Mean Arterial Pressure and Neonatal Outcomes in Pregnancies Complicated by Mild Chronic Hypertension.

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the association between mean arterial pressure during pregnancy and neonatal outcomes in participants with chronic hypertension using data from the CHAP (Chronic Hypertension and Pregnancy) trial. METHODS: A secondary analysis of the CHAP trial, an open-label, multicenter randomized trial of antihypertensive treatment in pregnancy, was conducted. The CHAP trial enrolled participants with mild chronic hypertension (blood pressure [BP] 140-159/90-104 mm Hg) and singleton pregnancies less than 23 weeks of gestation, randomizing them to active treatment (maintained on antihypertensive therapy with a goal BP below 140/90 mm Hg) or standard treatment (control; antihypertensives withheld unless BP reached 160 mm Hg systolic BP or higher or 105 mm Hg diastolic BP or higher). We used logistic regression to measure the strength of association between mean arterial pressure (average and highest across study visits) and to select neonatal outcomes. Unadjusted and adjusted odds ratios (per 1-unit increase in millimeters of mercury) of the primary neonatal composite outcome (bronchopulmonary dysplasia, retinopathy of prematurity, necrotizing enterocolitis, or intraventricular hemorrhage grade 3 or 4) and individual secondary outcomes (neonatal intensive care unit admission [NICU], low birth weight [LBW] below 2,500 g, and small for gestational age [SGA]) were calculated. RESULTS: A total of 2,284 participants were included: 1,155 active and 1,129 control. Adjusted models controlling for randomization group demonstrated that increasing average mean arterial pressure per millimeter of mercury was associated with an increase in each neonatal outcome examined except NEC, specifically neonatal composite (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.12, 95% CI, 1.09-1.16), NICU admission (aOR 1.07, 95% CI, 1.06-1.08), LBW (aOR 1.12, 95% CI, 1.11-1.14), SGA below the fifth percentile (aOR 1.03, 95% CI, 1.01-1.06), and SGA below the 10th percentile (aOR 1.02, 95% CI, 1.01-1.04). Models using the highest mean arterial pressure as opposed to average mean arterial pressure also demonstrated consistent associations. CONCLUSION: Increasing mean arterial pressure was positively associated with most adverse neonatal outcomes except NEC. Given that the relationship between mean arterial pressure and adverse pregnancy outcomes may not be consistent at all mean arterial pressure levels, future work should attempt to further elucidate whether there is an absolute threshold or relative change in mean arterial pressure at which fetal benefits are optimized along with maternal benefits. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02299414.

Predictive Modeling of Postpartum Blood Pressure Spikes.

BACKGROUND: Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) are one of the leading causes of maternal morbidity and mortality worldwide. Management of these conditions can pose many clinical dilemmas, and can be particularly challenging during the immediate postpartum period. Models for predicting and managing postpartum hypertension are necessary to help address this clinical challenge. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate predictive models of blood pressure (BP) spikes postpartum (PP) and investigate clinical management strategies to optimize care. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study of PP women participating in remote BP monitoring. Postpartum BP spike was defined as BP ≥ 140/ 90 if on an antihypertensive and BP ≥ 150/100 if not on an antihypertensive. We identified 3 risk level patient clusters (low, medium, and high) in predicting patient risk of BP spike PP days 3-7. The variables used in defining these clusters were peak systolic blood pressure (SBP) before discharge, BMI, patient SBP per-trimester, heart rate, gestational age, maternal age, chronic hypertension and gestational hypertension. For each risk cluster, we focused on two treatments: 1) PP length of stay < or >/= 3 days and 2) discharge with or without BP medications. We evaluated the effectiveness of the treatments on different subgroups of patients by estimating the conditional average treatment effect (CATE) values in each cluster respectively using a causal forest. Moreover, for all patients, we considered discharge with medication policies depending on different discharge BP thresholds. We used a doubly robust policy evaluation method to compare the effectiveness of the policies. RESULTS: 413 patients were included, of which 267 (64.6%) had a PP BP spike. The treatments for patients at medium and high risk were considered beneficial, the 95% confidence intervals of constant marginal average treatment effect for antihypertensive use at discharge were (-3.482, 4.840) and (-5.539, 4.315); and for a longer stay were (-5.544, 3.866) and (-7.200, 4.302). For patients at low risk, the treatments were not critical in preventing a BP spike with 95% confidence intervals of constant marginal average treatment effect (1.074, 15.784) and (-2.913, 9.021) respectively. We considered the option to discharge with antihypertensive use at different BP thresholds a) ≥ 130 mmHg and/or ≥ 80, b) ≥ 140 mmHg and/or ≥ 90, c) ≥ 150 mmHg and/or ≥ 100, or d) ≥ 160 mmHg and/or ≥ 110, we found that policy (b) was the best option at P<0.05. CONCLUSIONS: We identified 3 possible strategies to prevent outpatient BP spikes PP: 1) medium and high-risk patients should be considered for a longer PP stay or participate in daily home monitoring, 2) medium and high-risk patients should be prescribed antihypertensives at discharge, and 3) antihypertensive treatment should be prescribed if patients are discharged with BP ≥ 140/90.

