Preeclampsia and Long-term Kidney Outcomes: An Observational Cohort Study.

RATIONALE & OBJECTIVE: Preeclampsia is a pregnancy-related complication characterized by acute hypertension and end-organ dysfunction. We evaluated the long-term association between preeclampsia and the risk of developing chronic hypertension and kidney disease. STUDY DESIGN: Observational cohort study. SETTING & PARTICIPANTS: 27,800 adults with deliveries in the Geisinger Health System between 1996 and 2019. EXPOSURE: Preeclampsia. OUTCOME: Hypertension, reduced estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR)<60mL/min/1.73m2), and albuminuria>300mg/g. ANALYTICAL APPROACH: Propensity-score matching and Cox proportional hazards models to evaluate the association between preeclampsia and incident hypertension, reduced eGFR, and albuminuria. RESULTS: Of 27,800 adults with pregnancies during the study period (mean age, 28 years; 3% Black race), 2,977 (10.7%) had at least 1 pregnancy complicated by preeclampsia. After matching for multiple characteristics, individuals with preeclampsia had a higher risk of developing chronic hypertension (HR, 1.77 [95% CI, 1.45-2.16]), eGFR<60mL/min/1.73m2 (HR, 3.23 [95% CI, 1.64-6.36]), albuminuria (HR, 3.60 [95% CI, 2.38-5.44]), and a subsequent episode of preeclampsia (HR, 24.76 [95% CI, 12.47-48.36]), compared with matched controls without preeclampsia. Overall, postpartum follow-up testing was low. In the first 6 months after delivery, 31% versus 14% of individuals with and without preeclampsia had serum creatinine tests, respectively, and testing for urine protein was the same in both groups, with only 26% having follow-up testing. LIMITATIONS: Primarily White study population, observational study, reliance on ICD codes for medical diagnosis. CONCLUSIONS: Individuals with a pregnancy complicated by preeclampsia had a higher risk of hypertension, reduced eGFR, and albuminuria compared with individuals without preeclampsia. PLAIN-LANGUAGE SUMMARY: Preeclampsia is a significant contributor to perinatal and maternal morbidity and is marked by new-onset hypertension and end-organ damage, including acute kidney injury or proteinuria. To gain insight into the long-term kidney effects of the disease, we compared adults with deliveries complicated by preeclampsia with those without preeclampsia in the Geisinger Health System, while also assessing postpartum testing rates. Our results demonstrate that pregnant individuals with preeclampsia are at a heightened risk for future hypertension, reduced eGFR, and albuminuria, with overall low rates of postpartum testing among both individuals with and without preeclampsia. These findings underscore the need to consider preeclampsia as an important risk factor for the development of chronic kidney disease. Further studies are required to determine optimal postpreeclampsia monitoring strategies.

Comparison of three antepartum risk assessment tools to predict significant postpartum hemorrhage in livebirths.

BACKGROUND: To adequately predict significant postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) at hospital admission, we evaluated and compared the accuracy of three risk assessment tools: 1. California Maternal Quality Care Collaborative (CMQCC), 2. American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology Safe Motherhood Initiative (ACOG SMI) and 3. Association of Women's Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses (AWHONN). STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: This is a retrospective cohort study of people who delivered liveborn infants from January 2018 to June 2021 at our center. Patients with comorbidities necessitating higher hemoglobin values, those who refused blood transfusions, and missing pertinent data were excluded. Significant PPH was defined as a blood transfusion within 48 hours following delivery. Diagnostic statistics were calculated for each tool. RESULTS: Of the 11,679 included pregnancies, 232 (1.9%) people had significant PPH. Amongst those diagnosed as high-risk by the CMQCC tool, 67/1485 (4.5%) had significant PPH; 62/1672 (3.7%) by the ACOG SMI tool, and 85/1864 (4.6%) by the AWHONN tool had significant PPH. All tools have low sensitivity and high negative predictive values. The area under the receiver operating characteristics curve of the three tools is moderately poor (CMQCC: 0.58, ACOG SMI: 0.55, AWHONN:0.61). DISCUSSION: Upon admission to labor and delivery, all three studied tools are poor predictors of significant PPH. The development and validation of better PPH risk stratification tools are required with the inclusion of additional important variables.

