Clinic Versus the Operating Room: Determining the Optimal Setting for Dilation and Curettage for Management of First-Trimester Pregnancy Failure.

Introduction There is no clear guidance for the optimal setting for dilation and curettage (D&C) for the management of first-trimester pregnancy failure. Identifying patients at risk of clinically significant blood loss at the time of D&C may inform a provider's decision regarding the setting for the procedure. We aimed to identify risk factors predictive for blood loss of 200mL or greater at the time of D&C. Methods  This is a retrospective cohort study of patients diagnosed with first-trimester pregnancy failure at gestational age less than 11 weeks who underwent surgical management with D&C at a single safety net academic institution between 4/2016 and 4/2021. Patient characteristics and procedural outcomes were abstracted. Women with less than 200mL versus greater than or equal to 200mL blood loss were compared using descriptive statistics, chi-square for categorical variables, and Satterthwaite t-tests for continuous variables. Results A total of 350 patients were identified; 233 met inclusion criteria, and 228 had non-missing outcome data. Mean gestational age was 55 days (SD 9.4). Thirty-one percent (n=70) had estimated blood loss (EBL) ≥200mL. Younger patients (mean 28.7 years vs. 30.9, p=0.038), Latina patients (67.1% vs. 51.9%, p=0.006), patients with higher body mass index (BMI, mean 30.6 vs. 27.3 kg/m2, p=0.006), and patients with pregnancies at greater gestational age (59.5 days vs. 53.6 days, p<0.001) were more likely to have EBL ≥200mL. Additionally, patients with pregnancies dated by ultrasound (34.3% vs. 18.4%, p=0.007), those who underwent D&C in the operating room (81.4% vs. 48.7%, p<0.001), and those who underwent general anesthesia (81.4% vs. 44.3%, p<0.001) were more likely to have EBL ≥200mL. Discussion In this study, patients with EBL ≥200mL at the time of D&C differed significantly from those with EBL<200mL. This information can assist providers in planning the best setting for their patients' procedures.

Patient Adherence to Follow-Up Recommendations Following Cryotherapy for Treatment of High-Grade Cervical Dysplasia.

Objective Determine the rate of patient adherence to follow-up recommendations after cryotherapy for high-grade cervical lesions, and identify patient characteristics associated with adherence to follow-up. Methods This is a retrospective case series from May 2016 to June 2018 of patients who underwent cryotherapy for high-grade dysplasia at a single academic safety-net hospital. Patient demographics and clinical information were abstracted from the electronic medical record. All patients were recommended to follow up with Pap and high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) testing 12 months after their procedure. The primary outcome was patient adherence to these recommendations. Descriptive statistics and statistical testing were utilized to compare adherence by demographic and clinical characteristics. A multivariable logistic model was used to preliminarily look at potential factors associated with increased odds of adherence. We further described the proportion of follow-up testing among those patients who adhered to recommendations. Results One hundred and forty-three patients met the inclusion criteria. The adherence percentage was 60.1% (95% CI: 51.6, 68.2). Only employment was associated with follow-up among demographic variables reviewed (p=0.039). Of those who were adherent with follow-up, 4.7% (4/86) had high-grade findings on follow-up Pap testing, and 56.9% (49/86) had negative cytology and negative HPV testing. Conclusion Adherence to follow-up recommendations for the following cryotherapy for high-grade dysplasia within our system was poor, and demographic factors were generally not associated with adherence to follow-up. Given these findings, cryotherapy should be used with caution.

