Virtual reality training for postpartum uterine balloon insertion - a multi-center randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Virtual reality provides users a unique opportunity to learn through a fully immersive platform that may be beneficial in postgraduate medical education. OBJECTIVE: The primary objective of the study was to assess the feasibility of virtual reality in the training of obstetrics and gynecology residents in the insertion of a postpartum balloon for management of postpartum hemorrhage. STUDY DESIGN: A multi-center randomized control trial involving obstetric residents (n=40) from two tertiary level perinatal centers - The National Maternity Hospital & The Rotunda, Dublin, Ireland from July 3rd to July 6th 2023. Participants were randomly assigned to an intervention group (n=21) and a control group (n=19). All participants filled in a pre-study survey assessing knowledge, experience in postpartum hemorrhage management, confidence levels, experience of virtual reality and thoughts on its use in medical education. The intervention group received a virtual reality immersive tutorial whilst the control group received no teaching. The decision not to offer the control group any teaching was to reflect the current situation in our hospitals where there is no regular formal teaching on insertion of postpartum balloon prior to night or weekend duty on the labor ward. The use of VR in this scenario provides residents with a new opportunity for accessible simulation training. Both groups were then tested on insertion of a postpartum uterine balloon in a model pelvis. Residents were timed and insertion technique was objectively marked, in line with manufacturer guidelines. Following insertion on the model, participants completed a survey including assessment of knowledge, confidence levels, satisfaction, side effects & benefits of virtual reality. The primary outcome was a structured objective assessment of the residents on the insertion technique of the balloon in a pelvic model. Secondary outcomes were time taken to complete the task, knowledge and confidence levels and any side effects of virtual reality. We calculated descriptive statistics such as frequency and percentage for categorical data. The paired t-test was used to compare mean scores before and after the intervention, both for the multiple choice questionnaire and confidence levels. Statistical significance was defined as a p-value of <0.05. RESULTS: The intervention group scored significantly better in the objective technique assessment post learning experience compared to the control group (9.29/10 vs 7.26/10, P<0.001). The median time for task completion in the intervention group was significantly less than that of the control group (3minutes vs 4 minutes, P=0.012) and resident confidence improved more in the intervention VR group (0.42 vs 0.62, P<0.001). Both groups scored better in the multiple-choice questionnaire post learning experience, however there was no significant difference between them. CONCLUSION: Virtual reality is beneficial to residents for teaching insertion of a postpartum balloon, in terms of technique, time taken and confidence levels.

The virtual reality classroom: a randomized control trial of medical student knowledge of postpartum hemorrhage emergency management.

Objective: To investigate the use of a virtual reality learning environment (VRLE) to enhance medical student knowledge of postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) emergency management and insertion of a postpartum balloon. Methods: A randomized control trial involving medical students from University College Dublin, Ireland. Participants were randomly allocated to the intervention group (VRLE tutorial) or control group (PowerPoint tutorial on the same topic). All participants completed pre-learning experience and post-learning experience surveys. Both groups were timed and assessed on postpartum balloon insertion technique on a model pelvis. The primary outcome was assessment of student knowledge. Secondary outcomes included confidence levels, time taken to complete the task, technique assessment, satisfaction with the learning environment, and side effects of VR. Results: Both learning experiences significantly (p < 0.001) enhanced student performance on the post-learning experience multiple choice questionnaire, with no difference between the intervention and control groups. In the intervention group, time for task completion was significantly less compared to the control group (1-2 min vs. 2-3 min, p = 0.039). Both learning experiences significantly (p < 0.001) enhanced student confidence, with no significant difference between intervention and control groups. 100% of the students using the VRLE enjoyed the experience, and 82.4% were very likely to recommend use of VRLE in medical education. 94.1% of the students felt the VRLE was beneficial over didactic teaching. Conclusion: Receiving formal instruction, regardless of format, enhances students' knowledge and confidence of the topic covered. Students who received instruction via the VRLE assembled the postpartum balloon faster than students who received didactic teaching. VR may be beneficial in teaching hands-on procedural skills in obstetrics and gynecology education.

Laparoscopic prepregnancy transabdominal cerclage: operative and pregnancy outcomes for a novel technique of suture placement using port closure device.

