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Mathur S, Olsthoorn AV. Racial and ethnic differences in access to and outcomes of elective induction of labor in low-risk pregnancies: a scoping review. Arch Gynecol Obstet 2024; 310:2387-2397. [PMID: 39287683 DOI: 10.1007/s00404-024-07735-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2024] [Accepted: 09/06/2024] [Indexed: 09/19/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Elective induction of labor (IOL) has been increasingly performed since growing data suggesting its safety and potential improved maternal and neonatal outcomes. Recommendations of elective IOL for patients from racial or ethnic minority backgrounds given the data showing increased risk of stillbirth for some populations has been met with criticism. This scoping review aims to determine if there are racial disparities in access to elective IOL and maternal and neonatal outcomes. METHODS A review of the literature on IOL that appeared in English journals was performed using MEDLINE and EMBASE. The search strategy included the combination of key terms "induction of labour" and "race" or "ethnicity" in titles, abstracts, or keywords. RESULTS A total of 8 studies were identified and included. The articles were heterogenous in the race or ethnicity distinctions they used for analysis. Three out of 4 studies that analyzed the rate of elective IOL by race found that White patients were more likely to receive the intervention. Three out of 4 studies that analyzed outcomes of IOL found no difference, while one study found Black patients benefit most from IOL at 38 weeks compared to other races that had the lowest risk of complications with IOL at 39 weeks. CONCLUSION Racial and ethnic disparities exist with White patients being most likely to access this intervention. The majority of data points to similar outcomes, suggesting no increased harm to elective IOL for a particular group. However, the optimal timing of elective IOL given disproportionate stillbirth risk remains to be elucidated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siddhi Mathur
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Alisha V Olsthoorn
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Trillium Health Partners, Mississauga, ON, Canada.
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Raphael K, Wiles K, Iliodromiti S, Greco E. A review of ethnic disparities in preeclampsia. Curr Opin Obstet Gynecol 2024:00001703-990000000-00157. [PMID: 39361440 DOI: 10.1097/gco.0000000000000996] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/05/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Recent reports have reiterated the inequities in maternal morbidity and mortality for minority ethnic groups, with preeclampsia being a significant concern. Females of Black and South Asian ethnicity have an increased risk of preeclampsia with disproportionately higher adverse outcomes compared to white females. RECENT FINDINGS This review will explore ethnic disparities in preeclampsia outcomes, prediction, diagnosis, prevention and management. Recent evidence has demonstrated that biochemical and biophysical markers that are used for preeclampsia prediction and diagnosis vary for females of different ethnic groups. This needs careful consideration given the current need for accurate prediction models. Furthermore, recent reports have highlighted the disparity in maternal morbidity for those of minority ethnic groups. The reasons for this are multifactorial but underlying biases and racism have been attributed as major contributors to poor care and adverse outcomes. SUMMARY Exploring disparities in preeclampsia care is essential to address ethnic inequities that lead to increased adverse outcomes. We must alter current clinical practice to break down the barriers that result in substandard care for females from minority ethnic backgrounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katie Raphael
- Women's Health Research Unit, Wolfson Institute of Population Health, Queen Mary University of London
- Barts Health NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - Kate Wiles
- Women's Health Research Unit, Wolfson Institute of Population Health, Queen Mary University of London
- Barts Health NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - Stamatina Iliodromiti
- Women's Health Research Unit, Wolfson Institute of Population Health, Queen Mary University of London
- Barts Health NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - Elena Greco
- Women's Health Research Unit, Wolfson Institute of Population Health, Queen Mary University of London
- Barts Health NHS Trust, London, UK
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3
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Gupta A, Patel DJ, Pajai S. Exploring the Spectrum of Electrolyte Imbalances in Preeclampsia: Mechanisms, Implications, and Clinical Insights. Cureus 2024; 16:e67666. [PMID: 39314616 PMCID: PMC11418792 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.67666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 08/24/2024] [Indexed: 09/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Preeclampsia, a complex and perplexing disorder unique to pregnancy, is widely recognized as primarily originating from placental dysfunction and can only be resolved by the delivery of the fetus in severe cases. Preeclampsia is a prevalent medical issue during pregnancy and is associated with elevated rates of maternal and infant mortality and morbidity. The exact cause of preeclampsia remains uncertain, although multiple factors have been implicated in its development based on current knowledge. Preeclampsia is characterized by maternal endothelial dysfunction due to the presence of fetal-derived circulatory substances from the placenta. The condition is associated with various risk factors, including maternal comorbidities such as chronic renal disease, hypertension (HTN), and obesity. Additionally, a family history of preeclampsia, nulliparity, multiple gestations, previous instances of preeclampsia, or intrauterine fetal growth restriction (IUGR) are considered risk factors. Electrolytes, including sodium, potassium, and chloride, play a critical role in the function of vascular smooth muscles and may potentially contribute to the pathophysiology of hypertension. In this review, we have summarized the literature on electrolytes in preeclampsia by conducting an extensive systematic search of databases such as PubMed, Excerpta Medica database (EMBASE), and Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online (MEDLINE).
