Mid-trimester pregnancy loss

Miscarriage and stillbirth in relation to risk of cardiovascular diseases: A systematic review and meta-analysis

INTRODUCTION

The relationship between pregnancy loss and the risk of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) remains a matter of debate. Our intention in conducting this meta-analysis was to analyze the relationship between miscarriage and stillbirth and risk of CVDs.

METHODS

PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science were systematically searched up to May 30, 2023 for all relevant studies. The random-effects model was applied to estimate the pooled relative risks (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs). We evaluated RR estimates for the risk of CVDs with each additional miscarriage and stillbirth through generalized least squares regression.

RESULTS

Twenty-three articles were incorporated into the meta-analysis. For women with a history of miscarriage, the pooled RRs for the risk of total CVDs, coronary heart disease (CHD), stroke, and total CVD deaths were 1.16 (95 % CI 1.10-1.22), 1.26 (1.12-1.41), 1.13 (1.03-1.24), and 1.20 (1.01-1.42), respectively. For women with a history of stillbirth, the pooled RRs for the risk of total CVDs, CHD, stroke, and total CVD deaths were 1.60 (1.34-1.89), 1.30 (1.12-1.50), 1.37 (1.06-1.78), and 1.95 (1.05-3.63), respectively. With each additional miscarriage, the risk increased for total CVDs (1.08, 1.04-1.13), CHD (1.08, 1.04-1.13), and stroke (1.05, 1.00-1.10). With each additional stillbirth, the risk increased for total CVDs (1.11, 1.03-1.21) and CHD (1.13, 1.07-1.19).

CONCLUSION

This meta-analysis indicates that both miscarriages and stillbirths are related to a higher risk of total CVDs, CHD, stroke, and total CVD deaths. The risk of total CVDs and CHD increased with the number of miscarriages or stillbirths.

Early Magnetic Resonance Imaging Measurements and Prediction of Second Trimester Pregnancy Loss: a Nomogram Model Analysis

Objective

To investigate the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) features of women with prior second-trimester pregnancy loss, and to establish a nomogram prediction model for subsequent miscarriage.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study of women with prior second-trimester pregnancy loss from January 2018 to December 2021 in Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University was performed. A total of 245 patients were included. Data from January 2018 to December 2019 were used to construct the model, and data from January 2020 to December 2021 were used to evaluate the model. Data on maternal demographic characteristics, MRI cervical measurements were extracted. The prediction model was constructed with independent variables determined by multivariate logistic regression analyses. Through receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis, the predictive ability of the model for subsequent second trimester pregnancy loss in women was evaluated, and internal validation was performed through validation data.

Results

Thin cervix was observed in 77 (31.42%) women with prior second-trimester pregnancy loss, the mean longitudinal diameter of cervical canal on MRI was 11.76±2.75mm. The model reached a sensitivity of 80%, specificity of 75.90%, positive predictive value (PPV) of 55.80% and negative predictive value of 90.90%; ROC characteristics proved that the model was superior to any single parameter with an AUC of 0.826.

Conclusion

Our observations showed that thin cervix and longitudinal diameter of cervical canal reliably predicted second trimester pregnancy loss. We developed and validated a nomogram model to predict the individual probability of second trimester pregnancy loss in the next pregnancy and hopefully improve the prediction and indication of interventions.

Missed abortion in the 11-21-week period: Fetal autopsy and placental histopathological analysis of 794 cases

INTRODUCTION

Missed abortion (MA) is a type of miscarriage with multiple etiological factors that refers to fetal death with a failure of the retained intrauterine product of conception to be discharged spontaneously. Currently fetal death in missed abortion is categorized according to three main causes: Fetal, placental, and maternal factors. The aim of the current study was to contribute and increase knowledge in clinical practice of late first and second trimester MA (Gestational age: week 11 + 0 - week 20 + 6).

MATERIAL AND METHODS

This retrospective case series study includes 794 cases of fetuses and matching placentas sent to the Section of Perinatal Pathology, Department of Pathology, Karolinska Hospital between 2003 and 2019 from five different gynecology departments in the Stockholm region, Sweden.

RESULTS

The cases were divided into two groups according to gestational length; gestational week 11 + 0-14 + 6 (group A) and 15 + 0-20 + 6 (group B) respectively, and comparisons were made between groups. Fetal growth restriction and placental pathology were more common in late MA, but number of cases with malformation were higher in early MA. Cord pathology was seen in approximately 40 % of the cases and equally distributed in the gestational weeks included.

DISCUSSION

Fetal growth restriction and placental pathology were more common in late second trimester MA. This might demonstrate an early placental dysfunction affecting fetal growth and may be associated to maternal comorbidity such as autoimmune disease and cardiovascular disease. It is advisable to investigate maternal factors more closely after late second trimester MA before a future pregnancy. The risk for recurrent MA is believed to be low in cases of significant cord pathology.

CONCLUSION

Cord complications were over-represented in missed abortion suggesting a probable etiopathogenetic link to fetal demise in this condition.

Bridging the gap between pregnancy loss research and policy and practice: insights from a qualitative survey with knowledge users

BACKGROUND

The loss of a pregnancy or the death of baby around the time of their birth can have profound impacts on parents, families and staff involved. There is much opportunity to enhance the systematic uptake of evidence-based interventions to enhance service provision, lived experiences and outcomes. Challenges exist to translating pregnancy loss research evidence into policy and practice, however. Pregnancy loss remains a neglected area of research and resourcing and is steeped in stigma. While barriers and facilitators to the use of research evidence by decision-makers in public health and health services are well documented, we aimed to better understand the factors that influence the translation of pregnancy loss research into practice and policy.

METHODS

We conducted a qualitative online survey of pregnancy loss research knowledge users in Ireland, identified through our clinical and academic networks, between January and March 2022. The survey comprised ten questions, with three closed questions, informed by the Knowledge Translation Planning Template©. Questions included who could benefit from pregnancy loss research, perceived barriers and facilitators to the use of research evidence and preferred knowledge translation strategies. We analysed data using reflexive thematic analysis.

