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Biggio J. SMFM Consult Series #70: Management of short cervix in individuals without a history of spontaneous preterm birth. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2024; 231:B2-B13. [PMID: 38754603 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajog.2024.05.006] [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] [Indexed: 05/18/2024]
Abstract
Most deliveries before 34 weeks of gestation occur in individuals with no previous history of preterm birth. Midtrimester cervical length assessment using transvaginal ultrasound is one of the best clinical predictors of spontaneous preterm birth. This Consult provides guidance for the diagnosis and management of a short cervix in an individual without a history of preterm birth. The following are Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine recommendations: (1) we recommend that all cervical length measurements used to guide therapeutic recommendations be performed using a transvaginal approach and in accordance with standardized procedures as described by organizations such as the Perinatal Quality Foundation or the Fetal Medicine Foundation (GRADE 1C); (2) we recommend using a midtrimester cervical length of ≤25 mm to diagnose a short cervix in individuals with a singleton gestation and no previous history of spontaneous preterm birth (GRADE 1C); (3) we recommend that asymptomatic individuals with a singleton gestation and a transvaginal cervical length of ≤20 mm diagnosed before 24 weeks of gestation be prescribed vaginal progesterone to reduce the risk of preterm birth (GRADE 1A); (4) we recommend that treatment with vaginal progesterone be considered at a cervical length of 21 to 25 mm based on shared decision-making (GRADE 1B); (5) we recommend that 17-alpha hydroxyprogesterone caproate, including compounded formulations, not be prescribed for the treatment of a short cervix (GRADE 1B); (6) in individuals without a history of preterm birth who have a sonographic short cervix (10-25 mm), we recommend against cerclage placement in the absence of cervical dilation (GRADE 1B); (7) we recommend that cervical pessary not be placed for the prevention of preterm birth in individuals with a singleton gestation and a short cervix (GRADE 1B); and (8) we recommend against routine use of progesterone, pessary, or cerclage for the treatment of cervical shortening in twin gestations outside the context of a clinical trial (GRADE 1B).
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Rodo C, Maiz N, Arevalo S, Lewi L, Couck I, Hollwitz B, Kyvernitakis I, Carreras E, Hecher K. The Arabin cervical pessary for the prevention of preterm birth in twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome treated by fetoscopic laser coagulation: a multicenter randomized controlled trial. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2024; 231:252.e1-252.e11. [PMID: 38036166 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajog.2023.11.1245] [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: 07/10/2023] [Revised: 11/08/2023] [Accepted: 11/12/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Miscarriage and preterm birth are leading causes of loss and disability in monochorionic twins after laser treatment of twin-twin transfusion syndrome. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to investigate the use of cervical pessary to reduce preterm birth before 32 weeks of gestation in monochorionic diamniotic twin pregnancies after fetal surgery for twin-twin transfusion syndrome. STUDY DESIGN In this open-label multicenter randomized trial, pregnant women carrying monochorionic diamniotic twins requiring fetoscopic laser coagulation for twin-twin transfusion syndrome were randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to pessary placement or conservative management. The primary outcome was birth before 32 weeks of gestation. The secondary outcomes were birth before 28, 30, 34, or 37 weeks of gestation; preterm premature rupture of membranes; fetal and neonatal survival; and a composite of maternal and neonatal complications. The estimated sample size was 364 patients, with 182 cases in each arm of the study. The analysis was performed according to the intention-to-treat principle. Moreover, 2 interim analyses were planned. RESULTS The trial was stopped prematurely after the first planned interim analysis for futility. Overall, 137 women were included in the analysis, 67 in the pessary group and 70 in the conservative management group. Preterm birth before 32 weeks of gestation occurred in 27 of 67 women (40.3%) in the pessary group and in 25 of 70 women (35.7%) in the conservative management group (adjusted odds ratio, 1.19; 95% confidence interval, 0.58-2.47; P=.63). No differences between groups were observed in the rate of deliveries before 28, 30, 34, and 37 weeks of gestation. Overall survival to delivery was 91.2% (125/137) for at least 1 twin, and 70.8% (97/137) for both twins, with no difference between groups. Neonatal survival at 30 days was 76.5% (208/272). There was no difference between the groups in maternal or neonatal morbidity. CONCLUSION In monochorionic diamniotic twin pregnancies requiring fetal therapy for twin-twin transfusion syndrome, routine use of cervical pessary did not reduce the rate of preterm birth before 32 weeks of gestation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlota Rodo
- Maternal-Fetal Medicine Unit, Department of Obstetrics, Vall d'Hebron Institut de Recerca, Vall d'Hebron Hospital Universitari, Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Nerea Maiz
- Maternal-Fetal Medicine Unit, Department of Obstetrics, Vall d'Hebron Institut de Recerca, Vall d'Hebron Hospital Universitari, Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Silvia Arevalo
- Maternal-Fetal Medicine Unit, Department of Obstetrics, Vall d'Hebron Institut de Recerca, Vall d'Hebron Hospital Universitari, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Liesbeth Lewi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; Department of Development and Regeneration, Biomedical Sciences, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Isabel Couck
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Bettina Hollwitz
- Department of Obstetrics and Fetal Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Ioannis Kyvernitakis
- Department of Obstetrics and Prenatal Medicine, Asklepios Klinik Barmbek, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Elena Carreras
- Maternal-Fetal Medicine Unit, Department of Obstetrics, Vall d'Hebron Institut de Recerca, Vall d'Hebron Hospital Universitari, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Kurt Hecher
- Department of Obstetrics and Fetal Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
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Swarray-Deen A, Sepenu P, Mensah TE, Osei-Agyapong J, Sefogah PE, Appiah-Sakyi K, Ahmed B, Konje JC. Preterm birth in low-middle income Countries. Best Pract Res Clin Obstet Gynaecol 2024; 95:102518. [PMID: 38937155 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpobgyn.2024.102518] [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: 02/06/2024] [Accepted: 06/12/2024] [Indexed: 06/29/2024]
Abstract
Preterm birth (PTB), remains a major cause of significant morbidity and mortality world-wide with about 12-15million preterm births occurring every year. Although the overall trend is decreasing, this is mainly in high-income countries (HIC). The rate remains high in low-and middle-income countries (LMIC) varying on average between 10 and 12% compared to 9% in HIC. The pathogenesis of PTB is complex and multifactorial. Attempts to reduce rates that have focused on PTB as a single condition have in general been unsuccessful. However, more recent attempts to phenotype PTB have resulted in targeted preventative approaches which are yielding better results. Prevention (primary or secondary) is the only approach that has been shown to make a difference to rates of PTB. These include identifying risk factors pre-pregnancy and during pregnancy and instituting appropriate measures to address these. In LMIC, although some approaches that have been shown to be effective in some HIC are adaptable, there is a need to involve stakeholders at all levels in utilizing evidence preferrably generated in LMIC to implement strategies that are likely to reduce the rate of PTB. In this review, we focus on prevention and how to involve policy makers in the process of applying evidence into policy that would reduce PTB in LMIC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alim Swarray-Deen
- Maternal-Fetal Medicine Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, Accra, Ghana; Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Ghana Medical School, Accra, Ghana
| | - Perez Sepenu
- Maternal-Fetal Medicine Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, Accra, Ghana
| | - Teresa E Mensah
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Cape Coast Teaching Hospital, Cape Coast, Ghana
| | - Jeff Osei-Agyapong
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Greater Accra Regional Hospital Accra, Ghana
| | - Promise E Sefogah
- Maternal-Fetal Medicine Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, Accra, Ghana; Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Ghana Medical School, Accra, Ghana
| | | | - Badreldeen Ahmed
- Feto-Maternal Centre, Doha, Qatar; Deoartment of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Weill Cornell Medicine Qatar, Doha, Qatar
| | - Justin C Konje
- Feto-Maternal Centre, Doha, Qatar; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Weill Cornell Medicine Qatar, Doha, Qatar; Department of Health Sciences, University of Leicester, UK.
