A literature review and best practice advice for second and third trimester risk stratification, monitoring, and management of pre-eclampsia: Compiled by the Pregnancy and Non-Communicable Diseases Committee of FIGO (the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics)

Diet quality and blood pressure among pregnant women with overweight or obesity: A secondary analysis of two randomized controlled trials

INTRODUCTION

Maternal obesity is a significant risk factor for hypertensive disorders of pregnancy. High diet quality may protect against this, yet data regarding the relationship between diet quality and blood pressure among pregnant women with raised body mass index (BMI) is limited.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

This is a secondary analysis (n = 543) of women with BMI ≥25 kg/m2 from two randomized controlled trials; PEARS (Pregnancy Exercise and nutrition Research Study with smartphone application support) and ROLO (Randomized cOntrol trial of LOw glycemic index diet to prevent macrosomia in euglycemic women). Blood pressure was measured at 10-18 weeks and 28 weeks of pregnancy. Mean arterial pressure was calculated as (diastolic blood pressure+ 1 3 × [systolic blood pressure -  diastolic blood pressure]). Diet quality was assessed using 3-day food diaries, and Alternative Healthy Eating Index for Pregnancy (AHEI-P) scores were generated, quantifying alignment of food intakes with dietary guidelines in first and early third trimesters. The cohort was divided based on AHEI-P tertiles to explore differences at an alpha significance value of <0.05.

RESULTS

The mean age of the group was 32.21 ± 4.39 years with a median body mass index (BMI) of 28.13 (IQR 3.47) kg/m2. Mean arterial pressures in the first and third trimesters were 81.07 ± 9.00 mmHg and 82.33 ± 7.53 mmHg, respectively. Rates of elevated blood pressure (≥120/80 mmHg) were 22.33% in trimester 1 and 24.48% in early trimester 3. Mean AHEI-P scores in trimester 1 and early trimester 3 were 53.90 ± 10.43 and 54.05 ± 10.76, respectively. There was no correlation between AHEI-P score and blood pressure and no differences in blood pressure between AHEI-P tertiles at either timepoint (all P-values <0.05). A higher proportion of those with elevated early third trimester blood pressure had a BMI of ≥30 kg/m2 compared with those with normal blood pressure (40.31% vs 28.64%, P = 0.016).

CONCLUSIONS

While diet remains an important factor in maternal health and wellbeing, we did not find a relationship between diet quality as measured by AHEI-P and blood pressure among pregnant women with BMI ≥25 kg/m2. High BMI remains a risk factor for hypertensive disorders of pregnancy.

Pre-eclampsia: Re-visiting pathophysiology, role of immune cells, biomarker identification and recent advances in its management

Pre-eclampsia (PE) is a hypertension condition that occurs exclusively during pregnancy and has the potential to impact nearly all organ systems. It is estimated to complicate approximately 2-8% of pregnancies worldwide. PE is a prominent medical disorder that poses a significant risk to pregnant mothers and their infants. This review commences by giving the most up-to- date concepts about the pathophysiology of PE. The condition involves atypical infiltration of trophoblast cells into the spiral arteries of the decidua and myometrium, resulting in an insufficient establishment of proper blood flow between the uterus and placenta. The aberrant activation of natural killer (NK) cells in both the peripheral blood and the decidua has been identified as one of the contributing factors to the development of PE. The strong evidence for the genetic etiology of PE is provided by the association between maternal killer cell immunoglobulin-like receptor (KIR) and Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA-C) in trophoblast cells. Recent observations provide evidence that changes in the expression of anti-angiogenic factors in the placenta are the underlying cause of the clinical symptoms associated with the condition. This review also provides a comprehensive overview of the latest advancements in understanding the underlying causes of PE. It specifically highlights the emergence of new diagnostic biomarkers and their potential implications for therapeutic interventions in managing this medical condition.

Placental Drug Delivery to Treat Pre-Eclampsia and Fetal Growth Restriction

Pre-eclampsia and fetal growth restriction (FGR) continue to cause unacceptably high levels of morbidity and mortality, despite significant pharmaceutical and technological advances in other disease areas. The recent pandemic has also impacted obstetric care, as COVID-19 infection increases the risk of poor pregnancy outcomes. This review explores the reasons why it lacks effective drug treatments for the placental dysfunction that underlies many common obstetric conditions and describes how nanomedicines and targeted drug delivery approaches may provide the solution to the current drug drought. The ever-increasing range of biocompatible nanoparticle formulations available is now making it possible to selectively deliver drugs to uterine and placental tissues and dramatically limit fetal drug transfer. Formulations that are refractory to placental uptake offer the possibility of retaining drugs within the maternal circulation, allowing pregnant individuals to take medicines previously considered too harmful to the developing baby. Liposomes, ionizable lipid nanoparticles, polymeric nanoparticles, and adenoviral vectors have all been used to create efficacious drug delivery systems for use in pregnancy, although each approach offers distinct advantages and limitations. It is imperative that recent advances continue to be built upon and that there is an overdue investment of intellectual and financial capital in this field.

