Institution-Specific Perinatal Emergency Checklists: Multicenter Report on Development, Implementation, and Sustainability.

OBJECTIVE: The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine endorse checklist use to improve obstetric care. However, there is limited research into development, implementation, and sustained use of perinatal emergency checklists to inform individual institutions. This study aimed to investigate the development and implementation of perinatal emergency checklists in diverse hospital settings in the United States. STUDY DESIGN: A qualitative study was conducted individually with clinicians from three health care systems. The participants developed and implemented institution-tailored perinatal emergency checklists. Interview transcriptions were coded using the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research. RESULTS: The study sites included two health care systems and one individual hospital. Delivery volumes ranged from 3,500 to 48,000 deliveries a year. Interviews were conducted with all 10 participants approached. Checklists for 19 perinatal emergencies were developed at the three health care systems. Ten of the checklist topics were the same at all three institutions. Participants described the checklists as improving patient care during crises. The tools were viewed as opportunities to promote a shared mental model across clinical roles, to reduce redundancy and coordinate obstetric crisis management. Checklist were developed in small groups. Implementation was facilitated by those who developed the checklists. Participants agreed that simulation was essential for checklist refinement and effective use by response teams. Barriers to implementation included limited clinician availability. There was also an opportunity to strengthen integration of checklists workflow early in perinatal emergencies. Participants articulated that culture change took time, active practice, persistence, reinforcement, and process measurement. CONCLUSION: This study outlines processes to develop, implement, and sustain perinatal emergency checklists at three institutions. Participants agreed that multiple, parallel implementation tactics created the culture shift for integration. The overview and specific Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research components may be used to inform adaptation and sustainability for others considering implementing perinatal emergency checklists. KEY POINTS: · Perinatal emergency checklists reduce redundancy and coordinate obstetric crisis management.. · Perinatal emergency simulation is essential for checklist refinement and effective team use.. · Integrations of perinatal emergency checklists requires culture change and process measurement..

Clinical and economic evaluation of a proteomic biomarker preterm birth risk predictor: cost-effectiveness modeling of prenatal interventions applied to predicted higher-risk pregnancies within a large and diverse cohort.

OBJECTIVES: Preterm birth occurs in more than 10% of U.S. births and is the leading cause of U.S. neonatal deaths, with estimated annual costs exceeding $25 billion USD. Using real-world data, we modeled the potential clinical and economic utility of a prematurity-reduction program comprising screening in a racially and ethnically diverse population with a validated proteomic biomarker risk predictor, followed by case management with or without pharmacological treatment. METHODS: The ACCORDANT microsimulation model used individual patient data from a prespecified, randomly selected sub-cohort (N = 847) of a multicenter, observational study of U.S. subjects receiving standard obstetric care with masked risk predictor assessment (TREETOP; NCT02787213). All subjects were included in three arms across 500 simulated trials: standard of care (SoC, control); risk predictor/case management comprising increased outreach, education and specialist care (RP-CM, active); and multimodal management (risk predictor/case management with pharmacological treatment) (RP-MM, active). In the active arms, only subjects stratified as higher risk by the predictor were modeled as receiving the intervention, whereas lower-risk subjects received standard care. Higher-risk subjects' gestational ages at birth were shifted based on published efficacies, and dependent outcomes, calibrated using national datasets, were changed accordingly. Subjects otherwise retained their original TREETOP outcomes. Arms were compared using survival analysis for neonatal and maternal hospital length of stay, bootstrap intervals for neonatal cost, and Fisher's exact test for neonatal morbidity/mortality (significance, p < .05). RESULTS: The model predicted improvements for all outcomes. RP-CM decreased neonatal and maternal hospital stay by 19% (p = .029) and 8.5% (p = .001), respectively; neonatal costs' point estimate by 16% (p = .098); and moderate-to-severe neonatal morbidity/mortality by 29% (p = .025). RP-MM strengthened observed reductions and significance. Point estimates of benefit did not differ by race/ethnicity. CONCLUSIONS: Modeled evaluation of a biomarker-based test-and-treat strategy in a diverse population predicts clinically and economically meaningful improvements in neonatal and maternal outcomes.

