Outcomes in low-risk patients before and after an institutional policy offering 39-week elective induction of labor

OBJECTIVE

Elective induction of labor versus expectant management at 39 weeks gestation in low-risk nulliparous patients was shown in the ARRIVE randomized trial of over 6000 patients to decrease risks of cesarean delivery without significant change in the composite perinatal outcome. We aimed to pragmatically analyze the effect of offering elective induction of labor (eIOL) to all low-risk patients.

METHODS

Retrospective cohort study of low-risk nulliparous and multiparous patients delivering live, non-anomalous singletons at a single center at greater than or equal to 39 0/7 weeks gestational age. Those with prior or planned cesarean delivery, ruptured membranes, medical comorbidities, or contraindications to vaginal delivery were excluded. Patients were categorized as before (pre-eIOL; 1/2012-3/2014) or after (post-eIOL; 3/2019-12/2021) an institution-wide policy offering eIOL at 39 0/7 weeks. Births occurring April 2014 to December 2018 were allocated to a separate cohort (during-eIOL) given increased exposure to eIOL as our center recruited participants for the ARRIVE trial. The primary outcome was cesarean birth. Secondary outcomes included select maternal (e.g. chorioamnionitis, operative delivery, postpartum hemorrhage) and neonatal morbidities (e.g. birthweight, small- and large-for gestational age, hypoglycemia). Characteristics and outcomes were compared between the pre and during-eIOL, and pre and post-eIOL groups; adjusted OR (95% CI) were calculated using multivariable regression. Subgroup analysis by parity was planned.

RESULTS

Of 10,758 patients analyzed, 2521 (23.4%) were pre-eIOL, 5410 (50.3%) during-eIOL, and 2827 (26.3%) post-eIOL. Groups differed with respect to labor type, age, race/ethnicity, marital and payor status, and gestational age at care entry. Post-eIOL was associated with lower odds of cesarean compared to pre-eIOL (aOR 0.83 [95% CI 0.72-0.96]), which was even lower among those specifically undergoing labor induction (aOR 0.58 [0.48-0.70]. During-eIOL was also associated with lower odds of cesarean compared to pre-eIOL (aOR 0.79 [0.69-0.90]). Both during and post-eIOL groups were associated with higher odds of chorioamnionitis, operative delivery, and hemorrhage compared to pre-eIOL. However, only among post-eIOL were there fewer neonates weighing ≥4000 g, large-for-gestational age infants, and neonatal hypoglycemia compared to pre-IOL.

CONCLUSION

An institutional policy offering eIOL at 39 0/7 to low-risk patients was associated with a lower cesarean birth rate, lower birthweights and lower neonatal hypoglycemia, and an increased risk of chorioamnionitis and hemorrhage.

Postpartum Outcomes in Patients Receiving Venous Thromboembolism Prophylaxis during Antepartum Admission

OBJECTIVE

 We evaluated if venous thromboembolism (VTE) prophylaxis in the inpatient antepartum period was associated with wound hematomas, VTE occurrence, and other adverse outcomes.

STUDY DESIGN

 This study is a secondary analysis of a retrospective cohort of patients who delivered at University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB). Patients receiving outpatient anticoagulation (AC) were excluded. We grouped patients into those who received inpatient antepartum prophylactic AC and those who did not. The primary outcome was wound hematomas from delivery to 6 weeks postpartum (PP). Secondary outcomes included VTE occurrence and select adverse outcomes, including other wound complications, unplanned procedures, mode of anesthesia, and intensive care unit (ICU) admission. Analyses were performed with no AC group as the reference. A sensitivity analysis excluding those who received inpatient PP AC was performed.

RESULTS

 Of 1,035 included patients, only 169 patients received inpatient prophylactic AC. They were older, had higher body mass indices, and more comorbidities. Patients receiving inpatient antepartum AC had higher wound hematomas (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 23.81; 95% confidence interval [CI] 7.04-80.47). They had similar risk for developing VTE as the control group (aOR 2.68; 95% CI 0.19-37.49) but were more likely to have wound complications (aOR 2.36; 95% CI 1.24-4.47), maternal deaths (p < 0.05), and require PP ICU admission (aOR 13.38; 95% CI 4.79-37.35). When excluding those receiving any PP AC, there was no difference in bleeding complications between the two groups and VTE rates remained unchanged. Rates of maternal deaths and PP ICU admissions remained higher in those who received inpatient antepartum AC prophylaxis.

CONCLUSION

 In this small cohort study, increased wound hematomas were found in those who received inpatient antepartum AC prophylaxis with no difference in VTE occurrence. While adverse events were increased in the inpatient AC group, this was mostly associated with PP AC prophylaxis. Larger studies should be conducted to describe the true benefits and risks of antepartum AC prophylaxis and determine efficacy of this widely used practice.

KEY POINTS

· Peripartum chemoprophylaxis is associated with increased wound hematomas.. · VTE is rare, despite its association with significant peripartum morbidity/mortality.. · Large studies are needed to guide practices that optimize the risk/benefit ratio of chemoprophylaxis..

Reevaluating Associations between Prenatal Care Utilization and Current Trends in Preterm Birth

OBJECTIVE

 Studies have suggested an association between prenatal care (PNC) and preterm birth (PTB). We evaluated trends in PTB and association of PNC and PTB.

STUDY DESIGN

 This was a retrospective cohort study of singleton, viable nonanomalous deliveries from 1991 to 2018. PNC utilization was defined by World Health Organization using number of visits: adequate (≥8), suboptimal (5-7), and inadequate (<5). Primary outcome was PTB. Tests of trend were used to assess changes in PTB over time. Baseline characteristics and outcomes were compared. Logistic regression estimated the association of PNC and PTB. We evaluated for effect modification by year of birth.

RESULTS

 Of 92,294 patients, 14,057 (15%) had PTB. Inadequate and suboptimal PNC were associated with higher odds of PTB compared to adequate PNC (adjusted odds ratios [aOR 6.21], 95% confidence interval [CI] 5.84-6.60; aOR 3.57, 95% CI 3.36-3.79). Inadequate PNC was associated with higher odds of PTB over time (effect modification p < 0.0001). Inadequate PNC was associated with 5.4 times higher odds of PTB in 1998, 7.0 times in 2008, and 9.1 times in 2018.

CONCLUSION

 Despite an increase in adequate PNC, there was a rise in PTB associated with inadequate and suboptimal PNC. PNC utilization was a stronger risk factor in recent years with higher PTB in patients who attended more than five PNC visits.

KEY POINTS

· PNC utilization is associated with the risk of PTB.. · Despite an increase in PNC utilization, PTB rates have increased.. · There is an even stronger association between PNC utilization and PTB over time..

Physiologic blood pressure patterns in pregnancies with mild chronic hypertension

OBJECTIVES

To assess physiologic blood pressure (BP) changes throughout pregnancy in patients with mild chronic hypertension (CHTN) who do and do not develop preeclampsia (PEC), compared to patients with normal BP.

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective cohort of singleton gestations with CHTN at a single tertiary center from 2000 to 2014 and a randomly selected cohort of patients without CHTN and normal pregnancy outcomes (NML) in the same time period with BP measurements available <12 weeks gestational age.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

The primary outcome was gestational age (GA) at nadir of systolic and diastolic BP. Secondary outcomes included perinatal death, umbilical cord pH, maternal and neonatal length of stay, GA at delivery, and mode of delivery. Quadratic mixed models were used to estimate SBP and DBP throughout gestation.

RESULTS

Of 367 pregnancies with CHTN, 268 (73%) had CHTN without PEC and 99 (27%) had CHTN with PEC; 198 NML pregnancies were used as a comparison group. The median GA nadir for patients in the NML, CHTN without PEC, and CHTN with PEC for SBP were 20, 24, and 21, respectively. For DBP, the median GA nadir were 22, 24, and 21 for patients in the NML, CHTN without PEC, and CHTN with PEC cohorts, respectively. Adverse secondary outcomes were more frequent in patients with CHTN who developed PEC.

CONCLUSIONS

BP trajectories in pregnancy are different between patients with CHTN with PEC, CHTN without PEC, and patients with normal BP. These findings may be useful in assessing patients' risks for developing preeclampsia during pregnancy.

