Pregnancy is accompanied by larger high density lipoprotein particles and compositionally distinct subspecies.

Pregnancy is accompanied by significant physiological changes, which can impact the health and development of the fetus and mother. Pregnancy-induced changes in plasma lipoproteins are well documented, with modest to no impact observed on the generic measure of high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol. However, the impact of pregnancy on the concentration and composition of HDL subspecies has not been examined in depth. In this prospective study, we collected plasma from 24 nonpregnant and 19 pregnant women in their second trimester. Using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), we quantified 11 different lipoprotein subspecies from plasma by size, including three in the HDL class. We observed an increase in the number of larger HDL particles in pregnant women, which were confirmed by tracking phospholipids across lipoproteins using high-resolution gel-filtration chromatography. Using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS), we identified 87 lipid-associated proteins across size-speciated fractions. We report drastic shifts in multiple protein clusters across different HDL size fractions in pregnant females compared with nonpregnant controls that have major implications on HDL function. These findings significantly elevate our understanding of how changes in lipoprotein metabolism during pregnancy could impact the health of both the fetus and the mother.

Effect of Needle Exchange Program on Maternal Hepatitis C Virus Prevalence.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to quantify the prevalence of maternal hepatitis C virus (HCV) before and after implementation of the needle exchange program (NEP) in Scioto County, Ohio. STUDY DESIGN: We conducted a population-based retrospective cohort study of all live births in Ohio (2006-2015). Frequency of maternal HCV was compared before (2006-2011) and after (2012-2015) the implementation of an NEP (2011) in Portsmouth, Ohio (Scioto County). Trends in maternal HCV prevalence in neighboring counties both physically adjacent and regional to Scioto County were also evaluated before and after NEP implementation. RESULTS: During the study period, there were 7,069 reported cases of maternal HCV infection at the time of delivery among 1,463,506 (0.5%) live births in Ohio. The rate of maternal HCV infection increased 137% in Scioto County between 2006 and 2011. After initiation of the NEP in Portsmouth, Ohio, in 2011, the rate of increase in the following 4 years (2012-2015) was 12%. The rate of increase in maternal HCV declined precipitously in counties physically adjacent to Scioto County, whereas regional counties continued to have substantial increases in maternal HCV. CONCLUSION: Rate of maternal HCV infection increased 137% versus 12% (rate difference: 125%) between pre- and post-NEP implementation time periods in Scioto County.

Fetal somatic growth trajectory differs by type of congenital heart disease.

BackgroundThe growth trajectories of common measurements, including estimated fetal weight (EFW), head circumference (HC), and abdominal circumference (AC), in fetuses with congenital heart disease (CHD) have not been described for different cardiac lesions. We hypothesized that (i) fetuses with CHD have differential growth in utero, and (ii) different categories of CHD demonstrate different in utero growth curves.MethodsWe performed a retrospective observational cohort study of pregnancies with known fetal CHD seen from January 2000 to June 2013. For analysis, the infants were divided into single ventricle (SV), biventricular conotruncal, d-transposition of great arteries (d-TGA), biventricular septal defects (SD; including atrial, ventricular, and atrioventricular SD), and all others (Other).ResultsA total of 194 newborns met inclusion criteria. There was significant differential growth of EFW in all CHD types, except d-TGA, starting with low z-scores before 25 weeks gestation, improving toward normal around 30-32 weeks gestation, and then again differential growth with advancing gestation. SV and SD groups had significant differential growth of HC starting early in gestation and linearly progressing negative z-scores with advancing gestation.ConclusionWe observed differences in the fetal growth curves throughout gestation for the major categories of CHD, including significant differential growth in even "simple" CHD, such as SD.

