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Background: Disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) are used to evaluate the relative burden of diseases in populations to help set prevention or treatment priorities. The impact of parental cardiovascular health (CVH) on healthy life years lost from cardiovascular disease (CVD) in adult offspring is unknown. We compared parent-offspring CVD DALYs trends over the life course and examined the association of parental CVH with offspring CVD DALYs. Methods: Using data from the Framingham Heart Study, 4814 offspring-mother-father trios were matched for age at selected baseline exams. CVH score was computed from the number of CVH metrics attained at recommended levels: poor (0–2), intermediate (3–4), and ideal (5–7). CVD DALYs were defined as the sum of years of life lost and years lived with CVD. Age-sex-standardized life expectancy and disability weights were derived from the actuarial life tables and Global Burden of Disease study, respectively. Multivariable-adjusted linear regression was used to investigate the association of parental CVH with offspring CVD DALYs. Results: Over an equal 47-year follow-up, parents lost nearly twice the number of CVD DALYs compared to their offspring (23 234 versus 12 217). However, age-adjusted CVD DALYs were higher at younger ages and similar along the life course for parents and offspring. One-unit increase in parental CVH was associated with 5 healthy life months saved in offspring. Offspring of mothers with ideal versus poor CVH had 3 healthy life years saved (β=−3.0 DALYs [95% CI, −5.6 to −0.3]). No statistically significant association was found between paternal CVH categories and offspring CVD DALYs. Conclusions: Higher maternal and paternal CVH were associated with increased healthy life years in offspring; however, the association was strongest between mothers and offspring. Investment in CVH promotion along the life course has the potential to reduce the burden of CVD in the current and future generation of adults.

Cardiovascular (CV) risk factors can be transmitted from mothers to their children. However, it is challenging to measure and identify subclinical CV risk in young children using traditional CV risk methods and metrics.The purpose of this study was to determine the feasibility of recruiting mother-child dyads and measuring arterial stiffness (pulse wave velocity, augmentation index/pressure), blood pressure (BP), BP circadian pattern, specifically nocturnal BP dipping, and CV health metrics in mothers and in children aged 1 to 5 years.All BP and arterial stiffness measures were obtained using the noninvasive automated oscillometric Mobil-O-Graph device. Also measured were blood cholesterol level; glucose level; body mass index (BMI); and smoking, diet, and physical activity history. Descriptive statistics were used for assessing recruitment feasibility and Pearson correlations for mother-child associations.Thirty-five mother-child dyads completed the protocol. Recruitment reach was 89% and retention rate was 80%. Mothers were 34.3 ± 5.4 years old with a mean systolic BP (SBP) of 114.6 ± 9.5 mm Hg and BMI of 26.0 ± 6.5. Children were 3 ± 1.4 years old with a mean SBP of 103.3 ± 9.4 mm Hg and BMI z-scores of -0.3 ± 1.5. Arterial stiffness parameters were within normal ranges for mothers and children. Twenty-three percent of mothers did not exhibit nocturnal dipping (10% decrease between day and nighttime SBP). Maternal SBP was positively correlated with child BMI z-scores (r = 0.42, P = .022) as well as mother-child augmentation pressure (r = 0.51, P = .010).Our findings support using a mother-child approach and novel noninvasive approaches to assess and target CV risk in mothers and their young children.

Objective The aims of the study were to (a) determine rates of early, late, and overall 30-day all-cause readmission for women and men with the diagnosis of alcoholic cardiomyopathy (ACM), (b) examine hospital- and patient-level characteristics associated with the risk of readmission and how these factors differed by sex, and (c) examine the association between sex and in-patient mortality during readmission. Method We conducted a multi-year cross-sectional analysis of adult (≥18 years) inpatient hospitalizations in the United States. Descriptive statistics including frequencies and percentages were used to describe the study population, stratified by sex. We then used Poisson regression with robust error variance estimation to estimate risk ratios (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) that represented the associations between sex and likelihood of 30-day all-cause readmission and inpatient mortality. Results Among more than 116 million hospitalizations, there were 53,207 ACM-related hospitalizations (45,573 men and 7,634 women). Thirty-day all-cause readmission rates following an ACM-related index hospitalization were similar between men (20.3%) and women (20.5%). For men and women, cancer, hepatitis, chronic renal failure, cirrhosis, asthma, and anemia were associated with a higher risk of readmission. Although crude in-hospital mortality rates were higher among women (6.6%) than men (4.3%), there were no sex differences in mortality after adjusting for confounders (RR = 1.26, 95% CI [0.88, 1.81]). Conclusions Although men are more likely to be hospitalized for ACM, readmission risk is high (approximately 20%) and is similar in men and women following hospitalization for ACM. Hospital care transition programs that include a multidisciplinary approach are needed to help prevent these readmissions and associated morbidity and mortality.

Background Cardiovascular conditions are leading contributors to increasing maternal morbidity and mortality. Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) results in the majority of HF admissions in women, yet its impact in pregnancy is unknown. We examined the prevalence rates, risk factors and adverse pregnancy outcomes in women with HFpEF during pregnancy-related hospitalizations in the United States. Methods and Results We conducted a cross-sectional analysis of pregnancy-related hospitalizations from 2002 through 2014 using the National Inpatient Sample. HFpEF cases were identified using the 428.3 International Classification of Diseases, 9th edition, Clinical Modification code. Weighting variables were used to provide national estimates, unconditional survey logistic regression to generate odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals (CI) representing adjusted associations with adverse pregnancy outcomes and Joinpoint regression to estimate temporal trends. Among 58,732,977 hospitalizations, there were 3840 HFpEF cases, an overall rate of 7 cases per 100,000 pregnancy-related hospitalizations; 56% occurred postpartum, 27% during delivery, and 17% antepartum. The temporal trend for hospitalization increased throughout the timeframe by 19.4% (95% CI 13.9–25.1). HFpEF hospitalizations were more common for Black, older, or poor women. Risk factors included hypertension (chronic hypertension and hypertensive disorders of pregnancy), anemia, obesity, diabetes, renal disease and coronary atherosclerosis; all known risk factors for HFpEF. Women with HFpEF were 2.61–6.47 times more likely to experience adverse pregnancy outcomes. Conclusions The pregnancy-related HFpEF hospitalization prevalence has increased and is associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes. Risk factors resemble those outside pregnancy, emphasizing the need for screening and monitoring women with risk factors during pregnancy for HFpEF.

Background Cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors are transmitted from parents to children. We prospectively examined the association between parental cardiovascular health (CVH) and time to onset of CVD in the offspring. Methods and results The study consisted of a total of 5967 offspring–mother–father trios derived from the Framingham Heart Study. Cardiovascular health score was defined using the seven American Heart Association’s CVH metrics attained at ideal levels: poor (0–2), intermediate (3–4), and ideal CVH (5–7). Multivariable-adjusted Cox proportional hazards regression models, Kaplan–Meier plots, and Irwin’s restricted mean were used to examine the association and sex-specific differences between parental CVH and offspring’s CVD-free survival. In a total of 71 974 person-years of follow-up among the offspring, 718 incident CVD events occurred. The overall CVD incidence rate was 10 per 1000 person-years [95% confidence interval (CI) 9.3–10.7]. Offspring of mothers with ideal CVH lived 9 more years free of CVD than offspring of mothers with poor CVH (P Conclusions We found that offspring of parents with ideal CVH had a greater CVD-free survival. Maternal CVH was a more robust predictor of offspring’s CVD-free survival than paternal CVH, underscoring the need for clinical and policy interventions that involve mothers to break the intergenerational cycle of CVD-related morbidity and mortality.

