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Rostin P, Verlohren S, Henrich W, Braun T. Trends in antenatal corticosteroid administration: did our timing improve? J Perinat Med 2024; 52:501-508. [PMID: 38662540 DOI: 10.1515/jpm-2023-0353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 03/10/2024] [Indexed: 06/02/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES We aimed to analyze trends in the rate of effective antenatal corticosteroid prophylaxis (ACS) administrations across a spectrum of typical diagnoses associated with preterm birth. METHODS In this retrospective study we utilized delivery data after ACS from 2014 to 2020 at Charité Berlin, Germany. We evaluated the rate of effective ACS administrations defined as ≤10 days between last dose of ACS and delivery as well as the rate of post-ACS births on/after 37 + 0 weeks. We explored conditions associated with high rates of ineffective ACS administrations (>10 days before delivery). We analyzed the trend of ACS-effectiveness during the study period in the overall cohort and in placental dysfunction and cervical insufficiency diagnoses. RESULTS The overall rate of effective ACS administrations was 42 % (709/1,672). The overall percentage of deliveries after/at 37 + 0 weeks following ACS administration was 19 % (343). Placenta previa, twin pregnancy and isthmocervical insufficiency were associated with ineffective ACS (19-34 % effective i.e. ≤10 days before delivery). The overall ratio of effective ACS applications rose over time (p=0.002). Over the course of this study ACS effectiveness increased in placental dysfunction and isthmocervical insufficiency diagnoses (p=0.028; p=0.001). CONCLUSIONS Compared to a previous publication we found a decrease of post-ACS deliveries after/at 37 + 0 weeks (19 vs. 27 %). Ineffective ACS administrations are still frequent in patients with placenta previa, twin pregnancy and isthmocervical insufficiency. It remains to be investigated in future trials if the introduction of new diagnostic tools such as soluble Fms-like tyrosinkinase-1/placental growth factor (sFlt-1/PlGF) testing and placental alpha-microglobulin-1 (PAMG-1) testing directly led to an increased ACS effectiveness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul Rostin
- Department of Obstetrics, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
| | - Stefan Verlohren
- Department of Obstetrics, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Henrich
- Department of Obstetrics, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
| | - Thorsten Braun
- Department of Obstetrics, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
- Department of 'Experimental Obstetrics' and Study Group 'Perinatal Programming', Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
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2
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Schlein SM, Reno EM, Coffey CH, Casper LM, Klein DA, Claypool MS, Wiitala EL, Keyes LE. Environmental Exposures and Risks During Pregnancy. Wilderness Environ Med 2024:10806032241248626. [PMID: 38706212 DOI: 10.1177/10806032241248626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/07/2024]
Abstract
The Women in Wilderness Medicine Research Committee of the Wilderness Medical Society conducted a narrative review to address considerations for pregnant individuals in wilderness environments. There is limited evidence behind many opinion-based recommendations on the safety of various environmental exposures in pregnancy. The authors reviewed the literature for the best available evidence, including observational studies, case series, limited controlled trials, and extrapolation from physiological data, as well as evaluating expert consensus statements. The benefits of exposure to natural environments include better pregnancy outcomes and improved maternal mental and physical health. Risks are similar to nonpregnant individuals with the added risks associated with maternal-fetal physiology in wilderness environments and difficulties of evacuation. This narrative review discusses pregnancy-specific concerns in extreme environments, including high altitude, hypothermia, hyperthermia, lightning strikes, envenomations, and common outdoor exposures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah M Schlein
- Larner College of Medicine, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT
| | - Elaine M Reno
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO
| | | | | | - David A Klein
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of California San Diego, San Diego, CA
| | | | - Ellen L Wiitala
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT
| | - Linda E Keyes
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO
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Ninan K, Murphy KE, Asztalos EV, Jiang Y, Huszti E, Matthews SG, Santaguida P, Mukerji A, McDonald SD. The Impact of Infant Sex on Multiple Courses versus a Single Course of Antenatal Corticosteroids: A Secondary Analysis of a Randomized Controlled Trial. Am J Perinatol 2024; 41:e2919-e2926. [PMID: 37935374 DOI: 10.1055/s-0043-1776348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Animal literature has suggested that the impact of antenatal corticosteroids (ACS) may vary by infant sex. Our objective was to assess the impact of infant sex on the use of multiple courses versus a single course of ACS and perinatal outcomes. STUDY DESIGN We conducted a secondary analysis of the Multiple Courses of Antenatal Corticosteroids for Preterm Birth trial, which randomly allocated pregnant people to multiple courses versus a single course of ACS. Our primary outcome was a composite of perinatal mortality or clinically significant neonatal morbidity (including neonatal death, stillbirth, severe respiratory distress syndrome, intraventricular hemorrhage [grade III or IV], cystic periventricular leukomalacia, and necrotizing enterocolitis [stage II or III]). Secondary outcomes included individual components of the primary outcome as well as anthropometric measures. Baseline characteristics were compared between participants who received multiple courses versus a single course of ACS. An interaction between exposure to ACS and infant sex was assessed for significance and multivariable regression analyses were conducted with adjustment for predefined covariates, when feasible. RESULTS Data on 2,300 infants were analyzed. The interaction term between treatment status (multiple courses vs. a single course of ACS) and infant sex was not significant for the primary outcome (p = 0.86), nor for any of the secondary outcomes (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION Infant sex did not modify the association between exposure to ACS and perinatal outcomes including perinatal mortality or neonatal morbidity or anthropometric outcomes. However, animal literature indicates that sex-specific differences after exposure to ACS may emerge over time and thus investigating long-term sex-specific outcomes warrants further attention. KEY POINTS · We explored the impact of infant sex on perinatal outcomes after multiple versus a single course of ACS.. · Infant sex was not a significant effect modifier of ACS exposure and perinatal outcomes.. · Animal literature indicates that sex-specific differences after ACS exposure may emerge over time.. · Further investigation of long-term sex-specific outcomes is warranted..
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Affiliation(s)
- Kiran Ninan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence, and Impact, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Kellie E Murphy
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Elizabeth V Asztalos
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Yidi Jiang
- Biostatistics Research Unit, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Ella Huszti
- Biostatistics Research Unit, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Stephen G Matthews
- Department of Physiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Pasqualina Santaguida
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence, and Impact, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Amit Mukerji
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, McMaster University, Ontario, Canada
| | - Sarah D McDonald
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence, and Impact, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Radiology, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
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Hamada H, Casciaro C, Moisiadis VG, Constantinof A, Kostaki A, Matthews SG. Prenatal maternal glucocorticoid exposure modifies sperm miRNA profiles across multiple generations in the guinea-pig. J Physiol 2024; 602:2127-2139. [PMID: 38285002 DOI: 10.1113/jp284942] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 01/30/2024] Open
Abstract
Maternal stress and glucocorticoid exposure during pregnancy have multigenerational effects on neuroendocrine function and behaviours in offspring. Importantly, effects are transmitted through the paternal lineage. Altered phenotypes are associated with profound differences in transcription and DNA methylation in the brain. In the present study, we hypothesized that maternal prenatal synthetic glucocorticoid (sGC) exposure in the F0 pregnancy will result in differences in miRNA levels in testes germ cells and sperm across multiple generations, and that these changes will associate with modified microRNA (miRNA) profiles and gene expression in the prefrontal cortex (PFC) of subsequent generations. Pregnant guinea-pigs (F0) were treated with multiple courses of the sGC betamethasone (Beta) (1 mg kg-1; gestational days 40, 41, 50, 51, 60 and 61) in late gestation. miRNA levels were assessed in testes germ cells and in F2 PFC using the GeneChip miRNA 4.0 Array and candidate miRNA measured in epididymal sperm by quantitative real-time PCR. Maternal Beta exposure did not alter miRNA levels in germ cells derived from the testes of adult male offspring. However, there were significant differences in the levels of four candidate miRNAs in the sperm of F1 and F2 adult males. There were no changes in miRNA levels in the PFC of juvenile F2 female offspring. The present study has identified that maternal Beta exposure leads to altered miRNA levels in sperm that are apparent for at least two generations. The fact that differences were confined to epididymal sperm suggests that the intergenerational effects of Beta may target the epididymis. KEY POINTS: Paternal glucocorticoid exposure prior to conception leads to profound epigenetic changes in the brain and somatic tissues in offspring, and microRNAs (miRNAs) in sperm may mediate these changes. We show that there were significant differences in the miRNA profile of epididymal sperm in two generations following prenatal glucocorticoid exposure that were not observed in germ cells derived from the testes. The epididymis is a probable target for intergenerational programming. The effects of prenatal glucocorticoid treatment may span multiple generations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hirotaka Hamada
- Departments of Physiology, Obstetrics and Gynaecology and Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan
| | - Christopher Casciaro
- Departments of Physiology, Obstetrics and Gynaecology and Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Vasilis G Moisiadis
- Departments of Physiology, Obstetrics and Gynaecology and Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Andrea Constantinof
- Departments of Physiology, Obstetrics and Gynaecology and Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Alisa Kostaki
- Departments of Physiology, Obstetrics and Gynaecology and Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Stephen G Matthews
- Departments of Physiology, Obstetrics and Gynaecology and Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Sinai Health Systems, Toronto, ON, Canada
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Best C, Hascoet JM, Jeanbert E, Morel O, Baumann C, Renard E. Impact of corticosteroid exposure on preterm labor in neonates eventually born at term. J Perinatol 2024; 44:195-202. [PMID: 38040875 DOI: 10.1038/s41372-023-01831-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2023] [Revised: 10/24/2023] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 12/03/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the impact of antenatal corticosteroid therapy (ACS) on birth outcomes in term infants exposed during pregnancy. STUDY DESIGN Exposed newborns were compared with non-exposed controls in a 1 to 2 design. Multivariate analysis was used to assess the effect of ACS exposure on neonatal outcomes. RESULT 408 newborns were included (136 exposed to ACS, 272 non-exposed). Mean ± SD head circumference (HC) was 33.7 ± 1.4 vs 34.3 ± 1.6 cm, p = 0.001 in exposed vs controls; birth weight was 3.1 ± 0.4 vs 3.3 ± 0.4 kg, p = 0.0001; and birth height was 47.9 ± 2.1 vs. 49.1 ± 2.0 cm, p < 0.0001. Hypocalcemia (4.4 vs 0.7%, p = 0.019) and feeding difficulties (5.1 vs 1.5%, p = 0.047) were significantly more common in exposed newborns. Multivariate analysis for HC showed a significant independent association with ACS exposure (β = -0.5, p = 0.009). CONCLUSION Term newborns exposed to ACS have lower birth HC and higher risk of neonatal complications. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION NCT05640596.
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Affiliation(s)
- Céline Best
- Pediatric Endocrinology-Pediatric Department, Children's Hospital, University Hospital of Nancy, Vandœuvre-Les-Nancy, France
| | - Jean-Michel Hascoet
- Department of Neonatology, CHRU of Nancy; DevAH, Lorraine University, Vandœuvre-Les-Nancy, France
| | - Elodie Jeanbert
- DRCI, MPI Department, Methodology, Data Management and Statistics Unit, University Hospital of Nancy, Vandœuvre-Les-Nancy, France
| | - Olivier Morel
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Maternity Hospital CHRU of Nancy, Lorraine University, Vandœuvre-Les-Nancy, France
| | - Cédric Baumann
- DRCI, MPI Department, Methodology, Data Management and Statistics Unit, University Hospital of Nancy, Vandœuvre-Les-Nancy, France
| | - Emeline Renard
- Pediatric Endocrinology-Pediatric Department, Children's Hospital, University Hospital of Nancy, Vandœuvre-Les-Nancy, France.
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Chawanpaiboon S, Chukaew R, Pooliam J. A comparison of 2 doses of antenatal dexamethasone for the prevention of respiratory distress syndrome: an open-label, noninferiority, pragmatic randomized trial. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2024; 230:260.e1-260.e19. [PMID: 37442247 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajog.2023.07.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2023] [Revised: 06/28/2023] [Accepted: 07/06/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Antenatal corticosteroids have been used for the prevention of respiratory complications, intraventricular hemorrhage, necrotizing enterocolitis, and other adverse neonatal outcomes for over 50 years, with limited evidence about their optimal doses. Higher steroid doses or frequencies of antenatal corticosteroids in preterm newborns pose adverse effects such as prolonged adrenal suppression, negative effects on fetal programming and metabolism, and increased risks of neurodevelopmental and neuropsychological impairments. Conversely, lower doses of antenatal corticosteroids may be an effective alternative to induce fetal lung maturation with less risk to the fetus. Late preterm births represent the largest population of all preterm neonates, with a respiratory distress syndrome risk of 8.83%. Therefore, determining the optimal antenatal corticosteroid dosage is of particular importance for this population. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to compare the efficacy of 5-mg and 6-mg dexamethasone in preventing neonatal respiratory distress syndrome in women with preterm births at 320 to 366 weeks of gestation. STUDY DESIGN This was an open-label, randomized, controlled, noninferiority trial. Singleton pregnant women (n=370) at 320 to 366 weeks of gestation with spontaneous preterm labor or preterm premature rupture of membranes were enrolled. They were randomly assigned (1:1) to a 5-mg or 6-mg dexamethasone group. Dexamethasone was administered intramuscularly every 12 hours for 4 doses or until delivery. The primary outcome was the reduction in neonatal respiratory distress syndrome cases, whereas the secondary outcomes were any adverse maternal or neonatal events. RESULTS Between December 2020 and April 2022, 370 eligible women, anticipating deliveries within the gestational range of 32 0/7 to 36 6/7 weeks, willingly participated in the study. They were evenly split, with 185 women assigned to the 5-mg group and 185 to the 6-mg group. The study revealed that the demographic profiles of the participants in the 2 groups were remarkably similar, with no statistically significant disparities (P>.05). It is noteworthy that most of these women gave birth after 34 weeks of gestation. Despite a substantial proportion not completing the full course of steroid treatment, the 5-mg dose exhibited noninferiority compared with the 6-mg dose of dexamethasone, as indicated by a modest proportional difference of 0.5% (95% confidence interval, -2.8 to 43.9). Neonatal respiratory distress syndrome occurred in a relatively low percentage of newborns in both groups, affecting 2.2% in the 5-mg group and 1.6% in the 6-mg group. Notably, the risk difference of 0.6% fell comfortably within the predefined noninferiority threshold of 10%. CONCLUSION Our study suggests that a 5-mg dexamethasone dose is noninferior to a standard 6-mg dose in preventing neonatal respiratory distress syndrome in preterm births.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saifon Chawanpaiboon
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand.
| | - Ronnakorn Chukaew
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Julaporn Pooliam
- Clinical Epidemiological Unit, Office for Research and Development, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
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7
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Thompson WD, Reynolds RM, Beaumont RN, Warrington NM, Tyrrell J, Wood AR, Evans DM, McDonald TJ, Hattersley AH, Freathy RM, Lawlor DA, Borges MC. Maternal plasma cortisol's effect on offspring birth weight: a Mendelian Randomisation study. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 2024; 24:65. [PMID: 38225564 PMCID: PMC10789047 DOI: 10.1186/s12884-024-06250-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2023] [Accepted: 01/03/2024] [Indexed: 01/17/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Observational studies and randomized controlled trials have found evidence that higher maternal circulating cortisol levels in pregnancy are associated with lower offspring birth weight. However, it is possible that the observational associations are due to residual confounding. METHODS We performed two-sample Mendelian Randomisation (MR) using a single genetic variant (rs9989237) associated with morning plasma cortisol (GWAS; sample 1; N = 25,314). The association between this maternal genetic variant and offspring birth weight, adjusted for fetal genotype, was obtained from the published EGG Consortium and UK Biobank meta-analysis (GWAS; sample 2; N = up to 406,063) and a Wald ratio was used to estimate the causal effect. We also performed an alternative analysis using all GWAS reported cortisol variants that takes account of linkage disequilibrium. We also tested the genetic variant's effect on pregnancy cortisol and performed PheWas to search for potential pleiotropic effects. RESULTS The estimated effect of maternal circulating cortisol on birth weight was a 50 gram (95% CI, -109 to 10) lower birth weight per 1 SD higher log-transformed maternal circulating cortisol levels, using a single variant. The alternative analysis gave similar results (-33 grams (95% CI, -77 to 11)). The effect of the cortisol variant on pregnancy cortisol was 2-fold weaker than in the original GWAS, and evidence was found of pleiotropy. CONCLUSIONS Our findings provide some evidence that higher maternal morning plasma cortisol causes lower birth weight. Identification of more independent genetic instruments for morning plasma cortisol are necessary to explore the potential bias identified.
