The impact of increasing body mass index on in vitro fertilization treatment, obstetrical, and neonatal outcomes.

BACKGROUND: Citing the risks of administering anesthesia to patients with obesity, few fertility centers offer in vitro fertilization as a treatment modality for patients with body mass indexes ≥40 kg/m2. Although previous studies have assessed clinical pregnancy and cumulative live birth rates in patients who spontaneously conceive with body mass indexes ≥50 kg/m2, there is a paucity of in vitro fertilization, obstetrical, and neonatal outcome data in patients with severe obesity who conceive after in vitro fertilization. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the impact of increasing body mass index on in vitro fertilization, obstetrical, and neonatal outcomes in patients with obesity undergoing in vitro fertilization. STUDY DESIGN: This was a retrospective cohort study within an academic fertility center including 2069 fresh in vitro fertilization/intracytoplasmic sperm injection and frozen embryo transfer cycles from January 1, 2012 to April 30, 2020; this cohort was used to determine in vitro fertilization treatment outcomes. A second embedded cohort of 867 fresh in vitro fertilization/intracytoplasmic sperm injection and frozen embryo transfer cycles that resulted in ongoing clinical pregnancies and deliveries within a single tertiary hospital system was used to determine pregnancy, maternal, and neonatal outcomes. All patients with a body mass index ≥40 kg/m2 underwent consultation with a maternal-fetal medicine specialist before starting treatment and a preoperative evaluation with an anesthesiologist before oocyte retrieval. Cycles were grouped by body mass index at cycle start (30-34.9, 35-39.9, 40-44.9, 45-49.9, and ≥50 kg/m2). Log-binomial regression and Poisson regression with an offset were fitted with body mass index of 30 to 34.9 kg/m2 as the reference group, adjusting for potential confounders including oocyte age, patient age, embryo quality, transfer type, and coexisting comorbidities. The primary outcome was live birth rate. Secondary outcomes included fertilization rate, blastulation rate, miscarriage rate, incidence of preeclampsia with severe features, gestational diabetes, labor induction, cesarean delivery, preterm delivery, and birthweight. RESULTS: There were 2069 fresh in vitro fertilization/intracytoplasmic sperm injection and frozen embryo transfer cycle starts from January 1, 2012 to April 30, 2020. Of these, 1008 cycles were in the 30 to 34.9 kg/m2 group, 547 in the 35 to 39.9 kg/m2 group, 277 in the 40 to 44.9 kg/m2 group, 161 in the 45 to 49.9 kg/m2 group, and 76 in the ≥50 kg/m2 body mass index group. Live birth rate was not significantly different between groups. The body mass index ≥50 kg/m2 group was significantly more likely to experience preeclampsia with severe features when compared with the 30 to 34.9 kg/m2 body mass index group (absolute risk reduction, 2.75; 95% confidence interval, 1.13-6.67). Fertilization rate, blastulation rate, miscarriage rate, incidence of gestational diabetes, labor induction, cesarean delivery, preterm delivery, and neonatal birthweights were not significantly different between groups. CONCLUSION: Among patients with body mass indexes from 30 to 60 kg/m2 who conceived via in vitro fertilization and received comprehensive prenatal care at a tertiary care hospital, in vitro fertilization, obstetrical, and neonatal outcomes were largely comparable. These data support a collaborative care approach with maternal-fetal medicine specialists and skilled anesthesiologists, reinforcing the notion that in vitro fertilization should not be withheld as a treatment modality from patients with obesity.

The patient experience of a postpartum readmission for hypertension: a qualitative study.

BACKGROUND: Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) are the most common cause of postpartum readmission. Prior research led to clinical guidelines for postpartum management; however, the patient experience is often missing from this work. The objective of this study is to understand the perspective of patients readmitted for postpartum hypertension. METHODS: This was a qualitative study with data generated through semi-structured interviews. Patients readmitted with postpartum HDP at an urban academic medical center from February to December 2022 were approached and consented for an interview. The same researcher conducted all interviews and patient recruitment continued until thematic saturation was reached (n = 9). Two coders coded all interviews using Nvivo software with both deductive and inductive coding processes. Discrepancies were discussed and resolved with consensus among the two coders. Themes were identified through an initial a priori template of codes which were expanded upon using grounded theory, and researchers were reflexive in their thematic generation. RESULTS: Six themes were generated: every pregnancy is different, symptoms of preeclampsia are easily dismissed or minimized by both patient and providers, miscommunication regarding medical changes can increase the risk of readmissions, postpartum care coordination and readmission logistics at our hospital could be improved to facilitate caring for a newborn, postpartum care is often considered separately from the rest of pregnancy, and patient well-being improved when conversations acknowledged the struggles of readmission. CONCLUSIONS: This qualitative research study revealed patient-identified gaps in care that may have led to readmission for hypertensive disorders of pregnancy. The specific recommendations that emerge from these themes include addressing barriers to blood pressure management prior to discharge, improving postpartum discharge follow-up, providing newborn care coordination, and improving counseling on the risk of postpartum preeclampsia during discharge. Incorporating these patient perspectives in hospital discharge policy can be helpful in creating patient-centered systems of care and may help reduce rates of readmission.

