Browsing by Subject "Pre-eclampsia"

Now showing 1 - 6 of 6
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Addressing Inequities in Cardiovascular Disease and Maternal Health in Black Women
    (American Heart Association, 2021) Cortés, Yamnia I.; Breathett, Khadijah; Medicine, School of Medicine
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Low-Dose Aspirin for the Prevention of Preterm Delivery in Nulliparous Women with a Singleton Pregnancy: A Randomised Multi-country Placebo Controlled Trial
    (Elsevier, 2020) Hoffman, Matthew K.; Goudar, Shivaprasad S.; Kodkany, Bhalachandra S.; Metgud, Mrityunjay; Somannavar, Manjunath; Okitawutshu, Jean; Lokangaka, Adrien; Tshefu, Antoinette; Bose, Carl L.; Mwapule, Abigail; Mwenechanya, Musaku; Chomba, Elwyn; Carlo, Waldemar A.; Chicuy, Javier; Figueroa, Lester; Garces, Ana; Krebs, Nancy F.; Jessani, Saleem; Zehra, Farnaz; Saleem, Sarah; Goldenberg, Robert L.; Kurhe, Kunal; Das, Prabir; Patel, Archana; Hibberd, Patricia L.; Achieng, Emmah; Nyongesa, Paul; Esamai, Fabian; Liechty, Edward A.; Goco, Norman; Hemingway-Foday, Jennifer; Moore, Janet; Nolen, Tracy L.; McClure, Elizabeth M.; Koso-Thomas, Marion; Miodovnik, Menachem; Silver, Robert; Derman, Richard J.; Pediatrics, School of Medicine
    Background: Preterm birth remains a common cause of neonatal mortality with a disproportionate burden occurring in low and middle-income countries. Meta-analyses of low-dose aspirin to prevent preeclampsia suggest that the incidence of preterm birth may also be decreased, particularly if initiated before 16 weeks. Methods: We completed a randomised multi-country (Democratic Republic of Congo, Guatemala, India, Kenya, Pakistan, Zambia) double masked trial of aspirin (81 mg) daily compared to placebo initiated between 6 weeks and 0 days and 13 weeks and 6 days of pregnancy in nulliparous women between14 and 40 years of age with an ultrasound confirming gestational age and singleton viable pregnancy. Randomisation (1:1) was stratified by site. The primary outcome of preterm birth, defined as delivery prior to 37 weeks gestational age, was analyzed in randomised women with pregnancy outcomes at or after 20 weeks. This study is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT02409680, and the Clinical Trial Registry, India, number CTRI/2016/05/006970. Findings: From March 2016 through June 2018, 11,976 women were assigned to aspirin (5,990 women) or placebo (5,986 women). Amongst randomised women, an evaluable birth outcome beyond 20 weeks occurred in 5787 women who received Aspirin and 5771 women who received placebo Preterm birth occurred in 11.6% of women randomised to aspirin and 13.1% randomised to placebo (Relative Risk [RR], 0.89; 95% CI, 0.81 to 0.98; Risk Difference, −0·02; 95% CI, −0·03, −0·01). Women randomised to aspirin were less likely to experience perinatal mortality (45.7/1000 vs 53.6/1000; RR, 0.86; 95%CI, 0.73 to 1.00). Other adverse maternal/neonatal events were similar between the two groups. Interpretation: In nulliparous women with singleton pregnancies, low dose aspirin initiated between 6 weeks and 0 days and 13 weeks and 6 days results in lower rates of preterm delivery before 37 weeks and perinatal mortality.
