Maternal and infant cannabis testing and associated birth outcomes.

OBJECTIVES: The objective of the study was to determine any identifiable clinical utility of the practice of universal maternal and infant tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) testing at the time of birth. METHODS: This was cross-sectional, retrospective cohort study comparing the following birth outcomes in relation to maternal and infant tetrahydrocannabinol (THC): APGAR scores, cord gases, NICU admission and need for immediate resuscitation. All births at the University of Maryland Medical Center between January 1, 2018 and December 31, 2020 were reviewed. Those that had either maternal or infant test results missing were excluded. Statistical analysis was performed using STATA v27. Birth outcomes were adjusted for gestational age at delivery and tobacco use. Infant resuscitation was considered the need for any respiratory support. RESULTS: A total of 4260 maternal/infant pairs were included. Of these, 314 (7.4%) birthing parents and 161 (3.8%) of infants tested positive for THC. Of the birth parents who tested positive for THC, 51.3% of their infants also tested positive for THC. Maternal/infant pairs that both tested positive for THC had the lowest need for immediate resuscitation and Neonatal Intensive Care Unit admission. Cord gases and APGAR scores were similar between the groups. Birth parents who tested positive for THC delivered infants at an earlier gestational age (37w6d v 38w5d, p = 0.001) and lower mean birth weight (2690gm v 3061gm, p = 0.001) than those who tested negative even after adjusting for confounders. When limited to only term births and broken down by weeks completed gestation, the mean birth weights were lower for every week in those who tested positive for THC versus those who tested negative. CONCLUSIONS: Our study shows that maternal and neonatal testing for THC at the time of birth is not predictive of important neonatal outcome parameters. Therefore, even though it is likely that there are some effects of in utero THC exposure on the neonate, we did not find any clinical benefits that would justify routine maternal and/or infant testing for THC at the time of birth.

A Prospective Longitudinal Quality Initiative toward Improved Enhanced Recovery after Cesarean Pathways.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate whether enhanced recovery after cesarean (ERAC) pathways reduces inpatient and outpatient opioid use, pain scores and improves the indicators of postoperative recovery. STUDY DESIGN: This is a prospective, longitudinal, quality improvement study of all patients older than 18 undergoing an uncomplicated cesarean delivery (CD) at an academic medical center. We excluded complicated CD, patients with chronic pain disorders, chronic opioid use, acute postpartum depression, or mothers whose neonate demised before their discharge. Lastly, we excluded non-English- and non-Spanish-speaking patients. Our study compared patient outcomes before (pre-ERAC) and after (post-ERAC) implementation of ERAC pathways. Primary outcomes were inpatient morphine milligram equivalent (MME) use and the patient's delta pain scores. Secondary outcomes were outpatient MME prescriptions and indicators of postoperative recovery (time to feeding, ambulation, and hospital discharge). RESULTS: Of 308 patients undergoing CD from October 2019 to September 2020, 196 were enrolled in the pre-ERAC cohort and 112 in the post-ERAC cohort. Patients in the pre-ERAC cohort were more likely to require opioids in the postoperative period compared with the post-ERAC cohort (81.6 vs. 64.3%, p < 0.001). Likewise, there was a higher use of MME per stay in the pre-ERAC cohort (30 [20-49] vs. 16.8 MME [11.2-33.9], p < 0.001). There was also a higher number of patients who required prescribed opioids at the time of discharge (98 vs. 86.6%, p < 0.001) as well as in the amount of MMEs prescribed (150 [150-225] vs. 150 MME [112-150], p < 0.001; different shape of distribution). Furthermore, the patients in the pre-ERAC cohort had higher delta pain scores (3.3 [2.3-4.7] vs. 2.2 [1.3-3.7], p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Our study has illustrated that our ERAC pathways were associated with reduced inpatient opioid use, outpatient opioid use, patient-reported pain scores, and improved indicators of postoperative recovery. KEY POINTS: · Implementation of ERAC pathways is associated with a higher percentage of no postpartum opioid use.. · Implementation of ERAC pathways is associated with lower delta (reported - expected) pain scores.. · The results of ERAC pathways implementation are increased by adopting a patient-centered approach..

Hemoglobin A1c as a Substitute for Oral Glucose Testing in Early Pregnancy Screening.

OBJECTIVE: Current recommendations for individuals with risk factors for gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) call for screening in early pregnancy. However, there is currently no clear consensus on a specific screening modality. This study evaluates whether a hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) screening in individuals with risk factors for gestational diabetes (GDM) could be used instead of an early 1-hour glucose challenge test (GCT). We hypothesized that the HbA1c could replace 1-hour GCT in early pregnancy evaluation STUDY DESIGN: This is a prospective observational trial at a single tertiary referral center of women with at least one risk factor for GDM who were screened at <16 weeks of gestation with both 1-hour GCT or HbA1c. Exclusion criteria include: previous diagnosis of diabetes mellitus, multiple gestation, miscarriage, or missing delivery information. The diagnosis of GDM was made by a 3-hour 100-g glucose tolerance test, using the Carpenter-Coustan criteria (at least two results >94, 179, 154, and 139 mg/dL for fasting, 1-, 2-, and 3-hour values, respectively), 1-hour GCT > 200 mg/dL, or HbA1c > 6.5%. RESULTS: A total of 758 patients met inclusion criteria. A total of 566 completed a 1-hour GCT and 729 had an HbA1c collected. The median gestational age at testing was 91/7 weeks (range: 40/7-156/7 weeks]. Twenty-one participants were diagnosed with GDM at <16 weeks' GA. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves identified the optimal valves for a positive screen for an HbA1c > 5.6%. The HbA1c had a sensitivity of 84.2%, a specificity of 83.3%, and a false positive rate of 16.7% (p < 0.001). The area under the ROC curve for the HbA1c was 0.898. Gestational age of delivery was slightly earlier with individuals with an elevated HbA1c but no other changes in delivery or neonatal outcomes. Contingent screening improved specificity (97.7%) and decreased false positive rate to 4.4%. CONCLUSION: HbA1c may be a good assessment in early pregnancy for gestational diabetes. KEY POINTS: · HbA1c is a rational assessment in early pregnancy.. · An HbA1c > 5.6% is associated with gestational diabetes.. · Contingent screening limits the need for additional testing..