Increased Rates of Hypertensive Disorders of Pregnancy during the COVID-19 Pandemic.

OBJECTIVE: Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) are common complications associated with severe maternal and neonatal morbidity. One goal of prenatal care, especially at term, is to screen for HDP. As treatment of HDP centers on delivery when appropriate, timely diagnosis is crucial. We postulated that reduced in-person visits during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic may have resulted in delayed diagnosis of HDP with concomitant higher rates of maternal morbidity. We sought to investigate the prevalence of HDP during the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as median gestational age at time of delivery as compared with the prepandemic median. STUDY DESIGN: This was a retrospective cohort analysis comparing singleton deliveries at four large-volume hospitals during the COVID-19 pandemic (April-July 2020 during a statewide "stay-at-home" order) to those in a pre-COVID era (April-July 2019). Deliveries complicated by HDP were identified by International Classification of Disease, Tenth Revision codes. Rates of HDP and markers of severe disease were the primary outcomes compared between the groups; multivariate regression was used to calculate the odds ratio of severe disease among women with any diagnosis of HDP. RESULTS: The cohort included 9,974 deliveries: 5,011 in 2020 and 4,963 in 2019. Patient characteristics (age, body mass index, race, ethnicity, and insurance type) did not differ significantly between the groups. There was an increase in HDP during the COVID era (9.0 vs. 6.9%; p < 0.01), which was significant even when controlling for patient parity (odds ratio = 1.41, 95% confidence interval: 1.20-1.66). Among women with HDP, gestational age at delivery did not differ between the cohorts, nor did the proportion of patients with severe disease. CONCLUSION: We found a statistically significant increase in the rate of HDP during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, there was no change in the proportion of severe disease, suggesting that this increase did not significantly impact clinical morbidity. KEY POINTS: · Rates of HDP increased during the COVID-19 pandemic.. · There was no change in the proportion of severe HDP.. · HDP-related maternal/neonatal morbidity was unchanged..

Cost-effectiveness of induction of labor at 39 weeks vs expectant management by cervical examination.

BACKGROUND: Previous analyses have demonstrated the cost effectiveness of elective induction of labor at 39 weeks of gestation for healthy nulliparous people. However, elective induction of labor is resource intensive, and optimal resource allocation requires a thorough understanding of which subgroups of patients will benefit most. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to determine whether induction of labor at 39 weeks of gestation is more cost-effective in patients with favorable or unfavorable cervical examinations. STUDY DESIGN: We constructed 2 decision analysis models using TreeAge software: one modeling induction of labor at 39 weeks of gestation vs expectant management for a group of nulliparous patients with unfavorable cervical examinations and the other modeling induction of labor at 39 weeks of gestation vs expectant management for a group with favorable cervical examinations. Estimates of cost, probability, and health state utility were derived from the literature. Based on previous literature, we assumed that people with favorable cervical examinations would have a lower baseline rate of cesarean delivery and higher rates of spontaneous labor. RESULTS: In our base case analysis, induction of labor at 39 weeks of gestation was cost-effective for patients with unfavorable cervical examinations, but not for patients with favorable cervical examinations. The incremental cost per quality-adjusted life year was 50-fold lower for people with unfavorable cervical examinations ($2150 vs $115,100). Induction of labor resulted in 3885 fewer cesarean deliveries and 58 fewer stillbirths per 100,000 patients for those with unfavorable examinations, whereas induction of labor resulted in 2293 fewer cesarean deliveries and 48 fewer stillbirths with labor induction for those with favorable cervical examinations. The results were sensitive to multiple inputs, including the likelihood of cesarean delivery, the cost of induction, the cost of vaginal or cesarean delivery, and the probability of spontaneous labor. In Monte Carlo analysis, the base case findings held true for 64.1% of modeled scenarios for patients with unfavorable cervixes and 55.4% of modeled scenarios for patients with favorable cervixes. CONCLUSION: With a willingness-to-pay threshold of $100,000 per quality-adjusted life year, induction of labor at 39 weeks of gestation may be cost-effective for patients with unfavorable cervical examinations, but not for patients with favorable cervical examinations. This result was driven by the likelihood of labor in patients with favorable cervical examinations, and the resultant avoidance of prolonged pregnancy and its complications, including hypertensive disorders of pregnancy and stillbirths. Health systems may wish to prioritize patients with unfavorable cervical examinations for elective induction of labor at 39 weeks of gestation, which may be opposite to common practice.

