Uterine rupture is the feared complication when a uterus scarred by a caesarean section (CS) is labouring. The increased awareness of uterine rupture and its dramatic consequences of perinatal asphyxia has lead to guidelines dictating safe circumstances when undertaking a trial of labour after caesarean section (TOLAC). This complication occurs in an estimated 35 per 10 000 women with a previous CS undergoing labour (INOSS study of uterine rupture, BJOG 2019;126:370–381), but is extremely rare before the onset of labour and in the unscarred uterus. Our knowledge of prelabour uterine ruptures is confined merely to a small number of published case reports and case series in the literature.In this issue of BJOG, Al-Zirqi and colleagues present the results of a retrospective population-based study during 41 years (1967-2008) in Norway describing the characteristics and outcomes of complete uterine rupture before the onset of labour in 8 unscarrred and 22 scarred uteri, besides another 45 partial ruptures in scarred uteri (BJOG 2020 xxxx). The authors point out that complete ruptures before onset of labour are absolutely rare, but result in a higher number of perinatal deaths. In the unscarred uterus, complete ruptures before onset of labour were related to trauma (n=3), abnormal invasive placenta (n=2) and congenital uterine malformations (n=2) and were unavoidable in most cases. In the scarred uterus, complete ruptures before onset of labour were related to abnormally invasive placenta (n=4), previous complete uterine rupture (n=3) and scars outside the lower uterine segment (n=17). These scars were caused by classical CS (n=9), myomectomy (n=5), tubo-uterine surgery (n=3), uterine septal operation (n=1) and perforation during endometrial ablations (n=3). Classical CS by vertical incision has become rare, while laparoscopic and hysteroscopic uterine surgery increase in frequency. A systematic review by Gambacorti-Passerini et al. (Acta Obstetricia et Gynecologica Scandinavica 2016;95:724-734) revealed that the majority of uterine ruptures after prior myomectomy occurred before 36 weeks and before labour (5/330, 1.5%), while only 0.47% (2/426) in women undergoing a trial of labour after myomectomy (TOLAM). The researchers could not reveal any riskfactor (surgical approach, type of myoma, type of hemostasis, suture layers) keeping the risk of uterine rupture following prior myomectomy largely unpredictable. Only case reports and small case series report on uterine ruptures following operative hysteroscopy or tubo-uterine surgery, where perforation is considered a risk factor (Sentilhes et al. Gynecol Obstet Fertil 2006;34(11):1064-70), similar to the 3 cases of endometrial ablation with perforation in the study of Al-Zirqi et al. More large scale studies like this retrospective analysis are needed to understand to what extent uterine surgical procedures contribute to uterine ruptures, during or before onset of labour. In this regard, we expect a report of the International Network of Obstetric Survey Systems (INOSS) who analysed complete uterine ruptures in 10 countries, including 215 uterine ruptures before onset of labour.This study advocates a higher level of alertness for uterine rupture when taking care for women with congenital uterine abnormalities, with suspected AIP and with prior uterine surgery.No disclosures: A completed disclosure of interest form is available to view online as supporting information.

