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

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.

Prediction of Preterm Birth with the Uterocervical Angle in Singleton Pregnancies Treated with a Cervical Pessary

BACKGROUND

Cervical pessaries are an established therapy option for patients at risk for spontaneous preterm birth (sPTB). The uterocervical angle (UCA) remains a promising sPTB predictor. However, its clinical significance has yet to be described in patients treated with a pessary.

METHODS

This study analyzed data of patients treated with a pessary because of cervical shortening in singleton pregnancies. The patients were divided into 2 groups according to transvaginal ultrasound findings: the funneling group (n = 68) and the no-funneling group (n = 42). Moreover, we analyzed patients within these prespecified groups according to the UCA < 95° and ≥ 95°.

RESULTS

Delivery occurred significantly earlier in patients treated with a pessary and with a high UCA ≥ 95°(p = 0.006). The median gestational age at delivery in patients treated with a pessary and with no funneling and a UCA < 95° vs. ≥ 95° were 39.00 and 36.14 weeks, respectively (p = 0.005). In cases with funneling and a UCA < 95° vs. ≥ 95° the mean gestational age at delivery was 38.14 and 38.07 weeks respectively (p=1,00). There was a significant negative linear correlation between UCA and the gestational age at delivery in all patients (p = 0.04), which was even profound in the group without funneling (p = 0.0002). However, we found no significant correlation between cervical length and gestational age at delivery in all patients (p = 0.42) as well as in the group without funneling (p = 0.28).

CONCLUSION

In spite of pessary treatment, patients with UCA ≥ 95° presented with a higher risk of sPTB compared to patients with UCA < 95°. This suggests that the UCA seems to be a better predictor of sPTB than the cervical length in patients receiving pessary treatment.

Stage based recipient and donor outcome in twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome treated by fetoscopic laser surgery using Solomon technique

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate twin survival stratified by Quintero stage in patients with twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) after Solomon laser treatment.

METHODS

Single center cohort of consecutive twin pregnancies treated with Solomon laser for TTTS. Preoperative Quintero stage, perioperative characteristics and obstetric factors were related to neonatal survival of the recipient and donor at discharge. Determinants of twin survival were evaluated using univariate, logistic regression and cumulative survival probability analyses.

RESULTS

Of 402 twins with TTTS, 80 (19.9%) had stage I, 126 (31.3%) stage II, 169 (42%) stage III and 27 (6.7%) stage IV. Post laser TAPS or recurrent TTTS occurred in 19 (4.7%) patients and 11 (2.7%) required repeat laser. Preterm premature rupture of membranes occurred in 150 (37.3%) patients and median gestational age of delivery 32+1 weeks. In 303 (75.4%) both twins were alive at discharge; [66 (82.5%) in stage I, 101 (80.2%) in stage II, 114 (67.5%) in stage III and 22 (81.5%) in stage IV, p=0.062]. Compared to recipients, donor survival was only lower in stage III (155 (91.7%) recipients vs 118 (69.8%) donors, Chi square 24.685, p<0.0001). Larger intertwin size discordance and umbilical artery (UA) end-diastolic velocity (EDV) determined donor demise (Nagelkerke R2 0.38, P<0.001). Overall, spontaneous post laser donor demise accounted for the majority (39.5%) of all losses. Cumulative donor survival decreased from 92% to 65% with size discordance >30% and 48% when UA EDV was absent (p<0.001).

CONCLUSION

Solomon laser achieves TTTS resolution and double survival in a high proportion of cases. Recipient and donor survival is comparable unless there is significant size discordance and placental dysfunction. This degree of unequal placental sharing, typically found in stage III, is the primary factor preventing double survival due to a higher rate of donor demise. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Evolution of Fetal Growth in Symptomatic Sars-Cov-2 Pregnancies

INTRODUCTION

SARS-CoV-2 is a viral disease with potentially devastating effects. Observational studies of pregnant women infected with SARS-CoV-2 report an increased risk for FGR. This study utilizes data from a prospective SARS-CoV-2 registry in pregnancy, investigating the progression of fetuses to fetal growth restriction (FGR) at birth following maternal SARS-CoV-2 and evaluating the hypothesis of whether the percentage of SGA at birth is increased after maternal SARS-CoV-2 taking into account the time interval between infection and birth.

MATERIALS & METHODS

CRONOS is a prospective German registry enrolling pregnant women with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection during their pregnancy. SARS-CoV-2 symptoms, pregnancy- and delivery-specific information were recorded. The data evaluated in this study range from March 2020 until August 2021. Women with SARS-CoV-2 were divided into three groups according to the time of infection/symptoms to delivery: Group I<2 weeks, Group II 2-4 weeks, and Group III>4 weeks. FGR was defined as estimated and/or birth weight<10% ile, appropriate for gestational age (AGA) was within 10 and 90%ile, and large for gestational age (LGA) was defined as fetal or neonatal weight>90%ile.

RESULTS

Data for a total of 2,650 SARS-CoV-2-positive pregnant women were available. The analysis was restricted to symptomatic cases that delivered after 24+0 weeks of gestation. Excluding those cases with missing values for estimated fetal weight at time of infection and/or birth weight centile, 900 datasets remained for analyses. Group I consisted of 551 women, Group II of 112 women, and Group III of 237 women. The percentage of changes from AGA to FGR did not differ between groups. However, there was a significantly higher rate of large for gestational age (LGA) newborns at the time of birth compared to the time of SARS-CoV-2 infection in Group III (p=0.0024), respectively.

CONCLUSION

FGR rates did not differ between symptomatic COVID infections occurring within 2 weeks and>4 weeks before birth. On the contrary, it presented a significant increase in LGA pregnancies in Group III. However, in this study population, an increase in the percentage of LGA may be attributed to pandemic measures and a reduction in daily activity.

Statement of the Obstetrics and Prenatal Medicine Working Group (AGG - Preterm Birth Section) on "Outpatient Management for Pregnant Women with Preterm Premature Rupture of Membranes (PPROM)"

Preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM) is one of the leading causes of perinatal morbidity and mortality. After a PPROM, more than 50% of pregnant women are delivered within 7 days. Fetal and maternal risks are primarily due to infection and inflammation, placental abruption, umbilical cord complications and preterm birth. Standard care usually consists of an expectant approach. Management includes the administration of antenatal steroids and antibiotic therapy. Patients with PPROM require close monitoring. The management of pregnant women with PPROM (inpatient vs. outpatient) is still the subject of controversial debate. The international guidelines also do not offer a clear stance. The statement presented here discusses the current state of knowledge.

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

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 was 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.

Correction: 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

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1055/a-2044-0345.].

Correction: Prevention and Therapy of Preterm Birth. Guideline of the DGGG, OEGGG and SGGG (S2k-Level, AWMF Registry Number 015/025, September 2022) - Part 1 with Recommendations on the Epidemiology, Etiology, Prediction, Primary and Secondary Prevention of Preterm Birth

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1055/a-2044-0203.].

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

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.

Prevention and Therapy of Preterm Birth. Guideline of the DGGG, OEGGG and SGGG (S2k-Level, AWMF Registry Number 015/025, September 2022) - Part 1 with Recommendations on the Epidemiology, Etiology, Prediction, Primary and Secondary Prevention of Preterm Birth

Aim This revised 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). It aims 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 1 of this short version of the guideline presents statements and recommendations on the epidemiology, etiology, prediction, and primary and secondary prevention of preterm birth.

