Management of hypertension before, during, and after pregnancy

Risks associated with antidepressants in patients with hypertension during pregnancy: a retrospective cohort study

PURPOSE

In a cohort of pregnant women using antihypertensive drugs, we compared exposure to antidepressants versus no exposure and the possible association with birth weight, APGAR scores, NICU admission, and maternal admission to an obstetrical intensive care unit (OHC). It was hypothesized that pregnant women with hypertensive disorders using antidepressants are at greater risk of complications.

METHODS

A retrospective cohort study in a general teaching hospital in Zwolle, in the Middle-Northern part of The Netherlands. Finally, 58 pregnancies in the exposed group and 273 pregnancies in the reference group met all inclusion and exclusion criteria. We compared the neonate's birthweight between the exposed to antidepressants group and the reference group as the primary outcome. Secondary outcomes were the APGAR score at 1 and 5 min and obstetric high care (OHC) admission of the mother and neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admission of the child.

RESULTS

We found no differences in birth weight in neonates of mothers with hypertensive disorders and whether or not to use antidepressants. Besides a possible higher risk of admission to an OHC in women with hypertension-complicated pregnancies using antidepressants, we found no other maternal or neonatal risks in this population.

CONCLUSION

We found no additional maternal or neonatal risks of using antidepressants prescribed to women with hypertension disorders during pregnancy.

Maternal pregnancy hypertension impairs nitric oxide formation and results in increased arterial blood pressure in first-generation offspring female rats

OBJECTIVES

Maternal endothelial dysfunction in pregnancy hypertension is related to impairment of nitric oxide (NO) formation. However, NO levels and hemodynamic repercussions on the female offspring remain unclear. Therefore, this study hypothesized that maternal pregnancy hypertension reduces circulating NO metabolites and increases arterial blood pressure in first-generation offspring female rats.

STUDY DESIGN

Descendant female rats were distributed in four groups as follows: virgin offspring of normotensive (VN) and hypertensive (VH) mothers and pregnant offspring of normotensive (PN) and hypertensive (PH) mothers. Hemodynamic and biochemical analyses were performed.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

The systolic (SBP) and diastolic (DBP) blood pressure, heart rate (HR), and body weight were measured. NO metabolites in plasma, NO formation in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) incubated with plasma, and endothelial NO synthase (eNOS) expression in aortas were determined.

RESULTS

Increased SBP, DBP, and reduced HR were found on the 60 days of life in the VH group, whereas the PH group showed increased SBP and HR on pregnancy day 7. All groups showed no differences in body weight gain and eNOS expression. Plasma levels of NO metabolites were increased in the PN compared to the other groups. Increases in the NO formation were greater in HUVECs incubated with plasma from VN and PN groups compared to the VH and PH groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Female virgin and pregnant first-generation offspring rats from hypertensive pregnant mothers may have negative cardiovascular repercussions featured by increases in SBP, and possibly impaired NO formation is involved.

Detection of Urinary Misfolded Proteins for Imminent Prediction of Preeclampsia in Pregnant Women With Suspected Cases: Protocol for a Prospective Noninterventional Study

BACKGROUND

Preeclampsia (PE) is one of the most common hypertensive diseases, affecting 2%-8% of all pregnancies. The high maternal and fetal mortality rates of PE are due to a lack of early identification of affected pregnant women that would have led to closer monitoring and care. Recent data suggest that misfolded proteins might be a promising biomarker for PE prediction, which can be detected in urine samples of pregnant women according to their congophilia (aggregated) characteristic.

OBJECTIVE

The main purpose of this trial is to evaluate the value of the urine congophilia-based detection of misfolded proteins for the imminent prediction of PE in women presenting with suspected PE. The secondary objectives are to demonstrate that the presence of urine misfolded proteins correlates with PE-related maternal or neonatal adverse outcomes, and to establish an accurate PE prediction model by combining misfolded proteins with multiple indicators.

METHODS

At least 300 pregnant women with clinical suspicion of PE will be enrolled in this prospective cohort study. Participants should meet the following inclusion criteria in addition to a suspicion of PE: ≥18 years old, gestational week between 20+0 and 33+6, and single pregnancy. Consecutive urine samples will be collected, blinded, and tested for misfolded proteins and other PE-related biomarkers at enrollment and at 4 follow-up visits. Clinical assessments of PE status and related complications for all participants will be performed at regular intervals using strict diagnostic criteria. Investigators and participants will remain blinded to the results. Follow-up will be performed until 42 days postpartum. Data from medical records, including maternal and fetal outcomes, will be collected. The performance of urine misfolded proteins alone and combined with other biomarkers or clinical variables for the prediction of PE will be statistically analyzed.

RESULTS

Enrollment started in July 2023 and was still open upon manuscript submission. As of March 2024, a total of 251 eligible women have been enrolled in the study and enrollment is expected to continue until August 2024. Results analysis is scheduled to start after all participants reach the follow-up endpoint and complete clinical data are collected.

CONCLUSIONS

Upon completion of the study, we expect to derive an accurate PE prediction model, which will allow for proactive management of pregnant women with clinical suspicion of PE and possibly reduce the associated adverse pregnancy outcomes. The additional prognostic value of misfolded proteins is also expected to be confirmed.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Chinese Clinical Trials Registry ChiCTR2300074878; https://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.html?proj=202096.

INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID)

PRR1-10.2196/54026.

Long-Term Predictors of Gestational Hypertension: Placental Growth Factor, Pregnancy-Associated Plasma Protein-A and Free Beta-Hcg Versus Mean Arterial Pressure and Uterine Artery Doppler Versus a Combination of Both: A Comparative Study

Background

According to WHO, hypertensive disease is the leading cause of direct maternal mortality accounting for 10-25% in developing countries (James in Heart, 90(12):1499-504). This study compares the combinations of mean arterial pressure (MAP) and uterine artery doppler (UAD) versus serum-free β HCG, pregnancy-associated plasma protein-A, and placental growth factor (PlGF) versus a combination of all variables at 11 to 13+6 as long-term predictors of pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH).

Materials and Methods

A prospective, observational cohort study recruited 97 primigravidae at 11 to 13+6 weeks gestation at GMCH. Follow-up was done at 32-34 weeks and before delivery. Development of PIH, mode of delivery, birthweight, maternal and fetal adverse outcomes were documented, analyzed and compared among three groups. In Group A-biophysical markers, Group B-biochemical markers and in Group C all variables were used.

Results

The mean age, maternal weight, height and BMI of patients developing gestational hypertension were 30 ± 5 years, 64.3 ± 12.5 kg, 155.8 ± 5.5 cm and 26.4 ± 4.1, respectively. Out of the 3, Group C is the best screening test for predicting the overall chance of development of gestational hypertension with a sensitivity of 97.37% and specificity of 38.98% (p < 0.0001). A mild negative correlation is seen between PlGF levels and severity of PIH (p-0.0382).

Conclusion

MAP and UAD can be easily incorporated into the infrastructure of most hospitals. If the biochemical test kits are made available at a low cost through available programs such as JSSK, it can bring down the MMR by preventing gestational hypertension.

The impact of isolated obesity compared with obesity and other risk factors on risk of stillbirth: a retrospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

Maternal obesity is associated with stillbirth, but uncertainty persists around the effects of higher obesity classes. We sought to compare the risk of stillbirth associated with maternal obesity alone versus maternal obesity and additional or undiagnosed factors contributing to high-risk pregnancy.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective cohort study using the Better Outcomes Registry and Network (BORN) for singleton hospital births in Ontario between 2012 and 2018. We used multivariable Cox proportional hazard regression and logistic regression to evaluate the relationship between prepregnancy maternal body mass index (BMI) class and stillbirth (reference was normal BMI). We treated maternal characteristics and obstetrical complications as independent covariates. We performed mediator analyses to measure the direct and indirect effects of BMI on stillbirth through major common-pathway complications. We used fully adjusted and partially adjusted models, representing the impact of maternal obesity alone and maternal obesity with other risk factors on stillbirth, respectively.

