Racial disparities in peripartum cardiomyopathy: eighteen years of observations.

BACKGROUND: Black women have greater than a three-fold risk of pregnancy-associated death compared to White women; cardiomyopathy is a leading cause of maternal mortality. OBJECTIVES: This study examined racial disparities in health outcomes among women with peripartum cardiomyopathy. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective cohort of women with peripartum cardiomyopathy per the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute definition from January 2000 to November 2017 from a single referral center. Selected health outcomes among Black and White women were compared; primary outcome was ejection fraction at diagnosis. Secondary outcomes included cardiovascular outcomes, markers of maternal morbidity, resource utilization, and subsequent pregnancy outcomes. RESULTS: Ninety-five women met inclusion criteria: 48% Black, 52% White. Nearly all peripartum cardiomyopathy diagnoses were postpartum (95.4% Black, 93% White, p=.11). Ejection fraction at diagnosis was not different between Black and White women (26.8 ± 12.5 vs. 28.7 ± 9.9, p=.41). Though non-significant, fewer Black women had myocardial recovery to EF ≥55% (35 vs. 53%, p=.07); however, 11 (24%) of Black women vs. 1 (2%) White woman had an ejection fraction ≤35% at 6-12 months postpartum (p<.01). More Black women underwent implantable cardioverter defibrillator placement: n = 15 (33%) vs. n = 7 (14%), p=.03. Eight women (8.4%) died in the study period, not different by race (p=.48). Black women had higher rates of healthcare utilization. In the subsequent pregnancy, Black women had a lower initial ejection fraction (40 vs. 55%, p=.007) and were less likely to recover postpartum (37.5 vs. 55%, p=.02). CONCLUSIONS: Black and White women have similar mean ejection fraction at diagnosis of peripartum cardiomyopathy, but Black women have more severe left ventricular systolic dysfunction leading to worse outcomes, increased resource use, and lower ejection fraction entering the subsequent pregnancy.

Antibiotic Timing in Previable Prelabor Rupture of Membranes Less Than 24 Weeks of Gestation.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to compare neonatal and maternal outcomes between immediate and delayed prophylactic antibiotic administration after previable prelabor premature rupture of membranes (PROM) less than 24 weeks of gestation. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study of singleton pregnancies with PROM between 160/7 and 236/7 weeks of gestational age conducted at a single tertiary care referral center between June 2011 and December 2015. Patients with multiple gestations, fetal anomalies, those who elected augmentation, or with a contradiction to expectant management, such as suspected intra-amniotic infection or stillbirth, were excluded from the study. We compared pregnancy characteristics, maternal complications, and neonatal outcomes between women who received a course of antibiotics within 24 hours of PROM and women who received antibiotics after 24 hours of PROM. The primary outcome was neonatal survival to hospital discharge. Secondary outcomes included gestational age at delivery, time from PROM to delivery, neonatal birth weight, days in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), composite adverse neonatal outcomes, and maternal morbidity. RESULTS: Ninety-four women met inclusion criteria, 57 (61%) received antibiotics within 24 hours of PROM and 37 (39%) received antibiotics 24 hours after PROM. Baseline maternal characteristics were similar in both groups. The mean gestational age at PROM was similar between groups at 20.8 ± 2.3 weeks in the immediate antibiotics group and 20.6 ± 2.1 weeks in the delayed antibiotics group (p = 0.48). Compared with delayed antibiotic administration, immediate antibiotic administration was not associated with a significant difference in latency time from PROM to delivery, rate of stillbirth, days in an ICU, or adverse neonatal outcomes. Maternal outcomes also did not differ significantly between groups. Neonatal birth weight was lower in the immediate antibiotics group (p = 0.012). CONCLUSION: Our data suggest that there is no maternal or neonatal benefit to immediate administration of latency antibiotics compared with delayed administration. KEY POINTS: · Adverse neonatal outcomes did not differ based on timing of latency antibiotics for previable PROM.. · Maternal outcomes did not differ based on timing of latency antibiotics for previable PROM.. · Neonatal birth weight was lower in infants that received immediate antibiotics after previable PROM..

