Induction of labor for a suspected large-for-gestational-age/macrosomic fetus

Maternal Plasma Proteins Associated with Birth Weight: A Longitudinal, Large Scale Proteomic Study

Small infants for gestational age (SGA) and large infants for gestational age (LGA) have increased risk of complications during delivery and later in life. Prediction of the fetal weight is currently limited to biometric parameters obtained by ultrasound scans that can be imprecise. Biomarkers of fetal growth would be crucial for tailoring clinical management and optimizing outcomes for the mother and child. Seventy pregnant women participated in the current study, including 58, 7, and 5 giving birth to adequate for gestational age (AGA), SGA, and LGA infants, respectively. Maternal venous blood was drawn at gestational weeks 12-19, 21-27, and 28-34 and quantified for nearly 5000 proteins on the SomaLogic platform. We used machine learning algorithms with leave-one-out cross-validation to construct multiprotein models for prediction of birth weight groups. Random forest models using only 20 predefined proteins (selected by moderated t tests) were able to predict LGA with good discrimination (AUC > 0.8) at all three visits, while prediction of SGA was less successful. Protein differential abundance analysis revealed 148 proteins with higher abundance in LGA compared to AGA pregnancies, while only four proteins were differentially abundant between the SGA and AGA. The principal findings indicate that the maternal plasma proteome may hold potential biomarkers of LGA.

A comparative analysis of methods of preinduction cervical ripening and induction of labor in Poland and in Germany (Part II): maternal and neonatal outcomes

The benefits and risks of delivery should always be considered before initiating preinduction cervical ripening and labor induction. Understanding the benefits and potential complications is crucial for healthcare professionals to make informed decisions and provide optimal care. The research was conducted retrospectively between January 2019 and July 2022. It involved the analysis of the medical records of 154 pregnant women staying in the Clinic of Obstetrics and Gynecology in the city of Szczecin and 150 pregnant women hospitalized in the Clinic of Obstetrics and Gynecology in the town of Schwedt/Oder in Germany. Inclusion criteria were consent to participate and the implementation of internal written protocols in line with national guidelines for labor induction. The research concerned a group of pregnant women with postdate pregnancy, calculated according to the Naegele's rule and confirmed by the USG examination conducted in the first trimester of the pregnancy, as well as an unfavorable cervix that received less than 6 points in the Bishop score. Moreover, the pregnant patients with a low biophysical profile and an abnormal record of CTG or comorbidities were also included, as these factors determined the classification of the group above. The study did not include patients who had undergone cesarean section. The average change in evaluation of the cervix marked on the Bishop Score was higher in Germany, and it was 2.7 points, whereas in Poland, it was 1.6 points. The largest percentage of the scores on the Apgar Scale in the first, third and fifth minutes after birth was in the norm and indicated a good health condition of infants. They reached 8 to 10 points in both countries. Significantly more infants in Germany received pH from the umbilical cord within the limits of the norm. And it marks the welfare of neonates (7.20-7.45). The duration of hospitalization in Poland was shorter than in Germany. It was 3.8 days in the case when the median equalled 3. The number of days of preinduction cervical ripening and induction was similar in both countries. The levels of haemoglobin were comparable in both countries. The most common postpartum complications in Poland and Germany were first-degree perineal tears, episiotomies and anemia. Among the postpartum complications, cervical tears, revision of the uterine cavity, and episiotomy were significantly more common in Poland. First- and second-degree perineal tears were more frequent in Germany.

