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Consultation for liver disease in pregnant women is a common and oftentimes vexing clinical consultation for the gastroenterologist. The challenge lies in the need to consider the safety of both the expectant mother and the unborn fetus in the clinical management decisions. This practice guideline provides an evidence-based approach to common diagnostic and treatment challenges of liver disease in pregnant women.

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) affects a significant percentage of the general population and is more common in women. A large proportion of women affected with IBS are of childbearing age; however, there is a paucity of studies and guidelines to specifically address the epidemiology, course, maternal/fetal prognosis, or management of IBS in pregnancy. This scarcity of literature on IBS and pregnancy poses significant challenges to healthcare providers in counseling and managing patients. In this comprehensive review, we summarize the current literature and knowledge gaps regarding the effects of pregnancy on IBS and vice versa, along with the efficacy and safety profiles of commonly used IBS diets and medications in pregnancy. The management of pregnant women with IBS should be multidisciplinary, with emphasis on education and judicious use of dietary modifications and pharmacologic options that are deemed relatively safe during pregnancy.

Background Pregnancy-associated atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome (aHUS) is a form of thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA) caused by uncontrolled activation of the complement system during pregnancy or the postpartum period. In the intensive care unit, aHUS must be differentiated from sepsis-related multiple organ dysfunction, thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP), hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, and low platelet (HELLP) syndrome. Early recognition of aHUS is critical for effective treatment and improved prognosis. Although tests such as the ADAMTS13 level, peripheral blood smears, complement testing, and blood cultures are useful for diagnosing aHUS, these tests are time-consuming and may not be widely available. This report describes a case of severe aHUS in a pregnant woman during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Case presentation A 26-year-old patient with a history of four pregnancies and one delivery (P4G1) presented at 30 weeks and 2 days of gestation with vaginal fluid leakage and fetal growth restriction detected by ultrasound at a different hospital. During labor induction, the patient developed a high fever and coagulopathy, followed by heart failure, acute kidney injury, anemia, and severe thrombocytopenia. The patient remained alert and coherent, with no evidence of neurological dysfunction. She was transferred to our department and was given invasive respiratory support, blood transfusion, continuous renal replacement therapy, capacity management, and other comprehensive treatments. Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, ADAMTS13 testing and complement inhibitor therapy were unavailable. A diagnosis of pregnancy-associated aHUS was made based on the patient's history, clinical presentation, and standard laboratory results. The patient was prescribed 13 sessions of hemodialysis. Post-treatment evaluation showed normalized complement C3 and C4 levels, stabilized platelet and hemoglobin levels, and gradual normalization of liver function. Renal function improved gradually, and a bone marrow biopsy revealed no fragmented red blood cells. The patient was transferred to the Department of Nephrology on day 40 and back to the local hospital on day 42. The patient was followed up for 3 years, during which her renal function returned to normal, with no recurrence of thrombocytopenia or microangiopathic hemolytic anemia. Conclusions This case highlights the challenges and importance of diagnosing and managing pregnancy-associated aHUS and multiple organ failure in a low-resource setting.