Management of reproductive health after cardiac transplantation.

Pregnancy after cardiac transplantation poses immense challenges. Maternal risks include hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, rejection, and failure of the cardiac allograft that may lead to death. Fetal risks include potential teratogenic effects of immunosuppression and prematurity. Because of the high-risk nature of pregnancy in a heart transplant patient, management of reproductive health after cardiac transplantation should include preconception counseling to all women in the reproductive age group before and after cardiac transplantation. Reliable contraception is vital as nearly half of the pregnancies in this population are unintended. Despite the associated risks, successful pregnancies after cardiac transplantation have been reported. A multidisciplinary approach proposed in this review is essential for successful outcomes. A checklist for providers to guide management is provided.

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: Perinatal Outcomes in Patients Treated With and Without Hydroxychloroquine.

Background: Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease commonly encountered during pregnancy. The use of hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) for SLE treatment in pregnancy has been supported by a few small studies performed in populations dissimilar from populations in the United States. Our objective was to compare maternal and neonatal outcomes in pregnant patients with SLE treated with and without HCQ at a tertiary care center in the United States. Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study of patients with SLE and singleton gestations who delivered at the University of Alabama at Birmingham from 2006 to 2013. Patients treated with HCQ during pregnancy were compared with patients who did not receive HCQ. Key outcomes included maternal morbidities (hypertensive disorders, intrauterine growth restriction, preterm delivery, venous thromboembolism), disease-related morbidity, maternal death, and a composite of neonatal morbidity. Outcomes were compared using chi-square, Fisher exact, Wilcoxon rank sum, and t tests. Odds of adverse outcomes were modeled with logistic regression. Results: Seventy-seven patients with SLE were included for analysis; 47 (61%) were treated with HCQ and 30 (39%) were not. We found no differences in the rates of maternal morbidities or death between groups. Patients taking HCQ had increased rates of disease-related hospitalizations (43% vs 7%, P<0.01) and inpatient rheumatology consultations (38% vs 10%, P<0.01), increases that persisted after multivariable adjustments (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 8.09, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.60-40.9; aOR 4.50, 95% CI 1.08-18.6, respectively). Neonatal morbidity did not differ between groups. Conclusion: We found no differences in major maternal or neonatal outcomes in pregnant patients with SLE managed with HCQ.

Preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM): outcomes of delivery at 32(°/7)-33(6/7) weeks after confirmed fetal lung maturity (FLM) versus expectant management until 34(°/7) weeks.

OBJECTIVE: Our objective was to compare maternal and neonatal outcomes in patients with preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM) delivered prior to 34(°/7) weeks upon confirmation of fetal lung maturity (FLM) to those managed expectantly until 34(°/7) weeks. METHODS: We performed a retrospective cohort study of non-anomalous singleton gestations with PPROM occurring after 24 weeks delivered between 32(°/7) and 34(°/7) weeks from 2004 to 2012. Patients delivered upon documented FLM (+FLM)--defined as the presence of phosphatidylglycerol (PG) at 32(°/7)-33(6/7) weeks if amniotic fluid was obtainable vaginally--were compared with patients delivered without documented FLM between 32(°/7) and 34(°/7) weeks (expectant). Primary outcomes included maternal infection (clinically diagnosed endometritis or chorioamnionitis), placental abruption and a composite of neonatal morbidities (including but not limited to mechanical ventilation, intraventricular hemorrhage, necrotizing enterocolitis, sepsis and respiratory distress syndrome). Statistical analysis was performed using Student's t-test for continuous variables and Chi-square or Fisher's exact test for categorical data. Covariates were analyzed via multivariate logistic regression and adjusted odds ratios were calculated. RESULTS: Of 237 PPROMs delivered at 32(°/7)-34(°/7) weeks, 74 were intentionally delivered for +FLM and 163 were expectantly managed. No cord prolapse or stillbirth was observed. Maternal infection (chorioamnionitis or endometritis) was lower in the +FLM group (aOR 0.33 95% CI 0.12-0.88). Overall, there was no difference in composite neonatal morbidity did not differ between the two groups (aOR 1.36 95% CI 0.53-3.54). CONCLUSIONS: In patients with PPROM, delivery after confirmation of FLM at 32(°/7)-33(6/7) weeks compared with expectant management until 34(°/7) weeks may prevent maternal infection without increasing neonatal morbidity.

