Association of a Remote Blood Pressure Monitoring Program With Postpartum Adverse Outcomes

OBJECTIVE

To use administrative claims data to evaluate the association of a remote blood pressure monitoring program with adverse postpartum clinical outcomes in patients with a hypertensive disorder of pregnancy.

METHODS

This was a retrospective cohort study of Independence Blue Cross members with a hypertensive disorder of pregnancy diagnosis across three obstetric hospitals from 2017 to 2021. Patients who were enrolled in twice-daily text-based blood pressure monitoring for 10 days postpartum were compared with two propensity-score matched cohorts of patients who met the program criteria: an asynchronous cohort (cohort A), consisting of patients at any of the three participating hospitals before remote monitoring program implementation, and a contemporaneous cohort (cohort C), consisting of patients at other hospitals during the same time period as clinical use of the program. Patients with less than 16 months of continuous insurance enrollment before delivery were excluded. Claims for adverse clinical outcomes after delivery discharge were evaluated. Health care service utilization and total medical costs were evaluated.

RESULTS

The 1,700 patients in remote blood pressure monitoring program were matched to 1,021 patients in cohort A and 1,276 in cohort C. Within the first 6 months after delivery, patients enrolled in remote monitoring were less likely to have the composite adverse outcome than those in cohort A (2.9% vs 4.7%; OR 0.61, 95% CI 0.40-0.98). There was no statistically significant difference relative to cohort C (3.2% vs 4.5%; OR 0.71, 95% CI 0.47-1.07). The remote monitoring group had more cardiology visits and fewer postnatal emergency department (ED) visits and readmissions compared with both comparison cohorts. Reductions in ED visits and readmissions drove overall lower total medical costs for the program cohort.

CONCLUSION

Patients enrolled in a remote blood pressure monitoring program were less likely to experience an adverse outcome in the first 6 months after delivery. Reductions in ED visits and readmissions resulted in lower postpartum total medical costs compared with both control cohorts. Broad implementation of evidence-based remote monitoring programs may reduce postpartum adverse outcomes, thereby reducing morbidity and mortality in populations such as the one studied here.

Universal Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) Testing for Obstetric Inpatient Units Across the United States

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this study was to estimate prevalence of asymptomatic severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection among patients admitted to obstetric inpatient units throughout the United States as detected by universal screening. We sought to describe the relationship between obstetric inpatient asymptomatic infection rates and publicly available surrounding community infection rates.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study in which medical centers reported rates of positive SARS-CoV-2 testing in asymptomatic pregnant and immediate postpartum patients over a 1-3-month time span in 2020. Publicly reported SARS-CoV-2 case rates from the relevant county and state for each center were collected from the COVID Act Now dashboard and the COVID Tracking Project for correlation analysis.

RESULTS

Data were collected from 9 health centers, encompassing 18 hospitals. Participating health centers were located in Alabama, California, Illinois, Louisiana, New Jersey, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Utah, and Washington State. Each hospital had an active policy for universal SARS-CoV-2 testing on obstetric inpatient units. A total of 10 147 SARS-CoV-2 tests were administered, of which 124 were positive (1.2%). Positivity rates varied by site, ranging from 0-3.2%. While SARS-CoV-2 infection rates were lower in asymptomatic obstetric inpatient groups than the surrounding communities, there was a positive correlation between positivity rates in obstetric inpatient units and their surrounding county (P=.003, r=.782) and state (P=.007, r=.708).

CONCLUSIONS

Given the correlation between community and obstetric inpatient rates, the necessity of SARS-CoV-2-related healthcare resource utilization in obstetric inpatient units may be best informed by surrounding community infection rates.

Implementation of a text-based postpartum blood pressure monitoring program at 3 different academic sites

BACKGROUND

Up to 30% of patients with hypertensive disorders of pregnancy continue to have elevated blood pressures after delivery, often necessitating medication titration or hospital evaluation in the weeks following hospital discharge. A previous randomized controlled trial demonstrated that remote blood pressure monitoring programs led to an increase in the number of blood pressure measurements obtained and increased compliance with clinical guidelines regarding the monitoring of patients for persistent or worsening postpartum hypertension.

OBJECTIVE

The aims of this study were to measure the program participant response rates during the first 10 days after hospital discharge, to assess the replicability and scalability of the program, and to evaluate patient satisfaction at 3 distinct sites.

STUDY DESIGN

We conducted a prospective observational cohort study across 3 US academic medical centers during which postpartum participants with hypertensive disorders of pregnancy were enrolled in a previously validated, remote, text message-based blood pressure monitoring program known as Heart Safe Motherhood. English-speaking patients with access to a text message-enabled cell phone and with a diagnosis of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy were candidates for enrollment in the study. Each study site planned to enroll approximately 66 participants in this pilot implementation phase. All the enrolled participants received a validated blood pressure cuff, education on proper use of the device, and were sent text messages as a reminder to check their blood pressures twice daily for 10 days after discharge. They were asked to reply via text message with their blood pressure readings. All blood pressure readings were reviewed via a web-based platform by a physician. Physicians communicated with patients whose blood pressure levels exceeded 160 mm Hg systolic or 100 mm Hg diastolic to determine the next management steps. Enrollees were texted a survey at the end of the 10 days and the responses were recorded. The proportion of eligible parturients who were enrolled, the number of measured blood pressure values, and the postprogram survey results were measured. We assessed the number of patients who reported elevated blood pressures, required antihypertensive medication, and were readmitted for blood pressure control during the program duration.

