			Home About us Contact

Obstetric Outcome (obstetric + outcome)

Distribution by Scientific Domains

Medical Sciences	84%

Selected Abstracts

Third S. S. Ratnam Memorial Lecture 2007.

JOURNAL OF OBSTETRICS AND GYNAECOLOGY RESEARCH (ELECTRONIC), Issue 3 2009
Ovarian cancer: Is there hope for women?
Abstract Ovarian cancer is today the most lethal female cancer with an overall survival of only 49.9%. The currently available screening modalities are disappointing in detecting highly curable early stage ovarian cancer. Natural history of ovarian cancer is unknown; it appears it can develop quickly from normal looking ovaries. Timely referral of women with non-specific symptoms (such as abdominal bloating, pelvic pain) for an ultrasound scan or blood CA125 assessments may help in the early diagnosis. Patients with Stage IA or IB disease with grade 1 tumors have a cure rate of >90%; this is likely to be compromised by laparoscopic surgery. In selected patients fertility preservation with good obstetric outcome is possible. However, the relapse rate in ,high risk' early stage ovarian cancers is 40,45%; adjuvant chemotherapy is needed. Only 20,25% of those with stage III and IV disease are cured. Despite a high primary response (70%) majority (70,75%) will relapse and all are likely to succumb. Optimal debulking surgery followed by adjuvant chemotherapy are needed for stages III and IV disease; the outcome is superior if managed by gynecologic oncologists. Where cost of drugs is an important consideration, an alternative is carboplatin (an affordable and equally effective drug). The role of vaccines needs further study. When relapses occur palliation will be the aim in most instances. Oral contraceptives, breast feeding, tubal sterilization and hysterectomy also have a protective effect. Risk-reducing salpingo-oopherectomy has been suggested in women with BRCA mutations. [source]

Adolescent primiparas: Changes in obstetrical risk between 1983,1987 and 1999,2005

JOURNAL OF OBSTETRICS AND GYNAECOLOGY RESEARCH (ELECTRONIC), Issue 2 2008
Willibald Zeck
Abstract Aims:, Teenage pregnancies have always been considered at increased risk for obstetric complications. Deliveries in adolescent primiparas in the 5-year time periods 1983,1987 and 1999,2005 were compared against each other, the general population and against primiparas aged 20,29 years in order to reveal trends and differences in obstetric outcome. Methods:, A total of 186 primiparas delivering at an age of 17 or less between October 1999 and October 2005 were compared with 353 adolescent primiparas delivered between 1983 and 1987. Type of delivery and complications such as low birthweight, pre-eclampsia, breech presentation and third stage complications were studied. Results:, The percentage of adolescents in the overall obstetric population decreased. The cesarean section rate remained the same in the adolescents while increasing in the general population. Rates of low birthweight and operative vaginal delivery increased in the adolescent group and overall. Third stage complications (abnormally adherent or incomplete placentas) decreased in both groups. There were no intrauterine fetal deaths in adolescent pregnancies in either time period. Other obstetric variables were unchanged in the adolescent as well as in the general population between 1999 and 2005. When comparing the adolescents' outcome with the outcome of the 20,29-year-old primiparas between 1999 and 2005, it was noted that the rates of abstracted obstetric variables were higher in the population of the 20,29-year-olds. Conclusions:, The obstetric outcome of adolescent pregnancies has remained favorable over the last 18 years. We do not consider adolescence as an obstetrical risk. We suggest that adolescent pregnancy is more a public health issue than a clinical problem. [source]