Redesigning Care for the Management of Postpartum Hypertension: How Can Ob-Gyns and Primary Care Physicians Partner in Caring for Patients after a Hypertensive Pregnancy?

The standard care model in the postpartum period is ripe for disruption and attention. Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDPs) can continue to be a challenge for the postpartum person in the immediate postpartum period and is a harbinger of future health risks. The current care approach is inadequate to address the needs of these women. We propose a model for a multidisciplinary clinic and collaboration between internal medicine specialists and obstetric specialists to shepherd patients through this high-risk time and provide a bridge for lifelong care to mitigate the risks of a HDP. KEY POINTS: · HDPs are increasing in prevalence.. · The postpartum period can be more complex for women with HDPs.. · A multidisciplinary clinic could fill the postpartum care gap for women with HDP..

External Validation of a Prediction Model Assessing Risk of Delivery in Fetuses with Growth Restriction after Diagnosis of Abnormal Umbilical Artery Doppler.

OBJECTIVE: We have previously described a model using maternal, antenatal, and ultrasonographic characteristics to assess the risk of delivery within 7 days following diagnosis of abnormal umbilical artery Doppler (UAD) in pregnancies affected by fetal growth restriction (FGR). Therefore, we sought to validate this model in an independent cohort. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective, single referral center study of liveborn singleton pregnancies from 2016 to 2019 complicated by FGR and abnormal UAD (systolic/diastolic ratio ≥95th percentile for gestational age [GA]). Prediction probabilities were calculated by applying the original model (Model 1) to the current cohort (Brigham and Women's Hospital [BWH] cohort). The variables of this model include GA at first abnormal UAD, severity of first abnormal UAD, oligohydramnios, preeclampsia, and prepregnancy body mass index. Model fit was assessed with area under the curve (AUC). Two alternative models (Models 2 and 3) were created to identify a model with better predictive characteristics than Model 1. The receiver operating characteristics curves were compared using the DeLong test. RESULTS: A total of 306 patients were assessed for eligibility, 223 of whom were included in the BWH cohort. Median GA at eligibility was 31.3 weeks, and median interval from eligibility to delivery was 17 days (interquartile range: 3.5-33.5). Eighty-two (37%) patients delivered within 7 days of eligibility. Applying Model 1 to the BWH cohort resulted in an AUC of 0.865. Using the previously determined probability cutoff of 0.493, the model was 62% sensitive and 90% specific in predicting the primary outcome in this independent cohort. Models 2 and 3 did not perform better than Model 1 (p = 0.459). CONCLUSION: A previously described prediction model to predict risk of delivery in patients with FGR and abnormal UAD performed well in an independent cohort. With high specificity, this model could assist in identifying low-risk patients and improve antenatal corticosteroid timing. KEY POINTS: · Risk of delivery in 7 days can be predicted.. · Risk of delivery can inform corticosteroid timing.. · An externally validated clinical aid can be developed..

Safety of day-case endoscopic sinus surgery in England: An observational study using an administrative dataset.