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Norooznezhad AH, Zargarzadeh N, Javinani A, Nabavian SM, Qaderi S, Mostafaei S, Berghella V, Oyelese Y, Shamshirsaz AA. The effect of cervical pessary on increasing gestational age at delivery in twin pregnancies with asymptomatic short cervix: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. AJOG GLOBAL REPORTS 2024; 4:100347. [PMID: 38655568 PMCID: PMC11036094 DOI: 10.1016/j.xagr.2024.100347] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Objective The incidence of preterm delivery is much higher in twin pregnancies than in singletons and even higher if a short cervical length is detected in the second trimester. Studies are contradictory regarding the efficacy of a cervical pessary to decrease preterm birth in twin pregnancies and short cervical length. To conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis investigating the efficacy of cervical pessary in prolonging gestation, preventing preterm birth, and reducing adverse neonatal outcomes in twin pregnancies with an asymptomatic short cervix. Data sources PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and ClinicalTrials.org were searched for randomized controlled trials from inception to June 2023. Study eligibility criteria In this study, randomized controlled trials comparing the cervical pessary to expectant management in the pregnant population with twin gestations and asymptomatic short cervix were included. Methods The Cochrane risk-of-bias-2 tool for randomized controlled trials was used for the evaluation of the risk of bias in included studies. A meta-analysis was performed by calculating risk ratio and mean difference with their 95% confidence interval using the random effects model or fixed effect model on the basis of heterogeneity and accounting for potential covariates among the included randomized controlled trials. Results A total of 6 randomized controlled trials were included in the analysis. Cervical pessary did not significantly increase the gestational age at delivery in twin pregnancies with asymptomatic patients (mean difference, 0.36 weeks [-0.27 to 0.99]; P=.270; I2=72.0%). Moreover, the cervical pessary use did not result in a reduction of spontaneous or all-preterm birth before 37 weeks of gestation (risk ratio, 0.88 [0.77-1.00]; P=.061; I2=0.0%). There was no statistically significant difference in the composite neonatal adverse outcomes (risk ratio, 1.001 [0.86-1.16]; P=.981; I2=20.9%), including early respiratory morbidity, intraventricular hemorrhage, necrotizing enterocolitis, and confirmed sepsis. Conclusion The use of cervical pessary in twin pregnancies with asymptomatic short cervix does not seem to be effective in increasing the gestational age at delivery, preventing preterm birth, or reducing adverse neonatal outcomes. This indicates that alternative interventions should be sought for the management of this patient population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amir Hossein Norooznezhad
- Medical Biology Research Center, Health Technology Institute, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran (Dr. Norooznezhad and Dr. Nabavian)
| | - Nikan Zargarzadeh
- Maternal Fetal Care Center, Division of Maternal Fetal Medicine and Surgery, Department of Surgery, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA (Dr. Zargarzadeh, Dr. Javinani, Dr. Qaderi, Dr. Oyelese, and Dr Shamshirsaz)
| | - Ali Javinani
- Maternal Fetal Care Center, Division of Maternal Fetal Medicine and Surgery, Department of Surgery, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA (Dr. Zargarzadeh, Dr. Javinani, Dr. Qaderi, Dr. Oyelese, and Dr Shamshirsaz)
| | - Seyedeh Maedeh Nabavian
- Medical Biology Research Center, Health Technology Institute, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran (Dr. Norooznezhad and Dr. Nabavian)
| | - Shohra Qaderi
- Maternal Fetal Care Center, Division of Maternal Fetal Medicine and Surgery, Department of Surgery, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA (Dr. Zargarzadeh, Dr. Javinani, Dr. Qaderi, Dr. Oyelese, and Dr Shamshirsaz)
| | - Shayan Mostafaei
- Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden (Dr. Mostafaei)
| | - Vincenzo Berghella
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sidney Kimmel Medical College of Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA (Dr. Berghella)
| | - Yinka Oyelese
- Maternal Fetal Care Center, Division of Maternal Fetal Medicine and Surgery, Department of Surgery, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA (Dr. Zargarzadeh, Dr. Javinani, Dr. Qaderi, Dr. Oyelese, and Dr Shamshirsaz)
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA (Dr. Oyelese)
| | - Alireza A. Shamshirsaz
- Maternal Fetal Care Center, Division of Maternal Fetal Medicine and Surgery, Department of Surgery, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA (Dr. Zargarzadeh, Dr. Javinani, Dr. Qaderi, Dr. Oyelese, and Dr Shamshirsaz)
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Kyvernitakis I, Baschat AA, Malan M, Rath W, Berger R, Henrich W, Schleussner E, Yousefi B, Timmesfeld N, Maul H. Cervical pessary to prevent preterm birth and poor neonatal outcome: An integrity meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials focusing on adherence to the European Medical Device Regulation. Int J Gynaecol Obstet 2024; 165:607-620. [PMID: 37830250 DOI: 10.1002/ijgo.15169] [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: 06/09/2023] [Revised: 07/28/2023] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 10/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Findings from randomized trials (RCTs) on cervical pessary treatment to prevent spontaneous preterm birth are inconsistent. OBJECTIVES Our hypothesis suggests that adhering to the European Medical Device Regulation (MDR) and following the instructions for use are essential prerequisites for successful therapy. Conversely, the non-adherence to these guidelines will probably contribute to its failure. SEARCH STRATEGY AND SELECTION CRITERIA Based on validated criteria from integrity assessments we performed a systematic review identifying 14 RCTs evaluating the effect of cervical pessaries. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS We analyzed the implications of 14 criteria each accounting for 0-2 points of a score reflecting the clinical evaluation plan (CEP) as proposed by the MDR to evaluate the risk-benefit ratio of medical devices. MAIN RESULTS Seven RCTs in each singleton and twin pregnancies (5193 "cases") were included, detecting a high heterogeneity within control groups (I2 = 85% and 87%, respectively, P < 0.01). The CEP score varied from 11 to 26 points for all studies. The most common reasons for low scores and potential data compromise were poor recruitment rates, no (completed) power analysis, and no pre-registration, but mainly non-adherence to technical, biological, and clinical equivalence to the instructions for use as required by the MDR. All trials with score values greater than 20 had applied audit procedures. Within this group we found significantly reduced rates of spontaneous preterm birth at less than 34 weeks within the pessary group in singleton (odds ratio 0.28; 95% confidence interval 0.12-0.65) and twin pregnancies (odds ratio 0.30; 95% confidence interval 0.13-0.67). Similarly, there was a significant reduction in the composite poor neonatal outcome in singleton (odds ratio 0.25; 95% confidence interval 0.10-0.61) and twin pregnancies (odds ratio 0.54; 95% confidence interval 0.35-0.82) after a pessary as compared with controls. CONCLUSION Non-audited RCTs and meta-analyses mixing studies of different clinical quality as pre-defined by a CEP and the MDR pose the risk for erroneous conclusions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ioannis Kyvernitakis
- Department of Obstetrics and Prenatal Medicine, Asklepios Clinic Barmbek, Asklepios Medical School, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Ahmet A Baschat
- Center for Fetal Therapy, Department of Gynecology & Obstetrics, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Marcel Malan
- Department of Obstetrics and Prenatal Medicine, Asklepios Clinic Barmbek, Asklepios Medical School, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Werner Rath
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital of Schleswig-Holstein, Kiel, Germany
| | - Richard Berger
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Marienhaus Klinikum St. Elisabeth, Neuwied, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Henrich
