Decidual GM-CSF is a critical common intermediate necessary for thrombin and TNF induced in-vitro fetal membrane weakening.

INTRODUCTION: Inflammation/infection and decidual bleeding/abruption are highly associated with pPROM. As no animal model for pPROM exists, we have developed an in-vitro model system for the study of human fetal membrane (FM) weakening/rupture. Using it we have demonstrated that both TNF/IL-1 (modeling inflammation) and thrombin (modeling bleeding) weaken full thickness FM in a dose dependent manner concomitant with inducing biochemical changes similar to those seen in the FM physiological weak zone. METHODS: As the physiological site of infection and bleeding is the choriodecidua (CD), we modified our model system with full thickness FM tissue mounted on modified Transwell culture inserts to permit directional TNF/thrombin exposure on the decidua only (rather than both sides of the FM). After incubation, medium was sampled separately from the CD facing (maternal side) or from the amnion facing (fetal side) compartments and probed for cytokine release and confirmed with western blots. The FM was strength tested within the insert. RESULTS: Full-thickness FM fragments exposed to TNF or thrombin on CD side only showed dose dependent weakening and biochemical changes consistent with previous reports. Concomitantly, GM-CSF increased markedly on the CD but not the amnion side. Numerous proteases including MMP1 and MMP3 also increased on the CD side. Pre-incubation with GM-CSF antibody blocked both thrombin and TNF induced weakening. Finally, GM-CSF weakened FM in a dose dependent manner. DISCUSSION: GM-CSF is a critical common intermediate in the thrombin and TNF FM weakening pathways.

Thrombin weakens the amnion extracellular matrix (ECM) directly rather than through protease activated receptors.

INTRODUCTION: Preterm premature rupture of fetal membranes (pPROM) is a major cause of preterm birth. Abruption associated thrombin production, and infection-inflammation associated cytokine production reportedly play major roles in pPROM. Utilizing an in vitro model-system we have confirmed that both thrombin and inflammatory cytokines remodel and biomechanically weaken amnion, the load-bearing component of FM. Also, we have shown thrombin directly weakens isolated amnion but cytokines weaken amnion only indirectly by initially interacting with choriodecidua and releasing unidentified soluble activator(s). This study's purpose was to determine whether thrombin weakens the isolated amnion through thrombin receptor-protease activated receptors (PARs 1,2,3,4), activation of previously secreted extracellular matrix (ECM) enzymes, or by direct action on the ECM. METHODS: Primary amnion cells and isolated amnion were tested for PARs by immunohistochemistry, Western Blot and rtPCR. Cell-free amnion ECM was produced by devitalizing isolated amnion by exposure to UV light and subsequent freeze-thaw cycles. Devitalized amnion membrane explants were incubated with thrombin and biomechanically tested. RESULTS: PARs were not found in amnion or amnion cells. Thrombin induced dose-dependent weakening of devitalized amnion explants. Preincubation with the thrombin inhibitor hirudin prevented thrombin-induced weakening. Thrombin converted pro-MMP2 embedded in the devitalized amnion ECM to multiple active forms. Thrombin also directly digested gelatin gels in zymograms suggesting the possibility of direct degradation of amnion ECM components. DISCUSSION: Thrombin appears to directly weaken the amnion ECM and additionally activates stored pro-MMP2 to active forms that may further enhance amnion ECM degradation. CONCLUSION: Thrombin weakens amnion directly rather than through PARs.

Fetal erythrocyte phospholipid polyunsaturated fatty acids are altered in pregnancy complicated with gestational diabetes mellitus.

Insulin resistance and altered maternal metabolism in gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) may impair fetal arachidonic acid (AA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) status. The objectives were to test the hypothesis that fetal polyunsaturated fatty acids would be altered with GDM and identify factors related to fetal phospholipid (PL) AA and DHA. Maternal and cord vein erythrocyte PL fatty acids were determined in GDM (n = 13) and healthy pregnant women (controls, n = 12). Cord vein erythrocyte PL AA and DHA concentrations were significantly lower in GDM vs. controls. Maternal blood hemoglobin A1C was inversely correlated to fetal erythrocyte PL DHA and AA in controls and GDM (n = 25). Pregravid body mass index was negatively associated with fetal PL DHA. The data support the hypothesis that there is impairment in fetal accretion of DHA and AA in GDM.

Effectiveness of a writing improvement intervention program on the readability of the research informed consent document.

