Expectant Management of Severe COVID-19 Pneumonia in Late Preterm Pregnancy and Subsequent Cholecystitis: Lessons Learned.

Introduction Since the emergence of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) as a pandemic in March 2020, research and guidance have been published with regard to the management of infection and considerations in pregnancy, but much is still unknown. Pregnant women with COVID-19 infection are more likely to be hospitalized and are at increased risk for intensive care unit admissions and intubation than nonpregnant women with COVID-19 infection. The optimal timing of delivery among pregnant women with COVID-19 infection has not been established at this time, especially when the infection arises in late preterm and early term gestation. It is suggested that COVID-19 infection should not be considered a sole indication for delivery. The risks and benefits of prolonging pregnancy versus delivery should be taken into consideration at any given gestational age in a patient with COVID-19 infection. Case Report We report a case of a patient in the late third trimester of pregnancy that presented with severe COVID-19 infection and was managed expectantly through her disease course with improvement of respiratory status without necessitating delivery. We also discuss the unique development of cholecystitis in her hospitalization that may represent another clinical association to COVID-19 infection. Conclusion This case illustrates that delaying delivery is an option even in later gestational ages for maternal stabilization. A multidisciplinary approach and teamwork is needed to manage pregnant women with COVID-19 infection for optimal outcomes for both mother and fetus. Key Points Delaying delivery in severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection is a reasonable option even in late gestation.A multidisciplinary team is of utmost importance when managing a pregnant woman with COVID-19.Other clinical sequalae such as cholecystitis may arise in the setting of COVID-19 infection.

The Effect of Maternal Obesity on Oxytocin Requirements to Achieve Vaginal Delivery.

OBJECTIVE: Our objective was to determine if obese women are more likely to require oxytocin rates > 20 mU/min to achieve vaginal delivery, compared with normal weight women. STUDY DESIGN: This is a retrospective cohort study of deliveries at the MedStar Washington Hospital Center and MedStar Georgetown University Hospital. RESULTS: There were 4,284 births included in the analysis. Thirty-three per cent of deliveries were among women classified as overweight (body mass index [BMI] 25-29.9 kg/m2) and 58% were among women classified as obese (BMI >30.0 kg/m2), 12% were classified as class III obesity (BMI >40 kg/m2). Overall 110 (2.6%) women required an oxytocin rate of >20 mU/min. Doses of oxytocin >20 mU/min for women in the overweight, class I obesity, and class II obesity groups were 2.6, 1.9, and 1.6%, respectively. Deliveries among women with class III obesity had a significantly longer duration of oxytocin exposure (10.7 hours) compared with the normal weight group (8.2 hours, p < 0.001), and had a higher maximum rate of oxytocin compared (10 mU/min) to normal weight women (8 mU/min, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Obese women are more likely to require oxytocin rates more than 20 mU/min, higher doses of oxytocin, and greater duration of oxytocin exposure to achieve a vaginal delivery.

Outcomes after periviable ultrasound-indicated cerclage.

BACKGROUND: Cerclage placed for a sonographically short cervix has been shown to reduce the risk of preterm delivery in women with a history of prior preterm birth. While short cervix is traditionally placed before viability, the threshold gestational age at which viability is achieved continues to decrease, and, as a result, a larger subset of women may be ineligible to receive this potentially beneficial procedure. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the association between obstetric outcomes and perioperative complications after placement of an ultrasound-indicated cerclage at periviability compared to placement in the previable period. METHODS: This retrospective cohort study of patients who underwent ultrasound-indicated cerclage evaluated obstetric outcomes and perioperative complications based on gestational age at cerclage placement. Ultrasound-indicated cerclage was considered to have been placed at periviability if placed at 22 to <24 weeks (exposed) and at previability if placed at 16 to <22 weeks gestational age (unexposed). The primary outcome was preterm delivery <36 weeks. Secondary outcomes included mean gestational age at delivery, preterm delivery <32 weeks, <28, and <24 weeks, preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM), chorioamnionitis, and perioperative complications. Adjusted analyses were performed to account for demographic and obstetric factors. RESULTS: Of the 426 patients included in the analysis, 94 (22%) had cerclage placed between ≥22 weeks to <24 weeks, while 332 (78%) had cerclage placed at <22 weeks. On univariate analysis, women who had a periviable cerclage placed were less likely to have a recurrent preterm delivery <36 weeks compared to women with previable cerclage placement (26.6 versus 38.3%, respectively, p = .04). The adjusted model did not demonstrate a significant difference in risk for preterm delivery <36 weeks associated with periviable versus previable cerclage (odds ratio 0.66, 95%CI 0.37-1.17). Secondary outcomes were similar between the previable and periviable groups, including mean gestational age at delivery (35.1 versus 36.2 weeks, respectively, p = .08) and preterm delivery before 32-week gestation (20.7 versus 13.8%, respectively, p = .17). Intraoperative and postoperative complications were rare and rates were similar between groups. CONCLUSIONS: Obstetric outcomes between patients receiving periviable and previable cerclage are similar. Ultrasound-indicated cerclage placement is associated with a relatively low rate of complications. Given the evidence supporting benefit of cerclage for women with short ultrasound cervical length and prior preterm birth, our findings demonstrate that benefits of placement at ≥22 weeks to <24 weeks may outweigh risks.