RESULTS

We analyzed data on 681 178 births between 2012 and 2018, of which 1956 were stillbirths. Class I obesity was associated with an increased incidence of stillbirth (adjusted hazard ratio [HR] 1.55, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.35-1.78). This association was stronger for class III obesity (adjusted HR 1.80, 95% CI 1.44-2.24), and strongest for class II obesity (adjusted HR 2.17, 95% CI 1.83-2.57). Plotting point estimates for odds ratios, stratified by gestational age, showed a marked increase in the relative odds for stillbirth beyond 37 weeks' gestation for those with obesity with and without other risk factors, compared with those with normal BMI. The impact of potential mediators was minimal.

INTERPRETATION

Maternal obesity alone and obesity with other risk factors are associated with an increased risk of stillbirth. This risk increases with gestational age, especially at term.

Temporal patterns of pre- and post-natal target organ damage associated with hypertensive pregnancy: a systematic review

AIMS

Hypertensive pregnancy is associated with increased risks of developing a range of vascular disorders in later life. Understanding when hypertensive target organ damage first emerges could guide optimal timing of preventive interventions. This review identifies evidence of hypertensive target organ damage across cardiac, vascular, cerebral, and renal systems at different time points from pregnancy to postpartum.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Systematic review of Ovid/MEDLINE, EMBASE, and ClinicalTrials.gov up to and including February 2023 including review of reference lists. Identified articles underwent evaluation via a synthesis without meta-analysis using a vote-counting approach based on direction of effect, regardless of statistical significance. Risk of bias was assessed for each outcome domain, and only higher quality studies were used for final analysis. From 7644 articles, 76 studies, including data from 1 742 698 pregnancies, were identified of high quality that reported either blood pressure trajectories or target organ damage during or after a hypertensive pregnancy. Left ventricular hypertrophy, white matter lesions, proteinuria, and retinal microvasculature changes were first evident in women during a hypertensive pregnancy. Cardiac, cerebral, and retinal changes were also reported in studies performed during the early and late post-partum period despite reduction in blood pressure early postpartum. Cognitive dysfunction was first reported late postpartum.

CONCLUSION

The majority of target organ damage reported during a hypertensive pregnancy remains evident throughout the early and late post-partum period despite variation in blood pressure. Early peri-partum strategies may be required to prevent or reverse target organ damage in women who have had a hypertensive pregnancy.

A Correlational Study of Ophthalmic Artery Doppler Parameters and Maternal Blood Pressure in Normotensive and Pre-eclamptic Pregnancies at a Tertiary Care Hospital

Background Hypertensive disorders are one of the most common complications of pregnancy. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between ophthalmic artery Doppler indices and preeclampsia development and evaluate differences in these indices between normotensive and hypertensive pregnancies. Methods A hospital-based cross-sectional observational study was conducted involving a sample size of 80 pregnant women: 40 normotensive and 40 preeclamptic. The participants' ophthalmic artery Doppler parameters were evaluated using ultrasonography. Various clinical and demographic factors were also collected for analysis. Results Significant differences in the pulsatility index (PI) and end-diastolic volume (EDV) of the ophthalmic arteries were found between the normotensive and preeclamptic participants (p < 0.05). An inverse correlation was observed between the ophthalmic artery PI (OAPI) and mean maternal arterial pressure, suggesting reduced orbital vascular resistance and increased orbital flow. Moreover, the decrease in PI was more significant in severely preeclamptic women than in mildly preeclamptic and normotensive women. The findings indicated a significant correlation between ophthalmic artery Doppler parameters and the development of preeclampsia. The decrease in OAPI was particularly profound in women with severe preeclampsia. However, the study was limited by its small sample size and the lack of matching of participants based on maternal age, gestational age, and other factors. Conclusions The study results suggest that ophthalmic artery Doppler parameters, mainly PI and EDV, could serve as reliable indicators for the development of preeclampsia. Given their safety, cost-effectiveness, and accessibility, these parameters can help differentiate between preeclamptic and normotensive pregnancies in late gestation. Further research with larger sample sizes and matched participant groups is recommended for more conclusive results.

Migraine and risk of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy: A population-based cohort study

BACKGROUND

Migraine is associated with hypertensive disorders of pregnancy through common pathophysiological features. This study evaluates the association between migraine diagnosis and treatment, and risk of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy.

METHODS

We conducted a prospective cohort study in the Clinical Practice Research Datalink GOLD, a large longitudinal database of patient records in the UK. We analyzed data from liveborn or stillborn singleton deliveries from 1993-2020 with at least 24 months of medical history and no history of cardiovascular disease (n = 1,049,839). We ascertained migraine through diagnosis or prescription codes before 20 weeks of gestation and hypertensive disorders of pregnancy through diagnosis codes between 20 weeks of pregnancy and delivery. We used log-binomial regression models to estimate the risk ratio and 95% confidence intervals, comparing risk of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy among individuals with migraine to those without migraine, adjusting for confounders.

CONCLUSIONS

A history of migraine prior to pregnancy was associated with an increased risk of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (RR = 1.17, 95% CI: 1.09-1.26). The greatest risk was among those with pre-pregnancy migraine that persisted into the first trimester (RR = 1.84, 95% CI: 1.35-2.50). Use of migraine medication was associated with a higher risk of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy compared to non-migraineurs (RR = 1.50, 95% CI: 1.15-1.97). Results from this study indicate that migraine is a potential risk factor for hypertensive disorders of pregnancy.

Economic Evaluation of Prenatal and Postpartum Care in Women With Gestational Diabetes and Hypertensive Disorders of Pregnancy: A Systematic Review

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to summarize evidence on the economic outcomes of prenatal and postpartum interventions for the management of gestational diabetes mellitus and hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP), assess the quality of each study, and identify research gaps that may inform future research.

METHODS

Electronic databases including PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, the Cochrane Library, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were searched from January 1, 2000, to October 1, 2021. Selected studies were included in narrative synthesis and extracted data were presented in narrative and tabular forms. The quality of each study was assessed using the Consolidated Health Economic Evaluation Reporting Standards and Consensus on Health Economic Criteria list.

RESULTS

Among the 22 studies identified through the systematic review, 19 reported favorable cost-effectiveness of the intervention. For prenatal management of HDP, home blood pressure monitoring was found to be cost-effective compared with in-person visits in improving maternal and neonatal outcomes. For postpartum care, regular screening for hypertension or metabolic syndrome followed by subsequent treatment was found to be cost-effective compared with no screening in women with a history of gestational diabetes mellitus or HDP.

CONCLUSIONS

Existing economic evaluation studies showed that prenatal home blood pressure monitoring and postpartum screening for hypertension or metabolic syndrome were cost-effective. Nevertheless, limitations in the approach of the current economic evaluations may dampen the quality of the evidence and warrant further investigation.

Blood pressure trajectories during pregnancy and preterm delivery: A prospective cohort study in China

Women's blood pressure (BP) changes throughout pregnancy. The effect of BP trajectories on preterm delivery is not clear. The authors aim to evaluate the association between maternal BP trajectories during pregnancy and preterm delivery. The authors studied pregnant women included in the Born in Guangzhou Cohort Study in China between February 2012 and June 2016. Maternal BP was measured at antenatal visits between 13 and 40 gestational weeks, and gestational age of delivery data was collected. The authors used linear mixed models to capture the BP trajectories of women with term, and spontaneous and iatrogenic preterm delivery. BP trajectories of women with various gestational lengths (34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40 weeks) were compared. Of the 17 426 women included in the analysis, 618 (3.55%) had spontaneous preterm delivery; 158 (.91%) had iatrogenic preterm delivery; and 16 650 (95.55%) women delivered at term. The BP trajectories were all J‐shaped curves for different delivery types. Women with iatrogenic preterm delivery had the highest mean BP from 13 weeks till delivery, followed by those with spontaneous preterm delivery and term delivery (p < .001). Trajectory analysis stratified by maternal parity showed similar results for nulliparous and multiparous women. Excluding women with pre‐eclampsia and gestational hypertension (GH) significantly attenuated the aforementioned association. Also, women with shorter gestational length tend to have higher BP trajectories during pregnancy. In conclusion, Women with spontaneous preterm delivery have a higher BP from 13 weeks till delivery than women with term delivery, while women with iatrogenic preterm delivery have the highest BP.