Novel Associations Between Mid-Pregnancy Cardiovascular Biomarkers and Preeclampsia: An Explorative Nested Case-Control Study

Prediction of women at high risk of preeclampsia is important for prevention and increased surveillance of the disease. Current prediction models need improvement, particularly with regard to late-onset preeclampsia. Preeclampsia shares pathophysiological entities with cardiovascular disease; thus, cardiovascular biomarkers may contribute to improving prediction models. In this nested case-control study, we explored the predictive importance of mid-pregnancy cardiovascular biomarkers for subsequent preeclampsia. We included healthy women with singleton pregnancies who had donated blood in mid-pregnancy (~ 18 weeks' gestation). Cases were women with subsequent preeclampsia (n = 296, 10% of whom had early-onset preeclampsia [< 34 weeks]). Controls were women who had healthy pregnancies (n = 333). We collected data on maternal, pregnancy, and infant characteristics from medical records. We used the Olink cardiovascular II panel immunoassay to measure 92 biomarkers in the mid-pregnancy plasma samples. The Boruta algorithm was used to determine the predictive importance of the investigated biomarkers and first-trimester pregnancy characteristics for the development of preeclampsia. The following biomarkers had confirmed associations with early-onset preeclampsia (in descending order of importance): placental growth factor (PlGF), matrix metalloproteinase (MMP-12), lectin-like oxidized LDL receptor 1, carcinoembryonic antigen-related cell adhesion molecule 8, serine protease 27, pro-interleukin-16, and poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase 1. The biomarkers that were associated with late-onset preeclampsia were BNP, MMP-12, alpha-L-iduronidase (IDUA), PlGF, low-affinity immunoglobulin gamma Fc region receptor II-b, and T cell surface glycoprotein. Our results suggest that MMP-12 is a promising novel preeclampsia biomarker. Moreover, BNP and IDUA may be of value in enhancing prediction of late-onset preeclampsia.

Placental and Renal Pathways Underlying Pre-Eclampsia

Pre-eclampsia is a serious complication of pregnancy characterized by a state of multiorgan hypertensive disorders, with or without proteinuria and possible multiorgan dysfunction. Chronic kidney disease is an established risk factor for the development of pre-eclampsia, as angiogenic homeostasis is altered and the maternal circulation is already hypertensive. Facing pre-eclampsia in the context of chronic kidney disease is a challenging emergency for both the mother and the fetus. The clinical features and the management of this multi-organ disorder are clearly defined in the modern literature but the underlying pathophysiologic mechanisms remain not fully elucidated. Understanding the pathophysiology that mediates the onset of pre-eclampsia itself and in synergy with chronic kidney disease is fundamental for developing prompt prevention strategies, treatment planning, and patient counseling. This review aims to summarize the main molecular mechanisms involved in the process of pre-eclampsia, with a particular focus on the role of the kidneys and hormonal pathways related to renal function in normal pregnancy and pre-eclamptic syndromes.

[Preeclampsia: Guidelines for clinical practice from the French College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists]

OBJECTIVE

To identify strategies to reduce maternal and neonatal morbidity related to preeclampsia.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The quality of evidence of the literature was assessed following the GRADE® method with questions formulated in the PICO format (Patients, Intervention, Comparison, Outcome) and outcomes defined a priori and classified according to their importance. An extensive bibliographic search was performed on PubMed, Cochrane, EMBASE and Google Scholar databases. The quality of the evidence was assessed (high, moderate, low, very low) and recommendations were formulated as a (i) strong, (ii) weak or (iii) no recommendation. The recommendations were reviewed in two rounds with external reviewers (Delphi survey) to select the consensus recommendations.

RESULTS

Preeclampsia is defined by the association of gestational hypertension (systolic blood pressure≥140mmHg and/or diastolic blood pressure≥90mmHg) and proteinuria≥0.3g/24h or a Proteinuria/Creatininuria ratio≥30mg/mmol occurring after 20 weeks of gestation. Data from the literature do not show any benefit in terms of maternal or perinatal health from implementing a broader definition of preeclampsia. Of the 31 questions, there was agreement between the working group and the external reviewers on 31 (100%). In general population, physical activity during pregnancy should be encouraged to reduce the risk of preeclampsia (Strong recommendation, Quality of the evidence low) but an early screening based on algorithms (Weak recommendation, Quality of the evidence low) or aspirin administration (Weak recommendation, Quality of the evidence very low) is not recommended to reduce maternal and neonatal morbidity related to preeclampsia. In women with preexisting diabetes or hypertension or renal disease, or multiple pregnancy, the level of evidence is insufficient to determine whether aspirin administration during pregnancy is useful to reduce maternal and perinatal morbidity (No recommendation, Quality of the evidence low). In women with a history of vasculo-placental disease, low dose of aspirin (Strong recommendation, Quality of the evidence moderate) at a dosage of 100-160mg per day (Weak recommendation, Quality of the evidence low), ideally before 16 weeks of gestation and not after 20 weeks of gestation (Strong recommendation, Quality of the evidence low) until 36 weeks of gestation (Weak recommendation, Quality of the evidence very low) is recommended. In a high-risk population, additional administration of low molecular weight heparin is not recommended (Weak recommendation, Quality of the evidence moderate). In case of preeclampsia (Weak recommendation, Quality of the evidence low) or suspicion of preeclampsia (Weak recommendation, Quality of the evidence moderate, the assessment of PlGF concentration or sFLT-1/PlGF ratio is not routinely recommended) in the only goal to reduce maternal or perinatal morbidity. In women with non-severe preeclampsia antihypertensive agent should be administered orally when the systolic blood pressure is measured between 140 and 159mmHg or diastolic blood pressure is measured between 90 and 109mmHg (Weak recommendation, Quality of the evidence low). In women with non-severe preeclampsia, delivery between 34 and 36+6 weeks of gestation reduces severe maternal hypertension but increases the incidence of moderate prematurity. Taking into account the benefit/risk balance for the mother and the child, it is recommended not to systematically induce birth in women with non-severe preeclampsia between 34 and 36+6 weeks of gestation (Strong recommendation, Quality of evidence high). In women with non-severe preeclampsia diagnosed between 37+0 and 41 weeks of gestation, it is recommended to induce birth to reduce maternal morbidity (Strong recommendation, Low quality of evidence), and to perform a trial of labor in the absence of contraindication (Strong recommendation, Very low quality of evidence). In women with a history of preeclampsia, screening maternal thrombophilia is not recommended (Strong recommendation, Quality of the evidence moderate). Because women with a history of a preeclampsia have an increased lifelong risk of chronic hypertension and cardiovascular complications, they should be informed of the need for medical follow-up to monitor blood pressure and to manage other possible cardiovascular risk factors (Strong recommendation, Quality of the evidence moderate).

