Cost analysis of care and blood transfusions in patients with Major Obstetric Haemorrhage in Ireland.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Obstetric haemorrhage is the leading cause of maternal morbidity and mortality worldwide. We aimed to estimate the economic cost of Major Obstetric Haemorrhage (MOH) and the cost of therapeutic blood components used in the management of MOH in Ireland. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed a nationwide cross-sectional study utilising top-down and bottom-up costing methods on women who experienced MOH during the years 2011-2013. Women with MOH were allocated to Diagnostic Related Groups (DRGs) based on the approach to MOH management (MOH group). The total number of blood components used for MOH treatment and the corresponding costs were recorded. A control group representative of a MOH-free maternity population was designed with predicted costs. All costs were expressed in Euro (€) using 2022 prices and the incremental cost of MOH to maternity costs was calculated. Cost contributions are expressed as percentages from the estimated total cost. RESULTS: A total of 447 MOH cases were suitable for sorting into DRGs. The estimated total cost of managing women who experienced MOH is approximately €3.2 million. The incremental cost of MOH is estimated as €1.87 million. The estimated total cost of blood components used in MOH management was €1.08 million and was based on an estimated total of 3997 products transfused. Red blood cell transfusions accounted for the highest contribution (20.22%) to MOH total cost estimates compared to other blood components. CONCLUSIONS: The total cost of caring for women with MOH in Ireland was approximately €3.2 million with blood component transfusions accounting for between one third and one half of the cost.

The prediction of morbidity related to vaginal delivery in nulliparous women - A secondary analysis from the genesis multicenter trial.

OBJECTIVE: In the prospective multicenter Genesis study, we developed a prediction model for Cesarean delivery (CD) in term nulliparous women. The objective of this secondary analysis was to determine whether the Genesis model has the potential to predict maternal and neonatal morbidity associated with vaginal delivery. STUDY DESIGN: The national prospective Genesis trial recruited 2,336 nulliparous women with a vertex presentation between 39 + 0- and 40 + 6-weeks' gestation from seven tertiary centers. The prediction model used five parameters to assess the risk of CD: maternal age, maternal height, body mass index, fetal head circumference and fetal abdominal circumference. Simple and multiple logistic regression analyses were used to develop the Genesis model. The risk score calculated using this model were correlated with maternal and neonatal morbidity in women who delivered vaginally: postpartum hemorrhage (PPH), obstetric anal sphincter injury (OASI), shoulder dystocia, one- and five-minute Apgar score ≤ 7, neonatal intensive care (NICU) admission, cephalohematoma, fetal laceration, nerve palsy and fractures. The morbidities associated with spontaneous vaginal delivery were compared with those associated with operative vaginal delivery (OVD). The likelihood ratios for composite morbidity and the morbidity associated with OVD based on the Genesis risk scores were also calculated. RESULTS: A total of 1,845 (79%) nulliparous women had a vaginal delivery. A trend of increasing intervention and morbidity was observed with increasing Genesis risk score, including OVD (p < 0.001), PPH (p < 0.008), NICU admission (p < 0.001), low Apgar score at one-minute (p < 0.001) and OASI (p = 0.009). The morbidity associated with OVD was significantly higher compared to spontaneous vaginal delivery, including NICU admission (p < 0.001), PPH (p = 0.022), birth injury (p < 0.001), shoulder dystocia (p = 0.002) and Apgar score of<7 at one-minute (p < 0.001). The positive likelihood ratios for composite outcomes (where the OVD was excluded) increases with increasing risk score from 1.005 at risk score of 5% to 2.507 for risk score of>50%. CONCLUSION: In women who ultimately achieved a vaginal birth, we have shown more maternal and neonatal morbidity in the setting of a Genesis nomogram-determined high-risk score for intrapartum CD. Therefore, the Genesis prediction tool also has the potential to predict a more morbid vaginal delivery.

SARS-CoV-2 placentitis: An uncommon complication of maternal COVID-19.

We present a case of third trimester pregnancy complicated by SARS-CoV-2 infection and subsequent reduced fetal movements, resulting in emergency Caesarean delivery with demonstrable placental SARS-CoV-2 placentitis. We show through illustration of this case and literature review that SARS-Co-V-2 placentitis is an uncommon but readily recognisable complication of maternal SARS-CoV-2 infection that may be a marker of potential vertical transmission and that may have the capacity to cause fetal compromise through a direct injurious effect on the placenta.

