Gestational Hypertension and Preeclampsia: ACOG Practice Bulletin, Number 222

Considering environmental exposures to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) as risk factors for hypertensive disorders of pregnancy

Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP), including preeclampsia and gestational hypertension, lead to significant maternal morbidity and in some cases, maternal mortality. Environmental toxicants, especially those that disrupt normal placental and endothelial function, are emerging as potential risk factors for HDP. Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a large group of ubiquitous chemicals found in consumer products, the environment, and increasingly in drinking water. PFAS have been associated with a multitude of adverse health effects, including dyslipidemia, hypertension, and more recently, HDP. In this review, we present epidemiological and mechanistic evidence for the link between PFAS and HDP and recommend next steps for research and prevention efforts. To date, epidemiological studies have assessed associations between only ten of the thousands of PFAS and HDP. Positive associations between six PFAS (PFOA, perfluorooctanoic acid; PFOS, perfluorooctane sulfonic acid; PFHxS, perfluorohexane sulfonic acid; PFHpA, perfluoroheptanoic acid; PFBS, perfluorobutanesulfonic acid; and PFNA, perfluoronanoic acid) and risk for HDP have been reported in some, but not all, studies. PFAS disrupt placental and immune function, cause oxidative stress, and disrupt lipid metabolism. These physiological disruptions may be mechanisms through which PFAS can lead to HDP. Overall, limited epidemiological evidence and plausible mechanisms support PFAS as risk factors for HDP. More research is needed in diverse, well-powered cohorts that assess exposures to as many PFAS as possible. Such research should consider not only individual PFAS but also the totality of exposures to PFAS and other environmental chemicals. Pregnant women may be a group that is vulnerable to PFAS exposure, and as such HDP risk should be considered by policymakers setting PFAS exposure limits. In the interim, medical and public health professionals in regions with PFAS contamination could provide short-term solutions in the form of patient-level prevention, increased monitoring, and early intervention for HDP.

Vitamin D stimulates miR-26b-5p to inhibit placental COX-2 expression in preeclampsia

Vitamin D insufficiency or deficiency during pregnancy has been associated with an increased risk of preeclampsia. Increased placental cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) activity was proposed to contribute to the inflammatory response in preeclampsia. This study was to investigate if vitamin D can benefit preeclampsia by inhibiting placental COX-2 expression. Placenta tissues were obtained from 40 pregnant women (23 normotensive and 17 preeclampsia). miR-26b-5p expression was assessed by quantitative PCR. Vitamin D receptor (VDR) expression and COX-2 expression were determined by immunostaining and Western blot. HTR-8/SVneo trophoblastic cells were cultured in vitro to test anti-inflammatory effects of vitamin D in placental trophoblasts treated with oxidative stress inducer CoCl₂. 1,25(OH)₂D₃ was used as bioactive vitamin D. Our results showed that reduced VDR and miR-26b-5p expression, but increased COX-2 expression, was observed in the placentas from women with preeclampsia compared to those from normotensive pregnant women. Transient overexpression of miR-26b-5p attenuated the upregulation of COX-2 expression and prostaglandin E₂ (PGE₂) production induced by CoCl₂ in placental trophoblasts. 1,25(OH)₂D₃ treatment inhibited CoCl₂-induced upregulation of COX-2 in placental trophoblasts. Moreover, miR-26b-5p expression were significantly upregulated in cells treated with 1,25(OH)₂D₃, but not in cells transfected with VDR siRNA. Conclusively, downregulation of VDR and miR-26b-5p expression was associated with upregulation of COX-2 expression in the placentas from women with preeclampsia. 1,25(OH)₂D₃ could promote miR-26b-5p expression which in turn inhibited COX-2 expression and PGE₂ formation in placental trophoblasts. The finding of anti-inflammatory property by vitamin D through promotion of VDR/miR-26b-5p expression provides significant evidence that downregulation of vitamin D/VDR signaling could contribute to increased inflammatory response in preeclampsia.

Pregnancy-related death disparities in non-Hispanic Black women

While the rate of pregnancy-related death steadily increases in the United States, this tragic outcome is disproportionately devastating US-born non-Hispanic Black women at a rate that is three to four times that of their White and non-Black Hispanic counterparts. These disparities persist despite controlling for variables such as socioeconomic status, education levels, and geographical location. Pregnancy-related deaths in Black women are largely cardiovascular in etiology, and while these complications also occur in women of other ethnic backgrounds, they often are more severe and more deadly in Black women. This population often lacks adequate prenatal care likely because they face personal and structural barriers. Reversal of barriers during the prenatal period, the implementation of medical protocols during delivery, and the assurance of close follow-up during the postpartum year are vital in improving outcomes. This article will detail seven specific concerns within perinatal care and pregnancy-related death, and offer potential solutions to addressing them. Pregnancy-related death in Black women is not as an isolated event, but rather is one adverse outcome that exists on a broad spectrum of adverse outcomes. Now is the time to reckon with the reality that our nation’s Black women are dying at a disproportionate rate compared to women of other ethnicities due to pregnancy-related complications and suffering lifelong consequences even if they escape this fatal outcome. This is a call to action to understand this deeply devastating, multi-factorial issue so we may strive to eliminate this highly preventable and tragic event altogether.

Syncytiotrophoblast stress in early onset preeclampsia: The issues perpetuating the syndrome

Preeclampsia is a pregnancy-specific syndrome characterized by a sudden increase in blood pressure accompanied by proteinuria and/or maternal multi-system damage associated to poor fetal outcome. In early-onset preeclampsia, utero-placental perfusion is altered, causing constant and progressive damage to the syncytiotrophoblast, generating syncytiotrophoblast stress. The latter leads to the detachment and release of syncytiotrophoblast fragments, anti-angiogenic factors and pro-inflammatory molecules into maternal circulation, resulting in the emergence and persistence of the characteristic symptoms of this syndrome during pregnancy. Therefore, understanding the origin and consequences of syncytiotrophoblast stress in preeclampsia is vital to develop new therapeutic alternatives, focused on reducing the burden of this syndrome. In this review, we describe five central characteristics of syncytial stress that should be targeted or prevented in order to reduce preeclampsia symptoms: histological alterations, syncytiotrophoblast damage, antiangiogenic protein export, placental deportation, and altered syncytiotrophoblast turnover. Therapeutic management of these characteristics may improve maternal and fetal outcomes.

The interval between births and the risk of recurrent preeclampsia among predominantly high risk women in urban tertiary care center

INTRODUCTION

Women with a history of preeclampsia have a higher risk of recurrent preeclampsia. This study sought to ascertain the relationship between the interbirth interval and the risk of recurrent preeclampsia and difference in angiogenic markers between the two groups.

METHODS

Data was collected from an ongoing cohort study of women with hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) enrolled at the admission to the labor and delivery floor. From this dataset, multigravida women with a prior diagnosis of preeclampsia were identified and compared to women with no prior history of preeclampsia.

RESULTS

Of the 375 women with HDP who were predominantly African American, 245 were multigravida and 44 (18.0%) had a prior history of preeclampsia. Women with prior preeclampsia had an earlier gestational age of delivery, higher rates of preterm delivery and a higher incidence of preeclampsia with severe features (56.8% vs 29.8%) in the index pregnancy (p-values ≤ 0.001) than those without. The median number of years between history of preeclampsia in previous pregnancy and current pregnancy was 6 years (IQR 3, 8). Among patients with a prior history of preeclampsia, the interbirth interval was not associated with severe preeclampsia (p = 0.60) and there was no difference in angiogenic factors between patients with a prior history of preeclampsia compared to those without.

CONCLUSIONS

In this study, the duration of the interbirth interval was not identified as a risk factor of developing severe preeclampsia in a subsequent pregnancy and angiogenic factors are not a reflection of maternal predisposition to recurrent preeclampsia.

Combined Oral Contraceptive Pill-Induced Hypertension and Hypertensive Disorders of Pregnancy: Shared Mechanisms and Clinical Similarities

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Oral contraceptive pill-induced hypertension (OCPIH) and hypertensive disorders in pregnancy (HDP) share common risk factors and pathophysiological mechanisms, yet the bidirectional relationship between these two conditions is not well-established. We review and describe OCPIH and HDP to better understand how hormonal and metabolic imbalances affect hypertension.

RECENT FINDINGS

Oral contraceptive pills continue to be a popular method of contraception, with an incidence of OCPIH ranging from 1-8.5% among OCP users. HDP have an incidence of 5-10% of all pregnancies in the USA and have been shown to be a powerful predictor of lifetime adverse cardiovascular outcomes, including future hypertension. OCPIH and HDP share common risk factors such as age, BMI, past personal and family history of hypertension, as well as pathogenic mechanisms, including alterations in hormonal metabolism and the renin angiotensin aldosterone system; imbalance of vasodilator-vasoconstrictor compounds; and changes in the cardiovascular system. Future research should address additional potential mechanisms that underlie hypertension in these two conditions where endocrine changes, either physiological (pregnancy) or iatrogenic (use of OCP), play a role. This may lead to novel, targeted treatment options to improve hypertension management and overall cardiovascular risk profile management in this subset of young female patients.

Use of the angiogenic biomarker profile to risk stratify patients with fetal growth restriction

BACKGROUND

Novel angiogenic biomarker profiles have demonstrated emerging evidence for predicting preeclampsia onset, severity, and adverse outcomes. Limited data exist in screening patients with fetal growth restriction for preeclampsia development using angiogenic biomarkers.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to risk stratify patients with fetal growth restriction using a soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 to placental growth factor ratio. Previously published cutoff of 38 was used to predict preeclampsia development and severity as well as adverse maternal or neonatal outcomes within a 2-week time period.

