Postinterview Communication between Obstetrics and Gynecology Residency Programs and Candidates.

INTRODUCTION: Residency programs seek to match the best candidates with their positions. To avoid ethical conflicts in this process, the National Residency Matching Program (NRMP or Match) has rules regarding appropriate conduct, including guidelines on contact between candidates and programs. Our study examined communication between obstetrics and gynecology (Ob-Gyn) programs and residency candidates after interviewing and prior to ranking. METHODS: Ob-Gyn program directors in the United States were sent a self-administered survey via e-mail. Data were collected and analyzed using descriptive methods to examine communication practices of these programs. RESULTS: The response rate was 40%. The findings showed that respondents had variable interpretations of the NRMP rules and suggest that programs may be communicating their match intentions especially to favored candidates. Respondents' open text comments highlighted program directors' frustrations with current NRMP rules. DISCUSSION: NRMP communication rules are intended to minimize pressure on residency candidates. Our findings suggest they may be leading to unforeseen stresses on program directors and candidates. CONCLUSIONS: As educational leaders in medicine, we must consider what professional communications are acceptable without increasing the pressure on candidates during the ranking and match process.

Giant pulmonary sequestration: the rare case requiring the EXIT procedure with resection and ECMO.

Although most prenatally diagnosed pulmonary sequestrations (PS) are asymptomatic, large lesions are associated with pleural effusions and pulmonary hypoplasia. We present the first reported case of a prenatally diagnosed giant extralobar pulmonary sequestration that required the ex utero intrapartum treatment (EXIT) procedure with resection and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). We discuss the compelling rationale for performing EXIT-resection-ECMO in the setting of a large thoracic mass and anticipated severe respiratory failure at birth.

Childbirth education and birth plans.

Childbirth education is considered a key component to prenatal care, although many women do not receive any formalized preparation. There are multiple models of childbirth education for both within health care settings, including Centering Pregnancy, and external programs, such as Lamaze and Bradley. As a component of childbirth preparation, a birth plan can be a medium to improve patient-provider communication regarding a desired labor and birth experience and improve satisfaction with care.

Noninvasive prenatal RHD genotyping by real-time polymerase chain reaction using plasma from D-negative pregnant women.

OBJECTIVE: Prenatal noninvasive determination of fetal Rh status is an important aid to the management of hemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn. We performed real-time polymerase chain reaction on fetal DNA derived from maternal plasma to determine fetal Rh status. STUDY DESIGN: Cell-free plasma DNA from 98 D-negative pregnant women was tested for the presence of exons 4, 5, and 10 of RHD. The presence of fetal DNA was confirmed by detection of SRY or biallelic insertion/deletion polymorphisms in the maternal plasma and buffy coat. RESULTS: Seventy-two D-positive infants and 26 D-negative infants were determined by serologic studies. All 3 RHD exon sequences were detected in 68 of 72 mothers of D-positive infants. The presence of fetal DNA in mothers of D-negative infants was confirmed in all 10 boys and in 14 of 16 girls. CONCLUSION: Fetal RHD genotyping in this study correctly predicted fetal Rh status in 92 of 98 (94%) cases.

Fetal growth rates and the very preterm delivery of twins.

OBJECTIVE: Our objective was to determine whether slow fetal growth rates and twin growth patterns from 20 weeks' gestation to delivery are associated with very preterm delivery. STUDY DESIGN: Available charts were reviewed for twin pregnancies, delivered between 1979 and 2002, at 4 U.S. medical centers. The sample of 1612 pregnancies delivered at 28 week's gestation or greater and had at least 2 ultrasound evaluations of fetal size from 20 to 28 weeks or from 28 weeks to delivery for estimation of fetal growth rates (grams per week). Slow fetal growth (below the 10th percentile) was defined as less than 90 grams per week at 20-28 weeks and 168 g/week from 28 weeks to delivery. The main outcome measure was the timing of delivery. RESULTS: Of the women delivering twins, 5.3% delivered extremely preterm (28-30 weeks), 8.5% very preterm (31-32 weeks), and 40.1% preterm (33-36 weeks). Patterns of growth for the pair were highly associated with very preterm delivery. Compared with neither growing slowly (1.7%), 4.9% delivered very preterm if only 1 twin grew slowly. Very preterm was 14.6% (adjusted odds ratio 9.81; 95% confidence interval, 3.50-27.48) with both growing slowly from 28 weeks on and 20.0% (adjusted odds ratio 15.04; 95% confidence interval 5.13-44.11) with both growing slowly over both intervals. Survival analyses indicated that twins with normal growth in both intervals remained undelivered for a significantly longer number of days (P < .0001) than pairs in which one or both twins were growing slowly. CONCLUSION: Very preterm delivery of twins seems to be preceded by slowed or compromised fetal growth for the pair.

