Pregnancy: Diagnosis, Misdiagnosis, Complications and Outcomes

Background and Objectives: COVID-19, a disease caused by SARS-CoV-2, is a public health emergency. Data on the effect of the virus on pregnancy are limited. Materials and Methods: We carried out a retrospective descriptive study, in order to evaluate the obstetric results on pregnant women in which SARS-CoV-2 was detected through RT-PCR of the nasopharyngeal swab, at admission to the maternity hospital. Results: From 16 March to 31 July 2020, 12 SARS-CoV-2 positive pregnant women have been hospitalized. Eleven were hospitalized for initiation or induction of labor, corresponding to 0.64% of deliveries in the maternity hospital. One pregnant woman was hospitalized for threatened abortion, culminating in a stillbirth at 20 weeks of gestation. Regarding the severity of the disease, nine women were asymptomatic and three had mild illness (two had associated cough and one headache). Three had relevant environmental exposure and a history of contact with infected persons. None had severe or critical illness due to SARS-CoV-2. There were no maternal deaths. The following gestational complications were observed: one stillbirth, one preterm labor, one preterm prelabor rupture of membranes, and one fetal growth restriction. Four deliveries were eutocic, two vacuum-assisted deliveries and five were cesarean sections. The indications for cesarean section were obstetric. Conclusions: SARS-CoV-2 infection was found in a minority of hospitalized pregnant women in this sample. Most are asymptomatic or have mild illness, from gestational complications to highlight stillbirth and preterm birth. There were no cases of vertical transmission by coronavirus. Full article

Background and objectives: Native ultrasound is the most common imaging modality in obstetrics. The use of contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) during pregnancy has not been officially approved by leading societies for obstetrics and ultrasound. The present study aims to monitor the safety and diagnostic performance of CEUS for assessing abdominal issues in five pregnant women. Materials and Methods: Five pregnant patients who underwent a total of 11 CEUS examinations between June 2020 and October 2020 were included (mean age: 34 years; mean time of pregnancy: 21 weeks). All CEUS scans were interpreted by one experienced consultant radiologist (EFSUMB Level 3). Results: Upon contrast application, no maternal nor fetal adverse effects were observed. Moreover, no fetal contrast enhancement was observed in any patient. CEUS helped to diagnose renal angiomyolipoma, pyelonephritis, necrotic uterine fibroid, gallbladder polyp, and superior mesenteric vein thrombosis. Conclusions: In our study, off-label use of CEUS showed an excellent safety profile allowing the avoidance of ionizing radiation exposure as well as contrast agents in case of CT or use of gadolinium-based contrast agents in case of MRI. CEUS is a promising diagnostic instrument for facilitating clinical decision-making and improving the management of pregnant women. Full article

Background and Objectives: Here, we performed a descriptive analysis of Down syndrome (DS) cases that were misdiagnosed and/or false-negative diagnosed after first trimester traditional screening via risk evaluation using ultrasound, biochemical markers, and different software programs. Our objective was to demonstrate the clear need to improve the application of prenatal DS screening programs using standardized ultrasound measurements, accurate pregnancy dating, analytical immunoassay performance, and properly selected medians. Materials and Methods: We performed a database search for the period 2010–2015 to analyze DS cases that were false-negative diagnosed after the first trimester of pregnancy, before the introduction of cell free fetal DNA-based tests by Romanian laboratories in 2015. First-trimester screening was performed using two software programs for prenatal DS risk calculation: Astraia and Prisca. The rationale for using both software programs was to assess the full risk using the maternal age combined test (based on nuchal translucency thickness, nasal bone, ductus venosus flow, tricuspid flow, free beta-human chorionic gonadotropin level, and serum pregnancy-associated plasma protein-A) and, in some cases, the triple test. Results: We identified seven DS cases that exhibited low risk for trisomy 21, and 6540 cases with a low risk for trisomy 21 and euploid fetus in the first trimester. Using Astraia software, 14 cases were diagnosed, and three cases were missed after risk calculation. Using Prisca software, four cases were missed. Additionally, one neonate had a missed prenatal diagnosis of atrio-ventricular canal defect. Conclusion: In Romania, the evaluation of DS risk depends on patient choice (without knowing the accuracy of the utilized tests) and on the operators’ skills. Both Astraia and Prisca software were developed by experts, who can prove their performance in DS screening. However, even in an ideal situation, false-negative results are possible. The application of first and second-trimester combined screening based on biochemical markers could be improved by the implementation of standardized protocols, professional guidelines for test application, and audit control. Full article

