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An epigenetic cause of miscarriages is identified and cured in mice

Researchers have identified the Xist gene as a critical regulator of fetal development in mice, leading to miscarriage and abnormal placentas when epigenetic instructions are missing. The study's findings suggest that failed Xist imprinting can be 'cured' by targeting specific genes involved in histone modifications.

SourceRIKEN·JournalGenes & Development·DateApr 27, 2022

First study to detect Delta variant of SARS-CoV-2 in maternal bloodstream and placenta in cases of stillbirth and pregnancy complications

Researchers have detected the Delta variant of SARS-CoV-2 in the blood and placentas of women who experienced stillbirths and serious pregnancy complications. The study found that the virus was widely disseminated, causing severe inflammation of the placenta and leading to stillbirths.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalThe Journal of Infectious Diseases·TypeObservational study·DateJan 13, 2022

Widespread vaginal condition could lead to emergency caesarean section

A new study by researchers at the University of Copenhagen found that an imbalance in vaginal bacteria is associated with a higher risk of emergency caesarean section. The study analyzed 1,396 samples from 736 pregnant women and discovered that those with greater levels of imbalance were more likely to deliver via C-section.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - Faculty of Science·JournalClinical Microbiology and Infection·DateDec 1, 2021

New evidence identified on safety of IVF embryo screening method

Researchers at the University of Kent identified strong evidence-based benefits of preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy (PGT-A) in IVF. Live birth rates per embryo transferred and per treatment cycle were significantly higher with PGT-A compared to regular IVF, especially in women over 40.

SourceUniversity of Kent·JournalJournal of Assisted Reproduction and Genetics·TypeObservational study·DateNov 15, 2021

Recognize every miscarriage as a bereavement, UK government urged

The UK government is being called on to recognize every miscarriage as a bereavement, rather than an illness, and award statutory bereavement leave. This would provide parents with up to 1 week of paid leave after a miscarriage, regardless of gestation, and address the current arbitrary cliff edge at 24 weeks.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalBMJ Sexual & Reproductive Health·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateNov 15, 2021

Science is based on promises, not on mere rules

The removal of the 14-day rule from international guidelines on embryo research has sparked concerns among bioethicists about the lack of consideration for potential consequences. The authors argue that countries should not automatically amend their laws without thoughtful discussions involving stakeholders and citizens.

SourceKyoto University·JournalEMBO Reports·TypeMeta-analysis·DateSep 6, 2021

Pregnancy outcomes are affected by both maternal and paternal inflammatory disease

Women with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) have an increased likelihood of pre-term birth and small babies. High maternal disease activity during pregnancy strengthens these associations. In contrast, paternal inflammatory disease is associated with a higher risk of miscarriage, particularly in pregnancies conceived after the father's diagno...

ED visits for appendicitis, miscarriage fell sharply in first wave of COVID-19 pandemic

Emergency department visits for common conditions like appendicitis and miscarriage dropped significantly during the first wave of COVID-19, but there was no increase in adverse patient outcomes. Researchers found that management strategies remained unchanged, suggesting that patients who required emergency care continued to seek help ...

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateMay 25, 2021

Better treatment for miscarriage patients is more cost effective than standard NHS treatment

A new study published in the British Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology found that a combined drug treatment for missed miscarriage is more effective and cheaper than current standard medication. The treatment, combining mifepristone and misoprostol, was on average £182 cheaper per successfully managed miscarriage.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalBritish Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology·DateMay 11, 2021

NIH study suggests opioid use linked to pregnancy loss, lower chance of conception

A National Institutes of Health study has found that women trying to conceive who use opioids are more likely to experience lower chances of achieving pregnancy and an increased risk of miscarriage during early pregnancy. Opioid use was associated with a 29% lower chance of becoming pregnant within a given monthly cycle.

Mild thyroid dysfunction affects one in five women with a history of miscarriage or subfertility

A new study published in the Endocrine Society's Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism found that up to one in five women with a history of miscarriage or subfertility have mild thyroid dysfunction. Detecting thyroid abnormalities prior to conception may improve pregnancy outcomes for these women.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateJun 17, 2020

Progesterone from an unexpected source may affect miscarriage risk

A recent study found that disruptions in progesterone signaling between maternal and embryonic tissue may be linked to recurrent miscarriage. The study discovered that migratory cells from the placenta produce enzymes necessary for progesterone production, which are lower in women with a history of recurrent miscarriages.

SourceAmerican Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology·JournalJournal of Lipid Research·DateJan 6, 2020

Progesterone could increase births in women with early pregnancy bleeding and previous miscarriage

A large trial has found that progesterone treatment can increase the chances of a baby being born for women who experience early pregnancy bleeding and have a history of miscarriage. The study involved over 4,000 pregnant women and showed a significant increase in live births among those receiving progesterone treatment.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateMay 8, 2019

Well-known drug has less risk for preterm delivery in PCOS

A study published in The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology journal found that metformin can halve the risk of late miscarriage and preterm births for women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Women who received metformin during pregnancy also gained less weight, but there was no effect on gestational diabetes or pre-eclampsia.

SourceNorwegian University of Science and Technology·JournalThe Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology·DateApr 1, 2019

Levothyroxine treatment in women with thyroid antibodies may not increase live birth rate

A large study led by the University of Birmingham found that treating women with normal thyroid function and thyroid peroxidase antibodies with Levothyroxine did not increase live-birth rates. The researchers suggested that previous recommendations to use Levothyroxine in these women may have been based on limited evidence.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateMar 23, 2019

Miscarriage from a man's perspective

Researchers found five common metaphors used by men to describe their partner's miscarriage, including 'lost gift' and 'chaotic movement'. These metaphors revealed societal expectations around masculinity and pregnancy. The study aims to encourage couples to co-cope with miscarriage through metaphorical expression.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalHealth Communication·DateMar 20, 2019

Recurrent miscarriage linked to faulty sperm

A study of 50 men with partners who experienced recurrent miscarriages found higher levels of DNA damage in their sperm compared to healthy control groups. The researchers suggest that oxidative stress triggered by reactive oxygen species may contribute to the risk of miscarriage, and are investigating potential treatments.

SourceImperial College London·JournalClinical Chemistry·DateJan 4, 2019

A single missing gene leads to miscarriage

Research reveals a single missing gene in mothers leads to miscarriages due to placenta problems, including fewer blood vessels and altered shape. The study provides new insights into recurrent miscarriage in humans and lays the foundation for further research on placenta development.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalScientific Reports·DateOct 19, 2018

Drug combination offers more effective care for patients suffering miscarriage

Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine found that a two-drug combination of mifepristone and misoprostol can effectively complete miscarriages, reducing the need for surgical intervention. The study showed that 91.2% of women experienced gestational sac expulsion after receiving the treatment.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJun 6, 2018