The impact of changes in preterm birth among twins on stillbirth and infant mortality in the United States

Trends in early gestation stillbirths and neonatal deaths in New South Wales, Australia 2002-2019

BACKGROUND

Little research has focused on understanding trends in early gestation (20-27 weeks) stillbirths and neonatal deaths.

AIMS

To examine trends in early gestation stillbirths and neonatal deaths in New South Wales (NSW), Australia.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Population-based cohort study of all births ≥20 weeks gestation among female NSW residents during 2002 to 2019, induced pregnancy terminations excluded. Stillbirth rates by gestational age and birth year were calculated per 1000 fetuses-at-risk (FAR). Neonatal death rates by gestational age and birth year were calculated per 1000 live births. Linear regression was used to examine trends in stillbirth and neonatal death rates among all, singleton and twin births.

RESULTS

Declining trends in early gestation stillbirth and neonatal death rates were found. Stillbirth rates decreased from 1.9 and 0.9/1000 FAR in 2002 to 1.6 and 0.7 in 2019 for 20-23 and 24-27 week groups, respectively. Neonatal rates decreased from 940 and 315/1000 live births in 2002 to 925 and 189 in 2019 for the 20-23 and 24-27 week groups, respectively. Among singleton births, declining trends in stillbirth and neonatal death rates across all age groups were observed, except for 37-38 week stillbirths. No trends in twin stillbirth rates were found across gestational age groups, although a decreasing trend was observed for 20-23 week twin neonatal deaths.

CONCLUSIONS

Trends in early gestation stillbirth and neonatal deaths have declined in recent decades in NSW but further efforts are needed to reduce both early and late gestation stillbirth rates among twin births.

Temporal trends and adverse perinatal outcomes of twin pregnancies at differing gestational ages: an observational study from China between 2012-2020

BACKGROUND

With the development of assisted reproductive technology, the twinning rate in China has been increasing. However, little is known about twinning from 2014 onwards. In addition, previous studies analysing optimal gestational times have rarely considered maternal health conditions. Therefore, whether maternal health conditions affect the optimal gestational time remains unclear.

METHODS

Data of women delivered between January 2012 and December 2020 were collected through China's National Maternal Near Miss Surveillance System. Interrupted time series analysis was used to determine the rates of twinning, stillbirth, smaller than gestational age (SGA), and low Apgar scores (< 4) among twins in China. To estimate the risk of each adverse perinatal outcome for separate gestational weeks, a multivariate generalised linear model was used. Infants born at 37 weeks of gestational age or foetuses staying in utero were used as reference separately. The analyses were adjusted for the sampling distribution of the population and the cluster effect at the hospital and individual levels were considered.

RESULTS

There were 442,268 infants enrolled in this study, and the adjusted rates for twinning, stillbirth, SGA, and low Apgar scores were 3.10%, 1.75%, 7.70%, and 0.79%, respectively. From 2012 to 2020, the twinning rate showed an increasing trend. Adverse perinatal outcomes, including stillbirth, SGA, and low Apgar scores showed a decreasing trend. A gestational age between 34 and 36 weeks decreased most for rate of stillbirth (average changing rate -9.72%, 95% confidence interval [CI] -11.41% to -8.00%); and a gestational age of between 37 and 38 weeks decreased most for rates of SGA (average changing rate -4.64%, 95% CI -5.42% to -3.85%) and low Apgar scores (average changing rate -17.61%, 95% CI -21.73% to -13.26%). No significant difference in changes in twinning rate or changes of each perinatal outcome was observed during periods of different fertility policies. Infants born at 37 weeks of gestation had a decreased risk of stillbirth, SGA, and low Apgar scores. Maternal antepartum or medical complications increased the risk of SGA and low Apgar scores in different gestational weeks.

CONCLUSION

China's twinning rate showed an increasing trend, while adverse perinatal outcomes decreased from 2012 to 2020. Fertility policy changes have had little effect on the twinning rate or the rate of adverse perinatal outcomes such as stillbirth, SGA, or low Apgar scores. The optimal gestational age for twins was 37 weeks. Women pregnant with twins and with antepartum or medical complications should be cautious due to an increased risk of SGA and low Apgar scores.

Intrapartum Antibiotic Exposure and Body Mass Index in Children

BACKGROUND

Intrapartum antibiotic prophylaxis (IAP) reduces a newborn's risk of group B streptococcal infection (GBS) but may lead to an increased childhood body mass index (BMI).

METHODS

This was a retrospective cohort study of infants (n = 223 431) born 2007-2015 in an integrated healthcare system. For vaginal delivery, we compared children exposed to GBS-IAP and to any other type or duration of intrapartum antibiotics to no antibiotic exposure. For cesarean delivery, we compared children exposed to GBS-IAP to those exposed to all other intrapartum antibiotics, including surgical prophylaxis. BMI over 5 years was compared using nonlinear multivariate models with B-spline functions, stratified by delivery mode and adjusted for demographics, maternal factors, breastfeeding, and childhood antibiotic exposure.

