Trainee Perspectives Regarding the Effect of the Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization Supreme Court Decision on Obstetrics and Gynecology Training.

Objectives: We aimed to describe obstetrics and gynecology (OBGYN) trainees' anticipation of how the Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization (Dobbs) U.S. Supreme Court decision may affect their training. Methods: A REDCap survey of OBGYN residents and fellows in the United States from September 19, 2022, to December 1, 2022, queried trainees' anticipated achievement of relevant Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) training milestones, their concerns about the ability to provide care and concern about legal repercussions during training, and the importance of OBGYN competence in managing certain clinical situations for residency graduates. The primary outcome was an ACGME program trainee feeling uncertain or unable to obtain the highest level queried for a relevant ACGME milestone, including experiencing 20 abortion procedures in residency. Results: We received 469 eligible responses; the primary outcome was endorsed by 157 respondents (33.5%). After correction for confounders, significant predictors of the primary outcome were state environment (aOR = 3.94 for pending abortion restrictions; aOR = 2.71 for current abortion restrictions), trainee type (aOR = 0.21 for fellow vs. resident), and a present or past Ryan Training Program in residency (aOR = 0.55). Although the vast majority of trainees believed managing relevant clinical situations are key to OBGYN competence, 10%-30% of trainees believed they would have to stop providing the standard of care in clinical situations during training. Conclusions: This survey of OBGYN trainees indicates higher uncertainty about achieving ACGME milestones and procedural competency in clinical situations potentially affected by the Dobbs decision in states with legal restrictions on abortion.

Evaluation of Recurrent Pregnancy Loss.

Recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) affects approximately 5% of couples. Although RPL definitions vary across professional societies, an evaluation after a second clinically recognized first-trimester pregnancy loss is recommended. Good quality evidence links parental chromosomal rearrangements, uterine anomalies, and antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) to RPL. In contrast, the relationship between RPL and other endocrine, hematologic, and immunologic disorders or environmental exposures is less clear. Anticoagulant therapy and low-dose aspirin are recommended for patients with RPL who have also been diagnosed with APS. Vaginal progesterone supplementation may be considered in patients experiencing vaginal bleeding during the first trimester. Surgical correction may be considered for patients with RPL in whom a uterine anomaly is identified. Evaluation and management of additional comorbidities should be guided by the patient's history rather than solely based on the diagnosis of RPL, with the goal of improving overall health to reduce complications in the event of pregnancy. Most people with RPL, including those without identifiable risk factors, are expected to achieve a live birth within 5 years from the initial evaluation. Nevertheless, clinicians should be sensitive to the psychological needs of individuals with this condition and provide compassionate and supportive care across all stages.

Patient and clinician experiences with cross-border reproductive care: A systematic review.

OBJECTIVES: This review analyzes the experiences of patients and clinicians with regards to international cross-border reproductive care (CBRC) for the purpose of conception. METHODS: Electronic databases PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Scopus were searched using 'medical tourism' AND 'assisted reproductive technology' from 1978 to 2020. RESULTS: Predominant patient motivators for CBRC were cost and legality of assisted reproduction technology (ART) in one's home country, followed by cultural factors like shared language, religion, and cultural familiarity. Clinicians suggested global laws for CBRC would reduce the potential for exploitation of vulnerable populations but believed the enactment of international regulations unlikely and, even if enacted, difficult to enforce. CONCLUSIONS: While patient and clinician experiences with CBRC varied, patients frequently cited financial and legal reasons for pursuing CBRC, while many providers had concern for the patient's safety. CLINICAL PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: This review recommends clinicians involved in family planning counsel patients seeking treatment abroad by: (i) informing patients of the risks and benefits of treatment abroad, (ii) establishing guidelines and standards for clinicians on resuming patient care post-CBRC, and (iii) creating a directory of reputable CBRC clinicians and experts.

Optimal timing of antenatal corticosteroid administration and preterm neonatal and early childhood outcomes.