Background and Objectives: The incidence of cesarean section (CS) has progressively increased worldwide, without any proven benefit to either the mother or the newborn. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between CS rates and both clinical and non-clinical variables, while applying the Robson classification system. Materials and Methods: This is a retrospective observational study of pregnant women delivering at a tertiary care hospital between 2012 and 2017, either under public or private healthcare. The overall CS rate, and the elective and non-elective CS rate, divided by classes of Robson, were determined. The rate of vaginal deliveries and CSs was compared between the public and private setting. The distribution of incidence of non-elective CSs and their main indications were analyzed between daytime and nighttime. Results: 18,079 patients delivered during the study period: 69.2% delivered vaginally and 30.8% by CS. Robson class 5 was the most frequent (23.4%), followed by class 2B (16.8%). Of the 289 private practice deliveries, 59.2% were CSs. The CS rate was significantly higher in private compared to public practice: 59.2% and 30.4%, respectively (OR 3.32, 95% CI 2.62 ± 4.21). When only considering elective CSs, a statistically significant difference was found in Robson class 5 between private and public practice, with the latter having more CSs (94.2% and 83.8%, respectively (p = 0.046)). The rate of non-elective CS was significantly lower during nighttime than during daytime (17.2% vs. 21.5%, p < 0.01). During daytime, the higher incidence of CS occurred between 4:00 and 4:59 pm, and during nighttime between 9:00 and 9:59 pm. Failed induction was significantly more common as an indication to CS during daytime when compared to nighttime (p = 0.01). Conclusions: This study identified two non-clinical variables that influenced the CS rate: the type of healthcare setting (private vs. public) and the time of the day. We believe that these indications might be related more to the practitioner attitude, rather than objective delivery complications. Full article

Background and Objectives: Risk factors for neonatal/maternal morbidity and mortality in placental abruption have been incompletely studied in the current literature. Most of the research overlooked the African American population as mostly Caucasian populations are selected. We aimed to find which risk factor influence the neonatal and maternal outcome in cases of placental abruption occurring in African American pregnant women in an inner-city urban setting. Materials and Methods: We performed a retrospective cohort study at St. Joseph’s Regional Medical Center, NJ United States of America (USA), between 1986 and 1996. Inclusion criteria were African American race, singleton pregnancy with gestational age over 20 weeks and placental abruption. Maternal age, gravidity, parity, gestational age at delivery/occurrence of placental abruption and mode of delivery were collected. Risk factors for placental abruption such as placenta previa, hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, cigarette smoking, crack/cocaine and alcohol use, mechanical trauma, preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM), and premature rupture of membranes (PROM) were recorded. Poor neonatal outcome was considered when anyone of the following occurred: 1st and 5th minute Apgar score lower than 7, intrauterine fetal demise (IUFD), perinatal death, and neonatal arterial umbilical cord pH less than 7.15. Poor maternal outcome was considered if any of the following presented at delivery: hemorrhagic shock, disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC), hysterectomy, postpartum hemorrhage (PPH), maternal intensive care unit (ICU) admission, and maternal death. Results: A population of 271 singleton African American pregnant women was included in the study. Lower gestational age at delivery and cesarean section were statistically significantly correlated with poor neonatal outcomes (p = 0.018; p < 0.001; p = 0.015) in the univariate analysis; only lower gestational age at delivery remained significant in the multivariate analysis (p = < 0.001). Crack/cocaine use was statistically significantly associated with poor maternal outcome (p = 0.033) in the univariate analysis, while in the multivariate analysis, hemolysis, elevated enzymes, low platelet (HELLP) syndrome, crack/cocaine use and previous cesarean section resulted significantly associated with poor maternal outcome (p = 0.029, p = 0.017, p = 0.015, p = 0.047). PROM was associated with better neonatal outcome in the univariate analysis, and preeclampsia was associated with a better maternal outcome in the multivariate analysis. Conclusions: Lower gestational age at delivery is the most important risk factor for poor neonatal outcome in African American women with placental abruption. Poor maternal outcome correlated with HELLP syndrome, crack/cocaine use and previous cesarean section. More research in this understudied population is needed to establish reliable risk factors and coordinate preventive interventions. Full article