Chorionic-based intrahepatic cholestasis in pregnancy on perinatal outcome in twin pregnancies

This study investigates the impact of twin intrahepatic cholestasis in pregnancy (ICP) in different chorionicity scenarios on pregnancy outcome and risk factors. This retrospective study was designed to investigate the association between ICP and pregnancy outcomes and associated risk factors. Logistic regression analysis was used to verify the correlation between ICP and pregnancy outcome and the associated risk factors with the risk of ICP. Pregnant women with ICP had less gestational weight gain (16.19 ± 5.28 vs 17.78 ± 7.19, P = .018), a smaller number of deliveries (16.26% vs 26.40%, P = .016), and less spontaneous pregnancy (50.41% vs 61.73%, P = .019). The mean birth weight of pregnant women without ICP was lower (2328.07 ± 461.82 vs 2404.70 ± 504.58, P = .023), and the prepregnancy hepatitis B virus (HBV) antigen carrying rate was lower (12.20% vs 6.16%, P = .021). Pregnancy weight gain (0.95 (0.92, 0.99) P = .009) and the number of weeks in labor (0.88 (0.81, 0.96) P = .003) were negatively associated with the risk of ICP. Assisted reproductive technology use (1.38 (0.70, 1.79) P = .635) and HBV carrier before pregnancy (2.51 (1.42, 4.48) P = .002) were positively associated with ICP risk. In monochorionic twins, those with ICP were more likely to have abnormal amniotic fluid (15.79% vs 2.16%, P = .012), while those without ICP were less likely to have abnormal amniotic fluid (0.90 (0.83, 0.97) P = .004). In double chorion twins, the incidence of preterm birth was higher in women with ICP (40.00% vs 24.14, P = .002), and the risk of preterm birth was reduced in women without ICP (0.87 (0.79, 0.96) P = .005). In terms of neonatal outcomes, women with ICP were more likely to have a stillbirth (5.26% vs 0.48% P = .037), and stillbirth was less likely to occur without ICP (0.95 (0.92, 0.98) P = .002). Our study illustrates that twin pregnancies with maternal comorbid ICP have lower birth weight, degree of weight gain during pregnancy and prepregnancy HBV carriage is strongly associated with the development of ICP. ICP contributes to adverse perinatal outcomes such as stillbirth, preterm labor, and differentiates between different chorionic twin pregnancy outcomes. The risk of ICP is differently affected by the degree of weight gain during pregnancy, gestational week of delivery, assisted reproductive technology, and prepregnancy HBV carriage.

Prediction of the ideal gestational weight gain for reducing the risk of macrosomia/large for gestational age in women with gestational diabetes mellitus in northern Taiwan

BACKGROUND

Appropriate weight gain reduces the risk of fetal macrosomia and large for gestational age (LGA) in women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), especially in the second and third trimester. This study aims to identify the optimal weight g-ain for such women across several pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI) categories to lower the risk of macrosomia and LGA.

METHODS

This retrospective cohort study enrolled women with GDM in north Taiwan who delivered between January 2012 and July 2022. BMI cut-offs were based on Chinese-specific guidelines and used to classify the participants as underweight (<18.5 kg/m2), normal weight (18.5-24.0 kg/m2), overweight (24.0-28.0 kg/m2), or obese (>28 kg/m2). Receiver operator curve analysis was used to determine the optimum GWG cut-off ranges to predict macrosomia / LGA, and uni- and multivariate analyses were used to analyze risk factors. In addition, a multivariable model predicting macrosomia and LGA in infants was developed.

RESULTS

A total of 963 participants was included in our analysis. Optimal mean weekly rates of GWG in the second and third trimesters were 0.43 kg/week and 0.61 kg/week, respectively, in the underweight and normal weight group, and 0.33 kg/week and 0.32 kg/week, respectively, in the overweight and obesity group.

CONCLUSION

The 2009 IOM guidelines, offering weight gain recommendations for pregnant women, appear to be applicable to Asian women diagnosed with GDM. This indicates that it is essential for such women to maintain an adequate total GWG throughout pregnancy. Physicians should address GWG using the IOM guidelines and trigger intervention when it is required to reduce macrosomia and LGA occurrence.