Association between body mass index and chronic hypertension in patients with hypertension disorders of pregnancy one-year postpartum.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the association between body mass index (BMI) and chronic hypertension (CHTN) one-year postpartum following pregnancies complicated by hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP). STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective cohort study of patients with HDP (gestational hypertension or preeclampsia) in a single Midwestern academic center from 2014 to 2018. The primary outcome was CHTN at one-year postpartum, defined as systolic blood pressure ≥ 130 mmHg or diastolic blood pressure ≥ 80 mmHg or taking antihypertensive medication at one-year postpartum. The primary exposure variable was BMI at one-year postpartum, categorized as underweight (<18.5 kg/m2), normal (18.5-24.9 kg/m2), overweight (25-<30 kg/m2), and obese (≥30 kg/m2) and as continuous BMI variable. Descriptive statistics and adjusted logistic regression analysis were performed. RESULTS: Out of 596 patients with HDP included in this analysis, 275 (46.1 %) had CHTN one-year postpartum. Mean one-year postpartum BMI was 27.9 ± 5.2 kg/m2. Prevalence of CHTN at one-year postpartum was higher in obese (38.1 %) and overweight (30.0 %) groups compared to the normal weight group (29.9 %), p < 0.001. In multivariate logistic regression, obesity at one-year postpartum, compared to normal, was associated with 73 % higher likelihood of CHTN following HDP (adjusted OR 1.73, 95 % CI 1.06-2.84). With BMI as a continuous variable, each unit increase in BMI one-year postpartum was associated with 6 % higher likelihood of CHTN (adjusted OR 1.06, 95 % CI 1.02-1.15). CONCLUSIONS: Obesity at one-year postpartum following HDP was associated with a higher risk of CHTN compared with normal BMI. Weight is a modifiable risk factor that should be targeted in postpartum interventions to reduce cardiovascular disease following HDP.

Breastfeeding initiation and duration among people with mild chronic hypertension: a secondary analysis of the Chronic Hypertension and Pregnancy trial.

BACKGROUND: Increased duration of breastfeeding improves maternal cardiovascular health and may be especially beneficial in high-risk populations, such as those with chronic hypertension. Others have shown that individuals with hypertension are less likely to breastfeed, and there has been limited research aimed at supporting breastfeeding goals in this population. The impact of perinatal blood pressure control on breastfeeding outcomes among people with chronic hypertension is unknown. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate whether breastfeeding initiation and short-term duration assessed at the postpartum clinic visit differed according to perinatal blood pressure treatment strategy (targeting blood pressure <140/90 mm Hg vs reserving antihypertensive treatment for blood pressure ≥160/105 mm Hg). STUDY DESIGN: We performed a secondary analysis of the Chronic Hypertension and Pregnancy trial. This was an open-label, multicenter, randomized trial where pregnant participants with mild chronic hypertension were randomized to receive antihypertensive medications with goal blood pressure <140/90 mm Hg (active treatment) or deferred treatment until blood pressure ≥160/105 mm Hg (control). The primary outcome was initiation and duration of breastfeeding, assessed at the postpartum clinic visit. We performed bivariate analyses and log-binomial and cumulative logit regression models, adjusting models for variables that were unbalanced in bivariate analyses. We performed additional analyses to explore the relationship between breastfeeding duration and blood pressure measurements at the postpartum visit. RESULTS: Of the 2408 participants from the Chronic Hypertension and Pregnancy trial, 1444 (60%) attended the postpartum study visit and provided breastfeeding information. Participants in the active treatment group had different body mass index class distribution and earlier gestational age at enrollment, and (by design) were more often discharged on antihypertensives. Breastfeeding outcomes did not differ significantly by treatment group. In the active and control treatment groups, 563 (77.5%) and 561 (78.1%) initiated breastfeeding, and mean durations of breastfeeding were 6.5±2.3 and 6.3±2.1 weeks, respectively. The probability of ever breastfeeding (adjusted relative risk, 0.99; 95% confidence interval, 0.93-1.05), current breastfeeding at postpartum visit (adjusted relative risk, 1.01; 95% confidence interval, 0.94-1.10), and weeks of breastfeeding (adjusted odds ratio, 0.87; 95% confidence interval, 0.68-1.12) did not differ by treatment group. Increased duration (≥2 vs <2 weeks) of breastfeeding was associated with slightly lower blood pressure measurements at the postpartum visit, but these differences were not significant in adjusted models. CONCLUSION: In a secondary analysis of the cohort of Chronic Hypertension and Pregnancy trial participants who attended the postpartum study visit and provided breastfeeding information (60% of original trial participants), breastfeeding outcomes did not differ significantly by treatment group. This suggests that maintaining goal blood pressure <140/90 mm Hg throughout the perinatal period is associated with neither harm nor benefit for short-term breastfeeding goals. Further study is needed to understand long-term breastfeeding outcomes among individuals with chronic hypertension and how to support this population in achieving their breastfeeding goals.

Effect of a Telephone Health Coaching Intervention on Hypertension Control in Young Adults: The MyHEART Randomized Clinical Trial.

