Association Between History of Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes and Coronary Artery Disease Assessed by Coronary Computed Tomography Angiography

Among Swedish women undergoing coronary computed tomography angiography screening, there was a statistically significant association between history of adverse pregnancy outcomes and image-identified coronary artery disease, including among women estimated to be at low cardiovascular disease risk.

source: JAMA

Summary

[Posted 22/Feb/2023]

AUDIENCE: Family Medicine, Cardiology

KEY FINDINGS: Among Swedish women undergoing coronary computed tomography angiography screening, there was a statistically significant association between history of adverse pregnancy outcomes and image-identified coronary artery disease, including among women estimated to be at low cardiovascular disease risk. Further research is needed to understand the clinical importance of these associations.

BACKGROUND: Purpose of this study is to assess associations between history of adverse pregnancy outcomes and coronary artery disease assessed by coronary computed tomography angiography screening.

DETAILS: Cross-sectional study of a population-based cohort of women in Sweden (n = 10,528) with 1 or more deliveries in 1973 or later, ascertained via the Swedish National Medical Birth Register, who subsequently participated in the Swedish Cardiopulmonary Bioimage Study at age 50 to 65 (median, 57.3) years in 2013-2018. Delivery data were prospectively collected. A median 29.6 (IQR, 25.0-34.9) years after first registered delivery, 18.9% of women had a history of adverse pregnancy outcomes, with specific pregnancy histories ranging from 1.4% (gestational diabetes) to 9.5% (preterm delivery). The prevalence of any coronary atherosclerosis in women with a history of any adverse pregnancy outcome was 32.1% (95% CI, 30.0%-34.2%), which was significantly higher (prevalence difference, 3.8% [95% CI, 1.6%-6.1%]; prevalence ratio, 1.14 [95% CI, 1.06-1.22]) compared with reference women. History of gestational hypertension and preeclampsia were both significantly associated with higher and similar prevalence of all outcome indexes. For preeclampsia, the highest prevalence difference was observed for any coronary atherosclerosis (prevalence difference, 8.0% [95% CI, 3.7%-12.3%]; prevalence ratio, 1.28 [95% CI, 1.14-1.45]), and the highest prevalence ratio was observed for significant stenosis (prevalence difference, 3.1% [95% CI, 1.1%-5.1%]; prevalence ratio, 2.46 [95% CI, 1.65-3.67]). In adjusted models, odds ratios for preeclampsia ranged from 1.31 (95% CI, 1.07-1.61) for any coronary atherosclerosis to 2.21 (95% CI, 1.42-3.44) for significant stenosis. Similar associations were observed for history of preeclampsia or gestational hypertension among women with low predicted cardiovascular risk.

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Source: Lawesson, S. S., Swahn, E., Pihlsgard, M., et al. (2023). Association Between History of Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes and Coronary Artery Disease Assessed by Coronary Computed Tomography Angiography. JAMA. 2023; 329(5): 393-404. Published: February 7, 2023. DOI: 10.1001/jama.2022.24093.



Efficacy and Safety of Time-Restricted Eating in Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease

This 16-week RCT compared TRE, CR, and standard of care in patients with MASLD. It effectively reduced steatosis, with similar benefits on weight loss, body composition, and metabolic parameters as CR. TRE is a practical dietary strategy for MASLD and warrants further long-term study. TRE's effectiveness in MASLD remains unclear despite its potential metabolic benefits.

source: J Hepatology

Summary

[Posted 10/Dec/2025]

AUDIENCE: Gastroenterology, Internal Medicine

KEY FINDINGS: TRE effectively reduces hepatic steatosis in MASLD, with comparable benefits on weight loss, body composition, and metabolic parameters as CR. This approach may serve as a practical dietary strategy for MASLD management.

BACKGROUND: Time-restricted eating (TRE) may improve weight loss, insulin resistance, and body composition, which are key factors in the pathophysiology of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). However, evidence on the efficacy of TRE in patients with MASLD is limited. This study aimed to evaluate the potential benefits of TRE in patients with overweight or obesity and MASLD.

DETAILS: In this 16-week randomized controlled trial, patients with overweight or obesity and MASLD were randomized into three groups in a 1:1:1 ratio: standard of care (SOC), calorie restriction (CR), and TRE. The primary endpoint was an improvement in hepatic steatosis, measured using MRI-proton density fat fraction. Changes in liver fibrosis, body composition, lipid profiles, glucose homeostasis, and sleep quality were also analyzed. Among the 337 participants randomized, 333 were included in the full analysis set (113 in SOC, 110 in CR, and 110 in TRE). After the 16-week intervention, hepatic steatosis significantly decreased in the TRE group (-25.8%) compared to the SOC group (0.7%, p <0.001), with no significant difference between TRE and CR (-24.7%, p >0.999). The TRE group also showed greater reductions in body weight, waist circumference, and body fat mass compared to the SOC group, while changes were comparable between TRE and CR. Liver stiffness, glucose homeostasis, and sleep quality were similar between the TRE and CR groups. No serious adverse events were reported.

