Randomized controlled trial of twin-twin transfusion syndrome laser surgery: the sequential trial.

BACKGROUND: Intraoperative blood transfer between twins during laser surgery for twin-twin transfusion syndrome can vary by surgical technique and has been proposed to explain differences in donor twin survival. OBJECTIVE: This trial compared donor twin survival with 2 laser techniques: the sequential technique, in which the arteriovenous communications from the volume-depleted donor to the volume-overloaded recipient are laser-occluded before those from recipient to donor, and the selective technique, in which the occlusion of the vascular communications is performed in no particular order. STUDY DESIGN: A single-center, open-label, randomized controlled trial was conducted in which twin-twin transfusion syndrome patients were randomized to sequential vs selective laser surgery. Nested within the trial, a second trial randomized patients with superficial anastomoses (arterioarterial and venovenous) to ablation of these connections first (before ablating the arteriovenous anastomoses) vs last. The primary outcome measure was donor twin survival at birth. RESULTS: A total of 642 patients were randomized. Overall donor twin survival was similar between the 2 groups (274 of 320 [85.6%] vs 271 of 322 [84.2%]; odds ratio, 1.12 [95% confidence interval, 0.73-1.73]; P=.605). Superficial anastomoses occurred in 177 of 642 cases (27.6%). Donor survival was lower in the superficial anastomosis group vs those with only arteriovenous communications (125 of 177 [70.6%] vs 420 of 465 [90.3%]; adjusted odds ratio, 0.33 [95% confidence interval, 0.20-0.54]; P<.001). In cases with superficial anastomoses, donor survival was independent of the timing of ablation or surgical technique. The postoperative mean middle cerebral artery peak systolic velocity was lower in the sequential vs selective group (1.00±0.30 vs 1.06±0.30 multiples of the median; P=.003). Post hoc analyses showed 2 factors that were associated with poor overall donor twin survival: the presence or absence of donor twin preoperative critical abnormal Doppler parameters and the presence or absence of arterioarterial anastomoses. Depending on these factors, 4 categories of patients resulted: (1) Category 1 (347 of 642 [54%]), no donor twin critical abnormal Doppler + no arterioarterial anastomoses: donor twin survival was 91.2% in the sequential and 93.8% in the selective groups; (2) Category 2 (143 of 642 [22%]), critical abnormal Doppler present + no arterioarterial anastomoses: donor survival was 89.9% vs 75.7%; (3) Category 3 (73 of 642 [11%]), no critical abnormal Doppler + arterioarterial anastomoses present: donor survival was 94.7% vs 74.3%; and (4) Category 4 (79 of 642 [12%]), critical abnormal Doppler present + arterioarterial anastomoses present: donor survival was 47.6% vs 64.9%. CONCLUSION: Donor twin survival did not differ between the sequential vs selective laser techniques and did not differ if superficial anastomoses were ablated first vs last. The donor twin's postoperative middle cerebral artery peak systolic velocity was improved with the sequential vs the selective approach. Post hoc analyses suggest that donor twin survival may be associated with the choice of laser technique according to high-risk factors. Further study is needed to determine whether using these categories to guide the choice of surgical technique will improve outcomes.

Third-trimester fetoscopic ablation therapy for types II and III vasa previa.

