Interprofessional obstetric simulation training improves postpartum haemorrhage management and decreases maternal morbidity: a before-and-after study.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the impact of the Obstetric Simulation Training and Teamwork (OB-STaT) curriculum on postpartum haemorrhage (PPH) rates and outcomes. DESIGN: Before-and-after study. SETTING: Maternity care hospitals within the USA. POPULATION: Patients who delivered between February 2018 and November 2019. METHODS: Interprofessional obstetric teamwork training (OB-STaT) conducted at each hospital. Electronic medical records for deliveries were reviewed for 6 months before and after conducting OB-STaT at participating hospitals. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The PPH rate (blood loss of ≥1000 ml), uterotonic medications used, tranexamic acid use, blood product transfusion, hysterectomy, length of stay and composite maternal morbidity (postpartum haemorrhage, hysterectomy, transfusion of ≥4 units of blood products and intensive care unit admission for PPH). RESULTS: A total of 9980 deliveries were analysed: 5059 before and 4921 after OB-STaT. The PPH rates did not change significantly (5.48% before vs 5.14% after, p = 0.46). Composite maternal morbidity decreased significantly by 1.1% (6.35%-5.28%, p = 0.03), massive transfusions decreased by 57% (0.42%-0.18%, p = 0.04) and the mean postpartum length of stay decreased from 2.05 days (1.05 days SD) to 2.01 days (0.91 days SD) (p = 0.04). Following OB-STaT, haemorrhage medication use increased by 36% (14.8%-51.2%, p = 0.03), the use of tranexamic acid for PPH treatment almost doubled (2.7%-4.8%, p < 0.001) and the rate of hysterectomy significantly increased (0%-0.1%, p = 0.03). CONCLUSIONS: Although the PPH rates did not decrease, OB-STaT significantly improved maternal morbidity, decreased massive transfusions, and improved PPH management by increasing the utilization of uterotonic medications, tranexamic acid and hysterectomy.

Obstetric Simulation Training and Teamwork: Immediate Impact on Knowledge, Teamwork, and Adherence to Hemorrhage Protocols.

INTRODUCTION: The Obstetric Simulation Training and Teamwork (OB-STaT) curriculum was an in situ interprofessional program to provide standardized postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) simulation training throughout a health system to decrease PPH morbidity. In this study portion, investigators hypothesized that OB-STaT would increase: (a) team member knowledge in diagnosis and management of PPH, (b) teamwork, (c) adherence to established PPH protocols, and (d) patient satisfaction. METHODS: The OB-STaT was implemented at 8 US Navy hospitals between February 2018 and November 2019. Participant PPH treatment and maternal/neonatal resuscitation pretraining/posttraining knowledge was assessed via an 11-item test, whereas teamwork and standardized patient assessment were rated using validated Likert-type scales: the 15-item Clinical Teamwork Scale and 3-item Patient Perception Score, with item ranges of 0 to 10 and 0 to 5, respectively. Local PPH protocol adherence was assessed using role-specific checklists, with a potential maximum of 14 points (anesthesia/nursing) or 22 points (obstetrics). RESULTS: Fifty-four interprofessional teams participated. Obstetricians (trainees and attendings) demonstrated significantly improved knowledge test scores (8.33 ± 1.6 vs. 8.66 ± 1.5, P < 0.01). Between the 2 scenarios, overall mean Clinical Teamwork Scale scores improved significantly for all interprofessional teams (5.82 ± 2.0 vs. 7.25 ± 1.9, P < 0.01). Anesthesia, nursing, and obstetric subteams demonstrated significant increases in protocol adherence as measured by critical action scores (12.28 ± 1.7 vs. 13.56 ± 1.0, 12.43 ± 1.6 vs. 13.14 ± 1.3, and 18.14 ± 2.7 vs. 19.56 ± 2.1 respectively, all P < 0.02). Although overall standardized patient satisfaction did not significantly improve, scores for feeling well informed did (3.36 ± 1.0 vs. 3.76 ± 0.8, P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: The OB-STaT curriculum modestly improved participants' teamwork, communication, and protocol adherence during simulated PPH scenarios; OB-STaT may decrease PPH morbidity.

Comparative Diagnostic Performance of Estimated Fetal Weight and Isolated Abdominal Circumference for the Detection of Fetal Growth Restriction.