STUDY DESIGN

This was a prospective observational cohort study performed in a single tertiary hospital. Patients with a singleton fetal growth restriction pregnancy between 24 and 37 weeks' gestation were evaluated using serial 2-week encounters from the time of enrollment to delivery. Pregnancies with proven genetic or infectious etiology of fetal growth restriction or congenital anomalies were excluded. Ultrasound growth and Doppler measurements were obtained at the start of every encounter with routine preeclampsia laboratory tests and blood pressure checks when clinically indicated. Maternal serum was collected for all serial encounters and measured for soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 and placental growth factor after delivery in a double-blinded fashion. Maternal charts were reviewed for baseline demographic characteristics, pregnancy diagnoses and outcomes, and neonatal outcomes.

RESULTS

A total of 45 patients were enrolled for a total of 77 encounters, with the median (quartile 1, quartile 3) gestational age of the study enrolled at 31.43 (28.14-33.57) weeks. Patients were divided into low-risk (ratio of <38) and high-risk (ratio of ≥38) groups. Baseline characteristics of patients did not show any marked differences, including preeclampsia labs or ultrasound parameters, between the 2 groups. Systolic and diastolic blood pressures upon enrollment were statistically elevated when soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 to placental growth factor ratio was ≥38 (P=.02 and P=.01, respectively). Compared to patients with a low ratio, patients with a high ratio had a greater proportion of preeclampsia diagnosis, higher rates of preterm delivery under 34 and 37 weeks gestation, smaller neonatal birthweight, and a shorter time to delivery from testing to delivery.

CONCLUSION

Among patients with fetal growth restriction, the soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 to placental growth factor ratio may serve as a potential biomarker for identifying at risk patients for developing preeclampsia and subsequently preterm delivery.

De novo Migraine with Aura in the Third Trimester of Pregnancy: A Case Report and Literature review

Background

Among all headache disorders, migraine has the highest prevalence during gestation. The majority of migraineurs experience improvement during pregnancy, but a few may experience migraine for the first time. This poses a diagnostic challenge in the differential diagnosis between primary and life-threatening secondary headache disorders. Because pregnancy itself is an independent risk factor for secondary headache disorders, it is mandatory to exclude these conditions in order to diagnose migraine. There is a large body of literature about pre-existing migraine course during pregnancy and its link with adverse pregnancy outcomes, but there are no studies examining these aspects among women with new-onset migraine during pregnancy.

Case report

A 31-year-old female at 33 weeks of gestation (gravida 2, para 2) was referred to the neurologist eds disturbances, which were followed by pressing severe headache, rated as 8 out of 10 on a numeric rating scale and accompanied by dizziness. The headache lasted for one day, and dizziness continued to the following day. The patient was investigated for a secondary headache disorder, but laboratory and neuroimaging results were unremarkable. A migraine with aura was diagnosed. The patient was advised to keep a consistent sleep schedule, maintain regular low physical activity, eat regularly and take magnesium supplementation. The patient was informed about a safe treatment approach in case of an acute attack. At 40 weeks of gestation the patient delivered female newborn, weighing 3750g, with Apgar scores of 8 and 9 (due to a nuchal cord). The postpartum period was uneventful. During the subsequent 4 years, the patient did not experience any recurrent migraine attacks and had no pregnancies.

Conclusion

In order to diagnose a migraine during pregnancy, exclusion of secondary headache disorders is mandatory. Pregnant migraineur should be regularly monitored for adverse birth outcomes. It is essential to educate patients, provide information about the safe treatment of migraine attacks, and explain nonpharmacological prevention and supplementation benefits.

Maternal microvascular dysfunction during preeclamptic pregnancy

Preeclampsia is a hypertensive disorder of pregnancy effecting ∼5-8% of pregnancies in the United States, and ∼8 million pregnancies worldwide. Preeclampsia is clinically diagnosed after the 20th week of gestation and is characterized by new onset hypertension accompanied by proteinuria and/or thrombocytopenia, renal insufficiency, impaired liver function, pulmonary edema, or cerebral or visual symptoms. This broad definition emphasizes the heterogeneity of the clinical presentation of preeclampsia, but also underscores the role of the microvascular beds, specifically the renal, cerebral, and hepatic circulations, in the pathophysiology of the disease. While the diagnostic criteria for preeclampsia relies on the development of de novo hypertension and accompanying clinical symptoms after 20-week gestation, it is likely that subclinical dysfunction of the maternal microvascular beds occurs in parallel and may even precede the development of overt cardiovascular symptoms in these women. However, little is known about the physiology of the non-reproductive maternal microvascular beds during preeclampsia, and the mechanism(s) mediating microvascular dysfunction during preeclamptic pregnancy are largely unexplored in humans despite their integral role in the pathophysiology of the disease. Therefore, the purpose of this review is to provide a summary of the existing literature on maternal microvascular dysfunction during preeclamptic pregnancy by reviewing the functional evidence in humans, highlighting potential mechanisms, and providing recommendations for future work in this area.

Renal dysfunction and podocyturia in pre-eclampsia may be explained by increased urinary VEGF

BACKGROUND

Preeclampsia has a major impact on renal function as shown by the development of proteinuria and podocyturia. How the systemic, Fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 (sFlt-1)-driven inhibition of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) activity detected in preeclampsia directly affects renal function remains unknown. Aim of the study was to clarify whether a non-canonical, renal centered escape from VEGF inhibition in case of preeclamptic pregnancy might have a direct impact on the renal function.

METHODS

We evaluated plasma and urinary VEGF and placental growth factor (PlGF), plasma sFlt-1 and carbonic anhydrase IX (CAIX), albuminuria and podocyturia in 18 women with uncomplicated pregnancy, 21 with preeclampsia and 18 non pregnant. The three groups were matched for age and the pregnant groups also for gestational age at enrollment.

RESULTS

Plasma VEGF was reduced in uncomplicated (p = 0.001) and preeclamptic (p = 0.0003) pregnancies when compared to controls. In uncomplicated pregnancy the dysfunction was balanced by an increase (p = 0.009) of plasma PlGF. Increased (p = 0.0001) plasma CAIX in preeclampsia was in line with hypoxia. Preeclampsia resulted in a paradoxical increase (p = 0.0004) of urinary excretion of VEGF. Urinary concentrations of VEGF and podocytes were correlated to each other (r2 = 0.48, p < 0.0005) but also to plasma sFlt-1 (r2 = 0.56, p < 0.0001 and r2 = 0.23, p = 0.03 respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

In case of preeclampsia, the systemic VEGF inhibition brings the kidney, possibly the podocyte, to increase the VEGF synthesis. The mechanisms leading to local VEGF overproduction or the overproduced VEGF itself are reasonably involved in the pathogenesis of podocyturia and, as a consequence, of renal dysfunction in preeclampsia.

Cognition and Cerebrovascular Reactivity in Midlife Women With History of Preeclampsia and Placental Evidence of Maternal Vascular Malperfusion

Background: Preeclampsia is emerging as a sex-specific risk factor for cerebral small vessel disease (SVD) and dementia, but the reason is unknown. We assessed the relationship of maternal vascular malperfusion (MVM), a marker of placental SVD, with cognition and cerebral SVD in women with and without preeclampsia. We hypothesized women with both preeclampsia and MVM would perform worst on information processing speed and executive function.

Methods: Women (n = 45; mean 10.5 years post-delivery; mean age: 41 years; 42.2% Black) were classified as preeclampsia-/MVM-, preeclampsia+/MVM-, or preeclampsia+/MVM+. Information processing speed, executive function, and memory were assessed. In a pilot sub-study of cerebrovascular reactivity (CVR; n = 22), cerebral blood flow during room-air breathing and breath-hold induced hypercapnia were obtained via arterial spin labeling MRI. Non-parametric tests and regression models were used to test associations.

Results: Between-group cognitive differences were significant for information processing speed (p = 0.02); preeclampsia+/MVM+ had the lowest scores. Cerebral blood flow increased from room-air to breath-hold, globally and in all regions in the three groups, except the preeclampsia+/MVM+ parietal region (p = 0.12). Lower parietal CVR (less change from room-air breathing to breath-holding) was correlated with poorer information processing speed (partial ρ = 0.63, p = 0.005) and executive function (ρ = 0.50, p = 0.03) independent of preeclampsia/MVM status.

Conclusion: Compared to women without preeclampsia and MVM, midlife women with both preeclampsia and MVM have worse information processing speed and may have blunted parietal CVR, an area important for information processing speed and executive function. MVM in women with preeclampsia is a promising sex-specific indicator of cerebrovascular integrity in midlife.

Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes and Cardiovascular Disease Risk: Unique Opportunities for Cardiovascular Disease Prevention in Women: A Scientific Statement From the American Heart Association

This statement summarizes evidence that adverse pregnancy outcomes (APOs) such as hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, preterm delivery, gestational diabetes, small-for-gestational-age delivery, placental abruption, and pregnancy loss increase a woman's risk of developing cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors and of developing subsequent CVD (including fatal and nonfatal coronary heart disease, stroke, peripheral vascular disease, and heart failure). This statement highlights the importance of recognizing APOs when CVD risk is evaluated in women, although their value in reclassifying risk may not be established. A history of APOs is a prompt for more vigorous primordial prevention of CVD risk factors and primary prevention of CVD. Adopting a heart-healthy diet and increasing physical activity among women with APOs, starting in the postpartum setting and continuing across the life span, are important lifestyle interventions to decrease CVD risk. Lactation and breastfeeding may lower a woman's later cardiometabolic risk. Black and Asian women experience a higher proportion APOs, with more severe clinical presentation and worse outcomes, than White women. More studies on APOs and CVD in non-White women are needed to better understand and address these health disparities. Future studies of aspirin, statins, and metformin may better inform our recommendations for pharmacotherapy in primary CVD prevention among women who have had an APO. Several opportunities exist for health care systems to improve transitions of care for women with APOs and to implement strategies to reduce their long-term CVD risk. One proposed strategy includes incorporation of the concept of a fourth trimester into clinical recommendations and health care policy.