BACKGROUND: Vasa previa is an obstetrical condition in which fetal vessels located near the cervix traverse the fetal membranes unprotected by underlying placenta. Type I vasa previa arises directly from a velamentous cord root, whereas types II and III arise from an accessory lobe or a distal lobe of the same placenta, respectively. Fetoscopic laser ablation for types II and III vasa previa is a novel therapeutic option with benefits that include surgical resolution of the vasa previa, avoidance of prolonged hospitalization, and opportunity for a term vaginal delivery. The potential risks of fetoscopy can be mitigated by delaying laser surgery until a gestational age of 31 to 33 weeks, immediately before anticipated hospitalized surveillance. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to assess feasibility and outcomes of types II and III vasa previa patients treated via fetoscopic laser ablation in the third trimester. STUDY DESIGN: This is a retrospective study of singleton pregnancies with types II and III vasa previa treated with fetoscopic laser ablation at a gestational age ≥31 weeks at a single center between 2006 and 2022. Pregnancy and newborn outcomes were assessed. Continuous variables are expressed as mean±standard deviation. RESULTS: Of 84 patients referred for vasa previa, 57 did not undergo laser ablation: 19 either had no or resolved vasa previa, 25 had type I vasa previa (laser-contraindicated), and 13 had type II or III vasa previa but declined laser treatment. Of the remaining 27 patients who underwent laser ablation, 7 were excluded (laser performed at <31 weeks and/or twins), leaving 20 study patients. The mean gestational age at fetoscopic laser ablation was 32.0±0.6 weeks, and total operative time was 62.1±19.6 minutes. There were no perioperative complications. All patients had successful occlusion of the vasa previa vessels (1 required a second procedure). All patients were subsequently managed as outpatients. The mean gestational age at delivery was 37.2±1.8 weeks, the mean birthweight was 2795±465 g, and 70% delivered vaginally. Neonatal intensive care unit admission occurred in 3 cases: 1 for respiratory distress syndrome and 2 for hyperbilirubinemia requiring phototherapy. There were no cases of neonatal transfusion, intraventricular hemorrhage, sepsis, patent ductus arteriosus, or death. CONCLUSION: Laser ablation for types II and III vasa previa at 31 to 33 gestational weeks was technically achievable and resulted in favorable outcomes.

Subclassification of fetal growth restriction type IIa vs type IIb applied to twin-twin transfusion syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Subclassification of monochorionic twins with selective fetal growth restriction type II into IIa vs IIb has been proposed because of differing neonatal survival outcomes of the fetus with growth restriction after laser surgery based on preoperative Doppler findings in the middle cerebral artery and ductus venosus. There is substantial clinical overlap between selective fetal growth restriction and twin-twin transfusion syndrome. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to compare donor twin neonatal survival after laser surgery in cases of twin-twin transfusion syndrome with concomitant donor fetal growth restriction type IIa vs IIb. STUDY DESIGN: This was a retrospective study of monochorionic multifetal pregnancies treated with laser surgery for stage III twin-twin transfusion syndrome and concomitant donor twin fetal growth restriction type II at a referral center from 2006 to 2021. Donor fetal growth restriction type II was defined as having an estimated fetal weight <10th percentile with persistent absent and/or reversed end-diastolic velocity in the umbilical artery. Moreover, patients were subclassified as type IIa (having normal middle cerebral artery peak systolic velocities and ductus venosus Doppler waveforms) vs type IIb (having middle cerebral artery peak systolic velocities ≥1.5 multiples of the median and/or ductus venosus with persistent absent or reversed atrial systolic flow). This study compared 30-day neonatal survival of the donor twin by fetal growth restriction type IIa vs IIb using logistic regression to adjust for relevant preoperative covariates (P<.10 in bivariate analysis). RESULTS: Of 919 patients who underwent laser surgery for twin-twin transfusion syndrome, 262 had sstage III donor or donor and recipient twin-twin transfusion syndrome; of these patients, 189 (20.6%) had concomitant donor fetal growth restriction type II. Moreover, 12 patients met the exclusion criteria, yielding 177 patients (19.3%) who composed the study cohort. Patients were subclassified as donor fetal growth restriction type IIa (146 [82%]) vs type IIb (31 [18%]). Donor neonatal survival for fetal growth restriction type IIa vs IIb was 71.2% vs 41.9% (P=.003). Recipient neonatal survival did not differ between the 2 types (P=1.000). Patients classified with twin-twin transfusion syndrome and concomitant donor fetal growth restriction type IIb were 66% less likely to have neonatal survival of the donor after laser surgery (adjusted odds ratio, 0.34; 95% confidence interval, 0.15-0.80; P=.0127). The logistic regression model was adjusted for gestational age at the procedure, estimated fetal weight percent discordance, and nulliparity. The c-statistic was 0.702. CONCLUSION: For patients with stage III twin-twin transfusion syndrome and concurrent donor fetal growth restriction with persistent absent or reversed end-diastolic velocity in the umbilical artery (ie, fetal growth restriction type II), subclassification into fetal growth restriction type IIb based on elevated middle cerebral artery peak systolic velocity and/or abnormal ductus venosus flow in the donor conveyed poorer prognosis. Although donor neonatal survival after laser surgery was lower for patients with stage III twin-twin transfusion syndrome with donor fetal growth restriction type IIb than patients with stage III twin-twin transfusion syndrome with donor fetal growth restriction with type IIa, laser surgery for fetal growth restriction type IIb in the setting of twin-twin transfusion syndrome (as opposed to pure selective fetal growth restriction type IIb) still allows for the possibility of dual survivorship and should be offered with shared decision-making when counseling patients on management options.