Importance: Uncontrolled hypertension (ie, a 24-hour ambulatory systolic blood pressure of ≥130 mm Hg and diastolic blood pressure of ≥80 mm Hg or clinic systolic blood pressure of ≥140 mm Hg and diastolic blood pressure of ≥90 mm Hg) in young adults is a US public health burden. Objective: To evaluate the effect of a telephone coaching and blood pressure self-monitoring intervention compared with usual care on changes in systolic and diastolic blood pressures and behaviors at 6 and 12 months. Design, Setting, and Participants: This randomized clinical trial included male and female participants aged 18 to 39 years with uncontrolled hypertension confirmed by 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure testing. This was a geographically diverse, multicentered study within 2 large, Midwestern health care systems. Data were collected from October 2017 to February 2022 and analyzed from February to June 2022. Interventions: The My Hypertension Education and Reaching Target (MyHEART) intervention consisted of telephone coaching every 2 weeks for 6 months, with home blood pressure monitoring. Control participants received routine hypertension care. Main Outcomes and Measures: The co-primary clinical outcomes were changes in 24-hour ambulatory and clinic systolic and diastolic blood pressure at 6 and 12 months. The secondary outcomes were hypertension control (defined as ambulatory systolic blood pressure <130 mm Hg and diastolic blood pressure <80 mm Hg or clinic systolic blood pressure <140 mm Hg and diastolic blood pressure <90 mm Hg) and changes in hypertension self-management behavior. Results: A total of 316 participants were randomized (159 to the control group and 157 to the intervention group) from October 2017 to December 2020. The median (IQR) age was 35 (31-37) years, 145 of 311 participants (46.6%) were female, and 166 (53.4%) were male; 72 (22.8%) were Black, and 222 (70.3%) were White. There were no differences in baseline characteristics between groups. There was no significant difference between control and intervention groups for mean 24-hour ambulatory systolic or diastolic blood pressure or clinic systolic or diastolic blood pressure at 6 or 12 months. However, there was appreciable clinical reduction in blood pressures in both study groups (eg, mean [SD] change in systolic blood pressure in intervention group at 6 months, -4.19 [9.77] mm Hg; P < .001). Hypertension control did not differ between study groups. Participants in the intervention group demonstrated a significant increase in home blood pressure monitoring at 6 and 12 months (eg, 13 of 152 participants [8.6%] checked blood pressure at home at least once a week at baseline vs 30 of 86 [34.9%] at 12 months; P < .001). There was a significant increase in physical activity, defined as active by the Godin-Shephard Leisure-Time Physical Activity Questionnaire, in the intervention group at 6 months (69 of 100 [69.0%] vs 51 of 104 [49.0%]; P = .004) but not at 12 months (49 of 86 [57.0%] vs 49 of 90 [54.4%]; P = .76). There was a significant reduction in mean (SD) sodium intake among intervention participants at 6 months (3968.20 [1725.17] mg vs 3354.72 [1365.75] mg; P = .003) but not 12 months. There were no significant differences in other dietary measures. Conclusions and Relevance: The MyHEART intervention did not demonstrate a significant change in systolic or diastolic blood pressures at 6 or 12 months between study groups; however, both study groups had an appreciable reduction in blood pressure. Intervention participants had a significant reduction in dietary sodium intake, increased physical activity, and increased home blood pressure monitoring compared with control participants. These findings suggest that the MyHEART intervention could support behavioral changes in young adults with uncontrolled hypertension. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03158051.

Does Daily Self-Weighing Contribute to Postpartum Weight Loss? A Secondary Analysis of Daily Postpartum Weights among Women with Hypertensive Disorders of Pregnancy.

OBJECTIVE: This study was aimed to examine the impact of daily self-weighing via remote monitoring on postpartum weight loss. STUDY DESIGN: This was a secondary analysis of a nonrandomized controlled trial comprised of postpartum women with diagnosed hypertensive-related disorders in pregnancy who received a tablet device linked to Bluetooth-enabled equipment including a scale and blood pressure cuff. In addition to blood pressure monitoring, participants were instructed to perform daily self-weighing. The primary outcome of this study was to determine whether postpartum women who performed daily self-weighing lost more weight than those who did not, with a 42-day endpoint based on a 6-week postpartum visit weight. RESULTS: Overall, 214 women participated in this program and 214 received usual care. Median weight loss for women participating in the remote blood pressure monitoring system was 23.0 (interquartile range [IQR]: 17-30) pounds versus 23.0 (IQR: 17-29) pounds among controls. Weight loss did not vary by prepregnancy obesity (median: 20 pounds [IQR: 17-28 pounds] for nonobese and 23 [IQR: 17-30] pounds for women with obesity, p = 0.16). Women who weighed themselves more than half of follow-up days lost a median of 24 pounds (IQR: 17-30 pounds) compared with 20.5 pounds (IQR: 14-29 pounds), p = 0.06. Women who weighed themselves more than half of follow-up days lost a mean of 11.4% (standard deviation [SD] = 0.41%) of body weight compared with 9.1% (SD = 0.74%; p = 0.01). The amount of weight loss in the telehealth group was correlated with the number of daily weights performed (Pearson's correlation coefficient 0.164, p = 0.025). Postpartum weight loss for daily self-weighing participants was most notable in the first 2 weeks with ongoing weight loss up to the 42-day (6-week) endpoint of this secondary analysis. CONCLUSION: Daily self-weighing alone may be insufficient to promote postpartum weight loss. However, there was a slight trend toward more weight loss with more frequent weighing. KEY POINTS: · Daily self-weighing is insufficient for postpartum weight loss.. · Women who weighed themselves more lost slightly more weight.. · Weight loss was the most notable in the first 2 weeks.. · Its use as one part of a program may be worth studying..