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Affiliation(s)
- W D Thompson
- Department of Clinical and Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK.
- Academic Rheumatology, Clinical Sciences Building, Nottingham City Hospital, Hucknall Road, Nottingham, NG5 1PB, United Kingdom.
| | - R M Reynolds
- Centre for Cardiovascular Science, The Queens Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - R N Beaumont
- Department of Clinical and Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | - N M Warrington
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
- K.G. Jebsen Center for Genetic Epidemiology, Department of Public Health and Nursing, NTNU, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
- Frazer Institute, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - J Tyrrell
- Department of Clinical and Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | - A R Wood
- Department of Clinical and Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | - D M Evans
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
- Frazer Institute, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
- MRC Integrative Epidemiology Unit, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - T J McDonald
- Department of Clinical and Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
- Academic Department of Blood Sciences, Royal Devon and Exeter NHS Foundation Trust, Exeter, UK
| | - A H Hattersley
- Department of Clinical and Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | - R M Freathy
- Department of Clinical and Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
- MRC Integrative Epidemiology Unit, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - D A Lawlor
- MRC Integrative Epidemiology Unit, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
- Population Health, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
- Bristol NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, Bristol, UK
| | - M C Borges
- MRC Integrative Epidemiology Unit, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
- Population Health, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
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Fee EL, Takahashi T, Takahashi Y, Carter SWD, Clarke MW, Milad MA, Usuda H, Ikeda H, Kumagai Y, Saito Y, Ireland DJ, Newnham JP, Saito M, Jobe AH, Kemp MW. Respiratory benefit in preterm lambs is progressively lost when the concentration of fetal plasma betamethasone is titrated below two nanograms per milliliter. Am J Physiol Lung Cell Mol Physiol 2023; 325:L628-L637. [PMID: 37697929 DOI: 10.1152/ajplung.00139.2023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2023] [Revised: 08/09/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 09/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Antenatal steroid therapy is the standard of care for women at imminent risk of preterm delivery. Current dosing regimens use suprapharmacological doses to achieve extended fetal steroid exposures. We aimed to determine the lowest fetal plasma betamethasone concentration sufficient to achieve functional preterm lung maturation. Ewes with single fetuses underwent surgery to install a fetal jugular catheter. Adopting a stepwise design, ewes were randomized to either a saline-only group (negative control group; n = 9) or one of four betamethasone treatment groups. Each betamethasone group fetus received a fetal intravenous infusion to target a constant plasma betamethasone level of either 1) 2 ng/mL (2 ng/mL positive control group, n = 9); 2) 1 ng/mL, (1 ng/mL group, n = 10); 3) 0.5 ng/mL (0.5 ng/mL group, n = 10); or 4) 0.25 ng/mL (0.25 ng/mL group, n = 10). Fetuses were infused for 48 h, delivered, and ventilated. The positive control group, negative control group, and mid-point 0.5 ng/mL group animals were tested first. An interim analysis informed the final betamethasone group tested. Positive control group animals had large, statistically significant improvements in respiratory function. Based on an interim analysis, the 1.0 ng/mL group was studied in favor of the 0.25 ng/mL group. Treatment efficacy was progressively lost at plasma betamethasone concentrations lower than 2 ng/mL. We demonstrated that the acute respiratory benefit conveyed by antenatal steroid exposure in the fetal sheep is progressively lost when constant fetal plasma betamethasone concentrations are reduced below a targeted value of 2 ng/mL.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Lung maturation benefits in preterm lambs were progressively lost when fetal plasma betamethasone concentrations fell below 2 ng/mL. The effective floor threshold for a robust, lung-maturing exposure likely lies between 1 and 2 ng betamethasone per milliliter of plasma. Hypothalamic pituitary adrenal axis signaling and immunocyte populations remained materially disrupted at subtherapeutic steroid concentrations. These data demonstrate the potential to improve antenatal steroid therapy using reduced dose regimens informed by glucocorticoid pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erin L Fee
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Medical School, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Tsukasa Takahashi
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Medical School, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
- Centre for Perinatal and Neonatal Medicine, Tohoku University Hospital, Sendai, Japan
| | - Yuki Takahashi
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Medical School, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
- Centre for Perinatal and Neonatal Medicine, Tohoku University Hospital, Sendai, Japan
| | - Sean W D Carter
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Medical School, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Michael W Clarke
- Metabolomics Australia, Centre for Microscopy, Characterization and Analysis, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Mark A Milad
- Milad Pharmaceutical Consulting LLC, Plymouth, Michigan, United States
| | - Haruo Usuda
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Medical School, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
- Centre for Perinatal and Neonatal Medicine, Tohoku University Hospital, Sendai, Japan
| | - Hideyuki Ikeda
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Medical School, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
- Centre for Perinatal and Neonatal Medicine, Tohoku University Hospital, Sendai, Japan
| | - Yusaku Kumagai
- Centre for Perinatal and Neonatal Medicine, Tohoku University Hospital, Sendai, Japan
| | - Yuya Saito
- Centre for Perinatal and Neonatal Medicine, Tohoku University Hospital, Sendai, Japan
| | - Demelza J Ireland
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Medical School, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - John P Newnham
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Medical School, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Masatoshi Saito
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Medical School, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
- Centre for Perinatal and Neonatal Medicine, Tohoku University Hospital, Sendai, Japan
| | - Alan H Jobe
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Medical School, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
- Department of Pediatrics, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, University of Cincinnati School of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio, United States
| | - Matthew W Kemp
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Medical School, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
- Centre for Perinatal and Neonatal Medicine, Tohoku University Hospital, Sendai, Japan
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Murdoch University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
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9
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Chen G, Ai C, Duan F, Chen Y, Cao J, Zhang J, Ao Y, Wang H. Low H3K27 acetylation of SF1 in PBMC: a biomarker for prenatal dexamethasone exposure-caused adrenal insufficiency of steroid synthesis in male offspring. Cell Biol Toxicol 2023; 39:2051-2067. [PMID: 35246761 DOI: 10.1007/s10565-021-09691-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2021] [Accepted: 12/22/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Dexamethasone is widely used to treat pregnancy disorders related to premature delivery. However, lots of researches have confirmed that prenatal dexamethasone exposure (PDE) could increase the risk of offspring multiple diseases. This study was designed to elucidate the epigenetic mechanism of adrenal developmental programming and explore its early warning marker in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC). We found the adrenal morphological and functional changes of PDE male offspring rats before and after birth, which were mainly performed as the decreased serum corticosterone concentration, steroidogenic acute regulatory (StAR) protein expression, and histone 3 lysine 27 acetylation (H3K27ac) level of steroidogenic factor 1 (SF1) promoter region and its expression. Simultaneously, the expressions of glucocorticoid receptor (GR) and histone acetylation enzyme 5 (HDAC5) in the PDE male fetal rats were increased. In vitro, dexamethasone reduced the expression of SF1, StAR, and cortisol production and still increased the expression of GR and HDAC5, the binding between GR and SF1 promoter region, and protein interaction between GR and HDAC5. GR siRNA or HDAC5 siRNA was able to reverse the above roles of dexamethasone. Furthermore, in vivo, we confirmed that H3K27ac levels of SF1 promoter region and its expression in PBMC of the PDE group were decreased before and after birth, showing a positive correlation with the same indexes in adrenal. Meanwhile, in clinical trials, we confirmed that prenatal dexamethasone application decreased H3K27ac of SF1 promoter region and its expression in neonatal PBMC. In conclusion, PDE-caused adrenal insufficiency of male offspring rats was related to adrenal GR activated by dexamethasone in uterus. The activated GR, on the one hand, increased its direct binding to SF1 promoter region to inhibit its expression, on the other hand, upregulated and recruited HDAC5 to decrease H3K27ac level of SF1 promoter region, and strengthened the inhibition of SF1 and subsequent StAR expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guanghui Chen
- Department of Pharmacology, Wuhan University School of Basic Medical Science, Wuhan, 430071, People's Republic of China
- Department of Pharmacy, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, People's Republic of China
| | - Can Ai
- Department of Pharmacology, Wuhan University School of Basic Medical Science, Wuhan, 430071, People's Republic of China
| | - Fangfang Duan
- Department of Pharmacology, Wuhan University School of Basic Medical Science, Wuhan, 430071, People's Republic of China
| | - Yawen Chen
- Department of Pharmacology, Wuhan University School of Basic Medical Science, Wuhan, 430071, People's Republic of China
| | - Jiangang Cao
- Department of Pharmacology, Wuhan University School of Basic Medical Science, Wuhan, 430071, People's Republic of China
| | - Jinzhi Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology, Wuhan University School of Basic Medical Science, Wuhan, 430071, People's Republic of China
| | - Ying Ao
- Department of Pharmacology, Wuhan University School of Basic Medical Science, Wuhan, 430071, People's Republic of China
| | - Hui Wang
- Department of Pharmacology, Wuhan University School of Basic Medical Science, Wuhan, 430071, People's Republic of China.
- Hubei Provincial Key Laboratory of Developmentally Originated Disorder, Wuhan, 430071, People's Republic of China.
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10
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Baghlaf H, Snelgrove JW, Li Q, Huszti E, McDonald SD, Asztalos E, Palermo MSF, Murphy KE. One vs 2 courses of antenatal corticosteroids in pregnancies at risk of preterm birth: a secondary analysis of the MACS trial. Am J Obstet Gynecol MFM 2023; 5:101002. [PMID: 37149145 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajogmf.2023.101002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2023] [Revised: 04/27/2023] [Accepted: 04/30/2023] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Birth is unpredictable and many patients who receive antenatal corticosteroids for preterm birth remain pregnant. Some professional societies recommend rescue antenatal corticosteroids for those who remain pregnant ≥14 days following the initial course. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to explore a single vs a second course of antenatal corticosteroids in terms of severe neonatal morbidity and mortality. STUDY DESIGN This is a secondary analysis of the Multiple Courses of Antenatal Corticosteroids for Preterm Birth (MACS) trial. The MACS study was a randomized clinical trial conducted in 80 centers in 20 different countries from 2001 to 2006. Participants who received only 1 course of intervention (ie, either a second course of antenatal corticosteroids or placebo) were included in this study. The primary outcome was a composite of stillbirth, neonatal mortality in the first 28 days of life or before discharge, severe respiratory distress syndrome, bronchopulmonary dysplasia, intraventricular hemorrhage stage III and IV, periventricular leukomalacia, and necrotizing enterocolitis. Two subgroup analyses were planned to address the effect of a second course of antenatal corticosteroids on infants born before 32 weeks or within 7 days from the intervention. Moreover, a sensitivity analysis was performed to assess the effect of intervention on singleton pregnancies. Baseline characteristics were compared between the groups using chi-square and Student t tests. Multivariable regression analysis was performed to adjust for confounding variables. RESULTS There were 385 and 365 participants included in the antenatal corticosteroid and placebo groups, respectively. The composite primary outcome occurred in 24% and 20% of participants in the antenatal corticosteroid and placebo groups, respectively (adjusted odds ratio, 1.09; 95% confidence interval, 0.76-1.57). Moreover, severe respiratory distress syndrome rate was similar between the 2 groups (adjusted odds ratio, 0.98; 95% confidence interval, 0.65-1.48). Newborns exposed to antenatal corticosteroids were more likely to be small for gestational age (14.9% vs 10.6%; adjusted odds ratio, 1.63; 95% confidence interval, 1.07-2.47). These findings remained true among singleton pregnancies for the primary composite outcome and birthweight <10th percentile (adjusted odds ratio, 1.29 [0.82-2.01]; and adjusted odds ratio, 1.74 [1.06-2.87]; respectively). Subgroup analyses of infants born before 32 weeks or within 7 days from the intervention did not show any benefits in terms of the composite primary outcome with antenatal corticosteroids vs placebo (50.5% vs 41.8% [adjusted odds ratio, 1.16; 95% confidence interval, 0.78-1.72]; and 42.3% vs 37.1% [adjusted odds ratio, 1.02; 95% confidence interval, 0.67-1.57]; respectively). CONCLUSION Neonatal mortality and severe morbidities, including severe respiratory distress syndrome, were not improved by a second course of antenatal corticosteroids. Policy makers need to be thoughtful when recommending a second course of antenatal corticosteroids and consider whether not only short-term but also long-term benefits can be gained from such administration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haitham Baghlaf
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada (Drs Baghlaf, Snelgrove, and Murphy); Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Jewish General Hospital, McGill University, Montreal, Canada (Dr Baghlaf)
| | - John W Snelgrove
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada (Drs Baghlaf, Snelgrove, and Murphy)
| | - Qixuan Li
- Biostatistics Research Unit, University Health Network, Toronto, Canada (Ms Li and Dr Huszti)
| | - Ella Huszti
- Biostatistics Research Unit, University Health Network, Toronto, Canada (Ms Li and Dr Huszti)
| | - Sarah D McDonald
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada (Dr McDonald); Departments of Radiology, and Health Research Methods, Evidence and Impact, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada (Dr McDonald)
| | - Elizabeth Asztalos
- Department of Newborn and Developmental Pediatrics, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, Canada (Dr Asztalos)
| | - Mario S F Palermo
- Faculty of Medical Sciences, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina (Dr Palermo)
| | - Kellie E Murphy
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada (Drs Baghlaf, Snelgrove, and Murphy).