Fetoscopic Laser Ablation of Type II Vasa Previa: A Cost Benefit Analysis.

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to compare costs of two strategies for third-trimester type II vasa previa management: (1) fetoscopic laser ablation surgery (FLS) referral and (2) standard management (SM). STUDY DESIGN: A decision analytic model and cost-benefit analysis from a health care perspective were performed. The population included patients with type II vasa previa at approximately 32 weeks. SM entailed 32-week antepartum admission and cesarean at approximately 35 weeks. FLS referral included consultation and possible laser surgery at 32 weeks for willing/eligible candidates. Successful laser surgery allowed the possibility of term vaginal delivery. Outcomes included antepartum admission, preterm birth, cesarean, neonatal transfusion, and death. Sensitivity analyses were performed. RESULTS: In base case analysis, FLS referral was cost saving compared with SM (total cost per patient $65,717.10 vs. 71,628.16). FLS referrals yielded fewer antepartum admissions, cesareans, premature births, neonatal transfusions, and deaths. Eligible referred patients choosing FLS incurred a total cost of $41,702.46, a >40% decrease compared with SM. FLS referral was cost saving in all one-way sensitivity analyses except when antepartum admission costs were low. In threshold analyses, FLS referral was cost saving unless laser surgery cost was >$39,892 (2.75x expected cost), antepartum admission cost for monitoring of vasa previa or ruptured membranes was <$7,455, <11% patients were eligible for laser surgery, and when <12% of eligible patients chose laser surgery. In two-way sensitivity analysis, FLS referral was cost saving except at very high laser surgery costs and extremely low antepartum admission costs. CONCLUSION: Referral for FLS for type II vasa previa was cost saving and improved outcomes compared with SM, despite upfront costs, fetoscopy-related risks, and many patients being ineligible or not opting for surgery after referral. KEY POINTS: · Vasa previa rupture may lead to fetal exsanguination and death.. · Late preterm cesarean is common practice for prenatally diagnosed vasa previa.. · Successful fetoscopic laser ablation for type II vasa previa has been described.. · Laser ablation of vasa previa allows for a safe-term vaginal delivery.. · Referral for laser surgery is cost saving and is associated with improved outcomes..

Multimodal Management of Cervical Insufficiency Complicated by Intra-amniotic Candida albicans Infection.

INTRODUCTION: Bacteria are the most common pathogens implicated in ascending infections in patients with cervical insufficiency. However, Candida albicans is a rare and serious cause of intra-amniotic infection that should be considered on the differential diagnosis. Upon diagnosis following cerclage placement, patients are generally advised to undergo immediate cerclage removal and discontinuation of the pregnancy due to the high risk of maternal and fetal morbidity. However, some patients decline and instead elect to continue the pregnancy with or without treatment. Limited data exist to guide management of these high-risk patients. CASE PRESENTATION: We describe a case of previable intra-amniotic C. albicans infection diagnosed following physical examination-indicated cerclage placement. The patient declined pregnancy termination and subsequently underwent systemic antifungal therapy as well as serial intra-amniotic fluconazole instillations. Fetal blood sampling confirmed transplacental transfer of maternal systemic antifungal therapy. The fetus delivered preterm and without evidence of fungemia, despite persistently positive amniotic fluid cultures. CONCLUSION: In a well-counseled patient with culture-proven intra-amniotic C. albicans infection declining termination of pregnancy, multimodal antifungal therapy in the form of systemic and intra-amniotic fluconazole administration may prevent subsequent fetal or neonatal fungemia and improve postnatal outcomes. KEY POINTS: · Candida is an uncommon cause of intra-amniotic infection in the setting of cervical insufficiency.. · Multimodal antifungal therapy may prevent fetal fungemia related to intra-amniotic Candida infection.. · Fetal blood sampling confirmed transplacental passage of fluconazole after maternal administration..

