BACKGROUND: Placenta accreta spectrum (PAS) disorders are associated with a high risk of maternal morbidity, especially when surgery is performed in emergency conditions. In this context we aimed to report on the incidence of emergency cesarean section (CS) in patients with a high probability of placenta accreta spectrum (PAS) disorders on prenatal imaging and to compare the maternal and neonatal outcomes of patients requiring compared to those not requiring an emergency CS.
METHODS: Medline, Embase, Cochrane and Clinicaltrial.gov databases were searched.
METHODS: Case-control studies reporting the outcome of pregnancies with high probability of PAS on prenatal imaging confirmed at birth delivered by unplanned emergency CS for maternal or fetal indications compared to those who had a planned elective CS. The outcomes observed were the occurrence of emergency CS, incidence of placenta accreta and increta/percreta, preterm birth < 34 weeks of gestation and indications for emergency delivery. We analyzed and compared the outcomes of patients with emergency CS with those with elective including: estimated blood loss (EBL) (ml), number of packed red blood cells (PRBC) units transfused and blood products transfused, transfusion of more than 4 units of PRBC ureteral, bladder or bowel injury, disseminated intra-vascular coagulation (DIC), re-laparotomy after the primary surgery, maternal infection or fever, wound infection, vesicouterine or vesicovaginal fistula, admission to neonatal intensive care unit, maternal death, composite neonatal morbidity, admission to NICU, fetal or neonatal loss, Apgar score < 7 at 5 minutes, neonatal birthweight.
METHODS: Quality assessment of the included studies was performed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale for case-control and cohort studies Random-effect meta-analyses of proportions, risk and mean differences were used to combine the data.
RESULTS: Eleven studies with 1290 pregnancies complicated by PAS were included in the systematic review. Emergency CS was reported in 36.2% (95% CI 28.1-44.9) pregnancies with PAS at birth, of which 80.3% (95% CI 36.5-100) occurred before 34 weeks of gestation. The main indication for emergency CS was antepartum bleeding which complicated 61.8% (95% CI 32.1-87.4) of the cases. Emergent CS had a higher EBL during surgery (pooled MD 595 ml, 95% CI 116.1-1073.9, p< 0.001), PRBC (pooled MD 2.3 units, 95% CI 0.99-3.6, p< 0.001) and blood products (pooled MD 3.0, 95% CI 1.1-4.9, p= 0.002) transfused compared to scheduled CS. Patients with emergency CS had a higher risk of requiring transfusion of more than 4 units of PRBC (OR: 3. 8, 95% CI 1.7-4.9; p= 0.002) bladder injury (OR: 2.1, 95% CI 1.1-4.00; p= 0.003), DIC (OR 6.1, 95% CI 3.1-13.1; p<0.001) and admission to ICU (OR 2.1, 95% CI 1. 4-3.3; p<0.001). Newborns delivered in emergency had a higher risk of adverse composite neonatal outcome (OR 2.6, 95% CI 1.4-4.7; p= 0.019), admission to NICU (OR: 2.5, 95% CI 1.1-5.6; p= 0.029), Apgar score <7 at 5 minutes (OR 2.7, 95% CI 1.5-4. 9; p= 0.002) and fetal or neonatal loss (OR: 8.2, 95% CI 2.5-27.4; p<0.001.
CONCLUSIONS: Emergency CD complicates about 35% of pregnancies affected by PAS disorders and is associated with a higher risk of adverse maternal and neonatal outcome. Large prospective studies are needed to evaluate the clinical and imaging signs that can identify those patients with a high probability of PAS at birth, at risk of requiring an emergency CS, intrapartum hemorrhage and peri-partum hysterectomy.