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11
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Razak A, Patel W, Durrani NUR, Pullattayil AK. Interventions to Reduce Severe Brain Injury Risk in Preterm Neonates: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. JAMA Netw Open 2023; 6:e237473. [PMID: 37052920 PMCID: PMC10102877 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2023.7473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2022] [Accepted: 02/23/2023] [Indexed: 04/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Importance Interventions to reduce severe brain injury risk are the prime focus in neonatal clinical trials. Objective To evaluate multiple perinatal interventions across clinical settings for reducing the risk of severe intraventricular hemorrhage (sIVH) and cystic periventricular leukomalacia (cPVL) in preterm neonates. Data Sources MEDLINE, Embase, CENTRAL (Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials), and CINAHL (Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature) databases were searched from inception until September 8, 2022, using prespecified search terms and no language restrictions. Study Selection Randomized clinical trials (RCTs) that evaluated perinatal interventions, chosen a priori, and reported 1 or more outcomes (sIVH, cPVL, and severe brain injury) were included. Data Extraction and Synthesis Two co-authors independently extracted the data, assessed the quality of the trials, and evaluated the certainty of the evidence using the Cochrane GRADE (Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation) approach. Fixed-effects pairwise meta-analysis was used for data synthesis. Main Outcomes and Measures The 3 prespecified outcomes were sIVH, cPVL, and severe brain injury. Results A total of 221 RCTs that assessed 44 perinatal interventions (6 antenatal, 6 delivery room, and 32 neonatal) were included. Meta-analysis showed with moderate certainty that antenatal corticosteroids were associated with small reduction in sIVH risk (risk ratio [RR], 0.54 [95% CI, 0.35-0.82]; absolute risk difference [ARD], -1% [95% CI, -2% to 0%]; number needed to treat [NNT], 80 [95% CI, 48-232]), whereas indomethacin prophylaxis was associated with moderate reduction in sIVH risk (RR, 0.64 [95% CI, 0.52-0.79]; ARD, -5% [95% CI, -8% to -3%]; NNT, 20 [95% CI, 13-39]). Similarly, the meta-analysis showed with low certainty that volume-targeted ventilation was associated with large reduction in risk of sIVH (RR, 0.51 [95% CI, 0.36-0.72]; ARD, -9% [95% CI, -13% to -5%]; NNT, 11 [95% CI, 7-23]). Additionally, early erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (RR, 0.68 [95% CI, 0.57-0.83]; ARD, -3% [95% CI, -4% to -1%]; NNT, 34 [95% CI, 22-67]) and prophylactic ethamsylate (RR, 0.68 [95% CI, 0.48-0.97]; ARD, -4% [95% CI, -7% to 0%]; NNT, 26 [95% CI, 13-372]) were associated with moderate reduction in sIVH risk (low certainty). The meta-analysis also showed with low certainty that compared with delayed cord clamping, umbilical cord milking was associated with a moderate increase in sIVH risk (RR, 1.82 [95% CI, 1.03-3.21]; ARD, 3% [95% CI, 0%-6%]; NNT, -30 [95% CI, -368 to -16]). Conclusions and Relevance Results of this study suggest that a few interventions, including antenatal corticosteroids and indomethacin prophylaxis, were associated with reduction in sIVH risk (moderate certainty), and volume-targeted ventilation, early erythropoiesis-stimulating agents, and prophylactic ethamsylate were associated with reduction in sIVH risk (low certainty) in preterm neonates. However, clinicians should carefully consider all of the critical factors that may affect applicability in these interventions, including certainty of the evidence, before applying them to clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdul Razak
- Department of Pediatrics, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Monash Newborn, Monash Children’s Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Ritchie Centre, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Waseemoddin Patel
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, Sidra Medicine, Doha, Qatar
| | - Naveed Ur Rehman Durrani
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, Sidra Medicine, Doha, Qatar
- Department of Pediatrics, Weill Cornell Medicine–Qatar, Doha, Qatar
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12
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Zhu J, Li S, Zhao Y, Xiong Y. The role of antenatal corticosteroids in twin pregnancy. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1072578. [PMID: 36817154 PMCID: PMC9933922 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1072578] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2022] [Accepted: 01/23/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Twin pregnancy was associated with significantly higher rates of adverse neonatal and perinatal outcomes. One of the underlying causes is that twins are prone to preterm birth. Antenatal corticosteroids are widely used for reducing the incidence of neonatal respiratory distress syndrome initially and other neonatal mortality and morbidities subsequently. As it is widely used as a prophylactic treatment for potential premature births, there remain controversies of issues relating to twin gestations, including window for opportunity, timing of use, repeat course, optimal administration-to-delivery intervals, dosage, and type of corticosteroid. Thus, we present a thorough review of antenatal corticosteroids usage in twin gestation, emphasizing the aforementioned issues and attempting to offer direction for future investigation and clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Zhu
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China,The Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine-Related Diseases, Shanghai, China
| | - Shuyue Li
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China,The Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine-Related Diseases, Shanghai, China
| | - Ying Zhao
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China,The Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine-Related Diseases, Shanghai, China
| | - Yu Xiong
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China,The Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine-Related Diseases, Shanghai, China,*Correspondence: Yu Xiong,
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13
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Li X, Hu W, Li L, Chen Z, Jiang T, Zhang D, Liu K, Wang H. MiR-133a-3p/Sirt1 epigenetic programming mediates hypercholesterolemia susceptibility in female offspring induced by prenatal dexamethasone exposure. Biochem Pharmacol 2022; 206:115306. [PMID: 36326533 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2022.115306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2022] [Revised: 10/12/2022] [Accepted: 10/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Mounting evidence indicates that adverse intrauterine conditions increase offspring's hypercholesterolemia susceptibility in adulthood. This study aimed to confirm prenatal dexamethasone exposure (PDE)-induced hypercholesterolemia susceptibility in female adult offspring rats, and elucidate its intrauterine programming mechanism. Pregnant Wistar rats were injected with dexamethasone subcutaneously (0, 0.1 and 0.2 mg/kg·d) from gestational day (GD) 9 to 20. Serum and liver of the female offspring were collected at GD21 and postnatal week (PW) 12 and 28. PDE offspring showed elevated serum total cholesterol (TCH) levels and a cholesterol phenotype of high cardiovascular disease risk at PW12 and PW28. The histone acetylation levels of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase (Hmgcr) and its expression were consistently increased in the PDE offspring both in utero and after birth. Moreover, PDE promoted glucocorticoid receptor (GR) nuclear translocation and miR-133a-3p expression and inhibited sirtuin-1 (Sirt1) expression in the fetal liver. In vitro, dexamethasone increased intracellular and supernatant TCH levels and miR-133a-3p expression, decreased SIRT1 expression, and promoted HMGCR histone acetylation and expression in bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) hepatoid differentiated cells and HepG2 cell line. GR siRNA, miR-133a-3p inhibitor or SIRT1 overexpression reversed dexamethasone-induced downstream molecular and phenotypic changes. Furthermore, elevated TCH levels in umbilical cord blood and increased HMGCR expression in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were observed in human female neonates who had received dexamethasone treatment during pregnancy. In conclusion, PDE can cause persistent enhancement of hepatic cholesterol synthesis function before and after birth through GR/miR-133a-3p/Sirt1 pathway, eventually leading to increased hypercholesterolemia susceptibility in female offspring rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xufeng Li
- Department of Pharmacology, Wuhan University School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan 430071, China; Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Wen Hu
- Department of Pharmacology, Wuhan University School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan 430071, China; Hubei Provincial Key Laboratory of Developmentally Originated Disease, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Li Li
- Department of Pharmacology, Wuhan University School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Ze Chen
- Department of Pharmacology, Wuhan University School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan 430071, China; Department of Cardiology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Tao Jiang
- Department of Pharmacology, Wuhan University School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan 430071, China; Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Dingmei Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology, Wuhan University School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Kexin Liu
- Department of Pharmacology, Wuhan University School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Hui Wang
- Department of Pharmacology, Wuhan University School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan 430071, China; Hubei Provincial Key Laboratory of Developmentally Originated Disease, Wuhan 430071, China.
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14
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Chawanpaiboon S, Pooliam J, Chuchotiros M. A case-control study on the effects of incomplete, one, and more than one dexamethasone course on acute respiratory problems in preterm neonates born between 28 0 and 36 6 weeks of gestation. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 2022; 22:880. [PMID: 36443697 PMCID: PMC9703789 DOI: 10.1186/s12884-022-05209-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2022] [Accepted: 11/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To compare the effects of an incomplete course and more than 1 course of dexamethasone, relative to a control of a single complete course, on foetal respiratory problems and other adverse outcomes of preterm birth. METHODS This was a retrospective chart review of 1800 women with preterm delivery. Data were collected on newborns whose mothers administered 1 full course of dexamethasone (916/1800; 50.9%), a partial course (716/1800; 39.8%) and more than 1 course (168/1800; 9.3%). Demographic data and adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes were recorded. RESULTS Preterm singleton newborns whose mothers received several steroid hormone courses were significantly more likely to have adverse outcomes than newborns of mothers given 1 course. The negative outcomes were the need for positive pressure ventilation ([aOR] 1.831; 95% CI, (1.185,2.829); P = 0.019), ventilator support ([aOR] 1.843; 95% CI, (1.187,2.861); P = 0.011), and phototherapy ([aOR] 1.997; 95% CI, (1.378,2.895); P < 0.001), transient tachypnoea of the newborn ([aOR] 1.801; 95% CI, (1.261,2.571); P = 0.002), intraventricular haemorrhage ([aOR] 2.215; 95% CI, (1.159, 4.233); P = 0.027), sepsis ([aOR] 1.737; 95% CI, (1.086, 2.777); P = 0.007), and admission to neonatal intensive care ([aOR] 1.822; 95% CI, (1.275,2.604); P = 0.001). In the group of very preterm infants, newborns of mothers administered an incomplete course had developed respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) ([aOR] 3.177; 95% CI, (1.485, 6.795); P = 0.006) and used ventilatory support ([aOR] 3.565; 95% CI, (1.912, 6.650); P < 0.001) more than those of mothers receiving a single course. CONCLUSIONS Preterm singleton newborns whose mothers were given multiple courses of dexamethasone had an increased incidence of RDS and other adverse outcomes than those of mothers receiving a full course. However, very preterm newborns whose mothers were administered 1 full dexamethasone course had a significantly lower incidence of RDS than those whose mothers were given partial courses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saifon Chawanpaiboon
- grid.10223.320000 0004 1937 0490Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine, Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, 10700 Thailand
| | - Julaporn Pooliam
- grid.10223.320000 0004 1937 0490Clinical Epidemiological Unit, Office for Research and Development, Faculty of Medicine, Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, 10700 Thailand
| | - Monsak Chuchotiros
- grid.10223.320000 0004 1937 0490Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine, Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, 10700 Thailand
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15
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Ninan K, Murphy KE, McDonald SD. Study Quality Must Be Considered When Evaluating Long-term Outcomes of Antenatal Corticosteroid Therapy in Children-Reply. JAMA Pediatr 2022; 176:1049. [PMID: 35969385 DOI: 10.1001/jamapediatrics.2022.2858] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Kiran Ninan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence, and Impact, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Kellie E Murphy
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Sarah D McDonald
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence, and Impact, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Radiology, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.,Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
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16
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Shangguan Y, Li X, Qin J, Wen Y, Wang H, Chen L. Positive programming of the GC-IGF1 axis mediates adult osteoporosis susceptibility in male offspring rats induced by prenatal dexamethasone exposure. Biochem Pharmacol 2022; 206:115264. [PMID: 36174767 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2022.115264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2022] [Revised: 09/18/2022] [Accepted: 09/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Prenatal dexamethasone exposure (PDE) can lead to offspring long bone dysplasia and continue to postnatal, and this is an important cause of fetal-derived osteoporosis. Studies have confirmed that intrauterine endogenous GC overexposure mediates multiple organ dysplasia and adult-related disease susceptibility in offspring through the glucocorticoid-insulin-like growth factor1 (GC-IGF1) axis. However, it remains unknown if exogenous dexamethasone can regulate bone development in offspring through the GC-IGF1 axis. We determined that the PDE fetal rats exhibited poor osteogenic differentiation, decreased bone mass that continued to adolescence, and increased susceptibility to osteoporosis in adulthood. Concurrently, PDE decreased the serum corticosterone concentration and IGF1 expression in offspring before and after birth, while the increased serum corticosterone concentration induced by chronic stress reversed the inhibition of IGF1 expression induced by PDE. Furthermore, PDE decreased the expression of GRα and miR-130a-5p, increased HDAC4, and decreased H3K27 acetylation in the IGF1 promoter region in bone tissue, and the above changes were negatively compensated after chronic stress. In vitro, a low concentration of corticosterone inhibited the expression of GRα and miR130a-5p, upregulated the expression of HDAC4, inhibited the promoter region H3K27 acetylation, and expression of IGF1 in bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell (BMSCs) osteoblast differentiated cells and inhibited osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs. GRα overexpression, miR-130a-5p mimic treatment, or HDAC4 siRNA exposure reversed the downstream molecular alterations caused by low corticosterone concentrations. In conclusion, PDE-induced intrauterine hypoglucocorticoid exposure could positively program IGF1 expression in bone tissue through the GRα/miR-130a-5p/HDAC4 pathways, thus mediating osteogenic dysdifferentiation and adult osteoporosis susceptibility in male offspring rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yangfan Shangguan
- Division of Joint Surgery and Sports Medicine, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China; Hubei Provincial Key Laboratory of Developmentally Originated Disease, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Xufeng Li
- Division of Joint Surgery and Sports Medicine, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China; Department of Pharmacology, Wuhan University Taikang Medical School (School of Basic Medical Sciences), Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Jun Qin
- Division of Joint Surgery and Sports Medicine, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China; Hubei Provincial Key Laboratory of Developmentally Originated Disease, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Yinxian Wen
- Division of Joint Surgery and Sports Medicine, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China; Hubei Provincial Key Laboratory of Developmentally Originated Disease, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Hui Wang
- Department of Pharmacology, Wuhan University Taikang Medical School (School of Basic Medical Sciences), Wuhan 430071, China; Hubei Provincial Key Laboratory of Developmentally Originated Disease, Wuhan 430071, China.
| | - Liaobin Chen
- Division of Joint Surgery and Sports Medicine, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China; Hubei Provincial Key Laboratory of Developmentally Originated Disease, Wuhan 430071, China.
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17
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Hamidi OP, Barbour LA. Endocrine Emergencies During Pregnancy: Diabetic Ketoacidosis and Thyroid Storm. Obstet Gynecol Clin North Am 2022; 49:473-489. [PMID: 36122980 DOI: 10.1016/j.ogc.2022.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
Abstract
The physiologic changes and common signs and symptoms of pregnancy can make the early recognition of endocrine emergencies more challenging. Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) can occur at only modestly elevated glucose levels (euglycemic DKA), often accompanied by starvation ketosis due to substantial fetal-placental glucose demands and is associated with a high stillbirth rate. Thyroid storm is life threatening with a higher rate of heart failure and both require prompt and aggressive treatment to avoid maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality. Treatment of these disorders and the special considerations for recognition and management in the context of pregnancy are reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Odessa P Hamidi
- University of Colorado, School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA.
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18
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Odufalu FD, Long M, Lin K, Mahadevan U. Exposure to corticosteroids in pregnancy is associated with adverse perinatal outcomes among infants of mothers with inflammatory bowel disease: results from the PIANO registry. Gut 2022; 71:1766-1772. [PMID: 34686575 DOI: 10.1136/gutjnl-2021-325317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2021] [Accepted: 10/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/08/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Active inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) during pregnancy may require the use of corticosteroids. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of in utero corticosteroid exposure on adverse pregnancy outcomes, congenital malformations, infections and neurocognitive development among offspring of mothers with IBD. DESIGN Using the prospective Pregnancy in Inflammatory Bowel Disease and Neonatal Outcomes registry, data were collected at each trimester, delivery; and in the 12 months post partum. Bivariate statistics and multivariate logistic regression models compared pregnancy outcomes by corticosteroid exposure. RESULTS A total of 1490 mothers with IBD were enrolled, with 1431 live births recorded. Corticosteroid use was associated with increased risk of preterm birth, small for gestational age, low birth weight (LBW), intrauterine growth restriction and neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admission. On adjusted multivariate models, corticosteroid use was associated with preterm birth (OR 1.79, 95% CI 1.18 to 2.73), LBW (OR 1.76, 95% CI 1.07 to 2.88) and NICU admission (OR 1.54, 95% CI 1.03 to 2.30). Late corticosteroid use (second and/or third trimester) was associated with serious infections at 9 and 12 months (4% vs 2% and 5% vs 2%, respectively, p=0.03 and p=0.001). There were five newborns with in utero corticosteroid exposure born with orofacial clefts versus one without corticosteroid exposure. Developmental milestones were similar across corticosteroid exposure groups. CONCLUSION In this prospective pregnancy registry, offspring of women exposed to corticosteroids during pregnancy were more likely to have adverse pregnancy outcomes. This emphasises the importance of controlling disease activity before and during pregnancy with steroid-sparing therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Florence-Damilola Odufalu
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Millie Long
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Kirk Lin
- Department of Gastroenterology, Palo Alto Medical Foundation, Fremont, California, USA
| | - Uma Mahadevan
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
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19
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Schmitz T, Doret-Dion M, Sentilhes L, Parant O, Claris O, Renesme L, Abbal J, Girault A, Torchin H, Houllier M, Le Saché N, Vivanti AJ, De Luca D, Winer N, Flamant C, Thuillier C, Boileau P, Blanc J, Brevaut V, Bouet PE, Gascoin G, Beucher G, Datin-Dorriere V, Bounan S, Bolot P, Poncelet C, Alberti C, Ursino M, Aupiais C, Baud O. Neonatal outcomes for women at risk of preterm delivery given half dose versus full dose of antenatal betamethasone: a randomised, multicentre, double-blind, placebo-controlled, non-inferiority trial. Lancet 2022; 400:592-604. [PMID: 35988568 DOI: 10.1016/s0140-6736(22)01535-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2021] [Revised: 07/10/2022] [Accepted: 08/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Antenatal betamethasone is recommended before preterm delivery to accelerate fetal lung maturation. However, reports of growth and neurodevelopmental dose-related side-effects suggest that the current dose (12 mg plus 12 mg, 24 h apart) might be too high. We therefore investigated whether a half dose would be non-inferior to the current full dose for preventing respiratory distress syndrome. METHODS We designed a randomised, multicentre, double-blind, placebo-controlled, non-inferiority trial in 37 level 3 referral perinatal centres in France. Eligible participants were pregnant women aged 18 years or older with a singleton fetus at risk of preterm delivery and already treated with the first injection of antenatal betamethasone (11·4 mg) before 32 weeks' gestation. We used a computer-generated code producing permuted blocks of varying sizes to randomly assign (1:1) women to receive either a placebo (half-dose group) or a second 11·4 mg betamethasone injection (full-dose group) 24 h later. Randomisation was stratified by gestational age (before or after 28 weeks). Participants, clinicians, and study staff were masked to the treatment allocation. The primary outcome was the need for exogenous intratracheal surfactant within 48 h after birth. Non-inferiority would be shown if the higher limit of the 95% CI for the between-group difference between the half-dose and full-dose groups in the primary endpoint was less than 4 percentage points (corresponding to a maximum relative risk of 1·20). Four interim analyses monitoring the primary and the secondary safety outcomes were done during the study period, using a sequential data analysis method that provided futility and non-inferiority stopping rules and checked for type I and II errors. Interim analyses were done in the intention-to-treat population. This trial was registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02897076. FINDINGS Between Jan 2, 2017, and Oct 9, 2019, 3244 women were randomly assigned to the half-dose (n=1620 [49·9%]) or the full-dose group (n=1624 [50·1%]); 48 women withdrew consent, 30 fetuses were stillborn, 16 neonates were lost to follow-up, and 9 neonates died before evaluation, so that 3141 neonates remained for analysis. In the intention-to-treat analysis, the primary outcome occurred in 313 (20·0%) of 1567 neonates in the half-dose group and 276 (17·5%) of 1574 neonates in the full-dose group (risk difference 2·4%, 95% CI -0·3 to 5·2); thus non-inferiority was not shown. The per-protocol analysis also did not show non-inferiority (risk difference 2·2%, 95% CI -0·6 to 5·1). No between-group differences appeared in the rates of neonatal death, grade 3-4 intraventricular haemorrhage, stage ≥2 necrotising enterocolitis, severe retinopathy of prematurity, or bronchopulmonary dysplasia. INTERPRETATION Because non-inferiority of the half-dose compared with the full-dose regimen was not shown, our results do not support practice changes towards antenatal betamethasone dose reduction. FUNDING French Ministry of Health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Schmitz
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Robert Debré Hospital, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris, France; Université Paris Cité, Centre for Research in Epidemiology and Statistics, INSERM U1153, INRA, Paris, France.