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Affiliation(s)
- Aishwarya Gupta
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Datta Meghe Institute of Higher Education and Research, Wardha, IND
| | - Dharmesh J Patel
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Datta Meghe Institute of Higher Education and Research, Wardha, IND
| | - Sandhya Pajai
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Datta Meghe Institute of Higher Education and Research, Wardha, IND
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4
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Minopoli M, Noël L, Dagge A, Blayney G, Bhide A, Thilaganathan B. Maternal ethnicity and socioeconomic deprivation: influence on adverse pregnancy outcomes. ULTRASOUND IN OBSTETRICS & GYNECOLOGY : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY OF ULTRASOUND IN OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY 2024; 64:187-192. [PMID: 38419266 DOI: 10.1002/uog.27625] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2023] [Revised: 02/17/2024] [Accepted: 02/18/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the relative importance of ethnicity and socioeconomic deprivation in determining the likelihood and prevalence of placentally derived composite of adverse pregnancy outcomes (CAPO) and composite of severe adverse pregnancy outcomes (CAPO-S). METHODS This was a single-center retrospective cohort study of data obtained in a tertiary maternity unit. Data regarding ethnicity and socioeconomic deprivation (as measured with indices of multiple deprivation) were collected for 13 165 singleton pregnancies screened routinely in the first trimester for pre-eclampsia using the Fetal Medicine Foundation combined risk-assessment algorithm. CAPO was defined as the presence of one or more interrelated outcomes associated with placental dysfunction, namely, hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, preterm birth, birth weight ≤ 10th centile and stillbirth. CAPO-S was defined as the presence of one or more of the following: hypertensive disorders of pregnancy at < 37 + 0 weeks, preterm birth at < 34 + 0 weeks, birth weight ≤ 5th centile and stillbirth at < 37 + 0 weeks. RESULTS The prevalence of CAPO was 16.3% in white women, 29.3% in black women and 29.3% in South Asian women. However, half (51.7%) of all CAPO cases occurred in white women. There was a strong interaction between ethnicity and socioeconomic deprivation, with a correlation coefficient of -0.223. Both ethnicity and socioeconomic deprivation influenced the prevalence of CAPO and CAPO-S, with the contribution of ethnicity being the strongest. CONCLUSIONS Black and Asian ethnicity, as well as socioeconomic deprivation, influence the prevalence of placenta-mediated adverse pregnancy outcomes. Despite this, most adverse pregnancy outcomes occur in white women, who represent the majority of the population and are also affected by socioeconomic deprivation. For these reasons, inclusion of socioeconomic deprivation should be considered in early pregnancy risk assessment for placenta-mediated CAPO. © 2024 The Authors. Ultrasound in Obstetrics & Gynecology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Minopoli
- Fetal Medicine Unit, St George's University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, University of London, London, UK
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Obstetrics and Gynaecology Unit, Università degli Study di Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - L Noël
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - A Dagge
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine, Northern Lisbon University Hospital, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - G Blayney
- Fetal Medicine Unit, St George's University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, University of London, London, UK
- Department of Fetal Medicine, Royal Jubilee Maternity Service, Belfast Health and Social Care Trust, Belfast, UK
| | - A Bhide
- Fetal Medicine Unit, St George's University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, University of London, London, UK
- Vascular Biology Research Centre, Molecular and Clinical Sciences Research Institute, St George's University of London, London, UK
| | - B Thilaganathan
- Fetal Medicine Unit, St George's University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, University of London, London, UK
- Vascular Biology Research Centre, Molecular and Clinical Sciences Research Institute, St George's University of London, London, UK