RESULTS

We included data from 46 participants in our analysis, from which we generated two central themes. The first-'End the silence; stigma and inequality around pregnancy loss to enhance awareness and understanding, public health and services and supports'-addresses issues related to the stigma, sensitivities and silence, lack of awareness and understanding, and lack of relevance or priority afforded to pregnancy loss. The second theme-'Use a range of tailored, accessible approaches to engage a large, diverse range of knowledge users'-highlights the need to use relevant, accessible, and engaging information, resources or materials in knowledge translation efforts, and a variety of tailored approaches to suit different audiences, including materials, workshops/webinars, media, knowledge brokers and champions or opinion leaders.

CONCLUSIONS

Our analysis provides rich insights into the barriers and facilitators to knowledge translation in the field of pregnancy loss research. We identified key strategies that can be used to inform knowledge translation planning in Ireland, and which have international applicability.

The impact of previous conservative treatment of atypical hyperplasia on pregnancy outcomes after IVF/ICSI-embryo transfer: a propensity score-matched retrospective cohort study

STUDY QUESTION

Do women have worse pregnancy and neonatal outcomes of IVF/ICSI-fresh embryo transfer (ET) after conservative treatment of atypical hyperplasia (AH)?

SUMMARY ANSWER

AH has no impact on live birth but is associated with increased risks of pregnancy loss and preterm delivery (PTD).

WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY

AH is a precancerous lesion of endometrial cancer. Several recognized AH risk factors include nulliparity, increased body mass index, ovulation disorders, diabetes mellitus, and others. As such, patients are suggested to attempt conception upon achieving AH regression. Recently, successful pregnancies with IVF/ICSI have been increasingly reported.

STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION

Forty-two patients with AH regression and 18 700 women with no evidence of endometrial abnormality, who underwent their first autologous oocytes' retrieval and fresh ET cycles of IVF/ICSI in the Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shandong University, from May 2008 to July 2021, were retrospectively enrolled.

PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS

First, 42 AH patients were propensity score matched with control women (n = 168) at a 1:4 ratio. Reproductive outcomes and maternal/neonatal complications were compared between the matched pairs. Binary logistic regression analyses were conducted to assess odds ratios (ORs) of AH for live birth, pregnancy loss, and PTD from AH women and all 18 700 eligible controls.

MAIN RESULT AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE

Patients with AH achieved a numerically lower live birth rate (LBR) as compared to the matched controls, but without significant difference (26% versus 37%, P = 0.192). However, compared with the matched controls, AH patients showed significantly higher rates of pregnancy loss (52% versus 21%, P = 0.003) and PTD (45% versus 16%, P = 0.041). Further analyses revealed a statistically significantly increased rate of late pregnancy loss (17% versus 3%, P = 0.023), but not early miscarriage (35% versus 18%, P = 0.086), in the AH group. Furthermore, after correcting for potential confounders, the likelihood of a live birth in AH patients narrowly failed to be statistically significantly different from controls (adjusted OR [aOR]: 0.51, 95% CI: 0.25-1.04, P = 0.064). Nonetheless, the logistic regression reconfirmed that AH was an independent risk factor for pregnancy loss (aOR: 3.62, 95% CI: 1.55-8.46, P = 0.003), late pregnancy loss (aOR: 9.33, 95% CI: 3.00-29.02, P < 0.001), and PTD (aOR: 5.70, 95% CI: 1.45-22.38, P = 0.013).

LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION

Selection bias was an inherent drawback of this study. First, because of the low AH prevalence among women receiving IVF/ICSI treatment, and consequently, limited sample size, the relationship between AH with LBR and adverse complications might be concealed and underestimated. Hence, the results should be interpreted cautiously. Similarly, the impacts of diverse clinical features of AH patients on the pregnancy outcomes need further studies in a larger population. Second, although most data used in this study were obtained by reviewing the medical records, missing data did exist and so did the recall bias. Third, although the propensity score matching and multivariable logistic models were performed collectively in order to minimize potential confounders between AH and controls, the intrinsic disadvantages of the retrospective nature of this study could not be avoided completely, and additional confirmation bias might be induced with reduplication of statistical analyses.

WIDER IMPLICATION OF THE FINDINGS

Our results highlight the necessity of adequate counseling and intensive pregnancy monitoring for AH individuals and their families.

STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S)

This work was supported by grants from the National Key Research & Developmental Program of China (2022YFC2703800), the Natural Science Foundation of Shandong Province (ZR2022MH009), and Projects of Medical and Health Technology Development Program in Shandong Province (202005010520, 202005010523). There are no conflicts of interest to declare.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

N/A.