Blood pressure changes in gestational hypertension, preeclampsia, and chronic hypertension from preconception to 42-day postpartum.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate blood pressure changes from preconception to 42-day postpartum in patients with gestational hypertension, preeclampsia, and chronic hypertension. STUDY DESIGN: Secondary analysis of patients diagnosed with a hypertensive disorder of pregnancy (HDP) antenatally or postpartum, who were enrolled prospectively in a postpartum remote blood pressure (BP) monitoring program between March 2017 and May 2020. BP were collected at 47 time points: preconception, each trimester, delivery day, and every postpartum day through 42-days postpartum. The primary outcome of the study was to examine changes in BP over time and between the types of HDP for 42 days postpartum. Secondary outcomes included the difference in timing of BP stabilization (BPs < 140/90 mmHg for ≥ 48 h), BP resolution (stabilized without antihypertensive medication use), and antihypertensive medication usage at 42-day postpartum between the HDP groups. RESULTS: A total of 1,194 patients were included in the cohort; 224 (18.8 %) had chronic hypertension (CHTN), 525 (43.9 %) had gestational hypertension (GHTN), 153 (12.8 %) had preeclampsia, and 292 (24.5 %) had preeclampsia with severe features. Postpartum BP peaked on days 5-7 postpartum with rapid decrease from postpartum day 7 until postpartum day 14, followed by very small resolution/stabilization in BP values between day 15 and 42 postpartum. By 6 weeks postpartum, 60.5 % of patients with CHTN still required antihypertensive medications to maintain BP < 140/90 mmHg. In the group of patients with preeclampsia with severe features, 32.6 % still required antihypertensive medications to maintain BP < 140/90 mmHg. Finally, 16.1 % patients with GHTN and 23.8 % of patients with preeclampsia without severe features required antihypertensive use at 6 weeks postpartum. The groups of CHTN and GHTN had significant reduction in SBPs at 42-days postpartum compared to their pre-conception BP (p < 0.001 for both groups). While diastolic BP at 42-days postpartum were not different in CHTN, GHTN and preeclampsia groups, compared to preconception, women with preeclampsia with severe features had higher diastolic BP at the end of 6-weeks postpartum period compared to preconception readings (p = 0.007). CONCLUSION: Our study adds new information by examining BP trajectories through 42 days postpartum and demonstrates that all types of HDP are at risk of BP spikes and intervention through 42 days postpartum. We found that patients with CHTN had slower stabilization and resolution of their BP compared to patients with GHTN and preeclampsia with and without severe features. In addition, even at 42 days postpartum, a substantial proportion of patients with HDP, including GHTN, required antihypertensive treatment to maintain BP within stage I hypertension.

Concepts from behavioral theories can guide clinicians in coaching for behavior change.

OBJECTIVES: Many patients do not engage in health behaviors that can control common, chronic illnesses. Clinicians have opportunities to promote health behaviors yet may lack skills for coaching effectively about health behaviors. Our aims are to: present definitions of coaching, propose concepts for coaching about behavior change from two theories, share theory-guided research on behavior change relevant to ambulatory care settings, and delineate how concepts from these theories can guide coaching. METHODS: In our discussion, we explain how two behavioral theories are complementary and applicable to coaching, present empirical support for these theories, and describe applications of these concepts for practice. CONCLUSIONS AND PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: Self-determination theory can guide clinicians in how to interact with patients to meet patients' psychological needs, to promote health behaviors, and subsequent health status. Self-regulation theory can guide coaches in what concepts to address for behavior change. These complementary theories have been supported in rigorous research with adult populations in ambulatory care settings.

Perinatal Outcomes Associated With Institutional Changes Early in the COVID-19 Pandemic.