Background: Depression and hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) are common morbidities during pregnancy. However, our knowledge about the national prevalence, correlates, and outcomes of co-occurring depression and HDP remains unknown. Materials and Methods: Using a multiyear (2002-2014) nationwide inpatient sample, we conducted a population-based, cross-sectional study. Cases, behavioral and clinical covariates, and outcomes were identified using International Classification of Disease, 9th Revision, Clinical Modification Codes. Rates of depression and HDP were calculated across demographics, hospital characteristics, and morbidities. We estimated adjusted odds ratios that represent the unique and joint association of depression and HDP with birth outcomes. Joinpoint regression was used to describe temporal trends in depression and HDP. Results: Among the over 58-million hospitalizations, there were 2,346,619 (3.99%), 1,117,857 (1.90%), and 63,081 (0.11%) cases of HDP, depression, and co-occurring depression and HDP, respectively. Compared to pregnant women without depression and HDP, women with depression and HDP were 3.41 times (confidence interval [95% CI]: 3.15-3.68), 1.94 times (95% CI: 1.65-2.27), and 4.10 times (95% CI: 3.89-4.32) more likely to experience intrauterine growth restriction, stillbirth, and preterm labor, respectively, even after adjusting for potential demographic, socioeconomic, and clinical confounders. Depression- and HDP-related hospitalizations resulted in an additional cost of over $5 billion during the study period. Conclusion: Depression and HDP are associated with increased risk of adverse birth outcomes and significant health care cost, with HDP being the main driving factor. Screening for both HDP and depression followed by multidisciplinary care could alleviate the health and economic burden of HDP and depression.

Background Although prior studies of inpatient maternal mortality in the United States provide data on the overall rate and trend in inpatient maternal mortality, there are no published reports of maternal mortality data stratified by timing of its occurrence across the pregnancy continuum (antepartum, intrapartum, and postpartum). Objective The study objective was to determine whether the maternal mortality rate, trends over time, self-reported race/ethnicity, and associated factors vary based on the timing of the occurrence of death during pregnancy. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional analysis of the Nationwide Inpatient Sample database to identify pregnancy-related inpatient stays stratified by timing. Among women in the sample, we determined in-hospital mortality and used International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification codes to identify comorbidities and behavioral characteristics associated with mortality, including alcohol, drug, and tobacco use. Joinpoint regression was used to calculate rates and trends of in-hospital maternal mortality. Results During the study period, there were 7,411 inpatient maternal mortalities among an estimated 58,742,179 hospitalizations of women 15-49 years of age. In-hospital maternal mortality rate stratified by race showed that African Americans died at significantly higher rates during antepartum, intrapartum, and postpartum periods compared to hospitalizations for Whites or Hispanics during the same time period. Although the postpartum hospitalization represents only 2% of pregnancy-related hospitalizations among women aged 15-49 years, hospitalization during this time period accounted for 27.2% of all maternal deaths during pregnancy-related hospitalization. Discussion Most in-hospital maternal mortalities occur after hospital discharge from child birth (postpartum period). Yet, the postpartum period continues to be the time period with the least maternal healthcare surveillance in the pregnancy continuum. African American women experience three times more in-hospital mortality when compared to their White counterparts.

Purpose The Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression (CES-D) scale is a widely used instrument for studying depression in the general population. It has been translated into several languages. Cross-cultural relevance of the construct of depression and cultural equivalence of the CES-D items used to measure it are crucial for international research on depression. Given the increasing number of refugees from Eritrea entering the USA and Europe, there is a need among health care researchers and providers for an instrument to assess depressive symptoms in the native language of this vulnerable population. The paper aims to discuss these issues. Design/methodology/approach The study employed forward–backward translation and assessed the CES-D scale for cross-cultural research and depression screening among Tigrigna-speaking Eritrean refugees. Forward–backward translation, cognitive interview and semantic analysis were conducted to ensure equivalence of comprehension of the items and instructions between Tigrigna- and English-speaking samples. Multi-group confirmatory factor analysis was used to assess the measurement invariance of the translated version. Findings Translation efforts were successful as reflected by the results of semantic analysis and pilot testing. Evidence supporting the measurement invariance of data collected using the Tigrigna version of the CES-D was obtained from a sample of 253 Eritrean refugees in the USA. Practical implications The findings of this study provide support for reliability and validity of data collected using the Tigrigna version of the CES-D scale. This important tool for assessing depression symptoms among Eritrean refugees is now available for health care providers and researchers working with this vulnerable population. Originality/value This work is an original work of the authors and it has not been published previously.

Severe maternal morbidity (SMM) is 50 to 100 times more common than maternal death, and has increased disproportionately among ethnic/racial minority women in the United States. However, specific knowledge about how the types and timing of severe maternal morbidities deferentially affect ethnic/racial minority women is poorly understood. This study examines racial/ethnic disparities in severe maternal morbidity during antepartum (AP), intrapartum (IP), and postpartum (PP) hospital admissions in the United States (US) for 2002-2014. We identified AP, IP, and PP hospitalizations in the National Inpatient Sample. Distribution of sociodemographic, behavioral and hospital characteristics, insurance, comorbidities, and SMM occurrence was summarized using descriptive statistics. Through Joinpoint regression, temporal SMM trends of hospitalizations were examined and stratified by race. Multivariate logistic regression assessed the association between race and SMM. We found black women have the highest proportion of SMM across all pregnancy intervals with a 70% greater risk of SMM during AP after adjusting for all cofactors. In the PP period, Hispanic women's risk of SMM is 19% less when compared to white women. Racial/ethnic disparities in SMM vary in timing and SMM type. Systematic investigation is needed to understand risks to black women and the protective factors associated with Hispanic women in the PP. Addressing racial disparities in maternal morbidity and mortality requires national policies and initiatives tailored to black women that address the specific types and timings of life-threatening obstetric complications.

