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OBJECTIVE: The safety of assisted reproductive technology can be assessed by examining birth weight as an outcome measure. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of endometrial thickness during embryo transfer on newborn birth weight and preterm labor. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective cohort study at the infertility department of a teaching hospital affiliated with a university of medical sciences. Eligible women were ≥18 years old and conceived a singleton pregnancy with embryo transfer and an endometrial thickness of ≥7 mm. None of the patients had diabetes, blood hypertension, and polycystic ovarian syndrome. We assessed maternal and newborn characteristics and perinatal pregnancy outcomes. RESULTS: In total, 100 eligible patients with a mean (SD) age of 32.8 (6.2) years were included. The mean endometrial thickness during embryo transfer was 9.1 (1.2) mm, and the mean birth weight was 3040.7 (565.3)g. There were no statistically significant associations between endometrial thickness and preterm labor (p=0.215) and between endometrial thickness and stillbirth or intra-uterine fetal death (p=0.880). However, after adjusting for confounding factors, the association of endometrial thickness with birth weight was statistically significant [b=124.6 (51.6), p=0.018]. CONCLUSIONS: Within the range of ≥7mm, endometrial thickness during embryo transfer is a predictor of newborn weight; however, it is not related to the risk of preterm labor, stillbirth, or intra-uterine fetal death.

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BACKGROUND: Preterm birth accounts for 60% to 80% of neonatal mortality. Approximately one-third of preterm births are caused by the spontaneous onset of preterm labor. Nevertheless, 70% to 90% of women diagnosed with preterm labor will not deliver within 7 days. Thus, many women will be unnecessarily treated by preterm labor with risk medications. Better tools are needed to categorize women in preterm labor into high or low risk of preterm delivery. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the amino-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide concentration in the amniotic fluid as a prognostic test to predict the risk of delivery within 48 hours or 7 days and before 34 0/7 or 37 0/7 weeks of gestation in women in preterm labor. STUDY DESIGN: A total of 102 pregnant women presenting signs and symptoms of spontaneous preterm birth (22 0/7 to 34 0/7 weeks of gestation) were included. Amniotic fluid was obtained by amniocentesis, and amino-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide concentration was measured. Below normal concentration was defined as <0.5 multiples of the median of the standard curve according to gestational age. The risk of preterm delivery was estimated according to normal or lower-than-normal amino-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide concentrations. The predictive capacity of the test (below normal amino-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide concentration) was evaluated to identify spontaneous preterm birth at 48 hours or 7 days from amniocentesis and less than 34 0/7 or 37 0/7 weeks at delivery. RESULTS: For the outcome delivery within 48 hours, lower-than-normal amino-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide concentration had 94.6% sensitivity, 73.8% specificity, 96.0% negative predictive value, 3.61 positive likelihood ratio, and 0.07 negative likelihood ratio. For the outcome delivery within 7 days, the test had 93.9% sensitivity, 88.7% specificity, 94.0% negative predictive value, 8.31 positive likelihood ratio, and 0.07 negative likelihood ratio. For the outcomes of spontaneous preterm birth before 34 0/7 and 37 0/7 weeks of gestation, below normal amino-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide concentrations had 80.0% sensitivity, 83.0% specificity, 78.0% negative predictive value, 4.70 positive likelihood ratio, and 0.24 negative likelihood ratio and 64.1% sensitivity, 91.7% specificity, 44.0% negative predictive value, 7.70 positive likelihood ratio, and 0.39 negative likelihood ratio, respectively. CONCLUSION: Among patients in spontaneous preterm labor, the detection of lower-than-normal amino-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide concentrations (<0.5 multiples of the median) in amniotic fluid has an excellent predictive capacity to identify those patients at low risk of preterm delivery within 48 hours or 7 days.

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Abstract Objective The serum ischemia modified albumin (IMA), biglycan, and decorin levels of pregnant women who were hospitalized for threatened preterm labor were measured. Methods Fifty-one consecutive pregnant women with a single pregnancy between the 24th and 36th weeks with a diagnosis of threatened preterm labor were included in the present prospective cohort study. Results As a result of multivariate logistic regression analysis for predicting preterm delivery within 24 hours, 48 hours, 7 days, 14 days, ≤ 35 gestational weeks, and ≤ 37 gestational weeks after admission, area under the curve (AUC) (95% confidence interval [CI[) values were 0.95 (0.89-1.00), 0.93 (0.86-0.99), 0.91 (0.83-0.98), 0.92 (0.85-0.99), 0.82 (0.69-0.96), and 0.89 (0.80-0.98), respectively. In the present study, IMA and biglycan levels were found to be higher and decorin levels lower in women admitted to the hospital with threatened preterm labor and who gave preterm birth within 48 hours compared with those who gave birth after 48 hours. Conclusion In pregnant women admitted to the hospital with threatened preterm labor, the prediction preterm delivery of the combined model created by adding IMA, decorin, and biglycan in addition to the TVS CL measurement was higher than the TVS CL measurement alone. Clinical trial registration The present trial was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT04451928.