Defining the upper limit of the second stage of labor in nulliparous patients.

BACKGROUND: Increased duration of the second stage of labor provides clinical challenges in decision-making regarding the optimal mode of delivery that minimizes maternal and neonatal morbidity. OBJECTIVE: In a large cohort of uncomplicated nulliparous singleton cephalic labors, we sought to examine the effect of increasing duration of second stage on delivery and perinatal outcome. STUDY DESIGN: The GENESIS Study recruited 2336 nulliparous patients with vertex presentation in a prospective double-blinded study to examine prenatal and intrapartum predictors of delivery. Metrics included maternal demographics, duration of second stage, mode of delivery, and associated maternal and neonatal outcomes. Indicators of morbidity included third- or fourth-degree tear, postpartum hemorrhage, neonatal intensive care unit admission, low Apgar scores, cord pH <7.20 and a composite of birth injury that included cephalohematoma, fetal laceration, brachial plexus palsy, facial nerve palsy, and fetal fracture. RESULTS: Of 2336 recruited nulliparous participants, 1872 reached the second stage of labor and had complete data for analysis. Increased maternal age (P=.02) and birthweight (P<.001) were found to be associated with a longer second stage. Increasing second stage duration was found to impact on mode of delivery, such that at <1 hour duration the spontaneous vaginal delivery rate was 63% vs 24% at >3 hours (P<.001). Operative vaginal delivery increased from 35% at <1 hour to 65% at >3 hours (P<.001). The rate of cesarean delivery increased with duration of the second stage from 1.2% at <1 hour to 11% at >3 hours (P<.001). The rates of third- or fourth-degree tear increased with second stage duration (P=.003), as did postpartum hemorrhage (P<.001). The composite neonatal birth injury rate increased from 1.8% at <1 hour to 3.4% at >3 hours. The maximum rate of birth injury was 6.5% at 2-3 hours (P<.001). Multiple logistic regression analysis that controlled for maternal age and birthweight confirmed that operative vaginal delivery, perineal trauma, postpartum hemorrhage, and neonatal birth injury remained significantly more likely with increasing second stage duration. CONCLUSION: In a prospective cohort of nulliparous pregnancies, increasing duration of second stage of labor was associated with increased rates of operative vaginal and cesarean delivery. Although almost 90% of term nulliparous women with a second stage of labor >3 hours will succeed in achieving a vaginal birth, this success comes at a maternal morbidity cost, with a 10% risk of severe perineal injury and an increasing rate of significant neonatal injury.

Prediction of cesarean delivery in the term nulliparous woman: results from the prospective, multicenter Genesis study.

