Search

Objective:  Extremely premature infants are treated with acetaminophen (APAP) for pain and patent ductus arteriosus. High doses of APAP in adults are toxic, and a recent study found an association between APAP metabolite levels in mothers' breast milk and both bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) and retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) in their premature infants. In this study, we determined levels of APAP metabolites in the urine of infants at high risk for BPD and ROP., Study Design:  Biorepository urine samples from 314 infants <29 weeks' gestation in the multicenter TOLSURF and PROP studies were analyzed by untargeted UHPLC:MS/MS (Metabolon, Inc.). We performed multivariate logistic regression and meta-analysis to examine associations between APAP metabolite levels and clinical outcomes., Results:  4-APAP sulfate was the most abundant of eight detected APAP metabolites and was present in 95% of urines. There were high correlations between levels of 4-APAP sulfate and the other APAP metabolites. In longitudinal studies on a subgroup of infants (day 6-56), periods of elevated 4-APAP sulfate occurred in 24/28 infants and were of longer duration (10.5 vs. 4.2 days, p  = 0.001) with higher levels (13.3 vs. 5.6, p  = 0.01) in infants after transition to enteral from total parenteral nutrition. Episodes of elevated metabolite did not differ by BPD status. On both days 10 and 28 there were no significant associations between levels of APAP metabolites and either BPD or ROP for all infants or for infants exclusively on parenteral or enteral nutrition., Conclusion:  In two cohorts of extremely premature infants, levels of urinary APAP metabolites were not associated with increased risk for two adverse clinical outcomes., Key Points: · Safety of acetaminophen (APAP) in extremely premature infants has not been established.. · The major urinary APAP metabolite was detected in the majority of urine samples.. · No association was found between APAP levels and either bronchopulmonary dysplasia or retinopathy of prematurity.., Competing Interests: None declared., (The Author(s). This is an open access article published by Thieme under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, permitting unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction so long as the original work is properly cited. (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).)

Objective:  While there are known racial disparities in cesarean delivery (CD) rates, the exact etiologies for these disparities are multifaceted. We aimed to determine if differences in induction of labor (IOL) management contribute to these disparities., Study Design:  This retrospective cohort study evaluated all nulliparous patients with an unfavorable cervix and intact membranes who underwent IOL of a term, singleton gestation at a single institution from October 1, 2018, to September 30, 2020. IOL management was at clinician discretion. Patients were classified as Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) or White based on self-report. Overall rates of CD were compared for BIPOC versus White race. Chart review then evaluated various IOL management strategies as possible contributors to differences in CD by race., Results:  Of 1,261 eligible patients, 915 (72.6%) identified as BIPOC and 346 (27.4%) as White. BIPOC patients were more likely to be younger (26 years interquartile range (IQR): [22-30] vs. 32 years IQR: [30-35], p  < 0.001) and publicly insured (59.1 vs. 9.9%, p  < 0.001). Indication for IOL and modified Bishop score also differed by race ( p  < 0.001; p  = 0.006). There was 40% increased risk of CD for BIPOC patients, even when controlling for confounders (30.7 vs. 21.7%, p  = 0.001; adjusted relative risk (aRR) = 1.41, 95% confidence interval (CI): [1.06-1.86]). Despite this difference in CD, there were no identifiable differences in IOL management prior to decision for CD by race. Specifically, there were no differences in choice of cervical ripening agent, cervical dilation at or time to amniotomy, use and maximum dose of oxytocin, or dilation at CD. However, BIPOC patients were more likely to undergo CD for fetal indications and failed IOL., Conclusion:  BIPOC nulliparas are 40% more likely to undergo CD during IOL than White patients within our institution. These data suggest that the disparity is not explained by differences in IOL management prior to cesarean, indicating that biases outside of induction management may be important to target to reduce CD disparities., Key Points: · The etiologies for racial disparities in cesarean are likely multifaceted.. · In this work, there were no differences by race in measures of labor induction management.. · Biases outside of induction management during labor may be targeted to reduce CD disparities.., Competing Interests: None declared., (Thieme. All rights reserved.)