| | - Muriel Doret-Dion
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Hospital Femme-Mère-Enfant, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Claude Bernard University Lyon 1, Lyon, France
| | - Loic Sentilhes
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Bordeaux University Hospital, Bordeaux, France
| | - Olivier Parant
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Toulouse University Hospital, Toulouse, France
| | - Olivier Claris
- Department of Neonatology, Hospital Femme-Mère-Enfant, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Claude Bernard University Lyon 1, Lyon, France
| | - Laurent Renesme
- Department of Neonatology, Bordeaux University Hospital, Bordeaux, France
| | - Julie Abbal
- Department of Neonatology, Toulouse University Hospital, Toulouse, France
| | - Aude Girault
- Université Paris Cité, Centre for Research in Epidemiology and Statistics, INSERM U1153, INRA, Paris, France; MaternitéPort-Royal, Cochin Hospital, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Héloïse Torchin
- Université Paris Cité, Centre for Research in Epidemiology and Statistics, INSERM U1153, INRA, Paris, France; Department of Neonatology, Cochin Hospital, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Marie Houllier
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Bicêtre Hospital, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Nolwenn Le Saché
- Department of Neonatology, Bicêtre Hospital, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Alexandre J Vivanti
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Antoine Béclère Hospital, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris, Physiopathology and Therapeutic Innovation Unit-INSERM U999, Paris Saclay University, Paris, France
| | - Daniele De Luca
- Department of Neonatology, Antoine Béclère Hospital, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris, Physiopathology and Therapeutic Innovation Unit-INSERM U999, Paris Saclay University, Paris, France
| | - Norbert Winer
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University Medical Centre of Nantes, Centre d'Investigation Clinique CIC Mere enfant, Nantes, France; National Institute of Agricultural Research, UMR 1280, Physiology of Nutritional Adaptations, University of Nantes, IMAD and CRNH-Ouest, Nantes, France
| | - Cyril Flamant
- Department of Neonatology, Nantes University Hospital, Nantes, France
| | - Claire Thuillier
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Poissy Hospital Centre, Poissy, France
| | - Pascal Boileau
- Department of Neonatology, Poissy Hospital Centre, Poissy, France
| | - Julie Blanc
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Marseille Nord University Hospital, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Marseille, Marseille, France
| | - Véronique Brevaut
- Department of Neonatology, Marseille Nord University Hospital, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Marseille, Marseille, France
| | - Pierre-Emmanuel Bouet
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Angers University Hospital, Angers, France
| | - Géraldine Gascoin
- Department of Neonatology, Angers University Hospital, Angers, France
| | - Gaël Beucher
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Caen University Hospital, Caen, France
| | | | - Stéphane Bounan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Saint-Denis Hospital, Saint-Denis, France
| | - Pascal Bolot
- Department of Neonatology, Saint-Denis Hospital, Saint-Denis, France
| | - Christophe Poncelet
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Pontoise Hospital, Pontoise, France
| | - Corinne Alberti
- Clinical Epidemiology Unit, Robert Debré Hospital, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris, France; Université Paris Cité, INSERM U1123, ECEVE, Paris, France
| | - Moreno Ursino
- Clinical Epidemiology Unit, Robert Debré Hospital, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris, France; Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, Université Paris Cité, INSERM U1138, Inria, HeKA, Paris, France
| | - Camille Aupiais
- Université Paris Cité, INSERM U1123, ECEVE, Paris, France; Paediatric Emergency Department, Jean Verdier Hospital, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Sorbonne Paris Nord University, Paris, France
| | - Olivier Baud
- Université Paris Cité, INSERM U1141, Paris, France; Division of Neonatology and Paediatric Intensive Care, Children's University Hospital of Geneva and University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland.
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20
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Taleghani AA, Bhriguvanshi A, Kamath-Rayne BD, Liu C, Narendran V. Timing of Antenatal Steroid Administration and Effects on the Newborn Infant: A Retrospective Study. Am J Perinatol 2022; 39:1065-1073. [PMID: 33285604 DOI: 10.1055/s-0040-1721495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The timing of antenatal steroids (ANS) on short- and long-term effects on newborn infants was evaluated. STUDY DESIGN This study was conducted at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center Level-III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit by reviewing the medical records of all women with history of ANS exposure from January 2015 to December 2018. We compared outcomes of newborns delivered within the ideal therapeutic window of 24 hours to 7 days (within window [WW]) after administration to those exposed and delivered outside the therapeutic window (outside window primary group [OWP]). Outcomes included anthropometrics, blood sugars, thyroid hormone profile, and neonatal morbidities. RESULTS A total of 669 patients were identified as having received at least two doses of ANS. Two-thirds of them delivered within the ideal therapeutic window. Significant differences were found in anthroprometrics including lower birth weight, shorter length, and smaller head circumferences in those born within the window compared with those outside the window. Derangements in glucose homeostasis requiring treatment and elevations of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) were seen in infants born outside the ideal therapeutic window compared with those born within the therapeutic window. No differences were found in neonatal morbidities including severe intraventricular hemorrhage (sIVH), necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), need for resuscitation, exogenous surfactant administration, continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), mechanical ventilation, bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), or periventricular leukomalacia (PVL). After controlling for selected covariates, only birth length was different between the groups. CONCLUSION Effects on anthropometrics, glucose homeostasis, and thyroid function support the need to develop new or refine existing risk stratification systems to time the administration of antenatal steroids. Better targeting of women and fetuses may confer the benefits of systemic corticosteroids while mitigating the risks of adverse effects. KEY POINTS · The timing of antenatal steroids on short and long-term effects on newborn infants was evaluated.. · Differences were found in anthroprometrics, glucoses, and thyroid function.. · No differences were found in neonatal morbidities..
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Affiliation(s)
- Afshin A Taleghani
- Department of Pharmacy Services, University of Cincinnati Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio.,University of Cincinnati, James L. Winkle College of Pharmacy, Cincinnati, Ohio
| | | | | | - Chunyan Liu
- Division of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio
| | - Vivek Narendran
- Department of Pharmacy Services, University of Cincinnati Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio.,Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio.,University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio
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21
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Aviram A, Murphy K, McDonald S, Asztalos E, Zaltz A, Redelmeier D, Shah B, Barrett J, Melamed N. Antenatal corticosteroids and neurodevelopmental outcomes in late preterm births. Arch Dis Child Fetal Neonatal Ed 2022; 107:250-255. [PMID: 34588179 DOI: 10.1136/archdischild-2021-322152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2021] [Accepted: 09/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Antenatal corticosteroids (ACS) decrease neonatal mortality and morbidity among preterm neonates, yet there has been concern regarding their long-term safety. We hypothesised that potential long-term adverse effects of ACS may be observed among infants born during the late preterm period (LPT, 340/7-366/7 weeks of gestation), when the benefits of ACS are subtle. DESIGN Population-based, retrospective cohort. SETTING Ontario, Canada, between 2006 and 2011. PATIENTS All live singleton infants born during the LPT period with a minimum 5-year follow-up. INTERVENTIONS Exposure to ACS prior to 340/7 weeks of gestation. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Suspected neurocognitive disorder, audiometry testing or visual testing. RESULTS Overall, 25 668 infants were eligible for analysis, of whom 2689 (10.5%) received ACS. Infants in the ACS group had lower mean birth weight and higher rates of birth weight <10th percentile, neonatal resuscitation and neonatal intensive care unit admission. At 5 years of age, ACS exposure was associated with an increased risk of suspected neurocognitive disorder (adjusted HR (aHR) 1.12, 95% CI 1.05 to 1.20), audiometry testing (aHR 1.20, 95% CI 1.10 to 1.31) and visual testing (aHR 1.06, 95% CI 1.01 to 1.11). CONCLUSION In children born during the LPT period, exposure to ACS prior to 340/7 weeks of gestation is associated with an increased utilisation of the healthcare system related to audiometry and visual testing and suspected neurocognitive disorders by 5 years of age.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amir Aviram
- DAN Women & Babies Program, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Kellie Murphy
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Sarah McDonald
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Elizabeth Asztalos
- Newborn and Developmental Paediatrics, Sunnybrook and Women's College Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Arthur Zaltz
- DAN Women & Babies Program, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Donald Redelmeier
- Department of Medicine, Sunnybrook Research Institute, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Baiju Shah
- Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jon Barrett
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Nir Melamed
- DAN Women & Babies Program, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
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22
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Carpenter JR, Jablonski KA, Koncinsky J, Varner MW, Gyamfi-Bannerman C, Joss-Moore LA. Antenatal Steroids and Cord Blood T-cell Glucocorticoid Receptor DNA Methylation and Exon 1 Splicing. Reprod Sci 2022; 29:1513-1523. [PMID: 35146694 PMCID: PMC9010373 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-022-00859-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2021] [Accepted: 01/18/2022] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Antenatal administration of glucocorticoids such as betamethasone (BMZ) during the late preterm period improves neonatal respiratory outcomes. However, glucocorticoids may elicit programming effects on immune function and gene regulation. Here, we test the hypothesis that exposure to antenatal BMZ alters cord blood immune cell composition in association with altered DNA methylation and alternatively expressed Exon 1 transcripts of the glucocorticoid receptor (GR) gene in cord blood CD4+ T-cells. Cord blood was collected from 51 subjects in the Antenatal Late Preterm Steroids Trial: 27 BMZ, 24 placebo. Proportions of leukocytes were compared between BMZ and placebo. In CD4+ T-cells, methylation at CpG sites in the GR promoter regions and expression of GR mRNA exon 1 variants were compared between BMZ and placebo. BMZ was associated with an increase in granulocytes (51.6% vs. 44.7% p = 0.03) and a decrease in lymphocytes (36.8% vs. 43.0% p = 0.04) as a percent of the leukocyte population vs. placebo. Neither GR methylation nor exon 1 transcript levels differed between groups. BMZ is associated with altered cord blood leukocyte proportions, although no associated alterations in GR methylation were observed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Kathleen A. Jablonski
- Milken School of Public Health, Biostatistics Center, George Washington University, Washington, D.C, USA
| | | | - Michael W. Varner
- Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | | | - Lisa A. Joss-Moore
- Pediatrics, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA,Corresponding author: Lisa Joss-Moore, Ph.D., University of Utah, Department of Pediatrics, 295 Chipeta Way, Salt Lake City, Utah, 84108, USA, Ph: 1-801-213-3494,
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23
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Fee EL, Takahashi T, Takahashi Y, Carter S, Furfaro L, Clarke MW, Milad MA, Usuda H, Newnham JP, Saito M, Jobe AH, Kemp MW. 1% of the clinical dose used for antenatal steroid therapy is sufficient to induce lung maturation when administered directly to the preterm ovine fetus. Am J Physiol Lung Cell Mol Physiol 2022; 322:L853-L865. [PMID: 35438005 DOI: 10.1152/ajplung.00058.2022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Antenatal steroids (ANS) are standard of care for women at imminent risk of preterm delivery. ANS accelerate functional maturation of the preterm fetal lung. Current dosing regimens expose the mother and fetus to high steroid levels with increased risk of adverse outcomes. Using a sheep model of pregnancy, we aimed to demonstrate that direct fetal administration would be sufficient to elicit functional maturation of the fetal lung. STUDY DESIGN Ewes and fetuses at 122d gestation underwent recovery surgery to install a fetal jugular catheter. Animals were then immediately randomised to either: i) fetal intravenous betamethasone phosphate infusion of 2ng/ml for 26 hours (fetal low-dose group; n=16); ii) fetal intravenous saline infusion for 26 hours and two maternal intramuscular injections of 0.25mg/kg betamethasone-phosphate + betamethasone-acetate (maternal clinical treatment group; n=12); or iii) fetal intravenous saline infusion for 26 hours (negative control group; n=10). Fetuses were delivered 48 hours after surgery, ventilated for 30 min to allow collection of physiological data, and euthanised. RESULTS The average betamethasone dose for the fetal low-dose group was 1% (0.3mg) of that used in the maternal clinical treatment group (30mg). At 30 minutes of ventilation, arterial paCO2, pH, heart rate and VEI were significantly (p<0.05) and equivalently improved in both the fetal low-dose and maternal clinical treatment group relative to negative control. CONCLUSION Maternal steroid administration was not required to elicit fetal lung maturation. Targeted fetal ANS treatments may allow the use of materially reduced antenatal steroid exposures, significantly reducing the risk of adverse outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erin L Fee
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical School, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
| | - Tsukasa Takahashi
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical School, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia.,Centre for Perinatal and Neonatal Medicine, Tohoku University Hospital, Sendai, Japan
| | - Yuki Takahashi
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical School, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia.,Centre for Perinatal and Neonatal Medicine, Tohoku University Hospital, Sendai, Japan
| | - Sean Carter
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical School, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
| | - Lucy Furfaro
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical School, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
| | - Michael W Clarke
- Metabolomics Australia, Center for Microscopy, Characterization and Analysis, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia.,School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
| | - Mark A Milad
- Milad Pharmaceutical Consulting LLC, Plymouth, MI, United States
| | - Haruo Usuda
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical School, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia.,Centre for Perinatal and Neonatal Medicine, Tohoku University Hospital, Sendai, Japan
| | - John P Newnham
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical School, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
| | - Masatoshi Saito
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical School, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia.,Centre for Perinatal and Neonatal Medicine, Tohoku University Hospital, Sendai, Japan
| | - Alan Hall Jobe
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical School, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia.,Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Centre, University of Cincinnati School of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, United States
| | - Matthew W Kemp
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical School, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia.,Centre for Perinatal and Neonatal Medicine, Tohoku University Hospital, Sendai, Japan.,School of Veterinary Medicine, Murdoch University, Perth, Australia.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
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24
