Obstetrics and Gynecology Commons^™

The Effect Of Elevated Blood Pressure And Stage One Hypertension On Perinatal Outcomes In Appalachian Gravidas: A Retrospective Cohort Study, Caroline Briggs, Austin L. Loop, Grace E. Montgomery, David G. Chaffin, Jesse Cottrell

Marshall Journal of Medicine

Introduction:  There is literature in the obstetric population that suggests any degree of hypertension (blood pressures greater than or equal to 120 systolic or 80 diastolic) can lead to adverse maternal and fetal outcomes.  We sought to determine if pregnant patients in our Appalachian population with elevated blood pressure or stage 1 hypertension have an increased risk of gestational hypertension and preeclampsia.

Methods:  A retrospective chart review was performed on patients who received obstetric care with the Marshall University OB/GYN department and delivered at Cabell Huntington Hospital.  Delivery outcomes were obtained for 233 deliveries from March 30, 2020 to September …

Disruption Of The Placenta–Brain Axis In Transgenic Mice Lacking Serotonin Transporter (Sert) In Trophoblast Cells, David T. Ellenberger, Zhen Lyu, Rosalind T. B. Herrington, Jessica A. Kinkade, Gustavo W. Leone, Ji Ying Sze, Nathan J. Bivens, R. Frank Baker, R. Michael Roberts, Trupti Joshi, Cheryl S. Rosenfeld

Biomedical Sciences

Serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are commonly prescribed to pregnant women experiencing depression. Such drugs, however, might adversely affect placenta and fetal brain development. Parietal trophoblast giant cells (pTGCs) in the mouse placenta are postulated to internalize maternal serotonin (5-HT) via transport through SERT, encoded by Slc6a4, and to provide the initial source of 5-HT to the emerging brain via the placental–brain axis. Genetic deletion of Slc6a4 in pTGCs has been hypothesized to impact placental and fetal brain development. A transgenic mouse line with high-affinity SERT, encoded by Slc6a4, was selectively deleted by pairing mice with Cre recombinase linked …

Do Patients Who Receive Dexmedetomidine As An Adjunct To Spinal Anesthesia For Cesarean Delivery Achieve Longer Block Duration Compared To Those Who Receive Spinal Anesthesia With Local Anesthetic Alone?, Liana S. Garrison

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Problem Statement: Cesarean delivery is associated with significant postoperative pain, typically managed with spinal anesthesia using a local anesthetic. While opioids are often added as adjuncts, the addition of dexmedetomidine, an alpha-2 agonist, has emerged as a potential alternative that may enhance the efficacy of the spinal block in terms of pain management, potentially improving block duration and quality compared to local anesthetic alone.

Methodology: A literature review was conducted on the use of dexmedetomidine as an adjunct to spinal anesthesia for patients undergoing cesarean sections. Databases used for the search included PubMed, CINAHL Complete, and MEDLINE. The keywords used …

Ogilvie's Syndrome: Acute Colonic Pseudoobstruction. A Review For Residents., Tyler Bayliss, Caleb Clark, Errington C. Thompson

Marshall Journal of Medicine

Ogilvie's syndrome (acute colonic pseudoobstruction) was first described in 1948. Acute colonic pseudoobstruction can occur in a variety of clinical settings, including postsurgical, obstetrics, pelvic surgery, critical care and sepsis. Clinicians need to recognize the syndrome early. Colonic distention without evidence of obstruction can be seen on plain films of the abdomen or CT scan. Successful therapies, including bowel rest, neostigmine and colonoscopic decompression, have been used. Avoiding respiratory compromise from abdominal distention and colonic perforation of the primary goals of treatment. Surgical intervention should be reserved for patients who are refractory to medical treatment or develops signs and symptoms …

Bridging The Gap: Evaluating The Impact Of Buprenorphine-Based Prenatal Care On Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome And Maternal Health, Whitney-Lanae Crofcheck-Glenn, Jennifer Nethercutt

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Introduction: Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS), now known as Neonatal Opioid Withdrawal Syndrome (NOWS) by government authorities, is a severe postnatal withdrawal condition caused by opioid exposure during pregnancy. NAS is diagnosed every 25 minutes in the United States. Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) with buprenorphine was used to treat opioid use disorder (OUD) and NAS. The MOTHER trial found that utilizing buprenorphine to treat mother OUD during pregnancy led to significant decreases in LOS and length of therapy.

