At the prestigious 29th European Congress of Obstetrics and Gynaecology (EBCOG), held in Frankfurt, Germany, Prof. Dmytro Konkov, Director of the Andriy Tkachenko Educational and Scientific Institute of Innovative Medical and Educational Technologies at the Shupyk National Healthcare University of Ukraine, presented a trio of impactful studies tackling some of the most pressing challenges in maternal health.

Prof. Konkov’s presentations reflected Ukraine’s growing leadership in maternal care innovation, combining advanced clinical research and cutting-edge simulation training.

 Study 1: Preventing Preeclampsia — Rethinking First Trimester Interventions

Session S-09-001: "Preventing Preeclampsia in Women with Gestational Endotheliopathy: A Comparative Analysis of L-Arginine and Acetylsalicylic Acid in the First Trimester"

This pioneering study assessed the comparative effectiveness of L-arginine and low-dose aspirin in preventing preeclampsia (PE) in women diagnosed with gestational endotheliopathy (GE) in the first trimester. Conducted on 174 patients in Ukraine, the study found that:

L-arginine reduced the incidence of PE by 81% compared to no treatment.

It also significantly lowered rates of placental abnormalities.

L-arginine outperformed acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) in terms of efficacy and showed a superior safety profile.

Implication: L-arginine may represent a new standard for early endothelial protection in at-risk pregnancies.

 Study 2: Simulation-Based Training in Obstetric Emergencies

 Session S-11-001: "Evaluating the Impact of Local Simulation Training on Managing Obstetric Hemorrhage"

In this multi-center intervention, Prof. Konkov and his team conducted structured simulation training across four Ukrainian hospitals, involving 105 participants including obstetricians, midwives, and anesthesiologists.

Key outcomes:

Knowledge scores increased by 65–72% across all modules.

The training enhanced interdisciplinary collaboration, especially in high-stakes scenarios like hemorrhagic shock and DIC.

Participants rated the training with a 9.2–9.8/10 satisfaction score, reflecting its alignment with clinical realities and ethical teaching standards.

Implication: Simulation training, even in resource-limited or conflict-affected regions, is a game-changing tool for building capacity and saving lives in obstetrics.

Study 3: Preventing Preterm Birth with Targeted Interventions

Session BS-08-007: "The Assessment of Preventive Effect for Cerclage Pessary in Singleton Pregnancies"

With preterm birth remaining a global challenge, this hospital-based study (n=190) compared cerclage pessary (CP) to vaginal progesterone (VP) in preventing spontaneous preterm birth (sPTB) among women with cervical insufficiency.

Results:

CP was significantly more effective than VP in reducing PTB <37 weeks in women with cervical lengths <20 mm.

VP showed slightly better neonatal birth weight outcomes.

Both treatments had mild, manageable side effects.

Implication: This evidence supports a tailored approach based on cervical length, optimizing preterm birth prevention strategies in clinical practice.

International Recognition of Ukrainian Research

Prof. Konkov’s presentations drew significant attention from European experts, underscoring Ukraine’s resilience and scientific contribution despite the ongoing challenges of war and post-pandemic recovery.

“Simulation is no longer an option — it is a necessity. And preventative obstetrics must be grounded in evidence, not dogma,” emphasized Prof. Konkov during a panel discussion.

The sessions highlighted Ukraine's capacity for:

Evidence-based, proactive perinatal care.

Integration of low-cost, high-impact profilactical therapies (like L-arginine).

Simulation medicine as a sustainable educational pillar, even in emergency conditions.

 Future Collaboration and Innovation

These studies align with global efforts to reduce maternal and perinatal mortality. They also demonstrate Ukraine's potential as a hub for medical innovation and collaborative research in Europe and beyond.

The Ukrainian delegation’s participation at EBCOG 2025 was fully supported by the host organizers, underscoring the shared commitment to strengthening perinatal care across borders.

Read more about the congress at:  EBCOG 2025 Official Programme