Resumo Objetivo Medir os níveis séricos de albumina modificada por isquemia (IMA), biglicano e decorina de gestantes hospitalizadas por ameaça de parto prematuro. Métodos Cinquenta e uma mulheres grávidas consecutivas com uma única gravidez entre a 24ᵃ e a 36ᵃ semanas com diagnóstico de ameaça de trabalho de parto prematuro foram incluídas no presente estudo de corte prospectivo. Resultados Como resultado da análise de regressão logística multivariada para prever parto prematuro dentro de 24 horas, 48 horas, 7 dias, 14 dias, ≤ 35 semanas gestacionais e ≤ 37 semanas gestacionais após a admissão, área sob a curva (AUC) (95% de confiança os valores de intervalo [CI[) foram 0,95 (0,89-1,00), 0,93 (0,86-0,99), 0,91 (0,83-0,98), 0,92 (0,85-0,99), 0,82 (0,69-0,96) e 0,89 (0,80-0,98), respectivamente. No presente estudo, os níveis de IMA e biglican foram maiores e os níveis de decorin menores em mulheres admitidas no hospital com ameaça de trabalho de parto prematuro e que tiveram parto prematuro em 48 horas em comparação com aquelas que deram à luz após 48 horas. Conclusão Em gestantes admitidas no hospital com ameaça de trabalho de parto prematuro, a predição de parto prematuro do modelo combinado criado pela adição de IMA, decorin e biglican, além da medição do TVS CL, foi maior do que a medição do TVS CL isoladamente. Registro do ensaio clínico O presente ensaio foi registrado em ClinicalTrials.gov, número NCT04451928.

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The close interaction between fetal and maternal cells during pregnancy requires multiple immune-endocrine mechanisms to provide the fetus with a tolerogenic environment and protection against any infectious challenge. The fetal membranes and placenta create a hyperprolactinemic milieu in which prolactin (PRL) synthesized by the maternal decidua is transported through the amnion-chorion and accumulated into the amniotic cavity, where the fetus is bedded in high concentrations during pregnancy. PRL is a pleiotropic immune-neuroendocrine hormone with multiple immunomodulatory functions mainly related to reproduction. However, the biological role of PRL at the maternal-fetal interface has yet to be fully elucidated. In this review, we have summarized the current information on the multiple effects of PRL, focusing on its immunological effects and biological significance for the immune privilege of the maternal-fetal interface.

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Preterm labor (PTL) and preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM) lead to high perinatal morbidity/mortality rates worldwide. Small extracellular vesicles (sEV) act in cell communication and contain microRNAs that may contribute to the pathogenesis of these complications. We aimed to compare the expression, in sEV from peripheral blood, of miRNAs between term and preterm pregnancies. This cross-sectional study included women who underwent PTL, PPROM, and term pregnancies, examined at the Botucatu Medical School Hospital, SP, Brazil. sEV were isolated from plasma. Western blot used to detect exosomal protein CD63 and nanoparticle tracking analysis were performed. The expression of 800 miRNAs was assessed by the nCounter Humanv3 miRNA Assay (NanoString). The miRNA expression and relative risk were determined. Samples from 31 women-15 preterm and 16 term-were included. miR-612 expression was increased in the preterm groups. miR-612 has been shown to increase apoptosis in tumor cells and to regulate the nuclear factor κB inflammatory pathway, processes involved in PTL/PPROM pathogenesis. miR-1253, miR-1283, miR378e, and miR-579-3p, all associated with cellular senescence, were downregulated in PPROM compared with term pregnancies. We conclude that miRNAs from circulating sEV are differentially expressed between term and preterm pregnancies and modulate genes in pathways that are relevant to PTL/PPROM pathogenesis.

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El parto prematuro (PP) es la principal causa de morbilidad/mortalidad perinatal y frecuentemente es espontáneo, con membranas intactas (MI). La infección intrauterina es su causa más común en un hospital público de Chile. Existe evidencia que la infección bacteriana ascendente desde la vagina es responsable de la infección/inflamación intraamniótica, del PP y de los resultados adversos maternos y perinatales. Esta revisión narrativa incluye ensayos controlados aleatorizados (ECAs), publicados en PubMed, Cochrane, Embase, Scielo, Science Direct, Wiley Online Library, sobre los mecanismos que intervienen en el ascenso de la infección vaginal, los factores infecciosos que participan en el resultado adverso materno-perinatal y la eficacia de los antimicrobianos en estos casos. Estos trabajos no recomiendan usar antimicrobianos profilácticos porque producen daño a corto y largo plazo en los hijos. Pero este resultado tiene sesgo porque no se evaluó la presencia de infección/inflamación subclínica, lo que disminuye el grado de recomendación. También existen ECAs, que erradican la infección/inflamación intraamniótica, reducen la morbilidad/mortalidad neonatal, pero son trabajos aislados, obtenidos de subanálisis, con bajo nivel de evidencia. Se requieren revisiones sistemáticas y metaanális de ECAs con estudio de infección/inflamación subclínica para evaluar si son útiles los antimicrobianos en el PP espontáneo con MI.

Preterm labor (PL) is the leading cause of perinatal morbidity/ mortality and is frequently spontaneous with intact membranes (IM). Intrauterine infection is its most common cause in a public hospital in Chile. There is evidence that ascending bacterial infection from the vagina is responsible for intraamniotic infection/inflammation, PL, and adverse maternal and perinatal outcomes. This narrative review includes randomized controlled trials (RCTs), published in PubMed, Cochrane, Embase, Scielo, Science Direct, Wiley Online Library on the mechanisms involved in the rise of vaginal infection, the infectious factors involved in adverse maternal-perinatal outcomes, and the efficacy of antibiotics in these cases. They do not recommend the use of prophylactic antibiotics because they cause short and long-term damage to children. But this result is biased because the presence of subclinical infection/inflammation was not evaluated, which lowers the degree of recommendation. There are also RCTs that eradicate intra-amniotic infection/inflammation, reduce neonatal morbidity/ mortality, but they are isolated studies, obtained from subanalyses, with a low level of evidence. Systematic reviews and meta-analyses of RCTs with subclinical infection/inflammation study are required to assess whether antibiotics are useful in spontaneous PL with IM.