Objective To synthesise the evidence on the overall and differential effects of interventions based on diet and physical activity during pregnancy, primarily on gestational weight gain and maternal and offspring composite outcomes, according to women’s body mass index, age, parity, ethnicity, and pre-existing medical condition; and secondarily on individual complications.Design Systematic review and meta-analysis of individual participant data (IPD). Data sources Major electronic databases from inception to February 2017 without language restrictions.Eligibility criteria for selecting studies Randomised trials on diet and physical activity based interventions in pregnancy.Data synthesis Statistical models accounted for clustering of participants within trials and heterogeneity across trials leading to summary mean differences or odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals for the effects overall, and in subgroups (interactions).Results IPD were obtained from 36 randomised trials (12 526 women). Less weight gain occurred in the intervention group than control group (mean difference −0.70 kg, 95% confidence interval −0.92 to −0.48 kg, I2=14.1%; 33 studies, 9320 women). Although summary effect estimates favoured the intervention, the reductions in maternal (odds ratio 0.90, 95% confidence interval 0.79 to 1.03, I2=26.7%; 24 studies, 8852 women) and offspring (0.94, 0.83 to 1.08, I2=0%; 18 studies, 7981 women) composite outcomes were not statistically significant. No evidence was found of differential intervention effects across subgroups, for either gestational weight gain or composite outcomes. There was strong evidence that interventions reduced the odds of caesarean section (0.91, 0.83 to 0.99, I2=0%; 32 studies, 11 410 women), but not for other individual complications in IPD meta-analysis. When IPD were supplemented with study level data from studies that did not provide IPD, the overall effect was similar, with stronger evidence of benefit for gestational diabetes (0.76, 0.65 to 0.89, I2=36.8%; 59 studies, 16 885 women).Conclusion Diet and physical activity based interventions during pregnancy reduce gestational weight gain and lower the odds of caesarean section. There is no evidence that effects differ across subgroups of women.

Cardiovascular disease complicates 1–4% of pregnancies — with a higher prevalence when including hypertensive disorders — and is the leading cause of maternal death. In women with known cardiovascular pathology, such as congenital heart disease, timely counselling is possible and the outcome is fairly good. By contrast, maternal mortality is high in women with acquired heart disease that presents during pregnancy (such as acute coronary syndrome or aortic dissection). Worryingly, the prevalence of acquired cardiovascular disease during pregnancy is rising as older maternal age, obesity, diabetes mellitus and hypertension become more common in the pregnant population. Management of cardiovascular disease in pregnancy is challenging owing to the unique maternal physiology, characterized by profound changes to multiple organ systems. The presence of the fetus compounds the situation because both the cardiometabolic disease and its management might adversely affect the fetus. Equally, avoiding essential treatment because of potential fetal harm risks a poor outcome for both mother and child. In this Review, we examine how the physiological adaptations during pregnancy can provoke cardiometabolic complications or exacerbate existing cardiometabolic disease and, conversely, how cardiometabolic disease can compromise the adaptations to pregnancy and their intended purpose: the development and growth of the fetus.In this Review, Roos-Hesselink and colleagues describe how the physiological adaptations during pregnancy can induce cardiometabolic complications or an exacerbation of existing cardiometabolic disease, and discuss the epidemiology, pathophysiology, diagnosis and management of cardiometabolic diseases acquired or presenting during pregnancy, including hypertensive disorders, gestational diabetes mellitus, thromboembolic disorders and peripartum cardiomyopathy.

OBJECTIVE: To study the effects of lifestyle intervention on gestational weight gain (GWG) and obstetric outcomes. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: The LiP (Lifestyle in Pregnancy) study was a randomized controlled trial in 360 obese women allocated in early pregnancy to lifestyle intervention or control. The intervention program included dietary guidance, free membership in fitness centers, physical training, and personal coaching. RESULTS: A total of 360 obese pregnant women were included, and 304 (84%) were followed up until delivery. The intervention group had a significantly lower median (range) GWG compared with the control group of 7.0 (4.7–10.6) vs. 8.6 kg (5.7–11.5; P = 0.01). The Institute of Medicine (IOM) recommendations on GWG were exceeded in 35.4% of women in the intervention group compared with 46.6% in the control group (P = 0.058). Overall, the obstetric outcomes between the two groups were not significantly different. CONCLUSIONS: Lifestyle intervention in pregnancy resulted in limited GWG in obese pregnant women. Overall obstetric outcomes were similar in the two groups. Lifestyle intervention resulted in a higher adherence to the IOM weight gain recommendations; however, a significant number of women still exceeded the upper threshold.