OBJECTIVES: To describe the comparative incidence, detection of small-for-gestational age (SGA), and composite perinatal morbidity (CPM) associated with diagnostic criteria of fetal growth restriction (FGR) by estimated fetal weight (EFW) <10% with those with isolated abdominal circumference (AC) measurements <10%. METHODS: We performed a retrospective cohort study of 1587 patients receiving prenatal care and delivery at our institution. We included all patients with ultrasounds and delivery outcomes available, and excluded terminations, second trimester losses, and pregnancies without ultrasounds. EFW was calculated from Hadlock and use of the Duryea centiles, and AC from Hadlock's reference curves. We determined SGA at birth and defined CPM as birthweight less than 3% or birthweight less than 10% with neonatal morbidity. RESULTS: Of 1587 patients, 28 (1.8%) were classified as FGR by EFW <10%. Three of 12 patients with isolated AC <10% developed EFW <10% later in pregnancy (25%). The performance of each diagnostic criteria were comparable for the outcomes of SGA and CPM, with similar sensitivities, but with decreased specificity for SGA outcome, and an increased false positive rate for patients classified as FGR by isolated AC <10, with a tradeoff of decreased false negatives. CONCLUSIONS: Broadening the diagnosis of FGR to include patients with isolated AC <10 did not significantly increase the detection of pregnancies at risk for SGA or CPM. Our conclusions may be limited by a lack of statistical power given a low frequency of SGA and CPM.

Attendance and Quality and Quantity of Research Presentations at an Obstetrics and Gynecology Regional Meeting Pre- and Postchanges in Federal Funding.

INTRODUCTION: Participating in scientific meetings offers value to physician trainees and faculty. In 2012, the U.S. Government (including the Department of Defense) instituted restrictions on conference travel, requiring central approval to attend. Hence, our objective was to determine the academic impact of research presented at the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) Armed Forces District Meeting and the effect of this federally mandated policy change on attendance and the quality and quantity of research. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Attendance logs and meeting programs were reviewed for the 3 years immediately before and after institution of travel regulations. A PubMed search of each abstract was performed to determine if it resulted in publication and the mean duration in months from presentation to publication was calculated and compared between oral and poster presentations. The top journals accepting manuscripts were noted along with the corresponding impact factor. RESULTS: The overall meeting publication rate was 22%. Oral presentations were significantly more likely than posters to achieve publication (P < 0.001). Following implementation of travel regulations, mean faculty attendance declined from 130 per year to 105 (P < 0.05). Declines in resident attendance and publication rates were not statistically significant. The top journals publishing investigations included Obstetrics and Gynecology (n = 15), Military Medicine (n = 12), and Fertility and Sterility and Gynecologic Oncology (tied, both n = 11). CONCLUSION: Approximately one in five presentations at the ACOG Armed Forces District Meeting are published, many in high impact journals within the specialty. Implementation of stricter travel regulations adversely impacted faculty physician attendance, but not trainee participation or the publication rate.

Relationship Between Maternal Serum Bile Acid Levels and Fetal Cardiac Troponin-I Levels in Asymptomatic Pregnant Patients at Term: A Cross-sectional Observational Study.

Objective The objective of our study was to determine if a correlation exists between maternal total bile acid levels, degree of maternal pruritus, and fetal cardiac troponin-I levels in asymptomatic patients without a diagnosis of intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy. Study design In this cross-sectional observational study, patients were enrolled at the time of the scheduled term cesarean section. Maternal blood was drawn for fasting total bile acid levels and cord blood was collected for fetal cardiac troponin-I levels. Pruritus during pregnancy was quantified by the patient on a visual analog scale (VAS). Correlation coefficients between these variables were calculated. Results There was not a positive correlation between any of the primary variables studied (pruritis, total bile acid, cardiac troponin I). Pearson's R between total bile acid and cardiac troponin I was -0.058 (weak correlation in the opposite direction), and between total bile acid and pruritus severity, it was 0.031. Conclusion In patients without intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy, higher levels of maternal total bile acids did not correlate with increased cardiac troponin-I (fetal cardiomyocyte damage) or increased pruritus. This supports the current theory that the adverse outcomes associated with intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy require a threshold value of total bile acids, one high enough to cause clinically significant maternal pruritis.

Pyelonephritis in Pregnancy: Relationship of Fever and Maternal Morbidity.