Prepregnancy Roux-en-Y gastric bypass vs sleeve gastrectomy: a systematic review, pairwise, and network meta-analysis of obstetrical and neonatal outcomes.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to systematically investigate a wide range of obstetrical and neonatal outcomes with respect to 2 types of prepregnancy bariatric surgery, Roux-en-Y gastric bypass and sleeve gastrectomy, through: (1) providing a meta-analysis of the effect of bariatric surgery (Roux-en-Y gastric bypass vs no surgery and, separately, sleeve gastrectomy vs no surgery) on adverse obstetrical and neonatal outcomes, and (2) comparing the relative benefit of Roux-en-Y gastric bypass vs sleeve gastrectomy using both conventional and network meta-analysis. DATA SOURCES: We searched PubMed, Scopus, and Embase systematically from inception up to April 30, 2021. ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA: Studies reporting on pregnancies' obstetrical and neonatal outcomes with respect to 2 types of prepregnancy bariatric surgery-Roux-en-Y gastric bypass and sleeve gastrectomy-were included. The included studies either indirectly compared between the procedure and controls or directly compared between the 2 procedures. METHODS: We performed a systematic review followed by pairwise and network meta-analysis in accordance with the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines. In the pairwise analysis, multiple obstetrical and neonatal outcomes were tabulated and compared between 3 groups: (1) Roux-en-Y gastric bypass vs controls, (2) sleeve gastrectomy vs controls, and (3) Roux-en-Y gastric bypass vs sleeve gastrectomy. Primary outcomes included small for gestational age, large for gestational age, gestational hypertension/preeclampsia, and gestational diabetes mellitus. Secondary outcomes included preterm birth, anemia, cesarean delivery, and biochemical profile. The random-effects model was used to pool the mean differences or odds ratios and the corresponding 95% confidence intervals. Heterogeneity was assessed using the I2 value. The Newcastle-Ottawa scale was used to assess individual study quality. To resolve inconclusive findings and to rank current treatments, network meta-analysis was conducted for the primary outcomes. Quality of evidence was assessed with the Confidence in Network Meta-Analysis approach and the GRADE (Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluations) tool within the summary of findings table. RESULTS: A total of 20 studies were included, reporting on 40,108 pregnancies, of which 5194 underwent Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, 405 underwent sleeve gastrectomy, and 34,509 were controls. Compared with controls, Roux-en-Y gastric bypass increased the risk of small for gestational age infants (odds ratio, 2.56; 95% confidence interval, 1.77-3.70; I2, 29.1%; P<.00001), decreased the risk of large for gestational age infants (odds ratio, 0.25; 95% confidence interval, 0.18-0.35; I2, 0%; P<.00001), decreased gestational hypertension/preeclampsia (odds ratio, 0.54; 95% confidence interval, 0.30-0.97; I2, 26.8%; P=.04), decreased gestational diabetes mellitus (odds ratio, 0.43; 95% confidence interval, 0.23-0.81; I2, 32%; P=.008), increased maternal anemia (odds ratio, 2.70; 95% confidence interval, 1.53-4.79; I2, 40.5%; P<.001), increased neonatal intensive care unit admission (odds ratio, 1.36; 95% confidence interval, 1.04-1.77; I2, 0%; P=.02), and decreased mean gestational weight gain (mean difference, -3.37 kg; 95% confidence interval, -5.62 to -1.11; I2, 65.3%; P=.003). Only 3 studies compared sleeve gastrectomy with controls, and found no significant differences in primary outcomes or in mean gestational weight gain. The network meta-analysis showed that Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (malabsorptive procedure) resulted in greater decrease of large for gestational age, gestational hypertension/preeclampsia, and gestational diabetes mellitus, and a greater increase in small for gestational age infants when compared with sleeve gastrectomy (restrictive procedure). However, the small number of studies, small number of sleeve gastrectomy patients, limited outcomes, and data heterogeneity resulted in low-to-moderate network GRADE of evidence. CONCLUSION: This network meta-analysis showed that Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, compared with sleeve gastrectomy, resulted in greater decrease in large for gestational age, gestational hypertension/preeclampsia, and gestational diabetes mellitus, but in greater increase in small for gestational age infants. Certainty of evidence in the network meta-analysis was of a low-to-moderate GRADE. Evidence is still lacking for periconception biochemical profile, congenital malformations, and reproductive health outcomes for both interventions; thus, future well-designed prospective studies are needed to further characterize these outcomes.

