Furosemide to lower antenatal severe hypertension: a randomized placebo-controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy are a leading cause of perinatal morbidity, and timely treatment of severely elevated blood pressure is recommended to prevent serious sequelae. In acute hypertension marked by increased blood volume, it is unknown whether diuretics used as an adjunct to antihypertensive medications lead to more effective blood pressure control. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate whether the addition of intravenous furosemide to first-line antihypertensive agents reduces systolic blood pressure in acute-onset, severe antenatal hypertension with wide (≥60 mm Hg) pulse pressure. STUDY DESIGN: In this double-blinded randomized trial, participants received 40 mg of intravenous furosemide or placebo in addition to a first-line antihypertensive agent. The primary outcome was mean systolic blood pressure during the first hour after intervention. Secondary outcomes included corresponding diastolic blood pressure; systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, and pulse pressure at 2 hours after intervention; total reduction from qualifying blood pressure; duration of blood pressure control; need for additional antihypertensive doses within 1 hour; and electrolytes and urine output. A sample size of 35 participants per group was planned to detect a 15-mm Hg difference in blood pressure. RESULTS: Between January 2021 and March 2022, 65 individuals were randomized: 33 to furosemide and 32 to placebo. Baseline characteristics were similar between the groups. There was no difference in the primary outcome of mean 1-hour systolic blood pressure (147 [14.8] vs 152 [13.8] mm Hg; P=.200). We found a reduction in 2-hour systolic blood pressure (139 [18.5] vs 154 [18.4] mm Hg; P=.007) and a decrease in 2-hour pulse pressure (55 [12.5] vs 67 [15.1]; P=.003) in the furosemide group. Subgroup analysis according to hypertension type showed a significant reduction in 2-hour systolic blood pressure and 2-hour pulse pressure among patients with new-onset hypertension, but not among those with preexisting hypertension. Urine output was greater in the furosemide group, with no difference in electrolytes and creatinine before and after intervention. CONCLUSION: Intravenous furosemide in conjunction with a first-line antihypertensive agent did not significantly reduce systolic blood pressure in the first hour after administration. However, both systolic blood pressure and pulse pressure at 2 hours were decreased in the furosemide group. These findings suggest that a 1-time dose of intravenous furosemide is a reasonable adjunct to achieve blood pressure control, particularly in patients in whom increased volume is suspected.

Impact of therapeutic rest in early labor on perinatal outcomes: a prospective study.

BACKGROUND: Pain and exhaustion in early labor are important to address, yet treatment options are limited. Therapeutic rest has existed for decades, although medication regimens and management strategies vary. In addition, there are little prospective data on perinatal outcomes and patient satisfaction to support and guide its use as an outpatient pain control option. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate whether outpatient therapeutic rest in early labor using intramuscular morphine sulfate and promethazine is associated with differences in perinatal outcomes and to assess patient satisfaction with this therapy. STUDY DESIGN: This prospective cohort study was conducted at a tertiary care academic medical center from September 2017 to April 2020. Participants presenting to the hospital for labor evaluation were offered therapeutic rest if they met the following criteria: reassuring modified biophysical profile, cervical dilation of ≤5 cm without contraindications to vaginal delivery, and plan to discharge home after evaluation. The primary outcome was subsequent hospital admission in active labor, defined as cervical dilation of ≥6 cm. Secondary outcomes included hospitalization duration and perinatal outcomes. The outcomes between participants who accepted therapeutic rest and those who declined it were compared. All P values were calculated using the Fisher exact test, and multivariable regression was used to adjust for potential confounding baseline variables with P<.2. In addition, a prespecified sensitivity analysis was performed, limiting subjects to nulliparous participants. Furthermore, postpartum surveys were administered to a subset of women who received therapeutic rest. RESULTS: Of the 82 individuals offered therapeutic rest and consented for the study, 66 (80%) accepted and 16 (20%) declined. Although the rate of active labor at admission to the labor and delivery unit in the treatment group was markedly higher (26% [17 of 66] vs 13% [2 of 16]), this difference was not statistically significant (P=.3) (adjusted relative risk, 1.87; 95% confidence interval, 0.44-7.89). Women who received therapeutic rest were less likely to require induction of labor compared with those who declined therapeutic rest (adjusted relative risk, 0.15; 95% confidence interval, 0.041-0.54). There was no difference between the groups in mode of delivery, epidural use, length of hospitalization, maternal complications, or adverse neonatal outcomes. These findings persisted in our prespecified sensitivity analysis, limiting the study to nulliparous participants. A subset (27 of 66 [40%]) of women were surveyed after receiving therapeutic rest, and all women (n=27) who were surveyed reported satisfaction. CONCLUSION: There was no detectable difference in the primary outcome of active labor at admission between patients who accepted outpatient therapeutic rest and those who declined it. However, fewer participants in the treatment group eventually required induction of labor, and this group did not experience an increase in adverse perinatal outcomes. Among the participants surveyed, a high rate of treatment satisfaction was reported. This study suggested that therapeutic rest is a well-tolerated and effective option for outpatient pain control in early labor.

