Background and Objectives: Although considerable research has been devoted to examining the distinctions between fresh and frozen embryo transfer regarding obstetric outcomes and rates of pregnancy success, there is still a scarcity of thorough analyses that specifically examine neonatal outcomes. The objective of our study was to provide an in-depth analysis of neonatal outcomes that occur after the transfer of fresh and frozen embryos (ET vs. FET) in IVF/ICSI cycles. Materials and Methods: Multiple databases (PubMed/MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Wiley, Scopus, Ovid and Science Direct) were searched from January 1980 to February 2024. Two reviewers conducted the article identification and data extraction, meeting inclusion and exclusion criteria. The methodological quality was evaluated using the Newcastle–Ottawa Scale (NOS) or the revised Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool. The meta-analysis was performed using RevMan 5.4. Results: Twenty studies, including 171,481 participants in total, were subjected to qualitative and quantitative analyses. A significant increase in preterm birth rates was noted with fresh embryo transfer compared to FET in the overall IVF/ICSI population (OR 1.26, 95% CI 1.18–1.35, p < 0.00001), as well as greater odds of a low birth weight (OR 1.37, 95% CI 1.27–1.48, p < 0.00001) and small-for-gestational-age infants in this group (OR 1.81, 95% CI 1.63–2.00, p < 0.00001). In contrast, frozen embryo transfer can result in macrosomic (OR 0.59, 95% CI 0.54–0.65, p < 0.00001) or large-for-gestational-age infants (OR 0.64, 95% CI 0.60–0.69, p < 0.00001). No significant difference was observed regarding congenital malformations or neonatal death rates. Conclusions: This systematic review confirmed that singleton babies conceived by frozen embryo transfer are at lower risk of preterm delivery, low birthweight and being small for gestational age than their counterparts conceived by fresh embryo transfer. The data support embryo cryopreservation but suggest that elective freezing should be limited to cases with a proven indication or within the framework of a clinical study.

Background/Objectives: Pregnancy-associated cancer (PAC) presents significant challenges for maternal and neonatal health, and yet its impact on neonatal outcomes remains poorly understood. This systematic review aims to evaluate the neonatal risks associated with PAC. Methods: A systematic search of PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and other databases was conducted up to 1 November 2024, identifying observational studies and randomized controlled trials assessing neonatal outcomes in pregnancies affected by PAC. Outcomes included preterm birth, low birthweight, macrosomia, small and large for gestational age, low Apgar score, congenital anomalies, and neonatal mortality. Results: Eleven high-quality studies encompassing over 46 million births, including 9953 PAC-affected pregnancies, were reviewed. PAC significantly increased the risks of preterm birth (adjusted ORs ranging from 1.48 to 6.34) and low birthweight (adjusted ORs up to 5.5). Other adverse outcomes included low Apgar scores and neonatal mortality, primarily linked to prematurity. Cancer type and treatment timing influenced these outcomes, with gynecological and breast cancers posing higher risks. Conclusions: Neonates of mothers with PAC face increased risks of adverse outcomes, underscoring the importance of tailored, multidisciplinary management. Further prospective studies are needed to clarify the impacts of specific cancer treatments during pregnancy.

Background/Objectives: Intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP) is the most prevalent hepatobiliary disorder unique to gestation, characterized by maternal pruritus and elevated serum bile acids. While maternal prognosis is favorable, mounting evidence links ICP to a range of neonatal complications. This narrative review aims to synthesize the current knowledge on the pathophysiological mechanisms, clinical impact and management strategies related to neonatal outcomes in ICP. Methods: A narrative review approach was employed, drawing on recent clinical guidelines, observational studies, mechanistic investigations and meta-analyses. Emphasis was placed on evidence exploring the relationship between maternal bile acid concentrations and neonatal morbidity, as well as on established and emerging therapeutic interventions. No systematic search strategy or formal quality appraisal was undertaken. Results: ICP is associated with an increased risk of adverse neonatal outcomes, including spontaneous and iatrogenic preterm birth, meconium-stained amniotic fluid, respiratory distress syndrome and stillbirth, particularly when bile acid concentrations exceed 100 μmol/L. Proposed mechanisms include placental vasoconstriction, arrhythmogenic effects and surfactant inhibition. Ursodeoxycholic acid remains the most widely used pharmacologic agent for maternal symptom relief, although evidence supporting neonatal benefit is inconclusive. Delivery by 36–37 weeks is generally recommended in cases of severe cholestasis to mitigate fetal risk. Conclusions: Severe ICP confers substantial neonatal risk, requiring individualized, bile-acid-guided management. While current therapies offer symptomatic maternal benefit, optimization of fetal outcomes requires timely diagnosis, vigilant surveillance and evidence-based delivery planning. Further research is warranted to refine therapeutic targets and standardize clinical practice.

Heart failure (HF) is a complex, multisystemic condition affecting 64 million people worldwide and often leads to cardio-hepatic syndrome due to venous congestion and ischemic liver changes. Liver stiffness (LS) measured through elastographic methods has emerged as a potential noninvasive marker for cardiac outcomes in HF patients. However, its prognostic value and the implications for LS cutoff values remain uncertain, necessitating further investigation. Multiple databases (PubMed, Embase, Scopus and the Cochrane Library Database) were searched up to 1st September 2024. Two reviewers screened records and extracted data according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The methodological quality was evaluated using the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI) for observational cohort and cross-sectional studies. The meta-analysis was performed using RevMan 5.4 and the meta-regression and publication bias analyses (including Egger’s and Rank-correlation tests) were performed using JASP software, version 0.19.1. Thirty-four studies involving 3753 individuals were included in our qualitative assessment, while 11 studies involving 1085 patients were included in the quantitative assessment. Elevated LS was significantly associated with adverse cardiac events in both acute decompensated HF (ADHF, hazard ratio (HR): 1.04, 95% CI: 1.01–1.07; I² = 61%) and chronic HF (CHF, HR: 1.09, 95% CI: 1.04–1.13; I² = 81%). Meta-regression revealed that LS cutoff values did not influence pooled estimates, and heterogeneity likely stemmed from demographic and methodological differences. Increased LS is associated with poor outcomes in patients hospitalized for HF, with a greater overall effect size in the CHF group than in the ADHF group. The LS is a promising noninvasive marker of liver congestion in HF and may aid both therapeutic decision-making and prognostication.

Background: Assisted reproductive technology (ART) nowadays plays a major role in the treatment of infertility, with the most frequently used techniques being in vitro fertilization (IVF) and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). The objective of this study is to analyze pregnancies achieved using these ART techniques and their correlations with the prematurity and congenital malformations rates. Methods: This is an observational retrospective longitudinal study that includes 814 newborns conceived through an ART, namely IVF or ICSI. Results: Using a multivariate logistic regression analysis mode, there is a higher prematurity rate in twin pregnancies OR 16 (95% CI 10.7, 23.8), donor conception OR 1.8 (95% CI 1.1, 3.3) and PIH pregnancy OR 2.6 (95% CI 1.5, 4.5). The odds of malformations in these ART pregnancies are increased by the stage of the embryo (day 3) OR 2.6 (95% CI 1.3, 5.2), fresh embryo transfer OR 2 (95% CI 1.2, 3.4) and donor conception OR 2.3 (95% CI 1.2, 4.4). The ART used (IVF/ICSI) does not influence the prematurity or birth defects rate. Conclusions: Donor conception is found to increase the odds of both prematurity and congenital malformations. The ART used (IVF/ICSI) does not influence the prematurity or birth defects rate.