Third Trimester Ultrasound Stratifies Risk of Peripartum Complications in Pregnancies Complicated by Impaired Glucose Tolerance.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of our study was to investigate the effect of impaired glucose metabolism (IGM) and ultrasound (US) findings consistent with hyperglycemia on maternal and neonatal outcomes. STUDY DESIGN: This was a retrospective case-control study of singleton, nonanomalous pregnancies with an elevated 1-hour glucose screening test (GST) completed after 23 weeks of gestation. IGM was defined as a 1-hour GST of >130, but less than two abnormal values on 3-hour glucose tolerance test (GTT). Gestational diabetes was defined as two or more abnormal values on 3-hour GTT. Ultrasound evidence of hyperglycemia was defined as abdominal circumference >95th centile and/or polyhydramnios. Individuals with IGM were divided into those with ultrasound evidence of hyperglycemia (impaired glucose metabolism consistent with ultrasound findings [IGM-US]) and those without IGM. Maternal demographics, delivery outcomes (gestational age at delivery, delivery mode, shoulder dystocia, lacerations), postpartum hemorrhage, and neonatal outcome (birth weight centile [BW%], neonatal intensive care unit admission, hypoglycemia, and glucose) were recorded. Composite morbidity was tabulated. Delivery and neonatal outcome variables were compared in individuals with IGM-US, IGM, and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). Odds ratios were calculated and adjusted for maternal age, BMI, and gestational weight gain. RESULTS: A total of 637 individuals with an abnormal 1-hour GST were included (122 with IGM-US, 280 with IGM, and 235 with GDM). When compared to the IGM group, IGM-US had higher rates of cesarean delivery and BW% > 90th centile at delivery (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 1.7 [1.1-2.8] and aOR: 5.9 [2.7-13.0], respectively). Individuals with GDM also demonstrated similar rates with BW% > 90% but not cesarean section(aOR: 3.9 [1.8-8.5] and aOR: 1.4 [0.9-2.1], respectively). The remaining maternal and fetal outcomes were similar. CONCLUSION: Women with impaired glucose tolerance should have a third-trimester ultrasound to identify an increased risk of perinatal complications. KEY POINTS: · Women with elevated blood glucose screening should be evaluated with third-trimester ultrasound to identify risks for perinatal morbidity.. · The third-trimester ultrasound identifies individuals at risk for cesarean section.. · Counseling should be completed with individuals with polyhydramnios or accelerated growth..

Class III obesity is an independent risk factor for unsuccessful induction of labor.

BACKGROUND: Although obesity is a known risk factor for cesarean delivery, there is a paucity of data on the course of induction of labor in these patients. OBJECTIVE: With emerging data on the safety of 39-week inductions, we aimed to: (1) determine if Class III obesity, including morbid obesity, is an independent risk factor for nonachievement of complete dilation and vaginal delivery after induction of labor, (2) evaluate the characteristics of the induction of labor course and immediate complications, and (3) evaluate the number of induction agents necessary to be associated with vaginal deliveries. We hypothesized that as body mass index increased, it would take longer to achieve complete cervical dilation, more induction agents would be required, and there would be a higher rate of cesarean delivery. STUDY DESIGN: This was a retrospective cohort study of singleton gestations undergoing induction of labor from 2013 to 2020 at a single center. Study groups were defined as nonobese (body mass index <30 kg/m2), non-Class III obesity (body mass index of 30-39.9 kg/m2), and Class III obesity (body mass index ≥40 kg/m2). The primary outcome was achievement of complete cervical dilation. Secondary outcomes included time from start of induction to complete dilation, cesarean delivery rates, doses of misoprostol used, combination of induction agents used, and incidence of chorioamnionitis and postpartum hemorrhage. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to estimate risks. A secondary analysis was performed on nulliparous patients. RESULTS: A total of 3046 individuals met the inclusion criteria. As body mass index increased, the indications for induction were more likely to be maternal. Rate of achievement of complete dilation decreased with increasing body mass index (973 [88.5%] in the body mass index <30 group vs 455 [70.8%] in the body mass index ≥40 group; adjusted odds ratio, 0.3; 95% confidence interval, 0.2-0.4). The rate of cesarean delivery also increased (149 [13.5%] in the body mass index <30 group vs 207 [30.9%] in the body mass index ≥40 group; adjusted odds ratio, 3.2; 95% confidence interval, 2.5-4.2), as did the time to complete dilation (15.3 hours in the body mass index <30 group vs 18.8 hours in the body mass index ≥40 group; P<.001). Morbidly obese patients required higher doses and more types of induction agents. Misoprostol was used as the sole induction agent in 362 (35.1%) of patients in the body mass index <30 group vs 160 (25.4%) of patients in the body mass index ≥40 group (adjusted odds ratio, 0.6; 95% confidence interval, 0.5-0.8). In the body mass index ≥40 group, a greater number required a combination of misoprostol, mechanical ripening, and oxytocin for induction (147 [14.3%] in the body mass index <30 group vs 158 [25.0%] in the body mass index ≥40 group; adjusted odds ratio, 1.7; 95% confidence interval, 1.3-2.3). For nulliparous patients, the rate of cesarean delivery was significantly higher with increasing body mass index (118 [18.3%] in the body mass index <30 group and 157 [48.2%] in the body mass index ≥40 group; P<.001), with 5 more hours spent in labor (18.3 hours in the body mass index <30 group vs 23.3 hours in the body mass index ≥40 group; P<.001). Nulliparous patients were also more likely to require multiple induction agents (122 [20.3%] for body mass index <30 vs 108 [33.6%] for body mass index ≥40; P<.001). CONCLUSION: Class III obesity is an independent risk factor for nonachievement of complete dilation and vaginal delivery following induction of labor. Furthermore, inductions in these patients require more time and are more likely to require multiple agents.