Comparing Diagnosis of Fetal Growth Restriction and the Potential Impact on Management and Outcomes Using Different Growth Curves.

OBJECTIVES: The diagnosis of fetal growth restriction (FGR) is managed with close fetal surveillance and often requires iatrogenic delivery, as there is an associated increased risk of fetal demise. However, there is no standard reference for fetal growth. We sought to compare the intrauterine growth curve of Hadlock et al (Radiology 1991; 181:129-133) to other known growth curves to determine which one best identifies fetuses at risk without overburdening the patient and health care system with unnecessary intervention. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed charts of singleton euploid pregnancies with a diagnosis of FGR (per Hadlock) at a tertiary care center from June 2014 to May 2015. We applied the estimated fetal weights from ultrasound at diagnosis of FGR to 4 population-based growth curves by Brenner et al (Am J Obstet Gynecol 1976; 126:555-564), Williams et al (Obstet Gynecol 1982; 59:624-632), Alexander et al (Obstet Gynecol 1996; 87:163-168), and Duryea et al (Obstet Gynecol 2014; 124:16-22) and reassessed the incidence of FGR using each curve. We reviewed pregnancy demographics, risk factors, pregnancy management, and outcomes of FGR cohorts on each curve to evaluate whether poor outcomes may be missed or interventions may be avoided using the population-based curves. A sensitivity analysis was also done to see how well each curve predicted small-for-gestational-age birth weights. RESULTS: Applying any of the population-based growth curves decreased the number of FGR diagnoses, iatrogenic deliveries, and primary cesarean deliveries. Brenner's growth curve identified the least number of FGR diagnoses at 22 of the 107 identified by Hadlock. Williams' growth curve performed best in the sensitivity analysis with sensitivity of 99% and specificity of 97%. A small number of patients with absent/reversed end-diastolic flow would have been missed by applying the population curves. CONCLUSIONS: Applying the population-based growth curves instead of Hadlock's for diagnosis of FGR decreases its incidence, therefore decreasing the number of visits for ultrasound and fetal surveillance and the number of iatrogenic deliveries. However, using these curves could miss a few fetuses with increased risk of fetal demise.

The effect of the MFM obesity protocol on cesarean delivery rates.

BACKGROUND: Obesity in pregnancy has an impact on both the mother and the fetus. To date, no universal protocol has been established to guide the management of pregnancy in obese woman. In April 2011, the Geisinger Maternal-Fetal Medicine Department implemented an obesity protocol in which women meeting the following criteria were delivered by their estimated due dates: (1) class III obese or (2) class II obese with additional diagnoses of a large-for-gestational-age fetus or pregnancy complicated by gestational diabetes or (3) class I obese with large-for-gestational-age and gestational diabetes. OBJECTIVE: We sought to assess the impact of this protocol on the rate of cesarean deliveries in obese women. STUDY DESIGN: We performed a retrospective cohort study of 5000 randomly selected women who delivered at Geisinger between January 2009 and September 2013, excluding those who delivered in 2011. The data were stratified into obese and nonobese and divided into before protocol and after protocol. Comparison across all groups was accomplished using Wilcoxon rank sum and Pearson's χ(2) tests. Potential confounders were controlled for using logistic regression. RESULTS: The cesarean delivery rate in the obese/after protocol group was 10.8% lower than in the obese/before protocol group (42.4% vs 31.6%, respectively; P < .0001). In addition, when controlling for age, race, smoking status, preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, and intrauterine growth restriction, obese women were 37% less likely to have a cesarean delivery after the protocol than they were before (odds ratio, 0.63; 95% confidence interval, 0.52, 0.76, P < .0001). CONCLUSION: Implementation of a maternal-fetal medicine obesity protocol did not increase the rate of cesarean deliveries in obese women. On the contrary, obese women were less likely to have a cesarean delivery after implementation of the protocol.

Influenza Vaccination among Pregnant Women: Patient Beliefs and Medical Provider Practices.

