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Klebanoff MA, Schuit E, Lamont RF, Larsson PG, Odendaal HJ, Ugwumadu A, Kiss H, Petricevic L, Andrews WW, Hoffman MK, Shennan A, Seed PT, Goldenberg RL, Emel LM, Bhandaru V, Weiner S, Larsen MD. Antibiotic treatment of bacterial vaginosis to prevent preterm delivery: Systematic review and individual participant data meta-analysis. Paediatr Perinat Epidemiol 2023; 37:239-251. [PMID: 36651636 PMCID: PMC10171232 DOI: 10.1111/ppe.12947] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2022] [Revised: 12/06/2022] [Accepted: 12/11/2022] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Bacterial vaginosis (BV) increases preterm delivery (PTD) risk, but treatment trials showed mixed results in preventing PTD. OBJECTIVES Determine, using individual participant data (IPD), whether BV treatment during pregnancy reduced PTD or prolonged time-to-delivery. DATA SOURCES Cochrane Systematic Review (2013), MEDLINE, EMBASE, journal searches, and searches (January 2013-September 2022) ("bacterial vaginosis AND pregnancy") of (i) clinicaltrials.gov; (ii) Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials; (iii) World Health Organization International Clinical Trials Registry Platform Portal; and (iv) Web of Science ("bacterial vaginosis"). STUDY SELECTION AND DATA EXTRACTION Studies randomising asymptomatic pregnant individuals with BV to antibiotics or control, measuring delivery gestation. Extraction was from original data files. Bias risk was assessed using the Cochrane tool. Analysis used "one-step" logistic and Cox random effect models, adjusting gestation at randomisation and PTD history; heterogeneity by I2 . Subgroup analysis tested interactions with treatment. In sensitivity analyses, studies not providing IPD were incorporated by "multiple random-donor hot-deck" imputation, using IPD studies as donors. RESULTS There were 121 references (96 studies) with 23 eligible trials (11,979 participants); 13 studies (6915 participants) provided IPD; 12 (6115) were incorporated. Results from 9 (4887 participants) not providing IPD were imputed. Odds ratios for PTD for metronidazole and clindamycin versus placebo were 1.00 (95% CI 0.84, 1.17), I2 = 62%, and 0.59 (95% CI 0.42, 0.82), I2 = 0 before; and 0.95 (95% CI 0.81, 1.11), I2 = 59%, and 0.90 (95% CI: 0.72, 1.12), I2 = 0, after imputation. Time-to-delivery did not differ from null with either treatment. Including imputed IPD, there was no evidence that either drug was more effective when administered earlier, or among those with a PTD history. CONCLUSIONS Clindamycin, but not metronidazole, was beneficial in studies providing IPD, but after imputing data from missing IPD studies, treatment of BV during pregnancy did not reduce PTD, nor prolong pregnancy, in any subgroup or when started earlier in gestation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark A. Klebanoff
- Center for Perinatal Research, The Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, Ohio, USA
- Departments of Pediatrics and Obstetrics and Gynecology, and Division of Epidemiology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Ewoud Schuit
- Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, and Cochrane Netherlands, both at University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Ronald F. Lamont
- Division of Surgery, University College London, Northwick Park Institute for Medical Research Campus, London, UK
- Odense University Hospital, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University of Southern Denmark, Institute of Clinical Research, Research Unit of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Odense, Denmark
| | - Per-Göran Larsson
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Skaraborg Hospital, Skövde, Sweden
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine (IKE), Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Hein J. Odendaal
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Austin Ugwumadu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, St. George’s Hospital, University of London, London, UK
| | - Herbert Kiss
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Medical University of Vienna, Wien, Austria
| | - Ljubomir Petricevic
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Medical University of Vienna, Wien, Austria
| | - William W. Andrews
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Matthew K. Hoffman
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Christiana Health Services, Newark, Delaware, USA
| | - Andrew Shennan
- Department of Women and Children’s Health, School of Life Course Sciences, FoLSM, King’s College, London, UK
| | - Paul T. Seed
- Division of Women’s Health, King’s College, London, UK
| | - Robert L. Goldenberg
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Columbia University, New York City, New York, USA
| | - Lynda M. Emel
- Biostatistics, Bioinformatics, and Epidemiology/VIDD, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center Seattle, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Vinay Bhandaru
- The Biostatistics Center, Milken School of Public Health, The George Washington University, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - Steven Weiner
- The Biostatistics Center, Milken School of Public Health, The George Washington University, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - Michael D. Larsen
- The Biostatistics Center, Milken School of Public Health, The George Washington University, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
- Department of Mathematics and Statistics, St. Michael’s College, Colchester, Vermont, USA
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Ronzoni S, Cobo T, D’Souza R, Asztalos E, O’Rinn SE, Cao X, Herranz A, Melamed N, Ferrero S, Barrett J, Aldecoa V, Palacio M. Individualized treatment of preterm premature rupture of membranes to prolong the latency period, reduce the rate of preterm birth, and improve neonatal outcomes. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2022; 227:296.e1-296.e18. [PMID: 35257664 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajog.2022.02.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2021] [Revised: 02/05/2022] [Accepted: 02/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Preterm premature rupture of membranes complicates approximately 3% of pregnancies. Currently, in the absence of chorioamnionitis or placental abruption, expectant management, including antenatal steroids for lung maturation and prophylactic antibiotic treatment, is recommended. The benefits of individualized management have not been adequately explored. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to compare the impact of 2 different management strategies of preterm premature rupture of membranes in 2 tertiary obstetrical centers on latency of >7 days, latency to birth, chorioamnionitis, funisitis, and short-term adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes. STUDY DESIGN This was a multicenter retrospective study of women with singleton pregnancies with preterm premature rupture of membranes from 23 0/7 to 33 6/7 weeks of gestation between 2014 and 2018 and undelivered within 24 hours after hospital admission managed at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Center, Toronto, Canada (standard management group), and BCNatal (Hospital Clínic of Barcelona and Hospital Sant Joan de Déu Barcelona), Barcelona, Spain (individualized management group), following local protocols. The standard management group received similar management for all patients, which included a standard antibiotic regimen and routine maternal and fetal surveillance, whereas the individualized management group received personalized management on the basis of amniocentesis at hospital admission (if possible), to rule out microbial invasion of the amniotic cavity and targeted treatment. The exclusion criteria were cervical dilatation >2 cm, active labor, contraindications to expectant management (acute chorioamnionitis, placental abruption, or abnormal fetal tracing), and major fetal anomalies. The primary outcome was latency of >7 days, and the secondary outcomes included latency to birth, chorioamnionitis, and short-term adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes. Statistical comparisons between groups were conducted with propensity score weighting. RESULTS A total of 513 pregnancies with preterm premature rupture of membranes were included in this study: 324 patients received standard management, and 189 patients received individualized management, wherein amniocentesis was performed in 112 cases (59.3%). After propensity score weighting, patients receiving individualized management had a higher latency of >7 days (76.0% vs 41.6%; P<.001) and latency to birth (18.1±14.7 vs 9.7±9.7 days; P<.001). Although a higher rate of clinical chorioamnionitis was suspected in the individualized management group than the standard group (34.5% vs 22.0%; P<.01), there was no difference between the groups in terms of histologic chorioamnionitis (67.2% vs 73.4%; P=.16), funisitis (57.6% vs 58.1%; P=.92), or composite infectious maternal outcomes (9.1% vs 7.9%; P=.64). Prolonged latency in the individualized management group was associated with a significant reduction of preterm birth at <32 weeks of gestation (72.1% vs 90.5%; P<.001), neonatal intensive care unit admission (75.6% vs 83.0%; P=.046), and neonatal respiratory support at 28 days of life (16.1% vs 26.1%; P<.01) compared with that in the standard management group. Moreover, prolonged latency was not associated with neonatal severe morbidity at discharge (survival without severe morbidity, 80.4% vs 73.5%; P=.09). CONCLUSION Individualized management of preterm premature rupture of membranes may prolong pregnancy and reduce preterm birth at <32 weeks of gestation, the need for neonatal support, and neonatal intensive care unit admissions, without an increase in histologic chorioamnionitis, funisitis, neonatal infection-related morbidity, and short-term adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes.
