Buccal Versus Vaginal Misoprostol Combined with a Foley Catheter among Individuals with Obesity Undergoing Induction.

BACKGROUND: Combining pharmacologic agents with mechanical ripening achieves the shortest labor duration, yet there is no clear evidence on route of drug administration in obese individuals. The use of buccal misoprostol has shown greater patient acceptance but remains understudied. OBJECTIVE: Our objective was to evaluate the difference in time to delivery of buccal compared with vaginal misoprostol in combination with a Foley catheter (FC) for induction of labor (IOL) in the obese population. STUDY DESIGN: This was a secondary analysis of a randomized controlled trial comparing identical dosages (25 µg) of buccal and vaginal misoprostol in combination with a FC. The parent trial was an institutional review board-approved, randomized clinical trial conducted from June 2019 through January 2020. Labor management was standardized among participants. Women undergoing IOL at ≥37 weeks with a singleton gestation and cervical dilation ≤2 cm were included. Body mass index (BMI, kg/m2) was stratified. The primary outcome was time to delivery. RESULTS: A total of 215 participants were included. Demographic characteristics were similar between the three groups. Vaginal drug administration achieved a faster median time to delivery than the buccal route among patients with a body mass index greater than or equal to 30 kg/m2 (vaginal misoprostol-FC: 21.3 hours vs. buccal misoprostol-FC: 25.2 hours, p = 0.006). There was no difference in the cesarean delivery rate between the two groups. Furthermore, patients with a BMI greater than or equal to 30 kg/m2 receiving vaginal misoprostol delivered 1.2 times faster than women who received buccal misoprostol after censoring for cesarean delivery and adjusting for parity (hazard ratio: 1.2, 95% confidence interval: 1.1-1.7). There were no significant differences in maternal and neonatal outcomes. CONCLUSION: We found that vaginal misoprostol was superior to buccal misoprostol when combined with a FC among individuals with a BMI greater than or equal to 30 kg/m2. Vaginal misoprostol should be the preferred route of drug administration for term IOL in this population. KEY POINTS: · Vaginal misoprostol was superior to buccal route among patients with obesity.. · There was no difference in the cesarean delivery rate between the two groups.. · Vaginal misoprostol should be the preferred route of administration among patients with obesity..

Use of non-invasive cardiac monitoring to guide discontinuation of postpartum magnesium sulfate in individuals with preeclampsia with severe features.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the utility of using total peripheral systemic vascular resistance assessed using non-invasive cardiac monitor for individualizing the duration of postpartum magnesium sulfate in individuals with preeclampsia with severe features. STUDY DESIGN: Single center pilot randomized controlled trial in which singleton pregnant individuals with preeclampsia with severe features were randomized to 24 h of postpartum magnesium sulfate per standard of care (control group) or individualized duration of postpartum magnesium sulfate based on reduction in post-delivery systemic vascular resistance (intervention group). Systemic vascular resistance was assessed with non-invasive cardiac monitoring using the Cheetah® system. A 30 % reduction (maintained for 1 h) from baseline post-delivery systemic vascular resistance was used as a cutoff for discontinuation of postpartum magnesium sulfate. Our primary outcome was duration of postpartum magnesium sulfate use in hours. Secondary outcomes included a composite of maternal morbidities associated with preeclampsia. RESULTS: Of 53 individuals enrolled, we excluded 6 from this analysis due to insufficient data to assess primary outcome. Baseline characteristics of the control (n = 26) and intervention (n = 21) groups were similar. Six (28.6 %) individuals in intervention group met the systemic vascular resistance criteria and had their postpartum magnesium sulfate discontinued before 24 h. The duration of postpartum magnesium sulfate infusion was shorter in the intervention group (21.6 ± 4.7 h; range: 7-24 h) compared with control group (24 h, p = 0.02). There was no difference in secondary outcomes between the two groups. There was no difference in adverse outcomes in individuals that had magnesium discontinued earlier than 24 h. CONCLUSION: Non-invasive monitoring of systemic vascular resistance can be a valuable tool to individualize the duration of postpartum magnesium sulfate for preeclampsia with severe features. These findings should be conformed in a larger trial.

Study of heart function in PRE-Eclampsia during and after PreGnancy (SHePREG): The pilot cohort.