RESULTS

A total of 199 participants were enrolled in the program: 66 at site A, 67 at site B, and 66 at site C. In the 10 days after hospital discharge, 192 (97%) participants submitted at least 1 blood pressure measurement via text message. More enrolled patients submitted a blood pressure measurement on postpartum days 7 to 10 (171, 86%) than on days 1 to 4 (134, 67%). A total of 126 (63%) participants submitted blood pressures during both time frames. Elevated blood pressures were recorded for 70 (35%) participants, 32 (16%) of whom were started on oral antihypertensives after discussing their blood pressure measurements with an on-call provider. A total of 10 participants (5%) required hypertension-related readmission after delivery. The end-of-program survey was completed by 98 (49%) of the participants. Of those who completed the survey, 93% agreed that the program helped them to monitor their blood pressure (89% at site A; 88% at site B, and 100% at site C), and 93% would recommend it to friends or family members (94% at site A, 96% at site, and 88% at site C).

CONCLUSION

Postpartum participants are willing and capable of using the Heart Safe Motherhood program for remote blood pressure monitoring and reported high satisfaction with the program across multiple sites. Our study demonstrated that this remote blood pressure monitoring program can be implemented successfully and demonstrated replicable efficacy at diverse sites.

Reducing Disparities Using Telehealth Approaches for Postdelivery Preeclampsia Care

The management of hypertensive disease of pregnancy presents an ongoing challenge after patients are discharged from delivery hospitalizations. Preeclampsia and other forms of postpartum hypertension increase the risk for severe maternal morbidity and mortality in the postpartum period, and both hypertension and its associated adverse events disproportionately affect black women. With its ability to transcend barriers to health care access, telemedicine can facilitate high-quality postpartum care delivery for preeclampsia management and thereby reduce racial disparities in obstetric care and outcomes. Here we discuss racial disparities in preeclampsia and the challenge of providing equitable postpartum preeclampsia care. We then describe the utility of novel telemedicine platforms and their application to combat these disparities in preeclampsia care.

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

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Compassionate Use of Remdesivir in Pregnant Women with Severe Covid-19

Background

Remdesivir is efficacious for severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in adults, but data in pregnant women are limited. We describe outcomes in the first 86 pregnant women with severe COVID-19 who were treated with remdesivir.

Methods

The reported data span 21 March to 16 June 2020 for hospitalized pregnant women with polymerase chain reaction–confirmed severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection and room air oxygen saturation ≤94% whose clinicians requested remdesivir through the compassionate use program. The intended remdesivir treatment course was 10 days (200 mg on day 1, followed by 100 mg for days 2–10, given intravenously).

Results

Nineteen of 86 women delivered before their first dose and were reclassified as immediate “postpartum” (median postpartum day 1 [range, 0–3]). At baseline, 40% of pregnant women (median gestational age, 28 weeks) required invasive ventilation, in contrast to 95% of postpartum women (median gestational age at delivery 30 weeks). By day 28 of follow-up, the level of oxygen requirement decreased in 96% and 89% of pregnant and postpartum women, respectively. Among pregnant women, 93% of those on mechanical ventilation were extubated, 93% recovered, and 90% were discharged. Among postpartum women, 89% were extubated, 89% recovered, and 84% were discharged. Remdesivir was well tolerated, with a low incidence of serious adverse events (AEs) (16%). Most AEs were related to pregnancy and underlying disease; most laboratory abnormalities were grade 1 or 2. There was 1 maternal death attributed to underlying disease and no neonatal deaths.

Conclusions

Among 86 pregnant and postpartum women with severe COVID-19 who received compassionate-use remdesivir, recovery rates were high, with a low rate of serious AEs.

The Psychological Experience of Obstetric Patients and Health Care Workers after Implementation of Universal SARS-CoV-2 Testing

OBJECTIVE

This study was aimed to describe the hospitalization and early postpartum psychological experience for asymptomatic obstetric patients tested for severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) as part of a universal testing program and report the impact of this program on labor and delivery health care workers' job satisfaction and workplace anxiety.

STUDY DESIGN

This is a cohort study of asymptomatic pregnant women who underwent SARS-CoV-2 testing between April 13, 2020 and April 26, 2020. Semistructured interviews were conducted via telephone at 1 and 2 weeks posthospitalization to assess maternal mental health. Depression screening was conducted using the patient health questionnaire-2 (PHQ-2). An online survey of labor and delivery health care workers assessed job satisfaction and job-related anxiety before and during the novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, as well as employees' subjective experience with universal testing. Patient and employee responses were analyzed for recurring themes.

RESULTS

A total of 318 asymptomatic women underwent SARS-CoV-2 testing during this 2-week period. Six of the eight women (75%) who tested positive reported negative in-hospital experiences secondary to perceived lack of provider and partner support and neonatal separation after birth. Among the 310 women who tested negative, 34.4% of multiparous women reported increased postpartum anxiety compared with their prior deliveries due to concerns about infectious exposure in the hospital and lack of social support. Only 27.6% of women, tested negative, found their test result to be reassuring. Job satisfaction and job-related anxiety among health care workers were negatively affected. Universal testing was viewed favorably by the majority of health care workers despite concerns about delays or alterations in patient care and maternal and neonatal separation.

CONCLUSION

Universal testing for SARS-CoV-2 in obstetric units has mixed effects on maternal mental health but is viewed favorably by labor and delivery employees. Ongoing evaluation of new testing protocols is paramount to balance staff and patient safety with quality and equality of care.

KEY POINTS

· Women with SARS-CoV-2 had a negative hospital experience.. · A negative SARS-CoV-2 test was not reassuring for patients.. · COVID-19 negatively impacts healthcare workers' well-being..