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Objetivo: identificar el potencial beneficio económico de implementar la medición de microglobulina alfa 1 placentaria en las usuarias con sospecha de amenaza de parto pretérmino que acceden al Servicio de Emergencias del Hospital de las Mujeres Dr. Adolfo Carit Eva, como mecanismo para la reducción del impacto en la mortalidad maternoinfantil y optimizar recursos económicos en la Caja Costarricense de Seguro Social. Métodos: estudio económico, de enfoque cuantitativo-retrospectivo, con diseño transversal. Se consultaron fuentes secundarias del Departamento de Registros Médicos y Estadística del Hospital de las Mujeres Dr. Adolfo Carit Eva y se calculó el costo de atención de las pacientes hospitalizadas por diagnóstico de "trabajo de parto falso antes de las 37 semanas completas de gestación", según la Clasificación Estadística Internacional de Enfermedades y Problemas Relacionados con la Salud, décima revisión (CIE-10), en comparación con el hipotético escenario de que, en el mismo evento de salud, se implemente la medición cualitativa de microglobulina alfa 1 placentaria. Para el análisis de los datos se determinaron los costos tanto individuales como colectivos en pruebas diagnósticas de control, así como el costo hospitalario y de tratamiento médico, lo cual permitió estimar los costos individuales, totales y promedio del ingreso innecesario de estas usuarias. Para el cálculo de costos de sospecha de amenaza de parto pretérmino descartada, se plantearon los siguientes escenarios: internamiento de la totalidad de pacientes con sospecha de una posible amenaza de parto pretérmino (n=60) y la utilización de la prueba cualitativa de microglobulina alfa1 placentaria, tomando en consideración su valor predictivo negativo (97%). Posteriormente, se estimó el valor del cociente costo/ahorro (el cual se interpreta como beneficioso en caso de ser menor a 1 y no beneficioso en caso de ser mayor a 1). Resultados: se reportó una incidencia de parto pretérmino de 10,1%; los costos derivados de la atención a pacientes con sospecha de parto pretérmino provienen principalmente de la hospitalización. Se obtiene un costo mínimo por paciente de ¢3 317 071,21 colones que se traducen a $5 593,79 USD según tipo de cambio vigente el 30 de noviembre del 2019, de acuerdo con el Banco Central de Costa Rica. Por su parte, se estima un costo máximo de 6 356 780, 1 colones, lo que equivale a 11 219,96 USD al tipo de cambio vigente el 30 de noviembre del 2019. Por lo cual, una vez determinado el supuesto escenario de la implementación de la prueba de microglobulina alfa 1 placentaria en las pacientes que consultan a Emergencias por sospecha de amenaza de parto pretérmino, se demuestra que existe un potencial ahorro efectivo de recursos. Conclusión: Se recomienda tomar como referente el valor predictivo negativo de microglobulina alfa 1 placentaria en su medición cualitativa, como prueba diagnóstica auxiliar en el manejo de la sospecha de amenaza de parto pretérmino. Empero, es necesario efectuar estudios complementarios para estimar el valor predictivo positivo y otros estudios económicos para valorar la incorporación de esta prueba en el algoritmo de atención de las amenazas de parto pretérmino.

Aim: identify the possible economic benefit of implementing the measurement of placental alpha 1 microglobulin in users with suspected Preterm Labor Threat, who access the emergency service of the Hospital de The Women Dr. Adolfo Carit Eva, as a mechanism to impact on maternal and infant mortality and economic resources in the Costa Rican Social Security Fund. Methods: economic study, quantitative-retrospective approach, with cross-sectional design. This study included the consult of secondary sources of the Department of Medical Records and Statistics of the Hospital; where the cost of care for hospitalized patients diagnosed with ICD-10 "False Labor before 37 weeks" is calculated; compared to a hypothetical scenario where the qualitative measurement of placental alpha 1 microglobulin is implemented for this same health event. For the data analysis, both individual and collective costs were determined in diagnostic control tests, as well as hospital and medical treatment costs, which allowed estimating the individual, total and average costs of admission of these users. To calculate the costs of suspected Preterm Labor Treat ruled out, the following scenarios were proposed: hospitalization of all patients in whom a possible Preterm Labor Treat is suspected (n= 60) and use of the qualitative placental alpha1 microglobulin test, taking into account their negative predictive value (97%). Subsequently, the value of the cost/savings ratio is estimated (interpreted as beneficial if it is less than 1 and not beneficial otherwise). Results: An incidence of preterm delivery of 10.1% was reported; the costs derived from the care of patients with suspected preterm delivery come mainly from hospitalization. Therefore, when developing the respective cost analysis, it is evident that the economic benefit of to incorporate qualitative measurement of placental alpha 1 microglobulin is derived mainly from the decrease in hospitalization. A minimum cost per patient of 3,317,071.21 colones is obtained, which translates to 5,593.79 dollars at the exchange rate in force on November 30, 2019 according to the Central Bank of Costa Rica. For its part, a maximum cost of 6,356,780.1 colones is estimated, which translates to 11,219.96 dollars at the exchange rate in effect on November 30, 2019. Therefore, once the assumed scenario of the implementation of the placental alpha1 microglobulin test in patients who consult the Emergencies for suspected Preterm Labor Threat has been determined, there is a potential effective saving of resources. Conclusion: the use of the qualitative measurement of placental alpha 1 microglobulin, as an auxiliary diagnostic test in the management of the suspected threat of preterm delivery, it is recommended, from take the negative predictive value as a reference. However, it is necessary to carry out complementary studies to estimate the positive predictive value and other economic studies to include this test in the care algorithm of the Preterm Labor Threat.