Vaginal birth after cesarean: Does accuracy of predicted success change from prenatal intake to admission?

BACKGROUND: There are 2 prediction nomograms for vaginal birth after cesarean delivery. The first is based on variables that are available at the first prenatal visit, and the second includes variables at the time of admission. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to compare the accuracy of prediction scores that are calculated by the intake and admission prediction nomograms in a modern cohort of racially and ethnically diverse women. STUDY DESIGN: This is a retrospective cohort study that analyzed the data for women with at least 1 previous cesarean delivery who attempted a trial of labor from 2007-2016 at a tertiary medical center. Participants were stratified into 3 probability-of-success groups: low (<35%), moderate (35-65%), and high (>65%). The primary outcome was the difference between the intake- and admission-predicted success scores in the 3 groups. Secondary outcomes were characteristics that were associated with successful vaginal birth after cesarean delivery . RESULTS: Of the 614 women included in the analysis, 444 (72.3%) had a successful vaginal birth after cesarean delivery . Predicted vaginal birth after cesarean delivery success rate ranged from 14.4-96.2%. Patients were stratified into 3 groups by intake predicted success rates: low (<35%; n=21), moderate (35-65%; n=136), and high (>65%; n=457). The change in predicted success rates was compared between the intake and admission nomograms. Women in the low and moderate groups improved their prediction score by approximately 7-8% when variables at the time of admission were included. As a result, more than one-half of these women (172/307; 56%) shifted to a higher predicted success group. The admission nomogram, as compared with the intake nomogram, more accurately predicted vaginal birth after cesarean delivery success in all groups. Analysis of admission variables showed that cervical dilation >2 cm compared with a closed cervix was the strongest predictor of successful vaginal birth after cesarean delivery (relative risk, 1.79; 95% confidence interval, 1.11-2.89). CONCLUSION: The admission prediction nomogram was more accurate and showed higher predicted success compared with the intake nomogram for the same cohort. Because prediction scores may improve at the time of admission, additional counseling on the risks and benefits of trial of labor may be helpful at that time.

Impact of obesity class on trial of labor after cesarean success: does pre-pregnancy or at-delivery obesity status matter?

OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether pre-pregnancy versus at delivery obesity status impacts TOLAC success rates in a modern cohort. STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective cohort study of women undergoing TOLAC at a single institution from May 2007 to April 2016. Women were divided into four groups (not obese; class I, II, and III obesity) by pre-pregnancy and at delivery weight class. We investigated associations between obesity status at both time points and TOLAC success rates. RESULT: Six hundred and fourteen women underwent TOLAC; 444 (72.3%) had successful VBACs. We found no difference in rate of VBAC success across the four groups, both prior to pregnancy (p = 0.91) and at delivery (p = 0.75). We found no differences in secondary perinatal morbidity outcomes. CONCLUSION: We found no difference in TOLAC success rates stratified by obesity class. Properly counseling patients on TOLACs can lower rates of morbidity in women with high-risk conditions and comorbidities.