UNASSIGNED: Foetal reduction, which involves selectively terminating one or more foetuses in a multiple gestation pregnancy, has become more common. This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to assess and compare pregnancy outcomes of foetal reduction from twin to singleton gestation to ongoing twin gestations.
UNASSIGNED: A comprehensive search of electronic databases (MEDLINE, EMbase, Cochrane Library, CINAHL and PsycINFO) was done for studies published until 15 April 2023. The outcomes analysed included gestational diabetes mellitus (DM), hypertension, caesarean delivery, foetal loss, perinatal death, preterm birth (PTB), intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), preterm prelabour rupture of membranes (PPROM) and birth weight.
UNASSIGNED: A total of 13 studies comprising 1241 cases of twin to singleton foetal reduction gestation were compared to 20,693 ongoing twin gestations. Our findings indicate that foetal reduction was associated with a significantly lower risk of developing maternal gestational DM (odds ratio [OR] = 0.40, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.27-0.59) and hypertension (OR = 0.36, 95% CI 0.23-0.57) compared to the control group. Incidence rate of caesarean delivery (OR = 0.65, 95% CI 0.53-0.81) after foetal reduction was significantly lower compared to ongoing twin gestations. There was a 63% lower chance of PTB before 37 weeks of pregnancy. However, there was no significant association between foetal reduction and outcomes such as foetal loss, perinatal death, IUGR and PPROM.
UNASSIGNED: Our findings suggest that foetal twin to singleton reduction entails potential benefits as compared to ongoing twin gestations. Further well planned studies are needed to explore underlying mechanisms to understanding of the outcomes associated with foetal reduction procedures and inform clinical decision-making for pregnant individuals and healthcare providers alike.
Foetal reduction, a procedure where one or more foetuses in a twin pregnancy are selectively terminated, has become more common. This study reviewed existing research to compare the outcomes of foetal reduction to singleton pregnancies with those of ongoing twin pregnancies. The study found that mothers who underwent foetal reduction had a lower risk of developing gestational diabetes and hypertension, and they were less likely to have a caesarean delivery. There was also a reduced chance of preterm birth before 37 weeks. However, foetal reduction did not appear to significantly impact outcomes like foetal loss, perinatal death, intrauterine growth restriction or preterm pre-labour rupture of membranes. It is important to note that there is some variation in the results among different studies, and more research is needed to fully understand these findings.

UNASSIGNED: The incidence of preterm delivery is much higher in twin pregnancies than in singletons and even higher if a short cervical length is detected in the second trimester. Studies are contradictory regarding the efficacy of a cervical pessary to decrease preterm birth in twin pregnancies and short cervical length. To conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis investigating the efficacy of cervical pessary in prolonging gestation, preventing preterm birth, and reducing adverse neonatal outcomes in twin pregnancies with an asymptomatic short cervix.
UNASSIGNED: PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and ClinicalTrials.org were searched for randomized controlled trials from inception to June 2023.
UNASSIGNED: In this study, randomized controlled trials comparing the cervical pessary to expectant management in the pregnant population with twin gestations and asymptomatic short cervix were included.
UNASSIGNED: The Cochrane risk-of-bias-2 tool for randomized controlled trials was used for the evaluation of the risk of bias in included studies. A meta-analysis was performed by calculating risk ratio and mean difference with their 95% confidence interval using the random effects model or fixed effect model on the basis of heterogeneity and accounting for potential covariates among the included randomized controlled trials.
UNASSIGNED: A total of 6 randomized controlled trials were included in the analysis. Cervical pessary did not significantly increase the gestational age at delivery in twin pregnancies with asymptomatic patients (mean difference, 0.36 weeks [-0.27 to 0.99]; P=.270; I2=72.0%). Moreover, the cervical pessary use did not result in a reduction of spontaneous or all-preterm birth before 37 weeks of gestation (risk ratio, 0.88 [0.77-1.00]; P=.061; I2=0.0%). There was no statistically significant difference in the composite neonatal adverse outcomes (risk ratio, 1.001 [0.86-1.16]; P=.981; I2=20.9%), including early respiratory morbidity, intraventricular hemorrhage, necrotizing enterocolitis, and confirmed sepsis.
UNASSIGNED: The use of cervical pessary in twin pregnancies with asymptomatic short cervix does not seem to be effective in increasing the gestational age at delivery, preventing preterm birth, or reducing adverse neonatal outcomes. This indicates that alternative interventions should be sought for the management of this patient population.

The safe care of both mothers and fetuses during labor is a primary goal of all health professionals. The assessment of fetal oxygenation and well-being is a key aspect of perinatal care provided. Fetal heart rate (FHR) auscultation became part of daily obstetric practice in a number of countries during the 20th century and remains a key method of fetal monitoring, particularly in low-risk pregnancies. Cardiotocography (CTG) is the continuous monitoring and recording of the FHR and uterine myometrial activity, making it possible to assess the fetal condition. It therefore plays a critical role in the detection of fetal hypoxia during labor, a condition directly related to short- and long-term complications in the newborn. Herein, particular reference is made to the management of CTG category II and III standards, as well as to the handling of childbirth. In addition, specific FHR patterns are associated with immediate neonatal outcomes based on updated studies conducted worldwide. Finally, the prognostic significance of CTG and its potential as a prospective avenue for further investigation are also highlighted herein. Given that the misinterpretation of CTG findings is the most common cause of medical-legal responsibility, this knowledge field requires more emphasis and attention. The aim of the present review was to further deepen the knowledge on issues that mainly concern the safety and monitoring of pregnant women and fetuses during childbirth.

