{"title":"Antenatal screening – The roles of medical and family history, routine tests, and examination findings","authors":"","doi":"10.1016/j.bpobgyn.2024.102540","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.bpobgyn.2024.102540","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Routine antenatal care includes history, examination, and several standard laboratory tests. Other than the original objectives, the generated data is seldom utilised for screening for adverse obstetric and perinatal outcomes. Although new approaches and sophisticated tests improve prediction of complications such as pre-eclampsia, these may not be available globally. Maternal age, race/ethnicity, anthropometry, and method of conception can influence the occurrence of pregnancy complications. The importance of medical and obstetric history is well documented but often ignored. Routine test results including blood picture, hepatitis B and rubella serology, and sexually transmitted diseases, have additional health implications. The awareness of, and the ability to utilise, available antenatal data and tests in obstetric management will enhance individualised obstetric risk assessment thus facilitating the targeting of high-risk gravidae for further management, including the use of specific and technology-driven tests where available, and close monitoring and treatment, in a cost-effective manner.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":50732,"journal":{"name":"Best Practice & Research Clinical Obstetrics & Gynaecology","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":3.9,"publicationDate":"2024-09-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142149500","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Intimate partner violence during pregnancy: To screen or not to screen?","authors":"","doi":"10.1016/j.bpobgyn.2024.102541","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.bpobgyn.2024.102541","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Intimate partner violence (IPV) during pregnancy emerges as a compelling and urgent concern within the domain of public health, casting a long shadow over a substantial cohort of women. Its pernicious consequences extend beyond the individual, enveloping the well-being of both the mother and the fetus, giving rise to an elevated risk of preterm birth, low birth weight, fetal harm, and maternal psychological distress, including depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, and, tragically, maternal mortality. Despite the prevalence of IPV being comparable to other conditions like gestational diabetes and preeclampsia, a universal screening protocol for IPV remains absent globally. We reviewed the clinical guidelines and practices concerning IPV screening, painstakingly scrutinizing their contextual nuances across diverse nations. Our study unveils multifaceted challenges of implementing universal screening. These hurdles encompass impediments to victim awareness and disclosure, limitations in healthcare providers' knowledge and training, and the formidable structural barriers entrenched within healthcare systems. Concurrently, we delve into the potential biomarkers intricately entwined with IPV. These promising markers encompass inflammatory indicators, epigenetic and genetic influences, and a diverse array of chemical compounds and proteins. Lastly, we discussed various criteria for universal screening including (1) valid and reliable screening tool; (2) target population as pregnant women; (3) scientific evidence of screening programme; and (4) integration of education, testing, clinical services, and programme management to minimise the challenges, which are paramount. With the advancement of digital technology and various biomarkers identification, screening and detecting IPV in clinical settings can be conducted systemically. A systems-level interventions with academia-community-indutrial partnerships can help connect pregnant women to desire support services to avoid adverse maternal and child health outcomes.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":50732,"journal":{"name":"Best Practice & Research Clinical Obstetrics & Gynaecology","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":3.9,"publicationDate":"2024-09-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142171831","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Reproductive decision-making in cancer susceptibility syndromes","authors":"","doi":"10.1016/j.bpobgyn.2024.102527","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.bpobgyn.2024.102527","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p><span><span>Cancer susceptibility syndromes confer an increased lifetime risk of cancer and occur due to </span>germline likely-pathogenic or pathogenic variants in a cancer susceptibility gene. Clinical </span>Genetics<span><span><span> services advise patients of ways to manage their future cancer risks, often prefaced with uncertainties due to poor understandings of individualised risk. For individuals/couples whose future offspring are at risk of a cancer susceptibility syndrome, different options are available depending on their preferences and circumstances, including prenatal diagnosis<span> and preimplantation genetic testing. This review provides an overview of the most common cancer susceptibility syndromes, available reproductive options and a </span></span>genetic counselling framework recommended to support individuals/couples in their decision-making. We describe complexities of decision-making involving moderate </span>penetrance<span> and sex-specific variable penetrance genes and explore associated ethical issues arising in this complex area of medicine.