OBJECTIVE: Many institutions implemented policy changes to protect patients and clinicians during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study examines how institutional policy changes and patient behaviors affected perinatal outcomes. We hypothesized that obstetric practice changes occurred and that these changes affected perinatal outcomes. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective cohort study of singleton pregnancies delivered at a single institution with low incidence of COVID-19. Deliveries occurring from December 15, 2019 through March 14, 2020 were designated as the pre-COVID-19 group. Those occurring from March 15, 2020, through June 15, 2020, were designated the COVID-19 group. The primary outcome is a perinatal composite defined as delivery ≥ 41 weeks, hypertensive disorder of pregnancy at term, unplanned Cesarean delivery, term neonatal intensive care unit admission, 42-day maternal readmission, and 7-day neonatal readmission. Additional maternal, neonatal, and delivery composites also were analyzed, and we evaluated all individual outcomes secondarily. RESULTS: Of 2,268 deliveries, 1,210 occurred during the COVID-19 period. Four of the 1,210 (0.3%) were diagnosed with COVID-19. Women during the COVID-19 period were more likely to present in spontaneous labor and less likely to undergo induction. Maternal and neonatal length of stay was also shorter. There was no difference in the perinatal composite between the 2 groups (36.3% vs 36.7% [OR 1.05; 95% CI, 0.86-1.21]). There was a significant increase in deliveries occurring at or after 41 weeks (4.7% vs 6.9% [OR 1.83; 95% CI, 1.00-3.34]). There was no difference in maternal, neonatal, and delivery composites or the outcomes assessed individually. CONCLUSIONS: We demonstrated significant changes in clinical practice secondary to policy changes and patient behaviors during the COVID-19 pandemic. As an institution that globally adopted ARRIVE (A Randomized Trial of Induction Versus Expectant Management) practices, we noted fewer inductions, more women presenting in labor and more women delivering at or after 41 weeks. We also noted a shorter length of hospital stay for the mother-baby dyad. Overall, these changes in clinical practice did not affect perinatal outcomes.

Treatment for Mild Chronic Hypertension during Pregnancy.

BACKGROUND: The benefits and safety of the treatment of mild chronic hypertension (blood pressure, <160/100 mm Hg) during pregnancy are uncertain. Data are needed on whether a strategy of targeting a blood pressure of less than 140/90 mm Hg reduces the incidence of adverse pregnancy outcomes without compromising fetal growth. METHODS: In this open-label, multicenter, randomized trial, we assigned pregnant women with mild chronic hypertension and singleton fetuses at a gestational age of less than 23 weeks to receive antihypertensive medications recommended for use in pregnancy (active-treatment group) or to receive no such treatment unless severe hypertension (systolic pressure, ≥160 mm Hg; or diastolic pressure, ≥105 mm Hg) developed (control group). The primary outcome was a composite of preeclampsia with severe features, medically indicated preterm birth at less than 35 weeks' gestation, placental abruption, or fetal or neonatal death. The safety outcome was small-for-gestational-age birth weight below the 10th percentile for gestational age. Secondary outcomes included composites of serious neonatal or maternal complications, preeclampsia, and preterm birth. RESULTS: A total of 2408 women were enrolled in the trial. The incidence of a primary-outcome event was lower in the active-treatment group than in the control group (30.2% vs. 37.0%), for an adjusted risk ratio of 0.82 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.74 to 0.92; P<0.001). The percentage of small-for-gestational-age birth weights below the 10th percentile was 11.2% in the active-treatment group and 10.4% in the control group (adjusted risk ratio, 1.04; 95% CI, 0.82 to 1.31; P = 0.76). The incidence of serious maternal complications was 2.1% and 2.8%, respectively (risk ratio, 0.75; 95% CI, 0.45 to 1.26), and the incidence of severe neonatal complications was 2.0% and 2.6% (risk ratio, 0.77; 95% CI, 0.45 to 1.30). The incidence of any preeclampsia in the two groups was 24.4% and 31.1%, respectively (risk ratio, 0.79; 95% CI, 0.69 to 0.89), and the incidence of preterm birth was 27.5% and 31.4% (risk ratio, 0.87; 95% CI, 0.77 to 0.99). CONCLUSIONS: In pregnant women with mild chronic hypertension, a strategy of targeting a blood pressure of less than 140/90 mm Hg was associated with better pregnancy outcomes than a strategy of reserving treatment only for severe hypertension, with no increase in the risk of small-for-gestational-age birth weight. (Funded by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute; CHAP ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT02299414.).

Weight gain in pregnancy: can metformin steady the scales?

OBJECTIVE: Metformin has been associated with modest weight reduction in the non-pregnant population. Our hypothesis is that metformin exposure will lead to a higher incidence of appropriate weight gain during pregnancy. STUDY DESIGN: This was a retrospective cohort study in a single center between 2009 and 2019. We included all pregnant women with type 2 diabetes or prediabetes. We compared women exposed to metformin in any trimester. The primary outcome was appropriate weight gain defined by the Institute of Medicine guidelines. Secondary outcomes included excessive weight gain, weight loss, suspected fetal growth restriction (FGR), and mean birth weight. Adjusted odds ratios or group differences were calculated using logistic or linear regression, controlling for confounders. RESULTS: Of 41,472 deliveries during the study period, 511 pregnancies met inclusion criteria. 284 pregnancies had no metformin exposure; 227 did have metformin exposure, of which 169 (72.2%) were initiated on metformin in the first trimester. Women exposed to metformin in any trimester were statistically not more likely to have appropriate weight gain (aOR 1.53 (95% CI 1.00-2.34, p = .048), but did have less excess weight gain (aOR 0.45, 95% CI 0.30-0.66, p < .001), and more maternal weight loss (aOR 2.17, 95% CI 1.18-3.98, p = .012) than the unexposed group. Women exposed to metformin in the first trimester of pregnancy were less likely to have excess weight gain (aOR 0.39, 95% CI 0.25-0.61, p < .001) and more likely to have maternal weight loss (aOR 2.56, 95% CI 1.30-5.07, p = .007) than the unexposed cohort. There was no difference in FGR (5.3% vs 2.5% p = .094) or mean birth weight (3235.6 vs 3352.4 gm p = .122) in the metformin exposed group vs non-exposed groups, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Metformin exposure in pregnancy was associated with less excess weight gain and a higher rate of weight loss. There was no difference in FGR or mean birth weight in metformin exposed neonates. This suggests that metformin may help avoid excess weight gain and its associated comorbidities.