BACKGROUND: Pre-eclampsia with severe features (severe PreE) is associated with heart dysfunction, yet the impact beyond pregnancy, including its association with cardiomyopathic genetic polymorphisms, remains poorly understood. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to characterize the temporal impact of severe PreE on heart function through the 4th trimester in women with and without deleterious cardiomyopathic genetic variants. METHODS: Pregnant women were enrolled to undergo transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) in late pregnancy and 3 months postpartum. In women with severe PreE a targeted approach to identify pathogenic cardiomyopathic genetic polymorphisms was undertaken, and heart function was compared in carriers and noncarriers. RESULTS: Pregnant women (32 ± 4 years old, severe PreE = 14, control = 8) were enrolled between 2019 - 2021. Women with severe PreE displayed attenuated myocardial relaxation (mitral e' = 11.0 ± 2.2 vs 13.2 ± 2.3 cm/sec, P < .05) in late pregnancy, and on in-silico analysis, deleterious cardiomyopathic variants were found in 58%. At 103 ± 33 days postpartum, control women showed stability in myocardial relaxation (Mitral e' Entry: 13.2 ± 2.3 vs Postpartum: 13.9 ± 1.7cm/sec, P = .464), and genetic negative severe PreE women (G-) demonstrated recovery of diastolic function to control level (Mitral e' Entry: 11.0 ± 3.0 vs Postpartum 13.7 ± 2.8cm/sec, P < .001), unlike their genetic positive (G+) counterparts (Mitral e' Entry: 10.5 ± 1.7 vs Postpartum 10.8 ± 2.4cm/sec, P = .853). CONCLUSIONS: Postpartum recovery of heart function after severe PreE is attenuated in women with deleterious cardiomyopathic genetic polymorphisms.

Combination Foley Catheter-Oxytocin versus Oxytocin Alone following Preterm Premature Rupture of Membranes.

OBJECTIVE: The benefit of mechanical ripening agents following preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM) has not been established. We sought to compare the time to delivery in women who received transcervical Foley catheter plus oxytocin infusion versus oxytocin infusion alone in patients with unfavorable cervices and PPROM. STUDY DESIGN: This is a retrospective cohort study of patients presenting with PPROM of a live, singleton gestation between 240/7 and 366/7 weeks' gestation from January 2005 to October 2018 at a single, tertiary care institution. Patients with an unfavorable cervical examination (≤2-cm dilation), no contraindication to labor and undergoing labor induction were analyzed. Time to delivery was analyzed using multivariable linear regression adjusting for cervical dilation at induction and nulliparity. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were used where appropriate. RESULTS: A total of 260 participants were included: 109 who received a Foley catheter and oxytocin (Foley/oxytocin) and 151 who had oxytocin alone. Demographic characteristics were similar between the two groups. Unadjusted time to delivery was significantly shorter in the oxytocin only group (Foley/oxytocin: 20.35 hours vs. oxytocin alone: 14.7 hours, p < 0.001). No differences in length of labor were detected after adjusting for cervical dilation at induction and nulliparity (p = 0.5). The unadjusted rate of cesarean delivery was higher in the combination Foley/oxytocin group (Foley/oxytocin: 16.5% vs. oxytocin alone: 7.3%, p = 0.03), but no differences were found in the adjusted analysis (p = 0.06). There were no differences in clinical chorioamnionitis rates between the two groups (Foley/oxytocin: 8.3% vs. oxytocin alone: 9.3%, p = 0.83). Furthermore, no significant differences were found in maternal and neonatal outcomes between the two groups. CONCLUSION: In patients with PROM, the use of a transcervical Foley catheter in addition to oxytocin is not associated with a shorter time to delivery compared with oxytocin alone. KEY POINTS: · Transcervical Foley catheter did not shorten length of labor in PPROM.. · Transcervical Foley catheter did not increase infection risk.. · Pitocin alone can be used in PPROM population..

Maternal Coagulation Disorders and Postpartum Hemorrhage.

Coagulation disorders are rare causes of postpartum hemorrhage. Disturbances in coagulation should be suspected in patients with a family history of coagulopathy, those with a personal history of heavy menstrual bleeding, and those with persistent bleeding despite correction of other causes. The coagulopathic conditions discussed include disseminated intravascular coagulation, platelet disorders, and disturbances of coagulation factors. These should not be overlooked in the evaluation of obstetric hemorrhage, as diagnosis and appropriate treatment may prevent severe maternal morbidity and mortality.

Fetal Autopsy Rates in the United States: Analysis of National Vital Statistics.