Relationship between interpregnancy interval and cervical length in high-risk women.

OBJECTIVE: Our objective was to evaluate the relationship between the interpregnancy interval (IPI) and next-pregnancy mid-trimester cervical length (CL) in women at high risk for recurrent spontaneous preterm birth (SPTB). METHODS: Retrospective review identified high-risk women, defined as a prior SPTB <36 weeks, who began scheduled serial transvaginal sonographic CL screening at 16-18 weeks gestation between December 2008 and November 2010. All CL assessment ended by 22(6/7) weeks, and weekly 17-α hydroxyprogesterone caproate, 250 mg IM, was recommended to all patients. Details of the prior and current pregnancy were collected, and regression models were used to evaluate the relationship between IPI and CL shortening. RESULTS: One hundred and eight women with singleton gestations and a qualifying SPTB underwent CL screening. The mean (SD) birth gestational age (GA) of the last pregnancy was 25 (10) weeks, the median IPI was 613 (range 49-6038) days, and the mean (SD) delivery GA in the current pregnancy was 36 (5.3) weeks. Linear regression found no significant relationship between the IPI and the GA of the current birth (p = 0.98). There was a weak significant relationship between IPI and shortest CL (p = 0.04). However, after controlling for the GA of the prior pregnancy, this relationship was non-significant (p = 0.13). CONCLUSIONS: IPI does not predict next birth outcome or next-pregnancy mid-trimester CL in high-risk women managed with progesterone and ultrasound-indicated cerclage.

Low-dose aspirin, smoking status, and the risk of spontaneous preterm birth.

OBJECTIVE: We evaluated the relationship between aspirin supplementation and perinatal outcomes for potential effect modification by smoking status. STUDY DESIGN: A secondary analysis of two multicenter trials for which prophylactic aspirin supplementation was given to either low- or high-risk women for prevention of preeclampsia (PE). We examined the effect of aspirin by smoking status using the Breslow-Day test. Primary outcomes for this analysis were PE and preterm birth (PTB) < 37 weeks. We also examined PTB subtypes, small for gestational age (SGA), and neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admission. RESULTS: The effect of prenatal aspirin on the risk of PE did not differ by smoking status (relative risk [RR] 95% confidence interval [CI] for smokers; RR 95% CI for nonsmokers) in low-risk (Breslow-Day p = 0.32) or high-risk (RR 95% CI for smokers; RR 95% CI for nonsmokers) (Breslow-Day p = 0.58) women. Among women at low risk for PE, the effect of aspirin supplementation on PTB was not different for nonsmokers (RR 1.00 [95% CI 0.8-1.3]) or smokers (RR 0.80 [95% CI 0.4-1.7]), (Breslow-Day p = 0.54). Aspirin was protective for PTB in nonsmokers (RR 0.80 [95% CI 0.7-0.9]), but not in smokers (RR 1.1 [95% CI 0.9-1.4]) in the high-risk group (Breslow-Day p = 0.03). Aspirin was also associated with increased spontaneous and early PTB and NICU admission in smokers and not nonsmokers in the high-risk group only. CONCLUSION: Aspirin supplementation was associated with worse outcomes related to preterm birth in smokers in a high-risk but not low-risk cohort.

Cervical pessary use and preterm birth.