The aims of the study were to (a) determine rates of early, late, and overall 30-day all-cause readmission for women and men with the diagnosis of alcoholic cardiomyopathy (ACM), (b) examine hospital- and patient-level characteristics associated with the risk of readmission and how these factors differed by sex, and (c) examine the association between sex and in-patient mortality during readmission.We conducted a multi-year cross-sectional analysis of adult (≥18 years) inpatient hospitalizations in the United States. Descriptive statistics including frequencies and percentages were used to describe the study population, stratified by sex. We then used Poisson regression with robust error variance estimation to estimate risk ratios (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) that represented the associations between sex and likelihood of 30-day all-cause readmission and inpatient mortality.Among more than 116 million hospitalizations, there were 53,207 ACM-related hospitalizations (45,573 men and 7,634 women). Thirty-day all-cause readmission rates following an ACM-related index hospitalization were similar between men (20.3%) and women (20.5%). For men and women, cancer, hepatitis, chronic renal failure, cirrhosis, asthma, and anemia were associated with a higher risk of readmission. Although crude in-hospital mortality rates were higher among women (6.6%) than men (4.3%), there were no sex differences in mortality after adjusting for confounders (RR = 1.26, 95% CI [0.88, 1.81]).Although men are more likely to be hospitalized for ACM, readmission risk is high (approximately 20%) and is similar in men and women following hospitalization for ACM. Hospital care transition programs that include a multidisciplinary approach are needed to help prevent these readmissions and associated morbidity and mortality.

Background Evidence suggests familial aggregation and intergenerational associations for individual cardiovascular health ( CVH ) metrics. Over a 53‐year life course, we examined trends and association of CVH between parents and their offspring at similar mean ages. Methods and Results We conducted a series of cross‐sectional analyses of the FHS (Framingham Heart Study). Parent‐offspring pairs were assessed at exams where their mean age distributions were similar. Ideal CVH was defined using 5 CVH metrics: blood pressure (dL ), blood cholesterol (dL ), body mass index (2 ), and non‐smoking. Joinpoint regression and Chi‐squared test were used to assess linear trend; proportional‐odds regression was used to examine the association between parents and offspring CVH . A total of 2637 parents were paired with 3119 biological offspring throughout 6 exam cycles. Similar patterns of declining ideal CVH with advancing age were observed in parents and offspring. Small proportions of parents (4%) and offspring (17%) achieved 5 CVH metrics at ideal levels ( P ‐trend CVH had more than twice the odds of having poor CVH (pooled odds ratio, 2.59; 95% CI, 1.98–3.40). Over time, elevated glucose levels and obesity doubled among the offspring and were the main drivers for declining ideal CVH trends. Conclusions Parental CVH was positively associated with offspring CVH . However, intergenerational CVH gains from declining smoking rates, cholesterol, and blood pressure were offset by rising offspring obesity and elevated glucose levels. This suggests an intergenerational phenotypic shift of risk factors and the need for a family‐centered approach to cardiovascular care.

Meconium aspiration syndrome (MAS) is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality among term, otherwise healthy newborns, yet population studies are rare. Definitions, outcomes and International Classification of Diseases (ICD) codes are heterogenous, complicating estimates of incidence, outcomes and risks.To measure population incidence, risks and outcomes of MAS by ICD codes.Retrospective population study.Kids Inpatient Database (KID) 2012, a nationally representative weighted sample of newborn discharges in the United States.Incidence, demographic distribution, and comorbidity associated with MAS.In 2012 there were 9295 weighted discharges diagnosed MAS with symptoms (2.49/1000) and 4304 cases without symptoms (1.15/1000). Newborns with symptoms had nearly twice the length of stay (LOS) (6.68 vs 3.65 days, p 0.001) and nearly 3 times the total charges ($44,473 versus $15,461, p 0.001) as those without symptoms. Incidence of death was over four times higher (7.7/1000 vs 1.7/1000, p 0.001), persistent pulmonary hypertension 3 times higher (57.6/1000 vs 15.8/1000, p 0.001), and hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy 5 times higher (6.2/1000 vs 1.2/1000, p 0.001) among MAS cases with respiratory symptoms than MAS cases without respiratory symptoms. Odds ratio of MAS with symptoms was 1.54 (95% CI 1.39-1.73) for black newborns compared to whites.Discharge data are useful for providing population estimates of MAS incidence. Prior studies have used consolidated ICD codes for MAS (with and without respiratory symptoms), yet these represent very different disease severities. Combining MAS diagnoses with and without respiratory symptoms misrepresents incidence and disease severity, complicating comparisons of outcomes and prevention strategies.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the association between pregnancy status and in-hospital mortality after cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) in an inpatient setting. METHODS: We conducted a population-based cross-sectional study using the Nationwide Inpatient Sample databases (2002–2011). International Classification of Diseases, 9th Revision, Clinical Modification codes were used to define cases, comorbidities, and clinical outcomes. Rates of CPR among study groups were calculated by patient and hospital characteristics. Survey logistic regression was used to estimate adjusted odds ratios (ORs) that represent the association between pregnancy status and mortality after CPR. Joinpoint regression was used to describe temporal trends in CPR and mortality rates. RESULTS: During the study period, 5,923 women (13–49 years) received inpatient CPR annually. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation rates increased significantly from 2002 to 2011, by 6.4% and 3.8% annually, for pregnant and nonpregnant women, respectively. In-hospital mortality rates after CPR were lower among pregnant women 49.4% (45.4–53.4) than nonpregnant women 71.1% (70.1–72.2), even after adjusting for confounders (adjusted OR 0.46, 95% confidence interval 0.39–0.56). CONCLUSION: Cardiopulmonary resuscitation in an inpatient pregnant woman is associated with improved survival compared with this procedure in nonpregnant women. Elucidating reasons behind this association could help to improve CPR outcomes in both pregnant and nonpregnant women.

AimsThe aims of this study were to: examine differences in alcoholic cardiomyopathy (ACM) prevalence, temporal trends and the distribution of socio-demographic factors and comorbidities by sex; and investigate differences in selected inpatient outcomes between women and men with ACM.MethodsWe used the 2002–2014 Nationwide Inpatient Sample databases. Overall and sex-specific rates of ACM were estimated across sociodemographic, clinical, and hospital characteristics. Joinpoint regression was used to estimate temporal trends (annual percent change [APC]) of ACM-related hospitalization by sex and race/ethnicity. Adjusted odds ratios (AOR) representing associations between sex and selected ACM outcomes were calculated using survey logistic regression.ResultsThe rate of ACM among all inpatient men and women was 128 per 100,000 and 17 per 100,000 hospitalizations, respectively. Among women, the rate of ACM remained unchanged during the study period, while for men, there was 1.2% annual reduction from 2002–2010 (APC −1.3, 95% CI: −1.7, −0.8). Women with ACM were more likely than men with ACM to experience depression (AOR=2.24, 95% CI: 2.06–2.43) and anxiety (AOR=1.94, 95% CI: 1.75–2.15), while men with ACM were 21% and 24% more likely than women with ACM to experience ‘any heart failure (HF)’ and HF with reduced ejection fraction respectively. One in 1,471 hospitalizations were related to ACM with a male-to-female ratio of 8:1.ConclusionIndividuals with ACM are at increased likelihood of adverse outcomes. Women with ACM are at increased risk of depression and anxiety, while men are at increased risk of HF.

