A reminder system for postpartum diabetes screening after gestational diabetes: a randomized clinical trial.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate if a reminder postpartum screening system, providing patients with laboratory requisition on the postpartum ward followed by a telephone reminder one week prior to their 6 weeks appointment, would increase the diabetes mellitus screening rate. METHODS: Parallel group, open label, multicenter randomized trial. Patients were recruited between July 2015 and March 2016. All women with gestational diabetes mellitus in their index pregnancy with access to a mobile or landline phone were eligible for participation. Gestational diabetes mellitus diagnosis was made with a one-hour 50 g OGTT ≥135 mg/dl, and a subsequent 3 h OGTT with ≥2 values above fasting 95 mg/dl, 1 h 180 mg/dl, 2 h 155 mg/dl, and 3 h 140 mg/dl. Participants were assigned in a 1:1 ratio to "reminder system" (intervention group) or to "routine care (control group)." Those assigned to the reminder system were provided with two reminders. The first was a laboratory requisition slip given to them while on the postpartum ward. The second was a telephone reminder on the fifth week postpartum, consisting of a standardized script to encourage contacted participants to complete the screening test during the sixth week postpartum. The primary outcome was completion of the two-hour 75 g OGTT 6-12 weeks postpartum. RESULTS: A total of 75 patients were included in the study. Thirty-eight patients were randomized to the reminder system, and 37 patients were randomized to routine care. A total of 22 women (29.3%) completed the test. In the "reminder" group, 31.6% completed the test, and in the "routine care" group 27% of patients completed the test. This increase in screening uptake in the reminder group was not noted to be statistically significant (p=.8). When evaluating whether perinatal or sociodemographic factors influenced the effect of reminder systems on screening uptake, only insurance type was noted to have a statistically significant influence. Screening uptake was significantly increased in patients with public insurance assigned to "reminder group" (13.5%) compared to those assigned to "routine care" (0%). Of those women who completed the test, seven patients (31.8 %) were diagnosed with prediabetes and none with diabetes. CONCLUSIONS: Telephone reminders were not found to have a significant impact on increasing postpartum screening for diabetes. The exception was among the publicly insured population. These findings suggest a targeted role for reminder systems, particularly among those with socioeconomic disadvantage.

Time advantage of HemoCue versus traditional complete blood count during cordocentesis.

OBJECTIVES: During cordocentesis, a significant risk factor for adverse outcome is procedure length. One of the greatest contributors to total procedure length is the time that elapses between obtaining a fetal sample and receiving the results of the complete blood count (CBC) from the hospital laboratory. We aimed to evaluate whether there is an advantage to using a point of care hemoglobinometer (HemoCue) compared with traditional CBC during cordocentesis, measured in time elapsing between obtaining fetal sample, and available result. Secondarily we aimed to compare accuracy of HemoCue in relation to traditional CBC. METHODS: A prospective cohort study was conducted on women undergoing cordocentesis and fetal transfusion for suspected fetal anemia from July 2016 to July 2018 at an urban academic medical center. Fetal blood samples were obtained during cordocentesis, and concurrently sent for traditional CBC, as well as immediately analyzed at bedside using a HemoCue machine. The time elapsing between the obtained fetal sample and availability of results with HemoCue versus traditional CBC were recorded. Primary outcome was time elapsed between obtaining fetal sample and result available for HemoCue versus traditional CBC. Secondary outcome was comparison of HemoCue and CBC hemoglobin values for accuracy. RESULTS: Forty-five fetal samples were compared using CBC and HemoCue. Sixteen cordocentesis procedures were performed on 10 patients during the study period. Use of HemoCue was associated with a significantly shorter time to yield a fetal hemoglobin result, compared to traditional CBC (1.5 versus 5.5 min, p = .0001). Results yielded by the HemoCue highly correlated to those yielded by traditional CBC (R = 0.96). CONCLUSIONS: Use of HemoCue during cordocentesis is associated with a 4-min time advantage over traditional CBC. Hemoglobin results yielded by HemoCue and traditional CBC are highly correlated.KEY MESSAGEUse of a point-of-care hemoglobinometer is associated with a time advantage of 4 min over traditional complete blood count during cordocentesis. This represents a potentially modifiable risk factor for procedure length, and thus procedure complications.