Preterm birth, defined as delivery before 37 weeks' gestation, is the leading cause of illness and death in newborns. In the United States, more than 10% of infants are born prematurely, and this rate is substantially higher in lower-income, inner-city and Black populations. Prematurity associates with greatly increased risk of short- and long-term medical complications and can generate significant costs throughout the lives of affected children. Annual U.S. health care costs to manage short- and long-term prematurity complications are estimated to exceed $25 billion.Clinical interventions, including case management (increased patient outreach, education and specialist care), pharmacological treatment and their combination can provide benefit to pregnancies at higher risk for preterm birth. Early and sensitive risk detection, however, remains a challenge.We have developed and validated a proteomic biomarker risk predictor for early identification of pregnancies at increased risk of preterm birth. The ACCORDANT study modeled treatments with real-world patient data from a racially and ethnically diverse U.S. population to compare the benefits of risk predictor testing plus clinical intervention for higher-risk pregnancies versus no testing and standard care. Measured outcomes included neonatal and maternal length of hospital stay, associated costs and neonatal morbidity and mortality. The model projected improved outcomes and reduced costs across all subjects, including ethnic and racial minority populations, when predicted higher-risk pregnancies were treated using case management with or without pharmacological treatment. The biomarker risk predictor shows high potential to be a clinically important component of risk stratification for pregnant women, leading to tangible gains in reducing the impact of preterm birth.

Incarcerated Gravid Uterus Liberated by Placement of a Vaginal Balloon.

BACKGROUND: Incarceration of the gravid uterus is an infrequent obstetric complication that can cause severe complications. CASE: A 37-year-old woman, G3P2002, at 14 weeks of gestation presented with vomiting, back pain, and urinary retention. She was noted to be in acute renal failure, with a creatinine level of 9.24 mg/dL, and results of her physical examination were concerning for uterine incarceration. Passive maneuvers and manual pressure failed to resolve the incarceration. Under spinal anesthesia, a Bakri balloon was inflated in the posterior vagina, elevating the fundus and relieving the incarcerated uterus. CONCLUSION: An intravaginal balloon may aid in the alleviation of uterine incarceration.

Postpartum Group A strep sepsis after third trimester uterine prolapse: case report and literature review.

INTRODUCTION: Uterine prolapse in pregnancy is an uncommon occurrence that can lead to a wide spectrum of complications. Postpartum Group A Streptococcus (GAS) endometritis is a rare but life-threatening condition. Our aim was to review the literature regarding management of prolapse in pregnancy and maternal infection as a rare complication. METHODS AND RESULTS: We present a case of uterine prolapse with cervical elongation presenting in the third trimester. The patient's prolapse was refractory to pessary management. She was induced at 36 weeks due to an abnormal fetal heart tracing and had an uncomplicated vaginal delivery. Her postpartum course was complicated by GAS endometritis and septic shock. She recovered after antibiotic therapy and her prolapse did not recur postpartum. CONCLUSION: Prolapse during pregnancy carries a risk of several complications but does not preclude a vaginal delivery. Management must be patient-centered and individualized. GAS sepsis is a potential, rare, and life-threatening postpartum complication requiring swift identification and treatment.

Influence of weight gain on risk for cesarean delivery in obese pregnant women by class of obesity: pregnancy risk assessment monitoring system (PRAMS).

BACKGROUND: Currently, all obese women in the United States (US) are recommend to gain the same amount of weight during pregnancy, regardless of class of obesity. Limited literature has looked at the risk of cesarean, and possible mitigation of this risk, by specific class of obesity. OBJECTIVE: To determine the influence of weight gain on the odds of cesarean delivery for obese women (as determined by pre-pregnancy body mass index [BMI]), by class of obesity. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective cohort, from the Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System (PRAMS) in the US. Specifically, the unadjusted odds of cesarean delivery were determined for each class of BMI (underweight, normal weight, overweight, class I obesity, class II obesity, and class III obesity). These odds were then adjusted by demographic and prenatal care factors influencing either weight gain during pregnancy or risk of cesarean delivery. Finally, the association of weight gain (insufficient <11 lbs, adequate 11-20 lbs, and excessive >20 lbs) on the odds of cesarean delivery in obese women was noted via multivariate logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: 60,431 women (including 21,208 with a cesarean delivery) were included in this study, with an adjusted odds ratios (OR) of cesarean delivery by BMI: underweight 0.92 (95% CI 0.83, 1.01), normal weight (referent group), overweight 1.38 (95% CI 1.32, 1.45), class I obesity 1.77 (95% CI 1.68, 1.88), class II obesity 2.17 (95% CI 2.02, 2.34), and class III obesity 3.07 (95% CI 2.82, 3.34). Class I and II obese women are more likely to have a cesarean with excessive weight gain, with class I OR 1.20 (95% CI 1.06, 1.36) and class II OR 1.24 (1.04, 1.48) when compared to women in their same class of obesity with adequate weight gain. There was no difference in risk for cesarean for class III obese women by weight gain. CONCLUSION: Although obesity is a known risk factor for cesarean delivery, this risk is thought to be mitigatable by appropriate weight gain during the pregnancy. Weight gain of 11-20 pounds was associated with the least risk of cesarean delivery among obese (specifically class I and II) individuals.