Anorectal atresia (ARA) is a common congenital anomaly, but prenatal diagnosis is difficult, late, and unspecific. Utilizing a case of a 46 year old primipara with an egg donation In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) pregnancy, diagnosed at the first trimester scan with an anechoic isolated structure, which indicates anal atresia, we performed a systematic literature review in order to evaluate early prenatal ARA diagnosis. A total of 16 cases were reported as first trimester ARA suspicion, and only three had no associated anomalies. The most frequent ultrasound (US) sign was the presence of a cystic, anechoic pelvic structure of mainly tubular shape, or a plain abdominal cyst. In the majority of cases, structures were thin-walled and delimitated from the bladder. The presence of hyperechoic spots signifying enterolithiasis and peristaltic movements were helpful in order to establish the bowel origin of the lesion. Considering the high eventuality that the lesion is transitory, meaning later in pregnancy the fetus looks normal, early detection of such a sign should prompt further structural detailed evaluation, karyotyping, and appropriate pregnancy and postnatal counselling. Full article

Background and objectives: Pregnancy is a stage associated with various biopsychosocial changes. These changes, along with concerns about keeping an adequate weight, can modulate an individual’s risk for psychological disorders, especially eating disorders (EDs). The aim of this review was to investigate the prevalence, associated risks, and consequences of eating disorders in pregnancy and in breastfeeding mothers. Materials and Methods: A systematic review was carried out following the PRISMA guidelines in the scientific databases: PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and PsycINFO. Search terms related to EDs, pregnancy, and breastfeeding were used. The evaluation of the methodological quality of the studies was carried out using different scales; CASP (Checklist for Cohort Study), NICE (Methodology Checklist for Cohort Study), ARHQ (Methodology Checklist for Cross-Sectional), and NOS (Newcastle-Ottawa Scale for Cohort). Results: From 2920 studies, 16 were selected to study EDs in pregnant women and 2 studies in nursing mothers. Most of the studies used questionnaires and scales as tools for the diagnosis of EDs. Binge eating, anxiety, and depression were the most common comorbidities of EDs, accompanied in most cases by excessive concern about weight gain. The consequences of EDs are diverse. The prevalence of EDs in this population is estimated to be 1 out of 20. Conclusions: Eating disorders are related to anxiety and depression and have negative consequences for both mothers and fetuses (cesarean, miscarriages, premature births). More research on the field to determine the risk factors for EDs in the population of pregnant and lactating women is needed. Full article

The American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association (ACC/AHA) updated its guideline redefining the classification of hypertension and the blood pressure cut-off in 2017. The current cut-offs for stage 1 hypertension of 130 mm Hg systolic blood pressure or 80 mm Hg diastolic blood pressure replace the previous cut-offs of 140 mm Hg systolic blood pressure or 90 mm Hg diastolic blood pressure which were based on the ACC/AHA guidelines from 1988. However, the blood pressure cut-off for the obstetric population still remains as 140/90 mm Hg despite the scarcity of evidence for it. Recent American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) bulletins for pregnant women have not reflected the new ACC/AHA change of guideline. We reviewed a mounting body of evidence prompting the implementation of the new ACC/AHA guidelines for the obstetric population. These studies examined maternal and fetal outcomes applying the new ACC/AHA guidelines during antepartum or postpartum care. Full article