Accuracy of Sonographically Estimated Fetal Weight Near Delivery in Pregnancies Complicated With Diabetes Mellitus.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of sonographic estimations of fetal weight (FW) and signed percent error between pregnant patients with and without diabetes mellitus (DM). METHODS: We conducted a retrospective cohort study of all singleton nonanomalous live births who delivered after 34 weeks and received a sonographic estimation of FW within 2 weeks of delivery at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center between 2008 and 2011. Our primary outcome compared the ΔFW and signed percent error between DM and non-DM pregnancies. Sensitivity and specificity were calculated for the prediction of FW greater than 4000 g in each study group. Linear regression analysis assessed correlation coefficients, R2 values, and variance of the ΔFW by live birth weight. RESULTS: The mean ΔFWs were 62 and 103 g for non-DM and DM pregnancies, respectively (P = .04). However, the signed percent error (mean ± SD, 1.7% ± 9.8% versus 2.6% ± 9.9%; P = .15) was similar between the study groups. Linear regression comparing the ΔFW to the live birth weight revealed a weak correlation in DM (r = 0.34; R2 = 0.11) and non-DM pregnancies, (r = 0.17; R2 = 0.03) pregnancies. Overall sensitivity for the prediction of FW greater than 4000 g was poor (0.41 and 0.62 in non-DM and DM pregnancies). However, the specificity was high (0.97 and 0.99 for both groups). CONCLUSIONS: Although DM alters the biometric measurements of the fetus with increasing thoracoabdominal size, there are no clinically significant alterations in the accuracy of sonography for FW prediction when performed near delivery. Sonography is highly specific for birth weight greater than 4000 g, which is helpful for delivery planning and management.

Effect of Post-Cesarean Delivery Oral Cephalexin and Metronidazole on Surgical Site Infection Among Obese Women: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

Importance: The rate of obesity among US women has been increasing, and obesity is associated with increased risk of surgical site infection (SSI) following cesarean delivery. The optimal perioperative antibiotic prophylactic regimen in this high-risk population undergoing cesarean delivery is unknown. Objective: To determine rates of SSI among obese women who receive prophylactic oral cephalexin and metronidazole vs placebo for 48 hours following cesarean delivery. Design, Setting, and Participants: Randomized, double-blind clinical trial comparing oral cephalexin and metronidazole vs placebo for 48 hours following cesarean delivery for the prevention of SSI in obese women (prepregnancy BMI ≥30) who had received standard intravenous preoperative cephalosporin prophylaxis. Randomization was stratified by intact vs rupture of membranes prior to delivery. The study was conducted at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, an academic and urban setting, between October 2010 and December 2015, with final follow-up through February 2016. Interventions: Participants were randomly assigned to receive oral cephalexin, 500 mg, and metronidazole, 500 mg (n = 202 participants), vs identical-appearing placebo (n = 201 participants) every 8 hours for a total of 48 hours following cesarean delivery. Main Outcomes and Measures: The primary outcome was SSI, defined as any superficial incisional, deep incisional, or organ/space infections within 30 days after cesarean delivery. Results: Among 403 randomized participants who were included (mean age, 28 [SD, 6] years; mean BMI, 39.7 [SD, 7.8]), 382 (94.6%) completed the trial. The overall rate of SSI was 10.9% (95% CI, 7.9%-14.0%). Surgical site infection was diagnosed in 13 women (6.4%) in the cephalexin-metronidazole group vs 31 women (15.4%) in the placebo group (difference, 9.0% [95% CI, 2.9%-15.0%]; relative risk, 0.41 [95% CI, 0.22-0.77]; P = .01). There were no serious adverse events, including allergic reaction, reported in either the antibiotic group or the placebo group. Conclusions and Relevance: Among obese women undergoing cesarean delivery who received the standard preoperative cephalosporin prophylaxis, a postoperative 48-hour course of oral cephalexin and metronidazole, compared with placebo, reduced the rate of SSI within 30 days after delivery. For prevention of SSI among obese women after cesarean delivery, prophylactic oral cephalexin and metronidazole may be warranted. Trial Registration: clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT01194115.

The impact of fetal growth restriction on latency in the setting of expectant management of preeclampsia.