Physiologic Treatment of Severe Hypertension in Pregnancy and Postpartum

We aimed to evaluate physiologic treatment of severe hypertension. This was a retrospective cohort study of pregnant and postpartum patients with severe hypertension (systolic blood pressure [BP] 160 mm Hg or higher or diastolic BP 110 mm Hg or higher) treated with intravenous labetalol or hydralazine at a single tertiary care center between 2013 and 2018. Patients were classified as having physiologic treatment if they had hyperdynamic physiology (pulse pressure 65 mm Hg or higher) and received labetalol or had vasoconstrictive physiology (diastolic BP 100 mm Hg or higher) and received hydralazine. The primary outcome was number of antihypertensive doses to achieve nonsevere BP. Of 1,120 patients included in the analysis, 653 had physiologic treatment and 467 had nonphysiologic treatment, with 16 (1.4%) excluded for inability to classify physiology. Physiologic treatment was associated with fewer antihypertensive doses (1.4±0.9 doses vs 1.6±1.4 doses; adjusted β -0.28, 95% CI, -0.42 to -0.14) and lower odds of medication conversion (2.5% vs 4.7%; adjusted odds ratio 0.48, 95% CI, 0.24-0.93) but no difference in time to nonsevere BP (31 minutes [interquartile range 16-66 minutes] vs 34 minutes [interquartile range 15-76 minutes]; adjusted hazard ratio 1.0, 95% CI, 0.9-1.2). Physiologic treatment of severe hypertension warrants further evaluation.

Predicting peripartum infection in laboring patients at high risk in Cameroon, Africa

OBJECTIVE

To develop a predictive model for peripartum infection among high risk laboring patients in Cameroon, Africa.

STUDY DESIGN

We conducted a secondary analysis of the Cameroon Antibiotic Prophylaxis Trial (NCT03248297), a multicenter 3-arm double-blind randomized controlled trial of oral azithromycin ± amoxicillin among term pregnancies with prolonged labor or rupture of membranes in Cameroon 1/2018-5/2020. Patients with chorioamnionitis prior to randomization, study drug contraindications, or planned cesarean were excluded. The outcome of interest was a composite of maternal peripartum infection (chorioamnionitis, endometritis, sepsis by World Health Organization criteria, wound infection/abscess) diagnosed up to 6 weeks postpartum. Potential predictors were compared between patients with and without the composite outcome, and evaluated at a 0.05 alpha level. Statistically significant exposures were analyzed using multivariable regression (to generate adjusted odds ratios and 95 % confidence intervals) with backwards selection to generate a parsimonious model. Receiver operating characteristic curves with associated area under the curve assessed the model's predictive ability. A nomogram based on the final best fit multivariable model was constructed.

RESULTS

Of 756 patients in the parent trial, 652 were analyzed: 45 (7 %) had peripartum infection. Those with infection were more likely to be nulliparous, lower education level, higher gestational age, receive antibiotics per hospital protocols, and undergo cesarean. In our best-fit multivariable model, none/primary education (vs university), cesarean birth, and antibiotic receipt per physician discretion (vs for cesarean prophylaxis) were significantly associated with increased infection risk. This model was moderately predictive (AUC = 0.75, 95 % CI 0.67-0.82). When using this 3 factor model, for a patient with a cesarean birth, receipt of antibiotics per physician discretion, and university education, the probability of peripartum infection was 35 % (95 % CI 0.11-0.73).

CONCLUSIONS

While several variables such as parity are associated with infectious morbidity within 6 weeks among high risk laboring patients in Cameroon, only education level, antibiotic indication, and cesarean birth were independently associated, and a model including these 3 factors was moderately predictive. Validation of our findings in a larger population is warranted.

Researching COVID to enhance recovery (RECOVER) pregnancy study: Rationale, objectives and design

IMPORTANCE

Pregnancy induces unique physiologic changes to the immune response and hormonal changes leading to plausible differences in the risk of developing post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 (PASC), or Long COVID. Exposure to SARS-CoV-2 during pregnancy may also have long-term ramifications for exposed offspring, and it is critical to evaluate the health outcomes of exposed children. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) Researching COVID to Enhance Recovery (RECOVER) Multi-site Observational Study of PASC aims to evaluate the long-term sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection in various populations. RECOVER-Pregnancy was designed specifically to address long-term outcomes in maternal-child dyads.

METHODS

RECOVER-Pregnancy cohort is a combined prospective and retrospective cohort that proposes to enroll 2,300 individuals with a pregnancy during the COVID-19 pandemic and their offspring exposed and unexposed in utero, including single and multiple gestations. Enrollment will occur both in person at 27 sites through the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institutes of Health Maternal-Fetal Medicine Units Network and remotely through national recruitment by the study team at the University of California San Francisco (UCSF). Adults with and without SARS-CoV-2 infection during pregnancy are eligible for enrollment in the pregnancy cohort and will follow the protocol for RECOVER-Adult including validated screening tools, laboratory analyses and symptom questionnaires followed by more in-depth phenotyping of PASC on a subset of the overall cohort. Offspring exposed and unexposed in utero to SARS-CoV-2 maternal infection will undergo screening tests for neurodevelopment and other health outcomes at 12, 18, 24, 36 and 48 months of age. Blood specimens will be collected at 24 months of age for SARS-CoV-2 antibody testing, storage and anticipated later analyses proposed by RECOVER and other investigators.

DISCUSSION

RECOVER-Pregnancy will address whether having SARS-CoV-2 during pregnancy modifies the risk factors, prevalence, and phenotype of PASC. The pregnancy cohort will also establish whether there are increased risks of adverse long-term outcomes among children exposed in utero.

CLINICAL TRIALS.GOV IDENTIFIER

Clinical Trial Registration: http://www.clinicaltrials.gov. Unique identifier: NCT05172011.

Defining a Strategy for Laboratory Evaluation with Expectant Management of Preeclampsia

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to compare the frequency and timing of laboratory abnormalities and evaluate optimal laboratory testing strategies in women with preeclampsia (PE) undergoing expectant management.

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective cohort study of women with inpatient expectant management of PE at ≥23 weeks at a tertiary center from 2015 to 2018 was conducted. Women ineligible for expectant management or with less than two laboratory sets (platelets, aspartate aminotransferase, and serum creatinine) before the decision to deliver were excluded. Women were categorized as per the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists' definitions by initial diagnosis: PE without severe features, superimposed preeclampsia (SiPE) without severe features, and their forms with severe features. The frequency and timing of laboratory abnormalities were compared across the four PE categories. Kaplan-Meier curves modeled time to a laboratory abnormality (event) with censoring for delivery and were compared using log-rank tests. Logistic regression analysis modeled the development of a laboratory abnormality as a function of testing time intervals (days) for each PE type. Receiver operating characteristic curves and areas under the curve (AUC) were calculated; optimal cut points were determined using the Liu method.

RESULTS

Among 636 women who met inclusion criteria, laboratory abnormalities were uncommon (6.3%). The median time to a laboratory abnormality among all women was ≤10 days, time being shortest in women with PE with severe features. Time to laboratory abnormality development did not differ significantly between the four PE groups (p = 0.36). Laboratory assessment intervals were most predictive for PE and SiPE with severe features (AUC = 0.87, AUC = 0.72). Optimal cutoffs were every 4 days for PE without severe features, 2 days for PE with severe features, 8 days for SiPE without severe features, and 3 days for SiPE with severe features.

CONCLUSION

Most laboratory abnormalities in PE occur earlier and more frequently in those with severe features. Individual phenotypes should undergo serial evaluation based on this risk stratification.

KEY POINTS

· Most laboratory abnormalities occur within 10 days of diagnosis.. · Laboratory abnormalities occur more often with severe features.. · Laboratory testing should occur according to disease severity..

Maternal and Neonatal Outcomes at Periviable Gestation throughout Delivery Admission

OBJECTIVE

 The threshold of viability, as well as cutoffs for delivery interventions and neonatal resuscitation, vary by hospital and involve complex counseling. With improvements in neonatal resuscitation and intensive care, the threshold of viability has been decreasing. Decisions regarding delivery planning and neonatal resuscitation efforts should be based on the best available evidence. Our objective was to characterize survival rates and neonatal outcomes following periviable birth at different milestones beginning with prenatal admission through 1 year of life in a contemporary cohort.

STUDY DESIGN

 We performed a retrospective cohort study of all inborn infants without major congenital anomalies who delivered at the University of Alabama at Birmingham from 2013 to 2019 at gestational ages 22+0/7 to 25+6/7. Our primary outcome was to compared survival milestones throughout the pre- and postdelivery periods and neonatal complications in surviving newborns through 1 year of life at each gestational age.

