Identifying cardiovascular severe maternal morbidity in epidemiologic studies.

BACKGROUND: Cardiovascular severe maternal morbidity (CSMM) is rising and has become the leading cause of maternal mortality. Research using administrative data sets may allow for better understanding of this critical group of diseases. OBJECTIVE: To validate a composite variable of CSMM for use in epidemiologic studies. METHODS: We analysed delivery hospitalisations at an obstetric teaching hospital from 2007 to 2017. We utilised a subset of indicators developed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention based on ICD codes to form the composite variable for CSMM. Two expert clinicians manually reviewed all qualifying events using a standardised tool to determine whether these represented true CSMM events. Additionally, we estimated the number of CSMM cases among delivery hospitalisations without qualifying ICD codes by manually reviewing all hospitalisations with severe preeclampsia, a population at high risk of CSMM, and a random sample of 1000 hospitalisations without severe preeclampsia. We estimated validity of the composite variable. RESULTS: Among 91 355 admissions for delivery, we captured 113 potential CSMM cases using qualifying ICD codes. Of these, 65 (57.5%) were true CSMM cases. Indicators for acute myocardial infarction, cardiac arrest, and cardioversion had the highest true-positive rates (100% for all). We found an additional 70 CSMM cases in the 2102 admissions with severe preeclampsia and a single CSMM case in the random sample. Assuming a rate of 1 CSMM case per 1000 deliveries in the remaining cohort, the composite variable had a positive predictive value of 57.5% (95% CI 47,9, 66.8), a negative predictive value of 99.8% (95% CI 99.8, 99.9), a sensitivity of 29.0% (95% CI 23.2, 35.4), and a specificity of 100% (95% CI 99.9, 100.0). CONCLUSION: A novel composite variable for CSMM had reasonable PPV but limited sensitivity. This composite variable may enable epidemiologic studies geared towards reducing maternal morbidity and mortality.

Sepsis in Pregnancy: Identification and Management.

Sepsis accounts for up to 28% of all maternal deaths. Prompt, appropriate treatment improves maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality. To date, there are no validated tools for identification of sepsis in pregnant women, and tools used in the general population tend to overestimate mortality. Once identified, management of pregnancy-associated sepsis is goal-directed, but because of the lack of studies of sepsis management in pregnancy, it must be assumed that modifications need to be made on the basis of the physiologic changes of pregnancy. Key to management is early fluid resuscitation and early initiation of appropriate antimicrobial therapy directed toward the likely source of infection or, if the source is unknown, empiric broad-spectrum therapy. Efforts directed at identifying the source of infection and appropriate source control measures are critical. Development of an illness severity scoring system and treatment algorithms validated in pregnant women needs to be a research priority.

Feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary effects of mindfulness training on antenatal blood pressure.

BACKGROUND: Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) are one of the greatest causes of perinatal morbidity and mortality. Mindfulness training (MT) significantly reduces blood pressure in non-pregnant adults, yet MT has not been tested to reduce blood pressure in the prenatal period. OBJECTIVES: The objectives of this pilot randomized clinical trial were to test the feasibility, acceptability, and effects of MT on rates of HDP among pregnant participants at risk for HDP. Exploratory analyses examined effects of MT on antenatal blood pressure. STUDY DESIGN: Participants were randomized to an 8-week phone-delivered MT intervention or usual care. Feasibility was defined by MT completion. Acceptability was defined by participants' satisfaction with the intervention. HDP outcomes were collected by medical chart review. Antenatal blood pressure values were extracted from medical records. RESULTS: Twenty-nine participants were randomized to phone-based MT (N = 15) or usual care (N = 14). 73% participants completed >5 MT sessions, indicating that MT was feasible. One hundred percent of participants indicated they were "satisfied" or "very satisfied" with the intervention, suggesting the intervention was acceptable. Rates of HDP were lower in the MT vs. usual care condition (9% vs. 29%; OR: 0.25, 95% C.I.: 0.02-2.65) although this did not reach statistical significance. Systolic and diastolic blood pressure levels were significantly lower at follow up among those randomized to MT vs. usual care. CONCLUSIONS: Results from this pilot trial suggest that prenatal MT is feasible and acceptable and may be a useful adjunctive preventative treatment for HDP among at-risk pregnant patients. CLINICALTRIALS: gov identifier is NCT03679117.

Association between sleep disordered breathing in early pregnancy and glucose metabolism.