BACKGROUND: Fetal growth restriction is a common complication of preeclampsia. Expectant management for qualifying patients has been found to have acceptable maternal safety while improving neonatal outcomes. Whether fetal growth restriction influences the duration of latency during expectant management of preeclampsia is unknown. OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study was to determine whether fetal growth restriction is associated with a reduced interval to delivery in women with preeclampsia being expectantly managed prior to 34 weeks. STUDY DESIGN: We performed a retrospective cohort of singleton, live-born, nonanomalous deliveries at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center between 2008 and 2013. Patients were included in our analysis if they were diagnosed with preeclampsia prior to 34 completed weeks and if the initial management plan was to pursue expectant management beyond administration of steroids for fetal lung maturity. Two study groups were determined based on the presence or absence of fetal growth restriction. Patients were delivered when they developed persistent neurological symptoms, severe hypertension refractory to medical therapy, renal insufficiency, nonreassuring fetal status, pulmonary edema, or hemolysis elevated liver low platelet syndrome or when they reached 37 weeks if they remained stable without any other indication for delivery. Our primary outcome was the interval from diagnosis of preeclampsia to delivery, measured in days. Secondary outcomes included indications for delivery, rates of induction and cesarean delivery, development of severe morbidities of preeclampsia, and select neonatal outcomes. We performed a multivariate logistic regression analysis comparing those with fetal growth restriction with those with normally grown fetuses to determine whether there is an association between fetal growth restriction and a shortened interval to delivery, neonatal intensive care unit admission, prolonged neonatal stay, and neonatal mortality. RESULTS: A total of 851 patients met the criteria for preeclampsia, of which 199 met inclusion criteria, 139 (69%) with normal growth, and 60 (31%) with fetal growth restriction. Interval to delivery was significantly shorter in women with fetal growth restriction, median (interquartile range) of 3 (1.6) days vs normal growth, 5 (2.12) days, P < .001. The association between fetal growth restriction and latency less than 7 days remained significant, even after post hoc analysis controlling for confounding variables (adjusted odds ratio, 1.66 [95% confidence interval, 1.12-2.47]). There were no differences in the development of severe disease (85.9 vs 91.7%, P = .26), need for intravenous antihypertensive medications (47.1 vs 46.7%, P = .96), and the development of severe complications of preeclampsia (51.1 vs 42.9%, P = .30) in normally grown and growth-restricted fetuses, respectively. Fewer women with fetal growth restriction attained their scheduled delivery date, 3 of 60 (5.0%), compared with normally grown fetuses,12 of 139 (15.7%), P = .03. Admission to the neonatal intensive care unit, neonatal length of stay, and neonatal mortality were higher when there was fetal growth restriction; however, after a logistic regression analysis, these associations were no longer significant. CONCLUSION: Fetal growth restriction is associated with a shortened interval to delivery in women undergoing expectant management of preeclampsia when disease is diagnosed prior to 34 weeks. These data may be helpful in counseling patients regarding the expected duration of pregnancy, guiding decision making regarding administration of steroids and determining the need for maternal transport.

Sonographic markers associated with adverse neonatal outcomes among fetuses with gastroschisis: an 11-year, single-center review.

BACKGROUND: Gastroschisis complicates 1 in 2000 births and is readily identifiable during prenatal ultrasound scans. Outcomes in fetuses that are affected by gastroschisis vary widely from stillbirth or neonatal death to uncomplicated surgical correction, which makes prenatal counseling challenging. OBJECTIVE: The goal of our study was to identify sonographic markers that are associated with perinatal death and morbidity that include significant bowel injury, necrotizing enterocolitis, and the need for bowel resection in fetuses with gastroschisis. STUDY DESIGN: We identified a cohort of fetuses that were diagnosed with gastroschisis from 2003-2014. Sonographic markers that were reviewed included growth restriction, abdominal circumference, oligohydramnios, bowel dilation, and gastric bubble characteristics. We evaluated these markers both at diagnosis and near delivery. Four adverse perinatal outcomes were assessed: perinatal death, necrotizing enterocolitis, need for bowel resection, and a composite of significant bowel injury, which included a diagnosis of bowel atresia or necrosis at the time of surgical exploration. Logistic regression was performed to calculate odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals for each marker and outcome. RESULTS: One hundred seventy-seven patients were identified, and 154 of these patients met inclusion criteria after exclusions for delivery <24 weeks gestation, other associated anomalies, lethal karyotype, or lost to follow-up evaluation. Markers at the time of diagnosis (median gestational age, 21 weeks [25th,75th interquartile range, 19, 24 weeks]) that were associated with perinatal death were abdominal circumference <5th percentile (odds ratio, 5.56; 95% confidence interval, 1.25-24.76), abnormal gastric bubble (odds ratio, 11.20; 95% confidence interval, 2.15-58.33), and abnormal stomach location (odds ratio, 17.1; 95% confidence interval, 2.99-97.85). An abnormal stomach location (odds ratio, 5.53; 95% confidence interval, 1.03-29.72) before delivery was associated with perinatal death. Gastric dilation before delivery (odds ratio, 4.36; 95% confidence interval, 1.10-17.34)] was associated with the need for bowel resection. CONCLUSION: Early sonographic markers of increased perinatal mortality rates include abdominal circumference <5th percentile and an abnormal gastric bubble.