Recurrent MiscarriageGreen-top Guideline No. 17

In this guideline, recurrent miscarriage has been defined as three or more first trimester miscarriages. However, clinicians are encouraged to use their clinical discretion to recommend extensive evaluation after two first trimester miscarriages, if there is a suspicion that the miscarriages are of pathological and not of sporadic nature. Women with recurrent miscarriage should be offered testing for acquired thrombophilia, particularly for lupus anticoagulant and anticardiolipin antibodies, prior to pregnancy. [Grade C] Women with second trimester miscarriage may be offered testing for Factor V Leiden, prothrombin gene mutation and protein S deficiency, ideally within a research context. [Grade C] Inherited thrombophilias have a weak association with recurrent miscarriage. Routine testing for protein C, antithrombin deficiency and methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase mutation is not recommended. [Grade C] Cytogenetic analysis should be offered on pregnancy tissue of the third and subsequent miscarriage(s) and in any second trimester miscarriage. [Grade D] Parental peripheral blood karyotyping should be offered for couples in whom testing of pregnancy tissue reports an unbalanced structural chromosomal abnormality [Grade D] or there is unsuccessful or no pregnancy tissue available for testing. [GPP] Women with recurrent miscarriage should be offered assessment for congenital uterine anomalies, ideally with 3D ultrasound. [Grade B] Women with recurrent miscarriage should be offered thyroid function tests and assessment for thyroid peroxidase (TPO) antibodies. [Grade C] Women with recurrent miscarriage should not be routinely offered immunological screening (such as HLA, cytokine and natural killer cell tests), infection screening or sperm DNA testing outside a research context. [Grade C] Women with recurrent miscarriage should be advised to maintain a BMI between 19 and 25 kg/m2 , smoking cessation, limit alcohol consumption and limit caffeine to less than 200 mg/day. [Grade D] For women diagnosed with antiphospholipid syndrome, aspirin and heparin should be offered from a positive test until at least 34 weeks of gestation, following discussion of potential benefits versus risks. [Grade B] Aspirin and/or heparin should not be given to women with unexplained recurrent miscarriage. [Grade B] There are currently insufficient data to support the routine use of PGT-A for couples with unexplained recurrent miscarriage, while the treatment may carry a significant cost and potential risk. [Grade C] Resection of a uterine septum should be considered for women with recurrent first or second trimester miscarriage, ideally within an appropriate audit or research context. [Grade C] Thyroxine supplementation is not routinely recommended for euthyroid women with TPO who have a history of miscarriage. [Grade A] Progestogen supplementation should be considered in women with recurrent miscarriage who present with bleeding in early pregnancy (for example 400 mg micronised vaginal progesterone twice daily at the time of bleeding until 16 weeks of gestation). [Grade B] Women with unexplained recurrent miscarriage should be offered supportive care, ideally in the setting of a dedicated recurrent miscarriage clinic. [Grade C].

Role of body mass index in pregnancy outcomes after emergency cerclage for cervical insufficiency in singleton pregnant patients

BACKGROUND

The study aims were to analyze pregnancy outcomes after the use of emergency cerclage in patients with different BMIs.

METHODS

A total of 76 singleton pregnant patients who underwent emergency cerclage at a tertiary comprehensive hospital in China between Jan 2017 and Dec 2021 were retrospectively divided into an obesity group of 37 patients with BMIs ≥ 28 kg/m2 and a non-obesity group of 39 patients with BMIs < 28 kg/m2. The medical records of patients were reviewed and all relevant clinical data were further collected into an itemized data spreadsheet for various analyses.

RESULTS

Emergent cerclage, along with amnioreduction if needed, could be safely performed on both obese and non-obese pregnant women with a dilated external cervix (> 1 cm), which effectively prolonged the gestational week up to ≥ 25 weeks. Obese gravidae had shorter suture-to-delivery intervals and mean pregnancy lengths but more spontaneous preterm births before 37 weeks, and a lower live birth rate (P < 0.05). Logistic regression analysis revealed that BMI, how many times cerclages have been performed during pregnancy (frequency of cerclage) and bacterial vaginosis, aerobic vaginitis and vulvovaginal candidiasis (vaginal microecology) were significantly correlated with fetal loss (P < 0.05), while rank correlation analysis established a negative correlation between BMI values and the suture-to-delivery interval (P = 0.031).

CONCLUSIONS

Pregnant cervical insufficiency patients with BMIs > 28 kg/m2 may ill-serve the gestational outcomes and suture-to-delivery interval after their emergent cerclage. Additionally, BMI, frequency of cerclage and vaginal microecology accounted for higher fetal loss in patients who underwent emergency cerclage.

Abortion Bans and Resource Utilization for Congenital Heart Disease: A Decision Analysis

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the implications of potential national abortion ban scenarios on the incidence of neonatal single-ventricle cardiac defects.

METHODS

A decision tree model was developed to predict the incidence of neonatal single-ventricle cardiac defects and related outcomes in the United States under four theoretical national abortion bans: 1) abortion restrictions in existence immediately before the June 2022 Dobbs v Jackson Women's Health Organization Supreme Court decision, 2) 20 weeks of gestation, 3) 13 weeks of gestation, and 4) a complete abortion ban. The model included incidence of live births of neonates with single-ventricle cardiac defects, neonatal heart surgery (including heart transplant and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation [ECMO]), and neonatal death. Cohort size was based on national pregnancy incidence and different algorithm decision point probabilities were aggregated from the existing literature. Monte Carlo simulations were conducted with 10,000 iterations per model.

RESULTS

In the scenario before the Dobbs decision, an estimated 6,369,000 annual pregnancies in the United States resulted in 1,006 annual cases of single-ventricle cardiac defects. Under a complete abortion ban, the model predicted a 53.7% increase in single-ventricle cardiac defects, or an additional 9 cases per 100,000 live births. This increase would result in an additional 531 neonatal heart surgeries, 16 heart transplants, 77 ECMO utilizations, and 102 neonatal deaths annually. More restrictive gestational age-based bans are predicted to confer increases in cases of neonatal single-ventricle cardiac defects and related adverse outcomes as well.

CONCLUSION

Universal abortion bans are estimated to increase the incidence of neonatal single-ventricle cardiac defects, associated morbidity, and resource utilization. States considering limiting abortion should consider the implications on the resources required to care for increasing number of children that will be born with significant and complex medical needs, including those with congenital heart disease.

Effect of low-molecular-weight heparin in women undergoing frozen-thawed embryo transfer cycles: a retrospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

Recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) and recurrent implantation failure (RIF) during in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment are still tough problems without effective treatments; thus, they are important research topics. There is controversy on whether low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) improves pregnancy outcomes in women with unexplained RPL and RIF. Moreover, currently, there is a paucity of reports on the role of LMWH in the entire population undergoing frozen-thawed embryo transfer (FET) cycles. This study aimed to estimate the effects of LMWH on pregnancy outcomes in women undergoing FET cycles.

METHODS

There were 1881 female patients included in the study. Of the 1881 patients, 107 underwent preimplantation genetic diagnosis cycles, which were analyzed individually. The patients were divided into two groups: the LMWH group received injections of 4100 IU/d LMWH from the day of transfer until 14 ± 2 days posttransplant, the control group was the comparison group (without LMWH use). The baseline characteristics and reproductive outcomes of the patients were reviewed.

