Obstetrics and Gynecology Commons^™

Cervical Assessment By Ultrasound For Preventing Preterm Delivery., Vincenzo Berghella, Jason K. Baxter Md, Mscp, Nancy W Hendrix

Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Faculty Papers

BACKGROUND: Measurement of cervical length (CL) by transvaginal ultrasound (TVU) is predictive of preterm birth (PTB). It is unclear if this screening test is effective for prevention of PTB.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the effectiveness of antenatal management based on transvaginal ultrasound of cervical length (TVU CL) screening for preventing PTB.

SEARCH METHODS: We searched the Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth Group's Trials Register (31 August 2012), reviewed the reference lists of all articles and contacted experts in the field for additional and ongoing trials.

SELECTION CRITERIA: Published and unpublished randomized controlled trials including pregnant women between the gestational ages of 14 …

Common Respiratory Issues In Ambulatory Obstetrics., Kelly M Orzechowski, Richard C Miller

Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Faculty Papers

This article reviews the diagnosis and management of the most common respiratory conditions complicating pregnancy--asthma and influenza. We also review strategies for smoking cessation in pregnancy as, in addition to exacerbating all other pulmonary conditions, smoking is the most modifiable risk factor for poor pregnancy outcome. Moreover, the obstetrician frequently encounters each of these conditions in the ambulatory setting. A thorough knowledge of the normal pregnancy-induced physiological respiratory changes combined with a comprehensive understanding of how to manage these conditions, will provide the obstetrician with the armamentarium needed to optimize health outcomes for mothers and their fetuses.

Progesterone And Preterm Birth Prevention: Translating Clinical Trials Data Into Clinical Practice, Vincenzo Berghella

Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Faculty Papers

OBJECTIVE:

We sought to provide evidence-based guidelines for using progestogens for the prevention of preterm birth (PTB).

METHODS:

Relevant documents, in particular randomized trials, were identified using PubMed (US National Library of Medicine, 1983 through February 2012) publications, written in English, which evaluate the effectiveness of progestogens for prevention of PTB. Progestogens evaluated were, in particular, vaginal progesterone and 17-alpha-hydroxy-progesterone caproate. Additionally, the Cochrane Library, organizational guidelines, and studies identified through review of the above were utilized to identify relevant articles. Data were evaluated according to population studied, with separate analyses for singleton vs multiple gestations, prior PTB, or short …

Identification Of A Mechanism For Increased Cardiovascular Risk Among Individuals With Low Vitamin D Concentrations., Peter F Schnatz, Matthew Nudy, David M O'Sullivan, Kelly Ethun, Susan E Appt, Thomas B Clarkson

Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Faculty Papers

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the plasma concentrations of vitamin D and its association with plasma lipid profiles.

METHODS: Plasma vitamin D3 and lipid concentrations were measured in 119 female cynomolgus monkeys (premenopausal, n = 49; ovariectomized, n = 70) consuming approximately 1,000 IU per day of vitamin D3. In a subset of the ovariectomized monkeys (n = 23), vitamin D3 was remeasured after 6 months. The concentrations of vitamin D3 were analyzed as a continuous variable and were divided at the median into high (≥48 ng/mL) versus low (<48 ng>/mL) groupings.

RESULTS: Among the 119 …

A Trial Of Simulated Breech Delivery Skills Retention For Ob/Gyn And Ed Residents, Cj Sultana, R. Hall

Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Faculty Papers

Conclusion:

A pilot study showed that simulation using video and high fidelity simulators can substitute for clinical experience for teaching breech delivery with retention of skills at one and three month intervals.

Relationship Between Maternal Methadone Dose At Delivery And Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome., Neil S., Seligman, Christopher V. Almario, Edward J. Hayes, Kevin C. Dysart, Vincenzo Berghella, Jason K. Baxter

Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Faculty Papers

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the relationship between maternal methadone dose and the incidence of neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS).

STUDY DESIGN: We performed a retrospective cohort study of pregnant women treated with methadone for opiate addiction who delivered live-born neonates between 1996 and 2006. Four dose groups, on the basis of total daily methadone dose, were compared (160 mg/d). The primary outcome was treatment for NAS. Symptoms of NAS were objectively measured with the Finnegan scoring system, and treatment was initiated for a score>24 during the prior 24 hours.