Transabdominal cerclage is an effective surgical intervention for preterm birth prevention. Placement of cervical sutures using a port closure device for prepregnancy laparoscopic abdominal cerclage has been used at our unit in recent years. We report the operative and pregnancy outcomes for prepregnancy laparoscopic abdominal cerclage using the port closure device and compare it with the outcomes of the traditional approach. For prepregnancy laparoscopic transabdominal cerclage (n=52), the port closure device approach was associated with less blood loss during surgery (0.95±4.4 mL vs 5.4±15.7 mL; P=.007) and a shorter hospital length of stay (0.0; 0.0-0.0 days vs 1.0; 0.0-1.0 days; P<.001). There were also trends toward shorter operating times (41.4±15.3 minutes vs 50.1±18.0 minutes; P=.167) and lower perioperative complication rates (0.0%; 0/21 vs 16.1%; 5/31; P=.065) when compared with the traditional technique. There was no significant difference between the port closure device technique and the traditional approach in the rate of preterm birth in a subsequent pregnancy (0.0%; 0/9 vs 22.6%; 7/39; P=.248). Use of the port closure device for suture placement during prepregnancy laparoscopic cerclage for preterm birth prevention was reported. This technique was associated with less blood loss and a shorter hospital length of stay, had trends toward shorter operating times and lower perioperative complication rates, and had similar rates of preterm birth.

Pseudo transposition of the mandibular lateral incisor to the first premolar space: A literature review and case series.

Tooth transposition is the positional interchange of two adjacent teeth, which may be incomplete or complete. The root apex may remain in a normal position despite a severely displaced crown. The aim of the present study is to provide a literature review on the incidence, aetiology and treatment options for pseudo-transposed mandibular incisors. A case series is presented highlighting the various management techniques that have been utilised in treating five cases of pseudo-transposed mandibular lateral incisors.

Outcomes of Uterine Rupture in the Setting of the Unscarred Compared With the Scarred Uterus.

Uterine rupture is a rare obstetric complication that is associated with maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality. The aim of this study was to examine uterine rupture and its outcomes in the setting of the unscarred compared with the scarred uterus. A retrospective observational cohort study was performed examining all cases of uterine rupture in three tertiary care hospitals in Dublin, Ireland, over a 20-year period. The primary outcome was perinatal mortality rate with uterine rupture, which was 11.02% (95% CI 6.5-17.3). There was no significant difference in perinatal mortality between cases of scarred and unscarred uterine rupture. Unscarred uterine rupture was associated with higher maternal morbidity , defined as major obstetric hemorrhage or hysterectomy.

Placenta accreta spectrum ultrasound stage and fetal growth.

OBJECTIVE: to evaluate fetal growth in pregnancies complicated by placenta accreta spectrum (PAS) and to compare fetal growth between cases stratified by ultrasound stage of PAS. METHODS: This was a prospective multicenter cohort study of women diagnosed with PAS between January 2018 and December 2021. We grouped participants into cases by ultrasound stage (PAS stage 1-3) and controls (PAS0). Fetal growth centiles at three timepoints with median gestational ages of 21 ± 1 weeks (interquartile range [IQR], 20 ± 1-22 ± 0 weeks), 28 ± 0 weeks (IQR, 27 ± 0-28 ± 5 weeks), and 33 ± 0 weeks (IQR, 32 ± 1-34 ± 0 weeks) and birth weight centiles were compared between cases and controls and between those with PAS stratified by ultrasound stage. RESULTS: A total of 53 women met inclusion criteria, with a mean age of 37 years (standard deviation, ±4.0 years) and body mass index of 27 kg/m2 (standard deviation, ±5.8 kg/m2 ). Median (IQR) fetal weight centiles were around the 50th centile at each timepoint, with no difference between groups. The incidence of small for gestational age (birth weight ≤ 10th percentile) and large for gestational age (birth weight ≥ 90th percentile) was 11.3% (n = 6) and 15.1% (n = 8), respectively, with no differences by ultrasound stage. The median birth weight centile was 64 (IQR, 26-85), with no differences between cases and controls or by ultrasound stage. CONCLUSIONS: In our cohort, a diagnosis of PAS was not associated with fetal growth restriction.

Prenatal findings and associated survival rates in fetal ventriculomegaly: A prospective observational study.