Objective:  Studies have shown that the 2019 novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) may be associated with an increased risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes including preeclampsia, preterm birth, and stillbirth. However, the relationship between COVID-19 and abnormal fetal growth (i.e., low neonatal birth weight) has not been elucidated. Because other viruses affect fetal growth, obstetrical providers began to recommend ultrasound studies during the third trimester to assess fetal growth in patients with COVID-19 during pregnancy. The aim of this study was to determine if neonatal birth weight was different between low-risk patients diagnosed with COVID-19 during pregnancy and low-risk patients without COVID-19 in pregnancy, to ascertain if third trimester growth ultrasound is warranted in this patient population., Study Design:  We performed a retrospective cohort study of low-risk pregnant patients (who had no other indications for sonographic fetal surveillance during the third trimester) with and without COVID-19 during pregnancy. Patient demographics, gestational dating, neonatal birth weights, and corresponding Alexander growth curve birth weight percentiles were collected. The primary outcome was small-for-gestational age (SGA) neonates, defined as birth weight < 10th percentile for gestational age at delivery (SGA10)., Results:  Our cohort ( N  = 513) included 248 COVID-19-exposed patients and 265 patients who did not have COVID-19 during pregnancy. Gestational age at delivery and average neonatal birth weights were similar in COVID-19-exposed (38 weeks 5 days, 3,266 g) and unexposed patients (38 weeks 4 days, 3,224 g; p  = 0.434, 0.358). Rates of SGA10 neonates were similar in the COVID-19-exposed (22/248, 8.9%) and -unexposed (23/265, 8.7%, p  = 0.939) groups. Timing and severity of COVID-19 during pregnancy also were not associated with rates of SGA neonates., Conclusion:  In a cohort of low-risk patients, rates of SGA neonates were similar in patients with and without COVID-19 during pregnancy. These findings suggest that ultrasound surveillance to detect fetal growth restriction in low-risk patients with COVID-19 during pregnancy is not warranted., Key Points: · COVID-19 may be associated with fetal growth restriction.. · There are normal infant weights in patients with COVID-19 in pregnancy.. · Growth ultrasound is not needed in patients with COVID-19.., Competing Interests: None declared., (Thieme. All rights reserved.)

Objective:  Maternal preconception diet influences pregnancy health and fetal outcomes. We examined the relationship between preconception fatty acid (FA) intake and uterine artery indices in mid-gestation in a large, heterogeneous cohort of nulliparous individuals., Study Design:  This is a secondary analysis of the nuMom2b (Nulliparous Pregnancy Outcomes Study: Monitoring Mothers-to-be) study. Dietary ω-6 and ω-3 FA intake was assessed with food frequency questionnaires and uterine artery indices were obtained via Doppler studies in the second trimester. For our primary outcome of pulsatility index (PI) > 1.6, we compared proportions by each dichotomous FA exposure and tested differences with chi-square test., Results:  For PI > 1.6, odds ratio for the unfavorable FA quartile compared with remaining quartiles for the exposures were 0.96 to 1.25, p  = 0.157 (ω-6 FA); 0.97 to 1.26, p  = 0.124 (ω-3 FA); 0.87 to 1.14, p  = 1.00 (ω-6:ω-3 FA ratio)., Conclusion:  No significant associations between self-reported maternal preconception ω-6 and ω-3 FA intake and uterine artery Doppler indices measured during the second trimester were observed., Key Points: · Maternal diet impacts pregnancy health/fetal outcomes.. · ω-3 and ω-6 FA intake influences cardiovascular health.. · FA intake may affect blood flow to fetoplacental unit.. · Results are limited by inadequate adherence to dietary recommendations.., Competing Interests: None declared., (Thieme. All rights reserved.)

Objective: For every incidence of maternal mortality, maternal morbidity is thought to occur in another 50 to 100 individuals in the United States. Multiple risk factors for severe maternal morbidity have been identified, but counseling about specific risk in pregnancy remains difficult, particularly nulliparous individuals as prior obstetric history is one of the factors influencing risk for severe maternal morbidity. The objective of this study is to examine the association between sociodemographic and laboratory assessments in the first trimester and maternal morbidity in nulliparas., Study Design: This was a secondary analysis of a large, multicenter prospective observational cohort of nulliparas. The primary maternal outcome was a composite of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP), hemorrhage (transfusion, hemorrhage, hysterectomy, other surgery, readmission for bleeding), infection (endometritis, wound infection or dehiscence, pneumonia, sepsis, infection during labor and delivery, readmission for infection through day 14), venous thromboembolic events (VTE) (deep venous thrombosis, or pulmonary embolus), or maternal death within 14 days of delivery. Sociodemographic and clinical factors were compared between people with and without maternal morbidity. Relative risk and 95% confidence interval for maternal morbidity was calculated using log-binomial regression, adjusted for baseline characteristics that had a significant independent relationship with maternal morbidity with a p -value <0.05., Results: Of 9,445 pregnant people in the analysis, 18.2% ( n  = 1,716) experienced the composite maternal morbidity; the most common component was HDP (13.1%, n  = 1,244) followed by infection (4.43%, n  = 420), hemorrhage (2.27%, n  = 215), VTE (0.12%, n  = 11), and death (0.01%, n  = 1). In a multivariable model, self-identified Black race, first trimester obesity, pregestational diabetes, chronic hypertension, and chronic kidney disease were significantly associated with the primary maternal outcome., Conclusion: More than one in six nulliparas experienced the composite maternal morbidities. Maternal morbidity was associated with self-identified Black race, obesity, and multiple preexisting medical comorbidities., Key Points: · One in six nulliparas experience maternal morbidity in their first pregnancy related to hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, infection, hemorrhage, and venous thromboembolism.. · Risk factors for maternal morbidity in nulliparas include Black race, prepregnancy body mass index, and preexisting medical conditions.. · The preexisting medical conditions with the strongest association with maternal morbidity included pregestational diabetes, chronic hypertension, and chronic kidney disease.., Competing Interests: None declared., (Thieme. All rights reserved.)

