The Australian & New Zealand journal of obstetrics & gynaecology
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Aust N Z J Obstet Gynaecol · Oct 2020
Meta AnalysisCOVID-19 and pregnancy: A review of clinical characteristics, obstetric outcomes and vertical transmission.
Since its emergence in December 2019, COVID-19 has spread to over 210 countries, with an estimated mortality rate of 3-4%. Little is understood about its effects during pregnancy. ⋯ Sixty articles were included in this review. Some pregnant participants may have been included in multiple publications, as admission dates overlap for reports from the same hospital. However, a total of 1287 confirmed SARS-CoV-2 positive pregnant cases are reported. Where universal testing was undertaken, asymptomatic infection occurred in 43.5-92% of cases. In the cohort studies, severe and critical COVID-19 illness rates approximated those of the non-pregnant population. Eight maternal deaths, six neonatal deaths, seven stillbirths and five miscarriages were reported. Nineteen neonates were SARS-CoV-2 positive, confirmed by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction of nasopharyngeal swabs. [Correction added on 2 September 2020, after first online publication: the number of neonates indicated in the preceding sentence has been corrected from 'Thirteen' to 'Nineteen'.] CONCLUSIONS: Where universal screening was conducted, SARS-CoV-2 infection in pregnancy was often asymptomatic. Severe and critical disease rates approximate those in the general population. Vertical transmission is possible; however, it is unclear whether SARS-CoV-2 positive neonates were infected in utero, intrapartum or postpartum. Future work should assess risks of congenital syndromes and adverse perinatal outcomes where infection occurs in early and mid-pregnancy.
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Aust N Z J Obstet Gynaecol · Jun 2011
Meta AnalysisEarly adverse perinatal complications in preterm growth-restricted fetuses.
Growth-restricted fetuses are at increased risk of adverse perinatal outcome when compared to their normally grown counterparts. The additional risks associated with growth restriction in preterm fetuses are not well quantified, and this meta-analysis serves to address this uncertainty. ⋯ This large meta-analysis for the first time quantifies the additional perinatal risks associated with preterm fetal growth restriction and may help counsel parents about the complications these fetuses face following birth.
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Aust N Z J Obstet Gynaecol · Dec 2004
Review Meta Analysis Comparative StudyImpact of first-stage ambulation on mode of delivery among women with epidural analgesia.
New techniques for administering epidural analgesia allow increased mobility for labouring women with epidurals. ⋯ Although ambulation in the first stage of labour for women with epidural analgesia provided no clear benefit to delivery outcomes or satisfaction with analgesia, neither were there are any obvious harms.
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Aust N Z J Obstet Gynaecol · Oct 2004
Review Meta AnalysisVaginal birth after Caesarean versus elective repeat Caesarean for women with a single prior Caesarean birth: a systematic review of the literature.
To assess the benefits and harms of planned elective repeat Caesarean section with planned vaginal birth after Caesarean section (VBAC). ⋯ There is a paucity of quality information available to assist women and their caregivers regarding optimal mode of birth for women with a single prior Caesarean section in their next pregnancy.