RESULTS

 The survival rate to 1 year of life was 49% (48-56%, 95% confidence interval [CI]) for the entire cohort and varied according to gestational age at delivery (22 weeks 15% [10-23%, 95% CI], 23 weeks 48% [43-58%, 95% CI], 24 weeks 57% [52-67%, 95% CI], 25 weeks 71% [67-82%, 95% CI]). Overall for the entire cohort, the rate of lung disease requiring respiratory support at discharge was 51%, intraventricular hemorrhage was 42%, retinopathy of prematurity was 74%, pulmonary hypertension was 30%, and concerns for cerebral palsy at 1 year of life was 25%. All outcomes improved with advancing gestational age at delivery. Of infants who delivered during the 22nd week of gestation, 50% received antenatal corticosteroids. Infants exposed to antenatal corticosteroids had more interventions, less pulmonary hypertension, and improved survival to 1 year of life.

CONCLUSION

 Knowledge of maternal complications, longitudinal survival rates, and neonatal outcomes of periviable deliveries according to gestational age throughout the admission enhances obstetric and perinatal counseling after hospital admission.

KEY POINTS

· Periviable birth outcomes at different delivery milestones is important for counseling.. · Providing contemporary outcomes for periviable deliveries is critical for accurate counseling.. · Administration of antenatal corticosteroids at 22 weeks' gestation appears beneficial overall..

Occipital Nerve Block Compared With Acetaminophen and Caffeine for Headache Treatment in Pregnancy: A Randomized Controlled Trial

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the efficacy of occipital nerve block compared with standard care , defined as acetaminophen with caffeine, for treatment of acute headache in pregnancy.

METHODS

We conducted a single-center, unblinded, parallel, randomized controlled trial of pregnant patients with headache and pain score higher than 3 on the visual rating scale. Patients with secondary headache, preeclampsia, or allergy or contraindication to study medications were excluded. Participants were randomized to occipital nerve block or standard care (oral 650 mg acetaminophen and 200 mg caffeine). Crossover treatment was given at 2 hours and second-line treatment at 4 hours to those with worsening visual rating scale score or visual rating scale score higher than 3. The primary outcome was headache improvement to a visual rating scale score of 3 or lower within 2 hours of initial therapy. Secondary outcomes included serial visual rating scale scores, receipt of crossover or second-line therapy, patient satisfaction, and perinatal outcomes. Outcomes were assessed in an intention-to-treat analysis. We estimated that a sample of 62 would provide 80% power to detect a difference from 85% to 50% between groups.

RESULTS

From February 2020 to May 2022, 62 participants were randomized to occipital nerve block (n=31) or standard care (n=31). Groups were similar except payer status. The primary outcome, headache improvement to visual rating scale score of 3 or lower, was not significantly different between groups (64.5% vs 51.6%, P =.30). The occipital nerve block group experienced lower median [interquartile range] visual rating scale scores at 1 hour (2 [0-5] vs 6 [2-7], P =.014), and more patients in the occipital nerve block group had visual rating scale scores of 3 or lower at 1 hour. Among patients receiving crossover treatment at 2 hours, the standard care group had a significantly lower visual rating scale score 1 hour after crossover to occipital nerve block than the occipital nerve block group receiving crossover to standard care ( P =.028). There were no significant differences in second-line treatment, refractory headache, satisfaction, or complications. Patients receiving occipital nerve block delivered earlier (36.6 weeks vs 37.8 weeks), but preterm birth did not differ between groups.

CONCLUSION

Occipital nerve block is an effective and quick-acting treatment option for acute headache in pregnancy.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov , NCT03951649.

Emerging concepts since the Chronic Hypertension and Pregnancy trial

The recent publication of the Chronic Hypertension and Pregnancy (CHAP) trial has already changed the management of pregnant people with mild chronic hypertension. However, similar to any new intervention or change in management, we have encountered confusion regarding the management and implementation of the "Treatment for mild chronic hypertension during pregnancy" trial findings. In this clinical opinion, we addressed the aspects relating to the implementation that cannot be gleaned from the manuscript but were part of the trial conduct. Furthermore, we discussed several clinical questions that may affect the management of a patient with chronic hypertension following the "Treatment for mild chronic hypertension during pregnancy" trial and provided suggestions based on our experience and opinion.

Contribution of Health Care Practitioner and Maternity Services Factors to Racial Disparities in Alabama: A Qualitative Study

OBJECTIVE

Black patients are three times more likely to die of pregnancy-related causes than White patients in the United States, and Alabama has the third worst maternal mortality rate in the nation. We sought to identify health care practitioner and maternity service factors contributing to disparities in Alabama, as well as potential strategies to address these contributors.

METHODS

We conducted key informant interviews with obstetricians, nurses, doulas, lactation counselors, health system administrators, and representatives of professional organizations who deliver maternity care to racially and ethnically diverse patients in Alabama. The interview guide was developed using Howell's conceptual framework on racial and ethnic disparities in severe maternal morbidity and mortality. Adopting a thematic analysis approach, we coded and analyzed transcripts using NVivo 12 software. Open coding and selective coding were conducted to identify themes related to health care practitioner- and maternity services-level determinants.

RESULTS

Overall, 20 health care practitioners or administrators were interviewed. Primary themes related to health care practitioners included implicit bias and explicit racism, lack of communication and lack of positive patient-health care practitioner relationships, lack of cultural sensitivity, and variation in clinical knowledge and experience. Primary themes related to maternity services included lack of accessibility, inadequate quality and content of care, lack of continuity of care, discriminatory facility policies, and workforce shortages and lack of diversity. Strategies suggested by participants to address these factors included bias trainings for health care practitioners, improvements in racial and interdisciplinary diversity in the maternity workforce, and evidence-based interventions such as group prenatal care, disparities dashboards, simulation trainings, early warning signs criteria, and coordinated care.

CONCLUSION

We gained diverse perspectives from health care practitioners and administrators on how maternity health care practitioner and maternity health services factors contribute to inequities in maternal health in Alabama. Strategies to address these contributing factors were multifaceted.

Breastfeeding initiation and duration among people with mild chronic hypertension: a secondary analysis of the Chronic Hypertension and Pregnancy trial

BACKGROUND

Increased duration of breastfeeding improves maternal cardiovascular health and may be especially beneficial in high-risk populations, such as those with chronic hypertension. Others have shown that individuals with hypertension are less likely to breastfeed, and there has been limited research aimed at supporting breastfeeding goals in this population. The impact of perinatal blood pressure control on breastfeeding outcomes among people with chronic hypertension is unknown.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to evaluate whether breastfeeding initiation and short-term duration assessed at the postpartum clinic visit differed according to perinatal blood pressure treatment strategy (targeting blood pressure <140/90 mm Hg vs reserving antihypertensive treatment for blood pressure ≥160/105 mm Hg).

STUDY DESIGN

We performed a secondary analysis of the Chronic Hypertension and Pregnancy trial. This was an open-label, multicenter, randomized trial where pregnant participants with mild chronic hypertension were randomized to receive antihypertensive medications with goal blood pressure <140/90 mm Hg (active treatment) or deferred treatment until blood pressure ≥160/105 mm Hg (control). The primary outcome was initiation and duration of breastfeeding, assessed at the postpartum clinic visit. We performed bivariate analyses and log-binomial and cumulative logit regression models, adjusting models for variables that were unbalanced in bivariate analyses. We performed additional analyses to explore the relationship between breastfeeding duration and blood pressure measurements at the postpartum visit.

RESULTS

Of the 2408 participants from the Chronic Hypertension and Pregnancy trial, 1444 (60%) attended the postpartum study visit and provided breastfeeding information. Participants in the active treatment group had different body mass index class distribution and earlier gestational age at enrollment, and (by design) were more often discharged on antihypertensives. Breastfeeding outcomes did not differ significantly by treatment group. In the active and control treatment groups, 563 (77.5%) and 561 (78.1%) initiated breastfeeding, and mean durations of breastfeeding were 6.5±2.3 and 6.3±2.1 weeks, respectively. The probability of ever breastfeeding (adjusted relative risk, 0.99; 95% confidence interval, 0.93-1.05), current breastfeeding at postpartum visit (adjusted relative risk, 1.01; 95% confidence interval, 0.94-1.10), and weeks of breastfeeding (adjusted odds ratio, 0.87; 95% confidence interval, 0.68-1.12) did not differ by treatment group. Increased duration (≥2 vs <2 weeks) of breastfeeding was associated with slightly lower blood pressure measurements at the postpartum visit, but these differences were not significant in adjusted models.

