Seasonal variation in home blood pressure during pregnancy and frequency of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy: a multicenter prospective study of home blood pressure measurements in pregnant women using information technology.

This multicenter prospective study investigated seasonal variation in home blood pressure (HBP) during pregnancy and its association with the frequency of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) and developed trimester-specific upper limits of HBP according to season. Low-risk women with singleton pregnancies were recruited at six university hospitals and three maternity clinics. HBP was measured by a sphygmomanometer twice daily and recorded online using a mobile application.

Current Status of Cooperation Between Obstetric Care Institutes and Psychiatrists in Japan.

In May 2024, we requested all obstetric institutes (n = 1970) that are members of the Japan Association of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (JAOG) to provide information concerning the collaboration between obstetric institutes and psychiatrists in Japan, such as (1) pregnancy and delivery management of all pregnant women with psychiatric complications, and (2) availability of smooth collaboration with associated psychiatry (or psychiatrists) regarding pregnant women with psychiatric complications. Of the 1970 obstetric institutes, 1483 (75.2%) responded with valid information (completion of data submitted).

Challenges for early diagnosis of neonatal herpes infection in Japan.

Background: This study aimed to analyze the recent prevalence of neonatal herpes simplex virus infection, maternal symptoms in the presence of neonate who has herpes simplex virus infection, and mode of delivery in Japan.

Methods: We requested 2.078 obstetrical facilities that are members of the Japan Association of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (JAOG) to provide information on neonatal herpes simplex virus infection involving deliveries at or after 22 weeks of gestation between 2020 and 2022.

Infection route associated with invasive group A streptococcal toxic shock syndrome in maternal deaths: Nationwide analysis of maternal mortalities in Japan.

Objectives: To clarify the infection route in maternal death due to invasive group A streptococcal (GAS) infection and toxic shock syndrome (TSS).

Methods: A retrospective study was conducted on maternal deaths due to GAS-TSS in Japan between January 2010 and March 2024. The final causal diagnosis of maternal death and the infection routes of GAS were analysed using medical records, laboratory data and autopsy findings.

Trends in Syphilis in Pregnant Women in Japan in 2016 and 2022.

Since 2012, the rate of syphilis infection has increased dramatically in high-income countries including Japan. In this study, we examined the rate of syphilis infection among pregnant women and perinatal outcomes in the syphilis-infected pregnancy in 2022 in Japan, and compared the results with those in 2016. We requested 2,005 obstetric institutes to provide information on syphilis infection in pregnant women who delivered in 2022.

Expansion of Mental Health Care in Japanese Obstetric Institutes.

Background: The Japan Association of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (JAOG) has raised awareness of the usefulness of identifying pregnant women with mental health problems and supporting them through multi-professional collaboration. We evaluated the results of questionnaire surveys on mental health care conducted in all obstetric institutes that are members of the JAOG annually.

Methods: Between 2017 and 2023, we requested all obstetric institutes (n = 2,073-2,427) that are members of the JAOG to provide information concerning mental health care for pregnant and postpartum women about the situation in December every year from 2017.

Activities of the Japan Council for Implementation of the Maternal Emergency Life Support System reduced direct causes of maternal deaths in Japan.

Here, we aimed to provide an overview of Japan Council for the Implementation of the Maternal Emergency Life-Saving System (J-CIMELS) and its simulation program, which has reduced maternal mortality due to direct causes in Japan. The Japan Association of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (JAOG), Japan Association of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, and Maternal Death Exploratory Committee (JMDEC) launched the Maternal Death Reporting Project in 2010. The project analyzed obstetricians' tendency to delay their initial response to sudden maternal deterioration.

Are There Maternal Deaths Related to Hemorrhagic Stroke Due to Hypertensive Disorder of Pregnancy That Could Be Potentially Preventable by Tight Hypertension Management in Antepartum? A Retrospective Study from the Maternal Death Exploratory Committee in Japan.

Background: Unlike Europe and the United States, Japan has seen numerous maternal deaths from hemorrhagic strokes related to hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP). This study retrospectively analyzed deaths associated with HDP-related hemorrhagic stroke in Japan to determine the number of deaths that may have been prevented with blood pressure control during pregnancy.

Methods: This study included maternal deaths related to hemorrhagic stroke cases.

Risk factors for severe disease and impact of severity on pregnant women with COVID-19: a case-control study based on data from a nationwide survey of maternity services in Japan.