</span></span></p></div>","PeriodicalId":50732,"journal":{"name":"Best Practice & Research Clinical Obstetrics & Gynaecology","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":3.9,"publicationDate":"2024-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141581812","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Updates in preimplantation genetic testing (PGT)","authors":"","doi":"10.1016/j.bpobgyn.2024.102526","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.bpobgyn.2024.102526","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p><span>Preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) involves taking a biopsy of an early embryo created through </span>in vitro fertilisation<span> (IVF) or intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). Genetic testing is performed on the biopsy, in order to select which embryo to transfer. PGT began as an experimental procedure in the 1990s, but is now an integral part of assisted human reproduction (AHR). PGT allows for embryo selection which can reduce the risk of transmission of inherited disease and may reduce the chance of implantation failure and pregnancy loss. This is a rapidly evolving area, which raises important ethical issues. This review article aims to give a brief history of PGT, an overview of the current evidence in PGT along with highlighting exciting areas of research to advance this technology.</span></p></div>","PeriodicalId":50732,"journal":{"name":"Best Practice & Research Clinical Obstetrics & Gynaecology","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":3.9,"publicationDate":"2024-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141473457","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Antenatal screening for fetal structural anomalies – Routine or targeted practice?","authors":"","doi":"10.1016/j.bpobgyn.2024.102521","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.bpobgyn.2024.102521","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p><span><span><span><span>Antenatal screening with ultrasound identifies fetal structural anomalies in 3–6% of pregnancies. Identification of anomalies during pregnancy provides an opportunity for counselling, targeted imaging, genetic testing, </span>fetal intervention and delivery planning. Ultrasound is the primary modality for imaging the fetus in pregnancy, but magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is evolving as an adjunctive tool providing additional structural and functional information. Screening should start from the </span>first trimester when more than 50% of severe defects can be detected. The mid-trimester ultrasound balances the benefits of increased </span>fetal growth and development to improve detection rates, whilst still providing timely management options. A routine </span>third trimester<span> ultrasound may detect acquired anomalies or those missed earlier in pregnancy but may not be available in all settings. Targeted imaging by fetal medicine experts improves detection in high-risk pregnancies or when an anomaly has been detected, allowing accurate phenotyping, access to advanced genetic testing and expert counselling.</span></p></div>","PeriodicalId":50732,"journal":{"name":"Best Practice & Research Clinical Obstetrics & Gynaecology","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":3.9,"publicationDate":"2024-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141391570","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Screening for women at risk of spontaneous preterm birth, including cervical incompetence","authors":"","doi":"10.1016/j.bpobgyn.2024.102519","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.bpobgyn.2024.102519","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p><span><span>Preterm births remain one of the biggest challenges in </span>obstetrics<span><span> worldwide. With the advancement of neonatal care<span>, more premature neonates survive with long term consequences. Therefore, preventing or delaying preterm births starting from the preconceptional or antenatal periods are important. Among the numerous screening strategies described, not one can fit into all. Nonetheless, approaches including identifying women with modifiable risk factors for preterm births, </span></span>genitourinary infections<span> and short cervical length are the most useful. In this article, the current evidence is summarized and the best strategies for common clinical scenerios including </span></span></span>cervical incompetence<span>, history of second trimester<span> loss or early preterm births, incidental short cervix and multiple pregnancy are discussed.</span></span></p></div>","PeriodicalId":50732,"journal":{"name":"Best Practice & Research Clinical Obstetrics & Gynaecology","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":3.9,"publicationDate":"2024-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141402685","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Bladder Endometriosis: What do we know and what is left to find out? A narrative review","authors":"","doi":"10.1016/j.bpobgyn.2024.102536","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.bpobgyn.2024.102536","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Bladder endometriosis accounts for 70–85% of urinary tract endometriosis cases. Urinary tract endometriosis occurs in approximately 1% of those living with endometriosis. Underlying aetiology and pathogenesis are not fully understood, but there are several plausible theories. As well as the typical pain symptoms, those with bladder endometriosis can experience several urinary tract symptoms. The manifestation of these symptoms can have complex pathways and processes. Imaging is accurate in the diagnosis of bladder endometriosis and clinicians should be mindful of the risk of silent kidney loss. Management should be guided by symptoms; both medical and surgical options are feasible. Surgical management offers potentially definitive treatment. Excisional surgery via bladder shave or partial cystectomy offers good improvement in symptoms with relatively low rates of serious complications and recurrence.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":50732,"journal":{"name":"Best Practice & Research Clinical Obstetrics & Gynaecology","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":3.9,"publicationDate":"2024-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141903918","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Antenatal reproductive screening for pregnant people including preconception: Provides the best reproductive opportunity for informed consent, quality, and safety","authors":"","doi":"10.1016/j.bpobgyn.2024.102520","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.bpobgyn.2024.102520","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><p><span>This antenatal screening review will include reproductive screening evidence and approaches for pre-conception and post-conception, using first to </span>third trimester screening opportunities.