Increased length of active labor is associated with adverse perinatal outcomes among nulliparous women undergoing labor induction.

OBJECTIVE: Evaluate the association between current recommendations for active labor duration in nulliparous women undergoing labor induction and adverse perinatal outcomes. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study from 2012 to 2015. Subjects were nulliparous, 18-44 years, cephalic, singleton ≥37 weeks undergoing labor induction who reached active labor. We created three subgroups, defined by active labor duration from 6 to 10cm as < the median, median-95th percentile, and >95th percentile based on contemporary labor curves. We evaluated the association between subgroups and cesarean delivery, chorioamnionitis, blood loss (EBL), 5-minute Apgar score < 7, and neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admission using logistic regression. RESULTS: Among 356 women, 34.8% had an active labor duration < median, 43.3% were between the median-95th percentile, and 21.9% were >95th percentile. The risk of cesarean delivery increased with longer active labor duration; 1.8-fold (95%CI = 1.1-3.1) and 4.0-fold (95%CI = 2.5-6.5) for women whose active labors were between the median-95th percentile and >95th percentile, respectively. Chorioamnionitis increased by 3.9-fold (95%CI = 1.2-13.2) in the >95th percentile subgroup. Active labor length was not associated with EBL, Apgar scores, or NICU admission. CONCLUSIONS: Cesarean delivery and chorioamnionitis increased significantly as induced active labor duration exceeded the median. This study provides a better understanding regarding the risks of longer active labor as defined by contemporary labor curves.

The effect of antenatal indomethacin on extremely preterm neonatal kidney function.

Introduction/Objective: Indomethacin is an effective tocolytic to prevent extremely preterm birth. Prior studies have associated antenatal indomethacin exposure with adverse preterm neonatal intestinal and neurological outcomes. Indomethacin is a nephrotoxic medication that may also affect preterm neonatal kidneys. We sought to evaluate the effect of antenatal indomethacin on extremely preterm neonatal kidney function and acute kidney injury (AKI) in the first week of age.Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted on neonates born < 29 weeks at a level III neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) from January 2018-April 2019. Serum creatinine (sCr) values and urine output (UOP) in the first seven days of age and the neonate's peak serum creatinine within the first 30 days were evaluated. Neonatal AKI was defined by the modified neonatal Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) definition including urine output.Results: 17 of the 55 neonates meeting criteria for this study were exposed to indomethacin. The average gestational age at birth was similar between study groups. Maternal preeclampsia was more common among women who did not receive indomethacin (p = 0.021). Indomethacin exposed neonates received more gentamicin (p = 0.024). Overall, staging of the neonatal AKI did not differ significantly between the study groups, regardless of how it was quantified (sCr or UOP) or the duration of time in which the injury developed (7 days or 30 days). Separate analysis of sCr and UOP in the first seven days also failed to show any statistically significant differences between the two groups.Conclusion: In this small cohort study of extremely preterm neonates, those born to mothers treated with indomethacin did not have an increased incidence of AKI compared to neonates born to unexposed mothers. Although no statistically significant differences in UOP or sCr were found, they deserve further evaluation in adequately powered prospective clinical trials. Future prospective studies with long-term follow-up utilizing advanced biomarkers are needed to determine how antenatal indomethacin affects extremely preterm neonatal kidney function in the NICU, during childhood, and as adults.

Longitudinal blood pressure patterns of women with hypertensive disorders of pregnancy: preconception through postpartum.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the longitudinal blood pressure (BP) pattern of women with hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) preconception through the postpartum day (PPD) 42. STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective study of women (≥15 years old) diagnosed with an HDP antenatally or postpartum, who were enrolled prospectively in a postpartum remote BP monitoring program between 3/2017 and 5/2020. BPs were collected from 47-time points: preconception, each trimester, delivery day, and 42 days postpartum. Analysis was conducted utilizing a mixed-effects longitudinal model. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Primary outcome was the longitudinal BP patterns. Secondary outcomes were the timing of BP stabilization (BPs < 140/90 mmHg for ≥48 h) and resolution (stabilized without antihypertensive medication use). RESULTS: Our final analysis included 897 of the 964 eligible women. The peak systolic and diastolic BPs were on PPDs 3, 4, 5, and 5, 6, 7, respectively. Systolic BP fell below the preconception level after PPD15; diastolic BP reached its plateau after PPD17 and remained above the preconception level till PPD42 (p < .001). Postpartum BP peaked with the highest percentage of BP spikes on PPDs 4-7. The median survival times to BP stabilization and resolution were PPDs 11 (95% CI: 10-12) and 23 (95% CI: 21-25), respectively. By PPD42, 91.0% and 74.1% of women achieved BP stabilization and resolution, respectively. CONCLUSION: This study data could be used to develop evidence-based recommendations for women with an HDP. Diastolic BPs remaining significantly higher than the preconception level indicates the long-term risk of cardiovascular disease. In our cohort, 26% of women had unresolved hypertension by PPD42, which reinforces the necessity to ensure long-term follow-up.

