Assessing reVITALize: Should the Definition of Postpartum Hemorrhage Differ by Mode of Delivery?

Background Obstetrical hemorrhage is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality, yet is inconsistently defined. In 2014, the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) reVITALize program redefined postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) as greater than 1,000 mL blood loss regardless of the mode of delivery (MOD). Objective We sought to assess the reVITALize definition's validity by understanding whether the definition of PPH should, as proposed by ACOG, be one value regardless of MOD. Study Design This is a retrospective study of all women who delivered at the hospital of the University of Pennsylvania from October 15, 2013 through December 15, 2013. Results A total of 592 of the 626 (95%) women were included. The average reported estimated blood loss (EBL) for vaginal delivery (VD) was significantly lower than for cesarean delivery (CD) ([350 ±170 mL) and [880 ± 360 mL]; p < 0.001). The average hemoglobin (Hb) drop was only slightly lower for VD compared with CD ([1.4 ± 1.0 g/dL {11.5% drop}] and [1.9 ± 1.2 g/dL {16.2% drop}], respectively, p < 0.001). The association between EBL and observed Hb drop differed in accuracy by MOD. Conclusion Likely based on historic perceptions, obstetric providers estimate blood loss for VD as less than half that of CD. However, using objective measures, blood loss is more similar than perceived between VD and CD, supporting the ACOG reVITALize single definition of PPH regardless of MOD.

Patient characteristics associated with 17-alpha hydroxyprogesterone caproate use among a high-risk cohort.

BACKGROUND: Preterm birth (PTB) remains a significant cause of neonatal morbidity and mortality. Women with a prior PTB are at risk for recurrent PTB. Treatment with 17-alpha hydroxyprogesterone caproate (17OHP-C) has become standard of care for women with prior PTB to help reduce this risk. Factors that affect a woman's decision to use this medication are largely unknown. OBJECTIVE: The objective of our study was to investigate patient-level barriers to 17OHP-C. We studied a cohort of women eligible for 17OHP-C with the hypothesis that 17OHP-C is underutilized and certain patient characteristics, such as obstetrical history, influence its use. STUDY DESIGN: A cross-sectional study of all women seen at a specialty prematurity clinic from 2009 through 2013 was performed. Women with a singleton pregnancy were included if they had a prior spontaneous PTB (sPTB). The χ(2) tests were performed for univariate analyses. Multivariable logistic regression was used to control for confounders. RESULTS: In all, 243 women had 17OHP-C recommended to them based on obstetrical history. There were 218 women with a pregnancy during our study period that were included in our analysis. A total of 163 (74.7%) had documented 17OHP-C use. Women were more likely to accept 17OHP-C if they had a history of a second-trimester loss only (odds ratio [OR], 2.32; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.17-4.58) or received recommendation for cerclage due to a short cervical length (OR, 4.12; 95% CI, 1.55-10.99). Women with a prior full-term birth were less likely to accept 17OHP-C (OR, 0.48; 95% CI, 0.26-0.89), especially when the prior full-term birth was subsequent rather than prior to the PTB (OR, 0.19; 95% CI, 0.08-0.47). Race, obesity, and insurance status did not impact 17OHP-C use. There was no difference in the rate of sPTB between those who used and did not use 17OHP-C (37.2 vs 34.0%, P = .7). CONCLUSION: Obstetric history impacted 17OHP-C use. This study identifies biases regarding 17OHP-C at the patient level and can be used to develop strategies to increase its use. However, the similarity in the sPTB rate between users and nonusers highlights the importance of identifying specific populations where 17OHP-C is and is not effective in preventing PTB.

Cell-free DNA fetal fraction and preterm birth.

