Search Our Scientific Publications & Authors

PLoS One 2019 25;14(4):e0215683. Epub 2019 Apr 25.

Department of Medical Biometrics & Informatics (Biostatistics), Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research (JIPMER), Puducherry, India.

Background: The incidence of neonatal sepsis in India is the highest in the world. Evidence regarding its risk factors can guide clinical practice and prevention strategies.

Objective: To review, assess and synthesize the available literature from India on the risk factors of sepsis among neonates. Read More

J Obstet Gynaecol 2019 Apr 19. Epub 2019 Apr 19.

Dermatol Surg 2019 Apr 16. Epub 2019 Apr 16.

Skin Laser & Surgery Specialists of NY and NJ, New York, New York.

Background: Due to concerns regarding maternal and fetal safety and the absence of evidence to the contrary, laser treatment during pregnancy has traditionally been limited to situations of absolute necessity.

Objective: This review seeks to examine the available evidence to determine the safety of laser therapy during pregnancy.

Methods: Medical databases were searched for relevant reports from all specialties regarding the use of lasers during pregnancy from 1960 to 2017. Read More

Z Geburtshilfe Neonatol 2019 Apr 17;223(2):73-84. Epub 2019 Apr 17.

Institut für Rettungs- und Notfallmedizin, Universitätsklinikum Schleswig Holstein.

Maternal emergencies can significantly affect the outcome of pregnancy and childbirth. Since obstetrical emergencies may happen at any time during pregnancy an emergency transport to a hospital nearby may not always be possible. So, obstetrical emergency-management may already become mandatory in a prehospital setting. Read More

Semin Arthritis Rheum 2019 Mar 23. Epub 2019 Mar 23.

University of Mississippi, 2500 North State Street, Jackson, MS 39232, United States.

Objective: Fertility is reduced in patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis due to unknown cause. Few studies have addressed pregnancy outcomes in RA. This study was undertaken to determine the frequency of complications occurring during pregnancy for women with RA and compare with the general obstetric population by using the largest inpatient care database. Read More

Chemosphere 2019 Apr 9;227:191-197. Epub 2019 Apr 9.

School of Public Health, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, 453003, China; Henan International Collaborative Laboratory for Air Pollution Health Effects and Intervention, Xinxiang, 453003, China.

While increasing evidence suggests that ozone (O) exposure is associated with adverse birth outcomes, only one study has focused on its impact on the premature rupture of membranes (PROM). Therefore, we thus examined the effect of O on PROM in Xinxiang, China, using an over-dispersed Poisson generalized additive model. Several confounding factors, including meteorological factors, temporal trends, the day of the week, and public holidays, were considered in the model. Read More

J Int Med Res 2019 Apr 14:300060519841160. Epub 2019 Apr 14.

4 Clinical Laboratory Medicine Center, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong Province, China.

Objective: This study aimed to examine the predictive value of a routine urine test for premature rupture of the fetal membranes.

Methods: Routine urine test data of 100 patients with preterm premature rupture of the membranes (PPROM) and 100 patients with full-term premature rupture of the membranes (PROM) were collected by the case-based method. Additionally, 100 healthy pregnant women and 100 nonpregnant adult healthy women were selected as the negative control group and blank control group, respectively. Read More

Case Rep Womens Health 2019 Apr 19;22:e00104. Epub 2019 Mar 19.

Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Division of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Università di Pisa, Italy.

In multiple pregnancies with threatened premature delivery or preterm premature rupture of membranes (pPROM) of a single sac, prolonging pregnancy after the delivery of the first baby may improve the chances of survival of the second baby. We report the delayed delivery of a second baby in a twin pregnancy with pPROM and very premature delivery of the first baby. This condition is exceptional and there are no validated medical protocols for its management; the scientific evidence is still controversial. Read More

J Viral Hepat 2019 Apr 10. Epub 2019 Apr 10.

Department of Epidemiology, Key Laboratory for Public Health Safety, School of Public Health; Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.