OBJECTIVE: To identify rates of fetal autopsy in the United States as well as demographic and clinical characteristics related to consent to autopsy after stillbirth. METHODS: This is a population-based retrospective cohort study using U.S. fetal death certificates for stillborn fetuses (20 weeks of gestation or more) delivered between January 2014 and December 2016. Multiple gestations were excluded. Fetal autopsy rates were calculated by gestational age, maternal age, self-reported race and ethnicity, education, and having at least one living child. Multivariate logistic regression to adjust for potential confounders was performed. RESULTS: There were 60,328 stillbirths meeting inclusion criteria. Overall, fetal autopsy was performed in 20.9% of stillbirths. Non-Hispanic Black women had the highest rate of fetal autopsy (22.9%, 95% CI 22.3-23.6%), compared with non-Hispanic White women (20.4%, 95% CI 20.0-20.9%) and Hispanic women (19.6%, 95% CI 19.0-20.3%) ( P <.001). After adjusting for potential confounders, maternal non-Hispanic Black race (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.22, 95% CI 1.16-1.29), higher education (graduate degree: aOR 1.62, 95% CI 1.47-1.79), and higher gestational age (term: aOR 2.08, 95% CI 1.95-2.23) were associated with increased aORs for fetal autopsy. Maternal age 40 years or older (aOR 0.77 95% CI 0.63-0.92) and having at least one living child (aOR 0.74, 95% CI 0.71-0.78) were associated with a decreased aOR of having a fetal autopsy. Women of American Indian or Alaska Native decent had decreased uptake of fetal autopsy compared with non-Hispanic White women (aOR 0.72, 95% CI 0.58-0.90). CONCLUSION: Fetal autopsy rates are low throughout the United States. The reasons for low autopsy rates warrant further exploration to inform strategies to increase availability and uptake.

Comparison of neonatal outcomes in pregnant women undergoing medication-assisted treatment of opioid use disorder with methadone or buprenorphine/naloxone.

INTRODUCTION: The number of pregnant women with opioid use disorder (OUD) has quadrupled from 1999 to 2014. Current first line treatment for OUD in pregnancy is methadone with increasing support for buprenorphine. Limited data exist on use of buprenorphine/naloxone for OUD in pregnancy despite it being standard therapy in the non-pregnant individuals. The aim of this study was to compare neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome (NOWS) prevalence and characteristics among neonates born to women prescribed methadone and buprenorphine/naloxone. METHODS: This is a retrospective cohort analysis of mother-neonate dyads treated with either methadone or buprenorphine/naloxone for OUD in pregnancy who received prenatal care in the substance abuse, treatment, education, and prevention program (STEPP) clinic and delivered at OSU. Primary neonatal outcomes included: neonates diagnosed and treated for NOWS, peak scores on Modified Finnegan Neonatal Abstinence Score (FNAS), number of scores ≥9 on FNAS, and duration of treatment for NOWS. Secondary outcomes included: fetal growth restriction, preterm birth (<37 weeks), neonatal head circumference, birth weight, NICU admission, five-minute Apgar score, and length of hospitalization. RESULTS: From 2013 to 2017, we identified 588 mother-neonate dyads: 149 treated with methadone and 439 treated with buprenorphine/naloxone. Ninety-eight neonates (65.8%) in the methadone group were diagnosed with NOWS requiring pharmacological interventions compared with 170 (38.7%) in the buprenorphine/naloxone group (aOR 3.46, 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.31-5.20, p < .01). Methadone-exposed neonates were six times more likely to be treated with >1 medication for NOWS (aOR 6.32, 95% CI 2.20-18.13, p < .01). Fetal growth restriction was diagnosed more often in the methadone group compared to the buprenorphine/naloxone group (aOR 1.73, 95% CI 1.02-2.93, p < .01). Significant maternal findings were that women using methadone for OUD started PNC earlier (15w vs. 17w, p = .04) and were less likely to be taking selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) (15% vs. 25%, p = .02) compared to the buprenorphine/naloxone group. CONCLUSIONS: Buprenorphine/naloxone treatment for OUD in pregnancy appears safe and has decreased NOWS and pharmacologic intervention for the neonate.

Outcomes in Subsequent Pregnancies of Individuals With Opioid Use Disorder Treated in Multidisciplinary Clinic in Prior Pregnancy.