The effectiveness of Jacobson's progressive muscle relaxation technique on maternal, fetal and neonatal outcomes in women with non-severe preeclampsia: a randomized clinical trial

Background

Preeclampsia (PE), as the most common major pregnancy disorder, has serious maternal, fetal and neonatal complications, and outcomes. The present study was designed to determine the effectiveness of Jacobson's progressive muscle relaxation technique on maternal, fetal, and neonatal outcomes in women with non-severe preeclampsia (PE).

Methods

This is a randomized clinical trial conducted from March 21, 2021 to July 22, 2021 in the Kamali referral center in Karaj, Iran. A total of 88 eligible participants were assigned to intervention and control groups (44 in each group) via blocked randomization. The intervention group (6 groups of 6 participants and one group of 8 participants) received Jacobson's progressive muscle relaxation technique in addition to receiving routine care, twice a week for 6 weeks (4 face-to-face sessions and 8 online sessions). The control group only received routine perinatal care. A checklist collected data before and after the intervention. Data were analyzed in SPSS software v.23. To analyze the obtained data, independent t-test, Paired t-test, Mann-Whitney, Chi-square, and Fisher test were used.

Results

The results showed a statistically significant difference between intervention and control groups in terms of Systolic Blood pressure (SBP) (P < 0.001), Diastolic Blood pressure (DBP) (P < 0.001), 24-hour urine protein level (proteinuria) (P < 0.001). and Fasting Blood Sugar (FBS) (P < 0.001), birth Weight (BW) (P = 0.01), baseline Fetal heart rate (BFHR) (P < 0.001) and Number fetal movements based on non-stress test (NFMsN), during 20 min (P < 0.001) after intervention (P < 0.001).

Also In the intervention group, the results showed a statistically significant difference in Amniotic Fluid Index (AFI) (P = 0.01), SBP(P < 0.001), DBP(P < 0.001), proteinuria (P < 0.001), FBS(P < 0.001), BFHR based on non-stress test (NST) (P < 0.001), and NFMsN during 20 min (P < 0.001) in the intervention group before and after the intervention. There was no statistically significant difference in the control group.

Conclusion

This study's results showed the effectiveness of progressive muscle relaxation technique on the improvement of SBP, DBP, proteinuria, FBS, FHR and NFMsN during 20 min based on NST and BW in women with non-severe PE. Therefore, it is recommended to perform this technique in health centers.

Meta-analysis to Assess the Association of Lateral Location of Placenta on Ultrasound with Preeclampsia

Introduction

Several studies have shown association between lateral placenta on ultrasound and preeclampsia (PE).This meta-analysis aims to review majority of the articles published between 1990 and 2020 and analyze the data extracted from them to find whether such an association really exists.

Objective

To conduct a meta-analysis to determine the degree of the association of lateral placenta on ultrasound with preeclampsia.

Methods

We searched electronic databases keeping filters for human studies and published in the English language, between the year 1990 and 2020. Studies were reviewed by reviewers and studies which were analytical in nature, having focused research question and where odds ratio could be derived were identified, and included in the metanalysis.

Result

Out of 16 included studies, 15 studies showed positive association (OR > 1) out of which 13 were statistically significant and only one study showed negative association. Eight studies showed extremely significant statistical positive association. The meta-analysis points toward positive association with OR 3.48 and Mantel-Haenszel Chi square 325.82 with relatively narrow 95% confidence interval around OR as 3.03-3.99 which clearly indicates a positive association between laterally placed placenta and preeclampsia. The findings of the individual studies in terms of OR and 95% confidence interval were plotted as individual line for each study, one aggregate estimate with summary OR and its 95% confidence interval was plotted on the Forest Plot.

Conclusion

The Forest plot revealed association between lateral placenta on ultrasound and preeclampsia (PE).Hence it can be concluded that there is an association between lateral placenta on ultrasound and preeclampsia.

Blood Pressure Levels and Maternal Outcome in Women with Preeclampsia - a Retrospective Study from a Large Tertiary Obstetric Centre

Introduction Patients with high blood pressure levels are at high risk for acute complications as well as serious long-term consequences. Women with preeclampsia often experience very high blood pressure levels during pregnancy and postpartum and are also known to have a higher cardiovascular risk in later life. Material and Methods In our single-centre retrospective cohort study, we analysed 158 pregnancies complicated by preeclampsia in regard to maternal outcome. We divided the patient cohort into three subgroups according to the blood pressure levels during hospital stay. Results Pre-existing arterial hypertension was significantly more common in patients with a hypertensive crisis (systolic blood pressure ≥ 180 mmHg and/or diastolic blood pressure ≥ 120 mmHg) during pregnancy than in patients with moderate or severe hypertension (p = 0.001). Women with a hypertensive crisis had an unfavourable outcome compared to women with lower blood pressure levels. These women developed a HELLP-syndrome significantly more often (p = 0.013). Moreover, most of the women with a hypertensive crisis during pregnancy were still hypertensive at hospital discharge (p = 0.004), even though they were administrated antihypertensive agents more often (p < 0.001) compared to women with lower blood pressure values. Conclusion Preeclamptic women with hypertensive crises should be identified quickly and monitored closely to avoid further complications. Standardized follow-up programs are lacking, but especially these patients seem to be at high risk for persistent hypertension and increased cardiovascular morbidity and therefore should receive specialist follow-up, including hypertensiologists, cardiologists and gynaecologists. Large prospective trials are required for a better understanding of these interrelations and to develop a specific follow-up program.

Prescribing for pregnancy: chronic hypertension

An increasing number of women who become pregnant have pre-existing hypertension. For this group of women, a proportion will develop pre-eclampsia or severe hypertension which can impact on maternal and fetal well-being. Women with raised blood pressure should be offered reliable contraception when they do not wish to conceive and pre-conception counselling to address pregnancy-related concerns and advice on preparation for pregnancy and the use of medicines. For women with a history of hypertension, the smallest number of safe medicines at the lowest effective doses should be used while preparing for and during pregnancy. This article forms part of the series of prescribing for pregnancy and discusses the impact of hypertension on pregnancy, the impact of pregnancy on hypertension and options for treatment.

A New Method to Estimate Inhibition Percentage of Endogenous Digitalis in Patients with Pre-eclampsia

Background

Pre-eclampsia is an idiopathic pregnancy disorder characterized by appearance proteinuria and hypertension, with poorly understood etiology. It has been linked to a variety of system abnormalities, including ion transport disorders in neonatal, maternal, and placental cell lines. A new method was described to evaluate the inhibition percentage of endogenous digitalis in plasma of pre-eclampsia patients compared with normal pregnancies, with the estimation of sensitivity and specificity of the proposed test.

Methods

This was a case-control study consisting of 130 cases that were divided into three groups, 55 normal pregnancies (positive control), 30 non-pregnant women (negative control), and 45 pre-eclampsia (patients). The new method included the estimation of the percentage inhibition of endogenous digitalis by measuring specific enzyme activity of Na-K ATPase for the patient and positive control. The results were analyzed using the statistical package for social sciences (SPSS®) software version 26.0. A p-value of≤ 0.05 was considered significant.

Results

In the pre-eclampsia patient, the specific activity of Na-K ATPase was significantly lower with mean= 0.239 mg/g±0.043 compared to the control group which was 0.397 mg/g±0.021, p< 0.001. While the result of inhibition percentage of endogenous digitalis showed significantly higher in the pre-eclampsia patient (mean= 35.852 mg/g %±2.692%) compared to the control group (mean= 17.964%±1.784), with a p< 0.001.