It is not clear whether chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection during pregnancy can increase the risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes for both mothers and neonates. We conducted a hospital-based prospective cohort study on pregnant women (PW) and used an analysis strategy that was guided by directed acyclic graphs (DAGs). Maternal characteristics and major adverse pregnancy outcomes were collected both from questionnaires and hospital-based electronic medical records. Read More

J Matern Fetal Neonatal Med 2019 Apr 7:1-161. Epub 2019 Apr 7.

a Obstetrics and Gynecology Department , Cairo University , Cairo , Egypt.

Objective: to evaluate the efficacy and safety of amniopatch in pregnancies associated with spontaneous preterm premature rupture of fetal membranes (PPROM).

Methods: A randomized controlled trial that involved 100 women diagnosed with PPROM between 24 and 34 weeks of gestational age. Participants were randomized equally into two groups. Read More

Chest 2019 Apr;155(4):e101-e105

Department of Medicine, Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA; Section of Computational Biomedicine, Department of Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA.

Case Presentation: A 32-year-old Nigerian woman, who became pregnant after undergoing in vitro fertilization, was admitted with nausea and abdominal pain. She had a history of two miscarriages and infertility because of tubal blockage treated by salpingectomy. One week prior, she presented to an outside hospital with premature rupture of membranes resulting in stillborn delivery of twins. Read More

J Perinatol 2019 Apr 3. Epub 2019 Apr 3.

Assistant Dean for Medical Education and Academic Affairs & Associate Professor of Integrated Medical Science, Integrated Medical Science Department, Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine at Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, FL, USA.

Objective: To develop and test an Objective Structured Clinical Examination to evaluate the use of shared decision-making (SDM) in periviable counseling among fourth-year OB/GYN residents.

Methods: Residents counseled a standardized patient presenting with preterm premature rupture of membranes at 23 weeks' gestation. Braddock's 9-item measure of SDM was adapted to a 10-item scoring rubric; rating each: 0 (absent), 1 (partial), or 2 (complete). Read More

J Formos Med Assoc 2019 Mar 27. Epub 2019 Mar 27.

Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan; Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan. Electronic address:

Purpose: To assess the complication rates following chorionic villus sampling (CVS) and midtrimester amniocentesis in Taiwan.

Methods: This is a national registry-based cohort study from Taiwan. We included all women with singleton pregnancies who received either CVS (n = 1409) or midtrimester amniocentesis (n = 250,566) during 2006-2012. Read More

Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol 2019 Mar 7. Epub 2019 Mar 7.

corso mazzini 18, Novara, Italy.

Objective: To evaluate the relationships between excisional treatment for high-grade cervical intra-epithelial neoplasia (CIN2+) and obstetric outcomes in terms of preterm delivery risk, premature rupture of membrane (PROM) and type of delivery, and between pre-term delivery and the type of excisional technique (radio frequency excision, laser conization).

Methods: This was a retrospective study of the obstetric outcomes of 2316 women aged 25-45 years who underwent excisional treatment for CIN2+ at the Obstetric and Gynecological Clinic of Ospedale Maggiore della Carità in Novara and at the Obstetric and Gynecological Department of Ospedale Sant'Anna in Torino in the period 2005-2014 and were evaluated until April 2016, and 57,937 untreated women of the same age, from the same centers.

Results: After treatment, 320 women had at least one pregnancy leading to delivery after a mean of 3. Read More

Obstet Gynecol Sci 2019 Mar 13;62(2):127-133. Epub 2019 Feb 13.

Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Soonchunhyang University Cheonan Hospital, Soonchunhyang University College of Medicine, Cheonan, Korea.

Objective: To assess positive culture rate and antimicrobial susceptibilities of (MH) and (UU) in symptomatic general population and pregnant women admitted with preterm labor and premature rupture of membranes.

Methods: We retrospectively reviewed medical records of patients who have undergone culture test and antimicrobial susceptibilities at our center from January 2017 to April 2018. Patients with positive culture for MH, UU, or both were included in this study. Read More

Obstet Gynecol Sci 2019 Mar 25;62(2):93-102. Epub 2019 Feb 25.

Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.

Objective: To investigate the perinatal outcomes of twin pregnancies according to maternal age.

Methods: This is a retrospective cohort study of twin pregnancies delivered ≥24 weeks' gestation at a tertiary academic hospital from 1995 to 2016. Subjects were categorized into 5 groups according to maternal age: <25, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, and ≥40 years. Read More

Taiwan J Obstet Gynecol 2019 Mar;58(2):223-226

Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130041, China. Electronic address:

Objective: This study aimed to explore the clinical characteristics and outcomes of placental abruption.

Materials And Methods: A total of 62 placental abruption cases were collected from the Second Hospital of Jilin University between January 2007 and December 2012. A retrospective study was conducted to explore the risk factors for placental abruption, clinical characteristics, and maternal and fetal outcomes. Read More

J Neonatal Perinatal Med 2019 Mar 20. Epub 2019 Mar 20.

Department of Pediatrics, Staten Island University Hospital Northwell Health, Staten Island, NY, USA.

Biophysical profile (BPP) with ultrasound performed for a 32-year-old G5P3013 admitted at 31 weeks gestation with preterm, premature rupture of membranes (PPROM) noted an extracalvarial mass concerning for an encephalocele. Fetal MRI demonstrated edema over the occiput with no definable lesion visualized. Preterm labor requiring Cesarean delivery resulted in a live male neonate at 33 weeks gestation. Read More

Zhongguo Dang Dai Er Ke Za Zhi 2019 Mar;21(3):249-252

Department of Pediatrics, Peking University International Hospital, Beijing 102206, China.

Objective: To investigate the incidence of neonatal birth trauma in the department of obstetrics in a single-center medical institution and the risk factors for neonatal birth trauma.

Methods: The maternal and infant medical records of all full-term singleton neonates delivered in the Department of Obstetrics, Peking University International Hospital, from October 2015 to September 2018 were collected. The neonates with birth trauma were assigned to case group, and those without birth trauma were assigned to control group. Read More

Lupus 2019 Mar 24:961203319839482. Epub 2019 Mar 24.

3 UniCareD, University Cryobank for Assisted Reproductive Medicine and Fertility Protection at UniKiD Düsseldorf, Heinrich-Heine-University, Düsseldorf, Germany.

Premature gonadal failure is a common problem in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) when gonadotoxic therapies are applied. The preservation of gonadal function and fertility is of great importance to many predominantly young SLE patients. Some fertility preservation methods are well established and well known, whereas others are considered more cautiously. Read More

J Gynecol Obstet Hum Reprod 2019 Mar 21. Epub 2019 Mar 21.

AP-HP, Hôpital Bicêtre, GHU Sud, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, 94276 Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France; Inserm, Centre of Research in Epidemiology and Population Health (CESP), U1018, 94276 Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France; University Paris Sud Orsay, 94276 Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France. Electronic address:

Objective: Cervical cerclage is the principal treatment for women with a cervical insufficiency, which is a predominant factor in second trimester loss and preterm birth. A cervico-isthmic cerclage is recommended in case of a previous failure of McDonald cerclage or in case of an absent portio vaginalis of the cervix. In women who have prolapsed membranes at or beyond a dilated external cervical os before 24 weeks of gestation, an emergency cerclage can sometimes be performed. Read More

Am J Obstet Gynecol 2019 Mar 20. Epub 2019 Mar 20.

Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Maternal Fetal Medicine; Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA.

Background: Preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM) complicates 2-3% of pregnancies. Many institutions have advocated for the use of azithromycin instead of erythromycin. This is secondary to national shortages of erythromycin, ease of administration, better side effect profile and decreased cost of azithromycin as compared to erythromycin. Read More

Enferm Clin 2019 Mar 19. Epub 2019 Mar 19.

Unidad de Apoyo a la Investigación, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, España.