Evaluation of an Initiative to Decrease the Use of Oxygen Supplementation for Category II Fetal Heart Rate Tracings.

OBJECTIVE: To examine compliance with a guideline to reduce exposure to supplemental oxygen for category II fetal heart rate (FHR) tracings in normally oxygenated laboring patients. METHODS: All patients in labor in an urban academic medical center from January 1 to July 31, 2020 were assessed. The preintervention group included those who delivered from January 1 to March 19, 2020. On March 20, 2020, a new guideline took effect that recommended no maternal supplemental oxygen for category II FHR tracings. The postintervention group delivered from March 20 to July 31, 2020. Exclusion criteria were planned cesarean delivery, multiple gestations, delivery at less than 24 weeks of gestation, intrauterine fetal death, and patients who received supplemental oxygen for an oxygen saturation lower than 95%. The primary outcome was the percentage of patients who received oxygen in labor analyzed by control charts and the rules of special cause variation. Chi-squared and t tests were used for secondary outcome assessment. P<.05 was considered significant. RESULTS: A total of 1,333 patients were included, 474 patients in the preintervention group and 859 in the postintervention group. Oxygen was administered to 22.6% of patients before guideline implementation, compared with 0.6% after the guideline. Special cause variation was detected with an 8-point shift starting the month that the guideline was implemented, indicating statistical significance. There were no differences in any studied secondary maternal or fetal outcomes, although our statistical power to detect differences in infrequent outcomes was limited. CONCLUSION: This quality-improvement study demonstrated significant adherence to the guideline that supplemental oxygen would no longer be given to patients with category II FHR tracings in the absence of maternal hypoxemia, with no significant change in maternal or perinatal outcomes.

Racial inequity in methadone dose at delivery in pregnant women with opioid use disorder.

BACKGROUND: Medications for opioid use disorder, including methadone, combined with comprehensive wraparound services, are the gold standard for treatment in pregnancy. Higher methadone doses are associated with treatment retention in pregnancy and relapse prevention. Given known inequities where individuals of color tend to be prescribed lower doses of opioids for other conditions, the purpose of this study was to determine whether there is racial inequity in methadone dose at delivery in pregnant women with opioid use disorder. METHODS: Retrospective review of medical charts identified pregnant women (N = 339) treated with methadone for opioid use disorder during pregnancy at one center from 2012 to 2017. Variables extracted from medical records included race, demographic and relevant clinical information (e.g., methadone dose at delivery, height, weight, etc.). Analyses used simple and multiple linear regressions to determine associations between these characteristics and methadone dose at delivery. RESULTS: The mean methadone doses at delivery among women of color and white women were 105.8 mg and 144.9 mg, respectively (p < .0001). After adjusting for maternal age, gestational age at delivery, body mass index, type of opioid used, and parity, race was significantly and independently associated with methadone dose at delivery, with women of color receiving 36.2 mg less than white women (p = .0003). CONCLUSIONS: Pregnant women of color with opioid use disorder received 67% of the dose of methadone at delivery that white women received. Antiracist responses to prevent provider bias in evaluating dose needs are needed to correct this inequity and prevent undertreatment of opioid use disorder among women of color.

Performance of a proteomic preterm delivery predictor in a large independent prospective cohort.