Severe COVID-19 in Third Trimester Pregnancy: Multidisciplinary Approach.

The rapidly expanding cases of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) have exposed vulnerable populations, including pregnant women to an unprecedented public health crisis. Recent data show that pregnancy in COVID-19 patients is associated with increased hospitalization, admission of the intensive care unit, and intubation. However, very few resources exist to guide the multidisciplinary team in managing critically ill pregnant women with COVID-19. We report our experience with managing a morbidly obese pregnant woman at 36 weeks' gestation with history of asthma and malignancy who presented with persistent respiratory symptoms at an outside hospital after being tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Early in the course of the hospitalization, patient received remdesivir, convalescent plasma, bronchodilator, systemic steroids, and IV heparin for COVID-19 and concomitant asthma exacerbation and pulmonary embolism. Due to increasing oxygen requirements, she was eventually intubated and transferred to our institution for higher level of care. Respiratory acidosis, severe hypoxemia, and vent asynchrony were managed with vent setting adjustment and paralytics. After 12 hours from spontaneous rupture of her membranes and with stabilization of maternal status, patient underwent a term cesarean delivery for nonreassuring fetal heart tracing. The neonate was discharged on the 2nd day of life, while the patient was extubated on the 6th postpartum day and was discharged to acute inpatient rehabilitation facility on the 19th hospital day. This report highlights the disease progression of COVID-19 in a pregnant woman, the clinical challenges in the critical care aspect of patient management, and the proposed multidisciplinary strategies utilizing an algorithmic approach to optimize maternal and neonatal outcomes.

Clinical course of severe and critical coronavirus disease 2019 in hospitalized pregnancies: a United States cohort study.

Background: The coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic has had an impact on healthcare systems around the world with 3 million people contracting the disease and 208,000 cases resulting in death as of this writing. Information regarding coronavirus infection in pregnancy is still limited. Objective: This study aimed to describe the clinical course of severe and critical coronavirus disease 2019 in hospitalized pregnant women with positive laboratory testing for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2. Study Design: This is a cohort study of pregnant women with severe or critical coronavirus disease 2019 hospitalized at 12 US institutions between March 5, 2020, and April 20, 2020. Severe disease was defined according to published criteria as patient-reported dyspnea, respiratory rate >30 per minute, blood oxygen saturation ≤93% on room air, ratio of partial pressure of arterial oxygen to the fraction of inspired oxygen <300 mm Hg, or lung infiltrates >50% within 24-48 hours on chest imaging. Critical disease was defined as respiratory failure, septic shock, or multiple organ dysfunction or failure. Women were excluded from the study if they had presumed coronavirus disease 2019, but laboratory testing was negative. The primary outcome was median duration from hospital admission to discharge. Secondary outcomes included need for supplemental oxygen, intubation, cardiomyopathy, cardiac arrest, death, and timing of delivery. The clinical courses are described by the median disease day on which these outcomes occurred after the onset of symptoms. Treatment and neonatal outcomes are also reported. Results: Of 64 hospitalized pregnant women with coronavirus disease 2019, 44 (69%) had severe disease, and 20 (31%) had critical disease. The following preexisting comorbidities were observed: 25% had a pulmonary condition, 17% had cardiac disease, and the mean body mass index was 34 kg/m2. Gestational age was at a mean of 29±6 weeks at symptom onset and a mean of 30±6 weeks at hospital admission, with a median disease day 7 since first symptoms. Most women (81%) were treated with hydroxychloroquine; 7% of women with severe disease and 65% of women with critical disease received remdesivir. All women with critical disease received either prophylactic or therapeutic anticoagulation during their admission. The median duration of hospital stay was 6 days (6 days [severe group] and 10.5 days [critical group]; P=.01). Intubation was usually performed around day 9 on patients who required it, and peak respiratory support for women with severe disease was performed on day 8. In women with critical disease, prone positioning was required in 20% of cases, the rate of acute respiratory distress syndrome was 70%, and reintubation was necessary in 20%. There was 1 case of maternal cardiac arrest, but there were no cases of cardiomyopathy or maternal death. Thirty-two of 64 (50%) women with coronavirus disease 2019 in this cohort delivered during their hospitalization (34% [severe group] and 85% [critical group]). Furthermore, 15 of 17 (88%) pregnant women with critical coronavirus disease 2019 delivered preterm during their disease course, with 16 of 17 (94%) pregnant women giving birth through cesarean delivery; overall, 15 of 20 (75%) women with critical disease delivered preterm. There were no stillbirths or neonatal deaths or cases of vertical transmission. Conclusion: In pregnant women with severe or critical coronavirus disease 2019, admission into the hospital typically occurred about 7 days after symptom onset, and the duration of hospitalization was 6 days (6 [severe group] vs 12 [critical group]). Women with critical disease had a high rate of acute respiratory distress syndrome, and there was 1 case of cardiac arrest, but there were no cases of cardiomyopathy or maternal mortality. Hospitalization of pregnant women with severe or critical coronavirus disease 2019 resulted in delivery during the clinical course of the disease in 50% of this cohort, usually in the third trimester. There were no perinatal deaths in this cohort.

