A Comparison of Obstetric Interventions and Outcomes Between Black and White Patients at an Urban Tertiary Medical Center

The objective of the study is to evaluate whether rates of selected labor and delivery interventions and severe maternal morbidity (SMM) differ between Black and White pregnant patients. This retrospective observational cohort study included all Black or White pregnant patients who delivered at the University of Chicago Medical Center between January 2015 and December 2019. Data queried included demographic information, antepartum complications, preterm interventions, labor and delivery events, and neonatal outcomes. SMM was a composite outcome, including intensive care unit admission, blood transfusion, hysterectomy, eclampsia, cardiac arrest, or death. In total, 10,885 parturients (9001 Black and 1884 White) and 11,211 neonates (9254 born to Black and 1957 to White patients) were included in the study. Black patients were more likely to have preterm labor (3.51% vs. 1.86%, p = 0.0002) and no prenatal care (17.83% vs. 4.05%, p < 0.0001). There was no significant difference in the administration of magnesium sulfate for fetal neuroprotection (Black 44.78% vs. White 49.32%, p = 0.48) or antenatal corticosteroids (Black 67.83% vs. White 71.98%, p = 0.28) among those with preterm delivery. There was no significant difference in SMM (Black 2.24% vs. White 2.44%, p = 0.60), and SMM rates decreased over time (OR 0.79 per year, 95% CI: 0.72-0.87, p < 0.0001) for all patients. Black patients had more pregnancy complications, but their complications were addressed with similar rates of obstetrical interventions. In a high-resource setting, there was no difference in rates of SMM when compared to White patients.

Association of fetal sex with angiogenic factors in normotensive and hypertensive pregnancy states

OBJECTIVES

With the incorporation of angiogenic biomarkers into clinical practice, identification of potential modifiers of the angiogenic profile, including fetal sex, is essential.

STUDY DESIGN

In this retrospective cohort analysis, patients with hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) and normotensive pregnancies were enrolled upon admission to Labor and Delivery. Blood samples for angiogenic factors were assessed using an automated platform. Clinical and demographic information was abstracted from each patient's medical records.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 (sFlt1) and placental growth factor (PlGF) levels and their ratio in relation to fetal sex in patients with normotensive pregnancies compared to those with HDP were evaluated.

RESULTS

A total of 617 patients were analyzed (299 normotensive, 113 gestational hypertensive, 71 chronic hypertensive, and 134 preeclamptic patients). There was no difference between the number of patients who had a male fetus among preeclampsia and normotensive parturients (56.0 % vs 50.2 %, p = 0.26). Normotensive patients carrying a male fetus had significantly higher sFlt1 (pg/ml) (3168 [IQR: 2160-4945] vs 2678 [IQR: 1752-4271]; p = 0.01) and sFlt1/PlGF ratios (18 [IQR: 7-44] vs 12 [IQR: 5-30]; p = 0.01) in comparison to pregnant patients carrying a female fetus. This difference between fetal sexes was not observed in the angiogenic profile of patients with HDP.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study of primarily Black, obese patients demonstrates that normotensive patients carrying a male fetus have a significantly higher sFlt1 and sFlt1/PlGF ratio as compared to those carrying a female fetus at term gestation. Fetal sex should be considered as a covariate when studying angiogenic factors in normotensive pregnant patients.

The interval between births and the risk of recurrent preeclampsia among predominantly high risk women in urban tertiary care center

INTRODUCTION

Women with a history of preeclampsia have a higher risk of recurrent preeclampsia. This study sought to ascertain the relationship between the interbirth interval and the risk of recurrent preeclampsia and difference in angiogenic markers between the two groups.

METHODS

Data was collected from an ongoing cohort study of women with hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) enrolled at the admission to the labor and delivery floor. From this dataset, multigravida women with a prior diagnosis of preeclampsia were identified and compared to women with no prior history of preeclampsia.

RESULTS

Of the 375 women with HDP who were predominantly African American, 245 were multigravida and 44 (18.0%) had a prior history of preeclampsia. Women with prior preeclampsia had an earlier gestational age of delivery, higher rates of preterm delivery and a higher incidence of preeclampsia with severe features (56.8% vs 29.8%) in the index pregnancy (p-values ≤ 0.001) than those without. The median number of years between history of preeclampsia in previous pregnancy and current pregnancy was 6 years (IQR 3, 8). Among patients with a prior history of preeclampsia, the interbirth interval was not associated with severe preeclampsia (p = 0.60) and there was no difference in angiogenic factors between patients with a prior history of preeclampsia compared to those without.