CONCLUSION

In a secondary analysis of the cohort of Chronic Hypertension and Pregnancy trial participants who attended the postpartum study visit and provided breastfeeding information (60% of original trial participants), breastfeeding outcomes did not differ significantly by treatment group. This suggests that maintaining goal blood pressure <140/90 mm Hg throughout the perinatal period is associated with neither harm nor benefit for short-term breastfeeding goals. Further study is needed to understand long-term breastfeeding outcomes among individuals with chronic hypertension and how to support this population in achieving their breastfeeding goals.

Association between SARS-CoV-2 infections during pregnancy and preterm live birth

We examined associations between mild or asymptomatic prenatal SARS-CoV-2 infection and preterm live birth in a prospective cohort study. During August 2020-October 2021, pregnant persons were followed with systematic surveillance for RT-PCR or serologically confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection until pregnancy end. The association between prenatal SARS-CoV-2 infection and preterm birth was assessed using Cox proportional-hazards regression. Among 954 pregnant persons with a live birth, 185 (19%) had prenatal SARS-CoV-2 infection and 123 (13%) had preterm birth. The adjusted hazard ratio for the association between SARS-CoV-2 infection and preterm birth was 1.28 (95% confidence interval 0.82-1.99, p = 0.28), although results did not reach statistical significance.

Development of a Definition of Postacute Sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 Infection

Importance

SARS-CoV-2 infection is associated with persistent, relapsing, or new symptoms or other health effects occurring after acute infection, termed postacute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection (PASC), also known as long COVID. Characterizing PASC requires analysis of prospectively and uniformly collected data from diverse uninfected and infected individuals.

Objective

To develop a definition of PASC using self-reported symptoms and describe PASC frequencies across cohorts, vaccination status, and number of infections.

Design, Setting, and Participants

Prospective observational cohort study of adults with and without SARS-CoV-2 infection at 85 enrolling sites (hospitals, health centers, community organizations) located in 33 states plus Washington, DC, and Puerto Rico. Participants who were enrolled in the RECOVER adult cohort before April 10, 2023, completed a symptom survey 6 months or more after acute symptom onset or test date. Selection included population-based, volunteer, and convenience sampling.

Exposure

SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Main Outcomes and Measures

PASC and 44 participant-reported symptoms (with severity thresholds).

Results

A total of 9764 participants (89% SARS-CoV-2 infected; 71% female; 16% Hispanic/Latino; 15% non-Hispanic Black; median age, 47 years [IQR, 35-60]) met selection criteria. Adjusted odds ratios were 1.5 or greater (infected vs uninfected participants) for 37 symptoms. Symptoms contributing to PASC score included postexertional malaise, fatigue, brain fog, dizziness, gastrointestinal symptoms, palpitations, changes in sexual desire or capacity, loss of or change in smell or taste, thirst, chronic cough, chest pain, and abnormal movements. Among 2231 participants first infected on or after December 1, 2021, and enrolled within 30 days of infection, 224 (10% [95% CI, 8.8%-11%]) were PASC positive at 6 months.

Conclusions and Relevance

A definition of PASC was developed based on symptoms in a prospective cohort study. As a first step to providing a framework for other investigations, iterative refinement that further incorporates other clinical features is needed to support actionable definitions of PASC.

Researching COVID to enhance recovery (RECOVER) pregnancy study: Rationale, objectives and design

Importance

Pregnancy induces unique physiologic changes to the immune response and hormonal changes leading to plausible differences in the risk of developing post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 (PASC), or Long COVID. Exposure to SARS-CoV-2 during pregnancy may also have long-term ramifications for exposed offspring, and it is critical to evaluate the health outcomes of exposed children. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) Researching COVID to Enhance Recovery (RECOVER) Multi-site Observational Study of PASC aims to evaluate the long-term sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection in various populations. RECOVER- Pregnancy was designed specifically to address long-term outcomes in maternal-child dyads.

Methods

RECOVER-Pregnancy cohort is a combined prospective and retrospective cohort that proposes to enroll 2,300 individuals with a pregnancy during the COVID-19 pandemic and their offspring exposed and unexposed in utero, including single and multiple gestations. Enrollment will occur both in person at 27 sites through the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institutes of Health Maternal-Fetal Medicine Units Network and remotely through national recruitment by the study team at the University of California San Francisco (UCSF). Adults with and without SARS-CoV-2 infection during pregnancy are eligible for enrollment in the pregnancy cohort and will follow the protocol for RECOVER-Adult including validated screening tools, laboratory analyses and symptom questionnaires followed by more in-depth phenotyping of PASC on a subset of the overall cohort. Offspring exposed and unexposed in utero to SARS-CoV-2 maternal infection will undergo screening tests for neurodevelopment and other health outcomes at 12, 18, 24, 36 and 48 months of age. Blood specimens will be collected at 24 months of age for SARS-CoV-2 antibody testing, storage and anticipated later analyses proposed by RECOVER and other investigators.

Discussion

RECOVER-Pregnancy will address whether having SARS-CoV-2 during pregnancy modifies the risk factors, prevalence, and phenotype of PASC. The pregnancy cohort will also establish whether there are increased risks of adverse long-term outcomes among children exposed in utero.

Registration

NCT05172024.

Assessment of Neurodevelopment in Infants With and Without Exposure to Asymptomatic or Mild Maternal SARS-CoV-2 Infection During Pregnancy

Importance

Associations between prenatal SARS-CoV-2 exposure and neurodevelopmental outcomes have substantial public health relevance. A previous study found no association between prenatal SARS-CoV-2 infection and parent-reported infant neurodevelopmental outcomes, but standardized observational assessments are needed to confirm this finding.

Objective

To assess whether mild or asymptomatic maternal SARS-CoV-2 infection vs no infection during pregnancy is associated with infant neurodevelopmental differences at ages 5 to 11 months.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This cohort study included infants of mothers from a single-site prospective cross-sectional study (COVID-19 Mother Baby Outcomes [COMBO] Initiative) of mother-infant dyads and a multisite prospective cohort study (Epidemiology of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 in Pregnancy and Infancy [ESPI]) of pregnant individuals. A subset of ESPI participants was subsequently enrolled in the ESPI COMBO substudy. Participants in the ongoing COMBO study were enrolled beginning on May 26, 2020; participants in the ESPI study were enrolled from May 7 to November 3, 2021; and participants in the ESPI COMBO substudy were enrolled from August 2020 to March 2021. For the current analysis, infant neurodevelopment was assessed between March 2021 and June 2022. A total of 407 infants born to 403 mothers were enrolled (204 from Columbia University Irving Medical Center in New York, New York; 167 from the University of Utah in Salt Lake City; and 36 from the University of Alabama in Birmingham). Mothers of unexposed infants were approached for participation based on similar infant gestational age at birth, date of birth, sex, and mode of delivery to exposed infants.

Exposures

Maternal symptomatic or asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Infant neurodevelopment was assessed using the Developmental Assessment of Young Children, second edition (DAYC-2), adapted for telehealth assessment. The primary outcome was age-adjusted standard scores on 5 DAYC-2 subdomains: cognitive, gross motor, fine motor, expressive language, and receptive language.

Results

Among 403 mothers, the mean (SD) maternal age at delivery was 32.1 (5.4) years; most mothers were of White race (240 [59.6%]) and non-Hispanic ethnicity (253 [62.8%]). Among 407 infants, 367 (90.2%) were born full term and 212 (52.1%) were male. Overall, 258 infants (63.4%) had no documented prenatal exposure to SARS-CoV-2 infection, 112 (27.5%) had confirmed prenatal exposure, and 37 (9.1%) had exposure before pregnancy or at an indeterminate time. In adjusted models, maternal SARS-CoV-2 infection during pregnancy was not associated with differences in cognitive (β = 0.31; 95% CI, -2.97 to 3.58), gross motor (β = 0.82; 95% CI, -1.34 to 2.99), fine motor (β = 0.36; 95% CI, -0.74 to 1.47), expressive language (β = -1.00; 95% CI, -4.02 to 2.02), or receptive language (β = 0.45; 95% CI, -2.15 to 3.04) DAYC-2 subdomain scores. Trimester of exposure and maternal symptom status were not associated with DAYC-2 subdomain scores.

Conclusions and Relevance

In this study, results of a novel telehealth-adapted observational neurodevelopmental assessment extended a previous finding of no association between prenatal exposure to maternal SARS-CoV-2 infection and infant neurodevelopment. Given the widespread and continued high prevalence of COVID-19, these data offer information that may be helpful for pregnant individuals who experience asymptomatic or mild SARS-CoV-2 infections.