CONCLUSION

The purpose of these recommendations was to reassess the definition of preeclampsia, and to determine the strategies to reduce maternal and perinatal morbidity related to preeclampsia, during pregnancy but also after childbirth. They aim to help health professionals in their daily clinical practice to inform or care for patients who have had or have preeclampsia. Synthetic information documents are also offered for professionals and patients.

Directive clinique no 442 : Retard de croissance intra-utérin : Dépistage, diagnostic et prise en charge en contexte de grossesse monofœtale

OBJECTIF

Le retard de croissance intra-utérin est une complication obstétricale fréquente qui touche jusqu'à 10 % des grossesses dans la population générale et qui est le plus souvent due à une pathologie placentaire sous-jacente. L'objectif de la présente directive clinique est de fournir des déclarations sommaires et des recommandations pour appuyer un protocole clinique de dépistage, diagnostic et prise en charge du retard de croissance intra-utérin pour les grossesses à risque ou atteintes.

POPULATION CIBLE

Toutes les patientes enceintes menant une grossesse monofœtale. BéNéFICES, RISQUES ET COûTS: La mise en application des recommandations de la présente directive devrait améliorer la compétence des cliniciens quant à la détection du retard de croissance intra-utérin et à la réalisation des interventions indiquées. DONNéES PROBANTES: La littérature publiée a été colligée par des recherches effectuées jusqu'en septembre 2022 dans les bases de données PubMed, Medline, CINAHL et Cochrane Library en utilisant un vocabulaire contrôlé au moyen de termes MeSH pertinents (fetal growth retardation and small for gestational age) et de mots-clés (fetal growth, restriction, growth retardation, IUGR, FGR, low birth weight, small for gestational age, Doppler, placenta, pathology). Seuls les résultats de revues systématiques, d'essais cliniques randomisés ou comparatifs et d'études observationnelles ont été retenus. La littérature grise a été obtenue par des recherches menées dans des sites Web d'organismes s'intéressant à l'évaluation des technologies dans le domaine de la santé et d'organismes connexes, dans des collections de directives cliniques, des registres d'essais cliniques et des sites Web de sociétés de spécialité médicale nationales et internationales. MéTHODES DE VALIDATION: Les auteurs ont évalué la qualité des données probantes et la force des recommandations en utilisant le cadre méthodologique GRADE (Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation). Voir l'annexe A en ligne (tableau A1 pour les définitions et tableau A2 pour l'interprétation des recommandations fortes et conditionnelles [faibles]). PROFESSIONNELS CONCERNéS: Obstétriciens, médecins de famille, infirmières, sages-femmes, spécialistes en médecine fœto-maternelle, radiologistes et autres professionnels de la santé qui prodiguent des soins aux patientes enceintes. RéSUMé POUR TWITTER: Mise à jour de la directive sur le dépistage, le diagnostic et la prise en charge du retard de croissance intra-utérin pour les grossesses à risque ou atteintes. DÉCLARATIONS SOMMAIRES: RECOMMANDATIONS: Prédiction du retard de croissance intra-utérin Prévention du retard de croissance intra-utérin Détection du retard de croissance intra-utérin Examens en cas de retard de croissance intra-utérin soupçonné Prise en charge du retard de croissance intra-utérin précoce Prise en charge du retard de croissance intra-utérin tardif Prise en charge du post-partum et consultations préconception.

Guideline No. 442: Fetal Growth Restriction: Screening, Diagnosis, and Management in Singleton Pregnancies

OBJECTIVE

Fetal growth restriction is a common obstetrical complication that affects up to 10% of pregnancies in the general population and is most commonly due to underlying placental diseases. The purpose of this guideline is to provide summary statements and recommendations to support a clinical framework for effective screening, diagnosis, and management of pregnancies that are either at risk of or affected by fetal growth restriction.

TARGET POPULATION

All pregnant patients with a singleton pregnancy.

BENEFITS, HARMS, AND COSTS

Implementation of the recommendations in this guideline should increase clinician competency to detect fetal growth restriction and provide appropriate interventions.

EVIDENCE

Published literature in English was retrieved through searches of PubMed or MEDLINE, CINAHL, and The Cochrane Library through to September 2022 using appropriate controlled vocabulary via MeSH terms (fetal growth retardation and small for gestational age) and key words (fetal growth, restriction, growth retardation, IUGR, FGR, low birth weight, small for gestational age, Doppler, placenta, pathology). Results were restricted to systematic reviews, randomized controlled trials/controlled clinical trials, and observational studies. Grey literature was identified through searching the websites of health technology assessment and health technology-related agencies, clinical practice guideline collections, clinical trial registries, and national and international medical specialty societies.