Objective To evaluate the relationship between maternal fever at the time of hospital admission and subsequent maternal morbidity in pregnant patients with pyelonephritis. Study Design In this retrospective cohort study, inpatient records were reviewed for all obstetric patients discharged from a single tertiary care hospital between June 1, 2011, and May 30, 2017, with the diagnosis of pyelonephritis. Patients were stratified into two groups, those with and without fever at the time of admission. Descriptive statistics were utilized to evaluate the association of fever at the time of presentation with subsequent morbidity. Using admission vital signs, maternal early warning criteria (MEWC) were applied and odds ratios calculated to predict intensive care unit (ICU) admission. Results A total of 110 patients were admitted with pyelonephritis in pregnancy; 24 patients were febrile and 86 patients were afebrile on admission. There was no difference in rates of maternal ICU admission between both groups. Positive MEWC was predictive of ICU admission with an adjusted odds ratio of 16.54 (95% confidence interval: 1.29-212.5; p = 0.03). Conclusion Afebrile pregnant patients with pyelonephritis remain at risk of significant maternal morbidity. Application of the MEWC on admission identifies patients at higher risk of ICU admission.

In-situ Interprofessional Perinatal Drills: The Impact of a Structured Debrief on Maximizing Training While Sensing Patient Safety Threats.

Introduction In-situ interprofessional emergency team training improves participants' with confidence and knowledge and identifies latent safety threats. This study examined the impact of a structured debrief on an interprofessional perinatal team's ability to identify latent safety threats and assess competency in managing perinatal emergencies. It was hypothesized that latent safety threats would be reduced and checklist compliance would increase during subsequent in-situ perinatal team training. Methods Two in-situ training sessions were held six months apart. The perinatal emergency response team provided care for a standardized patient with preterm twin gestation. Each session included off-ward delivery and resuscitation of the first infant, transportation to appropriate inpatient units, cesarean delivery, and resuscitation of the second twin. Postpartum hemorrhage ensued, requiring massive transfusion protocol activation. Medical experts assessed team performance with critical action checklists. A structured debrief identified latent safety threats, developed action plans, and reviewed checklist compliance. Checklist compliance rates were analyzed using a z-ratio test. Results The first training session: seven teams (75 staff) completed 75% (292/391) critical action checklist items and identified 34 latent safety threats. Second training session: four teams (45 staff) completed 89% (94/106) critical action checklist items. Ten latent safety threats were mitigated during the second session. Utilizing a z-ratio, a significant difference was detected between the overall checklist compliance rates of the two sessions, z = -3.069, p = .002. Post-hoc power calculation was <10%. Conclusions In-situ interprofessional perinatal emergency team training is feasible, identifies latent patient safety threats, and may improve team competency.

A Comprehensive Approach to Care of Women of Advanced Maternal Age.

Advanced maternal age, historically defined as ages 35 years and older, is used to describe the later years in the female reproductive life span when rates of adverse pregnancy outcomes increase. The preconception period represents an opportunity to ensure the use of safe medications and optimize care for medical comorbidities. Routine prenatal care should be augmented with counseling on fetal aneuploidy with a detailed anatomic survey. Surveillance for preterm labor and preeclampsia is recommended. Growth assessment and antepartum testing for specific women are advised, particularly those ages 40 years and older and those with select medical problems. Despite an increased incidence of complications, most women of advanced maternal age will have normal pregnancies and will benefit from the compassionate care provided by midwives, advanced practice registered nurses (including nurse practitioners and clinical nurse specialists), and perinatal nurses.

Chorionic Villus Sampling, Early Amniocentesis, and Termination of Pregnancy Without Diagnostic Testing: Comparison of Fetal Risk Following Positive Non-invasive Prenatal Testing.

BACKGROUND: With the increased accuracy of non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT) based on cell-free DNA (cfDNA) techniques, the likelihood of false-positive screening results has been reduced for high-risk populations. Following a positive screening test, a diagnostic procedure to confirm the result is strongly recommended, although some patients have terminated pregnancies because of a positive NIPT alone. Chorionic villus sampling (CVS), the diagnostic procedure of choice in the first trimester, is not available in all locations. Amniocentesis before 15 weeks, referred to as early amniocentesis (EA), is associated with a 1% rate of talipes and an increased rate of early pregnancy loss compared with CVS. Our objective was to compare the level of risk for euploid pregnancies following a positive NIPT based on the invasive procedure chosen. METHOD: Using data from a 2003 meta-analysis, we estimated the rates of adverse pregnancy outcome in euploid pregnancies based on the positive predictive value (PPV) of NIPT and the invasive procedure used-that is, CVS, EA, or termination of pregnancy (TOP). RESULTS: Following NIPT, we found that the rate of adverse fetal outcomes in euploid pregnancies was lower for CVS than for EA at all PPV levels. As the PPV of NIPT increased, the difference in risk between EA and CVS decreased. The risk to euploid pregnancies of TOP was excessive at all PPVs. CONCLUSION: CVS is the recommended diagnostic test in the first trimester because it is safer than EA for the fetus. However, EA is better than no testing when early TOP is planned. Patients should be strongly counselled against TOP without confirmatory testing.