Objective: To identify independent risk factors for severe COVID-19 in pregnant women and to evaluate the impact of disease severity on preterm birth.

Design: A case-control study based on data from a nationwide questionnaire-based survey of maternity services in Japan.

Setting: A questionnaire was mailed to all 2135 delivery institutions in Japan between July and August 2021.

Maternal death due to serious group A streptococcal toxic shock syndrome reduced after the coronavirus disease pandemic in Japan.

Serious group A streptococcal (GAS) infections and toxic shock syndrome (TSS) are rare conditions, but their rapid progression often results in death. The purpose of the present study was to clarify recent trend after the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic of GAS infection in Japan. Maternal death statistics were analyzed by the Japan Maternal Death Exploratory Committee.

Clinical characteristics of pregnant women with COVID-19 in Japan: a nationwide questionnaire survey.

Background: Few reports have presented an overall view of pregnant women with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) across an entire country and throughout the entire gestation period. Furthermore, no such reports are available for Japan. We examined the clinical characteristics and outcomes of pregnant women with COVID‑19 on a national scale in Japan.

Maternal Death Related to Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy: A Nationwide Survey in Japan.

Sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP) is defined as the sudden death of a patient with epilepsy in the absence of an anatomic or toxicologic cause. Whether pregnancy is a risk factor for SUDEP is unclear. Using data submitted to the Japan Association of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (JAOG), which has been collating information regarding all maternal deaths in Japan since 2000, this study evaluated maternal mortality data from 2010 to 2019 to evaluate the current circumstances of maternal death related to SUDEP in Japan.

Current status of community-acquired infection of COVID-19 in delivery facilities in Japan.

A nationwide questionnaire survey about community-acquired infection of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) was conducted in July 2020 to identify the characteristics of and measures taken by Japanese medical facilities providing maternity services. A case-control study was conducted by including medical facilities with (Cases) and without (Control) community-acquired infection of COVID-19. Responses from 711 hospitals and 707 private clinics were assessed (72% of all hospital and 59% all private clinics provided maternity service in Japan).

Pregnancy-associated hemorrhagic stroke: A nationwide survey in Japan.

Aim: The number of maternal deaths due to pregnancy-associated hemorrhagic stroke has not decreased despite a gradual decrease of maternal death in Japan. This study aimed to clarify the risk factors of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy-associated hemorrhagic stroke.

Methods: This retrospective study analyzed pregnancy-associated hemorrhagic stroke patients with hypertensive disorders of pregnancy between 2013 and 2017 among 407 Japanese maternal and perinatal centers.

Pulmonary thromboembolism during pregnancy and puerperium: Comparison of survival and death cases.

Aim: In Japan, the frequency of maternal deaths due to obstetric hemorrhage has been decreasing in the last decade, while that resulting from other causes such as pulmonary thromboembolism (PTE) was consistent. To help reduce maternal deaths due to PTE, we investigated PTE during pregnancy and puerperium and compared the survival and death cases, and aimed to find out life and death factors.

Methods: This study was a retrospective analysis based on a clinical chart review in 407 maternal and perinatal centers.

Nationwide study of mortality and survival in pregnancy-related streptococcal toxic shock syndrome.

Aim: Streptococcal toxic shock syndrome is associated with the highest infection-related maternal mortality rates. We conducted a comparative analysis of the background factors and treatment course between survivors and nonsurvivors to improve our understanding concerning the optimal initial treatment approach for this fulminant disease.

Methods: This retrospective observational study was conducted based on clinical data collected from two national organizations.

Perinatal outcome in case of maternal death for cerebrovascular acute disorders: a nationwide study in Japan.

Objective: The goal of this study is to find clues to improve perinatal outcomes in the case of cerebrovascular acute disorders during pregnancy.

Study Design: We analyzed 35 cases of cerebrovascular diseases related to maternal deaths in Japan those that occurred during pregnancy and reported to the Committee of the Ministry of Health, Labor, and Welfare from 2010 to 2018.

Results: Cerebrovascular acute disorders occurred at 34.

Declined use of cervical ripening balloon did not reduce the incidence of umbilical cord prolapse in Japan.

Aim: To clarify whether the incidence of umbilical cord prolapse (UCP) at delivery is related to the cervical ripening balloon (CRB).

Methods: A postal questionnaire study was conducted in 2018 in institutions providing maternity services across Japan. Questions on the number of deliveries, labor inductions, used CRB and cases of UCP in 2017 were included.