Interpregnancy Care: An Opportunity to Improve Women's Health and Reduce the Risk of Maternal Morbidity and Mortality

Interpregnancy care is the health care provided to a woman during the postpartum and preconception periods between pregnancies. Half of maternal deaths occur postpartum and cardiometabolic complications of pregnancy increase the risk for maternal morbidity and mortality and development of chronic conditions. By improving women's health between and beyond pregnancies, interpregnancy care has the potential to improve pregnancy outcomes and women's long-term health. This practice brief report summarizes evidence regarding the impact of interpregnancy care on pregnancy and long-term health outcomes for women with hypertension, diabetes, substance use, and mental health disorders. Existing evidence is limited but demonstrates that the utilization of interventions during this period may result in improved health outcomes. Additional research efforts are needed to better understand the impact of interpregnancy care on women's health throughout the life course.

Identification of mRNA-, circRNA- and lncRNA- Associated ceRNA Networks and Potential Biomarkers for Preeclampsia From Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells

Objective

The etiology and pathogenesis of preeclampsia (PE) remain unclear, and ideal biomarkers for the early detection of PE are scarce. The involvement of the competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) hypothesis in PE is only partially understood. The present study aimed to delineate a regulatory network in PE comprised of messenger RNAs (mRNAs), circular RNAs (circRNAs), long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), and microRNAs (miRNAs) via ceRNA profiles from human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) to further reveal the pathogenesis of PE and potential biomarkers.

Methods

Differentially expressed mRNAs, circRNAs, and lncRNAs were detected in HUVECs from early onset preeclampsia (EOPE) cases (n = 4) and normal pregnancies (n = 4) by microarray analysis. Bioinformatics analysis was performed to systematically analyze the data, and a relevant ceRNA network was constructed. RNAs (ANGPT2, LIPG, hsa_circ_0025992, hsa_circ_0090396, hsa_circ_0066955, hsa_circ_0041203, hsa_circ_0018116, lnc-C17orf64-1:1, lnc-SLC27A2-2:1, and lnc-UEVLD-5:1) were validated by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) in 10 pairs of HUVECs and placental tissues from PE patients and normal pregnancies. Furthermore, expression of hsa_circ_0025992 was detected in maternal peripheral blood samples from PE patients (n = 24) and normal pregnancies (n = 30) to confirm its potential as a novel biomarker. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was applied to analyze its diagnostic value.

Results

Compared with HUVECs from normal pregnancies, HUVECs from EOPE cases had 33 differentially expressed mRNAs (DEmRNAs), 272 DEcircRNAs, and 207 DElncRNAs. GO and KEGG analyses of the DERNAs revealed the biological processes and pathways involved in PE. Based on the microarray data and the predicted miRNAs, a ceRNA network was constructed with four mRNAs, 34 circRNAs, nine lncRNAs, and 99 miRNAs. GO and KEGG analyses of the network reinforced the crucial roles of metabolic disorders, the p53 and JAK/STAT signaling pathways in PE. In addition, ROC analysis indicated that hsa_circ_0025992 could be used as a novel biomarker for PE.

Conclusion

A novel ceRNA network was revealed in PE, and the potential of hsa_circ_0025992 to serve as a new biomarker was confirmed.

Semiautonomous Treatment Algorithm for the Management of Severe Hypertension in Pregnancy

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate whether implementation of a semiautonomous treatment algorithm was associated with improved compliance with American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists guidelines for rapid administration of antihypertensive therapy in the setting of sustained severe hypertension.

METHODS

This was a single-center retrospective cohort study of admitted pregnant and postpartum patients treated for severe hypertension between January 2017 and March 2020. The semiautonomous treatment algorithm, which included vital sign monitoring, blood pressure thresholds for diagnosis of severe hypertension, and automated order sets for recommended first-line antihypertensive therapy were implemented between May 2018 and March 2019. The primary outcomes were the administration of antihypertensive therapy within 15, 30 and 60 minutes of diagnosis of severe hypertension. Comparisons were made between the preimplementation, during implementation, and postimplementation groups using χ2. Analysis was limited to the first episode of severe hypertension treated. Statistical significance was defined as P<.05.

RESULTS

In total, there were 959 obstetric patients treated for severe hypertension, with 373 (38.9%) treated preimplementation, 334 (34.8%) during implementation, and 252 (26.2%) after implementation. Treatment of severe hypertension within 15 minutes was 36.5% preimplementation, 45.8% during implementation, and 55.6% postimplementation (P=.001). Treatment within 30 minutes was 65.9% in the preimplementation group, 77.8% during implementation, and 79.0% in the postimplementation group (P=.004). There was no difference in percentage of patients treated within 60 minutes (86.3% before, 87.7% during and 92.9% after implementation, P=.12).

CONCLUSION

Implementation of a semiautonomous treatment algorithm for severe hypertension was associated with a higher percentage of pregnant and postpartum patients receiving the first dose of antihypertensive therapy within 15 and 30 minutes. Implementation of similar algorithms for this and other obstetric indications may decrease time to appropriate therapy and help improve care equity.

A hierarchical procedure to select intrauterine and extrauterine factors for methodological validation of preterm birth risk estimation

BACKGROUND

Etiopathogenesis of preterm birth (PTB) is multifactorial, with a universe of risk factors interplaying between the mother and the environment. It is of utmost importance to identify the most informative factors in order to estimate the degree of PTB risk and trace an individualized profile. The aims of the present study were: 1) to identify all acknowledged risk factors for PTB and to select the most informative ones for defining an accurate model of risk prediction; 2) to verify predictive accuracy of the model and 3) to identify group profiles according to the degree of PTB risk based on the most informative factors.

METHODS

The Maternal Frailty Inventory (MaFra) was created based on a systematic review of the literature including 174 identified intrauterine (IU) and extrauterine (EU) factors. A sample of 111 pregnant women previously categorized in low or high risk for PTB below 37 weeks, according to ACOG guidelines, underwent the MaFra Inventory. First, univariate logistic regression enabled p-value ordering and the Akaike Information Criterion (AIC) selected the model including the most informative MaFra factors. Second, random forest classifier verified the overall predictive accuracy of the model. Third, fuzzy c-means clustering assigned group membership based on the most informative MaFra factors.

RESULTS

The most informative and parsimonious model selected through AIC included Placenta Previa, Pregnancy Induced Hypertension, Antibiotics, Cervix Length, Physical Exercise, Fetal Growth, Maternal Anxiety, Preeclampsia, Antihypertensives. The random forest classifier including only the most informative IU and EU factors achieved an overall accuracy of 81.08% and an AUC of 0.8122. The cluster analysis identified three groups of typical pregnant women, profiled on the basis of the most informative IU and EU risk factors from a lower to a higher degree of PTB risk, which paralleled time of birth delivery.

CONCLUSIONS

This study establishes a generalized methodology for building-up an evidence-based holistic risk assessment for PTB to be used in clinical practice. Relevant and essential factors were selected and were able to provide an accurate estimation of degree of PTB risk based on the most informative constellation of IU and EU factors.

Clinical risk factors for preeclampsia in twin pregnancies

Background

Preeclampsia is a common obstetric complication. The rate of preeclampsia is increased in twin pregnancies. The aim of this study was to assess the clinical risk factors for developing preeclampsia in twin pregnancies.

Methods

A case-control study was carried out among women with twin pregnancies who delivered at gestational age more than 23 weeks at King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand, from 2003 to 2019. The data were retrieved from electronic medical records. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to find the risk factors.

Results

A total of 1,568 twin pregnancies were delivered during the study period and 182 cases (11.6%) developed preeclampsia. 172 cases with preeclampsia and 516 controls were selected for analysis. After certain variables were adjusted in the multivariate logistic regression analysis, the clinical factors associated with preeclampsia in twin pregnancies were nulliparity (adjusted odds ratio (OR) 1.57, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.02–2.41) and chronic hypertension (adjusted OR 6.22, 95%CI 1.98–19.57). Low gestational weight gain was a significant protective factor against the development of preeclampsia (adjusted OR 0.50; 95%CI 0.32–0.77).

Conclusion

The clinical risk factors for developing preeclampsia in twin pregnancies were nulliparity and chronic hypertension. These risk factors are of value to identify twin pregnant women at risk for preeclampsia and in implementing primary prevention.

Early delivery or expectant management for late preterm preeclampsia: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

INTRODUCTION

Currently, there is no consensus regarding the timing of delivery in women with non-severe preeclampsia at the late preterm period. The aim of the present meta-analysis is to compare expectant management with immediate delivery in pregnant women with preeclampsia between 34+0 and 36+6 gestational weeks, in terms of maternal and neonatal outcomes.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A search was conducted until October 1, 2020 and eligible studies were identified in MEDLINE, Scopus, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (Central), the US Registry of clinical trials (www.clinicaltrials.gov), and sources of gray literature without limitations concerning the publication dates and languages. Randomized controlled trials, comparing planned delivery vs expectant management in women with preeclampsia at 34-37 weeks were included. The primary outcomes were neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admission and progression to eclampsia. Secondary outcomes were HELLP (hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, and low platelet count) syndrome, severe preeclampsia, composite adverse maternal outcome (defined by the presence of any of the potential preeclampsia-related complications, ranging from severe hypertension to maternal death), neonatal respiratory disease, and respiratory distress syndrome. Relative risks (RRs) and mean differences with 95% CI were used for the estimation of the effect sizes; the quality of the evidence was assessed per GRADE guidelines.