CONCLUSIONS

In this study, the duration of the interbirth interval was not identified as a risk factor of developing severe preeclampsia in a subsequent pregnancy and angiogenic factors are not a reflection of maternal predisposition to recurrent preeclampsia.

Furosemide for Accelerated Recovery of Blood Pressure Postpartum in women with a hypertensive disorder of pregnancy: A Randomized Controlled Trial

[Figure: see text].

Angiogenic factor abnormalities and risk of peripartum complications and prematurity among urban predominantly obese parturients with chronic hypertension

OBJECTIVE

To compare characteristics and outcomes of women with chronic hypertension (cHTN) between those with normal and abnormal plasma angiogenic profiles.

STUDY DESIGN

This secondary analysis explored associations between angiogenic markers soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 (sFlt1) and placental growth factor (PlGF) drawn prior to delivery among women with history of cHTN who were enrolled between 22 and 41 weeks. Patients were divided into two groups based on sFlt1/PlGF ratio, namely low sFlt1/PlGF (<85) and high sFlt1/PlGF (≥85) ratio.

RESULTS

Of the 115 patients, 76% were African American. Compared to women with low sFlt1/PlGF (n = 78), patients with high sFlt1/PlGF (n = 37) had higher median antenatal blood pressures (systolic mmHg 179 vs 155; diastolic 106 vs 91), lower gestational age at delivery (34.7 vs 38.2 weeks), lower birthweight (1940 vs 3103 g), and a higher prevalence of preterm delivery <34 (40.5% vs 7.7%) and <37 weeks (64.9% vs 20.5%), all p < 0.001. Importantly, more women with high sFlt1/PlGF had a diagnosis of superimposed preeclampsia (62.2% vs 26.9%, p = 0.003), preeclampsia with severe features (59.5% vs 20.5%, p < 0.0001), maternal adverse outcomes (24.3% vs 3.9%, p = 0.002), neonatal intensive care unit admissions (71.9% vs 40.8%; p = 0.003), severe postpartum hypertension (67.6% vs 38.5%, p = 0.01) and longer hospital stays (median 6.0 vs 4.5 days, p = 0.003).

DISCUSSION

In contrast to patients with a low ratio, high sFlt1/PlGF is characterized by an increased risk of maternal adverse outcomes and prematurity. Incorporation of angiogenic biomarkers while managing cHTN may improve accuracy of early identification of adverse outcomes to improve outcomes.

Effect of blood pressure control in early pregnancy and clinical outcomes in African American women with chronic hypertension

OBJECTIVE

Chronic hypertension (cHTN) affects 3-5% of all pregnancies and is twice as prevalent in African American (AA) women. AA women develop more severe HTN at an earlier onset and have higher rates of adverse pregnancy outcomes. Blood pressure control during pregnancy is controversial.

STUDY DESIGN

This retrospective cohort included AA women with cHTN and singleton pregnancies delivering between January 2013 and December 2016. Patients were classified as not receiving antihypertensives in the first 20 weeks (Group A), on antihypertensives in the first 20 weeks but with an average BP <140/90 during pregnancy (Group B) and on antihypertensives in the first 20 weeks but with average BP during pregnancy ≥140/90 (Group C). Adverse outcomes including severe HTN and preterm delivery <35 weeks was compared between groups.

RESULTS

Of the 198 patients included, 68 received at least one AHT before 20 weeks including 45 patients with average BP <140/90 and 23 with average BP ≥140/90 during pregnancy. The incidence of superimposed PE and preterm birth was significantly higher among women with elevated BPs on AHT (39.1% vs 8.9% vs 17.7%, p = 0.01; preterm birth 52.2%, 8.9% and 9.2%, p < 0.001 for Groups C, B and A, respectively). A significantly higher proportion of adverse neonatal outcomes were observed in Group C (78.3%) as opposed to those in Group B (53.3%) or Group A (50.0%; p = 0.04).

CONCLUSIONS

Among AA women with cHTN, use of antihypertensives prior to 20 weeks and lower antenatal BP was associated with a decreased risk of adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes.

Postpartum blood pressure trends are impacted by race and BMI

OBJECTIVE

Our objective was to evaluate postpartum blood pressure trends, and time to resolution of hypertension among women with hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, specifically focusing on impact of race and BMI on these trends.