Geographic disparities in peripartum cardiomyopathy outcomes

BACKGROUND

Cardiomyopathy causes more than a third of late postpartum pregnancy-related deaths in the United States, and racial disparities in outcomes among pregnant individuals with cardiomyopathy exist. Underlying community factors may contribute to disparities in peripartum cardiomyopathy outcomes.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to identify the geographic distribution of and disparities in peripartum cardiomyopathy outcomes, hypothesizing that patients living in communities with higher social vulnerability may have worse outcomes.

STUDY DESIGN

This was a retrospective cohort study of patients with peripartum cardiomyopathy per the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute definition from January 2000 to November 2017 at a single center, excluding those with a post office box address as a post office box address may not reflect the census tract in which a patient resides. Severe peripartum cardiomyopathy (vs less severe peripartum cardiomyopathy) was defined as ejection fraction <30%, death, intensive care unit admission, left ventricular assist device or implantable cardioverter defibrillator placement, or transplant. The US census tract for the patient's address was linked to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Social Vulnerability Index, a 0 to 1 scale of a community's vulnerability to external stresses on health, with higher values indicating greater vulnerability. The Social Vulnerability Index includes social factors divided into socioeconomic, household composition, minority status, and housing type and transportation themes. The Social Vulnerability Index and Social Vulnerability Index components were compared among patients by peripartum cardiomyopathy severity.

RESULTS

Of 95 patients in the original cohort, 5 were excluded because of the use of a post office box address. Of the remaining 90 patients, 56 met severe peripartum cardiomyopathy criteria. At baseline, individuals with and without severe peripartum cardiomyopathy had similar ages, marital status, payor type, tobacco use, gestational age at delivery, and mode of delivery; however, individuals with severe peripartum cardiomyopathy were more likely to be Black (vs White) (59% vs 29%; P<.007) and less likely to recover ejection fraction (EF) to ≥55% by 12 months (36% vs 62%; P=.02) than individuals with less severe peripartum cardiomyopathy. Patients with severe peripartum cardiomyopathy were more likely to live in areas with a higher Social Vulnerability Index (0.51 vs 0.31; P=.002) and with more residents who were unemployed, impoverished, without a high school diploma, in single-parent households, of minority status, without a vehicle, and in institutionalized group quarters than patients with less severe peripartum cardiomyopathy. The median income was lower in communities of individuals with severe peripartum cardiomyopathy than in communities of individuals with less severe peripartum cardiomyopathy.

CONCLUSION

Patients with severe peripartum cardiomyopathy outcomes were more likely to live in communities with greater social vulnerability than patients with less severe peripartum cardiomyopathy outcomes. To reduce disparities and maternal mortality rates, resources may need to be directed to socially vulnerable communities.

Early Gestational Diabetes Screening Based on ACOG Guidelines

OBJECTIVE

 A recent randomized controlled trial suggested that early gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) screening in patients with obesity (body mass index [BMI] ≥30 kg/m2) does not improve perinatal outcomes. The American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology currently recommends early screening for gestational diabetes in patients who are overweight with one or more additional risk factors. We evaluated the effect of screening based on the number of additional risk factors for development of gestational diabetes.

STUDY DESIGN

 This was a secondary analysis of a multicenter randomized controlled trial of obese patients with singleton nonanomalous fetuses comparing early (14-20 weeks' gestation) with routine (24-28 weeks' gestation) GDM screening. Exclusion criteria were pregestational diabetes, major medical illnesses, bariatric surgery, chronic steroid use, and prior cesarean. Early versus routine GDM screening groups were compared and stratified by the number of additional risk factors for GDM (0, 1, 2, and ≥3). The primary outcome was an adverse perinatal composite outcome composed of: macrosomia, primary cesarean delivery, hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, shoulder dystocia, neonatal hyperbilirubinemia, and neonatal hypoglycemia. Analyses examined effects of early versus routine screening by the number of additional risk factors and their possible interaction on the incidences of the primary outcome and GDM.

RESULTS

 Of 913 patients, 5% had 0, 52% had 1, 33% had 2, and 10% had ≥3 additional risk factors. Baseline characteristics, including the number and type of risk factors, were similar between early and routine screening groups. Breslow-Day test for interaction between early versus routine screening and the number of additional risk factors was not significant for either the primary outcome (p = 0.37) or the diagnosis of GDM (p = 0.28). The incidence of GDM and the adverse perinatal composite outcome increased as the number of risk factors increased (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

 In patients with BMI ≥30 kg/m2 and additional risk factors, early GDM screening does not prevent adverse outcomes.

KEY POINTS

· The ACOG currently recommends early screening for gestational diabetes if patients have risk factors.. · Even in patients with multiple risk factors, early screening for GDM does not improve outcomes.. · Patients with three or more risk factors may have worse outcomes if they undergo early screening..

Outpatient Foley Catheter for Induction of Labor in Obese Nulliparous Patients: A Secondary Analysis of OFFSITE II Randomized Controlled Trial

OBJECTIVE

 In the OFFSITE II randomized controlled trial, outpatient cervical ripening with a Foley catheter (CF) in nulliparous patients undergoing elective induction of labor (eIOL) shortened the time from admission to delivery. Given that patients with obesity have protracted labor and higher rates of failed IOL, we sought to determine if outpatient ripening with a CF may be even more beneficial for this high-risk group.

STUDY DESIGN

 We performed a secondary analysis of the OFFSITE II randomized controlled trial. For this analysis, all patients from the primary trial were classified by their intervention assignment (inpatient vs. outpatient) and also by their admission body mass index (BMI) class (BMI ≥ 30 and BMI < 30 kg/m²). The primary outcome was time from labor and delivery (L&D) admission to delivery. Secondary outcomes included cesarean delivery, time from admission to hospital discharge, and rates of clinically diagnosed chorioamnionitis and endometritis.

RESULTS

 In patients with BMI ≥ 30, the primary outcome, time from admission to delivery, (18.0 [13.5-20.9] vs. 20.4 [16.6-31.3] hours, p = 0.01), as well as total hospitalization length (3.2 [2.5-3.3] vs. 3.4 [3.1-4.3] days, p = 0.02) were shorter in the outpatient group. There were no differences in rates of chorioamnionitis or endometritis in outpatient compared with inpatient CF. Furthermore, in those with a BMI ≥ 30, the cesarean rate was significantly lower with outpatient CF (19.4% vs. 44.7%, p = 0.03); it was not statistically different in patients with BMI < 30.

CONCLUSION

 In this exploratory retrospective secondary analysis of the OFFSITE II randomized control trial, we found that in patients with BMI ≥ 30 undergoing eIOL, outpatient CF was associated with a lower time from L&D admission until delivery. This was also associated with a shorter time of total hospital duration and decreased the rate of cesarean, a benefit not detected in the overall analysis presented in the primary study. In nulliparas undergoing induction of labor, ripening with outpatient cervical Foley may even more significantly reduce labor duration, total hospital duration, and the rate of cesarean in patients with obesity.

KEY POINTS

· Outpatient CF was associated with a lower time from L&D admission until delivery in obese nulliparas.. · Outpatient CF was associated with a shorter time of total hospital duration in obese nulliparas.. · Outpatient CF was associated with a decreased rate of cesarean birth in obese nulliparas..

Agreement Between Pregnant Individuals' Self-Report of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Vaccination and Medical Record Documentation

For public health research such as vaccine uptake or effectiveness assessments, self-reported coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination status may be a more efficient measure than verifying vaccination status from medical records if agreement between sources is high. We assessed agreement between self-reported and medical record-documented COVID-19 vaccination status among pregnant individuals followed in a cohort during August 2020-October 2021. At end of pregnancy, participants completed questionnaires about COVID-19 vaccine receipt during pregnancy; staff verified vaccination status using medical records. Agreement was assessed between self-reported and medical record vaccination status using Cohen's kappa. There was high agreement between self-reported and medical record vaccination status (Kappa coefficient=0.94, 95% CI 0.91-0.98), suggesting that self-report may be acceptable for ascertaining COVID-19 vaccination status during pregnancy.

Participation in obstetrical studies is associated with improved pregnancy outcomes

BACKGROUND

The association between pregnant patients participating in obstetrical studies and pregnancy outcomes is understudied.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to evaluate the association between participation in obstetrical studies and maternal and neonatal outcomes.