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Borbolla Foster A, Haxton J, Bennett N, Hyett J, Park F. Redesigning antenatal care: Prospective use of an implementation framework to establish a population-based multidisciplinary first-trimester screening, assessment and prevention service. Aust N Z J Obstet Gynaecol 2024. [PMID: 38779915 DOI: 10.1111/ajo.13837] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2023] [Accepted: 04/30/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Australian rates of adverse obstetric outcomes have improved little despite guidelines recommending history-based screening and intervention. The first trimester provides a unique opportunity to predict and prevent complications, yet population-based screening has failed to be translated into broad clinical practice. AIMS This study aimed to redesign antenatal care within an Australian public healthcare centre to align with evidence-based maternity care, including population-based first-trimester screening with early initiation of preventative strategies in high-risk pregnancies. METHODS A five-phase action-process model, sharing key elements with implementation science theory, was used to explore barriers to change in antenatal care, co-design a novel service with consumers and establish a population-based antenatal pathway commencing with a multidisciplinary first-trimester screening, assessment and planning visit. RESULTS The case for change and associated barriers were defined from the perspective of antenatal care stakeholders. Key needs of each group were established, and solutions were created using co-design methodology, allowing the team to create a novel approach to antenatal care which directly addressed identified barriers. Implementation of the service was associated with a fall in the median gestation at first specialist maternity care provider visit from 20 to 13 weeks. CONCLUSIONS This study confirms the feasibility of establishing a comprehensive first-trimester screening program within a public Australian healthcare setting and highlights a co-design process which places individualised assessment at the forefront of antenatal care. This framework may be applicable to most public maternity settings in Australia, with expansion aimed at providing equity of care, including in rural and remote settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ailsa Borbolla Foster
- Department of Maternity and Gynaecology, John Hunter Hospital, New Lambton Hts, New South Wales, Australia
- School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Jennifer Haxton
- Department of Maternity and Gynaecology, John Hunter Hospital, New Lambton Hts, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Nicole Bennett
- Department of Maternity and Gynaecology, John Hunter Hospital, New Lambton Hts, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Jon Hyett
- Ingham Institute, Faculty of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Liverpool, New South Wales, Australia
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Liverpool Hospital, Liverpool, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Felicity Park
- Department of Maternity and Gynaecology, John Hunter Hospital, New Lambton Hts, New South Wales, Australia
- School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia
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6
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Sharma K, Bhat S, Bhat SM. Causes of stillbirth in ethnically diverse women in a Perth metropolitan hospital: A retrospective study. Aust N Z J Obstet Gynaecol 2024; 64:141-146. [PMID: 37905931 DOI: 10.1111/ajo.13761] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2023] [Accepted: 10/05/2023] [Indexed: 11/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Most published reports analysing the differences in causation of stillbirth between different ethnic groups focus on stillbirth risk factors, with a paucity of data comparing actual causes of stillbirth. AIMS To determine whether causes of stillbirth differ between Caucasian and non-Caucasian ethnic groups in an Australian context. MATERIALS AND METHODS Data from all stillbirths occurring at 20 or more completed weeks of gestation between 1 January 2010 and 31 December 2020 at a secondary level, outer metropolitan hospital, were analysed in this retrospective case series. Causes of stillbirth as determined by perinatal autopsy and placental histopathology were categorised using the Perinatal Society of Australia and New Zealand Perinatal Death Classification and compared between Caucasian and non-Caucasian groups. RESULTS Ninety-two stillbirths (0.7% of all births) were identified during the study period. A greater proportion of non-Caucasian women had small for gestation age placentas compared to Caucasian women (n = 22/43 (51%) vs n = 12/49 (24%); P = 0.025). A greater proportion of stillbirths were caused by hypoxic peripartum death in non-Caucasian than in Caucasian women (n = 4/43 (9%) vs n = 0/49 (0%); P = 0.044), and a greater prevalence of placental dysfunction was seen in the non-Caucasian cohort compared to Caucasian women (n = 14/43 (33%) vs n = 8/49 (16%); P = 0.057). CONCLUSIONS The differences observed in causes of stillbirth between Caucasian and non-Caucasian women are hypothesis generating and warrant further larger-scale, multi-centred studies using standardised definitions and classification systems to determine whether these differences persist in a more representative sample.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kriti Sharma