Screening for gestational diabetes mellitus: one step versus two step approach. A meta-analysis of randomized trials.

Objective: Worldwide controversy exists regarding the best approach and criteria for gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) screening and diagnosis. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized trials was to assess the incidence of maternal and neonatal outcomes comparing the one step with the two step approach for the diagnosis of GDM.Methods: Electronic databases were searched from their inception until June 2018. We included all the randomized trials comparing the one step versus the two step method for screening and diagnosis of GDM. The primary outcome was the incidence of large for gestational age (LGA), defined as birth weight >90th percentile. Meta-analysis was performed using the random effects model of DerSimonian and Laird, to produce summary treatment effects in terms of relative risk (RR) with 95% confidence interval (CI).Results: Four randomized clinical trials (RCTs) (n = 2582 participants) were identified as relevant and included in the meta-analysis. Women screened with the one step approach had a significantly lower risk of adverse perinatal outcomes, including LGA (RR 0.46, 95% CI 0.25-0.83), admission to neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) (RR 0.49, 95% CI 0.29-0.84) and neonatal hypoglycemia (RR 0.52, 95% CI 0.28-0.95), compared to those randomized to the screening with the two step approach. The one step approach was also associated with lower mean birth weight (mean difference -112.91 grams, 95% CI -190.48 to -35.33). No significant difference in the incidence of GDM was found comparing the one step versus the two step approach (8.3 versus 4.4%; RR 1.60, 95% CI 0.93-2.75).Conclusions: This study provides high quality evidence that the diagnosis of GDM by the one step approach is associated with better perinatal outcomes, including lower incidences of LGA, NICU admission and neonatal hypoglycemia, compared to the two step approach. Based on these findings, we recommend screening of GDM using the one-step approach.

Patient preferences for method of cesarean skin closure: secondary outcomes from a randomized trial.

Objective: To assess patient preference for sutures or staples for cesarean wound closure.Methods: This is a planned secondary analysis of a randomized controlled trial of 746 women in which suture and staples were compared for cesarean skin closure. Enrolled patients were asked to complete preoperative and postoperative surveys to assess preferred closure. Reasons for expressed preferences were elicited for each patient. Preferences were stratified by a number of cesarean deliveries (CD). We sought to determine if patients had a specific preference for wound closure due to personal experience or a personal belief that one method may be more beneficial with respect to pain and appearance.Results: We surveyed 550 patients preoperatively and 627 postoperatively. Women with a prior CD were more likely to have a skin closure preference compared with women having a primary CD (p < .05). Women who had a prior closure with suture rather than staples were significantly more likely to have a preference for the same wound closure method (p < .01). Avoiding the need for staple removal was the main reason women preferred suture closure, both preoperatively and postoperatively. The higher the number of the previous CD, the greater the preference for future closure with suture over staples (p < .05).Conclusions: Women undergoing cesarean delivery prefer suture as the method for skin closure compared with staples.

One-step versus two-step diagnostic testing for gestational diabetes: a randomized controlled trial.