Conclusion

Pre-eclampsia is linked with lower erythrocyte sodium pump activity significantly in pre-eclampsia patients than in normal pregnancies. Also, results show the inhibited percentage of endogenous digitalis elevation in patients with pre-eclampsia compared with normal pregnancy.

Prevalence and management of severe intrapartum hypertension in patients with preeclampsia at an urban tertiary care medical center

OBJECTIVES

Data on management of severe intrapartum hypertension is lacking. The aim of this study is to explore the proportion of timely interventions in severe, persistent intrapartum hypertension treatment by exploring the prevalence and management of intrapartum hypertension trends.

STUDY DESIGN

This was a retrospective case-control study of pregnant women who delivered at the University of Chicago between January 2015 and March 2017. Patients with severe preeclampsia who underwent labor (either induced or spontaneous) were stratified into two groups: severe intrapartum hypertension and no severe intrapartum hypertension.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Type of treatment and timing to treatment of severe hypertensive episodes were explored as well as prevalence of maternal adverse outcomes.

RESULTS

A total of 95 patients with severe preeclampsia in labor were identified. In patients with persistent severe intrapartum hypertension (n = 52), 15 (28.9%) received treatment. Patients experiencing greater than three episodes of blood pressure elevation were more likely to receive treatment as compared to those with fewer episodes. There was no significant difference in severe maternal morbidity (SMM) between those treated within 60 min compared to those untreated or treated after 60 min (16.7% vs 27.5%; p = 0.71).

CONCLUSIONS

Management protocols of intrapartum hypertensive episodes are variable or not universally implemented. Inadequately treated episodes of severe intrapartum hypertension trend towards higher rates of SMM.

Deaf women's experiences of maternity and primary care: An integrative review

BACKGROUND

An estimated 24,000 people in the UK report using British Sign Language (BSL) as their first language. Misconceptions about deaf culture and language mean that deaf people have less access to health information and their health literacy is lower. Deaf people's health needs go under the radar in primary care with ensuing poorer health outcomes. Deaf women's experiences of maternity care are poorly understood.

METHODS

Using Whittemore and Knafl's method for an integrative review, the following databases were searched: EMBASE, MedLine, CINAHL and Maternity and Infant Care. After reviewing 430 journal article titles and abstracts against the inclusion/exclusion criteria, 11 articles were included for final review. Selected studies were conducted internationally and were available in English. 10 were qualitative studies, 1 used survey design. They were reviewed using the Caldwell Framework.

FINDINGS

These show that deaf women avoid seeking care, have a lack of access to health information and healthcare providers, including midwives, have a lack of deaf awareness. For deaf women, during pregnancy, birth and postnatal periods, this can mean having longer hospital stays and more complex postnatal care needs in both the hospital and community setting.

CONCLUSIONS

Current care provisions do not always meet the needs of the deaf BSL using women who use maternity services. Midwives should be aware of deafness as a culture and how to best meet the needs of the community to improve health outcomes for women and their babies.

Explaining the Black-White Disparity in Preterm Birth: A Consensus Statement From a Multi-Disciplinary Scientific Work Group Convened by the March of Dimes

In 2017-2019, the March of Dimes convened a workgroup with biomedical, clinical, and epidemiologic expertise to review knowledge of the causes of the persistent Black-White disparity in preterm birth (PTB). Multiple databases were searched to identify hypothesized causes examined in peer-reviewed literature, 33 hypothesized causes were reviewed for whether they plausibly affect PTB and either occur more/less frequently and/or have a larger/smaller effect size among Black women vs. White women. While definitive proof is lacking for most potential causes, most are biologically plausible. No single downstream or midstream factor explains the disparity or its social patterning, however, many likely play limited roles, e.g., while genetic factors likely contribute to PTB, they explain at most a small fraction of the disparity. Research links most hypothesized midstream causes, including socioeconomic factors and stress, with the disparity through their influence on the hypothesized downstream factors. Socioeconomic factors alone cannot explain the disparity's social patterning. Chronic stress could affect PTB through neuroendocrine and immune mechanisms leading to inflammation and immune dysfunction, stress could alter a woman's microbiota, immune response to infection, chronic disease risks, and behaviors, and trigger epigenetic changes influencing PTB risk. As an upstream factor, racism in multiple forms has repeatedly been linked with the plausible midstream/downstream factors, including socioeconomic disadvantage, stress, and toxic exposures. Racism is the only factor identified that directly or indirectly could explain the racial disparities in the plausible midstream/downstream causes and the observed social patterning. Historical and contemporary systemic racism can explain the racial disparities in socioeconomic opportunities that differentially expose African Americans to lifelong financial stress and associated health-harming conditions. Segregation places Black women in stressful surroundings and exposes them to environmental hazards. Race-based discriminatory treatment is a pervasive stressor for Black women of all socioeconomic levels, considering both incidents and the constant vigilance needed to prepare oneself for potential incidents. Racism is a highly plausible, major upstream contributor to the Black-White disparity in PTB through multiple pathways and biological mechanisms. While much is unknown, existing knowledge and core values (equity, justice) support addressing racism in efforts to eliminate the racial disparity in PTB.

Persistent hypertension after preeclampsia in a group of Cameroonians: Result of a cross-sectional study and perspectives to reduce its burden in Limited Income Countries

Preeclampsia/eclampsia significantly increases the risk of future hypertension. Several factors may be involved in this process. The purpose of this study was to identify them in Cameroonians. We conduct a cross‐sectional study including women aged 18 to 45 years, who deliver between December 2011 and 2016, and were diagnosed and followed up for preeclampsia/eclampsia in two major obstetrical and gynecologic units in Yaoundé (Cameroon). Those with persistent high‐blood pressure after 6 months were classified as persistent hypertension (PH). Associated factors were investigated using multivariate analysis with logistic regression and presented with an adjusted odds ratio (aOR) and the 95% confidence interval. 92 participants were included, with 30 (32.6%) with PH. The independent factors associated with PH were as follows: maternal age during preeclampsia above 30 years (aOR = 6.30 [1.1; 35.4], p = .03), at least five deliveries prior preeclampsia (aOR = 1.50 [2; 6.6], p = .008), and family history of diabetes (aOR = 14.8 [2.6; 85.7], p = .003). About one in three women with preeclampsia/eclampsia will have PH. The clinician needs to pay more attention to the potential risk factors identified above. More appropriate strategies need to address the burden of this condition in the context of low resources.

Management of Stage 1 Hypertension in Adults With a Low 10-Year Risk for Cardiovascular Disease: Filling a Guidance Gap: A Scientific Statement From the American Heart Association

High blood pressure (BP) is the leading cause of worldwide cardiovascular disease morbidity and mortality. Patients and clinicians dealing with hypertension have benefited from the evidence of event-based randomized controlled clinical trials. One result from those trials has been the development of evidence-based guidelines. The commitment to using evidence from these event-based randomized trials has been a cornerstone in the development of guideline treatment recommendations. However, in some situations, evidence from event-based trials is not available to guideline writers or clinicians for assistance in treatment decision making. Such is the case for the management of many patients with stage 1 hypertension. The purpose of this scientific statement is to provide information complementary to the 2017 Hypertension Clinical Practice Guidelines for the patient with untreated stage 1 hypertension (systolic BP/diastolic BP, 130-139/80-89 mm Hg) with a 10-year risk for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease <10% who fails to meet the systolic BP/diastolic goal (<130/80 mm Hg) after 6 months of guideline-recommended lifestyle therapy. This statement provides evidence from sources other than event-based randomized controlled clinical trials and offers therapy options for consideration by clinicians.