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Source: Oh, J. H., Yoon, E. L., Park, H., et al. Efficacy and Safety of Time-Restricted Eating in Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease. Journal of Hepatology. 2025; 83(6): 1256-1265. Published: December, 2025. DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2025.06.005.



Effects of Sodium Glucose Cotransporter 2 Inhibitors by Diabetes Status and Level of Albuminuria

Within the studied participants, there were clear absolute benefits of SGLT2 inhibitors on kidney, hospitalization, and mortality outcomes irrespective of diabetes status and level of UACR.

source: JAMA

Summary

A Meta-Analysis

[Posted 9/Dec/2025]

AUDIENCE: Endocrinology, Nephrology

KEY FINDINGS: Within the studied participants, there were clear absolute benefits of SGLT2 inhibitors on kidney, hospitalization, and mortality outcomes irrespective of diabetes status and level of UACR.

BACKGROUND: There is uncertainty about the effects of sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors in participants with chronic kidney disease, with guidelines offering different strengths of recommendation based on diabetes status and urine albumin to creatinine ratio (UACR). Study was conducted to assess the relative and absolute effects of SGLT2 inhibitor use across efficacy and serious safety outcomes in participants stratified by diabetes status and UACR (>=200 mg/g or <200 mg/g). Included 8 randomized clinical trials that studied an SGLT2 inhibitor with a label indication for use in kidney disease and recorded longitudinal kidney outcomes and baseline data on albuminuria. Assessed the effects of SGLT2 inhibitor use on clinical efficacy and safety outcomes. Heterogeneity by baseline level of UACR was assessed separately by diabetes status.

DETAILS: A total of 58,816 participants (mean age, 64 [SD, 10] years; 35% were female; 48,946 with diabetes and 9870 without diabetes) were included from trials comparing an SGLT2 inhibitor vs placebo. Allocation to an SGLT2 inhibitor produced a lower rate of kidney disease progression (33 vs 48 for placebo per 1000 patient-years; hazard ratio [HR], 0.65 [95% CI, 0.60-0.70] in those with diabetes and 32 vs 46 per 1000; HR, 0.74 [95% CI, 0.63-0.85] in those without diabetes), a lower rate of acute kidney injury (14 vs 18 per 1000 [HR, 0.77; 95% CI, 0.69-0.87] with diabetes and 13 vs 18 per 1000 [HR, 0.72; 95% CI, 0.56-0.92] without diabetes), a lower rate of any hospitalization (202 vs 231 per 1000 [HR, 0.90; 95% CI, 0.87-0.92] with diabetes and 203 vs 237 per 1000 [HR, 0.89; 95% CI, 0.83-0.95] without diabetes), and a lower rate of any death (42 vs 47 per 1000 [HR, 0.86; 95% CI, 0.80-0.91] with diabetes and 42 vs 48 per 1000 [HR, 0.91; 95% CI, 0.78-1.05] without diabetes). Diabetes-specific HRs were similar in participants (with a UACR >=200 mg/g vs with a UACR <200 mg/g) considered separately. Higher absolute risk at a UACR of 200 mg/g or greater meant larger estimated absolute benefits on kidney disease progression were evident in this subgroup. Clear absolute benefits were evident for other efficacy outcomes, and particularly hospitalization, in participants with a UACR less than 200 mg/g. Net absolute benefits remained in the analyses of non–heart failure populations and when estimated glomerular filtration rate was less than 60 mL/min/1.73 m2.

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Source: Staplin, N., Roddick, A. J., Neuen, B. L., et al. Effects of Sodium Glucose Cotransporter 2 Inhibitors by Diabetes Status and Level of Albuminuria: A Meta-Analysis. JAMA. . 2025; Published online: November 7, 2025. DOI: 10.1001/jama.2025.20835.



Prenatal PM2.5 Exposure Induces Offspring Hypertension via Nrf2/NLRP3 Pathway

Overall, prenatal fine particulate matter exposure induces excessive inflammation and oxidative stress in paraventricular nucleus microglia through the Nrf2/NLRP3 signaling pathway, resulting in central and peripheral sympathetic overactivation, leading to hypertension and left ventricular hypertrophy.

source: Hypertension

Summary

[Posted 11/Nov/2025]

AUDIENCE: Ob/Gyn, Cardiology

KEY FINDINGS: Overall, prenatal fine particulate matter exposure induces excessive inflammation and oxidative stress in paraventricular nucleus microglia through the Nrf2/NLRP3 signaling pathway, resulting in central and peripheral sympathetic overactivation, leading to hypertension and left ventricular hypertrophy.

