Maternal and Neonatal Outcomes at Periviable Gestation throughout Delivery Admission.

OBJECTIVE: The threshold of viability, as well as cutoffs for delivery interventions and neonatal resuscitation, vary by hospital and involve complex counseling. With improvements in neonatal resuscitation and intensive care, the threshold of viability has been decreasing. Decisions regarding delivery planning and neonatal resuscitation efforts should be based on the best available evidence. Our objective was to characterize survival rates and neonatal outcomes following periviable birth at different milestones beginning with prenatal admission through 1 year of life in a contemporary cohort. STUDY DESIGN: We performed a retrospective cohort study of all inborn infants without major congenital anomalies who delivered at the University of Alabama at Birmingham from 2013 to 2019 at gestational ages 22+0/7 to 25+6/7. Our primary outcome was to compared survival milestones throughout the pre- and postdelivery periods and neonatal complications in surviving newborns through 1 year of life at each gestational age. RESULTS: The survival rate to 1 year of life was 49% (48-56%, 95% confidence interval [CI]) for the entire cohort and varied according to gestational age at delivery (22 weeks 15% [10-23%, 95% CI], 23 weeks 48% [43-58%, 95% CI], 24 weeks 57% [52-67%, 95% CI], 25 weeks 71% [67-82%, 95% CI]). Overall for the entire cohort, the rate of lung disease requiring respiratory support at discharge was 51%, intraventricular hemorrhage was 42%, retinopathy of prematurity was 74%, pulmonary hypertension was 30%, and concerns for cerebral palsy at 1 year of life was 25%. All outcomes improved with advancing gestational age at delivery. Of infants who delivered during the 22nd week of gestation, 50% received antenatal corticosteroids. Infants exposed to antenatal corticosteroids had more interventions, less pulmonary hypertension, and improved survival to 1 year of life. CONCLUSION: Knowledge of maternal complications, longitudinal survival rates, and neonatal outcomes of periviable deliveries according to gestational age throughout the admission enhances obstetric and perinatal counseling after hospital admission. KEY POINTS: · Periviable birth outcomes at different delivery milestones is important for counseling.. · Providing contemporary outcomes for periviable deliveries is critical for accurate counseling.. · Administration of antenatal corticosteroids at 22 weeks' gestation appears beneficial overall..

Outpatient Foley Catheter for Induction of Labor in Obese Nulliparous Patients: A Secondary Analysis of OFFSITE II Randomized Controlled Trial.

OBJECTIVE: In the OFFSITE II randomized controlled trial, outpatient cervical ripening with a Foley catheter (CF) in nulliparous patients undergoing elective induction of labor (eIOL) shortened the time from admission to delivery. Given that patients with obesity have protracted labor and higher rates of failed IOL, we sought to determine if outpatient ripening with a CF may be even more beneficial for this high-risk group. STUDY DESIGN: We performed a secondary analysis of the OFFSITE II randomized controlled trial. For this analysis, all patients from the primary trial were classified by their intervention assignment (inpatient vs. outpatient) and also by their admission body mass index (BMI) class (BMI ≥ 30 and BMI < 30 kg/m2). The primary outcome was time from labor and delivery (L&D) admission to delivery. Secondary outcomes included cesarean delivery, time from admission to hospital discharge, and rates of clinically diagnosed chorioamnionitis and endometritis. RESULTS: In patients with BMI ≥ 30, the primary outcome, time from admission to delivery, (18.0 [13.5-20.9] vs. 20.4 [16.6-31.3] hours, p = 0.01), as well as total hospitalization length (3.2 [2.5-3.3] vs. 3.4 [3.1-4.3] days, p = 0.02) were shorter in the outpatient group. There were no differences in rates of chorioamnionitis or endometritis in outpatient compared with inpatient CF. Furthermore, in those with a BMI ≥ 30, the cesarean rate was significantly lower with outpatient CF (19.4% vs. 44.7%, p = 0.03); it was not statistically different in patients with BMI < 30. CONCLUSION: In this exploratory retrospective secondary analysis of the OFFSITE II randomized control trial, we found that in patients with BMI ≥ 30 undergoing eIOL, outpatient CF was associated with a lower time from L&D admission until delivery. This was also associated with a shorter time of total hospital duration and decreased the rate of cesarean, a benefit not detected in the overall analysis presented in the primary study. In nulliparas undergoing induction of labor, ripening with outpatient cervical Foley may even more significantly reduce labor duration, total hospital duration, and the rate of cesarean in patients with obesity. KEY POINTS: · Outpatient CF was associated with a lower time from L&D admission until delivery in obese nulliparas.. · Outpatient CF was associated with a shorter time of total hospital duration in obese nulliparas.. · Outpatient CF was associated with a decreased rate of cesarean birth in obese nulliparas..