Ten things to know about ten cardiovascular disease risk factors.

Given rapid advancements in medical science, it is often challenging for the busy clinician to remain up-to-date on the fundamental and multifaceted aspects of preventive cardiology and maintain awareness of the latest guidelines applicable to cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors. The "American Society for Preventive Cardiology (ASPC) Top Ten CVD Risk Factors 2021 Update" is a summary document (updated yearly) regarding CVD risk factors. This "ASPC Top Ten CVD Risk Factors 2021 Update" summary document reflects the perspective of the section authors regarding ten things to know about ten sentinel CVD risk factors. It also includes quick access to sentinel references (applicable guidelines and select reviews) for each CVD risk factor section. The ten CVD risk factors include unhealthful nutrition, physical inactivity, dyslipidemia, hyperglycemia, high blood pressure, obesity, considerations of select populations (older age, race/ethnicity, and sex differences), thrombosis/smoking, kidney dysfunction and genetics/familial hypercholesterolemia. For the individual patient, other CVD risk factors may be relevant, beyond the CVD risk factors discussed here. However, it is the intent of the "ASPC Top Ten CVD Risk Factors 2021 Update" to provide a succinct overview of things to know about ten common CVD risk factors applicable to preventive cardiology.

Metformin Exposure and Risk of Hypertensive Disorders of Pregnancy in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes.

OBJECTIVE: Metformin has been found to have a role in promoting vascular remodeling and angiogenesis which may reduce the risk of developing preeclampsia. Prior studies have shown a decrease in the incidence of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy in patients with type 2 and gestational diabetes taking metformin. We hypothesize metformin exposure decreases the risk of developing hypertension in patients with type 2 diabetes. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study from 2009 to 2019 of singleton pregnancies was complicated by type 2 diabetes. We compared patients who received metformin throughout pregnancy to those with no metformin exposure. The primary outcome was a hypertension composite defined as gestational hypertension, preeclampsia with or without severe features, HELLP syndrome, or eclampsia. Individual hypertensive outcomes and neonatal outcomes were secondarily evaluated. Logistic regression was used to adjust for confounding variables. RESULTS: A total of 254 pregnancies were included. Women exposed to metformin were significantly less likely to develop hypertension composite compared with nonexposed women (22.7 vs. 33.1%, aOR 0.53, 95% CI 0.29-0.96). The incidence of preeclampsia with severe features was also significantly lower in those who received metformin compared with those who did not (12.1 vs. 20.7%, aOR 0.38, 95% CI 0.18-0.81). There were no differences in preterm birth prior to 34 or 37 weeks, fetal growth restriction, or birth weight between the study groups. A subgroup analysis of women without chronic hypertension also had a significantly lower risk of developing preeclampsia with severe features (7.6 vs. 17.8%, aOR 0.35, 95% CI 0.13-0.94). CONCLUSION: Metformin exposure was associated with a decreased risk of composite hypertensive disorders of pregnancy in patients with pregestational type 2 diabetes. These data suggest that there may be benefit to metformin administration beyond glycemic control in this patient population. KEY POINTS: · Metformin use showed a decreased risk of a hypertension composite.. · Results were consistent in patients without chronic hypertension.. · Metformin may show benefit beyond glycemic control in women with type 2 diabetes..

Dose of aspirin to prevent preterm preeclampsia in women with moderate or high-risk factors: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of aspirin dose on the incidence of all gestational age preeclampsia and preterm preeclampsia. DATA SOURCES: Electronic databases (Cochrane, PubMed, Scopus, ClinicalTrials.gov and the Web of Science) were searched for articles published between January 1985 and March 2019 with no language restrictions. METHODS: We followed the PRIMSA guidelines and utilized Covidence software. Articles were screened by 2 independent reviewers, with discrepancies settled by an independent 3rd party. Study selection criteria were randomized trials comparing aspirin for prevention of all gestational age and preterm preeclampsia to placebo or no antiplatelet treatment in women aged 15-55 years with moderate or high-risk factors according to the list of risk factors from American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and United States Preventive Services Task Force guidelines. The quality of trials was assessed using the Cochrane risk of bias tool. The data were pooled using a random-effects meta-analysis comparing aspirin at doses of <81, 81, 100, and 150 mg. Pre-specified outcomes were all gestational age and preterm preeclampsia. RESULTS: Of 1,609 articles screened, 23 randomized trials, which included 32,370 women, fulfilled the inclusion criteria. In preterm preeclampsia, women assigned at random to 150 mg experienced a significant 62% reduction in risk of preterm preeclampsia (RR = 0.38; 95% CI: 0.20-0.72; P = 0.011). Aspirin doses <150 mg produced no significant reductions. The number needed to treat with 150 mg of aspirin was 39 (95% CI: 23-100). There was a maximum 30% reduction in risk of all gestational age preeclampsia at all aspirin doses. CONCLUSIONS: In this meta-analysis, based on indirect comparisons, aspirin at a dose greater than the current, recommended 81 mg was associated with the highest reduction in preterm preeclampsia. Our meta-analysis is limited due to the deficiency of homogeneous high evidence data available in the literature to date; however, it may be prudent for clinicians to consider that the optimal aspirin dose may be higher than the current guidelines advise. Future research to compare the efficacy aspirin doses greater than 81 mg is recommended. STUDY REGISTRATION: PROSPERO, CRD42019127951 (University of York, UK; http://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/).