BACKGROUND: Adverse factors during pregnancy can significantly increase the incidence of hypertension in adult offspring. Activation of the sympathetic nervous system is closely associated with the development and progression of hypertension.

DETAILS: Authors established a model of offspring hypertension induced by prenatal fine particulate matter exposure to evaluate the role of the sympathetic nervous system activation. Quantitative immunofluorescence and Western blot analysis were used to assess the levels of activated and inhibitory sympathetic neurons. The effects of the central and peripheral sympathetic nervous systems were evaluated using clonidine and renal sympathetic denervation. In addition, the activation of microglia in the lateral ventricle region and the expression of the Nrf2 (nuclear factor E2-related factor)/ NLRP3 (NLR family pyrin domain-containing 3) signaling pathway were analyzed. The adult offspring showed increased neuronal hyperactivity and sympathetic nervous system activity. Specific inhibition of the central sympathetic nervous system and renal denervation effectively reversed the prenatal fine particulate matter-induced blood pressure elevation in adult offspring. In addition, overactivation of oxidative stress and microglia-mediated inflammation in the paraventricular nucleus was responsible for increased central sympathetic activity in the adult offspring exposed to prenatal fine particulate matter. Furthermore, authors confirmed the critical role of the Nrf2/NLRP3 signaling pathway in oxidative stress and inflammation activation in the paraventricular nucleus of adult offspring.

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Source: Zhang, X., Yang, B., Li, M., et al. Prenatal PM2.5 Exposure Induces Offspring c via Nrf2/NLRP3 Pathway. Hypertension. 2025; 82(11): 1841-1843), Published: November, 2025. DOI: 10.1161/HYPERTENSIONAHA.125.2487.



Predictive Value of Fetal Doppler Velocimetry, Fetal Growth Trajectory and Maternal Serum Biomarkers for Short-Term Adverse Perinatal Outcome

In a SGA population, maternal BMI, gestational age, EFW and sFlt-1/PlGF ratio at inclusion, highest UCR at any time, development of pre-eclampsia and fetal growth velocity were associated with CAPO. A model incorporating EFW at inclusion, sFlt-1/PlGF ratio at inclusion and highest UCR was most effective for the prediction of CAPO.

source: Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol.

Summary

Secondary Analysis of DRIGITAT Study

[Posted 5/Nov/2025]

AUDIENCE: Ob/Gyn, Family Medicine

KEY FINDINGS: In a SGA population, maternal BMI, gestational age, EFW and sFlt-1/PlGF ratio at inclusion, highest UCR at any time, development of pre-eclampsia and fetal growth velocity were associated with CAPO. A model incorporating EFW at inclusion, sFlt-1/PlGF ratio at inclusion and highest UCR was most effective for the prediction of CAPO.

BACKGROUND: Purpose of this study is to evaluate the predictive value of markers of placental insufficiency and fetal growth restriction for a composite adverse perinatal outcome (CAPO) in a small-for-gestational-age (SGA) population. Authors also aimed to identify profiles that discriminate fetuses as low or high risk for CAPO, and to evaluate the association of onset of labor and mode of birth with CAPO.

DETAILS: This was a preplanned post-hoc analysis of the DRIGITAT study, a Dutch multicenter cohort study of management strategy in 690 singleton SGA pregnancies at 32.0-36.9 weeks' gestation, between 2018 and 2022. Authors used data from 440 participants with available biomarker measurements, who were not randomized for immediate birth before 36 weeks' gestation on the basis of recurrent abnormal Doppler velocimetry. Authors defined CAPO as fetal death, adverse condition at birth, major neonatal morbidity and/or neonatal mortality. Authorse analyzed the predictive value for CAPO of maternal body mass index (BMI), gestational age, estimated fetal weight (EFW) and soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 to placental growth factor ratio (sFlt-1/PlGF ratio) at inclusion, development of pre-eclampsia, highest value of the umbilicocerebral ratio (UCR) and fetal growth velocity. Authors also used these variables to develop a prediction model for CAPO using forward stepwise logistic regression to emulate real-world clinical evaluation. In this population of 440 singleton SGA pregnancies, maternal BMI at inclusion (P = 0.02), gestational age at inclusion (P <= 0.001), EFW at inclusion (P <= 0.001), sFlt-1/PlGF ratio at inclusion (P <= 0.001), development of pre-eclampsia (P <= 0.001), highest value of the UCR measured at any time during pregnancy (P <= 0.001) and fetal growth velocity (P <= 0.001) were all associated significantly with CAPO. When combined into a prediction model using logistic regression analysis, maternal BMI at inclusion, gestational age at inclusion, development of pre-eclampsia and fetal growth velocity did not add to the predictive value of the model, because of their correlation with other variables. The area under the receiver-operating-characteristics curve of the final prediction model, comprising EFW at inclusion, sFlt-1/PlGF ratio at inclusion and the highest UCR value at any time, was 0.75 (95% CI, 0.70–0.81). At false-positive rates of 5%, 10% and 25%, the sensitivities of the prediction model for CAPO were 35.6%, 44.2% and 63.5%, respectively. The median gestational age at birth and birth weight were lower in neonates that experienced CAPO compared with those that did not (37.0 weeks vs 38.3 weeks and 1.993 kg vs 2.518 kg, respectively). Vaginal birth occurred in 69.3% of our population. In the group that experienced CAPO, a higher number of (emergency) Cesarean sections were performed.