Universal testing for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 in 2 Philadelphia hospitals: carrier prevalence and symptom development over 2 weeks

Background

The coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 has challenged obstetrical care providers. Universal testing on labor and delivery units has been implemented by many hospitals to ensure patient and staff safety. Asymptomatic carrier rates are expected to vary based on geographic differences in disease prevalence, although differences within the same city have not been reported previously. In addition, clinical follow-up of women who had a negative result for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 during obstetrical hospitalization has not been included in any previous reports.

Objective

This study aimed to describe the prevalence of positive severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 test results among asymptomatic pregnant women at 2 Philadelphia obstetrical hospitals, characterize the clinical course of those who had a positive result, and report symptom development among all women tested in the 2 weeks after hospitalization.

Study Design

This is an observational study of asymptomatic pregnant women who underwent severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 testing at 2 academic health centers (Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania and Pennsylvania Hospital) in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, between April 13, 2020, and April 26, 2020. All women tested were contacted via telephone for symptom follow-up at 1 and 2 weeks after discharge. Asymptomatic positive test rates are reported for the overall population and by hospital. The hospital and 2-week posthospital course are described for women who had a positive result for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2. Posthospital symptom development among women who had a negative result for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 is also described.

Results

A total of 318 asymptomatic women underwent severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 testing during this 2-week period; 8 women had a positive result. The overall asymptomatic test positive rate was 2.5%. The rate at Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania was 3.8% compared with 1.3% at Pennsylvania Hospital (P=.283). Of note, 3 women (37.5%) who were initially asymptomatic developed mild symptoms in the 2 weeks after a positive test result. Repeat severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 testing was performed in 14 of the 310 women (4.5%) who initially had a negative result; 2 women (0.6%) had a positive result on repeat testing. Moreover, 242 (78.1%) and 213 (68.7%) of the 310 women who had a negative result for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 at the time of the initial hospitalization were followed up via telephone at 1 and 2 weeks after admission, respectively. Viral symptoms, including fevers, chills, shortness of breath, or cough, were self-reported in 4.5% and 4.2% of these women at 1 and 2 weeks after discharge, respectively.

Conclusion

The asymptomatic positive severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 test rate among an obstetrical population in Philadelphia differed between 2 hospitals and was lower than that described in other geographic regions. This supports the importance of institution-specific testing protocols. The development of symptomatic severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection after hospitalization among women with initial negative test results is uncommon.

Successful implementation of text-based blood pressure monitoring for postpartum hypertension

OBJECTIVES

A clinical trial showed postpartum text-based blood pressure (BP) monitoring is effective in meeting clinical guidelines and reduces racial disparities in postpartum hypertension care. Our objective was to compare clinical outcomes to those from a clinical trial after implementation of the program in a second hospital within our hospital system.

STUDY DESIGN

Comparison of women randomized to text-based BP monitoring in a clinical trial compared to an implementation cohort clinically enrolled in text-based BP monitoring. BP outcomes and postpartum visit were compared in bivariate and multivariable analyses.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

BP ascertainment was defined as at least 1 BP texted during the 10 days of monitoring. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommendation was defined as BP sent on postpartum day 3-4 and again day 7-10.

RESULTS

The implementation cohort had 333 women compared to 103 in the trial cohort. The implementation cohort was older (p < 0.001), and more likely to be non-Black race (p < 0.001), married (<0.001), and have commercial insurance (<0.001). BP ascertainment (95.5% vs. 92.2%, adjusted OR 1.41, [95% CI 0.55, 3.58]) and proportion meeting ACOG recommendations (84.7% vs. 81.6%, adjusted OR 0.89 [95% CI 0.48, 1.64]) were similar between groups. There were no differences in BP ascertainment among Black and non-Black women in the trial or implementation cohort.

CONCLUSIONS

Text-based BP monitoring performed similarly in an implementation cohort compared to the trial participants. This program is scalable to manage postpartum hypertension and reduce racial disparities in postpartum care in women with hypertensive disorders of pregnancy.

Detection of COVID-19 in a Vulvar Lesion

As new information about coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is rapidly discovered, clinicians are better equipped to make informed decisions for their patients. While current research suggests COVID-19 viral antigen is not found in vaginal secretions, its detectability in the female lower genital tract may have clinical implications for obstetric and gynecologic care for women. We present a case of a woman at 31 weeks' gestation with simultaneous upper respiratory symptoms and vulvovaginitis. She was found to have a vulvar lesion positive for severe acute respiratory syndrome-COVID by viral swab. This case shows that COVID-19 is detectable in the vulva. This may have implications for health care workers' exposure and personal protective equipment needs. While vertical transmission has largely not been reported, the presence of detectable virus in the female lower genital tract makes this a continued possibility and area of study. KEY POINTS: · COVID-19 is detectable in the female lower genital tract.. · The detection of COVID-19 in the vulva may have implications for personal protective equipment use.. · The detection of COVID-19 in vulvovaginal lesions makes vertical transmission a continued possibility..

Clinical course of severe and critical coronavirus disease 2019 in hospitalized pregnancies: a United States cohort study

Background

The coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic has had an impact on healthcare systems around the world with 3 million people contracting the disease and 208,000 cases resulting in death as of this writing. Information regarding coronavirus infection in pregnancy is still limited.

Objective

This study aimed to describe the clinical course of severe and critical coronavirus disease 2019 in hospitalized pregnant women with positive laboratory testing for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2.

