Use and attitudes of obstetricians toward 3 high-risk interventions in MFMU Network hospitals.

OBJECTIVE: We sought to evaluate the frequency of, and factors associated with, the use of 3 evidence-based interventions: antenatal corticosteroids for fetal lung maturity, progesterone for prevention of recurrent preterm birth, and magnesium sulfate for fetal neuroprotection. STUDY DESIGN: A self-administered survey was conducted from January through May 2011 among obstetricians from 21 hospitals that included 30 questions regarding their knowledge, attitudes, and practice of the 3 evidence-based interventions and the 14-item short version of the Team Climate for Innovation survey. Frequency of use of each intervention was ascertained from an obstetrical cohort of women between January 2010 and February 2011. RESULTS: A total of 329 obstetricians (74% response rate) who managed 16,946 deliveries within the obstetrical cohort participated in the survey. More than 90% of obstetricians reported that they incorporated each intervention into routine practice. Actual frequency of administration in women eligible for the treatments was 93% for corticosteroids, 39% for progesterone, and 71% for magnesium sulfate. Provider satisfaction with quality of treatment evidence was 97% for corticosteroids, 82% for progesterone, and 57% for magnesium sulfate. Obstetricians perceived that barriers to treatment were most frequent for progesterone (76%), 30% for magnesium sulfate, and 17% for corticosteroids. Progesterone use was more frequent among patients whose provider reported the quality of the evidence was above average to excellent compared with poor to average (42% vs 25%, respectively; P < .001), and they were satisfied with their knowledge of the intervention (41% vs 28%; P = .02), and was less common among patients whose provider reported barriers to hospital or pharmacy drug delivery (31% vs 42%; P = .01). Corticosteroid administration was more common among patients who delivered at hospitals with 24 hours a day-7 days a week maternal-fetal medicine specialist coverage (93% vs 84%; P = .046), CONCLUSION: Obstetricians in Maternal-Fetal Medicine Units Network hospitals frequently use these evidence-based interventions; however, progesterone use was found to be related to their assessment of evidence quality. Neither progesterone nor the other interventions were associated with overall climate of innovation within a hospital as measured by the Team Climate for Innovation. National Institutes of Health Consensus Conference Statements may also have an impact on use; there is such a statement for antenatal corticosteroids but not for progesterone for preterm prevention or magnesium sulfate for fetal neuroprotection.

Small fetal size before 20 weeks' gestation: associations with maternal tobacco use, early preterm birth, and low birthweight.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study was to determine whether small fetal size before 20 weeks' gestation is associated with preterm birth (PTB), low birthweight (LBW), and poor fetal growth. STUDY DESIGN: A total of 4405 singleton pregnancies at 10-19 weeks' gestation (GA) based on a known last menstrual period (LMP) were evaluated. Ultrasound-estimated GA (US-GA) was calculated based on crown-rump length at 10-13 weeks and by femur, head, and abdominal measurements from 14 to 19 weeks. The outcomes were compared between small (1-10 days smaller than LMP-GA) and large (0-10 days larger than LMP-GA) fetuses. RESULTS: At 10-19 weeks, small fetuses measured 2.7 days younger and were more likely to have mothers who smoked (P = .004). Small fetuses had no more PTB (11.4 vs 12.1%, P = .47) but did have more early PTB before 34 (5.4 vs 4.3%, P = .07) and before 32 weeks (4.1 vs 2.7%, P = .009). Small fetuses had lower birthweights (BWT), more frequent BWT below 2500 g (13.0 vs 8.6%), below 1500 g (4.0 vs 2.4%), and below 1000 g (2.9 vs 1.4%) as well as BWT below 2500 g at term (4.9 vs 2.3%) and BWT less than the 10th percentile (8.8 vs 3.7%), P < or = .003 for each. Small fetuses at 10-19 weeks also had less frequent macrosomia and were less frequently large for gestational age at birth (P < .0001 for each). These findings largely persisted in multivariable analyses. CONCLUSION: Small fetal size at 10-19 weeks is associated with tobacco use in pregnancy, early PTB, LBW, and poor fetal growth.

Follow-up of children exposed in utero to 17 alpha-hydroxyprogesterone caproate compared with placebo.

OBJECTIVE: To assess whether there are evident adverse effects of 17 alpha-hydroxyprogesterone caproate after in utero exposure. METHODS: This study evaluated surviving children of mothers who participated in a multicenter placebo-controlled trial of weekly intramuscular 17 alpha-hydroxyprogesterone caproate, with a 2:1 allocation to 17 alpha-hydroxyprogesterone caproate and placebo, respectively. The guardian was interviewed about the child's general health. Children underwent a physical examination and developmental screen with the Ages and Stages Questionnaire. Gender-specific roles were assessed with the Preschool Activities Inventory. RESULTS: Of 348 eligible surviving children, 278 (80%) were available for evaluation (194 in the 17 alpha-hydroxyprogesterone caproate group and 84 in the placebo group). The mean age at follow-up was 48 months. No significant differences were seen in health status or physical examination, including genital anomalies, between 17 alpha-hydroxyprogesterone caproate and placebo children. Scores for gender-specific roles (Preschool Activities Inventory) were within the normal range and similar between 17 alpha-hydroxyprogesterone caproate and placebo groups. CONCLUSION: 17 alpha-hydroxyprogesterone caproate seems to be safe for the fetus when administered in the second and third trimesters.