Impact of Chronic Hypertension and Antihypertensive Treatment on Adverse Perinatal Outcomes: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background Maternal chronic hypertension is associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes. Previous studies examined the association between either chronic hypertension or antihypertensive treatment and adverse pregnancy outcomes. We aimed to synthesize the evidence on the effect of chronic hypertension/antihypertensive treatment on adverse pregnancy outcomes. Methods and Results Medline/PubMed, EMBASE, and Web of Science were searched; we included observational studies and assessed the effect of race/ethnicity, where possible, following a registered protocol (CRD42019120088). Random-effects meta-analyses were used. A total of 81 studies were identified on chronic hypertension, and a total of 16 studies were identified on antihypertensive treatment. Chronic hypertension was associated with higher odds of preeclampsia (adjusted odd ratio [aOR], 5.43; 95% CI, 3.85-7.65); cesarean section (aOR, 1.87; 95% CI, 1.6-2.16); maternal mortality (aOR, 4.80; 95% CI, 3.04-7.58); preterm birth (aOR, 2.23; 95% CI, 1.96-2.53); stillbirth (aOR, 2.32; 95% CI, 2.22-2.42); and small for gestational age (SGA) (aOR, 1.96; 95% CI, 1.6-2.40). Subgroup analyses indicated that maternal race/ethnicity does not influence the observed associations. Women with chronic hypertension on antihypertensive treatment (versus untreated) had higher odds of SGA (aOR, 1.86; 95% CI, 1.38-2.50). Conclusions Chronic hypertension is associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes, and these associations appear to be independent of maternal race/ethnicity. In women with chronic hypertension, those on treatment had a higher risk of SGA, although the number of studies was limited. This could result from a direct effect of the treatment or because severe hypertension during pregnancy is a risk factor for SGA and women with severe hypertension are more likely to be treated. The effect of antihypertensive treatment on SGA needs to be further tested with large randomized controlled trials.

Uncontrolled hypertension among tobacco-users: women of prime childbearing age at risk in India

BACKGROUND

Uncontrolled hypertension and tobacco use are two major public health issues that have implications for reproductive outcomes. This paper examines the association between tobacco-use status and uncontrolled hypertension among prime childbearing age (20-35) women in India.

METHODS

We used the India National Family Health Survey (NFHS-4) 2015-2016 to obtain data on hypertension status and tobacco use for 356,853 women aged 20-35. We estimated multivariate logistic regressions to obtain the adjusted odds ratio for tobacco users in favor of having uncontrolled hypertension. We examined the adjusted odds at different wealth index quintiles, at different educational attainment, and at different level of nutritional status measured by body mass index.

RESULTS

We found that the odds of having uncontrolled hypertension for the tobacco user women in India was 1.1 (95% CI: 1.01-1.19) times that of tobacco non-users at prime childbearing age. The odds were higher for tobacco-users at the poorest quintile (1.27, 95% CI: 1.14-1.42) and with no education (1.22, 95% CI: 1.10-1.34). The odds were also higher for tobacco-users who were overweight (1.88, 95% CI: 1.57-2.29) or obese (2.82, 95% CI: 1.88-4.24).

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings highlight the disproportionate dual risk of uncontrolled hypertension and tobacco use among lower-income women of prime childbearing age, identifying an opportunity for coordinated tobacco control and hypertension prevention initiatives to ensure better health of reproductive-age women in India.

Preeclampsia Emerging as a Risk Factor of Cardiovascular Disease in Women

The objective of this literature review was to explore the long-term cardiovascular effects of preeclampsia in women. The primary goal was to determine which organs were most commonly affected in this population. Although it was previously believed that preeclampsia is cured after the delivery of the fetus and the placenta current evidence supports an association between preeclampsia and cardiovascular disease later in life, many years after the manifestation of this hypertensive pregnancy related disorder. Therefore preeclampsia may be emerging as a novel cardiovascular risk factor for women, which requires long-term follow up.

Arterial function in hypertensive pregnant women. Is arterial stiffness a marker for the outcomes in pregnancy?

AIMS

Hypertension (HTN) in pregnancy is a major cause of maternal, foetal and neonatal morbimortality in both developing and developed countries. Arterial stiffness is a predictor of cardiovascular events and can be assessed through augmentation index (AIx) and pulse wave velocity (PWV). This study was intended to analyse the arterial stiffness in three categories, hypertensive pregnant women vs. healthy women (both pregnant and non-pregnant).

MAIN METHODS

Between 2018 and 2019, 150 women were prospectively included into three homogenous groups, of equal sizes (N = 50): pregnant women with HTN (group 1), pregnant women without HTN (group 2), and non-pregnant women (group 3). We assessed pregnant women 3 times (in all three trimesters) and six weeks postpartum, and the women from the control group once.

KEY FINDINGS

Significant differences (p < 0.001) of the hemodynamic and arterial stiffness parameters and of the heart rate (HR) (p = 0.006) were observed between groups 1 and 2. Women with pregnancy-induced HTN had different values of arterial function parameters long time before the first signs of high blood pressure (BP) occurred. Also, body mass index (BMI) had a deleterious effect in all patients, but especially in pregnant HTN women. Significant differences (p < 0.001) between groups 2 and 3 were observed regarding the BP and aortic PWV (PWVao) and, as well, significant differences (p < 0.05) between BMI, aortic systolic BP (p = 0.02), brachial AIx (p = 0.01) and pulse pressure (PP) (p = 0.049) values.

SIGNIFICANCE

The current study emphasizes the importance of the assessment of arterial function parameters and BMI as markers for future BP values and outcomes throughout gestation.

Knowledge of pharmacy workers on antihypertensive and anticonvulsant drugs for managing pre-eclampsia and eclampsia in Bangladesh

BACKGROUND

Pharmacy workers in Bangladesh play an important role in managing pregnancy complications by dispensing, counselling and selling drugs to pregnant women and their families. This study examined pharmacy workers' drug knowledge and practice for pre-eclampsia and eclampsia (PE/E) management, including antihypertensives and anticonvulsants, and determine factors associated with their knowledge.

METHODS

A cross-sectional survey with 382 pharmacy workers in public facilities (government) and private pharmacies and drug stores assessed their knowledge of antihypertensive and anticonvulsant drugs. 'Pharmacy workers' include personnel who work at pharmacies, pharmacists, family welfare visitors (FWVs), sub-assistant community medical officers (SACMOs), drug storekeepers. Exploratory and multivariate logistic models were used to describe association between knowledge of medicines used in pregnancy and demographic characteristics of pharmacy workers.

RESULTS

Overall, 53% pharmacy workers interviewed were drug store owners in private pharmacies while 27% FWVs/SACMOs, who are government service providers also work as drug prescribers and/or dispensers in public facility pharmacies. Majority of pharmacy workers had poor knowledge compared to correct knowledge on both antihypertensive (77.8% vs 22.3%; p < 0.001) and anticonvulsant drugs (MgSO₄) (82.2% vs 17.8%; p < 0.001). Multivariate analysis showed SACMOs and FWVs were greater than 4 times more likely to have correct knowledge on anti-hypertensives (AOR = 4.2, 95% CI:1.3-12.3, P < 0.01) and anticonvulsant drugs (AOR = 4.9, 95% CI:1.3-18.1, P < 0.01) compared to pharmacists. Pharmacy workers who had received training were more likely to have correct knowledge on antihypertensive and anticonvulsant drugs than those who had no training.

CONCLUSIONS

Pharmacy workers' knowledge and understanding of antihypertensive and anticonvulsant drugs, particularly for prevention and management of PE/E is limited in Bangladesh. Most pharmacies surveyed are private and staffed with unskilled workers with no formal training on drugs. Expansion of maternal and newborn health programs should consider providing additional skills training to pharmacy workers, as well as regulating these medicines at informal pharmacies to mitigate any harmful practices or adverse outcomes of unauthorized and incorrectly prescribed and used drugs. It is important that correct messaging and medicines are available as drug stores are often the first point of contact for most of the women and their families.