The Hispanic paradox in twin pregnancies.

The objective of this study was to compare length of gestation, fetal growth, and birthweight by race/ethnicity and pregravid weight groups in twin pregnancies. Three thousand and thirty-six twin pregnancies of 28 weeks or more gestation were divided by race/ethnicity (White, Black and Hispanic), and pregravid body mass index (BMI) groups (less than 25.0 vs. 25.0 or more). Outcomes were modeled using multiple regression, controlling for confounders, with White non-Hispanic women as the reference group. Hispanic women had the highest average birthweight and the longest gestation, as well as the lowest proportions of low birthweight, very low birthweight, preterm and early preterm births of the 3 race/ethnicity groups. In the multivariate analyses, Hispanic women had significantly longer gestations (by 7.8 days) and faster rates of fetal growth midgestation (20 to 28 weeks, by 17.4 g/week) and late gestation (after 28 weeks, by 5.3 g/week), whereas Black women had significantly slower rates of fetal growth (by 5.7 g/week and by 4.5 g/week, respectively). These findings in twins reflect the racial and ethnic disparities previously shown in singletons, including the Hispanic paradox of longer gestations and higher rates of fetal growth.

Midupper arm circumference (MUAC) changes in late pregnancy predict fetal growth in twins.

The objective of the study was to test the hypothesis that changes in arm anthropometry can be used to determine the risk of faltering growth in twin gestations. Serial data on midupper arm circumference (MUAC) and maternal weight gain were collected from a sample of 156 mothers. Changes in MUAC were monitored from 20 to 34 weeks. Women with a large loss of MUAC (greater than 1.5 cm), particularly when it occurred within two to four weeks of delivery, were significantly heavier, had higher pregravid Body Mass Indexes (BMIs), but gained less weight than mothers with no change in MUAC. In analysis of covariance models adjusting for length of gestation, black ethnicity, males per twin pair, monochorionicity, and baseline MUAC at 20 weeks, a large loss of MUAC was associated with significantly lower birthweight (2263 g vs. 2499 g) and birthweight z-score (-0.92 SDU vs. -0.39 SDU). Changes in MUAC from 20 to 34 weeks, and especially near delivery, are significantly associated with fetal growth in twin pregnancies. A positive change may indicate that the mother has adequate dietary intake or nutrient stores to continue to accrue lean body mass and support fetal growth, while a loss of MUAC indicates that dietary intake or nutrient stores may be inadequate. This simple, relatively precise, measure of change in maternal body composition during pregnancy may be useful in identifying twin pregnancies at risk for faltering intrauterine growth, particularly among overweight or obese women.

Elevated maternal glucose concentrations and placental infection in twin pregnancies.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the association between maternal screening glucose concentration and placental infection in nondiabetic twin pregnancies. STUDY DESIGN: One thousand sixty-one nondiabetic twin pregnancies at > or =28 weeks' gestation were divided into 3 groups based on the screening 50-g fasting glucose concentration at 24-28 weeks: lowest quartile (< 96 mg/dL), middle 2 quartiles (96-128 mg/dL) and upper quartile (> 128 mg/dL). Outcomes were modeled using general linear and multinomial logistic regression, controlling for confounding factors. RESULTS: The middle and highest glucose groups were associated with increased risks for clinical chorioamnionitis (adjusted OR [AOR] 3.18, 95% CI 1.34, 7.54; AOR 6.80, CI 1.89, 24.53, respectively). Birth at <32 weeks and histologic diagnosis of placental infection (chorioamnionitis, funisitis, necrosis, vasculitis or villitis) were significantly associated only with the highest glucose group (AOR 1.79, CI 1.02, 3.13; AOR 6.95, CI 1.10, 8.68, respectively). CONCLUSION: Elevated screening glucose in nondiabetic twin pregnancies may be a marker of placental inflammation and infection.

