Barak Aricha-Tamir

Pregnancy outcome of patients who conceive during or after the first year following bariatric surgery

OBJECTIVE We sought to compare pregnancy outcome of patients who conceived during or after the first year postbariatric surgery. STUDY DESIGN A retrospective study comparing pregnancy outcome between patients who conceived during or after the first postoperative year was conducted. RESULTS The study included 104 pregnancies of patients who conceived during and 385 who conceived after the first postoperative year. Prepregnancy and predelivery body mass index were comparable between the groups. No significant differences were noted regarding hypertensive disorders (15.4% in the early vs 11.2% in the late postoperative pregnancy; P = .392); diabetes mellitus (11.5% vs 7.3%; P = .392); perinatal outcomes, such as congenital malformations (1.9% vs 1.3%; P = .485); or bariatric complications (6.7% vs 7.0%; P = .392) between the groups. Using multiple logistic regression models, controlling for confounders, the interval (in months) was not associated with pregnancy complications. CONCLUSION Patients who conceived during the first postoperative year had comparable short-term perinatal outcome compared with patients who conceived after the first postoperative year.

Downsizing pregnancy complications: a study of paired pregnancy outcomes before and after bariatric surgery

BACKGROUND Overweight and obesity have been shown to be associated with increased adverse pregnancy outcomes. Weight reduction improves maternal health status and reduces the risk of pregnancy complications, as well as long-term consequences. Our objective was to compare the pregnancy outcomes of the same women who delivered before and after bariatric surgery. METHODS A retrospective study comparing pregnancy outcomes, of the same women, delivered before and after a bariatric surgery was conducted. The observed deliveries occurred from 1988 to 2008 at Soroka University Medical Center, the sole tertiary hospital in the southern region of Israel. RESULTS The present study included 288 paired pregnancies: 144 deliveries before and 144 after bariatric surgery. A significant reduction in the prepregnancy and predelivery maternal body mass index was noted after bariatric surgery (36.37 ± 5.2 versus 30.50 ± 5.4 kg/m(2), P < .001; and 40.15 ± 4.92 versus 34.41 ± 5.42 kg/m(2), P < .001; respectively). Only 8 patients (5.6%) were admitted during their pregnancy for bariatric complications. Pregnancy complications, such as hypertensive disorders (31.9% versus 16.6%; P = .004) and diabetes mellitus (20.8% versus 7.6%; P = .001), were significantly reduced after bariatric surgery. The rate of cesarean deliveries because of labor dystocia was significantly lower after bariatric surgery (5.6% versus 2.1%, P < .05). Using a multiple logistic regression model, controlling for maternal age, the reduction in hypertensive disorders (odds ratio .4, 95% confidence interval .2-.8) and diabetes mellitus (odds ratio .15, 95% confidence interval .1-.4) remained significant. CONCLUSION A significant decrease in pregnancy complications, such as hypertensive disorders and diabetes mellitus, is achieved after bariatric surgery.

Obstetric outcomes after restrictive bariatric surgery: What happens after 2 consecutive pregnancies?

BACKGROUND The objective of this study was to compare the outcomes of 2 consecutive pregnancies of the same women who conceived after restrictive bariatric surgeries. METHODS A retrospective study comparing consecutive pregnancy outcomes of the same women, who conceived before and twice after a restrictive bariatric surgery, was conducted. RESULTS This study included 109 women, and therefore, 327 paired pregnancies: 109 pregnancies preceded and 218 followed restrictive bariatric surgery (87% had laparoscopic banding, and 13% had silastic ring vertical gastroplasty). Both prepregnancy and predelivery body mass index were significantly lower after bariatric surgery (36.7±4.4 versus 31. 5±5.5, P<.001; 40.6±5.5 versus 35.3±6.1, P<.001; respectively). This effect was preserved at the subsequent pregnancy (31.5±5.5 versus 31.3±6.3, P = .609, and 35.3±6.1 versus 35.1±5.9, P = .706, respectively). The rates of hypertensive disorders and gestational diabetes mellitus were significantly lower after the bariatric operation, for the first and the second pregnancy (21% versus 7.4% and 4.7%, P = .009, and 19% versus 5.6% and. 6.6%, P = .007, respectively). The rate of macrosomic newborn was significant lower in the second postbariatric pregnancy (11.1% before versus 1.1% after second pregnancy, P = .02). Using multiple logistic regression models controlling for maternal age, prepregnancy body mass index, and the type of surgery, the reduction in hypertensive disorders (adjusted odds ratio (OR) .3, 95% confidence interval (CI) .12-.82; P = .018 for the first postoperative pregnancy and adjusted OR .2, 95% CI .06-.64; P = .007 for the second postoperative pregnancy), and gestational diabetes mellitus (adjusted OR .2, 95% CI .06-.48; P = .001 for the first postoperative pregnancy and adjusted OR .3, 95% CI .05-.51; P = .002 for the second postoperative pregnancy) remained significant. CONCLUSIONS A significant decrease in pregnancy complications, such as hypertensive disorders and gestational diabetes mellitus, is achieved after a restrictive bariatric surgery. This improvement is maintained at the second subsequent pregnancy.

