Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Barriers In Health Care Leading To High Maternal Mortality Rates In Southern New Jersey, Katarina Rusinak Oms I, Muznah Khan, Ava Dinardo, Nayarith Lopez Oms Ii

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Maternal mortality remains a significant issue in New Jersey, particularly in the Southern counties where rates are alarmingly high. This study investigates barriers faced by mothers in these areas, utilizing data from state health departments, as well as the CDC. Findings reveal clear disparities in healthcare access and resources, exacerbated by high poverty and rural settings. Proposed interventions include educational posters and community workshops to empower expecting mothers and families. However, challenges such as low attendance and limited effectiveness of interventions underscore the need for comprehensive, sustainable solutions to tackle maternal mortality in Southern New Jersey.

Ketamine For Postpartum Depression: A Systematic Review, Jaylyn Thompson, David F. Lo, Alexis Foschini, Suvan Sundaresh, Don D. Shamilov

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

The purpose of this review is to explore perinatal ketamine’s potential for reducing postpartum depression after cesarean section. Articles reviewed from Pubmed, Cochrane, and Web of Science using specific search terms. 8 final papers were used for review after excluding duplicates and irrelevant titles and abstracts. Ketamine showed potential in reducing postpartum depression symptoms post C-section, although some studies reported no significant effects. All studies were randomized control trials. Ketamine may help prevent or lessen postpartum depression symptoms post C-section, but more research is needed to understand dosing and its casual relationship with PPD in this context.

Management Strategies For Traumatic Injuries In Pregnant Women: A Comprehensive Literature Review, Jaylyn D. Thompson, Jenna Zappetti, Clarence Julian Clark Ii

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Introduction: Traumatic injuries in pregnant women are the leading cause of non-obstetric death and affect 6% to 8% of all pregnancies. Therefore, it is imperative to maintain updated guidelines to construct a framework for the optimal management strategies for traumatic injuries in pregnant women, considering the perspectives of obstetrics/gynecology, emergency medicine, and orthopedics.

Methods: To conduct this study, research was done via a database search through the Rowan-Virtua School of Osteopathic Medicine’s research library. PubMed was the sole database used to review 8 peer-reviewed sources. Articles that were published within the last 10 years were chosen.

Results: Every woman with …

A Review Of Risk Factors, Adverse Outcomes, And Counseling Strategies Among Pregnant Individuals With Eating Disorders, Alexandra Fontaine, Emily Meale

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Background: Eating disorders (EDs) among women of childbearing age have become more prevalent on the global level. Identifying at-risk populations of women having EDs before, during, or after pregnancy is essential for clinicians to improve treatment and decrease the likelihood of negative maternal and/or fetal outcomes. Purpose: The purpose is to determine risk factors for women who have EDs throughout pregnancy, to identify negative pregnancy outcomes of women suffering from EDs, and to explore treatment and counseling options through the postpartum period. Methods: This literature review mainly utilizes sources from PubMed and the National Institute of Health databases. An expansive …

Impact Of Osteopathic Manipulative Therapy (Omt) On Morbidity In Pregnant Persons Aged 18-39, Jessica-Sophie Chang Horoschak

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Background: Rates of maternal morbidity and mortality in the United States continue to rise.1 Pregnant persons are more vulnerable to stress and morbidities associated with the physiological changes of pregnancy. Low back pain and posterior pelvic pain are of high incidence experienced in pregnant persons.2 Prevention strategies are necessary to improve maternal health outcomes in the United States. Some studies have shown that Osteopathic Manipulative Therapy (OMT) can be an effective treatment modality for pregnant patients experiencing somatic pain. These studies, however, are limited and of small sample size.

