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The bioelectrical signals that produce uterine contractions during parturition are not completely understood. The objectives are as follows: (1) to review the literature and information concerning uterine biopotential waveforms generated by the uterus, known to produce contractions, and evaluate mechanotransduction in pregnant patients using electromyographic (EMG) recording methods and (2) to study a new approach, uterine vector analysis, commonly used for the heart: vectorcardiography analysis. The patients used in this study were as follows: (1) patients at term not in labor (n = 3); (2) patients during the 1st stage of labor at cervical dilations from 2 to 10 cm (n = 30); and (3) patients in the 2nd stage of labor and during delivery (n = 3). We used DC-coupled electrodes and PowerLab hardware (model no. PL2604, ADInstruments, Castle Hill, Australia), with software (LabChart, ADInstruments) for storage and analysis of biopotentials. Uterine and abdominal EMG recordings were made from the surface of each patient using 3 electrode pairs with 1 pair (+ and −, with a 31-cm spacing distance) placed in the right/left position (X position) and with 1 pair placed in an up/down position (Y position, also 31 cm apart) and with the third pair at the front/back (Z position). Using signals from the three X, Y, and Z electrodes, slow (0.03 to 0.1 Hz, high amplitude) and fast wave (0.3 to 1 Hz, low amplitude) biopotentials were recorded. The amplitudes of the slow waves and fast waves were significantly higher during the 2nd stage of labor compared to the 1st stage (respectively, p = 9.54 × e−3 and p = 3.94 × e−7). When 2 channels were used, for example, the X vs. Y, for 2-D vector analysis or 3 channels, X vs. Y vs. Z, for 3-D analysis, are plotted against each other on their axes, this produces a vector electromyometriogram (EMMG) that shows no directionality for fast waves and a downward direction for slow waves. Similarly, during the 2nd stage of labor during abdominal contractions (“pushing”), the slow and fast waves were enlarged. Manual applied pressure was used to evoke bioelectrical activity to examine the mechanosensitivity of the uterus. Conclusions: (1) Phasic contractility of the uterus is a product of slow waves and groups of fast waves (bursts of spikes) to produce myometrial contractile responses. (2) 2-D and 3-D uterine vector analyses (uterine vector electromyometriogram) demonstrate no directionality of small fast waves while the larger slow waves represent the downward direction of biopotentials towards the cervical opening. (3) Myometrial cell action event excitability and subsequent contractility likely amplify slow wave activity input and uterine muscle contractility via mechanotransduction systems. (4) Models illustrate the possible relationships of slow to fast waves and the association of a mechanotransduction system and pacemaker activity as observed for slow waves and pacemakers in gastrointestinal muscle. (5) The interaction of these systems is thought to regulate uterine contractility. (6) This study suggests a potential indicator of delivery time. Such vector approaches might help us predict the progress of gestation and better estimate the timing of delivery, gestational pathologies reflected in bioelectric events, and perhaps the potential for premature delivery drug and mechanical interventions.

In any given year, approximately 130 million babies are born worldwide. Previous research has shown that pregnant women may be more severely affected and vulnerable to contracting emerging infections, making them a particularly high-risk population. Therefore, special considerations should be given to treatment methods for pregnant women with COVID-19. In this narrative review, the authors evaluate scholarly journal articles and electronic databases to determine what is known about the pathophysiology of COVID-19 in pregnancy and the associated mortality rate. Osteopathic manipulative treatment techniques to mitigate the underlying pathology were identified, and modifications for use in pregnancy and the critical care setting are described.

Background: Cervical insufficiency is one cause of preterm birth and its associated neonatal outcomes. Transabdominal cerclage is an option for women with cervical insufficiency and a hist...

The institution of medicine was built on a foundation of racism and segregation, the consequences of which still permeate the experiences of Black physicians and patients. To predict the future direction of medical inclusivity, we must first understand the history of medicine as it pertains to race, diversity, and equity. In this Commentary, we review material from publicly available books, articles, and media outlets in a variety of areas, including undergraduate medical education and professional medical societies, where we found an abundance of policies and practices that created a foundation of systemic racism in medical training that carried through the career paths of Black physicians. The objective of this Commentary is to present the history of race in the medical education system and medical society membership, acknowledge the present state of both, and offer concrete solutions to increase diversity in our medical community.

Obstetric hemorrhage continues to be one of the leading causes of maternal mortality in the United States. The etiology of hemorrhage can vary significantly depending on the trimester in which bleeding occurs. The majority of cases of hemorrhage continue to occur in the postpartum period even in those women without identifiable risk factors. This chapter will serve as a review of high yield clinical situations throughout the course of a woman’s pregnancy where life-threatening bleeding may be encountered. The goal is not to be an exhaustive reference but instead serve as a reference with practical clinical pearls to manage the conditions highlighted. Many of the principles presented can be applied to other clinical scenarios involving hemorrhage. The chapter will also include practical hemodynamic assessment and monitoring and support for the unstable patient. The authors will close with easy to understand and readily accessible references to help guide providers caring for obstetric patients in blood component replacement.