INTRODUCTION: As elective surgical services recover from the COVID-19 pandemic a movement towards day-case surgery may reduce waiting lists. However, evidence is needed to show that day-case surgery is safe for endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS). The aim of this study was to investigate the safety of day-case ESS in England. DESIGN: Secondary analysis of administrative data. METHODS: We extracted data from the Hospital Episodes Statistics database for the 5 years from 1 April 2014 to 31 March 2019. Patients undergoing elective ESS procedures aged ≥17 years were included. Exclusion criteria included malignant neoplasm, complex systemic disease and trans-sphenoidal pituitary surgery. The primary outcome was readmission within 30 days post-discharge. Multilevel, multivariable logistic regression modelling was used to compare outcomes for those operated on as day-cases and those with an overnight stay after adjusting for demographic, frailty, comorbidity and procedural covariates. RESULTS: Data were available for 49 223 patients operated on across 129 NHS hospital trusts. In trusts operating on more than 50 patients in the study period, rates of day-case surgery varied from 20.6% to 100%. Nationally, rates of day-case surgery increased from 64.0% in the financial year 2014/2015 to 78.7% in 2018/2019. Day-case patients had lower rates of 30-day emergency readmission (odds ratio 0.71, 95% confidence interval 0.62 to 0.81). Outcomes for patients operated on in trusts with ≥80% day-case rates compared with patients operated on in trusts with <50% rates of day-case surgery were similar. CONCLUSIONS: Our data support the view that ESS can safely be performed as day-case surgery in most cases, although it will not be suitable for all patients. There appears to be scope to increase rates of day-case ESS in some hospital trusts in England.

Combined upper lid skin crease and endoscopic approach to frontal sinus mucocoeles.

PURPOSE: This case series describes the ophthalmic manifestations of frontal sinus mucoceles and reports the long-term surgical outcomes of a combined endoscopic and upper-lid skin crease drainage approach carried out jointly with otorhinolaryngology. METHODS: We present a retrospective case review of 18 orbits and 15 patients presenting with frontal sinus mucocoeles, all of whom underwent drainage via an adapted anterior orbitotomy approach between January 2015 and July 2023. Data collection included preoperative and postoperative examination findings (visual acuity, extraocular motility, lid retraction, and lagophthalmos), mucocoele recurrence, cosmetic satisfaction, and surgical complications. Patients were followed up for an average of 22 months. RESULTS: All patients underwent successful frontal mucocoele drainage via a modified anterior orbitotomy and simultaneous endonasal approach. At presentation, three (20%) had extraocular restriction leading to diplopia, and six (40%) had proptosis in the eye adjacent to the mucocoele. One patient presented acutely with no light perception in the affected eye due to compressive optic neuropathy. All patients who had reduced extraocular motility before surgery regained full motility post-operatively. Treatment was successful in all cases, and there was no documented mucocoele recurrence during follow-up. Satisfactory aesthetic outcomes were achieved in all cases. Reported complications included temporary forehead numbness and ptosis of the affected eyelid, which resolved without intervention. CONCLUSION: The modified anterior orbitotomy approach to frontal mucocoeles allows optimal frontal sinus access and mucocoele treatment while preserving cosmesis.

A multidisciplinary approach to frontal sinus mucocoeles using an upper lid skin crease incision combined with endoscopic drainage allows full access to the frontal sinus and treatment of the mucocoele while preserving cosmesis.

Mode of Delivery and Unplanned Cesarean: Differences in Rates and Indication by Race, Ethnicity, and Sociodemographic Characteristics.

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to examine the relationship of sociodemographic variables with racial/ethnic disparities in unplanned cesarean births in a large academic hospital system. Secondarily, we investigated the relationship of these variables with differences in cesarean delivery indication, cesarean delivery timing, length of second stage and operative delivery. STUDY DESIGN: We conducted a retrospective cohort study of births >34 weeks between 2017 and 2019. Our primary outcome was unplanned cesarean delivery after a trial of labor. Multiple gestations, vaginal birth after cesarean, elective repeat or primary cesarean delivery, and contraindications for vaginal delivery were excluded. Associations between mode of delivery and patient characteristics were assessed using Chi-square, Fisher exact tests, or t-tests. Odds ratios were estimated by multivariate logistic regression. Goodness of fit was assessed with Hosmer Lemeshow test. RESULTS: Among 18,946 deliveries, the rate of cesarean delivery was 14.8% overall and 21.3% in nulliparous patients. After adjustment for age, body mass index (BMI), and parity, women of Black and Asian races had significantly increased odds of unplanned cesarean delivery; 1.69 (95% CI: 1.45,1.96) and 1.23 (1.08, 1.40), respectively. Single Hispanic women had adjusted odds of 1.65 (1.08, 2.54). Single women had increased adjusted odds of cesarean delivery of 1.18, (1.05, 1.31). Fetal intolerance was the indication for 39% (613) of cesarean deliveries among White women as compared to 63% (231) of Black women and 49% (71) of Hispanic women (p <0.001). CONCLUSION: Rates of unplanned cesarean delivery were significantly higher in Black and Asian compared to White women, even after adjustment for age, BMI, parity, and zip code income strata, and rates of unplanned cesarean delivery were higher for Hispanic women self-identifying as single. Racial and ethnic differences were seen in cesarean delivery indications and operative vaginal deliveries. Future work is urgently needed to better understand differences in provider care or patient attributes, and potential provider bias, that may contribute to these findings. KEY POINTS: · Racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic differences exist in the odds of unplanned cesarean.. · Indications for unplanned cesarean delivery differed significantly among racial and ethnic groups.. · There may be unmeasured provider level factors which contribute to disparities in cesarean rates..