RESULTS

The electronic search yielded 10 721 potential studies, of which six were fully reviewed and three (1773 participants) were included in the meta-analysis. Immediate delivery increased the risk for NICU admission, (RR 1.23, 95% CI 1.05-1.45) and decreased the risk for the composite adverse maternal outcome (RR 0.86, 95% CI 0.78-0.93). There were no differences for eclampsia (RR 0.55, 95% CI 0.16-1.85), HELLP syndrome (RR 0.58, 95% CI 0.25-1.33), severe preeclampsia (RR 0.27, 95% CI 0.02-3.52), respiratory disease of neonate (RR 1.04, 95% CI 0.75-1.44), and respiratory distress syndrome (RR 2.3, 95% CI 0.73-7.25).

CONCLUSIONS

Immediate delivery of women with non-severe preeclampsia at the period of late prematurity decreases the risk of a composite adverse maternal outcome by 14%, at the cost of an increase in NICU admissions by 23%. The overall quality of the evidence for these outcomes is high, indicating a high degree of certainty for the results.

Comparison of maternal and neonatal outcomes between acute fatty liver of pregnancy and hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes and low platelets syndrome: a retrospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

Acute fatty liver of pregnancy (AFLP) and hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes and low platelets (HELLP) syndrome are two uncommon disorders that mimic each other clinically, but are distinct pathophysiologically. This study aimed to compare maternal and neonatal outcomes between AFLP and HELLP syndrome.

METHODS

This retrospective cohort study was performed at a tertiary referral center in Taiwan between June 2004 and April 2020. We used the Swansea Criteria to diagnose AFLP, and the Tennessee Classification System to diagnose HELLP syndrome. Maternal characteristics, laboratory data, complications, and neonatal outcomes were compared. We analyzed the categorical variables with Chi-square test or Fisher's exact test and continuous variables with Student's t test or Mann-Whitney U test. Subsequent logistic regression analyses adjusting by potential confounding factors with significant difference were analyzed.

RESULTS

During the study period, 21 women had AFLP and 80 women had HELLP syndrome. There was a higher rate of preeclampsia (95.0 % versus 23.8 %) in the HELLP syndrome group compared to the AFLP group. However, the AFLP group had more other maternal complications including jaundice (85.7 % versus 13.8 %), acute kidney injury (61.9 % versus 15.0 %), disseminated intravascular coagulopathy (66.7 % versus 8.8 %), and sepsis (47.6 % versus 10.0 %) compared to the HELLP syndrome group. Nevertheless, higher rates of small for gestational age neonates (57.1 % versus 33.3 %), neonatal respiratory distress syndrome (39.2 % versus 8.3 %) and neonatal sepsis (34.2 % versus 12.5 %) were noted in the HELLP syndrome group.

CONCLUSIONS

AFLP is associated with a higher rate of multiple organ dysfunction in mothers, whereas HELLP syndrome is associated with a higher rate of neonatal morbidity.

Relaparotomy post-cesarean delivery: characteristics and risk factors

PURPOSE

Relaparotomy following cesarean delivery (CD) is performed at a rate of 0.2-1% of CD. The objective of the present study was to identify risk factors for relaparotomy following CD, and to examine whether there is a difference in the risk of relaparotomy between CD performed during different hours of the day.

METHODS

A retrospective study on all CD over 10 years compared pregnancies that underwent laparotomy within 1 week following CD to those that did not.

RESULTS

Sixty-four patients underwent relaparotomy out of 24,239 CDs (0.26%). In univariate analysis, relaparotomy was significantly associated with pregnancies following assisted-reproductive-technologies odds ratio (OR) 95% confidence interval (CI) 3.15 (1.90-5.22), hypertensive disorders of pregnancy OR 3.05 (1.62-5.72), twin pregnancies OR 95% CI 3.78 (2.21-6.48), preterm deliveries OR 95% CI 2.44 (1.46-4.10), placenta previa OR 95% CI 6.41(2.55-16.09) and urgent CD 1.74 (1.06-2.86), especially during the second-stage of labor OR 95% CI 2.73 (1.34-5.54). The time of day of CD did not influence the rate of relaparotomy. In a multivariable-regression analysis, the adjusted odds ratio for relaparotomy was 10.24 in CD due to placenta previa, and 5.28 in CD performed at the second-stage of delivery. At relaparotomy, active bleeding was found in 50 patients (78.1%), nearly half received packed cells, 12.5% developed consumptive coagulopathy, and 17.2% needed hospitalization in the intensive care unit. 6.3% underwent a second relaparotomy, mainly due to bleeding.

CONCLUSION

Placenta previa, and urgent CDs mainly those performed at the second stage of labor are risk factors for relaparotomy after CD.

Severe Preeclampsia is Associated with Functional and Structural Cardiac Alterations: A Case-control Study

BACKGROUND

The aim of the current study is to compare electrocardiographic and echocardiographic changes in patients with severe preeclampsia (PE) and those with uncomplicated pregnancies.

METHODS

This is a case-controlled prospective study consisting of 21 pregnant women with severe preeclampsia and a control group consisting of age- and gestational age-matched 24 healthy pregnant women. All patients underwent electrocardiographic and echocardiographic investigation.

RESULTS

QRS intervals were shorter and PR intervals were longer in the PE group (QRS duration: 80 (60-120) ms and 80 (40-110) ms, p=0.035; PR duration: 160 (100-240) ms and 120 (80-200) ms, respectively; p=0.046). The left ventricular end-systolic diameters of the patients with severe PE group were significantly larger than the control group (31 (24-36) mm and 30 (24-33) mm, respectively; p=0.05). Similarly, posterior wall thickness values of the PE group were significantly higher compared to the control group (9 (7-11) mm vs. 8 (6-10) mm, respectively; p=0.020). Left ventricular mass (146.63±27.73 g and 128.69±23.25 g, respectively; p=0.033) and relative wall thickness values (0.385±0.054 and 0.349±0.046, respectively; p=0.030) were also higher in the PE group. In addition, patients with early-onset severe PE had significantly a higher left ventricular end-diastolic diameter and volume compared with late-onset PE patients.

CONCLUSIONS

The structural changes detected in the severe PE group suggest a chronic process rather than an acute effect. In addition, diastolic dysfunction and left ventricular remodeling are most marked in patients with severe early-onset PE.

Thin endometrium is associated with the risk of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy in fresh IVF/ICSI embryo transfer cycles: a retrospective cohort study of 9,266 singleton births

BACKGROUND

Thin endometrial thickness (EMT) has been suggested to be associated with reduced incidence of pregnancy rate after in vitro fertilization/intracytoplasmic sperm injection (IVF/ICSI) treatment, but the effect of thin endometrium on obstetric outcome is less investigated. This study aims to determine whether EMT affects the incidence of obstetric complications in fresh IVF/ICSI-embryo transfer (ET) cycles.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective cohort study collecting a total of 9266 women who had singleton livebirths after fresh IVF/ICSI-ET treatment cycles at the Center for Reproductive Medicine Affiliated to Shandong University between January 2014 and December 2018. The women were divided into three groups according to the EMT: 544 women with an EMT ≤8 mm, 6234 with an EMT > 8-12 mm, and 2488 with an EMT > 12 mm. The primary outcomes were the incidence of obstetric complications including hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP), gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), placental abruption, placenta previa, postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) and cesarean section. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to calculate the odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for associations between the EMT measured on the day of human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) trigger and the risk of the outcomes of interest.

RESULTS

The HDP incidence rate of pregnant women was highest in EMT ≤ 8 mm group and significantly higher than those in EMT from > 8-12 mm and EMT > 12 mm group, respectively (6.8% versus 3.6 and 3.5%, respectively; P = 0.001). After adjustment for confounding variables by multivariate logistic regression analysis, a thin EMT was still statistically significant associated with an increased risk of HDP. Compared with women with an EMT > 8-12 mm, women with an EMT ≤8 mm had an increased risk of HDP (aOR = 1.853, 95% CI 1.281-2.679, P = 0.001).

CONCLUSION

A thin endometrium (≤8 mm) was found to be associated with an increased risk of HDP after adjustment for confounding variables, indicating that the thin endometrium itself is a risk factor for HDP. Obstetricians should remain aware of the possibility of HDP when women with a thin EMT achieve pregnancy through fresh IVF/ICSI-ET treatment cycles.