Gestational weight gain below instead of within the guidelines per class of maternal obesity: a systematic review and meta-analysis of obstetrical and neonatal outcomes.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to systematically investigate a wide range of obstetrical and neonatal outcomes as they relate to gestational weight gain less than the current Institute of Medicine and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists guidelines when compared with weight gain within the guideline range and to stratify outcomes by the class of obesity and by the type of study analysis. DATA SOURCES: We systematically searched studies on PubMed, Scopus, Embase, and the Cochrane Library from 2009 to April 30, 2021. STUDY ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA: Studies reporting on obstetrical and neonatal outcomes of singleton pregnancies related to gestational weight gain less than the current Institute of Medicine and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists guidelines in comparison with weight gain within the guidelines among women with obesity overall (body mass index >30 kg/m2) and/or a specific class of obesity (I: body mass index, 30-34.9 kg/m2; II: body mass index, 35-39.9 kg/m2; and III: body mass index >40 kg/m2). METHODS: Among the studies that met the inclusion criteria, multiple obstetrical and neonatal outcomes were tabulated and compared between pregnancies with weight gain less than recommended in the guidelines and those with weight gain within the guidelines, further classified by the class of obesity if applicable. Primary outcomes included small for gestational age neonates, large for gestational age neonates, preeclampsia, and gestational diabetes mellitus. Secondary outcomes included cesarean delivery, preterm birth, postpartum weight retention, and composite neonatal morbidity. A meta-analysis of univariate and adjusted multivariate analysis studies was conducted. The random-effect model was used to pool the mean differences or odds ratios and the corresponding 95% confidence intervals. Heterogeneity was assessed using the I2 value. The Newcastle-Ottawa Scale was used to assess individual study quality. RESULTS: A total of 54 studies reporting on 30,245,946 pregnancies were included of which 11,515,411 pregnancies were in the univariate analysis and 18,730,535 pregnancies were in the adjusted multivariate analysis. In the meta-analysis of univariate studies, compared with women who gained weight as recommended in the guidelines, those who gained less than the weight recommended in the guidelines had higher odds of having a small for gestational age neonate among those with obesity class I and II (odds ratio, 1.30; 95% confidence interval, 1.17-1.45; I2=0%; P<.00001; and odds ratio, 1.56; 95% confidence interval, 1.31-1.85; I2=0%; P<.00001, respectively). However, the incidence of small for gestational age neonates was below the expected limits (<10%) and was not associated with increased neonatal morbidity. Furthermore, after adjusting for covariates, that difference was not statistically significant anymore. The difference was not statistically significant for class III obesity. Following adjusted multivariate analysis, no significant differences in small for gestational age rates were noted for any classes of obesity between groups. Significantly lower odds for large for gestational age neonates were seen in the group with gestational weight gain less than the recommended guidelines among those with obesity class I, II, and III (odds ratio, 0.69; 95% confidence interval, 0.64-0.73; I2=0%; P<.00001; odds ratio, 0.68; 95% confidence interval, 0.63-0.74; I2=0%; P<.00001; and odds ratio, 0.65; 95% confidence interval, 0.57-0.75; I2=34%; P<.00001, respectively), and similar findings were seen in the adjusted multivariate analysis. Women with weight gain less than the recommended guidelines had significantly lower odds for preeclampsia among those with obesity class I, II, and III (odds ratio, 0.71; 95% confidence interval, 0.63-0.79; I2=0%; P<.00001; odds ratio, 0.82; 95% confidence interval, 0.73-0.91; I2=0%; P<.00001; and odds ratio, 0.82; 95% confidence interval, 0.70-0.94; I2=0%; P=.006, respectively), and similar findings were seen in the adjusted multivariate analysis. No significant differences were seen in gestational diabetes mellitus between groups. Regarding preterm birth, available univariate analysis studies only reported on overall obesity and mixed iatrogenic and spontaneous preterm birth showing a significant increase in the odds of preterm birth (odds ratio, 1.42; 95% confidence interval, 1.40-1.43; I2=0%; P<.00001) among women with low weight gain, whereas the adjusted multivariate studies in overall obesity and in all 3 classes showed no significant differences in preterm birth between groups. Women with low weight gain had significantly lower odds for cesarean delivery in obesity class I, II, and III (odds ratio, 0.76; 95% confidence interval, 0.72-0.81; I2=0%; P<.00001; odds ratio, 0.82; 95% confidence interval, 0.77-0.87; I2=0%; P<.00001; and odds ratio, 0.87; 95% confidence interval, 0.82-0.91; I2=0%; P<.00001, respectively), and similar findings were seen in the adjusted multivariate analysis. There was significantly lower odds for postpartum weight retention (odds ratio, 0.20; 95% confidence interval, 0.05-0.82; I2=0%; P=.03) and lower odds for composite neonatal morbidity in the overall obesity group with low gestational weight gain (odds ratio, 0.93; 95% confidence interval, 0.87-0.99; I2=19.6%; P=.04). CONCLUSION: Contrary to previous reports, the current systematic review and meta-analysis showed no significant increase in small for gestational age rates in pregnancies with weight gain below the current guidelines for all classes of maternal obesity. Furthermore, gaining less weight than recommended in the guidelines was associated with lower large for gestational age, preeclampsia, and cesarean delivery rates. Our study provides the evidence that the current recommended gestational weight gain range is high for all classes of obesity. These results provide pertinent information supporting the notion to revisit the current gestational weight gain recommendations for women with obesity and furthermore to classify them by the class of obesity rather than by an overall obesity category as is done in the current recommendations.

