS

In women with cervical insufficiency or a short cervix, VDBP, TIMP-1, and DKK3 in the CVF may be useful as non-invasive predictors of SPTD at <32 weeks. A combination of these markers and clinical factors appears to improve the predictability of SPTD compared with the markers alone.

Relation between amniotic fluid infection or cytokine levels and hearing screen failure in infants at 32 wk gestation or less

BACKGROUND

To determine whether the presence of intra-amniotic infection and elevated proinflammatory cytokine levels in amniotic fluid (AF) are associated with failure in the newborn hearing screen (NHS) test in very preterm neonates.

METHODS

This is a retrospective cohort study of 112 premature singleton neonates born to women with preterm labor or preterm premature rupture of membranes at ≤32 wk. AF obtained through amniocentesis was cultured, and interleukin-6 (IL-6) and IL-8 levels were determined.

RESULTS

Fourteen (12.5%) neonates failed the NHS test. The prevalence of a positive AF culture was 40% (45/112). Multiple logistic regression analyses indicated that intra-amniotic infection was significantly associated with failure in the NHS test after adjusting for baseline covariates such as maternal white blood cell count (WBC) and periventricular leukomalacia. However, the IL-6 and IL-8 levels in AF were not significantly associated with hearing screen failure. Moreover, neither gestational age at birth nor birth weight was associated with NHS failure.

CONCLUSION

The presence of intra-amniotic infection, but not elevated levels of AF IL-6 and IL-8, may contribute to the risk for failure in the NHS test in very preterm neonates. This finding suggests that intra-amniotic infection in utero might contribute to the development of congenital sensorineural hearing loss.

Measurement of Interleukin 8 in Cervicovaginal Fluid in Women With Preterm Premature Rupture of Membranes: A Comparison of Amniotic Fluid Samples

Cervicovaginal fluid (CVF) samples may be a feasible alternative to amniotic fluid (AF) sampling in women with preterm premature rupture of the membranes (PPROMs), because PPROM causes AF to spill into the CVF. We aimed to assess the correlation and limits of agreement of interleukin 8 (IL-8) levels between CVF and AF in women with PPROM and to compare the clinical value of CVF IL-8 to AF IL-8 for the prediction of microbial invasion of amniotic cavity (MIAC). A retrospective cohort observational study was conducted on 85 women with singleton pregnancies (24-34 weeks) presenting with PPROM. The CVF samples were obtained simultaneously with AF samples retrieved by transabdominal amniocentesis. The levels of IL-8 in paired CVF and AF samples were measured with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in the same plate in duplicate using the same dilutions. The prevalence of a positive AF culture was 40% (34 of 85). The CVF IL-8 levels were significantly and positively correlated with AF IL-8 levels ( r = 0.778). However, the level of agreement between CVF and AF IL-8 levels yielded a Cohen κ statistic of 0.276. Paired Student t test revealed that the difference between CVF and AF IL-8 levels was statistically significant. The area under the curve for AF IL-8 was significantly higher than that for CVF IL-8 ( P = .013). In women with PPROM, IL-8 levels in CVF were significantly correlated with, but were significantly different from, those in AF samples. The CVF IL-8 has moderate predictive capability for the risk of MIAC, but this is inferior to AF IL-8.