BACKGROUND: In contemporary practice many nulliparous women require intervention during childbirth such as operative vaginal delivery or cesarean delivery (CD). Despite the knowledge that the increasing rate of CD is associated with increasing maternal age, obesity and larger infant birthweight, we lack a reliable method to predict the requirement for such potentially hazardous obstetric procedures during labor and delivery. This issue is important, as there are greater rates of morbidity and mortality associated with unplanned CD performed in labor compared with scheduled CDs. A prediction algorithm to identify women at risk of an unplanned CD could help reduced labor associated morbidity. OBJECTIVE: In this primary analysis of the Genesis study, our objective was to prospectively assess the use of prenatally determined, maternal and fetal, anthropomorphic, clinical, and ultrasound features to develop a predictive tool for unplanned CD in the term nulliparous woman, before the onset of labor. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The Genesis study recruited 2336 nulliparous women with a vertex presentation between 39+0 and 40+6 weeks' gestation in a prospective multicenter national study to examine predictors of CD. At recruitment, a detailed clinical evaluation and ultrasound assessment were performed. To reduce bias from knowledge of these data potentially influencing mode of delivery, women, midwives, and obstetricians were blinded to the ultrasound data. All hypothetical prenatal risk factors for unplanned CD were assessed as a composite. Multiple logistic regression analysis and mathematical modeling was used to develop a risk evaluation tool for CD in nulliparous women. Continuous predictors were standardized using z scores. RESULTS: From a total enrolled cohort of 2336 nulliparous participants, 491 (21%) had an unplanned CD. Five parameters were determined to be the best combined predictors of CD. These were advancing maternal age (odds ratio [OR], 1.21; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.09 to 1.34), shorter maternal height (OR, 1.72; 95% CI, 1.52 to 1.93), increasing body mass index (OR, 1.29; 95% CI, 1.17 to 1.43), larger fetal abdominal circumference (OR, 1.23; 95% CI, 1.1 to 1.38), and larger fetal head circumference (OR, 1.27; 95% CI, 1.14 to 1.42). A nomogram was developed to provide an individualized risk assessment to predict CD in clinical practice, with excellent calibration and discriminative ability (Kolmogorov-Smirnov, D statistic, 0.29; 95% CI, 0.28 to 0.30) with a misclassification rate of 0.21 (95% CI, 0.19 to 0.25). CONCLUSION: Five parameters (maternal age, body mass index, height, fetal abdominal circumference, and fetal head circumference) can, in combination, be used to better determine the overall risk of CD in nulliparous women at term. A risk score can be used to inform women of their individualized probability of CD. This risk tool may be useful for reassuring most women regarding their likely success at achieving an uncomplicated vaginal delivery as well as selecting those patients with such a high risk for CD that they should avoid a trial of labor. Such a risk tool has the potential to greatly improve planning hospital service needs and minimizing patient risk.

Day care versus inpatient management of nausea and vomiting of pregnancy: cost utility analysis of a randomised controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the comparative cost effectiveness of day care over inpatient management of nausea and vomiting of pregnancy (NVP). STUDY DESIGN: A cost utility analysis was performed using a decision analytical model in which a Markov model was constructed. The Markov model was primarily populated with data from a recently published randomised controlled trial. Which included pregnant women presenting to Cork University Maternity Hospital, a tertiary referral maternity hospital, seeking treatment for NVP. Costs and outcomes were estimated from the perspective of the Irish health service (HSE) and patients. A probabilistic sensitivity analysis, using a Monte Carlo simulation, was also performed. A Bayesian Value of Information analysis was used to estimate the value of collecting additional information. RESULTS: When both the healthcare provider and patient's perspective was considered, day care management of NVP remained less costly (mean €985; 95% C.I. 705-1456 vs. €3837 (2124-8466)) and more effective (9.42; 4.19-12.25 vs. 9.49; 4.32-12.39 quality adjusted life years) compared with inpatient management. The Cost Effectiveness Acceptability Curve indicates the probability that day care management is 70% more cost effective compared to inpatient management at a ceiling ratio of €45,000 per QALY, indicating little decision uncertainty. The Bayesian Value of Information analysis indicates there is value in collecting further information; the Expected Value of Perfect Information (EVPI) is estimated to be €5.4 million. CONCLUSION: Day care management of NVP is cost effective compared to inpatient management.

Associations between health literacy and beliefs about medicines in an Irish obstetric population.

The authors wanted to determine the prevalence of limited health literacy, and the relation between health literacy and beliefs about medicines, in an obstetric population. A survey was administered in Cork University Maternity Hospital, Cork, Ireland. The Rapid Estimate of Adult Literacy in Medicine and the general section of the Beliefs About Medicines Questionnaire were used. Of 404 women, 15.3% (n=62) displayed limited health literacy. Age and health literacy were significantly associated with one another, as were health literacy and level at which participants completed formal education. In the general harm domain, level of education and health literacy were associated with stronger beliefs: M=11.85, SD=2.81 vs. M=9.75, SD=2.11; F(3)=13.69, p<.001. In the general overuse domain, those with limited literacy scored higher compared with those with adequate health literacy: M=12.48, SD=2.73 versus M=11.51, SD=2.63 (p=.01). These associations remained despite controlling for age (and education) in multivariable analyses. More than 1 in 7 had limited health literacy; these women may benefit from educational initiatives. Limited health literacy is associated with a more negative perception of medicines in this cohort.