Purpose of the Study: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of a prenatal care program that integrates buprenorphine-based Medication-Assisted Treatment …

Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome: An Update On The Cost And Length Of Stay Associated With Treatment During The Hospital Stay, Kimberly Stanfield, Kylie Day, Sarah M. Clemente, Alberto Coustasse

Management Faculty Research

Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS) has been costly for the healthcare system; every 19 minutes, a newborn was diagnosed in 2021. Medically Assisted Treatment (MAT)) for expecting mothers has been shown to decrease costs and length of stay for newborns NAS. This study utilized a literature review and a semi-structured interview. The research showed that medically assisted treatment with methadone or buprenorphine during pregnancy decreased costs, LOS, and severity of symptoms for newborns diagnosed with NAS. The findings showed a positive association between lower costs for the initial stay of infants whose mothers received MAT. MAT during pregnancy has been shown …

Contraception Choice And Compliance Among Mothers With Opioid Addiction: Identifying Barriers To Care, Robert C. Bowers, Catherine Waldron, Jennie Yoost, Hayley Weese, Amy Roy

Marshall Journal of Medicine

Introduction

West Virginia leads the nation in substance abuse deaths per capita. This epidemic has given rise to a novel population of high-risk, obstetric patients with opiate abuse. Appropriate education, counseling, and implementation of contraception are of extreme importance among this population, due to the risks of unintended pregnancy.

Methods

This study was a retrospective chart review to determine compliance and uptake of contraceptive methods by patients in a maternal buprenorphine maintenance program prior to and following implementation of standardized contraception education and Medicaid coverage of immediate postpartum long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARC). Rates of planned contraception and rates of actual …

Beyond The Skin: A Case Report Of Vaginal Melanoma, Brittany Gilbert, Wm Tanner Gilbert, Ardeshir Hakam, Lynne J. Goebel

Marshall Journal of Medicine

Mucosal melanomas are rare, accounting for only 1.4% of all melanomas. Only 18% of mucosal melanomas are vulvovaginal in origin, making it exceedingly rare. Mucosal melanomas typically carry a worse prognosis than those arising from cutaneous sites with a higher risk of recurrence and disseminated disease. We report a rare case of vaginal melanoma presenting as postmenopausal bleeding and discuss management of this disease.

Postpartum Opioid Use Following Vaginal Deliveries With No Or Minor Obstetric Perineal Lacerations, Samantha Richardson, Todd W. Gress, Amanda Pauley, David C. Jude

Marshall Journal of Medicine

Introduction

Recommendations for management of pain following vaginal delivery are not specific and do not differentiate patients based on the degree of perineal trauma. Our objective is to describe patterns of postpartum opioid use in women with no or minor perineal trauma.

Methods

This is a retrospective cohort study describing the characteristics of opioid analgesia usage among women with no or minor perineal lacerations at the time of vaginal delivery in a university affiliated regional hospital.

Results

For the 6-month study period, 433 patients were eligible for inclusion. Of these, 423 (97.69%) were ordered as needed narcotics during their post-partum …

Reducing Overtreatment Of Urinalysis In Obstetric Triage Patients, Emelia Winston, Rachel Marteney, Erin Casey, Kevin Conway

Marshall Journal of Medicine

Introduction

Overtreatment of asymptomatic bacteriuria (ASB) is a major issue that has been coming to the forefront in recent decades. Studies have shown that it can lead to adverse side effects, extra costs, and antimicrobial resistance. The purpose of this study was to determine the number of patients presenting to obstetric triage who were overtreated for a urinalysis (UA) and to see if an educational intervention could reduce the incidence of overtreatment for suspected ASB.