BACKGROUND: Preterm birth remains a common and devastating complication of pregnancy. There remains a need for effective and accurate screening methods for preterm birth. Using a proteomic approach, we previously discovered and validated (Proteomic Assessment of Preterm Risk study, NCT01371019) a preterm birth predictor comprising a ratio of insulin-like growth factor-binding protein 4 to sex hormone-binding globulin. OBJECTIVE: To determine the performance of the ratio of insulin-like growth factor-binding protein 4 to sex hormone-binding globulin to predict both spontaneous and medically indicated very preterm births, in an independent cohort distinct from the one in which it was developed. STUDY DESIGN: This was a prospective observational study (Multicenter Assessment of a Spontaneous Preterm Birth Risk Predictor, NCT02787213) at 18 sites in the United States. Women had blood drawn at 170/7 to 216/7 weeks' gestation. For confirmation, we planned to analyze a randomly selected subgroup of women having blood drawn between 191/7 and 206/7 weeks' gestation, with the results of the remaining study participants blinded for future validation studies. Serum from participants was analyzed by mass spectrometry. Neonatal morbidity and mortality were analyzed using a composite score by a method from the PREGNANT trial (NCT00615550, Hassan et al). Scores of 0-3 reflect increasing numbers of morbidities or length of neonatal intensive care unit stay, and 4 represents perinatal mortality. RESULTS: A total of 5011 women were enrolled, with 847 included in this planned substudy analysis. There were 9 preterm birth cases at <320/7 weeks' gestation and 838 noncases at ≥320/7 weeks' gestation; 21 of 847 infants had neonatal composite morbidity and mortality index scores of ≥3, and 4 of 21 had a score of 4. The ratio of insulin-like growth factor-binding protein 4 to sex hormone-binding globulin ratio was substantially higher in both preterm births at <320/7 weeks' gestation and there were more severe neonatal outcomes. The ratio of insulin-like growth factor-binding protein 4 to sex hormone-binding globulin ratio was significantly predictive of birth at <320/7 weeks' gestation (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve, 0.71; 95% confidence interval, 0.55-0.87; P=.016). Stratification by body mass index, optimized in the previous validation study (22

Appendicitis and Cholecystitis in Pregnancy.

Up to 2% of pregnant women develop a disease that requires nonobstetrical operative intervention during pregnancy. We discuss the issues unique to pregnant patients as they pertain to the presentation, diagnosis, and management of nonobstetric surgical disease, with an emphasis on 2 of the most common diseases that affect pregnant women: appendicitis and cholecystitis. Surgery has been demonstrated to be safe and effective during pregnancy, provided proper precautions are taken into account. It is the consensus of multiple professional committees and societies that no pregnant women should be delayed or denied a necessary surgery because of pregnancy.

Universal cervical length screening with a cervicometer to prevent preterm birth <34 weeks: a decision and economic analysis.

Background: Preterm birth is a leading cause of neonatal morbidity and mortality worldwide; evidence-based strategies to decrease preterm birth are desperately needed.Objective: The purpose of this study was to estimate which of three strategies for screening for shortened cervix in asymptomatic low-risk women is the most cost-effective in terms of prevention of preterm birth and associated morbidity.Study design: A decision analysis model was developed from available published evidence comparing three strategies in screening asymptomatic low-risk women for shortened cervix: (1) cervicometer with subsequent referral for transvaginal ultrasound, (2) transvaginal ultrasound screening, and (3) no screening. The cost and effectiveness of each strategy was assessed in terms of quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs), and cost in US dollars.Results: Screening with a cervicometer with referral was the most cost-effective strategy and represented a savings of $999.65 ($11,617.28 versus $12,616.93) over screening with ultrasound, and a savings of $15,601.62 ($11,617.28 versus $27,218.90) over no screening. Costs for outcomes ranged from $3528 for a healthy neonate ≥34 weeks to $717,467.5 for a neonate <34 weeks with severe morbidity. The cervicometer strategy avoided 11.68 neonatal deaths per 1000 deliveries (3.59 deaths versus 15.27 deaths) compared with no screening, and avoided 0.73 neonatal deaths per 1000 deliveries (3.59 deaths versus 4.32 deaths) compared with ultrasound strategy. The cervicometer strategy prevented 82.44 preterm births per 1000 deliveries (22.56 versus 105.00) compared with no screening, and 5.10 preterm births per 1000 deliveries (22.56 versus 27.66) compared with ultrasound strategy. Per QALY, cervicometer screening cost $386.57, transvaginal ultrasound cost $420.31, and no screening cost $922.73. Sensitivity analyses confirmed the robustness of these findings, including evaluation across the range of quoted transvaginal ultrasound costs ($43-$300).Conclusion: A simulation of universal screening of asymptomatic low-risk women with a cervicometer with subsequent referral for ultrasound for those with a cervix <25 mm is cost-effective and yields the greatest reduction in preterm births at <34 weeks. A risk simulation trial noted that a cervicometer strategy may be more expensive than a universal transvaginal ultrasound strategy, but both are less expensive than a no screening strategy.