Objective: To determine the effects on maternal satisfaction of the use of the birthing ball as a method of pain relief compared to the subcutaneous administration of pethidine (50mg) and haloperidol (2.5mg), during the latent phase of labour.

Method: Randomised, unicentric, parallel and controlled clinical trial. Read More

Rev Mal Respir 2019 Mar 20;36(3):342-349. Epub 2019 Mar 20.

Service de médecineinterne, centre hospitalier universitaire de Libreville (CHUL), Libreville, Gabon; Département de médecine interne et spécialités médicales, faculté de médecine des sciences de la santé (FMSS), université des sciences de la santé (USS), Libreville, Gabon.

Background: The midwife, in taking on a public health role, is one of the most important resources for the prevention of smoking and in helping smoking cessation among women of childbearing age thanks to their numerous contacts with pregnant women. With this in mind, we conducted a study among student midwives to examine their smoking behavior, their attitudes towards smoking, and their participation in prevention.

Method: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study conducted from 15 January to 15 February 2018 using a self-administered questionnaire and included the student midwives of the University of Health Science at Libreville (Gabon). Read More

J Matern Fetal Neonatal Med 2019 Mar 21:1-9. Epub 2019 Mar 21.

a Centre for Women and Children's Health Research, Harris-Wellbeing Preterm Birth Research Group , University of Liverpool, Liverpool Women's Hospital , Liverpool , UK.

Objective: To assess feasibility for a definitive randomized controlled trial (RCT) comparing three treatments for short cervix in a population at high risk for spontaneous preterm birth (sPTB) over a 1-year period.

Design: Three arm, open label feasibility randomized clinical study.

Methods: Women with singleton pregnancy with risk factors for sPTB (history of sPTB or prelabor premature rupture of membranes (PPROM) <34 weeks or significant cervical surgery), and short cervix on transvaginal ultrasound scan detected between 16 and 24 weeks gestation were randomized to receive either cervical cerclage, vaginal pessary, or vaginal progesterone 200 mg nocte. Read More

Reprod Sci 2019 Mar 21:1933719119831790. Epub 2019 Mar 21.

1 Warren Alpert Medical School at Brown University, Providence, RI ,USA.

Preterm birth is a leading cause of neonatal mortality in the US and globally, with preterm premature rupture of fetal membranes (PPROM) accounting for one third of preterm births. Currently no predictive diagnostics are available to precisely assess risk and potentially reduce the incidence of PPROM. Bigycan and decorin, the main proteoglycans present in human fetal membranes, are involved in the physiological maturation of fetal membranes as well as in the pathophysiology of preterm birth. Read More

J Pediatr Surg 2019 Mar 1. Epub 2019 Mar 1.

Cincinnati Fetal Center, Cincinnati, OH; Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH; University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH.

Purpose: Congenital high airway obstruction syndrome (CHAOS) is a devastating fetal condition of complete airway discontinuity resulting in significant hydrops and extreme lung hyperplasia. It is universally fatal with survival reported only in the rare spontaneous fistulization or EXIT intervention (Ex Utero Intrapartum Treatment). Even in these cases, mortality remains high, and current investigations are targeting prenatal interventions. Read More

J Hypertens 2019 May;37(5):1012-1017

Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology.

Introduction: Angiogenic and inflammatory factors have been shown to play an important role in the pathogenesis of preeclampsia. However, there is little information on their interaction. The aims of this study were to investigate the longitudinal pattern of inflammatory markers, such as interleukin-6 (IL-6) and C-reactive protein (CRP) using a novel ultra-high sensitive assay method (uhsCRP), and to explore their relationship with angiogenic factors such as placental growth factor (PLGF), soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 (sFlt-1), and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in normal pregnancies and pregnancies complicated by preeclampsia. Read More

J Matern Fetal Neonatal Med 2019 Mar 21:1-6. Epub 2019 Mar 21.

a Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology , Kanuni Sultan Suleyman Research and Training Hospital , Istanbul , Turkey.

