Recent advances in cultivation-independent molecular-based techniques for the characterization of vaginal eubiosis and dysbiosis.

"The bacterial vaginosis syndrome" has significant adverse effects for women and babies, including preterm birth and increased risk of acquisition of sexually transmitted infections and HIV. Currently, the gold standard for diagnosis is Gram stain microscopy of vaginal secretions, which is not readily available, is somewhat subjective, and does not differentiate between the likely different subtypes of vaginal dysbioses that may have different etiologies, microbiology, responses to antibiotics, and phenotypic outcomes. With new information from molecular-based, cultivation-independent studies, there is increasing interest in the use of molecular techniques for the diagnosis of bacterial vaginosis.

The influence of the vaginal microbiota on preterm birth: A systematic review and recommendations for a minimum dataset for future research.

Objective: This systematic review aims to identify, critically appraise and summarize the results of studies examining the relationship between the vaginal microbiota and preterm birth (PTB).

Methods: We searched the electronic databases Medline, EMBASE and the Cochrane Controlled Register of Trials for studies in any language reporting on vaginal microbiota and PTB published from 1990 to November 29th, 2017. We included any study that performed lower genital tract microbiota assessment in asymptomatic pregnant women and reported on spontaneous preterm birth, with either intact or ruptured membranes.

Validation of hospital discharge diagnoses for hypertensive disorders of pregnancy.

Introduction: A correct diagnosis of preeclampsia and gestational hypertension is important for treatment and epidemiological studies. Changes in diagnostic criteria and underreporting in certain subsets of patients may hamper validity of the diagnoses.

Materials And Methods: We validated the discharge diagnoses of preeclampsia and gestational hypertension, which are reported to the Danish National Patient Registry, in a cohort of 2163 pregnant women by retrospective evaluation of electronic hospital data.

Prediction of preeclampsia with angiogenic biomarkers. Results from the prospective Odense Child Cohort.

Objective: We aimed to investigate how maternal serum soluble Fms-like kinase 1 (sFlt-1), placental growth factor (PlGF), and sFlt-1/PlGF ratio prospectively associate to preeclampsia (PE) and clinical subtypes.

Methods: In an unselected cohort of 1909 pregnant women, sFlt-1 and PlGF were measured with KRYPTOR assays in gestational weeks (GW) 8-14 and 20-34. Associations to PE were assessed by receiver operating characteristics and logistic regression.