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Takahashi T, Takahashi Y, Fee EL, Saito M, Yaegashi N, Usuda H, Bridges JP, Milad MA, Furfaro L, Carter S, Schmidt AF, Newnham JP, Jobe AH, Kemp MW. Continuous but not pulsed low-dose fetal betamethasone exposures extend the durability of antenatal steroid therapy. Am J Physiol Lung Cell Mol Physiol 2022; 322:L784-L793. [PMID: 35380907 DOI: 10.1152/ajplung.00018.2022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Antenatal steroid (ANS) therapy is standard care for women at imminent risk of preterm labor. Despite extensive and long-standing use, 40-50% of babies exposed antenatally to steroids do not derive benefit; remaining undelivered 7d or more after ANS treatment is associated with a lack of treatment benefit, and increased risk of harms. We used a pregnant sheep model to evaluate the impact of continuous vs. pulsed ANS treatments on fetal lung maturation at an extended, eight-day treatment to delivery interval. Continuous low-dose ANS treatments for more than 72 hours in duration improved fetal lung maturation at eight days after treatment initiation. If fetal ANS exposure was interrupted, the beneficial ANS effect was lost. Truncated treatments, including that simulating the current clinical treatment regimen, did not improve lung function. Variable fetal lung maturation was correlated to the amount of saturated phosphatidylcholine present in the lung fluid. These data demonstrate that: i) the durability of ANS therapy may be enhanced by employing an extended, low-dose treatment regimen with reducing total dose; and ii) interrupting the continuity of fetal exposure by allowing it to fall below a minimal threshold was associated with comparably poor functional maturation of the preterm ovine lung.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tsukasa Takahashi
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia.,Centre for Perinatal and Neonatal Medicine, Tohoku University Hospital, Sendai, Japan
| | - Yuki Takahashi
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia.,Centre for Perinatal and Neonatal Medicine, Tohoku University Hospital, Sendai, Japan
| | - Erin L Fee
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Masatoshi Saito
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia.,Centre for Perinatal and Neonatal Medicine, Tohoku University Hospital, Sendai, Japan
| | - Nobuo Yaegashi
- Centre for Perinatal and Neonatal Medicine, Tohoku University Hospital, Sendai, Japan
| | - Haruo Usuda
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia.,Centre for Perinatal and Neonatal Medicine, Tohoku University Hospital, Sendai, Japan
| | - James P Bridges
- University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, United States
| | - Mark A Milad
- Milad Pharmaceutical Consulting LLC, Plymouth, MI, United States
| | - Lucy Furfaro
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Sean Carter
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Augusto F Schmidt
- Department of Neonatology, Pulmonary Biology and Pediatrics, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Centre, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, United States.,Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, United States
| | - John P Newnham
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Alan Hall Jobe
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia.,Department of Neonatology, Pulmonary Biology and Pediatrics, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Centre, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, United States
| | - Matthew W Kemp
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia.,Centre for Perinatal and Neonatal Medicine, Tohoku University Hospital, Sendai, Japan.,School of Veterinary and Life Sciences, Murdoch University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
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25
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Walters A, McKinlay C, Middleton P, Harding JE, Crowther CA. Repeat doses of prenatal corticosteroids for women at risk of preterm birth for improving neonatal health outcomes. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2022; 4:CD003935. [PMID: 35377461 PMCID: PMC8978608 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd003935.pub5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Infants born preterm (before 37 weeks' gestation) are at risk of respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) and need for respiratory support due to lung immaturity. One course of prenatal corticosteroids, administered to women at risk of preterm birth, reduces the risk of respiratory morbidity and improves survival of their infants, but these benefits do not extend beyond seven days. Repeat doses of prenatal corticosteroids have been used for women at ongoing risk of preterm birth more than seven days after their first course of corticosteroids, with improvements in respiratory outcomes, but uncertainty remains about any long-term benefits and harms. This is an update of a review last published in 2015. OBJECTIVES To assess the effectiveness and safety, using the best available evidence, of a repeat dose(s) of prenatal corticosteroids, given to women who remain at risk of preterm birth seven or more days after an initial course of prenatal corticosteroids with the primary aim of reducing fetal and neonatal mortality and morbidity. SEARCH METHODS For this update, we searched Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth's Trials Register, ClinicalTrials.gov, the WHO International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (ICTRP), and reference lists of retrieved studies. SELECTION CRITERIA Randomised controlled trials, including cluster-randomised trials, of women who had already received one course of corticosteroids seven or more days previously and were still at risk of preterm birth, randomised to further dose(s) or no repeat doses, with or without placebo. Quasi-randomised trials were excluded. Abstracts were accepted if they met specific criteria. All trials had to meet criteria for trustworthiness, including a search of the Retraction Watch database for retractions or expressions of concern about the trials or their publications. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS We used standard Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth methods. Two review authors independently selected trials, extracted data, and assessed trial quality and scientific integrity. We chose primary outcomes based on clinical importance as measures of effectiveness and safety, including serious outcomes, for the women and their fetuses/infants, infants in early childhood (age two to less than five years), the infant in mid- to late childhood (age five to less than 18 years) and the infant as an adult. We assessed risk of bias at the outcome level using the RoB 2 tool and assessed certainty of evidence using GRADE. MAIN RESULTS We included 11 trials (4895 women and 5975 babies). High-certainty evidence from these trials indicated that treatment of women who remain at risk of preterm birth seven or more days after an initial course of prenatal corticosteroids with repeat dose(s) of corticosteroids, compared with no repeat corticosteroid treatment, reduced the risk of their infants experiencing the primary infant outcome of RDS (risk ratio (RR) 0.82, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.74 to 0.90; 3540 babies; number needed to treat for an additional beneficial outcome (NNTB) 16, 95% CI 11 to 29) and had little or no effect on chronic lung disease (RR 1.00, 95% CI 0.83 to 1.22; 5661 babies). Moderate-certainty evidence indicated that the composite of serious infant outcomes was probably reduced with repeat dose(s) of corticosteroids (RR 0.88, 95% CI 0.80 to 0.97; 9 trials, 5736 babies; NNTB 39, 95% CI 24 to 158), as was severe lung disease (RR 0.83, 95% CI 0.72 to 0.97; NNTB 45, 95% CI 27 to 256; 4955 babies). Moderate-certainty evidence could not exclude benefit or harm for fetal or neonatal or infant death less than one year of age (RR 0.95, 95% CI 0.73 to 1.24; 5849 babies), severe intraventricular haemorrhage (RR 1.13, 95% CI 0.69 to 1.86; 5066 babies) and necrotising enterocolitis (RR 0.84, 95% CI 0.59 to 1.22; 5736 babies). In women, moderate-certainty evidence found little or no effect on the likelihood of a caesarean birth (RR 1.03, 95% CI 0.98 to 1.09; 4266 mothers). Benefit or harm could not be excluded for maternal death (RR 0.32, 95% 0.01 to 7.81; 437 women) and maternal sepsis (RR 1.13, 95% CI 0.93 to 1.39; 4666 mothers). The evidence was unclear for risk of adverse effects and discontinuation of therapy due to maternal adverse effects. No trials reported breastfeeding status at hospital discharge or risk of admission to the intensive care unit. At early childhood follow-up, moderate- to high-certainty evidence identified little or no effect of exposure to repeat prenatal corticosteroids compared with no repeat corticosteroids for primary outcomes relating to neurodevelopment (neurodevelopmental impairment: RR 0.97, 95% CI 0.85 to 1.10; 3616 children), survival without neurodevelopmental impairment (RR 1.01, 95% CI 0.98 to 1.04; 3845 children) and survival without major neurodevelopmental impairment (RR 1.02, 95% CI 0.98 to 1.05; 1816 children). An increase or decrease in the risk of death since randomisation could not be excluded (RR 1.06, 95% CI 0.81 to 1.40; 5 trials, 4565 babies randomised). At mid-childhood follow-up, moderate-certainty evidence identified little or no effect of exposure to repeat prenatal corticosteroids compared with no repeat corticosteroids on survival free of neurocognitive impairment (RR 1.01, 95% CI 0.95 to 1.08; 963 children) or survival free of major neurocognitive impairment (RR 1.00, 95% CI 0.97 to 1.04; 2682 children). Benefit or harm could not be excluded for death since randomisation (RR 0.93, 95% CI 0.69 to 1.26; 2874 babies randomised) and any neurocognitive impairment (RR 0.96, 95% CI 0.72 to 1.29; 897 children). No trials reported data for follow-up into adolescence or adulthood. Risk of bias across outcomes was generally low although there were some concerns of bias. For childhood follow-up, most outcomes had some concerns of risk of bias due to missing data from loss to follow-up. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS The short-term benefits for babies included less respiratory distress and fewer serious health problems in the first few weeks after birth with repeat dose(s) of prenatal corticosteroids for women still at risk of preterm birth seven days or more after an initial course. The current available evidence reassuringly shows no significant harm for the women or child in early and mid-childhood, although no benefit. Further research is needed on the long-term benefits and risks for the baby into adulthood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anthony Walters
- Liggins Institute, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | | | - Philippa Middleton
- Healthy Mothers, Babies and Children, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Jane E Harding
- Liggins Institute, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
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Asztalos EV, Murphy KE, Matthews SG. A Growing Dilemma: Antenatal Corticosteroids and Long-Term Consequences. Am J Perinatol 2022; 39:592-600. [PMID: 33053595 DOI: 10.1055/s-0040-1718573] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE A single course of synthetic antenatal corticosteroids is standard care for women considered to be at risk for preterm birth before 34 weeks of gestation. While the intended target is the fetal lung, the fetal brain contains remarkably high levels of glucocorticoid receptors in structures critical in the regulation of behavior and endocrine function. Negative programming signals may occur which can lead to permanent maladaptive changes and predispose the infant/child to an increased risk in physical, mental, and developmental disorders. METHODS Framed around these areas of concerns for physical, mental, and developmental disorders, this narrative review drew on studies (animal and clinical), evaluating the long-term effects of antenatal corticosteroids to present the case that a more targeted approach to the use of antenatal corticosteroids for the betterment of the fetus urgently needed. RESULTS Studies raised concerns about the potential negative long-term consequences, especially for the exposed fetus who was born beyond the period of the greatest benefit from antenatal corticosteroids. The long-term consequences are more subtle in nature and usually manifest later in life, often beyond the scope of most clinical trials. CONCLUSION Continued research is needed to identify sufficient safety data, both short term and long term. Caution in the use of antenatal corticosteroids should be exercised while additional work is undertaken to optimize dosing strategies and better identify women at risk of preterm birth prior to administration of antenatal corticosteroids. KEY POINTS · A single-course ACS is a remarkable therapy with substantial benefits.. · There is a potential of long-term neurodevelopmental consequences in the ACS-exposed fetus.. · There is a need to improve dosing strategies and identification of appropriate at risk women..
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth V Asztalos
- Department of Newborn and Developmental Paediatrics, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Kellie E Murphy
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sinai Health Systems, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Stephen G Matthews
- Department of Physiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Takahashi T, Fee EL, Takahashi Y, Saito M, Yaegashi N, Usuda H, Furfaro L, Carter S, Schmidt AF, Newnham JP, Jobe AH, Kemp MW. Betamethasone phosphate reduces the efficacy of antenatal steroid therapy and is associated with lower birthweights when administered to pregnant sheep in combination with betamethasone acetate. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2022; 226:564.e1-564.e14. [PMID: 34626553 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajog.2021.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2021] [Revised: 10/01/2021] [Accepted: 10/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Antenatal corticosteroid therapy is a standard of care for women at imminent risk of preterm labor. However, the optimal (maximum benefit and minimal risk of side effects) antenatal corticosteroid dosing strategy remains unclear. Although conveying overall benefit when given to the right patient at the right time, antenatal corticosteroid treatment efficacy is highly variable and is not risk-free. Building on earlier findings, we hypothesized that when administered in combination with slow-release betamethasone acetate, betamethasone phosphate and the high maternal-fetal betamethasone concentrations it generates are redundant for fetal lung maturation. OBJECTIVE Using an established sheep model of prematurity and postnatal ventilation of the preterm lamb, we aimed to compare the pharmacodynamic effects of low-dosage treatment with betamethasone acetate only against a standard dosage of betamethasone phosphate and betamethasone acetate as recommended by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists for women at risk of imminent preterm delivery between 24 0/7 and 35 6/7 weeks' gestation. STUDY DESIGN Ewes carrying a single fetus at 122±1 days' gestation (term=150 days) were randomized to receive either (1) maternal intramuscular injections of sterile saline (the saline negative control group, n=12), (2) 2 maternal intramuscular injections of 0.25 mg/kg betamethasone phosphate+betamethasone acetate administered at 24-hour dosing intervals (the betamethasone phosphate+betamethasone acetate group, n=12); or (3) 2 maternal intramuscular injections of 0.125 mg/kg betamethasone acetate administered at 24-hour dosing intervals (the betamethasone acetate group, n=11). The fetuses were surgically delivered 48 hours after treatment initiation and ventilated for 30 minutes to determine functional lung maturation. The fetuses were euthanized after ventilation, and the lungs were collected for analysis using quantitative polymerase chain reaction and Western blot assays. Fetal plasma adrenocorticotropic hormone levels were measured in the cord blood samples taken at delivery. RESULTS Preterm lambs were defined as either antenatal corticosteroid treatment responders or nonresponders using an arbitrary cutoff, being a PaCO2 level at 30 minutes of ventilation being more extreme than 2 standard deviations from the mean value of the normally distributed saline control group values. Compared with the animals in the saline control group, the animals in the antenatal corticosteroid treatment groups showed significantly improved lung physiological responses (blood gas and ventilation data) and had a biochemical signature (messenger RNA and surfactant protein assays) consistent with functional maturation. However, the betamethasone acetate group had a significantly higher treatment response rate than the betamethasone phosphate+betamethasone acetate group. These physiological results were strongly correlated to the amount of surfactant protein A. Birthweight was lower in the betamethasone phosphate+betamethasone acetate group and the fetal hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis was suppressed to a greater extent in the betamethasone phosphate+betamethasone acetate group. CONCLUSION Low-dosage antenatal corticosteroid therapy solely employing betamethasone acetate was sufficient for fetal lung maturation. The elevated maternal-fetal betamethasone concentrations associated with the coadministration of betamethasone phosphate did not in addition improve lung maturation but were associated with greater fetal hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis suppression, a lower antenatal corticosteroid treatment response rate, and lower birthweight-outcomes not desirable in a clinical setting. These data warranted a clinical investigation of sustained low-dosage antenatal corticosteroid treatments that avoid high maternal-fetal betamethasone exposures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tsukasa Takahashi
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia; Centre for Perinatal and Neonatal Medicine, Tohoku University Hospital, Sendai, Japan.