Outcomes before and after Adopting Guidelines for Expectant Management of Severe Preeclampsia.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to compare maternal and neonatal outcomes in women with severe preeclampsia before and after implementation of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) taskforce hypertensive guidelines. STUDY DESIGN: Single-center retrospective cohort study of women with severe preeclampsia delivering live nonanomalous singletons 23 to 342/7 weeks from 2013 to 2017. In 2015, the ACOG guidelines for expectant management of severe preeclampsia were implemented at our institution. Based on this, patients were categorized as preguideline (January 2013-December 2015) or postguideline adoption (January 2016-December 2017). Primary outcomes included composite maternal morbidity and composite neonatal morbidity; secondary outcomes included composite components, length of stay, birth weight, and delivery gestational age. Groups were compared with Student's t-test, Chi-square, and Wilcoxon's rank-sum tests; adjusted odds ratios (aOR; 95% confidence intervals [CIs]) were calculated. Yearly composite outcomes were compared using the Cochran-Armitage trend test. We estimated a sample size of 250 per group would provide 80% power at α = 0.05 to detect a 50% reduction in neonatal morbidity from a baseline rate of 21.5%. RESULTS: From 2013 to 2017, a total of 543 women with severe preeclampsia were identified: 278 (51%) preguideline and 265 (49%) postguideline. Baseline characteristics were overall similar between groups. There were no significant differences in maternal (aOR = 0.96, 95% CI: 0.6-1.41) or neonatal (aOR = 0.88, 95% CI: 0.61-1.28) composite morbidity between groups. Furthermore, there were no differences in composite maternal or neonatal morbidity over time. CONCLUSION: Perinatal outcomes were similar before and after implementation of severe preeclampsia management guidelines at our institution. Studies to evaluate if benefits are limited to subsets of this population, such as earlier gestational ages, are needed. KEY POINTS: · Expectant management of severe preeclampsia has yet to be fully evaluated outside of trial conditions.. · We did not see a significant improvement in neonatal composite morbidity/mortality.. · We also did not see a worsened composite maternal morbidity/mortality..

Early Gestational Diabetes Screening Based on ACOG Guidelines.

OBJECTIVE: A recent randomized controlled trial suggested that early gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) screening in patients with obesity (body mass index [BMI] ≥30 kg/m2) does not improve perinatal outcomes. The American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology currently recommends early screening for gestational diabetes in patients who are overweight with one or more additional risk factors. We evaluated the effect of screening based on the number of additional risk factors for development of gestational diabetes. STUDY DESIGN: This was a secondary analysis of a multicenter randomized controlled trial of obese patients with singleton nonanomalous fetuses comparing early (14-20 weeks' gestation) with routine (24-28 weeks' gestation) GDM screening. Exclusion criteria were pregestational diabetes, major medical illnesses, bariatric surgery, chronic steroid use, and prior cesarean. Early versus routine GDM screening groups were compared and stratified by the number of additional risk factors for GDM (0, 1, 2, and ≥3). The primary outcome was an adverse perinatal composite outcome composed of: macrosomia, primary cesarean delivery, hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, shoulder dystocia, neonatal hyperbilirubinemia, and neonatal hypoglycemia. Analyses examined effects of early versus routine screening by the number of additional risk factors and their possible interaction on the incidences of the primary outcome and GDM. RESULTS: Of 913 patients, 5% had 0, 52% had 1, 33% had 2, and 10% had ≥3 additional risk factors. Baseline characteristics, including the number and type of risk factors, were similar between early and routine screening groups. Breslow-Day test for interaction between early versus routine screening and the number of additional risk factors was not significant for either the primary outcome (p = 0.37) or the diagnosis of GDM (p = 0.28). The incidence of GDM and the adverse perinatal composite outcome increased as the number of risk factors increased (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: In patients with BMI ≥30 kg/m2 and additional risk factors, early GDM screening does not prevent adverse outcomes. KEY POINTS: · The ACOG currently recommends early screening for gestational diabetes if patients have risk factors.. · Even in patients with multiple risk factors, early screening for GDM does not improve outcomes.. · Patients with three or more risk factors may have worse outcomes if they undergo early screening..

Contemporary Test Performance of the Random Urine Protein-to-creatinine Ratio.