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Abstract Objectives: to determine the effectiveness of medical therapy in reducing complications associated with subclinical hypothyroidism during pregnancy. Methods: in 2021, a systematic review of available cohort studies was carried out in three databases, with no publication date limit. Study selection and data extraction were performed in duplicate. Random-effects meta-analysis was performed, and odds ratios were calculated, with the corresponding 95% confidence intervals. Cohort risk of bias was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS). The certainty of the evidence was assessed using the GRADE methodology. Results: five studies were included for qualitative and quantitative synthesis. A statistically significant relationship was found between medical treatment in pregnant women with subclinical hypothyroidism with respect to spontaneous abortion (p=0.03; OR=0.77; CI95%=0.61-0.97), and no statistically significant relationship was found for delivery preterm (p=0.46; OR=1.11; CI95%=0.85-1.44), nor for abrupt placentae (p=0.56; OR=1.60; CI95%=0.33-7.66). Three studies were at moderate risk of bias, and two were at low risk of bias. In all the results the certainty was very low. Conclusions: medical treatment of subclinical hypothyroidism during pregnancy can have a beneficial effect in reducing cases of spontaneous abortion.

Resumo Objetivos: determinar la efectividad de la terapia médica para disminuir las complicaciones asociadas al hipotiroidismo subclínico durante la gestación. Métodos: en el 2021 se realizó una revisión sistemática de estudios de cohortes disponibles en tres bases de datos, sin límite de fecha de publicación. La selección de estudios y extracción de datos se realizaron por duplicado. Se realizó metaanálisis de efectos aleatorios y se calcularon los Odds ratio, con los correspondientes intervalos de confanza al 95%. El riesgo de sesgo de las cohortes se evaluó mediante la escala de Newcastle-Ottawa (NOS). La certeza de la evidencia se evaluó con la metodología GRADE. Resultados: cinco estudios fueron incluidos para síntesis cualitativa y cuantitativa. Se encontró una relación estadísticamente significativa del tratamiento médico en gestantes con hipotiroidismo subclínico con respecto al aborto espontáneo (p=0,03; OR=0,77; IC95%=0,61-0.97), no se encontró relación estadísticamente significativa para parto pre término (p=0.46; OR=1,11; IC95%=0.85-1.44), ni para abrupto placentae (p=0.56; OR=1,60; IC95%=0.33-7.66). Tres estudios tenían riesgo moderado de sesgo, y dos tenían riesgo de sesgo bajo. En todos los resultados la certeza fue muy baja. Conclusiones: el tratamiento médico del hipotiroidismo subclínico durante la gestación puede tener un efecto beneficioso para reducir los casos de aborto espontaneo.

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Objetivo: Determinar los factores de riesgo asociados al trabajo de parto pre-término en gestantes del Hospital Universitario Maternidad Nuestra Señora de la Altagracia, periodo septiembre­diciembre 2018. Método: se realizó un estudio retrospectivo, descriptivo y de corte transversal, con una muestra de 52 mujeres. Los datos obtenidos fueron procesados con el sistema Epi-info 7.0. Resultados: el estudio muestra que entre los factores de riesgo más relevantes se encuentra la multiparidad, mostrando que el 65.4 % tuvieron un número mayor a dos embarazos, de las cuales se encontró que el 52.9 % tienen historia de abortos. Otros factores de riesgo asociados a partos prematuros es la enfermedad obstétrica relacionada, con mayor relevancia la anemia, con un 31.6 %, seguida por las infecciones urinarias con un 17.5 %. Conclusión: el estudio demuestra que dentro de los factores de riesgo asociados a partos pretérminos se encuentran la anemia con un 31.6 % y las infecciones urinarias con un 17.5 %, además el 48.1 % de las pacientes tenían una edad gestacional que rondaba entre 33 y 36 semanas de gestación.

Objective: Determine the risk factors associated to preterm labor in pregnant patients in ''Hospital Maternidad Nuestra Señora de la Altagracia'' in Santo Domingo, September­December 2018. Methods: It is a descriptive, retrospective, and a cross-sectional study, with a sample of 52 women. The data collected was processed with the system Epi-info 7.0. Results: The study shows that multiparity is one of the most relevant risk factors for preterm delivery, showing that 65.4% had a number equal or greater than 2 pregnancies, of which 52.9% had a history of abortion. Others risk factors related to preterm delivery is a concomitant diseases within the pregnancy, being the anemia the most relevant with 31.6% and follow up by urinary tract infections with 17.5%. Conclusion: The study shows that within the risk factors associated with preterm delivery, anemia is within 31.6% and the urinary tract infections are 17.5%, Also related to preterm delivery we have the gestational age which was around 33 ­ 36 weeks in 48.1% of the preterm deliveries.