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Yoneda N, Isayama T, Saito S, Shah PS, Santaguida P, Nakamura T, McDonald SD. Learning From Strengths: Improving Care by Comparing Perinatal Approaches Between Japan and Canada and Identifying Future Research Priorities. JOURNAL OF OBSTETRICS AND GYNAECOLOGY CANADA 2021; 43:1388-1394.e1. [PMID: 34020070 DOI: 10.1016/j.jogc.2021.04.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2020] [Accepted: 04/26/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Preterm birth (PTB) is the leading cause of infant morbidity and mortality worldwide. Canada and Japan each have strengths that can inform clinical decision-making, research, and health care policy regarding the prevention of PTB and its sequelae. Our objectives were to: 1) compare PTB rates, risk factors, management, and outcomes between Japan and Canada; 2) establish research priorities while fostering future collaborative opportunities; and 3) undertake knowledge translation of these findings. METHODS We conducted a literature review to identify publications that examined PTB rates, risk factors, prevention and management techniques, and outcomes in Japan and Canada. We conducted site visits at 4 Japanese tertiary centres and held a collaborative stakeholder meeting of parents, neonatologists, maternal-fetal medicine specialists, and researchers. RESULTS Japan reports lower rates of PTB, neonatal mortality, and several PTB risk factors than Canada. However, Canadian PTB data is population-based, whereas, in Japan, the rate of PTB is population-based, but outcomes are not. Rates of severe neurologic injury and necrotizing enterocolitis were lower in Japan, while Canada's rates of bronchopulmonary dysplasia and retinopathy of prematurity were lower. PTB prevention approaches differed, with less progesterone use in Japan and more long-term tocolysis. In Japan, there were lower rates of neonatal transfers and non-faculty overnight care, but also less use of antenatal corticosteroids and deferred cord clamping. Research priorities identified through the stakeholder meeting included early skin-to-skin contact, parental well-being after PTB, and transitions in care for the child. CONCLUSION We identified key differences between Japan and Canada in the factors affecting PTB management and patient outcomes, which can inform future research efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noriko Yoneda
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Toyama, Toyama, Japan
| | - Tetsuya Isayama
- Division of Neonatology, Center of Maternal-Fetal Neonatal and Reproductive Medicine, National Center for Child Health and Development, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Shigeru Saito
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Toyama, Toyama, Japan
| | - Prakesh S Shah
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, Mount Sinai Hospital and University of Toronto, Toronto, ON
| | - Pasqualina Santaguida
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON; Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON
| | - Tomohiko Nakamura
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, Nagano Children's Hospital, Nagano, Japan
| | - Sarah D McDonald
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON; Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, McMaster University Hamilton, ON.
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Blois SM, Verlohren S, Wu G, Clark G, Dell A, Haslam SM, Barrientos G. Role of galectin-glycan circuits in reproduction: from healthy pregnancy to preterm birth (PTB). Semin Immunopathol 2020; 42:469-486. [PMID: 32601855 PMCID: PMC7508936 DOI: 10.1007/s00281-020-00801-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2020] [Accepted: 05/20/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Growing evidence suggests that galectins, an evolutionarily conserved family of glycan-binding proteins, fulfill key roles in pregnancy including blastocyst implantation, maternal-fetal immune tolerance, placental development, and maternal vascular expansion, thereby establishing a healthy environment for the growing fetus. In this review, we comprehensively present the function of galectins in shaping cellular circuits that characterize a healthy pregnancy. We describe the current understanding of galectins in term and preterm labor and discuss how the galectin-glycan circuits contribute to key immunological pathways sustaining maternal tolerance and preventing microbial infections. A deeper understanding of the glycoimmune pathways regulating early events in preterm birth could offer the broader translational potential for the treatment of this devastating syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra M Blois
- Experimental and Clinical Research Center, A Cooperation Between the Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association and the Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, AG GlycoImmunology, Berlin, Germany. .,Institute for Medical Immunology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany. .,Department of Obstetrics and Fetal Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany.
| | - Stefan Verlohren
- Department of Obstetrics, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Gang Wu
- Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Gary Clark
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Women's Health, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, USA
| | - Anne Dell
- Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Stuart M Haslam
- Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Gabriela Barrientos
- Laboratory of Experimental Medicine, Hospital Alemán, School of Medicine, University of Buenos Aires, CONICET, Buenos Aires, Argentina
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Yefet E, Colodner R, Strauss M, Gam Ze Letova Y, Nachum Z. A Randomized Controlled Open Label Crossover Trial to Study Vaginal Colonization of Orally Administered Lactobacillus Reuteri RC-14 and Rhamnosus GR-1 in Pregnant Women at High Risk for Preterm Labor. Nutrients 2020; 12:nu12041141. [PMID: 32325794 PMCID: PMC7230520 DOI: 10.3390/nu12041141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2020] [Revised: 04/15/2020] [Accepted: 04/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Lactobacilli administration has been suggested for the treatment and prevention of bacterial vaginosis, which increases the risk for preterm birth. We aimed to evaluate the vaginal colonization of lactobacilli orally administered to pregnant women at risk for preterm birth. We performed a randomized and controlled crossover study between January 2016 and May 2017. Forty pregnant women at high risk for preterm birth with normal vaginal flora (Nugent score ≤ 3) were randomized to either receive two oral capsules/day each containing 5 × 109Lactobacilli (L.) rhamnosus GR-1 and L. reuteri RC-14 (n = 20) or no treatment (n = 20) for 2 months. Treatments were then crossed over for an additional two months. A vaginal examination and swabbing were performed for assessment of bacterial vaginosis at baseline and every month until study completion. At the same time points, vaginal samples were cultured and subjected to matrix-assisted-laser-desorption/ionization-time-of-flight-mass-spectrometry (MALDI TOF-MS) for the detection of the specific bacterial strains contained in the capsules. The primary endpoint was the presence of the administered lactobacilli strains in the vagina during the first two months of follow-up. Thirty-eight women completed the study. During the first two months of treatment, L. rhamnosus GR-1 was detected in one (5%) woman on the probiotic treatment and 2 (11%) women receiving no treatment (p = 0.6). L. rhamnosus GR-1 was detected in vaginal samples of 4 (11%) women during probiotic treatment (of both groups) and L. reuteri RC-14 was not detected in any samples. The rest of the endpoints were not different between the groups. Altogether, vaginal colonization of lactobacilli following oral administration is low during pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enav Yefet
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Emek Medical Center, Afula 1834111, Israel; (Y.G.Z.L.); (Z.N.)
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Baruch Padeh Medical Center Poriya, Tiberias 1410000, Israel
- Faculty of Medicine in Galilee, Bar-Ilan University, Safed 1310000, Israel
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +972-4-649-4516; Fax: +972-649-4-5483
| | - Raul Colodner
- Microbiology Laboratory, Emek Medical Center, Afula 1834111, Israel; (R.C.); (M.S.)
| | - Merav Strauss
- Microbiology Laboratory, Emek Medical Center, Afula 1834111, Israel; (R.C.); (M.S.)
| | - Yifat Gam Ze Letova
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Emek Medical Center, Afula 1834111, Israel; (Y.G.Z.L.); (Z.N.)
| | - Zohar Nachum
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Emek Medical Center, Afula 1834111, Israel; (Y.G.Z.L.); (Z.N.)
- Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion, Haifa 3200003, Israel
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Vaginal Biomarkers That Predict Cervical Length and Dominant Bacteria in the Vaginal Microbiomes of Pregnant Women. mBio 2019; 10:mBio.02242-19. [PMID: 31641087 PMCID: PMC6805993 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.02242-19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
In many impoverished regions of the world, it may not be possible to assess two major risk factors for preterm birth: a short cervical length and the depletion of vaginal lactobacilli. We determined whether measuring specific compounds in vaginal fluid might be a simple, noninvasive, and cost-effective way to predict the bacteria that dominate the vaginal microbiome and indicate the presence of a shortened cervix (<25 mm). Vaginal fluid samples were prospectively collected from mid-trimester pregnant women, and the concentrations of d- and l-lactic acid, tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinases TIMP-1 and TIMP-2, matrix metalloproteinases MMP-2 and MMP-8, the 70-kDa heat shock protein, a2 isoform of vacuolar ATPase, and sequestrome-1 were quantified by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The compositions of vaginal microbiomes were assessed by analysis of the V1-V3 regions of 16S rRNA genes, while cervical length was determined by transvaginal ultrasonography. The vaginal microbiomes could be clustered into five community state types (CSTs), four of which were dominated by a single Lactobacillus species. The dominance of Lactobacillus crispatus or Lactobacillus jensenii in the vaginal microbiome predicted the level of d-lactic acid present. Several of the biomarkers, especially TIMP-1, in combination with the subject's age and race, were significantly associated with cervical length. Using piecewise structural equation modeling, we established a causal network that links CST to cervical length via biomarkers. We concluded that measuring levels of TIMP-1 and d-lactic acid in vaginal secretions might be a straightforward way to assess the risk for preterm birth due to a short cervix and microbiome composition.IMPORTANCE Premature birth and its complications are the largest contributors to infant death in the United States and globally. A short cervical length and the depletion of Lactobacillus species are known risk factors for preterm birth. However, in many resource-poor areas of the world, the technology to test for their occurrence is unavailable, and pregnant women with these risk factors are neither identified nor treated. In this study, we used path analysis to gain an unprecedented understanding of interactions between vaginal microbiome composition, the concentrations of various compounds in vaginal secretions, and cervical length. We identified low-cost point-of-care measures that might be used to identify pregnant women at risk for preterm birth. The use of these measures coupled with appropriate preventative or treatment strategies could reduce the incidence of preterm births in poor areas of the world that lack access to more sophisticated diagnostic methods.
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Medley N, Poljak B, Mammarella S, Alfirevic Z. Clinical guidelines for prevention and management of preterm birth: a systematic review. BJOG 2018; 125:1361-1369. [PMID: 29460323 DOI: 10.1111/1471-0528.15173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/29/2018] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Clinical practice guidelines (CPG) endorse multiple strategies to prevent or manage preterm birth (PTB). OBJECTIVES To summarise CPG recommendations for PTB and identify areas of international consensus. SEARCH STRATEGY In May 2017 we searched for all CPG relevant to PTB without language restrictions. SELECTION CRITERIA CPG were eligible if the following criteria were met: (1) the guideline was published or current from June 2013; (2) the guideline recommended practices for the prevention or management of PTB relevant to our prespecified clinical questions for screening, medications or surgery and other interventions; (3) publications on methods of guideline development for eligible CPG were included to enable quality assessment. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS Two authors classified CPG recommendations relevant to prespecified clinical questions. When more than 70% of CPGs reporting on a topic recommended or rejected an intervention, we regarded this as consensus. We summarised recommendations in tables. MAIN RESULTS We identified 49 guidelines from 16 guideline developers. We found consensus for several clinical practices: cervical length screening for high-risk women; short-term tocolysis; steroids for fetal lung maturation; and magnesium sulphate for fetal neuroprotection. We found discrepant recommendations for progesterone and fibronectin. No guideline identified an effective strategy for women with multiple pregnancy. CONCLUSIONS We identified interventions for which there is an international consensus on benefit for PTB. Systematic reviews of CPG using standardised methodology will help avoid duplication and target scarce resources for guideline developers globally. TWEETABLE ABSTRACT International clinical guidelines agree on the benefits and harmful effects of several important interventions to prevent preterm birth.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Medley
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, University of Liverpool, Liverpool Women's Hospital, Liverpool, UK
| | - B Poljak
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, University of Liverpool, Liverpool Women's Hospital, Liverpool, UK
| | - S Mammarella
- Royal Victoria Infirmary Hospital, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Z Alfirevic
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, University of Liverpool, Liverpool Women's Hospital, Liverpool, UK
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Lim K, Butt K, Crane JM. No. 257-Ultrasonographic Cervical Length Assessment in Predicting Preterm Birth in Singleton Pregnancies. JOURNAL OF OBSTETRICS AND GYNAECOLOGY CANADA 2018; 40:e151-e164. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jogc.2017.11.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Lim K, Butt K, Crane JM. Archivée: No 257-Recours à l'évaluation échographique de la longueur cervicale pour prédire l'accouchement préterme dans le cadre de grossesses monofœtales. JOURNAL OF OBSTETRICS AND GYNAECOLOGY CANADA 2018; 40:e165-e180. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jogc.2017.11.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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Kuon RJ, Togawa R, Vomstein K, Weber M, Goeggl T, Strowitzki T, Markert UR, Zimmermann S, Daniel V, Dalpke AH, Toth B. Higher prevalence of colonization with Gardnerella vaginalis and gram-negative anaerobes in patients with recurrent miscarriage and elevated peripheral natural killer cells. J Reprod Immunol 2017; 120:15-19. [PMID: 28388469 DOI: 10.1016/j.jri.2017.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2016] [Revised: 03/19/2017] [Accepted: 03/24/2017] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The role of vaginal infections in recurrent miscarriage (RM) is discussed controversially and screening is not recommended in international guidelines. Peripheral and uterine NK cells (pNK, uNK) play an important role in the establishment of a healthy pregnancy and are targets of immune diagnostics in RM patients. The aim of this study was to analyze the composition of the vaginal microbiota in RM patients and to correlate the findings to clinical characteristics as well as NK cell parameters. In total, n=243 RM patients with ≥3 consecutive miscarriages were recruited between 11/2011 and 03/2016. Vaginal swabs were analyzed by microbiological culture. Further, a cervical swab was taken in n=187 patients and the presence of Chlamydia trachomatis was evaluated by a molecular assay. Peripheral blood levels of CD45+CD3-CD56+CD16+ pNK (determined by four-color fluorescence flow cytometry) and CD56+ uNK (uterine biopsy, determined by immunohistochemistry) were analyzed. The prevalence of Gardnerella vaginalis colonization in RM patients was 19.0%, gram-negative anaerobes 20.5%, Candida species 7.9%, group B Streptococcus 11.0% and Enterobacteriaceae 14.8%. Commensal lactobacilli were absent in 14.5% of the women. Chlamydia trachomatis was detected in n=1 case (0.53%). The prevalence of Gardnerella vaginalis and gram-negative anaerobes in RM patients with elevated pNK (>280/μl, n=69) was significantly higher (p=0.012, p=0.04) compared to patients with normal pNK (n=174). In conclusion, RM patients with elevated pNK suffer more often from colonization by Gardnerella vaginalis and gram-negative anaerobes. This might indicate an association between the vaginal microbiota, local inflammation, changes in immune parameters and miscarriage.