Low Prognostic Nutritional Index (PNI) Level is Associated with an Increased Risk of Neonatal Respiratory Distress Syndrome in Preterm Infants with Different Gestational Ages: A Retrospective Study

Background

Neonatal respiratory distress syndrome (NRDS) is common in preterm infants. Prognostic nutritional index (PNI)((albumin (g/L)+(5×total lymphocyte count (109/L)) is a comprehensive indicator of nutritional and immune levels, and associated with several diseases. The relationship between PNI and the risk of NRDS in newborns of different gestational ages remains unclear.

Methods

A total of 2722 preterm infants were included in this retrospective study. PNI level and clinical records of these neonates (adverse pregnancy and birth history, amniotic fluid contamination, nuchal cord, placental abnormality, mode of delivery, gender and birth weight of neonates, Apgar scores) were collected. The clinical features of the infants with and without NRDS were compared. Logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate the relationship between PNI and NRDS in newborns with different gestational ages.

Results

There were 1226 neonates with NRDS and 1496 without NRDS. The differences in the proportions of placenta abnormality, cesarean section, and small for gestational age (SGA) among infants with 34-37 weeks, 28+1-33+6 weeks, and ≤28 weeks gestational age were statistically significant. Logistic analysis showed that cesarean section (odds ratio (OR): 1.550, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.197-2.007, p=0.001), and low PNI (OR: 1.417, 95% CI: 1.110-1.808, p=0.005) were associated with NRDS in infants born at 34-37 weeks gestational. Adverse pregnancy and birth history (OR: 1.507, 95% CI: 1.124-2.019, p=0.006), SGA (OR: 1.994, 95% CI: 1.455-2.733, p<0.001), and low PNI (OR: 1.626, 95% CI: 1.230-2.149, p=0.001) were associated with NRDS in infants with 28+1-33+6 weeks gestational age. Low PNI (OR: 5.512, 95% CI: 1.555-19.536, p=0.008) was associated with NRDS in infants with ≤28 weeks gestational age.

Conclusion

The risk factors for NRDS in preterm infants with different gestational ages were different. But the low PNI level is associated with an increased risk of NRDS in preterm infants with all different gestational ages.

Serum triglyceride to high density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio in late pregnancy as a potential predictor of adverse birth outcomes: an analysis of real-world data

BACKGROUND

The association between serum triglyceride to high density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio (THR) in late pregnancy and adverse birth outcomes (ABO) remains controversial because of inconsistent results. The present study assessed the association between maternal serum THR and incidence of ABO [preterm birth (PTB), small and large for gestational age (SGA/LGA), low birth weight (LBW) and macrosomia] in a Chinese population.

METHODS

A total of 11,553 consecutive participants from a real-world database with data on lipid profiles and birth outcomes were included. Logistic regression models were applied to assess the association between THR and incident ABO. Mediation analysis was performed to investigate the contribution of pregnancy complications [gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP) and pre-eclampsia (PE)] to this association.

RESULTS

Approximately 6.6% (762/11,553), 8.9% (1023/11,553), 15.5% (1792/11,553), 4.3% (494/11,553), and 7.4% (851/11,553) of individuals developed PTB, SGA, LGA, LBW and macrosomia, respectively. Significant trends across the quintiles of THR toward decreasing incidence of SGA and LBW and increasing incidence of LGA and macrosomia were observed. The multivariate-adjusted odds ratios (OR) in the top quintile of serum THR (> 3.16) versus the bottom quintile (< 1.44) were 0.52 for PTB, 0.48 for SGA, 0.64 for LBW, 2.80 for LGA and 3.80 for macrosomia, respectively. A 1-standard deviation (SD) increase in serum THR was associated with decreased risk of PTB [OR = 0.84, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.76-0.93), SGA (OR = 0.71, 95% CI:0.65-0.78) and LBW (OR = 0.76, 95% CI:0.65-0.90) and increased risk of LGA (OR = 1.40, 95% CI:1.32-1.49) and macrosomia (OR = 1.49, 95% CI:1.38-1.62). In mediation analyses, PE mediated - 19.8%, -10.6% and - 24.6% of THR-associated PTB, SGA and LBW, respectively, GDM accounted for - 3.7%, 6.8% and 4.3% of THR-associated PTB, LGA and macrosomia, respectively, and ICP explained - 1.9% and - 2.1% of THR-associated PTB and LBW, respectively. In addition, incorporating THR to ABO predictive models significantly improved the area under the curve for SGA (0.743 vs. 0.753, P < 0.001), LGA (0.734 vs. 0.745, P < 0.001) and macrosomia (0.786 vs. 0.800, P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Real-world data showed an association between serum THR in late pregnancy and ABO risk, and this association may be partially mediated by prevalent pregnancy complications (PE/GDM/ICP), suggesting a potential role of THR in predicting ABO (SGA/LGA/macrosomia).

