Feature Papers in Reproductive Medicine 2024

A special issue of Reproductive Medicine (ISSN 2673-3897).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 December 2024) | Viewed by 8851

Special Issue Editor


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Guest Editor
Division of Cell Biology, Histology and Embryology, Gottfried Schatz Research Center, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
Interests: cell biology; morphology; apoptosis; human placenta; trophoblast; invasion; preeclampsia; IUGR
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Since Reproductive Medicine is an international, open access journal on obstetrics, gynecology, and reproductive biology, this collection should include review articles as well as original articles covering the whole field. This includes but is not limited to the biology of the maternal–fetal interplay and its (pathological) variations, especially with regard to the human placenta and comparative placentology in animals. This also includes major pregnancy syndromes such as fetal growth restriction, pre-eclampsia, gestational diabetes mellitus, recurrent pregnancy loss, among others. These things considered, readers should find articles on all reproductive organs and their diseases, and they should be able to read articles about infertility and assisted reproductive technologies and fertility. Epidemiological studies and studies on reproductive endocrinology and immunology should be included as well. Finally, the molecular and cellular mechanisms of reproduction should be included too, as well as their genetics, respective testing, and genetic diagnosis.

We hope to initiate a topical collection of featured articles that highlight the importance of the field and the journal and that will attract many readers as well.

Prof. Dr. Berthold Huppertz
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

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Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Reproductive Medicine is an international peer-reviewed open access quarterly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 1000 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • andrology
  • assisted reproductive technologies
  • fertility
  • gynecology
  • maternal–fetal biology
  • obstetrics
  • placenta
  • pregnancy pathologies
  • prenatal diagnosis
  • sexual organs

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Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

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10 pages, 242 KiB  
Article
Incidentally Identified Basal Plate Myometrial Fibers and Hemorrhage Risk in the Subsequent Pregnancy
by Gianna T. Le, Galen Schauer, Yun-Yi Hung, Yunjie Li, Miranda Ritterman Weintraub and Mara B. Greenberg
Reprod. Med. 2025, 6(2), 10; https://doi.org/10.3390/reprodmed6020010 - 14 Apr 2025
Viewed by 230
Abstract
Background/Objectives: This study examines index pregnancies with histopathological diagnosis of placenta accreta, based on findings of basal plate myometrial fibers (BPMFs) without intervening decidua, and the risk of hemorrhagic morbidity and/or clinically adherent placenta in the subsequent pregnancy. Outcomes were compared between index [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: This study examines index pregnancies with histopathological diagnosis of placenta accreta, based on findings of basal plate myometrial fibers (BPMFs) without intervening decidua, and the risk of hemorrhagic morbidity and/or clinically adherent placenta in the subsequent pregnancy. Outcomes were compared between index pregnancies with incidental asymptomatic BPMF findings and those with symptoms based on hemorrhagic and placental factors. Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted at a large, integrated healthcare system from 2008 to 2019. All patients with an index finding of BPMF without intervening decidua and subsequent delivery of a live singleton were identified. Index pregnancies with BPMF were categorized as asymptomatic or symptomatic by the absence or presence of hemorrhagic morbidity and/or clinically adherent placenta. Rates of hemorrhagic morbidity and clinically adherent placenta in the subsequent pregnancy were compared among asymptomatic and symptomatic BPMF index pregnancies in bivariate analyses and multivariate models controlling for potential confounders. Results: A total of 140 patients were found to have BPMF and a subsequent delivery of a live singleton. Subsequent hemorrhagic morbidity/adherent placenta occurred in 28% of cases, with a lower incidence in asymptomatic patients (8% vs. 39%, p < 0.0001). Symptomatic BPMF was associated with increased odds of hemorrhagic morbidity/adherent placenta (aOR 10.2, 95% CI 2.7–38.4). Among 71 patients with subsequent placental pathology, 32% had recurrent BPMF, which correlated with higher morbidity compared to those without recurrence or those without placental pathology (61% vs. 40% vs. 9%, p < 0.0001). Conclusions: Incidentally identified BPMF was associated with a lower rate of subsequent hemorrhagic morbidity and/or adherent placenta compared to symptomatic BPMF. Symptomatic BPMF is highly associated with hemorrhagic morbidity and/or adherent placenta in the next pregnancy compared with incidentally identified BPMF, particularly if it is recurrent. These data can inform counseling and management of pregnant individuals with BPMF planning subsequent pregnancies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers in Reproductive Medicine 2024)
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11 pages, 504 KiB  
Article
Comparison by Mode of Delivery of Preterm Pregnancy Inductions with Cervical Ripening Balloon: A Retrospective Chart Review
by Lindsey A. Roth, Elana Kreiger-Benson, Steven Friedman, Dana R. Gossett and Lisa Shanahan
Reprod. Med. 2024, 5(4), 186-196; https://doi.org/10.3390/reprodmed5040017 - 30 Sep 2024
Viewed by 1533
Abstract
Background: Preterm inductions may be necessary for maternal comorbidities or fetal abnormalities. Previous studies have identified risk factors for undergoing a cesarean delivery (CD). Our study examined the insertion-to-expulsion time (IET) of cervical ripening balloons (CRB) in preterm inductions that achieved vaginal delivery [...] Read more.
Background: Preterm inductions may be necessary for maternal comorbidities or fetal abnormalities. Previous studies have identified risk factors for undergoing a cesarean delivery (CD). Our study examined the insertion-to-expulsion time (IET) of cervical ripening balloons (CRB) in preterm inductions that achieved vaginal delivery (VD) compared to CD. Methods: This was a retrospective cohort study of preterm inductions with CRB between 2010 and 2021. Primary outcome was IET of CRB. IRB approval was obtained. Results: The study included 82 women. IET for cesarean patients was significantly greater, and required more removal of CRB at the allotted 12 h. Dilation before and after CRB was significantly greater in the vaginal cohort. There was no significant difference in maternal comorbidities, indication for induction or neonatal complications. Conclusions: Maternal comorbidities, induction indication and neonatal complications were similar between cohorts, making trial of induction with CRB in preterm women a reasonable option. Spontaneous expulsion of CRB and greater dilation may be predictors of vaginal delivery. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers in Reproductive Medicine 2024)
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Review

