Pregnancy in women known to be living with a single kidney

Evaluation of maternal and fetal outcomes in pregnancies with maternal solitary kidney: A case-control study from a tertiary center

INTRODUCTION

There exists a prevailing concern regarding the heightened susceptibility of women with a solitary kidney to unfavorable consequences during pregnancy. Irrespective of the underlying etiology, individuals with a solitary kidney are advised to have regular annual screenings for blood pressure and urinalysis due to their increased susceptibility to developing proteinuria, hypertension, and renal failure.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes in women with a maternal solitary kidney by comparing maternal and fetal outcomes to those of healthy pregnant women.

METHODS

This retrospective, single-center study was conducted with 29 pregnant women with maternal solitary kidney and 60 healthy controls at a tertiary hospital. Obstetric data such as gestational hypertension, preeclampsia, preterm labor, birth week, mode of delivery, Apgar scores, and neonatal intensive care requirements, were compared between the groups. A binary logistic regression analysis was performed to determine the obstetric complications increased by the presence of maternal solitary kidney.

RESULTS

The number of spontaneous abortions, serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen levels were significantly higher in the patients with solitary kidney (p < 0.05). The birth week was earlier among the patients with a solitary kidney compared to the controls (p = 0.013). The preterm and cesarean delivery rates were also higher in the case group (p = 0.002 and p = 0.035, respectively). The pregnant women with solitary kidney were found to have higher rates of gestational hypertension, preeclampsia, and maternal intensive care requirements (p = 0.008, p = 0.015, and p = 0.008, respectively). Logistic regression analysis revealed a seven-fold increase in the rate of preterm labor (1.45-37.64) and a three-fold increase in preeclampsia (1.27-22.08) among the pregnant women with a solitary kidney.

CONCLUSION

Patients with solitary kidney are at high risk of encountering pregnancy complications, such as gestational hypertension, preeclampsia, and preterm labor. These pregnant women should be followed up carefully, starting from the first prenatal visit.

Lupus nephritis-related chronic kidney disease

Lupus nephritis is a common complication of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and a determinant of overall morbidity and mortality, as lupus nephritis-related chronic kidney disease (CKD) drives cardiovascular disease and secondary immunodeficiency. Two lines of action are required to prevent the progression of lupus nephritis-related CKD: suppression of autoimmune SLE activity, which is a risk factor for immunopathology-related irreversible kidney injury, and management of non-immune risk factors that contribute to CKD progression. As each episode or relapse of active lupus nephritis implicates CKD progression, preventing flares of lupus nephritis is a key treatment target. Non-immune risk factors of CKD mostly include causes of nephron hyperfiltration, such as obesity, hypertension, sodium- or protein-rich diets and type 2 diabetes mellitus, as well as pregnancy. Nephrotoxic agents and smoking also drive kidney cell loss. Intrinsic risk factors for CKD progression include poor nephron endowment because of prematurity at birth, nephropathic genetic variants, ageing, male sex and previous or concomitant kidney diseases. Care for lupus nephritis involves the control of all modifiable risk factors of CKD progression. In addition, remnant nephron overload can be reduced using early dual therapy with inhibitors of the renin-angiotensin system and sodium-glucose transporter-2, whereas further renoprotective drug interventions are underway. As patients with lupus nephritis are at risk of CKD progression, they would all benefit from interdisciplinary care to minimize the risk of kidney failure, cardiovascular disease and infections.

INvestigational Study Into Transplantation of the Uterus (INSITU): a cross-sectional survey among women with uterine factor infertility in the UK assessing background, motivations and suitability

IMPORTANCE

The study summarises the selection prescreen criteria currently used in the UK for a uterus transplant and highlights the number of women who are suitable to proceed.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the demographics, motivations, reasons and suitability among women with absolute uterine factor infertility (AUFI) to undergo uterine transplantation (UTx).

DESIGN

A cross-sectional survey.

SETTING

An electronic questionnaire was sent via email to women with AUFI who had previously been referred to the UTx research team or approached the Womb Transplant UK Charity. The questions assessed suitability to undergo UTx based on demographic information, perceptions to adoption and surrogacy and reasons why UTx was preferable. Responses were assessed against the study selection criteria.

PARTICIPANTS

Women with AUFI.

RESULTS

210 women completed the questionnaire. The most common aetiology of AUFI in our cohort was Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser (68%; n=143) whereas 29% (n=62) had previously undergone hysterectomy. 63% (n=132) of the cohort had previously considered adoption, 5% (n=11) had attempted it and 2 (1%) had successfully adopted. The most common reason cited to undergo UTx over adoption was to experience gestation (n=63; 53%), while 37% (n=44) wanted a biologically related child. 76% (n=160) of participants had previously considered surrogacy, 22 (10%) had attempted it and 2 (1%) had successfully become mothers using a surrogate. The most common reason to undergo UTx over surrogacy was to experience gestation (n=77; 54%). 15% (n=21) were concerned about the legal implications, 14% (n=20) identified the financial cost as a barrier and 8% (n=12) could not consider it due to religious reasons. On adhering to the selection criteria, 65 (31%) women were suitable to proceed with the trial.