Clinical and microbiological characteristics of Bartholin gland abscesses.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the clinical course and causative microorganisms of Bartholin gland abscesses. METHODS: This was a retrospective study of all patients treated for Bartholin gland abscesses between the years 2006 and 2011 at the Soroka University Medical Center, a regional medical center in southern Israel. RESULTS: During the study period, 219 women were admitted as a result of an abscess of the Bartholin gland, 63% of which were primary abscesses and 37% recurrent abscesses (occurrence of a second clinical event). Pus cultures were positive in 126 (61.8%) of cases. Escherichia coli was the single most frequent pathogen found (43.7%) and 10 cases (7.9%) were polymicrobial. Culture-positive cases were significantly associated with fever (25% compared with 9.3%; P=.043), leukocytosis (50.4% compared with 33.8%; P=.027), and neutrophilia (17.9% compared with 5.9%; P=.021). The odds ratio of having any of these with a positive culture was 2.4 (95% confidence interval 1.3–4.3; P=.003). In the recurrent group, 81% recurred ipsilaterally and the mean time for recurrence was 32±50 months. Infection with E coli was significantly more common in recurrent infection compared with primary infections (56.8% compared with 37%; P=.033). Three cases of resistance to most beta-lactam antimicrobials (extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-producing [E coli] strains) were identified. CONCLUSION: A substantial proportion of patients with Bartholin gland abscess are culture-positive with E coli being the single most common pathogen. Microbiological findings coupled with their clinical correlates are important parameters in the management of patients with a Bartholin gland abscess and in the selection of empirical antimicrobial treatment during the primary diagnosis. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III

The effect of cervical cerclage on pregnancy outcomes in women following conization.

Abstract Objectives: To determine the effect of cervical cerclage on obstetrical complications and perinatal outcomes of patients following conization. Design: A retrospective population based cohort study. Setting: Tertiary academic medical center that covers all the deliveries of the region. Population: All patients with previous cervical conization who delivered between the years 1994–2011. Methods: A retrospective population based study. Main outcome measures: The effect of cerclage placement on the rate of preterm birth. Results: During the study period there were 109 deliveries of patients following a cervical conization. Cervical cerclage was placed in 22 deliveries that served as the study group and the rest (n = 87) served as the comparison group. The rate of early preterm delivery (PTD;  <34 weeks) was significantly higher in women who had a cerclage. In a logistic regression model, cerclage was found to be an independent risk factor for early PTD. Conclusion: Cerclage is an independent risk factor for early PTD In patients who had a conization due to CIN.

Severe pre-eclampsia is associated with abnormal trace elements concentrations in maternal and fetal blood

Objective: The study was aimed to compare trace elements concentrations in women with and without severe pre-eclampsia (PE). Methods: A prospective case-control study was conducted comparing 43 parturients with severe PE (who received magnesium sulfate [MgSO4]) and 80 healthy parturients and their newborns, matched for gestational age and mode of delivery. Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICPMS) was used for the determination of zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), selenium (Se) and magnesium (Mg) levels in maternal as well as arterial and venous umbilical cord serum. Results: Zn levels (µg/L) were significantly higher in fetal arterial and venous blood of the PE group (947.3 ± 42.5 vs. 543.1 ± 226, 911.1 ± 220.2 vs. 422.4 ± 145, p < 0.001; respectively). Se levels (µg/L) were significantly lower in maternal and fetal arterial and venous cord blood of the PE group (98.6 ± 24.2, 110.7 ± 19.4, 82 ± 17.8 vs. 111.6 ± 17.6, 82.1 ± 17.4 vs. 107.1 ± 25.7, p < 0.001; respectively). Cu levels (µg/L) were significantly lower in fetal arterial and venous cord blood (581.6 ± 367.4 vs. 949 ± 788.8, p = 0.022, 608.3 ± 418.1 vs. 866.9 ± 812.6, p = 0.001 respectively) but higher in maternal blood (2264.6 ± 751.7 vs. 1048 ± 851.1, p < 0.001). These differences remained significant while controlling for the mode of delivery. Mg levels were significantly higher in the PE group as compared with the control group. Conclusions: Severe PE is associated with abnormal concentrations of Zn, Cu and Se. Therefore, trace elements may have a crucial role in the pathogenesis of severe PE.