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14 pages, 886 KiB  
Review
Acute Fatty Liver of Pregnancy
by Alesha White, David B. Nelson and F. Gary Cunningham
Reprod. Med. 2024, 5(4), 288-301; https://doi.org/10.3390/reprodmed5040025 - 2 Dec 2024
Viewed by 2118
Abstract
Acute fatty liver of pregnancy (AFLP), although rare, is a potentially fatal obstetrical disorder. It is characterized by acute liver failure of varying degrees with associated coagulopathy that occurs often in the third trimester of pregnancy. The following review discusses the history, etiopathogenesis, [...] Read more.
Acute fatty liver of pregnancy (AFLP), although rare, is a potentially fatal obstetrical disorder. It is characterized by acute liver failure of varying degrees with associated coagulopathy that occurs often in the third trimester of pregnancy. The following review discusses the history, etiopathogenesis, and subsequent clinical and laboratory findings that are associated with this disorder. It additionally attempts to aid in differentiating AFLP from other common obstetrical and non-obstetrical diseases with special emphasis on its differentiation from hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, and low platelets (HELLP) syndrome. This review also discusses recommendations for delivery and postpartum care with focus on return to baseline and additional life-saving measures that may need to be pursued in the most difficult and refractory cases. Finally, it addresses maternal and perinatal outcomes associated with the disorder and the effect that this disorder can have on future pregnancies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers in Reproductive Medicine 2024)
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17 pages, 833 KiB  
Review
Optimizing Reproductive Options for Young Women with Cervical Cancer
by Giulia Mattei, Francesco Iaculli, Fabiana Carbone, Alessandro Mondo and Ludovico Muzii
Reprod. Med. 2024, 5(4), 263-279; https://doi.org/10.3390/reprodmed5040023 - 18 Nov 2024
Viewed by 1542
Abstract
Cervical cancer is one of the leading causes of mortality in women of reproductive age. In recent years, the development of preventive and therapeutic strategies has significantly increased survival rates. While this represents an important medical achievement, it has also raised a major [...] Read more.
Cervical cancer is one of the leading causes of mortality in women of reproductive age. In recent years, the development of preventive and therapeutic strategies has significantly increased survival rates. While this represents an important medical achievement, it has also raised a major social issue regarding the need to ensure an adequate quality of life for surviving patients. Many of these women are left without their reproductive capacity at an age when their desire for motherhood has not yet been fulfilled. Infertility or subfertility in cancer survivors is actually a growing problem, complicated by the current trend of increasingly delaying pregnancy. The psychological effects of this issue can be devastating, sometimes even more so than the cancer diagnosis itself. Although today fertility-sparing surgeries can ensure excellent reproductive outcomes with minimal oncological risk, obstetric sequelae remain significant, and affected women often require specialized care pathways. Additionally, adequate counselling is still not provided to all patients who cannot access fertility-sparing treatments and who find themselves without hope. Reproductive medicine is therefore facing the modern challenge of offering concrete options to help these patients realize their desire for motherhood. The aim of this article is to provide an overview of the therapeutic options available to young women facing an early- or later-stage diagnosis of cervical cancer. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers in Reproductive Medicine 2024)
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18 pages, 341 KiB  
Review
The Evolving Maternal Vaccine Platform
by Rebecca M. Adams and Bernard Gonik
Reprod. Med. 2024, 5(3), 154-171; https://doi.org/10.3390/reprodmed5030014 - 7 Aug 2024
Viewed by 2103
Abstract
Maternal vaccination is a safe and effective means of preventing infection in pregnant women, their fetuses, and infants after birth. Several vaccines are routinely administered in pregnancy as a valuable part of prenatal care with supporting recommendations from national and international health organizations. [...] Read more.
Maternal vaccination is a safe and effective means of preventing infection in pregnant women, their fetuses, and infants after birth. Several vaccines are routinely administered in pregnancy as a valuable part of prenatal care with supporting recommendations from national and international health organizations. Fears concerning vaccine safety in pregnancy are pervasive despite sufficient available safety data to support their use, leading to underutilization of maternal immunization. Despite this hesitancy, the field of maternal vaccination is evolving to include more vaccines in the routine prenatal vaccination schedule, including the new RSV vaccine. This review discusses the currently recommended vaccines in pregnancy, evidence for their use, and an overview of ongoing clinical trials investigating prospective vaccines for pregnant women. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers in Reproductive Medicine 2024)