Quantification of prenatal marijuana use: evaluation of the correlation between self-report, serum, urine and umbilical cord assays among women delivering at two urban Colorado hospitals.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: To estimate during pregnancy correlations between frequency of self-reported use of marijuana and quantified marijuana metabolite in biospecimens including urine, sera and umbilical cord homogenate. DESIGN: Prospective cohort. SETTING: Two urban hospitals in Colorado with legal recreational and medicinal marijuana. PARTICIPANTS: Pregnant women (<16 weeks gestation) self-reporting marijuana use. MEASUREMENTS: Participants completed a written self-report survey and provided biospecimens at <16 weeks gestation (n = 46), 18 to 22 weeks gestation (n = 43), 32 to 36 weeks gestation (n = 39), and delivery (n = 37). Self-reported marijuana use frequency was calculated based on past-month days of use multiplied by number of daily uses. Maternal urine and sera were tested for presence (>5 ng/mL) of 11-nor-9-carboxy-delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC-COOH). Liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry quantified THC-COOH in umbilical cord homogenate (ng/g). Last marijuana use by any measure was recorded to evaluate the time frame over which THC-COOH remains detectable (>0.10 ng/g) in cord. FINDINGS: From December 2017 through May 2019, 51 pregnant women enrolled, and 46 were included in analyses (2 withdrew and 3 had a spontaneous abortion). The majority were normal weight, White or Black race, and insured by Medicaid. At the time of enrollment between 7 to 15 weeks' gestation, 87% had ongoing use by self-report, or positive urine or serum. The majority (33 [66%]) stopped using before delivery. Sera and urine results were strongly correlated with self-reported use frequency (Spearman correlation coefficient [r] range 0.70-0.87 across visits, P < 0.001), and with each other. There was only one positive cord result when use stopped before 22 weeks. Frequency of self-reported marijuana use at delivery had strong correlation with quantified cord THC-COOH (r = 0.80, 95% CI = 0.62-0.89). CONCLUSIONS: Quantified umbilical cord THC-COOH appears to strongly correlate with frequency of maternal marijuana use in the last month of pregnancy. Earlier use can be measured by either quantitative urine or serum assay.

Evaluation of Early Pregnancy Concerns in an Early Pregnancy Unit Compared With an Emergency Department.

OBJECTIVE: To assess total time for evaluation of women with first-trimester pregnancy concerns in an early pregnancy unit compared with an emergency department (ED) within a single safety net hospital system. METHODS: We performed a retrospective cohort study at Denver Health Medical Center from May 1, 2017, to April 30, 2018. All patients who presented to the early pregnancy unit and a random sample of patients who presented to the ED were identified, stratified by month. Patients were eligible if they were aged 12-55 years, hemodynamically stable, in the first trimester with a positive pregnancy test, and without a prior ultrasonogram. Evaluation time was calculated as difference between registration or check-in and the discharge time. We extracted patient demographics, reproductive histories, presenting symptoms, diagnosis, and management plans at time of discharge from the electronic medical record. Descriptive statistics and multivariate analyses were performed. Lastly, a preliminary analysis of total charges was conducted. RESULTS: Of 250 patients originally identified, 165 met inclusion criteria (79 from the early pregnancy unit and 86 from the ED). There was no statistical difference in race, ethnicity, or insurance type between groups. Median evaluation time was significantly reduced in the early pregnancy unit compared with the ED (45 minutes [interquartile range 31-61] vs 236 minutes [interquartile range 173-307], respectively, P<.001). After adjusting for patient characteristics and clinical presentation, the average total evaluation time among patients in the early pregnancy unit (36 minutes) was 80% lower compared with patients in the ED (180 minutes). Median evaluation charges were significantly less for patients in the early pregnancy unit compared with those in the ED ($586.22 [interquartile range 384.83-757.34] vs $1,350.97 [interquartile range 975.77-3,553.62], respectively, P<.001). CONCLUSION: Time and charges for evaluation of women with first-trimester pregnancy concerns were significantly lower in an early pregnancy unit compared with an ED. Early pregnancy units should be considered as an alternative care model for patients in the first trimester of pregnancy in the United States.

Impact of Marijuana Legalization on Prevalence of Maternal Marijuana Use and Perinatal Outcomes.

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to assess whether marijuana legalization was associated with a difference in prevalence of prenatal use or an increase in incidence of adverse perinatal outcomes. STUDY DESIGN: The present study is a retrospective cohort of September and October deliveries in the years 2012 through 2015 at a tertiary center in Colorado. Primary outcome of the study was use of marijuana, defined by self-report or biodetection. Secondary outcomes of the study included growth restriction, spontaneous preterm birth, stillbirth, preeclampsia, and neonatal or maternal death. Marijuana use prevalence was compared by year, and secondary outcomes between two periods, before and after the opening of the first recreational dispensary. RESULTS: A total of 2,392 pregnant women were included (1,165 before legalization and 1,227 after). More women used marijuana over the period of legalization (trend p = 0.01). Odds of marijuana use were higher after legalization versus before (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 1.8, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.2-2.6). Incidence of growth restriction was higher after legalization (2.9 vs. 5.1%, p = 0.0084). This difference persisted after adjustment for ethnicity and other drugs in multivariable modeling (aOR = 1.9, 95%CI: 1.2-3.0). CONCLUSION: The prevalence of prenatal marijuana use increased over the time of legalization. Further investigation into the population impact of legalization on obstetrical outcomes is warranted given the observed increase in growth restriction.