STUDY DESIGN

This was a retrospective cohort study of all patients delivering at a single center from 2013 to 2018. Patients with pregnancy loss at <13 weeks of gestation or major fetal anomalies were excluded. Patients who enrolled in one or more obstetrical studies were categorized as "study participants" and were compared with patients who did not enroll in an obstetrical study, that is, "study nonparticipants." The primary outcome was a composite of maternal morbidity diagnosed up to 6 weeks after delivery. The secondary outcomes included composite neonatal morbidity and other perinatal outcomes. Bivariate analyses compared baseline demographics and outcomes between groups. Multivariable logistic regression was used to estimate adjusted odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals. Subgroup analyses by study design (trial or observational) were planned.

RESULTS

Of 19,569 patients included in this analysis, 3848 (19.7%) were study participants, and 15,721 (80.3%) were study nonparticipants. Among study participants, 3023 (78.6%) enrolled in a trial, and 825 (21.4%) enrolled in an observational study. The study participants had higher body mass index and were more likely to be younger, non-Hispanic Black, publicly insured, nulliparous, and undergo cesarean delivery than study nonparticipants. Compared with study nonparticipants, the study participants had significantly lower odds of composite maternal morbidity (9.2% vs 8.7%; adjusted odds ratio, 0.83; 95% confidence interval, 0.73-0.95) and composite neonatal morbidity (27.5% vs 18.6%; adjusted odds ratio, 0.53; 95% confidence interval, 0.48-0.58). In addition, the odds of fetal death, 5-minute Apgar score of <5, neonatal death, maternal and neonatal intensive care unit admissions, and lengths of stay were lower for study participants than for study nonparticipants. In stratified analyses, maternal morbidity was only significantly decreased among trial participants; however, there was a significantly reduced odds of neonatal morbidity, regardless of study design (trial or observational vs no study).

CONCLUSION

Participation in obstetrical studies was associated with decreased maternal and neonatal morbidities after adjusting for potential confounders. This underscored the importance of pregnant patients enrolling in obstetrical clinical studies and potentially benefiting from the additional surveillance. Further study of how study participation exerts this effect on pregnancy outcomes is warranted.

Venous thromboembolism and adverse outcomes in highest thromboembolism risk patients compared with those at lower risk

BACKGROUND

A risk-based institutional protocol for inpatient heparin-based venous thromboembolism prophylaxis in a general obstetrical population previously demonstrated a greater than 2-fold increase in wound hematomas with no change in the frequency of thromboembolism.

OBJECTIVE

We sought to compare the rates of thromboembolism and bleeding outcomes in patients at the highest risk for thromboembolism (eg, those with a history of thromboembolism or thrombophilia who require anticoagulation prophylaxis or therapy throughout pregnancy) than low-risk patients.

STUDY DESIGN

We performed a retrospective cohort study of all deliveries >20 weeks at a single center from 2013-2018. Patients were categorized as high-risk (received outpatient heparin-based prophylaxis or treatment) or low-risk (no outpatient anticoagulation). The primary outcome was newly diagnosed postpartum thromboembolism; the main secondary outcome was wound/perineal hematoma. The outcomes were compared between the high- and low-risk cohorts. Adjusted odds ratios (with 95% confidence intervals) were calculated with the low-risk group as reference.

RESULTS

Of 24,303 total deliveries, 395 (1.7%) were high-risk and 23,905 (98.3%) were low-risk. Among the low-risk patients, 8.6% received anticoagulation prophylaxis in accordance with our risk-based inpatient thromboembolism prophylaxis protocol. High-risk patients were more likely to be older and have a higher body mass index, earlier delivery gestational age, medical comorbidities, and pregnancy complications, eg, preeclampsia. Despite outpatient antepartum anticoagulation, high-risk patients had an 11-fold increased risk of thromboembolism (adjusted odds ratio, 11.1 [4.7-26.2]) than low-risk patients. High-risk patients also had significantly more wound/perineal hematomas (adjusted odds ratio, 4.8 [2.7-8.4]), overall wound complications (adjusted odds ratio, 3.0 [2.0-4.4]), blood transfusions, intensive care unit admissions, maternal deaths, and longer maternal lengths of stay.

CONCLUSION

Patients at the highest risk of obstetrical thromboembolism had an 11-fold increased risk of thromboembolism with a more moderate increase (∼5-fold) in postpartum wound and bleeding complications than low-risk patients. This more favorable risk or benefit profile supports current anticoagulation recommendations in high-risk patients.

The association between maternal pre-pregnancy BMI, gestational weight gain and child adiposity: A racial-ethnically diverse cohort of children

BACKGROUND

The prevalence of obesity in US children has more than tripled in the past 40 years; hence, it is critical to identify potentially modifiable factors that may mitigate the risk.

OBJECTIVES

To examine the association between maternal pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI), gestational weight gain (GWG) and child adiposity as measured by BMI, waist circumference and percent body fat in a racial-ethnically diverse cohort.

METHODS

In a prospective cohort study of healthy women without chronic disease, we examined the association between pre-pregnancy BMI, GWG and child adiposity. Children ages 4-8 years (n = 816) in the Environmental Influences on Child Health Outcomes-NICHD Fetal Growth Studies were assessed. Trained study staff ascertained maternal pre-pregnancy BMI, GWG and child adiposity.

RESULTS

The odds of child obesity (≥95th BMI percentile) increased independently for each unit increase in maternal pre-pregnancy BMI [OR = 1.12 (95% CI: 1.08, 1.17)] and for each 5-kg increase in GWG [OR = 1.25 (95% CI: 1.07, 1.47)]. The odds of child waist circumference (≥85th percentile) also increased independently for pre-pregnancy BMI [OR = 1.09 (95% CI: 1.05, 1.12)] and GWG [OR = 1.18 (95% CI: 1.04, 1.34)].

CONCLUSIONS

Maternal pre-pregnancy BMI and GWG were each independently and positively associated with child obesity and high child waist circumference.

Performance of a Multianalyte 'Rule-Out' Assay in Pregnant Individuals With Suspected Preeclampsia

BACKGROUND

The ability to diagnose preeclampsia clinically is suboptimal. Our objective was to validate a novel multianalyte assay and characterize its performance, when intended for use as an aid to rule-out preeclampsia.

METHODS

Prospective, multicenter cohort study of pregnant individuals presenting between 280/7 and 366/7 weeks' with preeclampsia-associated signs and symptoms. Individuals not diagnosed with preeclampsia after baseline evaluation were enrolled in the study cohort, with those who later developed preeclampsia, classified as cases and compared with a negative control group who did not develop preeclampsia. Individuals with assay values at time of enrollment ≥0.0325, determined using a previously developed algorithm, considered at risk. The primary analysis was the time to develop preeclampsia assessed using a multivariate Cox regression model.

RESULTS

One thousand thirty-six pregnant individuals were enrolled in the study cohort with an incidence of preeclampsia of 30.3% (27.6%-33.2%). The time to develop preeclampsia was shorter for those with an at-risk compared with negative assay result (log-rank P<0.0001; adjusted hazard ratio of 4.81 [3.69-6.27, P<0.0001]). The performance metrics for the assay to rule-out preeclampsia within 7 days of enrollment showed a sensitivity 76.4% (67.5%-83.5%), negative predictive value 95.0% (92.8%-96.6%), and negative likelihood ratio 0.46 (0.32-0.65). Assay performance improved if delivery occurred <37 weeks and for individuals enrolled between 28 and 35 weeks.

CONCLUSIONS

We confirmed that a novel multianalyte assay was associated with the time to develop preeclampsia and has a moderate sensitivity and negative likelihood ratio but high negative predictive value when assessed as an aid to rule out preeclampsia within 7 days of enrollment.

REGISTRATION

The study was registered on Clinicaltrials.gov (Identifier NCT02780414).

Euglycemia after antenatal late preterm steroids: a multicenter, randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Late preterm steroid administration can induce transient maternal and thus fetal hyperglycemia, which can increase production of fetal insulin and C-peptide. Infants delivered in this setting are subsequently at increased risk for hypoglycemia. Although maternal glycemic control before delivery is a key component of care for parturients with diabetes, this intervention has not been studied in the setting of late preterm steroid administration.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to determine the effect of maternal screening for and treatment of hyperglycemia after late preterm steroid administration on fetal C-peptide levels and other metabolic markers.