Evaluation of additive effect of quantitative fetal fibronectin to cervical length for prediction of spontaneous preterm birth among asymptomatic high-risk women.

Objective: To determine if quantitative fetal fibronectin (qFFN) in addition to transvaginal ultrasound (TVU) cervical length (CL) measurement between 180/7 and 236/7 weeks would be predictive of spontaneous preterm birth (sPTB) at <350/7 weeks among asymptomatic high-risk women as defined by those with prior sPTB > 200/7 weeks.Material and methods: A prospective observational study of asymptomatic women with singleton gestations between 180/7 and 236/7weeks and one or more prior SPTB was performed. Women at their anatomy scan who opted into universal CL screening were enrolled. At enrollment, a vaginal speculum exam was performed to collect cervico-vaginal fluid from the posterior fornix using fetal fibronectin (FFN) swab. These women were then followed until delivery. Women with multiple gestations, rupture of membranes, vaginal bleeding, intercourse, or vaginal exam within 48 h of enrollment were excluded. Physicians were blinded to the qFFN levels, but the CL measurements were made available. The primary outcome was sPTB < 350/7 weeks.Results: Of the 105 asymptomatic women with prior sPTB who were prospectively enrolled, 19 (18.1%) had recurrent sPTB < 370/7 weeks. None of the sPTB were iatrogenic. Using receiver-operating characteristic curves, qFFN ≥ 10 ng/mL had the highest sensitivity with subsequent lowest false negative rate, while FFN ≥ 50 ng/mL was identified as being the best balance of sensitivity and false positive rate for predicting sPTB < 350/7 weeks. As compared with CL ≤ 25 mm alone, with the use of CL ≤ 25 mm or qFFN ≥ 50 ng/mL as screening criteria for prediction of SPTB < 350/7 weeks, sensitivity improved from 18.2 to 63.6%, specificity decreased from 96.8 to 82.1%, positive predictive value (PPV) decreased from 40.0 to 29.2%, negative predictive value (NPV) marginally improved from 91.1 to 95.1%.Conclusion: In women with singleton gestations with prior SPTB, qFFN can be used as an adjunct to triage patients who are found to have a shortened cervix. Sensitivity and NPVs improved with the addition of qFFN to TVU CL screening alone in women with singleton gestations with prior SPTB. However, specificity and PPVs decreased.

Maternal ornithine transcarbamylase deficiency, a genetic condition associated with high maternal and neonatal mortality every clinician should know: A systematic review.

Ornithine transcarbamylase deficiency (OTCD) is a rare X-linked urea cycle disorder. Maternal OTCD can lead to life-threatening hyperammonemia if untreated. We aimed to compare the outcomes of maternal OTCD when diagnosis is known prior to pregnancy to when diagnosis is made during pregnancy. We performed a systematic literature review on maternal OTCD using the databases Ovid MEDLINE and PubMed from 1982 through 2018. Studies were included if addressed maternal OTCD signs, symptoms, and detailed pregnancy outcomes. We calculated the median or the mean for continuous variables and percentages for categorical variables. Of 36 cases of maternal OTCD, 20 (55%) were diagnosed prior to pregnancy while 16 (45%) were not. In the 20 patients diagnosed prior to pregnancy, 7 (35%) had either a neurologic or psychiatric presentation during pregnancy or postpartum. Two hyperammonemic patients (11%) experienced ICU admission, dialysis, and coma with no maternal deaths. All had a favorable outcome. In the 16 patients not known to have maternal OTCD prior to pregnancy, 13 (81%) had neurologic or psychiatric presentation during pregnancy or postpartum. Four presented with hyperemesis gravidarum. Eleven (69%) hyperammonemic patients had ICU admission and coma and 7 (47%) of them had dialysis. There were 5 (31%) maternal deaths. Three patients (19%) had prolonged hospitalization course. Overall, three male neonatal deaths were reported. Three other male children had liver transplant. Maternal OTCD is associated with high maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality when diagnosis is made during pregnancy compared to when diagnosis is known prior to pregnancy.

Obstetric management of women with opioid use disorder.