The Role of Amniocentesis in the Diagnosis of Congenital Zika Syndrome.

There are limited data on amniocentesis as a diagnostic tool for congenital Zika syndrome. Here we report on a prospective cohort of 16 women with suspected Zika virus infection in a highly endemic area, and discuss the role of amniocentesis in the prenatal diagnosis of fetal Zika infection.

The impact of cerclage in twin pregnancies on preterm birth rate before 32 weeks.

PURPOSE: To evaluate whether cerclage in twins reduces the rate of spontaneous preterm birth <32 weeks when compared to expectant management. METHODS: This is a retrospective cohort study of twin pregnancies with the following indications for cerclage from two institutions: history of prior preterm birth, ultrasound-identified short cervix ≤2.5 cm, and cervical dilation ≥1.0 cm. The "cerclage" cohort received a cerclage from a single provider at a single institution from 2003-2016. The "no cerclage" group included all patients with similar indications that were expectantly managed from 2010-2015, at a second institution where cerclages are routinely not performed in twin pregnancies. The primary outcome was the rate of spontaneous preterm birth at <32 weeks. Secondary outcomes were the rates of spontaneous and overall (including medically indicated) preterm births at <32 weeks, < 34 weeks, and <36 weeks, chorioamnionitis, birth weight, and neonatal mortality within 30 days of life. We also performed a planned subgroup analysis stratified by cerclage indication. RESULTS: In all, 135 women were included in two cohorts: cerclage (n = 96) or no cerclage (n = 39). The rates of spontaneous preterm birth <32 weeks were 10.4% (n = 10) with cerclage versus 28.2% (n = 11) without cerclage (OR 0.23, CI 0.08-0.70, p = .017). After adjusting for cerclage indication, clinical history, age, chorionicity, insurance type, race, BMI, in-vitro fertilization, and multifetal reduction, there remained a significant reduction in the cerclage group of spontaneous preterm birth <32 weeks (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 0.24, CI 0.06-0.90, p = .035), spontaneous preterm birth <36 weeks (aOR 0.34, CI 0.04-0.81, p = .013) as well as in overall preterm birth <32 weeks (aOR 0.31, CI 0.1-0.86, p = .018), and overall preterm birth <36 weeks (aOR 0.37, CI 0.10-0.84, p = .030). When stratified by short cervix or cervical dilation in the cerclage versus no cerclage groups, there was a significant decrease in spontaneous preterm birth <32 weeks in the cerclage group with cervical dilation (11.1 versus 41.2%, p = .01) but not in the cerclage group with short cervix only, even for cervical length <1.5 cm. Pregnancy latency was 91 days in the cerclage group versus 57 days in the no cerclage group (p = .001), with a median gestational age at delivery of 35 versus 32 weeks (p = .002). There was no increase in chorioamnionitis in the cerclage group. Furthermore, there was a significant increase in birth weight (median 2278 versus 1665 g, p < .001) and decrease in perinatal death <30 days (1.6 versus 12.9%, p = .001). CONCLUSIONS: Cerclage in twin pregnancies significantly decreased the rate of spontaneous preterm birth <32 weeks compared to expectant management. However, when stratified by cerclage indication, this decrease in primary outcome only remained significant in the group with cervical dilation.

Impact of Gestational Weight Gain on Trial of Labor after Cesarean Success.