Objectives : To estimate the national prevalence of cervical cancer (CCA) in women discharged from hospital after delivery, and to examine its associations with birth outcomes. Methods : We did a retrospective cross-sectional analysis of maternal hospital discharges in the United States (1998-2009). We used the Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS) database to identify hospital stays for women who gave birth. We determined length of hospital stay, in-hospital mortality, and used ICD-9-CM codes to identify CCA and all outcomes of interest. Multivariable logistic regression modeling was used to calculate adjusted odds ratios (AOR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for the associations between CCA and feto-maternal outcome. Results : In the 12-year period from 1998 to 2009, there were 8,387 delivery hospitalizations with a CCA diagnosis, a prevalence rate of 1.8 per 100,000 (95% CI=1.6, 1.9). After adjusting for potential confounders, CCA was associated with increased odds of maternal morbidities including: anemia (AOR, 1.78, 95% CI, 1.54-2.06), anxiety (AOR, 1.95, 95% CI, 1.11-3.42), cesarean delivery (AOR, 1.67, 95% CI, 1.46-1.90), and prolonged hospital stay (AOR, 1.51, 95% CI, 1.30-1.76), and preterm birth (AOR, 1.69, 95% CI, 1.46-1.97). Conclusion : There is a recent increase in the prevalence of CCA during pregnancy. CCA is associated with severe feto-maternal morbidities. Interventions that promote safer sexual practice and regular screening for CCA should be promoted widely among women of reproductive age to effectively reduce the prevalence of CCA during pregnancy and its impact on the health of mother and baby.

Objective Pre-pregnancy obesity and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) are increasingly prevalent independent risk factors for maternal and infant morbidities. However, there is a paucity of information on their joint effects on health outcomes and healthcare costs. Methods A population-based retrospective cohort study was conducted in Florida using a validated statewide database covering 1,057,647 infants born between 2004 and 2009. Using generalized linear modeling, joint associations between levels of pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI) and GDM and maternal complications of pregnancy, adverse birth outcomes, and healthcare costs were examined. The relative excess risk due to interaction was used to describe the direction and magnitude of the BMI–GDM interaction on the additive scale. Results Increasing pre-pregnancy BMI conferred increasing odds of adverse consequences, as did GDM, and the BMI–GDM interaction was greater than additive for 9 of 14 outcomes. The cost for infants born to women with GDM/obesity-III was 34% higher during the first year compared with those born to women with normal BMI and without GDM. The costs of maternal and infant inpatient care associated with overweight/obesity and GDM totaled over $351 million. Conclusions These findings provide further evidence of the importance of lifestyle modifications to decrease rates of obesity and risk factors from GDM.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the trends, correlates, and healthcare costs associated with industry-related injuries across the United States between 1998 and 2011. METHODS: A retrospective, cross-sectional analysis of hospital discharges was conducted using the National Inpatient Sample. We used the International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification codes to identify accidents occurring in industrial settings. Joinpoint regression modeling was used to analyze trends. RESULTS: Most of the 357,716 inpatient hospitalizations were admissions from the emergency department (55%). Fractures were the most prevalent injuries (48.1%), whereas the lower and upper extremities were the most common injury sites (51.7%). The mean per admission cost of direct medical care was $12,849, with an overall downward trend in injuries during the study period. CONCLUSIONS: A comprehensive trend analysis of industry-related injuries is valuable to policymakers in formulating targeted strategies and allocating resources to address disparities at various levels. Language: en

Objective To describe the prevalence, trends, correlates, and short-term outcomes of inpatient hospitalizations for firearm-related injuries (FRIs) in the United States between 1998 and 2011. Methods We conducted a retrospective, cross-sectional analysis of inpatient hospitalizations using data from the Nationwide Inpatient Sample. In addition to generating national prevalence estimates, we used survey logistic regression to calculate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for the association between FRIs and patient/hospital-level characteristics. Temporal trends were estimated and characterized using joinpoint regression. Results There were 10.5 FRIs (95% CI: 9.2–11.8) per 10,000 non-maternal/neonatal inpatient hospitalizations, with assault accounting for 60.1% of FRIs, followed by unintentional/accidental (23.0%) and intentional/self-inflicted FRIs (8.2%). The highest odds of FRIs, particularly FRIs associated with an assault, was observed among patients 18–24 years of age, patients 14–17 years of age, patients with no insurance/self-pay, and non-Hispanic blacks. The mean inpatient length of stay for FRIs was 6.9 days; however, 4.7% of patients remained in the hospital over 24 days and 1 in 12 patients (8.2%) died before discharge. The mean cost of an inpatient hospitalization for a FRI was $22,149, which was estimated to be $679 million annually; approximately two-thirds of the annual cost (64.7%) was for assault ($439 million). Conclusions FRIs are a preventable public health issue which disproportionately impacts younger generations, while imposing significant economic and societal burdens, even in the absence of fatalities. Prevention of FRIs should be considered a priority in this era of healthcare cost containment.

Background and Purpose: The longitudinal invariance of the Center for Epidemiologic Studies-Depression (CES-D) scale among middle-aged and older adults is unknown. This study examined the factorial invariance of the CES-D scale in a large cohort of community-based adults longitudinally. Methods: 1,204 participants completed the 20-item CES-D scale at 4 time points 1 year apart. Structural equation modeling was used to identify best fitting model using longitudinal data at baseline and at 1-, 2-, and 3-year follow-up. Results: The 4-factor model showed partial invariance over 3 years. Two of the 6 noninvariant items were consistently noninvariant at the 3 follow-up points. Conclusion: Special consideration should be given to these 2 items when using the CES-D scale in healthy adults (45-75 years old).Keywords: depression; invariance; structural equation modeling; measurement; CES-DDeveloped by the National Institute of Mental Health Center for Epidemiologic Studies, the Center for Epidemiological Studies-Depression (CES-D) scale is one of the most commonly used measures of depressive symptoms especially in community-based studies involving adult populations (Edwards, 2010; Murphy, 2011). The CES-D scale is a depressive symptom measurement scale that requires participants to report the frequency of feeling or occurrence of each of the 20 scale items in the past week. The items have been chosen to reflect various components of depression including feelings of guilt and worthlessness, depressed mood, helplessness and hopelessness, psychomotor retardation, sleep disturbance, and loss of appetite (Radloff, 1977). Each item is rated on a 4-point scale of 0 5 rarely or none of the time (less than 1 day); 1 5 some or a little of the time (1-2 days); 2 5 occasionally or a moderate amount of the time (3-4 days); and 3 5 most or all of the time (5-7 days). For 16 items in the instrument, a higher score represent more impairment, whereas for the remaining 4 items (Items 4, 8, 12, and 16), the scores are reversed, that is, a higher score represents less impairment. Reponses to the 20 items in the CES-D scale are summed to identify the level of depressive symptoms experienced by individuals in the past 1 week. A score of 16 or more indicates depressive risk (Radloff, 1977). The 20 CES-D scale items are listed with their abbreviations and factor structure in Table 1.PSYCHOMETRIC PROPERTIES OF CENTER FOR EPIDEMIOLOGICAL STUDIES-DEPRESSION SCALEThe factor structure of the scale has been debated for many years. The first factor analysis was done by Radloff in 1977. The author conducted principal component analyses (with ones in the main diagonal) with varimax rotation of the 20-item scale for three groups of samples taken from the general population and reported four factors. These factors were interpreted as depressed affect (blues depressed, lonely, cry, sad), positive affect (good, hopeful, happy, enjoy), somatic/vegetative (bothered, appetite, effort, sleep, get going), and interpersonal (unfriendly, dislike). Figure 1 shows the CES-D scale correlated four-factor model by Radloff (1977).The four-factor structure by Radloff (1977) has been replicated in other studies (Devins et al., 1988; Golding & Aneshensel, 1989; Knight, Williams, McGee, & Olaman, 1997; Roberts, 1980; Roberts, Vernon, & Rhoades, 1989). However, in some studies, the number of items used and the grouping of the items in to the factors varied. Other studies (Brown, Jose, Ng, & Guo, 2002; Chapleski, Lamphere, Kaczynski, Lichtenberg, & Dwyer, 1997; Guarnaccia, Angel, & Worobey, 1989; Miller, Markides, & Black, 1997) that tested the factor structure of the CES-D scale concluded that the depressed affect and somatic/vegetative items load on a single factor rather than two separate factors as proposed by Radloff (1977). Additional CES-D scale factor models reported in the literature include two factors (Edman et al., 1999) and seven factors (Callahan & Wolinsky, 1994), with only one item loading on two of the seven factors. …