Advances in Fetal Surgical Repair of Open Spina Bifida.

Spina bifida remains a common congenital anomaly of the central nervous system despite national fortification of foods with folic acid, with a prevalence of 2-4 per 10,000 live births. Prenatal screening for the early detection of this condition provides patients with the opportunity to consider various management options during pregnancy. Prenatal repair of open spina bifida, traditionally performed by the open maternal-fetal surgical approach through hysterotomy, has been shown to improve outcomes for the child, including decreased need for cerebrospinal fluid diversion surgery and improved lower neuromotor function. However, the open maternal-fetal surgical approach is associated with relatively increased risk for the patient and the overall pregnancy, as well as future pregnancies. Recent advances in minimally invasive prenatal repair of open spina bifida through fetoscopy have shown similar benefits for the child but relatively improved outcomes for the pregnant patient and future childbearing.

In utero Treatment of Congenital High Airway Obstruction Syndrome via Fetal Laryngoscopy and EXIT Procedure.

INTRODUCTION: Congenital high airway obstruction syndrome (CHAOS) is a rare condition that can progress to fetal hydrops and demise in utero or at birth unless interventions are undertaken to alleviate the tracheal obstruction. While the ex-utero intrapartum treatment (EXIT) procedure for airway stabilization is technically feasible, abnormal pulmonary development as a result of the antenatal obstructive process may result in severe postnatal respiratory complications. CASE PRESENTATION: We describe a case of CHAOS with secondary hydrops treated in utero at 24 0/7 weeks' gestation by fetoscopic tracheal decompression via laser perforation of the airway obstruction. Interval imaging after the fetoscopic operation demonstrated resolution of the fetal hydrops. Tracheostomy for airway stabilization was performed at the time of the EXIT procedure near term (36 0/7 weeks). The patient underwent tracheal reconstruction and decannulation at 3 years of life. DISCUSSION/CONCLUSION: The primary goal of fetoscopic airway evaluation and intervention is not necessarily to perform definitive stabilization of the airway but rather to achieve sufficient decompression of the trachea to reverse fetal hydrops and salvage pulmonary development. In utero fetoscopic treatment may allow for prolongation of the pregnancy with delivery at or near term via EXIT procedure for definitive neonatal airway stabilization.

Percutaneous/mini-laparotomy fetoscopic repair of open spina bifida: a novel surgical technique.

Open spina bifida is the most common congenital anomaly of the central nervous system compatible with life. Prenatal repair of open spina bifida via open maternal-fetal surgery has been shown to improve postnatal neurologic outcomes, including reducing the need for ventriculoperitoneal shunting and improving lower neuromotor function. Fetoscopic repair of open spina bifida minimizes the maternal risks while providing similar neurosurgical outcomes to the fetus. The following 2 fetoscopic techniques are currently in use: (1) the laparotomy-assisted approach, and (2) the percutaneous approach. The laparotomy-assisted fetoscopic technique appears to be associated with a lesser risk of preterm birth than the percutaneous approach. However, the percutaneous approach avoids laparotomy and uterine exteriorization and is associated with lesser anesthesia risk and improved maternal postsurgical recovery. The purpose of this article was to describe our experience with a modified surgical approach, which we call percutaneous/mini-laparotomy fetoscopy, in which access to the uterus for one of the ports is done via a mini-laparotomy, whereas the other ports are inserted percutaneously. This technique draws on the benefits of both the laparotomy-assisted and the percutaneous techniques while minimizing their drawbacks. This surgical approach may prove invaluable in the prenatal repair of open spina bifida and other complex fetal surgical procedures.