STUDY OBJECTIVES: To examine the association between maternal sleep disordered breathing (SDB) and glucose metabolism in early gestation. METHODS: Women with body mass index (BMI) ≥27 kg/m2 and singleton pregnancies underwent in-home sleep study (HSAT) and homeostatic model assessment (HOMA) in early pregnancy. Insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) and ß-cell function (HOMA %B) were derived. Exclusion criteria included pregestational diabetes, use of continuous positive airway pressure and chronic steroid therapy. We performed linear regression analyses to evaluate the association between continuous measures of SDB (respiratory event index (REI), and oxygen desaturation index (ODI)) and glucose metabolism parameters (HOMA-IR and HOMA %B). Analyses were adjusted for a set of a priori selected variables which included gestational age, maternal age, BMI, ethnicity, race, and parity. RESULTS: One hundred and ninety-two pregnant women with median (interquartile range) BMI of 35.14 (8.30) kg/m2 underwent HSAT and HOMA assessment at 11.14 (3) and 15.35 (4.14) gestational weeks, respectively. REI and ODI, as continuous values, were associated with HOMA-IR after adjusting for covariates. OSA (obstructive sleep apnea) diagnosis (REI > 5 events per hour) was not associated with HOMA-IR after adjusting for BMI (p ≥ 0.05). None of the parameters were associated with HOMA %B (p > 0.07). CONCLUSIONS: SDB and insulin resistance are associated in early pregnancy, with a dose response association between respiratory event index severity and insulin resistance. Further studies are needed to establish if pregnant women with overweight and obesity may benefit from early SDB screening to improve glucose metabolic outcome. Clinical trials: NCT02412696, Positive Airway Pressure, Sleep Apnea, and the Placenta (PAP-SAP) https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02412696?term=Bourjeily&draw=2&rank=2 and NCT02917876, Predictors of De-novo Development of Obstructive Sleep Apnea in Pregnancy (Predictors) https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02917876?term=Bourjeily&draw=2&rank=1.

Development and Internal Validation of a Risk Prediction Model for Acute Cardiovascular Morbidity in Preeclampsia.

BACKGROUND: Women with preeclampsia are at increased short-term risk of adverse cardiovascular outcomes during pregnancy and the early postpartum period. We aimed to develop and internally validate a risk assessment tool to predict acute cardiovascular morbidity in preeclampsia. METHODS: The study was conducted at an academic obstetrics hospital. Participants with preeclampsia at delivery from 2007 to 2017 were included. A model to predict acute cardiovascular morbidity at delivery and within 6 weeks after delivery was developed and evaluated. The primary composite outcome included pulmonary edema/acute heart failure, myocardial infarction, aneurysm, cardiac arrest/ventricular fibrillation, heart failure/arrest during surgery or procedure, cerebrovascular disorders, cardiogenic shock, conversion of cardiac rhythm, and difficult-to-control severe hypertension. We assessed model discrimination and calibration. We used bootstrapping for internal validation. RESULTS: A total of 4171 participants with preeclampsia were included. The final model comprised 8 variables. Predictors positively associated with acute cardiovascular morbidity (presented as odds ratio with 95% confidence interval) were: gestational age at delivery (20-36 weeks: 5.36 [3.67-7.82]; 37-38 weeks: 1.75 [1.16-2.64]), maternal age (≥ 40 years: 1.65 [1.00-2.72]; 35-39 years: 1.49 [1.07-2.09]), and previous caesarean delivery (1.47 [1.01-2.13]). The model had an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.72 (95% CI 0.69-0.74). Moreover, it was adequately calibrated and performed well on internal validation. CONCLUSIONS: This risk prediction tool identified women with preeclampsia at highest risk of acute cardiovascular morbidity. If externally validated, this tool may facilitate early interventions aimed at preventing adverse cardiovascular outcomes in pregnancy and postpartum.

Wernicke's encephalopathy: An uncommon complication from hyperemesis gravidarum.

Hyperemesis gravidarum is a complication of pregnancy associated with severe nausea and vomiting that can lead to fluid-electrolyte imbalances and nutritional deficiencies. Wernicke's encephalopathy is a neurologic manifestation of acute thiamine (vitamin B1) deficiency. We describe a case of hyperemesis gravidarum presenting with gait ataxia and nystagmus which led to a diagnosis of Wernicke's encephalopathy.

Sleep Pharmacotherapy for Common Sleep Disorders in Pregnancy and Lactation.

Sleep disturbances are common in pregnancy, and sleep disorders may worsen or present de novo in the course of gestation. Managing a pregnant patient is complicated by the risk of teratogenicity, pharmacokinetic changes, and the dynamic nature of pregnancy. Although nonpharmacologic interventions are likely safest, they are often ineffective, and a patient is left dealing with frustrations of the sleep disturbance, as well as the negative outcomes of poor sleep in pregnancy. As with any other condition in pregnancy, management requires an understanding of pregnancy physiology, knowledge of the impact of a given condition on pregnancy or fetal and neonatal outcomes, and an ability to weigh the risk of the exposure to an untreated, or poorly treated condition, against the risk of a given drug. In partnership with the pregnant patient or couple, options for therapy should be reviewed in the context of the impact of the condition on pregnancy and offspring outcomes, while understanding that data (positive or negative) on the impact of therapy on perinatal outcomes are lacking. This article reviews the epidemiology of sleep disorders in pregnancy, general principles of prescribing in pregnancy and lactation, and safety surrounding therapeutic options in pregnancy.