OBJECTIVES: Fetal ventriculomegaly is associated with varying degrees of genetic and structural abnormalities. The objective was to present the experience of fetal ventriculomegaly in a large European center in relation to: 1. grade of ventriculomegaly; 2. additional chromosomal/structural abnormalities; and 3. perinatal survival rates. METHODS: This was a prospective observational study of patients referred with fetal ventriculomegaly from January 2011 to July 2020. Data were obtained from the hospital database and analyzed to determine the rate of isolated ventriculomegaly, associated structural abnormalities, chromosomal/genetic abnormalities, and survival rates. Data were stratified into three groups; mild (Vp = 10-12 mm), moderate (Vp = 13-15 mm) and severe (Vp > 15 mm) ventriculomegaly. RESULTS: There were 213 fetuses included for analysis. Of these 42.7% had mild ventriculomegaly, 44.6% severe and 12.7% had moderate ventriculomegaly. Initial ultrasound assessment reported isolated ventriculomegaly in 45.5% fetuses, with additional structural abnormalities in 54.5%. The rate of chromosomal/genetic abnormalities was high,16.4%. After all investigations, the true rate of isolated VM was 36.1%. The overall survival was 85.6%. Survival was higher for those with isolated VM across all groups (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Ventriculomegaly is a complex condition and patients should be counselled that even with apparently isolated VM, there remains the possibility of additional genetic and/or structural problems being diagnosed in up to 10% of fetuses.

The rate of decline in fetal hemoglobin following intrauterine blood transfusion in the management of red cell alloimmunization.

OBJECTIVE: Hemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn is characterized by fetal anemia, secondary to maternal alloantibody-mediated fetal erythrocyte destruction. Despite our reliance on intrauterine blood transfusion (IUT) to maintain severely affected pregnancies, it remains difficult to predict the fetal response to an infusion of donor blood. Our objective was to determine the daily rate of decline in fetal hemoglobin following one, two, and three transfusions. We also evaluated the relationship between the fetal hemoglobin level and the corresponding doppler measurement of the fetal middle cerebral artery peak systolic velocity (MCA-PSV). STUDY DESIGN: A prospective observational study of all singleton pregnancies treated with intrauterine transfusion for fetal anemia secondary to maternal alloimmunization at the National Maternity Hospital, a tertiary referral centre, was conducted over a 10-year period (2011-2020). Demographic and clinical data was obtained from the electronic patient records. Ethical approval was granted by the Ethics and Research Committee of the National Maternity Hospital. RESULTS: A total of 90 intrauterine blood transfusions were performed in 41 fetuses affected by maternal alloimmunization, of which 70% (n = 29), 34% (n = 14) and 15% (n = 6) required a 2nd, 3rd, and 4th transfusion, respectively. The mean rate of decline in fetal hemoglobin following the first transfusion was 0.4 g/dl/day (range, 0.12-0.64 g/dl/day). The mean rate of decline was lower after repeat transfusions at 0.27 g/dl/day (range, 0.16-0.45 g/dl/day). The sensitivity of MCA-PSV threshold of 1.5 Multiples of the Median (MoM) to detect moderate-severe anaemia declined with rank of IUT, from 82% after one previous transfusion, to 75% after two or more previous transfusions. No fetal mortality was seen in our series. CONCLUSION: Knowledge of the expected rate of decline in fetal hemoglobin following an IUT aids in the determination of appropriate timing of subsequent transfusions in a fetus affected by red cell alloimmunization. We observed a reducing rate of daily decline in hemoglobin in fetuses requiring successive transfusions. Our findings suggest a reduced accuracy of the MCA-PSV threshold of 1.5 MoM in determining the optimal timing of 2nd, 3rd, and 4th transfusions.

Severe fetal ventriculomegaly: Fetal morbidity and mortality, caesarean delivery rates and obstetrical challenges in a large prospective cohort.