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Affiliation(s)
- R J Kuon
- Department of Gynecological Endocrinology and Fertility Disorders, Ruprecht-Karls University Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 440, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - R Togawa
- Department of Gynecological Endocrinology and Fertility Disorders, Ruprecht-Karls University Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 440, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - K Vomstein
- Department of Gynecological Endocrinology and Fertility Disorders, Ruprecht-Karls University Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 440, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - M Weber
- Placenta-Lab, Department of Obstetrics, University Hospital Jena, Am Klinikum 1, 07747 Jena, Germany
| | - T Goeggl
- Department of Gynecological Endocrinology and Fertility Disorders, Ruprecht-Karls University Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 440, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - T Strowitzki
- Department of Gynecological Endocrinology and Fertility Disorders, Ruprecht-Karls University Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 440, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - U R Markert
- Placenta-Lab, Department of Obstetrics, University Hospital Jena, Am Klinikum 1, 07747 Jena, Germany
| | - S Zimmermann
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Medical Microbiology and Hygiene, Ruprecht-Karls University Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 324, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - V Daniel
- Transplantation-Immunology, Institute of Immunology, Ruprecht-Karls University Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 672, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - A H Dalpke
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Medical Microbiology and Hygiene, Ruprecht-Karls University Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 324, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - B Toth
- Department of Gynecological Endocrinology and Reproductive Medicine, Medical University Innsbruck, Anichstrasse 35, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria.
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van Schalkwyk J, Yudin MH. Vulvovaginite : Dépistage et prise en charge de la trichomonase, de la candidose vulvovaginale et de la vaginose bactérienne. JOURNAL OF OBSTETRICS AND GYNAECOLOGY CANADA 2017; 38:S587-S596. [PMID: 28063567 DOI: 10.1016/j.jogc.2016.09.065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIF Analyser les données probantes et formuler des recommandations quant au dépistage et à la prise en charge de la candidose vulvovaginale, de la trichomonase et de la vaginose bactérienne. ISSUES Parmi les issues évaluées, on trouve l'efficacité de l'antibiothérapie, les taux de guérison en ce qui concerne les infections simples et compliquées, et les implications de ces pathologies pendant la grossesse. RéSULTATS: La littérature publiée a été récupérée par l'intermédiaire de recherches menées dans MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL et The Cochrane Library en juin 2013 au moyen d'un vocabulaire contrôlé (p. ex. « vaginitis », « trichomoniasis », « vaginal candidiasis ») et de mots clés (p. ex. « bacterial vaginosis », « yeast », « candidiasis », « trichomonas vaginalis », « trichomoniasis », « vaginitis », « treatment ») appropriés. Les résultats ont été restreints aux analyses systématiques, aux essais comparatifs randomisés / essais cliniques comparatifs et aux études observationnelles. Aucune restriction n'a été appliquée en matière de date, mais les résultats ont été limités aux documents rédigés en anglais ou en français. Les recherches ont été mises à jour de façon régulière et intégrées à la directive clinique jusqu'en mai 2014. La littérature grise (non publiée) a été identifiée par l'intermédiaire de recherches menées dans les sites Web d'organismes s'intéressant à l'évaluation des technologies dans le domaine de la santé et d'organismes connexes, dans des collections de directives cliniques et auprès de sociétés de spécialité médicale nationales et internationales. VALEURS La qualité des résultats est évaluée au moyen des critères décrits par le Groupe d'étude canadien sur les soins de santé préventifs (Tableau 1). DéCLARATIONS SOMMAIRES: RECOMMANDATIONS.
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Akhi MT, Esmailkhani A, Sadeghi J, Niknafs B, Farzadi L, Akhi A, Nasab EN. The Frequency of Staphylococcus aureus Isolated from Endocervix of Infertile Women in Northwest Iran. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF FERTILITY & STERILITY 2016; 11:28-32. [PMID: 28367302 PMCID: PMC5215708 DOI: 10.22074/ijfs.2016.4969] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2016] [Accepted: 08/24/2016] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Background Infertility is one of the major social issues. Due to the asymptomatic cervical infection associated with Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), the majority of patients
remain undiagnosed. The present study intended to assess the frequency of S. aureus
isolated from infertile women’s endocervix in northwest Iran. Materials and Methods In a descriptive cross sectional study, specimens were randomly
collected during vagina examination using a sterile speculum and swabbing. After performance
of antibiotic susceptibility testing, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to identify methicillin-resistance S. aureus (MRSA) and toxic shock syndrome toxin-1 (TSST-1). Results About 26 (26%) and 9 (9%) women’s urogenital tracts were colonized by S.
aureus and Candida spp., respectively, of which three (11.5%) patients were infected with
fungi and S. aureus, simultaneously. Antibiotic susceptibility results showed high activity
of vancomycin and co-trimoxazole on isolates. Regarding PCR results, mecA sequences
were detected in 7 (26.9%) strains, whilst the tst gene encoding TSST-1 was not detected
in any of clinical strains. Conclusion The prevalence of S. aureus was very high in infertile women. Therefore, it
demands all patients undergoing infertility treatment to be investigated thoroughly for this
type of infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Taghi Akhi
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran; Department of Bacteriology and Virology, School of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Aylin Esmailkhani
- Department of Bacteriology and Virology, School of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Javid Sadeghi
- Department of Bacteriology and Virology, School of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Behrooz Niknafs
- Department of Anatomical Sciences, Medical Faculty, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Laya Farzadi
- Women's Reproductive Health Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Aydin Akhi
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Elmira Najafi Nasab
- Department of Bacteriology and Virology, School of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
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Brabant G. [Bacterial vaginosis and spontaneous preterm birth]. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2016; 45:1247-1260. [PMID: 27793493 DOI: 10.1016/j.jgyn.2016.09.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2016] [Revised: 09/19/2016] [Accepted: 09/19/2016] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine if bacterial vaginosis is a marker for risk of spontaneous preterm delivery and if its detection and treatment can reduce this risk. METHODS Consultation of the database Pubmed/Medline, Science Direct, and international guidelines of medical societies. RESULTS Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is a dysbiosis resulting in an imbalance in the vaginal flora through the multiplication of anaerobic bacteria and jointly of a disappearance of well-known protective Lactobacilli. His diagnosis is based on clinical Amsel criteria and/or a Gram stain with establishment of the Nugent score. The prevalence of the BV extraordinarily varies according to ethnic and/or geographical origin (4-58 %), in France, it is close to 7 % in the first trimester of pregnancy (EL2). The link between BV and spontaneous premature delivery is low with an odds ratio between 1.5 and 2 in the most recent studies (EL3). Metronidazole or clindamycin is effective to treat BV (EL3). It is recommended to prescribe one of these antibiotics in the case of symptomatic BV (Professional Consensus). The testing associated with the treatment of BV in the global population showed no benefit in the prevention of the risk of spontaneous preterm delivery (EL2). Concerning low-risk asymptomatic population (defined by the absence of antecedent of premature delivery), it has been failed profit to track and treat the BV in the prevention of the risk of spontaneous preterm delivery (EL1). Concerning the high-risk population (defined by a history of preterm delivery), it has been failed profit to track and treat the VB in the prevention of the risk of spontaneous preterm delivery (EL3). However, in the sub population of patients with a history of preterm delivery occurred in a context of materno-fetal bacterial infection, there may be a benefit to detect and treat early and systematically genital infection, and in particular the BV (Professional Consensus). CONCLUSION The screening and treatment of BV during pregnancy in asymptomatic low-risk population is not recommended in the prevention of the risk of spontaneous preterm delivery (grade A). In the population at high risk with the only notion of antecedent of premature delivery, screening and treatment of the BV is not recommended (grade C).
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Affiliation(s)
- G Brabant
- Hôpital Saint-Vincent-de-Paul, GHICL, FLMM, 59000 Lille, France.