RESULTS

Of the 1774 women with normal FET cycles, no significant differences were found in the number of embryos implanted (1.31 ± 0.02 vs. 1.28 ± 0.02), embryo implantation rate, biochemical pregnancy rate, clinical pregnancy rate, live birth rate, late abortion rate, and ectopic pregnancy rate between the two groups. The LMWH group had a higher early abortion (17.8% [76/427] vs. 12.5% [55/439], p = 0.030). In the sub-group analysis, among the patients who underwent more than four transfers, the LMWH group had a lower late abortion rate (1.7% [1/60] vs. 13.2% [7/53], p = 0.043). Similarly, of the 107 women who underwent preimplantation genetic diagnosis cycles, the reproductive outcomes were comparable between the two groups.

CONCLUSION

In the general population and PGD patients, LMWH did not improve pregnancy outcomes. Therefore, the routine use of LMWH is not recommended for early treatment.

Pregnancy loss and risk of incident CVD within 5 years: Findings from the Women's Health Initiative

Background

Previous studies have demonstrated an increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in women with a history of pregnancy loss. Less is known about whether pregnancy loss is associated with age at the onset of CVD, but this is a question of interest, as a demonstrated association of pregnancy loss with early-onset CVD may provide clues to the biological basis of the association, as well as having implications for clinical care. We conducted an age-stratified analysis of pregnancy loss history and incident CVD in a large cohort of postmenopausal women aged 50-79 years old.

Methods

Associations between a history of pregnancy loss and incident CVD were examined among participants in the Women's Health Initiative Observational Study. Exposures were any history of pregnancy loss (miscarriage and/or stillbirth), recurrent (2+) loss, and a history of stillbirth. Logistic regression analyses were used to examine associations between pregnancy loss and incident CVD within 5 years of study entry in three age strata (50-59, 69-69, and 70-79). Outcomes of interest were total CVD, coronary heart disease (CHD), congestive heart failure, and stroke. To assess the risk of early onset CVD, Cox proportional hazard regression was used to examine incident CVD before the age of 60 in a subset of subjects aged 50-59 at study entry.

Results

After adjustment for cardiovascular risk factors, a history of stillbirth was associated with an elevated risk of all cardiovascular outcomes in the study cohort within 5 years of study entry. Interactions between age and pregnancy loss exposures were not significant for any cardiovascular outcome; however, age-stratified analyses demonstrated an association between a history of stillbirth and risk of incident CVD within 5 years in all age groups, with the highest point estimate seen in women aged 50-59 (OR 1.99; 95% CI, 1.16-3.43). Additionally, stillbirth was associated with incident CHD among women aged 50-59 (OR 3.12; 95% CI, 1.33-7.29) and 60-69 (OR 2.06; 95% CI, 1.24-3.43) and with incident heart failure and stroke among women aged 70-79. Among women aged 50-59 with a history of stillbirth, a non-significantly elevated hazard ratio was observed for heart failure before the age of 60 (HR 2.93, 95% CI, 0.96-6.64).

Conclusions

History of stillbirth was strongly associated with a risk of cardiovascular outcomes within 5 years of baseline in a cohort of postmenopausal women aged 50-79. History of pregnancy loss, and of stillbirth in particular, might be a clinically useful marker of cardiovascular disease risk in women.

Clinical presentation, investigation, underlying causes, and subsequent pregnancy outcomes among different phenotypes of second trimester miscarriage

AIM

To evaluate the causes of miscarriage and subsequent pregnancy outcomes among different phenotypes of second trimester miscarriage.

METHODS

Retrospective analysis of 170 consecutive second trimester miscarriages between 14 + 0 and 23 + 6 weeks recorded in the Clinical Data Analysis and Reporting System from 2012 to 2021. Cases were excluded if miscarriages occurred before 14 + 0 weeks of gestation, data were incomplete, or passage of the fetus happened before the clinical assessment. Cases were classified with a stepwise approach into three phenotypic groups including silent miscarriages (ST-SM), rupture of membranes (ST-ROM), and inevitable miscarriages (ST-IM) depending on the fetal heart pulsation and leakage of liquor at presentation. Clinical investigation of the underlying causes and the outcome of the subsequent pregnancy was then reviewed.

RESULTS

There were 97 cases of ST-SM, 21 cases of ST-ROM, and 52 cases of ST-IM. Placental histology and karyotype examination were more likely to yield significant results in the cases of ST-ROM and ST-SM (p < 0.05). The phenotypic examination identified different underlying causes including fetal anomaly, suspected cervical insufficiency, diabetes mellitus, and unknown causes (p < 0.001). Sixty-four cases achieved a subsequent pregnancy. Although women with history of ST-ROM and ST-IM received more cervical length monitoring and cervical cerclage than those with ST-SM (66.7% vs. 44.4% vs. 7.5%, p = 0.0002; and 16.7% vs. 22.2% vs. 2.5%, p = 0.031, respectively), the risk of recurrent second trimester miscarriage was higher in ST-ROM and ST-IM than in ST-SM (16.7% vs. 0%, p = 0.018).

CONCLUSION

The classification can differentiate different second trimester miscarriage phenotypes, which offers essential information to guide investigation panels of the underlying cause of miscarriages, and the prognosis and management of subsequent pregnancy. Future researches focused on second trimester miscarriage should report their findings according to different phenotypes.

Prevalence and associated factors of recurrent pregnancy loss in Nigeria according to different national and international criteria (ASRM/ESHRE vs. WHO/RCOG)

Background

In low-and middle-income countries, no conclusive research explains the prevalence and associated factors of women with a history of recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL). Some authorities have recommended further scientific research on the effect of various definitions of RPL.

Objective

To assess prevalence and associated factors of RPL among pregnant women in Nigeria according to different national and international criteria: the American Society for Reproductive Medicine/ European Society for Human Reproduction and Embryology (ASRM/ESHRE; two losses) and the World Health Organization/ Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (WHO/RCOG; three consecutive losses) criteria.

