Renal Outcomes of Childhood IgA Nephropathy and Henoch Schönlein Purpura Nephritis

Background: Henoch-Schönlein purpura nephritis (HSPN) is considered the systemic form of IgA nephropathy (IgAN). However, differing clinicopathological features and renal outcomes of children with IgAN and HSPN have been reported in some studies. Methods: This study retrospectively reviewed children with IgAN and HSPN younger than 18 years, between January 2004 and December 2015. The clinicopathological characteristics at diagnosis and the renal outcomes after at least 1 year of follow-up were compared between the two groups. Results: A total of 54 children, comprising 21 with IgAN and 33 with HSPN, were recruited. The children with HSPN were younger than the children with IgAN. Gross hematuria and nephritic syndrome at the initial presentation were more common in children with IgAN. Regarding the pathological findings, IgAN had greater chronicity than HSPN. After a median follow-up period from first presentation to renal outcomes measurement of 4.0 years (1.3-12.2) in children with IgAN and 4.2 years (1.1-11.4) in children with HSPN, the renal outcomes were better in the latter group. The incidence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) was 28.6% in children with IgAN and 6.1% in children with HSPN (p = 0.02). Complete recovery was observed more frequently in children with HSPN than in children with IgAN (57.1% in IgAN vs. 87.9% in HSPN, p = 0.01). Conclusions: Childhood IgAN has greater chronicity and worse renal outcomes than childhood HSPN, with a lower rate of complete recovery and a higher frequency of CKD. We recommend long-term follow-up for CKD in children with IgAN

Surveillance of Pediatric Cardiac Surgical Outcome Using Risk Stratifications at a Tertiary Care Center in Thailand

Objectives. To determine in-hospital mortality and complications of cardiac surgery in pediatric patients and identify predictors of hospital mortality. Methods. Records of pediatric patients who had undergone cardiac surgery in 2005 were reviewed retrospectively. The risk adjustment for congenital heart surgery (RACHS-1) method, the Aristotle basic complexity score (ABC score), and the Society of Thoracic Surgeons and the European Association for Cardiothoracic Surgery Mortality score (STS-EACTS score) were used as measures. Potential predictors were analyzed by risk analysis. Results. 230 pediatric patients had undergone congenital cardiac surgery. Overall, the mortality discharge was 6.1%. From the ROC curve of the RACHS-1, the ABC level, and the STS-EACTS categories, the validities were determined to be 0.78, 0.74, and 0.67, respectively. Mortality risks were found at the high complexity levels of the three tools, bypass time >85 min, and cross clamp time >60 min. Common morbidities were postoperative pyrexia, bleeding, and pleural effusion. Conclusions. Overall mortality and morbidities were 6.1%. The RACHS-1 method, ABC score, and STS-EACTS score were helpful for risk stratification

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 280 and 366 weeks of gestation

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

Maternal complications and risk factors associated with assisted vaginal delivery

Abstract Objective This study aimed to elucidate the maternal complications and risk factors linked with assisted vaginal delivery. Methods We conducted a retrospective, descriptive analysis of hospital records, identifying 3500 cases of vaginal delivery between 2020 and 2022. Data encompassing demographics, complications from the vaginal delivery including post-partum haemorrhage, birth passage injuries, puerperal infection and other pertinent details were documented. Various critical factors, including the duration of the second stage of labor, maternal anemia, underlying maternal health conditions such as diabetes mellitus and hypertension, neonatal birth weight, maternal weight, the expertise of the attending surgeon, and the timing of deliveries were considered. Results The rates for assisted vacuum and forceps delivery were 6.0% (211/3500 cases) and 0.3% (12/3500), respectively. Postpartum haemorrhage emerged as the predominant complication in vaginal deliveries, with a rate of 7.3% (256/3500; P < 0.001). Notably, postpartum haemorrhage had significant associations with gestational diabetes mellitus class A1 (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 1.46; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.01–2.11; P = 0.045), assisted vaginal delivery (AOR 5.11; 95% CI 1.30–20.1; P = 0.020), prolonged second stage of labour (AOR 2.68; 95% CI 1.09–6.58; P = 0.032), elevated maternal weight (71.4 ± 12.2 kg; AOR 1.02; 95% CI 1.01–1.03; P = 0.003) and neonates being large for their gestational age (AOR 3.02; 95% CI 1.23–7.43; P = 0.016). Conclusions The primary complication arising from assisted vaginal delivery was postpartum haemorrhage. Associated factors were a prolonged second stage of labour, foetal distress, large-for-gestational-age neonates and elevated maternal weight. Cervical and labial injuries correlated with neonates being large for their gestational age. Notably, puerperal infections were related to maternal anaemia (haematocrit levels < 33%). Clinical trial registration Thai Clinical Trials Registry: 20220126004

