Impact of optimizing pre-analytical phase on the diagnosis of gestational diabetes and related outcomes.

Objectives: Pre-analytical plasma glucose (PG) sampling methodology may significantly affect gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) incidence, but no studies directly examined the impact on perinatal outcomes. We compared the effect on oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) results of using for blood sampling the traditional sodium fluoride (NaF) tubes, batched at controlled temperature, and the more effective citrate-buffered tubes, in terms of GDM diagnosis and related outcomes.

Methods: We evaluated 578 pregnant women performing OGTT between 24- and 28-weeks' gestation.

Placental pathology in COVID-19 affected pregnant women: A prospective case-control study.

Introduction: During pregnancy, SARS-CoV-2 infection may cause an abnormal development of the placenta, thus influencing maternal and fetal outcomes. Few studies have reported data on placental morphology and histology in infected pregnant patients, although not compared with carefully matched controls. The aim of this study is to compare placental morphology and histology of pregnant women affected by SARS-CoV-2 to non-infected controls.

The role of obesity and gestational diabetes on placental size and fetal oxygenation.

Introduction: Maternal pregestational obesity is a significant risk factor for adverse pregnancy outcomes, such as gestational diabetes. Both these conditions can have an impact on placental development and affect maternal-fetal exchanges, compromising fetal metabolic status. The aim of the study is to investigate the influence of pre-pregnancy BMI on placental size and to evaluate the role of obesity and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) on fetal oxygenation in overweight and obese pregnant women.

Inflammatory and Oxidative Responses in Pregnancies With Obesity and Periodontal Disease.

Background: Maternal obesity is related to immunologic and inflammatory systemic modifications that may worsen the pregnancy inflammatory status. Hormonal changes during pregnancy can adversely affect oral biofilms and oral health initiating or worsening periodontal diseases, with enhanced local and systemic oxidative stress and inflammation.

Objective: The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between local salivary and systemic parameters of oxidative stress and inflammation in relation to obesity and periodontal diseases.

PlGF in a clinical setting of pregnancies at risk of preeclampsia and/or intrauterine growth restriction.

Placental growth factor (PlGF) is an angiogenic molecule produced by the placenta and implicated in the pathogenesis of preeclampsia (PE) and intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR). We have evaluated utility and applicability of the PlGF test in a clinical setting of pregnancies at risk of PE or complicated by IUGR in order to assess its relationship with pregnancy outcomes. Seventy-three pregnancies were enrolled between 19 and 35 weeks: 57 pregnancies at risk of PE and 16 at diagnosis of IUGR.

Long chain fatty acids and dietary fats in fetal nutrition.

Long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids are essential nutrients for a healthy diet. The different kinds consumed by the mother during gestation and lactation may influence pregnancy, fetal and also neonatal outcome. The amount of fatty acids transferred from mother to fetus depends not only on maternal metabolism but also on placental function, i.