Preterm birth remains a considerable public health concern and priority. Little headway has been made in the prevention of preterm birth despite considerable research in this area. New ideas and treatments are desperately needed. The pessary has emerged as a possible treatment for the prevention of preterm birth in both singleton and twin gestations. It appears to be low cost with minimal side effects. This review focuses on the available evidence for the use of cervical pessaries for the prevention of preterm birth, especially in a high-risk population with a shortened cervical length. Larger scale randomized-controlled trials are warranted before incorporation of the pessary into standard obstetrical practice.

Is midtrimester vitamin D status associated with spontaneous preterm birth and preeclampsia?

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study is to evaluate whether midtrimester maternal vitamin D is associated with preeclampsia < 37 weeks or spontaneous preterm birth (SPTB) < 35 weeks. STUDY DESIGN: Nested case-control comprising two case subsets: (1) 100 women with preeclampsia < 37 weeks and (2) 100 women with SPB < 35 weeks. Controls consisted of 200 women delivered between 39 and 40 weeks. Stored maternal serum obtained between 15 and 21 weeks was tested for total 25-hydroxy vitamin D (25-OH D) levels using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Mean 25-OH D levels and prevalence of vitamin D insufficiency (25-OH D < 30 ng/mL) and deficiency (25-OH D < 15 ng/mL) were compared. RESULTS: In this study, 89 preeclampsia, 90 SPTB cases, and 177 controls had valid measurements. Mean midtrimester vitamin D was not significantly different between women with preeclampsia (27.4 ng/mL ± 14.4) and controls (28.6 ± 12.6) (p = 0.46), or SPTB (28.8 ± 13.2) and controls (p = 0.92). After adjusting for potential cofounders, neither vitamin D insufficiency (adjusted odds ratio [OR], 1.1; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.6-2.0) nor deficiency (adjusted OR, 1.4; 95% CI, 0.7-3.0) was significantly associated with preeclampsia. Likewise, SPTB was not significantly associated with either vitamin D insufficiency or deficiency (adjusted OR, 0.8; 95% CI, 0.4-1.4, adjusted OR, 1.3 or 95% CI, 0.6-3.0, respectively). CONCLUSION: Midtrimester maternal vitamin D was not significantly associated with preeclampsia < 37 weeks or SPTB < 35 weeks.

Risk factors for uterine atony/postpartum hemorrhage requiring treatment after vaginal delivery.

OBJECTIVE: We sought to identify risk factors for uterine atony or hemorrhage. STUDY DESIGN: We conducted a secondary analysis of a 3-arm double-blind randomized trial of different dose regimens of oxytocin to prevent uterine atony after vaginal delivery. The primary outcome was uterine atony or hemorrhage requiring treatment. In all, 21 potential risk factors were evaluated. Logistic regression was used to identify independent risk factors using 2 complementary predefined model selection strategies. RESULTS: Among 1798 women randomized to 10, 40, or 80 U of prophylactic oxytocin after vaginal delivery, treated uterine atony occurred in 7%. Hispanic (odds ratio [OR], 2.1; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.3-3.4), non-Hispanic white (OR, 1.6; 95% CI, 1.0-2.5), preeclampsia (OR, 3.2; 95% CI, 2.0-4.9), and chorioamnionitis (OR, 2.8; 95% CI, 1.6-5.0) were consistent independent risk factors. Other risk factors based on the specified selection strategies were obesity, induction/augmentation of labor, twins, hydramnios, anemia, and arrest of descent. Amnioinfusion appeared to be protective against uterine atony (OR, 0.53; 95% CI, 0.29-0.98). CONCLUSION: Independent risk factors for uterine atony requiring treatment include Hispanic and non-Hispanic white ethnicity, preeclampsia, and chorioamnionitis.