A novel aspiration technique to assess cervical remodelling in patients with or without cervical shortening: Sequence of first changes, definition of cut-off values and impact of cervical pessary, stratified for cervical length

BACKGROUND

The therapeutic significance of the cervical pessary has been confirmed by several studies. However, the underlying mechanism by which pessaries reduce the risk of a preterm birth remains elusive. The aim of this study is to investigate the hypothesis whether the application of a cervical pessary may stabilize the ectocervical stiffness in order to achieve a cervical arrest.

METHODS

This is a prospective, controlled, non-interventional, post-market, monocentric, longitudinal, cohort study in a tertiary maternity hospital to determine ectocervical stiffness and its changes measured before and after placement of a pessary in singleton pregnancies with cervical shortening in the mid trimester. In order to assess reference values for cervical stiffness, we measured also singleton pregnancies with normal cervical length in the same gestational week spectrum. The cervical stiffness measured with the Pregnolia System as the Cervical Stiffness Index (CSI, in mbar) shall be the primary endpoint, whilst patient delivery data (gestational age, mode of delivery and complications) will be the secondary endpoint. In this pilot study, up to 142 subjects will be enrolled to have a total of 120 subjects (estimated dropout rate of 15%) to complete the study; pessary cohort: 60 (up to 71 recruited), control group: 60 (up to 71 recruited).

DISCUSSION

Our hypothesis is that patients with cervical shortening will present with lower CSI values and that pessary placement will be able to stabilize the CSI values through further prevention of cervical remodelling. The measurement of controls with normal cervical length shall serve as a reference.

Resuscitation of Term Compromised and Asphyctic Newborns: Better with Intact Umbilical Cord?

The authors hypothesize that particularly severely compromised and asphyctic term infants in need of resuscitation may benefit from delayed umbilical cord clamping (after several minutes). Although evidence is sparse, the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms support this assumption. For this review the authors have analyzed the available research. Based on these data they conclude that it may be unfavorable to immediately clamp the cord of asphyctic newborns (e.g., after shoulder dystocia) although recommended in current guidelines to provide quick neonatological support. Compression of the umbilical cord or thorax obstructs venous flow to the fetus more than arterial flow to the placenta. The fetus is consequently cut off from a supply of oxygenated, venous blood. This may cause not only hypoxemia and consecutive hypoxia during delivery but possibly also hypovolemia. Immediate cord clamping may aggravate the situation of the already compromised newborn, particularly if the cord is cut before the lungs are ventilated. By contrast, delayed cord clamping leads to fetoplacental transfusion of oxygenated venous blood, which may buffer an existing acidosis. Furthermore, it may enhance blood volume by up to 20%, leading to higher levels of various blood components, such as red and white blood cells, thrombocytes, mesenchymal stem cells, immunoglobulins, and iron. In addition, the resulting increase in pulmonary perfusion may compensate for an existing hypoxemia or hypoxia. Early cord clamping before lung perfusion reduces the preload of the left ventricle and hinders the establishment of sufficient circulation. Animal models and clinical trials support this opinion. The authors raise the question whether it would be better to resuscitate compromised newborns with intact umbilical cords. Obstetric and neonatal teams need to work even closer together to improve neonatal outcomes.

Effect of Teriparatide on Subsequent Fracture and Bone Mineral Density in 47 Women with Pregnancy- and Lactation-associated Osteoporosis and Vertebral Fractures

Introduction Pregnancy- and lactation-associated osteoporosis (PLO) with predominantly vertebral fractures is a rare but severe disease which can occur in the last trimester of pregnancy or postpartum. The aim of the present study was to assess the impact of teriparatide on subsequent fractures and bone mineral density (BMD) in patients with PLO.

Materials and Methods A total of 47 patients with PLO and postpartum spinal fractures (mean: 4 fractures) undergoing treatment with teriparatide were investigated. The data collection period was set between 2006 and 2018. All patients received a subcutaneous injection of 20 µg teriparatide once a day for 24 months as well as individually adapted vitamin D supplementation. After 24 months of treatment, all women received no further treatment and either had regular menstrual cycles or took oral contraceptives. Fractures were confirmed by X-ray or MRI. Changes in BMD from baseline were examined using serial DXA measurements.

Results After 24 months of teriparatide treatment, we could demonstrate an increase in BMD at the lumbar spine, femoral neck and total hip of + 30.1%, + 11.7% and + 12.2% respectively (p < 0.001 for all). At 12 months after cessation of treatment, BMD remained stable compared to the 24-month measurements at the lumbar spine, femoral neck and total hip which showed non-significant changes of + 1.4%, + 2.6% and + 4.1% respectively. Out of the 47 patients with PLO with a mean of 4 existing fractures, 4 patients (7.8%) sustained a subsequent fracture, two after 3 – 5 months of treatment and two at > 6 months of treatment.

Conclusion 24 months of treatment with teriparatide in women with PLO and multiple vertebral fractures significantly increased BMD, predominantly BMD of the spine. As patients were premenopausal, there was no significant decrease in BMD in the following 12 months after cessation of treatment.

Maternal and neonatal outcomes of pregnancies with COVID-19 after medically assisted reproduction: results from the prospective COVID-19-Related Obstetrical and Neonatal Outcome Study

Background

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus type 2 infections in pregnancy have been associated with maternal morbidity, admission to intensive care, and adverse perinatal outcomes such as preterm birth, stillbirth, and hypertensive disorders of pregnancy. It is unclear whether medically assisted reproduction additionally affects maternal and neonatal outcomes in women with COVID-19.

Objective

To evaluate the effect of medically assisted reproduction on maternal and neonatal outcomes in women with COVID-19 in pregnancy.

Study Design

A total of 1485 women with COVID-19 registered in the COVID-19 Related Obstetric and Neonatal Outcome Study (a multicentric, prospective, observational cohort study) were included. The maternal and neonatal outcomes in 65 pregnancies achieved with medically assisted reproduction and in 1420 spontaneously conceived pregnancies were compared. We used univariate und multivariate (multinomial) logistic regressions to estimate the (un)adjusted odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals for adverse outcomes.

Results

The incidence of COVID-19-associated adverse outcomes (eg, pneumonia, admission to intensive care, and death) was not different in women after conceptions with COVID-19 than in women after medically assisted reproduction pregnancies. Yet, the risk of obstetrical and neonatal complications was higher in pregnancies achieved through medically assisted reproduction. However, medically assisted reproduction was not the primary risk factor for adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes including pregnancy-related hypertensive disorders, gestational diabetes mellitus, cervical insufficiency, peripartum hemorrhage, cesarean delivery, preterm birth, or admission to neonatal intensive care. Maternal age, multiple pregnancies, nulliparity, body mass index >30 (before pregnancy) and multiple gestation contributed differently to the increased risks of adverse pregnancy outcomes in women with COVID-19 independent of medically assisted reproduction.

Conclusion

Although women with COVID-19 who conceived through fertility treatment experienced a higher incidence of adverse obstetrical and neonatal complications than women with spontaneous conceptions, medically assisted reproduction was not the primary risk factor.