OBJECTIVE: The random urine protein-to-creatinine ratio (UPCR) is a screening test used for predicting clinically significant proteinuria (urine protein ≥ 300 mg) during pregnancy. No consensus exists on the optimal random UPCR cutoff for performing follow-up 24 hour urine (24H) total protein collection. We aim to evaluate the test performance of random UPCR in predicting proteinuria in a contemporary cohort. STUDY DESIGN: This was a retrospective cohort study of pregnant patients at our institution from 2014 to 2018 with a random UPCR and follow-up 24H protein collection. The primary analysis estimated the test characteristics (sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values) of using random UPCR for the detection of proteinuria defined as urine protein ≥300 mg on 24H protein collection. UPCR cutoffs from 0.10 to 0.30 mg/dL were evaluated, receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curve was constructed, and area under the curve (AUC) was determined. A secondary analysis examined the correlation between UPCR and 24H protein using least squares regression and Pearson correlation. RESULTS: Paired UPCR and 24H collection results were available for 1,120 patients. Mean gestational age at time of UPCR was 31.1 ± 5.1 weeks and 687 (61.3%) of patients had a 24H ≥300 mg. UPCR <0.10 mg/dL effectively excluded proteinuria ≥300 mg on 24H collection, while UPCR ≥0.18 mg/dL correctly classifies proteinuria with 91% sensitivity, 57% specificity, 77% positive predictive value, and 79% negative predictive value. UPCR ≥1.07 mg/dL had 100% specificity for 24 hour proteinuria. The area under ROC curve was 0.86. UPCR and 24H collection were highly correlated with a Pearson correlation coefficient of 0.85. After our institution lowered the threshold to obtain a 24H from UPCR ≥0.20 mg/dL to ≥0.10 mg/dL in May 2017, the percentage of patients meeting criteria for 24H collection increased from 57.8 to 84.4%. CONCLUSION: The AUC and Pearson correlation suggest random UPCR is a high performance test for the prediction of proteinuria on 24H. Optimal test performance is dependent upon clinical consideration and upon the implications of the disease or condition. A random UPCR screen positive threshold of 0.18 mg/dL maximizes sensitivity to identify clinically significant proteinuria. KEY POINTS: · Random urine protein to creatinine ratio is a high performance test for proteinuria.. · A random UPCR threshold of 0.18 mg/dL maximizes sensitivity to identify proteinuria.. · Optimal test performance is dependent on the disease or clinical condition..

Timing of Maternal Discharge after Cesarean Delivery and Risk of Maternal Readmission.

OBJECTIVE: Despite legislation and hospital policies (present in some institutions) mandating a minimum length of stay in an effort to decrease the frequency of hospital readmissions, the effectiveness of this approach remains uncertain.We hypothesized that following cesarean delivery (CD), the rates of maternal readmission or unscheduled health care visits are lower in patients discharged on postoperative day (POD) 3 or ≥4 as compared with those discharged earlier on POD 2. METHODS: This is a secondary analysis of a multicenter randomized trial comparing adjunctive azithromycin for unscheduled CD to prevent infection. Groups were compared based on the duration of hospitalization measured in days from delivery (POD 0) to day of discharge and categorized as POD 2, 3, and ≥4. The primary outcome was the composite of any maternal postpartum readmission, unscheduled clinic, or emergency room (ER) visit, within 6 weeks of delivery. Secondary outcomes included components of the primary outcome and neonatal readmissions. We excluded women with hypertensive disorders of pregnancy and infections diagnosed prior to POD 2. RESULTS: A total of 1,391 patients were included. The rate of the primary outcome of any readmission increased with POD at discharge: 5.9% for POD 2, 9.4% for POD 3, and 10.9% for POD ≥4 group (trend for p = 0.03). The primary outcome increased with later discharge (POD ≥4 when compared with POD 2). Among components of the composite, ER and unscheduled clinic visits, but not maternal readmissions, increased with the timing of discharge for patients discharged on POD ≥4 when compared with POD 2. Using logistic regression, discharge on POD 3 and on POD ≥4 was significantly associated with the composite (adjusted odds ratios [aOR] 2.6, 95% confidence interval [CI] [1.3-5.3]; aOR 2.9, 95% CI [1.3-6.4], respectively) compared with POD 2. CONCLUSION: The risk of maternal readmission composite following uncomplicated but unscheduled CD was not lower in patients discharged home on POD 3 or ≥4 compared with patients discharged earlier (POD 2). KEY POINTS: · Risk of maternal readmission is higher in patients discharged on POD 3 or 4 compared with POD 2.. · No significant differences by the timing of discharge were observed for any neonatal readmissions.. · Timing of discharge should include an individualized approach with the option of discharge by POD 2..

Patient Satisfaction with Outpatient Cervical Ripening in Parous Women.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to assess whether patient satisfaction differs between women beginning cervical ripening in the outpatient versus inpatient setting. STUDY DESIGN: We performed a planned secondary analysis evaluating patient satisfaction randomized to outpatient versus inpatient cervical ripening. In the original randomized controlled trial, low-risk parous women ≥39 weeks who required cervical ripening for induction and had reassuring fetal heart rate monitoring were included and randomized to inpatient versus outpatient ripening with a transcervical Foley's catheter. All women were then admitted to the labor ward on the following day. Patient satisfaction was evaluated using three separate surveys. The first two surveys, Six Simple Questions and Lady-X, were previously validated. The third survey used visual analog scales to assess overall pain experienced during Foley's placement, overall pain experienced during labor, how likely they would be to choose the same type of care for their next pregnancy, and how likely they would be to recommend their method of cervical ripening to friends/family. RESULTS: From May 2016 to October 2017, 129 women were randomized (outpatient, 65; inpatient, 64). Based on survey results, there was no difference in satisfaction between outpatient and inpatient cervical ripening with transcervical Foley's catheterization, with high satisfaction in both groups. Patients in both the outpatient and inpatient groups would choose the same type of care for their next pregnancy (on a scale of 1-7, median (25th-75th percentile): 7 [7-7] vs. 7 [6-7], respectively, p = 0.75) and would be very likely to recommend their method of induction to a friend or family member (on a scale of 0-100, 99 [80-100] vs. 99 [65-100], respectively, p = 0.60). CONCLUSION: Parous women's satisfaction does not differ between inpatient and outpatient cervical ripening with transcervical Foley's catheterization. KEY POINTS: · Outpatient cervical ripening may allow providers to incorporate the benefits of electively inducing women as well as decrease the time spent in the labor and delivery unit.. · Parous women's satisfaction does not differ between inpatient and outpatient cervical ripening with transcervical Foley.. · Additional prospective evaluation is warranted to further characterize patient preferences in relation to the location of cervical ripening..