Study Design

This is a cohort study of pregnant women with severe or critical coronavirus disease 2019 hospitalized at 12 US institutions between March 5, 2020, and April 20, 2020. Severe disease was defined according to published criteria as patient-reported dyspnea, respiratory rate >30 per minute, blood oxygen saturation ≤93% on room air, ratio of partial pressure of arterial oxygen to the fraction of inspired oxygen <300 mm Hg, or lung infiltrates >50% within 24-48 hours on chest imaging. Critical disease was defined as respiratory failure, septic shock, or multiple organ dysfunction or failure. Women were excluded from the study if they had presumed coronavirus disease 2019, but laboratory testing was negative. The primary outcome was median duration from hospital admission to discharge. Secondary outcomes included need for supplemental oxygen, intubation, cardiomyopathy, cardiac arrest, death, and timing of delivery. The clinical courses are described by the median disease day on which these outcomes occurred after the onset of symptoms. Treatment and neonatal outcomes are also reported.

Results

Of 64 hospitalized pregnant women with coronavirus disease 2019, 44 (69%) had severe disease, and 20 (31%) had critical disease. The following preexisting comorbidities were observed: 25% had a pulmonary condition, 17% had cardiac disease, and the mean body mass index was 34 kg/m². Gestational age was at a mean of 29±6 weeks at symptom onset and a mean of 30±6 weeks at hospital admission, with a median disease day 7 since first symptoms. Most women (81%) were treated with hydroxychloroquine; 7% of women with severe disease and 65% of women with critical disease received remdesivir. All women with critical disease received either prophylactic or therapeutic anticoagulation during their admission. The median duration of hospital stay was 6 days (6 days [severe group] and 10.5 days [critical group]; P=.01). Intubation was usually performed around day 9 on patients who required it, and peak respiratory support for women with severe disease was performed on day 8. In women with critical disease, prone positioning was required in 20% of cases, the rate of acute respiratory distress syndrome was 70%, and reintubation was necessary in 20%. There was 1 case of maternal cardiac arrest, but there were no cases of cardiomyopathy or maternal death. Thirty-two of 64 (50%) women with coronavirus disease 2019 in this cohort delivered during their hospitalization (34% [severe group] and 85% [critical group]). Furthermore, 15 of 17 (88%) pregnant women with critical coronavirus disease 2019 delivered preterm during their disease course, with 16 of 17 (94%) pregnant women giving birth through cesarean delivery; overall, 15 of 20 (75%) women with critical disease delivered preterm. There were no stillbirths or neonatal deaths or cases of vertical transmission.

Conclusion

In pregnant women with severe or critical coronavirus disease 2019, admission into the hospital typically occurred about 7 days after symptom onset, and the duration of hospitalization was 6 days (6 [severe group] vs 12 [critical group]). Women with critical disease had a high rate of acute respiratory distress syndrome, and there was 1 case of cardiac arrest, but there were no cases of cardiomyopathy or maternal mortality. Hospitalization of pregnant women with severe or critical coronavirus disease 2019 resulted in delivery during the clinical course of the disease in 50% of this cohort, usually in the third trimester. There were no perinatal deaths in this cohort.

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.

Interpregnancy Body Mass Index Changes: Distribution and Impact on Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes in the Subsequent Pregnancy

OBJECTIVE

To examine the change in body mass index (BMI) categories between pregnancies and its effect on adverse pregnancy outcomes.

STUDY DESIGN

We performed a retrospective cohort study of women with two consecutive deliveries from 2005 to 2010. Analysis was limited to women with BMI recorded at <24 weeks for both pregnancies. Standard BMI categories were used. Adverse pregnancy outcomes included preterm birth at <37 weeks, intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), pregnancy-related hypertension, and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). Women with increased BMI category between pregnancies were compared with those who remained in the same BMI category.

RESULTS

In total, 537 women were included, of whom 125 (23%) increased BMI category. There was no association between increase in BMI category and risk of preterm birth, IUGR, or pregnancy-related hypertension. Women who increased BMI category had an increased odds of GDM compared with women who remained in the same BMI category (6.4 vs. 2.2%; p = 0.018). The increased risk remained after controlling for age, history of GDM, and starting BMI (adjusted odds ratio: 8.2; 95% confidence interval: 2.1-32.7; p = 0.003).

CONCLUSION

Almost one-quarter of women increased BMI categories between pregnancies. This modifiable risk factor has a significant impact on the risk of GDM.

Accuracy of risk prediction scores in pregnant women with congenital heart disease

OBJECTIVE

To assess performance of risk stratification schemes in predicting adverse cardiac outcomes in pregnant women with congenital heart disease (CHD) and to compare these schemes to clinical factors alone.

DESIGN

Single-center retrospective study.

SETTING

Tertiary care academic hospital.

PATIENTS

Women ≥18 years with International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification codes indicating CHD who delivered between 1998 and 2014. CARPREG I and ZAHARA risk scores and modified World Health Organization (WHO) criteria were applied to each woman.

OUTCOME MEASURES

The primary outcome was defined by ≥1 of the following: arrhythmia, heart failure/pulmonary edema, transient ischemic attack, stroke, dissection, myocardial infarction, cardiac arrest, death during gestation and up to 6 months postpartum.

RESULTS

Of 178 women, the most common CHD lesions were congenital aortic stenosis (15.2%), ventricular septal defect (13.5%), atrial septal defect (12.9%), and tetralogy of Fallot (12.9%). Thirty-five women (19.7%) sustained 39 cardiac events. Observed vs expected event rates were 9.9% vs 5% (P = .02) for CARPREG I score 0 and 26.1% vs 7.5% (P < .001) for ZAHARA scores 0.51-1.5. ZAHARA outperformed CARPREG I at predicting adverse cardiovascular outcomes (AUC 0.80 vs 0.72, P = .03) but was not significantly better than modified WHO. Clinical predictors of adverse cardiac event were symptoms (P = .002), systemic ventricular dysfunction (P < .001), and subpulmonary ventricular dysfunction (P = .03) with an AUC 0.83 comparable to ZAHARA (P = .66).