Objective: Prediction of blood transfusion during delivery admission allows for clinical preparedness and risk mitigation. Although prediction models have been developed and adopted into practice, their external validation is limited. We aimed to evaluate the performance of three blood transfusion prediction models in a U.S. cohort of individuals undergoing cesarean delivery., Study Design: This was a secondary analysis of a multicenter randomized trial of tranexamic acid for prevention of hemorrhage at time of cesarean delivery. Three models were considered: a categorical risk tool (California Maternal Quality Care Collaborative [CMQCC]) and two regression models (Ahmadzia et al and Albright et al). The primary outcome was intrapartum or postpartum red blood cell transfusion. The CMQCC algorithm was applied to the cohort with frequency of risk category (low, medium, high) and associated transfusion rates reported. For the regression models, the area under the receiver-operating curve (AUC) was calculated and a calibration curve plotted to evaluate each model's capacity to predict receipt of transfusion. The regression model outputs were statistically compared., Results: Of 10,785 analyzed individuals, 3.9% received a red blood cell transfusion during delivery admission. The CMQCC risk tool categorized 1,970 (18.3%) individuals as low risk, 5,259 (48.8%) as medium risk, and 3,556 (33.0%) as high risk with corresponding transfusion rates of 2.1% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.5-2.9%), 2.2% (95% CI: 1.8-2.6%), and 7.5% (95% CI: 6.6-8.4%), respectively. The AUC for prediction of blood transfusion using the Ahmadzia and Albright models was 0.78 (95% CI: 0.76-0.81) and 0.79 (95% CI: 0.77-0.82), respectively ( p  = 0.38 for difference). Calibration curves demonstrated overall agreement between the predicted probability and observed likelihood of blood transfusion., Conclusion: Three models were externally validated for prediction of blood transfusion during cesarean delivery admission in this U.S., Cohort: Overall, performance was moderate; model selection should be based on ease of application until a specific model with superior predictive ability is developed., Key Points: · A total of 3.9% of individuals received a blood transfusion during cesarean delivery admission.. · Three models used in clinical practice are externally valid for blood transfusion prediction.. · Institutional model selection should be based on ease of application until further research identifies the optimal approach.., Competing Interests: None declared., (Thieme. All rights reserved.)

Objectives: The objective of this study is to evaluate whether there is an association between in-utero exposure to nicotine and subsequent hearing dysfunction., Materials and Methods: Secondary analysis of a multicenter randomized trial to prevent congenital cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection among gravidas with primary CMV infection was conducted. Monthly intravenous immunoglobulin hyperimmune globulin therapy did not influence the rate of congenital CMV. Dyads with missing urine, fetal or neonatal demise, infants diagnosed with a major congenital anomaly, congenital CMV infection, or with evidence of middle ear dysfunction were excluded. The primary outcome was neonatal hearing impairment in one or more ears defined as abnormal distortion product otoacoustic emissions (DPOAEs; 1 to 8 kHz) that were measured within 42 days of birth. DPOAEs were interpreted using optimized frequency-specific level criteria. Cotinine was measured via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits in maternal urine collected at enrollment and in the third trimester (mean gestational age 16.0 and 36.7 weeks, respectively). Blinded personnel ran samples in duplicates. Maternal urine cotinine >5 ng/mL at either time point was defined as in-utero exposure to nicotine. Multivariable logistic regression included variables associated with the primary outcome and with the exposure ( p  < 0.05) in univariate analysis., Results: Of 399 enrolled patients in the original trial, 150 were included in this analysis, of whom 46 (31%) were exposed to nicotine. The primary outcome occurred in 18 (12%) newborns and was higher in nicotine-exposed infants compared with those nonexposed (15.2 vs. 10.6%, odds ratio [OR] 1.52, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.55-4.20), but the difference was not significantly different (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 1.0, 95% CI 0.30-3.31). This association was similar when exposure was stratified as heavy (>100 ng/mL, aOR 0.72, 95% CI 0.15-3.51) or mild (5-100 ng/mL, aOR 1.28, 95% CI 0.33-4.95). There was no association between nicotine exposure and frequency-specific DPOAE amplitude., Conclusion: In a cohort of parturients with primary CMV infection, nicotine exposure was not associated with offspring hearing dysfunction assessed with DPOAEs., Key Points: · Nicotine exposure was quantified from maternal urine.. · Nicotine exposure was identified in 30% of the cohort.. · Exposure was not associated with offspring hearing dysfunction.., Competing Interests: None declared., (Thieme. All rights reserved.)

