The effect of massage on acceleration and sprint performance in track & field athletes.

PURPOSE: To examine the acute effects of pre-competition massage on acceleration and sprint performance in collegiate track and field athletes. METHODS: Seventeen collegiate male (n = 9) and female (N = 8) track and field athletes participated in the study. Athletes were assigned to a counterbalanced, repeated measures designed experiment testing four treatment conditions of a pre-competition massage, dynamic warm-up, combination of a massage and warm-up, and a placebo ultrasound. RESULTS: The reliability between treatments was very high (ICC range: 0.94-0.98) and displayed a high internal consistency (Cronbach α = 0.96). Inter-item correlations for treatments were strong at all time intervals (20-m r = 0.74-0.90; 30-m r = 0.87-0.95; 60-m r = 0.88-0.95). There were no significant differences between the four treatments and performance (p = 0.70). Massage decreased 60-meter sprint performance in comparison to the traditional warm-up, although the combination of the massage and warm-up appeared to have no greater difference than the warm-up alone. CONCLUSIONS: Massage prior to competition remains questionable due to a lack of effectiveness in improving sprint performance. Further, pre-competition massage may not be more effective as a pre-event modality, over a traditional warm-up.

Cell-Free Total and Fetal DNA in First Trimester Maternal Serum and Subsequent Development of Preeclampsia.

Objective The objective of this study was to assess the relationship between first trimester cell-free total and fetal DNA in maternal plasma and the subsequent development of preeclampsia. Study Design Nested case-control study of patients enrolled in the Combined Antioxidant and Preeclampsia Prediction Studies prediction study of 175 women who did and 175 women who did not develop preeclampsia. The predictive values of cell-free total and fetal DNA and the subsequent development of preeclampsia were measured using receiver operating characteristic curves. Results Cell-free total DNA was higher in African American (median; 25-75%; 6.15; 0.14-28.73; p = 0.02) and Hispanic (4.95; 0.20-26.82; p = 0.037) compared with white women (2.33; 0.03-13.10). Levels of cell-free total DNA were also associated with maternal body mass index (BMI) (p = 0.02). Cell-free total DNA levels were similar between women who later developed preeclampsia (3.52; 0.11-25.3) and controls (3.74; 0.12-21.14, p = 0.96). Conclusion There is no significant difference in levels of cell-free total DNA in the first trimester in women who subsequently develop preeclampsia. Levels of cell-free total DNA in the first trimester are increased in African American and Hispanic compared with white women, and levels increase with increasing BMI.

Is Mid-trimester Insulin Resistance Predictive of Subsequent Puerperal Infection? A Secondary Analysis of Randomized Trial Data.

Objective The objective of this study was to examine whether there is an association between insulin resistance and subsequent development of puerperal infection by measuring insulin resistance in the mid-trimester using the homeostasis model assessment (HOMA:IR). Methods Secondary analysis of low-risk nulliparas enrolled in a multicenter preeclampsia prevention trial. HOMA:IR was measured on fasting plasma glucose and insulin concentrations among low-risk nulliparas between 22 and 26 weeks' gestation. Median HOMA:IR was compared between women who did and did not develop puerperal infection using Wilcoxon rank sum test. Logistic regression was used to control for potential confounders. Results Of 1,180 women with fasting glucose and insulin available, 121 (10.3%) had a puerperal infection. Median HOMA:IR was higher among those with subsequent puerperal infection (4.3 [interquartile, IQR: 2.2-20.5] vs. 2.6 [IQR: 1.5-6.7], p < 0.0001). After controlling for potentially confounding variables HOMA:IR was only marginally associated with an increased risk of development of puerperal infection, adjusted odds ratio: 1.01 (95% confidence interval: 1.00-1.02; p = 0.04) per unit increase. Elevated HOMA:IR performed poorly as a predictor of puerperal infection, with a positive predictive value of 15% and a negative predictive value of 92%. Conclusion Though associated with an increased risk of puerperal infection, insulin resistance, measured by HOMA:IR, is not a clinically useful predictor of puerperal infection.