Selective uptake of influenza vaccine and pregnancy outcomes.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the characteristics of pregnant women who accept the influenza vaccine and evaluate the relationship between vaccination and adverse pregnancy outcomes. METHODS: Retrospective cohort study of women receiving prenatal care during the 2009-2011 influenza seasons. Vaccination status was ascertained through our perinatal record system and clinic vaccination logs. Pregnancy outcomes included a primary composite of miscarriage, fetal demise, preterm birth (PTB) <37 weeks and neonatal demise. Stratification and logistic regression were used to adjust for potential confounders. RESULTS: Of 3104 eligible pregnant women, 1094 (35%) received the influenza vaccine. Women vaccinated were more likely to be older, obese, primiparae, and have medical complications or a prior PTB. In univariable analyses, flu vaccination was associated with increased adverse composite outcome and PTB. After multivariable adjustments, vaccination was no longer associated with adverse outcomes in women with medical complications but remained associated with adverse outcomes among those without known co-morbidity. CONCLUSIONS: Vaccination was associated with an increased adverse composite outcome in pregnant women without identified co-morbidity but not those with co-morbidities. This association is likely due to selection bias, which should be considered in planning of observational studies of the impact of vaccination on pregnancy outcomes.

Early term births: considerations in management.

The frequency of early term birth varies depending on patient, provider, and system characteristics. Early term deliveries are associated with suboptimal neonatal outcomes without evidence of maternal benefit. Some early term births are either unavoidable or absolutely indicated for maternal and/or fetal benefit in the setting of medical or obstetric risks. Demonstrated fetal lung maturity before early term birth reduces the risk of respiratory and other morbidities relative to gestational age-matched counterparts but may not reduce the risks to the low levels at 39 to 40 weeks. For some risk situations, it remains controversial whether earlier delivery is beneficial. The assessment of the provider and patient's desires should direct care. In the absence of any obstetric or medical risks, early term delivery should be avoided. A simple intervention that includes administrative support, review of indications, and feedback to providers can dramatically reduce the frequency of early term births over time.

Antibiotic prophylaxis for cesarean delivery: survey of maternal-fetal medicine physicians in the U.S.

OBJECTIVE: To describe practices concerning antibiotic prophylaxis for cesarean delivery among maternal-fetal medicine (MFM) physicians in the United States. METHODS: A 10-item self-administered survey about their routine use of antibiotics for cesarean delivery was mailed once only to a random sample of 1000 US-based fellows of the Society of Maternal-Fetal Medicine in November 2009. RESULTS: There were a total of 250 respondents from 40 US states between 10/09 and 4/2010, corresponding to a response rate of 25%. Among respondents, 95.5% reported routine use of a cephalosporin only (including 84.4% who reported use of cefazolin) as antibiotic prophylaxis for cesarean delivery; less than 3% reported use of an extended spectrum regimen such as cefazolin + azithromycin. Preoperative administration of antibiotic prophylaxis was reported by 84.6% compared to 15.0% who reported giving antibiotic prophylaxis after umbilical cord clamping. Administration of a single dose of antibiotic was reported by 96%. CONCLUSION: The majority of MFM specialists in the US report routine and preoperative use of a single prophylactic dose of a 1st generation cephalosporin for cesarean delivery.

Use of ethnic-specific medians for Hispanic patients reduces ethnic disparities in multiple marker screening.

OBJECTIVE: To estimate whether midtrimester maternal serum analyte concentrations differ between Caucasian and Hispanic women and whether using ethnic-specific medians affects quad screen performance. METHOD: Caucasian and Hispanic patients with singletons who underwent maternal serum screening in our laboratory were identified. Alfa-fetoprotein (AFP), estriol, human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG), and inhibin-A medians were derived separately for Caucasians, Hispanics, and for the composite group. Using composite medians, intergroup mean multiples of the medians (MoMs) for each analyte were compared. Using ethnic-specific medians, new MoMs were calculated and utilized in a risk estimation algorithm. RESULTS: A total of 5478 Caucasian and 2246 Hispanic pregnancies were evaluated. Intergroup MoMs were significantly different for all analytes. AFP, hCG, and inhibin-A were lower in Hispanics, while estriol was higher (P < 0.0001). Using composite medians, the screen-positive rate (SPR) for trisomy 21 was 5.39% in Caucasians and 3.29% in Hispanics. Ethnic-specific medians reduced this disparity: 4.76% in Caucasians and 4.05% in Hispanics. The SPR for neural tube defects with composite medians was 1.44% for Caucasians and 0.89% for Hispanics; with ethnic-specific medians, the SPR was 1.42% for Caucasians and 1.07% for Hispanics. CONCLUSION: Serum analyte concentrations differ between Caucasian and Hispanic gravidas. Use of ethnic-specific medians reduces the disparity in SPR for trisomy 21 and neural tube defects.