Objective: Our objective was to determine whether objectively measured sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) during pregnancy is associated with an increased risk of adverse neonatal outcomes in a cohort of nulliparous individuals., Study Design: Secondary analysis of the nuMom2b sleep disordered breathing substudy was performed. Individuals underwent in-home sleep studies for SDB assessment in early (6-15 weeks' gestation) and mid-pregnancy (22-31 weeks' gestation). SDB was defined as an apnea-hypopnea index ≥5 events/h at either time point. The primary outcome was a composite outcome of respiratory distress syndrome, transient tachypnea of the newborn, or receipt of respiratory support, treated hyperbilirubinemia or hypoglycemia, large-for-gestational age, seizures treated with medications or confirmed by electroencephalography, confirmed sepsis, or neonatal death. Individuals were categorized into (1) early pregnancy SDB (6-15 weeks' gestation), (2) new onset mid-pregnancy SDB (22-31 weeks' gestation), and (3) no SDB. Log-binomial regression was used to calculate adjusted risk ratios (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) representing the association., Results: Among 2,106 participants, 3% ( n  = 75) had early pregnancy SDB and 5.7% ( n  = 119) developed new-onset mid-pregnancy SDB. The incidence of the primary outcome was higher in the offspring of individuals with early (29.3%) and new onset mid-pregnancy SDB (30.3%) compared with individuals with no SDB (17.8%). After adjustment for maternal age, chronic hypertension, pregestational diabetes, and body mass index, new onset mid-pregnancy SDB conferred increased risk (RR = 1.43, 95% CI: 1.05, 1.94), where there was no longer statistically significant association between early pregnancy SDB and the primary outcome., Conclusion: New onset, mid-pregnancy SDB is independently associated with neonatal morbidity., Key Points: · SDB is a common condition impacting pregnancy with known maternal risks.. · Objectively defined SDB in pregnancy was associated with a composite of adverse neonatal outcomes.. · New onset SDB in mid pregnancy conferred statistically significant increased risk.., Competing Interests: None declared., (Thieme. All rights reserved.)

Objective: We aimed to (1) compare serum cotinine with self-report for ascertaining smoking status among reproductive-aged women; (2) estimate the relative odds of adverse cardiovascular (CV) outcomes among women by smoking status; (3) assess whether the association between adverse pregnancy outcomes (APOs) and CV outcomes varies by smoking status., Study Design: We conducted a cross-sectional study of the nuMoM2b Heart Health Study. Women attended a study visit 2 to 7 years after their first pregnancy. The exposure was smoking status, determined by self-report and by serum cotinine. Outcomes included incident chronic hypertension (HTN), metabolic syndrome (MetS), and dyslipidemia. Multivariable logistic regression estimated odds ratios (ORs) for each outcome by smoking status., Results: Of 4,392 women with serum cotinine measured, 3,610 were categorized as nonsmokers, 62 as secondhand smoke exposure, and 720 as smokers. Of 3,144 women who denied tobacco smoke exposure, serum cotinine was consistent with secondhand smoke exposure in 48 (1.5%) and current smoking in 131 (4.2%) After adjustment for APOs, smoking defined by serum cotinine was associated with MetS (adjusted OR [aOR] = 1.52, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.21, 1.91) and dyslipidemia (aOR = 1.28, 95% CI: 1.01, 1.62). When stratified by nicotine exposure, nonsmokers with an APO in their index pregnancy had higher odds of stage 1 (aOR = 1.64, 95% CI: 1.32, 2.03) and stage 2 HTN (aOR = 2.92, 95% CI: 2.17, 3.93), MetS (aOR = 1.76, 95% CI: 1.42, 2.18), and dyslipidemia (aOR = 1.55, 95% CI: 1.25, 1.91) relative to women with no APO. Results were similar when smoking exposure was defined by self-report., Conclusion: Whether determined by serum cotinine or self-report, smoking is associated with subsequent CV outcomes in reproductive-aged women. APOs are also independently associated with CV outcomes in women., Key Points: · Cotinine was detected in 5.7% of reported nonsmokers.. · Smoking and APOs were independently associated with CV health.. · Smoking was associated with MetS and dyslipidemia.., Competing Interests: H.N.S. reports grants from National Institutes of Health during the conduct of the study.B.M. reports grants from National Institutes of Health during the conduct of the study.M.K.H. reports grants from National Institute of Child Health and Human Development during the conduct of the study.C.B.P. reports grants from National Institutes of Health/National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute during the conduct of the study.S.H. reports grants from National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, grants from Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development during the conduct of the study.R.B.M. reports grants from National Institutes of Health/National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute during the conduct of the study.L.H.T. reports grants from American Association of Obstetricians and Gynecologists Foundation Scholar Award, from null, outside the submitted work., (Thieme. All rights reserved.)