Why Not a Podcast? Assessing Narrative Audio and Written Curricula in Obstetrical Neurology.

BACKGROUND: Medical podcasts have the potential to educate residents and fellows in specialized or uncommon disciplines, but the acceptability and benefits of educational podcasts are unclear. OBJECTIVE: We compared knowledge acquisition and engagement of audio-only (podcast) versus written curricular formats and assessed podcast feasibility and uptake for teaching obstetrical neurology to residents and fellows. METHODS: Key concepts in obstetrical neurology were developed into parallel case-based modules: written reviews and podcasts interwove patient and expert voices with narration. In 2017, we tested this curriculum among 60 volunteer residents and fellows in obstetrics and gynecology, neurology, emergency medicine, internal medicine, and family medicine training programs at a single institution. Participants took content-based pretests, were randomized, and then completed written (n = 32) or podcast (n = 28) modules, and finally, completed posttests and feedback questionnaires. RESULTS: Among all participants, there was an increase in immediate posttest scores compared with pretest scores (46 of 60, 77% ± 17% pretest versus 56 of 60, 93% ± 10% posttest, P < .05), with participants in the podcast and written groups performing equally well. However, listeners rated the podcasts somewhat higher than written materials in the areas of maintaining interest, enjoyability, entertaining, and desire for wider use. CONCLUSIONS: Written and podcast curricula improved immediate knowledge similarly, but the narrative-style podcasts were perceived as more enjoyable by residents and fellows from several specialties, suggesting narrative podcasting can be an engaging and feasible educational alternative for trainees to acquire information.

Sensitivity and Specificity of B-Type Natriuretic Peptide in Diagnosing Heart Failure in Pregnancy.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the performance of B-type natriuretic peptide as a diagnostic tool for heart failure in pregnant or postpartum women with singleton gestations. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective study of diagnostic accuracy. We identified pregnant and postpartum women with B-type natriuretic peptide and echocardiography performed at an obstetric teaching hospital from 2007 to 2018. Women with known cardiac disease or multiple gestation were excluded. A panel of two cardiovascular disease experts, blinded to B-type natriuretic peptide values, determined the diagnosis of heart failure by consensus. Their judgement was based on detailed clinical features and parameters at the time of presentation with suspected heart failure. Where consensus could not be reached, differences were adjudicated by a third expert. A receiver operating characteristic curve estimated the sensitivity, specificity, positive likelihood ratio, and negative likelihood ratio of B-type natriuretic peptide at various thresholds. RESULTS: In total, 22 pregnant and 38 postpartum women were included in the cohort. Average age was 32±6.8 years. The most common clinical features at the time of presentation with suspected heart failure included preeclampsia (33/60, 55%), dyspnea (50/60, 83%), chest discomfort (34/60, 58%), and bilateral lower extremity edema (32/60, 53%). In total, 39 (65%) women had heart failure. The median B-type natriuretic peptide level was 326 pg/mL (interquartile range 200.5-390.5) in women with heart failure, as compared with 75.5 pg/mL (interquartile range 19-245) in women without heart failure (P<.01). The estimated optimal B-type natriuretic peptide cutoff was 111 (95% CI 78-291) pg/mL. Using this threshold, 45 (75%) women had an elevated B-type natriuretic peptide, which yielded a 95% sensitivity (95% CI 83-99), 62% specificity (95% CI 38-82), a positive likelihood ratio of 2.5 (95% CI 1.4-4.3), and a negative likelihood ratio of 0.1 (95% CI 0.0-0.3) for heart failure. CONCLUSIONS: B-type natriuretic peptide is a useful clinical tool to evaluate pregnant and postpartum women with suspected heart failure.

Follow-up and management of recurrent pregnancy losses due to massive perivillous fibrinoid deposition.

Massive perivillous fibrinoid deposition is a rare placental pathology associated with significant adverse pregnancy outcome and can recur. We provide a detailed case review of a woman through 10 of her pregnancies, including 8 consecutive pregnancy losses and 2 live births. We also conducted a retrospective chart review of all massive perivillous fibrinoid deposition placenta specimens at our institution over an eight-year period. A total of 42 cases of massive perivillous fibrinoid deposition were identified from 2007 to 2015, yielding an incidence of 0.16%. Recurrence was seen in subsequent pregnancy in eight out of nine (88.9%) cases with more than one specimen. The clinical characteristics, perinatal outcomes and α-feto protein level of the 42 cases are presented. Also, presented is a review of the literature discussing placental pathology, pathogenetic mechanisms and management of this condition.