Anatomical and physiological alterations of pregnancy

The extensive metabolic demands of pregnancy require specific physiological and anatomical changes. These changes affect almost all organ systems, including the cardiovascular, respiratory, renal, gastrointestinal, and hematologic system. The placenta adds another layer of complexity. These changes make it challenging for clinicians to understand presenting signs and symptoms, or to interpret laboratory and radiological tests. Furthermore, these physiological alterations can affect the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of drugs. Drug safety in lactation is only supported by limited evidence. In addition, the teratogenic effects of medications are often extrapolated from animals, which further adds uncertainties. Unfortunately, pregnant women are only rarely included in clinical drug trials, while doses, regimens, and side effects are often extrapolated from studies conducted in non-pregnant populations. In this comprehensive review, we present the changes occurring in each system with its effects on the pharmacokinetic variables. Understanding these physiological changes throughout normal pregnancy helps clinicians to optimize the health of pregnant women and their fetuses. Furthermore, the information on pregnancy-related physiology is also critical to guide study design in this vulnerable 'orphan' population, and provides a framework to explore pregnancy-related pathophysiology such as pre-eclampsia.

Future Directions: Analyzing Health Disparities Related to Maternal Hypertensive Disorders

Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy complicate up to 10% of pregnancies worldwide, constituting one of the most significant causes of maternal morbidity and mortality. Hypertensive disorders, specifically gestational hypertension, chronic hypertension, and preeclampsia, throughout pregnancy are contributors to the top causes of maternal mortality in the United States. Diagnosis of hypertensive disorders throughout pregnancy is challenging, with many disorders often remaining unrecognized or poorly managed during and after pregnancy. Moreover, the research has identified a strong link between the prevalence of maternal hypertensive disorders and racial and ethnic disparities. Factors that influence the prevalence of maternal hypertensive disorders among racially and ethnically diverse women include maternal age, level of education, United States-born status, nonmetropolitan residence, prepregnancy obesity, excess weight gain during pregnancy, and gestational diabetes. Examination of the factors that increase the risk for maternal hypertensive disorders along with the current interventions utilized to manage hypertensive disorders will assist in the identification of gaps in prevention and treatment strategies and implications for future practice. Specific focus will be placed on disparities among racially and ethnically diverse women that increase the risk for maternal hypertensive disorders. This review will serve to promote the development of interventions and strategies that better address and prevent hypertensive disorders throughout a pregnant woman's continuum of care.

Warren C. Clinical presentation and outcomes of pre-eclampsia and eclampsia at a national hospital, Kenya: A retrospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

Hypertensive disorders in pregnancy including pre-eclampsia are associated with maternal and newborn mortality and morbidity. Early detection is vital for effective treatment and management of pre-eclampsia. This study examines and compares the clinical presentation and outcomes between early- and late-onset pre-eclampsia over a two year period.

METHODS

A retrospective cohort study design which examines socio-demographic characteristics, treatment, outcomes, and fetal and maternal complications among women with early onset of pre-eclampsia (EO-PE) and late onset of pre-eclampsia (LO-PE). De-identified records of women who attended antenatal, intrapartum and postnatal care services and experienced pre-eclampsia at Kenyatta National teaching and referral hospital were reviewed. We used chi square, t-test, and calculated odds ratio to determine any significant differences between the EO-PE and LO-PE cohorts.

RESULTS

Out of 620 pre-eclamptic and eclamptic patients' records analyzed; 44 percent (n = 273) exhibited EO-PE, while 56 percent had late onset. Women with EO-PE compared to LO-PE had greater odds of adverse maternal and perinatal outcomes including hemolysis elevated liver enzymes and low platelets (HELLP) syndrome (OR: 4.3; CI 2.0-10.2; p<0.001), renal dysfunction (OR; 1.7; CI 0.7-4.1; p = 0.192), stillbirth (OR = 4.9; CI 3.1-8.1; p<0.001), and neonatal death (OR: 8.5; CI 3.8-21.3; p<0.001). EO-PE was also associated with higher odds of prolonged maternal hospitalization, beyond seven days (OR = 5.8; CI 3.9-8.4; p<0.001), and antepartum hemorrhage (OR = 5.8; CI 1.1-56.4; p<0.001). Neonates born after early onset of pre-eclampsia had increased odds of respiratory distress (OR = 17.0; CI 9.0-32.3, p<0.001) and birth asphyxia (OR: 1.9; CI 0.7-4.8; p = 0.142).

CONCLUSIONS

The profiles and outcomes of women with EO-PE (compared to late onset) suggest that seriousness of morbidity increases with earlier onset. To reduce adverse neonatal and maternal outcomes, it is critical to identify, manage, referral and closely follow-up pregnant women with pre-eclampsia throughout the pregnancy continuum.

ETHICAL APPROVAL

This study protocol was approved by Population Council's research ethics Institutional Review Board, Protocol 813, and KNH-UoN Ethics and Research Committee, Protocol 293/06/2017.

Serum levels of uric acid may have a potential role in the management of immediate delivery or prolongation of pregnancy in severe preeclampsia

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the biomarker(s) that could affect the decision for immediate or delayed delivery in severe preeclampsia.

METHODS

Data on serum levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), creatinine, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), uric acid (UA) and platelet counts from 134 cases were collected and analysed.

RESULTS

Higher UA levels were seen in case with immediate delivery. Higher stillbirth was seen in cases with delayed delivery.

CONCLUSION

UA levels could be a potential management biomarker for immediate or delayed delivery in severe preeclampsia. However, the higher risk of stillbirth must be considered in delayed delivery.

Critical review of nutrition, blood pressure and risk of hypertension through the lifecycle: do B vitamins play a role?

Hypertension is the leading cause of preventable mortality worldwide, contributing to over 9 million deaths per annum, predominantly owing to cardiovascular disease. The association of obesity, physical inactivity and alcohol with elevated blood pressure (BP) is firmly established. Weight loss or other dietary strategies, such as the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet, have been shown to be effective in lowering BP. Additionally, specific nutrients are recognised to contribute to BP, with higher sodium intake linked with an increased risk of hypertension, while potassium is associated with a reduced risk of hypertension. Of note, emerging evidence has identified a novel role for one-carbon metabolism and the related B vitamins, particularly riboflavin, in BP. Specifically in adults genetically at risk of developing hypertension, owing to the common C677T polymorphism in MTHFR, supplemental riboflavin (co-factor for MTHFR) was shown in randomised trials to lower systolic BP by up to 13 mmHg. A BP response to intervention of this magnitude could have important clinical impacts, given that a reduction in systolic BP of 10 mmHg is estimated to decrease stroke risk by 40%. This review aims to explore the factors contributing to hypertension across the lifecycle and to critically evaluate the evidence supporting a role for nutrition, particularly folate-related B vitamins, in BP and risk of hypertension. In addition, gaps in our current knowledge that warrant future research in this area, will be identified.

Primary Aldosteronism and Pregnancy

OBJECTIVE

Primary aldosteronism (PA) may present at younger age and may thus complicate pregnancy. Our aim was to identify female patients in whom PA was diagnosed after pregnancy complicated with hypertension and to analyze possible hypertension-related complications during pregnancy.

METHODS

We performed retrospective analysis of female patients with PA diagnosed and treated at our Department who were pregnant before the diagnosis of PA.

RESULTS

We found 14 patients with PA (age at diagnosis 32.2 ± 4.2 years, hypertension duration 5.4 ± 3.6 years) suffering from hypertension 3 (IQR 0, 4) years before pregnancy (6 patients had hypertension diagnosed during pregnancy). Three subjects were pregnant twice, and 1 patient had been pregnant three times before the final diagnosis of PA was made. Ten subjects delivered by Caesarean section (in 3 cases due to early-onset preeclampsia and 2 subjects due to significantly increased blood pressure), and 9 cases spontaneously (1 subject complicated twice due to late-onset preeclampsia). Preterm delivery occurred in 5 cases - the earliest one in the sixth month of gestation. Subsequent diagnosis of PA (sometimes with a long delay up to a maximum of 12 years) was made on the basis of significantly low potassium values (2.7 ± 0.4 mmol/L; 2 subjects even suffered from muscle cramps) and hypertension (mostly moderate), elevated plasma/serum aldosterone (54.1 ± 20.2 ng/dL) and suppressed plasma renin activity (0.4 ± 0.2 ng/mL/h) or plasma renin (1.9 ± 1.6 ng/L). Thirteen subjects underwent laparoscopic adrenalectomy (in all but 2 cases, diagnosis of a large cortical adenoma [16 ± 5.9 mm] was made), and 1 subject was classified with bilateral hyperplasia according to adrenal venous sampling. Operation normalized BP in 10 subjects and improved BP control in the remaining 3 subjects. Two patients became pregnant after adrenalectomy, and their pregnancies were uneventful.