Maternal Morbidity in the Second Stage of Labor: Analysis to Simulate the Clinical Choice.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study is to analyze maternal morbidity in the second stage of labor in a manner that approximates clinical choice. STUDY DESIGN: The study design comprises secondary analysis of the Consortium for Safe Labor, which included 228,688 deliveries at 19 hospitals between 2002 and 2008. We included the 107,675 women who were undergoing a trial of labor without a prior uterine scar or history of substance abuse, who reached the second stage, with a liveborn, nonanomalous, vertex, singleton, at term of at least 2,500 g. Maternal complications included postpartum fever, hemorrhage, blood transfusion, thrombosis, intensive care unit (ICU) admission, hysterectomy, and death. For maternal complications, we simulated the clinical choice by comparing operative vaginal or cesarean deliveries to continued expectant management at every hour in the second stage. For neonatal complications, we modeled the risk of severe neonatal complication by second stage duration for spontaneous vaginal deliveries only, adjusting for maternal demographics, comorbidities, and delivery hospital. Severe neonatal complications included death, asphyxia, hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE), seizure, sepsis with prolonged stay, need for mechanical ventilation, and 5-minute Apgar score <4. RESULTS: Maternal morbidity was higher with operative vaginal/cesarean delivery versus continued expectant management for every hour in the second stage, a difference that was statistically significant at hour 2 (18.4 vs. 14.7%; p <0.01). Overall, 951 (0.88%) deliveries were complicated by a severe neonatal complication. A second stage over 4 hours was associated with an adjusted odds of severe neonatal complication of 2.10 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.32-3.34) as compared with women who delivered in the first hour. CONCLUSION: There is a trade-off between maternal and neonatal morbidity in the second stage of labor. Serious neonatal complications rise throughout, however, there is no time at which maternal morbidity is improved with a cesarean or operative vaginal delivery. Strategies are needed to identify neonates at highest risk of complication for targeted intervention. KEY POINTS: · Severe neonatal complications increase with every hour in the second stage.. · Shortening the second stage is associated with higher maternal complications at every hour.. · There is a trade-off between maternal and neonatal morbidity in the second stage..

Birthweight and Chemotherapy Exposure in Women Diagnosed with Breast Cancer during Pregnancy.

OBJECTIVE: Breast cancer is one of the most frequently diagnosed cancers in pregnancy and is commonly treated with chemotherapy. To date, studies examining effects of chemotherapy during pregnancy on fetal growth have yielded conflicting results, and most are limited by small sample sizes or are nonspecific with respect to cytotoxic regimen or type of cancer treated. We sought to evaluate the effect of chemotherapy for breast cancer in pregnancy on birthweight and small for gestational age infants. STUDY DESIGN: This is a retrospective cohort study of 74 women diagnosed with pathologically confirmed breast cancer during pregnancy between 1997 and 2018 at one of three academic medical centers, who had a singleton birth with known birthweight. Forty-nine received chemotherapy and 25 did not receive chemotherapy. Linear regression modeling was used to compare birthweight (by gestational age and sex-specific z-score) by chemotherapy exposure. Subanalyses of specific chemotherapy regimen and duration of chemotherapy exposure were also performed. Placental, neonatal, and maternal outcomes were also analyzed by chemotherapy exposure. RESULTS: In the adjusted model, chemotherapy exposure was associated with lower birthweight (Δ z-score = -0.49, p = 0.03), but similar rates of small for gestational age (defined as birthweight <10th percentile for gestational age) infants (8.2 vs. 8.0%, p = 1.0; Fisher's exact test). Each additional week of chemotherapy (Δ z-score = -0.05, p = 0.03) was associated with decreased birthweight, although no association was found with specific chemotherapy regimen. Chemotherapy exposure was associated with lower median placental weight percentile by gestational age (9th vs. 75th, p < 0.05). Secondary maternal outcomes were similar between the group that did and did not receive chemotherapy. CONCLUSION: Chemotherapy for breast cancer in pregnancy in this cohort is associated with lower birthweight but no difference in the rate of small for gestational age infants. KEY POINTS: · Chemotherapy for breast cancer in pregnancy is associated with decreased birthweight but similar rates of small for gestational age infants.. · Birthweight did not differ according to chemotherapy regimen.. · There is no difference in the rate of small for gestational age infants..