- Department of Obstetrics, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Ekkehard Schleussner
- Department of Obstetrics and Prenatal Medicine, University of Jena, Jena, Germany
| | - Bahareh Yousefi
- Department of Medical Informatics, Biometry and Epidemiology, Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Nina Timmesfeld
- Department of Medical Informatics, Biometry and Epidemiology, Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Holger Maul
- Department of Obstetrics and Prenatal Medicine, Asklepios Clinic Barmbek, Asklepios Medical School, Hamburg, Germany
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Peng L, Gao Y, Yuan C, Kuang H. Effects of vaginal progesterone and placebo on preterm birth and antenatal outcomes in women with singleton pregnancies and short cervix on ultrasound: a meta-analysis. Front Med (Lausanne) 2024; 11:1328014. [PMID: 38646553 PMCID: PMC11026645 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2024.1328014] [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: 10/25/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 04/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Vaginal progesterone in preterm birth and adverse outcomes caused by cervical insufficiency remains controversial. To address it, the effect of vaginal progesterone on preterm delivery and perinatal outcome of single pregnancy women with short cervix (less than 25 mm) was systematically evaluated by meta-analysis. Methods "Vaginal progesterone," "placebo," "ultrasound," "cervix," "singleton pregnancy," "preterm birth," and "antenatal outcomes" were entered to screen clinical studies PubMed, Embase, and the Chinese Biomedical Literature Database (CBM). The study population consisted of women with singleton pregnancies and a short cervix on ultrasound, and were assigned into the progesterone group (n = 1,368) and the placebo group (n = 1,373). Treatment began after the patient was diagnosed with short cervix until delivery. Neonatal survival rate, Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) admission rate, respiratory distress syndrome (RDS), intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH), neonatal mortality, and birth weight <1,500 g were analyzed. Results A total of 8 articles, totaling 2,741 study subjects, were enrolled. The progesterone group exhibited an obvious reduced rate of preterm birth at <34 weeks (OR = 0.67, 95% CI: 0.53∼0.84; Z = 3.53, P = 0.004), preterm birth at <32 weeks (OR = 0.46, 95% CI: 0.28∼0.77; Z = 2.99, P = 0.003), NICU admission rate (OR = 0.45, 95% CI: 0.30∼0.66; Z = 0.15, P < 0.0001), RDS rate (OR = 0.42, 95% CI: 0.28∼0.63; Z = 4.25, P < 0.0001), IVH incidence rate (OR = 0.40, 95% CI: 0.17∼0.95; Z = 2.08, P = 0.04), neonatal mortality (OR = 0.25, 95% CI: 0.13∼0.46; Z = 4.39, P < 0.0001), and proportion of neonates with birth weight < 1,500 g (OR = 0.45, 95% CI: 0.32∼0.64; Z = 4.50, P < 0.0001). Conclusion Vaginal progesterone lowered the incidences of preterm birth and adverse pregnancy outcomes in women with singleton pregnancies and a short cervix.
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Affiliation(s)
- Limin Peng
- Department of Obstetrics, The First Affiliated Hospital, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
- Medical Department of First Clinical Medical College, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, China
| | - Yan Gao
- Department of Obstetrics, The First Affiliated Hospital, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Chengkun Yuan
- Department of Obstetrics, The First Affiliated Hospital, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Hongying Kuang
- Medical Department of First Clinical Medical College, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, China
- Department of Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, China
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Goodell M, Leechalad L, Soti V. Are Cervical Pessaries Effective in Preventing Preterm Birth? Cureus 2024; 16:e51775. [PMID: 38187016 PMCID: PMC10771609 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.51775] [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: 11/14/2023] [Accepted: 01/06/2024] [Indexed: 01/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Preterm births are a significant concern, as they can have serious consequences for both infants and mothers. It is crucial to identify risk factors associated with preterm birth and to implement effective interventions, such as progesterone, cervical pessary, and cervical cerclage, to prevent it. This systematic review aims to evaluate the efficacy of cervical pessary in reducing spontaneous preterm delivery. However, cervical pessaries have limited research and conflicting findings when compared to other interventions for preventing preterm labor. Therefore, this review seeks to analyze various studies to evaluate their overall effectiveness and better understand their role in treating this vulnerable population. The literature search was conducted using PubMed between January and September 2023, and the systematic review adhered to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. The results of this review highlight the importance of continued research into mitigation strategies for preterm birth. There is some evidence that indicates that using cervical pessaries before 34 weeks can be effective. While some studies have reported positive outcomes when cervical pessaries are combined with other treatments like progesterone, there is no solid statistical evidence to support this claim. Furthermore, additional research is needed to comprehend the impact of singleton pregnancies and long-term outcomes for both mothers and infants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Morgan Goodell
- Obstetrics and Gynecology, Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, Elmira, USA
| | - Leilani Leechalad
- Internal Medicine, Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, Elmira, USA
| | - Varun Soti
- Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, Elmira, USA
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Ahmed B, Abushama M, Konje JC. Prevention of spontaneous preterm delivery – an update on where we are today. J Matern Fetal Neonatal Med 2023; 36:2183756. [PMID: 36966809 DOI: 10.1080/14767058.2023.2183756] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/28/2023]
Abstract
Spontaneous preterm birth (delivery before 37 completed weeks) is the single most important cause of perinatal morbidity and mortality. The rate is increasing world-wide with a great disparity between low, middle and high income countries. It has been estimated that the cost of neonatal care for preterm babies is more than 4 times that of a term neonate admitted into the neonatal care. Furthermore, there are high costs associated with long-term morbidity in those who survive the neonatal period. Interventions to stop delivery once preterm labor starts are largely ineffective hence the best approach to reducing the rate and consequences is prevention. This is either primary (reducing or minimizing factors associated with preterm birth prior to and during pregnancy) or secondary - identification and amelioration (if possible) of factors in pregnancy that are associated with preterm labor. In the first category are optimizing maternal weight, promoting healthy nutrition, smoking cessation, birth spacing, avoidance of adolescent pregnancies and screening for and controlling various medical disorders as well as infections prior to pregnancy. Strategies in pregnancy, include early booking for prenatal care, screening and managing medical disorders and their complications, and identifying predisposing factors to preterm labor such as shortening of the cervix and timely instituting progesterone prophylaxis or cervical cerclage where appropriate. The use of biomarkers such as oncofetal fibronectin, placental alpha-macroglobulin-1 and IGFBP-1 where cervical screening is not available or to diagnosis PPROM would identify those that require close monitoring and allow the institution of antibiotics especially where infection is considered a predisposing factor. Irrespective of the approach to prevention, timing the administration of corticosteroids and where necessary tocolysis and magnesium sulfate are associated with an improved outcome. The role of genetics, infections and probiotics and how these emerging dimensions help in the diagnosis of preterm birth and consequently prevention are exciting and hopefully may identify sub-populations for targeted strategies.