Activity restriction and risk of preterm delivery.

PURPOSE: We sought to determine whether activity restriction (AR) in a cohort of women at high risk for preterm delivery is associated with the risk of preterm delivery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a secondary analysis of the Maternal-Fetal Medicine Units MFMU's Preterm Prediction Study; a multicenter prospective cohort study designed to identify risk factors of preterm birth (PTB). The study group consisted of women with a singleton gestation that at their first study visit (23-24 weeks) had at least one of the following criteria: patient reported contractions, severe back pain, a cervical length <15 mm, spotting, protruding membranes, or positive fetal fibronectin. Women were assessed for AR at a 27- to 29-week study visit. Associations between AR and preterm delivery (<37 weeks) were examined through logistic regression models before and after adjustment for confounders. RESULTS: Of the 1086 women that met the inclusion criteria, 16.5% (n = 179) delivered preterm. In this cohort, 9.7% (n = 105) of women were recommended AR, with 37.1% (n = 39) having a PTB. In the group not recommended AR (n = 981), 14.3% (n = 140) delivered preterm. CONCLUSION: In this cohort of women at high risk for PTB, activity restriction was associated with an increased risk of PTB. The use of AR in this population should be discouraged.

Eisenmenger Syndrome and Pregnancy: Novel ECMO Configuration as a Bridge to Delivery and Recovery Utilizing a Multidisciplinary Team.

Pregnancy is typically contraindicated in Eisenmenger syndrome because of its association with excessively high maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality. Here, we report on our novel approach to successfully managing a 29 year old pregnant woman with an unrepaired patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) with Eisenmenger syndrome through delivery and recovery. Venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) was utilized during induction of labor to stabilize maternal hemodynamics and optimize fetal oxygenation by creating an oxygenated right-to-left shunt through the PDA. Delivery ultimately required cesarean section on ECMO support, with her hospital course complicated by intraabdominal hemorrhage and, later, recannulation with venoarterial ECMO for postoperative respiratory failure with decompensated pulmonary hypertension. Ultimately, both the mother and baby were successfully discharged to home. This case highlights not only the potential for ECMO in the peripartum setting for patients with severe pulmonary hypertension, but also the complexity of management and the need for a highly experienced, multidisciplinary team.

Prolonged latency of preterm premature rupture of membranes and risk of neonatal sepsis.

BACKGROUND: Preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM) is associated with inflammation and infection, and it may involve the loss of a barrier to ascending infection from the vagina, and it is possible that prolonged PPROM could be an independent risk factor for neonatal sepsis. OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study was to determine whether prolonged latency after PPROM is associated with an increased risk of neonatal sepsis. STUDY DESIGN: This secondary analysis of the randomized controlled trial of magnesium sulfate for the prevention of cerebral palsy evaluated whether the time interval between diagnosis of PPROM and delivery was associated with an increased risk of neonatal sepsis. Latency time was categorized by weeks of latency (0 weeks to ≥ 4 weeks). The primary outcome was confirmed neonatal sepsis. Logistic regression was used to control for confounders. RESULTS: A total of 1596 patients with PPROM were analyzed, of whom 1390 had a < 4-week interval and 206 had an interval of ≥ 4 weeks. Confirmed neonatal sepsis occurred in 15.5% of patients in the cohort. In the univariate analysis, patients in the prolonged PPROM group were less likely to have neonatal sepsis (6.8% vs 17.2%, relative risk, 0.40 95% confidence interval, 0.24-0.66). This relationship was retained in the multivariable model; patients with prolonged PPROM ≥ 4 weeks had an adjusted odds ratio of 0.21 (95% confidence interval, 0.10-0.41) for neonatal sepsis. Neonatal sepsis was also significantly associated with earlier gestational age at rupture of membranes. CONCLUSION: Prolonged exposure to an intrauterine environment of PPROM does not increase the risk of neonatal sepsis; prolonged PPROM ≥ 4 weeks was associated with decreased risk of neonatal sepsis.