| | - Erin L Fee
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Yuki Takahashi
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia; Centre for Perinatal and Neonatal Medicine, Tohoku University Hospital, Sendai, Japan
| | - Masatoshi Saito
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia; Centre for Perinatal and Neonatal Medicine, Tohoku University Hospital, Sendai, Japan
| | - Nobuo Yaegashi
- Centre for Perinatal and Neonatal Medicine, Tohoku University Hospital, Sendai, Japan
| | - Haruo Usuda
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia; Centre for Perinatal and Neonatal Medicine, Tohoku University Hospital, Sendai, Japan
| | - Lucy Furfaro
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Sean Carter
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Augusto F Schmidt
- Perinatal Research, Department of Pediatrics, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Centre, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH; Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL
| | - John P Newnham
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Alan H Jobe
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia; Perinatal Research, Department of Pediatrics, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Centre, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH
| | - Matthew W Kemp
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia; Centre for Perinatal and Neonatal Medicine, Tohoku University Hospital, Sendai, Japan; School of Veterinary and Life Sciences, Murdoch University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia; Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
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Eng ME, Bloise E, Matthews SG. Fetal glucocorticoid exposure leads to sex-specific changes in drug-transporter function at the blood-brain barrier in juvenile guinea pigs. FASEB J 2022; 36:e22245. [PMID: 35262963 PMCID: PMC9311705 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202101552rr] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2021] [Revised: 02/17/2022] [Accepted: 02/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Antenatal synthetic glucocorticoids (sGCs) are a life‐saving treatment in managing pre‐term birth. However, off‐target effects of sGCs can impact blood‐brain barrier (BBB) drug transporters essential for fetal brain protection, including P‐glycoprotein (P‐gp/Abcb1) and breast cancer resistance protein (BCRP/Abcg2). We hypothesized that maternal antenatal sGC treatment modifies BBB function in juvenile offspring in a sex‐dependent manner. Thus, the objective of this study was to determine the long‐term impact of a single or multiple courses of betamethasone on P‐gp/Abcb1 and BCRP/Abcg2 expression and function at the BBB. Pregnant guinea pigs (N = 42) received 3 courses (gestation days (GDs) 40, 50, and 60) or a single course (GD50) of betamethasone (1 mg/kg) or vehicle (saline). Cerebral microvessels and brain endothelial cells (BEC) were collected from the post‐natal day (PND) 14 offspring to measure protein, gene expression, and function of the drug transporters P‐gp/Abcb1 and BCRP/Abcg2. P‐gp protein expression was decreased (p < .05) in microvessels from male offspring that had been exposed to multiple courses and a single course of sGC, in utero. Multiple courses of sGC resulted in a significant decrease in P‐gp function in BECs from males (p < .05), but not females. There was a very strong trend for increased P‐gp function in males compared to females (p = .055). Reduced P‐gp expression and function at the BBB of young male offspring following multiple prenatal sGC exposures, is clinically relevant as many drugs administered postnatally are P‐gp substrates. These novel sex differences in drug transporter function may underlie potential sexual dimorphism in drug sensitivity and toxicity in the newborn and juvenile brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margaret Elizabeth Eng
- Department of Physiology, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Enrrico Bloise
- Department of Morphology, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Stephen G Matthews
- Department of Physiology, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Sinai Health System, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Medicine, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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29
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Han H, Xiao H, Wu Z, Liu L, Chen M, Gu H, Wang H, Chen L. The miR-98-3p/JAG1/Notch1 axis mediates the multigenerational inheritance of osteopenia caused by maternal dexamethasone exposure in female rat offspring. Exp Mol Med 2022; 54:298-308. [PMID: 35332257 PMCID: PMC8979986 DOI: 10.1038/s12276-022-00743-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2021] [Revised: 11/28/2021] [Accepted: 12/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
As a synthetic glucocorticoid, dexamethasone is widely used to treat potential premature delivery and related diseases. Our previous studies have shown that prenatal dexamethasone exposure (PDE) can cause bone dysplasia and susceptibility to osteoporosis in female rat offspring. However, whether the effect of PDE on bone development can be extended to the third generation (F3 generation) and its multigenerational mechanism of inheritance have not been reported. In this study, we found that PDE delayed fetal bone development and reduced adult bone mass in female rat offspring of the F1 generation, and this effect of low bone mass caused by PDE even continued to the F2 and F3 generations. Furthermore, we found that PDE increases the expression of miR-98-3p but decreases JAG1/Notch1 signaling in the bone tissue of female fetal rats. Moreover, the expression changes of miR-98-3p/JAG1/Notch1 caused by PDE continued from the F1 to F3 adult offspring. Furthermore, the expression levels of miR-98-3p in oocytes of the F1 and F2 generations were increased. We also confirmed that dexamethasone upregulates the expression of miR-98-3p in vitro and shows targeted inhibition of JAG1/Notch1 signaling, leading to poor osteogenic differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells. In conclusion, maternal dexamethasone exposure caused low bone mass in female rat offspring with a multigenerational inheritance effect, the mechanism of which is related to the inhibition of JAG1/Notch1 signaling caused by the continuous upregulation of miR-98-3p expression in bone tissues transmitted by F2 and F3 oocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Han
- Division of Joint Surgery and Sports Medicine, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Hao Xiao
- Division of Joint Surgery and Sports Medicine, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China.,Hubei Provincial Key Laboratory of Developmentally Originated Disease, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Zhixin Wu
- Division of Joint Surgery and Sports Medicine, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Liang Liu
- Division of Joint Surgery and Sports Medicine, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Ming Chen
- Division of Joint Surgery and Sports Medicine, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Hanwen Gu
- Division of Joint Surgery and Sports Medicine, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Hui Wang
- Hubei Provincial Key Laboratory of Developmentally Originated Disease, Wuhan, 430071, China.,Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Liaobin Chen
- Division of Joint Surgery and Sports Medicine, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China. .,Hubei Provincial Key Laboratory of Developmentally Originated Disease, Wuhan, 430071, China.
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30
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Timing of antenatal corticosteroids in relation to clinical indication. Arch Gynecol Obstet 2022; 306:997-1005. [PMID: 35039883 DOI: 10.1007/s00404-021-06362-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2021] [Accepted: 12/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE This study aimed at determining the proportion of women who receive antenatal corticosteroids (ACS) within the optimal time window before birth based on the indication for ACS, and to explore in more detail indications that are associated with suboptimal timing. METHODS A retrospective cohort study of all women who received ACS in a single tertiary center between 2014 and 2017. The primary outcome was an ACS-to-birth interval ≤ 7 days. Secondary outcomes were ACS-to-birth interval of ≤ 14 days, and the proportion women who received ACS but ultimately gave birth at term (≥ 370/7 weeks). The study outcomes were stratified by the clinical indication for ACS. RESULTS A total of 1261 women met the study criteria, of whom 401 (31.8%) and 569 (45.1%) received ACS within ≤ 7 days and ≤ 14 days before birth, respectively, and 203 (16.1%) ultimately gave birth at term. The proportion of women who received ACS within 7 days before birth was highest for women with preeclampsia (50.4%), and was lowest for women with an incidental finding of a short cervix (8.4%). In the subgroup of women with an incidental finding of a short cervix, the likelihood of optimal timing was not related to the magnitude of cervical shortening, history of preterm birth, multifetal gestation, presence of cervical funneling, or the presence of cervical cerclage. CONCLUSION Over two-thirds of infants who are exposed to ACS do not get the maximal benefit from this intervention. The current study identified clinical indications for ACS that are associated with suboptimal timing of ACS where more research is needed to develop quantitative, indication-specific prediction models to guide the timing of ACS.
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Chen Y, Xu D, Xia X, Chen G, Xiao H, Chen L, Wang H. Sex difference in adrenal developmental toxicity induced by dexamethasone and its intrauterine programming mechanism. Pharmacol Res 2021; 174:105942. [PMID: 34656764 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2021.105942] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2021] [Revised: 09/04/2021] [Accepted: 10/12/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Dexamethasone is widely used to treat preterm labor and related diseases. However, prenatal dexamethasone treatment (PDT) can cause multiorgan developmental toxicities in offspring. Our previous study found that the occurrence of fetal-originated diseases was associated with adrenal developmental programming alterations in offspring. Here, we investigated the effects of PDT on adrenal function in offspring and its intrauterine programming mechanism. A rat model of PDT was established to observe the alterations of adrenal steroidogenesis in offspring. Furthermore, we confirmed the sex differences of adrenal steroidogenesis and its molecular mechanism combined with in vivo and in vitro experiments. PDT caused a decrease in adrenal steroidogenic function in fetal rats, but it was decreased in males and increased in females after birth. Meanwhile, the adrenal H3K14ac level and expression of 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase 2 (11β-HSD2) in PDT offspring were decreased in males and increased in females, suggesting that 11β-HSD2 might mediate sex differences in adrenal function. We further confirmed that dexamethasone inhibited the H3K14ac level and expression of 11β-HSD2 through the GR/SP1/p300 pathway. After bilateral testectomy or ovariectomy of adult PDT offspring rats, adrenal 11β-HSD2 expression and steroidogenic function were both reduced. Using rat primary fetal adrenal cells, the differential expression of AR and ERβ was proven to be involved in regulating the sex difference in 11β-HSD2 expression. This study demonstrated the sex difference in adrenal steroidogenic function of PDT offspring after birth and elucidated a sex hormone receptor-dependent epigenetically regulating mechanism for adrenal 11β-HSD2 programming alteration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yawen Chen
- Department of Pharmacology, Wuhan University School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Dan Xu
- Department of Pharmacology, Wuhan University School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan 430071, China; Hubei Provincial Key Laboratory of Developmentally Originated Disease, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Xuan Xia
- Department of Pharmacology, Wuhan University School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Guanghui Chen
- Hubei Provincial Key Laboratory of Developmentally Originated Disease, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Hao Xiao
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China; Hubei Provincial Key Laboratory of Developmentally Originated Disease, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Liaobin Chen
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China; Hubei Provincial Key Laboratory of Developmentally Originated Disease, Wuhan 430071, China.
| | - Hui Wang
- Department of Pharmacology, Wuhan University School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan 430071, China; Hubei Provincial Key Laboratory of Developmentally Originated Disease, Wuhan 430071, China.
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Kehl S, Weiss C, Pretscher J, Baier F, Faschingbauer F, Beckmann MW, Stumpfe FM. The use of PAMG-1 testing in patients with preterm labor, intact membranes and a short sonographic cervix reduces the rate of unnecessary antenatal glucocorticoid administration. J Perinat Med 2021; 49:1135-1140. [PMID: 34271603 DOI: 10.1515/jpm-2021-0048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2021] [Accepted: 06/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To assess the frequency of antenatal corticosteroid (ACS) administration in cases with shortened cervical length by addition of placental alpha-microglobulin-1 (PAMG-1) testing to sonographic examination. METHODS Single centre retrospective cohort study. Rate of ACS administration was compared between cases with cervical length between 15 and 25 mm and cases with positive PAMG-1 testing and cervical length between 15 and 25 mm. We evaluated the following outcome parameters: Rate of ACS administration, gestational age at delivery, time to delivery, delivery within seven days, delivery <34 and <37 weeks' gestation, rate of admission to neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). RESULTS In total, 130 cases were included. "PAMG-1 group" consisted of 68 women, 62 cases built the "historical control group". ACS administration was performed less frequently in the "PAMG-1 cohort" (18 (26%) vs. 46 (74%); p<0.001). The rate of delivery within seven days did not differ (2 (3%) vs. 4 (6.5%); p=0.4239). The rates of delivery <34 weeks' gestation (7 (10%) vs. 9 (15%); p=0.4643) and <37 weeks' gestation (19 (28%) vs. 26 (42%); p=0.0939) did not differ. Time to delivery interval was longer in the PAMG-1 group (61.5 vs. 43 days, p=0.0117). NICU admission occurred more often in the "historical control group" (22 (38%) vs. 28 (60%); p=0.0272). CONCLUSIONS Addition of biomarker testing can help to avoid unnecessary ACS administrations in women with shortened cervical length.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sven Kehl
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Erlangen University Hospital, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Christel Weiss
- Department of Medical Statistics and Biomathematics, University Medical Center Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Jutta Pretscher
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Erlangen University Hospital, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Friederike Baier
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Erlangen University Hospital, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Florian Faschingbauer
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Erlangen University Hospital, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Matthias W Beckmann
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Erlangen University Hospital, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Florian M Stumpfe
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Erlangen University Hospital, Erlangen, Germany
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Chen Y, Xia X, Fang M, Chen G, Cao J, Qu H, Wang H. Maternally derived low glucocorticoid mediates adrenal developmental programming alteration in offspring induced by dexamethasone. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 797:149084. [PMID: 34303245 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.149084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2021] [Revised: 06/30/2021] [Accepted: 07/13/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Adverse environments during pregnancy can increase susceptibility to chronic diseases in adult offspring. The occurrence and development of fetal-originated diseases were associated with adrenal developmental programming and homeostasis alteration in offspring. Dexamethasone is widely used for preterm delivery-related pregnancy diseases, but the intrauterine programming alteration and its occurrence mechanism of prenatal dexamethasone exposure (PDE) on adrenal development in offspring have not been clarified. In this study, prenatal dexamethasone therapy could inhibit neonatal development and cause a low exposure of maternally derived glucocorticoid in clinic. Then, we established a rat model of PDE and observed a similar phenomenon. Further, the adrenal steroidogenic function was continuously inhibited in the PDE male offspring rats, accompanied by the decreased H3K27ac level of adrenal insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF1) and its expression. Moreover, chronic stress in PDE adult offspring rats could reverse the changes of the above indicators through the high level of glucocorticoid. In combination with in vivo, in vitro and a series of interference experiments, we confirmed that the low level of endogenous glucocorticoids inhibited the adrenal IGF1 expression and steroidogenic function through the GRα/miR-370-3p/Sirt3 pathway. In summary, PDE could continuously inhibit the adrenal steroidogenic function in the male offspring, which is associated with the maternally derived low glucocorticoid-mediated the adrenal developmental programming alteration in offspring. This study provides a theoretical and experimental basis for explaining the adrenal development origin of PDE-induced adult chronic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yawen Chen
- Department of Pharmacology, Wuhan University School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Xuan Xia
- Department of Pharmacology, Wuhan University School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Man Fang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Guanghui Chen
- Hubei Provincial Key Laboratory of Developmentally Originated Disease, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Jiangang Cao
- Department of Pharmacology, Wuhan University School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Hui Qu
- Department of Pharmacology, Wuhan University School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Hui Wang
- Department of Pharmacology, Wuhan University School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan 430071, China; Hubei Provincial Key Laboratory of Developmentally Originated Disease, Wuhan 430071, China.
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Anifantaki F, Pervanidou P, Lambrinoudaki I, Panoulis K, Vlahos N, Eleftheriades M. Maternal Prenatal Stress, Thyroid Function and Neurodevelopment of the Offspring: A Mini Review of the Literature. Front Neurosci 2021; 15:692446. [PMID: 34566560 PMCID: PMC8455916 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2021.692446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2021] [Accepted: 08/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Fetal brain is extremely plastic and vulnerable to environmental influences that may have long-term impact on health and development of the offspring. Both the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal (HPA) and the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Thyroid (HPT) axes are involved in stress responses, whereas, their final effectors, the Glucocorticoids (GCs) and the Thyroid Hormones (TH s), mediate several fundamental processes involved in neurodevelopment. The effects of these hormones on brain development are found to be time and dose-dependent. Regarding THs, the developing fetus depends on maternal supply of hormones, especially in the first half of pregnancy. It is acknowledged that inadequate or excess concentrations of both GCs and THs can separately cause abnormalities in the neuronal and glial structures and functions, with subsequent detrimental effects on postnatal neurocognitive function. Studies are focused on the direct impact of maternal stress and GC excess on growth and neurodevelopment of the offspring. Of particular interest, as results from recent literature data, is building understanding on how chronic stress and alterations of the HPA axis interacts and influences HPT axis and TH production. Animal studies have shown that increased GC concentrations related to maternal stress, most likely reduce maternal and thus fetal circulating THs, either directly or through modifications in the expression of placental enzymes responsible for regulating hormone levels in fetal microenvironment. The purpose of this review is to provide an update on data regarding maternal stress and its impact on fetal neurodevelopment, giving particular emphasis in the interaction of two axes and the subsequent thyroid dysfunction resulting from such circumstances.