CONCLUSIONS

CARPREG I and ZAHARA scores underestimate cardiac risk for lower risk pregnancies in these women. Of the three risk schemes, CARPREG I performed least well in predictive capacity. Clinical factors specific to the population studied are comparable to stratification schemes.

Comparing standard office-based follow-up with text-based remote monitoring in the management of postpartum hypertension: a randomised clinical trial

BACKGROUND

Monitoring blood pressure at 72 hours and 7-10 days post partum in women with hypertensive disorders is recommended to decrease morbidity. However, there are no recommendations as to how to achieve this.

OBJECTIVE

To compare the effectiveness of text-based blood pressure monitoring to in-person visits for women with hypertensive disorders of pregnancy in the immediate postpartum period.

METHODS

Randomised clinical trial among 206 postpartum women with pregnancy-related hypertension diagnosed during the delivery admission between August 2016 and January 2017. Women were randomised to 2 weeks of text-based surveillance using a home blood pressure cuff and previously tested automated platform or usual care blood pressure check at their prenatal clinic 4-6 days following discharge. The primary study outcome was a single recorded blood pressure in the first 10 days post partum. The ability to meet American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) guidelines, defined as having a blood pressure recorded on postpartum days 3-4 and 7-10 was evaluated in the text message group. The study was powered to detect a 1.4-fold increase in a single recorded blood pressure using text messaging. All outcomes were analysed as intention to treat.

RESULTS

206 women were randomised (103 in each arm). Baseline characteristics were similar. There was a statistically significant increase in a single blood pressure obtained in the texting group in the first 10 days post partum as compared with the office group (92.2% vs 43.7%; adjusted OR 58.2 (16.2-208.1), p<0.001). Eighty-four per cent of patients undergoing text-based surveillance met ACOG criteria for blood pressures at both recommended points.

CONCLUSIONS

Text-based monitoring is more effective in obtaining blood pressures and meeting current clinical guidelines in the immediate postdischarge period in women with pregnancy-related hypertension compared with traditional office-based follow-up.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

NCT03185455, Remote Surveillance of Postpartum Hypertension (TextBP), https://clinicaltrials.gov.

Coronary artery vasospasm induced acute myocardial infarction in pregnancy: a new case and systematic review of the literature

Background

Acute myocardial infarction (AMI) in pregnancy is a rare event and of the causes, coronary artery vasospasm (CAV) is considered even more uncommon.

Purpose

We present a new case report of a woman at 32 weeks of pregnancy with an AMI from CAV with a normal coronary angiogram. We performed a systematic review of similar cases of spontaneous AMI related to CAV to better understand its characteristics and management. AMI was defined as elevated cardiac enzymes (troponin or CKMB) with chest pain and/or electrocardiogram (EKG) changes consistent with ischemia.

Methods

We use the terms “acute myocardial infarction”, “myocardial infarction”, “coronary artery vasospasm” and “pregnancy” for our PubMed review. We also evaluated all references in identified manuscripts. Six cases of AMI in pregnancy due to CAV have been reported as of November 2016, including ours.

Results and conclusion

Six cases of AMI due to CAV during pregnancy or postpartum are reported in the literature, including ours. Patients experiencing this condition tend to be of advanced maternal age, multigravida and in their third trimester or postpartum. Successful management with a combination of long acting nitrates and/or calcium channel blockers achieved symptomatic control in all published cases. Obstetric outcomes were mostly normal, with the majority experiencing uncomplicated deliveries at term.

Epidemiology of maternal morbidity and mortality

Maternal morbidity and mortality remains a significant health care concern in the United States, as the rates continue to rise despite efforts to improve maternal health. In 2013, the United States ranked 60th in maternal mortality worldwide. We review the definitions, rates, trends, and top causes of severe maternal morbidity and mortality, as well as risk factors for adverse maternal outcomes. We describe current local and national initiatives in place to reduce maternal morbidity and mortality and offer suggestions for future research.

Early Definitive Closure of the Open Abdomen: A Quiet Revolution

Contrary to the management strategy recommended only 2-3 years ago, temporarily covering the open abdomen with an absorbable mesh or a plastic sheath without preserving the peritoneal space is no longer considered in the patient's best interest. The use of the vacuum pack, in conjunction with vacuum-assisted wound management and new biological prostheses now offer patients with an open abdomen a better and simpler alternative to the giant "planned ventral hernia". With very few exceptions in the most critically ill patients, the survivors of damage control surgery or infected pancreatic necrosis should not be sent home with a huge defect only to undergo a complex reconstruction a year later. Simpler and better alternatives exist. The new concepts and technologies presented in this review, when widely adopted, will rapidly translate into safer and better management of the patient with an open abdomen.

Clinical factors associated with readmission for postpartum hypertension in women with pregnancy-related hypertension: a nested case control study

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the association between mode of delivery and length of labor on readmission for postpartum hypertension in women with pregnancy-related hypertension.

STUDY DESIGN

Nested case control study within a cohort of 99 women with pregnancy-related hypertension who delivered at our institution between 2005 and 2009. Data were abstracted for clinical and labor information. Mode of delivery and length of labor were compared between women with previously diagnosed pregnancy-related hypertension readmitted within 4 weeks post partum (25 cases) and those not readmitted (74 controls). Categorical and continuous variables were compared using χ(2) and T-tests, respectively. Multivariable logistic regression controlled for confounders.