ACOG's research department recruited four medical centers to participate in a study on the attitudes and practices of medical providers and pregnant patients regarding influenza vaccination. Medical providers and patients were given voluntary surveys and medical record data was collected over two flu seasons, from 2013 to 2015. Discrepancies between self-reports of medical providers and patients and medical records were observed. Nearly 80% of patients self-reported accepting the influenza vaccine, but medical record data only reported 36% of patients accepting the vaccine. Similarly, all medical providers reported giving recommendations for the vaccine, but only 85% of patients reported receiving a recommendation. Age, education, a medical provider's recommendation, and educational materials were found to positively influence patient beliefs about the influenza vaccine. Accepting the vaccine was influenced by a patient's previous actions, beliefs, and a medical provider's recommendation. Patients who reported previously not accepting the vaccine and had negative feelings towards the vaccine but accepted it while pregnant reported concern for the health and safety of their baby. Future research should focus on groups that may be less likely to accept the vaccine and ways to dispel negative myths. Medical provider should continue to strongly recommend the vaccine and provide educational materials.

Comparison of the Trends in Risk Factors and Management of Severe Postpartum Hemorrhage Years 2000-2004 Versus 2005-2008.

OBJECTIVE: To compare trends in the etiology and management of severe postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) during 2 time periods: 2000-2004 (Period 1) versus 2005-2008 (Period 2). STUDY DESIGN: Medical records with a diagnosis of PPH were identified by ICD-9 codes for immediate, third-stage, delayed, and secondary. PPH and post- partum coagulation defect. Subjects having a PPH within 24 hours of delivery who also received blood component therapy (defined as severe PPH) during Period 1 were compared with those from Period 2. RESULTS: There were 109 and 119 cases identified from Periods 1 and 2, respectively. Uterine atony was the most common cause of severe PPH during both time periods. In the second time period women with severe PPH had a lower mean hematocrit (p<0.05), a greater mean BMI (p<0.05), and more induced labor (p<0.01) as compared to the first time period. A greater proportion of the women in the second time period received misoprostol (p<0.0001) and platelets (p<0.05). The proportions of other therapies and surgical interventions remained unchanged, as did the ultimate outcomes. CONCLUSION: At a single large institution over the course of a 9-year period the management of severe PPH changed to include a greater utilization of misoprostol and platelet therapy.

A retrospective review of the association between maternal body mass index and the risk of congenital anomalies.

The objective of the study was to examine the association of congenital anomalies with the specific classes of pre-pregnancy BMI. An IRB-approved retrospective cohort study was performed using the data from the Natality Public Use File from the National Center for Health Statistics (2019). We included all singleton live births and excluded pregnancies with suspected or confirmed chromosomal abnormalities and people with pre-existing diabetes mellitus and missing pertinent data. The primary outcome was the incidence of any major congenital anomalies in liveborn infants. The incidence of anomaly was analyzed across all BMI classes, using individuals with BMI between 18.5 and 24.9 kg/m2 as the comparison group. A test of trend was also performed to determine if the risk increased as the BMI class increased. A total of 3 047 382 maternal-neonatal dyads were included in the analysis. A non-significant higher incidence of any major anomaly was noted among people who had underweight and class III BMI. The risk of open neural tube defects, omphalocele, and cleft lip/palate increased and the risk of gastroschisis decreased with an increase in maternal BMI class (p < 0.05). The incidence of congenital anomalies increases as the pre-pregnancy BMI increases. Individuals should be encouraged to optimize their weight prior to conception and if feasible, they should obtain screening for fetal anatomy assessment by a Maternal-Fetal Medicine specialist.

Pregnancy Outcomes in Patients Enrolled in the Healthy Beginnings Plus Program.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness of enrollment in the Healthy Beginnings Plus Program (HB) on pregnancy outcomes. DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study of 12,299 singleton pregnancies birthed between January 2007 and December 2018. SETTING/LOCAL PROBLEM: Individuals of low socioeconomic status are at increased risk for adverse pregnancy outcomes, such as preterm birth (PTB) and low-birth-weight (LBW) neonates. Pennsylvania offers HB to pregnant individuals with Medical Assistance insurance to provide additional psychosocial and obstetric resources to routine prenatal care to minimize risk. PARTICIPANTS: Individuals with Medical Assistance insurance enrolled in HB (n = 4,645), individuals with Medical Assistance insurance not enrolled in HB (n = 2,874), and individuals with private insurance (n = 4,780). MEASUREMENTS: Primary outcomes were rates of PTB and LBW neonates. Secondary outcomes included rates of gestational diabetes, gestational hypertension, small-for-gestational-age neonates, and admission to the NICU. RESULTS: There were no differences in PTB (adjusted OR [aOR] = 0.93, 95% confidence interval [CI] [0.76, 1.13]) or LBW neonates (aOR = 1.06, 95% CI [0.86, 1.31]) between individuals with Medical Assistance enrolled in HB versus those with Medical Assistance insurance not enrolled in HB. Individuals with Medical Assistance enrolled in HB were less likely to develop gestational hypertension compared to individuals with Medical Assistance insurance not enrolled in HB (aOR = 1.41, 95% CI [1.25, 1.59]) and individuals with private insurance (aOR = 0.85, 95% CI [0.76, 0.96]). They also attended more prenatal visits than individuals with Medical Assistance insurance not enrolled in HB (12.0 vs. 14.0, p < .01). CONCLUSION: Although there was no significant difference between groups for the primary outcomes studied, individuals with Medical Assistance insurance enrolled in HB attended more prenatal visits than those who did not enroll in HB. Similar programs should evaluate outcomes and consider whether changes are needed.