Pregnancy presents a window of opportunity for effecting positive change in the lives of women with opioid use disorder (OUD). Care should be empathetic and nonjudgmental with a focus on counseling for initiation and maintenance of beneficial health behaviors as well as development of a strong patient-provider relationship.1 These include adherence to treatment of OUD through pharmacotherapy and behavioral counseling, smoking cessation, healthy nutrition, treatment of coexisting medical and psychosocial conditions, as well as preparation for the postpartum period through breastfeeding education and antenatal discussion of contraception. Women will also benefit from anticipatory guidance with regard to neonatal abstinence syndrome (see Chapter 7). This may include a consultation with pediatric or neonatal providers who will be caring for their infants. In the absence of other obstetric indications, minimal additional fetal assessment outside that of standard prenatal care is recommended for OUD.

A retrospective cohort study of fetal assessment following preterm premature rupture of membranes.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate maternal and neonatal outcomes following management of preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM) by two fetal assessment strategies. METHODS: In a retrospective cohort study performed at two hospitals in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania between July 2010 and June 2015, data were reviewed from 180 singleton pregnancies with PPROM at 230 -336  weeks of gestation that underwent expectant management. Outcomes were compared between continuous electronic fetal heart monitoring (EFM) with daily biophysical profile (BPP) ("continuous monitoring") and non-stress test (NST) three times per day ("periodic monitoring") using Mann-Whitney U and Fisher exact tests. RESULTS: Overall, 119 (66.1%) pregnancies were assessed by continuous monitoring and 61 (33.9%) by periodic monitoring. There was no difference in frequency of intrauterine death between the continuous monitoring (1, 0.8%) and periodic monitoring (3, 4.9%) groups (OR, 0.16; 95% CI, 0.02-1.61). The continuous monitoring group was more likely to have an interventional (OR, 2.17; 95% CI, 1.06-4.44) or cesarean (OR 3.30, 95% CI 1.70-6.38) delivery. CONCLUSION: Continuous EFM with daily BPP was associated with higher rates of intervention and cesarean delivery compared with periodic NST, but there was no difference in intrauterine or perinatal mortality.

Opioid Utilization by Pregnant Women with Sickle Cell Disease and the Risk of Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Pregnant women with sickle cell disease (SCD) are at increased risk of maternal and fetal complications. There are limited data on the outcome of the treatment of VOCs with opioids in relation to neonatal complications during pregnancy. METHODS: This is a retrospective cohort study of women with SCD from January 1999 to December 2008. Women with SCD were identified by ICD-9 codes and matched 2:1 to a control group of women on methadone for opioid dependence. The primary outcome was the rate of neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS). Secondary outcomes included the mean NAS score prior to treatment and the length of treatment. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS. RESULTS: Twenty-one women with SCD who delivered a total of 23 neonates were included. The rate of NAS among infants born to women with SCD who were treated with opioids at any time was 22% compared to 54% in the methadone controls (p = .010). The rate of NAS was 27% among infants born to women taking opioids daily compared to 54% in the methadone control group (p = .062). CONCLUSIONS: Neonates born to women with SCD who are treated with daily opioids are at a similar risk for developing NAS as those born to mothers on methadone for opioid dependence. Neonates born to women with SCD treated with episodic opioids are at a significantly lower risk for developing NAS than those born to women on methadone for opioid dependence.

Cervical length in adolescents versus adults.

PURPOSE: Two of the known risk factors for spontaneous preterm birth (sPTB) are short cervical length (CL) ≤ 25 mm and adolescence (≤19 years). Our objective was to evaluate whether adolescent women have a higher incidence of short CL compared to their 20-24 year old counterparts. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective cohort of nulliparous singleton gestations undergoing universal second trimester transvaginal ultrasound (TVU) CL screening between January 2012 and June 2013. Adolescent women ≤19 years of age were compared to women 20-24 years of age. Primary outcomes were mean CL and incidence of CL ≤25 mm. Secondary outcomes were incidence of PTB <37 weeks, delivery mode, birth weight, and NICU admission. RESULTS: One hundred and five adolescents and 236 women 20-24 years underwent TVU CL screening. There was no difference in mean CL (40.6 mm vs. 40.6 mm, p = 0.51) or incidence of CL ≤25 mm (1.0% vs. 1.7%; OR 0.56 [0.06-5.1]). After controlling for maternal differences, there still was no significant correlation between maternal age and CL. There was no significant difference in PTB, birth weight, or NICU admission between the groups. CL measurements did not significantly differ across all maternal ages (14-42 years). CONCLUSIONS: There is no difference in mean CL or incidence of CL ≤25 mm among adolescents compared to women 20-24 years.