Day care compared with inpatient management of nausea and vomiting of pregnancy: a randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: To examine day care treatment of nausea and vomiting of pregnancy compared with the traditional inpatient management of this condition. METHODS: We conducted an open-label, single-center, randomized controlled trial to examine the differences between day care and inpatient management of pregnant women with nausea and vomiting of pregnancy. Primary outcome was total number of inpatient nights related to nausea and vomiting of pregnancy. RESULTS: Ninety-eight women were randomized to initial day care management (n=42) or inpatient management (n=56). Results are calculated from the time of randomization until resolution of nausea and vomiting of pregnancy. Women randomized to inpatient care experienced a median (interquartile range) of 2 (1-4) inpatient days compared with 0 (0-2) inpatient days for women randomized to day care (P<.001). Women randomized to initial treatment as an inpatient had significantly more median total number of inpatient admissions (one [1-2] compared with zero [0-1] admissions; P<.001) compared with women randomized to day care. No significant differences were observed in day care visits (median [interquartile range] one [1-4] compared with two [1-4]; P=.30). Women randomized to inpatient care were as satisfied with their care as those randomized to day care (median [interquartile range]: 67 [57-69] compared with 63 [58-71] Client Satisfaction Questionnaire score; P=.7). CONCLUSION: Day care treatment of nausea and vomiting of pregnancy reduced hospital inpatient stay and was acceptable to patients. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: ISRCTN Register, http://www.isrctn.org, ISRCTN05023126. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: : I.

Weight-adjusted LMWH prophylaxis provides more effective thrombin inhibition in morbidly obese pregnant women.

INTRODUCTION: Low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) prophylaxis has been recommended for morbidly obese pregnant women (>40kg/m(2)). There is very little data on the anticoagulant effects of LMWH in this group. We investigated two different dosing regimens; fixed dose and weight-adjusted dose on the anticoagulant effects of the LMWH tinzaparin used for thromboprophylaxis in obese pregnant women. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty morbidly obese pregnant women were started on a fixed dose of tinzaparin (4,500 iu/day) at 32weeks gestation and then changed to a weight-adjusted dose (75iu/kg/day) for the remainder of their pregnancy. Four-hour post LMWH, venous bloods were taken after each initial dose and repeated every two weeks until delivery. Twenty normal weight women who did not receive LMWH at the same gestation were used as controls. RESULTS: Prior to LMWH prophylaxis, tissue factor pathway inhibitor (TFPI) levels in the obese group at 32weeks were significantly lower (p<0.001) and endogenous thrombin potential (ETP) and peak thrombin levels in obese group were significantly higher, compared with controls (p<0.0001; p<0.001). There was no significant difference between ETP levels before and after fixed LMWH. However, ETP levels were significantly lower post weight-adjusted dose compared with post fixed dose. There was a significant effect of LMWH on TFPI levels, (p<0.0001). ETP correlated positively with total body weight prior to LMWH (r=0.631) (p<0.05) and at fixed dose (r=0.578) (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Morbidly obese pregnant women have increased thrombin generation and reduced natural anticoagulant in third trimester. This prothrombotic state was more effectively attenuated by weight-adjusted than fixed LMWH doses.

The influence of maternal body mass index on fetal weight estimation in twin pregnancy.

OBJECTIVE: Sonographic estimated fetal weight (EFW) is important in the management of high-risk pregnancies. The possibility that increased maternal body mass index (BMI) adversely affects EFW assessments in twin pregnancies is controversial. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of maternal BMI on the accuracy of EFW assessments in twin gestations prospectively recruited for the ESPRiT (Evaluation of Sonographic Predictors of Restricted growth in Twins) study. STUDY DESIGN: One thousand one twin pair pregnancies were recruited. After exclusion, BMI, birthweights, and ultrasound determination of EFW (within 2 weeks of delivery) were available for 943 twin pairs. The accuracy of EFW determination was defined as the difference between EFW and actual birthweight for either twin (absolute difference and percent difference). Cells with less than 5% of the population were combined for analysis resulting in the following 3 maternal categories: (1) normal/underweight, (2) overweight, and (3) obese/extremely obese. RESULTS: Analysis of the 3 categories revealed mean absolute variation values of 184 g (8.0%) in the normal/underweight group (n = 531), 196 g (8.5%) in the overweight group (n = 278), and 206 g (8.6%) in the obese/extremely obese group (n = 134) (P = .028, which was nonsignificant after adjustment for multiple testing). Regression analysis showed no linear or log-linear relationship between BMI and the accuracy of EFW (P value for absolute difference = .11, P value for percentage difference = .27). CONCLUSION: Contrary to a commonly held clinical impression, increasing maternal BMI has no significant impact on the accuracy of EFW in twin pregnancy.