We are all likely to need a blood test, a biopsy or wind up on the wrong end of an endoscope. We know that the experience is not going to be pleasant. Many of us will revert to techniques to divert attention away from painful stimuli, such as counting forwards or backwards in our heads, deep breathing, imagining tranquil places or listening to music. But the paper published in this issue of BJOG by (Neo D et al, BJOG 2020; xxxx) shows us how we can distract patients in a more sophisticated way, using virtual reality (VR) technology. The procedure the research groups chose to investigate was outpatient hysteroscopy.Outpatient hysteroscopy is a key part of contemporary gynaecological practice. The procedure is acceptable to the vast majority of women, but most will experience some pain and, in a small proportion of women, this can be severe (Smith P, et al, BJOG 2019;126:891-899). Thus, outpatient hysteroscopy, being common and potentially painful, is a good health technology to evaluate the impact of VR technology on patient experienceDeo N et al, conducted a randomised trial of 40 women undergoing outpatient hysteroscopy for a variety of indications and simple therapeutic procedures were allowed such as biopsy, polypectomy and insertion of a Mirena® device. Women were allocated to standard care or “immersive and interactive video content using a portable, standalone VR headset”. The latter delivered a “guided relaxation experience” which included viewing an 8-minute, narrated video depicting “a calming rainforest and lake setting with animated wildlife, which could be explored by using the “head-tracker”.The preliminary results are impressive. Reduction in peri-procedural pain was statistically significant but more importantly the effect size of a 2cm (20%) difference on a 10cm visual analogue scale must be clinically significant. Reduction in anxiety scores were of a similar magnitude. However, the average hysteroscopy procedure duration was less than 4 minutes, which begs the question, is the cost, time and hassle of setting up and using VR technology worth it? Moreover, 16% of eligible women did not want to use the VR technology because of prior adverse experiences, anxiety or state a preference to see the procedure or use their own distraction media.No-one is going to change clinical practice on a sample of 40, but many practitioners will be energised to conduct larger scale trials to confirm these provisional results and to analyse more deeply the impact of immersive VR technology on reducing pain and anxiety associated with outpatient hysteroscopy. Future work should look at the type of VR technology, the context where it is deployed for what kind of procedure. The optimal VR programme may vary according to patient characteristics, the type of surgery and its duration. VR technology should be tested in more painful gynaecological interventions such as endometrial ablation, cervical biopsy and transvaginal egg collection. Moreover, the prospective benefit of VR need not be restricted to gynaecological practice but should be evaluated in a whole host of ambulatory procedures involving conscious patients.No disclosures: A completed disclosure of interest form is available to view online as supporting information.

Global estimates for 2017 indicated that there were 295,000 maternal deaths, 35 per cent lower than in 2000 with a decline in global maternal mortality ratio from 342 to 211 deaths per 100,000 live births (World Health Organization (WHO) 2019). Maternal hemorrhage is the leading direct cause of maternal death worldwide, representing 27% (20-36) of maternal deaths ( Say L, et al. Lancet 2014).Multiple large retrospective population cohorts have identified risk factors invariably associated with maternal hemorrhage including mode of delivery, prolonged labor, chorioamnionitis, and twins among others (Briley A, et al. BJOG 2014). Factors such as maternal BMI, race or ethnicity, pregnancy induced hypertension, and maternal age have not been consistently associated with increased PPH and require more research, especially given the relationship between maternal obesity, gestational diabetes, pregnancy induced hypertension and PPH.Over 80% of cases of primary PPH are preventable and are due to uterine atony. Active management of the third stage is the gold standard for prevention of PPH. Among women at low risk it is not clear whether active management provides benefit, as with women at mixed risk or at high risk for PPH (RR 0.34, 0.14-0.87) (Begley CM, et.al. Cochrane 2019). The WHO has published evidence-based recommendations for management of PPH and have included use of an effective uterotonic with oxytocin being the preferred agent with alternatives used in specific circumstances when oxytocin is not available (Who, 2018). Most recently, use of tranexamic acid has been introduced for prevention and treatment of PPH with a potential to reduce risk of severe PPH by 50% and maternal death by 20%. (Shakir H, et. al. Lancet 2017). These evidence based interventions have been endorsed by professional organizations and the WHO, and have contributed to a progressive decrease in maternal mortality secondary to hemorrhage.Assessment of risk for hemorrhage incorporates risk factors and appropriate protocols according to risk, implementing preventive measures on an individualized basis. It has been demonstrated that successful implementation requires more than identifying risk factors and their interdependence. Attention to organizational context, involvement of entire health care team, and increased recognition of the role of organizational leadership have been identified as basic components (Main EK, et al. AJOG 2017).In this issue of BJOG, Neary et. al. (BJOG 2020 xxxx) address the important aspect of quality and clinical applicability of risk assessment tools using a structured review that included systematic assessment for bias, sample size and both internal and external validation following a standardized methodology established by PRISMA and CHARMS. The authors concluded that current risk assessment protocols have deficiencies related to general obstetrical applicability and lack of external validation. They recommend development of more broadly applicable and appropriately validated risk assessment protocols that would applicable to the general obstetrical population.Evidenced based risk assessment and corresponding protocols during the antepartum, intrapartum and most importantly immediately after delivery, has the potential of contributing to the prevention of over 80% of maternal deaths attributable to maternal hemorrhage.No disclosures: A completed disclosure of interest form is available to view online as supporting information.