Waist-to-Hip Ratio versus Body Mass Index as Predictor of Obesity-Related Pregnancy Outcomes.

Objective In nonpregnant populations the waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) is a better predictor of obesity-related outcomes than body mass index (BMI). Our objective was to determine, in pregnancy, the relationship between these measures of obesity, and large-for-gestational age (LGA) and cesarean delivery (CD). Methods This is a secondary analysis of data from the Combined Antioxidant and Preeclampsia Prediction Study. Women with a WHR of ≥ 0.85 and 0.80 to 0.84 at 9 to 16 weeks gestation were compared with those with a WHR < 0.80. Women with early pregnancy BMI ≥ 30.0 kg/m(2) (obese) and 25.0 to 29.9 kg/m(2) (overweight) were compared with those < 25.0 kg/m(2). LGA was defined as > 90% by Alexander nomogram. Univariable analysis, logistic regression, and receiver operating characteristic curves were used. Results Data from 2,276 women were analyzed. After correcting for potential confounders, only BMI ≥ 30 was significantly associated with LGA (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 2.07, 1.35-3.16) while BMI 25.0-29.9 (aOR: 1.5, 0.98-2.28), WHR 0.8-0.84 (aOR: 1.33, 0.83-2.13), and WHR ≥ 0.85 (aOR: 1.05, 0.67-1.65) were not. Risk for CD was increased for women with elevated WHR and with higher BMI compared with normal. Conclusion WHR is not associated with LGA. While BMI performed better than WHR, neither was a strong predictor of LGA or need for CD in low-risk nulliparous women.

Relationship of Early Pregnancy Waist-to-Hip Ratio versus Body Mass Index with Gestational Diabetes Mellitus and Insulin Resistance.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the risk of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and insulin resistance (IR) in obesity defined by body mass index (BMI), waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), or both combined. METHODS: Secondary analysis of a randomized multicenter trial of antioxidant supplementation versus placebo in nulliparous low-risk women to prevent pregnancy associated hypertension. Women between 9 and 16 weeks with data for WHR and BMI were analyzed for GDM (n = 2,300). Those with fasting glucose and insulin between 22 and 26 weeks (n = 717) were analyzed for IR by homeostatic model assessment of IR (normal, ≤ 75th percentile). WHR and BMI were categorized as normal (WHR, < 0.80; BMI, < 25 kg/m(2)); overweight (WHR, 0.8-0.84; BMI, 25-29.9 kg/m(2)); and obese (WHR, ≥ 0.85; BMI ≥ 30 kg/m(2)). Receiver operating characteristic curves and logistic regression models were used. RESULTS: Compared with normal, the risks of GDM or IR were higher in obese by BMI or WHR. The subgroup with obesity by WHR but not by BMI had no increased risk of GDM. BMI was a better predictor of IR (area under the curve [AUC]: 0.71 [BMI], 0.65 [WHR], p = 0.03) but similar to WHR for GDM (AUC: 0.68 [BMI], 0.63 [WHR], p = 0.18). CONCLUSION: Increased WHR and BMI in early pregnancy are associated with IR and GDM. BMI is a better predictor of IR compared with WHR. Adding WHR to BMI does not improve its ability to detect GDM or IR.

Quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction to Assess Response to Treatment of Bacterial Vaginosis and Risk of Preterm Birth.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine whether quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) bacterial load measurement is a valid method to assess response to treatment of bacterial vaginosis and risk of preterm birth in pregnant women. STUDY DESIGN: Secondary analysis by utilizing stored vaginal samples obtained during a previous randomized controlled trial studying the effect of antibiotics on preterm birth (PTB). All women had risk factors for PTB: (1) positive fetal fibronectin (n=146), (2) bacterial vaginosis (BV) and a prior PTB (n=43), or (3) BV and a prepregnancy weight<50 kg (n=54). Total and several individual BV-related bacteria loads were measured using qPCR for 16S rRNA. Loads were correlated with Nugent scores (Spearman correlation coefficients). Loads were compared pre- and posttreatment with Wilcoxon rank-sum test. Individual patient differences were examined with Wilcoxon signed-rank test. RESULTS: A total of 243 paired vaginal samples were available for analysis: 123 antibiotics and 120 placebo. Groups did not differ by risk factors for PTB. For all samples, bacterial loads were correlated with Nugent score and each of its specific bacterial components (all p<0.01). Baseline total bacterial load did not differ by treatment group (p=0.87). Posttreatment total bacterial load was significantly lower in the antibiotics group than the placebo group (p<0.01). Individual patient total bacterial load decreased significantly posttreatment in the antibiotics group (p<0.01), but not in the placebo group (p=0.12). The rate of PTB did not differ between groups (p=0.24). PTB relative risks calculated for BV positive versus BV negative women and women with the highest quartile total and individual bacterial loads were not statistically significant. CONCLUSION: qPCR correlates with Nugent score and demonstrates decreased bacterial load after antibiotic treatment. Therefore, it is a valid method of vaginal flora assessment in pregnant women who are at high risk for PTB.

Risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes in women with mild chronic hypertension before 20 weeks of gestation.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate whether blood pressure (BP) less than 140/90 mm Hg is associated with lower risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes in women with mild chronic hypertension. METHODS: This was a secondary analysis of women with chronic hypertension diagnosed before 20 weeks of gestation (either BP 140/90 mm Hg or greater on two occasions at least four hours apart or previously diagnosed and on antihypertensive therapy) enrolled in the Maternal-Fetal Medicine Units Network's High-risk Aspirin preeclampsia prevention trial. Outcomes including a primary composite (perinatal death, severe preeclampsia, placental abruption, and indicated preterm birth less than 35 weeks of gestation) and small for gestational age (SGA) were compared by study preenrollment BP analyzed as a categorical (less than 140/90, 140-150/90-99, or 151-159/100-109 mm Hg) and as a continuous variable. RESULTS: Among 759 women with singleton pregnancy and preenrollment BP less than 160/110 mm Hg, the incidence of the primary composite outcome (10.7%, 19.0%, 30%) and SGA (8.8%, 12.3%, 23.7%) increased with increasing BP category (P values≤.001). The adjusted odds ratio (95% confidence interval) for the primary composite was 2.0 (1.3-3.2) for 140-150/90-99 mm Hg and 3.2 (1.6-6.3) for 151-159/100-109 mm Hg compared with BP less than 140/90 mm Hg. The results for SGA were 1.6 (0.9-2.8) and 3.8 (1.8-7.9), respectively. Models including continuous systolic and diastolic BP revealed increasing adverse outcomes per 5-mm Hg rise in diastolic but not systolic BP: primary composite (19% per 5 mm Hg) and SGA (22% per 5 mm Hg). CONCLUSION: The risks of adverse pregnancy outcomes in women with chronic hypertension are lower with preenrollment BP less than 140/90 mm Hg as compared with higher BP categories and increase with increasing BP. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: II.

Haptoglobin phenotype and abnormal uterine artery Doppler in a racially diverse cohort.

OBJECTIVE: The anti-oxidant and proangiogenic protein haptoglobin (Hp) is believed to be important for implantation and pregnancy, although its specific role is not known. The three phenotypes (1-1, 2-1 and 2-2) differ in structure and function. Hp 2-2 is associated with increased vascular stiffness in other populations. We examined whether Hp phenotype is associated with abnormal uterine artery Doppler (UAD) in pregnancy. METHODS: We conducted a secondary analysis of a preeclampsia prediction cohort nested within a larger placebo-controlled randomized clinical trial of antioxidants for prevention of preeclampsia. We determined Hp phenotype in 2184 women who completed UAD assessments at 17 weeks gestation. Women with notching were re-evaluated for persistent notching at 24 weeks' gestation. Logistic regression was used to assess differences in UAD indices between phenotype groups. RESULTS: Hp phenotype did not significantly influence the odds of having any notch (p = 0.32), bilateral notches (p = 0.72), or a resistance index (p = 0.28) or pulsatility index (p = 0.67) above the 90th percentile at 17 weeks' gestation. Hp phenotype also did not influence the odds of persistent notching at 24 weeks (p = 0.25). CONCLUSIONS: Hp phenotype is not associated with abnormal UAD at 17 weeks' gestation or with persistent notching at 24 weeks.