Purpose: To examine the current literature on the impact of OMT …

The Possible Relationship Of Adiponectin And Gestational Weight Gain During Different Stages Of Pregnancy Amongst Different Ethnic Groups, Jayshree Chauhan, Xinhua Chen

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Introduction: Gestational Weight Gain (GWG) is defined as weight gain between conception and birth. Adiponectin, a fat derived hormone, has an inverse relationship with weight gain. We investigated the relationship of maternal adiponectin concentration and GWG during different pregnancy stages among ethnic groups. Method: Serum adiponectin levels were measured at entry (week 16) and trimester three (week 28) in pregnant women (n = 1634, age 22.0±5.3, pre-pregnancy BMI 25.7±6.3) which included Hispanic (47%), African American (37%) and Caucasian (16%) women. GWG was measured at week 24, 28, 32, and delivery and was divided into inadequate, adequate, and excessive according to …

Opioid Usage In Pregnant Women, Sheron Mehak, Karen Krieg

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Women have a heightened sense of health during pregnancy, especially first pregnancies. They often pay closer attention to taking medications (both over the counter and prescribed). Some discontinue smoking and choose healthier diet choices. The question or hypothesis of this research is to examine if this heightened sense of health during pregnancy has any effect on the choice to use recreational drugs during pregnancy.

A Review Of The Effectiveness Of Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine At Alleviating Pregnancy-Related Pain, Alexandria Lomanno, Olivia Choi, Danielle Cooley

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Globally, more than a quarter of pregnant patients experience low back pain (LBP) during pregnancy with additional complaints of pelvic girdle pain (PGP) and other somatic dysfunctions. Though the standard of care for LBP in pregnancy is often analgesics, concerns about potential side effects that may cause lasting harm to the fetus may preclude pregnant patients from taking pain medications. Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine (OMM) is a nonpharmacologic treatment option that is routinely used for LBP in non-pregnant patients. Given the low risk of adverse effects, OMM may prove to be beneficial for pregnant patients suffering from LBP or PGP.

The Impact Of Exercise On Pregnant Women Aged 18-40 And Fetal Development, Jinisha Patwa

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

68% of those who performed minimum level exercise prior to pregnancy stopped completely during early pregnancy.

Women stop exercising during pregnancy due to worries about the impact it may have on the development of the fetus.

Starting moderate-intensity, weight-bearing exercise early in pregnancy increases placental growth rate and volume.

Exercise reduces the risks of excess gestational weight gain and high maternal body weight before pregnancy.

Physical exercise reduces the risk of gestational diabetes mellitus.

Case Report: Post-Partum Headache, Alaleh Ebrahimi

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Cerebral venous sinus thromboses are rare and occur in 5 people/1,000,000, more commonly in women that are pregnant at about 202/100,000 deliveries with an 11.63% mortality rate. It is believed that pregnancy being a hypercoagulable state is one of the main reasons that it is more common in pregnant and post-partum women. Common symptoms include sudden onset headache, blurry vision, focal neuro deficits, seizures and altered mental status.

Maternal Morbidity Outcomes In Idiopathic Moyamoya Syndrome In New York State, Hajere J. Gatollari Mph, Amelia K. Boehme Ph.D., E. Sander Connolly M.D., Alexander M. Friedman M.D., Mitchell S.V. Elkind M.D., Joshua Z. Willey M.D., Eliza C. Miller M.D.

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Background: Pregnancy is associated with an increased risk of stroke in young women. Idiopathic moyamoya syndrome (IMMS) is a rare condition characterized by progressive narrowing of large cerebral arteries resulting in flimsy collaterals prone to rupture or thrombosis. Data are limited on pregnancy outcomes in women with IMMS. We hypothesized that IMMS would be associated with increased pregnancy morbidity, including stroke.

Conclusion: Pregnancies within 1 year prior or any time after IMMS diagnosis did not have increased maternal morbidity compared to unexposed pregnancies after adjusting for age and clustering of women with multiple pregnancies. Prospective studies are needed to better …

Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine In Pregnancy, Xinhua Chen Md, Msce, Maria Nguyen Do, Sophia Vogiatzidakis Do

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Women experience physiologic and structural changes during pregnancy. Osteopathic manipulative medicine (OMM) involves the examination of the whole patient, including body, mind, and spirit. This involves treatment of any stresses placed on the body, including the structural changes in the maternal body. Clinical studies thus far on OMM in pregnancy have shown when used during pregnancy, it improves musculoskeletal pain such as low back pain, and may positively affect some labor and delivery outcomes. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of OMM during pregnancy in reducing the rate of cesarean section and several other labor and …