ObjectivesDevelop recommendations for women's health issues and family planning in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and/or antiphospholipid syndrome (APS).MethodsSystematic review of evidence followed by modified Delphi method to compile questions, elicit expert opinions and reach consensus.ResultsFamily planning should be discussed as early as possible after diagnosis. Most women can have successful pregnancies and measures can be taken to reduce the risks of adverse maternal or fetal outcomes. Risk stratification includes disease activity, autoantibody profile, previous vascular and pregnancy morbidity, hypertension and the use of drugs (emphasis on benefits from hydroxychloroquine and antiplatelets/anticoagulants). Hormonal contraception and menopause replacement therapy can be used in patients with stable/inactive disease and low risk of thrombosis. Fertility preservation with gonadotropin-releasing hormone analogues should be considered prior to the use of alkylating agents. Assisted reproduction techniques can be safely used in patients with stable/inactive disease; patients with positive antiphospholipid antibodies/APS should receive anticoagulation and/or low-dose aspirin. Assessment of disease activity, renal function and serological markers is important for diagnosing disease flares and monitoring for obstetrical adverse outcomes. Fetal monitoring includes Doppler ultrasonography and fetal biometry, particularly in the third trimester, to screen for placental insufficiency and small for gestational age fetuses. Screening for gynaecological malignancies is similar to the general population, with increased vigilance for cervical premalignant lesions if exposed to immunosuppressive drugs. Human papillomavirus immunisation can be used in women with stable/inactive disease.ConclusionsRecommendations for women's health issues in SLE and/or APS were developed using an evidence-based approach followed by expert consensus.

Background Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is an autoimmune disorder associated with thrombotic events and adverse obstetric outcomes, particularly in its obstetric form (OAPS). Affecting approximately 0.5% of the population, APS is a leading contributor to recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL), preeclampsia (PE), and fetal growth restriction ((FGR). Despite advancements in understanding its pathophysiology and management, optimal treatment strategies for APS in pregnancy remain challenging and require systematic evaluation. This review synthesizes current evidence on APS mechanisms, diagnostic criteria, and therapeutic interventions, with a focus on maternal and fetal outcomes in OAPS. Methods A comprehensive search of PubMed, was conducted to identify studies exploring APS pathogenesis, diagnostic standards, and treatment efficacy in obstetric settings. Inclusion criteria prioritized randomized controlled trials, cohort studies, and systematic reviews with a clear focus on APS and pregnancy. Results The review confirmed that APS current accepted pathogenesis is governed by a “two-hit” model, where antiphospholipid antibodies (aPLs) initiate endothelial damage, culminating in thrombosis and placental insufficiency. Epidemiological analysis underscores the prevalence and severity of APS in obstetric contexts, with lupus anticoagulant (LA) emerging as a significant predictor of adverse outcomes. Evidence supports the use of low-dose aspirin (LDA) and heparin to reduce miscarriage rates, while adjunctive treatments, such as hydroxychloroquine (HCQ), have shown promise in improving live birth rates and reducing preterm delivery in high-risk cases. Emerging therapies, including tumoral necrosis factor (TNF-alpha) inhibitors and nitric oxide modulators, may offer additional benefits in refractory cases. Conclusion APS remains a critical determinant of adverse pregnancy outcomes, necessitating precise diagnostic criteria and tailored management approaches. This systematic review emphasizes the importance of individualized therapeutic regimens to optimize maternal and fetal health in OAPS and highlights areas for future research, particularly regarding novel pharmacological approaches. Further studies are essential to refine treatment protocols and improve clinical guidelines for managing APS in pregnancy.