INTRODUCTION: Severe fetal ventriculomegaly (VM) is defined as an enlargement of the atria of the lateral cerebral ventricles (Vp) of greater than 15 mm. While it is well established that it confers significant risk of morbidity and mortality to the neonate, there is limited information pertaining to the caesarean delivery rates and the obstetric management of these complex cases. The aim of this study was twofold: firstly, to determine survival rates in fetuses with severe VM, and secondly to determine the caesarean delivery rates in continuing pregnancies. We explore the obstetric challenges associated with these difficult cases. METHODS: This was a prospective observational study of patients with antenatal severe VM, attending the Department of Fetal Medicine, National Maternity Hospital, Dublin, Ireland, from 1st January 2011 to 31st July 2020. Data were obtained from the hospital database and those with severe VM (Vp > 15 mm) were identified. The rates of chromosomal abnormalities, the survival rates and the caesarean delivery (CD) rates for the overall group were then determined. The data were then further sub-divided into two groups: 1. Vp < 20 mm and 2. Vp > 20 mm, and the results compared. Statistical analysis was performed using the Chi-Square test. RESULTS: A total of N = 95 pregnancies with severe VM were included for analysis, of which additional structural abnormalities on ultrasound were apparent in 67/95 (70.5%) and 28/95 (29.5%) had isolated severe VM. Chromosomal abnormalities were diagnosed in 15/95 (15.8%) of cases, with (2/28) 7.1% in the isolated SVM group versus (13/67) 19.4% in the non-isolated SVM group. The overall survival rate (excluding TOP) was 53/74 (71.6%), with 20/23 (86.9%) in the isolated SVM group. The overall CD rate was 47/72 (65.3%), which was significantly higher than the CD for the hospital during the same time period of 25.4% (P < 0.01). The data were subdivided into Vp < 20 and Vp > 20 and those with a Vp > 20 had higher rates of additional intracranial findings on ultrasound (Vp < 20 13/41 (31.7%) versus Vp > 20 32/54 (59.3%) (P < 0.05)) and macrocrania (Vp < 20 14/41 (34.1%) versus Vp > 20 35/54 (64.8%) (P < 0.05)). No significant difference was observed in the overall survival or CD rates between the two groups. CONCLUSION: In conclusion this study reports significant fetal morbidity and mortality with severe VM with high CD rates observed in this cohort. Significant challenges exist in relation to the obstetric management and counseling of parents regarding an often uncertain neonatal prognosis. In continuing pregnancies with significant macrocrania delivery plans should be individualized to improve neonatal outcomes where possible and minimize harm to the mother.

Comparing three-dimensional models of placenta accreta spectrum with surgical findings.

OBJECTIVE: Placenta accreta spectrum (PAS) is associated with significant maternal morbidity mainly related to blood loss. Pre-operative planning is aided by antenatal ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging. We sought to assess whether three-dimensional (3D) models from MR images were accurate when compared with surgical and pathological findings. METHODS: Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine files containing MR images with varying severity of PAS (n = 4) were modeled using 3D Slicer. Placenta, bladder, and myometrial defects were modeled. Myometrial defects at three different uterine locations were included-anterior, lateral and inferior. 3D models were used to identify the relationship between the myometrial defect and the internal cervical os. Findings were validated in a larger series of PAS cases (n = 14) where patterns of invasion were compared with estimated blood loss and distance from defect to the internal os. RESULTS: The defect illustrated in the four 3D models correlates to both surgical and pathological findings in terms of depth and pattern of invasion, location of defect, bladder involvement. Blood loss and topography of the defect from 3D modeling were examined in 14 further cases. Inferior defects were associated with increased blood loss compared with anterior defects. Increased distance from cervix was associated with reduced blood loss (R2  = 0.352, P = 0.01). CONCLUSION: Three-dimensional models of PAS provide an accurate preoperative description of placental invasion and should be investigated as a tool for selecting patients for uterine-conserving surgery. Accurate 3D models of placenta accreta spectrum are achievable and may provide additional information, such as distance of the defect from the internal os.

A multidisciplinary fetal neurosurgical service-5 years of fetal outcomes from a national referral centre.

BACKGROUND: A specialist fetal neurosurgical clinic was set up in order to improve patient care in a tertiary referral fetal medicine centre. The clinic provides a targeted clinical service for women diagnosed with fetal neurological abnormalities. The service consists of fetal MRI, fetal ultrasound and joint assessment and counselling from neurosurgery and fetal medicine teams. AIMS: We aimed to review this service that provides MDT expertise directly to parents and record the cases and pregnancy outcomes involved. METHODS: This is a prospective study of clinic data from Jan 2013 to Dec 2017. Information includes ultrasound scan findings, MRI results, karyotype results and pregnancy outcome data including post mortem results and data from the paediatric neurosurgery service at the affiliated children's hospital. RESULTS: From 2013 to 2017, there were 1852 major fetal anomalies diagnosed antenatally at the tertiary referral fetal medicine service and n = 306/1852 [16%] were primarily neurological in origin. The neurosurgical clinic reviewed 125 patients since 2013. The most common reasons for referral were spina bifida, n = 60 [48%] and isolated ventriculomegaly n = 43 [34%]. Other reasons for referral include agenesis of the corpus callosum n = 4 [3%], encephalocoele n = 5 [4%] and intracranial mass lesions n = 3 [2.4%]. Cases with borderline ventriculomegaly and cases with known chromosomal or genetic abnormalities were not typically referred to the clinic. Full outcome data were available on 110 of 125 women seen. Thirty-two women [29%] underwent invasive testing and 14 women [12.7%] had a termination of pregnancy. CONCLUSION: Multidisciplinary antenatal counselling supported with in utero MRI provides families with optimum information to inform them of likely neonatal outcome.