We will discuss a recent case of unexplained neonatal cyanosis, evaluate its origin, clinical presentation, diagnosis, and treatment, and share with you some of our clinical insights. We report a transient cyanosis in a newborn due to a mutation in the globulin gene (HBG2), as well as diagnosis and treatment. Clinically, the infant was in good overall health, and despite low oxygen saturation, the arterial oxygen partial pressure was always normal. Early respiratory support includes mechanical ventilation, nasal tube oxygen, and eventually stopping oxygen therapy. With the above treatment measures, the blood oxygen saturation of the child always fluctuated at 85%, but the arterial blood oxygen partial pressure was up to 306 mmHg. Further improvement of laboratory tests revealed elevated methemoglobin levels, reticulocytosis, mild anemia, and basically normal on chest x-ray and echocardiography. To clarify the etiology, WES testing was performed. The results showed heterozygous variation in HBG2 gene (c.190C>T. p.H64Y). There is heterozygous variation at this site in the proband father, and no variation at this site in the proband mother. Given the age of the affected infants, we hypothesized that the mutation originated in the gamma peptide chain of the head protein. The baby was discharged from the hospital 10 days after birth, with blood oxygen saturation fluctuating around 90%. The cyanosis disappeared 2 months after discharge, and the blood oxygen saturation level returned to normal.

BACKGROUND: Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is recognized as the most prevalent endocrine disorder among women of reproductive age. While the utilization of assisted reproductive technology (ART) has resulted in favorable outcomes for infertility treatment in PCOS patients, the inherent pathophysiological features of the condition give rise to complications and consequences during pregnancy and delivery for both the mother and offspring. This study was to assess the correlation between maternal PCOS and various pregnancy complications and neonatal outcomes undergone ART.
METHODS: A systematic search was conducted on PubMed, EmBase, and the Cochrane Library to identify observational studies that investigated the association between PCOS and the risk of various pregnancy complications and neonatal outcomes, including gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), hypertension in pregnancy (PIH), preeclampsia (PE), preterm birth, abortion, congenital malformations (CA), small for gestational age (SGA), large for gestational age (LGA), low birth weight (LBW), macrosomia, neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admission and birth weight. Eligible studies were selected based on predetermined inclusion and exclusion criteria. The meta-analysis was conducted using Review Manager and Stata software, with odds ratios (ORs) or mean difference (MD), confidence intervals (CIs), and heterogeneity (I2) being calculated. The search was conducted up to March 2023.
RESULTS: A total of 33 studies with a combined sample size of 92,810 participants were identified. The findings indicate that PCOS is significantly associated with an increased risk of GDM (OR 1.51, 95% CI:1.17-1.94), PIH (OR 1.72, 95% CI:1.25-2.39), PE (OR 2.12, 95% CI:1.49-3.02), preterm birth (OR 1.29, 95% CI:1.21-1.39), and LBW (OR 1.29, 95% CI:1.14-1.47). In subgroup analyses, the risks of GDM (OR 1.80, 95% CI:1.23-2.62) and abortion (OR 1.41, 95% CI:1.08-1.84) were elevated in fresh embryo transferred (ET) subgroup, whereas elevated risk of PE (OR 1.82, 95% CI:1.17-2.83) and preterm birth (OR 1.31, 95% CI:1.21-1.42) was identified in frozen ET subgroup. Whatever with or without hyperandrogenism, patients with PCOS had a higher risk in preterm birth (OR 1.69, 95% CI: 1.31-2.18; OR 1.24, 95% CI:1.02-1.50) and abortion (OR 1.38, 95% CI:1.12-1.71; OR 1.23, 95% CI:1.06-1.43).
CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that individuals with PCOS undergone ART are at a notably elevated risk for experiencing pregnancy complications and unfavorable neonatal outcomes. Nevertheless, to establish a definitive association between PCOS and pregnancy-related outcomes, it is necessary to conduct extensive prospective, blinded cohort studies and effectively control for confounding variables.

The birth and delivery plan is the center of clinical communication between the pregnant woman and the midwife, which is in the scope of health care services and is designed and provided to specialists with the participation of the woman and her husband during pregnancy. This document reflects the preferences, expectations, and fears of pregnant women regarding the birth process. This study was conducted with the aim of determining the maternal and neonatal outcomes of the birth plan: a review study. In this review study, Persian databases Magiran, SID, and English databases Pubmed, Scopus, SID Elsevier, Web of Sciences, and Google Scholar search engine using English keywords including Maternal outcome, neonatal outcome, birth schedule, delivery plan, birth plan, and their Persian equivalents were searched from 2000 to 2022. Numerous studies were selected and analyzed in a quantitative and qualitative manner that was related to the purpose of the present study in terms of content. Among 948 articles, 13 of the most relevant ones were selected and analyzed for this study. The results of the review of the studies showed that the birth plan has an effect on women\'s empowerment, satisfaction with childbirth, positive experience of childbirth, cesarean section rate, epidural use rate, episiotomy rate, Apgar, and umbilical cord pH of the newborn. The maternal and neonatal consequences of the birth plan prevail over its negative consequences, and the use of the birth plan can increase women\'s empowerment, satisfaction with childbirth, positive experience of childbirth, and reduce the rate of cesarean section and negative maternal-neonatal consequences.