BACKGROUND: Cell-free deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) is increasingly being used to screen for fetal aneuploidy. The majority of fetal cell-free DNA in the maternal blood results from release from the syncytiotrophoblast as a result of cellular apoptosis and necrosis. Elevated levels of fetal cell-free DNA may be indicative of underlying placental dysfunction, which has been associated with preterm birth. Preliminary studies have demonstrated that fetal cell-free DNA is increased in pregnancies complicated by spontaneous preterm birth. There are limited data on the association between fetal cell-free DNA levels and fetal fraction and preterm birth in asymptomatic women in the first and second trimesters. Preliminary studies have failed to find an association between first-trimester cell-free DNA levels and preterm birth, whereas there is conflicting evidence as to whether elevated second-trimester cell-free DNA is associated with a subsequent spontaneous preterm birth clinical event. OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study was to evaluate the association between first- and second-trimester cell-free DNA fetal fraction and preterm birth. STUDY DESIGN: This was a retrospective cohort study of women with singleton pregnancies at increased risk for aneuploidy who had cell-free DNA testing at 10-20 weeks' gestation between October 2011 and May 2014. The cohort was subdivided by gestational age at the time of cell-free DNA testing (10-14 weeks or 14.1-20 weeks). The primary outcome was preterm birth less than 37 weeks' gestation, and the secondary outcomes were preterm birth at less than 34 weeks' gestation and spontaneous preterm birth at less than 37 and 34 weeks' gestation. RESULTS: Among 1349 pregnancies meeting inclusion criteria 119 (8.8 %) had a preterm birth prior to 37 weeks with 49 cases (3.6 %) delivering prior to 34 weeks. Whereas there was no significant association between fetal fraction and the preterm birth outcomes for those who underwent cell-free DNA testing at 10-14 weeks' gestation, there were significant associations among those screened at 14.1-20.0 weeks' gestation. Fetal fraction greater than or equal to the 95th percentile at 14.1-20.0 weeks' gestation was associated with an increased risk for preterm birth less than 37 and 34 weeks' gestation (adjusted odds ratio, 4.59; 95% confidence interval, 1.39-15.2; adjusted odds ratio, 22.0; 95% confidence interval, 5.02-96.9). CONCLUSION: Elevated fetal fraction levels at 14.1-20.0 weeks' gestation were significantly associated with an increased incidence of preterm birth. Our findings warrant future exploration including validation in a larger, general population and investigation of the potential mechanisms that may be responsible for the initiation of preterm labor associated with increased fetal cell-free DNA.

Second-Trimester Sonographic Thymus Measurements Are Not Associated With Preterm Birth and Other Adverse Obstetric Outcomes.

OBJECTIVES: Previous studies have demonstrated an association between adverse obstetric outcomes, such as preterm birth, and in utero inflammation. The fetal thymus, which can be visualized in the anterior mediastinum on obstetric sonography, may involute in response to such inflammation and thus may identify pregnancies at increased risk for these outcomes. We therefore sought to determine whether second-trimester fetal thymus measurements are associated with preterm birth. METHODS: Transabdominal fetal thymus measurements were prospectively obtained in singleton pregnancies at gestational ages of 18 weeks to 23 weeks 6 days during a 5-month period. The transverse and anterorposterior thymus diameters and the thymic-thoracic ratio were measured. Delivery outcomes were collected from our clinical database. The primary outcome was preterm birth, which we defined as delivery between 24 weeks and 36 weeks 6 days. Small for gestational age (SGA) and pregnancy-related hypertension, which are adverse obstetric outcomes that may also be associated with in utero inflammation, were included as secondary outcomes. RESULTS: We included 520 patients with thymus measurements and obstetric outcome data. The prevalence of preterm birth was 12.3% (n = 64). None of the thymus measurements were associated with preterm birth. Similarly, there was no association between thymus measurements and SGA or pregnancy-related hypertension. CONCLUSIONS: Sonographic assessment of the second-trimester fetal thymus did not identify patients at increased risk for preterm birth, SGA, and pregnancy-related hypertension. Routine thymus measurements during the second-trimester anatomic scan are not clinically useful for prediction of preterm birth and other adverse outcomes.

Evaluating the Obstetrical Implications of Antenatal Testing for Women with Morbid Obesity: Maternal and Fetal Outcomes of Increased Surveillance.