The cost of twin pregnancy: maternal and neonatal factors.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate factors affecting birth charges in twin pregnancies. STUDY DESIGN: Clinical and financial data were obtained on 1486 twin pregnancies delivered between 1995 to 2002 at medical centers in Maryland, Florida, Michigan, and South Carolina. Maternal and neonatal length of stay (LOS) and charges were modeled by gestational age and other risk factors using a general linear model. RESULTS: Maternal and infant birth admission LOS and charges increased significantly with a decline in gestational age. Maternal LOS and charges were also significantly increased by cesarean delivery and preeclampsia. Newborn LOS and charges increased significantly by monochorionicity and slowed growth between 20 to 28 weeks. For mother and infants, the shortest LOS and lowest birth charges were at 37 to 38 weeks. CONCLUSION: These findings reflect the substantial maternal and neonatal morbidity associated with twin pregnancies, and demonstrate that 37 to 38 weeks is their optimal gestation.

Gender mix in twins and fetal growth, length of gestation and adult cancer risk.

This study evaluated the effect of gender mix (the gender combinations of twin pairs) on fetal growth and length of gestation, and reviewed the literature on the long-term effects of this altered fetal milieu on cancer risk. In singletons, it is well established that females weigh less than males at all gestations, averaging 125-135 g less at full term. This gender difference is generally believed to be the result of the effect of androgens on fetal growth. The gender difference in fetal growth is greater before the third trimester and less towards term, with males growing not only more, but also earlier than females. Plurality is a known risk factor for reduced fetal growth and birthweight. Compared with singletons, the mean birthweight percentiles of twins fall substantially (by 10% or more) below the singleton 10th percentile by 28 weeks, below the singleton 50th percentile by 30 weeks, and below the singleton 90th percentile by 34 weeks. In unlike-gender twin pairs, it has been reported that the female prolongs gestation for her brother, resulting in a higher birthweight for the male twin than that of like-gender male twins. Other researchers have demonstrated that females in unlike-gender pairs had higher birthweights than females in like-gender pairs. Analyses from our consortium on 2491 twin pregnancies with known chorionicity showed longer gestations and faster rates of fetal growth in both males and females in unlike-gender pairs compared with like-gender male or female pairs, although these differences were not statistically significant. The post-natal effects for females growing in an androgenic-anabolic environment include increased sensation-seeking behaviour and aggression, lowered visual acuity, more masculine attitudes and masculinising effects of the auditory system and craniofacial growth. In contrast, there is no evidence to suggest that there might be a similar feminising effect on males from unlike-gender pairs. This hormonal exposure in utero may influence adult body size and susceptability to breast cancer.

Fetal phenotypes and neonatal and early childhood outcomes in twins.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to evaluate factors associated with, and postnatal consequences of, altered patterns of fetal growth in twins. STUDY DESIGN: Fetal growth was measured at 28 weeks' gestation on 218 twins, including head circumference, abdominal circumference, and femur length, and characterized as > or < or =10th %ile; children were followed up until the age of three years. Logistic regression was used to generate odds ratios of perinatal factors associated with reduced fetal growth. RESULTS: Maternal height <62 inches was associated with reductions in femur length (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 3.88, 95% CI 1.42-10.57) and abdominal circumference (AOR 8.63, 95% CI 2.41-30.94), while primiparity had a protective effect on both of these fetal measurements (AOR 0.28, 95% CI 0.13-0.64, and AOR 0.18, 95% CI 0.06-0.60, respectively), as well as head circumference (AOR 0.32, 95% CI 0.15-0.69). Smoking adversely affected femur and head growth (AOR 24.10, 95% CI 3.69-157.57, and AOR 10.82, 95% CI 1.73-67.79, respectively). Fetal reduction adversely affected femur and abdomen growth (AOR 5.85, 95% CI 1.52-22.51 and AOR 4.90, 95% CI 1.01-23.86, respectively), and monochorionicity and maternal weight gain <0.65 lb/wk before 20 weeks adversely affected femur growth (AOR 5.47, 95% CI 1.65-18.10, and AOR 3.39, 95% CI 1.34-8.59, respectively). At age 3 years, all categories of twins with reduced growth by 28 weeks' gestation were significantly shorter in height, and those with reduced abdominal circumference or head circumference at 28 weeks were also significantly lighter in weight compared with twins with adequate fetal growth by 28 weeks' gestation. CONCLUSION: These data identify short maternal height, smoking, monochorionicity, fetal reduction, and inadequate weight gain before 20 weeks as risk factors associated with reduced twin fetal growth by 28 weeks' gestation and significant residual reductions in height and weight through 3 years of age.