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Intrauterine infections caused by bacteria like group B streptococcus (GBS) and the subsequent activation of the maternal inflammatory response have been long suspected to be the underlying cause of preterm labor. The inflammatory network triggered by maternal decidua has been widely described and includes the secretion of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines as IL-1ß and IL-10; however, the mechanisms that regulate their secretion have not been completely elucidated. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are critical modulators of the inflammatory response by regulating cytokine expression in several cell types. Here, we explored the role of miR-21 in the expression of IL-1ß and IL-10 in human decidual stromal cells (DSCs) exposed in vitro to GBS. We observed that IL1B and IL10 expression at the mRNA level was increased in DSCs after GBS infection. IL-10 but not IL-1ß secretion was detected in the culture supernatants. We found a higher miR-21 expression (22-fold) in infected DSCs as compared with non-infected cells. miR-21 functional analysis revealed that DSCs transfected with an antagomiR vs. miR-21 significantly increased the secretion of IL-1ß but decreased that of IL-10 in DSCs cells infected with GBS. Our results suggest that miR-21 participates in balancing the inflammatory response in infected decidua through at least IL-1ß and IL-10 regulation. This is the first study attributing a functional role of miR-21 in the regulation of key molecules involved in the inflammatory response in infected DSCs, providing new insights into the epigenetic control of human decidual inflammation.

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Background: The autonomic nervous system of preterm fetuses has a different level of maturity than term fetuses. Thus, their autonomic response to transient hypoxemia caused by uterine contractions in labor may differ. This study aims to compare the behavior of the fetal autonomic response to uterine contractions between preterm and term active labor using a novel time-frequency analysis of fetal heart rate variability (FHRV). Methods: We performed a case-control study using fetal R-R and uterine activity time series obtained by abdominal electrical recordings from 18 women in active preterm labor (32-36 weeks of gestation) and 19 in active term labor (39-40 weeks of gestation). We analyzed 20 minutes of the fetal R-R time series by applying a Continuous Wavelet Transform (CWT) to obtain frequency (HF, 0.2-1 Hz; LF, 0.05-0.2 Hz) and time-frequency (Flux0, Flux90, and Flux45) domain features. Time domain FHRV features (SDNN, RMSSD, meanNN) were also calculated. In addition, ultra-short FHRV analysis was performed by segmenting the fetal R-R time series according to episodes of the uterine contraction and quiescent periods. Results: No significant differences between preterm and term labor were found for FHRV features when calculated over 20 minutes. However, we found significant differences when segmenting between uterine contraction and quiescent periods. In the preterm group, the LF, Flux0, and Flux45 were higher during the average contraction episode compared with the average quiescent period (p<0.01), while in term fetuses, vagally mediated FHRV features (HF and RMSSD) were higher during the average contraction episode (p<0.05). The meanNN was lower during the strongest contraction in preterm fetuses compared to their consecutive quiescent period (p=0.008). Conclusion: The average autonomic response to contractions in preterm fetuses shows sympathetic predominance, while term fetuses respond through parasympathetic activity. Comparison between groups during the strongest contraction showed a diminished fetal autonomic response in the preterm group. Thus, separating contraction and quiescent periods during labor allows for identifying differences in the autonomic nervous system cardiac regulation between preterm and term fetuses.

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Introduction: Despite vast research, premature birth's electrophysiological mechanisms are not fully understood. Prediction of preterm birth contributes to child survival by providing timely and skilled care to both mother and child. Electrohysterography is an affordable, noninvasive technique that has been highly sensitive in diagnosing preterm labor. This study aimed to choose the more appropriate combination of characteristics, such as electrode channel and bandwidth, as well as those linear, time-frequency, and nonlinear features of the electrohysterogram (EHG) for predicting preterm birth using classifiers. Methods: We analyzed two open-access datasets of 30 minutes of EHG obtained in regular checkups of women around 31 weeks of pregnancy who experienced premature labor (P) and term labor (T). The current approach filtered the raw EHGs in three relevant frequency subbands (0.3-1 Hz, 1-2 Hz, and 2-3Hz). The EHG time series were then segmented to create 120-second windows, from which individual characteristics were calculated. The linear, time-frequency, and nonlinear indices of EHG of each combination (channel-filter) were fed to different classifiers using feature selection techniques. Results: The best performance, i.e., 88.52% accuracy, 83.83% sensitivity, and 93.22% specificity, was obtained in the 2-3 Hz bands using Medium Frequency, Continuous Wavelet Transform (CWT), and entropy-based indices. Interestingly, CWT features were significantly different in all filter-channel combinations. The proposed study uses small samples of EHG signals to diagnose preterm birth accurately, showing their potential application in the clinical environment. Discussion: Our results suggest that CWT and novel entropy-based features of EHG could be suitable descriptors for analyzing and understanding the complex nature of preterm labor mechanisms.