Estimation of the growth rate in fetuses with an abnormal cerebroplacental ratio compared to those with suspected growth restriction without evidence of centralization of blood flow.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the growth rate in fetuses with suspected growth restriction according to their Doppler characteristics. METHODS: A retrospective cohort of fetuses with suspected growth restriction was identified. We reviewed umbilical artery and middle cerebral Doppler pulsatility indices and calculated the cerebroplacental ratio. Three study groups were determined: (1) normal umbilical artery Doppler findings; (2) abnormal umbilical artery findings with a normal cerebroplacental ratio; and (3) abnormal umbilical artery findings with an abnormal cerebroplacental ratio. The primary outcome was the growth rate as estimated by fetal biometry from serial sonographic evaluations. Analysis of the mean growth rate in each study group was performed by analysis of variance. In addition, linear regression analysis comparing the cerebroplacental ratio to the growth rate was performed. RESULTS: Fetal growth restriction was suspected in 416 patients; 176 patients were included in this analysis: 113, 38, and 25 in groups 1, 2, and 3 respectively. The estimated mean (SD) growth rate in group 3 was significantly lower than in groups 1 and 2: 8.3 (4.4) versus 19.6 (6.0) and 18.6 (7.7) g/d, respectively (P < .001). Linear regression analysis revealed a strong correlation between the growth rate and cerebroplacental ratio (r = 0.76; R(2) = 0.58) as well as the birth weight and cerebroplacental ratio (r = 0.78; R(2) = 0.61). CONCLUSIONS: In fetuses with suspected growth restriction and abnormal umbilical artery Doppler findings, an abnormal cerebroplacental ratio is strongly associated with reduced fetal growth. In contrast, if the cerebroplacental ratio is normal, even in the setting of abnormal umbilical artery Doppler findings, fetuses grow similarly to those with normal umbilical artery findings.

Increasing maternal body mass index and the accuracy of sonographic estimation of fetal weight near delivery.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate whether an increasing body mass index (BMI) influences the accuracy of sonographic estimation of fetal weight. METHODS: We performed a retrospective cohort study of singleton deliveries over a 2-year period in a single institution. Patients were included if they had a fetal weight estimation within 2 weeks of delivery. The Δ estimated fetal weight (EFW) was calculated by subtracting the sonographic EFW from the birth weight and compared among our study groups, which were based on the maternal BMI class. We also compared the absolute percentage error of estimation, rate of substantial error greater than 20%, rate of underestimation, and ability to predict fetal weight greater than 4000 g. Post hoc power analysis determined that our study group of 1200 patients allowed for an α of .05 and ß of .90. RESULTS: We included 1177 women in our analysis. The median ΔEFW varied between study groups: 137, 202, 157, 200, and 189 g, respectively, in normal-weight, overweight, and obese classes 1, 2, and 3 (P = .01). The median percentage error of estimation between study groups varied between 5.0% in normal-weight women and 7.1% in class 2 obese women (P= .05). The rate of substantial error was similar between study groups and varied between 2.7% in class 1 obese women and 4.3% in normal-weight and class 2 obese women. Linear regression analysis showed a weak association between maternal BMI and ΔEFW (R(2) = 0.005; r = 0.069). CONCLUSIONS: The absolute ΔEFW was lower in normal-weight women; however, the percentage error of the EFW was similar between women of varying BMI classifications, as was the rate of substantial error and the rate of underestimation of the EFW.