Objectives Despite limited data, antenatal testing has been initiated in many institutions for women with morbid obesity given their increased risk of stillbirth. Therefore, our objective was to evaluate the obstetrical implications of antenatal testing in the morbidly obese population. Study Design We performed a retrospective cohort study of women undergoing antenatal testing from January 2011 through December 2012 who delivered at our institution. The exposed group was women undergoing antenatal testing with morbid obesity (body mass index [BMI] ≥ 40 kg/m(2)). This group was subdivided into two groups: group 1, which included women undergoing testing for morbid obesity alone, and group 2, which included women undergoing testing for morbid obesity with an additional medical comorbidity. The unexposed group (group 3) comprised nonmorbidly obese women (BMI < 35 kg/m(2)) undergoing antenatal testing for similar medical comorbidities. Our primary outcomes were induction of labor and gestational age at delivery. Results A total of 512 women met inclusion criteria. Group 1 had a lower induction rate as compared with groups 2 and 3 (22.2, 32.5, and 37.6%, respectively; p = 0.003). Additionally, women delivered at a later gestational age in group 1 (39.3 weeks [38.4-40.2]) compared with groups 2 (38.5 weeks [36.1-40.3]) or 3 (37.1 weeks [37.0-38.2]), p = 0.04. There were no significant differences in our secondary outcomes including rate of cesarean delivery (p = 0.11) or rate of nonreactive nonstress test (p = 0.4). Conclusions While it remains unknown whether antenatal testing decreases the stillbirth risk in morbidly obese women, this population does not appear to be at increased risk of induction of labor or delivery prior to 39 weeks secondary to testing. Future studies should evaluate neonatal implications and cost-effectiveness of antenatal testing in this group.

The Effect of Early Excessive Weight Gain on the Development of Hypertension in Pregnancy.

Background Previous studies have shown an association between total excessive gestational weight gain and hypertension in pregnancy. However, this may be a reflection of excessive water retention associated with the pathophysiology of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy. Early excessive weight gain, prior to the third trimester, results in greater maternal fat deposition and inflammation, which has also been associated with the development of hypertension. By focusing on early excessive weight gain, the association between maternal weight gain and the future development of hypertension can be examined. Objective To evaluate the association between early excessive maternal weight gain and the development of hypertension during pregnancy. Study Design This was a secondary analysis of a longitudinal cohort study of 1,441 women without chronic hypertension who were enrolled in a prospective study evaluating maternal angiogenic factors and the prediction of preeclampsia. Initial body mass index (BMI) was calculated by weight and height at the first study visit. Early excessive maternal weight gain was defined as weight gain by 28 weeks that exceeded the Institute of Medicine (IOM) guidelines and was calculated utilizing the maximum amount of weight gain per week recommended by the IOM based on the patient's starting BMI (normal: 0.45 kg; overweight: 0.32 kg; obese: 0.27 kg). Hypertension was defined as a sustained systolic blood pressure of ≥140 mm Hg or a diastolic blood pressure of ≥90 mm Hg. Logistic regression was used to determine the association between early excessive weight gain, initial BMI, and the development of hypertension, including gestational hypertension and preeclampsia, during pregnancy. Results Of 1,441 women, 767 (53.2%) had weight gain that exceeded the IOM guidelines in the first 28 weeks and 154 (10.8%) developed hypertension during pregnancy. Women whose weight gain exceeded the IOM guidelines were more likely to develop hypertension even after adjusting for relevant confounders (12.5 vs. 8.6%; p = 0.02; adjusted odds ratio [OR] = 1.70; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.18-2.44; p < 0.01). Obese women had a 2.4-fold increased risk of developing hypertension, even after controlling for excessive weight gain (adjusted OR = 2.44; 95% CI: 1.66-3.59; p < 0.01) Conclusions Early excessive maternal weight gain and initial BMI are independently associated with the diagnosis of a hypertensive disorder of pregnancy. Women should be counseled regarding the benefits of achieving a normal BMI prior to pregnancy and appropriate weight gain during pregnancy, as well as the potential harms of excessive weight gain related to perinatal outcomes.