Induction of Labor: A Narrative Review on Cost Efficiency in Maternity Care

The clinical and financial implications of induction of labor (IOL) in comparison to elective cesarean sections and expectant management are examined in this review. IOL is frequently used to avoid complications such as hypertensive disorders and stillbirth, but is can be expensive, particularly if a failed induction is followed by a cesarean. The cost-effectiveness of IOL varies based on factors such as gestational age, maternal obesity, and prior cesareans. Misoprostol has proven to be a more cost-effective induction method than oxytocin, with higher success rates for vaginal delivery and shorter hospital stays. However, spontaneous labor remains the most cost-efficient option, requiring fewer interventions and reducing costs. Membrane sweeping is one alternative that reduces costs and promotes unplanned labor. Although high-risk situations may necessitate elective IOL, routine use of these devices without a medical necessity raises expenditures without enhancing outcomes. It is recommended that healthcare professionals implement careful labor management techniques, utilizing cost-effective approaches whenever feasible, particularly in resource-limited settings. More randomized trials are required to evaluate the long-term effects of IOL on costs and health, thus shaping future labor management strategies.

Do neonatal birth weight thresholds for labor dystocia outcomes differ between short and normal stature women?

OBJECTIVE

To determine if there is a correlation between maternal short stature and neonatal birth weight among women with adverse outcomes related to labor dystocia.

METHODS

The medical records of singleton deliveries with adverse obstetric outcomes related to labor dystocia during 2014-2020, in a single tertiary center, were reviewed. Outcomes included at least one of the following: cesarean delivery (CD) due to cephalopelvic disproportion (CPD), prolonged second stage, shoulder dystocia, third- or fourth-degree perineal tear. Maternal short stature was defined as height below the 10th centile (short stature group) and normal stature was defined as maternal height between the 10th and 90th centiles (normal stature group). Maternal and neonatal characteristics were compared between the groups.

RESULTS

A total of 3295 women were included, among them, 307 in the short stature group (9.3%, height 1.52 ± 0.02 m) and 2988 in the normal stature group (90.7%, height 1.63 ± 0.04 m). Evaluating the entire cohort revealed similar neonatal birth weights comparing the short and normal stature groups. A subgroup analysis of women after CD due to CPD (n = 296) revealed lower neonatal birth weights in the short stature group (n = 31) compared with the normal stature group (n = 265) (3215 ± 411 vs 3484 ± 427 g, P = 0.001, respectively). Multivariable linear regression was performed for women who underwent CD due to CPD. After adjusting for obesity and diabetes mellitus, short stature and nulliparity were found to be independently associated with decreased neonatal birth weight (266 g less for short stature, P = 0.001, and 294 g less for nulliparity, P = 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Among women with short stature, CD due to CPD occurs at lower neonatal birth weights.

Maternal Dietary Cholesterol and Egg Intake during Pregnancy and Large-for-Gestational-Age Infants: A Prospective Cohort Study

BACKGROUND

Cholesterol plays a vital role in fetal growth and development during pregnancy. There remains controversy over whether pregnant females should limit their cholesterol intake.

OBJECTIVES

The objective of this study was to investigate the association between maternal dietary cholesterol intake during pregnancy and infant birth weight in a Chinese prospective cohort study.