BACKGROUND: Problems with the comprehensibility of human research informed consent have been documented since the 1970s, and efforts aimed at rewriting consents have not been successful in consistently producing more readable consents. This study employed researched principles of reading comprehension research to create writing intervention program designed to help the research writer produce more comprehensible informed consent documents. The purpose of this study was to determine if this intervention program was effective. METHOD: The key component of the writing improvement intervention packet was a newly formatted consent form that contained annotated instructions for researchers on how to write each section for optimum comprehension. The resulting consent forms were evaluated using a Readability and Processability Form (RPF). The RPF is based on reading research and includes the Fry Scale, which yields an approximate grade reading level. The RPF assigned points to each of the 20 areas of comprehension analysis according to strict scoring criteria, and target scores were established by the authors in consultation with the hospital institutional review board. RESULTS: We evaluated 66 post-intervention informed consents. The mean readability and processability score was 62, resulting in the RPF classification of "good." The established readability and processability target range was good to excellent or 61-100 points; 66% of the forms scored in this range. In our 1995 pre-intervention study, the corresponding score was 12%. The target range for grade reading level was 8th grade: 53% scored in that range as compared with 4% in 1995. A question-by-question analysis of each of the 20 checklist items on the RPF identified important aspects of the consent writing that improved and others that were still weak and needed improvement. CONCLUSIONS: The Hartford Hospital writing improvement intervention program was associated with the production of more comprehensible informed consent documents. Using the intervention materials, investigators from a variety of departments could function independently to produce readable consent forms. This program may help others who wish to assist their research departments in creating consents that are written for optimal reading comprehension.

The role of the maternal-fetal medicine specialist.

The maternal-fetal medicine specialist is trained to manage high-risk pregnancies and obstetric complications. This paper describes the role of the maternal-fetal medicine specialist on the obstetric health care team and conditions in which he or she may enhance the outcome of pregnancy.

Maternal plasma phospholipid polyunsaturated fatty acids in pregnancy with and without gestational diabetes mellitus: relations with maternal factors.

BACKGROUND: The fatty acids arachidonic acid (AA; 20:4n-6) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA; 22:6n-3) are essential for fetal growth and development, but their metabolism may be altered in insulin resistance. OBJECTIVES: The objectives were to determine maternal plasma phospholipid polyunsaturated fatty acid concentrations in pregnant women receiving dietary therapy for gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and to identify maternal factors associated with plasma phospholipid AA and DHA concentrations in the third trimester. DESIGN: Fasting plasma phospholipid fatty acids were determined in women with GDM (n = 15) receiving dietary therapy only and in healthy, pregnant women without GDM (control group, n = 15) at 27-30, 33-35, and 36-39 wk gestation. RESULTS: Maternal plasma phospholipid (as % by wt of total fatty acids and mg/L) linoleic acid (18:2n-6), AA, and 22:5n-6 concentrations did not differ significantly between women with GDM and control subjects. The other n-6 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (% by wt) were lower in GDM subjects than in control subjects. Plasma phospholipid (expressed as % by wt and mg/L) linolenic acid (18:3n-3) and summed precursors of DHA were lower and DHA (% by wt and mg/L), adjusted for dietary DHA intake, was 13% higher in GDM subjects than in control subjects. Maternal blood hemoglobin A1C was inversely related to plasma phospholipid AA (% by wt) (r = -0.56, P = 0.03) in control subjects and positively associated with plasma phospholipid AA (% by wt) in women with GDM (r = 0.76, P = 0.001). Pregravid body mass index was negatively associated with plasma phospholipid DHA (% by wt) in control subjects (r = -0.55, P = 0.04) and in women with GDM with a body mass index (in kg/m2) <30 (r = -0.76, P = 0.007). CONCLUSIONS: This is the first report documenting alterations in maternal plasma phospholipid PUFAs in pregnant women receiving dietary therapy for GDM. In pregnant woman, both with and without GDM, maternal glycemic control and pregravid BMI appear to be significant predictors of plasma phospholipid AA and DHA, respectively, during the third trimester. Additionally, dietary DHA significantly affects phospholipid DHA concentrations.

Chaperone use by obstetrician/gynecologists.