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Conde-Agudelo A, Romero R, Rehal A, Brizot ML, Serra V, Da Fonseca E, Cetingoz E, Syngelaki A, Perales A, Hassan SS, Nicolaides KH. Vaginal progesterone for preventing preterm birth and adverse perinatal outcomes in twin gestations: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2023; 229:599-616.e3. [PMID: 37196896 PMCID: PMC10646154 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajog.2023.05.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2023] [Revised: 05/09/2023] [Accepted: 05/11/2023] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the efficacy of vaginal progesterone for the prevention of preterm birth and adverse perinatal outcomes in twin gestations. DATA SOURCES MEDLINE, Embase, LILACS, and CINAHL (from their inception to January 31, 2023), Cochrane databases, Google Scholar, bibliographies, and conference proceedings. STUDY ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA Randomized controlled trials that compared vaginal progesterone to placebo or no treatment in asymptomatic women with a twin gestation. METHODS The systematic review was conducted according to the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions. The primary outcome was preterm birth <34 weeks of gestation. Secondary outcomes included adverse perinatal outcomes. Pooled relative risks with 95% confidence intervals were calculated. We assessed the risk of bias in each included study, heterogeneity, publication bias, and quality of evidence, and performed subgroup and sensitivity analyses. RESULTS Eleven studies (3401 women and 6802 fetuses/infants) fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Among all twin gestations, there were no significant differences between the vaginal progesterone and placebo or no treatment groups in the risk of preterm birth <34 weeks (relative risk, 0.99; 95% confidence interval, 0.84-1.17; high-quality evidence), <37 weeks (relative risk, 0.99; 95% confidence interval, 0.92-1.06; high-quality evidence), and <28 weeks (relative risk, 1.00; 95% confidence interval, 0.64-1.55; moderate-quality evidence), and spontaneous preterm birth <34 weeks of gestation (relative risk, 0.97; 95% confidence interval, 0.80-1.18; high-quality evidence). Vaginal progesterone had no significant effect on any of the perinatal outcomes evaluated. Subgroup analyses showed that there was no evidence of a different effect of vaginal progesterone on preterm birth <34 weeks of gestation related to chorionicity, type of conception, history of spontaneous preterm birth, daily dose of vaginal progesterone, and gestational age at initiation of treatment. The frequencies of preterm birth <37, <34, <32, <30, and <28 weeks of gestation and adverse perinatal outcomes did not significantly differ between the vaginal progesterone and placebo or no treatment groups in unselected twin gestations (8 studies; 3274 women and 6548 fetuses/infants). Among twin gestations with a transvaginal sonographic cervical length <30 mm (6 studies; 306 women and 612 fetuses/infants), vaginal progesterone was associated with a significant decrease in the risk of preterm birth occurring at <28 to <32 gestational weeks (relative risks, 0.48-0.65; moderate- to high-quality evidence), neonatal death (relative risk, 0.32; 95% confidence interval, 0.11-0.92; moderate-quality evidence), and birthweight <1500 g (relative risk, 0.60; 95% confidence interval, 0.39-0.88; high-quality evidence). Vaginal progesterone significantly reduced the risk of preterm birth occurring at <28 to <34 gestational weeks (relative risks, 0.41-0.68), composite neonatal morbidity and mortality (relative risk, 0.59; 95% confidence interval, 0.33-0.98), and birthweight <1500 g (relative risk, 0.55; 95% confidence interval, 0.33-0.94) in twin gestations with a transvaginal sonographic cervical length ≤25 mm (6 studies; 95 women and 190 fetuses/infants). The quality of evidence was moderate for all these outcomes. CONCLUSION Vaginal progesterone does not prevent preterm birth, nor does it improve perinatal outcomes in unselected twin gestations, but it appears to reduce the risk of preterm birth occurring at early gestational ages and of neonatal morbidity and mortality in twin gestations with a sonographic short cervix. However, more evidence is needed before recommending this intervention to this subset of patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agustin Conde-Agudelo
- Pregnancy Research Branch, Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, United States Department of Health and Human Services, Bethesda, MD and Detroit, MI; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI.
| | - Roberto Romero
- Pregnancy Research Branch, Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, United States Department of Health and Human Services, Bethesda, MD and Detroit, MI; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI; Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI.
| | - Anoop Rehal
- Fetal Medicine Research Institute, King's College Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | - Maria L Brizot
- Departamento de Obstetrícia e Ginecologia, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Vicente Serra
- Maternal-Fetal Medicine Unit, Instituto Valenciano de Infertilidad, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain; Department of Pediatrics, Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - Eduardo Da Fonseca
- Departamento de Obstetrícia e Ginecologia, Hospital do Servidor Público Estadual Francisco Morato de Oliveira and School of Medicine, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Elcin Cetingoz
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Zeynep Kamil Women and Children Diseases Education and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Argyro Syngelaki
- Fetal Medicine Research Institute, King's College Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | - Alfredo Perales
- Department of Pediatrics, Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain; Department of Obstetrics, University Hospital La Fe, Valencia, Spain
| | - Sonia S Hassan
- Office of Women's Health, Integrative Biosciences Center, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI; Department of Physiology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI
| | - Kypros H Nicolaides
- Fetal Medicine Research Institute, King's College Hospital, London, United Kingdom
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10
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Baños Cándenas L, Abehsera Davó D, Castaño Frías L, González Mesa E. Retrospective Study of First Trimester Metrorrhagia: Pregnancy Follow-Up and Relationship with the Appearance of Gestational Complications. MEDICINA (KAUNAS, LITHUANIA) 2023; 59:1370. [PMID: 37629660 PMCID: PMC10456544 DOI: 10.3390/medicina59081370] [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: 06/18/2023] [Revised: 07/23/2023] [Accepted: 07/25/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023]
Abstract
Background and Objectives: The purpose of this study was to describe and evaluate the bleeding that occurs during the first weeks of gestation and its implications throughout pregnancy. Secondarily, we assessed the associated complications in order to identify potential risk factors that could be used to select women at higher risk of adverse outcomes that could benefit from an early diagnosis and improved monitoring. Materials and Methods: We made a selection of all the women who consulted in the Emergency Department of the Hospital QuirónSalud in Malaga on 2015 presenting with first trimester metrorrhagia. We refer to first trimester metrorrhagia as that which occurs until week 12 + 6. Once these pregnant women were identified, we studied several variables not related to the gestation and some others associated with it and its natural course. Results: The average age of the patients assessed was 34.1. Associated gestational complications were metrorrhagia in the second trimester (6.3%), threatened preterm labor (7.4%), preeclampsia (2.5%), gestational diabetes (7.4%), late abortion (1.2%), and early postpartum hemorrhage (1.8%). We sought associations to assess possible risk factors, establishing an increased maternal age as an aggravating factor for the development of complications. We also studied gestational complications, finding a higher prevalence of them in older women, such as prematurity (33.11 vs. 34.48 years), gestational diabetes (33.11 vs. 36.06 years), and preeclampsia (33.25 vs. 35 years). Conclusions: Maternal age is a risk factor for first-trimester spontaneous miscarriage and for the development of complications of pregnancy. It is crucial to perform a correct screening of different pathologies throughout the pregnancy to anticipate potential complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Baños Cándenas