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INTRODUCTION: Amniotic fluid (AF) interleukin-6 (IL-6) concentration has been associated to preterm delivery and perinatal morbidity and mortality in women with preterm labor and intact membranes. Nevertheless, the clinical significance of this biomarker of intra-amniotic inflammation (IAI) is still unclear due in part to the paucity of large studies. METHODS: AF IL-6 concentrations were determined in 452 consecutive women with preterm labor and intact membranes, categorized into 3 groups: 302 without IAI (IL-6 of <2.6 ng/mL), 64 with mild IAI (IL-6 of 2.6-11.2 ng/mL), and 86 with severe IAI (IL-6 of ≥11.3 ng/mL). RESULTS: The severe IAI group had a short pregnancy duration from amniocentesis to delivery (median 3 days) than in without IAI group (median 45 days); meanwhile, the mild IAI group had a latency that was intermediate to the severe and without IAI groups (median 9.5 days). As compared to women without IAI, women with mild and severe IAI had higher rates of preterm delivery at both <34 and <37 weeks of gestation and perinatal morbidity and mortality. Furthermore, the risk of various individual adverse outcomes (short latency from amniocentesis to delivery [at ≤3 days, ≤7 days, and ≤14 days], preterm delivery at both <34 and <37 weeks of gestation, histologic chorioamnionitis, respiratory distress syndrome, and congenital sepsis) was higher in women with severe IAI (OR ≥ 2.8), compared with women without IAI. CONCLUSIONS: AF IL-6 concentrations appear to be suitable marker to assess the degree of IAI and are associated with increased risk of adverse outcomes.

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OBJECTIVE: To study the association of plasma and vaginal levels of matrix metalloproteinases 2 (MMP-2) and 9 (MMP-9), determined between 20+0 and 25+6 weeks of gestation, with preterm birth and its predictive value. STUDY DESIGN: All 129 cases of preterm birth (cases) and 258 randomly selected term patients (control group) were included in a cohort study with a nested case-control design. Inclusion criteria were living in Ribeirão Preto, Brazil, and gestational age 20+0 to 25+6 at enrollment. Exclusion criteria were multiple fetuses, congenital malformations or chromosome syndromes, and loss to follow-up. Maternal age, parity, smoking, and previous preterm birth were included as covariates. A blood sample and vaginal secretion were obtained for the determination of MMP-2 and MMP-9; the patients were screened for urinary tract infection and bacterial vaginosis, and cervical length was measured by ultrasound. The cut-off values for matrix metalloproteinases were calculated using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves for logistic regression analysis (crude and adjusted odds ratios). RESULTS: According to the WHO, in this study, preterm subtypes included 3.8 % extremely preterm, 6.9 % very preterm, and 89.2 % late preterm births. The plasma MMP-9 cut-off was 63.25 ng/mL and the area under the ROC curve was 0.725 (standard error 0.03; 95 % confidence interval, 0.677-0.769). The cut-off for plasma MMP-2 was 239.4 ng/mL and the area under the ROC curve was 0.585 (standard error 0.03, 95 % confidence interval, 0.521-0.649). Crude odds ratios showed an increased risk of preterm birth associated with plasma MMP-2 (odds ratio, 1.75; 95 % confidence interval, 1.14-2.68) and plasma MMP-9 (odds ratio, 3.26, 95 % confidence interval, 2.09-5.07); no association was detected for vaginal MMP-2 or 9. For plasma, adjusted odds ratios were 1.42 (95 % confidence interval, 0.80-2.53) for MMP-2 and 2.71 (95 % confidence interval, 1 .52-4.83) for MMP-9, along with an increased risk in other covariates. CONCLUSION: Elevated plasma MMP-9 levels and decreased MMP-2 levels were positively associated with preterm birth. Plasma MMP-9 level increased nearly three times the preterm risk.

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Introducción: El parto pretérmino es una de las principales causas de morbilidad y mortalidad neonatal, cuyo origen está asociado con la presencia e interacción de factores relacionados con la madre y su entorno. Objetivo: Determinar los factores de riesgo asociados con el parto pretérmino en madres jóvenes atendidas en un Hospital de Lima, Perú. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio no experimental, analítico y retrospectivo de 32 madres con parto pretérmino y 292 a término (seleccionadas aleatoriamente), desde enero hasta agosto de 2016 en el mencionado centro hospitalario. Se utilizó la prueba de Ji al cuadrado o test de Fisher, según fue necesario, así como el odds ratio (OR) con sus intervalos de confianza al 95 %. Resultados: Los factores sociodemográficos como la instrucción, la ocupación y el estado conyugal no estuvieron relacionados con el parto pretérmino; en tanto, los pregestacionales (índice de masa corporal y antecedente de parto pretérmino) se asociaron significativamente y los clínicos (infección del tracto urinario, rotura prematura de membranas y preeclampsia) demostraron asociación estadística. Conclusiones: El índice de masa corporal pregestacional ≥25 kg/m2, el antecedente de parto pretérmino, la infección urinaria, la rotura prematura de membranas y la preeclampsia, incrementaron significativamente el riesgo de parto pretérmino.

Introduction: Preterm labor is one of the main causes of neonatal morbidity and mortality whose origin is associated with the presence and interaction of factors related to the mother and her environment. Objective: To determine the risk factors associated with preterm labor in young mothers assisted in a Hospital of Lima, Peru. Methods: A non experimental, analytic and retrospective study of 32 mothers with preterm labor and 292 with term delivery (selected at random), was carried out from January to August, 2016 in the hospital center above mentioned. The chi-square test of Fisher test was used, as it was necessary, as well as the odds ratio (OR) with its confidence intervals of 95 %. Results: The social demographic factors as instruction, occupation and marital status were not related to preterm labor; as long as, antenatal factors (body mass index and history of preterm labor) were significantly associated and clinical factors (urinary tract infection, early rupture of membranes and preeclampsia) demonstrated a statistical association. Conclusions: The antenatal body mass index ≥25 kg/m2, history of preterm labor, urinary infection, early rupture of membranes and preeclampsia, significantly increased the risk of preterm labor.