Patient perceptions, opinions and satisfaction of telehealth with remote blood pressure monitoring postpartum.

BACKGROUND: Our aim was to conduct a post participation survey of respondent experiences with in-home remote patient monitoring via telehealth for blood pressure monitoring of women with postpartum hypertension. We hypothesized that the in-home remote patient monitoring application will be implemented with strong fidelity and have positive patient acceptability. METHODS: This analysis was a planned secondary analysis of a non-randomized controlled trial of telehealth with remote blood pressure patient monitoring for postpartum hypertension compared to standard outpatient monitoring in women with a hypertension-related diagnosis during pregnancy. In collaboration with survey experts, we developed a 41-item web-based survey to assess 1) perception of quality of care received, 2) ease of use/ease to learn the telehealth program, 3) effective orientation of equipment, 4) level of perceived security/privacy utilizing telehealth and 5) problems encountered. The survey included multiple question formats including Likert scale responses, dichotomous Yes/No responses, and free text. We performed a descriptive analysis on all responses and then performed regression analysis on a subset of questions most relevant to the domains of interest. The qualitative data collected through open ended responses was analyzed to determine relevant categories. Intervention participants who completed the study received the survey at the 6-week study endpoint. RESULTS: Sixty six percent of respondents completed the survey. The majority of women found the technology fit easily into their lifestyle. Privacy concerns were minimal and factors that influenced this included age, BMI, marital status, and readmissions. 95% of women preferred remote care for postpartum follow-up, in which hypertensive type, medication use and ethnicity were found to be significant factors in influencing location of follow-up. Most women were satisfied with the devices, but rates varied by hypertensive type, infant discharge rates and BMI. CONCLUSIONS: Postpartum women perceived the telehealth remote intervention was a safe, easy to use method that represented an acceptable burden of care and an overall satisfying method for postpartum blood pressure monitoring. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov identification number: NCT03111095 Date of registration: April 12, 2017.

Use of dexamethasone, remdesivir, convalescent plasma and prone positioning in the treatment of severe COVID-19 infection in pregnancy: A case report.

Severe infection with COVID-19 virus in pregnancy offers unique management challenges for the obstetrician and critical care specialist. We report the case of a woman at 26 weeks of gestation with acute respiratory distress syndrome secondary to COVID-19 infection treated with dexamethasone, remdesivir, convalescent plasma and mechanical ventilation. Cesarean delivery was performed at 29 weeks due to worsening maternal status. This case offers insight into the assessment and successful use of treatment strategies, including dexamethasone, remdesivir, convalescent plasma, early prone positioning, conservative fluid management, permissive hypoxia and low tidal volume parameters with ventilator support for pregnancies affected by severe COVID-19 infection.

A Matter of Time: Does Gestational Age Affect the Duration of the Fetal Anatomic Survey?

OBJECTIVE: To assess the average duration of detailed fetal anatomic surveys in pregnancy in relation to gestational age (GA) and the maternal body mass index (BMI) to determine optimal timing of the examination. METHODS: This was a retrospective cohort study of gravidae presenting for detailed fetal anatomic examinations between January 1, 2010, and June 30, 2017. After excluding examinations expected to have longer duration (ie, multifetal, major fetal anomalies), there were a total of 6522 examinations performed between GAs of 18 weeks 0 days and 22 weeks 0 days. Women were grouped by BMI, and results were analyzed by logistic regression. RESULTS: Gravidae of normal weight (BMI, 18.5-24.9 kg/m2 ) had a decrease of 47.47 seconds of the examination time with each increasing week of gestation (P = .036). Overweight (BMI, 25-29.9 kg/m2 ) gravidae similarly had a decrease of 66.31 seconds of the examination time with each additional week of gestation (P = .017). Underweight (BMI, 8.5 kg/m2 ) and obese (BMI, ≥30 kg/m2 ) gravidae did not have differences in the examination time with increasing GA. Increases in suboptimal examinations were noted with an increasing BMI (P < .001). There was a decreased frequency of suboptimal examinations in obese gravidae with a BMI of 40 kg/m2 or higher with increasing GA (P = .037). CONCLUSIONS: The duration of detailed fetal anatomic examinations decreased with increasing GA in normal-weight and overweight gravidae but not in obese gravidae. Performing the anatomy scan earlier in class I and II obese gravidae (BMI, 30-40 kg/m2 ) may enable improved pregnancy management options without increasing the examination duration or likelihood of a suboptimal evaluation.