Objective: To evaluate the incidence of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) using the one-step as compared with the two-step approach.Study design: This was a parallel group nonblinded randomized trial conducted at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital (TJUH) in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania from June 2016 to December 2016. The primary outcome was GDM incidence in the one-step compared to the two-approach. Pregnant women without a history of pregestational diabetes were offered screening for GDM at gestational age 24-28 weeks. Obese women, defined as having a BMI ≥30 kg/m2, as well as those with a history of a pregnancy complicated by GDM, a history of a macrosomic baby (>4000 g), or with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), were offered early screening at their initial prenatal visit, and screening was repeated at 24-28 weeks if initially normal. Women were excluded if they had pre-existing diabetes or had a history of bariatric surgery. Women who were eligible were randomized in a 1:1 ratio to either the one-step or two-step approaches. A sample size of 142 women was planned per group. Women randomized to the one-step approach, after an overnight fast, were given a 2-h glucose tolerance test, which consisted of a 75-g glucose load. Blood glucose levels were measured fasting, at 1 h and 2 h after the glucose load. Diagnostic cutoffs for GDM diagnosis were one value of either fasting ≥92 mg/dL, 1 h ≥180 mg/dL, or 2 h ≥153 mg/dL, respectively. Women randomized to the two-step approach were given a nonfasting 50-g glucose load, and the blood glucose level was measured an hour after the glucose load. If that value was ≥135 mg/dL, the patient had a 3-h glucose tolerance test consisting of a 100-g glucose load. Diagnostic cutoffs for GDM diagnosis for this 3-h test were ≥2 abnormal values of fasting ≥95 mg/dL, 1 h ≥180 mg/dL, 2 h ≥155 mg/dL and 3 h ≥140 mg/dL, respectively. All analyses were done using an intention-to-treat approach, evaluating women according to the treatment group to which they were randomly allocated.Results: Two hundred eighty-four women agreed to take part in the study and underwent randomization from June 2015 to December 2015. Of them, 249 completed the screening and were followed up for the primary endpoint. Out of the 249 women who completed the screening, 123 were assigned to the one-step group and 126 to the two-step group. GDM occurred in 10 women (8.1%) in the one-step group, and 7 women (5.6%) in the two-step group (p = .42). Preeclampsia, preterm birth (PTB), induction of labor, mode of delivery and incidence of gestational age (OASIS) were not significantly different. Perinatal outcomes were similar as well.Conclusions: Screening for GDM with one-step, compared with the two-step approach, resulted in a similar incidence of GDM.

Stroke recurrence in pregnancy: Experience at a regional referral center.

BACKGROUND: Although stroke is more common with advancing age, especially in the elderly, women of reproductive age may still suffer from stroke, and from its deleterious consequences. Women of reproductive age who suffer a stroke may do so either due to a specific predisposition, or due to pregnancy-related hypertensive emergencies. OBJECTIVE: To assess the risk of stroke recurrence in pregnancy and the postpartum period in women who have suffered a stroke before pregnancy. STUDY DESIGN: This was a retrospective cohort study conducted at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital from January 2005 to December 2015. This is a tertiary referral center for high-risk obstetrics and one of the largest stroke referral centers for neurosurgery. All consecutive pregnant women that had a viable pregnancy (≥24 weeks of gestation) and a history of stroke prior to pregnancy were identified. The primary outcome of this study was stroke recurrence in pregnancy or the postpartum period defined as 6 weeks after delivery. RESULTS: Forty-eight pregnancies with a history of stroke before pregnancy were identified in 24 women. Thirty-one pregnancies (64.6%) had a history of an ischemic stroke, 11 (22.9%) had a history of transient ischemic attack, and 6 (12.5%) had a history of a hemorrhagic stroke. There was no stroke recurrence during pregnancy or the postpartum period for the three groups of stroke. In the ischemic stroke group, 8 (25.8%) had recurrence in the non-pregnant state compared to none in the TIA and the hemorrhagic stroke group. CONCLUSION: There was no stroke recurrence during pregnancy or the postpartum period for the three groups of stroke.

One step versus two step approach for gestational diabetes screening: systematic review and meta-analysis of the randomized trials.