Preterm Premature Rupture of Membranes – Inpatient Versus Outpatient Management: an Evidence-Based Review

According to current guidelines, inpatient management until birth is considered standard in pregnant women with preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM). With the increasing burden on obstetric departments and the growing importance of satisfaction and right to self-determination in pregnant women, outpatient management in PPROM is a possible alternative to inpatient monitoring. The most important criterion for this approach is to ensure the safety of both the mother and the child. Due to the small number of cases (n = 116), two randomised controlled trials (RCTs) comparing inpatient and outpatient management were unable to draw any conclusions. By 2020, eight retrospective comparative studies (cohort/observational studies) yielded the following outcomes: no significant differences in the rate of maternal complications (e.g., chorioamnionitis, premature placental abruption, umbilical cord prolapse) and in neonatal morbidity, significantly prolonged latency period with higher gestational age at birth, higher birth weight of neonates, and significantly shorter length of stay of preterm infants in neonatal intensive care, shorter hospital stay of pregnant women, and lower treatment costs with outpatient management. Concerns regarding this approach are mainly related to unpredictable complications with the need for rapid obstetric interventions, which cannot be performed in time in an outpatient setting. Prerequisites for outpatient management are the compliance of the expectant mother, the adherence to strict selection criteria and the assurance of adequate monitoring at home. Future research should aim at more accurate risk assessment of obstetric complications through studies with higher case numbers and standardisation of outpatient management under evidence-based criteria.

Administration of Antenatal Corticosteroids: Current State of Knowledge

The administration of a single course of corticosteroids before week 34 + 0 of gestation in cases with impending preterm birth is now standard procedure in obstetric care and firmly established in the guidelines of different countries. But despite the apparently convincing data, numerous aspects of this intervention have not yet been properly studied. It is still not clear which corticosteroid achieves the best results. There are very few studies on what constitutes an appropriate dose, circadian rhythms, the time frame in which corticosteroids are effective, and the balance between the risks and benefits of repeat administration. As the existing studies have rarely included patients before week 24 + 0 of gestation, we have very little information on the possible benefits of administering corticosteroids before this timepoint. If corticosteroids are administered antenatally after week 34 + 0 of gestation, the short-term benefit may be offset by the long-term adverse effect on psychomotor development. This present study summarizes the current state of knowledge regarding these issues.

McDonald versus Shirodkar cervical cerclage for prevention of preterm birth: a systematic review and meta-analysis of pregnancy outcomes

OBJECTIVE

To compare pregnancy outcomes of patients undergoing either McDonald or Shirodkar cervical cerclage.

METHODS

PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and Google scholar were systematically searched up to June 2020. Inter-study heterogeneity was assessed using Cochrane's Q test and the I² statistic. Data were pooled using the fixed- or random-effects model and expressed as relative risk (RR) or weighted mean difference (WMD) as appropriately.

RESULTS

A total of eight observational studies, reporting data on 724 pregnancies, were included in this meta-analysis. As compared to the Shirodkar cerclage, the pooled findings showed that the gestational age at delivery (WMD = -1.95, 95% CI: -2.89 to -1.01, p < .001; I² = 57.5%) and birth weight (WMD = -355.69, 95% CI: -413.76 to -297.62, p < .001; I² = 28.8%) were significantly lower in McDonald cerclage. The risk of preterm premature rupture of the membranes (PPROM) (RR = 1.76; 95% CI: 1.14 - 2.71; I² = 0.0%) and neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admission (RR = 1.61; 95% CI: 1.09 - 2.39; I² = 62.1%) were also higher for McDonald group. However, no significant difference was observed between both groups in terms of cesarean delivery and perinatal/neonatal death.

CONCLUSION

McDonald cerclage is associated with a shorter duration of pregnancy, lower mean birth weight and increased risk of PPROM and NICU admission compared to the Shirodkar procedure.

Spontaneous Preterm Birth: Is Prevention with Aspirin Possible?

Background The rate of preterm births in Germany is 8.6%, which is very high compared to other European countries. As preterm birth contributes significantly to perinatal morbidity and mortality rates, the existing prevention strategies need to be optimized and expanded further. About ⅔ of all women with preterm birth have preterm labor or premature rupture of membranes. They are bracketed together under the term “spontaneous preterm birth” as opposed to iatrogenic preterm birth, for example as a consequence of preeclampsia or fetal growth retardation. Recent studies suggest that low-dose aspirin does not just reduce the rate of iatrogenic preterm births but can also further reduce the rate of spontaneous preterm births. This review article presents the current state of knowledge.

Method A selective literature search up until April 2020 was done in PubMed, using the terms “randomized trial”, “randomized study”, “spontaneous preterm birth”, and “aspirin”.

Results Secondary analyses of prospective randomized studies on the prevention of preeclampsia with low-dose aspirin show that this intervention also significantly reduced the rate of spontaneous preterm births in both high-risk and low-risk patient populations. The results of the ASPIRIN trial, a prospective, randomized, double-blinded multicenter study carried out in six developing countries, also point in this direction, with the figures showing that the daily administration of 81 mg aspirin starting before 14 weeks of gestation lowered the preterm birth rate of nulliparous women without prior medical conditions by around 11% (11.6 vs. 13.1%; RR 0.89; 95% CI: 0.81 – 0.98, p = 0.012).

Conclusion Further studies on this issue are urgently needed. If these confirm the currently available results, then it would be worth discussing whether general aspirin prophylaxis for all pregnant women starting at the latest in 12 weeks of gestation is indicated.

Risk factors associated with adverse fetal outcomes in pregnancies affected by Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19): a secondary analysis of the WAPM study on COVID-19

Objectives To evaluate the strength of association between maternal and pregnancy characteristics and the risk of adverse perinatal outcomes in pregnancies with laboratory confirmed COVID-19. Methods Secondary analysis of a multinational, cohort study on all consecutive pregnant women with laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 from February 1, 2020 to April 30, 2020 from 73 centers from 22 different countries. A confirmed case of COVID-19 was defined as a positive result on real-time reverse-transcriptase-polymerase-chain-reaction (RT-PCR) assay of nasal and pharyngeal swab specimens. The primary outcome was a composite adverse fetal outcome, defined as the presence of either abortion (pregnancy loss before 22 weeks of gestations), stillbirth (intrauterine fetal death after 22 weeks of gestation), neonatal death (death of a live-born infant within the first 28 days of life), and perinatal death (either stillbirth or neonatal death). Logistic regression analysis was performed to evaluate parameters independently associated with the primary outcome. Logistic regression was reported as odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence interval (CI). Results Mean gestational age at diagnosis was 30.6±9.5 weeks, with 8.0% of women being diagnosed in the first, 22.2% in the second and 69.8% in the third trimester of pregnancy. There were six miscarriage (2.3%), six intrauterine device (IUD) (2.3) and 5 (2.0%) neonatal deaths, with an overall rate of perinatal death of 4.2% (11/265), thus resulting into 17 cases experiencing and 226 not experiencing composite adverse fetal outcome. Neither stillbirths nor neonatal deaths had congenital anomalies found at antenatal or postnatal evaluation. Furthermore, none of the cases experiencing IUD had signs of impending demise at arterial or venous Doppler. Neonatal deaths were all considered as prematurity-related adverse events. Of the 250 live-born neonates, one (0.4%) was found positive at RT-PCR pharyngeal swabs performed after delivery. The mother was tested positive during the third trimester of pregnancy. The newborn was asymptomatic and had negative RT-PCR test after 14 days of life. At logistic regression analysis, gestational age at diagnosis (OR: 0.85, 95% CI 0.8-0.9 per week increase; p<0.001), birthweight (OR: 1.17, 95% CI 1.09-1.12.7 per 100 g decrease; p=0.012) and maternal ventilatory support, including either need for oxygen or CPAP (OR: 4.12, 95% CI 2.3-7.9; p=0.001) were independently associated with composite adverse fetal outcome. Conclusions Early gestational age at infection, maternal ventilatory supports and low birthweight are the main determinants of adverse perinatal outcomes in fetuses with maternal COVID-19 infection. Conversely, the risk of vertical transmission seems negligible.