Can microRNA profiling in maternal blood identify women at risk for preterm birth?

OBJECTIVE: MicroRNAs (miRNAs), which are highly conserved single-stranded noncoding RNAs that play a crucial role in gene regulation, have now been identified as important players in many diseases states. MiRNAs have also been demonstrated to be reliable and useful biomarkers to identify those women who are at risk for specific adverse outcomes. The objective of this study was to determine whether miRNA profiles in maternal blood are different in women who are destined to have a preterm, compared with a term, birth. STUDY DESIGN: A nested case-control study was performed with maternal serum that was collected as part of a larger prospective cohort. MiRNA expression profiles in maternal serum were compared between women who ultimately had a preterm birth (n = 40) compared with term birth (n = 40). MiRNA expression profiles were created with the use of the Affymetrix GeneChip miRNA Array. The data were analyzed with the significance of analysis of microarrays and principle components analyses. A false discovery rate of 20% was used to determine the most differentially expressed miRNAs. RESULTS: Of the 5640 miRNAs that were analyzed on the array, 4 miRNAs were significantly different between cases and control subjects. Two of the 4 miRNAs were mature miRNAs. The fold difference in expression was <2 for all 4 miRNAs. CONCLUSION: MiRNA profiles in maternal blood were not significantly different in women who were destined to have a preterm, compared with a term, birth. MiRNAs in maternal blood are unlikely to become clinically useful biomarkers for the prediction of preterm birth.

Women with preterm birth have a distinct cervicovaginal metabolome.

OBJECTIVE: Metabolomics has the potential to reveal novel pathways involved in the pathogenesis of preterm birth (PTB). The objective of this study was to investigate whether the cervicovaginal (CV) metabolome was different in asymptomatic women destined to have a PTB compared with term birth. STUDY DESIGN: A nested case-control study was performed using CV fluid collected from a larger prospective cohort. The CV fluid was collected between 20-24 weeks (V1) and 24-28 weeks (V2). The metabolome was compared between women with a spontaneous PTB (n = 10) to women who delivered at term (n = 10). Samples were extracted and prepared for analysis using a standard extraction solvent method. Global biochemical profiles were determined using gas chromatography/mass spectrometry and ultra-performance liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry. An ANOVA was used to detect differences in biochemical compounds between the groups. A false discovery rate was estimated to account for multiple comparisons. RESULTS: A total of 313 biochemicals were identified in CV fluid. Eighty-two biochemicals were different in the CV fluid at V1 in those destined to have a PTB compared with term birth, whereas 48 were different at V2. Amino acid, carbohydrate, and peptide metabolites were distinct between women with and without PTB. CONCLUSION: These data suggest that the CV space is metabolically active during pregnancy. Changes in the CV metabolome may be observed weeks, if not months, prior to any clinical symptoms. Understanding the CV metabolome may hold promise for unraveling the pathogenesis of PTB and may provide novel biomarkers to identify women most at risk.

Environmental variables as potential modifiable risk factors of preterm birth in Philadelphia, PA.

OBJECTIVE: To examine whether variation in neighborhood context is associated with preterm birth (PTB) outcomes and gestational age (GA) at delivery in Philadelphia, and to determine whether these associations might persist when considering relevant individual-level variables. STUDY DESIGN: We analyzed individual-level data collected for a prospective cohort study of singleton pregnancies with preterm labor. We merged block-group level data to each individual's home address. Unadjusted analyses were performed to determine the association between block-group variables and individual-level outcomes. Block-group variables identified as potential risk factors were incorporated into multivariable individual-level models to determine significance. RESULTS: We analyzed data for 817 women. The prevalence of PTB <37 weeks was 41.5%. Although in unadjusted analyses several block-group variables were associated with PTB and GA at delivery, none retained significance in individual-level multivariable models. CONCLUSION: Block-group level data were not associated with PTB outcomes or GA at delivery in Philadelphia.

Unintended clinical consequences of the implementation of a checklist-based, low-dose oxytocin protocol.