Adverse pregnancy outcomes among women with prior spontaneous or induced abortions.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the article is to determine whether prior spontaneous abortion (SAB) or induced abortion (IAB), or the interpregnancy interval are associated with subsequent adverse pregnancy outcomes in nulliparous women. METHODS: We performed a secondary analysis of data collected from nulliparous women enrolled in a completed trial of vitamins C and E or placebo for preeclampsia prevention. Adjusted odds ratios (ORs) for maternal and fetal outcomes were determined for nulliparous women with prior SABs and IABs as compared with primigravid participants. RESULTS: Compared with primigravidas, women with one prior SAB were at increased risk for perinatal death (adj. OR, 1.5; 95% CI, 1.1-2.3) in subsequent pregnancies. Two or more SABs were associated with an increased risk for spontaneous preterm birth (PTB) (adj. OR, 2.6, 95% CI, 1.7-4.0), preterm premature rupture of membranes (PROM) (adj. OR, 2.9; 95% CI, 1.6-5.3), and perinatal death (adj. OR, 2.8; 95% CI, 1.5-5.3). Women with one previous IAB had higher rates of spontaneous PTB (adj. OR, 1.4; 95% CI, 1.0-1.9) and preterm PROM (OR, 2.0; 95% CI, 1.4-3.0). An interpregnancy interval less than 6 months after SAB was not associated with adverse outcomes. CONCLUSION: Nulliparous women with a history of SAB or IAB, especially multiple SABs, are at increased risk for adverse pregnancy outcomes.

Oral health education and therapy reduces gingivitis during pregnancy.

BACKGROUND: Pregnant women demonstrate increases in gingivitis despite similar plaque levels to non-pregnant counterparts. AIM: To evaluate an intensive protocol aimed at reducing gingivitis in pregnant women and provide pilot data for large-scale randomized controlled trials investigating oral hygiene measures to reduce pregnancy gingivitis and alter maternity outcomes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred and twenty participants between 16 and 24 weeks gestation with Gingival Index (GI) scores ≥2 at ≥50% of tooth sites were enrolled. Plaque index (PI), gingival inflammation (GI), probing depth (PD), and clinical attachment levels (CAL) were recorded at baseline and 8 weeks. Dental prophylaxis was performed at baseline and oral hygiene instructions at baseline, 4 and 8 weeks. Pregnancy outcomes were recorded at parturition. Mixed-model analysis of variance was used to compare clinical measurements at baseline and 8 weeks. RESULTS: Statistically significant reductions in PI, GI, PD, and CAL occurred over the study period. Mean whole mouth PI and GI scores decreased approximately 50% and the percentage of sites with PI and GI ≥2 decreased from 40% to 17% and 53% to 21.8%, respectively. Mean decreases in whole mouth PD and CAL of 0.45 and 0.24 mm, respectively, were seen. CONCLUSIONS: Intensive oral hygiene regimen decreased gingivitis in pregnant patients.

Adequate performance of cardiopulmonary resuscitation techniques during simulated cardiac arrest over and under protective equipment in football.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate (1) cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) adequacy during simulated cardiac arrest of equipped football players and (2) whether protective football equipment impedes CPR performance measures. DESIGN: Exploratory crossover study performed on Laerdal SimMan 3 G interactive manikin simulator. SETTING: Temple University/St Luke's University Health Network Regional Medical School Simulation Laboratory. PARTICIPANTS: Thirty BCLS-certified ATCs and 6 ACLS-certified emergency department technicians. INTERVENTIONS: Subjects were given standardized rescuer scenarios to perform three 2-minute sequences of compression-only CPR. Baseline CPR sequences were captured on each subject. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Experimental conditions included 2-minute sequences of CPR either over protective football shoulder pads or under unlaced pads. Subjects were instructed to adhere to 2010 American Heart Association guidelines (initiation of compressions alone at 100/min to 51 mm). Dependent variables included average compression depth, average compression rate, percentage of time chest wall recoiled, and percentage of hands-on contact during compressions. RESULTS: Differences between subject groups were not found to be statistically significant, so groups were combined (n = 36) for analysis of CPR compression adequacy. Compression depth was deeper under shoulder pads than over (P = 0.02), with mean depths of 36.50 and 31.50 mm, respectively. No significant difference was found with compression rate or chest wall recoil. CONCLUSIONS: Chest compression depth is significantly decreased when performed over shoulder pads, while there is no apparent effect on rate or chest wall recoil. Although the clinical outcomes from our observed 15% difference in compression depth are uncertain, chest compression under the pads significantly increases the depth of compressions and more closely approaches American Heart Association guidelines for chest compression depth in cardiac arrest.