The impact of funneling shape on the secondary prevention of spontaneous preterm birth in patients treated with either an Arabin pessary, McDonald cerclage or early total cervical occlusion (ETCO)

OBJECTIVE

Cervical funneling is associated with spontaneous preterm birth (sPTB). The aim of this analysis was to assess the relationship between funneling shape and the response to the McDonald cerclage, the Arabin pessary and the early total cervical occlusion (ETCO).

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed data of 312 randomly selected singleton pregnancies with cervical shortening <25 mm or normal cervical length and evaluated them according to the progression of funneling: control group (n = 46), cervical shortening without funneling (n = 107), V-shaped funneling (n = 68), U-shaped funneling (n = 47), and prolapse of the amniotic sac (n = 44). We evaluated sPTB rates <34, <28, <32, and <37 weeks as well as prolongation of gestation and birthweight.

RESULTS

Regarding the rate of sPTB <34 weeks there was no statistical significance in either of the comparisons between control group and each of the four risk groups. Regarding prolongation of gestation we demonstrated a statistical significance for all risk groups compared to the control group (all p < .05) with the lowest prolongation rate noted in the group with amnion prolapse and the highest in the group with isolated cervical shortening without funneling. Similarly, progression of funnel shape resulted in an absolute decrease of birthweight for all risk groups compared to the control group, albeit not significant for the group with U-shaped funneling (p = .1058).

CONCLUSION

Independent of the treatment, there was a significant impact of funneling shape on pregnancy duration and birthweight.

Effect of progestogen-only contraception on premenopausal fracture risk: a case-control study

Our study demonstrated that progestogen-only oral and intrauterine contraceptives are not associated with fracture risk independent from age.

PURPOSE

The use of progestogen-only contraception, resulting in a hypoestrogenic state, has been associated with impaired bone acquisition and increased fracture risk. The aim of this large population-based study was to assess the fracture risk in association with the use of progestogen-only contraceptives (progestogen-only pills (POPs) and progestogen-containing IUDs (LNG-IUD)).

METHODS

We identified 14,421 women between 16 and 55 years of age with a first-time diagnosis of fracture and matched them with 14,421 random controls using the Disease Analyzer Database.

RESULTS

The results of the first adjusted logistic regression model (ever use vs. never use of progestogen-only contraceptives) revealed that there was no significant association between the use of POPs (OR = 0.98, 95% CI 0.90-1.07, p = 0.657) or LNG-IUDs (OR = 0.99, 95% CI 0.81-1.21, p = 0.945) and fracture incidence. Also, in the second regression model, we observed no effect of duration of use of POPs (OR = 1.01, 95% CI 0.98-1.03, p = 0.672) or LNG-IUDs (OR = 0.94, 95% CI 0.87-1.02, p = 0.177) on fracture occurrence. We also observed no effect in different age groups.

CONCLUSION

Our study results indicate that progestogen-only contraception (either POPs or LNG-IUPs) is not associated with fracture risk and may be considered a bone-safe option for adults and adolescents.

Position Paper of the Task Force for Obstetrics and Prenatal Medicine (AGG - Section Preterm Birth) on the Placement, Removal and Surveillance of the Arabin Cervical Pessary in Patients at Risk for Spontaneous Preterm Birth

This position paper describes clinically important, practical aspects of cervical pessary treatment. Transvaginal ultrasound is standard for the assessment of cervical length and selection of patients who may benefit from pessary treatment. Similar to other treatment modalities, the clinical use and placement of pessaries requires regular training. This training is essential for proper pessary placement in patients in emergency situations to prevent preterm delivery and optimize neonatal outcomes. Consequently, pessaries should only be applied by healthcare professionals who are not only familiar with the clinical implications of preterm birth as a syndrome but are also trained in the practical application of the devices. The following statements on the clinical use of pessary application and its removal serve as an addendum to the recently published German S2-consensus guideline on the prevention and treatment of preterm birth.

The impact of a short cervix and funneling on the outcome in singleton pregnancies treated with an Arabin-pessary or a McDonald cerclage

OBJECTIVE

The presence of sonographic funneling is a co-predictor of spontaneous preterm birth (sPTB). The aim of this study was to assess the outcome in patients with a short cervix and funneling after a McDonald cerclage or an Arabin pessary.

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed data of 238 singleton pregnancies with cervical shortening <25 mm subclassified by either isolated cervical shortening (n = 105) or cervical shortening and additional funneling (n = 133). In the group of isolated cervical shortening, a total of 93 patients had received a cervical pessary and 12 had McDonald cerclage. In the group of patients with additional funneling, 98 had received a cervical pessary and 35 had a cerclage. We evaluated PTB rates <28, <32, <34, and <37 weeks as well as prolongation of gestation, birth weight, and admission to NICU.

RESULTS

In the pessary groups (n = 191), funneling resulted in a significantly higher rate of PTB before 34 weeks as compared to patients with isolated cervical shortening (26.5 versus 8.6%, p=.0066). Similarly, in the cerclage groups (n = 47), funneling resulted in an absolute increase of PTB, albeit not significant (37.1 versus 0%, p=.1435) due to the smaller number. There were no significant differences in terms of prevention of PTB before 34 weeks in patients treated with pessary or cerclage, neither in the group of patients with isolated shortening nor in the group of patients with additional funneling (p=.9771 and p=.3916, respectively). However, in patients with funneling, we demonstrated a significantly lower neonatal admission rate in the pessary arm (n = 27, 27.6%) as compared to the cerclage arm (n = 31, 88.6%) (p = .0002). Similarly, the NICU admission time was shorter in both pessary groups -with and without funneling - as compared to patients treated with cerclage (p = .0000).

CONCLUSION

Pessary placement and cerclage should optimally be considered before the presence of funneling. Furthermore, there were lower rates of neonatal admission during pregnancy and a shorter admission time of babies after birth when mothers received a cervical pessary as compared to the group with cervical cerclage.

Vaginal delivery of the second twin in unengaged cephalic presentation

In accordance with women's preferences guidelines, referring to population-based and randomized trials, which recommends counseling women with vertex-first twins to attempt a vaginal delivery. Yet, the rising rates of twin caesareans are associated with the decline in skills of senior and junior obstetricians. Although noncephalic second twins have been in the focus of interest, prompt delivery of cephalic second twins can be trickier when the head does not engage. We illustrate how to avoid complications during instrumental delivery or internal podalic version and breech extraction of the second twin encouraging to start when membranes are still intact.

Combined treatment of McDonald cerclage and Arabin-pessary: a chance in the prevention of spontaneous preterm birth?