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Copyright © The Author(s). Ultrasound in Obstetrics & Gynecology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology. All rights reserved

Source: Kamphof, H. D., Marijnen, M. C., Damhuis, S. E., et al. Predictive Value of Fetal Doppler Velocimetry, Fetal Growth Trajectory and Maternal Serum Biomarkers for Short-Term Adverse Perinatal Outcome: Secondary Analysis of DRIGITAT Study. Ultrasound in Obstetrics & Gynecology. 2025; 66(4): 470-470. Published: October, 2025. DOI: 10.1002/uog.29266.



PASS-01: Randomized Phase II Trial of Modified FOLFIRINOX Versus Gemcitabine/Nab-Paclitaxel and Molecular Correlatives for Previously Untreated Metastatic Pancreatic Cancer.

In the phase II Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma Signature Stratification for Treatment-01 (PASS-01) trial population, PFS was similar between GnP and mFFX; however, OS and safety trends favored GnP. The second-line setting appears inadequate to offer precision choices, given the short survival observed.

source: J Clinical Oncology

Summary

[Posted 4/Nov/2025]

AUDIENCE: Oncology, Gastroenterology

KEY FINDINGS: In the phase II Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma Signature Stratification for Treatment-01 (PASS-01) trial population, PFS was similar between GnP and mFFX; however, OS and safety trends favored GnP. The second-line setting appears inadequate to offer precision choices, given the short survival observed.

BACKGROUND: Goal of this study is to assess modified folinic acid/leucovorin, fluorouracil, irinotecan, oxaliplatin (FOLFIRINOX [mFFX]) versus gemcitabine/nab-paclitaxel (GnP) in de novo metastatic pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) and explore predictive biomarkers.

DETAILS: Patients were randomly assigned 1:1 to mFFX or GnP with exclusion of germline pathogenic variants in BRCA1/2 or PALB2. The primary end point was progression-free survival (PFS) between arms with 0.3 significance. The per-protocol (PP) population included patients who received one dose of chemotherapy. Pretreatment biopsies underwent whole-genome/transcriptome sequencing and patient-derived organoid (PDO) development, providing correlate recommendations at a molecular tumor board and outcomes assessed according to RNA signatures (basal-like v classical). Of 160 patients randomly assigned (80 mFFX, 80 GnP), 140 patients were in the PP population (71 mFFX, 69 GnP), with median follow-up of 8.3 months. The median PFS was 4.0 months for mFFX versus 5.3 months for GnP (hazard ratio [HR], 1.37 [95% CI, 0.97 to 1.92]; P = .069) in intention-to-treat. Median overall survival (OS) was 8.5 months with mFFX and 9.7 months with GnP (HR, 1.57 [95% CI, 1.08 to 2.28]; P = .017). Genomic data were generated in 94%, transcriptomes in 74%, and PDOs in 50%. The median PFS for those with basal-like was 3.0 (mFFX) and 5.5 (GnP) months (P = .17), and classical PDAC was 6.3 (mFFX) versus 5.4 (GnP) months (P = .36). The median OS in basal-like was 7.5 (mFFX) and 8.9 (GnP) months (P = .75) versus in classical OS was 9.7 (mFFX) and 13.9 (GnP) months (P = .047). Overall, 75 (54%) of patients received second-line treatment, 33/75 (44%) correlate-guided. The median time on second-line treatment was only 2.1 months with a median OS of 5.4 months for a correlate-guided choice versus 4.4 months on a standard chemotherapy approach (P = .45).

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Source: Knox, J. J., O'Kane, G., King, D., et al. PASS-01: Randomized Phase II Trial of Modified FOLFIRINOX Versus Gemcitabine/Nab-Paclitaxel and Molecular Correlatives for Previously Untreated Metastatic Pancreatic Cancer. Journal of Clinical Oncology. 2025; 43(31):3325. Published: November, 2025. DOI: 10.1200/JCO-25-004.



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