OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the impact of endometrial polyps (EP) on postoperative pregnancy outcomes in infertile women with endometriosis (EMs). METHODS: PubMed, Embase, The Cochrane Library, CNKI, VIP, SinoMed, and WanFang Data databases were searched to include clinical studies on the effect of EP on pregnancy outcomes in patients with EMs, published before August 31, 2020. A meta-analysis was performed using Rev Man 5.3 software after two investigators independently screened the literature, extracted information, and evaluated the risk of bias of the included studies. RESULTS: The meta-analysis included ten studies (651 and 1,040 in the combined EP and uncomplicated EP groups, respectively). The spontaneous pregnancy rate, clinical pregnancy rate, and live birth rate were significantly lower in the group with combined EPs than in the group without combined EPs [Odd's ratio ( OR) = 0.63, 95% confidence interval ( CI): 0.50-0.80, P = 0.0001; OR = 0.63, 95% CI: 0.48-0.84, P = 0.001; OR = 0.63, 95% CI: 0.42-0.96, P = 0.03], and the rate of embryonic abortion was significantly higher than that in the uncomplicated EP group [ OR = 3.10, 95% CI: 1.52-6.32, P = 0.002]. CONCLUSION EP may adversely affect pregnancy outcomes in patients with infertility and EMs. Even after surgical treatment, EP can still reduce natural pregnancy, clinical pregnancy, and live birth rates in infertile women with EMs and increase the risk of embryo arrest in these women.
Humans ; Female ; Pregnancy ; Endometriosis/complications* ; Pregnancy Outcome/epidemiology* ; Polyps/complications* ; Infertility, Female/etiology* ; Pregnancy Rate ; Uterine Diseases/complications*

OBJECTIVE: To investigate chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection's effect on gestational liver function, pregnancy and delivery complications, and neonatal development. METHODS: A total of 157 HCV antibody-positive (anti-HCV[+]) and HCV RNA(+) patients (Group C) and 121 anti-HCV(+) and HCV RNA(-) patients (Group B) were included as study participants, while 142 anti-HCV(-) and HCV RNA(-) patients (Group A) were the control group. Data on biochemical indices during pregnancy, pregnancy complications, delivery-related information, and neonatal complications were also collected. RESULTS: Elevated alanine aminotransferase (ALT) rates in Group C during early, middle, and late pregnancy were 59.87%, 43.95%, and 42.04%, respectively-significantly higher than Groups B (26.45%, 15.70%, 10.74%) and A (23.94%, 19.01%, 6.34%) ( P < 0.05). Median ALT levels in Group C were significantly higher than in Groups A and B at all pregnancy stages ( P < 0.05). No significant differences were found in neonatal malformation rates across groups ( P > 0.05). However, neonatal jaundice incidence was significantly greater in Group C (75.16%) compared to Groups A (42.25%) and B (57.02%) ( χ ² = 33.552, P < 0.001). HCV RNA positivity during pregnancy was an independent risk factor for neonatal jaundice ( OR = 2.111, 95% CI 1.242-3.588, P = 0.006). CONCLUSIONS Chronic HCV infection can affect the liver function of pregnant women, but does not increase the pregnancy or delivery complication risks. HCV RNA(+) is an independent risk factor for neonatal jaundice.
Humans ; Female ; Pregnancy ; Adult ; Pregnancy Complications, Infectious/epidemiology* ; Retrospective Studies ; Pregnancy Outcome ; Infant, Newborn ; Viremia/virology* ; Hepatitis C ; Hepacivirus/physiology* ; Hepatitis C, Chronic/virology* ; Young Adult ; Alanine Transaminase/blood*

OBJECTIVE: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) can result in fatigue and post-exertional malaise; however, whether severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection exacerbates lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) is unclear. This study investigated the association between prenatal SARS-CoV-2 infection and postpartum LUTS. METHODS: A multicenter, retrospective cohort study was conducted at two tertiary hospitals in China from November 1, 2022, to November 1, 2023. Participants were classified into infected and uninfected groups based on SARS-CoV-2 antigen results. LUTS prevalence and severity were assessed using self-reported symptoms and the Incontinence Impact Questionnaire-Short Form (IIQ-7). Pelvic floor muscle activity was measured using electromyography following the Glazer protocol. Group comparisons were performed to evaluate the association of SARS-CoV-2 infection with LUTS and electromyography parameters, with stratified analyses conducted using SPSS version 26.0. RESULTS: Among 3,652 participants (681 infected, 2,971 uninfected), no significant differences in LUTS prevalence or IIQ-7 scores were observed. However, SARS-CoV-2 infection was an independent factor influencing the electromyographic activity of the pelvic floor muscles (mean tonic contraction amplitudes), regardless of delivery mode ( P = 0.001). CONCLUSION Prenatal SARS-CoV-2 infection was not significantly associated with an increased risk of postpartum LUTS but independently altered pelvic floor muscle electromyographic activity, suggesting potential neuromuscular effects.
Humans ; Female ; COVID-19/epidemiology* ; Retrospective Studies ; Adult ; Pregnancy ; Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms/virology* ; Postpartum Period ; Pregnancy Complications, Infectious/virology* ; China/epidemiology* ; Electromyography ; SARS-CoV-2/physiology* ; Pelvic Floor/physiopathology* ; Prevalence

Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) poses a significant risk of neural damage during pregnancy. As the most prevalent intrauterine infectious agent in low- and middle-income countries, HCMV disrupts the development of neural stem cells, leading to fetal malformations and abnormal structural and physiological functions in the fetal brain. This review summarizes the current understanding of how HCMV infection dysregulates the Wnt signaling pathway to induce fetal malformations and discusses current management strategies.
Humans ; Cytomegalovirus Infections/virology* ; Wnt Signaling Pathway ; Pregnancy ; Female ; Cytomegalovirus/physiology* ; Pregnancy Complications, Infectious/virology* ; Congenital Abnormalities/virology* ; Animals

Detecting pregnancy complications during the first trimester remains a major challenge in obstetric care, as current screening tools often lack sensitivity to identify early risks such as preeclampsia, preterm birth, and gestational diabetes. Advances in nanotechnology, particularly nanoflower biosensors, have created new opportunities for precise, noninvasive diagnostics. Nanoflowers are nanoscale, flower-like structures with high surface area and unique electronic properties, enabling ultrasensitive detection of low-abundance biomarkers including placental growth factor, human chorionic gonadotropin variants, circulating cell-free DNA, and microRNAs. This review synthesizes the biological principles, fabrication techniques, and diagnostic applications of nanoflower biosensors, with emphasis on first-trimester implementation. Platforms discussed include metal–organic frameworks, carbon nanostructures, and hybrid composites, evaluated for sensitivity, signal amplification, and adaptability to point-of-care settings. Evidence from preclinical and clinical studies highlights their superior detection thresholds compared with conventional assays, supporting earlier recognition of complications and potential integration into predictive models. While the promise of nanoflower biosensors lies in advancing first-trimester surveillance, translation into clinical practice requires larger validation cohorts, regulatory alignment, and ethical safeguards to address risks of overdiagnosis and inequity. Future directions include multiplex detection, mobile health integration, and personalized risk stratification pathways. By bridging nanotechnology and maternal–fetal medicine, nanoflower biosensors represent a paradigm shift toward precision diagnostics in prenatal care, offering transformative potential for early intervention and improved maternal and neonatal outcomes.
nanotechnology ; pregnancy complications

OBJECTIVE: To explore the genetic testing outcomes of a fetal family with Thyroid dyshormonogenesis type 5 (TDH5) and familial Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1), and to clarify the association between clinical manifestations and genetic variations. METHODS: One case of a TDH5 combined with familiar NF1 fetus treated at Gansu Maternal and Child Health Hospital in January 2024 was selected as the research subject. The clinical and family history data of the fetus were collected by retrospective research method. 10-15 mL of fetal amniotic fluid, and 2-3 mL of peripheral blood from the parents, sister, and grandfather of the fetus were collected, and genomic DNA was extracted for trio whole-exome sequencing (trio-WES). The Sanger sequencing was utilized to validate candidate variants for family verification. According to the Standards and Guidelines for the Interpretation and Reporting of Sequence Variants of the American Society of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG) (hereafter referred to as the ACMG guidelines), the pathogenicity of the detected variants was classified. This study has been approved by the Medical Ethics Committee of Gansu Maternal and Child Health Hospital [Ethics No.（2021）GSFY（65）]. RESULTS: The fetal ultrasound indicated the nuchal translucency (NT) thickening, and the thyroid function test results of the sister showed an increase in thyroid stimulating hormone and a decrease in free thyroid hormone. Simultaneously, there were cafe-au-lait macules of various sizes in multiple parts of the body of the sister, and the mother had a similar cafe-au-lait macules phenotype. The trio-WES results revealed that there was a c.413dupA (p.Tyr138*) frameshift mutation in exon4 and c.573G>A (p.Trp191*) nonsense mutation in exon5 of the fetal DUOXA2, which were inherited from the mother and father, respectively. In accordance with the ACMG guidelines, they were classified as pathogenic variant (PVS1+PM2_Supporting+PM3) and likely pathogenic variant (PVS1+PM2_Supporting), respectively. And the nonsense mutation c.6972C>A (p.Tyr2264*) was detected in exon46 of the NF1 in the fetus, inherited from the mother maternal grandfather. The genetic testing results of the first sister and proband in this case were consistent, and the DUOXA2 and NF1 of the second sister were both wild-type. According to the ACMG guidelines, c.6972C>A (p.Tyr2264 *) was classified as pathogenic variant (PVS1+PS4_Supporting+PP4+PM2_Supporting). CONCLUSION The mutations in the DUOXA2 gene c.413dupA (p.Tyr138*) and c.573G>A (p.Trp191*), and the NF1 gene c.6972C>A (p.Tyr2264*) might be the genetic causes of TDH5 combined with familiar NF1 in proband. The discovery of the DUOXA2 gene c.573G>A (p.Trp191*) enriches the spectrum of pathogenic gene variations.
Humans ; Female ; Pedigree ; Pregnancy ; Neurofibromatosis 1/complications* ; Male ; Genetic Testing ; Adult ; Thyroid Dysgenesis/genetics* ; Fetus ; Exome Sequencing ; Mutation