CONCLUSION

The study demonstrates that implementing commonly used selection criteria for a UTx led to an attrition rate of more than two-thirds of women who requested to initially undergo the process. As more studies present outcomes following UTx, critical assessment of the selection criteria currently used is warranted to ensure potential recipients are not being unnecessarily excluded.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

NCT02388802.

Pregnancy management and outcome after uterus transplantation

Uterus transplantation is a novel approach in women whose uterus is absent or severely abnormal. However, it is still an experimental procedure that poses risks to both mother and baby. To date, 32 live births after uterus transplantation have been reported in peer-reviewed journals, with several maternal, fetal and neonatal complications. The most common complications were preterm delivery, hypertensive disorders and placenta previa. Four patients experienced episodes of transplant rejection during pregnancy. The appropriate management of complicated and non-complicated pregnancies following uterus transplantation is still unresolved. In this review, obstetric outcomes after uterus transplantation and optimal management during pregnancy are discussed in light of the available data. © 2022 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.

Long-Term Kidney and Maternal Outcomes After Pregnancy in Living Kidney Donors

For counseling it is important to know if pregnancy after Living Kidney Donation (LKD) affects long-term outcomes of the mono-kidney and the mother. Therefore, we performed a retrospective multicenter study in women ≤45 years who donated their kidney between 1981 and 2017. Data was collected via questionnaires and medical records. eGFR of women with post-LKD pregnancies were compared to women with pre-LKD pregnancies or nulliparous. eGFR before and after pregnancy were compared in women with post-LKD pregnancies. Pregnancy outcomes post-LKD were compared with pre-LKD pregnancy outcomes. 234 women (499 pregnancies) were included, of which 20 with pre- and post-LKD pregnancies (68) and 26 with only post-LKD pregnancies (59). Multilevel analysis demonstrated that eGFR was not different between women with and without post-LKD pregnancies (p = 0.23). Furthermore, eGFR was not different before and after post-LKD pregnancy (p = 0.13). More hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) occurred in post-LKD pregnancies (p = 0.002). Adverse fetal outcomes did not differ. We conclude that, despite a higher incidence of HDP, eGFR was not affected by post-LKD pregnancy. In line with previous studies, we found an increased risk for HDP after LKD without affecting fetal outcome. Therefore, a pregnancy wish alone should not be a reason to exclude women for LKD.

Update on Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser syndrome

This review presents an update of Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser (MRKH) syndrome on its etiologic, clinical, diagnostic, psychological, therapeutic, and reproductive aspects. The etiology of MRKH syndrome remains unclear due to its intrinsic heterogeneity. Nongenetic and genetic causes that may interact during the embryonic development have been proposed with no definitive etiopathogenesis identified. The proportion of concomitant extragenital malformations varies in different studies, and the discrepancies may be explained by ethnic differences. In addition to physical examination and pelvic ultrasound, the performance of pelvic magnetic resonance imaging is crucial in detecting the presence of rudimentary uterine endometrium. MRKH syndrome has long-lasting psychological effects on patients, resulting in low esteem, poor coping strategies, depression, and anxiety symptoms. Providing psychological counseling and peer support to diagnosed patients is recommended. Proper and timely psychological intervention could significantly improve a patient's outcome. Various nonsurgical and surgical methods have been suggested for treatment of MRKH syndrome. Due to the high success rate and minimal risk of complications, vaginal dilation has been proven to be the first-line therapy. Vaginoplasty is the second-line option for patients experiencing dilation failure. Uterine transplantation and gestational surrogacy are options for women with MRKH syndrome to achieve biological motherhood.

Pregnancy after living kidney donation, a systematic review of the available evidence, and a review of the current guidance

Understanding and communicating the risk of pregnancy complications post-living kidney donation is imperative as the majority of living kidney donors (LKD) are women of childbearing age. We aimed to identify all original research articles examining complications in post-donation pregnancies and compared the quality and consistency of related guidelines. We searched Embase, MEDLINE, PubMed, society webpages, and guideline registries for English-language publications published up until December 18, 2020. Ninety-three articles were screened from which 16 studies were identified, with a total of 1399 post-donation pregnancies. The outcome of interest, post-donation pregnancy complications, was not calculable, and only a narrative synthesis of the evidence was possible. The absolute risk of pre-eclampsia increased from ~1%-3% pre-donation (lower than the general population) to ~4%-10% post-donation (comparable to the general population). The risks of adverse fetal and neonatal outcomes were no different between post-donation and pre-donation pregnancies. Guidelines and consensus statements were consistent in stating the need to inform LKDs of their post-donation pregnancy risk, however, the depth and scope of this guidance were variable. While the absolute risk of pregnancy complications remains low post-donation, a concerted effort is required to better identify and individualize risk in these women, such that consent to donation is truly informed.