Low Dose Aspirin in high-risk pregnancies: The volatile effect of acetylsalicylic acid on the inhibition of platelets uncovered by G. Born's light transmission aggregometry

Preeclampsia still represents a life-threatening pregnancy complication, associated with severe maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality. Low-dose Aspirin is advised to avoid preeclampsia in high-risk pregnancies worldwide. As Aspirin does not cover all women at risk, the prescription raises questions concerning optimal target population, dosage, and onset of therapy. The aim of this study was to test platelet responsiveness on Aspirin by optical aggegrometry, to gain robust biochemically assessment data of Aspirin in an obstetric cohort. 248 women at high risk for development of preeclampsia were included in the study. Aspirin-prophylaxis was administered either in 100 mg (n = 229) or 150 mg (n = 90) daily. Dosing of 100 mg Aspirin was maintained if testing revealed a sufficient platelet inhibition. If platelet inhibition was insufficient, dosage was increased to 150 mg Aspirin and re-testing was advised. 91 patients (91/229 = 39.7%) presented a sufficient inhibitory Aspirin effect at a dosage of 100 mg, but in 138 patients LTA showed an inadequate Aspirin response (138/229 = 60.3%). In 19 women 150 mg Aspirin was administered as starting dose due to new recommendations. Of all women at 150 mg Aspirin 64 did not properly respond (35.4%). The overall rate of sufficient responding women regardless the Aspirin dose was 64.6%. This study demonstrates still an insufficient inhibition of platelet aggregation in about 1/3 of women even with a dosage of 150 mg Aspirin daily, who might potentially benefit from further increase. These data show, that there is a need for further research to allow a personalized approach for individualized Aspirin therapy, maximizing the preventive benefit for mother and child.

Patient and provider perspectives of a new prenatal care model introduced in response to the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic

BACKGROUND

Randomized controlled trials document the safety and efficacy of reduced frequency prenatal visit schedules and virtual visits, but real-world data are lacking. Our institution created a prenatal care delivery model incorporating these alternative approaches to continue safely providing prenatal care during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate institutional-level adoption and patient and provider experiences with the coronavirus disease 2019 prenatal care model.

STUDY DESIGN

We conducted a single-site evaluation of a coronavirus disease 2019 prenatal care model incorporating a reduced frequency visit schedule and virtual visits deployed at a suburban academic institution on March 20, 2020. We used electronic health record data to evaluate institution-level model adoption, defined as changes in overall visit frequency and proportion of virtual visits in the 3 months before and after implementation. To evaluate the patient and provider experience with the coronavirus disease 2019 model, we conducted an online survey of all pregnant patients (>20 weeks' gestation) and providers in May 2020. Of note, 3 domains of care experience were evaluated: (1) access, (2) quality and safety, and (3) satisfaction. Quantitative data were analyzed with basic descriptive statistics. Free-text responses coded by the 3 survey domains elucidated drivers of positive and negative care experiences.

RESULTS

After the coronavirus disease 2019 model adoption, average weekly prenatal visit volume fell by 16.1%, from 898 to 761 weekly visits; the average weekly proportion of prenatal visits conducted virtually increased from 10.8% (97 of 898) to 43.3% (330 of 761); and the average visit no-show rate remained stable (preimplementation, 4.3%; postimplementation, 4.2%). Of those eligible, 74.8% of providers (77 of 103) and 15.0% of patients (253 of 1690) participated in the surveys. Patient respondents were largely white (180 of 253; 71.1%) and privately insured (199 of 253; 78.7%), reflecting the study site population. The rates of chronic conditions and pregnancy complications also differed from national prevalence. Provider respondents were predominantly white (44 of 66; 66.7%) and female (50 of 66; 75.8%). Most patients and almost all providers reported that virtual visits improved access to care (patients, 174 of 253 [68.8%]; providers, 74 of 77 [96.1%]). More than half of respondents (patients, 124 of 253 [53.3%]; providers, 41 of 77 [62.1%]) believed that virtual visits were safe. Nearly all believed that home blood pressure cuffs were important for virtual visits (patients, 213 of 231 [92.2%]; providers, 63 of 66 [95.5%]). Most reported satisfaction with the coronavirus disease 2019 model (patients, 196 of 253 [77.5%]; providers, 64 of 77 [83.1%]). In free-text responses, drivers of positive care experiences were similar for patients and providers and included perceived improved access to care through decreased barriers (eg, transportation, childcare), perceived high quality of virtual visits for low-risk patients and increased safety during the pandemic, and improved satisfaction through better patient counseling. Perceived drivers of negative care experience were also similar for patients and providers, but less common. These included concerns that unequal access to virtual visits could deepen existing maternity care inequities, concerns that the lack of home devices (eg, blood pressure cuffs) would affect care quality and safety, and dissatisfaction with poor patient-provider continuity and inadequate expectation setting for the virtual visit experience.

CONCLUSION

Reduced visit schedules and virtual visits were rapidly integrated into real-world care, with positive experiences for many patients and providers. Future research is needed to understand the health outcomes and care experience associated with alternative approaches to prenatal care delivery across more diverse patient populations outside of the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic to inform broader health policy decisions.

Team-Based Care of Women With Cardiovascular Disease From Pre-Conception Through Pregnancy and Postpartum: JACC Focus Seminar 1/5

The specialty of cardio-obstetrics has emerged in response to the rising rates of maternal morbidity and mortality related to cardiovascular disease (CVD) during pregnancy. Women of childbearing age with or at risk for CVD should receive appropriate counseling regarding maternal and fetal risks of pregnancy, medical optimization, and contraception advice. A multidisciplinary cardio-obstetrics team should ensure appropriate monitoring during pregnancy, plan for labor and delivery, and ensure close follow-up during the postpartum period when CVD complications remain common. The hemodynamic changes throughout pregnancy and during labor and delivery should be considered with respect to the individual cardiac disease of the patient. The fourth trimester refers to the 12 weeks after delivery and is a key time to address contraception, mental health, cardiovascular risk factors, and identify any potential postpartum complications. Women with adverse pregnancy outcomes are at increased risk of long-term CVD and should receive appropriate education and longitudinal follow-up.

Role of the Peroxisome Proliferator Activated Receptors in Hypertension

Nuclear receptors represent a large family of ligand-activated transcription factors which sense the physiological environment and make long-term adaptations by mediating changes in gene expression. In this review, we will first discuss the fundamental mechanisms by which nuclear receptors mediate their transcriptional responses. We will focus on the PPAR (peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor) family of adopted orphan receptors paying special attention to PPARγ, the isoform with the most compelling evidence as an important regulator of arterial blood pressure. We will review genetic data showing that rare mutations in PPARγ cause severe hypertension and clinical trial data which show that PPARγ activators have beneficial effects on blood pressure. We will detail the tissue- and cell-specific molecular mechanisms by which PPARs in the brain, kidney, vasculature, and immune system modulate blood pressure and related phenotypes, such as endothelial function. Finally, we will discuss the role of placental PPARs in preeclampsia, a life threatening form of hypertension during pregnancy. We will close with a viewpoint on future research directions and implications for developing novel therapies.

Disease Severity and Perinatal Outcomes of Pregnant Patients With Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)

OBJECTIVE

To describe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) severity in pregnant patients and evaluate the association between disease severity and perinatal outcomes.

METHODS

We conducted an observational cohort study of all pregnant patients with a singleton gestation and a positive test result for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) who delivered at 1 of 33 U.S. hospitals in 14 states from March 1 to July 31, 2020. Disease severity was classified by National Institutes of Health criteria. Maternal, fetal, and neonatal outcomes were abstracted by centrally trained and certified perinatal research staff. We evaluated trends in maternal characteristics and outcomes across COVID-19 severity classes and associations between severity and outcomes by multivariable modeling.

RESULTS

A total of 1,219 patients were included: 47% asymptomatic, 27% mild, 14% moderate, 8% severe, 4% critical. Overall, 53% were Hispanic; there was no trend in race-ethnicity distribution by disease severity. Those with more severe illness had older mean age, higher median body mass index, and pre-existing medical comorbidities. Four maternal deaths (0.3%) were attributed to COVID-19. Frequency of perinatal death or a positive neonatal SARS-CoV-2 test result did not differ by severity. Adverse perinatal outcomes were more frequent among patients with more severe illness, including 6% (95% CI 2-11%) incidence of venous thromboembolism among those with severe-critical illness compared with 0.2% in mild-moderate and 0% in asymptomatic (P<.001 for trend across severity). In adjusted analyses, severe-critical COVID-19 was associated with increased risk of cesarean birth (59.6% vs 34.0%, adjusted relative risk [aRR] 1.57, 95% CI 1.30-1.90), hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (40.4% vs 18.8%, aRR 1.61, 95% CI 1.18-2.20), and preterm birth (41.8% vs 11.9%, aRR 3.53, 95% CI 2.42-5.14) compared with asymptomatic patients. Mild-moderate COVID-19 was not associated with adverse perinatal outcomes compared with asymptomatic patients.

CONCLUSION

Compared with pregnant patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection without symptoms, those with severe-critical COVID-19, but not those with mild-moderate COVID-19, were at increased risk of perinatal complications.

Maternal-Fetal Immune Responses in Pregnant Women Infected with SARS-CoV-2

Pregnant women are a high-risk population for severe/critical COVID-19 and mortality. However, the maternal-fetal immune responses initiated by SARS-CoV-2 infection, and whether this virus is detectable in the placenta, are still under investigation. Herein, we report that SARS-CoV-2 infection during pregnancy primarily induced specific maternal inflammatory responses in the circulation and at the maternal-fetal interface, the latter being governed by T cells and macrophages. SARS-CoV-2 infection during pregnancy was also associated with a cytokine response in the fetal circulation (i.e. umbilical cord blood) without compromising the cellular immune repertoire. Moreover, SARS-CoV-2 infection neither altered fetal cellular immune responses in the placenta nor induced elevated cord blood levels of IgM. Importantly, SARS-CoV-2 was not detected in the placental tissues, nor was the sterility of the placenta compromised by maternal viral infection. This study provides insight into the maternal-fetal immune responses triggered by SARS-CoV-2 and further emphasizes the rarity of placental infection.