Impact of maternal body mass index on obstetric outcome

JOURNAL OF OBSTETRICS AND GYNAECOLOGY RESEARCH (ELECTRONIC), Issue 5 2007
Meenakshi T. Sahu
Abstract Aim:, The purpose of the present study was to correlate effect of maternal body mass index (BMI) on obstetric outcome. The studies conducted so far are from Western developed countries and there is a paucity of data from developing countries. Methods:, A prospective evaluation was carried out of 380 women in one unit of a tertiary care teaching hospital in North India from May 2005 to June 2006 on the effect of maternal BMI on pregnancy outcome. BMI was calculated as weight (kg) divided by height (m2). BMI was used to characterize women as lean (BMI < 19.8 kg/m2), normal (BMI 19.9,24.9 kg/m2), overweight (BMI 25,29.9 kg/m2) or obese (,30 kg/m2). Results:, Forty-six women (12.1%) out of 380 were underweight, 99 (26.1%) were overweight, 30 (7.9%) were obese and the remaining 205 (53.9%) had normal BMI. Anemia (P = 0.02) and low birthweight (P = 0.008) was significantly present among lean women. Obese women had a significant risk for gestational diabetes (P = 0.0004), pre-eclampsia (P = 0.004), cesarean delivery (P = 0.01) and macrosomia (P = 0.02). Conclusion:, Both lean and obese women carry a risk for adverse pregnancy outcome, therefore pregnant women should maintain a normal BMI to achieve a healthy pregnancy outcome. [source]

Pregnancy following renal transplantation

JOURNAL OF OBSTETRICS AND GYNAECOLOGY RESEARCH (ELECTRONIC), Issue 4 2003
John M. Davison
Abstract Pregnancy is not contraindicated in renal transplant recipients with stable renal function, and a successful and healthy obstetric outcome can be expected in 95% of such cases. The incidence of both maternal and fetal complications is related to the degree of graft dysfunction and/or hypertension prior to pregnancy. Poorer prognosis is associated with poorer renal function. If complications (usually hypertension, renal deterioration, and/or rejection) occur before 28 weeks, then successful obstetric outcome is reduced by 20%. More information is needed about the intrauterine effects and neonatal consequences of maternal immunosuppression, which appears harmless at maintenance levels. From the data available it seems that pregnancy does not compromise long-term transplant prognosis. In the absence of prospective controlled studies transplant pregnancy registries are the only viable means of providing clinicians with timely and relevant information on pregnancy outcomes on which to base management guidelines. [source]

Mid-gestation Down syndrome screening test and pregnancy outcome among unstimulated assisted-conception pregnancies

PRENATAL DIAGNOSIS, Issue 8 2003
Adrian Shulman
Abstract Objectives Alteration of mid-gestation serum markers in assisted-conception pregnancies is believed to be attributable to ovarian superovulation treatment modalities. We compared alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG), and unconjugated estriol (uE3) in two groups of unstimulated assisted-conception pregnancies, that is, own-oocyte frozen embryos (own-FET) versus oocyte-donated (OD) embryos. Methods Forty-three OD-conceived and 31 own-FET-conceived singleton parturient women (aged 29 ± 4 years and 31 ± 4 years respectively, P < 0.05) were followed from embryo transfer throughout pregnancy. Results The daily pattern of first-trimester serum ,-hCG was similar in both groups. The OD group had only significantly increased AFP concentrations compared to the own-FET group (1.38 vs 0.99 median MoM respectively, P = 0.002). Although there were no chromosomal abnormalities and no fetal or neonatal deaths in either group, 12% OD women and 6.5% own-FET women were found screen-positive. Eight OD women and 11 FET women had an adverse obstetric outcome (P = NS). Conclusion OD embryos are a unique clinical model for evaluating the uterine compartment and its contribution to mid-gestation serum marker secretion. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source]

ORIGINAL ARTICLE: Thrombin Activatable Fibrinolysis Inhibitor and Clot Lysis Time in Pregnant Patients with Antiphospholipid Syndrome: Relationship with Pregnancy Outcome and Thrombosis