OBJECTIVE: Excessive gestational weight gain (GWG) has been associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes, including increased risk of cesarean delivery (CD). Data are limited on associations between GWG and outcomes in women undergoing trial of labor after cesarean (TOLAC). We aimed to investigate whether appropriate GWG impacts TOLAC outcomes. STUDY DESIGN: We performed a retrospective cohort study of women undergoing TOLAC at a single institution from May 2007 to April 2016. Women were divided into three groups based on GWG as compared with the Institute of Medicine recommendations. The primary outcome was successful vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC). Secondary outcomes included various perinatal morbidity markers. RESULTS: A total of 614 women underwent TOLAC, of whom 444 (72.3%) had successful VBACs. When grouped by GWG in accordance with the Institute of Medicine guidelines, 149 (24.3%) women had GWG below guidelines, 224 (36.5%) met guidelines, and 241(39.3%) exceeded guidelines. There was no difference in the rate of VBAC success among the three groups. We also found no differences in secondary perinatal morbidity markers. CONCLUSION: We found no difference in TOLAC success rates with excess GWG. Providers should not consider excess GWG a risk factor for failed TOLAC, even in obese patients.

Association of Prenatal Ultrasonographic Findings With Adverse Neonatal Outcomes Among Pregnant Women With Zika Virus Infection in Brazil.

Importance: Congenital Zika virus infection causes a spectrum of adverse birth outcomes, including severe birth defects of the central nervous system. The association of prenatal ultrasonographic findings with adverse neonatal outcomes, beyond structural anomalies such as microcephaly, has not been described to date. Objective: To determine whether prenatal ultrasonographic examination results are associated with abnormal neonatal outcomes in Zika virus-affected pregnancies. Design, Setting, and Participants: A prospective cohort study conducted at a single regional referral center in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, from September 1, 2015, to May 31, 2016, among 92 pregnant women diagnosed during pregnancy with Zika virus infection by reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction, who underwent subsequent prenatal ultrasonographic and neonatal evaluation. Exposures: Prenatal ultrasonography. Main Outcomes and Measures: The primary outcome measure was composite adverse neonatal outcome (perinatal death, abnormal finding on neonatal examination, or abnormal finding on postnatal neuroimaging). Secondary outcomes include association of specific findings with neonatal outcomes. Results: Of 92 mother-neonate dyads (mean [SD] maternal age, 29.4 [6.3] years), 55 (60%) had normal results and 37 (40%) had abnormal results on prenatal ultrasonographic examinations. The median gestational age at delivery was 38.6 weeks (interquartile range, 37.9-39.3). Of the 45 neonates with composite adverse outcome, 23 (51%) had normal results on prenatal ultrasonography. Eleven pregnant women (12%) had a Zika virus-associated finding that was associated with an abnormal result on neonatal examination (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 11.6; 95% CI, 1.8-72.8), abnormal result on postnatal neuroimaging (aOR, 6.7; 95% CI, 1.1-38.9), and composite adverse neonatal outcome (aOR, 27.2; 95% CI, 2.5-296.6). Abnormal results on middle cerebral artery Doppler ultrasonography were associated with neonatal examination abnormalities (aOR, 12.8; 95% CI, 2.6-63.2), postnatal neuroimaging abnormalities (aOR, 8.8; 95% CI, 1.7-45.9), and composite adverse neonatal outcome (aOR, 20.5; 95% CI, 3.2-132.6). There were 2 perinatal deaths. Abnormal findings on prenatal ultrasonography had a sensitivity of 48.9% (95% CI, 33.7%-64.2%) and a specificity of 68.1% (95% CI, 52.9%-80.1%) for association with composite adverse neonatal outcomes. For a Zika virus-associated abnormal result on prenatal ultrasonography, the sensitivity was lower (22.2%; 95% CI, 11.2%-37.1%) but the specificity was higher (97.9%; 95% CI, 88.7%-99.9%). Conclusions and Relevance: Abnormal results on prenatal ultrasonography were associated with adverse outcomes in congenital Zika infection. The absence of abnormal findings on prenatal ultrasonography was not associated with a normal neonatal outcome. Comprehensive evaluation is recommended for all neonates with prenatal Zika virus exposure.