STUDY DESIGN

This was a multicenter, randomized trial (NCT03076775) of nondiabetic parturients with a singleton gestation receiving betamethasone at 34 0/7 weeks to 36 5/7 weeks for anticipated preterm birth. Participants randomized to maternal glycemic control received fasting and 1-hour postprandial or serial intrapartum capillary blood glucose screening with insulin treatment as indicated. Those randomized to expectant management did not receive any glucose screening or treatment. The primary outcome was fetal C-peptide level measured from umbilical cord blood at delivery. Secondary outcomes included other fetal metabolic markers and neonatal hypoglycemia (glucose level <40 mg/dL). Baseline characteristics and outcomes were compared between the groups. We estimated that we would need a sample size of 144 to provide >90% power to show a 1 ng/mL decrease in C-peptide concentration (±1.5 ng/mL) at ⍺=0.05 using a 2-sample t test and 1 interim analysis. After the interim analysis, the trial was stopped for futility.

RESULTS

Of 491 screened parturients, 163 (33%) were deemed eligible and 86 (53%) were randomized to 1 of the treatment groups (June 2017 to February 2021). One person was lost to follow-up because of delivery at another hospital. Baseline characteristics were similar between groups. The median interval from betamethasone administration to delivery was 24 hours (interquartile range, 13-96 hours) and did not differ between groups (P=.82). Most (82%) randomized to maternal glycemic control had hyperglycemia: 80% had at least 1 fasting glucose level >95 mg/dL, 75% had at least one 1-hour postprandial glucose level >140 mg/dL, and 80% had at least 1 intrapartum glucose level >110 mg/dL. In addition, 15% had at least 1 glucose level >180 mg/dL. None had maternal hypoglycemia after insulin treatment. Compared with expectant management, maternal glycemic control did not affect the median fetal C-peptide level (1.02; interquartile range, 0.52-1.85 vs 1.09; interquartile range, 0.61-1.65; P=.97) or other metabolic markers. Maternal glycemic control also did not affect neonatal hypoglycemia (49% vs 51%; P=.83) or other secondary neonatal or maternal outcomes. There was no evidence of effect modification by gestational age or body mass index at randomization, indication for betamethasone, duration from betamethasone to delivery, maternal race or ethnicity, or neonatal sex. In addition, the results were unchanged in a sensitivity analysis using a per-protocol approach.

CONCLUSION

Maternal hyperglycemia was observed in most nondiabetic parturients after receiving late preterm betamethasone. However, there was no improvement in fetal metabolic status, neonatal hypoglycemia, or other neonatal or maternal outcomes with maternal glycemic control. Therefore, maternal glucose surveillance and treatment does not seem to be beneficial in nondiabetic parturients receiving late preterm steroids.

Potential missed opportunities for antenatal corticosteroid exposure and outcomes among periviable births: observational cohort study

OBJECTIVE

Test the hypothesis potential missed opportunities for antenatal corticosteroids increase as gestational age decreases and are associated with adverse outcomes.

DESIGN

Observational cohort study.

SETTING

24 US centers in the Neonatal Research Network.

POPULATION

Actively treated infants 22-25 weeks' gestation and birth weight 401-1000 grams, without major birth defects, born 2006-2018.

METHODS

Potential missed opportunity was defined as no antenatal corticosteroids but did have prenatal antibiotics, and/or magnesium sulfate, and/or prolonged rupture of membranes. Poisson regression models adjusted for baseline characteristics.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Antenatal corticosteroid exposure, mortality, and severe intracranial hemorrhage or periventricular leukomalacia.

RESULTS

6966 (87.5%) were exposed to antenatal corticosteroids, 454 (5.7%) had no exposure but potential missed opportunities for antenatal corticosteroid exposure, and 537 (6.7%) had no exposure and no evidence of potential missed opportunities. Compared with infants born at 25 weeks, potential missed opportunities for antenatal corticosteroid exposure were more likely at 22 weeks (adjusted relative risk (aRR) [95% CI] 11.06 [7.52-16.27]) and 23 weeks (3.24 [2.44-4.29]) but did not differ at 24 weeks (1.08 [0.82-1.42]). Potential missed opportunities for antenatal corticosteroids decreased over time at 22-23 weeks' gestation. Antenatal corticosteroid exposed infants had lower risk of death (31.0% vs 54.8%; 0.77 [0.70-0.84]) and survivors had lower risk of severe brain injury (25.0% v 44.5%; 0.64 [0.55-0.73]) compared with infants with potential missed opportunities.

CONCLUSION

Potential missed opportunities for antenatal corticosteroid exposure increased with decreasing gestational age and were associated with higher rates of death and severe brain injury among actively treated periviable births.

Treatment for Mild Chronic Hypertension during Pregnancy

BACKGROUND

The benefits and safety of the treatment of mild chronic hypertension (blood pressure, <160/100 mm Hg) during pregnancy are uncertain. Data are needed on whether a strategy of targeting a blood pressure of less than 140/90 mm Hg reduces the incidence of adverse pregnancy outcomes without compromising fetal growth.

METHODS

In this open-label, multicenter, randomized trial, we assigned pregnant women with mild chronic hypertension and singleton fetuses at a gestational age of less than 23 weeks to receive antihypertensive medications recommended for use in pregnancy (active-treatment group) or to receive no such treatment unless severe hypertension (systolic pressure, ≥160 mm Hg; or diastolic pressure, ≥105 mm Hg) developed (control group). The primary outcome was a composite of preeclampsia with severe features, medically indicated preterm birth at less than 35 weeks' gestation, placental abruption, or fetal or neonatal death. The safety outcome was small-for-gestational-age birth weight below the 10th percentile for gestational age. Secondary outcomes included composites of serious neonatal or maternal complications, preeclampsia, and preterm birth.

RESULTS

A total of 2408 women were enrolled in the trial. The incidence of a primary-outcome event was lower in the active-treatment group than in the control group (30.2% vs. 37.0%), for an adjusted risk ratio of 0.82 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.74 to 0.92; P<0.001). The percentage of small-for-gestational-age birth weights below the 10th percentile was 11.2% in the active-treatment group and 10.4% in the control group (adjusted risk ratio, 1.04; 95% CI, 0.82 to 1.31; P = 0.76). The incidence of serious maternal complications was 2.1% and 2.8%, respectively (risk ratio, 0.75; 95% CI, 0.45 to 1.26), and the incidence of severe neonatal complications was 2.0% and 2.6% (risk ratio, 0.77; 95% CI, 0.45 to 1.30). The incidence of any preeclampsia in the two groups was 24.4% and 31.1%, respectively (risk ratio, 0.79; 95% CI, 0.69 to 0.89), and the incidence of preterm birth was 27.5% and 31.4% (risk ratio, 0.87; 95% CI, 0.77 to 0.99).

CONCLUSIONS

In pregnant women with mild chronic hypertension, a strategy of targeting a blood pressure of less than 140/90 mm Hg was associated with better pregnancy outcomes than a strategy of reserving treatment only for severe hypertension, with no increase in the risk of small-for-gestational-age birth weight. (Funded by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute; CHAP ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT02299414.).

Contemporary Test Performance of the Random Urine Protein-to-creatinine Ratio

OBJECTIVE

 The random urine protein-to-creatinine ratio (UPCR) is a screening test used for predicting clinically significant proteinuria (urine protein  ≥ 300 mg) during pregnancy. No consensus exists on the optimal random UPCR cutoff for performing follow-up 24 hour urine (24H) total protein collection. We aim to evaluate the test performance of random UPCR in predicting proteinuria in a contemporary cohort.

STUDY DESIGN

 This was a retrospective cohort study of pregnant patients at our institution from 2014 to 2018 with a random UPCR and follow-up 24H protein collection. The primary analysis estimated the test characteristics (sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values) of using random UPCR for the detection of proteinuria defined as urine protein ≥300 mg on 24H protein collection. UPCR cutoffs from 0.10 to 0.30 mg/dL were evaluated, receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curve was constructed, and area under the curve (AUC) was determined. A secondary analysis examined the correlation between UPCR and 24H protein using least squares regression and Pearson correlation.

RESULTS

 Paired UPCR and 24H collection results were available for 1,120 patients. Mean gestational age at time of UPCR was 31.1 ± 5.1 weeks and 687 (61.3%) of patients had a 24H ≥300 mg. UPCR <0.10 mg/dL effectively excluded proteinuria ≥300 mg on 24H collection, while UPCR ≥0.18 mg/dL correctly classifies proteinuria with 91% sensitivity, 57% specificity, 77% positive predictive value, and 79% negative predictive value. UPCR ≥1.07 mg/dL had 100% specificity for 24 hour proteinuria. The area under ROC curve was 0.86. UPCR and 24H collection were highly correlated with a Pearson correlation coefficient of 0.85. After our institution lowered the threshold to obtain a 24H from UPCR ≥0.20 mg/dL to ≥0.10 mg/dL in May 2017, the percentage of patients meeting criteria for 24H collection increased from 57.8 to 84.4%.