Immunological assessment of SARS-CoV-2 infection in pregnancy from diagnosis to delivery: A multicentre prospective study.

BACKGROUND: Background Population-based data on SARS-CoV-2 infection in pregnancy and assessment of passive immunity to the neonate, is lacking. We profiled the maternal and fetal response using a combination of viral RNA from naso-pharyngeal swabs and serological assessment of antibodies against SARS-CoV-2. METHODS: This multicentre prospective observational study was conducted between March 24th and August 31st 2020. Two independent cohorts were established, a symptomatic SARS-CoV-2 cohort and a cohort of asymptomatic pregnant women attending two of the largest maternity hospitals in Europe. Symptomatic women were invited to provide a serum sample to assess antibody responses. Asymptomatic pregnant women provided a nasopharyngeal swab and serum sample. RT-PCR for viral RNA was performed using the Cobas SARS-CoV-2 6800 platform (Roche). Umbilical cord bloods were obtained at delivery. Maternal and fetal serological response was measured using both the Elecsys® Anti-SARS-CoV-2 immunoassay (Roche), Abbott SARS-CoV-2 IgG Assay and the IgM Architect assay. Informed written consent was obtained from all participants. RESULTS: Ten of twenty three symptomatic women had SARS-CoV-2 RNA detected on nasopharyngeal swabs. Five (5/23, 21.7%) demonstrated serological evidence of anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibodies and seven (30.4%, 7/23) were positive for IgM antibodies. In the asymptomatic cohort, the prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 infection in RNA was 0.16% (1/608). IgG SARS-CoV-2 antibodies were detected in 1·67% (10/598, 95% CI 0·8%-3·1%) and IgM in 3·51% (21/598, 95% CI 2·3-5·5%). Nine women had repeat testing post the baseline test. Four (4/9, 44%) remained IgM positive and one remained IgG positive. 3 IgG anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies were detectable in cord bloods from babies born to five seropositive women who delivered during the study. The mean gestation at serological test was 34 weeks. The mean time between maternal serologic positivity and detection in umbilical cord samples was 28 days. CONCLUSION: Using two independent serological assays, we present a comprehensive illustration of the antibody response to SARS-CoV-2 in pregnancy, and show a low prevalence of asymptomatic SARS-CoV2. Transplacental migration of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies was identified in cord blood of women who demonstrated antenatal anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies, raising the possibility of passive immunity.

The Natural History of Trisomy 21: Outcome Data from a Large Tertiary Referral Centre.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to prospectively gather data on pregnancy outcomes of prenatally diagnosed trisomy 21 (T21) in a large tertiary referral centre. METHODS: Data were gathered prospectively in a large tertiary referral centre over 5 years from 2013 to 2017 inclusively. Baseline demographic and pregnancy outcome data were recorded on an anonymized computerized database. RESULTS: There were 1,836 congenital anomalies diagnosed in the study period including 8.9% (n = 165) cases of T21. 79% (n = 131) were age 35 or older at diagnosis. 79/113 (69.9%) women chose a termination of pregnancy (TOP) following a diagnosis of T21. Amongst pregnancies that continued, there were 4 second-trimester miscarriages (4/34, 11.7%), 9 stillbirths (9/34, 26.4%), and 1 neonatal death, giving an overall pregnancy and neonatal loss rate of 14/34 (41.1%). CONCLUSION: The risk of foetal loss in prenatally diagnosed T21 is high at 38% with an overall pregnancy loss rate of 41.1%. This information may be of benefit when counselling couples who are faced with a diagnosis of T21 particularly in the context of limited access to TOP.