- Royal Perth Hospital, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Saiuj Bhat
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Fiona Stanley Hospital, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Sangeeta Malla Bhat
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Armadale Health Service, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
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Huang L, Xiao W, Wang Y, Li J, Gong J, Tu E, Long L, Xiao B, Yan X, Wan L. Metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluRs) in epileptogenesis: an update on abnormal mGluRs signaling and its therapeutic implications. Neural Regen Res 2024; 19:360-368. [PMID: 37488891 PMCID: PMC10503602 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.379018] [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: 01/24/2023] [Revised: 04/07/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 07/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Epilepsy is a neurological disorder characterized by high morbidity, high recurrence, and drug resistance. Enhanced signaling through the excitatory neurotransmitter glutamate is intricately associated with epilepsy. Metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluRs) are G protein-coupled receptors activated by glutamate and are key regulators of neuronal and synaptic plasticity. Dysregulated mGluR signaling has been associated with various neurological disorders, and numerous studies have shown a close relationship between mGluRs expression/activity and the development of epilepsy. In this review, we first introduce the three groups of mGluRs and their associated signaling pathways. Then, we detail how these receptors influence epilepsy by describing the signaling cascades triggered by their activation and their neuroprotective or detrimental roles in epileptogenesis. In addition, strategies for pharmacological manipulation of these receptors during the treatment of epilepsy in experimental studies is also summarized. We hope that this review will provide a foundation for future studies on the development of mGluR-targeted antiepileptic drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leyi Huang
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Central South University Xiangya Medical School, Changsha, Hunan Province, China
| | - Wenjie Xiao
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Central South University Xiangya Medical School, Changsha, Hunan Province, China
| | - Yan Wang
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Central South University Xiangya Medical School, Changsha, Hunan Province, China
| | - Juan Li
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan Province, China
| | - Jiaoe Gong
- Department of Neurology, Hunan Children’s Hospital, Changsha, Hunan Province, China
| | - Ewen Tu
- Department of Neurology, Brain Hospital of Hunan Province, Changsha, Hunan Province, China
| | - Lili Long
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan Province, China
| | - Bo Xiao
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan Province, China
| | - Xiaoxin Yan
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Central South University Xiangya Medical School, Changsha, Hunan Province, China
| | - Lily Wan
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Central South University Xiangya Medical School, Changsha, Hunan Province, China
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Minopoli M, Noël L, Meroni A, Mascherpa M, Frick A, Thilaganathan B. Adverse pregnancy outcomes in women at increased risk of preterm pre-eclampsia on first-trimester combined screening. BJOG 2024; 131:81-87. [PMID: 37271740 DOI: 10.1111/1471-0528.17560] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2022] [Revised: 03/29/2023] [Accepted: 05/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Uteroplacental dysfunction may not only result in pre-eclampsia (PE) but also in preterm birth (PTB), small-for-gestational-age (SGA) birth and stillbirth. The aim of this study is to evaluate the positive predictive value (PPV) of first-trimester combined PE screening for all of these placenta-mediated adverse pregnancy outcomes. DESIGN Retrospective cohort study. SETTING Tertiary referral maternity unit. SAMPLE A total of 13 211 singleton pregnancies. METHODS First-trimester combined screening for preterm PE using the Fetal Medicine Foundation (FMF) algorithm. MAIN OUTCOMES MEASURES Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP), PTB, SGA birth and stillbirth were combined to assess composite adverse and severe adverse pregnancy outcomes (CAPO and CAPO-S). The PPVs for CAPO and CAPO-S