Impact of Obstetric Communication on Decision-to-Delivery Time.

OBJECTIVE: In obstetric emergencies, care coordination is critical in achieving a "decision-to-delivery" time of 30 minutes. Reliable communication is essential to optimize coordinated care of mother and baby. Clinical mobility (CM) platforms have been shown to improve communication during medical emergencies; however, their impact on improving decision-to-delivery times has not been shown. This study aimed to determine the impact of a new CM platform on decision-to-delivery time. STUDY DESIGN: A multidisciplinary team designed a CM platform that employs a wall-mounted panel paired with mobile technology to alert all relevant clinical staff. This new platform uses in-room preprogrammed messages that alert predetermined responders matching the emergency. For example, the "STAT section" button summons doctors (obstetrics, anesthesiology, and neonatology), obstetric nurses, and newborn resuscitation staff via smartphones. Impact of this platform was assessed with process and outcome data: cord artery pH, 5-minute Apgar's score; and decision for cesarean section to time of: skin incision, uterine incision, and delivery. This pre- and postimplementation study (October-September 2018 vs. January-December 2019) centered on the opening of our new Obstetric Care Unit. Data were analyzed with Chi-square and Mann-Whitney U-test. RESULTS: Emergent cesarean delivery was performed in 172 women pre- and 124 postimplementation of the new CM platform. In postimplementation, we observed a 7.4-minute reduction in time from decision-to-delivery (26 pre- vs. 18.6 minutes postimplementation, p = 0.001). Delivery within 30 minutes improved by 15.2% (p = 0.018). Times to skin and uterine incision were also significantly reduced. The two groups had similar neonatal outcomes: birth weight, Apgar's score at 5 minutes, and cord artery pH did not differ, but the study was underpowered to compare these outcomes. CONCLUSION: This new CM platform significantly reduced decision-to-delivery time, in turn improving compliance with the "30-minute rule." All relevant personnel were contacted specifically, while avoiding overhead paging and other unnecessary messages. KEY POINTS: · Obstetric communication via a clinical mobility platform shortens the delivery to delivery interval. · Obstetric communication systems via an information technology (IT)-system results in a higher frequency of deliveries within 30 minutes.. · Communication systems may be a useful tools to synchronously call multiple services to respond..

Real-world implementation of a vaginal preparation policy prior to cesarean delivery.

OBJECTIVE: Surgical site infections (SSIs) are a major source of morbidity and mortality for women who undergo cesarean section (c-section). SSIs following c-section include wound infection, infection of the endometrium (endometritis) and intra-abdominal infections. Perioperative interventions to prevent these infections continue to be studied, including the use of vaginal preparation prior to c-section. Although literature has shown that the use of vaginal preparation prior to c-section decreases the rate of SSI, real-world clinical data regarding effective implementation of these policies are lacking. The objectives of this study were to determine (1) if a vaginal preparation policy could be implemented in a real-world setting with a high compliance rate and (2) to identify factors led to differences in compliance with policy. STUDY DESIGN: This was a secondary analysis of a retrospective cohort study designed to examine the incidence of SSI after c-section before and after the implementation of vaginal preparation policy. The primary outcomes included implementation rates of the vaginal preparation for the post policy cohort. Secondary outcomes included subgroup analysis of policy adherence based on time of day, urgency of delivery, membrane status, labor status, and maternal factors. RESULTS: Overall adherence to the vaginal preparation policy was 87.2% of patients. Maternal factors did not impact the rate of policy adherence. 81.4% of patients undergoing c-section at night had vaginal prep completed compared to 89.9% of patients undergoing c-section during the day (p = .016). 63.8% of patients undergoing emergent c-section had vaginal prep completed, compared to 90.1% of patients undergoing non-emergent c-section (p < .001). Laboring patients were more likely to have vaginal preparation completed (143 (95.3%) vs. 225 (82.7%), p = .009). CONCLUSIONS: Compliance with vaginal preparation policy was high. Patients who are undergoing evening deliveries and emergent deliveries are less likely to have vaginal preparation completed. Some of these differences are likely attributable to perceived urgency of the c-section. It is important that interventions are identified such as staff education and standardization of documentation to improve rates of policy adherence.

An initiative to evaluate the safety of maternal bonding in patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection.