METHODS

A total of 4146 mother-child pairs were included based on the Jiangsu Birth Cohort study. Maternal dietary information was assessed with a semiquantitative food-frequency questionnaire. Birth weight z-scores and large-for-gestational-age (LGA) infants were converted by the INTERGROWTH-21st neonatal weight-for-gestational-age standard. Poisson regression and generalized estimating equations were employed to examine the relationships between LGA and maternal dietary cholesterol across the entire pregnancy and trimester-specific cholesterol intake, respectively.

RESULTS

The median intake of maternal total dietary cholesterol during the entire pregnancy was 671.06 mg/d, with eggs being the main source. Maternal total dietary cholesterol and egg-sourced cholesterol were associated with an increase in birth weight z-score, with per standard deviation increase in maternal total and egg-sourced dietary cholesterol being associated with an increase of 0.16 [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.07, 0.25] and 0.06 (95% CI: 0.03, 0.09) in birth weight z-score, respectively. Egg-derived cholesterol intake in the first and third trimesters was positively linked to LGA, with an adjusted relative risk of 1.11 (95% CI: 1.04, 1.18) and 1.09 (95% CI: 1.00, 1.18). Compared with mothers consuming ≤7 eggs/wk in the third trimester, the adjusted relative risk for having an LGA newborn was 1.37 (95% CI: 1.09, 1.72) for consuming 8-10 eggs/wk and 1.45 (95% CI: 1.12, 1.86) for consuming >10 eggs/wk (P-trend = 0.015).

CONCLUSIONS

Maternal total dietary cholesterol intake, as well as consuming over 7 eggs/wk during pregnancy, displayed significant positive relationships with the incidence of LGA, suggesting that mothers should avoid excessive cholesterol intake during pregnancy to prevent adverse birth outcomes.

Cord Blood Proteomic Profiles, Birth Weight, and Early Life Growth Trajectories

Importance

The cord blood proteome, a repository of proteins derived from both mother and fetus, might offer valuable insights into the physiological and pathological state of the fetus. However, its association with birth weight and growth trajectories early in life remains unexplored.

Objective

To identify cord blood proteins associated with birth weight and the birth weight ratio (BWR) and to evaluate the associations of these cord blood proteins with early growth trajectories.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This cohort study included 288 mother-child pairs from the ongoing prospective Environmental Influence on Early Aging birth cohort study. Newborns were recruited from East-Limburg Hospital in Genk, Belgium, between February 2010 and November 2017 and followed up until ages 4 to 6 years. Data were analyzed from February 2022 to September 2023.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The outcome of interest was the associations of 368 inflammatory-related cord blood proteins with birth weight or BWR and with early life growth trajectories (ie, rapid growth at age 12 months and weight, body mass index [BMI] z score, waist circumference, and overweight at age 4-6 years) using multiple linear regression models. The BWR was calculated by dividing the birth weight by the median birth weight of the population-specific reference growth curve, considering parity, sex, and gestational age. Results are presented as estimates or odds ratios (ORs) for each doubling in proteins.