- Medicine School, Malaga University, 29071 Málaga, Spain
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Service, Virgen de la Victoria University Hospital, 29010 Málaga, Spain
| | | | - Lucía Castaño Frías
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Service, Regional University Hospital of Malaga, 29011 Málaga, Spain
| | - Ernesto González Mesa
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Service, Regional University Hospital of Malaga, 29011 Málaga, Spain
- Surgical Specialties, Biochemistry and Immunology Department, Malaga University, 29071 Málaga, Spain
- Biomedical Research Institute of Malaga (IBIMA) Research Group in Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Epigenetics, Women’s Diseases and Reproductive Health, 29071 Málaga, Spain
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11
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Berger R, Abele H, Bahlmann F, Doubek K, Felderhoff-Müser U, Fluhr H, Garnier Y, Grylka-Baeschlin S, Hayward A, Helmer H, Herting E, Hoopmann M, Hösli I, Hoyme U, Kunze M, Kuon RH, Kyvernitakis I, Lütje W, Mader S, Maul H, Mendling W, Mitschdörfer B, Nothacker M, Olbertz D, Ramsell A, Rath W, Roll C, Schlembach D, Schleußner E, Schütz F, Seifert-Klauss V, Stubert J, Surbek D. Prevention and Therapy of Preterm Birth. Guideline of the DGGG, OEGGG and SGGG (S2k Level, AWMF Registry Number 015/025, September 2022) - Part 2 with Recommendations on the Tertiary Prevention of Preterm Birth and on the Management of Preterm Premature Rupture of Membranes. Geburtshilfe Frauenheilkd 2023; 83:569-601. [PMID: 37169014 PMCID: PMC10166648 DOI: 10.1055/a-2044-0345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2023] [Accepted: 01/22/2023] [Indexed: 05/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Aim The revision of this guideline was coordinated by the German Society for Gynecology and Obstetrics (DGGG), the Austrian Society for Gynecology and Obstetrics (OEGGG) and the Swiss Society for Gynecology and Obstetrics (SGGG). The aim of the guideline is to improve the prediction, prevention and management of preterm birth based on evidence from the current literature, the experience of members of the guidelines commission, and the viewpoint of self-help organizations. Methods The members of the contributing professional societies and organizations developed recommendations and statements based on international literature. The recommendations and statements were presented and adopted using a formal process (structured consensus conferences with neutral moderation, written Delphi vote). Recommendations Part 2 of this short version of the guideline presents statements and recommendations on the tertiary prevention of preterm birth and the management of preterm premature rupture of membranes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard Berger
- Frauenklinik, Marienhaus Klinikum Neuwied, Neuwied, Germany
| | - Harald Abele
- Frauenklinik, Universitätsklinikum Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Franz Bahlmann
- Frauenklinik, Bürgerhospital Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | | | - Ursula Felderhoff-Müser
- Klinik für Kinderheilkunde I/Perinatalzentrum, Universitätsklinikum Essen, Universität Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Herbert Fluhr
- Frauenklinik, Universitätsklinikum Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Yves Garnier
- Frauenklinik, Klinikum Osnabrück, Osnabrück, Germany
| | - Susanne Grylka-Baeschlin
- Zürcher Hochschule für angewandte Wissenschaften, Institut für Hebammenwissenschaft und reproduktive Gesundheit, Zürich, Switzerland
| | | | - Hanns Helmer
- Universitätsklinik für Frauenheilkunde, Medizinische Universität Wien, Wien, Austria
| | - Egbert Herting
- Klinik für Kinder- und Jugendmedizin, Universitätsklinikum Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Markus Hoopmann
- Frauenklinik, Universitätsklinikum Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Irene Hösli
- Frauenklinik, Universitätsspital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Udo Hoyme
- Frauenklinik, Ilm-Kreis-Kliniken, Arnstadt, Germany
| | - Mirjam Kunze
- Frauenklinik, Universitätsklinikum Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Ruben-H. Kuon
- Frauenklinik, Universitätsklinikum Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | | | - Wolf Lütje
- Frauenklinik, Evangelisches Amalie Sieveking-Krankenhaus Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Silke Mader
- European Foundation for the Care of Newborn Infants, München, Germany
| | - Holger Maul
- Frauenklinik, Asklepios Kliniken Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Werner Mendling
- Frauenklinik, Helios Universitätsklinikum Wuppertal, Wuppertal, Germany
| | | | - Monika Nothacker
- Arbeitsgemeinschaft der Wissenschaftlichen Medizinischen Fachgesellschaften, Berlin
| | - Dirk Olbertz
- Klinik für Neonatologie, Klinikum Südstadt Rostock, Rostock, Germany
| | | | - Werner Rath
- Emeritus, Universitätsklinikum Aachen, Aachen, Germany
| | - Claudia Roll
- Vestische Kinder- und Jugendklinik Datteln, Universität Witten/Herdecke, Datteln, Germany
| | - Dietmar Schlembach
- Klinik für Geburtsmedizin, Klinikum Neukölln/Berlin Vivantes Netzwerk für Gesundheit, Berlin, Germany
| | | | - Florian Schütz
- Frauenklinik, Diakonissen-Stiftungs-Krankenhaus Speyer, Speyer, Germany
| | | | | | - Daniel Surbek
- Universitätsklinik für Frauenheilkunde, Inselspital Bern, Universität Bern, Bern, Switzerland
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12
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Zhu Y, Zhang J, Li Q, Lin M. Association between gestational weight gain and preterm birth and post-term birth: a longitudinal study from the National Vital Statistics System database. BMC Pediatr 2023; 23:127. [PMID: 36941673 PMCID: PMC10026488 DOI: 10.1186/s12887-023-03951-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2022] [Accepted: 03/10/2023] [Indexed: 03/22/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND To evaluate the association between gestational weight gain (GWG) and preterm birth and post-term birth. METHODS This longitudinal-based research studied singleton pregnant women from the National Vital Statistics System (NVSS) (2019). Total GWG (kg) was converted to gestational age-standardized z scores. The z-scores of GWG were divided into four categories according to the quartile of GWG, and the quantile 2 interval was used as the reference for the analysis. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to investigate the association between GWG and preterm birth, post-term birth, and total adverse outcome (preterm birth + post-term birth). Subgroup analysis stratified by pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI) was used to estimate associations between z-scores and outcomes. RESULTS Of the 3,100,122 women, preterm birth occurred in 9.45% (292,857) population, with post-term birth accounting for 4.54% (140,851). The results demonstrated that low GWG z-score [odds ratio (OR): 1.04, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.03 to 1.05, P < 0.001], and higher GWG z-scores (quantile 3: OR: 1.42, 95% CI: 1.41 to 1.44, P < 0.001; quantile 4: OR: 2.79, 95% CI: 2.76 to 2.82, P < 0.001) were positively associated with preterm birth. Low GWG z-score (OR: 1.18, 95% CI: 1.16 to 1.19, P < 0.001) was positively associated with an increased risk of post-term birth. However, higher GWG z-scores (quantile 3: OR: 0.84, 95% CI: 0.83 to 0.85, P < 0.001; quantile 4: 0.59, 95% CI: 0.58 to 0.60, P < 0.001) was associated with a decreased risk of post-term birth. In addition, low GWG z-score and higher GWG z-scores were related to total adverse outcome. A subgroup analysis demonstrated that pre-pregnancy BMI, low GWG z-score was associated with a decreased risk of preterm birth among BMI-obesity women (OR: 0.96, 95% CI: 0.94 to 0.98, P < 0.001). CONCLUSION Our result suggests that the management of GWG may be an important strategy to reduce the number of preterm birth and post-term birth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yifang Zhu
- Department of Pediatrics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, No.34 Zhongshan North Road, Licheng District, Quanzhou, 362000, P.R. China.
