Article
Peripheral Vascular Disease
Anna Kivioja, Elli Toivonen, Jaakko Tyrmi, Sanni Ruotsalainen, Samuli Ripatti, Heini Huhtala, Tiina Jaaskelainen, Seppo Heinonen, Eero Kajantie, Juha Kere, Katja Kivinen, Anneli Pouta, Tanja Saarela, Hannele Laivuori
Summary: The study found that the polygenic risk score for blood pressure (BP-PRS) is associated with an increased risk of preeclampsia and its severe subtypes, with women with high BP-PRS presenting higher blood pressure values during pregnancy.
Article
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Shi Fang, M. Christine Livergood, Pablo Nakagawa, Jing Wu, Curt D. Sigmund
Summary: This review focuses on the mechanisms by which nuclear receptors mediate transcriptional responses, with a specific emphasis on the role of PPARγ in regulating blood pressure. Genetic and clinical trial data demonstrate the importance of PPARγ in hypertension, and the tissue- and cell-specific molecular mechanisms by which PPARs modulate blood pressure and related phenotypes are detailed. The role of placental PPARs in preeclampsia is also discussed, along with future research directions and implications for novel therapies.
CIRCULATION RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Peripheral Vascular Disease
Eva G. Mulder, Chahinda Ghossein-Doha, Ella Cauffman, Veronica A. Lopes van Balen, Veronique M. M. M. Schiffer, Robert-Jan Alers, Jolien Oben, Luc Smits, Sander M. J. van Kuijk, Marc E. A. Spaanderman
Summary: Tailored circulatory normalization of nonphysiological hemodynamic changes during pregnancy can reduce the risk of recurrent preeclampsia in high-risk populations. This simple and innovative treatment strategy shows no adverse effects on offspring outcomes.
Article
Peripheral Vascular Disease
Kyle R. Roell, Quaker E. Harmon, Kari Klungsoyr, Anna E. Bauer, Per Magnus, Stephanie M. Engel
Summary: This study investigated changes in gestational blood pressure trajectories among preeclampsia cases, finding that individuals with a more rapid increase in blood pressure and those with a high starting blood pressure experienced worse pregnancy outcomes.
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Young Mi Jung, Gyu Chul Oh, Eunjin Noh, Hae-Young Lee, Min-Jeong Oh, Joong Shin Park, Jong Kwan Jun, Seung Mi Lee, Geum Joon Cho
Summary: Hypertension before pregnancy, specifically stage I hypertension, increases the risk of obstetric complications. Lower pre-pregnancy blood pressure is associated with better maternal and neonatal outcomes. Pregnant women with stage I hypertension prior to pregnancy should be carefully monitored for adverse outcomes.
BMC PREGNANCY AND CHILDBIRTH
(2022)
Article
Peripheral Vascular Disease
Sonia Johnson, Sanne Gordijn, Stefanie Damhuis, Wessel Ganzevoort, Mark Brown, Peter von Dadelszen, Laura A. Magee, Asma Khalil
Summary: This study used the Delphi procedure to reach consensus on diagnostic criteria and monitoring strategies for white coat hypertension in pregnancy.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Emma Preston, Marie-France Hivert, Abby F. Fleisch, Antonia M. Calafat, Sharon K. Sagiv, Wei Perng, Sheryl L. Rifas-Shiman, Jorge E. Chavarro, Emily Oken, Ami R. Zota, Tamarra James-Todd
Summary: This study found that exposure to certain PFAS may increase the risk of gestational hypertension during pregnancy, with potential implications for maternal and child health outcomes.
ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL
(2022)
Article
Psychiatry
Margaret H. Bublitz, Elena Salmoirago-Blotcher, Laura Sanapo, Nina Ayala, Niharika Mehta, Ghada Bourjeily
Summary: This pilot randomized clinical trial suggests that prenatal mindfulness training is feasible and acceptable, and may be a useful adjunctive preventative treatment for hypertensive disorders of pregnancy among at-risk pregnant patients.