Outcomes of laser surgery for stage I twin-twin transfusion syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: A recent randomized controlled trial (RCT) demonstrated no difference in 6 month survival in expectantly managed stage I twin-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) patients and those undergoing immediate laser surgery. We aimed to describe outcomes following immediate laser surgery at a single fetal surgery center. METHODS: A retrospective study of monochorionic diamniotic twins diagnosed with stage I TTTS who underwent laser surgery between 16 and 26 gestational weeks from 2006 to 2019. The primary outcome was 6 month survivorship. Intact survival was also assessed. Secondarily, outcomes were compared to the RCT expectant management group. RESULTS: Of 126 consecutive stage I TTTS patients, 114 (90.5%) met inclusion criteria. Median (range) gestational age at delivery was 34.1 (20.6-39.4) weeks. At 6 months, the proportion of patients with at-least-one survivor in the single-center-laser cohort was 97.4%, with 88.6% dual survivorship. Neurological morbidity outcomes were available in 110 pregnancies (220 fetuses). Severe neurological morbidity occurred in 2.7% (6/220), and 6 month survival without severe neurological morbidity was 90.0%. Outcomes compared favorably with the RCT expectant management group. CONCLUSIONS: Given favorable survival and neurological outcomes, laser surgery is a reasonable treatment option for stage I TTTS at experienced fetal surgery centers. Further study is warranted to optimize treatment strategies.

Selective Fetal Growth Restriction Type III: Application of a Recent Expert Consensus Definition.

OBJECTIVES: Per a recent expert definition, diagnosis of selective fetal growth restriction (sFGR) in monochorionic diamniotic twins is based on an estimated fetal weight (EFW) <3% as sole criterion and/or combinations of 4 contributory criteria (1 twin EFW <10%; 1 twin abdominal circumference <10%; EFW discordance ≥25%; and smaller twin umbilical artery [UA] pulsatility index >95th percentile). We assessed these criteria in sFGR Type III (intermittent absent or reversed end-diastolic flow of the UA [iAREDF]) patients to test whether meeting the more stringent parameters of the consensus definition had worse outcomes, that is, progression to sFGR Type II (persistent AREDF) or twin-twin transfusion syndrome; or secondarily, decreased dual survivorship. METHODS: This was a retrospective study of referred sFGR Type III patients (2006-2017). Patients were retrospectively categorized using consensus criteria for 2 comparisons: 1) EFW <3% versus remaining cohort; 2) EFW <3% or met all 4 contributory criteria versus remaining cohort. RESULTS: Forty-eight patients were studied. Comparison 1: EFW <3% patients (58.3%) were not more likely to demonstrate disease progression (46.4% versus 65.0%, P = .2489) or worse dual survivorship (78.6% versus 85.0%, P = .7161). Comparison 2: EFW <3% or met all 4 contributory criteria (75.0%) patients were not more likely than the others to demonstrate progression (44.4% versus 83.3%, P = .0235) or worse dual survivorship (80.6% versus 83.3%, P = 1.0000). CONCLUSIONS: In a referred cohort of sFGR Type III patients, there was no evidence that meeting more stringent parameters of the consensus definition was associated with disease progression or dual survivorship.