Intratympanic hemorrhage and concussion in a football offensive lineman.

BACKGROUND: A 26-year-old arena football lineman participating in a "bull in the ring" blocking and tackling drill was blindsided by an opposing teammate. He sustained a direct helmet-to-helmet blow to the right temporal area. OBJECTIVES: This case describes a unique mechanism of ear barotrauma (intratympanic hemorrhage) and concussion caused by helmet-to-helmet contact in American football. CASE REPORT: Initial sideline evaluation revealed mild headache, confusion, dizziness, photophobia, and tinnitus, all consistent with a concussion diagnosis. Physical examination revealed a large postauricular contusion over the right mastoid process and diffuse right intratympanic hemorrhage on examination. No hemotympanum or effusion of the middle ear was noted. Abnormalities were seen on vestibular testing and visual accommodation and convergence testing. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging were performed with attention to the temporal bones and were normal. Neuropsychological testing was abnormal compared to baseline. Audiology testing was within normal limits. Diagnosis was intratympanic hemorrhage secondary to barotrauma caused by helmet-to-helmet contact, with mastoid contusion and season-ending concussion. CONCLUSIONS: The tympanic membrane (TM) is a highly vascular membrane that is very sensitive to variations of atmospheric pressure. Overpressure can enter the external auditory canal, stretching and displacing the TM medially and causing injury to the tympanic membrane secondary to barotrauma. This concussed football player was never able to return to play due to his postconcussive symptoms. He had no residual hearing or ear problems.

Pregnancy outcomes with weight gain above or below the 2009 Institute of Medicine guidelines.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate pregnancy outcomes according to 2009 Institute of Medicine (IOM) gestational weight gain guidelines. METHODS: This study is a secondary analysis of a preeclampsia prevention trial among nulliparas carrying singletons. Odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals (adjusted for maternal age, race, smoking, and treatment group) were calculated based on total weight gain below or above the IOM guidelines stratified by prepregnancy body mass index (BMI). The referent group was weight gain within the guidelines. RESULTS: Of 8,293 pregnancies, 9.5% had weight gain below, 17.5% within, and 73% above IOM guidelines. With excess weight gain, all BMI categories had an increased risk of hypertensive disorders; normal weight and overweight women also had increased risk of cesarean delivery and neonatal birth weight at or above the 90 centile but a decreased risk of weight below the 10 centile. There were no consistent associations with insufficient weight gain and adverse outcomes. CONCLUSION: Excess weight gain was prevalent and associated with an increased risk of hypertensive disorders, cesarean delivery, and large-for-gestational-age neonates.

The impact of tobacco use on preterm premature rupture of the membranes.

OBJECTIVE: To determine if tobacco use increases the incidence of preterm premature rupture of the membranes (pPROM) or alters perinatal outcomes after pPROM. STUDY DESIGN: This is a secondary analysis of the databases of three completed Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development-supported Maternal Fetal Medicine Units Network studies. Self-reported tobacco exposure data was obtained. Its relationship with the incidence of pPROM and associated neonatal outcome measures were assessed. RESULTS: There was no difference in the incidence of pPROM when comparing nonsmokers to those using tobacco. Although a trend was seen between the incidence of pPROM and the amount smoked, this did not reach statistical significance. Among the patients with pPROM, the use of tobacco was not associated with an increase in perinatal morbidity. CONCLUSION: Our data do not support a significant relationship between tobacco use and pPROM.