Six versus twelve hours of single-balloon catheter placement with oxytocin administration for labor induction: a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Induction of labor is common in the United States. Multiple previous studies have tried to outline a faster time to delivery to improve maternal and fetal outcomes. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate whether women who undergo induction of labor with a single-balloon catheter and oxytocin have a shorter time to delivery with planned removal of the catheter at 6 vs 12 hours. STUDY DESIGN: In this randomized controlled trial, induction of labor was performed using a combination of single-balloon catheter and oxytocin. Term women, both nulliparous and multiparous, aged 18 to 50 years old with cephalic singletons were included if they were undergoing induction of labor with a Bishop score of <6 and cervical dilation of <2 cm. Women were randomized to planned removal of the single-balloon catheter at 6 hours vs 12 hours. The primary outcome was time from catheter insertion to delivery. We were powered to show a 4-hour time difference with a sample size of 89 women per group (n=178). Planned sensitivity analyses were performed to account for cesarean delivery in labor. RESULTS: From February 2019 to June 2020, 237 women were screened, 178 women were randomized, and 177 women were included in the final analysis (89 women in the 6-hour group and 88 women in the 12-hour group). Insertion to delivery time was significantly shorter in the 6-hour group (19.2 vs 24.3 hours; P=.04), and the proportion of women delivered by 24 hours was significantly greater in the 6-hour group (67.4% vs 47.4%; P<.01). There was no difference in the Bishop score at removal of the catheter or secondary maternal or neonatal outcomes. In a Cox proportional-hazards model censoring for cesarean delivery, the 6-hour group had a significantly shorter insertion to delivery time (hazard ratio, 0.67; P=.02). CONCLUSION: Induction of labor with a single-balloon catheter and oxytocin with planned removal of the catheter at 6 hours rather than 12 hours results in a shorter time from insertion to delivery without increasing the rate of cesarean delivery. Decreasing the length of time a single-balloon catheter is in place should be considered in clinical protocols.

Changes in Delivery Timing for High-Risk Pregnancies in the United States.

OBJECTIVE: This study was aimed to assess whether the "39-week" rule is being extended to high-risk pregnancies and if so whether this has led to changes in neonatal morbidity or stillbirth. STUDY DESIGN: Birth certificate data between 2010 and 2014 from 23 states (55% of births in the United States) were used. Pregnancies were classified as high risk if they had any one of the following: maternal age greater than or equal to 40 years, prepregnancy body mass index (BMI) greater than or equal to 40 kg/m2, chronic (prepregnancy) hypertension, or diabetes (pregestational or gestational). Delivery timing changes for all pregnancies at term (37 weeks or greater) were compared with changes in the high-risk population. Neonatal morbidities (neonatal intensive care unit [NICU] admission, need for assisted ventilation, 5-minute Apgar score, and macrosomia), maternal morbidities (intensive care unit [ICU] admission, cesarean delivery, operative vaginal delivery, chorioamnionitis, and severe perineal laceration), and stillbirth rates were compared across time periods. Multivariate logistic regression was used to analyze whether gestational age-specific morbidity changes were due to shifts in delivery timing. RESULTS: For the overall population, there was a shift in delivery timing between 2010 and 2014, a 2.5% decrease in 38-week deliveries, and a 2.3% increase in 39-week deliveries (p < 0.01). This gestational age shift was identical in the high-risk population (2.7% decrease in 38-week deliveries and 2.9% increase in 39-week deliveries). For the high-risk population, NICU admission increased from 5.4 to 6.3% in 2014 (p < 0.01) and assisted ventilation rates declined from 3.8 to 2.9% (p < 0.01). These changes, however, were independent of changes in delivery timing. There was no increase in the rate of stillbirth (0.23% in 2010 and 0.23% in 2014; p = 0.50). CONCLUSION: There was a significant shift in delivery timing for high-risk pregnancies in the United States between 2010 and 2014. This shift, however, did not result in statistically significant changes in either neonatal morbidity or stillbirth. KEY POINTS: · From 2010 to 2014, term deliveries for high-risk pregnancies shifted towards 39 weeks.. · The shift towards 39 weeks in high-risk pregnancies was not accompanied by any improvement in neonatal morbidity.. · The shift towards 39 weeks in high-risk pregnancies did not result in an increase in the stillbirth rate..