BACKGROUND: In the last two decades, the world faced three epidemics caused by novel coronaviruses, namely, SARS-CoV in 2002, MERS-CoV in 2012, and the ongoing SARS-CoV-2 that started in late 2019. Despite a growing understanding of SARS-CoV-2 virology, epidemiology, and clinical management strategies, other aspects, such as mode of delivery, vertical transmission, and maternal bonding, remain controversial. The question we faced upon the decision to separate the neonates of SARS-CoV-2 positive mother is whether we follow the principle of "do no harm"? METHODS: This is a quality improvement project that analyzed all cases of SARS-CoV-2 positive pregnancies that delivered at a major health care system from March 1, 2020 to June, 1 2020. The article was prepared following Standards for Quality Improvement Reporting Excellence (SQUIRE) 2.0 guidelines. Data were prospectively collected and entered into the Research Electronic Data Capture (REDCap). Maternal bonding was defined by events such as rooming-in, skin to skin contact (STSC), and breastfeeding. Descriptive analysis was performed using the same software platform. INTERVENTION: We compared neonatal transmission rates between those neonates who experienced bonding versus those who were separated. RESULTS: A total of 1989 women were screened for SARS-CoV-2, from which 86 tested positive. Out of 31 analyzed pregnancies, five women (16%) were admitted to ICU and required mechanical ventilation. From the remaining 26 (84%), 17 (65%) opted for rooming-in, 12 (46%) for STSC, and 16 (61%) fed the infants with breastmilk (11 direct breastfeedings and five pumped the breast milk). All neonatal tests for SARS-CoV-2 returned negative. CONCLUSION: Our results have illustrated that maternal bonding appears safe in neonates born to mothers that are SARS-CoV-2 positive.

Marginal placental cord insertion: the need for follow up?

OBJECTIVE: The objectives of this study were (1) to estimate the association between marginal placental cord insertion (PCI) and small for gestational age (SGA) and other adverse perinatal outcomes and (2) to determine if pregnancy-associated plasma protein A (PAPP-A) levels was altered in these patients. METHODS: It was a retrospective cohort study of singleton pregnancies undergoing ultrasound between 2016 and 2018. Marginal PCI was defined as a distance of ≤2 cm from placental edge to PCI site, visualized in both sagittal and transverse planes, and diagnosed between 16 and 32 weeks. Velamentous PCI were excluded. The primary outcome was SGA, defined as birthweight below 10th percentile for gestational age. Pregnancies with marginal PCI were compared to those with normal PCI with respect to maternal characteristics, PAPP-A levels and adverse perinatal and delivery outcomes. RESULTS: The incidence of marginal PCI was 4.2% (76/1819). Compared to those with a normal PCI, patients with a marginal PCI were more likely to be nulliparous and less likely to be African American or morbidly obese (p < .05). SGA rate was similar between the groups (17.6% vs. 18.1%). There was a trend toward an increased incidence of oligohydramnios, polyhydramnios and breech presentation in patients with marginal PCI; however, these did not reach statistical significance. The incidence of low PAPP-A level was comparable between the groups (18.4% vs. 14.3%, p > .05). CONCLUSION: Our study did not demonstrate any increase in adverse pregnancy outcomes in the presence of marginal PCI. These findings may provide reassurance for counseling patients with this sonographic finding.

Proning modus operandi in pregnancies complicated by acute respiratory distress syndrome secondary to COVID-19.

INTRODUCTION: Prone positioning has been widely utilized in ARDS management before and during the COVID-19 pandemic due to its demonstrated mortality benefits. In pregnancy, proning requires careful attention to often overlooked physiologic changes in pregnancy and additional technical challenges accompanying a gravid abdomen. The purpose of this manuscript is to demonstrate a proning technique that was successfully used at our institution to avoid premature delivery of the fetus while improving maternal outcomes. All technical challenges are addressed in the instructional videos using a pregnant model with twin gestation at 32 weeks. METHODS: We reviewed all the patients' charts with positive SARS-CoV-2 from March 2020 until July 2020 and identified those who developed ARDS. Subsequently, we identified four patients that were proned during the antepartum period. We described their clinical course, including the change in ventilatory parameters in relationship with proning timing. Stepwise instructions for self-proning and proning in mechanically ventilated patients are illustrated in video format. RESULTS: During the study period, we identified 100 pregnant patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection. Mechanical ventilation was required in 8 of these patients. In four cases, proning was performed during the antepartum period. We were able to improve the P/F ratio while decreasing FiO2 and avoiding iatrogenic preterm delivery. Except for one case, where the patient self-extubated and required emergent delivery, all patients were successfully extubated, followed for prenatal care, and delivered for usual obstetric indications. CONCLUSION: Proning remains a well-proven intervention in ARDS and should be considered in pregnant women when indicated. We recognize that proning might not be effective in all cases. However, proning positioning is an option to improve oxygenation in patients with severe hypoxemia when the next consideration is delivery of a premature infant or maternal cannulation for extracorporeal membrane oxygenation.