Influence of adolescence and obesity on the rate of stillbirth.

BACKGROUND: We hypothesise that the rate of stillbirth is increased in mothers younger than 18 years of age compared to adult mothers, and that obesity further increases the risk of stillbirth in this population. METHODS: We conducted a population-based cohort study comparing rates of stillbirth between adolescent, defined as young women under the age of 18 and adult women. We then compared the rate of stillbirth in normal weight vs. obese adolescents. These effects were stratified according to gestational age. Log-binomial regression models were used to estimate the effect of adolescence and obesity on stillbirth risk while adjusting for important confounders. Risk ratios (RR) with 95% confidence intervals [CI]were calculated. RESULTS: We reviewed data from 650 760 births in Missouri between 1998 and 2005. Stillbirth rates were 6.7 and 4.1 per 1000 in adolescents and adult women, respectively (RR 1.2, 95% CI 1.03-1.5). A higher proportion of stillbirths occurred prior to 28 weeks in adolescents vs. adults (53% vs. 37% respectively, P = 0.002). The risk of stillbirth in obese adolescents was further increased over normal weight adolescents (adjusted RR [aRR] 1.7, 95% CI 1.02-2.9). CONCLUSION: Adolescent pregnancies, particularly obese adolescents, are at an increased risk of stillbirth.

Preoperative intravascular balloon catheters and surgical outcomes in pregnancies complicated by placenta accreta: a management paradox.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study was to compare outcomes between patients who did and did not receive preoperative uterine artery balloon catheters in the setting placenta accreta. STUDY DESIGN: This was a retrospective case-control study of patients with placenta accreta from 1990 to 2011. RESULTS: Records from 117 patients with pathology-proven accreta were reviewed. Fifty-nine patients (50.4%) had uterine artery balloons (UABs) placed preoperatively. The mean estimated blood loss (EBL) was lower (2165 mL vs 2837 mL; P = .02) for the group that had UABs compared with the group that did not. There were more cases with an EBL greater than 2500 mL and massive transfusions of packed red blood cells (>6 units) in the group that did not have UABs. Percreta was diagnosed more often on final pathology in the group with UABs. Surgical times did not differ between the 2 groups. Two patients (3.3%) had complications related to the UABs. CONCLUSION: Preoperative placement of UABs is relatively safe and is associated with a reduced EBL and fewer massive transfusions compared with a group without UABs.

Time required to complete transvaginal cervical length in women receiving universal cervical length screening for preterm birth prevention.

BACKGROUND: Preterm birth contributes to over one-third of infant deaths, and although there are several risk factors for preterm birth few tests predict this obstetric complication. Midtrimester transvaginal cervical length (TVCL) screening is currently the best clinical predictor of spontaneous preterm birth and has been suggested to be applied universally. Although several studies have examined the cost-efficacy of universal screening, the time consumption and resultant time management has not been examined. OBJECTIVE: We aim to quantitate the time requirement for transvaginal cervical length (TVCL) screening with the implementation of universal TVCL screening.Study design: This is a retrospective cohort study of women undergoing cervical length screening after implementation of universal Transvaginal Cervical Length (TVCL) screening at a university setting over a 1-year period. The primary outcome was time in minutes for TVCL screening from completion of transabdominal to completion of transvaginal ultrasound. RESULTS: This study included 2803 ultrasounds, 1673 of which involved completion of a TVCL after completion of abdominal imaging between 16 0/7 and 23 6/7 weeks of gestation. The mean duration of cervical length screening was 9.8 min (standard deviation [SD], 4.0 min). The time range was less than 1 min to 48 min. For women obtaining cervical lengths, 4.2% required less than 5 additional minutes to perform cervical length screening, 52.1% (872), required less than 10 additional minutes. The majority, 91.8%, of ultrasounds required less than 15 min to complete. Ultrasounds performed in private practice sites required less time compared to those at teaching sites (8.2 ± 3.1 min versus 10.2 ± 4.1 min, p < .001). No significant time improvement occurred after 6 months of universal TVCL screening, with the first 6 months average of 10.1 min versus 9.6 min in the later half, p = .61. CONCLUSION: Implementation of a universal TVCL program adds an average of 10 min to each ultrasound exam. This additional time does diminish with increasing experience with TVCL, but not to a significant degree.