BACKGROUND: Untreated opioid misuse in pregnancy is associated with adverse outcomes. Limited information is available on maternal and perinatal outcomes in subsequent pregnancies for individuals initiated on medication for opioid use disorder (MOUD) in a prior pregnancy. OBJECTIVE: Evaluate maternal and neonatal outcomes in subsequent pregnancies for individuals initiated on MOUD in prior pregnancy. METHODS: Historical cohort study including individuals with opioid use disorder with ≥2 pregnancies between 2013 and 2020, received care in our colocated multidisciplinary clinic for >1 pregnancy, and delivered at our institution. Primary outcome was rate of preconception MOUD. Secondary outcomes included rate of neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome requiring pharmacologic treatment and length of hospital stay. RESULTS: Forty-two individuals with opioid use disorder in their index pregnancies (n = 42) and 46 subsequent pregnancies were identified. Individuals were more likely to receive long-acting reversible contraception in subsequent pregnancies (35% vs 14%, P = 0.04). No differences in tobacco use, gestational age at initiation of prenatal care or delivery was noted. Individuals in their subsequent pregnancies were 6 times more likely to be on MOUD preconception (78% vs 36%; OR, 6.48; [95% CI, 2.52-16.64]) and 67% less likely to have positive illicit urine drug screen upon initiation of care (36% vs 64%; OR, 0.33; 95% [CI, 0.14-0.78]). Neonates had similar rates of neonatal abstinence withdrawal syndrome requiring pharmacological treatment, positive illicit toxicology results, and neonatal length of stay. CONCLUSIONS: Participation in multidisciplinary obstetric and opioid use disorder program increases rate of MOUD in subsequent pregnancy with decrease in illicit drug use.

Proteomic analysis of the umbilical cord in fetal growth restriction and preeclampsia.

Fetal growth restriction (FGR) is associated with adverse perinatal outcomes. Pre-eclampsia (PreE) increases the associated perinatal morbidity and mortality. The structure of the umbilical cord in the setting of FGR and PreE is understudied. This study aimed to examine changes in the umbilical cord (UC) composition in pregnancies complicated by FGR and FGR with PreE. UC from gestational age-matched pregnancies with isolated FGR (n = 5), FGR+PreE (n = 5) and controls (n = 5) were collected, and a portion of the UC was processed for histologic and proteomic analysis. Manual segmentation analysis was performed to measure cross-section analysis of umbilical cord regions. Wharton's Jelly samples were analyzed on a tims-TOF Pro. Spectral count and ion abundance data were analyzed, creating an intersection dataset from multiple mass spectrometry search and inference engines. UCs from FGR and FGR with PreE had lower cross-sectional area and Wharton's Jelly area compared with control (p = 0.03). When comparing FGR to control, 28 proteins were significantly different in abundance analysis and 34 in spectral count analysis (p < 0.05). Differential expression analysis between PreE with FGR vs controls demonstrated that 48 proteins were significantly different in abundance and 5 in spectral count. The majority of changes occurred in proteins associated with extracellular matrix, cellular process, inflammatory, and angiogenesis pathways. The structure and composition of the UC is altered in pregnancies with FGR and FGR with PreE. Future work in validating these proteomic differences will enable identification of therapeutic targets for FGR and FGR with PreE.

Intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy: risk factors for severe disease.

INTRODUCTION: Intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP) is a pregnancy-associated hepatic disorder characterized by pruritus in the setting of elevated serum bile acids (BA). Risk factors for the disease include preexisting hepatobiliary disease, personal or family history of ICP, and advanced maternal age. Recent data suggests that patients with severe ICP (BA ≥100 µmol/L) have a higher risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes including stillbirth. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This was a retrospective cohort study of patients diagnosed with ICP between 2012 and 2019 at a tertiary referral center. ICP was defined as symptomatic pruritus combined with serum BA >10 µmol/L. Maternal characteristics and outcomes were abstracted from electronic medical records. Baseline characteristics were compared between patients with mild (BA <40 µmol/L), moderate (BA 40-99 µmol/L) and severe (BA ≥100 µmol/L) ICP. Obstetrics and neonatal outcomes for patients in each category were then analyzed. Shapiro-Wilk test was used to test for normality for continuous variables, and ANOVA, Kruskal-Wallis, Chi-squared or Fisher's exact tests were used as appropriate. A p-value <.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: 438 patients were included in the analysis. Individuals with pregestational diabetes (p < .01), history of ICP (p < .01), prior cholecystectomy (p < .01), and tobacco use (p < .05) were more likely to have severe disease. When compared to individuals with moderate and mild disease, individuals with severe disease were more likely to be diagnosed earlier (29w1d vs 34w1d vs 34w1d, p < .05), have gestational diabetes (50% vs 6% vs 13%, p < .01), hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (42% vs 10% vs 15%, p = .02), and abnormal aspartate aminotransferase (91% vs 65% vs 27%, p < .01) and alanine aminotransferase levels (91% vs 60% vs 26%, p < .01). There were no differences in preterm labor, meconium-stained amniotic fluid, or neonatal respiratory distress syndrome and no stillbirths in this cohort. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with ICP, those with pregestational diabetes, history of ICP, prior cholecystectomy, and tobacco use are more likely to develop severe disease. Given the adverse outcomes associated with severe disease, serial BA measurements to monitor for development of severe disease may be warranted in this population.