OBJECTIVE: To assess the clinical value of non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT) for identifying maternal malignant tumors. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was carried out on pregnant women undergoing Non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT) at Taizhou Hospital in Zhejiang Province from January 2018 to December 2022. The criteria included maternal copy number variations for at least two chromosomes. Clinical follow-up data were obtained for the high-risk population of maternal malignant tumors through telephone follow-up and review of electronic medical records. This study was approved by the Medical Ethics Committee of the Hospital (Ethics No.: K20250339). RESULTS: Among 45 141 NIPT samples, 6 (0.013%) were suggested to have maternal malignant tumors. Follow-up information was available for 5 patients (83.3%). Two cases were diagnosed with maternal malignant tumors, including 1 myelodysplastic syndrome and 1 pelvic malignant tumor. Two cases were found to have multiple uterine fibroids and 1 was lost during follow-up. CONCLUSION The abnormal copy number indicated by NIPT may serve as an early signal for maternal malignant tumors. To establish a systematic follow-up protocol and multidisciplinary collaboration are conducive to achieving early diagnosis of tumors and improving the prognosis of patients. Based on the results of this study, it is recommended that for pregnant women with unexplained copy number variations and suspected maternal tumors by NIPT, targeted tumor screening program should be implemented to optimize their clinical management.
Humans ; Female ; Pregnancy ; Adult ; Retrospective Studies ; DNA Copy Number Variations/genetics* ; Follow-Up Studies ; Neoplasms/diagnosis* ; Noninvasive Prenatal Testing/methods* ; Pregnancy Complications, Neoplastic/diagnosis* ; Prenatal Diagnosis/methods*

Ureaplasma urealyticum (UU) is one of the most commonly occurring pathogens associated with genital tract infections in infertile males, but the impact of seminal UU infection in semen on intrauterine insemination (IUI) outcomes is poorly understood. We collected data from 245 infertile couples who underwent IUI at The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC (Hefei, China) between January 2021 and January 2023. The subjects were classified into two groups according to their UU infection status: the UU-positive group and the UU-negative group. We compared semen parameters, pregnancy outcomes, and neonatal birth outcomes to investigate the impact of UU infection on IUI outcomes. There were no significantly statistical differences in various semen parameters, including semen volume, sperm concentration, total and progressive motility, sperm morphology, leukocyte count, the presence of anti-sperm antibody, and sperm DNA fragmentation index (DFI), between the UU-positive and UU-negative groups of male infertile patients (all P > 0.05). However, the high DNA stainability (HDS) status of sperm differed between the UU-positive and UU-negative groups, suggesting that seminal UU infection may affect sperm nuclear maturation ( P = 0.04). Additionally, there were no significant differences in pregnancy or neonatal birth outcomes between the two groups (all P > 0.05). These results suggest that IUI remains a viable and cost-effective option for infertile couples with UU infection who are facing infertility issues.
Humans ; Male ; Ureaplasma Infections/complications* ; Female ; Infertility, Male/therapy* ; Ureaplasma urealyticum/isolation & purification* ; Pregnancy ; Adult ; Pregnancy Outcome ; Semen Analysis ; Insemination, Artificial ; Semen/microbiology* ; China

Pregnancy complicated with acute myeloid leukemia is uncommon,requiring the collaborative management by specialists from departments of hematology,obstetrics,anesthesiology,and neonatology for both the parturient and the neonate.This article reports an anesthesic management process of a parturient woman with acute myeloid leukemia and reviews relevant literature published in recent years to systematically summarize the approach for anesthesia-related perinatal management of such patients.
Humans ; Female ; Pregnancy ; Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute/complications* ; Pregnancy Complications, Neoplastic ; Adult ; Anesthesia, Obstetrical/methods*

Hydronephrosis is a common urological disease,and pregnancy with hydronephrosis is also common.However,it is extremely rare that patients suffering from hydronephrosis after delivery cannot recover on their own.Moreover,due to the no specificity of clinical manifestations,it is easy to be ignored by clinicians.This paper reports a solitary kidney patient with severe dilatation and hydronephrosis of the kidney and ureter that were caused by late pregnancy,and the hydrops could not recover spontaneously after delivery.In addition,the methods of open surgery,ureteroscopy,and ureteral stent placement for many times in other hospital were ineffective for her.The purpose of this study is to improve the attention of clinicians to hydronephrosis during pregnancy and after delivery and provide the reference for clinical treatment.
Humans ; Female ; Hydronephrosis/etiology* ; Adult ; Pregnancy ; Solitary Kidney/complications* ; Pregnancy Complications ; Ureter