Sir ,We read with great interest the study by Zhou et al.1, where the authors demonstrated a significant association between preconception paternal smoking and birth defects in the offspring. The study is timely given the increasing recognition of the role that paternal factors play in pregnancy outcomes. The authors must be congratulated on performing a large scale, nationwide study, in which a potential link between preconception paternal smoking and birth defects in offspring was made.A salient point discussed by Zhou and colleagues is the difficulty in estimating the effect of paternal smoking as an independent variable on the risk of birth defects due to a myriad of confounding factors. Although the authors had adequately adjusted for maternal biological, environmental and behavioural factors, as well as paternal alcohol consumption, it may be prudent to note that paternal age could be a potentially significant confounder in this relationship.Advanced paternal age has shown robust links with increases in sperm DNA fragmentation.2 DNA damage is attributed to environmental, hormonal and degenerative changes.2Over time, multiple cycles of mitotic replications generate greater stress on the DNA repair mechanisms.2 The failure to control the DNA repair mechanisms invariably amounts to ejaculated spermatozoa containing a higher proportion of abnormal paternal DNA.2 In the same vein, children born to fathers of advanced age are at a slightly increased risk of birth defects including cardiac, respiratory, gastrointestinal tract and musculoskeletal abnormalities.3 It has been speculated that mutations accumulate over repeated spermatogenesis, subsequently increasing the number of birth defects in the offspring.3 At the opposite end of the age spectrum, young paternal age has also been associated with a slight increased risk of selected birth defects.3At large, prenatal smoke exposure has unfavourable effects on pregnancies. Effects of maternal smoking has been comprehensively studied and is associated with fetal and developmental conditions. Harmful substances in tobacco smoke such as nicotine, carbon monoxide and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons are able to cross the placenta and negatively affect the fetal development.4 On the other hand, the extent of paternal smoking has not been well-established. Exposure to cigarette smoke has been found to affect sperm parameters, as well as increase sperm chromatin structural abnormalities and DNA damage.5 Infant low birth weight, increased obesity risk in childhood and high blood pressure have been identified as potential complications of paternal smoking.4 This study provides new evidence that birth defects are also complications of paternal smoking.In conclusion, Zhou et al. have accomplished a tremendous job of investigating the effects of paternal smoking on birth defects. The current study has laid the groundwork for future research to be built upon and to elucidate the true effects of paternal smoking during pregnancy. As exposure to first or second-hand smoke poses a major risk to pregnancies, it might be worthwhile to recommend smoking cessation in both parents during preconception counselling.Jania J. Y. Wu1, Kyla Ng Yin2, Keng Siang Lee3, John J. Y. Zhang11Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore2Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK3Bristol Medical School, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK

Risk assessment to target aspirin is accurate but not universalLow dose aspirin, for the prevention of early onset pre-eclampsia is an established antenatal intervention; it is safe, effective, cheap and accessible in many health care settings.Optimal implementation strategies including dose, timing and screening are currently debated. The evidence supports starting aspirin early (before 16 weeks), prescribe at night, give up to 150mg and continue until at least 36 weeks gestation ((Poon et al. Int J Gynaecol Obstet. 2019 May;145 Suppl 1(Suppl 1):1-33). From the women’s perspective, many may not be happy to routinely medicate an apparently normal pregnancy, to prevent an unknown or unfamiliar disease.Despite campaigns by APEC and others, too many women only hear of pre-eclampsia when it affects them. Generally, as perceived risks escalate the acceptance of taking aspirin is greater which improves compliance by both physicians prescribing, and by pregnant women. Any strategy that allows targeting of aspirin is likely to prevent unnecessary treatment and would be welcomed. It should be noted that the MBRAACE Report (Knight et al. University of Oxford 2019. ISBN: 978-0-9956854-8-2) called for a national patient direction for midwives to prescribe aspirin which has not yet happened.This current analysis compared two such strategies to target antenatal aspirin NICE guidance uses history to establish risk (Guy et al. BJOG 2020 xxxx). It is relatively simple, requiring either a combination of minor risk factors or a single major risk factor to dictate the need for aspirin. The FMF algorithm uses a combination of tests, including scans, blood pressure and blood markers to dictate risk; this requires skill and more resource which may not be consistently available in lower income settings.When compared in a real-world setting, in a London teaching hospital, the FMF algorithm had a screen positive rate that was half that of NICE, while aspirin was given to far more high-risk women. The FMF algorithm was changed to suit local circumstances, including details of the tests used (PAPPA, rather than PLGF) and thresholds adopted for treatment, but the real-world findings are impressive.The dosage of aspirin was higher in the FMF group, (150mg vs 75mg) which could explain some of the additional clinical benefit. Aspirin has recently been shown to impact on preterm birth when given routinely to all women who have never given birth in a low resource setting. In these settings, the cost and practicalities of implementing the algorithm maybe prohibitive. However, elements of the algorithm such as blood pressure measurement are simple and potentially more generalisable.It is exciting we have an intervention that can impact on one of the world’s most significant pregnancy disorders; but if resources allow, we clearly now have the tools to predict risk and improve outcomes. The challenge is how to deliver this to the global south, where most of pre-eclampsia occurs.At Action on Pre-Eclampsia, in the UK, we will continue to push for easy availability of aspirin. This paper is a welcome piece of the jigsaw and we hope it offers further tools in the armoury to defeat pre-eclampsia.No disclosures: Completed disclosure of interest forms are available to view online as supporting information.

Objective: To investigate hair cortisol concentrations (HCC) monthly in pregnant women and to explore the effect of parity. Design: Prospective cohort study from gestational week (GW) 26, at childbirth and postpartum. Setting: An antenatal care clinic in southeast Sweden. Sample: 390 pregnant women. Methods: Cortisol was measured using radioimmunoassay in methanol extracts of ground hair samples. Main outcome measures: Hair cortisol concentrations Results: Both primi- and multiparae exhibited an increase in HCC throughout pregnancy. Primiparae had significantly higher HCC in the latter part of the last trimester compared to multiparae (one month p=0.003 and two months p=0.038). The use of psychotropic medication in the first trimester correlated to HCC postpartum (p<0.001). HCC in GW 14-17 were associated with HCC in GWs 18-21 (primiparae and multiparae, p<0.001), GW 22-25 (primiparae p=0.036 and multiparae p=0.033), and two months postpartum (primiparae p=0.049). HCC in GW 18-21 was associated with GW 22-25 among both primiparae (p<0.001) and multiparae (p<0.001) as well as two months prior to childbirth among primiparae (<0.037). In general, all estimates of HCC in pregnancy and postpartum showed a significant association between HCC for a specific month and the HCC in the previous month (all p<0.001), except for the association of HCC among primiparae in GW 22-25 and three months prior to childbirth. Conclusions: Increased cortisol concentrations in hair were observed during pregnancy, which decreased three months prior to childbirth in multiparae. The results indicate a quicker suppression of the hypothalamic CRH production by placenta CRH in multiparous women.