Carney complex: a rare cause of Cushing syndrome in pregnancy.

BACKGROUND: Carney complex is a rare, autosomal-dominant, multisystem disorder characterized by endocrine overactivity, spotty skin pigmentation, and myxomas. CASE: We present the case of a 24-year-old primigravid woman with a pregnancy complicated by Carney complex. At 18 weeks of gestation, severe hypertension developed. Medical history was significant for chronic hypertension, nephrolithiasis, and an atrial myxoma excised in 2011. She had Cushingoid features, an elevated 24-hour urine free cortisol, and a cutaneous myxoma. At 26 weeks of gestation, superimposed preeclampsia developed. She underwent a primary classical cesarean delivery, delivering a live female weighing 650 g. CONCLUSION: Carney complex is a rare cause of hypercortisolism and hypertension during pregnancy. It should be considered when features of Cushing syndrome and severe hypertension are present.

Glial fibrillary acidic protein as a biomarker for neonatal hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy treated with whole-body cooling.

OBJECTIVE: Glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) is specific to astrocytes in the central nervous system. We hypothesized that serum GFAP would be increased in neonates with hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) treated with whole-body cooling. STUDY DESIGN: We measured GFAP at birth and daily for up to 7 days for neonates in the intensive care unit. We compared neonates with HIE treated with whole-body cooling to gestational age-matched controls without neurological injury and neonates with HIE by brain abnormalities on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). RESULTS: Neonates with HIE had increased GFAP levels compared with controls. Neonates with HIE and abnormal brain imaging had elevated GFAP levels compared with neonates with HIE and normal imaging. CONCLUSION: Serum GFAP levels during the first week of life were increased in neonates with HIE and were predictive of brain injury on MRI. Biomarkers such as GFAP could help triage neonates with HIE to treatment, measure treatment efficacy, and provide prognostic information.

Barriers to and facilitators of postpartum follow-up care in women with recent gestational diabetes mellitus: a qualitative study.

OBJECTIVES: Women with a history of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) have an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes (T2DM) but often do not return for follow-up care. We explored barriers to and facilitators of postpartum follow-up care in women with recent GDM. METHODS: We conducted 22 semistructured interviews, 13 in person and 9 by telephone, that were audiotaped and transcribed. Two investigators independently coded transcripts. We identified categories of themes and subthemes. Atlas.ti qualitative software (Berlin, Germany) was used to assist data analysis and management. RESULTS: Mean age was 31.5 years (standard deviation) [SD] 4.5), 63% were nonwhite, mean body mass index (BMI) was 25.9 kg/m(2) (SD 6.2), and 82% attended a postpartum visit. We identified four general themes that illustrated barriers and six that illustrated facilitators to postpartum follow-up care. Feelings of emotional stress due to adjusting to a new baby and the fear of receiving a diabetes diagnosis at the visit were identified as key barriers; child care availability and desire for a checkup were among the key facilitators to care. CONCLUSIONS: Women with recent GDM report multiple barriers and facilitators of postpartum follow-up care. Our results will inform the development of interventions to improve care for these women to reduce subsequent diabetes risk.

Overview of progress in patient safety.

In the 11 years since the Institute of Medicine reported ubiquitous problems with the quality and safety of patient care in the United States, efforts been made to improve health care. Obstetrics and gynecology has made some improvements; however, similar to other areas of health care, progress has been slow. The major deterrents are complexities in our health care system and culture and an immature science of safety and quality that makes measurement and evaluation of progress difficult. This article describes the efforts that have been made in obstetrics and gynecology to identify causes or factors that contribute to adverse outcomes, to develop measures of quality and safety, and to make improvements. It also offers a framework to help organize patient safety research and improvement. Finally, this article offers ways the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists can organize and support future work.

Training and assessment in obstetrics: the role of simulation.

Simulation is becoming an integral part of the training and assessment of obstetricians. Given the variety of manual skills that must be learned, awake patients and high-risk environment, obstetrics is uniquely suited for simulation. Simulation provides opportunities to rehearse and learn from mistakes without risks to patients. The use of simulation can help overcome some limitations of the current medical education and practice environment, including work-hour limitations and concerns for patient safety. Both low- and high-fidelity simulation models can be used to accomplish educational goals. Basic and advanced skills as well as the management of obstetric emergencies are amenable to simulation. For a simulation programme to be successful, one must identify the learner and the skills that are to be learned. In the future, simulation will be more available and realistic and will be used not only for education, but also for ongoing assessment of providers.