VALIDATION METHODS

The authors rated the quality of evidence and strength of recommendations using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) approach. See online Appendix A (Table A1 for definitions and Table A2 for interpretations of strong and conditional [weak] recommendations).

INTENDED AUDIENCE

Obstetricians, family physicians, nurses, midwives, maternal-fetal medicine specialists, radiologists, and other health care providers who care for pregnant patients.

TWEETABLE ABSTRACT

Updated guidelines on screening, diagnosis, and management of pregnancies at risk of or affected by FGR.

SUMMARY STATEMENTS

RECOMMENDATIONS: Prediction of FGR Prevention of FGR Detection of FGR Investigations in Pregnancies with Suspected Fetal Growth Restriction Management of Early-Onset Fetal Growth Restriction Management of Late-Onset FGR Postpartum management and preconception counselling.

Accuracy of placental growth factor alone or in combination with soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 or maternal factors in detecting preeclampsia in asymptomatic women in the second and third trimesters: a systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to: (1) identify all relevant studies reporting on the diagnostic accuracy of maternal circulating placental growth factor) alone or as a ratio with soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1), and of placental growth factor-based models (placental growth factor combined with maternal factors±other biomarkers) in the second or third trimester to predict subsequent development of preeclampsia in asymptomatic women; (2) estimate a hierarchical summary receiver-operating characteristic curve for studies reporting on the same test but different thresholds, gestational ages, and populations; and (3) select the best method to screen for preeclampsia in asymptomatic women during the second and third trimester of pregnancy by comparing the diagnostic accuracy of each method.

DATA SOURCES

A systematic search was performed through MEDLINE, Embase, CENTRAL, ClinicalTrials.gov, and the World Health Organization International Clinical Trials Registry Platform databases from January 1, 1985 to April 15, 2021.

STUDY ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

Studies including asymptomatic singleton pregnant women at >18 weeks' gestation with risk of developing preeclampsia were evaluated. We included only cohort or cross-sectional test accuracy studies reporting on preeclampsia outcome, allowing tabulation of 2×2 tables, with follow-up available for >85%, and evaluating performance of placental growth factor alone, soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1- placental growth factor ratio, or placental growth factor-based models. The study protocol was registered on the International Prospective Register Of Systematic Reviews (CRD 42020162460).

METHODS

Because of considerable intra- and interstudy heterogeneity, we computed the hierarchical summary receiver-operating characteristic plots and derived diagnostic odds ratios, β, θi, and Λ for each method to compare performances. The quality of the included studies was evaluated by the QUADAS-2 tool.

RESULTS

The search identified 2028 citations, from which we selected 474 studies for detailed assessment of the full texts. Finally, 100 published studies met the eligibility criteria for qualitative and 32 for quantitative syntheses. Twenty-three studies reported on performance of placental growth factor testing for the prediction of preeclampsia in the second trimester, including 16 (with 27 entries) that reported on placental growth factor test alone, 9 (with 19 entries) that reported on the soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1-placental growth factor ratio, and 6 (16 entries) that reported on placental growth factor-based models. Fourteen studies reported on performance of placental growth factor testing for the prediction of preeclampsia in the third trimester, including 10 (with 18 entries) that reported on placental growth factor test alone, 8 (with 12 entries) that reported on soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1-placental growth factor ratio, and 7 (with 12 entries) that reported on placental growth factor-based models. For the second trimester, Placental growth factor-based models achieved the highest diagnostic odds ratio for the prediction of early preeclampsia in the total population compared with placental growth factor alone and soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1-placental growth factor ratio (placental growth factor-based models, 63.20; 95% confidence interval, 37.62-106.16 vs soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1-placental growth factor ratio, 6.96; 95% confidence interval, 1.76-27.61 vs placental growth factor alone, 5.62; 95% confidence interval, 3.04-10.38); placental growth factor-based models had higher diagnostic odds ratio than placental growth factor alone for the identification of any-onset preeclampsia in the unselected population (28.45; 95% confidence interval, 13.52-59.85 vs 7.09; 95% confidence interval, 3.74-13.41). For the third trimester, Placental growth factor-based models achieved prediction for any-onset preeclampsia that was significantly better than that of placental growth factor alone but similar to that of soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1-placental growth factor ratio (placental growth factor-based models, 27.12; 95% confidence interval, 21.67-33.94 vs placental growth factor alone, 10.31; 95% confidence interval, 7.41-14.35 vs soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1-placental growth factor ratio, 14.94; 95% confidence interval, 9.42-23.70).

CONCLUSION

Placental growth factor with maternal factors ± other biomarkers determined in the second trimester achieved the best predictive performance for early preeclampsia in the total population. However, in the third trimester, placental growth factor-based models had predictive performance for any-onset preeclampsia that was better than that of placental growth factor alone but similar to that of soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1-placental growth factor ratio. Through this meta-analysis, we have identified a large number of very heterogeneous studies. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop standardized research using the same models that combine serum placental growth factor with maternal factors ± other biomarkers to accurately predict preeclampsia. Identification of patients at risk might be beneficial for intensive monitoring and timing delivery.