were calculated for women with a combined risk for preterm PE of ≥1 in 50 and ≥1 in 100. RESULTS First-trimester combined screening identified 2215 women (16.8%) with a risk of ≥1 in 100 for preterm PE. The PPVs for a risk of ≥1 in 100 for CAPO and CAPO-S were 38.8% and 18.2%, respectively. The equivalent PPVs for a risk of ≥1 in 50 were 45.1% and 21.1%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS Women identified at high risk of preterm PE are also at increased risk of other placenta-mediated adverse pregnancy outcomes, such as PTB, SGA birth and stillbirth. Women at high risk for preterm PE after first-trimester screening may benefit from a higher surveillance care pathway, with interventions to mitigate all the adverse outcomes associated with placental dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monica Minopoli
- Fetal Medicine Unit, St George's University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Obstetrics and Gynaecology Unit, Università degli Study di Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Laure Noël
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Anna Meroni
- Fetal Medicine Unit, St George's University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Obstetrics and Gynaecology Unit, Università degli Studi di Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Margaret Mascherpa
- Fetal Medicine Unit, St George's University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Obstetrics and Gynaecology Unit, Università degli Studi di Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Alex Frick
- Fetal Medicine Unit, St George's University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Basky Thilaganathan
- Fetal Medicine Unit, St George's University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
- Vascular Biology Research Centre, Molecular and Clinical Sciences Research Institute, St George's University of London, London, UK
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Solebo AL, Teoh L, Sargent J, Rahi JS. Avoidable childhood blindness in a high-income country: findings from the British Childhood Visual Impairment and Blindness Study 2. Br J Ophthalmol 2023; 107:1787-1792. [PMID: 36229176 DOI: 10.1136/bjo-2022-321718] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2022] [Accepted: 09/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIMS Addressing childhood visual disability is an international priority, with data on causes needed to plan, implement and evaluate public health and clinical care. We have examined the contribution of 'avoidable' blinding disorders to childhood visual impairment, severe visual impairment and blindness (VI/SVIBL) in the UK. METHODS National prospective observational longitudinal study, the British Childhood Visual Impairment and Blindness Study 2 (BCVIS2), of children (aged 18 years or under) newly diagnosed with vision worse than 0.48 logMAR (logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution) or equivalent in both eyes. Proportions of children with an 'avoidable' disorder comprising either a potentially preventable (isolated disorders with an effective intervention which reduces disease incidence) or treatable (isolated eye or vision disorders for which there are routinely available effective interventions able to improve vision or halt progressive visual loss) are reported. RESULTS Of the 784 children within BCVIS2, isolated potentially preventable disorders were present in only 17% (132/784) and treatable disorders in an additional 13% (99/784). The most common treatable causes were cataract, retinopathy of prematurity and glaucoma. Of the 132 children with potentially preventable disease, 64 had hypoxic-ischaemic encephalopathy. Non-accidental injury accounted for almost two-thirds (11/16, 69%) of those with VI/SVIBL due to injury. CONCLUSION Despite significant progress in the past decades in high-income countries, there remains a need to be vigilant about implementing preventive strategies and treatments. Attention to disorders that are currently neither preventable nor treatable remains a priority in these settings and will become increasingly important in lower-income and middle-income countries undergoing economic transition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ameenat Lola Solebo
- Population, Policy and Practice Research and Teaching Department, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health Population Policy and Practice, London, UK
- NIHR Moorfields Biomedical Research Centre, London, UK
- Ophthalmology Department, Great Ormond Street Hospital, London, UK
- Ulverscroft Vision Research Group, London, UK
| | - Lucinda Teoh
- Population, Policy and Practice Research and Teaching Department, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health Population Policy and Practice, London, UK
- Ulverscroft Vision Research Group, London, UK
| | - Jenefer Sargent