Other

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16 pages, 1648 KiB  
Systematic Review
Low-Dose Aspirin for Preterm Birth Prevention in Low- and Middle-Income Countries: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
by Yeeshana Ganpat and Fiona Campbell
Reprod. Med. 2025, 6(2), 8; https://doi.org/10.3390/reprodmed6020008 - 27 Mar 2025
Viewed by 325
Abstract
Background/Objective: Preterm births disproportionately affect low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), where evidence-based interventions to improve birth outcomes are lacking. The objective of this study was to systematically review, collate, and synthesize data on low-dose aspirin’s (LDA) effect on the incidence of preterm births [...] Read more.
Background/Objective: Preterm births disproportionately affect low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), where evidence-based interventions to improve birth outcomes are lacking. The objective of this study was to systematically review, collate, and synthesize data on low-dose aspirin’s (LDA) effect on the incidence of preterm births in women from LMICs. Materials and Methods: This review included nine randomized controlled trials (RCTs) spanning thirteen LMICs, with 22,545 participants. The intervention group comprised 11,275 participants and the control group comprised 11,270 participants. The relative risk ratios and pooled intervention effects were calculated using Review Manager software, RevMan v5.4.1, with a random effects model. Low-dose aspirin’s effects on five outcomes were analyzed: preterm birth, perinatal mortality, low birth weight, antepartum hemorrhage, and post-partum hemorrhage. The quality of the studies was assessed by the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool and overall quality of evidence, using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) approach. Two independent authors participated in screening, data extraction, and quality assessment of the included studies. Results: Low-dose aspirin therapy significantly lowered the risks of preterm births (RR 0.91, 95% CI 0.84–0.98, p = 0.02) and perinatal mortality (RR 0.83, 95% CI 0.73–0.94, p < 0.01) in at-risk pregnant women from LMICs. Its effects on low birthweight and ante- and post-partum hemorrhages were less conclusive. Conclusions: Targeted LDA therapy should be considered to reduce preterm births in at-risk pregnant women from LMICs. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers in Reproductive Medicine 2024)
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