Background: Patients with cervical shortening obtained by transvaginal ultrasound and/or previous preterm delivery are at increased risk for preterm birth in the current pregnancy. The aim of the present cohort study was to compare the rate of preterm birth and early neonatal parameters in patients at risk and screening patients who received either a cerclage or a combined treatment of cerclage and cervical pessary.Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted from March 2005 to March 2017 including all patients in our department which received a McDonald cerclage or a combined treatment of McDonald cerclage and an Arabin pessary. A total of 81 women with singleton pregnancies were considered the final sample of this cohort study, of whom 34 patients received a cerclage and 47 patients received a cerclage combined with a pessary. Patients "at risk" with a history of preterm birth at <37 weeks of gestation, late-term abortion, conization, or cervical cerclage in a previous pregnancy because of a cervical shortening <10th percentile and women with no inherent historic risk factors but a current cervical length <3rd percentile (screening group) were analyzed separately. We defined delivery <34 weeks of gestation as the primary outcome. Secondary outcomes were preterm birth (PTB) <28, <32, and <37 weeks of gestation, admission to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), neonatal admission time, birthweight, and prolongation of the gestation.Results: There were no differences between the two study groups with regard to baseline characteristics. Delivery <34 weeks of gestation occurred in 32.4 and 27.7% of patients treated with cerclage versus combined treatment respectively (p = .48). Similarly, there was no difference in the rate of preterm birth at <28, <32, or <37 weeks of gestation. The mean neonatal admission time at the neonatal intensive care unit was shorter in the combined treatment group versus in the cerclage group (p = .02). There was a trend for higher birthweight (2368 g ± 962 vs. 2650 g ± 1063) in favor of the combined treatment arm (p = .077).Conclusion: The combined treatment of cerclage with an Arabin pessary seems to be a considerable alternative in the prevention of spontaneous PTB (sPTB), especially for patients with cervical length <3rd percentile, and in particular for patients with amnion prolapse in terms of birthweight and neonatal admission time.

The tamoxifen paradox-influence of adjuvant tamoxifen on fracture risk in pre- and postmenopausal women with breast cancer

Our data demonstrate that tamoxifen does not reduce fracture risk. Close surveillance is necessary to prevent bone loss in premenopausal women with breast cancer upon treatment initiation.

INTRODUCTION

Endocrine treatment of breast cancer may interfere with bone turnover and influence fracture risk.

METHODS

Out of a cohort of almost 5 million patients in total, we identified 5520 women between 18 and 90 years of age with breast cancer receiving tamoxifen, matched them with 5520 healthy controls using the Disease Analyzer Database, and investigated the fracture risk.

RESULTS

We found a cumulative incidence of fractures of 6.3% in patients aged between 18 and 50 years (n = 3634) treated with tamoxifen versus a cumulative incidence of 3.6% in the control group (p < 0.001). As such, the risk of fracture was 75% higher for patients receiving tamoxifen than that for healthy controls (HR 1.75; 95% CI 1.25-2.48). With regard to patients aged between 55 and 90 years (n = 7406), the cumulative incidence of fractures in patients treated with tamoxifen was 10.1% compared to 9.3% in the control group (p = 0.740), i.e., there was no significant difference between the two groups (HR 0.97; 95% CI 0.81-1.16).

CONCLUSIONS

Compared to healthy controls, premenopausal women with breast cancer treated with tamoxifen showed an increased risk of fracture, while postmenopausal women on tamoxifen did not show any risk reduction.

Prevention of breast cancer treatment-induced bone loss in premenopausal women treated with zoledronic acid: Final 5-year results from the randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled ProBONE II trial

PURPOSE

Premenopausal women receiving chemotherapy or endocrine treatment for early breast cancer are at increased risk for cancer treatment induced bone loss (CTIBL). The aim of the randomized, double-blind ProBONE II trial was to investigate whether a 2-year adjuvant treatment with 4 mg intravenous zoledronic acid (ZOL) every 3 months versus placebo would prevent CTIBL after a five-year period.

METHODS

Thirty-one of the 34 participants in the ZOL arm and thirty-four of the 36 participants in the placebo arm were followed-up to the 5-year visit and completed the study as planned. The changes in Bone Mass Density (BMD) were assessed at baseline and each visit after treatment initiation.

RESULTS

After 24 months, BMD at the lumbar spine showed a 2.9% increase in patients treated with ZOL vs. a 7.1% decrease in placebo-treated participants compared to baseline (p < 0.001). Over the 60-month study period, we found a decrease of 2.2% vs. 7.3% in the BMD at the lumbar spine in patients receiving ZOL and placebo respectively (p < 0.001). Over the 60-month study period, BMD in the placebo arm showed a continuous decrease at all sites (p < 0001), whereas patients treated with ZOL reached baseline BMD-values at the femoral neck and total hip.

CONCLUSIONS

In ProBone II, a 2-year treatment with ZOL 4 mg intravenous every 3 months prevented cancer treatment induced bone loss in premenopausal women with breast cancer and maintained the BMD up to 3 years post-treatment.

Controversies about the Secondary Prevention of Spontaneous Preterm Birth

Preterm birth is one of the major global health problems and part of the Millennium Development goals because of the associated high number of perinatal or neonatal mortality and long-term risks of neurodevelopmental and metabolic diseases. Transvaginal sonography has meanwhile been established as a screening tool for spontaneous preterm birth despite its relatively low sensitivity when considering only the cervical length. Vaginal progesterone has been shown to reduce prematurity rates below 34 weeks in a screening population of singleton pregnancies. Up to now, no positive long-term effect could be demonstrated after 2 years. It seems to have no benefit to prolong pregnancies after a period of preterm contractions and in risk patients without cervical shortening. Meta-analyses still demonstrate conflicting results dependent on quality criteria used for selection. A cerclage is only indicated in singleton pregnancies with previous spontaneous preterm birth and a combined cervical shortening in the current pregnancy. Nevertheless, the short- and long-term outcome has never been evaluated, whereas maternal complications may be increased. There is no evidence for a prophylactic cervical cerclage in twin pregnancies even in cases with cervical shortening. Emergency cerclage remains an indication after individual counseling. The effect of a cervical pessary in singleton pregnancy seems to be more pronounced in studies where a few investigators with increasing experience have treated and followed the patients at risk for preterm birth. Mainly in twin pregnancies, pessary treatment seems to be promising compared to other treatment options of secondary prevention when the therapy is started at early stages of precocious cervical ripening. At present, several international trials with the goal to reduce global rates of prematurity are in progress which will hopefully allow to specify the indications and methods of intervention for certain subgroups. When trials are summarized, prospective meta-analyses carry a lower risk of bias than the meanwhile uncontrolled magnitude of retrospective meta-analyses with conflicting results.

Subsequent fracture risk of women with pregnancy and lactation-associated osteoporosis after a median of 6 years of follow-up

Almost a quarter of patients with PAO will sustain a subsequent fracture; patients need to be informed about potential risks before deciding for further pregnancies.

INTRODUCTION

Pregnancy and lactation-associated osteoporosis (PAO) is a severe type of premenopausal osteoporosis which predominantly occurs in the last trimester of pregnancy or immediately postpartum. Long-term follow-up data including subsequent fracture risk have yet to be reported.

METHODS

This single-center prospective cohort study investigated the subsequent fracture risk of all 107 patients with PAO who were referred to our institution.