New Ideas for the Prevention and Treatment of Preeclampsia and Their Molecular Inspirations

Preeclampsia (PE) is a pregnancy-specific disorder affecting 4-10% of all expectant women. It greatly increases the risk of maternal and foetal death. Although the main symptoms generally appear after week 20 of gestation, scientific studies indicate that the mechanism underpinning PE is initiated at the beginning of gestation. It is known that the pathomechanism of preeclampsia is strongly related to inflammation and oxidative stress, which influence placentation and provoke endothelial dysfunction in the mother. However, as of yet, no "key players" regulating all these processes have been discovered. This might be why current therapeutic strategies intended for prevention or treatment are not fully effective, and the only effective method to stop the disease is the premature induction of delivery, mostly by caesarean section. Therefore, there is a need for further research into new pharmacological strategies for the treatment and prevention of preeclampsia. This review presents new preventive methods and therapies for PE not yet recommended by obstetrical and gynaecological societies. As many of these therapies are in preclinical studies or under evaluation in clinical trials, this paper reports the molecular targets of the tested agents or methods.

Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy

Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) are one of the most commonly occurring complications of pregnancy and include chronic hypertension, gestational hypertension, and pre-eclampsia. New developments in early pregnancy screening to identify women at high risk for pre-eclampsia combined with targeted aspirin prophylaxis could greatly reduce the number of affected pregnancies. Furthermore, recent advances in the diagnosis of pre-eclampsia, such as placental growth factor based testing, have been shown to improve the identification of those pregnancies at highest risk of severe complications. Evidence from trials has refined the target blood pressure and timing of delivery to manage chronic hypertension and pre-eclampsia with non-severe features, respectively. Importantly, a wealth of epidemiological data now links HDP to future cardiovascular disease and diabetes decades after an affected pregnancy. This review discusses the current guidelines and research data on the prevention, diagnosis, management, and postnatal follow-up of HDP. It also discusses the gap in knowledge regarding the long term risks for cardiovascular disease following HDP and illustrates the importance of improving adherence to postnatal guidelines to monitor hypertension and the need for more research focused on primary prevention of future cardiovascular disease in women identified as being at high risk because of HDP.

Universal prenatal screening: a initiative from Guanajuato, Mexico to improve equity in perinatal healthcare

The prenatal approach from a preventive perspective is necessary to reduce perinatal complications. A perinatal care model with a holistic and horizontal approach is required. Mexico is currently considered an emerging market economy with inequality and an economic gap that impacts the accessibility and distribution of healthcare services. Guanajuato is one of the 32 states of Mexico and represents 1.6% of the country's surface. Strategies during the prenatal approach allow prediction, diagnosis, and anticipation of the principal causes of morbidity and mortality. Combining data from maternal characteristics and history with findings of biophysical and biochemical tests at 11 to 13 weeks of gestation can define the patient-specific risk for a large spectrum of complications that include miscarriage and fetal death, preterm delivery, preeclampsia, congenital disorders, and fetal growth abnormalities. We aim to describe the care model designed and implemented in the State Center for Timely Prenatal Screening of the Maternal and Child Hospital of Leon, Guanajuato, Mexico. Previous research showed there is a lack of information for low and middle-income countries regarding how to integrate prenatal screening strategies in the absence of resources to perform cell-free fetal DNA or biochemical serum markers in countries with emergent economies. This care model is carried out through horizontal processes where the screening is provided by trained and certified general practitioners who identify the population at risk in a timely manner for specialized care, and could help guide other Mexican states, and other countries with emergent economies with limited financial, professional, and infrastructural resources to improve prenatal care with a sense of equity, equality, and social inclusion as well as the timely evaluation of specialized perinatal care of high-risk patients.

Maternal and perinatal outcomes of low-dose aspirin plus low-molecular-weight heparin therapy on antiphospholipid antibody-positive pregnant women with chronic hypertension

Objectives

Positive antiphospholipid antibodies (aPLs) and chronic hypertension (CH) in pregnancy are important causes of maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality. However, there are no relevant studies on the treatment of aPL-positive pregnant women with CH. This study aimed to determine the effect of low-dose aspirin (LDA) plus low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) on maternal and perinatal outcomes in persistently aPL-positive pregnant women with CH.

Methods

This study was performed at the First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University in Liaoning, China, from January 2018 to December 2021. Pregnant women diagnosed CH and persistently positive aPL who had no autoimmune disease such as systemic lupus erythematosus, antiphospholipid syndrome were recruited and divided into control group (LDA and LWMH were not used), LDA group (LDA was used) and LDA plus LMWH group (both LDA and LMWH were used) according to whether they use LDA and/or LMWH. A total of 81 patients were enrolled, including 40 patients in the control group, 19 patients in the LDA group, and 22 patients in the LDA plus LMWH group. The maternal and perinatal outcomes of LDA plus LMWH therapy were analysed.

Results

Compared with control group, the rate of severe preeclampsia in LDA group (65.00% vs. 31.58%, p = 0.016) and LDA plus LMWH group (65.00% vs. 36.36%, p = 0.030) had a statistically significant reduction. Compared with control group, the rate of fetal loss in LDA group (35.00% vs. 10.53%, p = 0.014) and LDA plus LMWH group (35.00% vs. 0.00%, p = 0.002) had a statistically significant reduction. Compared with control group, the rate of live birth in LDA group (65.00% vs. 89.74%, p = 0.048) and LDA plus LMWH group (65.00% vs. 100.00%, p = 0.002) had a statistically significant increased. Compared withcontrol group, the incidence of early-onset preeclampsia (47.50% vs. 36.84%, p = 0.008) and early-onset severe preeclampsia (47.50% vs. 13.64%, p = 0.001) in the LDA plus LMWH group decreased and were statistically different. Furthermore, we also found that LDA or LDA plus LMWH hadn't increase the rate of blood loss and placental abruption.