Effective Cervical screening involves a complex sequence of interactions between women, clinical staff and systems. Even in well organised screening programmes, achieving high population coverage is challenging. The transition to using Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) testing as the primary screening modality, rather than cytology, has introduced the possibility of using a self-collected sample for the primary HPV test. This has been shown to be a reliable method of detecting CIN2+ (Polman et al, Lancet Oncology 2019;20(2):229-38).Regardless of the way the sample is collected, the low specificity of a positive HPV test means that positive results must be triaged. In all cases where self-sampling has been integrated into a cervical screening programme to date, this triage is by cytology on a subsequent, clinician taken sample. Other molecular tests which can be performed on the original sample may in the future be an alternative, but are not yet fully evaluated.It has generally been assumed that a self-collected sample would not be suitable for cytology because the cervix is unlikely to be thoroughly (if at all) sampled.However, the authors have shown that using a well-established self-sampling device, 95.8% samples had at least 5000 cells, the usual threshold for adequacy for cytology. (ThinPrep LBC method). Results were highly specific, and in fact the positive predictive value (PPV) for high grade disease was higher on the self-collected specimens than on the subsequent professionally taken samples (Loopik et al. BJOG 2020 xxxx).As expected, the sensitivity of the test was lower than for a professionally taken sample, but it still detected 29.4 % of CIN2+. In this study, an impressive 91.9% of women returned for their reflex cytology test. This is higher than in other studies, possibly because the study was not focussed on women who have previously not responded to invitation.It is likely that a significant proportion of women needing treatment could be reliably identified by self-sampling alone by this method.It is worth noting that despite implementation in several organised screening programmes, self-sampling tests for HPV have yet to achieve regulatory approval, and the process for doing so for cytology from self-collected samples is likely to require studies with more extended monitoring of clinical outcomes.Self-sampling is not yet widely implemented internationally and the pathways can be challenging. There is a concern about how to address loss to follow up, design of multistep pathways for management, and potential delays in diagnosis. A pathway which could reliably prioritise women for referral for immediate colposcopy, with a high PPV for CIN2+, without requiring a face to face clinical interaction would be extremely valuable. This is potentially even more topical in the post COVID-19 world where there are new challenges in risks of consultations and in capacity of health care delivery.No disclosures: A completed disclosure of interest form is available to view online as supporting information.

The development of clear approaches to the assessment, resuscitation, treatment and monitoring of the four case scenarios are presented as algorithms, based on available evidence. They need to be field tested, and adapted for Artificial intelligence and different settings. Further research is needed around multimodal sequential care package of care for PPH, conservative surgical measures, resuscitation in LMICs, and the psychological impact of PPH on women.

Objective: To determine whether cardiac functional and structural changes in fetuses of mothers with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) persist in the offspring beyond the neonatal period. Design: Longitudinal study Setting: Fetal Medicine Unit in a UK teaching hospital Population: 73 women with GDM and 73 women with uncomplicated pregnancy were recruited and fetal cardiac scans were performed at 35-36 weeks’ gestation. Repeat echocardiogram was performed in their offspring during infancy. Main outcome measures: Fetal and infant cardiac functional and structural changes Results: Fetuses of mothers with GDM, compared to controls, had more globular right ventricles (sphericity index 0.7, IQR 0.6/0.7 vs 0.6, IQR 0.5/ 0.6, p<0.001) and reduced right global longitudinal systolic strain (-16.4, IQR -18.9/-15.3 vs -18.5, IQR -20.6/-16.8, p=0.001) and left global longitudinal systolic strain (-20.1, IQR -22.5/-16.9 vs -21.3, IQR -23.5/-19.5), p=0.021). In the GDM group, compared to controls, in infancy there was higher left ventricular E/e’ (8.7, IQR 7.3/9.7 vs 7.9 IQR, 6.8/8.9 p=0.011) and lower left ventricular global longitudinal systolic strain (-21.0, IQR -22.5/-19.4 vs -22.3, IQR -23.5/-20.7, p=0.001) and tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (13.8, IQR 12.7/16.1 vs 15.2, IQR 13.8/16.8, p=0.003). These differences remained following multivariable analysis. Conclusion: GDM is associated with alterations in fetal cardiac function and structure compared to controls and persistent cardiac changes in infancy.

Sir, We would like to thank Sharma and colleagues for their interest in our recent study evaluating the effectiveness and safety of surgical interventions for Bartholin’s cyst or abscess.1Their response highlights the unique opportunity offered by randomised trials, and their syntheses into meta‐analyses, to assess patient reported outcomes. We would strongly encourage researchers to select, collect and report patient reported outcomes in future research evaluating interventions for Bartholin’s cyst or abscess.2The primary outcome should be the outcome of greatest therapeutic importance to the study’s prospective hypothesis. There is currently no consensus regarding the selection of outcomes and methods of definition or measurement for randomized trials evaluating interventions for Bartholin’s cyst or abscess.3 In the absence of a standardized approach, researchers have made arbitrary decisions when choosing among several important outcomes.4 It would be useful for healthcare professionals, researchers, and women with lived experience of Bartholin’s cyst or abscess to engage in a formal consensus development process to agree appropriate primary and secondary outcomes.3We agree the use of adjuvant antibiotics is an important consideration. They were not reported by any of the included trials.5We have no experience of marsupialization performed under local anaesthetic. In our opinion, this approach would need to be evaluated within a research setting. The recent COVID-19 pandemic would provide additional impetus to undertake this much needed research.James M. N. Duffy 1,2, Emma Kirk 3, BJG Illingworth 4, K Stocking 5,Marian Showell 61 Institute for Women’s Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom.2 King’s Fertility, Fetal Medicine Research Foundation, London, United Kingdom.3 Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Royal Free London NHS Trust, London, United Kingdom.4 North West Anglia NHS Foundation Trust, Peterborough City Hospital, Peterborough, UK5 Centre for Biostatistics, Division of Population Health, Health Services Research and Primary Care, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK6 Cochrane Gynaecology and Fertility Group, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand.