Evaluation of an external fetal electrocardiogram monitoring system: a randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study was to compare interpretability of 2 intrapartum abdominal fetal heart rate-monitoring strategies. We hypothesized that an external fetal electrocardiography monitoring system, a newer technology using wireless abdominal pads, would generate more interpretable fetal heart rate data compared with standard external Doppler fetal heart rate monitoring (standard external monitoring). STUDY DESIGN: We conducted a randomized controlled trial at 4 Utah hospitals. Patients were enrolled at labor admission and randomized in blocks based on body mass index to fetal electrocardiography or standard external monitoring. Two reviewers, blinded to study allocation, reviewed each fetal heart rate tracing. The primary outcome was the percentage of interpretable minutes of fetal heart rate tracing. An interpretable minute was defined as >25% fetal heart rate data present and no more than 25% continuous missing fetal heart rate data or artifact present. Secondary outcomes included the percentage of interpretable minutes of fetal heart rate tracing obtained while on study device only, the number of device adjustments required intrapartum, clinical outcomes, and patient/provider device satisfaction. We determined that 100 patients per arm (200 total) would be needed to detect a 5% difference in interpretability with 95% power. RESULTS: A total of 218 women were randomized, 108 to fetal electrocardiography and 110 to standard external monitoring. Device setup failure occurred more often in the fetal electrocardiography group (7.5% [8 of 107] vs 0% [0 of 109] for standard external monitoring). There were no differences in the percentage of interpretable tracing between the 2 groups. However, fetal electrocardiography produced more interpretable fetal heart rate tracing in subjects with a body mass index ≥30 kg/m2. When considering the percentage of interpretable minutes of fetal heart rate tracing while on study device only, fetal electrocardiography outperformed standard external monitoring for all subjects, regardless of maternal body mass index. Maternal demographics and clinical outcomes were similar between arms. In the fetal electrocardiography group, more device changes occurred compared with standard external monitoring (51% vs 39%), but there were fewer nursing device adjustments (2.9 vs 6.2 mean adjustments intrapartum, P < .01). There were no differences in physician device satisfaction scores between groups, but fetal electrocardiography generated higher patient satisfaction scores. CONCLUSION: Fetal electrocardiography performed similarly to standard external monitoring when considering percentage of interpretable tracing generated in labor. Furthermore, patients reported overall greater satisfaction with fetal electrocardiography in labor. Fetal electrocardiography may be particularly useful in patients with a body mass index ≥30 kg/m2.

Effect of blood contamination on amniotic fluid detection in vitro using immunoassays.

Objective: To determine the accuracy of Actim PROM®, Amnisure®, and ROM Plus® tests for detecting amniotic fluid proteins in the setting of blood contamination.Methods: IGFBP-1 and AFP are proteins present in high concentrations in amniotic fluid, and are detected by three commercially-available immunoassays used for diagnosing ruptured membranes: Actim PROM®, Amnisure®, and ROM Plus®. We used whole blood samples and diluted these with amniotic fluid (containing known concentrations of amniotic fluid proteins) to whole blood levels of 50, 20, 10, 5, and 1%. Actim PROM®, Amnisure®, and ROM Plus® tests were performed on each sample in duplicate according to package insert instructions. Results were interpreted independently at 5, 10, 15, and 20 min by two obstetricians who were blinded to the concentrations of blood and amniotic fluid proteins in each sample. Results of each test were determined to be true positive, false negative, false positive, or true negative based on physician interpretation and whether amniotic fluid had been spiked into the samples in detectable concentrations. Overall accuracy, intraobserver concordance, and interobserver concordance, sensitivity, specificity, and predictive values for each test were calculated. Fisher exact test was used to compare test characteristics, with a p-value of <.05 considered significant.Results: Out of 120 tests performed, there were no false positive results for any test. Overall, ROM Plus® had better accuracy (97.9%) than Amnisure® (80.7%) or Actim® PROM (78.3%). Intra- and interobserver concordance were similar for all three tests (98-100%). ROM Plus® had significantly higher sensitivity than Amnisure® and Actim® PROM (p < .0001). There was no significant difference in sensitivity between Amnisure® and Actim® PROM (p = .51).Conclusion: ROM Plus® maintains strong test characteristics for the detection of amniotic fluid proteins in the setting of blood contamination, and performs significantly better than Amnisure® and Actim® PROM tests in the presence of blood.

Pregnancy Outcomes in Women With a History of Previable, Preterm Prelabor Rupture of Membranes.