RESULT

Hypertension readmission was not associated with mode of delivery (cases: 10(40%) spontaneous vaginal delivery, 15(60%) cesarean delivery; controls: 38(51%) spontaneous vaginal delivery, 36(49%) cesarean delivery, P=0.33). Length of labor appeared longer in cases, with a trend toward significance (median: 15.5 [7,28] h vs 10.75 [5.8,15.9] h, P=0.12) and was significantly associated with readmission after controlling for delivery mode, induction and parity (adjusted odds ratio=1.06 [1 to 1.12], P=0.048). Readmitted patients were less likely to have initially been started on antihypertensive medications after controlling for age, race and chronic hypertension (adjusted odds ratio=0.23 [0.06 to 0.88], P=0.03).

CONCLUSION

Postpartum readmission for hypertension in women with known pregnancy-related hypertension is not associated with mode of delivery, appears increased in those with longer length of labor and decreased in those initially started on antihypertensive medications. This provides targets for future research to continue to improve transitions of care and reduce preventable readmissions.

Programmed cell removal biomarkers calreticulin and CD47 implicated in oral lichen planus

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the expression of the programmed cell removal markers, calreticulin (CRT) and CD47, known to be involved in various autoimmune diseases, in patients with oral lichen planus (OLP), and to investigate the association with clinical behavior.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Biopsies of 78 patients with OLP were included. The clinical data were collected from patients' charts. The expression of CRT and CD47 was immunomorphometrically analyzed in the epithelial (CRTep, CD47ep) and inflammatory cells (CRTinf, CD47inf), and the results were correlated with the clinical presentation.

RESULTS

The epithelial and inflammatory cells expressed CRT (2.83 ± 6.62 and 5.13 ± 3.72) and CD47 (7.92 ± 4.6 and 10.7 ± 7.16). The expressions of CD47ep and CD47inf were associated (R = 0.64, P < 0.0005) with one another. The expressions of CRTinf and CD47ep were higher in atrophic erosive forms (A/ELP) than in the keratotic form of patients with OLP (6.46 ± 0.76 and 9.38 ± 0.87 vs 4.2 ± 0.61 and 6.84 ± 0.91, respectively, P = 0.002 and P = 0.021). The expression of CRTep was associated with more localized lesions (P < 0.009) and more abundant in males (P = 0.049), and the expression of CRTinf was associated with the presence of skin lesions and symptoms (P < 0.034 and P = 0.047, respectively). Only in A/ELP patients, the expression of CRTep was associated with high expression of CD47ep (R = 0.6, P = 0.004), where both CD47ep and CD47inf were associated with lower age of the patients (R = -0.48, P = 0.03 and R = -0.54, P = 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

The pattern of expression of CRT and CD47 in OLP suggests a general programmed cell removal response in OLP. Symptomatic patients may benefit from CRT/CD47 targeted therapy in the future.

Does stage of labor at time of cesarean delivery affect risk of subsequent preterm birth?

OBJECTIVE

The effect of a cesarean delivery in different stages of labor on spontaneous preterm birth (sPTB) in a subsequent pregnancy has not been studied extensively. The objective of the study was to evaluate the risk of subsequent sPTB after a first-stage or second-stage cesarean delivery compared with a vaginal delivery.

STUDY DESIGN

This was a planned secondary analysis of a large retrospective cohort study of women with 2 consecutive deliveries from 2005-2010. Women with a previous sPTB were excluded. First-stage (<10 cm) and second-stage (≥10 cm) cesarean deliveries were compared with vaginal deliveries. Data were obtained through chart abstraction. The primary outcome was sPTB (<37 wk) in a subsequent pregnancy. Categoric variables were compared with the use of χ(2) analyses, and logistic regression was used to calculate odds and control for confounders.

RESULTS

Eight hundred eighty-seven women were included (721 vaginal deliveries; 129 first-stage and 37 second-stage cesarean deliveries). The sPTB rate varied between groups (7.8%, 2.3%, and 13.5%, respectively; P = .03). When compared with women with a vaginal delivery, women with a first-stage cesarean delivery had a decreased risk of sPTB, which remained after adjustment for confounders (adjusted odds ratio, 0.30; 95% confidence interval, 0.09-0.99; P = .049). There was a nonsignificant increase in odds of sPTB after a second-stage cesarean delivery compared with a vaginal delivery (adjusted odds ratio, 2.4; 95% confidence interval, 0.77-7.43; P = .13). Women with a second-stage cesarean delivery had a 6-fold higher odds of sPTB compared with women with a first-stage cesarean delivery, which remained after adjustment for confounders (adjusted odds ratio, 5.8; 95% confidence interval, 1.08-30.8; P = .04).

CONCLUSION

Women with a full-term second-stage cesarean delivery have a significantly higher than expected rate of subsequent sPTB (13.5%) compared with both the overall national sPTB rate (7-8%) and to a first-stage cesarean delivery (2.3%). As the cesarean delivery rate continues to rise, this potential impact on pregnancy outcomes cannot be ignored.

Labor length among overweight and obese women undergoing induction of labor

OBJECTIVE

Maternal weight is thought to impact labor. With rising rates of obesity and inductions, we sought to evaluate labor times among induced women by body mass index (BMI) category.

METHODS

Retrospective cohort study of term inductions from 2005 to 2010. BMI categories were: normal weight (NW), overweight (OW), and obese (Ob) (18.5-24.9, 25-29.9, ≥30 kg/m(2)). Kruskal-Wallis tests compared median latent labor (LL) length and active labor (AL) length. Chi-square determined associations. Multivariable logistic regression controlled for confounders. Analyses were stratified by parity.

RESULTS

A total of 448 inductions were analyzed. For nulliparas, there was no difference in LL by BMI category (p = 0.22). However, OW nulliparas had a longer AL compared to NW and Ob nulliparas (3.2, 1.7, 2.0 h, p = 0.005). For multiparas, NW had the shortest LL (5.5 h, p = 0.025) with no difference in AL among BMI categories (p = 0.42). The overall cesarean rate was 23% with no difference by BMI category (p = 0.95). However, Ob women had a greater percentage of first stage cesareans (41%) and NW had a greater percentage of second stage cesareans (55%), p = 0.06.