Discontinuing Oxytocin Infusion in the Active Phase of Labor: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the benefits and harms of discontinuation of oxytocin after the active phase of labor is reached. DATA SOURCES: Electronic databases (ie, MEDLINE, Scopus, ClinicalTrials.gov, EMBASE, ScienceDirect, the Cochrane Library at the CENTRAL Register of Controlled Trials, Scielo) were searched from their inception until April 2017. METHODS OF STUDY SELECTION: We included all randomized controlled trials comparing discontinuation (ie, intervention group) and continuation (ie, control group) of oxytocin infusion after the active phase of labor is reached, either after induction or augmentation of labor. Discontinuation of oxytocin infusion was defined as discontinuing oxytocin infusion when the active phase of labor was achieved. Continuation of oxytocin infusion was defined as continuing oxytocin infusion until delivery. Only trials in singleton gestations with vertex presentation at term were included. The primary outcome was the incidence of cesarean delivery. TABULATION, INTEGRATION, AND RESULTS: Nine randomized controlled trials, including 1,538 singleton gestations, were identified as relevant and included in the meta-analysis. All nine trials included only women undergoing induction of labor. In the discontinuation group, if arrest of labor occurred, usually defined as no cervical dilation in 2 hours or inadequate uterine contractions for 2 hours or more, oxytocin infusion was restarted. Women in the control group had oxytocin continued until delivery usually at the same dose used at the time the active phase was reached. Women who were randomized to have discontinuation of oxytocin infusion after the active phase of labor was reached had a significantly lower risk of cesarean delivery (9.3% compared with 14.7%; relative risk 0.64, 95% CI 0.48-0.87) and of uterine tachysystole (6.2% compared with 13.1%; relative risk 0.53, 95% CI 0.33-0.84) compared with those who were randomized to have continuation of oxytocin infusion until delivery. Discontinuation of oxytocin infusion was associated with an increase in the duration of the active phase of labor (mean difference 27.65 minutes, 95% CI 3.94-51.36). CONCLUSION: In singleton gestations with cephalic presentation at term undergoing induction, discontinuation of oxytocin infusion after the active phase of labor at approximately 5 cm is reached reduces the risk of cesarean delivery and of uterine tachysystole compared with continuous oxytocin infusion. Given this evidence, discontinuation of oxytocin infusion once the active stage of labor is established in women being induced should be considered as an alternative management plan.

Circulating Cell-Free DNA to Determine the Fetal RHD Status in All Three Trimesters of Pregnancy.

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the accuracy of a new assay to determine the fetal RHD status using circulating cell-free DNA. METHODS: This was a prospective, observational study. Maternal blood samples were collected in each trimester of pregnancy in 520 nonalloimmunized RhD-negative patients. Plasma samples were analyzed for circulating cell-free DNA using the SensiGENE RHD test, which used primers for exons 4 and 7 as previously described and incorporated a new primer design for exon 5 of the RHD gene. Neonatal serology for RhD typing using cord blood at birth was undertaken and results were stored in a separate clinical database. After unblinding the data, results of the DNA analysis were compared with the neonatal serology. RESULTS: Inconclusive results secondary to the presence of the RHD pseudogene or an RHD variant were noted in 5.6%, 5.7%, and 6.1% of the first-, second-, and third-trimester samples, respectively. The incidence of false-positive rates for RhD (an RhD-negative fetus with an RHD-positive result) was 1.54% (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.42-5.44%), 1.53% (CI 0.42-5.40%), and 0.82% (CI 0.04-4.50%), respectively. There was only one false-negative diagnosis (an RhD-positive fetus with an RHD-negative result), which occurred in the first trimester (0.32%; 95% CI 0.08-1.78%). Genotyping for mismatches across repeated samples revealed that this error was related to mislabeling of samples from two patients collected on the same day at one of the collection sites. Overall test results were in agreement across all three trimesters (P>.99). CONCLUSION: Circulating cell-free DNA can accurately predict the fetal RhD status in all three trimesters of pregnancy.

Evaluation of additive effect of quantitative fetal fibronectin to cervical length for prediction of spontaneous preterm birth among asymptomatic low-risk women.