RESULTS

In vaginal deliveries, GBS-IAP was associated with higher BMI from 0.5 to 5.0 years of age compared to no antibiotics (P < .0001 for all time points, ΔBMI at age 5 years 0.12 kg/m2, 95% confidence interval [CI]: .07-.16 kg/m2). Other antibiotics were associated with higher BMI from 0.3 to 5.0 years of age. In cesarean deliveries, GBS-IAP was associated with increased BMI from 0.7 years to 5.0 years of age (P < .05 for 0.7-0.8 years, P < .0001 for all other time points) compared to other antibiotics (ΔBMI at age 5 years 0.24 kg/m2, 95% CI: .14-.34 kg/m2). Breastfeeding did not modify these associations.

CONCLUSIONS

GBS-IAP was associated with a small but sustained increase in BMI starting at very early age. This association highlights the need to better understand the effects of perinatal antibiotic exposure on childhood health.

Gestational age, morbidity and mortality among twin births in New South Wales, Australia 2003-2014: A cohort study

BACKGROUND

Evidence suggests that the trend toward early planned births observed among singletons may be evident among twin pregnancies.

AIMS

To describe trends in gestational age at birth, pregnancy characteristics, neonatal morbidity and mortality among twin pregnancies.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Population-based data linkage study of twin births of ≥30 weeks of gestation without a major congenital anomaly born in 2003-2014 in New South Wales (NSW), Australia. Linked pregnancy and birth, hospital and mortality data were used. Generalised linear regression was used to assess linear trends. Risk difference (RD) and 95% confidence intervals were estimated.

RESULTS

Among 28 076 eligible twin births (14 038 pregnancies), 49% of births occurred prior to 37 weeks and 69% of births were planned (pre-labour caesarean or induction of labour). There were increases over time in the proportion of twin births at preterm gestations (30-34 weeks (RD 2.1, 95% CI 0.1, 4.0), 35-36 weeks (RD 7.5, 95% CI 5.4, 9.7)) and in the rates of planned births (pre-labour caesarean (RD 6.4, 95% CI 4.0, 8.8), induction (RD 4.6, 95% CI 2.6, 6.6)). There was no significant change in stillbirth or neonatal death rates, but there was an increase in neonatal morbidity over the study period. Concurrently, there were increases in the prevalence of gestational diabetes; and decreases in pregnancy hypertension, assisted reproductive technology use, small-for-gestational age and birthweight discordance.

CONCLUSIONS

Gestational age at birth among twin births is decreasing and birth intervention is increasing. There are increasing rates of neonatal morbidity, but no overall change in perinatal mortality.

Effect of In-Utero Antibiotic Exposure on Childhood Outcomes: Methods and Baseline Data of the Fetal Antibiotic EXposure (FAX) Cohort Study

BACKGROUND

The widespread use of antepartum and intrapartum antibiotics has raised concerns about the possible disruption of the child's gut microbiota and effects on the maturation from the infant to the adult microbiome. The Fetal Antibiotic EXposure (FAX) study provides a cohort to examine the association between in-utero exposure to antibiotics and adverse childhood outcomes including body weight, atopic diseases, and autism spectrum disorders and to investigate the role of other potential factors mitigating or moderating the risk for adverse outcomes.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this paper was to describe the methods, cohort characteristics, and retention of infants included in the study cohort.

METHODS

For this retrospective cohort study, we included children born in Kaiser Permanente Southern California (KPSC) hospitals between January 1, 2007, and December 31, 2015, within 22 to 44 completed weeks of gestation with KPSC insurance coverage during the first year of life. Follow-up data collection was performed through electronic medical records.

RESULTS

The study cohort was comprised 223,431 children of which 65.7% (146,720/223,431) were exposed to antibiotics in-utero: 19.0% (42,511/223,431) were exposed during the antepartum period, 30.0% (66,896/223,431) during the intrapartum period, and 16.7% (37,313/223,431) exposed during both the antepartum and intrapartum periods. During their first year of life, children had a median of 5 weight and height measurements; the frequency of weight and height measurements declined to a median of 3 in their second year of life and 2 for 3 to 5 years of age. The 5-year retention of children in the health plan was over 80% with the highest retention for Hispanic children.

CONCLUSIONS

This cohort of children will provide a unique opportunity to address key questions regarding the long-term sequelae of in-utero exposure to antibiotics using real-world data. The high retention and multiple medical visits over time allow us to model the trajectories of body mass index over time.

INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID)

DERR1-10.2196/12065.

Temporal trends in the birth rates and perinatal mortality of twins: A population-based study in China

OBJECTIVE

Until now, little was known about the epidemiological characteristics of twins in China due to a lack of reliable national data. In this study, we aimed to analyze temporal trends and perinatal mortality of twins from China.