Methods

This is a cross-sectional analytical study wherein, pregnant women with prior RPL were investigated. The outcome measures were prevalence and risk factors. The associations between independent variables and outcome variable were explored using bivariate and multivariable logistic regression models. The results of these analyses were reported as adjusted odds ratios (AORs) with 95% confidence intervals (95%CI). Factors associated with RPL were identified using multivariate regression models.

Result

Of the 378 pregnant women interviewed, the overall prevalence of RPL in this study was found to be 15.34% (95% confidence interval = 11.65%-19.84%). The prevalence of RPL was 15.34% (58/378; 95%CI = 11.65%-19.84%) and 5.29% (20/378; 95%CI = 3.23%-8.17) according to the ASRM and the WHO criterion respectively. Regardless of diagnostic criteria, unexplained (AOR = 23.04; 95%CI: 11.46-36.32), endocrine disturbances (AOR = 9.76; 95%CI: 1.61-63.19), uterine abnormalities (AOR = 13.57; 95%CI: 3.54-50.60), and antiphospholipid syndrome (AOR = 24.59; 95%CI: 8.45-71.04) were positively and independently associated with RPL. No significant risk factors were seen when the ASRM/ ESHRE criterion vs. WHO/RCOG criterion were compared. Advanced maternal age was significantly higher in secondary than in primary type of RPL.

Conclusion

The prevalence of RPL was 15.34% and 5.29% according to ASRM/ESHRE and WHO/RCOG criterion respectively, with secondary type predominating. No significant differences with regard to risk factors were seen according to diagnostic criteria studied, though advanced maternal age was significantly higher in secondary RPL. Further research is needed to confirm our findings and to better characterize the magnitude of differences.

The role of intraamniotic inflammation in threatened midtrimester miscarriage

BACKGROUND

The assessment and management of patients with threatened midtrimester miscarriage is a clinical challenge because the etiology of this condition is poorly understood.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to examine the frequency of intraamniotic infection or inflammation and the effect of antibiotics in patients presenting with regular uterine contractions and intact membranes before 20 weeks of gestation.

STUDY DESIGN

This retrospective study comprised patients who met the following criteria: (1) singleton gestation, (2) gestational age before 20 weeks, (3) the presence of regular uterine contractions confirmed by a tocodynamometer (8 or more contractions in 60 minutes), (4) intact amniotic membranes, and (5) transabdominal amniocentesis performed for the evaluation of the microbiologic and inflammatory status of the amniotic cavity. Samples of amniotic fluid were cultured for aerobic and anaerobic bacteria and genital mycoplasmas, and polymerase chain reaction was performed to detect Ureaplasma species. Amniotic fluid was tested for white blood cell counts and matrix metalloproteinase-8 concentrations to diagnose intraamniotic inflammation. Patients with intraamniotic inflammation, or intraamniotic infection, were treated with antibiotics (a combination of ceftriaxone, clarithromycin, and metronidazole). Treatment success was defined as the resolution of intraamniotic infection/inflammation at the follow-up amniocentesis or delivery after 34 weeks of gestation.

RESULTS

1) Intraamniotic inflammation was present in 88% (15/17) of patients, whereas infection was detectable in only 2 cases; 2) objective evidence of resolution of intraamniotic inflammation after antibiotic treatment was demonstrated in 100% (4/4) of patients who underwent a follow-up amniocentesis; 3) 30% (5/15) of women receiving antibiotics delivered after 34 weeks of gestation (3 of the 5 patients had a negative follow-up amniocentesis, and 2 of the women were without a follow-up amniocentesis); 4) the overall treatment success of antibiotics was 40% (6/15; 4 cases of objective evidence of resolution of intra-amniotic inflammation and 5 cases of delivery after 34 weeks of gestation).

CONCLUSION

The prevalence of intraamniotic inflammation in patients who presented with a threatened midtrimester miscarriage was 88% (15/17), and, in most cases, microorganisms could not be detected. Antibiotic treatment, administered to patients with intraamniotic inflammation, was associated with either objective resolution of intraamniotic inflammation or delivery after 34 weeks of gestation in 40% (6/15) of the cases.

The Role of Amnioreduction in Emergency Cervical Cerclage with Bulging Membranes: A Retrospective Comparative Study

The purpose of this study was to investigate the role of amnioreduction in patients who underwent emergency cervical cerclage (ECC) with bulging membranes during the second trimester. This retrospective comparative study included 46 singleton pregnant women who had cervical dilation at least 1 cm with bulging membranes beyond the external cervical os and underwent ECC at the Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University between December 2016 and December 2021. Cases were categorized as amnioreduction group (n = 16) and non-amnioreduction group (n = 30) according to whether amnioreduction was performed prior to ECC. The gestational age and cervical dilation at cerclage, operative time, prolongation of pregnancy, and outcomes of pregnancy were compared between the two groups. All 46 patients underwent successful ECC excepted one case with intraoperative rupture of membrane in non-amnioreduction group. In the amnioreduction group, the cervical dilation at cerclage was larger than that in the non-amnioreduction group (4.5 ± 2.2 vs. 2.2 ± 1.2 cm, P < 0.001), and had more patients with cervical dilation ≥4 cm (50.0% vs. 10.0%, P = 0.004). However, the gestational age at cerclage, operative time, prolongation of pregnancy, gestational age at delivery were not significantly different between the two groups (22.9 ± 2.8 vs. 22.9 ± 3.2 weeks, 31.1 ± 9.2 vs. 27.9 ± 11.4 min, 21.3 ± 21.5 vs. 38.7 ± 40.2 days, 25.9 ± 4.5 vs. 28.4 ± 6.1 weeks; P > 0.05). The rates of delivery ≥28 weeks, ≥32 weeks, and live birth were 20.0% vs. 80.0%, 12.5% vs. 26.7%, 56.3% vs. 66.7% (P > 0.05) in amnioreduction group and non-amnioreduction group, respectively. In conclusion, even in cases with larger cervical dilation, the application of amnioreduction with ECC is possible to get the acceptable pregnancy outcomes. These findings suggested that amnioreduction may be a safe and feasible option to be applied before ECC, especially for those with advanced cervical dilation and bulging membranes.