Opioid prescription-use after cesarean delivery: an observational cohort study.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate current opioid prescription practices following a cesarean delivery. METHODS: Women were asked to participate in a prospective observational cohort study following a cesarean delivery. Participants were asked about their opioid use after discharge, amount leftover, subjective pain score, and satisfaction. RESULTS: A total of 344 women had cesarean deliveries during the study period, 242 were approached, 171 met eligibility criteria, and 109 were included in the analysis. Women in our study were predominantly African American (66.1%), high school graduates (32.1%), publicly insured (65.1%), single (55%) working mothers (68.8%). Most had been previously prescribed opioids (70.6%), of which 58.4% had a prior cesarean delivery. Only 78.8% of study participants took their opioid prescriptions, and 89.6% had an average of 17 pills leftover. The number of pills taken correlated with those prescribed in the study. Improved satisfaction in pain control with opioid and non-opioid alternatives was associated with a decrease in opioids used. Similarly, the participants' perception of their abundant prescription quantity was associated with a decrease in prescription taken. CONCLUSION: Women were prescribed excess opioids. Excess opioids accounted for 63.3% of all pills filled, a total of 1670 pills leftover, most of which were stored in an unlocked location (75.6%). Our data showed a discrepancy of pills prescribed (24) compared to those used (10), which was also perceived as enough or too many by our participants. Our study demonstrates that women would benefit from fewer opioid pills and a discussion based on their pain perception.

Concordance and discordance between maternal and newborn drug test results.

BACKGROUND: Screening for substance use is recommended during pregnancy, and many clinicians rely on urine drug screening to identify newborns at potential risk for withdrawal. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to determine the concordance and discordance rates between maternal and neonatal drug testing at or near the time of delivery. STUDY DESIGN: This retrospective chart review was performed at a single institution that employs universal testing for those who consent. Results of maternal and neonatal urine drug testing via immunoassay at delivery were compared. RESULTS: Of 1573 singleton pregnancies, 233 mothers (14.8%) had a positive test result for any substance and 102 of their newborns (43.8%) had concordant positive test results. Of the 285 positive maternal test results for individual substances, 133 (46.7%) were concordant with newborn test results. After removing iatrogenic positives, there were 84 truly discordant pairs representing 5.9% of the total cohort of test pairs, but 29.5% of the pairs with maternal positive test results. When considering the outcome of a newborn positive test result, the overall sensitivity and specificity for the maternal test were 21.1% and 85.8%, respectively. The positive and negative predictive values were 46.7% and 96.4%, respectively. After excluding iatrogenic positive test results, the sensitivity and specificity for maternal testing were 97.8% and 99.4%, respectively, and the negative predictive value of maternal testing for all substances approached 100%. A total of 11 pairs of twins had at least 1 twin with a positive drug test result, and of these, 6 twin pairs (54.5%) had drug test results that were discordant from each other. CONCLUSION: There is a high rate of iatrogenic discrepancy in maternal and neonatal drug testing. After adjusting for iatrogenic positive test results, the negative predictive value of maternal testing is high. Many discrepancies, such as those in twins, remained unexplained by medication administration, and potential reasons for these discrepancies warrant further investigation.

Clinical Outcomes of Pregnant and Postpartum Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Patients.

BACKGROUND: The use of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) as a rescue therapy for cardiopulmonary failure is expanding in critical care medicine. In this case series, we describe the clinical outcomes of 21 consecutive pregnant or postpartum patients that required venovenous (VV) or venoarterial (VA) ECMO. Our objective was to characterize maternal and fetal survival in peripartum ECMO and better understand ECMO-related complications that occur in this unique patient population. METHODS: Between January 2009 and June 2019, all pregnant and postpartum patients treated with ECMO for respiratory or circulatory failure at a single quaternary referral center were identified. For all patients, indications for ECMO, maternal and neonatal outcomes, details of ECMO support, and anticoagulation and bleeding complications were collected. RESULTS: Twenty-one obstetric patients were treated with ECMO over 10 years. Thirteen patients were treated with VV ECMO and 8 patients were treated with VA ECMO. Six patients were pregnant at the time of cannulation and 3 patients delivered while on ECMO; all 6 maternal and infant dyads survived to hospital discharge. The median gestational age at cannulation was 28 weeks (interquartile range [IQR], 24-31). In the postpartum cohort, ECMO initiation ranged from immediately after delivery up to 46 days postpartum. Fifteen women survived (72%). Major bleeding complications requiring surgical intervention were observed in 7 patients (33.3%). Two patients on VV ECMO required bilateral orthotopic lung transplantation and 1 patient on VA ECMO required orthotopic heart transplantation to wean from ECMO. CONCLUSIONS: Survival for mother and neonate are excellent with peripartum ECMO in a high-volume ECMO center. Neonatal and maternal survival was 100% when ECMO was used in the late second or early third trimester. Based on these results, ECMO remains an important treatment option for peripartum patients with cardiopulmonary failure.

Renal artery Doppler compared with the cerebral placental ratio to identify fetuses at risk for adverse neonatal outcome.