Background Maternal hyperglycemia during pregnancy can lead to adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes. Although early treatment is recommended, several randomized controlled trials did not show significant benefits from early intensified treatment, meaning that the benefits of treatment for early abnormal glucose remain unclear. Therefore, in this study, we aimed to evaluate the effect of medical nutritional treatment during early pregnancy of women with mild hyperglycemia on maternal and neonatal clinical outcomes. Methods Women in this retrospective cohort study who had mild hyperglycemia (6.1 mmol/L > fasting plasma glucose ≥ 5.1 mmol/L and hemoglobin A1c < 5.9%) in the first trimester and a diagnosis of gestational diabetes mellitus after an oral glucose tolerance test at 24–28 weeks were divided into control and treatment groups depending on whether they receive medical nutritional treatment during early pregnancy. We compared the maternal and neonatal outcomes. Results A total of 344 women were enrolled, and 309 participants were available for analysis (170 in the treatment group and 139 in the control group). Compared with the control group, fewer women in the treatment group had cesarean deliveries (44.7% vs. 61.2%; relative risk [RR], 0.70; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.54–0.90, P  = 0.004) and required insulin therapy (2.9% vs. 8.6%; RR, 0.94; 95% CI, 0.88–0.99, P  = 0.004). Women in the treatment group exhibited lower glucose levels and weight gain. Newborns in the treatment group had a higher gestational age at birth than those in the control group (39.1 [39.5, 40.0] vs. 38.8 [38.1, 39.5], P  = 0.005). No significant differences were observed in other maternal and neonatal outcomes. Conclusions Immediate medical nutritional treatment for pregnant women with mild hyperglycemia during early pregnancy seems to lower the incidence of cesarean delivery and insulin therapy during pregnancy than no treatment. However, no significant differences were observed in neonatal outcomes, except for a higher gestational age at birth of the newborns in the treatment group. Clinical trial number Not applicable. This is an observational study.

The placenta plays a crucial role in maintaining pregnancy stability, regulating fetal growth, and facilitating maternal–fetal exchange. Its proper development relies on placental vasculogenesis and angiogenesis, along with adaptive remodeling of the maternal uterine vasculature. However, the mechanisms underlying placental development and the successful establishment of the maternal–fetal interface remain incompletely understood. As the third gaseous signaling molecule identified after nitric oxide (NO) and carbon monoxide (CO), hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) has been demonstrated to regulate vascular adaptation during pregnancy by promoting angiogenesis and neovascularization. Dysregulated H₂S biosynthesis has been implicated in pregnancy complications, including preeclampsia (PE), fetal growth restriction (FGR), and preterm birth (PTB), underscoring its potential as a therapeutic target. Recent studies have revealed that H₂S regulates placental function via multiple signaling pathways, including activating adenosine triphosphate (ATP)-sensitive K + (K ATP ) channels, large-conductance calcium-activated potassium channels (BK Ca channels), endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) signaling, and mitochondrial dynamics. Notably, H₂S-mediated persulfidation of mitochondrial Rho GTPase 2 (Miro2) has been shown to maintain trophoblast invasiveness and promote placental vascular homeostasis. Additionally, exogenous H₂S donors (e.g., GYY4137 and NaHS) have demonstrated therapeutic potential in experimental models, effectively reversing PE-like pathologies, improving placental perfusion, and restoring trophoblast function. Research further indicates that BK Ca channels play a key role in H₂S-mediated vasodilation by modulating intracellular Ca²⁺ flux, which influences placental vascular tone and perfusion, reinforcing the importance of H₂S in maternal–fetal circulation regulation. This review provides a comprehensive summary of H₂S biosynthesis and metabolism and its regulatory role in early placental development. Notably, elevated estrogen levels during pregnancy have been identified as key regulators of H₂S production, and we discuss the molecular mechanisms by which estrogen modulates H₂S synthesis. Furthermore, we discuss the vascular-protective and anti-inflammatory properties of H₂S donors and dual-donor strategies. As research continues to reveal H₂S-mediated mechanisms in placental function and pregnancy disorders, optimizing the pharmacological application and clinical translation of H₂S donors and combination therapies will be a key research focus. Advancing H₂S metabolic regulation, signaling pathways, and targeted delivery systems may drive the development of novel diagnostic tools and therapeutic strategies for pregnancy complications.