Surgical excision of benign spindle cell neoplasm of the cervix predating miscarriage due to cervical insufficiency: A case report

This case report is on cervical spindle cell neoplasm and complications of its excision. A 34-year-old multiparous woman presented with a one-year history of mild to moderate non-radiating lower abdominal pain and a sensation of a mass in the vagina when urinating. These symptoms were associated with a recurrent foul-smelling yellow vaginal discharge which was unresponsive to antibiotic therapy prescribed at a primary healthcare clinic. Vaginal examination at a gynaecological clinic revealed a firm circular cervical mass. Excision biopsy of the mass (attached between the 1 and 3 o'clock positions on the cervix) showed a benign spindle cell neoplasm. The patient became pregnant six months after the surgical excision and had a miscarriage at 18 weeks of gestation due to cervical insufficiency. The report highlights the importance of antenatal surveillance for women following surgical excision of a cervical lesion such as spindle cell neoplasm as they may be predisposed to cervical insufficiency.

•

Cervical insufficiency results from a defect in the mechanical properties of the cervix.

•

Cervical surgery predisposes to cervical insufficiency.

•

Spindle cell tumour of the cervix is rare and its excision weakens the cervix.

•

Surveillance of the cervix is required in pregnancy after cervical surgery.

•

Cerclage is recommended after cervical surgery for women with a history of preterm delivery.

Risk factors for spontaneous preterm birth among healthy nulliparous pregnant women in the Netherlands, a prospective cohort study

Introduction

Spontaneous preterm birth (sPTB) is a major contributor to neonatal morbidity and mortality worldwide. The pathophysiology of sPTB is poorly understood, in particular among nulliparous women without apparent medical or obstetric risk factors. Therefore, we aimed to identify risk factors for sPTB in healthy nulliparous women.

Material and Methods

We performed a prospective cohort study. Recruitment took place from February 2014 to December 2016 in 16 community midwifery centers in the Netherlands. Eligibility criteria were: ≥18 years, no previous pregnancy >16 weeks of gestation, healthy singleton pregnancy, and antenatal booking <24 weeks of gestation. At study inclusion, participants completed a questionnaire, including details on lifestyle, work, and medical history. Cervical length was measured by vaginal ultrasound at the second‐trimester anomaly scan. Detailed information concerning pregnancy and birth was collected via antenatal charts. We calculated the adjusted odds ratio (aOR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for various risk factors with correction for socioeconomic status (SES) using logistic regression and Firth's correction.

Results

We included 363 women of whom pregnancy outcomes were available in 349 (96.1%) participants. The cervical length measurement was available for 225 (62.0%) participants. sPTB occurred in 26 women (7.5%). SES was associated with sPTB (OR: 3.7, 95%  CI: 1.6–8.5) in univariate analysis. First or second trimester vaginal bleeding (aOR: 3.6, 95% CI: 1.4–9.0) and urinary tract infection during pregnancy (aOR: 4.9, 95% CI: 1.7–13.9) were associated with sPTB in multivariate analysis.

Conclusions

This prospective cohort confirms established risk factors for sPTB in nulliparous women deemed at low risk of sPTB.

COVID-19 and cause of pregnancy loss during the pandemic: A systematic review

Introduction

The association between Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) and abortion has been debated since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. We aimed to conduct this systematic review to understand better the potential effects of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) on fetal loss in infected mothers presented with abortion following this infection.

Methods

We included articles published in PubMed/Medline, Web of Science, clinicaltrials.gov, and Embase databases in 2019 and 2020 through a comprehensive search via appropriate keywords, including COVID-19 and abortion synonyms. All studies with the abortion data in COVID-19 confirmed pregnant females were collected.

Results

Out of 208 potentially relevant articles, 11 articles were eligible to include in the systematic review. The included reports were published because of the following reasons: (1) First-trimester miscarriage; (2) Late miscarriage; (3) complication of COVID-19 infection in pregnancy; (4) COVID-19 disease in artificial pregnancy. First-trimester abortion was found in 5 studies, and second-trimester abortion in 7 studies. Two patients acquired infection during the hospital stay while they were referred for abortion. Reports related to abortion in pregnant females with COVID-19 show that most miscarriages due to COVID-19 in the first trimester were due to placental insufficiency.

Conclusions

There is an increased risk of abortion in mothers with a positive test result of SARS-CoV-2, which several case reports and case series have identified during the pandemic. Placental inflammation during the viral infection may result in fetal growth retardation and induce abortion. There has not been any consistent evidence of vertical transmission of the virus from mother to fetus, which requires further investigation.

Analysis of risk factors for obstetric outcomes after hysteroscopic adhesiolysis for Asherman syndrome: A retrospective cohort study

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the factors influencing placenta accreta in pregnant women who previously underwent hysteroscopic adhesiolysis (HA).

METHODS

This retrospective study enrolled 265 women with intrauterine adhesions (IUAs) at the Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital from January 2014 to December 2018. We followed up their pregnancy outcomes and maternal complications.

RESULTS

The menstrual pattern and gestational history before operation were significantly different between the live birth and pregnancy loss groups. The age, extent of cavity involved, type of adhesions, times of adhesiolysis performed, and time interval from surgery to pregnancy were not significantly different between these two groups. In the third trimester, 48 of 140 patients had 53 perinatal complications, including placenta accreta (27), gestational diabetes mellitus (10), pregnancy-induced hypertension (6), postpartum hemorrhage (4), intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (2), placenta previa (1), oligohydramnios (1), and intrauterine growth restriction (1). Logistic regression analysis showed that extent of cavity involved and times of adhesiolysis performed were associated with placenta accreta.

CONCLUSION

The extent of cavity involved and times of adhesive separation surgeries were risk factors for placenta accreta in patients. The menstrual model and gestational history may provide the main predictive factors for pregnancy loss.