Marijuana Use in Pregnancy: An Updated Look at Marijuana Use and Its Impact on Pregnancy.

This article aims to provide an updated look at the use of marijuana in the United States and its impact on pregnancy. First, the prevalence of marijuana use is examined, including use both in and outside of pregnancy. The literature surrounding attitudes and beliefs with regard to use in pregnancy is reviewed. The impact on pregnancy outcomes is reviewed along with the evidence of marijuana's impact on neural development of the fetus. Finally, clinical considerations for providers are discussed.

An Early Pregnancy Unit in the United States: An Effective Method for Evaluating First-Trimester Pregnancy Complications.

In the United Kingdom, early pregnancy assessment clinics have existed since the early 1990s and have become the reference standard for evaluating and treating women with first-trimester pregnancy complications. These units have now been established in many countries and have been found to be effective and efficient, saving money and unnecessary emergency department visits and hospital admissions. To our knowledge, no such model has been described in the United States. A PubMed search using a combination of "early pregnancy unit," "early pregnancy assessment clinic," and "United States," "U.S.," and "America" on May 14, 2017, yielded no results. Denver Health, a safety net hospital in Denver, Colorado, has established the first known early pregnancy unit in the United States. Patients with positive urine pregnancy test results who are in their first trimester by best estimation, have not had a prior ultrasound examination, and present to their primary care providers with pain, bleeding, history of an ectopic pregnancy, history of a tubal ligation, or conception with an intrauterine device in place are eligible to be evaluated in the early pregnancy unit. This article describes our clinical setup, methods, and findings in the first 2 years of the unit's inception with the intention of serving as a model for the establishment of more early pregnancy units throughout the United States.

Frequency of Adequate Endometrial Biopsy in Evaluation of Postmenopausal Women With Benign Endometrial Cells on Pap Test.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to determine the frequency that endometrial biopsies (EMBs) performed on postmenopausal (PMP) women with benign endometrial cells (BECs) on Pap test are adequate for assessing malignancy or hyperplasia. METHODS: This is a case series including all PMP women older than 55 years at a single academic institution between January 2008 and September 2015 with a Pap test result including BEC. Patients were identified via an internal cytology database. Patient data, the ability to obtain an EMB, and the result of the EMB were collected. An adequate EMB was defined as the presence of glands and stroma sufficient to assess for endometrial hyperplasia and/or malignancy. Descriptive statistics were performed, and then univariable and logistic regression analyses were used to evaluate associations of patient factors and adequacy of EMB. RESULTS: One hundred sixteen women met inclusion criteria. One hundred seven had an EMB scheduled (92%) and of those 91 EMBs were obtained (85%). Of the obtained biopsies, 63 were inadequate to rule out the diagnosis of hyperplasia and/or malignancy (69%). Of these, 19 patients underwent pelvic ultrasound (30%), 12 followed up with repeat Pap test (19%), and 4 underwent dilation and curettage (6%). Of the adequate biopsies, 5 had a diagnosis of hyperplasia (18%) and 5 with malignancy (18%). CONCLUSIONS: In PMP women with BEC on Pap test, adequate EMB was only obtained in 31% of patients. Most patients without an adequate biopsy had no further workup of their abnormal Pap test.

A Novel Abdominal Hysterectomy Simulator and Its Impact on Obstetrics and Gynecology Residents' Surgical Confidence.

Introduction: The number of abdominal hysterectomies (AHs) performed by OB/GYN residents has decreased dramatically. Thus, there is a need for simulation training to complement operating room experience. Methods: A low-fidelity AH simulator was constructed from craft-store supplies costing less than $40. OB/GYN residents in a single academic program completed the simulation between July and September of 2015. The 1-hour simulation experience included a pretest, a 5-minute presentation, the simulation, and a posttest. On the pre- and posttests, participants rated their confidence with the steps of AH as not at all, somewhat, or very confident. Results: Eighty-six percent (32 of 37) of possible residents completed the session, with even representation from all levels of training (nine PGY 1, seven PGY 2, eight PGY 3, and eight 8 PGY 4 residents). Knowledge of the steps of the procedure and instrumentation improved for all levels of trainees (p < .001). One hundred percent (16 out of 16) of the PGY 1 and PGY 2 residents rated their confidence as increased afterwards, while only 25% (four out of 16) of the PGY 3 and PGY 4 residents did so. Ninety-four percent (30 out of 32) rated the session as very helpful on a scale of not at all, somewhat, or very helpful. Discussion: A low-fidelity, low-cost simulator showed an increase in trainee confidence with AH, particularly in the first- and second-year trainees. Nearly all participants found the exercise helpful, suggesting that it may be beneficial to incorporate into OB/GYN training programs nationwide.