Methods

This was a retrospective chart review analyzing UA results and outcomes of OB triage patients that came through labor and delivery before and after …

Case Report On Leiomyosarcoma Of The Vulva: A Rare Pathology, Samantha A. Smith, Nadim Bou Zgheib, Andrea M. Vallejos, Jonathan D. Cuda

Marshall Journal of Medicine

Leiomyosarcoma (LMS) of the vulva is rare. However it is the most common histologic subtype of vulvar sarcoma, accounting for approximately 1% of all vulvar malignancies. ^[1-8] Whether genetics and epigenetics play a role in pathogenesis is unclear. ^[1] The tumor is slow-growing with non-specific symptoms, has high metastatic potential, and follows a bimodal age distribution. ^[1-8] Diagnosis and prognosis are based upon immunohistochemical expression and criteria from early literature. ^[1,3,5-7] The most common therapeutic approach involves radical vulvectomy with lymph node resection. The value of adjuvant chemotherapy and radiation remains unknown. ^[1,3,5-8] Our case describes a 46-year-old Caucasian G2P2 …

Availability Of Long Acting Reversible Contraceptives For Adolescents In Urban Vs Rural West Virginia Counties, Brooke Andrews, Cameron Ross, Jennie L. Yoost

Marshall Journal of Medicine

The study objective was to evaluate long acting reversible contraceptive (LARC) method availability and access for adolescents in rural and urban counties in West Virginia (WV). A cross-sectional survey of Title X family planning providers throughout WV was conducted from January 2016-July 2017. This survey was sent to 226 family planning providers in WV to assess patterns of LARC availability. The survey assessed provider training level, LARC services provided and frequency, clinical practice, referral patterns, and comfort level providing adolescent LARC services. Survey results were analyzed by providers’ rural vs urban status, based on US census county codes. Survey responses …

Reducing Postoperative Opioids After Minimally Invasive Hysterectomy With Enhanced Recovery, Kevin D. White, Shirin Azadi, Amanda Pauley, Dr. Brenda L Mitchell,, Nadim Bou Zgheib

Marshall Journal of Medicine

I

Introduction:

We evaluated the efficacy of various strategies utilized for the control of postoperative pain after minimally invasive hysterectomy. The primary enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocol of interest utilized premedication (acetaminophen, celecoxib and pregabalin), then intraoperative subcutaneous liposomal bupivacaine followed by scheduled oral acetaminophen and ibuprofen postoperatively. Patients also had tramadol and oxycodone as needed for moderate or severe breakthrough pain, respectively.

Materials and Methods:

We conducted a retrospective cohort study that included all patients who underwent minimally invasive hysterectomy (total laparoscopic hysterectomy and laparoscopic-assisted vaginal hysterectomy) for both benign and oncologic indications over a 2-year period. We …

Failure Of Effective Contraception In Opioid Addicted Mothers: A Disparity In Planned And Actual Usage, Robert C. Bowers, Makenzie Hatfield Kresch, Amy Roy, Danielle Lancaster, Jennie L. Yoost

Marshall Journal of Medicine

The ongoing opioid epidemic in West Virginia has given rise to a unique population of opioid-addicted obstetric patients. Appropriate education, counseling, and implementation of contraception is of extreme importance among this high risk patient population. This study was a retrospective chart review aimed at evaluating contraception choice and initiation rates among patients enrolled in a maternal buprenorphine maintenance program compared to non-opioid addicted patients. Rates of planned contraception initiation were compared between the two groups. Rates of actual contraception initiation were also compared. Contraceptive choices were then placed into one of three tiers based on efficacy, and rates of initiation …

Nadolol In Pregnancy: A Medical Student’S Reflection On Her Pregnancy, Rebecca King-Mallory, Shawndra Barker, Kaitlin Mcgrogan, Adam M. Franks

Marshall Journal of Medicine

Hypertension is a common concern during pregnancy. Beta-blockers are one potential treatment, but third trimester exposure has correlated with an increased risk of perinatal events. Nadolol, a nonselective beta blocker, has properties that differ from those of its selective counterparts, including longer half-life, decreased protein binding, and renal excretion in the unchanged form. There is very limited data on the use of nadolol during pregnancy, and its safety has not been completely evaluated. This case study documents the perinatal outcomes of nadolol use throughout a medical student’s pregnancy and explores the experience in obtaining and undergoing medical care.