Umbilical artery peak systolic velocity measurements for prediction of perinatal outcome among IUGR fetuses

To evaluate the role of umbilical artery (UA) peak systolic velocity (PSV) measurements in the prediction of perinatal outcome in fetuses with intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR).

Can we find the perfect oil to protect the perineum? A randomized-controlled double-blind trial.

Abstract Objective: To determine whether perineal massage during the second stage of labor using oil enriched with vitamins, increases the chances of delivering with an intact perineum as compared to perineal massage using pure liquid wax. Method: A prospective, randomized, double-blind study was conducted. Women were assigned to liquid wax (jojoba oil) versus purified formula of almond and olive oil, enriched with vitamin B1, B2, B6, E and fatty acids. The caregivers used the oils during the second stage of labor. Results: A total of 164 women undergoing vaginal delivery were recruited. No significant differences regarding perineal lacerations, number of sutures and length of suturing were noted between the two groups. Likewise, while analyzing separately nulliparous and multiparous women, no significant differences were noted. Controlling for birth weight >4000 g, using the Mantel–Haenszel technique, no association was noted between perineal lacerations and the type of oil used (weighted OR = 0.9, 95% CI 0.3–2.4; p = 0.818). Conclusion: The type of the oil used during the second stage of labor for prevention of perineal tears has no effect on the integrity of the perineum. Accordingly, it seems that there is no perfect oil.

Postpartum uterine artery Doppler velocimetry among patients following a delivery complicated with preeclampsia

Objective: To evaluate postpartum uterine artery (UtA) velocimetry in patients following severe preeclampsia (PET) as compared with normotensive controls. Study Design: Postpartum UtA velocimetry was obtained prospectively during the early postpartum period. The right and left UtA pulsatility index (PI) was measured and the presence of an early diastolic notch was noted. For categorical variables, the χ2 test or Fisher exact was used as appropriate and for continuous variables the t-test was used. The p value <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Thirty-one patients following severe PET and 52 normotensive controls were included in the study. Following severe PET, higher rates of intrauterine growth restriction, cesarean delivery, preterm delivery and accordingly lower neonatal birth weight were noted. Postpartum UtA velocimetry measurements were performed on average 51.2 h after delivery (range 8–169). Right and left UtA PI was comparable between patients following severe PET and controls. The presence of unilateral and bilateral early diastolic notches were significantly higher in patients following severe PET. Conclusions: The pathophysiology of uterine involution and the physiologic return of the uterine arteries to the non-pregnant state may be different following severe PET.

Pregnancy outcome in patients with fibromyalgia syndrome

Objective. To investigate pregnancy outcome of patients with fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS). Methods. A retrospective cohort study comparing pregnancies of women with and without FMS was conducted. Multivariable logistic regression models was performed to control for confounders Results. Deliveries of 112 women with FMS were compared with a control group of 487 deliveries of women without FMS. Parturients with FMS had higher rates of intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR; 7.1% vs. 1.0%, p = 0.001), recurrent abortions (9.8% vs. 1.8%, p < 0.001), gestational diabetes mellitus (14.3% vs. 7%, p = 0.012), and polyhydramnios (12.5% vs. 1.6%, p < 0.001). These patients had lower rates of preterm deliveries (PTD; 6.3% vs. 16.7%, p = 0.018). No significant differences were noted between the groups regarding the rates of cesarean deliveries (CD) (15.2% vs. 21.2%, p =  0.149) and perinatal outcomes such as low Apgar scores (<7) at 1 and 5 min (4.5% vs. 6.7%, p = 0.292 and 1.2% vs. 0.6%, p = 0.372; respectively). Using two multiple logistic regression models, the positive association between FMS and IUGR (adjusted OR = 4.1, 95% CI 1.2–13.2; p = 0.02) and the negative association with PTD (OR = 0.3, 95% CI 0.2–0.6; p = 0.001) remained significant. Conclusion. FMS is an independent risk factor for intrauterine growth restriction. Nevertheless, it is associated with lower rates of preterm deliveries.