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Nasioudis D, Linhares IM, Ledger WJ, Witkin SS. Bacterial vaginosis: a critical analysis of current knowledge. BJOG 2016; 124:61-69. [PMID: 27396541 DOI: 10.1111/1471-0528.14209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/09/2016] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Bacterial vaginosis (BV), the change from a Lactobacillus-dominant vaginal microbiota to an anaerobic and facultative bacterial dominance, is associated with pathological sequelae. In many BV-positive women their microbiota is in fact normal and unrelated to pathology. Whether or not the dominance of BV-associated bacteria persists depends upon interactions between host and bacterial factors. Inconsistencies in diagnosis and erroneous associations with pathology may be due to a failure to differentiate between sub-populations of women. It is only in those women with a BV diagnosis in which the identified bacteria are atypical and persist that BV may be a clinical problem requiring intervention. TWEETABLE ABSTRACT Improved diagnosis of bacterial vaginosis is needed to accurately determine its role in pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Nasioudis
- Division of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - I M Linhares
- Division of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA.,Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Sao Paulo University Medical School, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - W J Ledger
- Division of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - S S Witkin
- Division of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
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Barthow C, Wickens K, Stanley T, Mitchell EA, Maude R, Abels P, Purdie G, Murphy R, Stone P, Kang J, Hood F, Rowden J, Barnes P, Fitzharris P, Craig J, Slykerman RF, Crane J. The Probiotics in Pregnancy Study (PiP Study): rationale and design of a double-blind randomised controlled trial to improve maternal health during pregnancy and prevent infant eczema and allergy. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 2016; 16:133. [PMID: 27255079 PMCID: PMC4891898 DOI: 10.1186/s12884-016-0923-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2015] [Accepted: 05/26/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Worldwide there is increasing interest in the manipulation of human gut microbiota by the use of probiotic supplements to modify or prevent a range of communicable and non-communicable diseases. Probiotic interventions administered during pregnancy and breastfeeding offer a unique opportunity to influence a range of important maternal and infant outcomes. The aim of the Probiotics in Pregnancy Study (PiP Study) is to assess if supplementation by the probiotic Lactobacillus rhamnosus HN001 administered to women from early pregnancy and while breastfeeding can reduce the rates of infant eczema and atopic sensitisation at 1 year, and maternal gestational diabetes mellitus, bacterial vaginosis and Group B Streptococcal vaginal colonisation before birth, and depression and anxiety postpartum. METHODS/DESIGN The PiP Study is a two-centre, randomised, double-blind placebo-controlled trial in Wellington and Auckland, New Zealand. Four hundred pregnant women expecting infants at high risk of allergic disease will be enrolled in the study at 14-16 weeks gestation and randomised to receive either Lactobacillus rhamnosus HN001 (6 × 10(9) colony-forming units per day (cfu/day)) or placebo until delivery and then continuing until 6 months post-partum, if breastfeeding. Primary infant outcomes are the development and severity of eczema and atopic sensitisation in the first year of life. Secondary outcomes are diagnosis of maternal gestational diabetes mellitus, presence of bacterial vaginosis and vaginal carriage of Group B Streptococcus (at 35-37 weeks gestation). Other outcome measures include maternal weight gain, maternal postpartum depression and anxiety, infant birth weight, preterm birth, and rate of caesarean sections. A range of samples including maternal and infant faecal samples, maternal blood samples, cord blood and infant cord tissue samples, breast milk, infant skin swabs and infant buccal swabs will be collected for the investigation of the mechanisms of probiotic action. DISCUSSION The study will investigate if mother-only supplementation with Lactobacillus rhamnosus HN001 in pregnancy and while breastfeeding can reduce rates of eczema and atopic sensitisation in infants by 1 year, and reduce maternal rates of gestational diabetes mellitus, bacterial vaginosis, vaginal carriage of Group B Streptococcus before birth and maternal depression and anxiety postpartum. TRIAL REGISTRATION Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registration: ACTRN12612000196842. Date Registered: 15/02/12.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine Barthow
- Department of Medicine, University of Otago Wellington, PO Box 7343, Wellington South, 6242, New Zealand.
| | - Kristin Wickens
- Department of Medicine, University of Otago Wellington, PO Box 7343, Wellington South, 6242, New Zealand
| | - Thorsten Stanley
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Otago Wellington, PO Box 7343, Wellington South, 6242, New Zealand
| | - Edwin A Mitchell
- Department of Paediatrics: Child and Youth Health, University of Auckland, Private Bag 92019, Auckland, 1142, New Zealand
| | - Robyn Maude
- Graduate School of Nursing, Midwifery and Health, Victoria University of Wellington, P O Box 7625, Newtown, Wellington, 6242, New Zealand
| | - Peter Abels
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Otago Wellington, PO Box 7343, Wellington South, 6242, New Zealand
| | - Gordon Purdie
- Dean's Department, University of Otago Wellington, PO Box 7343, Wellington South, 6242, New Zealand
| | - Rinki Murphy
- Department of Medicine, University of Auckland, Private Bag 92019, Auckland, 1142, New Zealand
| | - Peter Stone
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Auckland, Private Bag 92019, Auckland, 1142, New Zealand
| | - Janice Kang
- Department of Medicine, University of Otago Wellington, PO Box 7343, Wellington South, 6242, New Zealand
| | - Fiona Hood
- Department of Medicine, University of Otago Wellington, PO Box 7343, Wellington South, 6242, New Zealand
| | - Judy Rowden
- Department of Paediatrics: Child and Youth Health, University of Auckland, Private Bag 92019, Auckland, 1142, New Zealand
| | - Phillipa Barnes
- Department of Medicine, University of Otago Wellington, PO Box 7343, Wellington South, 6242, New Zealand
| | - Penny Fitzharris
- Immunology Department, Auckland Hospital, Private Bag 92024, Auckland Mail Centre, Auckland, 1142, New Zealand
| | - Jeffrey Craig
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, The Royal Children's Hospital, Flemington Road, Parkville, Melbourne, Victoria, 3052, Australia
| | - Rebecca F Slykerman
- Department of Paediatrics: Child and Youth Health, University of Auckland, Private Bag 92019, Auckland, 1142, New Zealand
| | - Julian Crane
- Department of Medicine, University of Otago Wellington, PO Box 7343, Wellington South, 6242, New Zealand
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Achondou AE, Fumoloh FF, Aseneck AC, Awah AR, Utokoro AM. PREVALENCE OF BACTERIAL VAGINOSIS AMONG SEXUALLY ACTIVE WOMEN ATTENDING THE CDC CENTRAL CLINIC TIKO, SOUTH WEST REGION, CAMEROON. Afr J Infect Dis 2016; 10:96-101. [PMID: 28480443 PMCID: PMC5411994 DOI: 10.21010/ajid.v10i2.4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is a polymicrobial, superficial vaginal infection involving a reduction in the amount of hydrogen peroxide-producing Lactobacillus and overgrowth of anaerobic bacteria. Common symptoms include increased fishy smelling vaginal discharge which is usually white or gray in color. Burning with urination may occur and itching is uncommon. Risk factors include douching, new or multiple sex partners, antibiotics, and use of intrauterine device among others. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study assessed the prevalence of bacterial vaginosis among sexually active women aged 15-45 years. Vaginal swabs were obtained with the use of sterile swab sticks which were later smeared on clean glass slides and then Gram stained. The stained smears were observed for bacterial morphotypes with the X100 oil immersion objective and the Nugent scoring system was used to determine BV. Data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Scientists (SPSS) version 17.0 and were considered significant at p < 0.05. Results: A total of 100 women participated in the study with the overall prevalence of BV rated 38%. The prevalence of BV with respect to associated factors was also investigated and it was observed that BV was more prevalent in the age groups 20-25 (48.1%) and 25-29 (44.4%), those who had attained only primary education (60.5%), married women, (68.4%), pregnant women (71.0%), and women who practiced vaginal douching, (97.4%). However, no statistical significant difference was observed in the prevalence between these parameters (P > 0.05). Conclusions: Conclusively, the prevalence of bacterial vaginosis in our study population is 38% and highest among women aged between 25 and 34 years, pregnant women, married women, less educated women and women who practiced poor vaginal hygiene.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akomoneh Elvis Achondou
- School of Health and Human Services, Saint Monica University, Buea.,Laboratory for Emerging Infectious Diseases, University of Buea, Cameroon
| | - Foche Francis Fumoloh
- School of Health and Human Services, Saint Monica University, Buea.,Laboratory for Emerging Infectious Diseases, University of Buea, Cameroon