Introduction: Adolescent pregnancies are associated with adverse maternal and fetal outcomes including preeclampsia, preterm birth, and fetal growth restriction compared to adult pregnancies. The purpose of our study is to compare the incidents of obstetric outcomes between the adolescent pregnancies and adult pregnancies.

Materials And Methods: This retrospective case-control study was conducted between January 2013 and January 2018 at Kanuni Sultan Suleyman Research and Training Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey. Read More

J Obstet Gynaecol Can 2019 Apr;41(4):523-542

Vancouver (C.-B.).

Objectif: Fournir des directives sur l'administration prénatale de sulfate de magnésium visant à offrir une neuroprotection aux enfants prématurés.

Options: L'administration prénatale de sulfate de magnésium aux fins de neuroprotection fœtale devrait être envisagée chez les femmes enceintes de 33+6 semaines ou moins étant sur le point d'accoucher prématurément; l'accouchement prématuré imminent est défini par une forte probabilité d'accouchement en raison d'un travail actif accompagné d'une dilatation du col d'au moins 4 cm, avec ou sans rupture prématurée des membranes avant le travail, ou comme un accouchement prématuré planifié pour des indications maternelles ou fœtales. Outre le sulfate de magnésium, aucun autre agent offrant une neuroprotection fœtale n'est connu. Read More

J Perinat Med 2019 Mar 15. Epub 2019 Mar 15.

Department of Histology and Embryology, Gaziantep University School of Medicine, Gaziantep, Turkey.

Objectives To evaluate the maternal serum endocan levels in pregnant women complicated by preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM) and to compare the results with healthy pregnancies. Methods This cohort study included 31 pregnant women with PPROM and 34 gestational age-matched healthy subjects in the third trimester of pregnancy. The blood for analysis was obtained on the day of diagnosis and serum endocan levels were measured using a commercially available enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kit. Read More

Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol 2019 Mar 2;236:1-6. Epub 2019 Mar 2.

Inserm UMR 1153 Equipe de recherche en Epidémiologie Obstétricale, Périnatale et Pédiatrique (EPOPé), Centre de Recherche Epidémiologie et Statistique Sorbonne Paris Cité, Paris, France; Service de Gynécologie Obstétrique, Hôpital Trousseau, AP-HP, Paris, France; Université Pierre et Marie Curie, Paris, France.

In France, the frequency of premature rupture of the membranes (PROM) is 2%-3% before 37 weeks' gestation (level of evidence [LE] 2) and less than 1% before 34 weeks (LE2). Preterm delivery and intrauterine infection are the major complications of preterm PROM (PPROM) (LE2). Prolongation of the latency period is beneficial (LE2). Read More

Sci Rep 2019 Mar 12;9(1):4280. Epub 2019 Mar 12.

Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Bicêtre Hospital, Department of Gynecology-Obstetrics, University Paris Saclay, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France.

Preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM) is associated with an increased risk of serious maternal, fetal, and neonatal morbidities. We compared neonatal outcomes of women with PPROM before 34 weeks of gestation according to inpatient or outpatient management policy. 587 women with PPROM >48 hours, 246 (41. Read More

AJP Rep 2019 Jan 7;9(1):e67-e71. Epub 2019 Mar 7.

Division of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Duke University Hospital, Durham, North Carolina.

 A 7-day course of a penicillin (PCN) and macrolide is standard of care (SAR) in preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM). Data regarding alternative antibiotic regimens are limited. We sought to assess the impact of non-PCN regimens on neonatal outcomes. Read More

Biol Reprod 2019 Mar 8. Epub 2019 Mar 8.

Division of Reproductive Sciences, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Colorado Denver, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA.

Background: Gaso-transmitters are endogenous small gaseous messengers exemplified by nitric oxide (NO), carbon monoxide (CO), and hydrogen sulfide (H2S or sulfide). Gasotransmitters are implicated in myriad physiologic functions including many aspects of reproduction.