Retrospective application of algorithms to improve identification of pregnancy outcomes from the electronic health record.

OBJECTIVE: To improve upon the accuracy of ICD codes for identifying maternal and neonatal outcomes by developing algorithms that incorporate readily available EHR data. STUDY DESIGN: Algorithms were developed for gestational hypertension (GHTN), pre-eclampsia (PreE), gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and were compared to ICD codes and chart review. Accuracy and sensitivity analyses were calculated with their respective 95% confidence limits for each of the comparisons between algorithms, ICD codes alone, and chart review. RESULTS: Sensitivity of GHTN ICD codes was 8.1% vs. 83.8% for the algorithm when compared to chart review. In comparison to chart review, sensitivity of ICD codes for PreE was 7.5% vs. 71.4% for the algorithm. GDM had similar sensitivity rates for both ICD codes and the algorithm. CONCLUSION: Application of algorithms, validated by chart review, enhanced capture of several outcomes. Algorithms should be obligatory adjunct tools to the ICD codes for identification of outcomes of interest.

Outcomes from a labor and delivery team training program with simulation component.

We evaluated the implementation of a labor and delivery unit team training program that included didactic sessions and simulation training with an active clinical unit. Over an 18-month follow-up time period, our team training program showed improvements in patient outcomes as well as in perceptions of patient safety including the dimensions of teamwork and communication.

Body mass index and severe postpartum hemorrhage.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between maternal characteristics and severe postpartum hemorrhage (PPH). METHODS: Medical records of women who delivered at Duke University Hospital between 2001 and 2004 with an ICD-9 code for PPH were reviewed. Women with PPH who received blood component therapy (severe PPH) were selected as cases and compared with controls matched for age, parity and mode of delivery. RESULTS: Among 12,476 deliveries, there were 109 women with severe PPH. Hispanic women had an almost fourfold increase in the odds of severe PPH [OR 3.9 (1.8, 8.7)] that persisted when controlling for other significant predictors of PPH. Women with PPH were almost two times more likely [OR 1.8 (1.1, 3.1)] to have a BMI <30 when controlling for Hispanic ethnicity, oxytocin exposure, labor induction, treatment with magnesium and chorioamnionitis. CONCLUSION: Systemic factors as well as obstetrical factors modify the risk of severe PPH. Hispanic women and women with a BMI <30 are more likely to have severe PPH. When mode of delivery is controlled for, BMI ≥30 is associated with a reduced risk of severe PPH.

Comparison of different methods of patient education on preeclampsia: a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Preeclampsia is a life-threatening condition unique to pregnancy that contributes to maternal mortality worldwide. Delays in diagnosis and treatment are contributing factors for most maternal deaths from preeclampsia. Patients who are educated and knowledgeable regarding this disease process may present earlier for care. OBJECTIVE: To assess whether two different visual aids are effective methods to educate patients about preeclampsia, and to evaluate the potential impact of these visual aids on patient anxiety. STUDY DESIGN: Primigravid participants at a tertiary care center were given a survey regarding preeclampsia knowledge 18-25 weeks gestation. Participants were then randomized to preeclampsia education with a graphic card, an educational video, or through routine prenatal care. Participants completed the survey again at 32-37 weeks gestation. We compared the follow-up preeclampsia knowledge score for each type of education as well as the level of anxiety after viewing the video or graphic card. RESULTS: Recruitment began 9 May 2016 and ceased 18 January 2017. A total of 179 patients were randomized and 150 participants completed the study, with 56 shown the graphic card, 45 shown the educational video, and 49 who had only routine prenatal counseling. The remaining 28 patients were lost to follow up and 1 was withdrawn. There was no significant difference in preeclampsia knowledge score at follow-up. There was no significant difference in anxiety score before and after viewing either educational tool for those randomized to either the graphic card (p = .64) or the video (p = .63). CONCLUSIONS: There is no additional improvement of patient knowledge retention when patients receive education with a graphic card versus an educational video over routine prenatal counseling. Patient anxiety does not appear to be impacted by preeclampsia education with a graphic card or an educational video.