Pregnancy Outcomes after Early Amniotomy among Class III Obese Gravidas Undergoing Induction of Labor.

OBJECTIVE: We sought to evaluate differences in pregnancy outcomes following early amniotomy in women with class III obesity (body mass index ≥40 kg/m2) undergoing induction of labor. STUDY DESIGN: This is a retrospective cohort study of women with class III obesity undergoing term induction of labor from January 2007 to February 2013. Early amniotomy was defined as artificial membrane rupture at less than 4 cm cervical dilation. The primary outcome was cesarean delivery. Secondary outcomes included length of labor, a maternal morbidity composite, and a neonatal morbidity composite. A subgroup analysis examined the effect of parity. Multivariable logistic regression was used to adjust for covariates. RESULTS: Of 285 women meeting inclusion criteria, 107 (37.5%) underwent early amniotomy and 178 (62.5%) underwent late amniotomy. Early amniotomy was associated with cesarean delivery after multivariable adjustments (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 2.05; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.21-3.47). There were no significant differences in length of labor or maternal and neonatal morbidity between groups. When stratified by parity, early amniotomy was associated with increased cesarean delivery (aOR, 3.10; 95% CI, 1.47-6.58) only in nulliparous women. CONCLUSION: Early amniotomy among class III obese women, especially nulliparous women, undergoing labor induction may be associated with an increased risk of cesarean delivery.

Azithromycin-based Extended-Spectrum Antibiotic Prophylaxis for Cesarean: Role of Placental Colonization with Genital Ureaplasmas and Mycoplasmas.

OBJECTIVE: To explore whether the effect of azithromycin (AZI) on postcesarean infections varied by the presence/absence of genital mycoplasmataceae placental colonization. STUDY DESIGN: This was a single-center substudy of multicenter double-blind C/SOAP (Cesarean Section Optimal Antibiotic Prophylaxis) trial of women randomized to AZI or placebo (+cefazolin) antibiotic prophylaxis at cesarean. Chorioamnion/placenta specimens were tested for genital mycoplasmataceae colonization by polymerase chain reaction. Primary outcome was a composite of endometritis, wound infection, or other infections up to 6 weeks postpartum. Analysis was intent-to-treat; logistic regression was used to evaluate interactions between treatment assignment (AZI/placebo) and the presence/absence of mycoplasmataceae and to quantify effects of AZI in analyses stratified by the presence/absence of these microorganisms. RESULTS: Specimens from 613 women (303 AZI and 310 placebo) were evaluated. Baseline characteristics were similar between groups, and approximately 1/3 (30.3%) had mycoplasmataceae placental/chorioamnion colonization. There was no evidence of effect modification (p interaction = 0.79) between treatment assignment and the presence/absence of organisms. Stratified analyses showed fewer events in the AZI group in the presence (odds ratio [OR]: 0.42; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.17-1.01) and absence (OR: 0.49; 95% CI: 0.24-1) of mycoplasmataceae. Results were similar with endometritis/wound infections and with ureaplasmas/mycoplasmas considered separately. CONCLUSION: The reduction in postcesarean infection with AZI does not vary based on the presence or absence of genital mycoplasmataceae placental colonization.

Impact of Azithromycin-Based Extended-Spectrum Antibiotic Prophylaxis on Noninfectious Cesarean Wound Complications.

OBJECTIVE: Adding azithromycin to standard antibiotic prophylaxis for unscheduled cesarean delivery has been shown to reduce postcesarean infections. Because wound infection with ureaplasmas may not be overtly purulent, we assessed the hypothesis that azithromycin-based extended-spectrum antibiotic prophylaxis also reduces wound complications that are identified as noninfectious. STUDY DESIGN: This is a secondary analysis of the C/SOAP (Cesarean Section Optimal Antibiotic Prophylaxis) randomized controlled trial, which enrolled women with singleton pregnancies ≥24 weeks who were undergoing nonelective cesarean. Women were randomized to adjunctive azithromycin or identical placebo up to 1 hour preincision. All wound complications occurring within 6 weeks were adjudicated into infection and noninfectious wound complications (seroma, hematoma, local cellulitis, and other noninfectious wound breakdown). The primary outcome for this analysis is the composite of noninfectious wound complications. RESULTS: At a total of 14 sites, 2,013 women were randomized to adjunctive azithromycin (n = 1,019) or placebo (n = 994). Groups were similar at baseline. Although there was a lower rate of noninfectious wound complications in the azithromycin group compared with placebo (2.9 vs. 3.8%), this was not statistically significant (p = 0.22). CONCLUSION: While adding azithromycin to usual antibiotic prophylaxis for nonelective cesarean delivery does reduce the risk of postcesarean infections, it did not significantly reduce the risk of postcesarean noninfectious wound complications.