Objective: Comprehensively review basic mechanisms and functions of gasotransmitters during pregnancy from conception to uterine involution and highlight future research opportunities. Read More

Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol 2019 Mar 4. Epub 2019 Mar 4.

Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

Objective: Amniotic fluid volume (AFV) plays an important role in early fetal lung development, and oligohydramnios in early pregnancy has been associated with pulmonary hypoplasia. We aimed to evaluate the association between AFV at the time of presentation with early preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM) and severe neonatal respiratory morbidity and other adverse pregnancy outcomes.

Methods: We performed a retrospective study of all women with a singleton pregnancy admitted to a single tertiary referral center between 2004-2014 for expectant management of PPROM at 20 -28 weeks' gestation. Read More

Issues Law Med Fall 2018;33(2):247-256

When intrauterine infection develops prior to viability, prognosis for the fetus is guarded. Previable partuition can be pursued when infection is present, but physician must challenge themselves to do only what is indicated and avoid causing unnecessary effects by their methods of terminating pregnancy. Read More

Pregnancy Hypertens 2019 Jan 31;15:108-113. Epub 2018 Dec 31.

Medical School, The Federal University of Sao Paulo, Obstetrics Department, Brazil. Electronic address:

Objectives: We aimed to evaluate laboratory markers in women who got pregnant after renal transplantation.

Study Design: Cross-sectional prospective study.

Main Outcome Measures: Renal function parameters and maternal and fetal data were assessed in renal transplant recipients. Read More

PLoS One 2019 1;14(3):e0213058. Epub 2019 Mar 1.

University of Fort Hare, Faculty of Health Sciences, East London, South Africa.

Background: Low birth weight continues to be a main cause of child morbidity and mortality. Low birth weight can cause complications in adult life, and is therefore a public health concern. In this study, we determined the maternal factors that contribute to low birth weight (LBW) deliveries in Tshwane District, South Africa. Read More

Am J Transl Res 2019 15;11(1):269-279. Epub 2019 Jan 15.

School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Shanghai 200025, China.

Gestational diabetemellitus (GDM) is a condition whereby a mother's glucose tolerance is impaired with onset or first recognition during pregnancy which is not either type 1 or type 2 diabetes mellitus. Oxidative stress plays an essential role in diabetes, however, whether it also includes in GDM has not been fully clarified. Therefore, we investigated the changes of oxidative stress biomarkers and their relationship with pregnancy outcomes in patients with GDM. Read More

Z Geburtshilfe Neonatol 2019 Feb 20. Epub 2019 Feb 20.

Klinik und Poliklinik für Frauenheilkunde und Geburtshilfe, Universitätsklinikum Carl Gustav Carus Dresden, Dresden.

Introduction: It can be observed that there is an increase in the methamphetamine (MA) consumption in Saxony (Federal Republic of Germany). There is so far no data available in German speaking countries about the risk of MA consumption in pregnancy or delivery.

Methods: The data from all pregnant women who were examined or delivered at the Clinic for Obstetrics and Gynaecology between 2010-2015 were retrospectively searched for MA consumption. Read More

BMJ Open 2019 Feb 1;9(1):e023004. Epub 2019 Feb 1.

Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of British Columbia and the Children's and Women's Hospital and Health Centre of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.

Objective: After a decade of increase, the preterm birth (PTB) rate has declined in the USA since 2006, with the largest decline at late preterm (34-36 weeks). We described concomitant changes in gestational age-specific rates of neonatal mortality and morbidity following spontaneous and clinician-initiated PTB among singleton infants.

Design, Setting And Participants: This retrospective population-based study included 754 763 singleton births in Washington State, USA, 2004-2013, using data from birth certificates and hospitalisation records. Read More

J Matern Fetal Neonatal Med 2019 Mar 4:1-6. Epub 2019 Mar 4.

c Hillel Yaffe Medical Center, The Rappaport faculty of Medicine , Technion , Hadera , Haifa , Israel.