RESULTS: A total of 330 women treated with methadone and their 388 …

Body Mass Index And Cerclage Success, A. Suhag, Md, N. S. Seligman, Md, V. Berghella, Md

Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Faculty Papers

Conclusions:

Among women with a cerclage, pre-pregnancy BMI was not a significant predictor of SPTB <35 weeks.

There was a non-significant trend toward increased rates of SPTB at all gestational age cutoffs.

Morbidly obese women consistently had worse outcomes than obese and normal/overweight women.

Compared to normal/overweight, GA at delivery decreases by 1 week for obese and 2 weeks for morbidly obese women.

Duration Of Maternal Human Papilloma Virus Infection And Risk Of Spontaneous Preterm Birth, K. Soin, Ms, N. S. Seligman, Md, A. Nnoli, Md, K. Dysart, Md, J. K. Baxter, Md, Mscp

Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Faculty Papers

Conclusions:

Duration of HPV infection was not a significant risk factor for spontaneous PTB <37 weeks.

Cervical HPV DNA and HPV serology may further delineate the relationship between HPV infection and SPTB <37 weeks.

A larger sample size may be necessary to show a difference.

The 3.5x higher rate of fetal death > 23 weeks in our study (compared to fetal death > 20 weeks in the U.S.) needs further investigation.

The Use Of The Use Of Negative Pressure Wound Therapy In Vulvar Wounds, E. K. Ricci, Md, J. Brace, Phd, Crn, Bc, Cwocn, Aprn, N. G. Rosenblum, Md, Phd

Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Faculty Papers

Patients with severe HS or Necrotizing Fasciitis often require extensive surgical debridement.

Traditionally, these wounds have been closed using split-thickness skin grafts with or without the use of the VAC device.

Our case study demonstrates good outcomes using the VAC device alone to achieve complete closure when applied immediately following debridement with frequent VAC changes.

Recent Change In The Incidence Of Cervical Cerclage, Maria Bisulli, Md, Neil S. Seligman, Md, Komal Soin, Ms, Anju Suhag, Md, Vincenzo Berghella, Md

Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Faculty Papers

Conclusions:

More selective indications for cervical cerclage based on recent randomized studies were associated with decreased cerclage placement.

The decrease in incidence of history-indicated cerclage may be due to the fact that more women with prior PTB are being followed by transvaginal cervical length measurements.

The decrease in incidence of ultrasound-indicated cerclage may be due to the use of 17-hydroxy progesterone caproate in women with PTB.

The Development And Implementation Of A Curriculum Using Simulation To Teach Interns Basic Invasive Clinical Skills, C. Sultana, K. Berg, J. Kairys, J. Majdan, M. Vergare, D. Berg

Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Faculty Papers

The ACGME requires that all residents are competent in performing basic invasive clinical procedures. Although simulation models have been used in other programs to teach these skills to interns with the intent to provide training and skills attainment before learning and performing on real patients, a large scale, mandatory simulation training, in which every incoming intern must satisfactorily complete training in a simulation center, prior to starting their intern year, has yet to be described. We describe such a curricular intervention produced in our Simulation Center.

A Novel Curriculum Using Simulation To Teach And Assess Indications And Technique Of Handwashing To Gme Learners, K. Berg, C. Sultana, R. Sorokin, J. Kairys, M. Vergare, D. Berg

Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Faculty Papers

Proficiency in the clinical skill of effective hand washing is integral to high quality health care. Studies at our hospital revealed that in 2008, of 1215 direct, anonymous, observations of residents and attendings, only 53.3% washed their hands correctly during clinical activities. Medical students in fiscal year 2009 (July 1, 2008-June 30 2009) had a 52% compliance rate from 109 observations. This data prompted our hospital to work with the faculty of the University Clinical Skills and Simulation Center (UCSSC) to develop a module on the indications and technique of effective handwashing. This intervention, using multimedia simulation was introduced to …

Cryptococcosis Of The Upper Genital Tract., Manish Gopal, Stacy Mccrosson, Pamela Edmonds, Thomas Klein

Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Faculty Papers

Upper genital tract infection by Cryptococcus neoformans has not previously been reported. We describe such a case, in order to alert clinicians to the existence of this rare infection. A 34-year-old woman with AIDS presented with chronic menorrhagia, fever, anemia, and thrombocytopenia. Despite blood transfusions and hormonal therapy, her vaginal bleeding could not be controlled and she became hemodynamically unstable. Total abdominal hysterectomy and bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy were performed, at which time granulomatous peritonitis and prominent myometrial blood vessels were found. Histologic examination revealed cryptococcal infection of all upper genital organs. This case demonstrates that disseminated cryptococcosis may involve the upper …

Prolonged Monitoring After Decelerations On Outpatient Non-Stress Tests: How Long Is Enough?, P. Koduri, Md, M. Giraldo, Md, V. Berghella, Md, S. P. Chauhan, Md

Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Faculty Papers

Objective: To determine the appropriate duration of prolonged monitoring following decelerations noted on outpatient non-stress test (NST).

Conclusion: Prolonged monitoring beyond 120 min is not associated with increased rate of delivery secondary to NRFS or worse neonatal outcome measured by the 5 minute Apgar score. Monitoring after a deceleration on outpatient NST may be limited to less than 120 minutes. Larger studies are needed to confirm this finding.

Does 17 Alpha-Hydroxyprogesterone Caproate Decrease The Rate Of Preterm Birth In Women With An Ultrasound-Indicated Cerclage?, T. J. Rafael, D. Mackeen, V. Berghella

Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Faculty Papers

Objective: To estimate whether the use of 17 alpha-hydroxyprogesterone caproate (17P) in women with an ultrasound-indicated cerclage (UIC) reduces the rate of preterm birth (PTB).

Conclusions: Among women with a prior spontaneous PTB and current UIC for CL<25mm, 17P did not reduce the rate of PTB <35 weeks.

Effectiveness Of 17-Alpha-Hydroxyprogesterone Caproate On The Prevention Of Preterm Birth In Women With A History-Indicated Cerclage, D. Mackeen, Md, T. J. Rafael, Md, J. Zavodnick, Ba, V. Berghella, Md

Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Faculty Papers

Objective: To determine whether 17-alpha-hydroxyprogesterone caproate (17P) reduces the incidence of preterm birth (PTB) in women with a history-indicated cerclage.

Conclusions: 17P does not appear to have an effect on preterm birth <35 weeks in women with a history-indicated cerclage.

Cervical Cancer Prevention In Pregnant Women: Is Biopsy Useful?, N. S. Seligman, Md, J. Zavodnick, Ba, K. Mccullen, Md

Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Faculty Papers

Objective: To estimate if cervical biopsy at the time of colposcopy changes the management or outcome of abnormal cervical cytology during pregnancy.

Conclusion: Biopsy of suspected cervical lesions can be safely deferred until after pregnancy because there were no significant changes between antepartum and postpartum CC and no missed cases of cervical cancer were detected.

Predicting Length Of Treatment For Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome In Methadone-Exposed Neonates., Neil S. Seligman, Nicole Salva, Edward J. Hayes, Kevin C. Dysart, Edward C. Pequignot, Jason K. Baxter

Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Faculty Papers

OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study was to identify maternal variables predicting length of treatment for neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS).

STUDY DESIGN: This was a retrospective cohort study of infants treated for NAS during 2000-2006 whose mothers were on methadone maintenance at delivery. Mixed-effects linear regression was used to examine the interaction of maternal and neonatal variables with length of treatment.

RESULTS: Of 204 neonates born to methadone exposed mothers, the average dose at delivery was 127 mg daily (25-340 mg) with median length of treatment 32 days (1-122 days). Trimester of initial exposure (P = .33), methadone dose at …

Gnrh Agonist And Antagonist: Options For Endometriosis Pain Treatment , Frances R. Batzer

Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Faculty Papers

Basic science research into the mechanism of the development of endometriosis, its persistence and resulting pain has begun to improve our understanding of how various therapeutic options work. While none of the available treatments resolves the underlying disease process, there are a growing number of alternatives. One of the more recent classes of medical options includes the GnRH agonist and antagonists. While at present this class of medical options is the most expensive and involved in implementation, they prove invaluable in terms of offering an aggressive, successful alternative for many patients. Furthermore, they may act directly on endometrial lesions in …

The Objective Structured Assessment Of Technical Skills And The Acgme Competencies, Carmen J. Sultana

Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Faculty Papers

Objective structured assessments of technical skills (OSATS) are structured operating room or laboratory assessment of residents' surgical skills. They can be used to evaluate and teach both basic and complex skills to residents. The literature on their use is reviewed. Future use of virtual reality simulators is discussed.