Conclusion

Both LDA and LDA combined with LMWH could decrease the incidence of severe preeclampsia, decrease the rate of foetal loss, increase the rate of live birth. However, LDA plus LWMH could reduce and delay the onset of severe preeclampsia, prolong the gestational age and increase the rate of full-term delivery, improve the maternal and perinatal outcomes.

Correlation of sFlt/PlGF ratio with severity of preeclampsia in an Indian population

Background

Preeclampsia affects 2% to 8% of pregnant women and significantly increases the risk for maternal and perinatal morbidity, especially in low- and middle-income countries. There is increasing evidence to support the use of biochemical markers such as placental growth factor and soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 in predicting the severity of preeclampsia and to rule out severe disease in clinical conditions masquerading as severe preeclampsia.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to assess the role of the sFlt-1/PlGF ratio in predicting adverse perinatal and maternal outcomes in women with preeclampsia in a South Asian population with a higher rate of the disease and its associated complications.

STUDY DESIGN

This was a prospective cohort study of women diagnosed with preeclampsia or suspected to have preeclampsia who underwent biophysical and biochemical investigations to measure the severity, including determining maternal hemodynamic indices, mean arterial pressure, fetal biometric and Doppler parameters, and soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 and placental growth factor levels. The performance of these markers, individually or in combination, in predicting adverse perinatal and maternal outcomes was then assessed using receiver operating characteristic curve analysis. An adverse maternal outcome was defined as 1 or more of severe hypertension; admission to the intensive care unit; eclampsia; placental abruption; hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, low-platelet count syndrome; disseminated intravascular coagulation; platelets <100×10⁹/L; creatinine >1.1 mg/dL; and alanine aminotransferase >100 U/L. An adverse perinatal outcome was defined as 1 or more of preterm birth ≤34+0 weeks' gestation, neonatal intensive care unit admission for >48 hours, respiratory distress syndrome, intraventricular hemorrhage, hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy, necrotizing enterocolitis, retinopathy of prematurity, and confirmed fetal infection.

RESULTS

We recruited 91 women with preeclampsia with a mean gestational age of 30.63±2.86 weeks. Women who had adverse maternal events had higher median maternal concentrations of soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase (11,500.0 pg/mL vs 3051.0 pg/mL; P<.001), lower concentrations of placental growth factor (44.88 pg/mL vs 148.50 pg/mL; P<.001), and a higher sFlt-1/PlGF ratio (306.22 vs 30.63; P<.001) than women who did not. Pregnancies with an adverse perinatal outcome also had a higher soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase concentration (12,100.0 pg/mL vs 3051.0 pg/mL; P<.001), lower placental growth factor concentration (27.2 pg/mL vs 148.50 pg/mL; P<.001), and higher sFlt-1/PlGF ratio (378.45.4 vs 30.63; P<.001). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve showed that soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase and placental growth factor were the best biomarkers when compared with other biochemical markers to predict adverse maternal (area under the curve, 0.81; 95% confidence interval, 0.72-0.90) and fetal (area under the curve, 0.88; 95% confidence interval, 0.80-0.96) outcomes in preeclampsia.

CONCLUSION

The sFlt-1/PlGF ratio correlates better with adverse maternal and perinatal outcomes than any other biochemical marker in an Indian population. The incorporation of the sFlt-1/PlGF ratio in women with preeclampsia can help in predicting the severity of the condition and the timings of the delivery.

Preeclampsia: Narrative review for clinical use

Aim

Preeclampsia is a very complex multisystem disorder characterized by mild to severe hypertension.

Methods

PubMed and the Cochrane Library were searched from January 1, 2002 to March 31, 2022, with the search terms "pre-eclampsia" and "hypertensive disorders in pregnancy". We also look for guidelines from international societies and clinical specialty colleges and we focused on publications made after 2015.

Results

The primary issue associated with this physiopathology is a reduction in utero-placental perfusion and ischemia. Preeclampsia has a multifactorial genesis, its focus in prevention consists of the identification of high and moderate-risk clinical factors. The clinical manifestations of preeclampsia vary from asymptomatic to fatal complications for both the fetus and the mother. In severe cases, the mother may present renal, neurological, hepatic, or vascular disease. The main prevention strategy is the use of aspirin at low doses, started from the beginning to the end of the second trimester and maintained until the end of pregnancy.

Conclusion

Preeclampsia is a multisystem disorder; we do not know how to predict it accurately. Acetylsalicylic acid at low doses to prevent a low percentage, especially in patients with far from term preeclampsia. There is evidence that exercising for at least 140 min per week reduces gestational hypertension and preeclampsia. Currently, the safest approach is the termination of pregnancy. It is necessary to improve the prediction and prevention of preeclampsia, in addition, better research is needed in the long-term postpartum follow-up.

Is mid-gestational uterine artery Doppler still useful in a setting with routine first-trimester pre-eclampsia screening? A cohort study

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate whether routine mid-gestational uterine artery Doppler (UtAD) modifies the risk for preterm pre-eclampsia after first-trimester combined pre-eclampsia screening.