Investigating Decreased Rates of Nulliparous Cesarean Deliveries during the COVID-19 Pandemic.

OBJECTIVE: Preventing the first cesarean delivery (CD) is important as CD rates continue to rise. During the novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, quality improvement metrics at our hospital identified lower rates of CD. We sought to investigate this change and identify factors that may have contributed to the decrease. STUDY DESIGN: We compared nulliparous singleton deliveries at a large academic hospital during the COVID-19 pandemic (April through July 2020 during a statewide "stay-at-home" order) to those in the same months 1 year prior to the pandemic (April through July 2019). The primary outcome, mode of delivery, was obtained from the electronic medical record system, along with indication for CD. RESULTS: The cohort included 1,913 deliveries: 892 in 2019 and 1,021 in 2020. Patient characteristics (age, body mass index, race, ethnicity, and insurance type) did not differ between the groups. Median gestational age at delivery was the same in both groups. The CD rate decreased significantly during the COVID-19 pandemic compared with prior (28.9 vs. 33.6%; p = 0.03). There was a significant increase in the rate of labor induction (45.7 vs. 40.6%; p = 0.02), but no difference in the proportion of inductions that were elective (19.5 vs. 20.7%; p = 0.66). The rate of CD in labor was unchanged (15.9 vs. 16.3%; p = 0.82); however, more women attempted a trial of labor (87.0 vs. 82.6%; p = 0.01). Thus, the proportion of CD without a trial of labor decreased (25.1 vs. 33.0%; p = 0.04). CONCLUSION: There was a statistically significant decrease in CD during the COVID-19 pandemic at our hospital, driven by a decrease in CD without a trial of labor. The increased rate of attempted trial of labor suggests the presence of patient-level factors that warrant further investigation as potential targets for decreasing CD rates. Additionally, in a diverse and medically complex population, increased rates of labor induction were not associated with increased rates of CD. KEY POINTS: · Primary CD rate fell during COVID-19 pandemic.. · Decrease was driven by more women attempting labor.. · Higher rate of induction without rise in CD rate was found..

Does Universal Coverage Mitigate Racial Disparities in Potentially Avoidable Maternal Complications?

OBJECTIVE: Potentially avoidable maternity complications (PAMCs) have been validated as an indicator of access to quality prenatal care. African-American mothers have exhibited a higher incidence of PAMCs, which has been attributed to unequal health coverage. The objective of this study was to assess if racial disparities in the incidence of PAMCs exist in a universally insured population. STUDY DESIGN: PAMCs in each racial group were compared relative to White mothers using multivariate logistic regression. Stratified subanalyses assessed for adjusted differences in the odds of PAMCs for each racial group within direct versus purchased care. RESULTS: A total of 675,553 deliveries were included. Among them, 428,320 (63%) mothers were White, 112,170 (17%) African-American, 37,151 (6%) Asian/Pacific Islanders, and 97,912 (15%) others. African-American women (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 1.05, 95% CI: 1.02-1.08) were more likely to have PAMCs compared with White women, and Asian women (aOR: 0.92, 95% CI: 0.89-0.95) were significantly less likely to have PAMCs compared with White women. On stratified analysis according to the system of care, equal odds of PAMCs among African-American women compared with White women were realized within direct care (aOR: 1.03, 95% CI: 1.00-1.07), whereas slightly higher odds among African-American persisted in purchased (aOR: 1.05, 95% CI: 1.01-1.10). CONCLUSION: Higher occurrence of PAMCs among minority women sponsored by a universal health coverage was mitigated compared with White women. Protocol-based care as in the direct care system may help overcome health disparities.