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BACKGROUND: Distinguishing between true and false preterm labor remains a challenge. The shortening in cervical length throughout a gestation has been theorized to be a possible predictor of spontaneous preterm birth. Although there are some studies evaluating cervical length shortening as a predictor of spontaneous preterm birth, it is not known whether the shortening in cervical length from an asymptomatic to symptomatic state, when a patient presents with preterm labor symptoms, is predictive of spontaneous preterm birth. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to determine the utility of cervical length shortening from an asymptomatic time point (anatomic ultrasound) to when a patient presents with preterm labor symptoms as a predictor of spontaneous preterm birth. STUDY DESIGN: A prospective cohort study was performed to evaluate the use of transvaginal cervical length assessment in symptomatic women in predicting spontaneous preterm birth from January 2013 to March 2015. Women with singleton gestations who presented to our institution between 22 0/7 weeks and 33 6/7 weeks of gestation with preterm labor symptoms were included in the overall cohort. This was a planned secondary analysis to evaluate the shortening in cervical length from an asymptomatic state (anatomic ultrasound) to a symptomatic state as a predictor of preterm birth. For this analysis, inclusion criteria were known delivery status, cervical length screening performed at anatomic ultrasound, and a valid cervical length measurement at the time of preterm labor symptoms. Women with preterm rupture of membranes, cervical dilation of >2 cm, or moderate to severe bleeding were excluded. Cervical length shortening was defined as a decrease in cervical length of >10 mm from anatomic ultrasound to the time of presentation with preterm labor symptoms. The outcome evaluated was spontaneous preterm birth before 37 weeks of gestation. Chi-square test and receiver operating characteristic curves were used to evaluate the data. Multivariable logistic regression was used to calculate the odds. Test characteristics of cervical length shortening of >10 mm were determined. RESULTS: A total of 549 women were included in the original cohort, and 277 women were included in this secondary analysis. The overall rate of spontaneous preterm birth was 8.3%. There were 52 women (19%) with cervical length shortening of >10 mm. The rate of spontaneous preterm birth was significantly higher for those with cervical length shortening of >10 mm than those with cervical length shortening of ≤10 mm (21.2% vs 5.3%; P=.001). This higher risk of spontaneous preterm birth remained after adjusting for confounders including maternal age and previous spontaneous preterm birth (adjusted odds ratio, 4.71; 95% confidence interval, 1.84-12.09). Using cervical length shortening of >10 mm as a screening test had a sensitivity of 47.8%, a specificity of 83.9%, a positive predictive value of 21.2%, and a negative predictive value of 94.7%. CONCLUSION: In women presenting with preterm labor symptoms, a cervical length that is >10 mm shorter from anatomic ultrasound is associated with an increased risk of spontaneous preterm birth.

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La amenaza de parto prematuro se considera hoy en día como una urgencia obstétrica en la que, si no se realiza alguna intervención desemboca en un parto prematuro. Por tanto, una vez confirmado el diagnóstico, el tratamiento consiste en la administración de tocolíticos, cuyo objetivo principal es el retraso del nacimiento ganando tiempo para administrar maduración pulmonar y neuroprotección con el fin de disminuir el síndrome de dificultad respiratoria y parálisis cerebral, así como lograr el traslado de la madre a un centro de referencia, si fuere el caso. La elección de un fármaco u otro debe basarse en una adecuada valoración riesgo-beneficio, una vez tenida en cuenta la situación clínica de cada gestante. El empleo de tocolíticos al inicio de este proceso es esencial y en esta revisión se analiza la información disponible sobre su uso en la amenaza de parto prematuro

The preterm labour is now considered an obstetric emergency in which, if no intervention is performed, it leads to premature delivery. Therefore, once the diagnosis has been confirmed, the treatment consists of the administration of tocolytics, whose main objective is to delay the birth by gaining time to administer lung maturation and neuroprotection in order to reduce respiratory distress syndrome and cerebral palsy, as well as to achieve the transfer of the mother to a reference center, if necessary. The choice of one drug or another should be based on an adequate risk-benefit assessment, once the clinical situation of each pregnant woman has been taken into account. The use of tocolytics at the beginning of this process is essential and in this review the available information on their use in threatened preterm labor is analyzed.

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Cerca de 15 milhões de prematuros nascem por ano globalmente. Em 2015 ocorreram mais de 4 milhões de mortes de crianças menores de 5 anos, e as complicações da prematuridade são a principal causa de óbito em neonatos. O parto pré-termo é uma síndrome em que múltiplas etiologias convergem para uma via final única, e os fatores de risco mais importantes são antecedente de prematuridade e gestação gemelar. O colo uterino tem a função de manter a gestação desde a concepção até o parto, e seu processo de amadurecimento gera esvaecimento, dilatação e encurtamento, num continuum que pode compreender desde quadros de insuficiência cervical até o parto pré-termo espontâneo sem rotura de membranas. Este primeiro artigo, da série de três, descreve a prevalência da prematuridade, seus fatores de risco e o papel do colo uterino no processo de parturição.(AU)