RESULTS

Overall, 107 presented with at least one fracture. Each patient sustained on average four fractures most commonly at the thoracolumbar spine. During a median of 6 years of follow-up, 26 (24.3%) of patients who had a fracture at baseline reported a subsequent fracture. Overall, 30 PAO patients (28%) reported a further pregnancy. In subsequent pregnancies, 6 (20%) of patients reported a subsequent fracture. Patients with up to 1 vs. > 1 fracture at time of diagnosis showed a 3 (10%) and 25 (27%) subsequent fracture rate, respectively (p = 0.047). There was a significant correlation between the number of fractures at time of diagnosis and subsequent fracture risk (N = 26,p= 0.56, p = 0.003).

CONCLUSIONS

Almost a quarter of patients with PAO will sustain a subsequent fracture, and this fracture risk correlates with the number of fractures at time of diagnosis. Patients with PAO need to be informed about their potential subsequent fracture risk before deciding for further pregnancies.

Pregnancy-associated osteoporosis: a case-control study

The etiology and underlying mechanisms of pregnancy-associated osteoporosis (PAO) are still unknown, since no systematic analyses exist. Our results indicate that PAO is a heterogeneous, rare but severe disease including a substantial number of fractures with a significant delay from first symptom to diagnose.

INTRODUCTION

Pregnancy-associated osteoporosis (PAO) is a rare but severe type of premenopausal osteoporosis. Most common symptom includes acute lower back pain due to vertebral fracture predominantly occurring in the last trimester of pregnancy or immediately postpartum. The exact underlining mechanisms and risk factors of PAO are still unknown, and up to date, there are no published systematic analyses.

METHODS

We identified 102 PAO patients and matched them with 102 healthy controls according to age, region, and gravidity to evaluate risk factors in a large and homogenous population of women.

RESULTS

The baseline characteristics and anthropometric data of the two study groups were similar. Eighty-eight percent of the patients with PAO suffered from one or more fractures with a mean of 3.3 fractures per patient. The most common fracture site was the thoracolumbar spine, whereas 29, 37, 48, and 35% of the patients reported fractures at TH11, TH12, L1, and L2, respectively. PAO patients suffered more frequently from excessive dental problems in childhood (p < 0.001). The control group performed significantly more frequently sports both before (p < 0.002) and after puberty (p < 0.01). Compared to the controls, the patients with PAO reported twice as often severe diseases during pregnancy (p < 0.029). Hereby, the frequency of immobilization was twice as often in the PAO group compared to that in the control group (p < 0.005).

CONCLUSIONS

Our results indicate that PAO is a heterogeneous, rare but severe disease including a substantial number of fractures with a significant delay from first symptom to diagnose. Increased awareness is warranted to immediately start effective treatment.

The impact of depot medroxyprogesterone acetate on fracture risk: a case-control study from the UK

There has been concerning about women receiving depot medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA) contraception because of the prolonged hypoestrogenemic state regarding the potential negative effects on bone health. This study showed that DMPA exposure is associated with increased fracture risk and that fracture risk increases with longer DMPA exposure.

INTRODUCTION

DMPA has been associated with impaired bone mineral acquisition during adolescence and accelerated bone loss in later life. We performed this large population-based study to assess the association between use of DMPA or combined oral contraceptives and the incident risk of fracture.

METHODS

We identified 4189 women between 20 and 44 years of age with a first-time fracture diagnosis, matched them with 4189 random controls using the Disease Analyzer database and investigated the relation with DMPA exposure.

RESULTS

Overall, 11 % of the fracture cases and 7.7 % of the controls had DMPA use recorded. The adjusted OR for developing a fracture in patients with current use of DMPA compared to non-users was 0.97 (95 % CI 0.51-1.86), 2.41 (95 % CI 1.42-4.08), and 1.46 (95 % CI 0.96-2.23) for 1-2, 3-9, and ≥10 prescriptions, respectively. The adjusted OR for developing a fracture in patients with past use of DMPA compared to non-users was 0.96 (95 % CI 0.73-1.26), 1.14 (95 % CI 0.86-1.51), and 1.55 (95 % CI 1.07-2.27) for 1-2, 3-9, and ≥10 prescriptions, respectively. The highest fracture risk was identified in young patients less than 30 years with longer DMPA exposure (≥10 prescriptions; OR 3.04, 95 % CI 1.36-6.81), as well as in patients in the late reproductive years with past use of DMPA (OR 1.72, 95 % CI 1.13-2.63).

CONCLUSIONS

Our results indicate that DMPA exposure is associated with increased fracture risk and may have negative effects on bone metabolism, resulting in impaired bone mineral acquisition during adolescence and accelerated bone loss in adult life.

GRAND-4: the German retrospective analysis of long-term persistence in women with osteoporosis treated with bisphosphonates or denosumab

This retrospective database study assessed 2-year persistence with bisphosphonates or denosumab in a large German cohort of women with a first-time prescription for osteoporosis treatment. Compared with intravenous or oral bisphosphonates, 2-year persistence was 1.5-2 times higher and risk of discontinuation was significantly lower (P < 0.0001) with denosumab.

INTRODUCTION

Persistence with osteoporosis therapies is critical for fracture risk reduction. Detailed data on long-term persistence (≥2 years) with bisphosphonates and denosumab are sparse.

METHODS

From the German IMS® database, we included women aged 40 years or older with a first-time prescription for bisphosphonates or denosumab between July 2010 and August 2014; patients were followed up until December 2014. The main outcome was treatment discontinuation, with a 60-day permissible gap between filled prescriptions. Two-year persistence was estimated using Kaplan-Meier survival curves, with treatment discontinuation as the failure event. Denosumab was compared with intravenous (i.v.) and oral bisphosphonates separately. Cox proportional hazard ratios (HRs) for the 2-year risk of discontinuation were calculated, with adjustment for age, physician specialty, health insurance status, and previous medication use.

RESULTS

Two-year persistence with denosumab was significantly higher than with i.v. or oral bisphosphonates (39.8 % [n = 21,154] vs 20.9 % [i.v. ibandronate; n = 20,472] and 24.8 % [i.v. zoledronic acid; n = 3966] and 16.7-17.5 % [oral bisphosphonates; n = 114,401]; all P < 0.001). Patients receiving i.v. ibandronate, i.v. zoledronic acid, or oral bisphosphonates had a significantly increased risk of treatment discontinuation than did those receiving denosumab (HR = 1.65, 1.28, and 1.96-2.02, respectively; all P < 0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS

Two-year persistence with denosumab was 1.5-2 times higher than with i.v. or oral bisphosphonates, and risk of discontinuation was significantly lower with denosumab than with bisphosphonates. A more detailed understanding of factors affecting medication-taking behavior may improve persistence and thereby reduce rates of fracture.

Comparison of combined low-dose hormone therapy vs. tibolone in the prevention of bone loss

OBJECTIVES

To compare the effects on bone mineral density (BMD) measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry at the lumbar spine, the femoral neck and the total hip following 2 years of treatment with a low-dose combined hormone therapy (HT) comprised of 1 mg estradiol and 0.5 mg norethisterone acetate (E2/NETA) versus 2.5 mg tibolone in postmenopausal women. Additionally, quantitative ultrasonometry (QUS) of the os calcaneus and of the phalanges was performed.