The impact of vitamin C supplementation in pregnancy and in vitro upon fetal membrane strength and remodeling.

Generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) has been suggested as a mechanism of fetal membrane (FM) weakening leading to rupture, particularly with preterm premature rupture of the fetal membranes (PROM). In vitro, FM incubation with tumor necrosis factor (TNF) mimics physiological FM weakening, concomitant with generation of ROS and collagen remodeling. Proinflammatory cytokines are also postulated to have a role in the development of the FM physiological weak zone where rupture normally initiates in-term gestations. We hypothesized that antioxidant treatment may block ROS development and resultant FM weakening. Two studies examining antioxidant effects upon FM strength were conducted, one in vivo and the other in vitro. Fetal membrane of patients enrolled in a multicenter placebo-controlled trial to determine the effect of vitamin C (1 g/day) and vitamin E (400 IU/day) upon complications of pre-eclampsia were examined for FM biomechanical properties and biochemical remodeling at birth. Separately, biomechanics and biochemical markers of remodeling were determined in FM fragments incubated with TNF with or without vitamin C preincubation. Supplemental dietary vitamin C in combination with vitamin E did not modify rupture strength, work to rupture, or matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP9; protein or activity) either within or outside the term FM physiological weak zone. In vitro, TNF decreased FM rupture strength by 50% while increasing MMP9 protein. Vitamin C did not inhibit these TNF-induced effects. Vitamin C alone had a weakening effect on FM in vitro. We speculate that vitamin C supplementation during pregnancy will not be useful in the prevention of preterm PROM.

Periviable birth at 20 to 26 weeks of gestation: proximate causes, previous obstetric history and recurrence risk.

OBJECTIVE: Early preterm birth at 20 to 26 weeks of gestation (periviable birth) carries extreme risks of infant death and morbidities. Prevention of periviable birth could improve infant outcomes significantly. We sought to characterize the causes of periviable birth and to determine whether periviable birth can be predicted by previous pregnancy outcome. STUDY DESIGN: We evaluated 104,921 pregnancies (1974-2004) and assessed the frequency and causes of periviable birth. Women who were delivered of both their first and second pregnancies at >20 weeks of gestation at our institution were identified. Predictive values of the first pregnancy outcomes for second pregnancy outcomes were determined. RESULTS: Periviable birth complicated 1981 deliveries (1.9%). Seventy-nine percent of the women with periviable births had no history of periviable births; 44% of the women had no previous deliveries, and 35% of the women had previous term deliveries only. Causes of periviable birth were labor (36%), premature rupture of membranes (34%), bleeding (10%), and preeclampsia (4%). Four percent of the gestations were multiple gestations. Among 7970 pregnancies at >20 weeks of gestation, periviable birth in the first pregnancy was associated with preterm birth and periviable birth in the second pregnancy (35.6%, 6.9%; relative risk, 3.3 and 8.6; P < .0001). Periviable birth and preterm birth in the first pregnancy were insensitive for periviable birth in the second pregnancy (8.8%, 36.8%, respectively). CONCLUSION: Although periviable birth is associated with subsequent periviable birth and preterm birth, preterm birth and periviable birth are insensitive markers for recurrences in the next pregnancy. Early pregnancy or preconceptional markers for prediction of periviable birth are needed.