OBJECTIVE: To characterize subsequent pregnancy outcomes among women with a history of previable, preterm prelabor rupture of membranes (PROM) and assess factors associated with recurrent preterm birth. METHODS: This was a retrospective cohort study of women cared for with a history of one or more singleton pregnancy complicated by preterm PROM at less than 24 weeks of gestation between 2002 and 2013 who were cared for in two tertiary care health systems by a single group of maternal-fetal medicine specialists. Women were identified using International Classification of Diseases, 9th Revision codes and obstetric databases. Those with iatrogenic preterm PROM and those whose index preterm PROM at less than 24 weeks of gestation was preceded by advanced cervical dilation were excluded. All women with one or more pregnancies reaching the second trimester after an index previable, preterm PROM pregnancy were included. The primary outcome was recurrent preterm birth at less than 37 weeks of gestation. Data were analyzed by χ, Fisher exact, t test, Wilcoxon rank-sum, and logistic regression. RESULTS: Two hundred ninety-four women had one or more pregnancies complicated by previable, preterm PROM. One hundred eight of 294 (37%) had one or more subsequent pregnancies in our health care systems and 50 of 108 (46%) had two or more. In the pregnancy immediately after the index delivery, the risk of prematurity was high: 50 (46%) delivered at less than 37 weeks of gestation, 31 (30%) at less than 34 weeks of gestation, 25 (23%) at less than 28 weeks of gestation, and 18 (17%) before 24 weeks of gestation. Fewer than half (n=49 [45%]) of women received preterm birth prophylaxis (progesterone or cerclage) in a subsequent pregnancy; rates of recurrent preterm birth were similar among women who received preterm birth prophylaxis compared with those who did not. In regression models, the only factor significantly associated with recurrent preterm birth at less than 37 weeks of gestation was a history of preterm birth preceding previable, preterm PROM delivery (adjusted odds ratio 3.23, 95% confidence interval 1.32-7.93). CONCLUSION: Patients with a history of previable, preterm PROM are at high risk of recurrent preterm birth.

Familiality analysis of provoked vestibulodynia treated by vestibulectomy supports genetic predisposition.

BACKGROUND: Provoked vestibulodynia is a poorly understood disease that affects 8-15% of women in their lifetime. There is significant inflammation and nerve growth in vestibular biopsies from affected women treated by vestibulectomy compared with matched female population controls without vestibulodynia. The triggers leading to this neurogenic inflammation are unknown, but they are likely multifactorial. OBJECTIVE: Our objective was to determine whether vestibulodynia is more common in close and distantly related female relatives of women diagnosed with the disease and those specifically treated by vestibulectomy. Excess familial clustering would support a potential genetic predisposition for vestibulodynia and warrant further studies to isolate risk alleles. STUDY DESIGN: Using population-based genealogy linked to University of Utah Hospital CPT coded data, we estimated the relative risk of vestibulectomy in female relatives of affected women. We also compared the average pairwise relatedness of cases to the expected relatedness of the population and identified high-disease-burden pedigrees. RESULTS: A total of 183 potential vestibulectomy probands were identified using CPT codes. The relative risk of vestibulectomy was elevated in first-degree (20 [6.6-47], P < .00001), second-degree (4.5 [0.5-16], P = .07), and third-degree female relatives (3.4 [1.2-8.8], P = .03). Seventy of these 183 CPT-based probands had available clinical history to confirm a diagnosis of moderate to severe vestibulodynia. Notably, this smaller group of confirmed probands (n = 70) revealed a similar familiality in first-degree (54 [17.5-126], P < .00001), second-degree (19.7 [2.4-71], P = .005), and third-degree relatives (12 [3.3-31], P = .0004), despite less statistical power for analysis. Overall, the average pairwise relatedness of affected women was significantly higher than expected (P < .001) and a number of high-disease-burden Utah families were identified. CONCLUSION: Our data suggest that vestibulodynia treated by vestibulectomy has a genetic predisposition. Future studies will identify candidate genes by linkage analysis in affected families and sequencing of distantly related probands.

Pregnancy After Bariatric Surgery.

Bariatric surgery is the most effective weight loss treatment available for morbidly obese patients. The majority of bariatric surgery cases are now performed on reproductive-aged women. The pregnant bariatric surgery patient is unique, with specific care needs that often require a multidisciplinary approach. Here, we will review the rationale for bariatric surgery and contemporary surgical modalities. We will then consider the obstetric and neonatal implications following these procedures and discuss the tenets of pregnancy care in the patient after bariatric surgery.

Multifetal Gestation: Mode of Delivery.

The incidence of twin, triplet, and higher-order multifetal gestations, has increased dramatically in the recent years. Rates of cesarean delivery for multiple gestations also have risen, largely due to the perception that cesarean delivery improves neonatal outcomes. Until recently, data to support the "best" mode of delivery for multifetal gestations was lacking. However, recent high-quality retrospective studies and a prospective randomized trial now offer the obstetrician guidance as to the optimal intrapartum management of women with multiple gestations.