| | | | - Abong Ralph Awah
- School of Health and Human Services, Saint Monica University, Buea
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Abalos E, Chamillard M, Diaz V, Tuncalp Ӧ, Gülmezoglu AM. Antenatal care for healthy pregnant women: a mapping of interventions from existing guidelines to inform the development of new WHO guidance on antenatal care. BJOG 2016; 123:519-28. [PMID: 26694196 PMCID: PMC5019265 DOI: 10.1111/1471-0528.13820] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/16/2015] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The World Health Organization (WHO) is in the process of updating antenatal care (ANC) guidelines. OBJECTIVES To map the existing clinical practice guidelines related to routine ANC for healthy women and to summarise all practices considered during routine ANC. SEARCH STRATEGY A systematic search in four databases for all clinical practice guidelines published after January 2000. SELECTION CRITERIA Two researchers independently assessed the list of potentially eligible publications. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS Information on scope of the guideline, type of practice, associated gestational age, recommendation type and the source of evidence were mapped. MAIN RESULTS Of 1866 references, we identified 85 guidelines focusing on the ANC period: 15 pertaining to routine ANC and 70 pertaining to specific situations. A total of 135 interventions from routine ANC guidelines were extracted, and categorised as clinical interventions (n = 80), screening/diagnostic procedures (n = 47) and health systems related (n = 8). Screening interventions, (syphilis, anaemia) were the most common practices. Within the 70 specific situation guidelines, 102 recommendations were identified. Overall, for 33 (out of 171) interventions there were conflicting recommendations provided by the different guidelines. CONCLUSION Mapping the current guidelines including practices related to routine ANC informed the scoping phase for the WHO guideline for ANC. Our analysis indicates that guideline development processes may lead to different recommendations, due to context, evidence base or assessment of evidence. It would be useful for guideline developers to map and refer to other similar guidelines and, where relevant, explore the discrepancies in recommendations and others. TWEETABLE ABSTRACT We identified existing ANC guidelines and mapped scope, practices, recommendations and source of evidence.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Abalos
- Centro Rosarinos de Estudios Perinatales (CREP), Rosario, Argentina
| | - M Chamillard
- Centro Rosarinos de Estudios Perinatales (CREP), Rosario, Argentina
| | - V Diaz
- Centro Rosarinos de Estudios Perinatales (CREP), Rosario, Argentina
| | - Ӧ Tuncalp
- Department of Reproductive Health and Research including UNDP/UNFPA/UNICEF/WHO/World Bank Special Programme of Research, Development and Research Training in Human Reproduction (HRP), World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - A M Gülmezoglu
- Department of Reproductive Health and Research including UNDP/UNFPA/UNICEF/WHO/World Bank Special Programme of Research, Development and Research Training in Human Reproduction (HRP), World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
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Giakoumelou S, Wheelhouse N, Cuschieri K, Entrican G, Howie SEM, Horne AW. The role of infection in miscarriage. Hum Reprod Update 2016; 22:116-33. [PMID: 26386469 PMCID: PMC4664130 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmv041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 214] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2015] [Revised: 08/27/2015] [Accepted: 09/01/2015] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Miscarriage is the spontaneous loss of a pregnancy before 12 weeks (early miscarriage) or from 12 to 24 weeks (late miscarriage) of gestation. Miscarriage occurs in one in five pregnancies and can have considerable physiological and psychological implications for the patient. It is also associated with significant health care costs. There is evidence that potentially preventable infections may account for up to 15% of early miscarriages and up to 66% of late miscarriages. However, the provision of associated screening and management algorithms is inconsistent for newly pregnant women. Here, we review recent population-based studies on infections that have been shown to be associated with miscarriage. METHODS Our aim was to examine where the current scientific focus lies with regards to the role of infection in miscarriage. Papers dating from June 2009 with key words 'miscarriage' and 'infection' or 'infections' were identified in PubMed (292 and 327 papers, respectively, on 2 June 2014). Relevant human studies (meta-analyses, case-control studies, cohort studies or case series) were included. Single case reports were excluded. The studies were scored based on the Newcastle - Ottawa Quality Assessment Scale. RESULTS The association of systemic infections with malaria, brucellosis, cytomegalovirus and human immunodeficiency virus, dengue fever, influenza virus and of vaginal infection with bacterial vaginosis, with increased risk of miscarriage has been demonstrated. Q fever, adeno-associated virus, Bocavirus, Hepatitis C and Mycoplasma genitalium infections do not appear to affect pregnancy outcome. The effects of Chlamydia trachomatis, Toxoplasma gondii, human papillomavirus, herpes simplex virus, parvovirus B19, Hepatitis B and polyomavirus BK infections remain controversial, as some studies indicate increased miscarriage risk and others show no increased risk. The latest data on rubella and syphilis indicate increased antenatal screening worldwide and a decrease in the frequency of their reported associations with pregnancy failure. Though various pathogens have been associated with miscarriage, the mechanism(s) of infection-induced miscarriage are not yet fully elucidated. CONCLUSIONS Further research is required to clarify whether certain infections do increase miscarriage risk and whether screening of newly pregnant women for treatable infections would improve reproductive outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sevi Giakoumelou
- Centre for Reproductive Health, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, UK
| | - Nick Wheelhouse
- Moredun Research Institute, Pentlands Science Park, Bush Loan, Edinburgh EH26 0PZ, UK
| | - Kate Cuschieri
- Scottish HPV Reference Lab, Division of Lab Medicine, Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4SA, UK
| | - Gary Entrican
- Moredun Research Institute, Pentlands Science Park, Bush Loan, Edinburgh EH26 0PZ, UK The Roslin Institute and Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush, Midlothian EH25 9RG, UK
| | - Sarah E M Howie
- Centre for Inflammation Research, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, UK
| | - Andrew W Horne
- Centre for Reproductive Health, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, UK
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BASIC study: is intravaginal boric acid non-inferior to metronidazole in symptomatic bacterial vaginosis? Study protocol for a randomized controlled trial. Trials 2015. [PMID: 26210791 PMCID: PMC4514959 DOI: 10.1186/s13063-015-0852-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Bacterial vaginosis is associated with increased transmission of sexually transmitted infections, preterm labor, post-surgical infections, and endometritis. Current treatment for symptomatic bacterial vaginosis includes antibiotics, such as metronidazole, which are 70–80 % effective at one month after treatment and result in high recurrence rates and secondary candida infections. Intravaginal boric acid has been used for over a hundred years to treat vaginal infections, such as bacterial vaginosis. Boric acid is inexpensive, accessible, and has shown to be an effective treatment for other infections, such as vaginal candidiasis. To date, there has been no clinical trial evaluation of boric acid effectiveness to treat bacterial vaginosis. Methods/Design The BASIC (Boric Acid, Alternate Solution for Intravaginal Colonization) trial is a randomized, double-blinded, multicenter study. The study will enroll a minimum of 240 women of 16–50 years of age who are symptomatic with bacterial vaginosis. Eligible participants will have Amsel and Nugent scores confirming bacterial vaginosis. Women who are pregnant or menopausal or have other active co-infections will be excluded. Consenting participants who meet exclusion and inclusion criteria will be randomly assigned to one of three treatment groups: boric acid, metronidazole, or an inert placebo. Self-administration of treatment intravaginally for 10 days will be followed by clinical assessment at 7 and 30 days (days 17 and 40, respectively) after the end of the treatment phase. Primary outcome is a non-inferiority, per-protocol comparison of the effectiveness of boric acid with that of metronidazole at day 17, as measured by the Nugent score in 16–50 year olds. Secondary outcomes include: non-inferiority, intention-to-treat comparison of effectiveness of boric acid with that of metronidazole at day 17, analysis for both per-protocol and intention-to-treat at day 40, and safety considerations, including adverse effects requiring patient discontinuation of treatment. Discussion This study will be the first to determine whether intravaginal boric acid is non-inferior to metronidazole in the treatment of bacterial vaginosis in symptomatic women. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov NCT00799214, registered online Nov 10, 2008.
