Early Identification of the Maternal, Placental and Fetal Dialog in Gestational Diabetes and Its Prevention

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) complicates between 5 and 12% of pregnancies, with associated maternal, fetal, and neonatal complications. The ideal screening and diagnostic criteria to diagnose and treat GDM have not been established and, currently, diagnostic use with an oral glucose tolerance test occurs late in pregnancy and produces poor reproducibility. Therefore, in recent years, significant research has been undertaken to identify a first-trimester biomarker that can predict GDM later in pregnancy, enable early intervention, and reduce GDM-related adverse pregnancy outcomes. Possible biomarkers include glycemic markers (fasting glucose and hemoglobin A1c), adipocyte-derived markers (adiponectin and leptin), pregnancy-related markers (pregnancy-associated plasma protein-A and the placental growth factor), inflammatory markers (C-reactive protein and tumor necrosis factor-α), insulin resistance markers (sex hormone-binding globulin), and others. This review summarizes current data on first-trimester biomarkers, the advantages, and the limitations. Large multi-ethnic clinical trials and cost-effectiveness analyses are needed not only to build effective prediction models but also to validate their clinical use

Parity and Interval from Previous Delivery—Influence on Perinatal Outcome in Advanced Maternal Age Parturients

Objective: To investigate the effect of parity and interpregnancy interval (IPI) on perinatal outcomes in advanced maternal age (AMA) parturients. Methods: A population-based retrospective cohort study of all women older than 40 years, who had a singleton live birth after 24 weeks in the United States in 2017 Women were categorized to three groups by parity and interval from last delivery: primiparas, multiparas with IPI ≤ 5 years, and multiparas with IPI > 5 years. Primary outcome was composite adverse neonatal outcome (preterm delivery <34 weeks, birthweight <2000 g, neonatal seizure, neonatal intensive care unit admission, Apgar score <7 at 5 min, or assisted ventilation >6 h). Secondary outcome was composite adverse maternal outcome and other adverse perinatal outcomes. Univariate and multivariate analysis were used to compare between groups. Results: During 2017, 3,864,754 deliveries were recorded into the database. Following exclusion, 109,564 AMA gravidas entered analysis. Of them, 24,769 (22.6%) were nulliparas, 39,933 (36.4%) were multiparas with IPI ≤ 5 years, and 44,862 (40.9%) were multiparas with IPI > 5 years. Composite neonatal outcome was higher in nulliparas and in multiparas with IPI > 5 years, in comparison to multiparas with IPI ≤ 5 years (16% vs. 13% vs. 10%, respectively, p < 0.05). Maternal composite outcome was similar between groups. In the multivariable analysis, relative to nulliparas, only multiparity with IPI ≤ 5 years had a protective effect against the composite neonatal outcome (aOR 0.97, 95% CI 0.95–0.99, p < 0.001). Conclusion: Among AMA gravidas, multiparity with IPI ≤ 5 years has a significant protective effect against adverse neonatal outcomes when compared to nulliparas. Multiparity with IPI > 5 years is no longer protective

Factors Associated with Progression to Preeclampsia with Severe Features in Pregnancies Complicated by Mild Hypertensive Disorders

In this retrospective cohort study, we aimed to investigate the variables associated with progression to preeclampsia with severe features in parturients already diagnosed with mild hypertensive disorders of pregnancy. The study was conducted in a single university-affiliated medical center between 2018 and 2020. All women admitted due to hypertensive disorders were included. Data collected was compared between parturients who progressed and did not progress to preeclampsia with severe features. Among 359 women presenting without severe features, 18 (5%) developed severe features, delivered smaller babies at lower gestational age, and with higher rates of cesarean delivery (p p p < 0.001. In conclusion, according to our study results, early gestational age at presentation and superimposed preeclampsia as the preliminary diagnosis are the only independent factors that are associated with progression to severe features in women already diagnosed with mild hypertensive disorders during pregnancy