OBJECTIVE: To describe current practices of chaperone use during pelvic examinations among obstetrician/gynecologists affiliated with a large tertiary care teaching hospital. STUDY DESIGN: Questionnaires were distributed at department of obstetrics and gynecology grand rounds to all practicing attending physicians to obtain physician demographic data, including age, years in practice, practice type (solo or group) and whether chaperones were currently used when performing pelvic examinations at the first obstetric or gynecologic office visit. Physicians were also asked whether they were taught to use chaperones for pelvic examinations during medical school or residency. RESULTS: Of the 59 attending physicians, 100% responded to the questionnaire. As compared to female physicians, male physicians used chaperones more at the first obstetric examination (76.9% vs. 27.8%, P < .002), at gynecologic office visits (70.0% vs. 22.2%, P < .002) and for breast examinations (51.2% vs. 11.1%, P < .01). Physicians greater than 40 years old, in practice longer than 10 years and taught as medical students or residents to use chaperones were statistically more likely to use chaperones. No attendings, male or female, reported losing a patient to another provider or being sued or threatened with legal action because of not using a chaperone. CONCLUSION: Chaperones were used more frequently during pelvic examinations by male physicians, age greater than 40, solo practice, and physicians in practice longer than 10 years. Education affected current practices as specific medical student or residency training influenced the use of chaperones in private practice.

Maternal and cord plasma lipid and lipoprotein concentrations in women with and without gestational diabetes mellitus. Predictors of birth weight?

OBJECTIVE: To describe lipid and lipoprotein perturbations in gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and to examine the potential consequences--e.g, increased birth weight and increased placental lipid transfer. STUDY DESIGN: Maternal and cord free fatty acids (FFAs) and total, very low density lipoprotein (VLDL), low density lipoprotein (LDL), high density lipoprotein (HDL) (and maternal HDL2 and HDL3), triglyceride (TG), and cholesterol and dietary intake were determined for women with diet-treated GDM and for healthy pregnant women with normal glucose tolerance. RESULTS: Women with GDM had higher hemoglobin A1c than controls, while body weight gain was significantly lower for women with GDM as compared to controls. Plasma and lipoprotein TG concentrations were greater for women with GDM, and although plasma FFAs were higher in women with GDM versus controls, the difference was not significant. No differences were observed between groups with respect to maternal plasma or lipoprotein cholesterol. Cord plasma and lipoprotein lipids were similar between groups; with the exception of VLDL + LDL TG, which was lower in women with GDM. In controls, there were significant correlations between maternal plasma TG and cord FFAs; maternal HDL2 cholesterol and cord plasma cholesterol; and maternal plasma TG, maternal HDL2 cholesterol, cord FFAs, and infant birth weight. In GDM, maternal plasma cholesterol and cord VLDL + LDL cholesterol correlated. There were no significant correlations between maternal or cord lipids and infant birth weight in women with GDM. CONCLUSION: Hypertriglyceridemia, rather than hypercholesterolemia, is a feature of GDM. However, elevations in maternal plasma and lipoprotein TGs in women with GDM were not related to fetal lipid concentrations or infant birth weight.

Umbilical cord prolapse. Is the time from diagnosis to delivery critical?

OBJECTIVE: To review the peripartum clinical course of patients whose pregnancies are complicated by umbilical cord prolapse at a large teaching hospital and to evaluate the time from diagnosis to delivery and its impact on neonatal outcome. STUDY DESIGN: The computerized perinatal database at Hartford Hospital was used to identify all cases of umbilical cord prolapse from 1988 to 1994. Each maternal and neonatal chart was reviewed, and the following variables were evaluated: gestational age, fetal presentation, status of membranes, time from diagnosis to delivery, mode of delivery, type of anesthesia and neonatal outcome. RESULTS: A total of 65 cases of umbilical cord prolapse were identified from 26,545 deliveries. There were 48 cases of frank cord prolapse and 17 of occult prolapse. Cord prolapse occurred with artificial rupture of membranes in 51% of cases and in 74% of patients at term. There were 59 cesarean births and 6 vaginal deliveries (5 in the occult prolapse group). The mean time from diagnosis to delivery was 20 minutes (range, 2-77). None of the neonates with an occult cord prolapse had a five-minute Apgar score < 7, while 9 (19%) of the neonates with frank prolapse had a five-minute Apgar score < 7. In the frank prolapse group, there were five cases of neonatal asphyxia, all at a gestational age of > or = 36 weeks, and all were delivered by cesarean section. The mean delivery time for these affected neonates was 11 minutes (range, 5-16). CONCLUSION: Our review indicated that umbilical cord prolapse continues to be associated with poor perinatal outcomes in some cases despite emergency delivery in a modern, high-risk obstetric unit. The asphyxiated neonate had a shorter-than-average time from diagnosis to delivery, suggesting that the time from diagnosis to delivery may not be the only critical determinant of neonatal outcome, particularly with frank cord prolapse. Occult cord prolapse was associated with less perinatal morbidity when compared to frank prolapse.