AMERICAN JOURNAL OF REPRODUCTIVE IMMUNOLOGY, Issue 6 2009
Maria Angeles Martinez-Zamora
Problem, Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) pregnancies are associated with thrombotic obstetric complications, despite treatment. This study evaluated Thrombin Activatable Fibrinolysis Inhibitor (TAFI) levels, TAFI gene polymorphisms and Clot Lysis Time (CLT) in pregnant patients with APS in relation to pregnancy outcome and thrombosis. Method of study, Group 1 consisted of 67 pregnant patients with APS. Group 2 included 66 pregnant patients with uneventful term pregnancies and delivery. Patients were sampled during each trimester and at baseline. TAFI antigen and CLT and two polymorphisms of the TAFI gene, Ala147Thr and +1542C/G, were determined. Results, Significantly prolonged CLT was found at baseline in Group 1. Allele distribution of the TAFI gene polymorphisms was similar in both groups. Basal TAFI and CLT in patients with APS having an adverse or a good obstetrical outcome were similar. Comparison of TAFI and CLT baseline levels in patients with APS with or without previous thrombosis showed no statistical differences. Conclusion, Patients with APS have impairment in fibrinolysis evidenced by prolonged CLT at baseline. TAFI and CLT do not seem to be useful as markers of obstetric outcome or risk of thrombosis in patients with APS. [source]

Unexplained fetal death: Are women with a history of fetal loss at higher risk?

AUSTRALIAN AND NEW ZEALAND JOURNAL OF OBSTETRICS AND GYNAECOLOGY, Issue 2 2009
Mary-Anne MEASEY
Aims: To identify factors, including the loss of a previous pregnancy before 20 weeks gestation, which are associated with increased risk of singleton antepartum unexplained fetal death (UFD) in Western Australia (WA) using information recorded in routine data collections. Methods: All fetal deaths in WA from 1990 to 1999 that underwent thorough post-mortem investigations were classified using the Perinatal Society of Australia and New Zealand Perinatal Death Classification System. All UFDs were selected as cases and unmatched controls were randomly drawn from all live births in WA occurring during the study period. Demographic and clinical information on cases and controls was obtained from the WA Midwives' Notification System. Multivariable logistic regression was carried out to determine the independent effect of risk factors and calculate odds ratios. Results: Almost one quarter (22%) of stillbirths were unexplained. Primigravid and primiparous women with a history of pregnancy loss before 20 weeks were at higher risk of UFD than multiparous women who had not experienced any loss. Women with a history of fetal death (after 20 weeks) had the highest risk of UFD. Conclusion: The current practice of closely monitoring pregnant women with a history of fetal loss or death should continue as this study suggests they may have a higher risk of poor obstetric outcome. Larger studies are needed to confirm the association between previous pregnancy loss and UFD. [source]

Marriage still protects pregnancy

BJOG : AN INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF OBSTETRICS & GYNAECOLOGY, Issue 10 2005
Kaisa Raatikainen
Objective To assess the risk factors and outcome of pregnancy outside marriage in the 1990s, in conditions of a high percentage of extramarital pregnancies and high standard maternity care, used by the entire pregnant population. Design Hospital-based cohort study. Setting A university-teaching hospital in Finland. Population The 25,373 singleton pregnancies of known marital and cohabiting status. Methods Odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals were calculated to estimate the effect of extramarital childbearing on pregnancy outcome. Multiple logistic regression analyses were conducted to control for confounding maternal risk factors. Main outcome measures Small-for-gestational age (SGA) infants, preterm birth (less than 37 completed weeks), low birthweight (LBW; under 2500 g). Results Of the study population, 67.5% were married and 32.5% were unmarried; 24.2% of all mothers were cohabiting. Unmarried status was strongly associated with social disadvantage and particular risk factors, specifically unemployment, smoking and previous pregnancy terminations, which in turn had an impact on obstetric outcome. There were significantly more SGA infants among unmarried mothers (P < 0.001), with an absolute difference of 45%; more preterm deliveries (P= 0.001), with an absolute difference of 17.5%; and more LBW infants (P < 0.001), with an absolute difference of 26%. The differences in adverse pregnancy outcomes between study groups (i) all unmarried women, (ii) cohabiting women and (iii) single women, remained significant after multivariate analysis at adjusted ORs of 1.11, 1.11 and 1.07 for SGA, 1.17, 1.15 and 1.21 for LBW and 1.15, 1.15 and 1.29 for the preterm births, respectively. Conclusion Even in the 1990s when cohabitation was already common, pregnancy outside marriage was associated with an overall 20% increase of adverse outcomes, and free maternity care did not overcome the difference. [source]