The effect of maternal obesity on the rate of failed induction of labor.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to quantify the relationship between class of obesity and rate of failed induction of labor. STUDY DESIGN: Using the Ohio Department of Health's birth certificate database from January 1, 2006, through December 31, 2007, we performed a population-based cohort study that compared failed induction of labor rates between obese and normal-weight women. RESULTS: The rate of induction is associated with increasing body mass index from 28% in normal-weight women to 34% in class III obese women (body mass index, ≥40 kg/m2). Induction failure rates are also associated with increasing obesity class from 13% in normal-weight women to 29% in class III obese women. Women with class III obesity without a previous vaginal delivery and a macrosomic fetus had the highest rate of failed induction at 80%. CONCLUSION: Obesity is associated with an increased risk of failed labor induction that appears to be related directly to increasing class of obesity.

Universal transvaginal cervical length screening during pregnancy increases the diagnostic incidence of low-lying placenta and placenta previa.

BACKGROUND: Universal transvaginal cervical length screening has been increasingly implemented with both positive and negative consequences. OBJECTIVE: In this study, we described the diagnostic incidence of low-lying placenta and placenta previa with the implementation of universal transvaginal cervical length screening. STUDY DESIGN: This is a retrospective cohort study of women undergoing midtrimester universal transvaginal cervical length screening. The primary outcome was the rate of transvaginal diagnosis of low-lying placenta or placenta previa using midtrimester universal transvaginal cervical length screening. RESULTS: This study included 1982 midtrimester ultrasounds, of which 211 indicated a low-lying placenta or placenta previa on either transabdominal or transvaginal ultrasound. With transvaginal ultrasound, a low-lying placenta or placenta previa was diagnosed in 211 women (10.6% of the study population). Of the 211 patients with a low-lying placenta or placenta previa, 90 (42.6%) had a false-negative result, diagnosed using only transvaginal ultrasound; 112 (53.1%) had a true-positive result; and 9 (4.3%) had a false-positive result. The relative risk of having an abnormal finding on ultrasound with the addition of universal transvaginal cervical length screening was 9.2 (95% confidence interval, 4.6-18.1). Of the low-lying placenta or placenta previa diagnosed using midtrimester universal transvaginal cervical length screening, 98.9% resolved (95% confidence interval, 93.7-99.97). CONCLUSION: Implementation of universal transvaginal cervical length screening increases the diagnostic incidence of low-lying placenta or placenta previa without an increase in the diagnoses that persist to term, which comes at the cost of increased follow-up ultrasounds and potentially increased anxiety for the patient.

Bleeding and thrombotic risk in pregnant women with Fontan physiology.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Pregnancy may potentiate the inherent hypercoagulability of the Fontan circulation, thereby amplifying adverse events. This study sought to evaluate thrombosis and bleeding risk in pregnant women with a Fontan. METHODS: We performed a retrospective observational cohort study across 13 international centres and recorded data on thrombotic and bleeding events, antithrombotic therapies and pre-pregnancy thrombotic risk factors. RESULTS: We analysed 84 women with Fontan physiology undergoing 108 pregnancies, average gestation 33±5 weeks. The most common antithrombotic therapy in pregnancy was aspirin (ASA, 47 pregnancies (43.5%)). Heparin (unfractionated (UFH) or low molecular weight (LMWH)) was prescribed in 32 pregnancies (30%) and vitamin K antagonist (VKA) in 10 pregnancies (9%). Three pregnancies were complicated by thrombotic events (2.8%). Thirty-eight pregnancies (35%) were complicated by bleeding, of which 5 (13%) were severe. Most bleeds were obstetric, occurring antepartum (45%) and postpartum (42%). The use of therapeutic heparin (OR 15.6, 95% CI 1.88 to 129, p=0.006), VKA (OR 11.7, 95% CI 1.06 to 130, p=0.032) or any combination of anticoagulation medication (OR 13.0, 95% CI 1.13 to 150, p=0.032) were significantly associated with bleeding events, while ASA (OR 5.41, 95% CI 0.73 to 40.4, p=0.067) and prophylactic heparin were not (OR 4.68, 95% CI 0.488 to 44.9, p=0.096). CONCLUSIONS: Current antithrombotic strategies appear effective at attenuating thrombotic risk in pregnant women with a Fontan. However, this comes with high (>30%) bleeding risk, of which 13% are life threatening. Achieving haemostatic balance is challenging in pregnant women with a Fontan, necessitating individualised risk-adjusted counselling and therapeutic approaches that are monitored during the course of pregnancy.