- Wolfson Neurodisability Service, Great Ormond Street Hospital For Children NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - Jugnoo S Rahi
- Population, Policy and Practice Research and Teaching Department, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health Population Policy and Practice, London, UK
- NIHR Moorfields Biomedical Research Centre, London, UK
- Ophthalmology Department, Great Ormond Street Hospital, London, UK
- Ulverscroft Vision Research Group, London, UK
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10
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Meroni A, Mascherpa M, Minopoli M, Lambton B, Elkalaawy R, Frick A, Thilaganathan B. Is mid-gestational uterine artery Doppler still useful in a setting with routine first-trimester pre-eclampsia screening? A cohort study. BJOG 2023; 130:1128-1134. [PMID: 36852521 DOI: 10.1111/1471-0528.17441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2022] [Revised: 12/28/2022] [Accepted: 01/21/2023] [Indexed: 03/01/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate whether routine mid-gestational uterine artery Doppler (UtAD) modifies the risk for preterm pre-eclampsia after first-trimester combined pre-eclampsia screening. DESIGN Retrospective cohort study. SETTING London Tertiary Hospital. POPULATION A cohort of 7793 women with singleton pregnancies, first-trimester pre-eclampsia screening using the Fetal Medicine Foundation (FMF) algorithm and UtAD pulsatility index (PI) assessment at the mid-gestation ultrasound. METHODS Pregnancies were divided into four groups: high risk in both trimesters (H1 H2 ), high risk in the first but not in the second trimester (H1 L2 ), low risk in the first but high risk in the second trimester (L1 H2 ) and low risk in both trimesters (L1 L2 ). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Small for gestational age (SGA), hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) and stillbirth. RESULTS In this cohort, 600 (7.7%) and 620 (7.9%) women were designated as being at high risk in the first and second trimesters, respectively. Preterm pre-eclampsia was more prevalent in the H1 L2 group (4.5%) than in women considered at low risk in the first trimester (0.4%, p < 0.0001). The prevalence of preterm pre-eclampsia in the L1 H2 group (3.3%) was significantly lower than that in women considered at high risk in the first trimester (7.0%, p = 0.0076), and was higher than that observed in the L1 L2 group (0.2%, p < 0.0001). The prevalence of SGA and term HDP followed similar trends. CONCLUSIONS Pre-eclampsia risk after first-trimester FMF pre-eclampsia screening may be stratified through mid-gestational routine UtAD assessment. Pregnancy care should not be de-escalated for low mid-gestational UtAD resistance in women classified as being at high risk in the first trimester. The escalation of care may be justified in women at low risk but with high mid-gestational UtAD resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Meroni
- Fetal Medicine Unit, St George's University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Obstetrics and Gynaecology Unit, Università degli Studi di Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Margaret Mascherpa
- Fetal Medicine Unit, St George's University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Obstetrics and Gynaecology Unit, Università degli Studi di Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Monica Minopoli
- Fetal Medicine Unit, St George's University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Obstetrics and Gynaecology Unit, Università degli Study di Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Benjamin Lambton
- Fetal Medicine Unit, St George's University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Rawan Elkalaawy
- Fetal Medicine Unit, St George's University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Alexander Frick
- Fetal Medicine Unit, St George's University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
- Vascular Biology Research Centre, Molecular and Clinical Sciences Research Institute, St George's, University of London, London, UK
| | - Basky Thilaganathan
- Fetal Medicine Unit, St George's University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Obstetrics and Gynaecology Unit, Università degli Studi di Pavia, Pavia, Italy
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11
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Wu P, Green M, Myers JE. Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy. BMJ 2023; 381:e071653. [PMID: 37391211 DOI: 10.1136/bmj-2022-071653] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/02/2023]
Abstract
Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) are one of the most commonly occurring complications of pregnancy and include chronic hypertension, gestational hypertension, and pre-eclampsia. New developments in early pregnancy screening to identify women at high risk for pre-eclampsia combined with targeted aspirin prophylaxis could greatly reduce the number of affected pregnancies. Furthermore, recent advances in the diagnosis of pre-eclampsia, such as placental growth factor based testing, have been shown to improve the identification of those pregnancies at highest risk of severe complications. Evidence from trials has refined the target blood pressure and timing of delivery to manage chronic hypertension and pre-eclampsia with non-severe features, respectively. Importantly, a wealth of epidemiological data now links HDP to future cardiovascular disease and diabetes decades after an affected pregnancy. This review discusses the current guidelines and research data on the prevention, diagnosis, management, and postnatal follow-up of HDP. It also discusses the gap in knowledge regarding the long term risks for cardiovascular disease following HDP and illustrates the importance of improving adherence to postnatal guidelines to monitor hypertension and the need for more research focused on primary prevention of future cardiovascular disease in women identified as being at high risk because of HDP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pensée Wu
- School of Medicine, Keele University, Newcastle-under-Lyme, UK
- Academic Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University Hospital of North Midlands, Stoke-on-Trent, UK
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | | | - Jenny E Myers
- Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
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Liu B, Thilaganathan B, Bhide A. Phase-rectified signal averaging: correlation between two monitors and relationship with short-term variation of fetal heart rate. ULTRASOUND IN OBSTETRICS & GYNECOLOGY : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY OF ULTRASOUND IN OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY 2023; 61:765-772. [PMID: 36864541 DOI: 10.1002/uog.26192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Revised: 02/10/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2023] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To establish the correlation between phase-rectified signal averaging (PRSA) outputs obtained from a novel self-applicable non-invasive fetal electrocardiography (NIFECG) monitor with those from computerized cardiotocography (cCTG). A secondary objective was to evaluate the potential for remote assessment of fetal wellbeing by determining the relationship between PRSA and short-term variation (STV). METHODS This was a prospective observational study of women with a singleton pregnancy over 28 + 0 weeks' gestation attending a London teaching hospital for cCTG assessment. Participants underwent concurrent cCTG and NIFECG monitoring for up to 60 min. Averaged accelerative (AAC) and decelerative (ADC) capacities and STV were derived by postprocessing and filtration of signals, generating fully (F) and partially (P) filtered results. Linear correlation and accuracy and precision analysis were performed to assess the relationship between PRSA outputs from cCTG and NIFECG, using varying anchor thresholds, and their association with STV. RESULTS A total of 306 concurrent cCTG and NIFECG traces were collected from 285 women. F-filtered NIFECG PRSA (eAAC/eADC) results were generated from 65% of traces, whereas cCTG PRSA (cAAC/cADC) outputs were generated from all. Strong correlations were observed between cAAC and F-filtered eAAC (r = 0.879, P < 0.001) and between cADC and F-filtered eADC (r = 0.895, P < 0.001). NIFECG anchor detection decreased significantly with increasing signal loss, and NIFECG PRSA indices showed considerable deviation from those of cCTG when derived from traces in which fewer than 100 anchors were detected. Removing anchor filters from NIFECG traces to generate P-filtered PRSA outputs weakened the correlation (AAC: r = 0.505, P < 0.001; ADC: r = 0.560, P < 0.001). Lowering the anchor threshold to 100 increased the yield of eAAC and eADC outputs to approximately 74%, whilst maintaining strong correlation with cAAC (r = 0.839, P < 0.001) and cADC (r = 0.815, P < 0.001), respectively. Both cAAC and cADC showed a very strong linear relationship with cCTG STV (r = 0.928, P < 0.001 and r = 0.911, P < 0.001, respectively). Similar findings were observed with eAAC (r = 0.825, P < 0.001) and eADC (r = 0.827, P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS PRSA appears to be a method of fetal assessment equivalent to STV, but, due to its innate ability to eliminate artifacts, it generates interpretable NIFECG traces with high accuracy at a higher rate. These findings raise the possibility of self-applied at-home or remote fetal heart-rate monitoring with automated reporting, thus enabling increased surveillance in high-risk women without impacting on service demand. © 2023 The Authors. Ultrasound in Obstetrics & Gynecology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.