Surgical staples compared with subcuticular suture for skin closure after cesarean delivery: a randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the risk of cesarean wound disruption or infection after closure with surgical staples compared with subcuticular suture. METHODS: Women with viable pregnancies at 24 weeks of gestation or greater undergoing scheduled or unscheduled cesarean delivery were randomized to wound closure with surgical staples or absorbable suture. Staples were removed at postoperative days 3-4 for low transverse incisions and days 7-10 for vertical incisions. Standardized wound evaluations were performed at discharge (days 3-4) and 4-6 weeks postoperatively. The primary outcome was a composite of wound disruption or infection within 4-6 weeks. Secondary outcomes included operative time, highest pain score on analog scale, cosmesis score, and patient scar satisfaction score. Analyses were by intent to treat. RESULTS: Of 398 patients, 198 were randomized to staples and 200 to suture (but four received staples). Baseline characteristics including body mass index, prior cesarean delivery, labor, and type of skin incision were similar by group. The primary outcome incidence at hospital discharge was 7.1% for staples and 0.5% for suture (P<.001, relative risk 14.1, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.9-106). Of 350 (87.9%) with follow-up at 4-6 weeks, the cumulative risk of the primary outcome at 4-6 weeks was 14.5% for staples and 5.9% for suture (P=.008, relative risk 2.5, 95% CI 1.2-5.0). Operative time was longer with suture closure (median time of 58 versus 48 minutes; P<.001). Pain scores at 72-96 hours and at 6 weeks, cosmesis score, and patient satisfaction score did not differ by group. CONCLUSION: Staples closure compared with suture is associated with significantly increased composite wound morbidity after cesarean delivery. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: : ClinicalTrials.gov, www.clinicaltrials.gov, NCT01008449. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: : I.

Putting the "M" back in maternal-fetal medicine.

Although maternal death remains rare in the United States, the rate has not decreased for 3 decades. The rate of severe maternal morbidity, a more prevalent problem, is also rising. Rise in maternal age, in rates of obesity, and in cesarean deliveries as well as more pregnant women with chronic medical conditions all contribute to maternal mortality and morbidity in the United States. We believe it is the responsibility of maternal-fetal medicine (MFM) subspecialists to lead a national effort to decrease maternal mortality and morbidity. In doing so, we hope to reestablish the vital role of MFM subspecialists to take the lead in the performance and coordination of care in complicated obstetrical cases. This article will summarize our initial recommendations to enhance MFM education and training, to establish national standards to improve maternal care and management, and to address critical research gaps in maternal medicine.

The utility of uterine artery Doppler velocimetry in prediction of preeclampsia in a low-risk population.

OBJECTIVE: The underlying pathophysiology of preeclampsia is thought to be abnormal trophoblast invasion of the spiral arteries leading to maldevelopment of uteroplacental perfusion. We estimated whether uterine artery Doppler measurements made in the early second trimester would predict the subsequent development of preeclampsia. METHODS: Uterine artery Doppler measurements before 21 weeks of gestation (median 16.6 weeks) were correlated with subsequent development of preeclampsia in a cohort of 2,188 low-risk nulliparous women in a randomized control trial of antioxidant supplementation for prevention of preeclampsia. Preeclampsia developed in 165 (7.5%) women. RESULTS: Development of preeclampsia overall was associated with increased resistance index, pulsatility index, a pulsatility index or resistance index multiple of the median at or above the 75th percentile but not the presence of a notch or a bilateral notch before 21 weeks of gestation. The sensitivity was 43% (95% confidence interval [CI] 35-51) and specificity 67% (95% CI 65-69) for prediction of preeclampsia overall. The presence of a notch or bilateral notch, resistance index, and pulsatility index multiple of the median was significantly associated with early onset (before 34 weeks of gestation) compared with late onset or no preeclampsia (odds ratio [OR] 6.9, 95% CI 2.3-20.9; sensitivity 78%, 95% CI 52-94; specificity 66%, 95% CI 64-68). The presence of a notch or resistance index multiple of the median at or above the 75th percentile increased the odds of developing severe compared with mild or no preeclampsia (OR 2.2, 95% CI 1.4-3.7; sensitivity 53%, 95% CI 40-65; specificity 66%, 95% CI 64-68). CONCLUSION: Our data show poor sensitivity of second-trimester Doppler ultrasound measurements for prediction of preeclampsia overall in a well-characterized, low-risk, nulliparous population. The technique has utility in identifying poor trophoblast invasion of spiral arteries of a magnitude that severely compromises uteroplacental blood flow and gives early-onset disease. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: II.