CONCLUSION

PA is associated with a high rate of pregnancy-related complications. The most frequent complication is preeclampsia, in some cases leading to preterm delivery. The optimal prevention of these complications is early diagnosis of PA, and in these particular hypertensive cases, the awareness of hypokalemia.

Resident physicians' and Midwives' Knowledge of Preeclampsia and Eclampsia Reflected in Their Practice at a Clinical Hospital in Southern Romania

Romania has drastically improved an array of health indicators in recent years, including maternal mortality rates, which decreased from 1990 to 2015, but the mortality rates are still high, ranking among the first in Europe. Preeclampsia and eclampsia constitute one of the primary causes of maternal death in the country. The study was conducted from early January to the end of February 2019 to assess the current state of resident physicians’ and midwives’ knowledge of preeclampsia and eclampsia reflected in their practice at a clinical hospital in southern Romania. Self-administered questionnaires were used for data collection.

Most of the investigated resident physicians and midwives (87.5%) answered correctly regarding the correct definition of preeclampsia. The first choice of procedure for the patient with preeclampsia (vaginal delivery or C-section) was chosen correctly by only 37.5% of the participants. Regarding the correct identification of the necessary paraclinical tests used for women with suspected preeclampsia, 58.3% of the participants answered correctly. As far as the correct identification of the possible risks of dexamethasone administration to mothers is concerned, only 29.2% of the participants answered correctly. Also, 58.3% of the participants answered correctly regarding the correct identification of contraindicated uterotonic drugs for women with diagnosed hypertension.

Resident physicians and midwives are aware of pregnancy complications, but they hold limited knowledge specific to pregnancy complications as preeclampsia and eclampsia. It is imperative to promote studies to evaluate the impact of enhancing their training to include additional content related to the early detection and management of preeclampsia and eclampsia.

Österreichischer Blutdruckkonsens 2019

Erhöhter Blutdruck bleibt eine Hauptursache von kardiovaskulären Erkrankungen, Behinderung und frühzeitiger Sterblichkeit in Österreich, wobei die Raten an Diagnose, Behandlung und Kontrolle auch in rezenten Studien suboptimal sind. Das Management von Bluthochdruck ist eine häufige Herausforderung für Ärztinnen und Ärzte vieler Fachrichtungen. In einem Versuch, diagnostische und therapeutische Strategien zu standardisieren und letztendlich die Rate an gut kontrollierten Hypertoniker/innen zu erhöhen und dadurch kardiovaskuläre Erkrankungen zu verhindern, haben 13 österreichische medizinische Fachgesellschaften die vorhandene Evidenz zur Prävention, Diagnose, Abklärung, Therapie und Konsequenzen erhöhten Blutdrucks gesichtet. Das hier vorgestellte Ergebnis ist der erste Österreichische Blutdruckkonsens. Die Autoren und die beteiligten Fachgesellschaften sind davon überzeugt, daß es einer gemeinsamen nationalen Anstrengung bedarf, die Blutdruck-assoziierte Morbidität und Mortalität in unserem Land zu verringern.

Investigation and Treatment of High Blood Pressure in Young People: Too Much Medicine or Appropriate Risk Reduction?

Hypertension among young people is common, affecting 1 in 8 adults aged between 20 and 40 years. This number is likely to increase with lifestyle behaviors and lowering of hypertension diagnostic thresholds. Early-life factors influence blood pressure (BP) although the mechanisms are unclear; BP tracks strongly within individuals from adolescence through to later life. Higher BP at a young age is associated with abnormalities on heart and brain imaging and increases the likelihood of cardiovascular events by middle age. However, diagnosis rates are lower, and treatment is often delayed in young people. This reflects the lack of high-quality evidence that lowering BP in young adults improves cardiovascular outcomes later in life. In this review, we evaluate the current evidence regarding the association between BP in young adult life and adverse cardiovascular outcomes later in life. Following this, we discuss which young people with raised BP should be investigated for secondary causes of hypertension. Third, we assess the current models to assess cardiovascular risk and show a lack of validation in the younger age group. Fourth, we evaluate the evidence for lifestyle interventions in this age group and demonstrate a lack of persistence in BP lowering once the initial intervention has been delivered. Fifth, we address the pros and cons of drug treatment for raised BP in young people. Finally, there are unique life events in young people, such as pregnancy, that require specific advice on management and treatment of BP.

Chronic thrombotic microangiopathy secondary to antiphospholipid syndrome, presenting with severe hypertension and chronic renal impairment

A 42-year-old woman was referred from a primary care centre for severe hypertension, stage 3A chronic kidney disease and proteinuria. This was associated with a significant obstetric history of pre-eclampsia during her previous two pregnancies. Secondary hypertension was suspected and autoimmune workup was positive for anticardiolipin IgG and lupus anticoagulant. A renal biopsy showed evidence of chronic thrombotic microangiopathy, with electron microscopy features suggestive of fibrillar glomerulonephritis. The diagnosis of antiphospholipid syndrome with antiphospholipid-associated nephropathy was made. She was started on anticoagulation with warfarin, and her hypertension was controlled with lisinopril and amlodipine with subsequent improvement in proteinuria. She remains on regular follow-up to monitor for possible development of malignancy or connective tissue disease.

Sepsis in Pregnancy: Recognition and Resuscitation

The normal physiologic changes of pregnancy complicate evaluation for sepsis and subsequent management. Previous sepsis studies have specifically excluded pregnant patients. This narrative review evaluates the presentation, scoring systems for risk stratification, diagnosis, and management of sepsis in pregnancy. Sepsis is potentially fatal, but literature for the evaluation and treatment of this condition in pregnancy is scarce. While the definition and considerations of sepsis have changed with large, randomized controlled trials, pregnancy has consistently been among the exclusion criteria. The two pregnancy-specific sepsis scoring systems, the modified obstetric early warning scoring system (MOEWS) and Sepsis in Obstetrics Score (SOS), present a number of limitations for application in the emergency department (ED) setting. Methods of generation and subsequently limited validation leave significant gaps in identification of septic pregnant patients. Management requires consideration of a variety of sources in the septic pregnant patient. The underlying physiologic nature of pregnancy also highlights the need to individualize resuscitation and critical care efforts in this unique patient population. Pregnant septic patients require specific considerations and treatment goals to provide optimal care for this particular population. Guidelines and scoring systems currently exist, but further studies are required.

Implications of the New 2017 American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Guidelines for Hypertension

Automated validated devices should be used for measuring blood pressure (BP). The 2017 American College of Cardiology (ACC)/American Heart Association (AHA) hypertension guidelines recommend that a systolic BP between 120-129 mmHg with a diastolic BP less than 80 mmHg should be treated with lifestyle measures. These guidelines recommend treatment with lifestyle measures plus BP lowering drugs for secondary prevention of cardiovascular events in persons with clinical cardiovascular disease and an average systolic BP of ≥130 mmHg or an average diastolic BP≥80 mmHg. These guidelines recommend treatment with lifestyle measures plus BP lowering drugs for primary prevention of cardiovascular disease in persons with an estimated 10-year risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease ≥ 10% and an average systolic BP ≥130 mmHg or an average diastolic BP ≥80 mmHg. These guidelines recommend treatment with lifestyle measures plus BP lowering drugs for primary prevention of cardiovascular disease in persons with an estimated 10-year risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease of < 10% and an average systolic BP ≥140 mmHg or an average diastolic BP ≥ 90 mmHg. These guidelines recommend initiating antihypertensive drug therapy with 2 first-line drugs from different classes either as separate agents or in a fixed-dose combination in persons with a BP ≥140/90 mmHg or with a BP > 20/10 mmHg above their BP target. White coat hypertension must be excluded before starting treatment with antihypertensive drugs in persons with hypertension at low risk for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. Antihypertensive drug treatment for different disorders is discussed.