OBJECTIVE: Standardized oxytocin protocols have been used to improve the safety and quality of obstetric care. We examined rates of chorioamnionitis and labor dystocia requiring cesarean delivery as unintended consequences of the implementation of a low-dose, checklist-based oxytocin protocol. STUDY DESIGN: We performed a retrospective cohort study of live singleton deliveries that underwent a trial of labor in two 15-month periods, comparing outcomes in those who delivered before to after protocol implementation. Patients and outcomes were identified using a combination of electronic medical records and International Classification of Diseases, 9th Revision, Clinical Modification codes. Time trend analysis was performed to evaluate for secular trends. RESULTS: A total of 8,717 women were included; 5,077 received oxytocin. Despite an unchanged rate of cesarean deliveries from before to after initiation of the protocol (15.15 vs. 14.75%, p = 0.60), deliveries after protocol implementation were generally characterized by higher rates of chorioamnionitis (7.48 vs. 5.97%, p < 0.001), longer median time from admission to delivery (524 vs. 462 minutes, p < 0.001), more cesarean deliveries performed for labor dystocia (50.62 vs. 40.92%, p < 0.001), and fewer cesarean deliveries performed for fetal distress (32.52 vs. 38.67%, p = 0.02). CONCLUSION: Low-dose oxytocin protocols are intended to increase safety, but they may have unintended consequences related to prolonged labor, and should be studied before widespread use.

miR-210 inhibits trophoblast invasion and is a serum biomarker for preeclampsia.

Preeclampsia is characterized by hypertension and proteinuria in pregnant women. Its exact cause is unknown. Preeclampsia increases the risk of maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality. Although delivery, often premature, is the only known cure, early targeted interventions may improve maternal and fetal outcomes. Successful intervention requires a better understanding of the molecular etiology of preeclampsia and the development of accurate methods to predict women at risk. To this end, we tested the role of miR-210, a miRNA up-regulated in preeclamptic placentas, in first-trimester extravillous trophoblasts. miR-210 overexpression reduced trophoblast invasion, a process necessary for uteroplacental perfusion, in an extracellular signal-regulated kinase/mitogen-activated protein kinase-dependent manner. Conversely, miR-210 inhibition promoted invasion. Furthermore, given that the placenta secretes miRNAs into the maternal circulation, we tested if serum expression of miR-210 was associated with the disease. We measured miR-210 expression in two clinical studies: a case-control study and a prospective cohort study. Serum miR-210 expression was significantly associated with a diagnosis of preeclampsia (P = 0.007, area under the receiver operator curves = 0.81) and was predictive of the disease, even months before clinical diagnosis (P < 0.0001, area under the receiver operator curve = 0.89). Hence, we conclude that aberrant expression of miR-210 may contribute to trophoblast function and that miR-210 is a novel predictive serum biomarker for preeclampsia that can help in identifying at-risk women for monitoring and treatment.

Does a maternal-fetal medicine-centered labor and delivery coverage model put the 'M' back in MFM?

OBJECTIVE: Maternal morbidity is increasing in the United States. Our objectives were to examine whether a labor and delivery (L&D) provider model with regular maternal-fetal medicine (MFM) coverage decreases the rates of maternal morbidity during delivery hospitalizations and has an impact on obstetrician-gynecologist residents' perceptions of safety and education. STUDY DESIGN: We performed a retrospective cohort study to compare the rates of maternal morbidity before and after the implementation of an MFM-centered coverage model on L&D. Outcomes were identified using International Classification of Diseases, ninth revision, codes. The primary outcome was a composite of severe maternal morbidity. Additionally, obstetrician-gynecologist residents completed an anonymous survey asking them to compare coverage models, and their Council on Resident Education in Obstetrics and Gynecology examination scores were compared. RESULTS: Data from 4715 deliveries were included. There were no differences in composite morbidity or individual adverse outcomes. Most residents (81.3%) preferred the new provider model, with median 5-point Likert scores indicating perceived increases in safety and education. Mean Council on Resident Education in Obstetrics and Gynecology scores improved in the 18 residents exposed to both models. CONCLUSION: Although the MFM-centered provider model appears to have had a positive impact on residents' perceptions of safety and education, it was not associated with significant changes in severe maternal morbidity.