Does the rate of cervical shortening after cerclage predict preterm birth?

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study is to evaluate whether the rate of cervical shortening after cerclage can predict spontaneous preterm birth (SPTB). METHODS: Women who had cervical length (CL) assessments after cerclage placement were identified. The rate of cervical shortening and its relationship with SPTB was established using a generalized linear regression model. Secondary outcomes included relationship between cervical shortening and risk of SPTB in those with a post-cerclage CL <25 mm versus ≥25 mm at 18-20 weeks; and the rate of cervical shortening in women who delivered preterm compared with those who delivered at term. RESULTS: One hundred thirty-four patients were included and 30 (22.4%) delivered at <36 weeks. A rate of cervical shortening of 1 mm/week conferred a risk of SPTB of 22%. Among women with cerclage who had a CL <25 mm at 18-20 weeks, 1 mm/week of cervical shortening was associated with a 59% risk of SPTB. Patients with cerclage who delivered at term had a slower rate of cervical shortening compared to those who delivered preterm (0.62 mm versus 1.40 mm per week, p = 0.008). CONCLUSIONS: The rate of cervical shortening after cerclage placement is associated with the risk of SPTB. Sonographic surveillance of the rate of cervical shortening may be useful in assessing risk for SPTB in patients with cerclage.

Prolonged latency of preterm premature rupture of membranes and risk of cerebral palsy (.).

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether prolonged latency after preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM) is associated with an increased risk of death or moderate-to-severe cerebral palsy (CP). STUDY DESIGN: This secondary analysis of the randomized controlled trial of magnesium sulfate for the prevention of CP evaluated whether the time interval between diagnosis of PPROM and delivery was associated with increased risk for CP. Prolonged latency was defined as an interval of ≥4 weeks, latency time was also categorized by week of latency for further analysis. The primary outcome was death or moderate-to-severe CP at 2 years of age. Logistic regression was used to control for confounders. RESULTS: In all, 1522 patients with PPROM were analyzed; of whom, 1328 had a <4-week interval and 194 had an interval of ≥4 weeks. In the unadjusted analysis, the primary outcome was less likely in the PPROM ≥4 weeks group 4.1% versus 8.4%, RR: 0.49, 95% CI: 0.24-0.98. After adjusting for possible confounders, there was no statistical difference associated with PPROM latency ≥4 weeks versus <4 weeks for death or moderate-to-severe CP. CONCLUSION: Prolonged exposure to an intrauterine environment of PPROM does not increase risk for CP.

Does the clinical presentation of a prior preterm birth predict risk in a subsequent pregnancy?

OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study was to determine whether risk of recurrent preterm birth differs based on the clinical presentation of a prior spontaneous preterm birth (SPTB): advanced cervical dilatation (ACD), preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM), or preterm labor (PTL). STUDY DESIGN: This retrospective cohort study included singleton pregnancies from 2009 to 2014 complicated by a history of prior SPTB. Women were categorized based on the clinical presentation of their prior preterm delivery as having ACD, PPROM, or PTL. Risks for sonographic short cervical length and recurrent SPTB were compared between women based on the clinical presentation of their prior preterm birth. Log-linear regression was used to control for confounders. RESULTS: Of 522 patients included in this study, 96 (18.4%) had prior ACD, 246 (47.1%) had prior PPROM, and 180 (34.5%) had prior PTL. Recurrent PTB occurred in 55.2% of patients with a history of ACD compared with 27.2% of those with PPROM and 32.2% with PTL (P = .001). The mean gestational age at delivery was significantly lower for those with a history of ACD (34.0 weeks) compared with women with prior PPROM (37.2 weeks) or PTL (37.0 weeks) (P = .001). The lowest mean cervical length prior to 24 weeks was significantly shorter in patients with a history of advanced cervical dilation when compared with the other clinical presentations. CONCLUSION: Patients with a history of ACD are at an increased risk of having recurrent preterm birth and cervical shortening in a subsequent pregnancy compared with women with prior preterm birth associated PPROM or PTL.

Mode of delivery at periviability and early childhood neurodevelopment.