| | - Jiani Zhang
- Department of Pediatrics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, No.34 Zhongshan North Road, Licheng District, Quanzhou, 362000, P.R. China
| | - Qiaoyu Li
- Department of Pediatrics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, No.34 Zhongshan North Road, Licheng District, Quanzhou, 362000, P.R. China
| | - Min Lin
- Department of Pediatrics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, No.34 Zhongshan North Road, Licheng District, Quanzhou, 362000, P.R. China
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13
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Wennerholm UB, Bergman L, Kuusela P, Ljungström E, Möller AC, Hongslo Vala C, Ekelund AC, Liljegren A, Petzold M, Sjögren P, Svensson M, Strandell A, Jacobsson B. Progesterone, cerclage, pessary, or acetylsalicylic acid for prevention of preterm birth in singleton and multifetal pregnancies - A systematic review and meta-analyses. Front Med (Lausanne) 2023; 10:1111315. [PMID: 36936217 PMCID: PMC10015499 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2023.1111315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2022] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 03/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Preterm birth is the leading cause of childhood mortality and morbidity. We aimed to provide a comprehensive systematic review on randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on progesterone, cerclage, pessary, and acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) to prevent preterm birth in asymptomatic women with singleton pregnancies defined as risk of preterm birth and multifetal pregnancies. Methods Six databases (including PubMed, Embase, Medline, the Cochrane Library) were searched up to February 2022. RCTs published in English or Scandinavian languages were included through a consensus process. Abstracts and duplicates were excluded. The trials were critically appraised by pairs of reviewers. The Cochrane risk-of-bias tool was used for risk of bias assessment. Predefined outcomes including preterm birth, perinatal/neonatal/maternal mortality and morbidity, were pooled in meta-analyses using RevMan 5.4, stratified for high and low risk of bias trials. The certainty of evidence was assessed using the GRADE approach. The systematic review followed the PRISMA guideline. Results The search identified 2,309 articles, of which 87 were included in the assessment: 71 original RCTs and 16 secondary publications with 23,886 women and 32,893 offspring. Conclusions were based solely on trials with low risk of bias (n = 50).Singleton pregnancies: Progesterone compared with placebo, reduced the risk of preterm birth <37 gestational weeks: 26.8% vs. 30.2% (Risk Ratio [RR] 0.82 [95% Confidence Interval [CI] 0.71 to 0.95]) (high certainty of evidence, 14 trials) thereby reducing neonatal mortality and respiratory distress syndrome. Cerclage probably reduced the risk of preterm birth <37 gestational weeks: 29.0% vs. 37.6% (RR 0.78 [95% CI 0.69 to 0.88]) (moderate certainty of evidence, four open trials). In addition, perinatal mortality may be reduced by cerclage. Pessary did not demonstrate any overall effect. ASA did not affect any outcome, but evidence was based on one underpowered study.Multifetal pregnancies: The effect of progesterone, cerclage, or pessary was minimal, if any. No study supported improved long-term outcome of the children. Conclusion Progesterone and probably also cerclage have a protective effect against preterm birth in asymptomatic women with a singleton pregnancy at risk of preterm birth. Further trials of ASA are needed. Prevention of preterm birth requires screening programs to identify women at risk of preterm birth. Systematic Review Registration [https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/], identifier [CRD42021234946].
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Affiliation(s)
- Ulla-Britt Wennerholm
- Region Västra Götaland, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Institute of Clinical Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Lina Bergman
- Region Västra Götaland, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Institute of Clinical Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
- Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Pihla Kuusela
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Institute of Clinical Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Region Västra Götaland, Södra Älvsborg Hospital, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Borås, Sweden
| | - Elin Ljungström
- Region Västra Götaland, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Anna C. Möller
- Region Västra Götaland, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | | | - Ann-Catrin Ekelund
- Region Västra Götaland, Skaraborg Hospital, Medical Library, Skövde, Sweden
| | - Ann Liljegren
- Region Västra Götaland, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Medical Library, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Max Petzold
- School of Public Health and Community Medicine, Institute of Medicine, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | | | - Mikael Svensson
- Department of Pharmaceutical Outcomes & Policy, College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
| | - Annika Strandell
- Region Västra Götaland, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Institute of Clinical Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Region Västra Götaland, HTA-centrum, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Bo Jacobsson
- Region Västra Götaland, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Institute of Clinical Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Department of Genetics and Bioinformatics, Division of Health Data and Digitalization, Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
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14
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Gui Q, Yang Y, Wang L, Chen Y, Mei L, Xiang X, Lan X. A nomogram to predict preterm birth in twin pregnancies. Am J Transl Res 2022; 14:7119-7127. [PMID: 36398206 PMCID: PMC9641497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2022] [Accepted: 08/08/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE To investigate risk factors for preterm birth in twin pregnancies, and to establish a nomogram model for predicting preterm birth and verify its application value. METHODS Data from 266 twin pregnancies between January 2015 and December 2020 were analyzed in this retrospective study. According to the gestational weeks of delivery, the included subjects were divided into a preterm birth group (gestational age < 37 weeks) and a full-term group (gestational age ≥ 37 weeks). The general situation and pregnancy complications of the two groups were analyzed by univariate analysis, and the factors with statistical significance were entered into multivariate logistic regression analysis. Furthermore, the nomogram model for predicting the risk of preterm birth was established by using R. The predictive effect of the model was evaluated by the area under the ROC curve, C-index, and decision curve analysis. RESULTS Demographic characteristics and their associations with preterm birth and full-term birth in twin pregnancies were summarized and analyzed. After validation, we identified the following significant predictors of preterm birth: chorionic status, inconsistent development of twins, premature rupture of membranes, fetal distress, scar uterus, and preeclampsia. Overall, we constructed preterm risk nomogram model with C-index of 0.783. A nomogram using a 0-100 scale illustrated our final model for predicting preterm birth in twin pregnancies. CONCLUSIONS We developed and validated a clinical nomogram to predict preterm birth in twin pregnancy. Chorionic status, inconsistent development of twins, premature rupture of membranes, fetal distress, scar uterus, and preeclampsia were independent risk predictors for preterm birth in twin pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Gui
- Department of Obstetrics, Women and Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing Health Center for Women and Children Chongqing 401132, China
| | - Yajun Yang
- Department of Obstetrics, Women and Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing Health Center for Women and Children Chongqing 401132, China
| | - Lan Wang
- Department of Obstetrics, Women and Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing Health Center for Women and Children Chongqing 401132, China
| | - Ya Chen
- Department of Obstetrics, Women and Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing Health Center for Women and Children Chongqing 401132, China
| | - Linwei Mei
- Department of Obstetrics, Women and Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing Health Center for Women and Children Chongqing 401132, China
| | - Xue Xiang
- Department of Obstetrics, Women and Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing Health Center for Women and Children Chongqing 401132, China
| | - Xia Lan
- Department of Obstetrics, Women and Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing Health Center for Women and Children Chongqing 401132, China
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15