Prenatal inflammation is associated with adverse neonatal outcomes.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to determine whether prenatal inflammation (as assessed by clinical chorioamnionitis, maternal temperature >38°C, or histologic chorioamnionitis) is associated with a composite adverse neonatal outcome. STUDY DESIGN: We performed a prospective cohort study of women at 22 weeks to 33 weeks 6 days' gestation with symptoms of labor (April 2009 to March 2012). Relevant maternal and neonatal exposures and outcomes were recorded. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to determine the association between prenatal inflammation and neonatal outcomes that were controlled for potential confounders. RESULTS: We analyzed 871 mother-infant pairs. The preterm birth rate was 42.0%. When we controlled for infant sex and modified the data by gestational age at delivery, prenatal inflammation remains a significant risk factor for adverse neonatal outcomes, despite advancing gestational age: clinical chorioamnionitis at 32 weeks' gestation (odds ratio [OR], 3.12; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.02-9.52], at 36 weeks' gestation (OR, 8.88; 95% CI, 4.32-18.25), and at 40 weeks' gestation (OR, 25.30; 95% CI, 9.25-69.19); maternal temperature >38°C at 32 weeks' gestation (OR, 3.18; 95% CI, 0.66-15.42), at 36 weeks gestation (OR, 8.40; 95% CI, 3.60-19.61), and at 40 weeks gestation (OR, 22.19; 95% CI, 8.15-60.44); histologic chorioamnionitis at 32 weeks gestation (OR, 1.25; 95% CI, 0.64-2.46), at 36 weeks gestation (OR, 2.56; 95% CI, 1.54-4.23), and at 40 weeks gestation (OR, 5.23; 95% CI, 1.95-13.99). CONCLUSION: The protective association with advancing gestational age is diminished when prenatal inflammation is present.

Distinct cervical microRNA profiles are present in women destined to have a preterm birth.

OBJECTIVE: Although premature cervical remodeling is involved in preterm birth (PTB), the molecular pathways that are involved have not been elucidated fully. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) that are highly conserved single-stranded noncoding RNAs that play a crucial role in gene regulation have now been identified as important players in disease states. The objective of this study was to determine whether miRNA profiles in cervical cells are different in women who are destined to have a PTB compared with a term birth. STUDY DESIGN: A nested case-control study was performed. With the use of a noninvasive method, cervical cells were obtained at 2 time points in pregnancy. The cervical cell miRNA expression profiles were compared between women who ultimately had a PTB (n = 10) compared with a term birth (n = 10). MiRNA expression profiles were created with the Affymetrix GeneChip miRNA Array. The data were analyzed with the Significance of Analysis of Microarrays and Principle Components Analyses. A false-discovery rate of 20% was used to determine the most differentially expressed miRNAs. Validation was performed with quantitative polymerase chain reaction. In vitro studies were performed to confirm expression and regulation of select miRNAs. RESULTS: With a false-discovery rate of 20% of the 5640 miRNAs that were analyzed on the array, 99 miRNAs differed between those with a PTB vs a term birth. Qualitative polymerase chain reaction validated the array findings. In vitro studies confirmed expression of select miRNAs in cervical cells. CONCLUSION: MiRNA profiles in cervical cells may distinguish women who are at risk for PTB months before the outcome. With the large downstream effects of miRNAs on gene expression, these studies provide a new understanding of the processes that are involved in premature cervical remodeling and allow for the discovery of new therapeutic targets.

Isolated abdominal circumference < 5% or estimated fetal weight 10 to 19% as predictors of small for gestational age infants.