OBJECTIVE: Little is known regarding the impact of mode of delivery in the periviable period. Even less is understood regarding the effect of mode of delivery on neurodevelopment. Our objective is to determine if the mode of delivery at time of periviability impacts Bayley II scores at 2 years of age. STUDY DESIGN: This is a secondary analysis of a randomized, controlled trial of magnesium sulfate for the prevention of cerebral palsy, a multicenter trial where women at imminent risk for delivery were assigned to receive magnesium sulfate or placebo. For this secondary analysis we included nonanomalous singleton gestations delivered between 23 4/7 and 25 6/7 weeks. We excluded women with missing exposure or outcome data. The primary exposure of interest was mode of delivery. The primary outcome was Bayley II scores <70 (mental and motor) at 2 years of age. Log binomial regression was used to control for possible confounders including gestational age at delivery, presentation at time of delivery, chorioamnionitis, years of maternal education, maternal body mass index, and original study treatment group. RESULTS: A total of 158 women met inclusion criteria. In all, 91 had a vaginal delivery and 67 had a cesarean delivery. Exposure to magnesium sulfate, maternal education, chorioamnionitis, years of maternal education, and maternal body mass index were similar in both groups. There was no difference in either mental or motor Bayley II scores <70 or <85 by mode of delivery in either univariable or multivariable analysis. CONCLUSION: There is no detectable difference in Bayley II scores between mode of delivery at time of periviability. This adds to the literature supporting obstetric indications dictating mode of delivery at this gestational age.

Does magnesium exposure affect neonatal resuscitation?

OBJECTIVE: Research on immediate neonatal resuscitation suggests that maternal magnesium exposure may be associated with increased risk of low Apgar scores, hypotonia, and neonatal intensive care unit admission. However, not all studies support these associations. Our objective was to determine whether exposure to magnesium at the time of delivery affects initial neonatal resuscitation. STUDY DESIGN: This is a secondary analysis of the Randomized Controlled Trial of Magnesium Sulfate for the Prevention of Cerebral Palsy that evaluated whether the study drug (magnesium or placebo) that was administered at the time of delivery was associated with increased risk for a composite adverse neonatal resuscitation outcome (5-minute Apgar score <7, oxygen administration in the delivery room, intubation, chest compressions, hypotension, and hypotonicity). A subgroup analysis was performed among patients who delivered at ≥30 weeks of gestation. Log-linear regression was used to control for possible confounders. RESULTS: Data for 1047 patients were analyzed, of whom 461 neonates (44%) were exposed to magnesium. There was no increased risk for the primary composite outcome associated with magnesium exposure. Individual adverse neonatal outcomes and other secondary short-term neonatal outcomes that were evaluated also did not demonstrate an association with magnesium exposure. CONCLUSION: Exposure to magnesium sulfate did not affect neonatal resuscitation or other short-term outcomes. These findings may be useful in planning neonatal care and patient counseling.

Fetal radiation monitoring and dose minimization during intensity modulated radiation therapy for glioblastoma in pregnancy.

We examined the fetal dose from irradiation of glioblastoma during pregnancy using intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT), and describe fetal dose minimization using mobile shielding devices. A case report is described of a pregnant woman with glioblastoma who was treated during the third trimester of gestation with 60 Gy of radiation delivered via a 6 MV photon IMRT plan. Fetal dose without shielding was estimated using an anthropomorphic phantom with ion chamber and diode measurements. Clinical fetal dose with shielding was determined with optically stimulated luminescent dosimeters and ion chamber. Clinical target volume (CTV) and planning target volume (PTV) coverage was 100 and 98 % receiving 95 % of the prescription dose, respectively. Normal tissue tolerances were kept below quantitative analysis of normal tissue effects in the clinic (QUANTEC) recommendations. Without shielding, anthropomorphic phantom measurements showed a cumulative fetal dose of 0.024 Gy. In vivo measurements with shielding in place demonstrated a cumulative fetal dose of 0.016 Gy. The fetal dose estimated without shielding was 0.04 % and with shielding was 0.026 % of the target dose. In vivo estimation of dose equivalent received by the fetus was 24.21 mSv. Using modern techniques, brain irradiation can be delivered to pregnant patients in the third trimester with very low measured doses to the fetus, without compromising target coverage or normal tissue dose constraints. Fetal dose can further be reduced with the use of shielding devices, in keeping with the principle of as low as reasonably achievable.

Racial disparities in outcomes of twin pregnancies: elective cesarean or trial of labor?

OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study was to determine the relationships between maternal race and obstetric outcomes in twin gestations by planned mode of delivery. STUDY DESIGN: We performed a secondary analysis of the Consortium on Safe Labor data. Patients with twin gestations in vertex-vertex presentation greater than 32 weeks' gestational age were grouped according to race. Demographic information and neonatal and maternal outcomes were analyzed according to planned mode of delivery: elective cesarean or trial of labor (with subsequent vaginal delivery, unplanned cesarean, or combined delivery). The primary outcome was unplanned cesarean. Secondary outcomes included maternal and neonatal outcomes. RESULTS: One thousand nine vertex-vertex twin pregnancies were identified. There were no significant differences across ethnicities in the rate of unplanned cesarean delivery, which occurred in 233 of patients undergoing trial of labor (27%). Elective cesarean occurred in 151 patients (15%). African American women were less likely to have an elective cesarean compared with whites (odds ratio, 0.5; 95% confidence interval, 0.3-0.8), and Asian women were more likely to have an elective cesarean compared with whites (odds ratio, 2.0; 95% confidence interval, 1.2-3.4. Combined delivery occurred in 67 patients (8%) and did not differ among the groups. Subgroup analysis did not reveal any significant differences in neonatal outcomes. Adverse maternal outcomes were rare across ethnicities. CONCLUSION: Unplanned cesarean delivery rates are similar in twin pregnancies, regardless of race. Maternal and neonatal outcomes in twin gestations are similar across ethnicities, regardless of mode of delivery.

Accuracy of clinically estimated fetal weight in pregnancies complicated by diabetes mellitus and obesity.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the accuracy of clinically estimated fetal weight (CEFW) in patients with gestational diabetes (GDM), pregestational diabetes (DM), and obesity. STUDY DESIGN: This is a retrospective analysis of Consortium of Safe Labor data. Subjects were classified into six groups: DM, DM and obese, GDM, GDM and obese, nondiabetic obese, and controls. The mean difference between birth weight (BW) and CEFW, the percent of accurate CEFW (defined as < 10% difference), and the sensitivity for identifying BW > 4,000 g and > 4,500 g were calculated for each group. RESULTS: The accuracy of CEFW in our population was 54.3 to 64.4% and was significantly lower in patients with DM and obesity and patients with obesity but not diabetes. When CEFW was analyzed in the >4,000-g and > 4,500-g groups, its accuracy was 20 to 51% and 14 to 40%, respectively. CEFW overestimated BW more commonly in GDM, obese GDM, and obese groups. The sensitivity of CEFW for diagnosing BW > 4,000 g or > 4,500 g was 19.6% and 9.6%, respectively, and it improved in pregnancies complicated by diabetes. CONCLUSION: CEFW is a poor predictor of macrosomia in pregnancies complicated by obesity and diabetes.

Fetal fibronectin for evaluation of preterm labor in the setting of cervical cerclage.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy of fetal fibronectin (fFN) testing in cervical cerclage patients presenting with acute signs or symptoms of preterm labor. METHODS: A total of 71 fFN tests were performed in 48 women between 23 and 34 weeks' gestation who presented at two institutions at risk for imminent delivery with cerclage in situ. RESULTS: The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value for delivery within 2 weeks of fFN testing were 100, 77, 28 and 100%, respectively. For delivery before 34 weeks sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value were 91, 78, 56 and 97%, respectively. The relative risk of delivery <34 weeks with positive fFN was 16.7 (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: For patients with cervical cerclage, fFN testing is a valid diagnostic tool in the evaluation of preterm labor.

Perioperative complications of history-indicated and ultrasound-indicated cervical cerclage.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate perioperative complications of history- and ultrasound-indicated cerclage. METHODS: We performed a retrospective observational study of a cohort of patients who underwent history- (n = 198) or ultrasound-indicated (n = 89) cerclage procedures. We evaluated the rates of perioperative complications based on indication for cerclage. The χ(2) was used for categorical variables and Student t test for continuous data. RESULTS: One patient (0.35%) had an intraoperative complication (unsuccessful regional anesthesia) and 1 patient (0.35%) had a postoperative complication (contractions and bleeding 2 weeks after cerclage placement, delivered a nonviable infant). Peripartum complications included chorioamnionitis (6.2%), preterm premature rupture of membranes (11%), preterm delivery (20%), and delivery before 32 weeks' gestational age (8%), and they were similar in the history-indicated and ultrasound-indicated groups. CONCLUSION: History- and ultrasound-indicated cerclages are associated with a 0.6%; 95% confidence interval, -0.26 to 1.66 risk of perioperative complications. There was no difference in perioperative complications or outcome between the 2 groups.