Plasma P-selectin is elevated in the first trimester in women who subsequently develop pre-eclampsia

BJOG : AN INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF OBSTETRICS & GYNAECOLOGY, Issue 7 2001
P.M. Bosio
Objective To report plasma concentrations of the adhesion cell molecule P-selectin during pregnancy to determine the effect of subsequent development of hypertension and pre-eclampsia. Design A longitudinal study. Methods A longitudinal study involving 70 women followed up from early pregnancy; 20 who subsequently developed pre-eclampsia were compared with 24 who developed gestational hypertension and 26 normotensive women with normal obstetric outcome. The determination of citrate plasma soluble P-selectin levels throughout pregnancy was performed using a commercial quantitative sandwich immunoassay kit. The temporal course of plasma P-selectin in the three groups of subjects was analysed. Results There was no significant difference in mean plasma P-selectin concentration between normotensive and gestational hypertensive subjects at any stage of pregnancy. Using a cutoff level of 60 ng/mL, P-selectin concentration at 10,14 weeks had a negative predictive value for pre-eclampsia of almost 99%. Mean plasma P-selectin concentrations were significantly elevated by 10,14 weeks in women who later developed pre-eclampsia (P<0.001). Conclusions Our data support an inflammatory model for pre-eclampsia whereby endothelial cell activation may be secondary to a primary inflammatory response. Plasma P-selectin has significant potential as a first trimester clinical marker of pre-eclampsia. [source]

Maternal hypothyroidism in early and late gestation: effects on neonatal and obstetric outcome

CLINICAL ENDOCRINOLOGY, Issue 5 2005
Iskandar Idris
Summary Background, Maternal hypothyroidism may be associated with a variety of adverse neonatal and obstetric outcomes. Whether these outcomes are affected by maternal thyroid status at initial presentation or in late gestation specifically within a dedicated antenatal endocrine clinic remains unclear. The effects of thyroxine dose requirement during pregnancy and serum concentrations of TSH within such clinic settings are still not known. Objectives, We investigated these outcomes in patients with hypothyroidism during early and late gestation. TSH levels and thyroxine dose requirement during early and late gestation were also evaluated. Methods, We performed a retrospective study of data from 167 pregnancies managed in the antenatal endocrine clinic. Analysis of outcomes was linked to TSH at first presentation and in the third trimester. Outcome variables included: rate of caesarean section, pre-eclampsia, neonatal unit admission, neonatal weight and gestational age. Controlled TSH was defined as mothers with TSH between 0·1 and 2 with normal free thyroid hormone levels. Results, The caesarean section (CS) rates were higher in the study cohort (H) compared with the local (C) rate (H = 28·7%, C = 18%). The higher rate in our patient cohort was not due to a higher rate of emergency section nor to a lower threshold for performing elective caesarean section. The infant birthweight (IBW) from mothers with TSH > 5·5 (H1) and mothers with TSH between 0·1 and 5·5 at presentation (H2) was [median (range)] 3·38 (1·73,4·70) vs. 3·45 (1·36,4·76); P = ns. The prevalence of low-birthweight (LBW) infants (< 2·5 g) in groups H1 and H2 was 15% and 4·8%, respectively [odds ratio (OR) = 3·55, 95% confidence interval (95% CI) = 0·96,10·31]. IBW from mothers with TSH > 2 (H3) and mothers with controlled TSH in the third trimester (H4) were similar [3·38 (1·78,4·4) vs. 3·46 (1·36,4·76); P = ns]. The prevalence of LBW in groups H3 and H4 was 9% and 4·9%, respectively (OR = 1·95, 95% CI = 0·52,7·26). The median thyroxine dose (µg) increased significantly during pregnancy (first trimester: 100; second trimester: 125, P < 0·001; and third trimester: 150, P < 0·001) associated with appropriate suppression of TSH levels in the second and third trimesters. Rates of pre-eclampsia or admissions to neonatal units were negligible. Conclusion, Thyroxine dose requirement increases during pregnancy and thus close monitoring of thyroid function with appropriate adjustment of thyroxine dose to maintain a normal serum TSH level is necessary throughout gestation. Within a joint endocrine,obstetric clinic, maternal hypothyroidism at presentation and in the third trimester may increase the risk of low birthweight and the likelihood for caesarean section. The latter observation was not due to a higher rate of emergency caesarean section nor to a lower threshold for performing elective caesarean section. A larger study with adjustments made for the various confounders is required to confirm this observation. [source]