OBJECTIVES: To determine whether (1) isolated fetal abdominal circumference < 5% (AC5) in absence of growth restriction (estimated fetal weight < 10% [EFW10]) or (2) borderline fetal growth 10 to 19% (EFW10-19) predicts subsequent fetal and/or neonatal growth restriction. STUDY DESIGN: The authors performed a retrospective cohort study (January 2008 to December 2011) of women with singleton pregnancies between 26 and 36 weeks who had ≥ 1 growth ultrasound. Univariable and multivariable analyses were performed to determine the association between isolated AC5 or EFW10-19 with both subsequent sonographic diagnosis of EFW10 and neonatal diagnosis of small for gestational age (SGA). Test characteristics were calculated. RESULTS: Out of the 10,642 pregnancies, prevalence of isolated AC5, EFW10-19, EFW10, and SGA were as follows: AC5, 5.31%; EFW10-19, 13.30%; EFW10, 7.95%; and SGA, 17.63%. While screening for SGA using EFW10 alone would miss 68.34% of SGA neonates, using isolated AC5 would identify an additional 16.15% of SGA neonates with a 3.7% false positive rate. Using EFW10-19 would identify an additional 40.20% of SGA neonates with a 9.0% false positive rate. CONCLUSION: Fetuses with isolated AC5 or EFW10-19 are at an increased risk of growth restriction. Using isolated AC5 or composite EFW10-19 would identify SGA neonates that are missed using conventional sonographic definitions of growth restriction alone.

Can transabdominal ultrasound identify women at high risk for short cervical length?

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether transabdominal cervical length screening could identify women at high risk for having a short cervix on transvaginal ultrasound. DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. SETTING: Tertiary referral center. POPULATION: A total of 703 patients with a singleton pregnancy at 18 to 23(+6) weeks of gestation who underwent transabdominal and transvaginal cervical length assessment during anatomy ultrasound at a single institution between January 2007 and October 2011. METHODS: Electronic medical records were reviewed to identify women who met the study criteria. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The primary outcome was the number of women with a short transabdominal cervical length (defined as ≤ 30 mm) who needed to undergo transvaginal ultrasound to detect one woman with a short transvaginal cervical length of ≤ 20 mm. RESULTS: In all, 703 patients were included in the primary analysis; 3.42 women with transabdominal cervical length ≤ 30 mm needed to undergo transvaginal ultrasound to detect one woman with transvaginal ultrasound cervical length ≤ 20 mm. Of women with short transvaginal cervical length ≤ 20 mm, 89.8% had a transabdominal measurement ≤ 30 mm and 96.7% had a transabdominal measurement ≤ 33 mm. CONCLUSIONS: Screening of transabdominal cervical length may represent a useful strategy for detecting women with short cervix on transvaginal ultrasound.

Examining the correlation between placental and serum placenta growth factor in preeclampsia.

OBJECTIVE: Decreased levels of serum placenta growth factor (PlGF) are associated with preeclampsia. We sought to determine whether serum and placental levels of PlGF (sPlGF and pPlGF) are associated with preeclampsia and whether there is a correlation between serum and placental PlGF levels. STUDY DESIGN: These analyses were part of a larger, prospective, case-control study. Cases were women with preeclampsia. Controls were women without preeclampsia who delivered at term. Analyses included nonparametric tests to compare medians, logistic regression to estimate odds, and calculation of correlation coefficients. RESULTS: Twenty-four cases (10 preterm, 14 term) were compared with 14 controls. Median levels of PlGF were significantly lower in cases than controls (pPlGF: 232.6 vs 363.4 pg/mL, P = .02; sPlGF: 85.5 vs 274.4 pg/mL, P < .001). Serum and placental PlGF were correlated (overall: 39%, P = .006; cases with preterm preeclampsia and growth restriction: 87%, P = .02). CONCLUSION: Serum and placental PlGF are independently associated with preeclampsia and correlated with each other.

Trends in prematurity: what do changes at an urban institution suggest about the public health impact of 17-alpha hydroxyprogesterone caproate?