Expectant or outpatient management of preeclampsia before 34 weeks: safe for mother but associated with increased stillbirth risk

Today the only effective "treatment" for preeclampsia is to deliver at the optimal time for both maternal and foetal well-being. Studies reported that severe preeclampsia can benefit from the expectant management including mild preeclampsia between 34 and 37 weeks. However it is unclear whether mild preeclampsia before 34 weeks also benefits from the expectant management. Data on 274 women with mild preeclampsia before 37 weeks of gestation were retrospectively collected and analysed. Blood pressure and proteinuria at time of onset were not clinically associated with delivery time. For women who developed preeclampsia before 34 weeks, the median latency from onset to delivery or from onset to admission to hospital or from admission to hospital to delivery was 27 or 21 or 3 days, respectively. There were four women (2%) who delivered within 48 h after onset, 28 (14%) FGR and 14 (7%) stillbirths. The median birth-weight was 2240 g. For women who developed preeclampsia between 34 and 37 weeks, the median latency from onset to delivery or from onset to admission to hospital or from admission to hospital to delivery was 11 or 7 or 2 days, respectively. There were seven women (10%) who delivered within 48 h after onset and eight (12%) FGR. The median birth-weight was 2880 g. Our study demonstrates that mild preeclampsia before 37 weeks has benefits from expectant or outpatient management with a median prolongation of over 11 days dependent on the time of onset, but it increases the risk for stillbirths before 34 weeks.

Congo Red Dot Paper Test for Antenatal Triage and Rapid Identification of Preeclampsia

BACKGROUND

Proteins in the urine of women with preeclampsia (PE) bind Congo Red dye (urine congophilia). We sought to determine the diagnostic performance of a paper-based point-of-care test detecting urine congophilia for rapid triage and diagnosis of PE.

METHODS

Prospective cohort study conducted in 346 consecutive pregnant women evaluated for PE in the Labour and Delivery triage unit at our institution. The Congo Red Dot (CRD) Paper Test (index test) was performed on fresh urine samples. The CRD Paper Test results were compared to an expert adjudicated diagnosis in each case. The accuracy of the CRD Paper Test was also compared to urine and serum analytes (placental growth factor and soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1) previously proposed as diagnostic aids for PE.

FINDINGS

During the first triage visit, 32% (112/346) of women received a clinical diagnosis of PE. Yet, 63% (217/346) were admitted for in-patient diagnostic work-up or delivery. The CRD Paper Test was positive in 25% (86/346) of the cases. Adjudication confirmed PE in 28% (96/346) of all cases. The CRD Paper Test outperformed measured serum and urine markers (80·2% sensitivity, 89·2% specificity, 92·1% negative predictive value, 86·7% accuracy). The pre-test, positive and negative post-test probabilities were 27·7%, 74·0%, and 8·0%, respectively. Of women who were discharged undelivered, 38% (133/346) had at least one additional triage visit and the interval between the last negative and first positive CRD Paper Test was 12 (interquartile range, [5-34]) days.

INTERPRETATION

The CRD Paper Test is a simple, non-invasive, "sample-in/answer-out" point-of-care clinical tool for rapid identification of PE.

FUNDING

Saving Lives at Birth Program and NICHD.

Anestesia para pacientes con preeclampsia

Introducción. La preeclampsia es una enfermedad con alta frecuencia a nivel mundial relacionada con la gestación. Las pacientes que la padecen pueden precisar un procedimiento anestésico por diversos motivos, incluidas las complicaciones graves.Objetivo. Realizar una revisión narrativa de la literatura respecto a las pautas principales del tratamiento anestésico de pacientes con preeclampsia.Materiales y métodos. Se realizó una búsqueda estructurada en las bases de datos ProQuest, EBSCO, ScienceDirect, PubMed, LILACS, Embase, Trip Database, SciELO y Cochrane Library con los términos Anesthesia AND pre-eclampsia AND therapeutics; hypertension, Pregnancy-Induced AND anesthesia AND therapeutics; anesthesia AND pre-eclampsia; hypertension, pregnancy induced AND anesthesia. La búsqueda se hizo en inglés con sus equivalentes en español.Resultados. Se encontraron 61 artículos con información relevante para el desarrollo de la presente revisión.Conclusiones. Una valoración preanestésica y la instauración temprana de las técnicas analgésicas y anestésicas pueden mitigar el impacto de complicaciones derivadas del curso de la preeclampsia. Respecto a desenlaces mayores, no existe diferencia significativa entre los distintos tipos de anestesia.

The management of hypertension in women planning for pregnancy

INTRODUCTION OR BACKGROUND

Poorly-controlled hypertension in the first trimester significantly increases maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality. The majority of guidelines and clinical trials focus on the management and treatments for hypertension during pregnancy and breast-feeding, while limited evidence could be applied to the management for hypertension before pregnancy. In this review, we summarized the existing guidelines and treatments of pre-pregnancy treatment of hypertension.

SOURCES OF DATA

PubMed.

AREAS OF AGREEMENT

Methyldopa and labetalol are considered the first choice, but angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors and angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) need to be withdrawn if a hypertensive woman wishes to become pregnant. In women with chronic hypertension, it is very important to make an assessment before conception to exclude secondary causes of hypertension, evaluate their hypertensive control to ensure that it is optimal, discuss the increased risks of pre-eclampsia, and provide education regarding any drug alterations before they become pregnant.

AREAS OF CONTROVERSY

There is increasing debate regarding discouraging the use of diuretics. There is also controversy regarding the use of supplementations such as calcium, antioxidants and low-dose aspirin.

GROWING POINTS

A less restricted blood-pressure goal could be set for hypertensive women planning for pregnancy. A healthy body weight before pregnancy could lower the risk of pregnancy-related hypertensive disorders. Recent guidelines also encourage women with chronic hypertension to keep their dietary sodium intake low, either by reducing or substituting sodium salt before pregnancy.

TIMELY AREAS FOR DEVELOPING RESEARCH

Large, worldwide, randomized trials should be conducted to see the outcomes for hypertensive women who take antioxidants/physical activity before pregnancy.

Low Levels of Amlodipine in Breast Milk and Plasma

OBJECTIVE

Few clinical reports have addressed the use of the antihypertensive drug amlodipine during breastfeeding. The objective of this study is to characterize concentration-time profiles of amlodipine in maternal and infant plasma, and milk.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Plasma and breast milk samples were obtained from eight nursing mothers and their nine newborn nursing infants (median postnatal age: 6.5 days, range 5-7 days). Participants were recruited from February 2009 to June 2009. Multiple blood and milk samples were obtained from the mothers over a 24 hours dosing interval. The blood of infants was also obtained at before and 8 hours after nursing. Amlodipine concentrations were determined by high-performance liquid chromatography. Relative infant dose (RID) was calculated by dividing the infant's dose via milk in mg/kg/day by the maternal dose in mg/kg/day, assuming that a daily intake of milk is 150 mL/kg/day in the infants.

RESULTS

Maximal amlodipine concentrations in mothers ranged from 4.4 to 14.7 ng/mL in plasma, and 6.5 to 19.7 ng/mL in milk (Average milk/plasma ratio: 1.4). RID was 3.4% of the maternal weight-adjusted dose. All plasma concentrations in infants were under the quantitation limit (0.4 ng/mL).

CONCLUSION

Infant exposure to amlodipine in breast milk appears very small, suggesting that amlodipine can be used with little influence on infants during breastfeeding.