Improving Postoperative Pain Control After Cesarean Delivery With Enhanced Recovery In Patients On Buprenorphine Therapy, Kevin D. White, Shirin Azadi, Nadim Bou Zgheib, Brenda L. Mitchell

Marshall Journal of Medicine

Abstract:

Introduction:

Prescription drug abuse presents a significant challenge to the management of post operative pain.Pain control amongst the opioid addicted patient can be especially challenging. We aimed to improve pain control after caesarian delivery with enhanced recovery in patients who are on buprenorphine medication-assisted therapy for the treatment of opioid addiction.

Materials and Methods:

We conducted a pilot study by implementing a protocol using liposomal bupivacaine injected at the time of cesarean delivery. Patients were then given 500mg acetaminophen every 4 hours, 800mg ibuprofen every 8 hours and 0.3mg IV buprenorphine every 6 hours as needed. The patients’ maintenance …

The Effect Of Hepatitis C On Maternal Bile Acid Level And The Fetal Left Ventricular Tei Index, Kelly Cummings, Jesse Cottrell, Songthip Ounpraseuth, Ryan Stone, David G. Chaffin, Everett Magann

Marshall Journal of Medicine

Hepatitis C (HCV) is a common form of liver disease encountered in pregnancy. The purpose of this study is to evaluate if hepatitis C is associated with elevated maternal serum bile acids and abnormal fetal cardiac function measured by the left ventricular Tei index in the absence of intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy. This is a prospective cohort study on pregnant women with hepatitis C seen through Marshall University’s high-risk obstetrics clinic from 2013 to 2014. Women with hepatitis C had a laboratory evaluation and an ultrasound on the fetus to calculate the left ventricular Tei index. Demographic information and delivery …

Reducing Postoperative Opioids After Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery With Multimodal Pain Control, Kevin D. White, William C. Wallace, Nadim Zgheib

Marshall Journal of Medicine

Introduction:

We evaluated the efficacy of a multimodal pain regimen that approaches pain control by utilizing different mechanisms of action. This novel protocol utilizing liposomal bupivacaine, acetaminophen, tramadol and oxycodone as needed in reducing the overall opioid use by patients after undergoing robotic-assisted total laparoscopic hysterectomy in an obese population that is heavily afflicted by the opioid epidemic.

Materials and Methods:

We conducted a retrospective study wherein a sample of 100 (50 multimodal group and 50 controls) were taken from 433 eligible cases conducted over a 1 year period. Patient medical records were evaluated for demographics, surgical characteristics, opioid type …

Contingency Management For Smoking Cessation In Pregnancy, Jacob Miller, Brady Reynolds, Courtney Crain, Hisham Keblawi, Lynne J. Goebel

Marshall Journal of Medicine

This pilot study examined the feasibility of applying Contingency Management (CM), where the woman receives financial compensation for abstinence from smoking. Eleven subjects were recruited from Marshall’s OB clinic for the program. CO levels were measured daily using online video recording. Quit rates were determined at the end of pregnancy. Birth outcomes were measured at delivery. 21 pregnant smokers from Marshall’s OB clinic were used as the control group. The results demonstrated a trend toward improved rates of smoking abstinence in CM participants as compared with the control group. Our study also showed a trend towards improved birth outcomes in …

Sheehan’S Syndrome: It Is Time To Become More Proactive In Identifying This Disease, Yara E. Tovar, Waseem Ahmed, Madhulika Urella, Ayman H. Elkadry, Rodhan A. Khthir

Marshall Journal of Medicine

Sheehan’s syndrome typically occurs as a result of ischemic pituitary necrosis due to severe postpartum hemorrhage and can present with varying degrees of pituitary insufficiency. It is more common in underdeveloped countries, and is frequently diagnosed years after delivery due to its nonspecific signs and symptoms. Failure to lactate is a common initial symptom, while many women also report amenorrhea or oligomenorrhea. This article presents a 26-year-old female with a history of hypertension, who presented to the hospital for diarrhea, vomiting, and dizziness. Her blood pressure was 80/40 mmHg, requiring aggressive fluid resuscitation, after which it remained borderline. Further testing …

The Impact Of Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome: The View From A Rural Kentucky Hospital, Sydni Fazenbaker Crowell, Allison M. Crump-Rogers, William Crump, Leann Langston

Marshall Journal of Medicine

Abstract

Introduction

Cases of neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) increased 3-fold in the United States from 2000 to 2009, with some indication that the problem may be worse in rural areas. The purpose of our study was to report the incidence of NAS in a small rural community with a regional referral hospital and describe aspects of these infants’ NICU stay.