Glycemic Control and Aspirin Resistance in Patients Taking Low-Dose Aspirin for Pre-eclampsia Prevention.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the association between aspirin and glycemic control in diabetic, pregnant patients, and the risk for aspirin resistance in those with poor glycemic control across gestation taking low-dose aspirin (LDA) for pre-eclampsia (PEC) prevention. STUDY DESIGN: We performed a secondary analysis of samples collected during the Maternal-Fetal Medicine Units trial of LDA for PEC prevention. A subset of insulin-controlled diabetic patient samples on placebo or 60 mg aspirin daily were evaluated. Glycosylated hemoglobin was measured at randomization, mid-second trimester, and third trimester time points. Thromboxane B2 (TXB2) measurements were previously assessed as part of the original study. Primary outcome was the effect of LDA on glycosylated hemoglobin levels compared with placebo across gestation. RESULTS: Levels of glycosylated hemoglobin increased across gestation in the placebo group (2,067.7 [interquartile range, IQR: 1,624.6-2,713.5 µg/mL] vs. 2,461.9 [1,767.0-3,209.9 µg/mL] vs. 3,244.3 [2,691.5-4,187.0 µg/mL]; p < 0.01) compared with no difference in levels of glycosylated hemoglobin across gestation in the LDA group (2,186.4 [IQR: 1,462.3-3,097.7 µg/mL] vs. 2,337.1 [1,327.7-5,932.6 µg/mL] vs. 2,532.9 [1,804.9-5,511.8 µg/mL]; p = 0.78). Higher levels of glycosylated hemoglobin were associated with increased TXB2 levels prior to randomization (r = 0.67, p < 0.05). Incomplete TXB2 was higher in pregnancies with increasing levels of glycosylated hemoglobin compared with those with decreasing levels of glycosylated hemoglobin across gestation (69.2 vs. 18.1%, p = 0.02). CONCLUSION: LDA exposure may be beneficial to glycemic control in this patient population. Additionally, poor glycemic control is associated with a higher level of TXB2 in diabetic pregnant patients on LDA. Higher doses of aspirin may be required in these patients to prevent development of PEC. KEY POINTS: · Low-dose aspirin may improve glycemic control.. · Poor glycemic control increases risk for aspirin resistance.. · Higher doses of aspirin may be required for pre-eclampsia prevention..

Imaging-Based Risk Stratification for Recurrence Risk in Women with a History of Peripartum Cardiomyopathy.

OBJECTIVE: Peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM) affects 1:1,000 U.S. pregnancies, and while many recover from the disease, the risk of recurrence in subsequent pregnancy (SSP) is high. This study aims to evaluate the utility of left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and global longitudinal strain (GLS) to predict the risk of recurrence of PPCM in SSP. STUDY DESIGN: We retrospectively evaluated outcomes in women with a history of PPCM and SSP at a large-volume cardioobstetrics program (2008-2019). RESULTS: There were 18 women who had incident PPCM and pursued SSP. Of 24 pregnancies in these women, 8 (33%) were complicated by the development of recurrent PPCM. LVEF ≥ 52% or GLS ≤ -16 was associated with a low risk of recurrent PPCM. CONCLUSION: Approximately one-third of women with PPCM developed recurrent PPCM in SSP. LVEF and GLS on prepregnancy echocardiography may predict the risk of recurrence. Additional studies evaluating risk for recurrence are required to better understand which women are the safest to consider SSP. KEY POINTS: · Peripartum cardiomyopathy affects 1:1000 US pregnancies.. · Approximately one third of women with a history of peripartum cardiomyopathy developed recurrent disease in a subsequent pregnancy.. · A left ventricular ejection fraction ≥52% or global longitudinal strain ≤-16 on echocardiogram is associated with a low risk of recurrence..