METHODS

Changes in BMD, QUS and side-effects were assessed at baseline, 6, 12 and 24 months in 50 postmenopausal women who received either E2/NETA (n = 26) or tibolone (n = 24) for 2 years.

RESULTS

Compared to women on tibolone, women receiving E2/NETA showed a significant increase in BMD from baseline to 12 and 24 months at the lumbar spine (3.07%, 3.86%; p < 0.01 vs. 1.13%, 2.23%; p < 0.05), and at the total hip (1.33%, 1.69%; p < 0.01 vs. 0.76%, 0.70%) and at the femoral neck from baseline to 24 months (1.10%; p < 0.05). QUS indices only showed a significant change with the ultrasound bone profile index with E2/NETA at 6 months (-2.32%; p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Low-dose E2/NETA showed a significantly higher increase in BMD compared to tibolone. QUS measurement was not considered to comprise beneficial effects in monitoring drug-induced bone changes.

Vaginal progesterone combined with cervical pessary: A chance for pregnancies at risk for preterm birth?

BACKGROUND

Precocious cervical ripening, as defined by cervical shortening on transvaginal sonography, has prompted a broad evaluation of secondary strategies (such as cerclage, vaginal progesterone, or a cervical pessary) to prevent preterm delivery. However, there is still a lack of direct comparisons between individual treatments or their combinations.

OBJECTIVE

We sought to compare at-risk patients and screening patients who had been treated with cervical pessary alone with patients who had been treated with pessary plus vaginal progesterone.

STUDY DESIGN

This is a pre- and postintervention cohort study from a preterm labor clinic where placement of a cervical pessary has been the standard treatment since 2008 for at-risk women defined by (1) a history of spontaneous preterm birth at <37 weeks of gestation, (2) conization, or (3) a cerclage because of a previous short cervical length of <3rd percentile and, additionally, with a cervical length of <10th percentile in the ongoing pregnancy. Patients who did not meet the criteria for the "at risk" group, but who had a cervical length of <3rd percentile comprised the screening group. From July 2011 onward, vaginal progesterone (200 mg, suppositories) was prescribed in addition to the pessary. Both at-risk patients (n = 55) and screening patients (n = 51) were treated at the time of diagnosis. The primary outcome was the rate of preterm deliveries at <34 weeks of gestation. Secondary outcomes included deliveries at <28, <32, and <37 weeks of gestation, the days from start of therapy until delivery, a composite index of neonatal outcome, and the number of days in the neonatal intensive care unit. Primary and secondary outcomes were compared between groups with the use of multivariable models to adjust for possible confounders.

RESULTS

Delivery at <34 weeks of gestation occurred in 17 of 53 patients (32.1%) who were treated with pessary plus progesterone, compared with 13 of 53 patients (24.5%) who were treated with pessary alone (P = .57). Similarly, there was no difference in the rate of preterm delivery at <28, <32, or <37 weeks of gestation. The composite poor neonatal outcome was 15.1% in the pessary group vs 18.9% in the combined group (P = .96). The mean duration of stay in the neonatal intensive care unit was 46.5 days (range, 9-130 days) in the combined vs 52.0 days (range, 3-151 days) in the pessary group (P < .001).

CONCLUSION

In this cohort study, treatment of precocious cervical ripening with cervical pessary plus vaginal progesterone did not reduce the rates of preterm delivery at <28, <32, <34, or <37 weeks of gestation compared with pessary alone. The neonatal intensive care use was shorter in patients who received additional vaginal progesterone, although there was no difference in composite poor neonatal outcome. These preliminary results may serve as a pilot for future trials and provide a basis for treatment until larger trials are completed.

Discontinuation rates of menopausal hormone therapy among postmenopausal women in the post-WHI study era

OBJECTIVES

Many women are reluctant to take menopausal hormone therapy (MHT) and discontinue the treatment within 12 months. The aim of this study was to investigate the persistence rates of combined MHT in the last decade, reflecting changes in the post-Women's Health Initiative era.

METHODS

We analyzed 17 020 patients receiving combined MHT from 2004 to 2013 using the Disease Analyzer database.

RESULTS

After 12 months of follow-up, 44.6% and 33.5% of patients receiving 1 mg and 2 mg, respectively, of oral combined MHT were still on treatment (p < 0.0001). The persistence rate of patients receiving < 50 μg of transdermal MHT was 39.1% after 1 year of treatment and presented no differences compared to patients receiving ≥ 50 μg of transdermal MHT with a persistence rate of 38.2%. MHT start in the years 2007-2009 was associated with higher discontinuation rates (hazard ratio 1.04, p = 0.0709) than MHT start in the years 2010-2013 (hazard ratio 0.90, p = 0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS

Our results indicate that patients beginning their treatments in the years 2010-2013 were more treatment-persistent than patients beginning with MHT in the early years after publication of the Women's Health Initiative study (2004-2009). Administration of low-dose oral MHT and transdermal MHT is associated with increased persistency compared to higher doses of oral MHT.

Impact of maternal body mass index on the cesarean delivery rate in Germany from 1990 to 2012

AIMS

Maternal obesity is a risk factor for cesarean delivery (CD). The aim of this analysis was to determine the association between early-pregnancy body mass index (BMI) and the rate of CD over the past two decades.

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed data from the perinatal quality registry of singleton deliveries in the state of Hesse in Germany from 1990 to 2012. We divided the patients into groups according to the WHO criteria for BMI: underweight (<18.5), normal weight (18.5-<25), overweight (25-<30), obese class I (30-<35), obese class II (35-<40), and obese class III (≥40).

RESULTS

The analysis included 1,092,311 patients with available data regarding maternal BMI and mode of delivery. The CD rates for underweight (<18.5), normal weight (18.5-<25), overweight (25-<30), obese class I (30-<35), obese class II (35-<40), and obese class III (≥40) women increased from 14.4%, 16.1%, 19.5%, 22.3%, 25%, and 26.9% in the year 1990 to 27.9%, 31.4%, 38.8%, 45.1%, 50.2%, and 55.2% in the year 2012, respectively (P<0.001).

CONCLUSION

Maternal BMI in early pregnancy is linearly associated with the incidence of CD. We found a disproportionate increase of CD in morbidly obese women compared with the CD incidence in the reference BMI population over the past two decades.

A population based evaluation of the mode of delivery in association with infertility treatment from 1990-2012

BACKGROUND

This study refers to population based data and investigates the development of the mode of delivery associated with infertility treatment over the last 23 years.

METHODS

All 1 202,557 deliveries in Hesse, Germany, between 1990 and 2012 were assessed. 2.2% of the study population, 26,761, had a delivery subsequent to infertility treatment based on the Hessian Perinatal Registry (HEPE). An evaluation in this subgroup was performed investigating the associations between the mode of delivery and the gestational week and the mother's age.

RESULTS

A continuous and significant (p<0.01) increase of cesarean section (CS) rates subsequent to infertility treatment (1990: 41,3%; 2012: 55,9%) as well as a conversely also significant (p<0.01) reduction of vaginal operative and spontaneous deliveries associated with infertility treatment between 1990 and 2012 was found. Furthermore, the preterm delivery rate and the proportion of deliveries of parturients older than 35 years of age in association with infertility treatment raised over the last years. Rates of full-term deliveries and deliveries of women younger than 35 years remained stable during the observation period.