American College Of Obstetricians And Gynecologists Practice Bulletins: An Overview, Suneet P. Chauhan, Vincenzo Berghella, Maureen Sanderson, Everett F. Magann, John C. Morrison

Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Faculty Papers

Objective The purpose of this study was to review the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists practices bulletins to quantify the type of recommendations and references and determining whether there are any differences between obstetric and gynecologic bulletins. Study design All practice bulletins published from June 1998 to December 2004 were reviewed. Odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals were calculated. Results The 55 practice bulletins contained 438 recommendations of which 29% are level A, 33% level B, and 38% level C. The 55 bulletins cite 3953 references of which 17% are level I, 46% level II, 34% level III, and …

Review Of "Multiple Pregnancy: Epidemiology, Gestation & Perinatal Outcome. Second Edition", Edward J. Hayes

Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Faculty Papers

Book Review

Initial Multicenter Experience With Double Nucleoside Therapy For Human Immunodeficiency Virus Infection During Pregnancy., N S Silverman, D H Watts, J Hitti, D M Money, E Livingston, J Axelrod, J M Ernest, D Robbins, M M Divito

Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Faculty Papers

OBJECTIVE: To study maternal and neonatal effects of combination nucleoside analog therapy administered to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected pregnant women for maternal indications.

METHODS: A multicenter, prospective observational study was undertaken at six perinatal centers in the United States and Canada that supported regional referral programs for the treatment of HIV-infected pregnant women. Demographic, laboratory, and pregnancy outcome data were collected for 39 women whose antiretroviral treatment regimens were expanded to include more than one nucleoside analog for maternal indications. The 40 newborns were monitored at pediatric referral centers through at least three months of age to ascertain their HIV …

Determinants Of Antepartum Human Immunodeficiency Virus Testing In A Non-Medicaid Obstetric Population., E Cardonick, S Daly, M Dooley, K Elles, N S Silverman

Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Faculty Papers

OBJECTIVE: To determine voluntary human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) testing rates and factors influencing testing in a private obstetric practice.

METHODS: Antepartum patients were offered HIV testing after completing a self-assessment questionnaire. Perceived risks and demographics were correlated with testing rates.

RESULTS: Overall, 348/600 (58%) women consented to HIV testing. In a univariate analysis, patients with "any" perceived risk(s) were more likely to be tested. Single women and those with an at-risk partner(s) or a history of sexually transmitted disease (STD) were more likely to desire testing. These factors remained independently associated with voluntary testing in a multivariate regression model. No …

Strategies For Prevention Of Varicella Pneumonia: A Cost-Effectiveness Analysis., G A Macones, S Ewing, N S Silverman

Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Faculty Papers

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to compare the cost-effectiveness of 3 strategies of serologic enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) testing and post-exposure varicella zoster immune globulin (VZIG) prophylaxis for the prevention of maternal varicella pneumonia during pregnancy in patients with negative or uncertain histories of varicella infection.

METHODS: A decision tree was constructed to compare the following strategies: 1) routine serologic testing for varicella immunity followed by targeted post-exposure VZIG prophylaxis, 2) post-exposure serologic testing followed by targeted VZIG prophylaxis, and 3) untargeted post-exposure VZIG administration. The probabilities for the model were obtained from the medical literature and supplemented …

Randomized Trial Of Erythromycin And Azithromycin For Treatment Of Chlamydial Infection In Pregnancy., M F Rosenn, G A Macones, N S Silverman

Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Faculty Papers

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to compare erythromycin and azithromycin in the treatment of chlamydial cervicitis during pregnancy with regard to efficacy, side effects, and compliance.

METHODS: In a prospective manner, 48 pregnant patients with cervical chlamydial infections diagnosed by routine screening tests were randomly assigned to receive either erythromycin, 500 mg q.i.d. for 7 days (N = 24), or azithromycin, 1 g as a one-time dose (N = 24). All sexual partners were given prescriptions for doxycycline, 100 mg b.i.d. for 7 days. The treatment efficacy was assessed by follow-up chlamydia testing 3 weeks after the therapy …