Risk factors for adverse outcomes in spontaneous versus assisted conception twin pregnancies.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate risk factors for adverse outcomes in spontaneous vs. assisted conception twin pregnancies. DESIGN: Historical cohort study. SETTING: Four academic tertiary medical centers. PATIENT(S): Women with twin pregnancies, including 2,143 spontaneous and 424 assisted conception; 2,492 nonreduced and 75 reduced. INTERVENTION(S): None (observational). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Preeclampsia, preterm premature rupture of membranes, birth <32 weeks and <30 weeks, low birth weight, very low birth weight, and slowed midgestation fetal growth (<10th percentile between 20 and 28 weeks). RESULT(S): Among nonreduced pregnancies, assisted conception was not significantly associated with any adverse outcomes; among nulliparas, the risk for preeclampsia was increased regardless of method of conception; among spontaneous conceptions, the risks for preterm premature rupture of membranes, low birth weight, very low birth weight, and slowed midgestation fetal growth were increased. Among all pregnancies, fetal reduction increased risks for birth <32 weeks and <30 weeks, low birth weight, very low birth weight, and slowed midgestation fetal growth. Among nulliparas with assisted conceptions, fetal reduction increased the risks for birth <30 weeks, very low birth weight, and slowed midgestation fetal growth. CONCLUSION(S): These findings indicate that in twin pregnancies, assisted conception is not a risk factor for adverse outcomes, but rather specific factors that are more common among these pregnancies, such as nulliparity and fetal reduction, increase risks.

Specialized prenatal care and maternal and infant outcomes in twin pregnancy.

OBJECTIVE: This study was undertaken to evaluate the effect of a prenatal nutrition and education program on twin pregnancy, neonatal, and early childhood outcomes. STUDY DESIGN: This prospective intervention study of women who participated in a specialized program (Program Pregnancies) versus nonparticipants included twice-monthly visits, dietary prescription of 3000 to 4000 kcal per day, multimineral supplementation, and patient education. RESULTS: Program Pregnancies were associated with improved pregnancy outcomes (preeclampsia, adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 0.41, 95% CI, 0.23-0.75; preterm premature rupture of membranes, AOR 0.35, 95% CI, 0.20-0.60; delivery <36 weeks, AOR 0.62, 95% CI, 0.43-0.89; low birth weight, AOR 0.42, 95% CI, 0.29-0.61), significantly longer gestations (+7.6 days), higher birth weights (+220 g), lower neonatal morbidity (retinopathy of prematurity, necrotizing enterocolitis, intraventricular hemorrhage, or ventilator support, AOR 0.44, 95% CI, 0.31-0.62), length of stay (-5.3 days), and cost per twin (-14,023 dollars). Through 3 years of age, program children were significantly less likely to be rehospitalized (AOR 0.31, 95% CI, 0.11-0.91) or to be developmentally delayed (AOR 0.65, 95% CI, 0.44-0.96). CONCLUSION: Program participation was associated with improved outcomes at birth and through age 3 years.