Low-dose aspirin increases 15-epi-lipoxins A4 in pregnancies at high-risk for developing preeclampsia.

BACKGROUND: LDA triggers biosynthesis of endogenous anti-inflammatory molecules, aspirin-triggered 15-epi-lipoxin A4 (15-epi-LXA4), which may counteract inflammatory process of preeclampsia (PE), and play role in LDA's mechanism of action in PE prevention in high-risk patients. OBJECTIVE: Investigate the effects of daily LDA on levels of 15-epi-LXA4 in pregnancies at high-risk for developing PE. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Secondary analysis of multi-centered randomized controlled trial investigating effects of daily LDA (60 mg) in high-risk pregnancies. Maternal samples were drawn at three points: before LDA initiation (13-26 weeks' gestation), 24-28 weeks' gestation (at least two weeks after LDA) and 34-36 weeks' gestation. 15-epi-LXA4 levels were measured by ELISA. RESULTS: Analysis included 82 patients: 63 receiving daily LDA and 29 receiving daily placebo starting between 13 and 25 weeks gestation. Prior to randomization, baseline 15-epi-LXA4 levels were similar between both groups (75.9 pg/mL [IQR; 63.8-114.0] vs 136.2 pg/mL [52.4-476.2]; p = 0.10). Patients receiving daily LDA were noted to have significantly increased levels of 15-epi-LXA4 after LDA administration (136.2 pg/mL [IQR; 52.4-476.2] vs 1758.2 pg/mL [905.4-6638.5]; p < 0.001). They also had higher 15-epi-LXA4 levels compared to those receiving placebo at 24-28 weeks' (50.3 [38.1-94.2] vs 1758.2 [905.4-6638.5]; p < 0.001 and 34-38 weeks' gestation (57.9 [41.9-76.7] vs 2310.3 pg/mL [656.9-10609.4]; p < 0.001). After LDA administration in the second trimester, patients who developed PE had decrease in 15-epi-LXA4 levels compared to those without PE (942 pg/mL [348.3-1810.3] vs 1758.2 pg/mL [905.4-6638.5]; p = 0.129). CONCLUSION: Daily LDA administration increases 15-epi-LXA4 levels in high-risk pregnancies for PE. In LDA group, pregnancies complicated by PE have lower levels of 15-epi-LXA4 compared to pregnancies without PE.

Decline in Sars-CoV-2 antibodies over 6-month follow-up in obstetrical healthcare workers.

PROBLEM: Limited data exists on the temporal trend of the Sars-CoV-2 immunologic response and duration of protection following natural infection. We sought to investigate the presence and duration of Sars-CoV-2 serum antibodies in obstetrical healthcare workers (HCW) on serial assessments over a 6-month period, and to assess rates of vaccine acceptance and reported vaccine side effects among this cohort. METHOD OF STUDY: A prospective cohort study of a convenience sample of obstetrical HCWs at a tertiary hospital. Serum Sars-CoV-2 antibodies for Immunoglobulin G (IgG) and Immunoglobulin M (IgM) were measured longitudinally at four intervals: baseline, 4 weeks, 12 weeks, and 6 months. Participants completed voluntary surveys on COVID19 testing, high-risk exposures, vaccine acceptance, and vaccine side effects. RESULTS: One hundred twenty-six of 150 (84%) HCWs who volunteered for participation completed all four blood draws. Prevalence of seropositive HCWs based on positive Sars-CoV-2 IgG antibodies increased from 2% at baseline to 31% at 12 weeks but declined to 21% by 6 months. Forty-two percent (19/43) of the participants considered seropositive for Sars-CoV-2 IgG antibodies at any of the initial three blood draws converted to seronegative status at the 6-month follow-up. Eighty-seven percent (72/83) of participants who responded to a follow-up survey were willing to accept the COVID19 vaccine. Rates of acceptance did not differ by participant antibody status. Those that experienced symptoms with the first injection were more likely to have positive Sars-CoV-2 IgG antibodies (36.8% vs. 9.6%, p = .01). CONCLUSION: Sars-CoV-2 IgG antibodies wane over time and may not provide prolonged and robust immune protection. This underscores the importance of vaccination and continued research in this area while the COVID19 pandemic continues.