Around 15 million preterm births happen globally. In 2015 over 4 million deaths in children under 5 years of age died and preterm birth complications is the leading cause in neonates. Preterm birth is a multiple etiology syndrome, in which various causes converge to a single parturition path. The most important risk factors are multiple gestation and obstetrical history of preterm birth. Uterine cervix is responsible for pregnancy maintenance from conception to birth, and its remodeling process generates effacement, dilation and shortening in a continuum that comprises conditions from cervical insufficiency to preterm birth without membrane disruption. This is a first article, of a series of three, describing preterm birth prevalence, risk factors and uterine cervix role in parturition.(AU)

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Introducción: La amenaza de parto pretérmino puede causar desenlaces graves, por lo que es necesario evaluar sus determinantes. Objetivo: Determinar si la infección del tracto urinario (ITU) es un factor asociado a amenaza de parto pretérmino en gestantes adolescentes del hospital Sergio E. Bernales 2018 ­ 2019. Métodos: Estudio observacional analítico de casos y controles. Conformado por gestantes adolescentes internadas en el servicio de ginecobstetricia del hospital Sergio E. Bernales en 2018-2019. Se calcularon los OR crudos y ajustados para los posibles factores con fusor es en base a modelos de regresión logística. Considerándose el valor p<0,05 como significativo. Resultados: Los resultados del modelo de regresión logística ajustado mostraron que la amenaza de parto se asoció significativamente con la ITU (OR=2,68, IC 95%: 1,3­5,3) y con la presencia de ruptura prematura de membranas (OR=15, IC 95%: 5,9­37,9). Conclusión: La infección del tracto urinario es un factor asociado a la amenaza de parto pretérmino en gestantes adolescentes.

Introduction: The threatened preterm delivery can cause serious outcomes, so it is necessary toevaluate its causes. Objective: to determine if urinary tract infection (UTI) is a factor associated withthe threatened preterm delivery in pregnant teenages at the Hospital Sergio E. Bernales 2018 ­ 2019.Methods: Observational analytical case-control study. The study included pregnant teenages admittedto the gynecology and obstetrics service of the Hospital Sergio E. Bernales 2018 ­ 2019. Crude andadjusted ORs were calculated for possible confounding factors based on logistic regression models.Considering the p <0.05 value as significant. Results: The median age was 18 years. The results ofthe adjusted logistic regression model were that the threatened preterm delivery had a significantassociation with UTI (OR = 2.68, 95% CI: 1.3­5.3) and RPM (OR = 15, 95 CI. %: 5.9­37.9). Conclusion:Urinary tract infection is a factor associated with the threatened preterm delivery in pregnant teens.

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Resumen Introducción. A pesar de que en Colombia hay una alta prevalencia de embarazos en adolescentes, aún no se han establecido los resultados obstétricos y perinatales adversos en esta población. Objetivo. Caracterizar los desenlaces obstétricos y perinatales de las gestantes adolescentes atendidas en el Hospital Militar Central de Bogotá D.C., Colombia. Materiales y métodos. Estudio observacional, retrospectivo y transversal realizado mediante la revisión de las historias clínicas de 147 gestantes adolescentes atendidas entre mayo de 2012 y diciembre de 2015 en el Hospital Militar Central de Bogotá D.C. Resultados. El promedio de edad fue 17±1.5 años; 59.8% eran estudiantes (secundaria y educación superior) y 64.6%, solteras. En cuanto a los controles prenatales, 127 (86.4%) los iniciaron tardíamente y 108 (73.5%) tuvieron menos de 4. La frecuencia general de complicaciones obstétricas fue 27.9%, entre las que se destacan los trastornos hipertensivos del embarazo (10.2%) y la amenaza de parto pretérmino (8.2%); no se presentaron muertes maternas. Por su parte, las patologías neonatales más comunes fueron ictericia neonatal (4.8%) y síndrome de dificultad respiratoria (3.4%). Conclusiones. Las complicaciones se presentaron con mayor frecuencia en las adolescentes que iniciaron los controles prenatales de forma tardía, por lo que se deben implementar estrategias para garantizar el inicio temprano de estos controles y la adherencia a los mismos. Además, es necesario evaluar el impacto de los programas de planificación familiar en esta población.

Abstract Introduction: Although adolescent pregnancy prevalence in Colombia is high, adverse obstetric and perinatal adverse outcomes in this population have not yet been established in the country. Objective: To characterize the obstetric and perinatal outcomes of pregnant adolescents treated at Hospital Militar Central, located in Bogotá D.C., Colombia. Materials and methods: Retrospective cross-sectional observational study. The medical records of 147 pregnant adolescents treated at Hospital Militar Central between May 2012 and December 2015 were reviewed. Results: Adolescents' average age was 17 ± 1.5 years, 59.8% of them were students (high school and higher education), and 64.6% were single. Regarding prenatal care, 127 (86.4%) had started getting prenatal check-ups late and 108 (73.5%) had poor prenatal care (less than 4 prenatal check-ups). Obstetric complications general frequency was 27.9%, being the most frequent hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (10.2%) and preterm birth (8.2%). There were no maternal death cases. On the other hand, the most frequent perinatal morbidities were jaundice (4.8%) and respiratory distress syndrome (3.4%). Conclusions: Pregnancy-related complications were more frequent in adolescents who started prenatal check-ups late, so strategies aimed at ensuring that adolescents have access to early prenatal care and at improving their adherence rates to prenatal check-ups must be implemented. In addition, the impact that family planning programs have on this population must also be evaluated.