Discussion: 'Infant death among Ohio residents' by Donovan et al.

In the roundtable that follows, clinicians discuss a study published in this issue of the Journal in light of its methodology, relevance to practice, and implications for future research.

Synthetic graft use in vaginal prolapse surgery: objective and subjective outcomes.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: This study reports 1-year outcomes in women who underwent transvaginal pelvic organ prolapse (POP) surgery with Prolift transvaginal mesh. METHODS: Pre- and postoperative objective vaginal Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification (POP-Q) and subjective symptom and impact assessments (Pelvic Floor Distress Inventory (PFDI)-20 and Pelvic Floor Impact Questionnaire (PFIQ)-7, respectively) were performed. Postoperative vaginal tenderness, stricture, and patient satisfaction were also obtained. Paired t tests were utilized for analysis. RESULTS: Mean age was 61.8 +/- 9.8 years; mean follow-up interval was 425.0 +/- 80.0 days (range, 237-717). POP-Q measurements of Ba, Bp, and C were significantly improved (all p values

The management of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia during pregnancy: is colposcopy necessary?

OBJECTIVE: The 2006 American Society for Colposcopy and Cervical Pathology Consensus guidelines state that it is acceptable to defer colposcopy until 6 weeks postpartum in pregnant patients with atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance (ASC-US) or low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (LSIL) cytology. Therefore, we sought to determine the incidence of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) 2,3 in pregnant patients referred to a university colposcopy clinic. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective study identified all pregnant women with abnormal cytology referred to the University of Alabama at Birmingham colposcopy clinic between May 2005 and September 2007. After an institutional review board approval was obtained, demographic information, referral cytology, and histologic data were collected. The colposcopic impression was also obtained from the records. RESULTS: Six hundred twenty-five pregnant patients were identified. The mean age was 23 years (range, 14-44 years), the mean parity was 1 (range, 0-7), and the mean gestational age was 24 weeks (range, 4-39 weeks). The most common referral cytology was LSIL (41.0%), followed by ASC-US (34.1%), and high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (13.6%). One hundred thirty-eight patients (22%) underwent cervical biopsy at the time of initial colposcopy. Forty-three patients had CIN 1, 28 patients had CIN 2, and 23 patients had CIN 3. Forty-four patients (32%) had no evidence of CIN on biopsy. There were no cases of invasive cervical cancer identified. Of the 469 patients with ASC-US and LSIL cytology, 20 of 78 patients who had a cervical biopsy were diagnosed with CIN 2,3. Of the 128 patients with high-grade intraepithelial lesion or high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion cytology, 31 of 60 patients who had a cervical biopsy were diagnosed with CIN 2,3. Repeat colposcopy in the third trimester was performed on 47 patients. Only 3 of 13 patients with a repeat biopsy had CIN 2,3. CONCLUSIONS: Pregnant patients with ASC-US or LSIL cytology rarely have colposcopically suspected CIN 2,3 at their initial colposcopy that warrants a cervical biopsy; therefore, it is reasonable to defer the initial colposcopy in patients with ASC-US and LSIL until at least 6 weeks postpartum.

Discussion: 'Physician gender, specialty, and hysterectomy utilization' by Gretz et al.

In the roundtable that follows, clinicians discuss a study published in this issue of the Journal in light of its methodology, relevance to practice, and implications for future research. Article discussed: Gretz H, Bradley WH, Zakashansky K, et al. Effect of physician gender and specialty on utilization of hysterectomy in New York, 2001-2005. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2008;199:347.e1-347.e6.