Results

The sample included 288 infants (125 [43.4%] male; mean [SD] gestation age, 277.2 [11.6] days). The mean (SD) age of the child at the follow-up examination was 4.6 (0.4) years old. After multiple testing correction, there were significant associations of birth weight and BWR with 7 proteins: 2 positive associations: afamin (birth weight: coefficient, 341.16 [95% CI, 192.76 to 489.50]) and secreted frizzled-related protein 4 (SFRP4; birth weight: coefficient, 242.60 [95% CI, 142.77 to 342.43]; BWR: coefficient, 0.07 [95% CI, 0.04 to 0.10]) and 5 negative associations: cadherin EGF LAG 7-pass G-type receptor 2 (CELSR2; birth weight: coefficient, -237.52 [95% CI, -343.15 to -131.89]), ephrin type-A receptor 4 (EPHA4; birth weight: coefficient, -342.78 [95% CI, -463.10 to -222.47]; BWR: coefficient, -0.11 [95% CI, -0.14 to -0.07]), SLIT and NTRK-like protein 1 (SLITRK1; birth weight: coefficient, -366.32 [95% CI, -476.66 to -255.97]; BWR: coefficient, -0.11 [95% CI, -0.15 to -0.08]), transcobalamin-1 (TCN1; birth weight: coefficient, -208.75 [95% CI, -305.23 to -112.26]), and unc-5 netrin receptor D (UNC5D; birth weight: coefficient, -209.27 [95% CI, -295.14 to -123.40]; BWR: coefficient, -0.07 [95% CI, -0.09 to -0.04]). Further evaluation showed that 2 proteins were still associated with rapid growth at age 12 months (afamin: OR, 0.32 [95% CI, 0.11-0.88]; TCN1: OR, 2.44 [95% CI, 1.26-4.80]). At age 4 to 6 years, CELSR2, EPHA4, SLITRK1, and UNC5D were negatively associated with weight (coefficients, -1.33 to -0.68 kg) and body mass index z score (coefficients, -0.41 to -0.23), and EPHA4, SLITRK1, and UNC5D were negatively associated with waist circumference (coefficients, -1.98 to -0.87 cm). At ages 4 to 6 years, afamin (OR, 0.19 [95% CI, 0.05-0.70]) and SLITRK1 (OR, 0.32 [95% CI, 0.10-0.99]) were associated with lower odds for overweight.

Conclusions and Relevance

This cohort study found 7 cord blood proteins associated with birth weight and growth trajectories early in life. Overall, these findings suggest that stressors that could affect the cord blood proteome during pregnancy might have long-lasting associations with weight and body anthropometrics.

Trajectories tracking of maternal and neonatal health in eastern China from 2010 to 2021: A multicentre cross-sectional study

Background

China's fertility policy has dramatically changed in the past decade with the successive promulgation of the partial two-child policy, universal two-child policy and three-child policy. The trajectories of maternal and neonatal health accompanied the changes in fertility policy are unknown.

Methods

We obtained data of 280 203 deliveries with six common pregnancy complications and thirteen perinatal outcomes between 2010 and 2021 in eastern China. The average annual percent change (AAPC) was calculated to evaluated the temporal trajectories of obstetric characteristics and adverse outcomes during this period. Then, the autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA) models were constructed to project future trend of obstetric characteristics and outcomes until 2027.

Results

The proportion of advanced maternal age (AMA), assisted reproduction technology (ART) treatment, gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), anaemia, thrombocytopenia, thyroid dysfunction, oligohydramnios, placental abruption, small for gestational age (SGA) infants, and congenital malformation significantly increased from 2010 to 2021. However, the placenta previa, large for gestational age (LGA) infants and stillbirth significantly decreased during the same period. The AMA and ART treatment were identified as independent risk factors for the uptrends of pregnancy complications and adverse perinatal outcomes. The overall caesarean section rate remained above 40%. Importantly, among multiparas, a previous caesarean section was found to be associated with a significantly reduced risk of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP), premature rupture of membranes (PROM), placenta previa, placental abruption, perinatal asphyxia, LGA infants, stillbirths, and preterm births. In addition, the ARIMA time series models predicted increasing trends in the ART treatment, GDM, anaemia, thrombocytopenia, postpartum haemorrhage, congenital malformation, and caesarean section until 2027. Conversely, a decreasing trend was predicted for HDP, PROM, and placental abruption premature, LGA infants, SGA infants, perinatal asphyxia, and stillbirth.

Conclusions

Maternal and neonatal adverse outcomes became more prevalent from 2010 to 2021 in China. Maternal age and ART treatment were independent risk factors for adverse obstetric outcomes. The findings offered comprehensive trajectories for monitoring pregnancy complications and perinatal outcomes in China, and provided robust intervention targets in obstetric safety. The development of early prediction models and the implementation of prevention efforts for adverse obstetric events are necessary to enhance obstetric safety.