Risk factors for cesarean delivery in preterm, term and post-term patients undergoing induction of labor with an unfavorable cervix.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: To identify risk factors for cesarean delivery in patients with an unfavorable cervix undergoing an indicated induction of labor. METHODS: This is a secondary analysis of combined data from three prospective randomized trials comparing cervical ripening methods in singleton pregnancies with an unfavorable cervix seeking to identify risk factors for cesarean delivery. RESULTS: Nine hundred and five women underwent an induction of labor for a variety of indications. Gestational age ranged from 27.0-42.8 weeks (mean of 37.8 weeks) and initial Bishop's score from 0-6 (mean 2.5). There were 613 vaginal deliveries (67.7%) and 292 cesarean deliveries (32.2%). Factors associated with an increased risk for cesarean delivery included nulliparous status, Bishop's score 40 and diabetes mellitus. CONCLUSIONS: Risk factors for cesarean delivery in women undergoing an indicated induction include a low Bishop's score, high BMI, nulliparity and diabetes.

Prediction of small for gestational age newborns using ultrasound estimated and actual amniotic fluid volume: published data revisited.

BACKGROUND: Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) is a complex problem in modern obstetrics. The presence of oligohydramnios is reported as an important diagnostic and prognostic factor in the management of a pregnancy complicated by IUGR. AIM: To determine the predictive accuracy of sonographic and actual amniotic fluid volume (AFV) to identify small for gestational age (SGA; birthweight < 10%). METHODS: Before amniocentesis, the single deepest pocket (SDP) and amniotic fluid index (AFI) were obtained. The AFV was determined using a diazo-dye reaction. Thresholds for AFI, SDP and AFV were estimated using receiver-operating curves analysis and areas under the curves were used to assess predictive accuracy of these indices. Likelihood ratios (LR) were obtained. RESULTS: Among the 175 newborns, 16% had SGA. Compared to newborns with birthweight > 10%, all AFV indices were significantly lower (P= 0.001, P= 0.001 and P= 0.009 for AFI, SDP and AFV respectively) for SGA. The areas under the curves for all curves < 0.65 and the LR for all thresholds were < 5.0, reflecting poor diagnostic capabilities. CONCLUSIONS: Despite observed lower AFV indices in SGA, neither sonographic examination nor determination of AFV is a reliable predictor of suboptimal growth.

A comparison of 3 criteria of oligohydramnios in identifying peripartum complications: a secondary analysis.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study was to ascertain the diagnostic accuracy of 3 criteria of oligohydramnios in identifying 4 peripartum complications. STUDY DESIGN: The 3 definitions of oligohydramnios were amniotic fluid index (AFI) 5.0 cm or less and AFI <5% for gestational age (GA) using nomograms by Moore and Cayle or Magann et al. Likelihood ratio (LR) and guidelines by the Evidence-Based Medicine Working Group were used in the secondary analysis of previously published reports. AFI obtained during antepartum and intrapartum periods were analyzed separately. RESULTS: The 95% confidence intervals for the prevalence of oligohydramnios using the 3 criteria are significantly different in the antepartum or intrapartum analysis. The LR was <6 for ante- and intrapartum AFI to identify cesarean delivery for nonreassuring fetal heart rate tracing, Apgar score 3 or less at 5 minutes, umbilical arterial pH <7.00, and newborns' weight 5% or less for GA. CONCLUSION: The 3 criteria for determining the adequacy of amniotic fluid are not fungible, and they are not useful diagnostic tests for identifying peripartum complications because LR is <10.

The ultrasound estimation of amniotic fluid volume in diamniotic twin pregnancies and prediction of peripartum outcomes.

OBJECTIVE: To determine ultrasonic estimations of amniotic fluid in diamniotic twins across gestation using the single deepest pocket (SDP) technique and correlate volumes to intrapartum and neonatal outcomes. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective observational study using diamniotic dichorionic and diamniotic monochorionic pregnancies. Intrapartum and neonatal outcomes were evaluated. RESULTS: Between April 2004 and April 2006, 299 women were recruited. There was no significant relationship between SDP and gestational age. Statistically significant differences by SDP groups (for low, normal, and high volumes) include preterm delivery (P = .043; 56, 62, and 86%), abnormal labor tracing (P = .013; 5, 8, and 27%), fetal labor intolerance (P = .026; 6, 9, and 27%), Apgar scores at 5 minutes (P = .028; 17, 10, and 27%) and any neonatal complications (P = .002; 28, 21, and 55%). CONCLUSION: The SDP is constant between 17 and 37 weeks. Fetal labor intolerance and adverse neonatal outcomes are greater in a twin with hydramnios.