Tracheostomy care and decannulation during the COVID-19 pandemic. A multidisciplinary clinical practice guideline.

PURPOSE: Traditional critical care dogma regarding the benefits of early tracheostomy during invasive ventilation has had to be revisited due to the risk of COVID-19 to patients and healthcare staff. Standard practises that have evolved to minimise the risks associated with tracheostomy must be comprehensively reviewed in light of the numerous potential episodes for aerosol generating procedures. We meet the urgent need for safe practise standards by presenting the experience of two major London teaching hospitals, and synthesise our findings into an evidence-based guideline for multidisciplinary care of the tracheostomy patient. METHODS: This is a narrative review presenting the extensive experience of over 120 patients with tracheostomy, with a pragmatic analysis of currently available evidence for safe tracheostomy care in COVID-19 patients. RESULTS: Tracheostomy care involves many potentially aerosol generating procedures which may pose a risk of viral transmission to staff and patients. We make a series of recommendations to ameliorate this risk through infection control strategies, equipment modification, and individualised decannulation protocols. In addition, we discuss the multidisciplinary collaboration that is absolutely fundamental to safe and effective practise. CONCLUSION: COVID-19 requires a radical rethink of many tenets of tracheostomy care, and controversy continues to exist regarding the optimal techniques to minimise risk to patients and healthcare workers. Safe practise requires a coordinated multidisciplinary team approach to infection control, weaning and decannulation, with integrated processes for continuous prospective data collection and audit.

Nox2 Inhibition Regulates Stress Response and Mitigates Skeletal Muscle Fiber Atrophy during Simulated Microgravity.

Insufficient stress response and elevated oxidative stress can contribute to skeletal muscle atrophy during mechanical unloading (e.g., spaceflight and bedrest). Perturbations in heat shock proteins (e.g., HSP70), antioxidant enzymes, and sarcolemmal neuronal nitric oxidase synthase (nNOS) have been linked to unloading-induced atrophy. We recently discovered that the sarcolemmal NADPH oxidase-2 complex (Nox2) is elevated during unloading, downstream of angiotensin II receptor 1, and concomitant with atrophy. Here, we hypothesized that peptidyl inhibition of Nox2 would attenuate disruption of HSP70, MnSOD, and sarcolemmal nNOS during unloading, and thus muscle fiber atrophy. F344 rats were divided into control (CON), hindlimb unloaded (HU), and hindlimb unloaded +7.5 mg/kg/day gp91ds-tat (HUG) groups. Unloading-induced elevation of the Nox2 subunit p67phox-positive staining was mitigated by gp91ds-tat. HSP70 protein abundance was significantly lower in HU muscles, but not HUG. MnSOD decreased with unloading; however, MnSOD was not rescued by gp91ds-tat. In contrast, Nox2 inhibition protected against unloading suppression of the antioxidant transcription factor Nrf2. nNOS bioactivity was reduced by HU, an effect abrogated by Nox2 inhibition. Unloading-induced soleus fiber atrophy was significantly attenuated by gp91ds-tat. These data establish a causal role for Nox2 in unloading-induced muscle atrophy, linked to preservation of HSP70, Nrf2, and sarcolemmal nNOS.

Using Cervical Dilation to Predict Labor Onset: A Tool for Elective Labor Induction Counseling.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate whether cervical dilation predicts the timing and likelihood of spontaneous labor at term. STUDY DESIGN: This was a retrospective cohort of nulliparous women with singleton pregnancies who delivered at term from 2013 to 2015. Outpatient cervical examinations performed after 37 weeks and prior to labor onset were collected. Survival analysis was used to analyze time to spontaneous labor with cervical dilation as the primary predictor, modeled as continuous and categorical variables (<1 cm, 1 cm, >1 cm). RESULTS: Our cohort included 726 women; 407 (56%) spontaneously labored, 263 (36%) were induced, and 56 (8%) had an unlabored cesarean delivery. Women with >1-cm dilation were three times more likely to spontaneously labor (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR]: 3.1; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.4-4) than those with <1-cm dilation. At 39 weeks, 60% of women with >1-cm dilation went into spontaneous labor as compared with only 28% of those with <1-cm dilation (aHR: 2.9; 95% CI: 2-4.4). CONCLUSION: In our cohort of nulliparous women at term, those with cervical dilation > 1 cm were significantly more likely to go into labor in the following week. This information can aid in counseling about elective induction of labor.