HIV Status and Other Risk Factors for Prevalent and Incident Sexually Transmitted Infection during Pregnancy (2000-2014).

Background: Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are associated with adverse birth outcomes. Current prenatal STI screening guidelines define "risk" without explicit consideration of HIV status. Our objective was to test the hypothesis that HIV status is associated with bacterial STI in pregnant women. Methods: We designed a retrospective cohort study to identify pregnant women with HIV who delivered at our facility during 2000-2014. HIV+ women were compared to HIV- women with matching by year of delivery. Logistic regression was used to model adjusted odds of prevalent and incident STI. Prevalent STI was defined as chlamydia (CT), gonorrhea (GC), syphilis, or trichomoniasis detected on an initial prenatal screening test and incident STI as a newly positive result following a negative prenatal test. Results: The cohort included 432 women, 210 HIV+ and 222 HIV-. Most pregnant women were screened for STI (92% of HIV+ women and 74% of HIV- women). STI rates were high and particularly elevated in HIV+ women: 29% vs 18% (p=0.02), for prevalent STI and 11% vs 2% (p<0.001) for incident STI. Risk factors for prevalent STI were as follows: HIV status (aOR 3.0, CI: 1.4-6.4), Black race (aOR 2.7, 95% CI: 1.1-6.6), and more recent delivery (2007-2014 compared to 2000-2006) (aOR 2.3, CI: 1.1-4.7). HIV status was an independent risk factor for incident STI (aOR 7.2, CI: 2.1-25.0). Conclusion: Pregnant women who delivered in our center had high STI rates. Since HIV infection was independently associated with prevalent and incident STI, prenatal screening guidelines may need to incorporate HIV status as a high-risk group for repeat testing.

Does Early Artificial Rupture of Membranes Speed Labor in Preterm Inductions?

OBJECTIVE: In full-term patients, early artificial rupture of membranes (AROMs) decreases time in labor. We assessed the impact of early AROM in preterm patients undergoing indicated induction of labor. STUDY DESIGN: We conducted a retrospective cohort study of all patients undergoing indicated preterm induction (23-34 weeks) at a single tertiary care center from 2011 to 2014. Early AROM was defined as <4 cm and late AROM was defined as ≥4 cm. The primary outcomes evaluated were cesarean delivery and time in labor. Secondary outcomes were chorioamnionitis and a composite of maternal and neonatal adverse outcomes. RESULTS: Of the 149 women included, 65 (43.6%) had early AROM. Early AROM was associated with an increased time from the start of induction to delivery (25.7 ± 13.0 vs. 19.0 ± 10.3 hours, p < 0.01) and with an increase in the risk of cesarean (53.4 vs. 22.6%, adjusted odds ratio: 3.5, 95% confidence interval: 1.60-7.74). Early AROM was not associated with an increased risk of chorioamnionitis or adverse maternal or fetal outcomes. CONCLUSION: In this observational cohort, early AROM was associated with an increased risk of cesarean. A randomized controlled trial is necessary to determine the optimal timing of AROM in preterm patients requiring delivery.

Predictors of vaginal delivery in medically indicated early preterm induction of labor.

BACKGROUND: When delivery is indicated prior to 34 weeks, many providers perform a cesarean delivery rather than induce labor based on perceptions of a high failure rate. Given the morbidity of cesarean delivery, an accurate estimate of the success rate and factors associated with success in preterm induction of labor is important in management decisions. OBJECTIVE: We sought to develop a prediction model for successful induction of labor in preterm patients using factors known at the time the decision is made to deliver. STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective cohort study of all live singletons undergoing an indicated induction of labor between 23 and 34 0/7 weeks from 2011 through 2015. Pregnancies with major fetal anomalies or no intrapartum fetal monitoring were excluded. Successful induction of labor was defined as vaginal delivery. The cohort was randomly split into a training cohort to develop a prediction model for vaginal delivery and a validation cohort to test the model. Factors significantly associated with vaginal delivery were identified using univariate analyses, and candidate factors were used in the multivariate logistic regression model. Only factors known at the start of the induction of labor were used in the model. Receiver-operating characteristic curves were created to estimate the predictive value of the model. Sensitivity and specificity of the model were assessed. RESULTS: Of 331 patients who underwent induction of labor, 208 (62.8%) delivered vaginally and 123 (37.1%) by cesarean delivery. Of the factors significantly associated with cesarean delivery, the final model included gestational age, simplified Bishop score, suspected intrauterine growth retardation, chronic hypertension, and body mass index. In the training cohort, the model correctly classified 72.3% of subjects with a sensitivity (cesarean delivery predicted/cesarean delivery performed) of 56.7% and a specificity (vaginal delivery predicted/vaginal delivery performed) of 84.1%. When applied to the validation cohort, 73.9% of subjects were correctly classified, with a sensitivity of 44.6% and specificity of 89.0%. Receiver-operating characteristic curves had an area under the curve of 0.75 for the training cohort and 0.77 for the validation cohort. CONCLUSION: More than 60% of women undergoing induction of labor at <34 0/7 weeks deliver vaginally. For women undergoing induction of labor at <34 0/7 weeks, this prediction model rarely classifies individuals who can have a vaginal delivery as needing a cesarean delivery. This model may provide an accurate assessment tool to evaluate which patients will likely deliver vaginally to avoid the morbidity of cesarean delivery while conversely identifying subjects at high risk of cesarean delivery <34 0/7 weeks.