INTRODUCTION: Our objective was to evaluate the possible additive effect of quantitative fetal fibronectin to transvaginal ultrasound cervical length measurement between 18(0/7) and 23(6/7)  weeks for prediction of spontaneous preterm birth at <37(0/7)  weeks among asymptomatic low-risk women. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A prospective observational study was performed of asymptomatic women with singleton gestations between 18(0/7) and 23(6/7)  weeks and no prior spontaneous preterm birth. Women with multiple gestations, rupture of membranes, vaginal bleeding, intercourse or vaginal exam within 48 h of enrollment were excluded. Physicians were blinded to the quantitative fetal fibronectin levels, but the cervical length measurements were made available. The primary outcome was spontaneous preterm birth at <37(0/7)  weeks. RESULTS: Of the 528 asymptomatic low-risk women who were prospectively enrolled, 36 (6.82%) had spontaneous preterm birth at <37(0/7)  weeks. Using the receiver-operating characteristic curve, fetal fibronectin value of ≥5 ng/mL was identified as the optimal cut-off for predicting spontaneous preterm birth at <37(0/7)  weeks. As compared with cervical length ≥20 mm alone, with the use of cervical length ≤20 mm or quantitative fetal fibronectin ≥5 ng/mL as screening criteria for prediction of spontaneous preterm birth at <37(0/7)  weeks; sensitivity improved from 11.11 to 61.11%, specificity decreased from 99.59 to 55.08%, positive predictive value decreased from 66.67 to 9.05%, negative predictive value marginally improved from 93.87 to 95.09% and predictive accuracy decreased from 93.56 to 55.49%. CONCLUSIONS: Although the sensitivity improved, other predictive statistics and predictive accuracy did not improve by the addition of mid-trimester quantitative fetal fibronectin to cervical length measurement. Therefore, addition of mid-trimester quantitative fetal fibronectin to cervical length measurement cannot be recommended at this time for prediction of spontaneous preterm birth at <37(0/7)  weeks in asymptomatic low-risk women.

Assessment of a cervicometer compared to transvaginal ultrasound in identifying women with a short cervical length: a multicenter study.

BACKGROUND: Preterm birth remains a major cause of neonatal morbidity and mortality worldwide. Short cervical length (CL) as measured by transvaginal ultrasound (TVU) in the second trimester represents the single most predictive risk factor for spontaneous preterm birth. Previous studies have addressed, in part, the limitations of TVU availability by utilizing a cervicometer to screen patients for short cervix, identifying those patients who may not benefit from TVU CL screening. In view of the prior studies indicating that a cervicometer measurement may have a high negative predictive value (NPV) for a sonographically short cervix, we sought to identify the ideal cervicometer threshold value in a prospective, multicenter study. OBJECTIVE: The primary objective was to determine the cervicometer CL measurement threshold that provides a high NPV for the identification of patients who are highly unlikely to have a TVU CL measurement ≤20 and ≤25 mm and, therefore, may forego TVU. STUDY DESIGN: This prospective study, executed in 5 US centers, included 401 women ≥18 years of age who provided written informed consent to undergo CL measurement in the mid trimester. All women underwent both cervicometer- and TVU-measured CLs by individuals blinded to results of the other measurement. Both measurements were performed at 17-23 weeks' gestation (visit 1) and repeated at 24-29 weeks' gestation (visit 2). All TVU measurement images were reviewed by a central reader. Test characteristics and receiver operating characteristic curves were created to determine and confirm the optimal cervicometer CL threshold, maximizing the NPV. RESULTS: In all, 358 subjects were evaluable at visit 1 and 267 at visit 2. At visit 1, the average TVU CL was 38.7 ± 7.6 mm and the average cervicometer CL was 30.3 ± 8.8 mm. Similar measurements were seen at visit 2. Receiver operating characteristic curves were utilized to graphically identify a cervicometer CL threshold of 30 mm that maximized sensitivity while minimizing the false-positive rate. The 30-mm cervicometer CL threshold provided a 98-100% NPV and 0.0 negative likelihood ratio for identification of women who have a low likelihood to have a sonographic short cervix (ie, transvaginal CL ≤20 mm or ≤25 mm). The 17-23 weeks' gestation 30-mm cervicometer CL threshold has 100% sensitivity, 45-46% specificity, and 1.8 and 0.0 positive and negative likelihood ratios to predict sonographic CL ≤20 and ≤25 mm. CONCLUSION: Cervicometer CL screening successfully identifies women at low risk for short transvaginal CL. Use of a 30-mm threshold by cervicometer CL measurement confers a 98-100% NPV, with high sensitivity and moderate specificity to predict a TVU short CL. Cervicometer measurement of CL may permit almost 50% of women to avoid TVU.