METHODS

We performed a secondary analysis of a randomized trial that utilized a text-message based home blood pressure monitoring system. BPs for this study included both inpatient postpartum BPs as well as home BPs obtained from the text-based program. Women were followed from 12 h of delivery to 16 days postpartum. Outcomes were: (1) postpartum BP trend summaries from a linear mixed-effects regression model and (2) time to resolution of hypertension (defined as ≥ 48 h of BPs < 140/90) depicted using Kaplan Meier survival curves with hazard ratio estimates of association using Cox models.

RESULTS

Eighty-four women were included, of which 63% were black. Non-black women with a BMI < 35 kg/m² had steady decreases in systolic BP whereas other groups peaked around 6.5 days postpartum. BPs for women in the BMI < 35 group, regardless of race, remained in the normotensive range. Conversely, women with a BMI ≥ 35 had a systolic BP peak into the hypertensive range prior to declining. Diastolic BP peaked at an average of 8.5 days postpartum. Time to resolution of BPs differed by race and BMI groups (p = 0.012). Non-black women with a BMI < 35 had the shortest time to resolution and 81% of these women had resolution of hypertension. Only 49% of black women with a BMI < 35 had resolution of hypertension and approximately 40% of both black and non-black women with BMI ≥ 35 had resolution of hypertension.

CONCLUSION

We identified race and BMI to be determinants of postpartum BP trends and hypertension resolution. Further study is needed to determine if race and BMI targeted postpartum hypertension interventions may lead to faster blood pressure recovery and lower maternal morbidity postpartum.

Angiogenic Factor Estimation as a Warning Sign of Preeclampsia-Related Peripartum Morbidity Among Hospitalized Patients

Preeclampsia-related morbidity and mortality is rising predominantly because of delayed identification of patients at risk for preeclampsia with severe features and associated complications. This study explored the association between angiogenic markers (sFlt1 [soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1]) and PlGF [placental growth factor]) and preeclampsia-related peripartum complications. Normotensive women or those with hypertensive disorders of pregnancy were enrolled. Blood samples were collected within 96 hours before delivery, and angiogenic markers were measured on an automated platform. Our study included 681 women, 375 of which had hypertensive disorders. Of these, 127 (33.9%) had severe preeclampsia, and 71.4% were black. Compared with normotensive women, women with severe preeclampsia had higher levels of sFlt1 (9372.5 versus 2857.0 pg/mL; P<0.0001), lower PlGF (51.0 versus 212.0 pg/mL; P<0.0001), and a high sFlt1/PlGF (212.0 versus 14.0; all P<0.0001). A similar trend in sFlt1, PlGF, and sFlt1/PlGF was found in those women with complications secondary to preeclampsia (all P<0.001). The highest tertile of sFlt1/PlGF was strongly associated with severe preeclampsia in a multivariable analysis. Among patients with a hypertensive disorder of pregnancy, 340 (90.7%) developed postpartum hypertension, of which 50.4% had mild, and 40.3% had severe postpartum hypertension. The sFlt1/PlGF ratio was significantly higher for severe and mild postpartum hypertension compared with women with normal postpartum blood pressures (73.5, 46.0, and 13.0, respectively; P values<0.0001). Furthermore, the highest tertile of antepartum sFlt1/PlGF was associated with postpartum hypertension ( P=0.004). This study demonstrates a significant association between an abnormal angiogenic profile before delivery and severe preeclampsia and peripartum complications.

Association of antepartum blood pressure levels and angiogenic profile among women with chronic hypertension

BACKGROUND

Angiogenic factors have been implicated in the pathogenesis of preeclampsia. This pilot study explored the association between antenatal blood pressure levels and angiogenic biomarkers (sFlt1 and PlGF) among women with chronic hypertension (cHTN).

METHODS

Blood samples were collected from women with cHTN (with/without superimposed preeclampsia) within 96 h prior to delivery. Subjects were stratified by mean outpatient BP as controlled (cBP < 140/90) or uncontrolled (uBP ≥ 140/90). Descriptive statistics were generated and assessed as appropriate. Logistic regression was employed to assess for adverse pregnancy outcomes between groups.

RESULTS

Data from seventy-eight women were analyzed, of which 58 (74.4%) were African American. Fifty-six (71.8%) had cBP and 22 (28.2%) had uBP. Use of antepartum outpatient antihypertensive medications was more frequent in patients with uBP (46.4% vs. 13.6%, p = 0.01). Compared to women with cBP, women with uBP had higher levels of pre-delivery sFlt1 and sFlt1/PlGF ratio (sFlt: 4218.5 vs. 3056.0 pg/ml, p = 0.046; sFlt/PlGF: 62.5 vs. 25.0, p = 0.04). Additionally, more uBP patients had superimposed preeclampsia with severe features (54.6% vs. 25.0%; p = 0.01) and preterm delivery (defined as a gestational age <35 weeks (40.9% vs. 10.7%; p = 0.002)) than cBP patients. In the multivariable model, women with uBP had greater odds of preterm delivery (OR 6.78; p = 0.01), superimposed preeclampsia (OR 3.20; p = 0.03) and preeclampsia with severe features (OR 3.27; p = 0.04) than women with cBP.