The effect of omega-3 supplementation on pregnancy outcomes by smoking status.

BACKGROUND: Smoking during pregnancy is associated with adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes such as preterm delivery, intrauterine growth restriction, stillbirth, and low birth weight. Because smoking causes oxidative stress, some have suggested using antioxidants to counteract the effects of oxidative stress. Smokers have lower serum levels of omega-3 fatty acids, an important antioxidant, and thus, investigating whether omega-3 supplementation in smokers reduces adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes represents an important area of research. OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether the antioxidant effect of omega-3 fatty acid supplementation on the incidence of adverse pregnancy outcomes differs between smokers and nonsmokers. STUDY DESIGN: Secondary analysis of a multicenter randomized controlled trial of omega-3 supplementation for preterm delivery prevention in women with a singleton pregnancy and a history of a previous singleton spontaneous preterm delivery. Subjects were randomized to begin omega-3 or placebo before 22 weeks, which was continued until delivery. All women received 17 alpha-hydroxyprogesterone caproate intramuscularly weekly beginning between 16 and 20 weeks of gestation and continued until 36 weeks of gestation or delivery, whichever occurred first. The primary outcome was spontaneous preterm delivery. Secondary outcomes were indicated preterm delivery, any preterm delivery (spontaneous and indicated), pregnancy-associated hypertension (gestational hypertension and preeclampsia), a neonatal composite (retinopathy of prematurity, intraventricular hemorrhage grade III or IV, patent ductus arteriosus, necrotizing enterocolitis, sepsis, respiratory morbidity, or perinatal death), low birth weight (<2500 g), small for gestational age (less than the 10th percentile), and neonatal intensive care unit or intermediate nursery admission. The study population was stratified into smokers and nonsmokers, and the incidence of each outcome was compared by omega-3 supplementation versus placebo in each subgroup. Zelen tests were performed to test for homogeneity of effect in smokers and nonsmokers. RESULTS: Of 851 subjects included in the analysis, 136 (16%) smoked. Baseline characteristics between omega-3 and placebo groups did not differ in smokers or nonsmokers. Omega-3 supplementation was associated with a lower risk of spontaneous preterm delivery in smokers (relative risk, 0.56, 95% confidence interval, 0.36-0.87) but not in nonsmokers (relative risk 1.04, 95% confidence interval 0.84-1.29); P value for interaction = 0.013. Low birth weight was also less frequent in smokers receiving omega-3 supplementation (relative risk 0.57, 95% confidence interval 0.36-0.90) compared with nonsmokers (relative risk 0.93, 95% confidence interval 0.71-1.24); P value for interaction = 0.047. The effect on other secondary outcomes did not differ significantly between smokers and nonsmokers. CONCLUSION: Omega-3 supplementation in smokers may have a protective effect against recurrent spontaneous preterm delivery and low birth weight.

Abdominal Incision Selection for Cesarean Delivery of Women with Class III Obesity.

Objective The objective of this study was to evaluate cesarean outcomes, stratified by abdominal incision type, in women with class III obesity. Study Design We performed a retrospective cohort study of patients with class III obesity undergoing cesarean at our institution from 2010 to 2013 with singletons ≥ 34 weeks. Outcomes were compared between patients with transverse subpannicular and vertical abdominal incisions. The primary outcome was a wound composite (cellulitis, abscess, hematoma, seroma, or dehiscence). Other outcomes included transfusion, vertical hysterotomy, 5-minute Apgar < 7, and umbilical artery pH < 7.10. Results Of 423 patients, 364 had subpannicular transverse, 57 had vertical, and 2 had periumbilical transverse incisions (not analyzed). Although vertical incisions were associated with more wound complications (26.3 vs. 14.8%; p = 0.03), the difference became null after adjustment (adjusted odds ratios [aOR], 1.7; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.7, 4.1). Vertical incisions were associated with increased risk of vertical hysterotomy (aOR 4.8; 95% CI, 2.2, 10.4), decreased risk of 5-minute Apgar < 7 (aOR, 0.06; 95% CI, 0.004, 0.9), and not statistically significantly associated with transfusion (aOR, 4.2; 95% CI, 0.9, 19.0) or umbilical artery pH < 7.1 (aOR, 0.42; 95% CI, 0.11, 1.7). Conclusions In women with class III obesity cesarean delivery via vertical abdominal incisions is associated with more maternal but less immediate neonatal complications.