Comparison of outcomes of twins conceived spontaneously and by artificial reproductive therapy.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the outcomes of twin pregnancies conceived by artificial reproductive techniques (ART) with those of spontaneous conception. STUDY DESIGN: In this multicenter prospective trial, comparisons were made between methods of conception in twin pregnancies, for maternal and perinatal outcomes. RESULTS: Of 1001 twin pairs, 763/1001 (72.7%) were spontaneously conceived and 238/1001(27.3%) were conceived by ART. There were no significant differences between the two groups with respect to obstetric complications. There were 13 per 1000 (20/1504; 1%) perinatal deaths in the spontaneously conceived group and 6 per 1000 (3/466; 0.6%) in the ART group (p = 0.8141). We found no differences in gestational age at delivery (median 36.9 versus 37.0 weeks), birth weight (median 2520 g versus 2538 g), or in a composite measure of adverse perinatal outcome (17% versus 15%) between the groups. CONCLUSION: There were no differences in the rate of adverse obstetric or perinatal outcomes between twins conceived naturally compared with twins conceived by assisted conception.

Prediction of outcome in twin pregnancy with first and early second trimester ultrasound.

OBJECTIVE: To establish if first or second trimester biometry is a useful adjunct in the prediction of adverse perinatal outcome in twin pregnancy. METHODS: A consecutive cohort of 1028 twin pregnancies was enrolled for the Evaluation of Sonographic Predictors of Restricted growth in Twins (ESPRiT) study, a prospective study conducted at eight academic centers. Outcome data was recorded for 1001 twin pairs that completed the study. Ultrasound biometry was available for 960 pregnancies. Biometric data obtained between 11 and 22 weeks were evaluated as predictors of a composite of adverse perinatal outcome (mortality, hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy, periventricular leukomalacia, necrotizing enterocolitis, respiratory distress, or sepsis), preterm delivery (PTD) and birthweight discordance greater than 18% (18% BW). Outcomes were adjusted for chorionicity and gestational age using Cox Proportional Hazards regression. RESULTS: Differences in crown-rump length (CRL) were not predictive of adverse perinatal outcome. Between 14 and 22 weeks, a difference in abdominal circumference (AC) of more than 10% was the most useful predictor of adverse outcome, PTD and 18% or more BW discordance in all twins. Overall the strongest correlation was observed for intertwin differences in biometry between 18 and 22 weeks. CONCLUSION: Biometry in the early second trimester can successfully identify twin pregnancies at increased risk. Intertwin AC difference of greater than 10% between 14 and 22 weeks gestation was the best individual predictor of perinatal risk in all twins. Sonographic biometry in the early second trimester should therefore be utilized to establish perinatal risk, thus allowing prenatal care to be improved.

Placental pathology, birthweight discordance, and growth restriction in twin pregnancy: results of the ESPRiT Study.

OBJECTIVE: We sought to evaluate the association between placental histological abnormalities and birthweight discordance and growth restriction in twin pregnancies. STUDY DESIGN: We performed a multicenter, prospective study of twin pregnancies. Placentas were examined for evidence of infarction, retroplacental hemorrhage, chorangioma, subchorial fibrin, or abnormal villus maturation. Association of placental lesions with chorionicity, birthweight discordance, and growth restriction were assessed. RESULTS: In all, 668 twin pairs were studied, 21.1% monochorionic and 78.9% dichorionic. Histological abnormalities were more frequent in placentas of smaller twins of birthweight discordant pairs (P = .02) and in placentas of small for gestational age infants (P = .0001) when compared to controls. The association of placental abnormalities with both birthweight discordance and small for gestational age was significant for dichorionic twins (P = .01 and .0001, respectively). No such association was seen in monochorionic twins. CONCLUSION: In a large, prospective, multicenter study, we observed a strong relationship between abnormalities of placental histology and birthweight discordance and growth restriction in dichorionic, but not monochorionic, twin pregnancies.