The interface of mental and emotional health and pregnancy in urban indigenous women: Research in progress,

INFANT MENTAL HEALTH JOURNAL, Issue 3 2010
Barbara A. Hayes
Research among indigenous women in Australia has shown that a number of lifestyle factors are associated with poor obstetric outcomes; however, little evidence appears in the literature about the role of social stressors and mental health among indigenous women. The not-for-profit organization beyondblue established a "Depression Initiative" in Australia. As part of this they provided funding to the Townsville Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Service in the "Mums and Babies" clinic. The aim of this was to establish a project to (a) describe the mental health and level of social stressors among antenatal indigenous women and (b) assess the impact of social stressors and mental health on perinatal outcome. A purposive sample of 92 indigenous women was carried out. Culturally appropriate research instruments were developed through consultations with indigenous women's reference groups. The participants reported a range of psychosocial stressors during the pregnancy or within the last 12 months. Significant, positive correlations emerged between the participants' Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS; J. Cox, J. Holden, & R. Sagovsky, 1987) score and the mothers' history of child abuse and a history of exposure to domestic violence. A more conservative cutoff point for the EPDS (>9 vs. >12) led to 28 versus 17% of women being identified as "at risk" for depression. Maternal depression and stress during pregnancy and early parenthood are now recognized as having multiple negative sequelae for the fetus and infant, especially in early brain development and self-regulation of stress and emotions. Because of the cumulative cultural losses experienced by Australian indigenous women, there is a reduced buffer to psychosocial stressors during pregnancy; thus, it is important for health professionals to monitor the women's emotional and mental well-being. [source]

Prediction of adverse pregnancy outcomes by combinations of first and second trimester biochemistry markers used in the routine prenatal screening of Down syndrome

PRENATAL DIAGNOSIS, Issue 5 2010
Tianhua Huang
Abstract Objective To investigate the associations between four defined adverse pregnancy outcomes and levels of first and second trimester maternal serum markers focusing in particular on how well combinations of markers predict these adverse outcomes. Methods This was a retrospective review of associations between first and second trimester serum markers and adverse pregnancy outcomes among 141 698 women who underwent prenatal screening for Down syndrome in Ontario, Canada. Detection rates (DR), false positive rates (FPR), and odds ratios were estimated using both single and combinations of markers for the adverse outcomes defined. Results Women with decreased second trimester unconjugated oestriol (uE3), deceased first trimester maternal serum pregnancy-associated plasma protein A (PAPP-A), increased second trimester serum alpha fetoprotein (AFP), or increased second trimester total human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG) were at greater risk of developing adverse pregnancy outcomes. At a 5% FPR, combinations of these markers predicted at best 33.3% of fetal loss and 31.5% of preterm births (PTB) before 32 weeks of gestation. Conclusion There are significant associations between the levels of first and second trimester serum markers and adverse obstetric outcomes. However, even combinations of these markers can only predict adverse obstetric outcomes with modest accuracy. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source]