Interaction between maternal obesity and 1-hour glucose challenge test results on maternal and perinatal outcomes.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to examine the relationship between positive glucose challenge test (GCT) values and perinatal outcomes stratified by maternal body mass index (BMI). STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective cohort of singleton gestations with a GCT performed at >20 weeks and documented BMI at entry to care. Subjects were classified by GCT level and BMI. Primary outcomes included large for gestational age (LGA), macrosomia, shoulder dystocia, and pregnancy-induced hypertension. Cochran-Armitage tests for trend and logistic regression were used to compare the GCT categories. RESULTS: A total of 14,525 women met enrollment criteria-8,521 with a GCT < 120 mg/dL and 6,004 with a GCT ≥ 120 mg/dL. When BMI < 25 kg/m(2) was considered, the risks were not increased at any level of GCT for any outcome. However, for subjects with BMI ≥ 25 kg/m(2), the risk of LGA for a GCT 130 to 134 mg/dL was increased, but not at GCT of 135 to 139 mg/dL (p < 0.001). Similar, but nonsignificant, trends were observed for macrosomia and shoulder dystocia. CONCLUSION: Increasing GCT is associated with adverse outcomes primarily in women with a BMI ≥ 25 kg/m(2). Women with a BMI ≥ 25 kg/m(2) and a GCT 135 to 140 mg/dL appear to have less risk of LGA than women with GCT 130 to 134 mg/dL, suggesting a possible effect of diagnosing and treating gestational diabetes mellitus in this group.

The utility of ultrasound surveillance of fluid and growth in obese women.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the utility of ultrasound surveillance in obese women. STUDY DESIGN: This is a retrospective cohort of all obese women who underwent sonography at a single center from 2005-2013. Inclusion criteria were body mass index ≥30 kg/m(2), singleton, ≥1 ultrasound scan performed at <20 weeks of gestation, and ≥1 ultrasound scan performed at ≥24 weeks of gestation. Pregnancies with medical complications, fetal anomalies, or preterm premature rupture of membranes were excluded. Outcomes that were considered were small for gestational age, large for gestational age (LGA), macrosomia, oligohydramnios, and polyhydramnios. We calculated the number needed to screen (NNS) and 95% confidence interval (CI) for scans that were performed during 3 gestational age ranges (24-31 weeks 6 days, 32-35 weeks 6 days, and ≥36 weeks). RESULTS: Two thousand two sonograms were performed in 1164 obese women at ≥24 weeks of gestation. Small for gestational age was diagnosed in 59 pregnancies (5.1%); 7 pregnancies (0.6%) were diagnosed at <32 weeks of gestation (NNS, 159; 95% CI, 69-490). LGA was diagnosed in 38 cases (3.3%); only 1 case was identified at <32 weeks of gestation and was not LGA at birth. For every 29 (95% CI, 19-46) scans performed at >36 weeks of gestation, 1 case of macrosomia was identified. Amniotic fluid abnormalities were diagnosed in 44 pregnancies (3.8%; oligohydramnios, 19; polyhydramnios, 25); 34.1% abnormalities were diagnosed at <32 weeks of gestation (NNS: oligohydramnios, 113; 95% CI, 55-282 for oligohydramnios; polyhydramnios, 100; 95% CI, 50-230). At ≥36 weeks of gestation, 7 (95% CI, 6-8) scans were needed to diagnose any fluid or growth abnormality. CONCLUSION: In obese women without comorbidities, few sonographic diagnoses of amniotic fluid or fetal growth abnormalities are made at <32 weeks of gestation. Therefore, if a policy of serial sonographic surveillance is used, we suggest ultrasound scans for fluid and growth in obese women to begin at ≥32 weeks of gestation.

Outcomes in low-risk patients before and after an institutional policy offering 39-week elective induction of labor.