Methods

Using maternal prenatal positive urine drug screens (UDS) as our initial focus, deliveries at 35 weeks or beyond between March 2015 and May 2016 were included. NAS severity score, length of NICU stay, and hospital charges for each infant …

Case Report: An Undiagnosed Bladder Diverticulum Resulting In Foley Catheter Perforation During Cesarean Section, A. Allison Roy, Nadim Bou Zgheib, Joseph Assaley

Marshall Journal of Medicine

A bladder diverticulum is diagnosed when herniated bladder mucosa forms an outpouching from the bladder. Bladder diverticula are uncommon and are significantly more common in males. The following case presents a patient with an undiagnosed bladder diverticulum which was incidentally perforated during foley catheter placement for a repeat cesarean section. The diagnosis can be difficult in those who are asymptomatic and lack risk factors, such as the following patient.

Hpv Vaccination Among Females With Mental And Physical Limitation, Melissa Rowe, Audra L. Pritt, Amanda J. Stratton, Jennie L. Yoost

Marshall Journal of Medicine

Introduction

Adolescent HPV vaccination rates lag behind other vaccinations, partly due to missed opportunities for vaccination and lack of provider recommendation. This study evaluated the rates of HPV vaccination among adolescents with physical and mental limitation and controls, and evaluated differences in parental knowledge and reasons for nonvaccination between groups.

Materials and Methods

A retrospective chart review was performed on female patients age 12-18 presenting to pediatric or gynecology clinics in 2012. Those subjects with a diagnosis of mental or physical limitation were classified as “affected”. HPV vaccination rates were compared between affected and control groups. Parents of affected subjects …

Self-Reported Tobacco Use And Correlation With Umbilical Cord Blood Cotinine Levels At Delivery Among Appalachian Gravidas, Jesse Cottrell, Brenda L. Mitchell, Pooja N. Sangani, D'Andrea S. Thomas, Monica A. Valentovic

Marshall Journal of Medicine

The detrimental effects of cigarette use during pregnancy are well documented. Studies have shown that cigarette smoking while pregnant is associated with multiple adverse outcomes including: pre-term birth, placental abruption, placenta previa, fetal growth restriction, stillbirth, increased rate of birth defects, and increased risk of sudden infant death syndrome. Cotinine is the primary metabolite of nicotine and allows for measurement of active as well as passive exposure. Cotinine freely cross the placental barrier and maternal concentrations are closely correlated with newborn plasma levels. The aim of this study was to compare maternally reported rates of tobacco use to fetal umbilical …

Velamentous Cord: A Dangerous Case Complicated By A Rural Population, Adam Franks, Md, Carolyn Curtis, Md, Shawndra Barker, Md

Marshall Journal of Medicine

A velamentous cord insertion occurs when the umbilical cord’s Wharton jelly fails to reach the placenta, due to early placental atrophy around the insertion site, leaving a segment of unprotected vessels running through the thin membranes of the amniotic sac. This area of weakness exposes a threat to the well-being of the fetus through acute hemorrhage and both acute and chronic restriction of nutrition. With advances in technology, resolution capabilities of ultrasounds allow for antenatal diagnosis, when previously this was impossible. With this knowledge, considerations for screening and management of this pathology are essential when dealing with a rural population …

Characterization Of Babies Discharged From Cabell Huntington Hospital During The Calendar Year 2005 With The Diagnoses Of Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome, F. Ross Baxter Md, Robert Nerhood Md, David Chaffin Md

Family and Community Health

Recent concern regarding the impact of maternal drug abuse on neonatal well-being was the impetus for this retrospective cohort study of newborns diagnosed with neonatal abstinence syndrome that were discharged from Cabell Huntington Hospital during the calendar year 2005. Medical records of the neonates and their mothers were analyzed for a variety of health related outcomes and healthcare cost. Forty-eight neonates were diagnosed with Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome in 2005, forty of which required NICU assistance. The average maternal age at delivery was 26; gravity was 3.1 and most were single, separated or divorced. The majority had poor or inconsistent prenatal …