A retrospective review of pregnancy outcomes in women with uncomplicated mild to moderate chronic hypertension.

OBJECTIVE: To examine pregnancy complications in women with uncomplicated mild-moderate chronic hypertension (CHTN) treated with antihypertensives prior to 20 weeks compared to those not on antihypertensives. STUDY DESIGN: This retrospective cohort study examined singleton pregnancies of women with mild-moderate CHTN who delivered from 01/2014-3/2019. Pregnancies complicated by hypertension at ≥ 20 weeks, end organ damage, preexisting diabetes mellitus, early-onset gestational diabetes, multifetal gestation, and fetal anomalies were excluded. Adjusted logistic regression analyses were performed for each of the outcomes. Adjusted odds ratios (aOR) were reported along with associated 95% confidence intervals (CI) and p-values. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Primary outcome was superimposed preeclampsia with severe features. Additional maternal outcomes were superimposed preeclampsia without severe features, severe hypertension, indicated preterm delivery, placental abruption, and mode of delivery. Neonatal outcomes included composite perinatal outcomes (fetal growth restriction, intrauterine fetal demise, and small for gestational age neonate), low birth weight, very low birth weight, admission to the neonatal intensive care unit, and Apgar score <7 at 5-minutes. RESULTS: 345 women were identified: 232 (67.2%) were not taking antihypertensives and 113 (32.8%) were taking ≥1 antihypertensive. There was no significant difference in the primary outcome (p = 0.65; aOR = 0.88; 95% CI 0.51-1.52) among the group taking antihypertensive therapy as compared to those not taking antihypertensives. No statistically significant differences were seen for any of the other secondary maternal or neonatal outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: Our data supports that the use of antihypertensive therapy in women with mild-moderate CHTN does not reduce the risk of developing superimposed preeclampsia.

Performance of a Multianalyte 'Rule-Out' Assay in Pregnant Individuals With Suspected Preeclampsia.

BACKGROUND: The ability to diagnose preeclampsia clinically is suboptimal. Our objective was to validate a novel multianalyte assay and characterize its performance, when intended for use as an aid to rule-out preeclampsia. METHODS: Prospective, multicenter cohort study of pregnant individuals presenting between 280/7 and 366/7 weeks' with preeclampsia-associated signs and symptoms. Individuals not diagnosed with preeclampsia after baseline evaluation were enrolled in the study cohort, with those who later developed preeclampsia, classified as cases and compared with a negative control group who did not develop preeclampsia. Individuals with assay values at time of enrollment ≥0.0325, determined using a previously developed algorithm, considered at risk. The primary analysis was the time to develop preeclampsia assessed using a multivariate Cox regression model. RESULTS: One thousand thirty-six pregnant individuals were enrolled in the study cohort with an incidence of preeclampsia of 30.3% (27.6%-33.2%). The time to develop preeclampsia was shorter for those with an at-risk compared with negative assay result (log-rank P<0.0001; adjusted hazard ratio of 4.81 [3.69-6.27, P<0.0001]). The performance metrics for the assay to rule-out preeclampsia within 7 days of enrollment showed a sensitivity 76.4% (67.5%-83.5%), negative predictive value 95.0% (92.8%-96.6%), and negative likelihood ratio 0.46 (0.32-0.65). Assay performance improved if delivery occurred <37 weeks and for individuals enrolled between 28 and 35 weeks. CONCLUSIONS: We confirmed that a novel multianalyte assay was associated with the time to develop preeclampsia and has a moderate sensitivity and negative likelihood ratio but high negative predictive value when assessed as an aid to rule out preeclampsia within 7 days of enrollment. REGISTRATION: The study was registered on Clinicaltrials.gov (Identifier NCT02780414).