Elevated lipoprotein lipids and gestational hormones in women with diet-treated gestational diabetes mellitus compared to healthy pregnant controls.

The objective of this study was to describe plasma and lipoprotein perturbations in gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) compared to controls, and determine if alterations in lipids are related to gestational hormones and/or glucose control. Maternal HbA1c, free fatty acids (FFA), beta-estradiol, progesterone, prolactin, and plasma, very-low-density lipoprotein (VLDL), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), HDL2 and HDL3 triglyceride (TG), cholesterol, and dietary intake were determined for women with diet-treated GDM and controls in a longitudinal design. Subjects (N = 25/group) were matched for age, race, and body-mass index (BMI). Women with GDM had significantly higher HbA1c than controls, although both groups were within the normal range (4%-6%). However, body weight gain was less for women with GDM. There was a trend for higher plasma FFAs at 37-38 weeks in GDM versus controls. Plasma and lipoprotein TG among the groups increased over the third trimester, and mean concentrations were greater for women with GDM. In GDM versus controls, VLDL and HDL3 TGs were higher at all times, HDL and HDL2 TGs at 33-34 and 37-38 weeks, and LDL TGs at 37-38 weeks. In VLDL, core lipids (TG + cholesterol) increased over gestation and were greater in GDM. In HDL, the TG/cholesterol ratio was greater in GDM. In GDM versus controls, plasma progesterone and prolactin were higher at all times; beta-estradiol was elevated at 37-38 weeks. HbA1c, progesterone, and prolactin correlated with all lipoprotein TG fractions. Exaggerated hypertriglyceridemia, particularly in the VLDL and HDL fractions, is a feature of GDM. The increase in VLDL TG is likely due to an increase in VLDL synthesis, whereas particle enrichment in TG is a plausible explanation for changes in HDL TG. Slight perturbations in glucose control and gestational hormones in diet-treated GDM may contribute to the observed increase in plasma and lipoprotein TG.

External cephalic version of twin A.

BACKGROUND: When a first twin presents as a breech, cesarean delivery is generally recommended. Vaginal delivery of the first twin as a breech has also been described. However, the option of external cephalic version of the first twin, followed by vaginal delivery, is rarely considered. CASES: We report two cases in which twin A presented as a breech, one at 36 and one at 38 weeks' gestation. In each case, external cephalic version of the first twin was successful, with subsequent vaginal delivery of both twins. CONCLUSION: External cephalic version of a malpresenting first twin is a management option that can result in successful vaginal delivery.

Intrapartum chemoprophylaxis for group B streptococcus infection to prevent neonatal disease: who should be treated?

The purpose of this study was to examine the maternal risk factors associated with early onset Group B streptococcus (GBS) sepsis and determine the potential impact of intrapartum chemoprophylaxis using these risk factors. Using a computerized perinatal database, 26,525 deliveries over a five-year period (1989 to 1994) were identified. Neonates with GBS-positive cultures were identified and the neonatal and maternal chart of each case was reviewed. Twenty-six neonates (1 of 1000) had GBS sepsis documented by blood or cerebrospinal fluid culture. Maternal risk factor(s) were identified in 13 (50%) cases: preterm labor (5), preterm premature rupture of the membranes (5), prolonged rupture of membranes (6), sibling affected by symptomatic GBS infection (2), or maternal fever during labor (5). There were four mothers whose neonates had GBS sepsis in spite of intrapartum antibiotics. Intrapartum chemoprophylaxis for GBS based on risk factors alone will identify only half of the neonates who develop disease. Extension of intrapartum chemoprophylaxis to patients with risk factors appears to be necessary to prevent early onset disease in the other half. Since 85.7% of our total obstetrical population has no risk factors, this policy would require treating 1749 women to prevent one case of GBS sepsis. Chemoprophylaxis could be more appropriately targeted if mothers colonized with GBS could be identified in early labor.

Informed consent for research: a study to evaluate readability and processability to effect change.