CONCLUSION

In women with cHTN, elevated antepartum BP is associated with worsened outcomes and may be associated with abnormal angiogenic profile at delivery. Larger studies are needed to confirm these findings.

Abnormal mid-trimester cardiac strain in women with chronic hypertension predates superimposed preeclampsia

BACKGROUND

Chronic hypertension (cHTN) affects 7% of all pregnancies. We hypothesized that cHTN during pregnancy would be associated with abnormal myocardial strain patterns and adverse perinatal outcomes.

METHODS

This was a retrospective cohort study of patients seen in a high-risk obstetrics clinic with cHTN. Parturients with a singleton pregnancy who had undergone an echocardiogram as part of routine clinical care were eligible. Clinical and demographic information was collected from medical records. Global peak longitudinal strain (GLS) was measured using automated software from stored echocardiographic images.

RESULTS

60 patients were included in this analysis, of which 48 (80.0%) were African American. The median BMI was 40.6, age was 34 years, and the gestational age was 20.4 weeks at the time of the echo and 37.9 weeks at delivery. Thirty-four patients (56.7%) demonstrated abnormal strain, defined as a GLS <= -19%. Patients with abnormal strain were similar in age and BMI to patients with normal cardiac function. When compared to women with normal strain, those with abnormal strain had lower stroke volume (69.0 ml vs 81.5 ml; p = .001) and ejection fraction (49.6% vs 57.5%; p < .0001). Rates of superimposed preeclampsia were higher (38.2% vs 11.5%, p-value = .02) and a higher proportion of patients in the abnormal strain group delivered before 37 weeks (44.1% vs 19.2%; p = .04).

CONCLUSION

In a population of parturients with cHTN, we found that more than one-half demonstrated subclinical abnormal cardiac function. The presence of abnormal cardiac strain predates superimposed preeclampsia and preterm delivery. Further studies are needed to validate these findings.

Prevalence, risk factors and associated complications of postpartum hypertension in rural Haiti

BACKGROUND

The prevalence of hypertensive disorders during pregnancy is high in developing countries such as Haiti, however little is known about postpartum hypertension (PPHTN).

METHODS

This is a prospective study done at Hospital Albert Schweitzer in rural Haiti among pregnant women age 18 or older who were admitted for labor. Blood pressures were collected before and after delivery and medical charts were reviewed to gather delivery characteristics and fetal/neonatal outcomes. Differences between groups are presented based on postpartum blood pressures (BP) as mild PPHTN (systolic BP≥140 or diastolic BP≥90) and severe PPHTN (systolic BP≥160 or diastolic BP≥110).

RESULTS

Of 175 women, the prevalence of PPHTN during the two-month study period was 57.1% (97/172) and included 56 parturients with mild and 41 with severe PPHTN. Severe PPHTN was associated with a higher proportion of complications including abruption (14.6%), fetal (14.6%) and neonatal death (7.3%). Thirty-nine (69.6%) patients with mild PPHTN and 9 (21.9%) patients with severe PPHTN did not receive any antihypertensive medications postpartum. Patients with severe PPHTN had prolonged hospitalization compared to the normal group (3.5 vs. 2.0days, p=0.0003). There was a strong correlation between antepartum and postpartum systolic and diastolic BP's (r=0.62 and 0.54, p<0.0001, respectively).

CONCLUSION

In this study, we identified a high prevalence of PPHTN in rural Haiti. Severe PPHTN was associated with adverse outcomes and treatment is not universal. This data is a starting point to develop region-specific protocols to treat and control PPHTN.

Myocardial performance index in hypertensive disorders of pregnancy: The relationship between blood pressures and angiogenic factors

OBJECTIVE

To study the association between cardiac function measured by myocardial performance index (MPI), blood pressures and angiogenic factors measured at the time of echocardiography in patients with and without hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP).