CONCLUSION

 The AUC and Pearson correlation suggest random UPCR is a high performance test for the prediction of proteinuria on 24H. Optimal test performance is dependent upon clinical consideration and upon the implications of the disease or condition. A random UPCR screen positive threshold of 0.18 mg/dL maximizes sensitivity to identify clinically significant proteinuria.

KEY POINTS

· Random urine protein to creatinine ratio is a high performance test for proteinuria.. · A random UPCR threshold of 0.18 mg/dL maximizes sensitivity to identify proteinuria.. · Optimal test performance is dependent on the disease or clinical condition..

Breastfeeding Associations with Childhood Obesity and Body Composition: Findings from a Racially Diverse Maternal-Child Cohort

Background: Studies suggest breastfeeding lowers obesity risk in childhood, but generalizability of existing evidence is limited. We examined associations of breastfeeding with childhood overweight, obesity, and percentage body fat, in a racially diverse maternal-child cohort. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 823 children, ages 4-8 years, enrolled in the Environmental Exposures and Child Health Outcomes (ECHO) cohort, a subset of the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development Fetal Growth Studies cohort. Logistic regression was used to estimate odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for overweight [BMI (kg/m²) 85th to <95th percentile] and obesity (BMI ≥95th percentile) in relation to breastfeeding including duration of exclusive and total breastfeeding. Linear regression was used to evaluate association between breastfeeding and percentage body fat measured by bioelectrical impedance analysis. Results: Fifty-two percent of children were male, 32% non-Hispanic Black, 29% Hispanic, 27% non-Hispanic White, and 13% Asian; 16% were overweight and 13% obese. Six months of exclusive breastfeeding, compared with no breastfeeding, was associated with 60% lower odds of obesity (95% CI 0.18-0.91) adjusting for age, gender, race, socioeconomic status, maternal BMI, and child's activity. Percentage body fat was inversely associated with breastfeeding duration. For none, <6, and ≥6 months of exclusive breastfeeding, adjusted mean percentage body fat was 16.8, 14.5, and 13.4, respectively. Results did not differ by gender, race/ethnicity, or maternal BMI status. Conclusions: Exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months of life is inversely and significantly associated with obesity and percentage body fat at ages 4-8 years. These findings support current breastfeeding guidelines.

The Association of Cesarean Skin Incision Length and Postoperative Wound Complications

OBJECTIVE

This study was aimed to evaluate the relationship between cesarean skin incision length and wound complications.

STUDY DESIGN

Planned secondary analysis of a multicenter double-blind randomized trial of adjunctive azithromycin versus placebo (in addition to standard cefazolin) in women ≥24 weeks undergoing cesarean delivery during labor or ≥4 hours after membrane rupture. Skin incision length (cm) was measured just prior to skin closure. The primary outcome was a composite of wound complications (wound infection, separation, seroma, hematoma, or dehiscence) up to 6 weeks of postpartum. Individual components of the composite were examined as secondary outcomes. Outcomes were compared between groups defined by the lowest (≤25th), middle (25-75th) and highest (>75th) incision length quartiles. Logistic regression was used to adjust for potential confounding variables.

RESULTS

Of the 2,013 women enrolled in the primary trial, 1,916 had recorded incision lengths and were included in this secondary analysis. The overall rate of composite wound complications was 7.8%. Median incision length was 15.0 cm (interquartile range: 14.0-16.5) with the lowest quartile defined as ≤14, middle as >14 to ≤16.5, and highest as >16.5 cm. Mean BMI, parity, use of staples, and duration of surgery differed significantly between the three incision length groups. In unadjusted analysis, the longest incision lengths were associated with an increased risk of the wound composite and wound infections (odds ratio [OR] = 2.27, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.43-3.60 and OR = 2.30, 95% CI: 1.27-4.15, respectively) compared with the shortest incision lengths. However, after multivariable adjustments, these associations were nullified. Additional analyses considering incision length as a continuous variable and using 10th/90th percentile cut-offs still did not suggest any associations with outcomes.

CONCLUSION

Increasing skin incision length is not independently associated with an increased risk of postoperative wound complications.

KEY POINTS

· After multivariable adjustments, skin incision length was not independently associated with an increased risk of postoperative wound complications.. · A reasonable incision length needed to safely perform the procedure should be used..

Factors Associated with Appropriate Gestational Weight Gain among Women with Obesity

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to compare attendance of nutritional counseling, dietary composition, exercise patterns, and socioeconomic factors among obese women with inappropriate gestational weight gain (iGWG) versus appropriate GWG (aGWG).

STUDY DESIGN

Medicaid-eligible women receiving prenatal care at a tertiary care center from January 2013 to December 2015 were offered individualized nutritional counseling by a registered dietitian encouraging well-balanced meals and 150 min/wk of exercise. We conducted a prospective case-control study of obese women (body mass index or BMI ≥30) with a singleton gestation with iGWG (<11 or >20 pounds) versus aGWG (11-20 pounds). Dietary intake, activity level, and socioeconomic factors were compared with Chi-square, Fisher's exact, Student's t-test, and Wilcoxon Rank Sum tests as indicated, and odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals were calculated. Multivariate regression analysis for significant variables was performed. A subgroup analysis of women with BMI ≥40 was planned.

RESULTS

A total of 401 women were analyzed: 78% (n = 313) with iGWG and 22% (n = 88) with aGWG. Demographics were similar between groups. Women with iGWG less frequently reported physician reinforcement of counseling and reported more physical inactivity and unemployment; there were no differences in caloric intake or macronutrient profile between groups. Multivariate regression identified physician reinforcement and employment as independent predictors of aGWG. Among women with BMI ≥40 (n = 133), those with iGWG (78%) were less likely to attend counseling, report physician reinforcement of counseling, and have adequate caloric and protein intake when compared with those with aGWG (22%). Activity level and socioeconomic factors were not different between groups.

CONCLUSION

Physician reinforcement of nutritional counseling, greater activity level, and employment are associated with aGWG in women with BMI ≥30, while individualized professional nutritional counseling and dietary modifications were further associated with aGWG in women with BMI ≥40. Thus, greater focus should be placed on enhancing exposure to counseling and altering nutritional and exercise choices to optimize aGWG.

KEY POINTS

· Physician reinforcement of nutritional counseling by a dietitian is crucial for obese women.. · Physical inactivity and unemployment are associated with inappropriate gestational weight gain.. · Nutritional counseling is associated with appropriate gestational weight gain in women with BMI ≥40..

Misoprostol and estradiol to enhance visualization of the transformation zone during cervical cancer screening: An integrative review

The purpose of this integrative literature review was to appraise studies conducted worldwide using misoprostol and estradiol in converting Type 3 transformation zone (TZ) of the cervix into Types 1 or 2 and to assess which regimen could be more feasible in low-and-middle-income countries (LMICs). We reviewed the English language literature for peer-reviewed studies that evaluated strategies to convert Type 3 TZs to Types 1 or 2 for cervical cancer screening. Web of Science and PubMed searches were performed up to July 2020. Search terms included: "cervical colposcopy," "inadequate colposcopy", "cervical cancer screening", "transformation zone," "estrogen", "estradiol", and "misoprostol." Inclusion criteria were articles published in the English language, original research, and peer reviewed articles. A total of 127 articles were abstracted, 24 articles were reviewed, and 9 articles met all inclusion criteria. We found that intravaginal misoprostol, intravaginal estradiol, and oral estradiol can successfully convert Type 3 TZ to Types 1 or 2. A single dose of vaginal misoprostol had a similar maximum response rate (20-80%) to a multi-dose regimen over several days or weeks of both intravaginal estradiol (64-83%) and oral estradiol (50-70%). Misoprostol administration was associated with more side effects such as abdominal cramping and vaginal bleeding compared to estradiol, although these were generally mild. In conclusion, Oral estradiol, intravaginal estradiol, and intravaginal misoprostol can be used to convert Type 3 TZ to Types 1 or 2. Intravaginal misoprostol is well tolerated and more feasible in LMICs due to availability and shorter treatment schedule compared to oral or intravaginal estradiol.