CONCLUSION

The association between BMI and labor length among inductions differs by phase of labor and parity. BMI also influences the stage of labor in which a cesarean occurs.

Diffusion Reflection: A Novel Method for Detection of Oral Cancer

Intraoperative detection of residual disease in oral cancer may reduce the high rate of recurrences. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the detection sensitivity of diffusion reflection (DR) measurements of bioconjugated gold nanorods (GNRs) to cancerous sites in a rat model of oral squamous cell carcinoma. We used hyperspectral spectroscopy and DR measurements of GNRs bioconjugated to slide specimens of rat tongues where squamous carcinoma was induced by 4NQO (4-nitroquinoline-N-oxide). Wistar-derived male rats were used: 6 were sacrificed at wk 32 to 37 following 4NQO administration (experimental rats), as were 2 control rats at wk 32 and 36. The detection results were compared with histopathology: 19 sites of cancerous changes were identified microscopically (11 invasive cancer and 8 carcinoma in situ [CIS]). The GNRs attached selectively to areas of carcinomatous changes with an intensity exceeding 17 intensity units at 780 nm (overall specificity, 97%; overall sensitivity, 87%) when the hyperspectral spectroscopy system was used. The resulting DR slopes of the reflected intensity showed an increase of >80% in areas of invasive cancer and an increase of >30% in the CIS sites. The resulting intensity units of the hyperspectral spectroscopy system in the invasive cancer significantly exceed those of the CIS (t test, p = .0002; Mann-Whitney, p = .0024). The results demonstrate a great potential of the direct DR scanning as a new and simple tool for detecting residual disease intraoperatively.

Term induction of labor and subsequent preterm birth

OBJECTIVE

Although the rate of inductions continues to rise, there is a paucity of data investigating subsequent pregnancy outcomes after induction. Our objective was to compare term inductions with term spontaneous labor and evaluate the rate of subsequent spontaneous preterm birth (sPTB).

STUDY DESIGN

A retrospective cohort study of women with 2 consecutive deliveries from 2005 through 2010 was performed. Term inductions or term spontaneous labor in the index pregnancy was included, and those with a prior sPTB were excluded. Data were obtained through chart abstraction. The primary outcome was sPTB (<37 weeks) in a subsequent pregnancy. Categorical variables were compared with χ(2) analyses, and logistic regression was used to calculate odds.

RESULTS

Eight hundred eighty-seven women were included (622 inductions, 265 spontaneous labor). The overall subsequent sPTB rate was 7.2%. Term inductions were less likely to have a subsequent sPTB compared with term spontaneous labor (6% vs 11%; odds ratio [OR], 0.49; 95% confidence interval, 0.29-0.81; P = .005). This remained after adjusting for confounders (adjusted OR, 0.55; P = .04). The sPTB risk depended on gestational age of index delivery. At 37-38.9 weeks, the sPTB rate after spontaneous labor was 24% vs 9% after induction (OR, 3.0; 95% confidence interval, 1.44-6.16; P = .003). This was not significant for 39-39.9 weeks (P = .2) or 40 weeks or longer (P = .8).

CONCLUSION

Induction is not a risk factor for subsequent sPTB. Spontaneous labor, however, in the early term period is associated with subsequent sPTB. Further investigation among early term deliveries is warranted to evaluate the risk of sPTB and target interventions in this cohort.

A random protein-creatinine ratio accurately predicts baseline proteinuria in early pregnancy

OBJECTIVE

Data surrounding the use of a random urine protein:creatinine ratio (PCR) in the diagnosis of preeclampsia is conflicting. We sought to determine whether PCR in early pregnancy can replace the 24-hour urine collection as the primary screening test in patients at risk for baseline proteinuria.

METHODS

Women requiring a baseline evaluation for proteinuria supplied a urine sample the morning after their 24-hour collection. The PCR was analyzed as a predictor of significant proteinuria (≥150 mg). A regression equation to estimate the 24-hour protein value from the PCR was then developed.

RESULTS

Sixty of 135 subjects enrolled completed the study. The median 24-hour urine protein and PCR were 90 mg (IQR: 50-145) and 0.063 (IQR: 0.039-0.083), respectively. Fifteen patients (25%) had significant proteinuria. PCR was strongly correlated with the 24-hour protein value (r = 0.99, p < 0.001) and highly predictive of significant proteinuria (AUC = 0.86). A PCR cut-point of 0.079 yielded a sensitivity of 93.3% and a specificity of 57.8%. The resulting regression equation [total protein = 46.5 + 904.2*PCR] accurately estimates the actual 24-hour protein (95% CI: ±88 mg).

CONCLUSION

A random urine PCR accurately estimates the 24-hour protein excretion in the first half of pregnancy and can be used as the primary screening test for baseline proteinuria in at-risk patients.

Term induction of labor and risk of cesarean delivery by parity

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the risk of cesarean delivery among both nulliparous and multiparous women undergoing a term induction of labor compared to women that present in spontaneous labor at term.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective cohort study of term (≥37 weeks) singleton pregnancies between 2005 and 2010 comparing women that had an induction to those that presented in spontaneous labor. Multiparity was defined as a prior delivery after 20 weeks' gestation. Chi-square was used to compare categorical variables. Multivariable logistic regression was used to control for confounders. Analyses were stratified by parity.