Prevalence of asymptomatic bacteriuria among Thai diabetic pregnant women

Diabetic pregnant women are susceptible to urinary tract infection, which can result in preterm labor and a low birth weight of the neonate. This was a prospective observational study. In total, 110 diabetic pregnant women between 12–20 weeks of gestation were recruited. Asymptomatic bacteriuria (ASB) was diagnosed when the urinalysis presented a white blood cell (WBC) count ≥ 5 WBCs per high power field (HPF). Urine culture was later performed. Most of the diabetic pregnant women were classified as GDM A1. The prevalence of ASB was 7.2% (8/110 cases). Klebsiella aerogenes was found in only one case from urine culture. ASB was commonly found in the pregnant women with a high BMI, with statistical significance. The prevalence of ASB in the diabetic pregnant women was 7.2%. Urinalysis should be considered for diabetic pregnant women with a high body mass index. (Afr J Reprod Health 2021; 25[5]: 133-139)

Prevalence of asymptomatic bacteriuria among Thai diabetic pregnant women

Diabetic pregnant women are susceptible to urinary tract infection, which can result in preterm labor and a low birth weight of the neonate. This was a prospective observational study. In total, 110 diabetic pregnant women between 12–20 weeks of gestation were recruited. Asymptomatic bacteriuria (ASB) was diagnosed when the urinalysis presented a white blood cell (WBC) count ≥ 5 WBCs per high power field (HPF). Urine culture was later performed. Most of the diabetic pregnant women were classified as GDM A1. The prevalence of ASB was 7.2% (8/110 cases). Klebsiella aerogenes was found in only one case from urine culture. ASB was commonly found in the pregnant women with a high BMI, with statistical significance. The prevalence of ASB in the diabetic pregnant women was 7.2%. Urinalysis should be considered for diabetic pregnant women with a high body mass index. (Afr J Reprod Health 2021; 25[5]: 133-139)

A qualitative study of pregnant women’s perceptions and decision-making regarding COVID-19 vaccination in Thailand

Abstract To identify pregnant women’s attitudes towards, and acceptance and rejection of, COVID-19 vaccination. This prospective, descriptive, implementation study was conducted in the Antenatal clinic of Siriraj Hospital, Bangkok, Thailand. In Phase I, 40 pregnant women were interviewed. Phase II consisted of questionnaire development and data validation. In Phase III, the questionnaire was administered to 400 participants. Pregnant women’s attitudes towards and acceptance and rejection of COVID-19 vaccination. Most pregnant women were uncertain about the potential harm of vaccination to themselves or their unborn child, including risks such as miscarriage or premature birth (59–66/101 [58.4%–65.3%]; OR 2.53–8.33; 95% CI 1.23–3.60, 5.17–19.30; P < 0.001) compared to those who disagreed with vaccination. Their vaccination decisions were significantly influenced by social media information regarding vaccination complications in pregnant women (74/101 [73.3%]; OR 15.95; 95% CI 2.15–118.55; P = 0.001) compared to those who disagreed with vaccination. Most pregnant women opined that they should not receive a COVID-19 vaccination during pregnancy (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 6.57; 95% CI 2.44–17.70; P = 0.001). Most also rejected vaccination despite being aware of its benefits (AOR 17.14; 95% CI 6.89–42.62; P < 0.001). Social media messages and obligatory vaccination certifications influence maternal vaccination decisions. Pregnant women believe vaccination helps prevent COVID-19 infection and reduces its severity. Nevertheless, the primary reason for their refusal was concern about potential harm to their unborn child or themselves during pregnancy. The Thai clinical trials registry: TCTR20211126006