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Peptidoglycan Recognition Proteins in the Pathogenesis of Preeclampsia and Periodontal Disease
    (2015) Dukka, Himabindu; John, Vanchit; Reiter, Jill; Blanchard, Steven B.; Zunt, Susan; Kowolik, Michael
    Background: Pre-eclampsia a potentially life threatening hypertensive disorder occurring in 3-14% of pregnancies. Its etiology is multifactorial involving the placenta. The only “cure” that currently exists is the delivery of the baby, which is often pre-term. There is no early pregnancy screening test to recognize those at risk. Recently, an altered immune-inflammatory responses at the placental level in response to infectious agents (eg., periodontal pathogens) have been proposed to be etiological for this pregnancy complication. A new class of Pattern Recognition Receptors called Peptidoglycan Recognition Proteins (PGRPs) constituting 4 distinct molecules PGRP 1-4 is emerging as a key player in modulating host responses to peptidoglycan and its breakdown products. A critical knowledge gap exists on the role of PGRPs in the innate immune responses that occur at the maternal-fetal interface in response to pathogens and their components that may be present in maternal circulation secondary to chronic infections. Aim: The aim of this pilot study is to investigate the expression PGRPs in the placenta of pre-eclamptic women. The overall goal is to better understand the association of periodontal disease and adverse pregnancy outcomes. Methods and Materials: This case control study consisted of subjects with: (1) normal term pregnancies (n=7) (2) pre-eclampsia (n=7). Preeclampsia was defined as hypertension (systolic blood pressure of ≥ 140 mm Hg or diastolic blood pressure of ≥ 90 mm Hg on at least 2 occasions, 4 hours to 1 week apart) and proteinuria (≥ 300 mg in a 24-hour urine collection or one dipstick measurement of ≥ 2+). A real time quantitative PCR array was used to analyze the relative mRNA expression of TLR2, TLR4, NOD1, NOD2, PGRP1, PGRP2, PGRP3, and PGRP4. Immunohistochemistry was performed to determine the cell type(s) expressing the PGRP proteins in the placental tissue. Summary statistics (mean, standard deviation, range, 95% confidence interval for the mean) were calculated for PGRP 1-4 expression for each group. Results and conclusions: The PCR data showed the expression of PGRPs 1, 3 and 4 in the placental samples. There was an up-regulation of PGRP-1 (1.4 fold) and down regulation of PGRP-3 (1.3 fold) and PGRP-4 (1.6 fold). TLR2, TLR4 and NOD2 mRNA were also elevated in the placental samples. Immunohistochemistry demonstrated positive staining for PGRPs 3 and 4 in the trophoblasts. The results from this novel research could lead to development of salivary and/or plasmatic biomarkers for early detection of PE and warrants further investigation.
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    QTc Interval Changes in Preeclampsia vs. Normal Pregnancy: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis
    (Wiley, 2025) Aboshady, Omar A.; Raffa, Jess Z.; Quinney, Sara K.; Tisdale, James E.; Overholser, Brian R.; Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine
    Pregnancy induces significant adaptations in the cardio-autonomic nervous system, with additional cardiac stress in preeclampsia potentially impacting ventricular repolarization. Despite the widespread use of QT-prolonging drugs during pregnancy, the extent of heart rate (HR)-corrected QT (QTc) interval changes during normal pregnancy and preeclampsia remains unclear. This study aimed to quantify changes in QTc interval across different trimesters of normal pregnancy and third-trimester preeclampsia. Eight databases were systematically searched from their inception to January 13, 2025. Any type of study design, except case reports/series, reporting QT interval and HR or RR interval, and/or QTc interval for at least one trimester were included. Those reporting at least two trimesters or one trimester with nonpregnant controls were pooled in meta-analyses using random-effect models to calculate pooled mean differences (MD) across trimesters. Data from 57 studies (6,686 participants) were included with 33 studies (5,153 participants) pooled in meta-analyses. Compared with nonpregnant individuals, QTc intervals increased across trimesters of normal pregnancy and in third-trimester preeclampsia. Meta-analyses revealed significant increases in QTc interval during first (MD = 10.0 msec), second (MD = 20.2 msec), and third trimesters (MD = 23.0 msec) compared with nonpregnant individuals. Furthermore, preeclampsia increased the QTc interval by 21.7 msec during the third trimester compared to normal pregnancy. No publication bias was detected, and the overall quality scores of most studies were fair (n = 23) or poor (n = 33). A significant QTc interval lengthening throughout normal pregnancy was identified, and to a greater extent during preeclampsia. The arrhythmogenicity in third-trimester preeclampsia with a known risk for QTc interval prolongation, especially with using QT-prolonging drugs, warrants further investigation.
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Relationship Between Race, Predelivery Cardiology Care, and Cardiovascular Outcomes in Preeclampsia/Eclampsia Among a Commercially Insured Population
    (Wolters Kluwer, 2025) Bolakale-Rufai, Ikeoluwapo Kendra; Knapp, Shannon M.; Tucker Edmonds, Brownsyne; Khan, Sadiya; Brewer, LaPrincess C.; Mohammed, Selma; Johnson, Amber; Mazimba, Sula; Addison, Daniel; Breathett, Khadijah; Medicine, School of Medicine
    Background: It is unknown whether predelivery cardiology care is associated with future risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) in preeclampsia/eclampsia (PrE/E). We sought to determine the cumulative incidence of MACE by race and whether predelivery cardiology care was associated with the hazard of MACE up to 1 year post-delivery for Black and White patients with PrE/E. Methods: Using Optum's de-identified Clinformatics Data Mart Database, we identified Black and White patients with PrE/E who had a delivery between 2008 and 2019. MACE was defined as the composite of heart failure, acute myocardial infarction, stroke, and death. Cumulative incidence functions were used to compare the incidence of MACE by race. Regression models were used to assess the hazard of MACE by cardiology care for each race. Separate hazards were calculated for the first 14 days and the remainder of the year. Results: Among 29 336 patients (83.4% White patients, 16.6% Black patients, 99.5% commercially insured, mean age: 30.9 years) with PrE/E, 11.2% received cardiology care (10.9% White patients, 13.0% Black patients). Black patients had higher incidence of MACE than White patients at 1 year post-delivery (2.7% versus 1.4%) with the majority within 14 days of delivery (Black patients: 58.7%; White patients: 67.8%). After adjusting for age and comorbidities, receipt of cardiology care was associated with a lower hazard of MACE for White patients within 14 days after delivery (hazard ratio, 0.31 [95% CI, 0.21-0.46]; P<0.001) but not Black patients (hazard ratio, 1.00 [95% CI, 0.60-1.67]; P=0.999). The effect of the interaction between race and cardiology care was significant in the first 14 days (P<0.001) but not the remainder of the year (P=0.56). Conclusions: Among a well-insured population of patients with PrE/E, Black patients had a higher cumulative incidence of MACE up to a year post-delivery. Cardiology care was associated with a lower hazard of MACE only for White patients during the first 14 days after delivery.