Background: Antenatal corticosteroids reduce morbidity and mortality among preterm neonates. However, the optimal timing of steroid administration with regards to severe neonatal and early childhood morbidity is uncertain. Objective: To evaluate the association between the timing of antenatal corticosteroid adminstration and preterm outcomes. We hypothesized that neonates exposed to antenatal corticosteroids 2 to <7 days before delivery would have the lowest risks of neonatal and childhood morbidity. Study Design: Secondary analysis of two prospective multicenter studies enriched for spontaneous preterm birth, Genomics and Proteomics Network for Preterm Birth Research (11/2007-1/2011) and Beneficial Effect of Antenatal Magnesium (12/1997-5/2004). We included women with singleton gestations who received antenatal corticosteroids and delivered at 23 0/7-33 6/7 weeks' gestation. Women who received ≥1 course of corticosteroids were excluded. Neonatal outcomes were compared by the timing of the first dose of antenatal corticosteroids in relation to delivery: <2 days, 2 to <7 days, 7 to <14 days, and ≥14 days. The primary outcome was respiratory distress syndrome. Secondary outcomes included composite neonatal morbidity (death, intraventricular hemorrhage grade III or IV, periventricular leukomalacia, bronchopulmonary dysplasia, or necrotizing enterocolitis), and early childhood morbidity (death or moderate to severe cerebral palsy at age 2). Multivariable logistic regression estimated the association between timing of antenatal corticosteroid administration and study outcomes. Results: A total of 2,259 subjects met inclusion criteria: 622 (27.5%) received antenatal corticosteroids <2 days before delivery, 821 (36.3%) 2 to <7 days, 401 (17.8%) 7 to <14 days, and 415 (18.4%) ≥14 days. The majority (78.1%) delivered following idiopathic spontaneous preterm labor or preterm premature rupture of membranes at a mean gestational age of 29.5 +/-2.8 weeks. Neonates exposed to antenatal corticosteroids 2 to <7 days before delivery were the least likely to develop respiratory distress syndrome (51.3%), compared to those receiving antenatal corticosteroids <2 days, 7 to <14 days, and ≥14 days before delivery (62.7%, 55.9%, and 57.6%, respectively, p<0.001). Compared to receipt 2 to <7 days before delivery, there was an increased odds of respiratory distress syndrome with receipt of antenatal corticosteroids <2 days (aOR 2.07, 95%CI 1.61-2.66), 7 to <14 days (aOR 1.40, 95% CI 1.07-1.83), and ≥14 days (aOR 2.34, 95%CI 1.78-3.07). Neonates exposed to antenatal corticosteroids ≥14 days before delivery were at increased odds for severe neonatal morbidity (aOR 1.57, 95%CI 1.12-2.19) and early childhood morbidity (aOR 1.74, 95%CI 1.02-2.95), compared to those exposed 2 to <7 days before delivery. There was no significant association between antenatal corticosteroid receipt <2 days or 7 to <14 days and severe neonatal morbidity or severe childhood morbidity. Conclusions: Preterm neonates exposed to antenatal corticosteroids 2 to <7 days before delivery had the lowest odds of respiratory distress syndrome, compared to shorter and longer time intervals between steroid administration and delivery. Antenatal corticosteroid administration ≥14 days before delivery is associated with an increased odds of severe neonatal and childhood morbidity, compared to 2 to <7 days before delivery. These results emphasize the importance of optimally timed antenatal corticosteroids to improve both short- and long-term outcomes.

What Is New in Recurrent Pregnancy Loss?: Best Articles From the Past Year.

This month we focus on current research in recurrent pregnancy loss. Dr. Ros discusses four recent publications, which are concluded with a "bottom-line" that is the take-home message. A complete reference for each can be found on on this page along with direct links to abstracts.

What Is New in Sexually Transmitted Infections?: Best Articles From the Past Year.

This month we focus on current research in sexually transmitted infections. Dr. Ros discusses four recent publications, which are concluded with a "bottom line" that is a take-home message. A complete reference for each can be found in on this page along with direct links to abstracts.