Maintenance tocolytics for preterm symptomatic placenta previa: a review.

The purpose of the review article is to determine if prolonged (≥48 hour) tocolytics with symptomatic preterm placenta previa improves perinatal outcome. OVID MEDLINE and Cochrane Databases were searched from January 1950 to January 2009. Odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated. We identified two retrospective studies ( N = 217) and one randomized clinical trial (RCT; N = 60), and they were analyzed separately. Results of the RCT indicated that pregnancy is prolonged for more than 7 days with continued tocolytics (OR 3.10, 95% CI 1.38 to 6.96) but combined results of two retrospective studies did not confirm the prolongation (OR 1.19, 95% CI 0.63 to 2.28). The RCT was inadequately compliant with Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials statement. While awaiting an appropriately designed RCT to determine the duration of tocolytics with placenta previa and preterm labor, it should be limited to 48 hours.

Predicting the outcome of newborns with gastroschisis.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study was to determine factors predicting outcome in newborns with gastroschisis. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of 155 consecutive cases admitted from 1 January 1990 to 31 December 2007 was performed. Prenatal ultrasound findings were available for 89 of 155 (57%) patients and were compared with final outcome. Both univariate and multiple regression analyses were used. RESULTS: All patients survived to discharge home. The primary outcome measure was length of stay. Multiple regression identified 4 factors associated with length of stay: (1) gestational age (P = .004), (2) nonelective silo (P < .001), (3) gastrointestinal (GI) complication (intestinal atresia, perforation, or resection) (P < .001), and (4) non-GI anomaly (P = .029). Non-GI anomalies occurred in 17 of 155 (11%) patients and tended to increase the risk of a nonelective silo or GI complication (59% vs 39%, P = .190). Dilated bowel (>10 mm) on prenatal ultrasound was associated with GI complications (22% vs 3%, P = .010). However, 78% of patients with dilated bowel on prenatal ultrasound did not have a GI complication. The absence of dilated bowel on prenatal ultrasound accurately predicted the absence of GI complications in 97% of cases. CONCLUSION: Prematurity, nonelective silo, GI complications, and non-GI anomalies predict the short-term outcome of newborns with gastroschisis. Prenatal ultrasound serves primarily to predict the absence of GI complications.

Evidence-based medicine in obstetrics: can levels B and C recommendations be elevated to level A recommendations?

In this study, 65% (132/195) of level B/C obstetric recommendations are amenable to randomized clinical trials (RCTs) and seven were identified as most needed. The purpose of the survey was to evaluate levels B and C recommendations in obstetric practice bulletins (PBs) regarding the feasibility of performing RCT to elevate each subject to level A evidence. Eleven geographically dispersed physicians with experience in research reviewed levels B and C recommendations for the ethical and logistical feasibility of performing an RCT. In the 35 obstetric PBs, 195 level B/C recommendations were reviewed. The majority considered 47 (24%) topics unethical for an RCT and thought 16 (11%) did not need an RCT, thus leaving 132 (67%) levels B and C recommendations available for an RCT. Two-thirds of levels B and C recommendations in obstetric PB are amenable to RCTs and potentially becoming level A evidence.