METHODS

We prospectively studied 189 pregnant women and evaluated whether changes in cardiac function observed on echocardiography were correlated with higher blood pressures and whether higher blood pressures were associated with antiangiogenic proteins (soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase, sFlt1; soluble endoglin, sEng). Comprehensive echocardiograms, including measurement of MPI, were performed on all patients. sFlt1 and sEng levels were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

RESULTS

Overall, 189 patients were divided into tertiles based on mean arterial pressure (MAP). The MPI was worst in tertile 3 (0.50 ± 0.15) compared to tertile 1 (0.42 ± 0.10), p = 0.0004. sFlt1 (pg/ml) and sEng (ng/ml) were highest in tertile 3 compared to tertile 1: 15055.37 vs. 1623.01 and 33.06 vs. 8.15, respectively, with p-value <0.001. In crude multivariate regression analysis, MAP was positively correlated with MPI (r = 0.32, p < 0.001), GLS (r = 0.54, p < 0.001), sFlt1 (r = 0.60, p < 0.001) and sEng (r = 0.61, p < 0.001). After adjustment for confounders, these relationships persisted between MAP and MPI (r = 0.31, p = 0.0003), GLS (r = 0.46, p < 0.001), sFlt1 (r = 0.56, p < 0.001) and sEng (r = 0.58, p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Mean arterial pressure correlates with worsening cardiac function as measured by MPI and serum levels of angiogenic factors. Further studies are needed to evaluate whether a reduction in blood pressure will reverse changes in MPI or reduce levels of angiogenic proteins seen among women with HDP.

Postpartum hemorrhage in the setting of a mechanical heart valve

Background:

Therapeutic anticoagulation is required for all patients with prosthetic mitral valves. Anticoagulation with warfarin is recommended; however, warfarin is teratogenic in early pregnancy and therefore alternate anticoagulation regimens are suggested for pregnant patients.

Case:

A 28-year-old gravida 2, para 1 woman at 36 weeks’ gestation with a prosthetic mitral valve and a history of a corrected anomalous origin of the left coronary artery arising from the left pulmonary artery presented in labor. She underwent a spontaneous vaginal delivery complicated by a postpartum hemorrhage necessitating a hysterectomy.

Conclusion:

Management of mechanical valves in pregnancy is controversial. The provider must weigh the risks of life threatening valve thrombosis and malfunction against the risk of significant hemorrhage. This case report reviews peripartum anticoagulation protocols and management of massive hemorrhage in patients with prosthetic mechanical valves.

Perinatal and obstetric outcomes of dichorionic vs trichorionic triplet pregnancies

BACKGROUND

Clinical management and outcome of multiple gestation can be affected by chorionicity. In triplet pregnancies, fetal death has been associated with dichorionic (DC) and monochorionic placentation. Studies evaluating triplet pregnancy outcomes in relation to chorionicity have been few and may not reflect contemporary antenatal and neonatal care.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to compare obstetric and perinatal outcomes in DC and trichorionic (TC) triplet pregnancies.

STUDY DESIGN

We performed a retrospective cohort study of triplet pregnancies that delivered at ≥20 weeks' gestation at 2 Chicago area hospitals from January 1999 through December 2010. Chorionicity was determined by pathology specimen. Maternal and infant charts were reviewed for obstetric and perinatal outcomes.

RESULTS

The study population included 159 pregnancies (477 neonates) of which 108 were TC (67.9%) and 51 were DC (32.1%). Over 94% of mothers in this study had all 3 infants survive to discharge regardless of chorionicity. No difference was found in perinatal mortality rate between DC and TC triplets (3.3% vs 4.6%; P = .3). DC triplets were significantly more likely to be very low birthweight (41.8% vs 22.2%; odds ratio, 2.2; 95% confidence interval, 1.2-4.2; P = .02) and to deliver at <30 weeks (25.5% vs 8.3%; odds ratio, 6.1; 95% confidence interval, 1.9-19.4; P = .002) compared to TC triplets. Criteria for twin-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) were present in 3 DC triplet pregnancies (5.9%). Neonates in pregnancies complicated by TTTS were less likely to survive 28 days as compared to neonates from DC pregnancies that were not affected by TTTS (P = .02) or TC neonates (P = .02) Neonatal survival was similar in DC pregnancies not affected by TTTS and TC pregnancies (98.6% and 96.6%; P = .7).

CONCLUSION

Although perinatal mortality did not correlate with chorionicity, DC pregnancies were more likely to deliver <30 weeks' gestational age and have very low birthweight neonates. Neonatal mortality appears to be mediated by the presence or absence of TTTS as 28-day survival was worse in DC pregnancies complicated by TTTS, but similar between DC pregnancies not affected by TTTS and TC pregnancies.