Thrombin generation post elective caesarean section: effect of low molecular weight heparin.

INTRODUCTION: Caesarean section (CS) is a significant risk factor for venous thromboembolism.. Low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) is commonly used for thromboprophylaxis post emergency caesarean delivery. However, no consensus exists regarding LMWH thromboprophylaxis following elective caesarean section. Measures of thrombin formation may indicate the full anticoagulant activity of LMWH in this setting. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Anti-Xa, tissue factor pathway inhibitor (TFPI), thrombin anti-thrombin complex (TAT) and endogenous thrombin potential (ETP) were measured in twenty healthy women who received 4,500 IU tinzaparin 6 hours post CS (CS1), twenty women who received 4,500 IU tinzaparin at 10-12 hours post delivery (CS2) and twenty women post spontaneous vaginal delivery (SVD). RESULTS: Prior to initiation of LMWH, TAT levels at 6 hours post delivery were significantly higher in the CS1 and CS2 groups than the SVD group (P<0.002); TAT levels were significantly reduced up to 24 hours post LMWH treatment despite declining anti-Xa levels (P<0.001). In CS1, peak thrombin and ETP were significantly reduced following LMWH prophylaxis (P<0.0001; P<0.002) and reverted to pre-delivery levels 10 hours post LMWH. TFPI levels mirror anti-Xa levels during the 24 hours following LMWH treatment in CS1 group with peak levels coinciding with peak anti-Xa levels 4 hours post injection. CONCLUSION: In women post caesarean section, anti-Xa levels do not reflect the full anticoagulant effects of LMWH. In-vivo thrombin production (TAT) is effectively reduced even when anti-Xa levels are negligible. LMWH thromboprophylaxis in this healthy cohort of patients appears to have a sustained effect in reducing excess thrombin production post elective caesarean section.

Investigation of the role of computed tomography as an adjunct to autopsy in the evaluation of stillbirth.

INTRODUCTION: The number of parents agreeing to autopsy following stillbirth is declining, which has undermined clinicians' ability to assess causes of intrauterine death and can impact counselling regarding recurrence. Post-mortem radiological imaging is a potential alternative method of investigating perinatal loss. The aim of this study was to assess the role of multi-detector computed tomography (MDCT) in the investigation of stillbirth. STUDY DESIGN: Following ethical approval and written consent, parents were offered MDCT of the stillborn infant. MDCT was performed with 3D reconstruction, and images were analysed for image quality, anthropomorphic measurements and pathologic findings. Body part and organ-specific measurements were performed; including head, chest and abdominal circumferences, and muscle and liver mass was also measured. Findings were correlated with obstetric history, post-mortem skeletal survey (plain radiography), and formal autopsy. RESULTS: Fourteen third-trimester stillborn infants were scanned. Image quality was moderate to excellent for most body structures. CT was better than plain radiography for imaging skeletal structures and large solid organs and demonstrated a range of pathologies including renal vein thrombosis, mesenteric calcification and skeletal hyperostosis that were not seen on plain radiographs. MDCT did not overlook autopsy findings and provided some additional information. CONCLUSION: This study confirms the feasibility of MDCT in the investigation of third trimester stillbirth. MDCT image quality is acceptable and the examination can demonstrate a range of anatomic and pathologic findings. Initially, its value may be as an important adjunct to conventional autopsy.

Inherited thrombophilias and adverse pregnancy outcomes: a case-control study in an Australian population.