Objectives Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) represent the most common cause of maternal-fetal morbidity and mortality. Yet, the prevalence and cost of postpartum (42-day) readmission (PPR) among HDP-complicated pregnancies in the United States remains unknown. This study provides national prevalence and cost estimates of HDP, and examine factors associated with potentially preventable PPR following HDP-complicated pregnancies. Method The 2013 and 2014 Nationwide Readmissions Databases were used to investigate HDP and PPR among delivery hospitalizations to women aged 15-49 years. PPR rates, length of stay, and costs were stratified by four HDP subtypes based on timing and severity of their condition. Survey logistic regression was employed to generate adjusted odds ratios for the association between HDP and PPR. Result In 2013 and 2014, there were 6.3 million delivery hospitalizations; 666 506 (10.6%) were complicated by HDP. Annually, HDP was responsible for higher rates of potentially preventable PPR. Among HDP-complicated pregnancies, the 42-day all-cause PPR rate ranged from 2.5% (gestational hypertension) to 4.6% (superimposed preeclampsia/eclampsia). Compared with normotensive pregnancies, HDP resulted in an excess 404 800 hospital days and inpatient care costs of $731 million. Even after controlling for patient-level and hospital-level confounders, all hypertensive subgroups continued to have at least two-fold, statistically significant, increased odds of potentially preventable PPR. Conclusion HDP is associated with increased risk of PPR and substantial medical costs. Preventive efforts should be made to identify women at increased risk of PPR during hospitalization so that transition care intervention can be initiated.

Background Cardiovascular disease remains a leading cause of pregnancy-associated deaths in the United States. The extent to which increasing opioid use among pregnant women contributes to fatal cardiovascular events is unknown. We examined trends in opioid use among pregnant women over the previous decade and the association between changes in temporal trends in opioid drug use and the incidence of acute cardiac events among mothers. Methods In this retrospective analysis of the Healthcare and Cost Utilization Project, we used a 2-stage stratified cluster sampling of all inpatient hospital discharges from nonfederal hospitals from January 1, 2002 through December 31, 2014. The study population comprised pregnant women aged 13-49 years and related hospitalizations, including delivery. The primary exposure of interest was opioid use during pregnancy. The primary outcome was the occurrence of acute myocardial infarction or cardiac arrest during pregnancy or childbirth. Results Among the estimated 57.4 million pregnancy-related inpatient hospitalizations, 511,469 (approximately 1%) had documented use of opioids, cocaine, and/or amphetamines. There was a 300% increase in the use of opioids during pregnancy over the study period, whereas cocaine consumption significantly decreased and that of amphetamine remained stable. Over the 13-year period, the rise in opioid use paralleled a 50% increase in the incidence of acute cardiac events among mothers. Conclusion Over the previous decade opioid use during pregnancy increased significantly, in parallel with the rise in the incidence of acute cardiac events in pregnancy and childbirth. An effective national policy is needed to address this emerging public health challenge.

Our purpose was to estimate the national prevalence of intimate partner violence (IPV) among delivery-related discharges and to investigate its association with adverse feto-maternal birth outcomes and delivery-related cost. A retrospective cross-sectional analysis of delivery-related hospital discharges from 2002 to 2009 was conducted using the Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS). We used ICD-9-CM codes to identify IPV, covariates, and outcomes. Multivariable logistic regression modeling was used to calculate adjusted odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for the associations between IPV and each outcome. Joinpoint regression was used for trend analysis. During the study period, 3,649 delivery-related discharges were diagnosed with IPV (11.2 per 100,000; 95% CI = [10.0, 12.4]). IPV diagnosis during delivery is associated with stillbirth (AOR = 4.12, 95% CI = [2.75, 6.17]), preterm birth (AOR = 1.97, 95% CI = [1.59, 2.44]), fetal death (AOR = 3.34, 95% CI = [1.99, 5.61]), infant with poor intrauterine growth (AOR = 1.55, 95% CI = [1.01, 2.40]), and increased inpatient hospital care cost (US$5,438.2 vs. US$4,080.1) per each discharge, incurring an additional cost of US$4,955,707 during the study period. IPV occurring during pregnancy has a significant health burden to both the mother and infant. Education about IPV; screening at periodic intervals, including during obstetric visits; and ongoing clinical care could help to reduce or eliminate adverse effects of pregnancy-related IPV. Preventing the lifelong consequences associated with IPV can have a positive effect on the overall health of all women and delivery-related health care cost.

Objective The aim of this study is to describe national trends for opioid use among pregnancy-related hospitalizations from 1998 to 2009. Study Design Using the Nationwide Inpatient Sample, we identified hospital discharge records associated with the diagnoses codes for the use of opioids for all eligible pregnancy-related inpatient admissions between 1998 and 2009. Joinpoint regression modeling was used to describe changes in trend of pregnancy-related opioid use. The main outcome measure was the annual percent change for opioids use among pregnancy-related hospitalizations. Results From 1998 to 2009, opioid use was documented in 138,224 of 55,781,966 pregnancy-related inpatient hospitalizations (25 cases per 10,000 discharges). A statistically significant downward trend occurred from 1998 to 2001, whereas from 2002 to 2009 there was a statistically significant upward trend. The increasing trend in opioid use from 2002 to 2009 is notably higher for whites compared with blacks and Hispanics. Conclusions Our findings highlight the continuous need to monitor opioids use and to revise prescription guidelines, practices, and regulatory mechanisms to curtail the progression of the increasing opioids use during pregnancy. It is critical that health care providers weight the benefits of these medications along with their potential risks when discussing analgesic treatment options with pregnant women.