Maternal plasma cholesterol concentration and preterm birth: a meta-analysis and systematic review of literature.

Background: Women that previously had preterm labor are at an increased risk for heart disease. Because spontaneous preterm birth is an adverse pregnancy outcome that affects millions of children worldwide, our objective was to review and analyze studies that have examined associations between maternal total cholesterol (TC), LDL-C, and HDL-C concentrations during pregnancy and the risk of preterm birth to potentially define biomarkers or targets for treatment.Method: A search was performed and 22 articles were found that examined the association of maternal plasma cholesterol concentrations and preterm birth. A meta-analysis was performed on 10 of the articles, those that used maternal lipid concentrations as the outcome and presented results as means plus variables, and a qualitative review was performed on all 22 articles.Results: The meta-analysis showed no relationship between maternal TC, LDL-C, or HDL-C and increased risk of preterm birth, although, a near significant relationship between low maternal HDL-C concentration and preterm birth (p = .055). Importantly, associations increased when cholesterol concentrations were combined with inflammatory markers or metabolic syndrome factors.Conclusions: The relationship between maternal cholesterol levels and preterm birth is heterogeneous. Associations are strengthened when maternal cholesterol concentrations are combined with other factors that may be related to more recently defined lipoprotein functions.

Risk Calculator to Predict Cesarean Delivery Among Women Undergoing Induction of Labor.

OBJECTIVE: To develop and validate a predictive risk calculator for cesarean delivery among women undergoing induction of labor. METHODS: We performed a population-based cohort study of all women who had singleton live births after undergoing induction of labor from 32 0/7 to 42 6/7 weeks of gestation in the United States from 2012 to 2016. The primary objective was to build a predictive model estimating the probability of cesarean delivery after induction of labor using antenatal factors obtained from de-identified U.S. live-birth records. Multivariable logistic regression estimated the association of these factors on risk of cesarean delivery. K-fold cross validation was performed for internal validation of the model, followed by external validation using a separate live-birth cohort from 2017. A publicly available online calculator was developed after validation and calibration were performed for individual risk assessment. The seven variables selected for inclusion in the model by magnitude of influence were prior vaginal delivery, maternal weight at delivery, maternal height, maternal age, prior cesarean delivery, gestational age at induction, and maternal race. RESULTS: From 2012 to 2016, there were 19,844,580 live births in the United States, of which 4,177,644 women with singleton gestations underwent induction of labor. Among these women, 800,423 (19.2%) delivered by cesarean. The receiver operating characteristic curve for the seven-variable model achieved an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.787 (95% CI 0.786-0.788). External validation demonstrated a consistent measure of discrimination with an AUC of 0.783 (95% CI 0.764-0.802). CONCLUSION: This validated predictive model uses seven variables that were obtainable from the patient's medical record and discriminates between women at increased or decreased risk of cesarean delivery after induction of labor. This risk calculator, found at https://ob.tools/iol-calc, can be used in addition to the Bishop score by health care providers in counseling women who are undergoing an induction of labor and allocating appropriate resources for women at high risk for cesarean delivery.

Reported Prevalence of Maternal Hepatitis C Virus Infection in the United States.