Development and validation of a model for individualized prediction of cervical insufficiency risks in patients undergoing IVF/ICSI treatment

BACKGROUND

Women who conceived with in vitro fertilization (IVF) or intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) are more likely to experience adverse pregnancy outcomes than women who conceived naturally. Cervical insufficiency (CI) is one of the important causes of miscarriage and premature birth, however there is no published data available focusing on the potential risk factors predicting CI occurrence in women who received IVF/ICSI treatment. This study aimed to identify the risk factors that could be integrated into a predictive model for CI, which could provide further personalized and clinically specific information related to the incidence of CI after IVF/ICSI treatment.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

This retrospective study included 4710 patients who conceived after IVF/ICSI treatment from Jan 2011 to Dec 2018 at a public university hospital. The patients were randomly divided into development (n = 3108) and validation (n = 1602) samples for the building and testing of the nomogram, respectively. Multivariate logistic regression was developed on the basis of pre-pregnancy clinical covariates assessed for their association with CI occurrence.

RESULTS

A total of 109 patients (2.31%) experienced CI among all the enrolled patients. Body mass index (BMI), basal serum testosterone (T), gravidity and uterine length were associated with CI occurrence. The statistical nomogram was built based on BMI, serum T, gravidity and uterine length, with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.84 (95% confidence interval: 0.76-0.90) for the developing cohort. The AUC for the validation cohort was 0.71 (95% confidence interval: 0.69-0.83), showing a satisfactory goodness-of-fit and discrimination ability in this nomogram.

CONCLUSION

The user-friendly nomogram which graphically represents the risk factors and a pre-pregnancy predicted tool for the incidence of CI in patients undergoing IVF/ICSI treatment, provides a useful guide for medical staff on individualized decisions making, where preventive measures could be carried out during the IVF/ICSI procedure and subsequent pregnancy.

Laparoscopic emergency cervicoisthmic cerclage in second trimester of pregnancy: A case series report

PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility and safety of Laparoscopic emergency cervicoisthmic cerclage in second trimester of pregnancy.

METHODS

Between November 2015 and March 2019 5 patients underwent Laparoscopic emergency cervicoisthmic cerclage. All women had showed cervical insufficiency with dilation in the second trimester due to extensive conisation (3 patients) or re-conisation (2 patients) and failed transvaginal cerclage (5 patients) due to a short vaginal cervix. Patients' characteristics were obtained from hospital's medical record and we evaluated surgical data, intra, postoperative complications, and perinatal outcome. All operations were performed by the same surgeon.

RESULTS

The average operation time was 88 min (ranging from 80 to 95 minutes), the average estimated blood loss during the procedure was less than 100 mL and there were no perioperative or postoperative complications. The mean gestational age at surgery was 14.4 (ranging from 14.2 to 16) weeks. All women underwent an elective CS after 38 weeks of gestation. The overall pregnancy survival rate was 100 %, the mean gestational age at delivery was 38.1 weeks (ranging from 38.0 to 38.5 weeks) and the mean birth weight was 3190 g (g) (ranging from 2980 g to 3350 g).

CONCLUSION

Laparoscopic cervicoisthmic cerclage might be an alternative approach even in the early second trimester of pregnancy. Our study's success rates compare favourably to the laparotomy approach and the laparoscopic cervicoisthmic cerclage showed a relatively high success rate in women who are at risk of poor obstetric outcomes. Of course, the surgeon's experience and competence plays a key role and this approach should only be attempted in well-organized units.

Association of late second trimester miscarriages with placental histology and autopsy findings

OBJECTIVES

To describe the placental histology and autopsy findings in pregnancies where fetal demise occurred before a gestational age of 22 weeks.

STUDY DESIGN

This study was a subset of a larger study where the effect of alcohol exposure during pregnancy on stillbirths was studied. In a prospective cohort, 7,010 singleton pregnancies were followed from the first antenatal visit until infant one year of age visit. Gestational age was assessed by ultrasound, preferably at the first antenatal visit. All pregnancy losses were identified and when the fetuses delivered at or after a gestation of 20 weeks, the mother or parents were approached for consent for autopsy. This study describes the placental pathology and findings at autopsy in losses before 22 weeks gestation (late second trimester miscarriages).

RESULTS

Fourteen cases were identified in which 13 had an autopsy and 12 had a histological examination of the placenta. The most prevalent histological abnormality was placental abruption which was seen in 6 miscarriages, occasionally on its own, or in combination with maternal vascular malperfusion or acute chorioamnionitis. The second most frequent finding was maternal vascular malperfusion, as found in five placentas, alone or in combination with other pathology. The third most frequent pathology was acute chorioamnionitis, found in four placentas, in combination or alone. Other causes were diffuse chronic villitis due to cytomegalovirus infection and early amnion rupture with anhydramnios and cord obstruction.

CONCLUSIONS

Causes of fetal demise at the end of the second trimester differ little from causes of stillbirth. There is value in using placental histology in late second trimester miscarriages to try to identify the cause of demise.

Asymptomatic Bladder Diverticulum Can Develop New Urinary Symptoms after a New Onset of Stroke: a Case Report

Bladder diverticulum can be caused by many varying factors. It is usually asymptomatic in nature and thus often found by chance. In adult males, it can develop as a result of increased intravesicular pressure in the presence of an underlying benign prostatic hyperplasia. We observed a case in which a patient with asymptomatic bladder diverticulum developed new urinary symptoms owing to an underlying neurogenic lower urinary tract disorder which occurred following a cerebral infarction.

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.