Despite the introduction of 17-alpha-hydroxyprogesterone caproate (17P), the national preterm birth (PTB) rate remains unchanged. Our objectives were to determine whether the overall rate of PTB has decreased and whether there has been a shift in the trends of prematurity at our institution since the initiation of 17P use. We performed a cross sectional study of the PTB rate and gestational age distribution at delivery (GA-del) at our institution over two, 2-year time periods: TP1 (pre 17P, 1 Jan 2004-31 Dec 2005) and TP2 (post 17P, 1 Jan 2008-31 Dec 2009). Statistical analyses included χ(2) tests for categorical data, t-tests for continuous data, and multivariable logistic regression to control for confounders. Overall (n = 15,421), there was no difference in the rate of PTB from TP1 to TP2 (16.65 vs 16.95%, p = 0.62). Among those with a history of prior PTB (n = 2,141), the mean preterm GA-del was 10 days later in TP2 than in TP1 (33.13 vs 31.64 weeks, p < 0.01) and significantly more preterm infants in TP2 delivered between 34-36 6/7 weeks than in TP1 (65.00 vs 45.63%, p < 0.01). The odds of a preterm infant delivering in the late preterm period was 2.3-fold higher in TP2 than TP1 (95% CI 1.49-3.54) after controlling for confounders. The significant shift in GA-del towards the late preterm period in TP2 may be due to the introduction of 17P use at our institution. Additional studies are needed to determine whether these trends persist on a nationwide level.

The effects of a preterm labor episode prior to 34 weeks are evident in late preterm outcomes, despite the administration of betamethasone.

OBJECTIVE: We sought to assess whether betamethasone (BETA) <34 weeks reduces adverse outcomes in late preterm infants. STUDY DESIGN: We performed a retrospective cohort study of patients with spontaneous birth 34-36 6/7 weeks. We determined whether patients were exposed to preterm labor (PTL) <34 weeks and BETA and calculated the incidence of adverse respiratory and composite outcomes and neonatal intensive care unit admission. We used chi(2) analyses to determine associations between PTL+BETA and adverse outcomes, and Poisson regression to model cumulative incidence and control for confounders. RESULTS: We enrolled 700 mother-infant pairs. The 36-week PTL+BETA infants were at increased risk of respiratory outcome (incident risk ratio [IRR], 2.73; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.37-5.45), neonatal intensive care unit admission (IRR, 2.01; 95% CI, 1.14-3.56), and composite outcome (IRR, 1.70; 95% CI, 1.08-2.68) compared to those without PTL+BETA. Chorioamnionitis was independently associated with all adverse outcomes. CONCLUSION: We hypothesize that early PTL is a surrogate for intrauterine inflammation and is responsible for the observed adverse outcomes in those with PTL+BETA.

Do neonatal outcomes differ depending on the cause of preterm birth? A comparison between spontaneous birth and iatrogenic delivery for preeclampsia.

We compared short-term neonatal outcomes between premature infants with spontaneous preterm birth (s-PTB) and those delivered due to preeclampsia (PEC). Data were collected from women with singleton pregnancies admitted with spontaneous preterm labor (PTL) (2002 to 2005) and PEC (2005 to 2007). Patients delivering 24 to 36(6/7) weeks were analyzed. The incidence of adverse outcomes was compared. Chi-square and Fisher exact tests compared outcomes between neonates of varying gestational ages, and Poisson regression was used to control for confounders. Data describing 368 infants are included (PTL: n = 224; PEC: n = 144). Overall, s-PTB infants had less favorable outcomes at earlier gestational ages, and at later gestational ages those born preterm secondary to PEC (pec-PTB) had less favorable outcomes. s-PTB infants 24 to 27(6/7) weeks were 21% more likely to stay in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) > or = 8 days than pec-PTB infants (incident rate ratios [IRR] 0.79, P = 0.002, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.68 to 0.92). Pec-PTB infants 32 to 33(6/7) weeks were 6 times more likely to stay in the NICU > or = 31 days than s-PTB infants (IRR 5.82, P = 0.03, 95% CI 1.20 to 28.31). Short-term neonatal outcomes differ by the etiology of preterm birth. These data can help facilitate proper patient counseling and allocation of resources. Future studies should address mechanisms by which the etiology of PTB leads to specific adverse outcomes, thus allowing for more direct interventional strategies.