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van Schalkwyk J, Yudin MH. Vulvovaginitis: screening for and management of trichomoniasis, vulvovaginal candidiasis, and bacterial vaginosis. JOURNAL OF OBSTETRICS AND GYNAECOLOGY CANADA 2015; 37:266-274. [PMID: 26001874 DOI: 10.1016/s1701-2163(15)30316-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To review the evidence and provide recommendations on screening for and management of vulvovaginal candidiasis, trichomoniasis, and bacterial vaginosis. OUTCOMES OUTCOMES evaluated include the efficacy of antibiotic treatment, cure rates for simple and complicated infections, and the implications of these conditions in pregnancy. EVIDENCE Published literature was retrieved through searches of MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, and The Cochrane Library in June 2013 using appropriate controlled vocabulary (e.g., vaginitis, trichomoniasis, vaginal candidiasis) and key words (bacterial vaginosis, yeast, candidiasis, trichomonas vaginalis, trichomoniasis, vaginitis, treatment). Results were restricted to systematic reviews, randomized control trials/controlled clinical trials, and observational studies. There were no date limits, but results were limited to English or French language materials. Searches were updated on a regular basis and incorporated in the guideline to May 2014. Grey (unpublished) literature was identified through searching the websites of health technology assessment and health technology-related agencies, clinical practice guideline collections, and national and international medical specialty societies. VALUES The quality of evidence in this document was rated using the criteria described in the Report of the Canadian Task Force on Preventive Health Care (Table 1). Summary Statements 1. Vulvovaginal candidiasis affects 75% of women at least once. Topical and oral antifungal azole medications are equally effective. (I) 2. Recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis is defined as 4 or more episodes per year. (II-2) 3. Trichomonas vaginalis is a common non-viral sexually transmitted infection that is best detected by antigen testing using vaginal swabs collected and evaluated by immunoassay or nucleic acid amplification test. (II-2) 4. Cure rates are equal at up to 88% for trichomoniasis treated with oral metronidazole 2 g once or 500 mg twice daily for 7 days. Partner treatment, even without screening, enhances cure rates. (I-A) 5. Current evidence of the efficacy of alternative therapies for bacterial vaginosis (probiotics, vitamin C) is limited. (I) Recommendations 1. Following initial therapy, treatment success of recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis is enhanced by maintenance of weekly oral fluconazole for up to 6 months. (II-2A) 2. Symptomatic vulvovaginal candidiasis treated with topical azoles may require longer courses of therapy to be resolved. (1-A) 3. Test of cure following treatment of trichomoniasis with oral metronidazole is not recommended. (I-D) 4. Higher-dose therapy may be needed for treatment-resistant cases of trichomoniasis. (I-A) 5. In pregnancy, treatment of symptomatic Trichomonas vaginalis with oral metronidazole is warranted for the prevention of preterm birth. (I-A) 6. Bacterial vaginosis should be diagnosed using either clinical (Amsel's) or laboratory (Gram stain with objective scoring system) criteria. (II-2A) 7. Symptomatic bacterial vaginosis should be treated with oral metronidazole 500 mg twice daily for 7 days. Alternatives include vaginal metronidazole gel and oral or vaginal clindamycin cream. (I-A) 8. Longer courses of therapy for bacterial vaginosis are recommended for women with documented multiple recurrences. (I-A).
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Study results on the use of different therapies for the treatment of vaginitis in hospitalised pregnant women. Arch Gynecol Obstet 2015; 292:371-6. [DOI: 10.1007/s00404-015-3638-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2014] [Accepted: 01/23/2015] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
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Carmine L, Castillo M, Fisher M. Testing and treatment for sexually transmitted infections in adolescents--what's new? J Pediatr Adolesc Gynecol 2014; 27:50-60. [PMID: 24119658 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpag.2013.06.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2012] [Revised: 06/03/2013] [Accepted: 06/04/2013] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Significant changes are taking place in the diagnosis and management of sexually transmitted infections (STI) in adolescents and young adults. FINDINGS In this review article, we provide an update of STIs in adolescents and young adults including: (1) Adolescent risk; (2) Screening guidelines; (3) Clinical manifestations; (4) Diagnostic testing; (5) Treatment; and (6) Prevention; with an emphasis on "what's new" in the field. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE While the impacts of STI epidemiology and health care access are leading to new recommendations for screening and prevention, changes in technology and drug resistance are promoting new methods of STI testing and ongoing revisions of STI treatment recommendations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linda Carmine
- Division of Adolescent Medicine, Steven and Alexandra Cohen Children's Medical Center of New York, North Shore-Long Island Jewish Health System, New Hyde Park, NY; Hofstra North Shore-LIJ School of Medicine at Hofstra University, Hempstead, NY.
| | - Marigold Castillo
- Division of Adolescent Medicine, Steven and Alexandra Cohen Children's Medical Center of New York, North Shore-Long Island Jewish Health System, New Hyde Park, NY; Hofstra North Shore-LIJ School of Medicine at Hofstra University, Hempstead, NY
| | - Martin Fisher
- Division of Adolescent Medicine, Steven and Alexandra Cohen Children's Medical Center of New York, North Shore-Long Island Jewish Health System, New Hyde Park, NY; Hofstra North Shore-LIJ School of Medicine at Hofstra University, Hempstead, NY
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Mengistie Z, Woldeamanuel Y, Asrat D, Yigeremu M. Comparison of clinical and gram stain diagnosis methods of bacterial vaginosis among pregnant women in ethiopia. J Clin Diagn Res 2013; 7:2701-3. [PMID: 24551617 PMCID: PMC3919279 DOI: 10.7860/jcdr/2013/5872.3736] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2013] [Accepted: 05/14/2013] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Bacterial Vaginosis (BV) is characterized by an increased thin homogenous white vaginal discharge accompanied by fishy odour and increased vaginal pH. It is associated with different gynecologic and poor obstetric outcome. Bacterial vaginosis can be easily diagnosed by combination of two Amsel's criteria. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of Amsel's criteria individually or in combination of two for the clinical diagnosis of bacterial vaginosis among pregnant women in Ethiopia. MATERIAL AND METHODS In this crosssectional study 252 pregnant women were screened for bacterial vaginosis. Vaginal swabs were collected for pH determination, saline wet mount microscopic examination to detect clue cells, KOH preparation for whiff test and Gram-stain evaluation of vaginal flora for diagnosis of bacterial vaginosis by Nugent scoring system. Accuracy of clinical diagnosis using individual and two of Amsel's criteria was evaluated. RESULTS The prevalence of BV was 18.3% by Amsel's two of three criteria and 19.4% Gram by Nugent's methods. Comparing with Nugent scoring methods, the clinical diagnosis by Amsel's criteria had sensitivity of 85.7%, specificity of 98%. The most sensitive and specific individual Amsel's criterion was clue cells. Amsel's criteria with the lowest sensitivity and specificity were whiff test and vaginal pH respectively. Combination of clue cells with vaginal pH test were the highest in sensitive while whiff test with clue cells were the highest in specificity than the other combined two Amsel's criteria. CONCLUSION Amsel's criteria diagnosis of bacterial vaginosis can be simplified by using a combination of the two criteria, vaginal pH and clue cells, in settings where time or Gram staining is not available.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zemenu Mengistie
- Faculty, Department of Biomedical Science, College of Health Sciences, Mizan Tepi University, P.O. Box 260, Mizan, Ethiopia
| | - Yimtubezinash Woldeamanuel
- Faculty, Department of Medical Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Addis Ababa University, P.O. Box 9086, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Daniel Asrat
- Faculty, Department of Medical Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Addis Ababa University, P.O. Box 9086, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Mahlet Yigeremu
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Addis Ababa University, P.O. Box 9086, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
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Ladhani NNN, Yudin MH. Different Manifestations and Implications of Sexually Transmitted Infections and Vagnitides in Pregnancy. Sex Transm Dis 2012. [DOI: 10.1002/9781118314937.ch15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
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Sungkar A, Purwosunu Y, Aziz MF, Pratomo H, Sutrisna B, Sekizawa A. Influence of early self-diagnosis and treatment of bacterial vaginosis on preterm birth rate. Int J Gynaecol Obstet 2012; 117:264-7. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijgo.2012.01.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2011] [Revised: 01/06/2012] [Accepted: 02/22/2012] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
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Costa MC, Bornhausen Demarch E, Azulay DR, Périssé ARS, Dias MFRG, Nery JADC. Sexually transmitted diseases during pregnancy: a synthesis of particularities. An Bras Dermatol 2011; 85:767-82; quiz 783-5. [PMID: 21308300 DOI: 10.1590/s0365-05962010000600002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2010] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) have a significant prevalence in both the general population and pregnant women. Accordingly, we consider the physiological changes of the maternal organism that can alter the clinical course of these diseases. In addition, obstetric and neonatal complications may occur, resulting in increased maternal and infant morbidity and mortality. We explore features of the natural course and treatment during pregnancy of the major STDs: soft chancre, donovanosis, gonorrhea, chlamydia, viral hepatitis, genital herpes, human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, lymphogranuloma venereum, syphilis, and vulvovaginitis. We believe that health professionals should pay careful attention to STDs, particularly in relation to early diagnosis and precautions on the use of drugs during pregnancy. Prevention and partner treatment to achieve effective results are also extremely relevant.