Background Heart failure (HF) is a leading cause of maternal morbidity and mortality in the United States, but prevalence, correlates, and outcomes of HF-related hospitalization during antepartum, delivery, and postpartum periods remain unknown. The objective was to examine HF prevalence, correlates, and outcomes among pregnancy-related hospitalizations among women 13 to 49 years of age. Methods and Results We used the 2001 to 2011 Nationwide Inpatient Sample. Rates of HF were calculated by patient and hospital characteristics. Survey logistic regression was used to estimate adjusted odds ratios representing the association between HF and each outcome, stratified by antepartum, delivery, and postpartum periods. Joinpoint regression was used to describe temporal trends in HF and in-hospital mortality. Over 50 million pregnancy-related hospitalizations were analyzed. The overall rate of HF was 112 cases per 100 000 pregnancy-related hospitalizations. Although postpartum encounters represented only 1.5% of pregnancy-related hospitalizations, ≈60% of HF cases occurred postpartum, followed by delivery (27.3%) and antepartum (13.2%). Among postpartum hospitalizations, there was a significant 7.1% (95% confidence interval, 4.4–9.8) annual increase in HF from 2001 to 2006, followed by a steady rate through 2011. HF rates among antepartum hospitalizations increased on average 4.9% (95% confidence interval, 3.0–6.8) annually from 2001 to 2011. Women with a diagnosis of HF were more likely to experience adverse maternal outcomes, as reflected by outcome-specific adjusted odds ratios during antepartum (2.7–25), delivery (6–195), and postpartum (1.5–6.6) periods. Conclusions HF is associated with increased risk of maternal mortality and morbidities. During hospitalization, high-risk mothers need to be identified and surveillance programs developed before discharge.

Purpose This study aimed to evaluate the impact of maternal reproductive cancer diagnosis on fetal birth outcomes. Materials and Methods We conducted a retrospective population-based cohort study among women with a singleton live birth and diagnosed with reproductive cancer in the state of Florida (cases). We matched cases to cancer-free controls using selected sociodemographic and pregnancy-related clinical conditions. We applied logistic regression with correction for intracluster correlation using generalized estimating equations. Results Overall, 3212 (0.21%) of pregnant women had a diagnosis of reproductive cancer. Affected women had a 24% and 33% elevated risk for low birth weight (LBW) and preterm birth (PTB) infants, respectively. Compared to their white counterparts, black women with reproductive cancer had a greater risk for LBW [odds ratio (OR), 1.83; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.37–2.44], small for gestational age (SGA) [OR, 1.64; 95% CI, 1.23–2.17], and PTB (OR, 1.47; 95% CI, 1.12–192) infants. Black women with breast cancer demonstrated significantly higher risks of LBW [adjusted odds ratio (AOR), 2.37; 95% CI, 1.56–3.60], PTB (AOR, 1.71; 95% CI, 1.15–2.56), and SGA (AOR, 1.72; 95% CI, 1.12–2.64) when compared to women of their racial group with no reproductive cancer. Conclusions Diagnosis of reproductive cancer before or during pregnancy and within 30 days after birth is associated with adverse fetal outcomes (LBW, PTB, and SGA). These results highlight the importance of preconception and intraconception care of women with reproductive cancer diagnosis.

Immigrants are often considered a vulnerable population. Paradoxically, some researchers have reported lower risk of pregnancy-related hypertension (PRH) among immigrants when compared to their non-immigrant counterparts. The lack of consistency and the absence of a synthesis of studies investigating the associations between immigration status and PRH represent a gap in our understanding of socioecological roots of PRH. Of studies published in during the study period, 16 met the inclusion criteria. For each study, we computed relative risks that compared PRH risk by migrant status. The pooled estimate of the relative risk of PRH represented a statistically significantly lower risk among immigrants (RR = 0.74; 95 % CI 0.67, 0.82). The body of evidence indicates that immigrant status is generally associated with reduced risk of PRH. However the strength of this association could vary by country of origin of immigrants.

To examine the association between small for gestational age (SGA) in the first pregnancy and risk for infant mortality in the second pregnancy.This is a population-based, retrospective cohort study in which we used the Missouri maternally linked cohort dataset for 1978-2005. Analyses were restricted to women who had two singleton pregnancies during the study period. The exposure was SGA in the first pregnancy, whereas the primary outcome was infant mortality in the second pregnancy. Kaplan-Meier Estimate and Cox proportional hazard regression were conducted.Infant mortality was significantly greater among mothers with previous SGA (P.01). A persistent association of previous SGA with subsequent infant mortality was observed (adjusted hazard ratio [AHR] 1.35, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 1.24-1.48). Race-specific data illustrated that black women with a previous SGA birth were 40% more likely to experience infant mortality (AHR 1.40, 95% CI 1.21-1.63) than their counterparts without a history of SGA, but white women with a previous SGA had an increased risk of 31% (AHR 1.31, 95% CI 1.17-1.46).Women with previous SGA bear increased risks for subsequent infant mortality, which was greater among black mothers. Hence, SGA plays an important role in the black-white disparity in infant mortality. Women's previous childbearing experiences could serve as important criterion in determining appropriate interconception strategies to improve infant health and survival.

This paper discusses an important element that is missing from the existing algorithm of preconception care, namely, comparative effectiveness research (CER). To our knowledge, there has been limited assessment of the comparative effectiveness of diverse interventions that promote preconception health, conditions under which these are most effective, for which particular populations, and their comparative costs. CER can improve the decision making process for the funding, development, implementation, and evaluation of comprehensive preconception care programs, specifically by identifying the most effective interventions with acceptable costs to society. This paper will examine the framework behind preconception care and how the inclusion of comparative effectiveness research and evaluation into the existing algorithm of preconception care could foster improvement in maternal and child health. We discuss challenges and opportunities regarding the utilization of CER in the decision making process in preconception health, and finally, we provide recommendations for future directions.

This study examined the association of self-efficacy and self-regulation with nutrition and exercise behaviors. The study used a cross-sectional design and included 108 participants (54 men, 54 women). Nutrition behaviors (fruit/vegetable consumption, dinner cooking, and restaurant eating) and exercise were measured using total days in last week a behavior was reported. Instruments measuring self-efficacy and self-regulation demonstrated excellent Cronbach's alphas (.93-.95). Path analysis indicated only fruit/vegetable consumption and exercise were associated with self-efficacy and self-regulation. Self-regulation showed direct association with fruit/vegetable consumption and exercise, but self-efficacy had direct association only with exercise. Self-efficacy and self-regulation should be strategically used to promote health behaviors.

To describe the prevalence, trends, adverse maternal-fetal morbidities and healthcare costs associated with placenta accreta (PA) in the United States (US) between 1998 and 2011.A retrospective, cross-sectional analysis of inpatient hospital discharges was conducted using the National Inpatient Sample (NIS). We used International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Edition, Clinical Modification (ICD-9-CM) codes to identify both cases of PA and of selected comorbidities. Survey logistic regression was used to assess the association between PA and various maternal-fetal outcomes. Joinpoint regression modeling was used to estimate annual percent changes (APCs) in PA prevalence during the study period.The prevalence of PA from 1998 to 2011 was 3.7 per 1000 delivery-related discharges. After adjusting for known or suspected confounders, PA conferred between a 20% to over a 19-fold increased odds of experiencing an adverse outcome. This resulted in a higher mean, per-hospitalization, cost of inpatient care after adjustment for inflation ($5561 versus $4989), translating into over $115 million dollars in additional inpatient expenditures relative to non-PA affected deliveries from 2001 to 2011.This study updates recent trends in the prevalence of PA, which is valuable to clinicians and policymakers as they formulate targeted strategies to address factors related to PA.