Cesarean delivery is the most common major surgical procedure performed in the United States. Women with class III obesity have an increased risk of cesarean delivery and have wound complication rates higher than healthy body mass index counterparts. Available evidence regarding optimal wound closure is lacking specific to the population of women with class III obesity despite a known increased rate of wound complications.This study aimed to compare rates of postoperative wound complications among women with class III obesity (body mass index of ≥40 kg/mPatients were randomly assigned to skin closure by nonabsorbable stainless steel surgical staples or subcuticular suture of the surgeon's choice at the time of cesarean delivery at 2 university hospitals. Randomization was stratified for scheduled vs unscheduled cesarean delivery and for the 2 study sites. The primary outcome was the rate of any documented wound complication during the first 6 weeks after delivery. Any predictors of the composite outcome that in univariate analysis had a P.20 were entered into a forward logistic regression. Sample size was calculated based on published literature and estimating the rate of wound complications within 6 weeks of follow-up at 20% with staples and 10% with sutures. For a power of 0.80 with a 2-tailed of 0.05, a total of 199 participants per group were required.From September 2015 to May 2019, 232 women were randomized to staples (n=117) or sutures (n=115). Nearing the planned interim analysis, enrollment in the study was concluded administratively owing to low enrollment. With loss to follow-up and exclusions, a total of 90 women were analyzed in each group. In the suture group, one-third was closed with braided suture and two-thirds were closed with monofilament suture. Median staple removal was 5 days postoperatively. Fewer composite wound complications were noted in the surgical staples group than the subcuticular suture group (20.0% vs 27.6%), although this difference was not statistically significant (P≥.5). The rate of surgical site infection was significantly lower in the staples group (10.5% vs 22.7%; P=.041). In the multiple logistic regression, the 3 significant independent predictors of the outcome were body mass index (odds ratio, 1.08; P=.004), scheduled vs unscheduled cesarean delivery (odds ratio, 0.40; P=.018), and study site (odds ratio, 0.36; P=.028).Surgical staples or subcuticular suture for skin closure at the time of cesarean delivery in women with a body mass index of ≥40 kg/m

Peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM) is a serious and rare disease of late pregnancy or the early postpartum period. It is defined as idiopathic, nonfamilial, nongenetic, heart failure occurring in the absence of any other identifiable causes of heart disease within the last month of pregnancy or within the first 5 months postdelivery in otherwise previously healthy woman. The incidence in the United States is 1 per 3,000 to 4,000 live births. Left ventricular systolic dysfunction develops, almost always leading to a left ventricular ejection fraction of less than 45%. PPCM is unique in its rapid medical course and propensity to spontaneously resolve within 3 to 6 months of disease onset. The mortality rate is high, up to 10%, and the risk of relapse in subsequent pregnancies is also elevated. Treatment for PPCM varies slightly based on whether the woman is pregnant or postpartum. Conventional pharmacologic treatment includes diuretics, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (postpartum only), vasodilators such as hydralazine, digoxin, β-blockers, and anticoagulants. This review contains 5 figures, 5 tables, and 36 references. Key Words: critical care obstetrics, ejection fraction, heart failure, left ventricular systolic dysfunction, management, maternal mortality, peripartum cardiomyopathy, preeclampsia, pregnancy

Trauma is a significant contributor to maternal and fetal morbidity and death in the United States. The nature of the evaluation of the pregnant trauma patient is intense and multidisciplinary. Although it invites unique opportunities for collaboration with our surgical colleagues, it also increases the risk of misunderstanding and conflict. We present in this Viewpoint a standardized fetal trauma survey that seamlessly integrates with Advanced Trauma Life Support (American College of Surgeons, Chicago, IL) in an effort to create a more reliable and collaborative experience in the trauma room.

The authors describe the case of a 36-year-old man who presented with hormone level concerns 6 months after a rock climbing accident that resulted in paraplegia. Hypogonadism was diagnosed, and the patient received subcutaneous pellet testosterone replacement therapy. Within 6 months, the patient had substantial improvement in muscle function and was able to take several steps with the assistance of crutches or a walker. This case highlights the potential improvement in quality of life and overall prognosis resulting from the subcutaneous pellet form of testosterone when used as part of the overall treatment plan in such patients. Considering the overwhelming preponderance of hypogonadism in men with spinal cord injuries, the standard of care for such patients should include screening, laboratory hormone evaluation, and prompt treatment for testosterone deficiency.

We examined the experience of female ballet dancers and developed a theory about the origin and effects of this experience. Gordon's (1983) book Off Balance contains interviews and accounts of dancers' experience, and was used as the primary data source. Established methods of grounded theory were used to develop a theoretical account based on Gordon's text. We gleaned 167 meaning units from the text, and through categorization of these meaning units identified thematic components of dancers' experience as: (a) Fantasy Creatures; (b) Machines; (c) Slaves; (d) Children; and (e) Artists, each feeding our core construct of dancers as "A Breed Apart". Based on these categories we suggest some possible dynamics from which these experiences derive; we also discuss the study's limitations and implications for future research.