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Lim K, Butt K, Crane JM. SOGC Clinical Practice Guideline. Ultrasonographic cervical length assessment in predicting preterm birth in singleton pregnancies. JOURNAL OF OBSTETRICS AND GYNAECOLOGY CANADA 2011; 33:486-499. [PMID: 21639971 DOI: 10.1016/s1701-2163(16)34884-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To review (1) the use of ultrasonographic-derived cervical length measurement in predicting preterm birth and (2) interventions associated with a short cervical length. OUTCOMES Reduction in rates of prematurity and/or better identification of those at risk, as well as possible prevention of unnecessary interventions. EVIDENCE Published literature was retrieved through searches of PubMed and The Cochrane Library up to December 2009, using appropriate controlled vocabulary and key words (preterm labour, ultrasound, cervix, incompetent cervix, transvaginal, transperineal, cervical length, fibronectin). Results were restricted to general and systematic reviews, randomized controlled trials/controlled clinical trials, and observational studies. There were no date or language restrictions. Grey (unpublished) literature was identified through searching the websites of health technology assessment and health technology assessment-related agencies, clinical practice guideline collections, clinical trial registries, and national and international medical specialty societies. VALUES The evidence and this guideline were reviewed by the Diagnostic Imaging Committee and the Maternal Fetal Medicine Committee of the Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada, and the recommendations were made according to the guidelines developed by The Canadian Task Force on Preventive Health Care (Table 1). BENEFITS, HARMS, AND COSTS Preterm birth is a leading cause of perinatal morbidity and mortality. Use of the ultrasonographic technique reviewed in this guideline may help identify women at risk of preterm birth and, in some circumstances, lead to interventions that may reduce the rate of preterm birth. SPONSORS The Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada.
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Czikk M, McCarthy F, Murphy K. Chorioamnionitis: from pathogenesis to treatment. Clin Microbiol Infect 2011; 17:1304-11. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1469-0691.2011.03574.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
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Lim K, Butt K, Crane JM, Morin L, Bly S, Butt K, Cargill Y, Davies G, Denis N, Lim K, Ouellet A, Salem S, Senikas V, Ehman W, Biringer A, Gagnon A, Graves L, Hey J, Konkin J, Léger F, Marshall C, Gagnon R, Hudon L, Basso M, Bos H, Crane JM, Davies G, Delisle MF, Menticoglou S, Mundle W, Ouellet A, Pressey T, Pylypjuk C, Roggensack A, Sanderson F. Recours à l’évaluation échographique de la longueur cervicale pour prédire l’accouchement préterme dans le cadre de grossesses monofœtales. JOURNAL OF OBSTETRICS AND GYNAECOLOGY CANADA 2011. [DOI: 10.1016/s1701-2163(16)34885-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Barros FC, Bhutta ZA, Batra M, Hansen TN, Victora CG, Rubens CE. Global report on preterm birth and stillbirth (3 of 7): evidence for effectiveness of interventions. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 2010; 10 Suppl 1:S3. [PMID: 20233384 PMCID: PMC2841444 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2393-10-s1-s3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 171] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Interventions directed toward mothers before and during pregnancy and childbirth may help reduce preterm births and stillbirths. Survival of preterm newborns may also be improved with interventions given during these times or soon after birth. This comprehensive review assesses existing interventions for low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). METHODS Approximately 2,000 intervention studies were systematically evaluated through December 31, 2008. They addressed preterm birth or low birth weight; stillbirth or perinatal mortality; and management of preterm newborns. Out of 82 identified interventions, 49 were relevant to LMICs and had reasonable amounts of evidence, and therefore selected for in-depth reviews. Each was classified and assessed by the quality of available evidence and its potential to treat or prevent preterm birth and stillbirth. Impacts on other maternal, fetal, newborn or child health outcomes were also considered. Assessments were based on an adaptation of the Grades of Recommendation Assessment, Development and Evaluation criteria. RESULTS Most interventions require additional research to improve the quality of evidence. Others had little evidence of benefit and should be discontinued. The following are supported by moderate- to high-quality evidence and strongly recommended for LMICs: Two interventions prevent preterm births--smoking cessation and progesterone. Eight interventions prevent stillbirths--balanced protein energy supplementation, screening and treatment of syphilis, intermittant presumptive treatment for malaria during pregnancy, insecticide-treated mosquito nets, birth preparedness, emergency obstetric care, cesarean section for breech presentation, and elective induction for post-term delivery. Eleven interventions improve survival of preterm newborns--prophylactic steroids in preterm labor, antibiotics for PROM, vitamin K supplementation at delivery, case management of neonatal sepsis and pneumonia, delayed cord clamping, room air (vs. 100% oxygen) for resuscitation, hospital-based kangaroo mother care, early breastfeeding, thermal care, and surfactant therapy and application of continued distending pressure to the lungs for respiratory distress syndrome CONCLUSION The research paradigm for discovery science and intervention development must be balanced to address prevention as well as improve morbidity and mortality in all settings. This review also reveals significant gaps in current knowledge of interventions spanning the continuum of maternal and fetal outcomes, and the critical need to generate further high-quality evidence for promising interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernando C Barros
- Post-Graduate Course in Health and Behaviour, Universidade Catolica de Pelotas, Brazil
| | | | - Maneesh Batra
- Divison of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | | | | | - Craig E Rubens
- Global Alliance to Prevent Prematurity and Stillbirth, an initiative of Seattle Children's, Seattle, Washington, USA
- Department of Pediatrics at University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington, USA
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