Oxytocin exposure during labor among women with postpartum hemorrhage secondary to uterine atony.

OBJECTIVE: We sought to determine if women with severe postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) secondary to uterine atony received greater amounts of oxytocin during labor compared to women without PPH. STUDY DESIGN: Subjects with severe PPH secondary to uterine atony, who received a blood transfusion, were compared to matched controls. Total oxytocin exposure was calculated as the area under the concentration curve (mU/min*min). Variables were compared using paired t test, χ², and logistic regression. RESULTS: Women with severe PPH had a mean oxytocin area under the curve of 10,054 mU compared to 3762 mU in controls (P < .001). After controlling for race, body mass index, admission hematocrit, induction status, magnesium therapy, and chorioamnionitis using logistic regression, oxytocin area under the curve continued to predict severe PPH. CONCLUSION: Women with severe PPH secondary to uterine atony were exposed to significantly more oxytocin during labor compared to matched controls.

Gestational diabetes: evolving diagnostic criteria.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a common complication of pregnancy. There has been controversy and debate about how to optimally diagnose GDM and whether treatment modifies outcomes. We review the current controversies in both the screening and diagnosis of GDM and the benefits of treating GDM. RECENT FINDINGS: Three major studies have been published in the past 2 years that have evaluated these issues. The goal of the Hyperglycemia and Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes (HAPO) study was to determine the level of maternal glycemia at which adverse fetal/neonatal or maternal outcomes are impacted. Rather than a definitive cut-off, the study found that there was a continuous relationship between maternal glycemia and pregnancy outcomes. Two studies evaluated the effect of treating mild GDM on both maternal and neonatal outcomes. Each found a significant benefit with diagnosis and treatment. SUMMARY: Ideally, the results of the HAPO study will bring order to the current international confusion surrounding the diagnosis of GDM. Recently, the International Association of Diabetes and Pregnancy Study Groups recommended new screening criteria for GDM based on the HAPO study. Professional organizations around the world are currently considering these recommendations.

Compliance with group B streptococcus testing prior to labor and delivery.

We tested whether group B streptococcus (GBS) screening is performed as recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and evaluated the need for a rapid GBS test for women with full-term pregnancies. A retrospective cohort analysis at a single, large academic institution was performed. Women who delivered full-term (>37 weeks) infants and had documented prenatal care were included. The primary outcome was documented screening. One hundred sixty-five full-term pregnancies were included; 158 women [95.76%; 95% confidence interval (CI), 92.68 to 98.83%] were screened prior to presentation at labor and delivery. This frequency was significantly greater than the a priori hypothesis of 90% ( P = 0.01). Of the 158 women ever screened, 15 had GBS bacteriuria and 143 had genital culture performed. However, only 118 of the 143 (80.61%; 95% CI, 74.57 to 86.64%) were cultured at the appropriate time as recommended by the CDC (between 35 and 37 weeks). This screening frequency was significantly lower than the a priori hypothesis of 90% ( P < 0.001). Most full-term women presenting to labor and delivery have been screened for GBS. However, screening performed at the appropriate gestational age per CDC recommendations was lower than expected. Rapid GBS testing does not appear to be necessary for this population.

Maternal risk factors associated with persistent placenta previa.

INTRODUCTION: Maternal risk factors associated with placenta previa are well documented in the literature. However, there are limited studies identifying maternal characteristics associated with the persistence of placenta previa. The objective of the study was to determine maternal characteristics associated with the persistent placenta previa. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was conducted in which 705 pregnant women diagnosed with low-lying placenta or placenta previa between 17 and 24 weeks gestation were identified from a single institution between 2003 and 2017. The primary outcome included persistent placenta previa (i.e., persistent placental tissue within 2 cm of the internal os) at or after 36 weeks 0 days. Those with abnormal placentation (e.g., vasa previa, placenta accreta) or delivery prior to 36 weeks 0 days were excluded. Multivariable logistic regression modeling was utilized to determine significant maternal characteristics associated with persistent placenta previa among women diagnosed with either placenta previa or low-lying placenta. RESULTS: Women with a prior cesarean delivery were seven times more likely to have persistent placenta previa (odds ratio, 7.0, 95% confidence interval, 3.7-13.1). A history of intrauterine curettage or evacuation in the setting of placenta previa increases the likelihood of persistent placenta previa almost 3-fold (odds ratio, 2.5, 95% confidence interval, 1.3-5.0). DISCUSSION: To date, our study is the largest, retrospective cohort study assessing maternal risk factors associated with persistent placenta previa; and is the first to detect a statistically significant correlation between a history of intrauterine surgeries and persistent placenta previa.