Measuring the status of maternal serum thiol/disulfide couples in the diagnosis and/or the determination of the severity of late-onset preeclampsia

OBJECTIVE

Preeclampsia (PrE) is a pregnancy-related disorder. PrE affects the health of the mother and/or the fetus binomial with short and/or long-term consequences. The role of oxidant/antioxidant molecules and aberrant maternal inflammation in PrE has been documented. However, the importance of antioxidant molecules such as thiols has been poorly documented. In this research, a possible link between serum thiols levels and the diagnosis/severity of late-onset PrE (L-PrE) was investigated.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We examined maternal serum native thiols, disulfide, total thiols levels, and their ratios in pregnant women with (n = 51) and without L-PrE (n = 50). The levels of these three markers were measured using spectrophotometric assays and compared.

RESULTS

There were significant differences in terms of serum native and total thiols levels between patients with L-PrE and healthy pregnant women (p = .001, p = .008, respectively). Disulfide levels were not different in either group (p = 0.729). There was no difference between total thiols, native thiols, disulfide concentrations, and their ratios in patients with mild (23 patients) and severe (27 patients) preeclampsia in L-PrE (p ≥ .05). A significant discriminative role of native and total thiols for the presence of L-PrE, with cutoff values of 175.86 μmol/L and 296.73 μmol/L, respectively, were revealed in ROC curve analysis.

CONCLUSIONS

Lower concentrations of total/native thiols were linked with the development of L-PrE. However, there is still a need for more clinically useful biomarkers/molecules and management strategies in PrE.

Extracellular vesicle microRNA in early versus late pregnancy with birth outcomes in the MADRES study

Circulating miRNA may contribute to the development of adverse birth outcomes. However, few studies have investigated extracellular vesicle (EV) miRNA, which play important roles in intercellular communication, or compared miRNA at multiple time points in pregnancy. In the current study, 800 miRNA were profiled for EVs from maternal plasma collected in early (median: 12.5 weeks) and late (median: 31.8 weeks) pregnancy from 156 participants in the MADRES Study, a health disparity pregnancy cohort. Associations between miRNA and birth weight, birth weight for gestational age (GA), and GA at birth were examined using covariate-adjusted robust linear regression. Differences by infant sex and maternal BMI were also investigated. Late pregnancy measures of 13 miRNA were associated with GA at birth (P_FDR<0.050). Negative associations were observed for eight miRNA (miR-4454+ miR-7975, miR-4516, let-7b-5p, miR-126-3p, miR-29b-3p, miR-15a-5p, miR-15b-5p, miR-19b-3p) and positive associations for five miRNA (miR-212-3p, miR-584-5p, miR-608, miR-210-3p, miR-188-5p). Predicted target genes were enriched (P_FDR<0.050) in pathways involved in organogenesis and placental development. An additional miRNA (miR-107), measured in late pregnancy, was positively associated with GA at birth in infants born to obese women (P_FDR for BMI interaction = 0.011). In primary analyses, the associations between early pregnancy miRNA and birth outcomes were not statistically significant (P_FDR≥0.05). However, sex-specific associations were observed for early pregnancy measures of 37 miRNA and GA at birth (P_FDR for interactions<0.050). None of the miRNA were associated with fetal growth measures (P_FDR≥0.050). Our findings suggest that EV miRNA in both early and late pregnancy may influence gestational duration.

Transient gestational hypertension and pre-eclampsia: Two case reports and literature review on the need for stringent monitoring

Transient gestation hypertension is a contributor to adverse pregnancy outcomes particularly when it progresses to pre-eclampsia (PE). This requires frequent monitoring. We illustrate the need for stringent monitoring of gestational hypertension, transient gestational hypertension (TGH) and PE without severe features and conducted a brief rapid review of the literature. Two cases are presented: Firstly, a 25-year-old primigravida at 30 gestational weeks who had an isolated TGH with high blood pressure (BP) of 141/87 mmHg, which was not investigated. Four weeks later, she presented with a BP of 202/128 mmHg, imminent eclampsia and intrauterine foetal death and had an uncomplicated induction of labour and delivered a 1400 g macerated male stillborn. Secondly, a 30-year-old primigravida at 30 gestational weeks who developed PE but her monitoring was compromised initially by inadequate healthcare capacity including unavailability of hospital bed-space for inpatient care and later by poor clinic attendance as a result of poor finances. At 32 gestational weeks, she presented with decreased foetal movement and was diagnosed as haemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, low platelet count (HELLP) syndrome and intrauterine foetal death. She was stabilised, had induction of labour and delivered a 1400 g male macerated stillborn. Thereafter, the need for her to go home to complete the cultural burial rites of her baby and the pressure from her workplace resulted in an inadequate postpartum follow-up care. In conclusion, transient gestational hypertension is associated with adverse maternal and foetal outcomes, including foetal demise. Unavailability of hospital bed-space and poor personal finances interfere with stringent monitoring of hypertensive disorders and can be associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes. Stringent laboratory monitoring in these cases is defined by the authors as testing at least blood levels of serum Creatinine, Haemoglobin concentration, Alanine transaminase and Platelet count (abbreviated as ‘CHAP’) weekly.

Modeling preeclampsia using human induced pluripotent stem cells

Preeclampsia (PE) is a pregnancy-specific hypertensive disorder, affecting up to 10% of pregnancies worldwide. The primary etiology is considered to be abnormal development and function of placental cells called trophoblasts. We previously developed a two-step protocol for differentiation of human pluripotent stem cells, first into cytotrophoblast (CTB) progenitor-like cells, and then into both syncytiotrophoblast (STB)- and extravillous trophoblast (EVT)-like cells, and showed that it can model both normal and abnormal trophoblast differentiation. We have now applied this protocol to induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC) derived from placentas of pregnancies with or without PE. While there were no differences in CTB induction or EVT formation, PE-iPSC-derived trophoblast showed a defect in syncytialization, as well as a blunted response to hypoxia. RNAseq analysis showed defects in STB formation and response to hypoxia; however, DNA methylation changes were minimal, corresponding only to changes in response to hypoxia. Overall, PE-iPSC recapitulated multiple defects associated with placental dysfunction, including a lack of response to decreased oxygen tension. This emphasizes the importance of the maternal microenvironment in normal placentation, and highlights potential pathways that can be targeted for diagnosis or therapy, while absence of marked DNA methylation changes suggests that other regulatory mechanisms mediate these alterations.

Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome diagnosed in pregnancy: Case report

Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) is a medical emergency that demands prompt diagnosis to allow lifesaving treatment: plasmapheresis. TTP during pregnancy is rare, with estimated prevalence of 1/200 000, and even rarer in association with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, with only two cases reported. Differential diagnosis includes HELLP syndrome (hemolysis elevated liver enzymes and low platelets), sepsis, intravascular-disseminated coagulation, and acquired autoimmune diseases, each one with its unique treatment and prognosis. A case of a pregnant woman at 26th week with sudden onset of left hand paresthesia and purpura is reported. PLASMIC score showed high risk for ADAMTS-13 deficiency and diagnosis of TTP was made. Human immunodeficiency virus screening test was positive on admission. Plasmapheresis and antiretroviral therapy were initiated and the delivery of a healthy newborn at full-term gestation was achieved, unlike other cases in literature. No obstetric complications were observed and the follow-up shows no signs of disease recurrence.

Different profiles of circulating arginase 2 in subtypes of preeclampsia pregnant women

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Preeclampsia (PE) is a gestational hypertensive disease responsible for high maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality. The increase in blood pressure is associated with a decrease in the bioavailability of nitric oxide (NO). Arginase interferes with NO production consuming L-arginine, a substrate required by endothelial NO synthase to NO formation. No previous study has quantified the circulating levels of the two arginase isoforms (arginase 1 and arginase 2) in the plasma of pregnant women with PE. Therefore, our objective is to evaluate these plasma levels in healthy pregnant women and PE with or without severe features and who respond or not to antihypertensive therapy.

METHODS

We compared 29 healthy pregnant women with 56 pregnant women with PE, who were also divided into with severe features (n = 24) or without severe features (n = 32) and into responsive (n = 29) or nonresponsive to antihypertensive therapy (n = 27). We quantified the plasmatic expression of arginase 1 and arginase 2 by ELISA kits.

RESULTS

While similar levels of arginase 1 were found among groups, lower arginase 2 plasma levels were found in PE without severe features and responsive to antihypertensive drugs when compared to healthy pregnant women. There was no difference between arginase 2 levels in PE with severe features and nonresponsive group when compared to healthy pregnant women.

CONCLUSION

This shows different circulation profiles of arginase 2 among groups, suggesting the existence of mechanisms of arginase 2 modulation in pregnant women with PE associated with the severity of the disease and responsiveness to antihypertensive treatment.

Maternal one carbon metabolism and interleukin-10 &-17 synergistically influence the mode of delivery in women with Early Onset Pre-Eclampsia

OBJECTIVE

Studies on One Carbon Metabolism (OCM), Interleukins-10 &-17 (IL-10/-17) & βhCG in pre-eclampsia and its delivery outcome (preterm birth) reveal contradictory results, attributed to clinical heterogeneity (early/late onset pre-eclampsia) or preterm/term birth. Disturbed OCM also influences IL-10 &-17 during pregnancy. We sought to investigate the synergism between OCM and IL-10/-17 mediated immune-regulation through βhCG in Early onset pre-eclampsia (EO-PE) patients, delivering preterm, among North Indian women.

