Maternal smoking in pregnancy, fetal activity & newborn behavioral state: An observational ultrasound study.

Maternal smoking during pregnancy (MSDP) remains one of the most common prenatal drug exposures in the US and worldwide. MSDP is associated with medical risk for the fetus and altered behavioral development in infants; however, fewer studies have examined the impact of MSDP on fetal behavior or newborn behavioral state. We investigated associations between MSDP and (a) fetal motor activity and (b) newborn behavioral state following handling. Participants were 79 healthy mother-fetus/newborn pairs (57% MSDP-exposed). MSDP was measured by maternal interview and verified by saliva biomarkers. Mothers completed an observational fetal ultrasound assessment between 24 and 37 weeks gestation (M = 28 weeks), including baseline, vibro-acoustic stimulus and recovery periods. Total fetal motor activity and complex body movements were coded from ultrasound videos. Following delivery, newborn post-handling behavioral state was assessed by direct observational coding. MSDP exposure was associated with higher baseline fetal motor activity, particularly at younger gestational ages. Further, motor reactivity to stimulation emerged at later gestational ages in MSDP-exposed fetuses, while motor reactivity was consistent across gestational ages in unexposed fetuses. Finally, heavy MSDP exposure was associated with more arousal following handling and greater need for soothing interventions in the newborn period. Monitoring of fetal behavior via ultrasound may offer a unique opportunity to identify at-risk infants and provides data for stronger public health messaging regarding risks of MSDP. Associations between MSDP and increased newborn fussiness highlight opportunities for education and anticipatory guidance in the postpartum period.

Uncommon Complication of Uterine Artery Embolization: Expulsion of Infarcted Myoma and Uterine Sepsis.

Uterine leiomyomas are the most common benign tumors in young females and leading cause of hysterectomy. Uterine artery embolization is a safe option for women who wish to retain their uterus. Several complications have been reported including expulsion and sepsis. MRI is a useful pretreatment tool to predict results and outcomes. We report a case of a 44-year-old female with a history of uterine fibroids with the largest one being intracavitary. Patient underwent uterine artery embolization that was complicated by endomyometritis that failed antibiotics, leading to sepsis and hysterectomy.

Surgical, Ultrasound Guided Drainage, and Medical Management of Tuboovarian Abscesses.

OBJECTIVE: To compare surgical, ultrasound guided drainage, and medical management of tuboovarian abscesses (TOA) and determine if different characteristics in patient presentation influence treatment and outcome. METHODS: Retrospective cohort study of 158 patients admitted to Jackson Memorial Hospital between 2007 and 2012 with a TOA. RESULTS: Patients treated with IV antibiotics (IV) alone were hospitalized for 5.59 days (SD 2.52), IV antibiotics and US guided drainage (IV/US) were hospitalized for 9.63 days (SD 7.58), and IV antibiotics and surgery (IV/surgery) were hospitalized for 8.14 days ((SD3.9), (P < 0.001)). A total of 52 patients were readmitted with TOA; 41.8% were treated with IV; 26.9% were readmitted with IV/US; 7.1% were readmitted with IV/surgery (P < 0.022). Patients with a TOA measuring 0-8 cm were hospitalized for 5.97 days (SD 4.24), while those greater than 8 cm were hospitalized for 7.71 days ((SD 4.69), (P < 0.029)). Patients treated with a triple antibiotic regimen were hospitalized for 8.42 days (SD 5.70) versus 5.8 days (SD 3.24) when receiving an alternative regimen (P < 0.002). CONCLUSIONS: Longer hospitalization in patients treated uniformly with either triple antibiotics, ultrasound guided drainage, or surgery represents a delay in optimal treatment. Tailoring treatment plans based on patient presentation may allow for shorter hospital stays and improved morbidity.

Cases of limb-body wall complex: Early amnion rupture, vascular disruption, or abnormal splitting of the embryo?

We report two cases of limb-body wall complex (LBWC), also known as body stalk anomaly, a rare form of body wall defect incompatible with life. The first case was identified during a level II ultrasound examination performed at 7 wk gestational age. The delivery was by breech extraction at 39 wk and 4 days. The second case was delivered by spontaneous vaginal delivery at 35 wk and 5 days. Karyotype analysis was normal in both fetuses. The phenotype of LBWC is variable, but commonly identified features include: exencephaly, limb defects, and either facial clefts or thoraco-abdominoschisis. The exact etiology remains uncertain, as the disorder has been regarded as sporadic with low recurrence. Vascular disruption during early embryogenesis, early amnion rupture, abnormal splitting of the embryo, and failure of amnion fusion have been implicated in the pathogenesis of LBWC. A role for possible gene mutation and maternal use of alcohol, tobacco, or illicit drugs has also been suggested. Detailed ultrasonography along with biochemical screening may allow for early detection.