Fontan circulation and implications for future reproduction.

This article summarizes and critiques four recent publications looking at preconception counseling, pregnancy outcomes, and cardiac complications in women with history of Fontan circulation. The Fontan procedure is a palliative strategy for single-ventricle type congenital heart disease and involves passive flow of venous return into the pulmonary circulation, bypassing the ventricles. Pregnancy in these patients is not without risk and preconception counseling and contraception practices vary widely. High rates of miscarriage, prematurity, and small-for-gestational-age babies are reported. Cardiac complications include mainly arrhythmias. Whether long-term prognosis in these patients is affected by pregnancy is not yet known.

Peripartum depression: Early recognition improves outcomes.

Depression is highly prevalent in women of childbearing age, especially during the postpartum period. Early recognition and treatment improve outcomes for mother, developing fetus, and infant. Caution is warranted when prescribing antidepressants to pregnant and breastfeeding mothers, but evidence is mounting that the risks of untreated maternal depression outweigh those of pharmacologic treatment for it.

Moyamoya disease in pregnancy and delivery planning: A case series and literature review.

Moyamoya disease is a rare condition characterized by stenosis or occlusion of the intracranial internal carotid arteries leading to the development of fragile collateral vessels. Disruption of these vessels can lead to both ischemic and hemorrhagic strokes. As such, these patients are sensitive to changes in intracranial pressure and pose a challenge in pregnancy and delivery planning. Two cases of a parturients with moyamoya disease are presented, and the literature regarding safe method of delivery in similar patients is reviewed. The available evidence suggests that adequate anesthesia, and maintenance of hemodynamic status, takes precedence over the exact method of delivery in these patients. Cesarean delivery under epidural anesthesia can be a safe option for parturients with moyamoya disease, but an uncomplicated vaginal delivery, most often assisted with either vacuum or forceps, has also been frequently reported.

Skin disease in pregnancy: The approach of the obstetric medicine physician.

This review presents the approach of the obstetric medicine physician to skin disease in pregnancy. It elaborates on common skin-related problems during gestation, such as pruritus, with or without eruption, and drug eruptions. An algorithmic approach to the differential diagnosis of pruritus in pregnancy is outlined. Also, the review focuses on how to diagnose promptly endocrinopathies presenting with skin manifestations in pregnancy, such as Addison disease, diabetes, and hyperthyroidism. The prompt diagnosis of endocrine disorders can help to optimize management and improve outcomes. Finally, the authors outline their approach to minimizing maternal and fetal risks associated with skin disease. The risks associated with obstetric cholestasis, pemphigoid gestationis, and impetigo herpetiformis are discussed. Prompt diagnosis helps to minimize the serious risks associated with certain infections. Preconception counseling and a multidisciplinary approach are crucial to preventing risks associated with rheumatic skin disease and genodermatoses. Challenging, real-life obstetric medicine cases are discussed.

Respiratory disease in pregnancy.

Many physiological and anatomical changes of pregnancy affect the respiratory system. These changes often affect the presentation and management of the various respiratory illnesses in pregnancy. This article focuses on several important respiratory issues in pregnancy. The management of asthma, one of the most common chronic illnesses in pregnancy, remains largely unchanged compared to the nonpregnant state. Infectious respiratory illness, including pneumonia and tuberculosis, are similarly managed in pregnancy with antibiotics, although special attention may be needed for antibiotic choices with more pregnancy safety data. When mechanical ventilation is necessary, consideration should be given to the maternal hemodynamics of pregnancy and fetal oxygenation. Maintaining maternal oxygen saturation above 95% is recommended to sustain optimal fetal oxygenation. Cigarette smoking has known risks in pregnancy, and current practice guidelines recommend offering cognitive and pharmacologic interventions to pregnant women to assist in smoking cessation.

Prescribing for the pregnant patient.

Prescribing in pregnancy can be challenging for providers facing insufficient information about drug safety, overestimation of the risk of medications by both the patient and the care provider, and increasing litigation costs. This article provides key concepts to consider when prescribing for a pregnant patient and offers practical advice for choosing the safest possible drug treatments.

Pharmacotherapy in pregnancy and lactation.

Prescribing for patients who are pregnant and breastfeeding can be a challenge for clinicians facing insufficient information regarding medication safety, overestimation of perceived risk of medication both by patients and care providers, and increasing litigation costs. This article aims to guide the clinician in choosing the safest and most effective strategy when prescribing medications to patients who are pregnant and breastfeeding.