Antinuclear Autoantibodies, Complement Level, Hypergammaglobulinemia and Spontaneous Intrauterine Hematoma in Pregnant Women

AMERICAN JOURNAL OF REPRODUCTIVE IMMUNOLOGY, Issue 1 2003
Jaume Alijotas
Problem: To examine the associative relationship among autoantibodies, C4 levels and intrauterine hematomas (IUH) in more detail than in the studies published earlier. Method Of Study: We performed a retrospective study of 54 women with poor obstetric outcomes. Sera were screened for antinuclear antibodies (ANA), anti-DNA antibodies, antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL), and antithyroid antibodies. C4-complement and gammaglobulin levels were also monitored. We compared the main variables in IUH complicated pregnancy group with the risk pregnancy group without IUH. We also compared these variables in the IUH cases before and during IUH. Results: Eight IUH were detected. The average number of spontaneous losses for these eight women was 3.3 ± 2.1 (range: 1,8). aPL was present in 100% of cases. ANAs and hypergammaglobulinemia were present in 50% of cases and low C4 in 87.5% of cases. After comparing these variables apart from C4 before and during IUH, we found no statistical differences. However, C4 was low in four patients before IUH and in seven patients during IUH (OR: 7.0; 95% CI: 0.57,86.33). When we compared autoantibodies apart from lupus anticoagulant (LAC) between the two groups, no differences were observed. However, seven of the eight (87.5%) patients with IUH were LAC positive whereas only 24 of the 46 patients (52.1%) were positive in the non-IUH group (OR: 6.42; 95% CI: 0.73,56.41). Rapid plasma reagin was present in 8/46 in the non-IUH group (16.7%) and 5/8 in the IUH group (62.5%) P < 0.015). Conclusions: In women with poor obstetric histories, autoantibodies, especially antiphospholid antibodies, may play a role in the IUH development especially if low C4 and/or hypergammaglobulinemia are present. [source]

Can antenatal education influence how women push in labour?

AUSTRALIAN AND NEW ZEALAND JOURNAL OF OBSTETRICS AND GYNAECOLOGY, Issue 3 2009
A Pilot Randomised Controlled Trial on Maternal Antenatal Teaching for Pushing in Second Stage of Labour (PUSH STUDY)
Background:, Antenatal education on the physiology of second stage of labour and effective pushing has not been studied in the literature. Anecdotal observation seems to indicate that some nulliparous women are (at least initially) unable to push effectively. A large proportion seem to reflexly contract the levator ani muscle when asked to push which may have the effect of slowing the progress of labour. Aims:, To test the effectiveness of structured antenatal education for pushing in the second stage of labour versus normal care and its impact on delivery outcome. Methods: One hundred nulliparous women between 35 and 37 weeks gestation were randomised. Intervention: Two 15-min structured education sessions, one week apart, utilising observation of the perineum and a vaginal examination to teach correct technique for relaxing the levator ani muscle and effective pushing. Results:, In both groups, 31 of 50 women (62%) delivered vaginally. Instrumental delivery and caesarean section rates did not differ between the two groups (P = 0.78, relative risk = 1). The mean duration of active second stage for the control group was 53.96 min compared with 57.26 min for the intervention group. This difference of 3.3 min was not statistically significant (P = 0.56). Knowledge of women in the intervention group was increased and the majority of women found the educational sessions helpful. Conclusion:, Antenatal teaching to ensure effective maternal pushing in labour did not result in altered obstetric outcomes relative to the control group. However, there was a measurable qualitative effect from the intervention in that women clearly felt the education sessions to be helpful. [source]