Maternal morbidity in placenta accreta spectrum following introduction of a multi-disciplinary service compared to standard care: an Irish perspective.

AIM: The purpose of this study is to compare maternal outcomes in patients with placenta accreta spectrum (PAS) when managed as part of a multi-disciplinary team (MDT) compared to standard care. METHODS: Patients in the standard care group were retrospectively identified from pathology records, with patients in the MDT group prospectively collected on an electronic database. Data on maternal demographics, delivery, estimated blood loss (EBL), transfusion requirements, and morbidity were recorded. RESULTS: Sixty patients were diagnosed with PAS between 2006 and 2019, of whom 32 were part of the standard care group and 28 in the MDT group. Compared to standard care, MDT care was associated with an increase in antenatal diagnosis from 56.3 to 92.9% (p < 0.0001), a significant reduction in EBL (4150 mL (800-19500) vs 1975 (495-8500), p < 0.0001), and transfusion requirements (median 7 (0-30) units of RCC vs 1 (0-13), p < 0.0001). CONCLUSION: PAS is associated with significant maternal morbidity and warrants management in an MDT setting with specialist input, which is associated with improved outcomes.

Shotgun sequencing of the vaginal microbiome reveals both a species and functional potential signature of preterm birth.

An association between the vaginal microbiota and preterm birth (PTB) has been reported in several research studies. Population shifts from high proportions of lactobacilli to mixed species communities, as seen with bacterial vaginosis, have been linked to a twofold increased risk of PTB. Despite the increasing number of studies using next-generation sequencing technologies, primarily involving 16S rRNA-based approaches, to investigate the vaginal microbiota during pregnancy, no distinct microbial signature has been associated with PTB. Shotgun metagenomic sequencing offers a powerful tool to reveal community structures and their gene functions at a far greater resolution than amplicon sequencing. In this study, we employ shotgun metagenomic sequencing to compare the vaginal microbiota of women at high risk of preterm birth (n = 35) vs. a low-risk control group (n = 14). Although microbial diversity and richness did not differ between groups, there were significant differences in terms of individual species. In particular, Lactobacillus crispatus was associated with samples from a full-term pregnancy, whereas one community state-type was associated with samples from preterm pregnancies. Furthermore, by predicting gene functions, the functional potential of the preterm microbiota was different from that of full-term equivalent. Taken together, we observed a discrete structural and functional difference in the microbial composition of the vagina in women who deliver preterm. Importance: with an estimated 15 million cases annually, spontaneous preterm birth (PTB) is the leading cause of death in infants under the age of five years. The ability to accurately identify pregnancies at risk of spontaneous PTB is therefore of utmost importance. However, no single cause is attributable. Microbial infection is a known risk factor, yet the role of vaginal microbes is poorly understood. Using high-resolution DNA-sequencing techniques, we investigate the microbial communities present in the vaginal tracts of women deemed high risk for PTB. We confirm that Lactobacillus crispatus is strongly linked to full-term pregnancies, whereas other microbial communities associate with PTB. Importantly, we show that the specific functions of the microbes present in PTB samples differs from FTB samples, highlighting the power of our sequencing approach. This information enables us to begin understanding the specific microbial traits that may be influencing PTB, beyond the presence or absence of microbial taxa.

A multidisciplinary approach to reproductive healthcare in women with rheumatic disease.

INTRODUCTION: Rheumatic disease (RD) patients when family planning must consider fertility, disease activity, and management from preconception to lactation. A clear understanding is necessary, especially for those receiving disease-modifying antirheumatic medications. Previous studies have highlighted unmet needs in the care of women with RDs with reproductive healthcare needs. This study describes the first published standardized reproductive care pathway for women with RDs and the outcomes of this approach. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We developed the care pathway with multidisciplinary input from rheumatologists, rheumatology nurse specialists, obstetricians, midwives, maternal medicine specialists, and pharmacists. We identified patients' emotional and healthcare needs, ensured access to expert advice, maintenance of good disease control, and positive reproductive outcomes. We prospectively followed the patients and report the results of the service. RESULTS: Ninety-eight women with median age (range) of 35 years (19-48) were assessed. The majority had an inflammatory arthritis. Seventy-six babies were born to 62 mothers. There were 12 miscarriages and one perinatal death. Breastfeeding rates at 6 weeks were low (28%). CONCLUSION: We describe the first published evidence-based integrated multidisciplinary reproductive care pathway for women with RDs and the results of this approach. Seventy percent of women successful in trying to conceive delivered a healthy baby, and 90% of patients were 'very satisfied' with the service.