Objective: This study aimed to determine whether specific factors of the built environment related to physical activity and diet are associated with inadequate and excessive gestational weight gain (GWG)., Study Design: This analysis is based on data from the Nulliparous Pregnancy Outcomes Study: Monitoring Mothers-To-Be, a prospective cohort of nulliparous women who were followed from the beginning of their pregnancies through delivery. At each study visit, home addresses were recorded and geocoded. Locations were linked to several built-environment characteristics such as the census tract National Walkability Score (the 2010 Walkability Index) and the number of gyms, parks, and grocery stores within a 3-km radius of residential address. The primary outcome of GWG (calculated as the difference between prepregnancy weight and weight at delivery) was categorized as inadequate, appropriate, or excessive based on weight gained per week of gestation. Multinomial regression (generalized logit) models evaluated the relationship between each factor in the built environment and excessive or inadequate GWG., Results: Of the 8,182 women in the analytic sample, 5,819 (71.1%) had excessive GWG, 1,426 (17.4%) had appropriate GWG, and 937 (11.5%) had inadequate GWG. For the majority of variables examined, built environments more conducive to physical activity and healthful food availability were associated with a lower odds of excessive or inadequate GWG category. For example, a higher number of gyms or parks within 3 km of a participant's residential address was associated with lower odds of having excessive (gyms: adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 0.93 [0.89-0.96], parks: 0.94 [0.90-0.98]) or inadequate GWG (gyms: 0.91 [0.86-0.96]; parks: 0.91 [0.86-0.97]). Similarly, a higher number of grocery stores was associated with lower odds of having excessive GWG (0.94 [0.91-0.97])., Conclusion: Among a diverse population of nulliparous women, multiple aspects of the built environment are associated with excessive and inadequate GWG., Key Points: · There are little data on the association between the built environment and pregnancy outcomes.. · Multiple aspects of the built environment are associated with excessive and inadequate GWG.. · These results suggest the role that neighborhood investment may play in improving pregnancy outcomes.., Competing Interests: None declared., (Thieme. All rights reserved.)

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the impact of elevated early hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) values on perinatal outcomes in patients without a diagnosis of diabetes or gestational diabetes., Study Design: This is a retrospective study of patients with a singleton pregnancy who underwent universal HbA1c screening in early pregnancy at an urban tertiary care center between December 1, 2016, and December 31, 2018. Patients with pregestational diabetes mellitus (DM) and gestational DM (GDM) were excluded from analysis. The exposure of interest was HbA1c of 5.7 to 6.4% as measured on routine prenatal bloodwork at or during 16 weeks' gestation. The following pregnancy outcomes were assessed: preterm delivery <37 weeks, hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, shoulder dystocia, macrosomia (birth weight >4,000 g), small or large for gestational age neonate, operative vaginal delivery, third- or fourth-degree lacerations, cesarean delivery, neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admission, neonatal hypoglycemia, and neonatal hyperbilirubinemia. Multivariable regression was performed to assess the relationship between HbA1c and selected adverse outcomes while controlling for potential confounders RESULTS:  Of the 2,621 patients who met inclusion criteria, 334 (12.7%) had an elevated HbA1c of 5.7 to 6.4%. Patients with an elevated HbA1c were more likely to be older, Black, multiparous, publically insured, obese, or have chronic hypertension than patients with normal HbA1c values. In the unadjusted analysis, patients with an elevated HbA1c were less likely to deliver at term (84.7 vs. 92.4%, p  = 0.006), but more likely to undergo cesarean section (32.8 vs. 27.6%, p  = 0.038), develop hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (31.9 vs. 23.2%, p  = 0.001), or deliver a macrosomic infant (10.5 vs. 6.8%, p  = 0.016) than those with a normal A1c. After adjusting for race, body mass index, insurance status, nulliparity, and age, however, only the relationship between HbA1c and spontaneous preterm birth remained significant (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 1.76, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.01-3.07)., Conclusion: In our urban population, an elevated early HbA1c was associated with spontaneous preterm birth in nondiabetic patients KEY POINTS: · In nondiabetic patients, early pregnancy HbA1c was associated with selected adverse outcomes.. · Rates of preterm birth, pregnancy-induced hypertension, cesarean section, and macrosomia were higher in patients with an elevated HbA1c.. · The relationship between early pregnancy HbA1c and spontaneous preterm birth remained significant after adjustment.., Competing Interests: None declared., (Thieme. All rights reserved.)