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Affiliation(s)
- B Liu
- Fetal Medicine Unit, St George's University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
- Vascular Biology Research Centre, Molecular and Clinical Sciences Research Institute, St George's University of London, London, UK
| | - B Thilaganathan
- Fetal Medicine Unit, St George's University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
- Vascular Biology Research Centre, Molecular and Clinical Sciences Research Institute, St George's University of London, London, UK
| | - A Bhide
- Fetal Medicine Unit, St George's University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
- Vascular Biology Research Centre, Molecular and Clinical Sciences Research Institute, St George's University of London, London, UK
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Abstract
Pre-eclampsia is a life-threatening disease of pregnancy unique to humans and a leading cause of maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality. Women who survive pre-eclampsia have reduced life expectancy, with increased risks of stroke, cardiovascular disease and diabetes, while babies from a pre-eclamptic pregnancy have increased risks of preterm birth, perinatal death and neurodevelopmental disability and cardiovascular and metabolic disease later in life. Pre-eclampsia is a complex multisystem disease, diagnosed by sudden-onset hypertension (>20 weeks of gestation) and at least one other associated complication, including proteinuria, maternal organ dysfunction or uteroplacental dysfunction. Pre-eclampsia is found only when a placenta is or was recently present and is classified as preterm (delivery <37 weeks of gestation), term (delivery ≥37 weeks of gestation) and postpartum pre-eclampsia. The maternal syndrome of pre-eclampsia is driven by a dysfunctional placenta, which releases factors into maternal blood causing systemic inflammation and widespread maternal endothelial dysfunction. Available treatments target maternal hypertension and seizures, but the only 'cure' for pre-eclampsia is delivery of the dysfunctional placenta and baby, often prematurely. Despite decades of research, the aetiology of pre-eclampsia, particularly of term and postpartum pre-eclampsia, remains poorly defined. Significant advances have been made in the prediction and prevention of preterm pre-eclampsia, which is predicted in early pregnancy through combined screening and is prevented with daily low-dose aspirin, starting before 16 weeks of gestation. By contrast, the prediction of term and postpartum pre-eclampsia is limited and there are no preventive treatments. Future research must investigate the pathogenesis of pre-eclampsia, in particular of term and postpartum pre-eclampsia, and evaluate new prognostic tests and treatments in adequately powered clinical trials.
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Allotey J, Bewley S, Kenny LC, Magee LA, Morris RK, O'Donoghue K, Paul A, van Smeden M, Thangaratinam S, Thornton JG, Von Dadelszen P, Zamora J. Re: Reducing health inequality in Black, Asian and other minority ethnic pregnant women: Impact of first-trimester combined screening for placental dysfunction on perinatal mortality. BJOG 2022; 129:1614-1615. [PMID: 35446464 DOI: 10.1111/1471-0528.17161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2022] [Accepted: 03/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- John Allotey
- Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Susan Bewley
- Department of Women & Children's Health, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Louise C Kenny
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, University of Liverpool School of Life Sciences, Liverpool, UK
| | - Laura Ann Magee
- Department of Women and Children's Health, School of Life Course Sciences, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Rachel K Morris
- Institute of Applied Health Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | | | - Ash Paul
- NHS South West London CCG, London, UK
| | | | - Shakila Thangaratinam
- Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
- Birmingham Women's and Children's NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, UK
| | | | - Peter Von Dadelszen
- Department of Women and Children's Health, School of Life Course Sciences, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Javier Zamora
- Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
- Clinical Biostatistics Unit, Hospital Universitario Ramón y Cajal (IRYCIS), Madrid, Spain
- CIBER Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
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Preventing Stillbirth: A Review of Screening and Prevention Strategies. MATERNAL-FETAL MEDICINE 2022. [DOI: 10.1097/fm9.0000000000000160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022] Open
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Abstract
Providers and health systems should use ethnic differences in risk of harm from healthcare to reimagine their role in reducing health inequalities, write Cian Wade and colleagues
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Affiliation(s)
- Cian Wade
- NHS England and NHS Improvement, London, UK
- Harvard T H Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | | | - Charles Vincent
- Department of Experimental Psychology, University of Oxford, UK
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