Rituximab - A novel therapy for severe ITP in pregnancy: A case report.

BACKGROUND: Rituximab is a novel second-line agent for the treatment of immune thrombocytopenic purpura. Minimal data exist on the use of rituximab in pregnancy. This case illustrates the successful treatment of severe immune thrombocytopenic purpura diagnosed in pregnancy, refractory to all other medical management. CASE: A 32-year-old nulliparous woman was diagnosed with severe immune thrombocytopenic purpura at the time of booking for antenatal care (platelet level of 13 × 109/L). Standard treatment failed to adequately increase her platelet count. Therapy with rituximab was instituted, and her platelet count rose to normal levels, without side effects, and remained at a normal level throughout the pregnancy. There were no maternal or neonatal ill-effects of rituximab therapy. CONCLUSION: Rituximab is potentially a safe treatment option for the management of immune thrombocytopenic purpura in pregnancy with good maternal and neonatal outcome when conventional treatments have been unsuccessful. Research is limited to case reports, and therefore limited information currently exists to guide clinicians.

Updated pharmacological management of rheumatoid arthritis for women before, during, and after pregnancy, reflecting recent guidelines.

BACKGROUND: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic immune-mediated inflammatory disease which can cause significant disability, morbidity, mortality, and impaired fertility. It commonly affects women of childbearing age. Managing rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in the perinatal period poses challenges. There is concern about the teratogenic effects of many traditional disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) and an ever-growing list of new therapeutic options with limited data in pregnancy and breastfeeding. AIMS: We aimed to create a standardized approach to pharmacological management of RA patients seen in our newly established Rheumatology and Reproductive Health Service. METHODS: We reviewed relevant publications on the use of anti-rheumatic drugs in pregnancy. These include recent guidelines from The British Society for Rheumatology (BSR) and British Health Professionals in Rheumatology (BHPR) and the European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR). RESULTS: After considering relevant publications, we developed a Saint Vincent's University Hospital/National Maternity Hospital consensus protocol for evidence-based medication in pregnancy in RA. CONCLUSIONS: RA tends to improve during pregnancy and flare postpartum. Several anti-rheumatic medication options during pregnancy and breastfeeding are now available including anti-tumor necrosis factor (anti-TNF) agents. Good disease control at all stages of reproduction is important to ensure best outcome for both mother and baby.

Gestational hypertensive disease in twin pregnancy: Influence on outcomes in a large national prospective cohort.

OBJECTIVE: Gestational hypertensive disease (GHD) is associated with pregnancy-related complications and poor maternal and fetal outcomes in singleton pregnancies. We sought to examine the influence of GHD in a large prospective cohort of twin pregnancies. STUDY DESIGN: The ESPRIT study was a national multicenter observational cohort study of 1028 structurally normal twin pregnancies. Each pregnancy underwent sonographic surveillance with two-week ultrasound from 24 weeks for dichorionic and from 16 weeks for monochorionic gestations. Characteristics and demographics as well as labour and delivery outcome data were prospectively recorded. Perinatal mortality, admission to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) and a composite of morbidity of respiratory distress syndrome, hypoxic ischaemic encephalopathy, periventricular leukomalacia, necrotising enterocolitis and sepsis were documented for all cases. Outcomes for patients with documented GHD (pre-eclampsia and gestational hypertension) were compared with those without GHD. RESULTS: Perinatal outcome data were recorded for 977 patients. Women with GHD had a higher body mass index (27.1 ± 6.4 vs 25.2 ± 4.5, P < 0.0001) than those without and were more likely to be nulliparous (65% (59/92) vs 46% (407/885), P = 0.001). Both groups had similar mean birthweights, but those with GHD were more likely to have a birthweight discordance ≥18% (35% (32/92) vs 20% (179/885), P = 0.001). Rates of caesarean delivery were higher in those twin pregnancies affected by GHD, and while the rate of composite morbidity was similar in both groups, twins in the GHD group had higher rates of NICU admission. CONCLUSION: In twin gestations, gestational hypertension independently confers an increased risk for emergency caesarean delivery, birthweight discordance and NICU admission, such that intensive maternal-fetal monitoring is justified when hypertension develops in a twin pregnancy.