DESIGN

Retrospective cohort study.

SETTING

London Tertiary Hospital.

POPULATION

A cohort of 7793 women with singleton pregnancies, first-trimester pre-eclampsia screening using the Fetal Medicine Foundation (FMF) algorithm and UtAD pulsatility index (PI) assessment at the mid-gestation ultrasound.

METHODS

Pregnancies were divided into four groups: high risk in both trimesters (H¹ H² ), high risk in the first but not in the second trimester (H¹ L² ), low risk in the first but high risk in the second trimester (L¹ H² ) and low risk in both trimesters (L¹ L² ).

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Small for gestational age (SGA), hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) and stillbirth.

RESULTS

In this cohort, 600 (7.7%) and 620 (7.9%) women were designated as being at high risk in the first and second trimesters, respectively. Preterm pre-eclampsia was more prevalent in the H¹ L² group (4.5%) than in women considered at low risk in the first trimester (0.4%, p < 0.0001). The prevalence of preterm pre-eclampsia in the L¹ H² group (3.3%) was significantly lower than that in women considered at high risk in the first trimester (7.0%, p = 0.0076), and was higher than that observed in the L¹ L² group (0.2%, p < 0.0001). The prevalence of SGA and term HDP followed similar trends.

CONCLUSIONS

Pre-eclampsia risk after first-trimester FMF pre-eclampsia screening may be stratified through mid-gestational routine UtAD assessment. Pregnancy care should not be de-escalated for low mid-gestational UtAD resistance in women classified as being at high risk in the first trimester. The escalation of care may be justified in women at low risk but with high mid-gestational UtAD resistance.

Low-dose aspirin in the prevention of preeclampsia in twin pregnancies: A real-world study

Background

The use of low-dose aspirin for women with twin pregnancies remains controversial. This study was to describe the frequency of preeclampsia and aspirin use in twin pregnancies in real practice.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study based on real-world data was conducted in the Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University between 2013 and 2020. Women with twin pregnancies who received prenatal care before 20 weeks of gestational age were included. They were divided into those using low-dose aspirin (LDA group) and those not using aspirin group (N-LDA group). The primary outcome was the frequency of preeclampsia, and secondary outcomes included early-onset and preterm mild and severe preeclampsia.

Results

A total of 2,946 women had twin pregnancies, and 241 were excluded due to missing information. Of 2,705 eligible women, 291 (10.75%) were administered aspirin and the other 2,414 (89.25%) did not. The patients in the LDA group were significantly more likely to be older, have a higher rate of use of ART, have a previous history of hypertension, and have gestational diabetes (p < 0.05). In the LDA group, aspirin compliance ≥50% was relatively low (14.43%, 42/291). Preeclampsia occurred in 106 of 291 participants (36.43%) in the LDA group, as compared to 449 of 2,411 (18.62%) in the N-LDA group (OR: 2.15, 95% CI: 1.62-2.82; p < 0.01). The association was confirmed (OR: 1.74, 95% CI: 1.26-2.4; p < 0.01) in the 1:2 case-matched analysis. Higher odds of ratio in the LDA group were demonstrated (aORs > 1, p < 0.01), except for early-onset and preterm mild preeclampsia (p > 0.05). This association was confirmed in a subgroup analysis of methods of conception (aORs ≥ 1, p > 0.05).

Conclusion

Aspirin prescription of 75 to 100 mg in twin pregnancies was associated with no significant reduction of preeclampsia, which may be due to poor compliance with the aspirin used. Further randomized controlled or prospective cohort studies are required.

PREECLAMPSIA AND ITS EFFECT ON THE STATE OF CARDIOVASCULAR SYSTEM IN WOMEN

OBJECTIVE

The aim: To determine the features of the impact of preeclampsia on the development of cardiovascular disorders in women in the future.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Materials and methods: The study involved an assessment of literary sources, which were published mainly in the last five years, using scientometric and specialized databases Pubmed, Science direct, Scopus, Web of Science, Google Scholar and V.I. Vernadskyi NLU "Scientific Periodicals of Ukraine".

CONCLUSION

Conclusions: Cardiovascular disorders are not only a medical problem, but also a social one. Preeclampsia is a dangerous condition that contributes to the development of CVDs, increases the rate of mortality and disability among women. All this makes it absolutely necessary to study the features of the pathogenesis in detail, to understand exactly how, through which mechanisms, the preeclamptic state affects the woman's body, and this will allow doctors to indirectly influence its pathogenesis and reduce negative consequences and improve the quality of life.

High-normal liver enzyme levels in early pregnancy predispose the risk of gestational hypertension and preeclampsia: A prospective cohort study

Background

Gestational hypertension (GH) and preeclampsia (PE) are severe adverse gestational complications. Previous studies supported potential link between elevated liver enzyme levels and GH and PE. However, given the transient physiological reduction of liver enzyme levels in pregnancy, little is known whether the associations of the high-normal liver enzyme levels in early pregnancy with GH and PE exist in pregnant women.

Methods

Pregnant women in this study came from a sub-cohort of Shanghai Preconception Cohort, who were with four liver enzyme levels examined at 9–13 gestational weeks and without established liver diseases, hypertension and preeclampsia. After exclusion of pregnant women with clinically-abnormal liver enzyme levels in the current pregnancy, associations of liver enzyme levels, including alkaline phosphatase (ALP), alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT), with GH and PE status were assessed by multivariable log-binomial regression. Population attributable fraction was measured to estimate the fractions of GH and PE that were attributable to the high-normal liver enzyme levels.