Pre-pregnancy obesity and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) are increasingly prevalent independent risk factors for maternal and infant morbidities. However, there is a paucity of information on their joint effects on health outcomes and healthcare costs.A population-based retrospective cohort study was conducted in Florida using a validated statewide database covering 1,057,647 infants born between 2004 and 2009. Using generalized linear modeling, joint associations between levels of pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI) and GDM and maternal complications of pregnancy, adverse birth outcomes, and healthcare costs were examined. The relative excess risk due to interaction was used to describe the direction and magnitude of the BMI-GDM interaction on the additive scale.Increasing pre-pregnancy BMI conferred increasing odds of adverse consequences, as did GDM, and the BMI-GDM interaction was greater than additive for 9 of 14 outcomes. The cost for infants born to women with GDM/obesity-III was 34% higher during the first year compared with those born to women with normal BMI and without GDM. The costs of maternal and infant inpatient care associated with overweight/obesity and GDM totaled over $351 million.These findings provide further evidence of the importance of lifestyle modifications to decrease rates of obesity and risk factors from GDM.

We sought to investigate the most recent national trends of bilateral salpingectomy (BS) and bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy (BSO) at the time of hysterectomy performed for benign indications.We conducted a national cross-sectional analysis of all inpatient discharges for women aged ≥18 years who underwent a hysterectomy for benign indications from 1998 through 2011 using the largest publicly available all-payer inpatient database in the United States. We scanned International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision codes for an indication of specific bilateral adnexal surgeries, including BSO and BS. Joinpoint regression was used to characterize and estimate 14-year national trends in performing BSO and BS at the time of hysterectomy for benign indications, overall and in population subgroups.During the study period, there were approximately 428,523 inpatient hysterectomy procedures performed annually for benign indications. Of these,53% had no adnexal surgery performed during the same hospitalization, whereas 43.7% and 1.3% of those discharges had BSO and BS procedures, respectively. The rate of BSO was directly correlated with increasing age for patients65 years. Conversely, we observed an inverse relationship between BS and patient age, with the BS rate among women aged25 years twice that of women aged ≥45 years. From 1998 through 2001, there was a 2.2% increase in the rate of BSO per year (95% confidence interval, 0.4-4.0); however, this was followed by a consistent 3.6% (95% confidence interval, -4.0 to -3.3) annual decline in the BSO rate, from 49.7% in 2001 to 33.4% in 2011. National rates of BS among women undergoing hysterectomy for benign indications increased significantly throughout the study period, with an estimated 8% annual increase from 1998 through 2008, followed by a sharp 24% increase annually during the last 4 years of the study period. The BS rate nearly quadrupled in 14 years.The type of adnexal surgery performed concomitantly with hysterectomy for benign indications has undergone a significant shift since 2001. Significantly more BS and less BSO procedures are being performed among gynecologic surgeons in the United States.

To investigate the association between gestational age at delivery and perinatal outcomes among gastroschisis-affected pregnancies that result in live birth.We conducted a retrospective cohort study using a linked maternal-infant database for more than 2.3 million liveborn neonates in Florida from 1998 to 2009. Cases were identified using a combination of International Classification of Diseases, 9th Edition, Clinical Modification, diagnosis and procedure codes indicative of gastroschisis. We restricted our analyses to singleton cases without another major birth defect or medical conditions that would justify early elective delivery. We categorized cases based on gestational age in weeks and compared perinatal outcomes.Among 1,005 neonates with gastroschisis, 324 (32.3%) were isolated, singleton cases without an additional indication for early delivery. We observed decreased rates of adverse pregnancy outcomes among those neonates delivered in the early term period (37-38 weeks of gestation) compared with preterm (less than 34 weeks of gestation); specifically, jaundice (18.5% compared with 42.3%, P=.01) and respiratory distress syndrome (5.9% compared with 23.1%, P≤.01). As the gestational age at birth increased, we observed fewer mean number of days spent in the hospital (less than 34 weeks of gestation: 55.9, P.01; 34-36 weeks of gestation: 51.9, P=.02; 37-38 weeks of gestation: 36.9 [reference]) and lower direct inpatient medical costs (in thousands, U.S. dollars; less than 34 weeks of gestation: 79, P=.01; 34-36 weeks of gestation: 71, P=.04; 37-38 weeks of gestation: 51 [reference]) per infant in the first year of life.In pregnancies complicated by gastroschisis, and with no other known major indications, birth at early term or later term gestation, when compared with delivery before 37 weeks of gestation, is associated with improved perinatal outcomes and lower medical costs.II.

The study purpose was to assess the relationship between various grades of preterm birth (moderate preterm: 33-36 weeks; severe preterm: 27-32 weeks; extreme preterm: ≤ 26 weeks) in the first pregnancy and neonatal mortality (death within 28 days of birth; early: 0-7 days; late: 8-28 days) in the second pregnancy. Using the Missouri maternally-linked dataset (1989-2005), a population-based, retrospective cohort analysis with propensity score-weighted matching was conducted on mothers with two consecutive singleton live births (n = 310,653 women). Women with a prior preterm birth were more likely to subsequently experience neonatal death. The odds increased in a dose-dependent pattern with ascending severity of the preterm event in the first pregnancy (moderate preterm: AOR = 1.32; 95% CI: 1.10-1.60; severe preterm: AOR = 2.62; 95% CI: 2.01-3.41; extreme preterm: AOR = 5.84; 95% CI: 4.28-7.97; p value for trend0.001). However, the pathway for the relationship between prior preterm birth and subsequent neonatal mortality may be the recurrence of preterm birth.

Study objectives A recent trend in increasing rates of severe maternal morbidity and mortality despite quality improvements has been noted. The goal of this study is to estimate the national prevalence of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in pregnant women and examine associations between OSA and pregnancy-related morbidities, including in-hospital maternal mortality. Design A retrospective, cross-sectional analysis. Setting A nationally representative sample of maternal hospital discharges from 1998-2009. Patients or participants The analytic sample included 55,781,965 pregnancy-related inpatient hospital discharges. Interventions N/A. Measurements and results The Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS) database was used to identify hospital stays for women who were pregnant or gave birth. Among these women, we determined length of hospital stay, in-hospital mortality, and used International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD-9-CM) codes to identify OSA and other outcome measures. Multivariable logistic regression modeling was used to calculate adjusted odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for the associations between OSA and each outcome. The overall rate of OSA was 3.0 per 10,000; however, the rate climbed substantially from 0.7 in 1998 to 7.3 in 2009, with an average annual increase of 24%. After controlling for obesity and other potential confounders, OSA was associated with increased odds of pregnancy-related morbidities including preeclampsia (OR, 2.5; 95% CI, 2.2-2.9), eclampsia (OR, 5.4; 95% CI, 3.3-8.9), cardiomyopathy (OR, 9.0; 95% CI, 7.5-10.9), and pulmonary embolism (OR, 4.5; 95% CI, 2.3-8.9). Women with OSA experienced a more than fivefold increased odds of in-hospital mortality (95% CI, 2.4-11.5). The adverse effects of OSA on selected outcomes were exacerbated by obesity. Conclusions Obstructive sleep apnea is associated with severe maternal morbidity, cardiovascular morbidity, and in-hospital death. Targeted interventions may improve pregnancy outcomes in this group.