Low maternal weight, failure to thrive in pregnancy, and adverse pregnancy outcomes.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to correlate low maternal pregravid weight, delivery weight, and poor gestational weight gain with perinatal outcomes. STUDY DESIGN: Maternal and perinatal data from January 1997 to June 2001 were obtained from a perinatal database at MetroHealth Medical Center. Low maternal weight (LMW) was defined as pregravid or delivery weight <100 pounds or body mass index (BMI) < or =19.8 kg/m(2). Low maternal weight gain was defined as <0.27 kg per week. Perinatal complication rates in these subjects were compared with those with weights of 100 to 200 pounds, normal BMI (>19.8, <26 kg/m(2)), and normal gestational weight gain (0.27-0.52 kg/wk). Chi-square and t tests were used where appropriate. P<.05 was significant. RESULTS: A percentage (2.6%) of 15,196 subjects began pregnancy weighing < or =100 pounds; 0.15% weighed <100 pounds at delivery and 13.2% had a pregravid BMI < or =19.8 kg/m(2). Pregravid LMW was highly correlated with ethnicity (Asians, 8.6%; Hispanics, 4.3%; Caucasians, 2.5%; African Americans, 1.9%; P<.001). Subjects with pregravid LMW were at increased risk for intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) (relative risk [RR], 2.3, 95% CI, 1.3-4.05), and perineal tears (3rd-degree lacerations; RR, 1.8, 95% CI, 1.1-2.9), and low birth weight ([LBW] <2500 g; RR, 1.8, 95% CI, 1.1-2.9). They had a lower risk of cesarean section (RR, 0.72, 95% CI, 0.56-0.92) and preterm delivery (PTD) (RR, 1.1, 95% CI, 0.97-1.06). Pregravid BMI <19.8 kg/m(2) was associated with preterm labor (PTL) (RR, 1.22, 95% CI, 1.02-1.46), IUGR (RR, 1.67, 95% CI, 1.2-2.39), and LBW (<2500 g; RR, 1.13, 95% CI, 1.0-1.27) and was protective against cesarean delivery (RR, 0.8, 95% CI, 0.71-0.91). Delivery LMW was associated with LBW (<2500 g; RR, 2.81, 95% CI, 1.62-4.84), active-phase arrest (RR, 5.07, 95% CI, 1.85-13.9), PTL and PTD (RR, 2.5, 95% CI, 1.02-6.33, and RR, 2.45, 95% CI, 1.4-4.4, respectively), a lower gestational age at delivery (36.8 vs 38.3 wks, P<.05), and mediolateral episiotomy (RR, 9.6, 95% CI, 1.9-48.0). A percentage (0.8%) of subjects had BMI <19.8 kg/m(2) at delivery. Low delivery BMI was associated with birth weight <2500 g (RR, 1.74, 95% CI, 1.3-2.32), PTL (RR, 2.16, 95% CI, 1.45-3.19), and PTD (RR, 1.57, 95% CI, 1.18-2.11). Failure to thrive in pregnancy (weight gain <0.27 kg/wk) was associated with LBW (<1500 g; RR, 1.23, 95% CI, 1.03-1.45), <2500 g; RR, 1.22, 95% CI, 1.13-1.33), and PTL and PTD (RR, 1.2, 95% CI, 1.05-1.37, and RR, 1.11, 95% CI, 1.02-1.2, respectively). CONCLUSION: Low weight and BMI at conception or delivery, as well as poor weight gain during pregnancy, are associated with LBW, prematurity, and maternal delivery complications.

Prevalence of maternal obesity in an urban center.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the changing prevalence of maternal obesity in an urban center. STUDY DESIGN: The prevalence of obesity in 31,542 pregnancies from January 1986 to December 1996 (group 1) was compared with the prevalence of obesity in 15,600 pregnancies between January 1997 and June 2001 (group 2). Maternal weight was divided into two groups according to measurements performed at delivery (200 pounds). Women who weighed >or=200 pounds were divided into subgroups for analysis (201-250 pounds, 251-300 pounds, and >300 pounds). The incidence of obesity by weight group was evaluated for a change over time; the impact of race and socioeconomic status was analyzed. A probability value of <.05 was considered significant. RESULTS: Maternal obesity was significantly more common in group 2 (>200 pounds: 28% vs 21%; relative risk, 1.3; 95% CI, 1.3-1.4; 201-250 pounds: 20% vs 16%; relative risk, 1.3; 95% CI, 1.2-1.3; 251-300 pounds: 5.5% vs 3.7%; relative risk, 1.5; 95% CI, 1.3-1.6; >300 pounds: 1.6% vs 1.2%; relative risk, 1.4; 95% CI,1.2-1.7; P <.001 for each). Obesity was most common in African American women (>200 pounds, 28.1%; 201-250 pounds, 20.5%; 251-300 pounds, 5.5%; and >300 pounds, 2.1 %). The prevalence of obesity increased most among African American women (>200 pounds: 35 % vs 25%; relative risk, 1.4; 95% CI, 1.4-1.5; 201-250 pounds: 25 % vs 18%; relative risk, 1.4; 95% CI, 1.3-1.5; 251-300 pounds: 7.3 % vs 4.6%; relative risk, 1.6; 95% CI, 1.4-1.6; >300 pounds: 2.7% vs 1.8%; relative risk, 1.5; 95% CI, 1.3-1.9; P <.001 for each), and it decreased in Asian women (>200 pounds: 6.8% vs 11%; relative risk, 0.6; 95% CI, 0.4-0.9; P <.05; 201-250 pounds: 6.3% vs 9.7%; relative risk, 0.6; 95% CI, 0.4 -1.1; P >.05; 251-300 pounds: 0.6% vs 1%; relative risk, 0.6; 95% CI, 0.1- 2.9; P >.05; >300 pounds: 0.0% vs 0.3%). The increase in weight over time remained statistically significant after being controlled in multivariate analysis for socioeconomic status and race. Women with milder obesity (201-250 pounds prepregnancy weight) were at increased risk for preeclampsia, gestational and insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus, advanced gestational age (>or=42 weeks), fetal macrosomia, and cesarean delivery (P <.001 for each), with increasing weight being associated with higher risk. CONCLUSION: Obesity that complicates pregnancy has increased significantly over the past 15 years. The risk of perinatal complications increases with increasing maternal pregravid weight; even those women with moderate obesity are at increased risk of adverse outcomes.