Obstetricians' knowledge and practices regarding the management of preeclampsia.

Background: Preeclampsia affects over 4% of pregnancies in the United States. Management of preeclampsia is dependent on the severity of the condition and can range from expectant management to early delivery and inpatient observation. After publication of the hypertension in Pregnancy Task Force guidelines in 2013, little is known about their implementation and acceptance by practicing obstetricians and maternal-fetal medicine (MFM) specialists.Objective: To evaluate Obstetricians' knowledge and practices regarding the management of preeclampsia.Methods: A prospective survey was administered to ob-gyns at three different hospital systems in the Northeastern United States to assess practices regarding preeclampsia management and prevention.Results: A total of 87 out of 130 providers completed and returned a questionnaire (66.9% response rate). Providers with a subspecialty in MFM made up 44.3% of the sample. 90.7% of respondents agreed that preeclampsia is a common diagnosis in their practice, while 85% agreed that aspirin is useful for reducing a patient's risk of preeclampsia. 68.8% of providers reported not administering magnesium sulfate in labor to reduce seizure risk in patients with preeclampsia without severe features. Only 5.8% of providers reported using a preeclampsia prediction algorithm, all of whom were MFMs. Providers who specialized in MFM were more likely to prescribe aspirin for preeclampsia prevention in patients with chronic hypertension (26, 74.3% vs. 17, 39.5%, p = .002). MFM specialists were also more likely to counsel patients with abnormal biomarkers on the risk of preeclampsia (23, 69.7% vs. 15, 35.7%, p = .005).Conclusion: Efforts to inform practicing ob-gyns about the best practices for preeclampsia management and prevention have been largely successful, though there are still discrepancies between current recommendations and practice. Differences between general OBGYNs and MFM specialists were also significant with regards to practice. Given the acknowledgement of how common diagnoses of preeclampsia are in respondents' practices, better education and distribution of guidelines on management of preeclampsia is needed.

Intrauterine Vacuum-Induced Hemorrhage-Control Device for Rapid Treatment of Postpartum Hemorrhage.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of an intrauterine vacuum-induced hemorrhage-control device for postpartum hemorrhage treatment. METHODS: A multicenter, prospective, single-arm treatment study of a novel intrauterine device that uses low-level vacuum to induce uterine myometrial contraction to achieve control of abnormal postpartum uterine bleeding and postpartum hemorrhage was undertaken at 12 centers in the United States. The primary effectiveness endpoint was the proportion of participants in whom use of the intrauterine vacuum-induced hemorrhage-control device controlled abnormal bleeding without requiring escalating interventions. The primary safety endpoint was the incidence, severity, and seriousness of device-related adverse events. Secondary outcomes included time to bleeding control, rate of transfusion, and device usability scored by each investigator using the device. RESULTS: Of 107 participants enrolled with primary postpartum hemorrhage or abnormal postpartum uterine bleeding, 106 received any study treatment with the device connected to vacuum, and successful treatment was observed in 94% (100/106, 95% CI 88-98%) of these participants. In those 100 participants, definitive control of abnormal bleeding was reported in a median of 3 minutes (interquartile range 2.0-5.0) after connection to vacuum. Eight adverse events deemed possibly related to the device or procedure were reported, all of which were outlined as risks in the study and all of which resolved with treatment without serious clinical sequelae. Transfusion of 1-3 units of red blood cells was required in 35 participants, and five participants required 4 or more units of red blood cells. The majority of investigators reported the intrauterine vacuum-induced hemorrhage-control device as easy to use (98%) and would recommend it (97%). CONCLUSION: Intrauterine vacuum-induced hemorrhage control may provide a new rapid and effective treatment option for abnormal postpartum uterine bleeding or postpartum hemorrhage, with the potential to prevent severe maternal morbidity and mortality. FUNDING SOURCE: Alydia Health, Inc. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02883673.