INTRODUCTION: To compare both the prevalence of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) as well as maternal and neonatal outcomes by either the one-step or the two-step approaches. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Electronic databases were searched from their inception until June 2017. We included all randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing the one-step with the two-step approaches for the screening and diagnosis of GDM. The primary outcome was the incidence of GDM. RESULTS: Three RCTs (n = 2333 participants) were included in the meta-analysis. 910 were randomized to the one step approach (75 g, 2 hrs), and 1423 to the two step approach. No significant difference in the incidence of GDM was found comparing the one step versus the two step approaches (8.4 versus 4.3%; relative risk (RR) 1.64, 95%CI 0.77-3.48). Women screened with the one step approach had a significantly lower risk of preterm birth (PTB) (3.7 versus 7.6%; RR 0.49, 95%CI 0.27-0.88), cesarean delivery (16.3 versus 22.0%; RR 0.74, 95%CI 0.56-0.99), macrosomia (2.9 versus 6.9%; RR 0.43, 95%CI 0.22-0.82), neonatal hypoglycemia (1.7 versus 4.5%; RR 0.38, 95%CI 0.16-0.90), and admission to neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) (4.4 versus 9.0%; RR 0.49, 95%CI 0.29-0.84), compared to those randomized to screening with the two step approach. CONCLUSIONS: The one and the two step approaches were not associated with a significant difference in the incidence of GDM. However, the one step approach was associated with better maternal and perinatal outcomes.

Patient satisfaction and cosmetic outcome in a randomized study of cesarean skin closure.

Objective: To evaluate patient satisfaction and patient and physician assessment of scar appearance after cesarean skin closure with suture versus staples. Methods: Women undergoing cesarean delivery (CD) at ≥23 weeks' gestation via low-transverse skin incisions at three hospitals in the CROSS Consortium were randomized to receive skin closure using subcuticular absorbable suture or nonabsorbable metal staples. The primary outcome of this substudy, patient satisfaction, was assessed by surveys at the postpartum visit using a 10-point Likert scale. Scar outcomes according to patients and trained observers were assessed at the primary research site using the Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale (POSAS). The POSAS is comprised of a patient-completed assessment including subjective data such as pain and itchiness, and an observer-completed assessment about cosmetic criteria. Results: Between June 2010 and August 2012, 746 women were randomized; 370 received suture and 376 received staples. Satisfaction data were available for 606 (81%). Complete patient scar assessment data were available for 577 (77%) and complete observer scar assessment data were available for 275 (57% of the 480 planned for evaluation at the primary research site). Demographic data for women in the two groups were similar. Satisfaction with the closure method was higher (superior) among women who received suture closure: median 10 (interquartile range 9, 10) versus 9 (interquartile ranges (IQR) 6, 10); p < .01. The suture group also had higher satisfaction with the scar's appearance at the postpartum visit: median nine (IQR 7, 10) versus 8 (IQR 6, 10); p = .02. Receiving one's preferred closure method was associated with higher patient satisfaction, and wound complications were associated with lower satisfaction. POSAS scores were superior (lower) in the suture group. Patient Scar Assessment Scale scores were median 15 (IQR 10, 25) for sutures versus 20 (IQR 11, 28) for staples; p < .01. Observer Scar Assessment Scale scores were median 12 (IQR 9, 15) for sutures versus 13 (IQR 9, 16) for staples; p = .01. Conclusions: Satisfaction with the closure method, satisfaction with the scar's appearance, and patient and physician assessments of scar cosmesis were all superior in those closed with suture. These results further support the use of sutures for cesarean skin closure.

Which criteria should be used for starting pharmacologic therapy for management of gestational diabetes in pregnancy? Evidence from randomized controlled trials.