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Highlights from the International Twins Congress 2021. MATERNAL-FETAL MEDICINE 2022. [DOI: 10.1097/fm9.0000000000000166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
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16
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Coutinho CM, Sotiriadis A, Odibo A, Khalil A, D'Antonio F, Feltovich H, Salomon LJ, Sheehan P, Napolitano R, Berghella V, da Silva Costa F. ISUOG Practice Guidelines: role of ultrasound in the prediction of spontaneous preterm birth. ULTRASOUND IN OBSTETRICS & GYNECOLOGY : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY OF ULTRASOUND IN OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY 2022; 60:435-456. [PMID: 35904371 DOI: 10.1002/uog.26020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2022] [Accepted: 06/22/2022] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- C M Coutinho
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Clinics Hospital, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - A Sotiriadis
- Second Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - A Odibo
- Washington University School of Medicine, Division of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, St Louis, MO, USA
| | - A Khalil
- 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
| | - F D'Antonio
- Center for Fetal Care and High Risk Pregnancy, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Chieti, Chieti, Italy
| | - H Feltovich
- Fetal Ultrasound, Intermountain Healthcare, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - L J Salomon
- Department of Obstetrics and Fetal Medicine, Hôpital Necker-Enfants Malades, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris Cité University, Paris, France
| | - P Sheehan
- Royal Women's Hospital, Melbourne, Australia; Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - R Napolitano
- Elizabeth Garrett Anderson Institute for Women's Health, University College London, London, UK
- Fetal Medicine Unit, University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - V Berghella
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - F da Silva Costa
- Maternal Fetal Medicine Unit, Gold Coast University Hospital and School of Medicine, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
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Khalil A, Prasad S. Screening and prevention of preterm birth in twin pregnancies. Best Pract Res Clin Obstet Gynaecol 2022; 84:179-193. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bpobgyn.2022.08.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2022] [Accepted: 08/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
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18
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Kyvernitakis I, Berger R, Maul H. Letter to the Editor: FIGO Good practice recommendations on the use of pessary for reducing the frequency and improving outcomes of preterm birth. Int J Gynaecol Obstet 2022; 157:216-217. [PMID: 35128647 DOI: 10.1002/ijgo.14099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Ioannis Kyvernitakis
- Department of Obstetrics and Prenatal Medicine, Asklepios Clinic Hamburg-Barmbek, Asklepios Medical School, University of Semmelweis, Hamburg, Germany.,German Task Force for Obstetrics and Prenatal Medicine, AGG - Section Preterm Birth, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Richard Berger
- German Task Force for Obstetrics and Prenatal Medicine, AGG - Section Preterm Birth, Hamburg, Germany.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Marienhaus Klinikum Neuwied, Neuwied, Germany
| | - Holger Maul
- Department of Obstetrics and Prenatal Medicine, Asklepios Clinic Hamburg-Barmbek, Asklepios Medical School, University of Semmelweis, Hamburg, Germany.,German Task Force for Obstetrics and Prenatal Medicine, AGG - Section Preterm Birth, Hamburg, Germany
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19
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Groussolles M, Winer N, Sentilhes L, Biquart F, Massoud M, Vivanti AJ, Bouchghoul H, Rozenberg P, Olivier P, Desbriere R, Chauleur C, Perrotin F, Coatleven F, Fuchs F, Bretelle F, Tsatsaris V, Salomon LJ, Sananes N, Kayem G, Houflin-Debarge V, Schmitz T, Benoist G, Arnaud C, Ehlinger V, Vayssière C. Arabin pessary to prevent adverse perinatal outcomes in twin pregnancies with a short cervix: a multicenter randomized controlled trial (PESSARONE). Am J Obstet Gynecol 2022; 227:271.e1-271.e13. [PMID: 35123930 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajog.2022.01.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2021] [Revised: 01/17/2022] [Accepted: 01/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The number of twin pregnancies continues to increase worldwide as both the number of pregnancies obtained by medically assisted reproduction and age at first pregnancy keep rising. Preterm delivery is the major complication associated with twin pregnancies. The effectiveness of preventive treatments such as progesterone or cervical cerclage for women with a short cervix is doubtful in twin pregnancies. The effectivity of cervical pessaries in preventing preterm birth and its associated morbidity and mortality is also controversial. OBJECTIVE We sought to investigate if the Arabin pessary reduces adverse neonatal outcomes in twin pregnancies with a short cervix. STUDY DESIGN This open-label, multicenter, randomized controlled trial on twin pregnancies with a cervical length of <35 mm compared pessary placement at 16+0 to 24+0 weeks' gestation with standard care alone. The primary endpoint was a composite of adverse neonatal outcomes, namely peripartum or neonatal death or significant neonatal morbidity before hospital discharge, defined as at least 1 of the following complications: bronchopulmonary dysplasia, intraventricular hemorrhage grade III to IV, periventricular leukomalacia, necrotizing enterocolitis grade II or higher, culture-proven sepsis, and retinopathy requiring treatment. A sample size of 308 pregnancies was planned to ensure 80% power to compare the proportions of women with at least 1 infant with an adverse neonatal outcome. The intention-to-treat analysis after multiple imputation of missing data, was supplemented with a secondary analysis that controlled for gestational age and cervical length, both at inclusion. The primary endpoint was also compared between randomization groups in the per-protocol population, which excluded patients with prespecified major protocol violations (mostly cervical cerclage and/or progesterone after inclusion). Secondary endpoints included preterm birth, spontaneous preterm birth, and pessary side effects. RESULTS In total, 315 women were randomized to either receive a pessary (n=157) or standard management (n=158). Overall, 10.8% (34 women) of participants had a missing value for the primary endpoint, mostly (79%) because of the lack of paternal consent for neonatal data collection. In the intention-to-treat analysis, the adverse neonatal outcome occurred in 16.8% of the pessary group vs in 22.5% of the control group (risk ratio, 0.69; 95% confidence interval, 0.39-1.23; P=.210). The per-protocol analysis did not show any significant difference between groups (risk ratio, 0.78; 95% confidence interval, 0.47-1.28; P=.320). The occurrence of preterm birth or spontaneous preterm birth did not differ significantly between groups. No serious side effects were associated with pessary use. CONCLUSION Pessary use in our study did not significantly reduce adverse neonatal outcomes in twin pregnancies with a short cervix.
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Seravalli V, Strambi N, D’Arienzo A, Magni F, Bernardi L, Morucchio A, Di Tommaso M. Patient’s experience with the Arabin cervical pessary during pregnancy: A questionnaire survey. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0261830. [PMID: 35020768 PMCID: PMC8754293 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0261830] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2021] [Accepted: 12/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction
The cervical pessary is used in women with precocious cervical ripening to prevent preterm birth. Up to now however, there have been no systematic studies on compliance and tolerance, which vary among different study cohorts.
Material and methods
A questionnaire was administered to 166 women treated with the Arabin cervical pessary in one center. Data were analysed about the patient’s experience before insertion (adequacy of information received), during treatment (follow-up, impact on daily life, perceived discomfort, side effects) and at the time of removal (pain, if the patient’s expectations had been met regarding the treatment).
Results
Information received before the insertion of the Arabin cervical pessary was considered adequate in 163/166 (98.2%) women. An increase in vaginal discharge was experienced by 70/166 (42.2%) women. Discomfort or other side effects were reported in 13.8% and 16.3% of cases, respectively. Overall, 77% of women reported an improved quality of life and 94% considered the follow-up during pregnancy adequate. Removal was moderately painful for 58/166 (35%) of women. Patient’s expectations regarding the treatment were exceeded in the majority of cases (75.3%). In a final step, we compared our results to previous studies regarding the use of the pessary in singleton and twin pregnancies.