Evaluation of chronic hypertension in pregnant young women

AUSTRALIAN AND NEW ZEALAND JOURNAL OF OBSTETRICS AND GYNAECOLOGY, Issue 3 2009
Joana DE SOUSA
Women with chronic hypertension are at higher risk of adverse obstetric outcomes. It is essential that the condition is identified and evaluated appropriately in early pregnancy. Therefore, an audit has been carried out to assess how well young pregnant women with chronic hypertension were investigated for secondary cause in South Auckland, compared with the recommendations of the Australasian Society for the Study of Hypertension in Pregnancy. The evaluation of chronic hypertension by history taking, physical examination, laboratory assessment and radiology tests was highly variable. Only 76% of women had appropriate follow-up for their hypertension. Screening for secondary causes was not consistent, and the majority had incomplete investigation. [source]

Birth outcomes for teenage women in New South Wales, 1998,2003

AUSTRALIAN AND NEW ZEALAND JOURNAL OF OBSTETRICS AND GYNAECOLOGY, Issue 4 2006
Stephen ROBSON
Abstract Background:, Pregnancy and childbirth in teenage women are associated with obstetric and social risks, and there is evidence that the birth rate among teenagers in rural and remote areas of Australia is not in decline. The combination of non-urban residence and young age at delivery might define a subgroup of women at special risk of adverse birth outcomes. Aims:, To compare birth outcomes of New South Wales (NSW) teenagers residing in rural and remote areas with those living in larger centres with greater access to services. Methods:, Outcomes for all singleton deliveries to teenage women living in NSW during the period 1998,2003 were reviewed. The women's place of residence was assigned an ARIA (Accessibility/Remoteness Index of Australia) classification according to remoteness and access to services. Analysis included obstetric factors (such as parity), and smoking status. Logistic regression analysis was undertaken to examine the impact of maternal factors on obstetric outcomes. Results:, During the study period, 21 880 teenage women had singleton deliveries. Babies of teenage mothers in very remote areas had higher rates of preterm birth, small-for-gestational age and stillbirth. Rates of smoking were higher in more remote areas, and smoking correlated with preterm birth and stillbirth. Conclusions:, Teenagers living in remote areas of NSW face a higher risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes than their urban cousins. [source]

Substance use during pregnancy: risk factors and obstetric and perinatal outcomes in South Australia

AUSTRALIAN AND NEW ZEALAND JOURNAL OF OBSTETRICS AND GYNAECOLOGY, Issue 3 2005
Robyn KENNARE
Abstract Objective: To determine the prevalence of self-reported substance use during pregnancy in South Australia, the characteristics of substance users, their obstetric outcomes and the perinatal outcomes of their babies. Methods: Multivariable logistic regression with STATA statistical software was undertaken using the South Australian perinatal data collection 1998,2002. An audit was conducted on every fifth case coded as substance use to identify the actual substances used. Results: Substance use was reported by women in 707 of 89 080 confinements (0.8%). Marijuana (38.9%), methadone (29.9%), amphetamines (14.6%) and heroin (12.5%) were most commonly reported, with polydrug use among 18.8% of the women audited. Substance users were more likely than non-users to be smokers, to have a psychiatric condition, to be single, indigenous, of lower socio-economic status and living in the metropolitan area. The outcome models had poor predictive powers. Substance use was associated with increased risks for placental abruption (OR 2.53) and antepartum haemorrhage from other causes (OR 1.41). The exposed babies had increased risks for preterm birth (OR 2.63), small for gestational age (OR 1.79), congenital abnormalities (1.52), nursery stays longer than 7 days (OR 4.07), stillbirth (OR 2.54) and neonatal death (OR 2.92). Conclusions: Substance use in pregnancy is associated with increased risks for antepartum haemorrhage and poor perinatal outcomes. However, only a small amount of the variance in outcomes can be explained by the substance use alone. Recent initiatives to improve identification and support of women exposed to adverse health, psychosocial and lifestyle factors will need evaluation. [source]