DISCUSSION

The rate of cesarean section is continuously rising over the last 23 years with regard to parturients subsequent to infertility treatment. The CS rate is significantly higher compared to women with a spontaneous pregnancy and in comparison to the data from 20 years ago. Most recently, the number of CS (51,2%) exceeded the number of vaginal deliveries (48,8%) in Hesse subsequent to infertility treatment for the first time.

[Pregnancy after breast cancer in germany - results of a retrospective database analysis]

BACKGROUND

After the establishment of the FertiPROTEKT network in 2006, an impetus for possibilities of pregnancy during and after breast cancer was introduced. Nowadays, breast cancer survivors are confronted with the question how often women become pregnant after breast cancer and whether there have been significant changes in this respect during the past 10 years. The aim of the study was, therefore, to examine the change in frequency of pregnancies after breast cancer treatment and the time from the first breast cancer diagnosis to pregnancy over one decade, i. e., the period from 2010-2012 compared to the period from 2000-2002.

METHODS

The study is based on data from the IMS Disease Analyzer database, which enables access to anonymous data from registered physicians. Data from 102 gynecological practices were available for the present study. The study included women aged 20-45 with breast cancer.

RESULTS

A total of 179 pregnant women were included in this study from 2000-2002 and 2010-2012. 65 pregnancies were recorded in the period from 2000-2002, 114 pregnancies from 2010-2012. The time interval from the breast cancer diagnosis to pregnancy (analysed time period was 10 years) was 896 days (SD: 690) in the period from 2000-2002 and 552 days (SD: 696) in the period from 2010-2012 (p<0.001).

CONCLUSION

There was a significant increase in pregnancies within the first 2 years after the breast cancer diagnosis. These data are consistent with the intensified consultations after the introduction of the FertiPROTEKT network.

Effects of zoledronic acid versus placebo on bone mineral density and bone texture analysis assessed by the trabecular bone score in premenopausal women with breast cancer treatment-induced bone loss: results of the ProBONE II substudy

Changes in bone mineral density (BMD) and trabecular bone score (TBS) were assessed in 70 patients who received either zoledronate (ZOL) (n = 34) or placebo (n = 36) for 2 years. In premenopausal women with breast cancer treatment-induced bone loss, 24 months of intravenous ZOL treatment significantly increased the lumbar spine BMD and the TBS.

INTRODUCTION

The aim of this study was to compare the effects of 4 mg intravenous zoledronate (ZOL) versus placebo (PLB), every 3 months, on the lumbar spine (LS) bone mineral density (BMD) and the trabecular bone score (TBS) in premenopausal women with breast cancer (BC) treatment-induced bone loss. The TBS is a gray-level texture measurement which is related to the bone microarchitecture and considered to be independent of the BMD.

METHODS

Changes in BMD and TBS were assessed in 70 patients who were recruited in the double-blind, placebo-controlled ProBONE-II trial and randomized to receive either ZOL (n = 34) or PLB (n = 36) for 2 years. The changes were assessed at baseline and at 12 and 24 months after treatment initiation.

RESULTS

Patients receiving ZOL showed a mean increase in LS BMD from the baseline to 12 (2.17%) and 24 months (3.14%) of treatment and a mean increase in the TBS of 2.41 and 0.75%, respectively. Conversely, patients receiving PLB showed a mean decrease in the LS BMD from the baseline to 12 (-5.02%) and 24 (-6.43%) months and a mean decrease of -0.52 and -2.16% in the TBS, respectively. Changes in the BMD and the TBS from the baseline to 12 and 24 months were all significantly different for ZOL compared to PLB (p < 0.005). Furthermore, BMD and TBS showed a moderate correlation ranging from 0.28 (p = 0.087) to 0.47 (p = 0.003).

CONCLUSIONS

In premenopausal women with BC, 24 months of intravenous ZOL treatment significantly increased the LS BMD as well as the TBS.

Differences in persistency with teriparatide in patients with osteoporosis according to gender and health care provider

This analysis investigated the persistence of teriparatide for treatment of osteoporosis in 829 patients according to gender and health care provider treated with teriparatide. This study showed that female patients were less persistent than males and those patients treated in the practices of orthopedic surgeons were more treatment persistent than patients treated in general practitioner (GP) practices.

INTRODUCTION

The optimal persistency of teriparatide (TPTD) is of the upmost importance to ensure fracture risk reduction and pain relief. Data reporting on gender-specific or health care provider-dependent differences on health care provider-dependent persistence is currently lacking.

METHODS

We analyzed a large dataset extracted from the Disease Analyzer database (IMS Health, Germany). Out of a dataset of 15 million patients, we identified patients with osteoporosis who received first-time teriparatide prescriptions from January 2005 to December 2012.

RESULTS

All 829 patients (677 females and 152 males) were included in the study. The patients were treated by 214 general practitioners (GPs) and 143 orthopedic surgeons. After 18 months of follow-up, 39.5 % of the female and 34 % of the male patients discontinued their treatment (p = 0.0308). We found a significant difference in the discontinuation rate of patients treated by orthopedic surgeons (35.0 %) compared to patients treated by GPs (44.2 %) (p = 0.0445). Additionally, at the end of the 18 months of follow up, 39.4 % of female and 47.8 % of male patients were still on treatment. We found a highly significant decreased risk for treatment discontinuation in patients with fractures prior to treatment initiation compared to those without such fractures (hazard ratio (HR) 0.77; 95 % confidence interval (CI) 0.66-0.90). There was a significantly increased risk of treatment discontinuation for female patients (HR 1.38; 95 % CI 1.10-1.74) compared to male patients.

CONCLUSIONS

In conclusion, female patients presented higher discontinuation rates of TPTD compared to males. Patients treated in the practices of orthopedic surgeons were more persistent than patients treated in GP practices. TPTD persistence in patients with osteoporosis is higher than with antiresorptives but is still suboptimal and needs to be improved to ensure fracture risk reductions comparable to randomized controlled trial (RCT) results.

Is Early Treatment with a Cervical Pessary an Option in Patients with a History of Surgical Conisation and a Short Cervix?

Objective: Patients with a history of one or more conizations have an increased risk of spontaneous preterm birth (SPTB). The aim of this study was to investigate the outcome of pregnancies in patients with a history of conization and early treatment with a cervical pessary. Methods: In this pilot observational study we included 21 patients and evaluated the obstetric history, the interval between pessary placement and delivery, gestational age at delivery, the neonatal outcome and the number of days of maternal and neonatal admission. Results: Among the study group of 21 patients, 20 patients had a singleton and one had a dichorionic/diamniotic twin pregnancy. At insertion, the mean gestational age was 17 + 2 (10 + 5-24 + 0) weeks and the mean cervical length was 19 (4-36) mm. Six patients presented with funneling at insertion with a mean funneling width of 19.7 (10-38) mm and funneling length of 19.9 (10-37) mm. Five patients had already lost at least one child due to early spontaneous preterm birth and another five had at least one previous abortion, who have now delivered beyond 34 weeks. The mean gestational age at delivery was 38 (31 + 1-41 + 0) gestational weeks and the mean interval between insertion and delivery was 145 (87-182) days. Conclusion: Our findings suggest a beneficial effect of an early pessary placement for patients at high-risk for preterm birth due to conization.