BACKGROUND: Ninety million Americans are reported to have low literacy skills, and the problems associated with illiteracy permeate all areas of our society, including medical research. The purpose of this study was to determine the readability and comprehensibility of human research informed consent forms using established reading comprehension processes. Further, if comprehension problems were present in the forms, the study sought to identify the exact nature of these difficulties and identify specific areas where the forms could be rewritten to increase readability and understanding. METHODS: All human research informed consents approved by Hartford Hospital in 1993 were evaluated by a Readability and Processability Form (RPF) based on reading research, including the Fry Scale which yields an approximate grade reading level. The RPF assigned points to each of the 20 areas of analysis according to strict scoring criteria, and target scores were established by the authors in consultation with the hospital. RESULTS: Seventy-six informed consent forms were evaluated, and neither the Fry score or the RPF score was in the target range. Ninety-six percent of the forms were found to have readability levels higher than the target level (8th grade). The mean readability and processability score was 46, resulting in the classification, Minimally Adequate/Needs Improvement. (The target range was Good, 61-100.) A question by question analysis of each of the 20 checklist items on the RPF identified important aspects of text writing style that were scored as Unacceptable or Poor. CONCLUSIONS: The descriptive data indicates that there were problems with the readability of the informed consent documents studied. The prescriptive portion of this study provides researchers with information on specific areas where their forms need to be studied and rewritten. The comprehension problems found in this study may alert others to similar problems and may provide the basis for other institutional review boards (IRBs) to study their consent forms in order to ensure that the interests of both the patient and the researcher are protected and that the obtained consent is truly informed.

Enhanced antenatal detection of group B streptococcus colonization.

OBJECTIVE: To improve culture methods for the detection of group B streptococcus colonization. METHODS: This study prospectively compared the standard culture medium, a blood agar plate, to a selective culture medium, Todd Hewitt broth with antibiotics, and compared vaginal culture with rectal culture at the first prenatal exam. RESULTS: Of the 383 vaginal swabs received for evaluation of the two culture media, 78 (20.4%) were positive for group B streptococcus. The detection rates of the blood agar plate method and the Todd Hewitt broth with antibiotics were 64.1 and 97.4%, respectively. Using the Todd Hewitt broth with antibiotics, an additional 94 patients were cultured vaginally and rectally. Twenty-nine (30.9%) had positive cultures. The rate of detection was 58.6% for the vaginal culture, 89.7% for the rectal culture, and 100% for both culture sites combined. CONCLUSION: These data indicate that culture detection of group B streptococcus can be improved by using both a selective broth medium and a dual vaginal and rectal culture.

Preterm premature rupture of membranes: experience with latent periods in excess of seven days.

The purpose of this study was to review the maternal and neonatal outcomes of patients with preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM) with a latency period greater than 7 days. Using the perinatal database, there were 11,007 deliveries in a 25-month period, in which 81 patients (0.7%) with singleton pregnancies were admitted with documented PPROM between 20 and 30 weeks' gestation. Twenty-one patients (26%) remained undelivered after 1 week, and 19 of these patients were discharged to outpatient care. Twelve patients (57%) delivered at term and nine patients (43%) delivered prematurely. In the preterm group all reported increased leaking prior to delivery and all neonates had 5-minute Apgar scores higher than 7. Length of stay in the neonatal intensive care unit for all the preterm neonates ranged from 12 to 117 days. The majority of patients with PPROM will deliver within 1 week, but there is a subset of patients with PPROM (one of every seven), characterized by the absence of labor or infection, who may be managed as outpatients and delivered at term.

Quality assurance: measuring its effect on a busy obstetric service.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of establishing a new quality assurance program in obstetrics at a large teaching hospital. METHODS: Seven obstetric clinical indicators were selected. After the computerized data base identified the patients as outliers from these indicators, the medical record of each patient was reviewed. Each case was presented to the nine-member committee, which made recommendations or actions for changes or improvement in patient care. The number of patients coming to review and the number of clinical indicators from the year before the program were compared to the results of the second year of the program. RESULTS: The new program significantly reduced the number of patient records reviewed and the clinical indicators. Of the clinical indicators, prolonged hospitalization after both vaginal and cesarean births was decreased. Recommendations to the department included the need for better chart documentation, specific educational presentations as grand rounds, and a protocol for antibiotic use for postpartum endomyometritis. CONCLUSION: A quality assurance program in obstetrics may decrease the number of clinical indicators after only 1 year. This decreasing trend and better documentation may be considered as measures of improvement in obstetric care.

A randomized comparison of 15- and 40-minute dosing protocols for labor augmentation and induction.