JOURNAL OF PSYCHOSOMATIC RESEARCH
(2023)
Review
Cell Biology
Megan A. Opichka, Matthew W. Rappelt, David D. Gutterman, Justin L. Grobe, Jennifer J. McIntosh
Summary: Preeclampsia is a life-threatening cardiovascular disorder associated with pregnancy, potentially caused by dysfunction in maternal and placental blood vessels and other factors. Current gaps in knowledge include detailed understanding of its underlying causes and effective treatment options.
Article
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Janet M. Catov, Rebecca B. McNeil, Derek J. Marsh, Brian M. Mercer, C. Noel Bairey Merz, Corette B. Parker, Victoria L. Pemberton, George R. Saade, Yii-Der (Ida) Chen, Judith H. Chung, Deborah B. Ehrenthal, William A. Grobman, David M. Haas, Samuel Parry, LuAnn Polito, Uma M. Reddy, Robert M. Silver, Hyagriv N. Simhan, Ronald J. Wapner, Michelle Kominiarek, Rolf Kreutz, Lisa D. Levine, Philip Greenland
Summary: In primiparous women, APO/GDM is associated with atherosclerotic characteristics and increased risk of hypertension later. Higher glucose, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, and triglycerides levels are linked to hypertension, while increased physical activity is protective. Nonobese individuals with higher lipid, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, and insulin levels have increased risk of APO/GDM and hypertension.
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN HEART ASSOCIATION
(2021)
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Adila Awaludin, Cherry Rahayu, Nur Aizati Athirah Daud, Neily Zakiyah
Summary: This systematic review assessed the efficacy and safety of antihypertensive drugs in severe hypertension during pregnancy. The results showed that several drugs, including nifedipine and labetalol, can be used for the treatment of severe hypertension in pregnancy. There was no difference in the risk of maternal hypotension, maternal and fetal outcomes, and adverse effects between the drugs, except for dihydralazine and ketanserin, which had more adverse effects.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Katarzyna Gajewska, Marzena Laskowska, Agostinho Almeida, Edgar Pinto, Katarzyna Skorzynska-Dziduszko, Anna Blazewicz
Summary: The study compared blood lead levels in preeclamptic women with healthy pregnant women, finding significantly higher BLL in the PE group. Furthermore, BLL showed a significant positive relationship with the presence of PE.
Article
Peripheral Vascular Disease
Laura A. Magee, Jeffrey Bone, Salwa Banoo Owasil, Joel Singer, Terry Lee, Mrutunjaya B. Bellad, Shivaprasad S. Goudar, Alexander G. Logan, Salesio E. Macuacua, Ashalata A. Mallapur, Hannah L. Nathan, Rahat N. Qureshi, Esperanca Sevene, Andrew H. Shennan, Anifa Vala, Marianne Vidler, Zulfiqar A. Bhutta, Peter von Dadelszen
Summary: In pregnancy, higher blood pressure levels and visit-to-visit variability are associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes, with each 5 mm Hg increase in blood pressure levels leading to increased odds of the composite outcome. Increased blood pressure visit-to-visit variability is also associated with increased odds of hypertension and adverse pregnancy outcomes.
Review
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Sander de Haas, Eva Mulder, Niklas Schartmann, Zenab Mohseni, Fatimah Abo Hasson, Fatimah Alsadah, Sander van Kuijk, Joris van Drongelen, Chahinda Ghossein-Doha, Marc Spaanderman
Summary: This meta-analysis revealed a clinically moderate, but significant mid-pregnancy drop in blood pressure during normotensive pregnancy, while the lack of a mid-pregnancy systolic blood pressure drop might indicate increased vascular resistance in women predisposed to develop hypertensive pregnancy complications.