Excessive early gestational weight gain and risk of gestational diabetes mellitus in nulliparous women.

OBJECTIVE: To estimate whether there is an association between excessive early gestational weight gain and the development of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and excessive fetal growth. METHODS: This is a secondary analysis of a randomized controlled trial of vitamins C and E in nulliparous low-risk women. Maternal weight gain from prepregnancy (self-reported) to 15-18 weeks of gestation was measured, and expected gestational weight gain was determined using the Institute of Medicine 2009 guidelines for each prepregnancy body mass index category. Excessive early gestational weight gain was defined as gestational weight gain greater than the upper range of the Institute of Medicine guidelines. Rates of GDM, birth weight greater than 4,000 g, and large for gestational age (LGA, birth weight 90 percentile or higher) were calculated and compared between women with excessive early gestational weight gain and early nonexcessive gestational weight gain (within or below Institute of Medicine guidelines). RESULTS: A total of 7,985 women were studied. Excessive early gestational weight gain occurred in 47.5% of women. Ninety-three percent of women with excessive early gestational weight gain had total gestational weight gain greater than Institute of Medicine guidelines. In contrast, only 55% of women with nonexcessive early gestational weight gain had total gestational weight gain greater than Institute of Medicine guidelines (P<.001). Rates of GDM, LGA, and birth weight greater than 4,000 g were higher in women with excessive early gestational weight gain. CONCLUSION: In our population, excessive early gestational weight gain occurred in 93% of women who had total gestational weight gain greater than the Institute of Medicine guidelines. In low-risk nulliparous women, excessive early gestational weight gain is associated with the development of GDM and excessive fetal growth. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: II.

First-trimester prediction of preeclampsia in nulliparous women at low risk.

OBJECTIVE: To identify clinical characteristics and biochemical markers in first-trimester samples that would possibly predict the subsequent development of preeclampsia. METHODS: We conducted a multicenter observational study in 2,434 nulliparous women at low risk to identify biomarkers that possibly predict preeclampsia. Clinical history, complete blood count, and biochemical markers were assessed in the first trimester. The trophoblast and angiogenesis markers ADAM-12, pregnancy-associated plasma protein-A, placental protein 13, placental growth factor, soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1, and endoglin were measured in a case-control subset of 174 women with preeclampsia and 509 women in the control group. RESULTS: Univariable analysis revealed maternal age, race, marital status, years of education, source of medical payment, prenatal caregiver, body mass index (BMI, calculated as weight (kg)/[height (m)]), and systolic blood pressure at enrollment were significantly associated with preeclampsia. Mean platelet volume was greater at enrollment in women who later had development of preeclampsia (median 9.4 compared with 9.0 femtoliter (fl); P=.02). First-trimester concentrations (multiples of the median) of ADAM-12 (1.14 compared with 1.04; P=.003), pregnancy-associated plasma protein-A (0.94 compared with 0.98; P=.04), and placental growth factor (0.83 compared with 1.04; P<.001) were significantly different in women who had development of preeclampsia compared with women in the control group. The optimal multivariable model included African American race, systolic blood pressure, BMI, education level, ADAM-12, pregnancy-associated plasma protein-A, and placental growth factor, and yielded an area under the curve of 0.73 (95% confidence interval 0.69-0.77) and a sensitivity of 46.1% (95% confidence interval 38.3-54.0) for 80% specificity. CONCLUSION: A multivariable analysis of clinical data and biochemical markers in the first trimester did not identify a model that had clinical utility for predicting preeclampsia in a nulliparous population at low risk. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: II.