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Affiliation(s)
- Foteini Anifantaki
- Second Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Panagiota Pervanidou
- First Department of Paediatrics, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Irene Lambrinoudaki
- Second Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Konstantinos Panoulis
- Second Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Nikos Vlahos
- Second Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Makarios Eleftheriades
- Second Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
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Zigron R, Erlichman I, Rottenstreich M, Yagel S, Rosenbloom JI, Porat S, Rottenstreich A. Rescue antenatal corticosteroids and neonatal outcomes in twin gestation. J Matern Fetal Neonatal Med 2021; 35:7337-7343. [PMID: 34219579 DOI: 10.1080/14767058.2021.1947230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Although repeated antenatal corticosteroids (ACS) courses are not recommended, a single rescue ACS course has been shown to decrease neonatal morbidity among preterm singletons. However, little is known regarding the effects of rescue ACS course in twin pregnancies. METHODS A retrospective cohort study conducted during 2015-2017 at a tertiary-care center including all twins delivered between 24-34 weeks of gestation who received at least one course of ACS. RESULTS Overall, 162 (70.4%) twins were exposed to a single ACS course and 68 (29.6%) to an additional rescue ACS course. Rescue ACS course was associated with lower rates of respiratory distress syndrome (7.4% vs. 19.1%, p = .03), surfactant use (7.4% vs 18.5%, p = .04) and bronchopulmonary dysplasia (0 vs 8.6%, p = .01) as compared to a single ACS course. In the rescue ACS group, compared to the single ACS group, the rates of composite respiratory adverse outcome (10.3% vs 22.2%, OR [95% CI]: 0.40 (0.17-0.95), p = .04) and any adverse neonatal outcome (13.2% vs 26.5%, OR [95% CI]: 0.42 (0.19-0.92), p = .04) were significantly lower. Hospital stay was also shorter among neonates born to mothers receiving a rescue ACS course (median 23 vs. 30 days, p = .01). No differences were noted in neonatal birthweight, head circumference and the rate of neonatal hypoglycemia. CONCLUSION Rescue ACS course was associated with improved respiratory and neonatal outcomes in twin gestations. Further studies are warranted to confirm our findings and better delineate the optimal regimen of rescue ACS in this setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roy Zigron
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hadassah-Hebrew University Medical Center and Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Ira Erlichman
- Department of Pediatrics, Hadassah-Hebrew University Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Misgav Rottenstreich
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hadassah-Hebrew University Medical Center and Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Simcha Yagel
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hadassah-Hebrew University Medical Center and Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Joshua I Rosenbloom
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hadassah-Hebrew University Medical Center and Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Shay Porat
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hadassah-Hebrew University Medical Center and Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Amihai Rottenstreich
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hadassah-Hebrew University Medical Center and Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
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Finneran MM, Waickman C, Shellhaas C, Cackovic M, Frey HA. Optimal antenatal corticosteroid exposure in women with history of preterm birth and asymptomatic short cervical length. Am J Obstet Gynecol MFM 2021; 3:100371. [PMID: 33836305 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajogmf.2021.100371] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2021] [Revised: 03/26/2021] [Accepted: 03/30/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND A proposed benefit of cervical length assessment after 24 weeks' gestation in women with a history of preterm birth is to aid in the timing of antenatal corticosteroids in otherwise asymptomatic women. OBJECTIVE We sought to investigate whether the use of an ultrasonographic short cervical length as an indication for antenatal corticosteroids in asymptomatic women results in optimal exposure compared with women receiving antenatal corticosteroids for preterm labor symptoms. STUDY DESIGN Retrospective cohort study of all women with a previous spontaneous preterm birth and a singleton gestation who underwent serial cervical length assessment at a large academic tertiary medical center from 2011 to 2016. Patients were included in the analysis if they received antenatal corticosteroids for either an asymptomatic short cervical length or symptoms of preterm labor. The primary outcome was optimal antenatal corticosteroids exposure (latency to delivery of ≤7 days). PROPOSED CHANGE IN RESULTS Poisson regression with robust error variance was used to calculate incidence rate ratios (IRR) and confidence intervals (CI) for primary and secondary outcomes adjusting for primary and secondary outcomes adjusting for race, earliest previous preterm birth, and current cerclage. RESULTS There were 287 women meeting inclusion criteria, among whom 166 (57.8%) received antenatal corticosteroids for a short cervical length and 121 (42.2%) for preterm labor symptoms. Women who received antenatal corticosteroids for a short cervical length were less likely to have optimal exposure (1.2% vs 19.0%; incidence rate ratios, 0.06; confidence interval, 0.02-0.27) compared with women with preterm labor symptoms. They were also more likely to have exposure with eventual term delivery (43.2% vs 33.4%; incidence rate ratios, 1.6; confidence interval, 1.2-2.0). Importantly, women who received antenatal corticosteroids for a short cervical length were significantly less likely to receive either an initial or rescue antenatal corticosteroids course within 7 days of a preterm delivery of less than 34 weeks' gestation (42.9% vs 76.9%; incidence rate ratios, 0.52; confidence interval, 0.35-0.75). CONCLUSION Women with a previous preterm birth who receive antenatal corticosteroids for an asymptomatic short cervical length are less likely to have optimal exposure than women with symptoms of preterm labor. These data challenge the practice of cervical length surveillance for the sole indication of timing antenatal corticosteroids administration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew M Finneran
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH (Drs Finneran, Waickman, Shellhaas, Cackovic, and Frey); Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC (Dr Finneran).
| | - Colleen Waickman
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH (Drs Finneran, Waickman, Shellhaas, Cackovic, and Frey)
| | - Cynthia Shellhaas
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH (Drs Finneran, Waickman, Shellhaas, Cackovic, and Frey)
| | - Michael Cackovic
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH (Drs Finneran, Waickman, Shellhaas, Cackovic, and Frey)
| | - Heather A Frey
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH (Drs Finneran, Waickman, Shellhaas, Cackovic, and Frey)
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DNA methylome signatures of prenatal exposure to synthetic glucocorticoids in hippocampus and peripheral whole blood of female guinea pigs in early life. Transl Psychiatry 2021; 11:63. [PMID: 33462183 PMCID: PMC7813870 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-020-01186-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2020] [Revised: 12/15/2020] [Accepted: 12/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Synthetic glucocorticoids (sGC) are administered to women at risk of preterm delivery, approximately 10% of all pregnancies. In animal models, offspring exposed to elevated glucocorticoids, either by administration of sGC or endogenous glucocorticoids as a result of maternal stress, show increased risk of developing behavioral, endocrine, and metabolic dysregulation. DNA methylation may play a critical role in long-lasting programming of gene regulation underlying these phenotypes. However, peripheral tissues such as blood are often the only accessible source of DNA for epigenetic analyses in humans. Here, we examined the hypothesis that prenatal sGC administration alters DNA methylation signatures in guinea pig offspring hippocampus and whole blood. We compared these signatures across the two tissue types to assess epigenetic biomarkers of common molecular pathways affected by sGC exposure. Guinea pigs were treated with sGC or saline in late gestation. Genome-wide modifications of DNA methylation were analyzed at single nucleotide resolution using reduced representation bisulfite sequencing in juvenile female offspring. Results indicate that there are tissue-specific as well as common methylation signatures of prenatal sGC exposure. Over 90% of the common methylation signatures associated with sGC exposure showed the same directionality of change in methylation. Among differentially methylated genes, 134 were modified in both hippocampus and blood, of which 61 showed methylation changes at identical CpG sites. Gene pathway analyses indicated that prenatal sGC exposure alters the methylation status of gene clusters involved in brain development. These data indicate concordance across tissues of epigenetic programming in response to alterations in glucocorticoid signaling.
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Amorim MMR, Souza ASR, Melo ASDO, Delgado AM, Florêncio ACMCDC, Oliveira TVD, Lira LCS, Sales LMDS, Souza GA, Melo BCPD, Morais Í, Katz L. COVID-19 and Pregnancy. REVISTA BRASILEIRA DE SAÚDE MATERNO INFANTIL 2021. [DOI: 10.1590/1806-9304202100s200002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Abstract Objectives: reviewing the available literature on COVID-19 infection and the maternal and perinatal outcomes. Methods: this is a narrative review of the literature carried out from March to September 2020, usingthe MESH: coronavirus, Covid 19, SARS-CoV-2, pregnancy, gravidity, pregnancy complications and pregnancy complications infectius. All study designs, reviews, recommendations and technical notes were included, without distinction of language and that would bring the approach of the new coronavirus in the gestational and perinatal scenario. Results: the COVID-19 pandemic has had devastating effects, affecting millions of people and claiming almost a million lives worldwide. Initially, pregnant women were not seen as a risk group for the disease, however as the proportion of women affected during the pregnancy-puerperal cycle increased, several studies were published showing an increased risk of complications. Brazilian studies have also warned of a high number of maternal deaths, associated with the presence of comorbidities but, above all, with the social determinants of the disease and serious failures in care. Conclusion: the need for new studies with an adequate research design was observed, as many studies are only letters or small series of cases, in addition expert recommendations, without the necessary scientific rigor.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Leila Katz
- Instituto de Medicina Integral Prof. Fernando Figueira, Brasil
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Chai Y, Su J, Hong W, Zhu R, Cheng C, Wang L, Zhang X, Yu B. Antenatal Corticosteroid Therapy Attenuates Angiogenesis Through Inhibiting Osteoclastogenesis in Young Mice. Front Cell Dev Biol 2020; 8:601188. [PMID: 33384997 PMCID: PMC7769874 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2020.601188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2020] [Accepted: 10/09/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Antenatal corticosteroid therapy (ACT) has been shown to reduce morbidity and mortality rates in preterm delivery, but the fetus is more likely to face the risk of low bone mineralization and low fetal linear growth. However, the mechanism of ACT inducing low bone mineralization remains largely unknown. Pre-osteoclasts, which play an important role in angiogenesis and osteogenesis, are specifically regulating type H vessels (CD31hiEmcnhi) and vessel formation by secreting platelet-derived growth factor-BB (PDGF-BB). We find that the number of pre-osteoclasts and POC-secreted PDGF-BB is dramatically decreased in ACT mice, contributing to the reduction in type H vessels and bone mineralization during the mouse offspring. Quantitative analyses of micro-computed tomography show that the ACT mice have a significant reduction in the mass of trabecular bone relative to the control group. Mononuclear pre-osteoclasts in trabecular bone decreased in ACT mice, which leads to the amount of PDGF-BB reduced and attenuates type H vessel formation. After sorting the Rank+ osteoclast precursors using flow cytometry, we show that the enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (Ezh2) expression is decreased in Rank+ osteoclast precursors in ACT mice. Consistent with the flow data, by using small molecule Ezh2 inhibitor GSK126, we prove that Ezh2 is required for osteoclast differentiation. Downregulating the expression of Ezh2 in osteoclast precursors would reduce PDGF-BB production. Conditioned medium from osteoclast precursor cultures treated with GSK126 inhibited endothelial tube formation, whereas conditioned medium from vehicle group stimulated endothelial tube formation. These results indicate Ezh2 expression of osteoclast precursors is suppressed after ACT, which reduced the pre-osteoclast number and PDGF-BB secretion, thus inhibiting type H vessel formation and ACT-associated low bone mineralization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Chai
- Division of Orthopaedic Surgery, Department of Orthopaedics, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China.,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Bone and Cartilage Regenerative Medicine, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jianwen Su
- Division of Orthopaedic Surgery, Department of Orthopaedics, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China.,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Bone and Cartilage Regenerative Medicine, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Weisheng Hong
- Division of Orthopaedic Surgery, Department of Orthopaedics, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China.,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Bone and Cartilage Regenerative Medicine, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Runjiu Zhu
- Division of Orthopaedic Surgery, Department of Orthopaedics, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China.,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Bone and Cartilage Regenerative Medicine, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Caiyu Cheng
- Division of Orthopaedic Surgery, Department of Orthopaedics, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China.,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Bone and Cartilage Regenerative Medicine, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Lei Wang
- Division of Orthopaedic Surgery, Department of Orthopaedics, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China.,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Bone and Cartilage Regenerative Medicine, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xianrong Zhang
- Division of Orthopaedic Surgery, Department of Orthopaedics, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China.,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Bone and Cartilage Regenerative Medicine, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Bin Yu
- Division of Orthopaedic Surgery, Department of Orthopaedics, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China.,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Bone and Cartilage Regenerative Medicine, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
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Variability in the efficacy of a standardized antenatal steroid treatment was independent of maternal or fetal plasma drug levels: evidence from a sheep model of pregnancy. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2020; 223:921.e1-921.e10. [PMID: 32445634 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajog.2020.05.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2019] [Revised: 05/05/2020] [Accepted: 05/14/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Administration of antenatal steroids is standard of care for women assessed to be at imminent risk of preterm delivery. There is a marked variation in antenatal steroid dosing strategy, selection for treatment criteria, and agent choice worldwide. This, combined with very limited optimization of antenatal steroid use per se, means that treatment efficacy is highly variable, and the rate of respiratory distress syndrome is decreased to perhaps as low as 40%. In some cases, antenatal steroid use is associated with limited benefit and potential harm. OBJECTIVE We hypothesized that individual differences in maternofetal steroid exposure would contribute to observed variability in antenatal steroid treatment efficacy. Using a chronically catheterized sheep model of pregnancy, we aimed to explore the relationship between maternofetal steroid exposure and antenatal steroid treatment efficacy as determined by functional lung maturation in preterm lambs undergoing ventilation. STUDY DESIGN Ewes carrying a single fetus underwent surgery to catheterize a fetal and maternal jugular vein at 119 days' gestation. Animals recovered for 24 hours before being randomized to either (1) a single maternal intramuscular injection of 2 mL saline (negative control group, n=10) or (2) a single maternal intramuscular injection of 0.25 mg/kg betamethasone phosphate plus acetate (antenatal steroid group, n=20). Serial maternal and fetal plasma samples were collected from each animal after 48 hours before fetuses were delivered and ventilated for 30 minutes. Total and free plasma betamethasone concentration was measured by mass spectrometry. Fetal lung tissue was collected for analysis using quantitative polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS One animal from the control group and one animal from the antenatal steroid group did not complete their treatment protocol and were removed from analyses. Animals in the antenatal steroid group were divided into a responder subgroup (n=12/19) and a nonresponder subgroup (n=7/19) using a cutoff of partial pressure of arterial CO2 at 30-minute ventilation within 2 standard deviations of the mean value from saline-treated negative control group animals. Although antenatal steroid improved fetal lung maturation in the undivided antenatal steroid group and in the responder subgroup both physiologically (blood gas- and ventilation-related data) and biochemically (messenger ribonucleic acid expression related to fetal lung maturation), these values did not improve relative to saline-treated control group animals in the antenatal steroid nonresponder subgroup. No differences in betamethasone distribution, clearance, or protein binding were identified between the antenatal steroid responder and nonresponder subgroups. CONCLUSION This study correlated individual maternofetal steroid exposures with preterm lung maturation as determined by pulmonary ventilation. Herein, approximately 40% of preterm lambs exposed to antenatal steroids had lung maturation that was not significantly different to saline-treated control group animals. These nonresponsive animals received maternal and fetal betamethasone exposures identical to animals that had a significant improvement in functional lung maturation. These data suggest that the efficacy of antenatal steroid therapy is not solely determined by maternofetal drug levels and that individual fetal or maternal factors may play a role in determining treatment outcomes in response to glucocorticoid signaling.