OBJECTIVE: To quantify the reported prevalence and trend of maternal hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in the United States (2009-2017) and identify maternal characteristics and obstetric outcomes associated with HCV infection during pregnancy. METHODS: We conducted a population-based retrospective cohort study of all live births in the United States for the period 2009 through 2017 using National Center for Health Statistics birth records. We estimated reported prevalence and trends over this time period for the United States. We also evaluated demographic factors and pregnancy outcomes associated with maternal HCV infection for a contemporary U.S. cohort (2014-2017). RESULTS: During the 9-year study period, there were 94,824 reported cases of maternal HCV infection among 31,207,898 (0.30%) live births in the United States. The rate of maternal HCV infection increased from 1.8 cases per 1,000 live births to 4.7 cases per 1,000 live births (relative risk [RR] 2.7, 95% CI 2.6-2.8) in the United States. After adjusting for various confounders in the contemporary U.S. cohort (2014-2017), demographic characteristics associated with HCV infection included non-Hispanic white race (adjusted RR 2.8, 95% CI 2.7-2.8), Medicaid insurance (adjusted RR 3.3, CI 3.2-3.3), and cigarette smoking (adjusted RR 11.1, CI 10.9-11.3). Co-infection during pregnancy with hepatitis B (adjusted RR 19.2, CI 18.1-20.3), gonorrhea, chlamydia, or syphilis were also associated with maternal HCV infection. Obstetric and neonatal outcomes associated with maternal HCV infection included cesarean delivery, preterm birth, maternal intensive care unit admission, blood transfusion, having small-for-gestational-age neonates (less than the 10th percentile) birth weight, neonatal intensive care unit admission, need for assisted neonatal ventilation, and neonatal death. CONCLUSION: The reported prevalence of maternal HCV infection has increased 161% from 2009 to 2017.

Contraction frequency after administration of misoprostol in obese versus nonobese women.

Objective: To examine impact of obesity on contraction frequency following misoprostol. Our hypothesis is that an increased volume of distribution reduces the bioavailability of misoprostol and may be an explanation for reduced efficacy. We examined the contraction frequency as a surrogate marker for bioavailability of misoprostol. Study design: We compared the rate of contractions at five time intervals in 313 subjects: prior to administration, and at four intervals post administration. We compared number of contractions in obese versus nonobese. As a planned secondary analysis, we then compared the rate of change in contractions per hour at four time intervals: a repeated measures analysis to compare the rate of change in contractions per hour over the 5-hour window controlling for race (White versus non-White) and parity (primiparous versus multiparous). General linear model and repeated measures analysis were conducted to report the parameter estimates, least square means, difference of least square means, and p values. Results: Nonobese women presented with more contractions at baseline, 7 ± 5 versus 4 ± 5 c/h, p < .001. At all four time intervals after misoprostol administration obese women had fewer contractions per hour. The rate of change in contraction frequency after administration found obese women had a lower rate of increase in contraction frequency over the course of all four hours. We found a least squares means estimate (c/h): first hour (-0.87), p = .08, second hour (-2.43), p = .01, third hour (-1.80), p = .96, and fourth hour (-2.98), p = .007. Conclusions: Obese women have a lower rate of contractions per hour at baseline and at four intervals after misoprostol administration. In addition, the rate of change in the increase in contractions/hour also was reduced in obese women versus nonobese women. This suggests a lower bioavailability of misoprostol in women with a larger volume of distribution which would likely impact the efficacy of misoprostol in obese women when given the same dose of misoprostol. It is unknown if higher misoprostol dosing would increase efficacy of misoprostol in obese women.

Cesarean for non-reassuring fetal status: effect of obesity on decision to delivery interval.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the impact of obesity on the decision to delivery interval. STUDY DESIGN: We compared the interval to delivery in normal, obese (BMI 30-40 kg/m2), and morbidly obese (BMI over 40 kg/m2) women. In a planned sub-analysis, we evaluated those who underwent emergency cesarean. RESULTS: We included 447 (25.3%) subjects: 157 normal, 200 obese, and 90 morbidly obese. We found no significant difference in the decision to delivery interval, mean ± SD (minutes): 39 ± 24, 44 ± 28, and 46 ± 28, p = 0.10. In the setting of emergency delivery we did find significantly prolonged intervals: 18 ± 8, 23 ± 16, and 30 ± 19 in non-obese, obese, and morbidly obese, respectively, p = 0.04. CONCLUSION: We found similar decision to delivery intervals in women of varying BMI. In the setting of emergency cesarean delivery, we found increasing BMI to be associated with significant delays to delivery.