Lack of Agreement Between Endocervical Brush and Endocervical Curettage in Women Undergoing Repeat Endocervical Sampling.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate agreement between an abnormal endocervical brush (ECB) collected at the time of colposcopy and subsequent endocervical curettage (ECC). METHODS: All women evaluated for lower genital tract disease at a single academic institution were prospectively entered into a database. The database was queried for those who had a colposcopic exam with ECB between April 1, 2013, and June 15, 2015, and who subsequently returned for an ECC to further evaluate eligibility for expectant management or ablative therapy. ECB and ECC results were divided into 2 groups: "low-grade" included low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (LSIL) or atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance, and "high-grade" included high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (HSIL) or atypical squamous cells-cannot exclude high-grade. Women with atypical glandular cells and unsatisfactory ECB results were excluded. Percent agreement between ECB and ECC was calculated based on these categories. RESULTS: Seventy-nine women were included: 54 (68%) had a low-grade ECB, and 25 (32%) had a high-grade ECB. Of those who had a low-grade ECB, 4 had a low-grade ECC, 3 had a high-grade ECC, and 47 were negative, resulting in an agreement of 7.4% (4/54). Of those who had a high-grade ECB, 1 had a low-grade ECC, 4 had a high-grade ECC, and 20 were negative, resulting in 16% (4/25) agreement. CONCLUSIONS: Our data suggest that there is poor agreement between ECC and ECB in our patient population.

Marijuana use in pregnancy and lactation: a review of the evidence.

With the legalization of recreational marijuana in many states, we anticipate more women will be using and self-reporting marijuana use in pregnancy. Marijuana is the most common illicit drug used in pregnancy, with a prevalence of use ranging from 3% to 30% in various populations. Marijuana freely crosses the placenta and is found in breast milk. It may have adverse effects on both perinatal outcomes and fetal neurodevelopment. Specifically, marijuana may be associated with fetal growth restriction, stillbirth, and preterm birth. However, data are far from uniform regarding adverse perinatal outcomes. Existing studies are plagued by confounding by tobacco and other drug exposures as well as sociodemographic factors. In addition, there is a lack of quantification of marijuana exposure by the trimester of use and a lack of corroboration of maternal self-report with biological sampling, which contributes to the heterogeneity of study results. There is an emerging body of evidence indicating that marijuana may cause problems with neurological development, resulting in hyperactivity, poor cognitive function, and changes in dopaminergic receptors. In addition, contemporary marijuana products have higher quantities of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol than in the 1980s when much of the marijuana research was completed. The effects on the pregnancy and fetus may therefore be different than those previously seen. Further research is needed to provide evidence-based counseling of women regarding the anticipated outcomes of marijuana use in pregnancy. In the meantime, women should be advised not to use marijuana in pregnancy or while lactating.

Cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome: a cause of refractory nausea and vomiting in pregnancy.

BACKGROUND: Cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome is a condition present among chronic cannabis users resulting in abdominal pain, intractable nausea and vomiting, and compulsive bathing behaviors. Given the recent legalization of marijuana in certain areas of the United States, the incidence of this condition may increase among pregnant women. CASE: We report the case of a pregnant 28-year-old woman with multiple admissions for episodic nausea and vomiting resulting in Mallory-Weiss esophageal tears, dehydration, and abdominal pain who was noted to be showering compulsively during her hospitalizations. After an extensive workup for the etiology of her intractable nausea and pain, she was diagnosed with cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome, which is treated simply with abstinence from marijuana use. CONCLUSION: Cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome should be considered in pregnant women with intractable nausea relieved by frequent hot bathing. By considering this diagnosis, extensive diagnostic testing can be avoided and the correct therapy, abstaining from cannabis use, can be recommended.