Objective To identify risk factors of early and late postpartum depression (PPD) among a wide range of variables including sociodemographic characteristics, childhood trauma, stressful life events during pregnancy, and history of personal and family psychiatric disorders; and to assess the contribution of each risk factor. Design Nested case-control in a prospective longitudinal cohort study. Setting Eight maternity departments in Paris metropolitan area, France. Sample 3310 women with deliveries between November 2011 and June 2016 Methods Cases were identified as women with early or late PPD. Controls were all cohort participants without either early or late PPD. Main Outcome Measures Early and late PPD are assessed respectively at 2 months and one year postpartum. Results: Stressful life events during pregnancy have a dose response relationship with both early and late PPD: each additional event increased the risk of PPD. In multivariable models, early PPD was independently associated with emotional neglect during childhood (aOR:1.6, 95%CI:1.0-2.6), stressful life event during pregnancy (aOR:1.8, 95%CI:1.4-2.4), physical concomitant chronic disease during pregnancy (aOR:1.5, 95%CI:1.0-2.1), and a history of depression (aOR:1.8, 95%CI:1.4-2.4); whereas late PPD was significantly associated with unemployment (aOR:1.8, 95%CI:1.1-2.8), emotional abuse during childhood (aOR:2.2, 95%CI:1.3-3.9), stressful life event during pregnancy (aOR:2.2, 95%CI:1.6-2.9), emergency consultation during pregnancy (aOR:1.4, 95%CI:1.0-1.8), serious postpartum complications (aOR:1.7; 95%CI:1.0-2.8) and personal and family history of mood disorder (aOR:1.5, 95%CI:1.1-2.0, and aOR:1.4, 95%CI:1.0-1.8). Conclusion: Early and late PPD presented distinct patterns of correlates, with sociodemographic, psychiatric and trauma factors. These results have important consequences in terms of prevention and specific care