STUDY DESIGN

Case-control study with a total of 399 pregnant women (EO-PE delivering preterm = 199; Normotensives delivering at term = 200). Maternal genotypes & biochemical estimations along with fetal genotypes on subset (n = 72) pertaining to OCM and IL-10/-17 regulation were assessed.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Association of 1) maternal plasma levels with EO-PE 2) maternal and fetal genotypes with EO-PE. 3) Effect of Hyper-homocysteinemia (surrogate of disturbed OCM) on differential immune regulation (IL10,-17, βhCG) in EO-PE and mode of delivery.

RESULTS

Hyper-homocysteinemia posed an increased risk of three folds for EO-PE. Both, folate and B12 deficiencies were associated with elevated homocysteine in EO-PE. Further, MTHFR 677TT homozygotes was present only in EO-PE indicating its detrimental role. However, maternal IL17-197AA genotype showed decreased risk for EO-PE. Furthermore, elevated maternal plasma IL-17 along with elevated IL-10 & βhCG were observed in EO-PE. Taken together, altered homocysteine metabolism was associated with high IL10 in EO-PE; and was more pronounced in spontaneous vaginal deliveries as compared to induced/caesarean section deliveries.

CONCLUSIONS

We report homocysteine mediated IL-10 &17 dysregulation and its influence on mode of delivery in EO-PE, possibly through initiation of cervical ripening. Further, these could serve potential biomarkers of EO-PE & its delivery outcome among vulnerable populations with similar nutritional & genetic predispositions.

Prevalence of Hypertension Among Pregnant Women When Using the 2017 American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Blood Pressure Guidelines and Association With Maternal and Fetal Outcomes

IMPORTANCE

Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy are a leading cause of maternal morbidity and mortality. The impact of applying recent guideline definitions for nonpregnant adults to pregnant women is unclear.

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether reclassification of hypertensive status using the 2017 American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association (ACC/AHA) guideline definition better identifies women at risk for preeclampsia or eclampsia and adverse fetal/neonatal events compared with the current American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) definition of hypertension.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

This cohort study used electronic medical record data of women who delivered singleton infants between 2009 and 2014 at a large US regional health system. Data analysis was performed from July 2020 to September 2020.

EXPOSURE

Application of ACC/AHA and ACOG guidelines for the definition of chronic and gestational hypertension.

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES

The primary maternal end point was the development of preeclampsia or eclampsia, and the primary fetal/neonatal end point was a composite of preterm birth, small for gestational age, and neonatal intensive care unit admission within 28 days of delivery. Net reclassification indices were calculated to examine how well the lower ACC/AHA diagnostic threshold reclassifies outcomes of pregnancy compared with the current ACOG definition of hypertension.

RESULTS

Applying the ACC/AHA criteria to 137 389 pregnancies of women (mean [SD] age at time of delivery, 30.1 [5.8] years) resulted in a 14.3% prevalence of chronic hypertension (19 621 pregnancies) and a 13.8% prevalence of gestational hypertension (18 998 pregnancies). A 17.8% absolute increase was found in the overall prevalence of hypertension from 10.3% to 28.1%. The 2.1% of women who were reclassified with chronic rather than gestational hypertension had the highest risk of developing preeclampsia compared with women without hypertension by either criterion (adjusted risk ratio, 13.58; 95% CI, 12.49-14.77). Overall, the use of the ACC/AHA criteria to diagnose hypertension resulted in a 20.8% improvement in the appropriate identification of future preeclampsia, but only a 3.8% improvement of appropriate fetal/neonatal risk classification.

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

Using the lower diagnostic threshold for hypertension recommended in the 2017 ACC/AHA guideline increased the prevalence of chronic and gestational hypertension, markedly improved the appropriate identification of women who would go on to develop preeclampsia, and was associated with the identification of adverse fetal/neonatal risk.

Anesthetic Management of the Pregnant Patient: Part 1

As delays in the age for a mother's first pregnancy continue to trend upward globally, particularly in developed countries, many pregnant patients are increasingly educated on the importance of obtaining dental care throughout their pregnancies. Guidelines set forth by the American Dental Association and the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecologists highlight the importance of dental treatment for optimizing maternal-fetal health across all trimesters, especially for emergent dental issues. The pregnant dental patient undergoes significant physiologic remodeling unique to each trimester, which may complicate treatment. Providing safe anxiety and pain control for dentistry can be further complicated if sedation or general anesthesia is required for the parturient. This is even more true when superimposed with increasingly prevalent underlying comorbidities like hypertension and diabetes. As dental providers, there is a clear need for continuing education on the many challenges associated with caring for pregnant patients due to this being an often overlooked subject in undergraduate and postgraduate dental education. Part 1 of this review will present the maternal and fetal physiologic considerations and the impact on patient management from an anesthetic perspective. Additional discussion focusing on common sedative and anesthetic agents used during dental procedures and their considerations will follow in Part 2.

Red blood cells from patients with pre-eclampsia induce endothelial dysfunction

RATIONALE

Pre-eclampsia is a multisystem disorder associated with systemic vascular dysfunction and decreased nitric oxide (NO) bioactivity. Arginase competes with NO synthase (NOS) for l-arginine, and its upregulation may reduce NOS-derived NO formation or induce production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) via uncoupling of NOS, resulting in endothelial dysfunction. Red blood cells (RBCs) have emerged as key players in NO homeostasis via their interactions with the endothelium. Studies have demonstrated that abnormal RBC arginase function in patients with diabetes contributes to oxidative stress and endothelial dysfunction.

AIM

The aim of the study was to investigate if reduced NO bioavailability and increased ROS in pre-eclampsia is mediated via RBC-dependent mechanisms.

METHODS

In this translational study, plasma and RBCs were isolated from gestationally matched pre-eclamptic and healthy pregnant women and co-incubated overnight with mouse aortas for vascular reactivity studies. NO bioactivity, that is, nitrate, nitrite and cGMP, was assessed in plasma. Arginase activity and expression were analysed in RBCs.

RESULTS

Plasma markers of NO homeostasis and signalling were decreased in pre-eclamptic women vs. healthy pregnant women. Co-incubation of aorta with pre-eclamptic RBCs, but not healthy pregnant RBCs, induced endothelial dysfunction, which was ameliorated by pharmacological inhibition of arginase, scavenging of ROS, and by nitrite treatment. This pathological vascular phenotype was not observed following incubation with pre-eclamptic plasma. Arginase expression and activity in RBCs were increased in pre-eclamptic vs. healthy pregnant women and was associated with pre-eclampsia severity. Pre-eclamptic RBC-induced endothelial dysfunction was not because of increased haemolysis/cell-free haemoglobin.

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrates a novel role of the RBC in mediating the endothelial dysfunction associated with pre-eclampsia through arginase-dependent and oxidative stress-dependent mechanisms. Targeting of RBC arginase may provide a novel treatment modality for pre-eclampsia.

Risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus in women with prior hypertensive disorders of pregnancy: a systematic review and meta-analysis

AIMS/HYPOTHESIS

The association between a history of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) and subsequent type 2 diabetes (referred to throughout as diabetes) remains inconclusive. We reviewed the most recent evidence to quantify the association of previous HDP with incident diabetes.

METHODS

A systematic search of MEDLINE, Embase and CINAHL was performed up to 17 February 2020 to identify observational studies of the association between HDP (pre-eclampsia or gestational hypertension) and incident diabetes. Studies of women with pre-pregnancy diabetes were excluded. Two independent reviewers screened citations and abstracted results. Study quality was assessed in duplicate using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. Random-effects models were used to pool effect estimates. Heterogeneity was assessed using the I² statistic.

RESULTS

After screening 4617 citations, 16 cohort studies with a total of 3,095,457 participants were included (unspecified HDP n = 5, pre-eclampsia only n = 4, gestational hypertension and pre-eclampsia n = 7). Risks of subsequent diabetes were significantly higher in women with a history of any HDP (HDP: adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] 2.24, 95% CI 1.95, 2.58; gestational hypertension: aHR 2.19 [95% CI 1.69, 2.84]; pre-eclampsia: aHR 2.56 [95% CI 2.02, 3.24]; preterm pre-eclampsia: aHR 3.05 [95% CI 2.05, 4.56]). The association between HDP and diabetes persisted in studies that adjusted for gestational diabetes mellitus (aHR 2.01 [95% CI 1.77, 2.28]).

CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION

HDP are independently associated with a higher risk of diabetes. Further study is needed to determine how HDP contribute to diabetes risk prediction to develop evidence-based screening and prevention strategies. Graphical abstract.

Maternal Serum Inhibin-A Augments the Value of Maternal Serum PlGF and of sFlt-1/PlGF Ratio in the Prediction of Preeclampsia and/or FGR Near Delivery—A Secondary Analysis

Objective: We previously provided evidence to confirm that maternal serum levels of soluble Fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 (sFlt-1), placental growth factor (PlGF), and their ratio are useful tools to direct the management of preeclampsia (PE), fetal growth restriction (FGR), and PE+FGR near delivery. In this secondary analysis, we further examine the potential additive value of maternal serum Inhibin-A, which is a hormone marker of the transforming growth factor family, to the accuracy provided by maternal serum PlGF and sFlt-1. Methods: We conducted a secondary analysis where we extracted the data of a cohort of 125 pregnant women enrolled near delivery at the clinics of the University Medical Center of Ljubljana, Slovenia. The dataset included 31 cases of PE, 16 of FGR, 42 of PE+FGR, 15 preterm delivery (PTD), and 21 unaffected controls with delivery of a healthy baby at term. Cases delivered before 34 weeks’ gestation included 10 of PE, 12 of FGR, 28 of PE+FGR, and 6 of PTD. In addition to the recorded demographic characteristics and medical history and the maternal serum levels of PlGF and sFlt-1/PlGF ratio, which were previously published, we evaluated the added value of maternal serum Inhibin-A. The predictive accuracy of each biomarker, their ratios, and combinations were estimated from areas under the curve (AUC) of receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curves, Box and Whisker plots, and by multiple regression. We estimated accuracy by the continuous marker model and a cutoff model. Results: In this study, we combined Inhibin-A with PlGF or with the sFlt-1/PlGF ratio and showed a 10–20% increase in AUCs and 15–45% increase in the detection rate, at 10% false positive rate, of PE, and a lower, but significant, increase for PE+FGR and FGR in all cases but not for FGR in early cases delivered < 34 weeks. The use of a cutoff model was adequate, although a bit higher accuracy was obtained from the continuous model. The highest correlation was found for PlGF with all three complications. Conclusion: In this secondary analysis, we have found that maternal serum Inhibin-A improves the accuracy of predicting PE and PE+FGR provided by maternal serum angiogenic markers alone, bringing the results to a diagnostic level; thus, it could be considered for directing clinical management. Inhibin-A had smaller or no added value for the accuracy of predicting FGR alone, mainly of early cases delivered <34 weeks.