OBJECTIVE: To compare two low-dose oxytocin protocols in terms of fetal distress, uterine hyperstimulation, cesarean delivery rate, maximum dose of oxytocin, and length of labor. METHODS: We randomized 865 patients into 15-minute (incremental dose 1 mU/minute until 5 mU/minute, then 1 or 2 mU/minute) or 40-minute (incremental dose 1.5 mU/minute until 7 mU/minute, then 1.5 or 3.0 mU/minute) low-dose protocols. Before oxytocin use, all subjects were stratified according to parity and purpose of oxytocin, ie, for induction or augmentation of labor. RESULTS: The 40-minute dosing protocol had a significantly lower maximum dose of oxytocin (augmentation, 6.5 versus 8.2 mU/minute, P < .001; induction, 11.5 versus 14.5 mU/minute, P < .001), a lower incidence of uterine hyperstimulation (augmentation, 18.8 versus 31.8%, P < .001; induction, 19.1 versus 33.0%, P < .002), and less fetal distress (augmentation, 15.5 versus 26.1%, P < .005). No significant differences were found in the cesarean rate or length of labor. CONCLUSION: A dosing interval of 40 minutes led to lower incidences of uterine hyperstimulation and fetal distress, and decreased the maximum dose of oxytocin, without affecting the length of labor or the cesarean rate.

Glucose, insulin, gastric inhibitory polypeptide, and pancreatic polypeptide responses to polycose during pregnancy.

Polycose, a glucose polymer produced by controlled acid enzyme hydrolysis of starch, has been proposed as an effective substitute for glucose solution in antepartum screening for glucose intolerance. The purposes of this study were to examine the glucose and hormonal responses to 50 g of glucose polymer (polycose) solution in pregnant and nonpregnant women and to compare these with the standard 50-g oral glucose challenge test. In addition, the subject's acceptance of the glucose polymer solution was evaluated. Subjects were examined after an overnight fast following a 3-day dietary preparation. There was no difference in glucose or insulin responses to glucose or polycose in either pregnant or nonpregnant women. In contrast, the gastric inhibitory polypeptide response to polycose was significantly higher than to glucose. No differences were observed in plasma pancreatic polypeptide responses to glucose and polycose. In the pregnant subjects, even though the plasma insulin response to carbohydrate challenge was higher than in the nonpregnant subjects, gastric inhibitory polypeptide levels were significantly lower. Patient satisfaction was similar with both carbohydrate solutions. These data suggest that polycose can be used as a substitute for glucose in antepartum testing, although the differences in the hormonal responses should be recognized. Further studies in a subject population with carbohydrate intolerance will be required before polycose use can be recommended in abnormal states.

Fetal pleural effusion: a review and meta-analysis for prognostic indicators.

We reviewed the literature on fetal pleural effusion to identify prognostic indicators related to outcome. Data on 124 cases from 38 reports were collected and analyzed using chi 2 statistical analysis and stepwise multiple logistic regression. Termination of pregnancy occurred in ten cases, spontaneous resolution occurred in 11 cases with 100% survival, and overall mortality was 46%. Gestational age at delivery of greater than 31 weeks, the absence of hydrops, and the use of antenatal therapy (thoracentesis or shunt placement) were associated with good outcome. Gender of the fetus, hydramnios, extent of effusion as unilateral or bilateral, and mode of delivery were not significantly related to outcome. Recommendations for evaluation include search for other abnormalities and possible causes related to hydrops. Management is guided by gestational age and the presence of hydrops. Antenatal therapy is recommended if hydrops develops, particularly at a gestational age of less than 32 weeks.

Diagnosis of gestational diabetes in early pregnancy.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether glucose intolerance can be identified early in gestation in a high-risk population so that early intervention can be planned to prevent associated morbidity. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: After appropriate dietary preparation, patients with a high risk for gestational diabetes underwent a 50-g oral glucose screening test during fasting. Patients were tested on enrollment and every 10 wk until delivery. Those with a 1-h plasma glucose value of greater than or equal to 7.5 mM underwent a 100-g oral glucose tolerance test. Gestational diabetes was based on either a markedly abnormal 50-g screening test or abnormal 100-g oral glucose tolerance test. RESULTS: Ten of 15 (66%) patients who developed gestational diabetes were diagnosed during the first half of the pregnancy. Six were diagnosed in the first trimester. If the definition of an abnormal 1-h plasma glucose value was lowered from 7.5 to 7.2 mM, an additional 2 patients could have been identified in the first trimester with an improvement in sensitivity from 70 to 91% with only a slight drop in specificity (from 91 to 88%). Diagnosis of gestational diabetes was not enhanced by measuring plasma insulin concentrations or insulin-glucose molar ratios. CONCLUSIONS: The diagnosis of gestational diabetes in a high-risk population can be made in the first half of pregnancy. Early diagnosis should permit evaluation of intervention strategies, which may result in improved perinatal outcome.