Dear EditorI read with interest the paper by Xindong Qin et al. “Acupuncture for Recurrent Urinary Tract Infection in Women: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis1 in which the possible mechanisms for acupuncture are discussed. This article refers to one of my studies,2 but one of the study’s main findings has been omitted. We found a correlation between fewer urinary tract infections and a reduction in volume of residual urine in the women treated with acupuncture. This change in residual urine did not occur in the control group who were not treated with acupuncture. Residual urine or post-voided volume was measured by a bladder scan, in a hospital setting, and by a nurse who was blinded to participants group allocation. What is an empty Bladder? A post-voided volume above 30 ml, in otherwise healthy women, has been regarded as one of many potential risk factors for recurrent urinary tract infection.3Interestingly all women in our study had at baseline more than 30 ml of residual urine.2 After 6 months control this was reduced from 35,4 ml to 18.2 ml (P ≤ 0 .01) in the acupuncture group while no change was observed in the control group (35.5 vs 38.8ml). Furthermore, residual urine has been recognized as one of several potential risk factors for recurrent urinary tract infections in children 4 and in healthy postmenopausal women.5 It is therefore important that post-voided volumes are included in future studies on acupuncture as a prophylactic treatment for recurrent urinary tract infections. Finally, a question to the authors,1 on page 6, you write: “None of the studies reported the secondary outcomes of urinary bacteria culture, WBCs of urine dipstick, kidney function, markers of kidney damage, health-related quality of life or healthcare costs.” However, our study2 used a dipstick (Uricult) and we presented the number of infections with or without bacteriuria.Sincerely,Terje AlrækSchool of Health Sciences / NAFKAM, Department of Community Medicine, Kristiania University College / Faculty of Health Science, UiT The Arctic University of Norway 0107 Oslo, Norway / 9037 Tromsø, NorwayReferencesQin X, Coyle ME, Yang L, Liang J, Wang K, Guo X, Zhang AL, Mao W, Lu C, Xue CC, Liu X. Acupuncture for recurrent urinary tract infection in women: a systematic review and meta-analysis. BJOG 2020; https://doi-org.pva.uib.no/10.1111/1471-0528.16315Alraek T, Soedal LI, Fagerheim SU, Digranes A, Baerheim A. Acupuncture treatment in the prevention of uncomplicated recurrent lower urinary tract infections in adult women. Am J Public Health 2002;92:1609–11Haylen BT. The empty Bladder. Int Urogynecol J Pelvic Floor Dysfunct. 2007 Mar;18(3):237-9. doi: 10.1007/s00192-006-0111-0Hoebeke P, Van Laecke E, Van Camp C, Raes A, Van De Walle J. One thousand video-urodynamic studies in children with non-neurogenic bladder sphincter dysfunction. BJU International (2001), 87, 575–580Stamm WE, Raz R. Factors contributing to susceptibility of postmenopausal women to recurrent urinary tract infections. Clin Infect Dis. 1999 Apr;28(4):723-5. doi: 10.1086/515209.

In this issue of BJOG, Mendoza and colleagues report in an observational study the occurrence of a preeclampsia-like syndrome in six out of eight pregnant patients with novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) who were admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) with severe pneumonia (Mendoza M, et al. BJOG 2020). There were no symptoms of preeclampsia amongst the 34 pregnant women who had mild forms of COVID-19. Importantly, the authors recorded not only routine laboratory test results, but also measured biophysical and biochemical markers that are typically altered in women with preeclampsia (uterine artery pulsatility index on Doppler ultrasound, serum soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 [sFLT-1] and placental growth factor [PlGF]). Such markers were normal in five of the six cases, in whom the symptoms of preeclampsia resolved after improvement of the maternal clinical situation.The intriguingly high cumulative incidence of preeclampsia symptoms in women with severe coronavirus disease needs to be interpreted with caution due to the observational nature of the study, the small number of pregnant women with severe infection and the possible role of confounding factors. The normal biomarker results in most cases, nevertheless, suggest that severe coronavirus disease can lead to symptoms that mimic those of preeclampsia in the absence of defective placentation, which is further corroborated by the resolution of the symptoms without the delivery of the placenta when overall clinical improvement occurs. It is plausible that such manifestations are the result of widespread inflammation and endothelial damage, in a process that has been denominated “cytokine storm”, responsible for many of the symptoms of the coronavirus-related organ injury (Mehta P, et al. Lancet 2020;395:1033-34) This mechanism includes activation of inflammation pathways that convert arachidonic acid to prostaglandins, thromboxane and eicosanoids, ultimately provoking significant cytokine release. The cascade of events, however, does not appear to influence the levels of specific preeclampsia angiogenic and anti-angiogenic markers such as sFLT-1 and PlGF.A normal sFLT-1: PlGF ratio in women with clinically suspected preeclampsia can be reliably used predict the short-term absence of disease (Zeisler H, et al. N Engl J Med 2016;374:13-22). Although the definition of preeclampsia has changed over the last 20 years to incorporate less specific clinical features of end-organ damage, biomarkers will likely become part of the disease definition in the years to come or, at least, a valuable tool to select subgroups of women at higher risk of preeclampsia-related morbidity and mortality who require closer monitoring or immediate delivery.While larger cohorts derived from national datasets or international registries of coronavirus disease in pregnancy will be essential to confirm or refute this association, the preliminary data published in this study indicate that delivery during severe coronavirus disease should not be based on preeclampsia symptoms alone, particularly at early gestational ages, and that the use of ultrasound and serum biomarkers such as the sFLT-1: PlGF ratio might help to guide clinical management by distinguishing hypertension and endothelial dysfunction caused by COVID-19-related inflammation from true preeclampsia.No disclosures: A completed disclosure of interest form is available to view online as supporting information.