Results

Among 5,685 pregnant women 160 (2.8%) and 244 (4.3%) developed GH and PE, respectively. After adjustment for potential covariates, higher ALP, ALT and GGT levels were significantly associated with the risk of GH (adjusted risk ratio (aRR):1.21 [95% confidence interval, 1.05–1.38]; 1.21 [1.05–1.38]; and 1.23 [1.09–1.39]), as well as the risk of PE(1.21 [1.13–1.29]; 1.15 [1.03–1.28]; 1.28 [1.16–1.41]), respectively. The cumulative population attributable fraction of carrying one or more high-normal liver enzyme levels (at 80th percentile or over) was 31.4% for GH and 23.2% for PE, respectively.

Conclusion

Higher ALT, ALP and GGT levels within the normal range in early pregnancy are associated with increased risk of GH and PE. The documented associations provide new insight to the role of hepatobiliary function in GH and PE pathogenesis.

Circulating trophoblast numbers as a potential marker for pregnancy complications

OBJECTIVE

To explore the potential of circulating trophoblasts (TBs) as a non-invasive tool to assess placental health and predict obstetric complications.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed maternal characteristics and pregnancy outcomes of 369 women who enrolled in our original cell-based NIPT (cbNIPT) study. The number of circulating TBs recovered from the maternal blood samples was recorded and expressed as fetal cell concentration (FCC). We evaluated if FCC can be used to predict pregnancy outcomes such as hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP), fetal growth restriction, placental abruption, preterm labor, and pregnancy loss.

RESULTS

Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was performed to find the best cut off value to classify FCC into a low and high FCC group, and this cut-off point was calculated as 11.1 cells per 100 ml of blood. The adjusted odds ratio (aOR) for the composite morbidity was significantly increased for the high FCC group at an aOR of 1.6.

CONCLUSION

Circulating TB have the potential of predicting obstetrical complications such as HDP. Future studies, with larger sample sizes, should focus on the study of these cells as a biomarker for placental health and a possible screening or diagnostic tool for fetal genetic conditions.

The Hypertensive Disorders of Pregnancy: A Focus on Definitions for Clinical Nephrologists

About 5-10% of pregnancies are complicated by one of the hypertensive disorders of pregnancy. The women who experience these disorders have a greater risk of having or developing kidney diseases than women with normotensive pregnancies. While international guidelines do not provide clear indications for a nephrology work-up after pregnancy, this is increasingly being advised by nephrology societies. The definitions of the hypertensive disorders of pregnancy have changed greatly in recent years. The objective of this short review is to gather and comment upon the main definitions of the hypertensive disorders of pregnancy as a support for nephrologists, who are increasingly involved in the short- and long-term management of women with these disorders.

Preeclampsia and Venous Thromboembolism: Pathophysiology and Potential Therapy

Preeclampsia (PET) is a multisystem inflammatory disorder that represents a leading cause of feto-maternal morbidity and mortality, complicating 2–5% of all pregnancies. PET incurs an increased risk of venous thromboembolism, which is one of the leading causes of death in pregnancy and in the postpartum period. This prothrombotic phenotype is attributable to the maternal phase of PET, which is characterized by a systemic inflammatory response and coagulation activation. Research continues to be undertaken in terms of preventative measures, however, currently revolves around pharmacological low dose aspirin initiated in the first trimester of pregnancy for those with risk factors. Treatment involves antenatal corticosteroids for fetal lung development in preterm birth, parenteral magnesium sulfate for fetal neuroprotection and maternal seizure prophylaxis, and timely birth of the fetus and placenta being the only definitive treatment of PET. Patients with a venous thromboembolism (VTE) risk deemed to be >1–3% are treated with pharmacological thromboprophylaxis in the form of low molecular weight heparin. Completing each woman’s VTE risk assessment is crucial, particularly in the setting of PET, as there is also a proven associated competing hemorrhagic risk.

Novel side by side Foley catheter balloons for 'extended labour induction': Concept, simulation study and clinical application

OBJECTIVE

To introduce the concept of extended or prolonged mechanical balloon labour induction as opposed to pharmacological methods and amniotomy after single balloon expulsion, by the novel use of side-by-side Foley catheter balloons. This method is of particular relevance when there is prior uterine surgery, fetal reserve is uncertain, the risk of vertical infection is high, or facilities for labour monitoring are limited.

STUDY DESIGN

We conducted simulation studies to compare balloon circumferences and resistance to passage through a simulation cervix between different gauge, fluid distension volume and number of Foley catheters. We describe an illustrative clinical case.

RESULTS

In simulation studies we found modest increases in Foley catheter balloon circumference with increased catheter gauge and with increasing volume of distending fluid. We found that retention of Foley balloon(s) by a flexible simulated cervix was increased with the gauge, distending volume and number of balloons used side-by-side. We describe the case of a mother with pre-eclampsia with severe features and compromised fetal reserve in whom the side-by-side balloon method achieved spontaneous delivery after a single balloon had been expelled without labour commencing.

CONCLUSIONS

Institutional protocols for Balloon labour inductions should take into account the characteristics of locally-available balloon catheters. Further research is justified to determine the usefulness of extended mechanical labour induction with side-by-side balloon catheters, particularly with prior caesarean section, uncertain fetal reserve and settings with limited fetal monitoring capacity.