[Pharmacological treatment of non-severe hypertension during pregnancy, postpartum and breastfeeding]

Hypertension (HTN) in pregnancy is defined as systolic blood pressure ≥ 140 and/or diastolic blood pressure ≥ 90 mmHg. Based on the values, it is classified as non-severe (< 160/110 mmHg) and severe (≥ 160/110 mmHg). Before starting treatment in non-severe HTN, white- coat HTN should be ruled out. If outpatient management is possible, pharmacological initiation is suggested with sustained high values, avoiding < 120/80 mmHg. Safe drugs during pregnancy are methyldopa, labetalol, and nifedipine-retard. The use of nifedipine-XL or amlodipine can be considered with a lower level of evidence of safety. Diuretics, atenolol, and other beta-blockers for antihypertensive purposes is not recommended in this period. Renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system inhibitors are strictly contraindicated. In postpartum and breastfeeding, the same therapeutic regimen used during pregnancy can be maintained, trying early withdrawal of methyldopa. During puerperium, amlodipine and enalapril are safe, with minimal excretion in breast milk.

Applying the concept of uncertainty to the sFlt-1/PlGF cut-offs for diagnosis and prognosis of preeclampsia

OBJECTIVES

Placental growth factor (PlGF) and soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 (sFlt-1) assays and the corresponding ratios (sFlt-1/PlGF) have been proposed to aid in the diagnosis by exclusion and/or prognosis of preeclampsia (PE). A method for evaluating ratio uncertainties (RUs), based on the theory of error propagation, was applied to the sFlt-1/PlGF ratio.

METHODS

RUs were calculated using data derived from sFlt-1 and PlGF Internal Quality Control (IQC) results collected from four centers using Elecsys (Roche) or Kryptor (Thermo Fisher) sFlt-1 and PlGF assays. The corresponding ratio uncertainties were defined for each ratio value.

RESULTS

The RUs increased linearly with the sFlt-1/PlGF ratio values. The Elecsys RUs were lower than the Kryptor RUs. Although RUs cannot eliminate differences in ratio values observed among various immunoassays, it can affect interpretation of the sFlt-1/PlGF ratio, especially when results are within the range of predefined PE diagnosis or prognosis cut-offs.

CONCLUSIONS

Since RUs are only a function of PlGF and sFlt-1 precision, they can be calculated for each assay from each laboratory to adjust the interpretation of sFlt-1/PlGF ratio results in the context of PE.

Alternate Dosing Protocol for Magnesium Sulfate in Obese Women With Preeclampsia: A Randomized Controlled Trial

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate whether obese women need greater doses of magnesium sulfate to obtain therapeutic serum concentrations for eclamptic seizure prevention.

METHODS

Women with preeclampsia and a body mass index (BMI) of 35 or higher were randomly allocated to either the Zuspan regimen of magnesium sulfate (4-g intravenous [IV] loading dose, then a 1-g/h infusion) or to alternate dosing (6-g IV loading dose, then a 2-g/h infusion). Women had serum magnesium concentrations obtained at baseline, as well as after administration of magnesium sulfate at 1 hour, 4 hours, and delivery. The primary outcome was the proportion of women who had subtherapeutic serum magnesium concentrations (less than 4.8 mg/dL) 4 hours after administration. A sample size of 18 women per group was planned to compare the proportion of women with subtherapeutic serum magnesium concentrations in each group.

RESULTS

From July 12, 2016, to March 14, 2019, 89 women with preeclampsia were screened and 37 were enrolled: 18 to the Zuspan regimen and 19 to the alternate regimen. A significantly greater proportion of women administered the Zuspan regimen had subtherapeutic serum magnesium concentrations at 4 hours (100% [95% CI 59-100] vs 63% [95% CI 41-81]; P=.01) compared with women administered the alternate higher dose regimen. At 4 hours, mean concentrations were significantly higher in the alternate regimen group (3.53 mg/dL±0.3 [Zuspan regimen] vs 4.41±0.5 [alternate regimen]; P<.01).

CONCLUSION

The alternate dosing regimen of a 6-g IV loading dose followed by a 2-g/h IV maintenance dose more reliably achieves therapeutic serum magnesium concentrations (as defined by a concentration of at least 4.8 mg/dL) in obese women with preeclampsia.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02835339.

Maternal Stroke: A Call for Action

Maternal mortality rates have been steadily increasing in the United States, and cardiovascular mortality is the leading cause of death among pregnant and postpartum women. Maternal stroke accounts for a significant burden of cardiovascular mortality. Data suggest that rates of maternal stroke have been increasing in recent years. Advancing maternal age at the time of birth and the increasing prevalence of traditional cardiovascular risk factors, and other risk factors, as well, such as hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, migraine, and infections, may contribute to increased rates of maternal stroke. In this article, we provide an overview of the epidemiology of maternal stroke, explore mechanisms that may explain increasing rates of stroke among pregnant women, and identify key knowledge gaps for future investigation in this area.

Pro- and Anti-Angiogenic Markers as Clinical Tools for Suspected Preeclampsia with and without FGR near Delivery—A Secondary Analysis

Objective—the objective of this study was to assess the accuracy of placental growth factor (PlGF), soluble Fms-like Tyrosine Kinase 1 (sFlt-1), and endoglin (sEng) in the diagnosis of suspected preeclampsia (PE) with and without fetal growth restriction (FGR) near delivery. Methods—this is a secondary analysis of a dataset of 125 pregnant women presenting at the high risk pregnancy clinic with suspected PE, FGR or PE + FGR in the University Medical Center of Slovenia. The dataset included 31 PE cases, 16 FGR cases, 42 PE + FGR cases, 15 cases who developed with unrelated complications before 37 weeks (wks) (PTD), and 21 unaffected controls who delivered a healthy baby at term. We also analyzed a sub-group of women who delivered early (<34 wks) including 10 PE, 12 FGR, 28 PE + FGR, and six PTD. Clinical management adhered to hospital guidelines. Marker levels were extracted from the dataset and were used to develop Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curves and to calculate the area under the curve (AUC), the detection rates (DRs), and the false positive rates (FPRs). Previously published marker cutoffs for yes/no admission to hospital wards were extracted from the literature. Negative and positive predictive values (NPVs and PPVs) were evaluated for their value in determining whether hospital admission was required. Non-parametric tests were applied for statistical analysis; p < 0.05 was considered significant. Results—near delivery, all the pro-and anti-angiogenic markers provided diagnostic (ROC = 1.00) accuracy for the early (<34 wks) group of FGR. Diagnostic or near diagnostic (ROC = 0.95) accuracy was achieved by all marker for early PE + FGR but lower accuracy was achieved for early PE. For all cases, all markers, especially PlGF reached diagnostic or near diagnostic accuracy for FGR and PE + FGR. At this accuracy level, they can contribute to the clinical management of FGR, and PE + FGR. All the markers were less accurate for all PE cases. The use of published cutoffs was adequate for clinical management of FGR, whether early or for all cases, using an NPV > 90%. For PE + FGR, the PPV value approached 100%, especially for early cases, and can thus be implemented in clinical management. Neither NPV nor PPV were high enough for managing all cases of PE. There was no added value in measuring the PlGF/(sFlt-1 + sEng) ratio. Conclusion—This is the first study on a Slovenian population. It shows that near-delivery angiogenic biomarkers tests may be useful for confirming the diseases in cases where there is a diagnostic doubt. However, the clinical use of the biomarkers needs to be weighed against resources available and degree of certainty of the diagnosis made with and without them for managing suspected FGR and PE + FGR requiring delivery <34 wks, where they are very accurate, and furthermore in the management of all cases of FGR and FGR+PE. The markers were less accurate for the clinical diagnosis of PE.

Data-Driven Modeling of Pregnancy-Related Complications

A healthy pregnancy depends on complex interrelated biological adaptations involving placentation, maternal immune responses, and hormonal homeostasis. Recent advances in high-throughput technologies have provided access to multiomics biological data that, combined with clinical and social data, can provide a deeper understanding of normal and abnormal pregnancies. Integration of these heterogeneous datasets using state-of-the-art machine-learning methods can enable the prediction of short- and long-term health trajectories for a mother and offspring and the development of treatments to prevent or minimize complications. We review advanced machine-learning methods that could: provide deeper biological insights into a pregnancy not yet unveiled by current methodologies; clarify the etiologies and heterogeneity of pathologies that affect a pregnancy; and suggest the best approaches to address disparities in outcomes affecting vulnerable populations.