OBJECTIVE: The primary aim of this study was to examine the association between inherited thrombophilias and adverse pregnancy outcomes in an Australian population. DESIGN: Case-control study. SETTING: Two Australian tertiary level maternity hospitals. POPULATION: One hundred and fifteen cases with adverse pregnancy outcomes, comprising severe pre-eclampsia (n=45), fetal growth restriction (n=44), placental abruption (n=16) or stillbirth (n=10), and 115 controls matched for ethnicity, parity and maternal age. METHODS: Genotyping for factor V Leiden, prothrombin gene mutation, methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase 677 and 1298 and thrombomodulin polymorphism was performed using Taqman assays in an ABI prism 7700 Sequencer. Pregnancy outcome data were extracted from the medical record at the time of recruitment. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Prevalence of inherited thrombophilias in women with adverse pregnancy outcomes and matched control women. RESULTS: There were no differences in baseline characteristics between cases and control women, apart from duration of gestation and neonatal birthweight. Overall, there was no significant difference in the prevalence of these inherited thrombophilia polymorphisms between cases and control women. Heterozygosity for the factor V Leiden mutation, however, was significantly associated with an increased risk of both stillbirth (odds ratio 9.33, 95% confidence interval 1.36-64.15, p=0.02) and placental abruption (odds ratio 8.62, 95% confidence interval 1.57-47.17, p=0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Overall, this study does not support a significant association between inherited thrombophilia polymorphisms and adverse pregnancy outcomes. Our two statistically significant findings should be interpreted with caution given the small number of patients in these subgroups (10 stillbirths and 16 placental abruption cases) and the wide confidence intervals.

Optimum timing for planned delivery of uncomplicated monochorionic and dichorionic twin pregnancies.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the optimum timing for planned delivery of uncomplicated monochorionic and dichorionic twin pregnancies. METHODS: Unselected twin pregnancies were recruited for this prospective cohort study (N=1,028), which was conducted in eight tertiary referral perinatal centers in Ireland. Perinatal mortality and a composite measure of perinatal morbidity (respiratory distress, necrotizing enterocolitis, hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy, periventricular leukomalacia, or sepsis) were compared between uncomplicated twins that underwent planned preterm delivery compared with monochorionic twins that continued in utero beyond 34 weeks of gestation, and dichorionic twins who continued beyond 36 weeks. RESULTS: Perinatal outcome data were recorded for 100% of the 1,001 twin pairs that completed the study (n=200 monochorionic and n=801 dichorionic). Overall perinatal mortality was 30 per 1,000 in monochorionic twins and 3.8 per 1,000 among dichorionic twins. The prospective risk of in utero death was 1.5% after 34 weeks of gestation for uncomplicated monochorionic pregnancies, with no deaths among dichorionic twins after 33 weeks. The risk of a composite measure of perinatal morbidity for uncomplicated monochorionic twins fell from 41% (13/32 neonates, 3/6 among elective deliveries) at 34 weeks to 5% (4/84) at 37 weeks (P<.001). Among dichorionic twins, the risk of morbidity fell from 4% (2/52) among elective deliveries at 36 weeks to 1% (5/344) in pregnancies continuing to 38 weeks (P=.231). CONCLUSION: Applying a strategy of close fetal surveillance, perinatal morbidity can be minimized by allowing uncomplicated monochorionic pregnancies continue to 37 weeks of gestation and dichorionic twins to 38 weeks. Among monochorionic twins, this approach must be balanced against a 1.5% risk of late in utero death.

Placental cord insertion and birthweight discordance in twin pregnancies: results of the national prospective ESPRiT Study.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of noncentral placental cord insertion on birthweight discordance in twins. STUDY DESIGN: We performed a multicenter, prospective trial of twin pregnancies. Placental cord insertion was documented as central, marginal, or velamentous according to a defined protocol. Association of the placental cord insertion site with chorionicity, birthweight discordance, and growth restriction were assessed. RESULTS: Eight hundred sixteen twin pairs were evaluated; 165 pairs were monochorionic, and 651 pairs were dichorionic. Monochorionic twins had higher rates of marginal (P = .0068) and velamentous (P < .0001) placental cord insertion. Noncentral placental cord insertion was more frequent in smaller twins of discordant pairs than control pairs (29.8% vs 19.1%; P = .004). Velamentous placental cord insertion in monochorionic twins was associated significantly with birthweight discordance (odds ratio, 3.5; 95% confidence interval, 1.3-9.4) and growth restriction (odds ratio, 4; 95% confidence interval, 1.1-14.3). CONCLUSION: Noncentral placental cord insertion contributes to birthweight discordance in monochorionic twin pregnancies. Sonographic delineation of placental cord insertion may be of value in antenatal assessment of twin pregnancies.