Reproductive outcomes after surgical treatment of asherman syndrome: A systematic review

In this systematic review, we analysed the reproductive outcomes of hysteroscopic adhesiolysis in women with Asherman syndrome (AS). We searched PubMed, Web of Science and Cochrane Library (from database inception to April 2018) and selected studies that quantitatively described the reproductive outcomes. We assessed study quality and pooled rate data for each outcome. There were 54 studies (4640 women) of varying quality. The pooled rate of pregnancy was 50.7% (95% CI [confidence interval]: 49.1 to 52.3) in 53 studies, early pregnancy loss was 17.7% (95% CI: 15.9 to 19.6) in 31 studies, ectopic pregnancy (EP) was 4.2% (95% CI: 2.8 to 6.3) in 9 studies, mid-trimester loss (MTL) was 11.5% (95% CI: 7.6 to 17.8) in 7 studies, cervical incompetence was 12.5% (95% CI: 3.3 to 33.5) in 2 studies and placenta accreta syndrome was 10.1% (95% CI: 8.6 to 11.8) in 23 studies. The pregnancy rate in women with severe adhesion was significantly lower than that in women with mild adhesion (P = 0.021). These results can be used to counsel women with AS before surgical treatment and for planning antenatal care after conception.

Influencing factors of pregnancy loss and survival probability of clinical pregnancies conceived through assisted reproductive technology

BACKGROUND

Pregnancies following assisted reproductive technology (ART) may have elevated potential risk of pregnancy loss (PL) when compared to natural conception. However, rare studies comprehensively analyzed the IVF/ICSI cycle-dependent factors for loss of clinical pregnancy. Therefore, we aimed to determine the ART subgroup-specific risks of PL throughout pregnancy and explore different risk factors for early miscarriage and late miscarriage among pregnancies conceived through ART.

METHODS

A retrospective cohort study was launched in two infertility treatment centers in Nanjing and Changzhou including 5485 IVF/ICSI embryo transfer cycles with known outcomes after clinical pregnancy by the end of 2015. Cox proportional hazards regression analysis was performed to estimate the hazard ratios and their 95% confidence intervals. The associations between survival time during pregnancy and demographics and clinical characteristics of clinical pregnancies were estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method and the Log-rank test.

RESULTS

The overall PL rate in current ART population was 12.5%. Among the 685 pregnancy loss cycles, a total of 460 ended as early miscarriage, 191 as late miscarriage. We found couples in ART pregnancies demonstrated a significantly increased risk of PL as maternal age (HR = 1.31, Ptrend < 0.001) grows. Pregnancies received controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (COH) protocol like GnRH antagonist protocol (HR = 3.49, P < 0.001) and minimal stimulation protocol (HR = 1.83, P < 0.001) had higher risk of PL than GnRH-a long protocol. Notably, in contrast to fresh cycle, women who received frozen cycle embryo had a significant increased risk of early miscarriage (P < 0.001), while frozen cycle was linked with lower risk of late miscarriage (P = 0.045). In addition, four factors (maternal age, COH protocol, cycle type and serum hCG level 14 days after transfer) had independent impact on miscarriage mainly before 12 weeks of gestational age.

CONCLUSIONS

With these findings in this study, clinicians may make it better to evaluate a patient's risk of PL based on the maternal age at the time of treatment, COH protocol, cycle type and serum hCG level 14 days after transfer and the gestational week of the fetus, and we hope that it contributes to future study on its etiology and guide the clinical prevention and treatment.

Medical treatment of second-trimester fetal miscarriage; A retrospective analysis

OBJECTIVES

Research on the treatment of second-trimester miscarriages is scarce. We studied the outcomes, and the factors associated with adverse events and need for hospital resources in the medical treatment of second-trimester miscarriage.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In these retrospective analyses we studied women treated for spontaneous fetal miscarriage with misoprostol-only (n = 24) or mifepristone and misoprostol (n = 177) in duration of gestation 12+1-21+6. Primary outcomes were the risk factors for surgical evacuation and excessive bleeding. Secondary outcomes were total misoprostol dose, time to expulsion and the length of hospital stay.

RESULTS

History of surgical evacuation of the uterus increased the risk of surgical evacuation (p = 0.027). Excessive bleeding was not associated with any of the studied variables. More misoprostol was needed when the duration of gestation exceeded 17+0 weeks (p = 0.036). In multivariate analysis the time to fetal expulsion was shorter in women with history of 1-2 deliveries (hazard ratio [HR] 1.49, 95% confidence interval [CI]; 1.07-2.07), ≥3 deliveries (HR 1.63, 95% CI; 1.11-2.38) and with a two-day interval between mifepristone-misoprostol administration (HR 1.71, 95% CI; 1.05-2.81). Patients with symptoms (i.e. uterine bleeding or pain) at baseline had longer hospital stay (HR 0.66, 95% CI; 0.47-0.92).

CONCLUSIONS

The factors affecting the outcomes of medical treatment of second-trimester fetal miscarriage are similar to those of second-trimester induced abortion. Two-day interval between mifepristone-misoprostol administration might decrease the time to fetal expulsion and the need of hospital resources.

The postnatal morbidity associated with second-trimester miscarriage

OBJECTIVE(S)

To describe the complications, and their incidence, associated with the management and delivery of a distinct second-trimester miscarriage cohort.

METHODS

A retrospective cohort study was undertaken in a large, tertiary-referral university hospital (8500 deliveries per annum). All cases of pregnancy loss occurring between 14(+0) and 23(+6) were identified from July 2009 to June 2013 (n = 181). Medical notes were reviewed and the number of complications among this cohort was identified. Logistic regression was conducted to assess associations with clinical presentation and management.

RESULTS

The mean gestation of loss was 18(+2) weeks (SD: 2(+2)). 64.6% (n = 117) of the total losses were of intrauterine fetal demise (IUFD) with 17.7% (n = 32) following preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM) and 17.7% (n = 32) following preterm labour (PTL). All women required inpatient admission with 59.1% (n = 107) undergoing medical induction of labour. PPROM cases, compared with cases of IUFD, had increased odds of requiring antibiotic therapy (OR 13.75, 95% CI: 4.88-38.72) and readmission (OR OR 4.15, 95% CI 1.12-15.36).

CONCLUSION

These women represent a small proportion of the obstetric population but remain a distinct cohort whose management is complicated by high rates of morbidity requiring medical intervention. An awareness of these risks should inform future clinical practice.