Introduction: There is inconclusive evidence to support any specific criteria for starting pharmacologic therapy after diet in women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). We aimed to analyze the most used criteria for starting pharmacologic treatment for patients with GDM. Material and methods: Electronic databases were searched from their inception to September 2017. We included all the randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of GDM managed initially by diet and exercise reporting criteria for starting pharmacologic therapy. RCTs in women with pregestational diabetes were excluded. Data regarding glucose values used for starting pharmacologic therapy were extracted and carefully reviewed. Results: We included 15 RCTs (4307 women) in the meta-analysis. For fasting glucose target, 8/14 (57%) used a value lower or equal to 90 mg/dL and the remainder used values <99 mg/dL. Of the 10 RCTs targeting 2-h postprandial values, the majority (9/10, 90%) used 120 mg/dL. The majority of RCTs (13/15, 87%) recommended pharmacologic therapy if either 1 or 2 values per 1- or 2-week period were higher than the target values: 7/13 (54%) used 1 value and 6/13 (46%) used 2 values higher than target values. One RCT (7%) used >50% of the values higher than the target values and another one (7%) used >30%. Conclusion: The majority of RCTs (87%) used very tight criteria of either 1 or 2 values over the target values in the 1 or 2-week period for starting pharmacologic treatment for patients with GDM; more than 50% used 2 values. Key Message Pharmacologic therapy should be considered in women with gestational diabetes when, despite an adequate diet and exercise, 1 or 2 blood glucose values are over the target values of 90mg/dL fasting or 120mg/dL 2-hour postprandial over 1 or 2 weeks.

Are women positive for the One Step but negative for the Two Step screening tests for gestational diabetes at higher risk for adverse outcomes?

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to evaluate if women meeting criteria for gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) by the One Step test as per International Association of the Diabetes and Pregnancy Study Groups (IADPSG) criteria but not by other less strict criteria have adverse pregnancy outcomes compared with GDM-negative controls. The primary outcome was the incidence of macrosomia, defined as birthweight > 4000 g. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Electronic databases were searched from their inception until May 2017. All studies identifying pregnant women negative at the Two Step test, but positive at the One Step test for IADPSG criteria were included. We excluded studies that randomized women to the One Step vs. the Two Step tests; studies that compared different criteria within the same screening method; randomized studies comparing treatments for GDM; and studies comparing incidence of GDM in women doing the One Step test vs. the Two Step test. RESULTS: Eight retrospective cohort studies, including 29 983 women, were included. Five study groups and four control groups were identified. The heterogeneity between the studies was high. Gestational hypertension, preeclampsia and large for gestational age, as well as in some analyses cesarean delivery, macrosomia and preterm birth, were significantly more frequent, and small for gestational age in some analyses significantly less frequent, in women GDM-positive by the One Step, but not the Two Step. CONCLUSION: Women meeting criteria for GDM by IADPSG criteria but not by other less strict criteria have an increased risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes such as gestational hypertension, preeclampsia and large for gestational age, compared with GDM-negative controls. Based on these findings, and evidence from other studies that treatment decreases these adverse outcomes, we suggest screening for GDM using the One Step IADPSG criteria.

Universal cervical length screening for preterm birth prevention in the United States.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the incidence of implementation of universal cervical length (CL) screening for preterm birth (PTB) prevention among institutions with Maternal-Fetal Medicine (MFM) fellowship training in the United states. METHODS: In January 2015, we conducted a national survey of institutions with MFM Fellowship Programs regarding implementation of universal CL screening, defined as CL screening of women with singleton gestations without a prior spontaneous PTB. We identified whether a transabdominal ultrasound (TAU) or transvaginal ultrasound (TVU) was used for screening. Results were compared by geographical regions. RESULTS: We identified 78 MFM fellowship programs nationwide, of which 100% responded to the survey, provided by MFM fellows (86%) and MFM division directors (14%). In January 2015, 53 programs (68%) had implemented a CL screening program, with 25 programs (32%) using TVU while the rest (36%) used TAU for CL screening. The 16 programs in the Midwest had the highest percent of CL screening (15 programs, 94%), with the highest use of TVU (8 programs 50%). The 24 programs in the South had the lowest percent of CL screening (14 programs, 58%) (odds ratio [OR]: 0.52, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.19-1.46) and the lowest use of TVU (3 programs,12.5%) (OR: 0.22, 95% CI: 0.05-0.78) compared to rest of US). CONCLUSION: Universal CL screening has been implemented by over two-thirds of institutions with MFM Fellowship Programs, as of January 2015. Of these programs, about half screen by TAU and half by TVU.

Not transabdominal!