Gestational Outcomes of Pregnant Women with Unilateral Congenital Renal Agenesis

ObjectiveWe evaluated if there were more adverse gestational outcomes of pregnant women with unilateral congenital renal agenesis (UCRA). Study design: This single center retrospective case-control study compared maternal complications and neonatal outcomes from 25 women with UCRA to the outcomes of 125 women with two kidneys. Results: UCRA women had lower gestational weeks at birth and higher rates of preterm delivery (p = 0.004 and <0.001; respectively). Mothers had higher rates of preeclampsia and newborns with congenital anomalies and neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admission (p = 0.009, 0.042, and 0.039; respectively). Unadjusted odds ratios were significantly higher for preterm delivery and for any APGAR score of <7 at the first 10 min and preeclampsia [OR (95% CI):13.5 (4.66-39.05), 31 (3.44-279.32) and 5.76 (1.33-24.84), respectively]. Conclusion: Maternal UCRA is a risk factor for less optimal obstetric and neonatal outcomes.

Risk of pregnancy complications in living kidney donors: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Living kidney donation is associated with glomerular hyperfiltration, predisposing for the development of chronic kidney disease. The present meta-analysis aims to gather current evidence and clarify whether kidney donors are at increased risk of future pregnancy complications. Medline, Scopus, Web of Science, CENTRAL and Google Scholar were systematically searched from inception to August 29, 2021. Observational studies comparing the rates of adverse pregnancy outcomes among kidney donors and non-donors were selected. Random-effects models were fitted to provide meta-analysis estimates, while the quality of evidence was appraised with the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation approach. Five studies were included, comprising 430 donors and 23,540 non-donors. Living kidney donation was associated with significantly higher risk of preeclampsia (OR: 2.86, 95% CI: 1.62-5.05, moderate quality of evidence), gestational hypertension (OR: 2.53, 95% CI: 1.11-5.74, low quality of evidence) and preterm birth (OR: 1.32, 95% CI: 1.01-1.74, moderate quality of evidence). The anticipated absolute rates of preeclampsia, gestational hypertension and preterm birth were 7.4%, 5.4% and 8.3%, respectively. The risk of gestational diabetes, cesarean delivery, low birthweight and fetal death was similar between the two groups (low quality of evidence). In conclusion, women with history of kidney donation are at significantly increased risk of preeclampsia, gestational hypertension and preterm birth in subsequent pregnancies, although the absolute rate of complications remains below 10%. Future studies should confirm these effects and improve potential donor counseling by individualizing the risk of adverse perinatal outcomes.

Uterine Transplantation: Review of Livebirths and Reproductive Implications

Uterine transplantation (UTx) is a fertility restoring treatment for women with absolute uterine factor infertility. At a time when there is no question of the procedure's feasibility, and as the number of livebirths begins to increase exponentially, various important reproductive, fetal, and maternal medicine implications have emerged. Detailed outcomes from 17 livebirths following UTx are now available, which are reviewed herein, along with contextualized extrapolation from pregnancy outcomes in other solid organ transplants. Differences in recipient demographics and reproductive aspirations between UTx and other transplant recipients make extrapolating management strategies and outcomes in other solid organ transplants inappropriate. Whereas preterm delivery remains prominent, small for gestational age or hypertensive disorders do not appear to be as prevalent following UTx when compared to other solid organ transplants. Given the primary objective of undertaking UTx is to achieve a livebirth, publication of reproductive outcomes is essential at this early stage, to reflect on and optimize the management of future cases.

Human uterine transplantation: a review of outcomes from the first 45 cases

Uterine transplantation restores reproductive anatomy in women with absolute uterine factor infertility and allows the opportunity to conceive, experience gestation, and acquire motherhood. The number of cases being performed is increasing exponentially, with detailed outcomes from 45 cases, including nine live births, now available. In light of the data presented herein, including detailed surgical, immunosuppressive and obstetric outcomes, the feasibility of uterine transplantation is now difficult to refute. However, it is associated with significant risk with more than one-quarter of grafts removed because of complications, and one in ten donors suffering complications requiring surgical repair. TWEETABLE ABSTRACT: Uterine transplantation is feasible in women with uterine factor infertility, but is associated with significant risk of complication.