PREGNANCY HYPERTENSION-AN INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF WOMENS CARDIOVASCULAR HEALTH
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Sabrina M. Bedell, Grace R. Lyden, Sheela Sathyanarayana, Emily S. Barrett, Kelly K. Ferguson, Ashley Santilli, Nicole R. Bush, Shanna H. Swan, Thomas F. McElrath, Ruby H. N. Nguyen
Summary: Several phthalate metabolite concentrations were found to be significantly associated with pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH) and increased systolic blood pressure throughout pregnancy.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH
(2021)
Letter
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Nnabuike Chibuoke Ngene, Jagidesa Moodley, Lameck Chinula, Mushi Matjila
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF OBSTETRICS & GYNECOLOGY AND REPRODUCTIVE BIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Samantha Budhram, Valerie Vannevel, Tanita Botha, Lawrence Chauke, Shastra Bhoora, Gaynor M. Balie, Natalie Odell, Hennie Lombaard, Amy Wise, Chrysanthi Georgiou, Nondumiso Ngxola, Emma Wynne, Unati Mbewu, Mfundo Mabenge, Sibusiso Phinzi, Nontsikelelo Gubu-Ntaba, Gareth Goldman, Kay Tunkyi, Sudhir Prithipal, Keshree Naidoo, Santhi Venkatachalam, Terence Moodley, Sean Mould, Mzuvele Hlabisa, Logie Govender, Charlene Maistry, John P. Habineza, Priya Israel, Serantha Foolchand, Nomandla Tsibiyane, Mala Panday, Priya Soma-Pillay, Sumaiya Adam, Felicia Molokoane, Matthew S. Mojela, Elizabeth J. van Rensburg, Tshililo Mashamba, Mushi Matjila, Sue Fawcus, Ayesha Osman, Mareli Venter, Gregory Petro, Ahminah Fakier, Eduard Langenegger, Catherine A. Cluver, Adrie Bekker, Liesl de Waard, Chantal Stewart, Nnabuike C. Ngene, Ongombe Lunda, Sylvia N. Cebekhulu, Siva Moodley, Mama-Asu Koranteng-Peprah, Emmanuel M. C. Ati, Salome Maswime, Laura M. Yates
Summary: The maternal mortality rate was high among pregnant women admitted with SARS-CoV-2 infection in South African healthcare facilities, with higher rates in those admitted primarily for COVID-19 illness and tuberculosis being the only co-morbidity associated with admission. Rates of cesarean delivery did not significantly differ and neonatal outcomes were similar among infected women admitted for COVID-19 and other indications.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF GYNECOLOGY & OBSTETRICS
(2021)
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Nnabuike Chibuoke Ngene, Jagidesa Moodley
Summary: In normotensive women, there were positive correlations between sFlt-1 and postpartum PSS, and between sFlt-1/PIGF ratio and postpartum PSS. In both normotensive and severe pre-eclampsia groups, there were non-significant correlations between PIGF and postpartum PSS, and non-significant correlations between pre-delivery PSS and pre-delivery VNRS. Other correlations were inconclusive.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF GYNECOLOGY & OBSTETRICS
(2022)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Sergius C. Onwukwe, Nnabuike C. Ngene
Summary: This study assessed the extent of uncontrolled blood pressure and its predictors among hypertensive patients in a rural community in South Africa. The results showed that poor treatment adherence, obesity, and diabetes were significant predictors of uncontrolled blood pressure. To improve the management of hypertension, behavior change interventions and the use of a Community-Based Physical and Electronic Reminding and Tracking System (CB-PERTS) are recommended.
SOUTH AFRICAN FAMILY PRACTICE
(2022)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Nnabuike C. Ngene
Summary: In this case, a patient developed severe vaginal bleeding during MVA procedure, leading to the discovery of multiple uterine perforations during surgery. The surgical procedure was complicated, emphasizing the importance of maintaining awareness and avoiding loss of perception during surgery.