OBJECTIVE: Elective induction of labor versus expectant management at 39 weeks gestation in low-risk nulliparous patients was shown in the ARRIVE randomized trial of over 6000 patients to decrease risks of cesarean delivery without significant change in the composite perinatal outcome. We aimed to pragmatically analyze the effect of offering elective induction of labor (eIOL) to all low-risk patients. METHODS: Retrospective cohort study of low-risk nulliparous and multiparous patients delivering live, non-anomalous singletons at a single center at greater than or equal to 39 0/7 weeks gestational age. Those with prior or planned cesarean delivery, ruptured membranes, medical comorbidities, or contraindications to vaginal delivery were excluded. Patients were categorized as before (pre-eIOL; 1/2012-3/2014) or after (post-eIOL; 3/2019-12/2021) an institution-wide policy offering eIOL at 39 0/7 weeks. Births occurring April 2014 to December 2018 were allocated to a separate cohort (during-eIOL) given increased exposure to eIOL as our center recruited participants for the ARRIVE trial. The primary outcome was cesarean birth. Secondary outcomes included select maternal (e.g. chorioamnionitis, operative delivery, postpartum hemorrhage) and neonatal morbidities (e.g. birthweight, small- and large-for gestational age, hypoglycemia). Characteristics and outcomes were compared between the pre and during-eIOL, and pre and post-eIOL groups; adjusted OR (95% CI) were calculated using multivariable regression. Subgroup analysis by parity was planned. RESULTS: Of 10,758 patients analyzed, 2521 (23.4%) were pre-eIOL, 5410 (50.3%) during-eIOL, and 2827 (26.3%) post-eIOL. Groups differed with respect to labor type, age, race/ethnicity, marital and payor status, and gestational age at care entry. Post-eIOL was associated with lower odds of cesarean compared to pre-eIOL (aOR 0.83 [95% CI 0.72-0.96]), which was even lower among those specifically undergoing labor induction (aOR 0.58 [0.48-0.70]. During-eIOL was also associated with lower odds of cesarean compared to pre-eIOL (aOR 0.79 [0.69-0.90]). Both during and post-eIOL groups were associated with higher odds of chorioamnionitis, operative delivery, and hemorrhage compared to pre-eIOL. However, only among post-eIOL were there fewer neonates weighing ≥4000 g, large-for-gestational age infants, and neonatal hypoglycemia compared to pre-IOL. CONCLUSION: An institutional policy offering eIOL at 39 0/7 to low-risk patients was associated with a lower cesarean birth rate, lower birthweights and lower neonatal hypoglycemia, and an increased risk of chorioamnionitis and hemorrhage.

Predicting peripartum infection in laboring patients at high risk in Cameroon, Africa.

OBJECTIVE: To develop a predictive model for peripartum infection among high risk laboring patients in Cameroon, Africa. STUDY DESIGN: We conducted a secondary analysis of the Cameroon Antibiotic Prophylaxis Trial (NCT03248297), a multicenter 3-arm double-blind randomized controlled trial of oral azithromycin ± amoxicillin among term pregnancies with prolonged labor or rupture of membranes in Cameroon 1/2018-5/2020. Patients with chorioamnionitis prior to randomization, study drug contraindications, or planned cesarean were excluded. The outcome of interest was a composite of maternal peripartum infection (chorioamnionitis, endometritis, sepsis by World Health Organization criteria, wound infection/abscess) diagnosed up to 6 weeks postpartum. Potential predictors were compared between patients with and without the composite outcome, and evaluated at a 0.05 alpha level. Statistically significant exposures were analyzed using multivariable regression (to generate adjusted odds ratios and 95 % confidence intervals) with backwards selection to generate a parsimonious model. Receiver operating characteristic curves with associated area under the curve assessed the model's predictive ability. A nomogram based on the final best fit multivariable model was constructed. RESULTS: Of 756 patients in the parent trial, 652 were analyzed: 45 (7 %) had peripartum infection. Those with infection were more likely to be nulliparous, lower education level, higher gestational age, receive antibiotics per hospital protocols, and undergo cesarean. In our best-fit multivariable model, none/primary education (vs university), cesarean birth, and antibiotic receipt per physician discretion (vs for cesarean prophylaxis) were significantly associated with increased infection risk. This model was moderately predictive (AUC = 0.75, 95 % CI 0.67-0.82). When using this 3 factor model, for a patient with a cesarean birth, receipt of antibiotics per physician discretion, and university education, the probability of peripartum infection was 35 % (95 % CI 0.11-0.73). CONCLUSIONS: While several variables such as parity are associated with infectious morbidity within 6 weeks among high risk laboring patients in Cameroon, only education level, antibiotic indication, and cesarean birth were independently associated, and a model including these 3 factors was moderately predictive. Validation of our findings in a larger population is warranted.

Gestational age at delivery and perinatal outcomes of twin gestations.

OBJECTIVE: The optimal gestational duration for twin gestations is unknown. Epidemiologic studies show that the lowest perinatal mortality rate for twins is at 37-38 weeks, but these studies lack information on pregnancy complications and neonatal morbidities. This study evaluates pregnancy characteristics and perinatal outcomes of twins in order to assess the optimal gestational age for delivery. STUDY DESIGN: This is a retrospective study of twins delivered at ≥36 weeks at our institution from 1991-2009. The composite rate of perinatal morbidity and mortality (including perinatal death, respiratory distress, suspected sepsis, and need for neonatal intensive care) was determined for weekly intervals from 36-39(+) weeks. RESULTS: There were 377 twin gestations included. Of those 83% were dichorionic. Fifty-three percent had spontaneous labor and 48% were delivered by cesarean section. Perinatal outcomes improved as gestational age advanced to 38 weeks. CONCLUSION: Perinatal morbidity and mortality rates suggest that the optimal time for delivery of twins is at 38 weeks or greater.