To evaluate the relationship between pregnancy weight gain and placental abruption, Missouri's population-based, maternally linked, longitudinal dataset (1989–2005, n = 1,146,935) was assessed. Regardless of baseline body mass index, women who gained less than the optimal amount recommended by the Institute of Medicine had a 67% increased likelihood of placental abruption (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] for placental abruption = 1.673; 95%CI = 1.588–1.762) compared with those who gained an optimal amount of weight, while those who gained more than the recommended optimal amount of weight had a 30% reduced AOR for placental abruption (AOR = 0.695, 95%CI = 0.660–0.731). These findings underscore the importance of maternal weight management as part of preconception care to improve pregnancy outcomes. © 2013 International Life Sciences Institute

ObjectiveThis study aimed to review studies that addressed the impact of previous reproductive cancer diagnosis on selected fetal birth outcomes.Materials and MethodsWe searched PubMed and Web of Knowledge to identify peer-reviewed articles published from January 1992 to December 2012, investigating the association between reproductive cancer and birth outcomes. After applying exclusion criteria, 49 articles were identified for full review, and 36 articles were finally selected for this systematic review. The quality of the studies was assessed by independent reviewers.ResultsWe found 13 cervical cancer studies, 16 ovarian cancer studies, and 7 corpus uteri cancers that reported subsequent pregnancies (n = 688 pregnancies in 477 women). Of these, 489 pregnancies reached third trimester. Among viable pregnancies, only 416 pregnancies had information on maturity status based on gestational age and/or birth weight. For those with cervical cancer, the preterm birth (PTB) rate was 48.5%. For those with ovarian cancer, there were no cases of PTB. For those with corpus uteri cancers, the PTB was 7.7%. All studies had small sample sizes, and there was considerable heterogeneity of results. Abortions, ectopic pregnancies, and terminations were also reported.ConclusionsReproductive cancers may be associated to subsequent adverse fetal birth outcomes; however, the quality of evidence is still insufficient to infer a relationship between reproductive cancers treated conservatively and adverse fetal birth outcomes in subsequent pregnancies.

To examine the association between prior infant mortality and subsequent risk for small for gestational age (SGA). This population-based, retrospective cohort study used the Missouri maternally linked, longitudinal dataset (1989–2005). Analyses were restricted to women who had two singleton pregnancies during the study period. Logistic regression was conducted to obtain adjusted odds ratios (AOR) and 95 % confidence intervals (CI) for the association between infant mortality in the first pregnancy and SGA in the second pregnancy. Women with a prior occurrence of infant death were more likely to be black and obese and had lower educational levels and had higher rates of pregnancy-related complications (p < 0.01). White women with previous infant mortality were at 1.46 times greater risk for SGA in the subsequent pregnancy (AOR = 1.46, 95 % CI = 1.24–1.71). For black women with prior infant death, the risk for SGA increased to 2.77 times (AOR = 2.77, 95 % CI = 2.19–3.51). White mothers who experienced infant mortality coupled with SGA in the first pregnancy had a nearly threefold heightened risk for SGA in the second pregnancy (AOR = 2.89, 95 % CI = 2.21–3.78), whereas black women with this history were more than four times as likely to have an infant with SGA (AOR = 4.60 95 % CI = 3.05–6.96). Prior occurrence of infant mortality is associated with increased risk for subsequent SGA. This finding has important implications for health professionals, as targeted inter-conception strategies for women who have experienced infant death, as well as SGA, may be warranted.

Quality of life has emerged as an essential health component that broadens the traditionally narrow concerns focused on only morbidity and life expectancy. Although a growing number of tools to measure quality of life are in circulation, there is a lack of guidelines as well as rigorous assessment for their use with pregnant and postpartum populations. It is also unclear whether these instruments could validly be employed to measure patient-reported outcomes in comparative effectiveness research of maternal care interventions. This paper reviews articles cited in CINAHL, COCHRANE, EMBASE, PSYCINFO, and PUBMED that addressed quality of life in pregnant and postpartum populations. Instruments used to measure quality of life in selected articles were assessed for their adherence to international guidelines for health outcomes instrument development and validation. The authors identified 129 articles that addressed quality of life in pregnant and/or postpartum women. Out of these, only 64 quality (generic and specific) scales were judged relevant to be included in this study. Analysis of measurement scales used in the pregnant and/or postpartum populations revealed important validity, reliability and psychometric inadequacies that negate their use in comparative effectiveness analysis in pregnant and post-partum populations. Valid, reliable, and responsive instruments to measure patient-reported outcomes in pregnant and postpartum populations are lacking. To demonstrate the effectiveness of various treatment and prevention programs, future research to develop and validate a robust and responsive quality of life measurement scale in pregnant and postpartum populations is needed.

Aim This article examines the effects of live therapeutic music (LTM) on patients in a hospital setting. LTM was hypothesized to directly increase patients' positive affect and to indirectly influence their perceptions of the care they received. Method One hundred patients participated in a two group (fifty per group), quasi-experimental design in which they completed a very brief questionnaire assessing their affect and perceptions of care. Half of the participants were exposed to LTM at the bedside. The other half served as a comparison group. A structural equation model was used to test the hypothesized effects of LTM. Results The model explained 63% of the variance in patient's affect and 10% of the variance in perceptions of care. Conclusions Patients respond to LTM with increased positive affect and by assigning higher ratings to the care they receive. LTM could be used as a viable means to improve patient outcomes and satisfaction.

Advanced maternal age (AMA) and HIV status have been investigated separately for their influence on infant outcomes. Both are associated with adverse fetal growth outcomes, including low birth weight (LBW) and preterm birth (PTB). However, the impact of the cooccurrence of these factors in relation to birth outcomes remains relatively understudied. We analyzed Florida hospital discharge data linked to vital records. The study population consisted of women who had a singleton live birth between 1998 and 2007 (N=1,687,176). The exposure variables were HIV infection and maternal age, while the outcomes of interest were LBW, PTB, and small for gestational age (SGA). We matched HIV-positive women to HIV-negative women on selected variables using propensity scores. To approximate relative risks, we computed adjusted odds ratios (AOR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) generated from logistic regression models and accounted for the matched design using the generalized estimating equations framework. After adjusting for demographic variables, clinical conditions, and route of birth, the risks of LBW, PTB, and SGA remained significant for HIV-positive women, regardless of age. HIV-positive women of AMA (≥35 years) were more likely to have infants of LBW (AOR=1.73, 95% CI=1.37-2.18), PTB (AOR=1.35, 95% CI: 1.06-1.71), and SGA (AOR=1.52, 95% CI=1.22-1.89), compared to uninfected mothers of younger age (