Cesarean scar pregnancy (CSP) is a rare form of ectopic pregnancy which represents a consequence of a previous cesarean section. It is associated with major maternal morbidity and mortality and has potential implications on future fertility. Because of possible serious complications, CSP should be swiftly diagnosed and treated. There is no management protocol for this rare, life-threatening condition, and each patient should be evaluated individually. Several types of conservative treatment have been used to treat cesarean scar pregnancy: dilation and curettage (D&C), excision of trophoblastic tissues, local or systemic administration of methotrexate, bilateral hypogastric artery ligation, and selective uterine artery embolization with curettage and/or methotrexate administration. In our study we present a cesarean scar pregnancy of a 40-year-old woman who was treated with angiographic uterine artery embolization (UAE) followed by hysteroscopic diode laser resection. Our combined UAE–hysteroscopic laser surgery appears to offer an effective, safe, and minimally invasive surgical treatment. Full article

Cesarean scar pregnancy (CSP) is a rare form of ectopic pregnancy, defined as the implantation of the gestational sac at the uterine incision scar of the previous cesarean section. This condition is associated with severe maternal and fetal/neonatal complications, including severe bleeding, rupture of the uterus, fetal demise, or preterm delivery. In view of these, early diagnosis allows the option of termination of pregnancy. In this case report, we present a patient with a cesarean scar pregnancy who was diagnosed at the sixth week of gestation but declined early termination of the pregnancy and was managed to the 38th week. Placenta previa was confirmed in the second trimester. A planned cesarean section was performed that resulted in the birth of a live full-term neonate. Intraoperatively, placenta percreta was diagnosed, and due to uncontrollable bleeding, a hysterectomy was performed. The postoperative course was uneventful. In cases where an early diagnosis of CSP is made, women should be counseled that this will almost certainly evolve to placenta previa, and the associated risks should be explained. Close follow-up of CSP is mandatory if expectant management is selected. Further studies are needed for definitive conclusions and to determine the risks of expectant management. Full article

Heterotopic pregnancy is defined as a condition when intrauterine and extrauterine pregnancy occur simultaneously. It is a life-threatening condition that requires immediate and accurate diagnostics and treatment. We present a case of a 28-year-old primigravida female who conceived spontaneously and at her seventh week of gestation and was presented to the emergency department with weakness and acute pain in lower abdomen. Laboratory tests and transvaginal ultrasonography revealed the diagnosis of heterotopic pregnancy. Urgent laparoscopic salpingotomy was chosen as a treatment option. The ectopic pregnancy was successfully removed with the preservation of the intrauterine embryo and fallopian tubes. The course of pregnancy after the surgery was without complications, and a healthy baby was delivered at the 39th week of gestation. When treated properly and on time, a heterotopic pregnancy can result in live childbirth with favorable outcomes for both the child and the mother. Full article

We present a special case of fetal supraventricular tachycardia detected at 34 weeks gestation. Fetal hydrops was noted on ultrasound upon admission. Normal fetal heart rate was maintained for three weeks by maternal administration of digoxin. A live infant was delivered via caesarian section at 37 weeks gestation. This clinical case demonstrated that pharmacological treatment can be effective and helps to prolong pregnancy safely. Full article

Uterus didelphys is a rare form of congenital anomaly of the Müllerian ducts. The clinical significance of this anomaly of the female reproductive tract is associated with various reproductive issues: increased risk of preterm birth before 37 weeks’ gestation, abnormal fetal presentation, delivery by caesarean section, intrauterine fetal growth restriction, low birth weight less than 2500 g, and perinatal mortality. We present three cases of uterus didelphys and full-term pregnancy, which resulted in favorable birth outcomes of live-born, full-term infants. In two of the cases, delivery was performed via Caesarean section: due to lack of labor activity in one of the cases and lack of response to oxytocin stimulation in the second case. The weight of two of the new-born infants was lower than expected for the gestational age. Full article