Objective: This study aimed to determine if one abnormal value of four on the diagnostic 3-hour oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) is associated with adverse perinatal outcomes in obese women., Study Design: This is a secondary analysis of a prospective study of nulliparous women in eight geographic regions. Women with body mass index <30 kg/m 2 and pregestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) were excluded. Four groups were compared: (1) normal 50-g 1-hour glucose screen, (2) elevated 1-hour glucose screen with normal 100-g 3-hour diagnostic OGTT, (3) elevated 1-hour glucose screen and one of four abnormal values on 3-hour OGTT, and (4) GDM. Using multivariable logistic regression adjusting for covariates, the women in the groups with dysglycemia were compared with those in the normal screen group for maternal and neonatal outcomes., Results: Among 1,713 obese women, 1,418 (82.8%) had a normal 1-hour glucose screen, 125 (7.3%) had a normal 3-hour diagnostic OGTT, 72 (4.2%) had one abnormal value on their diagnostic OGTT, and 98 (5.7%) were diagnosed with GDM. The one abnormal value group had increased risk of large for gestational age (LGA) neonates (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 2.24, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.31-3.82), cesarean delivery (aOR = 2.19, 95% CI: 1.34-3.58), and hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (aOR = 2.19, 95% CI: 1.32-3.63) compared with normal screens. The one abnormal value group also had an increased risk of preterm birth <37 weeks (aOR = 2.63, 95% CI: 1.43-4.84), neonatal respiratory support (aOR = 2.38, 95% CI: 1.23-4.60), and neonatal hyperbilirubinemia (aOR = 2.00, 95% CI: 1.08-3.71). There was no association between one abnormal value with shoulder dystocia and neonatal hypoglycemia., Conclusion: For obese women, one abnormal value on the 3-hour OGTT confers increased perinatal adverse outcomes. These women should be studied further to determine if nutrition counseling and closer fetal monitoring improve outcomes even in the absence of a diagnosis of GDM., Key Points: · Study of obese women with one abnormal value on OGTT.. · Adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes were found, including more LGA neonates.. · Neonates were not at increased risk of hypoglycemia.., Competing Interests: None declared., (Thieme. All rights reserved.)

Objective: Our objective was to test the association of fetal adrenal size with perinatal morbidity among fetuses with fetal growth restriction (FGR; estimated fetal weight [EFW] < 10th percentile)., Study Design: This was a secondary analysis of the Nulliparous Pregnancy Outcomes Study: Monitoring Mothers-to-be (nuMoM2b) adrenal study, which measured fetal adrenal gland size at 22 to 30 weeks' gestation. We analyzed the transverse adrenal area (TAA) and fetal zone area (absolute measurements and corrected for fetal size) and the ratio of the fetal zone area to the total transverse area using a composite perinatal outcome of stillbirth, neonatal intensive care unit admission, respiratory distress syndrome, necrotizing enterocolitis, retinopathy of prematurity, sepsis, mechanical ventilation, seizure, or death. Among fetuses with FGR, adrenal measurements were compared between those that did and did not experience the composite perinatal outcome., Results: There were 1,709 eligible neonates. Seven percent ( n  = 120) were diagnosed with FGR at the time of adrenal measurement, and 14.7% ( n  = 251) experienced perinatal morbidity. EFW-corrected and absolute adrenal measurements were similar among fetuses with and without FGR as well as among those who did and did not experience morbidity. The area under the curve for corrected TAA was 0.52 (95% confidence interval 0.38-0.67)., Conclusion: In our cohort, adrenal size was not associated with risk of morbidity among fetuses with FGR., Competing Interests: None declared., (Thieme. All rights reserved.)