Dear Editor,We read with great interest, the article titled “Evaluation of treatments for Bartholin’s cyst or abscess: A systematic review” by authors BJG Illingworth K Stocking M Showell E Kirk JMN Duffy Published in BJOG volume 127, issue 6, May 2020. The article was particularly relevant owing to the fact that Bartholin’s Abscess is a common gynaecological presentation which we encounter regularly in clinical practice.Whilst this article provided some insight into the various techniques for managing Bartholin’s Abscess around the world[1] , there were a few points that we would like to raise. It was not unexpected that the meta-analysis finally concluded that no single technique was superior to the others. This may very well have been due to the different criteria used by these studies to assess the effectiveness of the procedure. Since the failure or success of any technique is largely based on the effect on the quality of life and perception of the outcome by the patient, it may have been more prudent to compare different surgical interventions in terms of patient acceptance, overall satisfaction and long term outcome. Also this analysis compiled data from countries where health services are provided by the private and /or the government sector where the financial incentives for performing procedures vary widely [1] . The article does not elaborate on the proportion of patients who had received pharmacological treatment for varying durations prior to these surgical interventions, which undoubtedly may have influenced the outcome[1]. The analysis also does not include any study where marsupialization was performed under local anaesthetic which may be equally if not more effective than the word catheter at equal cost. In the light of current pandemic situation that the whole world is facing, expertise into minimally more invasive gynaecological procedures to be performed in office setting would also be a key point of consideration. We look forward to the authors comments on these factors.Piyushi Sharma,1 Thangamma Katimada-Annaiah,1 Montasser Mahran,1 Dilip Patil,1 Elvyna Lim,1 Joseph Nattey,1 Tarley Davies1Bedford Hospital NHS TrustReferences1. Illingworth BJG, Stocking K, Showell M, Kirk E, Duffy JMN. Evaluation of treatments for Batholin’s Cyst or abscess: A systematic Review. BJOG 2020;127:671-678

Mini-commentary on BJOG-20-0142.R1: Acupuncture for recurrent urinary tract infection in women: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Letter to the Editor, BJOG Exchange

Objective: To define the prevalence of adverse outcomes according to the gestational age of maternal infection in a large cohort of ZIKV-infected Brazilian women and their infants. Design: Prospective, population-based cohort study. Setting: Ribeirão Preto’s region private and public health facilities. Population: All pregnant women with confirmed ZIKV-infection and their infants. Methods: Prenatal/early neonatal data were obtained for all pairs. A subgroup of infants had cranial ultrasonography, eye fundoscopy, hearing, neurological exam, and Bayley III screening test within 3 months of age. Main Outcome Measures: Prevalence of pregnancy losses, anomalies detected at birth or within 3 months according to the gestational age of infection. Results: 511 women with ZIKV were identified from a total of 1116 women with flavivirus-type symptoms. Pregnancy losses 24/511(4.7%) and/or ZIKV-related anomalies occurred in 43/511(8.4%) mothers. Microcephaly or other CNS malformations were diagnosed in 1/4(25.0%) of the stillbirths and 19/489[3.9%;CI95%:2.5-5.9] of the live-born infants, with 13/513[2.5%;CI95%:1.5-4.3] neonates presenting major signs of CZS. Fetal abnormalities were 14.0(CI95%:7.6-26.0) times more likely with gestational infection <11 weeks. Among 280 asymptomatic evaluated infants, 2/155(1.3%) had eye abnormalities, 1/207(0.5%) CNS imaging significant findings, and 16/199(8%) neurological alert signs. Conclusions: This prospective, population-based study represents the largest Brazilian cohort of ZIKV in pregnancy. Congenital anomalies potentially associated with CZS are less frequent than previously thought. There is a strong relationship between the gestational age of infection (<11 weeks) and worse early infant prognosis. A notable proportion of apparently asymptomatic newborns can present with subclinical findings within 3 months of age. Funding: FAEPA/SES-SP

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