Preterm birth remains a major cause of perinatal morbidity and mortality. A short cervix is strongly associated with spontaneous preterm birth. Professional organizations support cervical length screening for singleton gestations with a prior spontaneous preterm birth and second-trimester cervical length measurements between 16-24 weeks. All interventions used to decrease the risk of preterm birth in women with a short cervix are based on clinical trials that used transvaginal cervical length measurement, but transabdominal ultrasound has been shown to correlate well with transvaginal measurement in some observational studies. Transvaginal cervical length measurement is more accurate and more reliably obtained than the transabdominal approach. Conversely, transabdominal ultrasound could have the advantage of ease of implementation and, in general, is perceived by patients to be associated with less discomfort. Currently, there is no randomized clinical study that compares head-to-head the effectiveness of transvaginal vs transabdominal ultrasound for preterm birth risk screening. This point/counterpoint article summarizes the pros and cons of the 2 ultrasound approaches and debates whether transvaginal ultrasound should be used exclusively or if transabdominal ultrasound can be incorporated in cervical length screening for prevention of preterm birth.

Trends in Invasive Prenatal Diagnosis: Effect of Sequential Screening and Noninvasive Prenatal Testing.

OBJECTIVE: To examine trends in the incidence and method of invasive prenatal diagnosis due to the impact of sequential screening and noninvasive prenatal testing. METHODS: This is a retrospective review of all pregnancies that have undergone invasive prenatal diagnostic testing between June 2002 and June 2014, divided in 3 periods: period 1 from June 2002 to October 2006, period 2 from November 2006 to December 2011, and period 3 from January 2012 to June 2014. The main outcome measures were trends in the incidence and method of each procedure. RESULTS: There were 88,135 deliveries and 6,080 invasive procedures during the study period. In period 1, 2,755 (8.8%) procedures were carried out, in period 2 2,820 (7.3%), and in period 3 505 (2.5%; p < 0.01). In period 1, there were 1,990 (6.3%) cases of amniocentesis, 1,646 (4.3%) in period 2, and 254 (1.2%) in period 3 (p < 0.01). In addition, in 765 (2.5%) cases, chorionic villus sampling (CVS) was performed in period 1, compared to 1,174 (3.0%) cases in period 2 and 251 (1.3%) cases in period 3 (p < 0.01). Advanced maternal age as the sole indication for invasive procedures decreased significantly over time, while the indication of abnormal serum screening and abnormal ultrasound findings increased (p < 0.01). CONCLUSION: There was a significant decline in the incidence of invasive prenatal testing over the 12 years of the study. The decrease in amniocentesis was more marked than that in CVS.

Universal cervical length screening in singleton gestations without a previous preterm birth: ten reasons why it should be implemented.

A short cervix is associated strongly with preterm birth. Pharmacologic intervention with vaginal progesterone in women with a singleton pregnancy and a short cervix in the second trimester decreases the incidence of preterm birth. We explore the evidence that universal cervical length screening in women with a singleton pregnancy meets the criteria for an effective screening test for preterm birth prevention, driving it towards becoming routinely offered in prenatal care.

Comparative Analysis of Two- Versus Three-Dimensional Sonography for Nuchal Translucency Measurement.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this article is to test the hypothesis that three-dimensional (3D) sonography is correlated to the two-dimensional (2D) sonography for nuchal translucency (NT) measurement during first trimester screening (FTS). METHODS: We performed a prospective observational study on patients presenting for FTS. Three NT measurements were performed using the current standardized 2D method at the midsagittal planes, and NT sonography was then repeated for each case using 3D sagittal and axial plane. The Kruskal-Wallis test and the Spearman rank correlation were used to evaluate the relationship between 2D and 3D NT methods of measurement. A p-value <0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS: The study included 366 patients with singleton pregnancies. Mean maternal age was 31.2 years, and mean gestational age was 12(3/7) weeks. The mean maximal NT measurement for 2D and 3D sagittal and axial planes were 1.65, 1.70, and 1.66 mm, respectively (p = 0.42). The Spearman rank correlation of 2D sagittal plane sonography with 3D sagittal and axial planar sonography was 0.73 and 0.68, respectively (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: 3D NT measurement appears to be a tool highly correlated to the conventional 2D sonographic approach. This may be useful in selected cases in which there is difficulty in obtaining optimal 2D measurements of the NT space.