METHODS

Data on twins between 2007 and 2014 were obtained from the China National Population-Based Birth Defects Surveillance System. Twin and singleton deliveries after at least 28 weeks of gestation were recruited and followed until postnatal day 42. Twinning rates were defined as the number of twin individuals per 1000 births(stillbirths and live births). The Weinberg's differential method was utilized to estimate the number of monozygotic and dizygotic twins.

RESULTS

During 2007-2014, the twinning rate increased by 32.3% from 16.4 to 21.7 per 1000 total births with an average of 18.8‰. Among twins, both the perinatal mortality rate (26.1 per 1000 total births) and neonatal death rate (15.7 per 1000 live births) presented a downward tendency but remained at a high level. Large urban-rural and geographic disparities were identified in twinning rates, in perinatal and neonatal mortality, and in their temporal trends.

CONCLUSIONS

The upward trend of twinning rates in China paired with the relatively high rates of perinatal and neonatal mortality among twins highlights the need for improved perinatal care in the light of socio-demographic differences.

The Role of Bowel Ultrasound in Detecting Subclinical Inflammation in Pregnant Women with Crohn's Disease

Background and Aims

Maintaining disease remission improves outcomes for pregnant women with Crohn’s disease (CD). As symptoms may correlate poorly with disease activity in the gravid state, we investigated the utility of bowel sonography during pregnancy to assess disease activity.

Methods

We conducted a prospective observational cohort study of pregnant women with CD undergoing bowel sonography between July 1, 2012, and December 1, 2016. Clinically active disease was defined using standardized clinical indices (Harvey Bradshaw Index >4 for active disease). Sonographic findings were graded as inactive (normal, mild) or active (moderate, severe) by expert radiologists.

Results

There were 91 pregnancies in 82 CD patients. Symptoms were present in 12 pregnancies; however, eight (67%) had sonographic findings of inactive disease, and escalation of therapy was not initiated. Conversely, sonographically active disease in seven asymptomatic pregnancies resulted in four women escalating therapy. The remaining three women declined escalation of therapy, one had a miscarriage, and the other two women had persistently active disease on sonography and endoscopy at one-year postpartum.

Conclusions

Bowel ultrasound may detect subclinical inflammation in asymptomatic pregnant women with CD and stratify CD activity in symptomatic patients. Therefore, bowel sonography should be considered as a useful adjunct for the assessment of the pregnant woman with Crohn’s disease.

The Effect of Twin Birth on Neonatal and Infant Mortality Rates: A Systematic Review

Background and aims: Twin birth may account for higher mortality rates in infants and neonates. To investigate the potential relationship between twin birth and infant and neonatal mortality rates (NMRs), a systematic review was conducted. Methods: To gather the evidence for the relationship between twin birth and its potential effect on mortality during infancy and neonatal periods, a systematic review was conducted. The most important used databases were PubMed, Google Scholar, Web of Science, Scopus, ProQuest, Cochrane and Springer. Then, the databases were searched by appropriate keywords. After reviewing and evaluating the collected studies, trends in the different countries were compared. Results: A total of 13 790 related studies were found, of which 128 studies were selected in the first step. The studies which were not related to the subject, in addition to repetitive studies, were excluded from the search in the second step based on inclusion and exclusion criteria by reviewing the abstract and, in some cases, the full article. Finally, 7 studies entered the last step. Conclusion: This study showed that the mortality could be higher among twins than among non-twins, especially among boys.

Safe Sleep Infant Care Practices Reported by Mothers of Twins

BACKGROUND

The high prevalence of prematurity and low birth-weight places twin infants at increased risk for sudden unexpected infant death (SUID) and/or sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Risk for these SUID and SIDS is affected by a combination of nonmodifiable intrinsic risk factors and modifiable extrinsic stressors including infant care practices related to sleep. Although adherence to the full scope of American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) 2011 recommendations is intended to decrease risk, these recommendations are aimed at singleton infants and may require tailoring for families with multiple infants.

PURPOSE

The study describes infant care practices reported by mothers of twins in the first 6 months postpartum.

METHODS

Mothers caring for twin infants (N = 35) were surveyed online both longitudinally (at 2, 8, 16, and 24 weeks after infant hospital discharge) and cross-sectionally. AAP recommendations (2011) guided survey content.

RESULTS

The degree of adherence to AAP recommendations varied over time. For example, mothers of twins reported 100% adherence to placing twins supine for sleep initially, but many reported putting babies on their stomachs for naps as twins became older. Sharing a parent's bedroom decreased over time as did frequency of crib sharing. Fewer than half of mothers offered a pacifier most or all of the time for sleep.

IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE

Opportunities exist for development of an educational program geared specifically for postpartum parents of twins.

IMPLICATIONS FOR RESEARCH

Barriers affecting adherence to AAP recommendations and effectiveness of educational programs addressing needs of this unique population need further exploration.