Objective: To determine the association between total gestational weight gain and perinatal outcomes., Study Design: Data from the Nulliparous Pregnancy Outcomes Study: Monitoring Mothers-To-Be (NuMoM2b) study were used. Total gestational weight gain was categorized as inadequate, adequate, or excessive based on the 2009 Institute of Medicine guidelines. Outcomes examined included hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, mode of delivery, shoulder dystocia, large for gestational age or small for-gestational age birth weight, and neonatal intensive care unit admission., Results: Among 8,628 women, 1,666 (19.3%) had inadequate, 2,945 (34.1%) had adequate, and 4,017 (46.6%) had excessive gestational weight gain. Excessive gestational weight gain was associated with higher odds of hypertensive disorders (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 2.05, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.78-2.36) Cesarean delivery (aOR = 1.24, 95% CI: 1.09-1.41), and large for gestational age birth weight (aOR = 1.49, 95% CI: 1.23-1.80), but lower odds of small for gestational age birth weight (aOR = 0.59, 95% CI: 0.50-0.71). Conversely, inadequate gestational weight gain was associated with lower odds of hypertensive disorders (aOR = 0.75, 95% CI: 0.62-0.92), Cesarean delivery (aOR = 0.77, 95% CI: 0.65-0.92), and a large for gestational age birth weight (aOR = 0.72, 95% CI: 0.55-0.94), but higher odds of having a small for gestational age birth weight (aOR = 1.64, 95% CI: 1.37-1.96)., Conclusion: Both excessive and inadequate gestational weight gain are associated with adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes., Competing Interests: B.M.M. reports grants from NICHD, during the conduct of the study. R.W. received consulting fees from Natera, Bioreference, and Illumina, Inc, in addition to grants (that go directly to Columbia University) from Sequenom and Illumina, Inc., outside the submitted work., (Thieme. All rights reserved.)

Background  The aim of this study was to determine whether racial/ethnic differences in psychosocial measures, independent of economic status, exist among a large population of pregnant nulliparas. Methods  Between October 2010 and September 2013, nulliparous women at eight U.S. medical centers were followed longitudinally during pregnancy and completed validated instruments to quantify several psychosocial domains: Cohen Perceived Stress Scale, trait subscale of the Spielberger Anxiety Inventory, Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale, Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support, Krieger Racism Scale, Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale, and the Pregnancy Experience Scale. Scores were stratified and compared by self-reported race, ethnicity, and income. Results  Complete data were available for 8,128 of the 10,038 women enrolled in the study. For all measures, race and ethnicity were significantly associated ( p  < 0.001) with survey scores. Non-Hispanic black (NHB) women were most likely to score in the most unfavorable category for all measures, with the exception of the Pregnancy Experience Scale. The magnitude of these differences did not differ by income status (interaction, p  > 0.05) except on the Krieger racism survey and the Edinburgh depression survey, which were exacerbated among NHB women with higher income (interaction, p  < 0.001). Conclusion  Significant racial/ethnic disparities, independent of income status, exist in psychosocial measures during pregnancy., (Thieme Medical Publishers 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.)

Objective To evaluate whether women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) enrolled in an intensive behavior education program (IBEP) demonstrate lower mean fasting glucose levels on the 2-hour 75 g oral glucose tolerance test (2-hour OGTT) at 6 to 12 weeks postpartum compared with women who undergo routine GDM management. Study Design A prospective randomized controlled trial of women diagnosed with GDM was conducted. Exclusion criteria were GDM diagnosis ≥ 33 weeks or < 20 weeks. Women were randomly assigned to one of two treatment arms: (1) routine GDM management or (2) an IBEP. Women underwent a 2-hour OGTT at 6 to 12 weeks postpartum. Fisher exact test, t-test, and Wilcoxon rank sum test were used as appropriate. Results Of the 101 women randomized, 49 were assigned to IBEP and 52 received routine GDM management. There was no difference in mean fasting and 2-hour glucose levels on the postpartum 2-hour OGTT between the IBEP and routine management group (88.5 ± 22.9 mg/dL vs. 85.2 ± 13.3 mg/dL, p = 0.49 and 109.8 ± 38.5 mg/dL vs. 109.4 ± 40.8 mg/dL, p = 0.97, respectively). Conclusion GDM women enrolled in a healthy lifestyle intervention program did not demonstrate lower glucose values on the postpartum 2-hour OGTT., (Thieme Medical Publishers 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.)

The objective of this article is to determine if coexistence of periodontal disease (PD) and bacterial vaginosis (BV) is synergistic on the risk of spontaneous preterm delivery (sPTD). The study design was secondary analysis of a prospective cohort study. Women were screened 6 to 20 weeks gestation for PD and BV. Groups were defined by presence of BV and stratified on PD. The primary outcome was sPTD <37 weeks gestation. Univariable, stratified, and multivariable analyses were performed to estimate the main and interaction effects of BV and PD on sPTD. Of 1453 women screened, 792 (54.5%) were diagnosed with BV. Neither women with BV in the first trimester nor PD was at higher risk of sPTD (risk ratio [RR] for BV 1.1; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.8-1.5, and RR for PD 0.9; 95% CI, 0.7-1.3). The interaction between BV and PD did not statistically significantly impact the odds of sPTD. Coexistence of PD and BV did not have a synergistic effect on sPTD., (Thieme Medical Publishers 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.)