Heart failure in pregnancy: what is the long-term impact of pregnancy on cardiac function? A tertiary care centre experience and systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Women with cardiomyopathy (CM) are often advised against pregnancy due to risk for major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE). However, the impact of CM subtype on maternal MACE is not understood, and so we sought to evaluate the influence of CM phenotype on maternal outcomes, as well as the effect on immediate and late left ventricular function. METHODS: We evaluated all pregnant women in our high-risk maternal cardiovascular programme (2009-2019). Composite maternal MACE included: death, inotrope use, left ventricular assist device, orthotopic heart transplant and/or escalation in transplant listing status, acute decompensated heart failure and sustained ventricular arrhythmia. RESULTS: Among 875 women followed, 32 had CM (29±7 years old, left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) 41%±12%): 3 ischaemic CM (ICM), 10 peripartum CM (PPCM) and 19 non-ICM (NICM). MACE events occurred in 6 (18%) women (PPCM: 2 (33%), NICM: 4 (67%)). There was no difference in LVEF at baseline, however, women with MACE had significantly lower LVEF both early (LVEF: 27±5% vs . 41±2%, p<0.05) and late post partum (LVEF: 28±5% vs . 44±2%, p<0.01). CONCLUSIONS: In this contemporary cohort of women with CM, maternal MACE rates were lower than previously reported, and were less common in PPCM as compared with ICM and NICM. Heart function in women with MACE was negatively impacted immediately after delivery and in late postpartum follow-up, suggesting that pregnancy itself likely has influence on future left ventricular function in women with underlying CM.

Addition of vaginal isosorbide mononitrate for labor induction in pregnancies complicated by hypertensive diseases of pregnancy: a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Pregnancies complicated by hypertensive disease of pregnancy often require labor induction. Rates of cesarean delivery range from 15% to 60% in this population. Nitric oxide deficiency has been shown to underlay the pathophysiology of preeclampsia, and nitric oxide promotes cervical ripening. OBJECTIVE: We hypothesized that addition of vaginal isosorbide mononitrate for labor induction could decrease the rate of cesarean delivery in pregnancies with hypertensive disease of pregnancy. STUDY DESIGN: This study was a double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized trial of patients with singleton pregnancy at ≥24 weeks' gestation undergoing labor induction for hypertensive diseases of pregnancy between November 2017 and February 2020. Participants were eligible if their Bishop score was <6 and if their cervical dilation was ≤2 cm. In addition, participants received up to 3 doses of 40 mg isosorbide mononitrate in addition to misoprostol for labor induction. Labor management was per healthcare provider preference. The primary outcome was rate of cesarean delivery. Secondary outcomes included the length of labor and frequency of intrapartum adverse events, including the use of intrapartum antihypertensive agents. RESULTS: 89 women were randomized to the isosorbide mononitrate group, and 87 women were randomized to the placebo group. Cesarean delivery rates were similar in both groups (32.6% vs 25.3%; relative risk, 1.29; 95% confidence interval, 0.81-2.06; P=.39). Maternal headache was increased in patients exposed to isosorbide mononitrate (42.7% vs 31%; relative risk, 1.52; 95% confidence interval, 1.04-2.23; P=.04). Clinical chorioamnionitis was increased in the placebo group (0% vs 8%; P=.02). Secondary outcomes were similar between groups. CONCLUSION: The addition of vaginal isosorbide mononitrate for labor induction in pregnancies complicated by hypertensive disease of pregnancy did not result in fewer cesarean deliveries.

Meconium-stained amniotic fluid and the risk of postcesarean surgical site infection.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the association between meconium-stained amniotic fluid (MSAF) and postcesarean surgical site infections. METHODS: This was a secondary analysis of the Maternal-Fetal Medicine Units Network (MFMU) Cesarean Registry. Women with a singleton pregnancy attempting labor or induction of labor, who ultimately had a cesarean delivery, were included in the study. Pregnancies complicated by MSAF (n = 4262) and those who did not have MSAF (n = 13,850) were compared. The primary outcome was the incidence of SSI. RESULTS: A total of 18,112 patients were included in the study. 4262 (38%) had meconium-stained amniotic fluid. After accounting for potential confounders in a multivariable logistic regression, meconium-stained amniotic fluid was associated with an increased risk of postoperative surgical site infection (odds ratio 1.16, 95% CI 1.03-1.30). CONCLUSIONS: Meconium-stained amniotic fluid may be associated with an increased risk of postoperative surgical site infection.