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Cahill LS, Whitehead CL, Hobson SR, Stortz G, Kingdom JC, Baschat A, Murphy KE, Serghides L, Macgowan CK, Sled JG. Effect of maternal betamethasone administration on feto-placental vascular resistance in the mouse†. Biol Reprod 2020; 101:823-831. [PMID: 31318405 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioz128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2019] [Revised: 05/10/2019] [Accepted: 05/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Antenatal corticosteroids are often administered to women at risk of preterm birth to accelerate fetal lung development; however, there is evidence that this treatment may adversely affect placental function in some fetuses. Our group has recently demonstrated that wave reflections in the umbilical artery (UA), measured using high-frequency ultrasound, are sensitive to placental vascular abnormalities. In the present study, we used this approach to investigate the effect of maternal administration of betamethasone, a clinically relevant corticosteroid, on the feto-placental vasculature of the mouse. Fetuses were assessed at embryonic day (E)15.5 and E17.5 in C57BL6/J mice. At both gestational ages, the UA diameter, UA blood flow, and the wave reflection coefficient were significantly elevated in the betamethasone-treated mice compared to vehicle-treated controls. These observations support the interpretation that placental vascular resistance dropped with betamethasone treatment to an extent that could not be explained by vasodilation of the UA alone. Consistent with clinical studies, the effect of betamethasone on UA end-diastolic velocity was heterogeneous. Our results suggest that UA wave reflections are more sensitive to acute changes in placental vascular resistance compared with the UA pulsatility index, and this technique may have clinical application to identify a favorable placental vascular response to fetal therapies such as antenatal corticosteroids, where the fetal heart rate is likely to vary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lindsay S Cahill
- Mouse Imaging Centre, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - Sebastian R Hobson
- Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Greg Stortz
- Translational Medicine, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - John C Kingdom
- Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Ahmet Baschat
- Centre for Fetal Therapy, Johns Hopkins Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Kellie E Murphy
- Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Lena Serghides
- Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Immunology and Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Women's College Research Institute, Women's College Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Christopher K Macgowan
- Translational Medicine, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - John G Sled
- Mouse Imaging Centre, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Translational Medicine, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Ladhani NNN. Management of Impending Periviable Delivery. CURRENT OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY REPORTS 2020. [DOI: 10.1007/s13669-020-00299-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Lee C, Sakurai R, Shin E, Wang Y, Liu J, Rehan VK. Antenatal PPAR-γ agonist pioglitazone stimulates fetal lung maturation equally in males and females. Am J Physiol Lung Cell Mol Physiol 2020; 319:L435-L443. [PMID: 32579381 DOI: 10.1152/ajplung.00376.2018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Antenatal steroids (ANS) accelerate fetal lung maturation and reduce the incidence of respiratory distress syndrome. However, sex specificity, i.e., being less effective in males, and potential long-term neurodevelopmental sequelae, particularly with repeated courses, remain significant limitations. The differential sex response to ANS is likely mediated via the inhibitory effect of fetal androgens on steroid's stimulatory effect on alveolar epithelial-mesenchymal interactions. Since peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ (PPAR-γ) agonists accelerate lung maturation by stimulating alveolar epithelial-mesenchymal interactions, independent of fetal sex, we hypothesized that the effect of PPAR-γ agonist pioglitazone (PGZ) would be sex-independent. Pregnant Sprague-Dawley rat dams were intraperitoneally administered dexamethasone (DEX) or PGZ on embryonic day (e) 18 and e19. At e20, pups were delivered by cesarean section, and fetal lungs and brains were examined for markers of lung maturation and apoptosis, respectively. Mixed epithelial-fibroblast cell cultures were examined to gain mechanistic insights. Antenatal PGZ increased alveolar epithelial and mesenchymal maturation markers equally in males and females; in contrast, antenatal DEX had sex-specific effects. Additionally, unlike DEX, antenatal PGZ did not increase hippocampal apoptosis. We conclude that PPAR-γ agonist administration is an effective, and probably even a superior, alternative to ANS for accelerating fetal lung maturity equally in both males and females.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cindy Lee
- Department of Pediatrics, Harbor-University of California, Los Angleles (UCLA) Medical Center, Lundquist Institute for Biomedical Innovation at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, David Geffen School of Medicine, Torrance, California
| | - Reiko Sakurai
- Department of Pediatrics, Harbor-University of California, Los Angleles (UCLA) Medical Center, Lundquist Institute for Biomedical Innovation at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, David Geffen School of Medicine, Torrance, California
| | - Eugene Shin
- Department of Pediatrics, Harbor-University of California, Los Angleles (UCLA) Medical Center, Lundquist Institute for Biomedical Innovation at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, David Geffen School of Medicine, Torrance, California
| | - Ying Wang
- Department of Pediatrics, Harbor-University of California, Los Angleles (UCLA) Medical Center, Lundquist Institute for Biomedical Innovation at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, David Geffen School of Medicine, Torrance, California
| | - Jie Liu
- Department of Pediatrics, Harbor-University of California, Los Angleles (UCLA) Medical Center, Lundquist Institute for Biomedical Innovation at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, David Geffen School of Medicine, Torrance, California
| | - Virender K Rehan
- Department of Pediatrics, Harbor-University of California, Los Angleles (UCLA) Medical Center, Lundquist Institute for Biomedical Innovation at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, David Geffen School of Medicine, Torrance, California
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44
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Stephens AJ, Barton JR, Bentum NAA, Blackwell SC, Sibai BM. General Guidelines in the Management of an Obstetrical Patient on the Labor and Delivery Unit during the COVID-19 Pandemic. Am J Perinatol 2020; 37:829-836. [PMID: 32344441 PMCID: PMC7356067 DOI: 10.1055/s-0040-1710308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2020] [Accepted: 04/11/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a respiratory tract infection that was first identified in China. Since its emergence in December 2019, the virus has rapidly spread, transcending geographic barriers. The World Health Organization and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have declared COVID-19 as a public health crisis. Data regarding COVID-19 in pregnancy is limited, consisting of case reports and small cohort studies. However, obstetric patients are not immune from the current COVID-19 pandemic, and obstetric care will inevitably be impacted by the current epidemic. As such, clinical protocols and practice on labor and delivery units must adapt to optimize the safety of patients and health care workers and to better conserve health care resources. In this commentary, we provide suggestions to meet these goals without impacting maternal or neonatal outcomes. KEY POINTS: • Novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a pandemic.• COVID-19 impacts care of obstetric patients.• Health care should be adapted for the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela J. Stephens
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, Texas
| | - John R. Barton
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Baptist Health Lexington, Lexington, Kentucky
| | - Nana-Ama Ankumah Bentum
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, Texas
| | - Sean C. Blackwell
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, Texas
| | - Baha M. Sibai
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, Texas
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45
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Supriya, Singh S, Tripathi S, Kumar M. Outcome of preterm neonates born to women of a developing country at risk of preterm birth exposed to varying doses of antenatal corticosteroid: A prospective observational study. CLINICAL EPIDEMIOLOGY AND GLOBAL HEALTH 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cegh.2019.12.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
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46
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Carnaghan H, James CP, Charlesworth PB, Ghionzoli M, Pereira S, Elkhouli M, Baud D, De Coppi P, Ryan G, Shah PS, Davenport M, David AL, Pierro A, Eaton S. Antenatal corticosteroids and outcomes in gastroschisis: A multicenter retrospective cohort study. Prenat Diagn 2020; 40:991-997. [PMID: 32400889 DOI: 10.1002/pd.5727] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2019] [Revised: 03/08/2020] [Accepted: 04/25/2020] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE In gastroschisis, there is evidence to suggest that gut dysfunction develops secondary to bowel inflammation; we aimed to evaluate the effect of maternal antenatal corticosteroids administered for obstetric reasons on time to full enteral feeds in a multicenter cohort study of gastroschisis infants. METHODS A three center, retrospective cohort study (1992-2013) with linked fetal/neonatal gastroschisis data was conducted. The primary outcome measure was time to full enteral feeds (a surrogate measure for bowel function) and secondary outcome measure was length of hospital stay. Analysis included Mann-Whitney and Cox regression. RESULTS Of 500 patients included in the study, 69 (GA at birth 34 [25-38] weeks) received antenatal corticosteroids and 431 (GA at birth 37 [31-41] weeks) did not. Antenatal corticosteroids had no effect on the rate of reaching full feeds (Hazard ratio HR 1.0 [95% CI: 0.8-1.4]). However, complex gastroschisis (HR 0.3 [95% CI: 0.2-0.4]) was associated with an increased time to reach full feeds and later GA at birth (HR 1.1 per week increase in GA [95% CI: 1.1-1.2]) was associated with a decreased time to reach full feeds. CONCLUSION Maternal antenatal corticosteroids use, under current antenatal steroid protocols, in gastroschisis is not associated with an improvement in neonatal outcomes such as time to full enteral feeds or length of hospital stay.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helen Carnaghan
- UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health and Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children, London, UK
| | | | | | - Marco Ghionzoli
- UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health and Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children, London, UK
| | - Susana Pereira
- Departamento de Obstetrícia e Ginecologia, Centro Hospitalar Tondela-Viseu, Viseu, Portugal
| | - Mohamed Elkhouli
- Fetal Medicine Unit, University College London Hospital, London, UK
| | - David Baud
- Fetal Medicine Unit, Mount Sinai Hospital, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Materno-fetal and Obstetrics Research Unit, Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital of Lausanne CHUV, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Paolo De Coppi
- UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health and Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children, London, UK
| | - Greg Ryan
- Fetal Medicine Unit, Mount Sinai Hospital, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Prakesh S Shah
- Division of Neonatology, Mount Sinai Hospital, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Mark Davenport
- Paediatric Surgery Unit, King's College Hospital, London, UK
| | - Anna L David
- Fetal Medicine Unit, University College London Hospital, London, UK
| | - Agostino Pierro
- Division of General and Thoracic Surgery, The Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Simon Eaton
- UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health and Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children, London, UK
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47
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Diguisto C, Arthuis C, Couderchet J, Morgan AS, Perrotin F, Rivière O, Vendittelli F. Impact of antenatal corticosteroids on head circumference of full-term newborns: A French multicenter cohort study. Acta Obstet Gynecol Scand 2020; 99:1147-1154. [PMID: 32162298 DOI: 10.1111/aogs.13839] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2019] [Revised: 02/27/2020] [Accepted: 03/05/2020] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Our main objective was to evaluate whether antenatal corticosteroids increase the risk of small head circumference in children born at term. Secondary objectives were to evaluate whether they increase the risk of small birthweight and birth length among those children. MATERIAL AND METHODS A historical cohort included 275 270 live term born children between 2000 and 2013 in 175 French maternity units. The rate of head circumference below the 5th percentile among children born at term and exposed to antenatal corticosteroids was compared with that of two unexposed groups: those children born at term whose mothers had an episode of threatened preterm labor without corticosteroids and those whose mothers had neither threatened preterm labor nor corticosteroids. The association between this treatment and head circumference was evaluated by calculating adjusted risk ratios (aRRs) and their 95% confidence intervals (CIs). The main outcome measure was a head circumference below the 5th percentile at birth, adjusted for sex, and gestational age according to the Pediatric, Obstetrics, and Gynecology Electronic Records Users Association (AUDIPOG) curves. Secondary outcomes were birthweight and birth length below the 5th percentile. RESULTS The rate of head circumference below the 5th percentile was 5.8% (n = 3388) among children exposed to antenatal corticosteroids and 4.3% (n = 7077) and 4.6% (n = 198 462), respectively, for the two unexposed groups. After adjustment, the risk of having a head circumference below the 5th percentile did not differ between the exposed group and the two control groups (aRR 1.28, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.97-1.69] and aRR 0.91, 95% CI 0.74-1.13). We did not find an association between antenatal corticosteroids and the rate of birthweight below the 5th percentile. Children exposed to antenatal corticosteroids had a higher risk of a birth length below the 5th percentile when compared with those not exposed to threatened preterm labor or corticosteroids. CONCLUSIONS We found no association between antenatal corticosteroids and increased risk of head circumference below the 5th percentile in children born at term.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline Diguisto
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Regional University Hospital of Tours, Tours, France.,François Rabelais University, Tours, France.,Université de Paris, CRESS, INSERM, INRA, Paris, France
| | - Chloé Arthuis
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital of Nantes, Nantes, France
| | - Judith Couderchet
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Regional University Hospital of Tours, Tours, France.,François Rabelais University, Tours, France
| | - Andrei S Morgan
- Université de Paris, CRESS, INSERM, INRA, Paris, France.,Elizabeth Garret Anderson Institute for Womens' Health, University College London, London, UK.,SAMU 93 - SMUR Pédiatrique, CHI André Gregoire Hospital, Groupe Hospitalier Universitaire Paris Seine-Saint-Denis, Assistance Publique des Hôpitaux de Paris, Montreuil, France
| | - Franck Perrotin
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Regional University Hospital of Tours, Tours, France.,François Rabelais University, Tours, France
| | - Olivier Rivière
- Claude Bernard Lyon 1 University-Laennec, Audipog, Lyon, France
| | - Françoise Vendittelli
- Claude Bernard Lyon 1 University-Laennec, Audipog, Lyon, France.,Clermont Auvergne University, CHU Clermont-Ferrand Hospital, CNRS, SIGMA Clermont, Institut Pascal, Clermont-Ferrand, France
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48
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Thevathasan I, Said JM. Controversies in antenatal corticosteroid treatment. Prenat Diagn 2020; 40:1138-1149. [PMID: 32157719 DOI: 10.1002/pd.5664] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2019] [Revised: 11/17/2019] [Accepted: 12/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Antenatal corticosteroids are now established as one of the cornerstones of therapy in the prevention of neonatal morbidity and mortality prior to preterm birth. Although this practice is widely accepted, a significant number of controversies exist. This review explores the knowledge gaps regarding the use of antenatal corticosteroids in the preterm, late preterm and term populations. Furthermore, the role of antenatal corticosteroids in special populations, such as diabetes, multiple pregnancies and periviable gestations, where high-quality data from randomized controlled trials are lacking, is also considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iniyaval Thevathasan
- Maternal Fetal Medicine, Joan Kirner Women's & Children's Sunshine Hospital, Western Health, St Albans, Victoria, Australia
| | - Joanne M Said
- Maternal Fetal Medicine, Joan Kirner Women's & Children's Sunshine Hospital, Western Health, St Albans, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
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49
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Carter J, Seed PT, Watson HA, David AL, Sandall J, Shennan AH, Tribe RM. Development and validation of predictive models for QUiPP App v.2: tool for predicting preterm birth in women with symptoms of threatened preterm labor. ULTRASOUND IN OBSTETRICS & GYNECOLOGY : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY OF ULTRASOUND IN OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY 2020; 55:357-367. [PMID: 31385343 DOI: 10.1002/uog.20422] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2019] [Revised: 07/11/2019] [Accepted: 07/25/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To develop enhanced prediction models to update the QUiPP App prototype, a tool providing individualized risk of spontaneous preterm birth (sPTB), for use in women with symptoms of threatened preterm labor (TPTL), incorporating risk factors, transvaginal ultrasound assessment of cervical length (CL) and cervicovaginal fluid quantitative fetal fibronectin (qfFN) test results. METHODS Participants were pregnant women between 23 + 0 and 34 + 6 weeks' gestation with symptoms of TPTL, recruited as part of four prospective cohort studies carried out at 16 UK hospitals between October 2010 and October 2017. The training set comprised all women whose outcomes were known in May 2017 (n = 1032). The validation set comprised women whose outcomes were gathered between June 2017 and March 2018 (n = 506). Parametric survival models were developed for three combinations of predictors: risk factors plus qfFN test results alone, risk factors plus CL alone, and risk factors plus both qfFN and CL. The best models were selected using the Akaike and Bayesian information criteria. The estimated probability of sPTB < 30, < 34 or < 37 weeks' gestation and within 1 or 2 weeks of testing was calculated and receiver-operating-characteristics (ROC) curves were created to demonstrate the diagnostic ability of the prediction models. RESULTS Predictive statistics were similar between the training and the validation sets at most outcome time points and for each combination of predictors. Areas under the ROC curves (AUC) demonstrated that all three algorithms had good accuracy for the prediction of sPTB at < 30, < 34 and < 37 weeks' gestation and within 1 and 2 weeks' post-testing in the validation set, particularly the model combining risk factors plus qfFN alone (AUC: 0.96 at < 30 weeks; 0.85 at < 34 weeks; 0.77 at < 37 weeks; 0.91 at < 1 week from testing; and 0.92 at < 2 weeks from testing). CONCLUSIONS Validation of the new prediction models suggests that the QUiPP App v.2 can reliably calculate risk of sPTB in women with TPTL. Use of the QUiPP App in practice could lead to better targeting of intervention, while providing reassurance and avoiding unnecessary intervention in women at low risk. Copyright © 2019 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Carter
- Department of Women and Children's Health, School of Life Course Sciences, King's College London, London, UK
| | - P T Seed
- Department of Women and Children's Health, School of Life Course Sciences, King's College London, London, UK
| | - H A Watson
- Department of Women and Children's Health, School of Life Course Sciences, King's College London, London, UK
| | - A L David
- Institute for Women's Health, University College London, London, UK
- National Institute for Health Research, University College London Hospitals, Biomedical Research Centre, London, UK
| | - J Sandall
- Department of Women and Children's Health, School of Life Course Sciences, King's College London, London, UK
| | - A H Shennan
- Department of Women and Children's Health, School of Life Course Sciences, King's College London, London, UK
| | - R M Tribe
- Department of Women and Children's Health, School of Life Course Sciences, King's College London, London, UK
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50
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Hrabalkova L, Takahashi T, Kemp MW, Stock SJ. Antenatal Corticosteroids for Fetal Lung Maturity - Too Much of a Good Thing? Curr Pharm Des 2020; 25:593-600. [PMID: 30914016 DOI: 10.2174/1381612825666190326143814] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2019] [Accepted: 03/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Between 5-15% of babies are born prematurely worldwide, with preterm birth defined as delivery before 37 completed weeks of pregnancy (term is at 40 weeks of gestation). Women at risk of preterm birth receive antenatal corticosteroids as part of standard care to accelerate fetal lung maturation and thus improve neonatal outcomes in the event of delivery. As a consequence of this treatment, the entire fetal organ system is exposed to the administered corticosteroids. The implications of this exposure, particularly the long-term impacts on offspring health, are poorly understood. AIMS This review will consider the origins of antenatal corticosteroid treatment and variations in current clinical practices surrounding the treatment. The limitations in the evidence base supporting the use of antenatal corticosteroids and the evidence of potential harm to offspring are also summarised. RESULTS Little has been done to optimise the dose and formulation of antenatal corticosteroid treatment since the first clinical trial in 1972. International guidelines for the use of the treatment lack clarity regarding the recommended type of corticosteroid and the gestational window of treatment administration. Furthermore, clinical trials cited in the most recent Cochrane Review have limitations which should be taken into account when considering the use of antenatal corticosteroids in clinical practice. Lastly, there is limited evidence regarding the long-term effects on the different fetal organ systems exposed in utero, particularly when the timing of corticosteroid administration is sub-optimal. CONCLUSION Further investigations are urgently needed to determine the most safe and effective treatment regimen for antenatal corticosteroids, particularly regarding the type of corticosteroid and optimal gestational window of administration. A clear consensus on the use of this common treatment could maximise the benefits and minimise potential harms to offspring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lenka Hrabalkova
- Tommy's Centre for Maternal and Fetal Health at the MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | | | - Matthew W Kemp
- Tohoku University Hospital, Sendai, Miyagi, Japan.,Division of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
| | - Sarah J Stock
- Tommy's Centre for Maternal and Fetal Health at the MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom.,Usher Institute of Population Health Sciences and Informatics, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
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