Antenatal factors associated with significant birth weight discordancy in twin gestations.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate factors that are associated with significant birth weight discordancy. STUDY DESIGN: As a part of an ongoing collaborative study of twins, maternal and fetal data were obtained from the medical records of twin gestations at eight medical centers. The study population was divided into groups by difference in birth weight discordancy (>or=20%, >or=25%, and >or=30%) RESULTS: Severe birth weight discordancy was associated with fetal growth deceleration by 20 to 28 weeks (adjusted odds ratio, 4.90; 95% CI, 3.15-7.64) and between 28 weeks to birth (adjusted odds ratio, 3.48; 95% CI, 1.72-7.06). Antenatal bleeding (adjusted odds ratio, 1.86; 95% CI, 1.08-3.21), preeclampsia (adjusted odds ratio, 1.70, 95% CI, 1.21-2.41), and monochorionicity (adjusted odds ratio, 2.35, 95% CI, 11.71-3.23) were also associated with birth weight discordancy. CONCLUSION: These data demonstrate the importance of the early diagnosis of placental chorionicity, because monochorionicity is associated with a 2-fold increase in birth weight discordancy in twin gestations.

Body mass index--specific weight gains associated with optimal birth weights in twin pregnancies.

OBJECTIVE: To formulate maternal weight gain guidelines, by maternal pregravid body mass index (BMI) status, associated with optimal fetal growth and birth weight in twins. STUDY DESIGN: This historical cohort study was based on 2,324 pregnancies with nonanomalous, liveborn twins (4,684 infants) from Ann Arbor, Charleston, Baltimore and Miami. Rates of maternal weight gain and fetal growth were modeled using multiple regression for 0-20 weeks, 20-28 weeks and 28-38 weeks (projected as necessary), controlling for potentially confounding factors. Optimal rates of fetal growth were defined as growth between the singleton and twin 50th percentiles, and optimal birth weights were defined as between the singleton 50th percentile and twin 90th percentile at > or = 36 weeks (2,850-2,950 g). RESULTS: Optimal rates of fetal growth and birth weights were associated with rates of maternal weight gain for underweight women of 1.25-1.75 lb/wk (0.57-0.79 kg/wk) to 20 weeks, 1.50-1.75 lb/wk (0.68-0.79 kg/wk) between 20 and 28 weeks and 1.25 lb/wk (0.57 kg/wk) from 28 weeks to delivery; for normal-weight women, 1-1.5 lb/wk (0.45-0.68 kg/wk) to 20 weeks, 1.25-1.75 lb/wk (0.57-0.79 kg/wk) between 20 and 28 weeks and 1.0 lb/wk (0.45 kg/wk) from 28 weeks to delivery; for overweight women, 1-1.25 lb/wk (0.45-0.57 kg/wk) to 20 weeks, 1-1.5 lb/wk (0.45-0.68 kg/wk) between 20 and 28 weeks and 1 lb/wk (0.45 kg/wk) from 28 weeks to delivery; for obese women, 0.75-1 lb/wk (0.34-0.45 kg/wk) to 20 weeks, 0.75-1.25 lb/wk (0.34-0.57 kg/wk) between 20 and 28 weeks and 0.75 lb/wk (0.34 kg/wk) from 28 weeks to delivery. CONCLUSION: Optimal rates of fetal growth and birth weights in twins are achieved at rates of maternal weight gain that vary by period of gestation and maternal pregravid BMI status.

The association between maternal factors and perinatal outcomes in triplet pregnancies.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the associations between maternal factors and outcomes in triplet pregnancies. STUDY DESIGN: This was a historic cohort study of 194 triplet pregnancies of >or=24 weeks of gestation that were delivered from 1983 through 2001 from five medical centers. RESULTS: In analyses that were limited to pregnancies with all live-born triplets (178 pregnancies), women with a previous good outcome (>2500 g + >37 weeks of gestation) had longer gestations (+7.9 days, P =.03), better rates of fetal growth (+4.9 g/wk, P <.0001), and higher birth weights (+153 g, P <.0001). Maternal weight gains of <36 pounds by 24 weeks of gestation were associated with lower birth weights (-197 g, P <.0001), and fetal growth rates at