Objective: To determine predictors for cesarean delivery (CD) in pregnancies complicated by preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM) with an intention for vaginal delivery.

Materials And Methods: A retrospective cohort analysis of all singleton, preterm deliveries (24 + 0 to 36 + 6 weeks) following PPROM (2007-2014). Exclusion criteria included: cases intended for CD prior to delivery; short interval from PPROM to delivery (<24 hours); cervical dilatation upon admission ≥4 cm; and major fetal anatomical/chromosomal abnormalities. Read More

Endocrinology 2019 Apr;160(4):925-937

Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan.

Glucocorticoid use during pregnancy is known to increase the risk of preterm birth and preterm premature rupture of membranes (pPROM). Here, we investigated the mechanism of how glucocorticoids weaken the fetal membranes. The amnion mesenchymal layer was significantly thinner in pregnant women treated with prednisolone and in corticosterone-injected mice than in control groups. Read More

Int J Cardiol 2019 Feb 5. Epub 2019 Feb 5.

Department of Cardiovascular Diseases, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, United States of America.

Background: Placental insufficiency may be the cause of the high preterm birth rate in women after Fontan operation. In this study we reviewed the clinical course and pregnancy outcome of women with Fontan physiology with a focus on placental pathology.

Methods: We reviewed clinical charts and placental pathology from 7 women with Fontan physiology who had pregnancies at Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota. Read More

Sex Transm Dis 2019 Feb 11. Epub 2019 Feb 11.

California Preterm Birth Initiative, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA.

Background: Few studies have examined the relationship between sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and preterm birth (<37 weeks gestation) by subtype (<32 weeks, 32 - 36 weeks, spontaneous, provider-initiated). Here, we evaluate the odds of preterm (by subtype) and early term (37 and 38 weeks gestation) birth in women with an STI compared to a propensity score matched reference population.

Methods: The sample was selected from California births in 2007-2012. Read More

Am J Obstet Gynecol 2019 Feb 5. Epub 2019 Feb 5.

Division of Neonatology, Pediatric Intensive Care and Neuropediatrics, Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.

Background: Ureaplasma species (spp) are the bacteria most often isolated from the amniotic cavity of women with preterm labor or preterm premature rupture of membranes; thus, the link between intrauterine Ureaplasma spp infection and adverse pregnancy outcome clearly is established. However, because vaginal Ureaplasma spp colonization is very common in pregnant women, the reason that these microorganisms cause ascending infections in some cases but remain asymptomatic in most pregnancies is not clear. Previous studies suggested an association between vaginal colonization with Ureaplasma parvum as opposed to U urealyticum and preterm delivery. Read More

BJOG 2019 05 7;126(6):728. Epub 2019 Feb 7.

Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Christiana Care Health System, Newark, DE, USA.

Clin Rheumatol 2019 Feb 7. Epub 2019 Feb 7.

Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology, Rheumatology and Respiratory Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Kagawa University, 1750-1, Ikenobe, Miki-cho, Kita-gun, Kagawa, 761-0793, Japan.

Objectives: We examined the effect of biologic disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs on the time to pregnancy in patients with rheumatoid arthritis who hope to become mothers. Additionally, we evaluated adverse pregnancy outcomes and risk factors of these drugs.

Method: We retrospectively investigated 25 pregnancies of 19 patients who were taking disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs. Read More

Reprod Sci 2019 Feb 6:1933719119828043. Epub 2019 Feb 6.

2 Center for Theragnosis, Biomedical Research Institute, Korea Institute of Science and Technology, Seoul, South Korea.

We aimed to identify maternal blood biomarkers predictive of histologic chorioamnionitis (HCA) in the plasma of women with preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM) and to determine whether the combination of these biomarkers with conventional clinical variables can improve the prediction of HCA. This retrospective cohort study included 82 consecutive women with PPROM (23-34 gestational weeks) who delivered within 96 hours of blood sampling. A membrane-based human antibody microarray was used to analyze the plasma proteome. Read More