We compared maternal and neonatal outcomes in women who received prophylactic antibiotics prior to skin incision to those who received antibiotics at cord clamp. We performed a randomized clinical trial at two sites. Eligible women included those undergoing nonemergency cesarean at 36 weeks' gestation or greater. Subjects were randomized (permuted blocks) into one of two treatments: "preoperative antibiotics" (cefazolin 1 g given <30 minutes prior to skin incision) or "intraoperative antibiotics" (cefazolin 1 g at cord clamping). Patients who reported an allergy to penicillin received clindamycin 900 mg. The trial primary outcome was a composite of maternal infectious morbidities, defined as having any one of the following: (1) postoperative fever (defined as oral temperature >38°C on two separate occasions more than 6 hours apart, after the initial 24-hour postoperative period); (2) wound infection (defined as purulent discharge from the incision); (3) endomyometritis (defined as fundal tenderness and fever malodorous lochia, fever); (4) urinary tract infection (defined as fever, positive urine culture). We enrolled a total of 434 subjects in this study, with 217 in each group. Overall, we found no difference in composite maternal infectious morbidity between those who received antibiotics preoperatively and those who received antibiotics at cord clamp (relative risk = 1.2, 95% confidence interval 0.7 to 1.5). Neonatal outcomes were also similar between the two intervention arms. The rate of suspected sepsis was similar between the two groups. There were no cases of antibiotic resistance in the neonates. Either preoperative antibiotic therapy or antibiotic administration after cord clamp is a reasonable clinical method for reducing the risk of postcesarean infectious morbidity., (Thieme Medical Publishers 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.)

Vaginal birth after cesarean delivery (VBAC) failure is associated with perinatal morbidity. The ability to predict VBAC failure in subgroups of high-risk women is important. Our objectives were: (1) to estimate if women with pregestational diabetes (PDM) who attempt VBAC are at increased risk of failure, and (2) to identify clinical characteristics of PDM women associated with failure. We performed a retrospective cohort study of women eligible for VBAC, delivered between 1995 and 1999 at 17 hospitals to study maternal history/outcomes and neonatal outcomes ascertained through chart abstraction. Women with gestational diabetes were excluded. Student T test was used to compare continuous characteristics. Chi-square/Fisher exact tests were used to compare categorical variables. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to control for confounders. Of all eligible women (23,601), 37% of diabetics ( N = 127) and 56% of nondiabetics ( N = 12968) attempted VBAC. The VBAC failure rate for PDM was 38% versus 24% for nondiabetic women ( P < 0.001). The risk of failure for PDM patients was increased after controlling for confounders (adjusted odds ratio 1.61, 95% confidence interval 1.06 to 2.51; P = 0.038). PDM is independently associated with VBAC failure. The success rate for women with PDM who attempted VBAC (62%) is at the lower end of the general published VBAC success rate range., (Thieme Medical Publishers.)

To determine if screening for antiphospholipid antibodies in gravid chronic hypertension patients is warranted, we performed a retrospective cohort study to test the association between antiphospholipid antibodies and perinatal outcome in this group of women. The primary outcome we compared was adverse perinatal outcome, defined as delivery <37 weeks' gestation secondary to maternal or fetal indications, intrauterine or neonatal death, birth weight <10th percentile for gestational age, early-onset severe preeclampsia, or placental abruption. Our sample size allowed for the detection of a 60% reduction in the relative risk of adverse perinatal outcome in patients who were antiphospholipid antibody screen negative (80% power, P = 0.05). No increased risk of adverse perinatal outcome was demonstrated among patients with positive serum antiphospholipid antibodies (33.3%, 5/15) versus patients with negative screening (40.0%, 22/55) in our cohort (RR 0.88, 95% Cl 0.38-1.83). Furthermore, antiphospholipid antibody status was not associated with adverse perinatal outcome after controlling for classic indications for antibody screening (RRMH 0.63, 95% Cl 0.30-1.33). In conclusion, chronic hypertension patients with positive antiphospholipid antibody screening are not at increased risk for adverse perinatal outcome compared to those with negative screening. Therefore, screening for antiphospholipid antibodies in chronic hypertension patients without classic indications for screening is not warranted.