UNASSIGNED: This systematic review aimed to understand the impact of advanced maternal age (AMA) on the neonatal morbidity, based on the available scientific evidence.
UNASSIGNED: A systematic search was conducted on 22 November 2021, using the PubMed and Scopus databases to identify studies that compared the morbidity of neonates delivered to AMA mothers with that of neonates delivered to non-AMA mothers.
UNASSIGNED: Sixteen studies that evaluated the effect of AMA on the neonatal morbidity were included in this review. Nine of these studies found some association between AMA and increased neonatal morbidity (with two of them only reporting an increase in asymptomatic hypoglycemia, and one only reporting an association in twins), six found no association between AMA and neonatal morbidity and one study found a decrease in morbidity in preterm neonates. The studies that found an increase in overall neonatal morbidity with AMA considered older ages for the definition of AMA, particularly ≥40 and ≥45 years.
UNASSIGNED: The current evidence seems to support a lack of association between AMA and the neonatal morbidity of the delivered neonates. However, more studies focusing on the neonatal outcomes of AMA pregnancies are needed to better understand this topic.

UNASSIGNED: Intraplacental choriocarcinoma is a gestational trophoblastic neoplasia located within the placenta. Due to the usual silent presentation, more than half of the cases are diagnosed incidentally. It has been demonstrated that this pathology is linked to feto-maternal hemorrhage (FMH), stillbirth, and intrauterine growth restriction. The aim of our review was to establish if there are recurrent signs that might lead to an early diagnosis and better management in cases complicated by FMH.
UNASSIGNED: We performed a systematic review of the literature from 2000 up to March 2023. The adopted research strategy included the following terms: (gestational choriocarcinoma obstetrics outcome) AND (intraplacental choriocarcinoma) AND (gestational choriocarcinoma). The MEDLINE (PubMed), Google Scholar, and Scopus databases were searched.
UNASSIGNED: The research strategy identified 19 cases of FMH coexisting with intraplacental choriocarcinoma (IC), as described in 17 studies. The perinatal mortality rate was 36.8%. In eight cases, histological diagnosis of IC was made post-delivery. Metastatic lesions were found in 75% (6/8) of described cases. One case of maternal death has been described. Chemotherapy was necessary in seven cases. Sporadical prenatal ultrasound signs were described.
UNASSIGNED: The diagnosis of IC is usually delayed, mostly due to aspecific symptoms and signs. Histological analysis of the placenta, when not routinely performed, should be performed when warning symptoms are encountered. The maternal prognosis was good, with a mortality rate of 5.5%. A fertility-sparing approach is always possible even in the presence of metastasis. Chemotherapy seems to be useful in cases of maternal and neonatal metastasis.

BACKGROUND: Due to ethical considerations, antenatal dose finding for prednisolone and dexamethasone in pregnant women is limited, leading to a knowledge gap.
OBJECTIVE: In order to guide the clinician in weighing benefits vs risks, the aim is to systematically review the current literature on the side effects of antenatal predniso(lo)ne and dexamethasone use on the fetus, newborn, and (pre)pubertal child.
METHODS: The search was performed in PubMed/MEDLINE and Embase using prespecified keywords and Medical Subject Headings. This systematic review investigated studies published until August 2022, with the following inclusion criteria: studies were conducted in humans and assessed side effects of long-term antenatal predniso(lo)ne and dexamethasone use during at least one of the trimesters on the child during the fetal period, neonatal phase, and during childhood.
RESULTS: In total, 328 papers in PubMed and 193 in Embase were identified. Fifteen studies were eligible for inclusion. Seven records were added through references. Antenatal predniso(lo)ne use may be associated with lower gestational age, but was not associated with miscarriages and stillbirths, congenital abnormalities, differences in blood pressure or low blood glucose levels at birth, or with low bone mass, long-term elevated cortisol and cortisone, or high blood pressure at prepubertal age. Increased risks of antenatal dexamethasone use include association with miscarriages and stillbirths, and from age 16 years, associations with disturbed insulin secretion and higher glucose and cholesterol levels.
CONCLUSIONS: Based on the limited evidence found, predniso(lo)ne may have less side effects compared with dexamethasone in short- and long-term outcomes. Current literature shows minimal risk of side effects in the newborn from administration of a prenatal predniso(lo)ne dose of up to 10 mg per day.