Background: Current clinical practice incorporates an umbilical artery resistance index or a ratio of the middle cerebral artery (MCA PI) to the umbilical artery pulsatility index (UA PI) known as the cerebral placental ratio (CPR) to assess wellbeing in the small for gestational age fetus. Previous reports using the renal artery Doppler indices have not been consistent in regards to their design and clinical use. Our objective is to develop reference values for renal artery Doppler indices and validate their use compared with the UA PI or CPR to identify fetuses that will develop a composite neonatal outcome.Methods: We performed 9700 ultrasounds among 2852 women at 20-40 weeks of gestation at the University of Maryland between 1 June 2016 and 1 December 2016. Nomograms were first developed using one randomly selected scan from each of a subgroup of 860 women without any comorbidities. The nomograms were validated among a cohort of 550 women who subsequently delivered at the University of Maryland Medical Center. We compared the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) between the CPR and UA PI, and the renal artery Doppler parameters (renal artery pulsatility index (RA PI), systolic diastolic ratio (RA SDR), and peak systolic velocity (RA PSV)). The primary outcome was the development any one of the composite neonatal outcome components (death, intensive care unit admission, ventilator for more than 6 h, hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy or necrotizing enterocolitis) or admission to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) for any indication.Results: The renal artery Doppler indices did not improve identification of fetuses that would subsequently develop one of the components of the composite neonatal outcome (AUROC for CPR 0.54, 95% CI (0.49-0.59), versus the UA PI: 0.59 (0.54-0.64) p = .07, the RA PI: 0.51 (0.48-0.55) p = .41, RA SDR 0.54 (0.49-0.58) p = .99, or RA PSV 0.51 (0.47-0.55) p = .37). There was no difference when comparing AUROC to detect NICU admission (AUROC for CPR 0.53, 95% CI (0.49-0.58), versus the UA PI: 0.57 (0.52-0.62) p = .14, the RA PI: 0.50 (0.47-0.54) p = .44, RA SDR: 0.54 (0.50-0.59) p = .62 or RAPSV: 0.51 (0.47-0.55) p = .54).Conclusion: The renal artery indices do not improve detection of fetuses at risk for adverse neonatal outcomes compared with the CPR or the UA PI.

Research: Replacing Overhead Paging with Smartphones to Reduce Hospital Noise.

Hospital noise is associated with adverse effects on patients and staff. Communication through overhead paging is a major contributor to hospital noise. Replacing overhead paging with smartphones through a clinical mobility platform has the potential to reduce transitory noises in the hospital setting, though this result has not been described. The current study evaluated the impact of replacing overhead paging with a smartphone-based clinical mobility platform on transitory noise levels in a labor and delivery unit. Transitory noises were defined as sound levels greater than 10 dB above baseline, as recorded by a sound level meter. Prior to smartphone implementation, 77% of all sound levels at or above 60 dB were generated by overhead paging. Overhead pages occurred at an average rate of 3.17 per hour. Following smartphone implementation, overhead pages were eliminated and transitory noises decreased by two-thirds (P < 0.001). The highest recorded sound level decreased from 76.54 to 57.34 dB following implementation. The percent of sounds that exceeded the thresholds recommended by the Environmental Protection Agency and International Noise Council decreased from 31.2% to 0.2% following implementation (P < 0.001). Replacement of overhead paging with a clinical mobility platform that utilized smartphones was associated with a significant reduction in transitory noise. Clinical mobility implementation, as part of a noise reduction strategy, may be effective in other inpatient settings.

Adaptation of labor and delivery to COVID-19.

As the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) escalates globally, and no end in sight, we describe an approach for adapting swiftly to the increasing number of COVID-19 parturients admitted into labor and delivery unit. The adaptability includes physical layout, triaging, quick testing, isolating confirmed parturients, access to designated intensive care units, facilitating emergent cesarean deliveries, and educating health care personnel. It is vital that other healthy parturi-ents and healthcare providers must be protected from COVID-19. It is encouraged that institutions exchange and dis-seminate information to succeed in the global fight against this dreaded pandemic.

Leveraging Technology to Improve Diabetes Care in Pregnancy.

Pregnant women with diabetes are at higher risk of adverse outcomes. Prevention of such outcomes depends on strict glycemic control, which is difficult to achieve and maintain. A variety of technologies exist to aid in diabetes management for nonpregnant patients. However, adapting such tools to meet the demands of pregnancy presents multiple challenges. This article reviews the key attributes digital technologies must offer to best support diabetes management during pregnancy, as well as some digital tools developed specifically to meet this need. Despite the opportunities digital health tools present to improve the care of people with diabetes, in the absence of robust data and large research studies, the ability to apply such technologies to diabetes in pregnancy will remain imperfect.

Timing of Delivery in Pregnancies Complicated by Suspected Fetal Growth Restriction without Doppler Abnormalities.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to identify the optimal gestational age for delivery of pregnancies complicated by fetal growth restriction (FGR) without Doppler abnormalities. STUDY DESIGN: Cases of FGR (ultrasound-estimated fetal weight less than the 10th or abdominal circumference less than the 5th percentile for gestational age) without fetal Doppler abnormalities were identified from a fetal ultrasound database. The primary outcome was a composite of perinatal mortality and morbidity. The risk of the primary outcome for each gestational age was compared with pregnancies delivered at 390/7 to 406/7 weeks. Odds ratios were adjusted for potential confounders. RESULTS: The analysis included 1,024 pregnancies. FGR was identified at a median of 235/7 weeks (range: 20-42 weeks). Four cases of fetal death (234/7-376/7 weeks) and no neonatal deaths were included. The primary outcome occurred in 209 patients (20.4%). This was greater for patients delivered at less than 37 weeks' gestation than for those delivered at or after 39 weeks' gestation, with no increased risk after 40 weeks. CONCLUSION: Among pregnancies complicated by suspected FGR without Doppler abnormalities, delivery at 39 weeks is safe with no difference in perinatal outcomes from 37 to 42 weeks.