RESULTS

863 women were included in the analysis. There were 605 inductions (cesarean rate 23%) and 257 spontaneous labor (cesarean rate 7%), OR 3.4, 95% CI [2.1-5.4]. Stratified by parity, nulliparas undergoing induction had an increased cesarean rate compared to spontaneous labor (27% versus 11%, OR 3.13, 95% CI [1.76-5.57]) as did multiparas (13% versus 3%, OR 4.04, 95% CI [1.36-11.94]). This increased risk for cesarean after induction remained in both nulliparous and multiparous women even after controlling for confounders (aOR 2.90, 95% CI [1.60-5.25] and aOR 3.47, 95% CI [1.12-10.67], respectively). Neither starting cervical exam nor indication for induction altered this increased risk.

CONCLUSIONS

The increased risk of cesarean in women undergoing an induction is present regardless of parity and indication for induction. This should be taken into account when counseling women regarding risks of induction, regardless of parity. Future studies should focus on other clinical characteristics of induction that may mitigate this risk.

HIF-1α, VEGF, and EGFR: contributing factors in the pathogenesis of necrotizing sialometaplasia

OBJECTIVES

Necrotizing sialometaplasia (NS) is an uncommon reactive lesion involving the minor salivary glands. This study aimed to investigate the expression of hypoxia-inducible factor alpha (HIF-1α), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and epithelial growth factor receptor (EGFR) in the pathogenesis of NS.

METHODS

Paraffin-embedded tissue sections from 10 cases of NS were immunohistochemically stained for HIF-1α, VEGF, and EGFR. A semiquantitative morphometric analysis was performed and compared with normal palatal salivary glands and traumatic ulcerations.

RESULTS

Hypoxia-inducible factor alpha staining was observed in most elements of the affected area, the acini and ducts of the involved salivary glands as well as in the inflammatory infiltrate, the endothelial cells, and stromal cells. HIF-1α was almost absent in the control glands (P < 0.0001). VEGF staining was positive in the stromal capillaries and in the inflammatory infiltrate. The expression was higher in cases of NS compared with the normal salivary glands (P < 0.001). EGFR was expressed in the surface epithelium, the pseudo-epitheliomatous hyperplasia, and the islands of squamous metaplasia. VEGF expression in traumatic ulcerations was lower than that in cases of NS.

CONCLUSION

This study provides molecular evidence to the role of hypoxia in NS; HIF-1α, the main regulator of hypoxia, was expressed in the infarcted salivary glands, EGFR in the metaplastic epithelium and VEGF in the stromal capillaries, all three components are the key factors induced by hypoxia.

Chromosomal Numerical Aberrations in Oral Lichen Planus

The malignant potential of oral lichen planus (OLP) has been a matter of serious controversy. We aimed to detect chromosomal numerical aberrations in cells of brush samples collected from affected mucosa. The samples were simultaneously analyzed for morphology and fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) with chromosomes 2 and 8 centromeric probes. We analyzed 57 persons with OLP and 33 control individuals. A cut-off value of aneuploid cells was determined as 1.1%. Aneuploid cells were found in 16 persons with OLP (28.1%); in 10 individuals (17.5%), over 5% of the cells were aneuploid. Aneuploid cells were also detected in normal-looking mucosa of seven persons with OLP. One person with OLP developed squamous cell carcinoma; 10% of the cells examined were aneuploid. OLP carries an increased risk for chromosomal instability. Identifying aneuploid cells in a brush sample and the combined morphological and FISH analysis can increase the specificity in predicting the malignant potential of OLP.

Glandular odontogenic cyst: a challenge in diagnosis and treatment

The present review analyzes the accumulated data from all cases of glandular odontogenic cyst (GOC) reported in the English language literature. In the 20 years since it was first described, 111 cases have been reported, an incidence of 0.2% of odontogenic cysts. The age range is 14-75, mean 45.7, with a M/F ratio of 1.3:1. GOC has a predilection for the mandible (70%), affecting both anterior and posterior areas. It is typically radiolucent, well defined, either unilocular (53.8%) or multilocular (46.2%). Frequent perforation (61%) and of thinning of cortical plates (24.4%) indicate aggressiveness. Sufficient follow-up indicates that 30% of cases can recur. Treatment by enucleation or curettage carries the highest risk for recurrence, especially in large and multilocular lesions. Peripheral osteoectomy or marginal resection can eliminate the risk. Defined criteria for microscopic diagnosis are described, which in addition to Ki67 and p53 can help in differentiating GOC from lesions with histological similarities (cysts with mucous metaplasia, botryoid and surgical ciliated cysts, low-grade mucoepidermoid carcinoma). Definite diagnosis may not be possible in small incisional biopsies due to the focal presentation of characteristic features required for diagnosis. There is now evidence to support an odontogenic rather than a sialogenic origin.

Prevalence, diameter and course of the maxillary intraosseous vascular canal with relation to sinus augmentation procedure: a radiographic study

The aim of the study was to characterize the prevalence, diameter and course of intraosseous anastomosis between the posterior superior alveolar artery and the infraorbital artery (bony canal) involved in the sinus floor augmentation procedure. Data from 208 sinuses were analyzed from reconstructed computed tomography (CT) images. The presence of the intraosseous anastomosis in the lateral antral wall was detected using sagittal plane sections, in addition, the intraosseous course and the diameter of the bony canal were examined. The bony canal was identified in 114 (55%) of the 208 maxillary sinuses, with a mean distance of 16.9 mm from the alveolar ridge. From the examined canals, in 7% the diameter was 2-3 mm wide, in 22% 1-2 mm and in 26% it was less than 1 mm wide. Because only in 50% of cases the vessel was large enough to be detected by a CT scan, it is recommended, to place the superior border of the osteotomy up to 15 mm from the alveolar crest in A to C type ridges to avoid penetration of the artery.