</p></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><p>Focused antenatal screening peer-reviewed publications were evaluated and summarized.</p></div><div><h3>Results</h3><p>Evidenced-based reproductive antenatal screening elements should be offered and discussed, with the pregnancy planning or pregnant person, during Preconception (genetic carrier screening for reproductive partners, personal and family (including reproductive partner) history review for increased genetic and pregnancy morbidity risks); First Trimester<span><span> (fetal dating with ultrasound; fetal aneuploidy<span> screening plus consideration for expanded fetal morbidity criteria, if appropriate; pregnant person preeclampsia<span> screening; early fetal anatomy screening; early fetal cardiac screening); </span></span></span>Second Trimester<span> for standard fetal anatomy screening (18–22 weeks) including cardiac; pregnant person placental and cord pathology screening; pregnant person preterm birth screening with cervical length measurement); Third Trimester (fetal growth surveillance; continued preterm birth risk surveillance).</span></span></p></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><p>Antenatal reproductive screening has multiple elements, is complex, is time-consuming, and requires the use of pre- and post-testing counselling for most screening elements. The use of preconception and trimesters ‘one to three’ requires clear patient understanding and buy-in. Informed consent and knowledge transfer is a main goal for antenatal reproductive screening approaches.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":50732,"journal":{"name":"Best Practice & Research Clinical Obstetrics & Gynaecology","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":3.9,"publicationDate":"2024-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141592417","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Is there a need for screening of cervical HPV infections and carcinoma?","authors":"","doi":"10.1016/j.bpobgyn.2024.102522","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.bpobgyn.2024.102522","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Antenatal cervical screening aims to detect cervical intraepithelial neoplasms as precancerous lesions and invasive cervical cancer. Whether this screening is performed routinely during pregnancy varies depending on each country’s screening participation rates, guidelines, and the risks to the pregnant woman. In some countries with the high rate of routinely implemented cervical screening among the target women, women are recommended to defer cervical screening intentionally to post-delivery, though having screening in consultation with physicians may be possible if routine screening overlaps. However, when cervical screening rate in fertile women is low and the incidence of cervical cancer is high, cervical screening during pregnancy may play an important role in the early detection of cervical cancer. Cervical screening using high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) testing is accepted worldwide as a highly sensitive and objective test method, and it should replace traditional primary cervical cytology in the future. However, the benefits and disadvantages of using HPV testing in pregnant women is unclear because a false positive rate may be increased due to pregnant women being generally under an immunosuppressed condition.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":50732,"journal":{"name":"Best Practice & Research Clinical Obstetrics & Gynaecology","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":3.9,"publicationDate":"2024-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1521693424000683/pdfft?md5=823b9a81d381b63a535ecc31562e5a06&pid=1-s2.0-S1521693424000683-main.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141408350","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Pre-eclampsia challenges and care in low and middle-income countries: Understanding diagnosis, management, and health impacts in remote and developing regions","authors":"","doi":"10.1016/j.bpobgyn.2024.102525","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.bpobgyn.2024.102525","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>As an example of a low- and middle-income country (LMIC), India ranks pre-eclampsia among the top three causes of maternal mortality, following haemorrhage and infections. It is one of the primary concerns for maternal and perinatal health<span> in LMICs. Many LMICs lack clear consensus and guidelines for the prevention, diagnosis, and management of hypertensive disorders in pregnancy, including pre-eclampsia. The International Society for the Study of Hypertension in Pregnancy<span> 2021 guidelines address LMIC applications, offering customisable solutions. Atypical presentations of pre-eclampsia contribute to diagnostic delays, resulting in additional adverse maternal and perinatal outcomes. Implementing management strategies faces challenges in both urban and rural settings. Adapting global research involving local populations is imperative, with the potential for cost-effective adoption of international guidelines. Prevention, early diagnosis, and education dissemination are essential, involving healthcare providers and advocacy initiatives. Encouraging government investment in pre-eclampsia management as a public health initiative is important. This article explores socio-economic, cultural, and legislative factors influencing the management of pre-eclampsia in LMICs, addressing emerging challenges and potential partnerships for healthcare provision.</span></span></p></div>","PeriodicalId":50732,"journal":{"name":"Best Practice & Research Clinical Obstetrics & Gynaecology","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":3.9,"publicationDate":"2024-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141536104","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}