Outcomes of Isolated Fetal Ventriculomegaly That Resolve In Utero.

OBJECTIVE: Isolated fetal ventriculomegaly is often an incidental finding on antenatal ultrasound. It is benign in up to 90% of cases, although it can be associated with genetic, structural, and neurocognitive disorders. The literature suggests that over 40% of isolated mild ventriculomegaly will resolve in utero, but it is unclear if resolution decreases the associated risks.The aim of this study is to compare the fetal and neonatal genetic outcomes of ventriculomegaly that persists or resolves on subsequent ultrasound. STUDY DESIGN: This is a retrospective cohort study of women diagnosed with isolated ventriculomegaly via fetal ultrasound at a tertiary referral center between 2011 and 2019. Patients were excluded if other structural anomalies were identified on ultrasound. RESULTS: A total of 49 patients were included in the study, 19 in the resolved ventriculomegaly group and 30 in the persistent ventriculomegaly group. Women in the resolved ventriculomegaly group were more likely to be diagnosed earlier (24 vs. 28 weeks, p = 0.007). Additionally, they were more likely to have mild ventriculomegaly (63 vs. 84%, p = 0.15), and less likely to have structural neurological abnormalities diagnosed on postnatal imaging (5 vs. 17%, p = 0.384), although these were not statistically significant. Aneuploidy risk for resolved compared with persistent ventriculomegaly was similar (5 vs. 7%, p = 0.999). CONCLUSION: This study suggests that resolution of isolated ventriculomegaly in utero may not eliminate the risk of genetic or chromosomal abnormalities in this population and may warrant inclusion as part of the counselling of these at-risk patients. Larger prospective studies are needed to confirm these findings. KEY POINTS: · Ventriculomegaly is known to be associated with genetic and chromosomal abnormalities.. · Resolution of the ventriculomegaly in utero may not eliminate those risks.. · Patients with resolved ventriculomegaly should be offered aneuploidy screening or testing..

Timing of Repeat Cesarean Delivery for Women with a Prior Classical Incision.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to compare neonatal outcomes for delivery at 36 weeks compared with 37 weeks in women with prior classical cesarean delivery (CCD). STUDY DESIGN: This was a secondary analysis of the prospective observational cohort of the Eunice Kennedy National Institute for Child and Human Development's Maternal-Fetal Medicine Unit Network Cesarean Registry. Data on cases of repeat cesarean delivery (RCD) in the setting of a prior CCD were abstracted and used for analysis. This study compared outcomes of women who delivered at 360/7 to 366/7 versus 370/7 to 376/7 weeks. The primary outcome was a composite of adverse neonatal outcomes that included neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admission, respiratory distress syndrome (RDS), transient tachypnea of the newborn (TTN), hypoglycemia, mechanical ventilation, sepsis, length of stay ≥5 days, and neonatal death. A composite of maternal outcomes that included uterine rupture, blood transfusion, general anesthesia, cesarean hysterectomy, venous thromboembolism, maternal sepsis, intensive care unit admission, and surgical complications was also evaluated. RESULTS: There were 436 patients included in the analysis. Women who delivered at 36 weeks (n = 176) were compared those who delivered at 37 weeks (n = 260). There were no differences in baseline characteristics. Delivery at 37 weeks was associated with a reduction in composite neonatal morbidity (24 vs. 34%, adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 0.61 [0.31-0.94]), including a decrease in NICU admission rates (20 vs. 29%, aOR = 0.63 [0.40-0.99]), hospitalization ≥5 days (13 vs. 24%, aOR = 0.48 [0.29-0.8]), and RDS or TTN (9 vs. 19%, aOR = 0.43 [0.24-0.77]). There was no difference in adverse maternal outcomes (7 vs. 7%, aOR = 0.98 [0.46-2.09]). CONCLUSION: Delivery at 37 weeks for women with a history of prior CCD is associated with a decrease in adverse neonatal outcomes, compared with delivery at 36 weeks. KEY POINTS: · Classical cesarean section may have increased risk of uterine rupture in future pregnancies.. · This study compares outcomes of delivery at 370/7 to 376/7 versus 360/7 to 366/7 weeks.. · Delivery at 370/7 to 376/7 weeks was associated with decreased neonatal morbidity..