AFRICAN HEALTH SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Nnabuike C. Ngene, Jagidesa Moodley
Summary: Determining the primary cause of death for deceased patients with multiple diagnoses is challenging. The authors propose a modified version of the NJ model II to improve the objectivity and reproducibility of assigning the primary cause of death in deceased patients with multiple diagnoses.
SOUTHERN AFRICAN JOURNAL OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2022)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Nnabuike Chibuoke Ngene
Summary: The proximity of the uterus and cervix to the urinary tract predisposes the latter to injury during obstetrical and gynaecological surgical procedures. Preliminary imaging reports should be limited to emergencies when determining the indication for invasive procedures.
AFRICAN HEALTH SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
N. F. Moran, O. P. Khaliq, N. C. Ngene, J. Moodley
Summary: Isolated maternal tachycardia at rest is a clinical alert and should be investigated and managed promptly to avoid serious adverse events. This report reflects on a case of persistent maternal tachycardia resulting in fatal collapse due to mitral stenosis, highlighting the importance of timely investigation and management.
SAMJ SOUTH AFRICAN MEDICAL JOURNAL
(2022)
Article
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Nnabuike Chibuoke Ngene, Jagidesa Moodley
Summary: Pre-eclampsia complicated by pulmonary edema, severe hypertension, and other complications is a devastating condition, and understanding the underlying mechanisms during such emergencies is challenging without functional and responsive point-of-care imaging, laboratory, and critical-care services. This case highlights the experience of an unbooked 26-year-old patient presenting with symptoms of pre-eclampsia, severe hypertension, and pulmonary edema, who developed complications during transfer and eventually died in the intensive care unit. The article emphasizes several lessons, including the need for central venous pressure monitoring before cesarean delivery to facilitate timely surgery in case of deterioration.
CARDIOVASCULAR JOURNAL OF AFRICA
(2022)
Editorial Material
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Lawrence Chauke, Shastra Bhoora, Nnabuike Chibuoke Ngene
CASE REPORTS IN WOMENS HEALTH
(2023)
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Nnabuike Chibuoke Ngene
Summary: This article describes a three-layer repair of an obstetric rectal buttonhole tear (ORBT) and provides clinical lessons. The three-layer repair may improve the tensile strength at the injury site. However, a two-layer repair can also be chosen in rare cases where the vagino-rectal fascia is not identifiable.
CASE REPORTS IN WOMENS HEALTH
(2023)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Raymond Bvumbi, Nnabuike Chibuoke Ngene
Summary: This study discusses a case of a 14-year-old girl who experienced pelvic pain and vaginal hematocolpometra due to an imperforate hymen during the COVID-19 pandemic. Treatment with partial and wide hymenectomy can prevent closure of the hymenal orifice after surgery. It is recommended to strengthen community awareness and counseling to mitigate the negative effects of imperforate hymen on girls.
AFRICAN HEALTH SCIENCES
(2023)
Review
Education, Scientific Disciplines
Nnabuike Chibuoke Ngene
Summary: This article discusses the principles of educational domains that academics need to know in order to write their teaching philosophy statements. The study found a lack of comprehensive literature on the required domain knowledge. It emphasizes the importance of using various teaching practices and models to achieve high-quality learning and valuable transformations in the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning.
ADVANCES IN MEDICAL EDUCATION AND PRACTICE
(2023)
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Ugonna Aja-Okorie, Nnabuike Chibuoke Ngene
Summary: This case report highlights the importance of increased vigilance by healthcare professionals in diagnosing and treating atypical preeclampsia to prevent adverse outcomes. The report suggests that robust screening using history, physical examination, ultrasonography, and biomarkers in the first trimester can help identify women at high risk for prophylactic therapy with aspirin.
CASE REPORTS IN WOMENS HEALTH
(2022)
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Ogbonnaya Orji, Nnabuike Chibuoke Ngene
Summary: We report a rare case of childbirth trauma resulting in stretching and prolapsing of the anterior lip of the cervix, and describe the management approach.
CASE REPORTS IN WOMENS HEALTH
(2022)