Conclusion
Although some trials report high rates of non-compliant patients, this could not be confirmed by our study. In contrast, most women reported having a positive experience and that they were motivated to continue the treatment when they were continuously followed by experienced clinicians.
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Affiliation(s)
- Viola Seravalli
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Noemi Strambi
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | | | - Francesco Magni
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Ludovico Bernardi
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Anna Morucchio
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
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21
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Townsend R, Khalil A. Outstanding clinical and research questions in complex twin and multiple pregnancy. Prenat Diagn 2021; 41:1482-1485. [PMID: 34750845 DOI: 10.1002/pd.6067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Rosemary Townsend
- Molecular, Genetic and Population Health Sciences, Usher Institute, Edinburgh Medical School, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK.,Vascular Biology Research Centre, Molecular and Clinical Sciences Research Institute, St George's University of London, London, UK
| | - Asma Khalil
- Vascular Biology Research Centre, Molecular and Clinical Sciences Research Institute, St George's University of London, London, UK.,Fetal Medicine Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, St. George's University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK.,Twins Trust Centre for Research and Clinical Excellence, St. George's University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
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22
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Grobman WA, Norman J, Jacobsson B. FIGO good practice recommendations on the use of pessary for reducing the frequency and improving outcomes of preterm birth. Int J Gynaecol Obstet 2021; 155:23-25. [PMID: 34520053 PMCID: PMC9292895 DOI: 10.1002/ijgo.13837] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2021] [Revised: 07/06/2021] [Accepted: 07/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
A pessary is a device made of synthetic material that is placed in the vagina and has been used for prevention of preterm birth. It has been suggested that a potential mechanism of the pessary is alteration of the cervico-uterine angle to a more posterior position, which reduces cervical compression in women with a singleton pregnancy and a short cervical length. Pessaries should not be used in routine clinical care to reduce the frequency of preterm birth or to improve outcomes (e.g. neonatal outcomes) related to preterm birth. In women with a twin pregnancy-regardless of cervical length-pessaries should not be used in routine clinical care to reduce the frequency of preterm birth or to improve outcomes (e.g. neonatal outcomes) related to preterm birth. Presently there is no sufficient evidence suggesting that pessaries should be used as a standard treatment to prevent preterm birth; their use should be reserved for study populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- William A Grobman
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Jane Norman
- Health Science Faculty Office, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Bo Jacobsson
- Department of Women and Children's Health, King's College, London, UK.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Institute of Clinical Science, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden.,Department of Genetics and Bioinformatics, Domain of Health Data and Digitalization, Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
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23
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Norman JE, Norrie J, MacLennan G, Cooper D, Whyte S, Chowdhry S, Cunningham-Burley S, Neilson AR, Mei XW, Smith JB, Shennan A, Robson SC, Thornton S, Kilby MD, Marlow N, Stock SJ, Bennett PR, Denton J. The Arabin pessary to prevent preterm birth in women with a twin pregnancy and a short cervix: the STOPPIT 2 RCT. Health Technol Assess 2021; 25:1-66. [PMID: 34219633 DOI: 10.3310/hta25440] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Preterm birth is common in twins and accounts for significant mortality and morbidity. There are no effective preventative treatments. Some studies have suggested that, in twin pregnancy complicated by a short cervix, the Arabin pessary, which fits around the cervix and can be inserted as an outpatient procedure, reduces preterm birth and prevents neonatal morbidity. OBJECTIVE STOPPIT 2 aimed to evaluate the clinical utility of the Arabin cervical pessary in preventing preterm birth in women with a twin pregnancy and a short cervix. DESIGN STOPPIT 2 was a pragmatic, open label, multicentre randomised controlled trial with two treatment group - the Arabin pessary plus standard care (intervention) and standard care alone (control). Participants were initially recruited into the screening phase of the study, when cervical length was measured. Women with a measured cervical length of ≤ 35 mm were then recruited into the treatment phase of the study. An economic evaluation considered cost-effectiveness and a qualitative substudy explored the experiences of participants and clinicians. SETTING Antenatal clinics in the UK and elsewhere in Europe. PARTICIPANTS Women with twin pregnancy at < 21 weeks' gestation with known chorionicity and gestation established by scan at ≤ 16 weeks' gestation. INTERVENTIONS Ultrasound scan to establish cervical length. Women with a cervical length of ≤ 35 mm at 18+ 0-20+ 6 weeks' gestation were randomised to standard care or Arabin pessary plus standard care. Randomisation was performed by computer and accessed through a web-based browser. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Obstetric - all births before 34+ 0 weeks' gestation following the spontaneous onset of labour; and neonatal - composite of adverse outcomes, including stillbirth or neonatal death, periventricular leukomalacia, early respiratory morbidity, intraventricular haemorrhage, necrotising enterocolitis or proven sepsis, all measured up to 28 days after the expected date of delivery. RESULTS A total of 2228 participants were recruited to the screening phase, of whom 2170 received a scan and 503 were randomised: 250 to Arabin pessary and 253 to standard care alone. The rate of the primary obstetric outcome was 18.4% (46/250) in the intervention group and 20.6% (52/253) in the control group (adjusted odds ratio 0.87, 95% confidence interval 0.55 to 1.38; p = 0.54). The rate of the primary neonatal outcome was 13.4% (67/500) and 15.0% (76/506) in the intervention group and control group, respectively (adjusted odds ratio 0.86, 95% confidence interval 0.54 to 1.36; p = 0.52). The pessary was largely well tolerated and clinicians found insertion and removal 'easy' or 'fairly easy' in the majority of instances. The simple costs analysis showed that pessary treatment is no more costly than standard care. LIMITATIONS There was the possibility of a type II error around smaller than anticipated benefit. CONCLUSIONS In this study, the Arabin pessary did not reduce preterm birth or adverse neonatal outcomes in women with a twin pregnancy and a short cervix. The pessary either is ineffective at reducing preterm birth or has an effect size of < 0.4. FUTURE WORK Women with twin pregnancy remain at risk of preterm birth; work is required to find treatments for this. TRIAL REGISTRATION Current Controlled Trials ISRCTN98835694 and ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02235181. FUNDING This project was funded by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Health Technology Assessment programme and will be published in full in Health Technology Assessment; Vol. 25, No. 44. See the NIHR Journals Library website for further project information.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jane E Norman
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - John Norrie
- Edinburgh Clinical Trials Unit, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Graeme MacLennan
- Centre for Healthcare Randomised Trials, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK
| | - David Cooper
- Centre for Healthcare Randomised Trials, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK
| | - Sonia Whyte
- Tommy's Centre for Maternal and Fetal Health, MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | | | | | | | - Xue W Mei
- Health Economics Research Centre, Nuffield Department of Population Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Joel Be Smith
- Health Economics Research Centre, Nuffield Department of Population Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Andrew Shennan
- Tommy's London Research Centre, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Stephen C Robson
- Institute of Cellular Medicine, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Steven Thornton
- Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Mark D Kilby
- Fetal Medicine Centre, Birmingham Women's and Children's NHS Foundation Trust and College of Medical and Dental Science, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Neil Marlow
- Institute for Women's Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Sarah J Stock
- Usher Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Philip R Bennett
- Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, London, UK
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