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Treatment for Mild Chronic Hypertension during Pregnancy
    (Massachusetts Medical Society, 2022) Tita, Alan T.; Szychowski, Jeff M.; Boggess, Kim; Dugoff, Lorraine; Sibai, Baha; Lawrence, Kirsten; Hughes, Brenna L.; Bell, Joseph; Aagaard, Kjersti; Edwards, Rodney K.; Gibson, Kelly; Haas, David M.; Plante, Lauren; Metz, Torri; Casey, Brian; Esplin, Sean; Longo, Sherri; Hoffman, Matthew; Saade, George R.; Hoppe, Kara K.; Foroutan, Janelle; Tuuli, Methodius; Owens, Michelle Y.; Simhan, Hyagriv N.; Frey, Heather; Rosen, Todd; Palatnik, Anna; Baker, Susan; August, Phyllis; Reddy, Uma M.; Kinzler, Wendy; Su, Emily; Krishna, Iris; Nguyen, Nicki; Norton, Mary E.; Skupski, Daniel; El-Sayed, Yasser Y.; Ogunyemi, Dotum; Galis, Zorina S.; Harper, Lorie; Ambalavanan, Namasivayam; Geller, Nancy L.; Oparil, Suzanne; Cutter, Gary R.; Andrews, William W.; Chronic Hypertension and Pregnancy (CHAP) Trial Consortium; Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine
    Background: The benefits and safety of the treatment of mild chronic hypertension (blood pressure, <160/100 mm Hg) during pregnancy are uncertain. Data are needed on whether a strategy of targeting a blood pressure of less than 140/90 mm Hg reduces the incidence of adverse pregnancy outcomes without compromising fetal growth. Methods: In this open-label, multicenter, randomized trial, we assigned pregnant women with mild chronic hypertension and singleton fetuses at a gestational age of less than 23 weeks to receive antihypertensive medications recommended for use in pregnancy (active-treatment group) or to receive no such treatment unless severe hypertension (systolic pressure, ≥160 mm Hg; or diastolic pressure, ≥105 mm Hg) developed (control group). The primary outcome was a composite of preeclampsia with severe features, medically indicated preterm birth at less than 35 weeks' gestation, placental abruption, or fetal or neonatal death. The safety outcome was small-for-gestational-age birth weight below the 10th percentile for gestational age. Secondary outcomes included composites of serious neonatal or maternal complications, preeclampsia, and preterm birth. Results: A total of 2408 women were enrolled in the trial. The incidence of a primary-outcome event was lower in the active-treatment group than in the control group (30.2% vs. 37.0%), for an adjusted risk ratio of 0.82 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.74 to 0.92; P<0.001). The percentage of small-for-gestational-age birth weights below the 10th percentile was 11.2% in the active-treatment group and 10.4% in the control group (adjusted risk ratio, 1.04; 95% CI, 0.82 to 1.31; P = 0.76). The incidence of serious maternal complications was 2.1% and 2.8%, respectively (risk ratio, 0.75; 95% CI, 0.45 to 1.26), and the incidence of severe neonatal complications was 2.0% and 2.6% (risk ratio, 0.77; 95% CI, 0.45 to 1.30). The incidence of any preeclampsia in the two groups was 24.4% and 31.1%, respectively (risk ratio, 0.79; 95% CI, 0.69 to 0.89), and the incidence of preterm birth was 27.5% and 31.4% (risk ratio, 0.87; 95% CI, 0.77 to 0.99). Conclusions: In pregnant women with mild chronic hypertension, a strategy of targeting a blood pressure of less than 140/90 mm Hg was associated with better pregnancy outcomes than a strategy of reserving treatment only for severe hypertension, with no increase in the risk of small-for-gestational-age birth weight.