Trajectories of maternal D-dimer are associated with the risk of developing adverse maternal and perinatal outcomes: a prospective birth cohort study

OBJECTIVE

To assess the relationships of maternal D-dimer trajectories with the risk of developing adverse maternal and perinatal outcomes (AMPOs).

METHODS

A prospective birth cohort study was conducted in China, and 7,095 women who had singleton birth were included. The latent class growth model was used to determine the maternal D-dimer trajectory.

RESULTS

Three maternal D-dimer trajectories were identified: (1) slight increase (43.6%), (2) rapid rise (51.3%), (3) sustained high (5.1%). Compared to pregnant women with a slight increase in D-dimer trajectory, the risk of gestational diabetes mellitus, placenta previa, macrosomia, large for gestational age (LGA), and increased postpartum bleeding was significantly increased in those with a rapid rise trajectory (adjusted OR=1.22, 2.00, 1.80, and 1.56, adjusted β=15.92∼25.1ml, respectively, P<0.05), and women with a sustained high trajectory also demonstrated a relatively elevated risk of macrosomia and LGA (adjusted OR=2.11 and 1.82, respectively, P<0.05). While the odds of pregnancy-induced hypertension, low birth weight, and small for gestational age in pregnant women with the rapid rise D-dimer trajectory and fetal distress in those with sustained high trajectory exhibited a reduction (adjusted OR=0.62, 0.38, 0.54, and 0.64, respectively, P<0.05).

CONCLUSION

This study highlights the influence of inappropriate maternal D-dimer trajectories on the risk of AMPOs.

Hyperinsulinaemia in pregnancy and gestational outcomes: A case series

Background: Pathological insulin resistance in pregnancy is associated with an increased risk for complications such as gestational diabetes mellitus and pre-eclampsia. Individuals with pathological insulin resistance also exhibit hyperinsulinaemia. Currently, there are no diagnostic criteria for pathological hyperinsulinaemia in pregnancy that may be used to indicate risk of adverse outcomes.Aim: This case series aimed to explore the relationship between first trimester insulin response patterns and gestational outcomes.Setting: Auckland, New Zealand.Methods: Participants included four pregnant women with prepregnancy body mass index ≥ 25 kg/m2 and aged 25–35 years. Glucose and insulin response patterns were examined following a 120 min oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) at 12–15 weeks of gestation using a modified Kraft methodology. Outcomes assessed at 25 and 35 weeks of gestation included gestational weight gain (GWG), blood pressure, fasting capillary blood glucose and foetal growth. Lifestyle and medical information were collected at each trimester. After delivery, total GWG, infant size, delivery method and clinical outcomes were recorded.Results: Kraft pattern IIB hyperinsulinaemia was identified in two cases. Amongst them, Case #1 experienced excessive GWG, induction of labour and surgically assisted delivery. Case #4 delivered by emergency caesarean, and the neonate required intensive care admission for 17 h. No cases developed hyperglycaemia or hypertension. Infant weights were between 3.75 kg and 3.86 kg.Conclusion: Dynamic insulin assay provides a promising template to assess metabolic risk in the first trimester of pregnancy. Diagnosing hyperinsulinaemia early in pregnancy means that lifestyle-based initiatives could be introduced earlier to mitigate excess GWG and potential adverse outcomes.

Optimal timing of labour induction in contemporary clinical practice

Induction of labour (IoL) is generally conducted when maternal and foetal risks of remaining pregnant outweigh the risks of delivery. With emerging literature around non-medically indicated IoL, contemporary clinical practice has seen an increase in IoL at 39 weeks' gestation. This review highlights recent evidence on the most common indications for IoL including gestational diabetes, hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy, and post-term pregnancies. It also summarizes the evidence related to the timing of IoL for other common conditions based on recent literature reviews.