Addition of vaginal isosorbide mononitrate for labor induction in pregnancies complicated by hypertensive diseases of pregnancy: a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Pregnancies complicated by hypertensive disease of pregnancy often require labor induction. Rates of cesarean delivery range from 15% to 60% in this population. Nitric oxide deficiency has been shown to underlay the pathophysiology of preeclampsia, and nitric oxide promotes cervical ripening. OBJECTIVE: We hypothesized that addition of vaginal isosorbide mononitrate for labor induction could decrease the rate of cesarean delivery in pregnancies with hypertensive disease of pregnancy. STUDY DESIGN: This study was a double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized trial of patients with singleton pregnancy at ≥24 weeks' gestation undergoing labor induction for hypertensive diseases of pregnancy between November 2017 and February 2020. Participants were eligible if their Bishop score was <6 and if their cervical dilation was ≤2 cm. In addition, participants received up to 3 doses of 40 mg isosorbide mononitrate in addition to misoprostol for labor induction. Labor management was per healthcare provider preference. The primary outcome was rate of cesarean delivery. Secondary outcomes included the length of labor and frequency of intrapartum adverse events, including the use of intrapartum antihypertensive agents. RESULTS: 89 women were randomized to the isosorbide mononitrate group, and 87 women were randomized to the placebo group. Cesarean delivery rates were similar in both groups (32.6% vs 25.3%; relative risk, 1.29; 95% confidence interval, 0.81-2.06; P=.39). Maternal headache was increased in patients exposed to isosorbide mononitrate (42.7% vs 31%; relative risk, 1.52; 95% confidence interval, 1.04-2.23; P=.04). Clinical chorioamnionitis was increased in the placebo group (0% vs 8%; P=.02). Secondary outcomes were similar between groups. CONCLUSION: The addition of vaginal isosorbide mononitrate for labor induction in pregnancies complicated by hypertensive disease of pregnancy did not result in fewer cesarean deliveries.

The Importance of Clinical Presentation in Risk and Management of Recurrent Preterm Birth.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to compare the risk of recurrent spontaneous preterm birth (sPTB), as well as cerclage efficacy, between groups stratified by phenotype of the index sPTB. STUDY DESIGN: This is a retrospective cohort study of women with a history of sPTB. Included were women with a history of singleton sPTB who received progesterone in a subsequent pregnancy. Multifetal gestations and abdominal cerclage were excluded. Exposure groups were based upon the presenting symptom that preceded their first sPTB and included painless cervical dilation (PCD), preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM), and painful dilation (preterm labor [PTL]). Primary outcome was delivery <34 weeks in a subsequent pregnancy. Secondary outcomes included delivery <28 and <37 weeks. Rates were compared using the Chi-square test. Multivariable Poisson regression was used to adjust for confounders. RESULTS: A total of 723 women were included. A total of 114 (16%) presented with PCD, 305 (42%) with PPROM, and 304 (42%) with PTL in their first sPTB. Cerclage in subsequent pregnancy was highest in the PCD group (42%) when compared with the PPROM (16%) and PTL (12%) groups. Rates of sPTB <34 and 37 weeks were similar among the groups. After adjusting for confounders, PCD was found to significantly increase the risk of recurrent sPTB <28 weeks (incidence rate ratio: 3.46 [1.09-11.0]; p = 0.04). Of the 121 women who underwent cerclage, there were no significant differences in rates of sPTB between the clinical presentation groups. CONCLUSION: PCD as a specific phenotype of sPTB impacts recurrence of delivery before 28 weeks, but not at later gestational ages. In contrast, there was no significant association between clinical presentation of index sPTB and gestational latency in women who also underwent cerclage placement in a subsequent pregnancy. Our data suggest that clinical presentation is important with regards to recurrence of early sPTB, but not sPTB at later gestational ages. KEY POINTS: · Phenotype is critical to understanding PTB.. · Phenotype is associated with recurrent PTB.. · Painless dilation is associated with recurrent PTB..

Congo Red Dot Paper Test for Antenatal Triage and Rapid Identification of Preeclampsia.

BACKGROUND: Proteins in the urine of women with preeclampsia (PE) bind Congo Red dye (urine congophilia). We sought to determine the diagnostic performance of a paper-based point-of-care test detecting urine congophilia for rapid triage and diagnosis of PE. METHODS: Prospective cohort study conducted in 346 consecutive pregnant women evaluated for PE in the Labour and Delivery triage unit at our institution. The Congo Red Dot (CRD) Paper Test (index test) was performed on fresh urine samples. The CRD Paper Test results were compared to an expert adjudicated diagnosis in each case. The accuracy of the CRD Paper Test was also compared to urine and serum analytes (placental growth factor and soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1) previously proposed as diagnostic aids for PE. FINDINGS: During the first triage visit, 32% (112/346) of women received a clinical diagnosis of PE. Yet, 63% (217/346) were admitted for in-patient diagnostic work-up or delivery. The CRD Paper Test was positive in 25% (86/346) of the cases. Adjudication confirmed PE in 28% (96/346) of all cases. The CRD Paper Test outperformed measured serum and urine markers (80·2% sensitivity, 89·2% specificity, 92·1% negative predictive value, 86·7% accuracy). The pre-test, positive and negative post-test probabilities were 27·7%, 74·0%, and 8·0%, respectively. Of women who were discharged undelivered, 38% (133/346) had at least one additional triage visit and the interval between the last negative and first positive CRD Paper Test was 12 (interquartile range, [5-34]) days. INTERPRETATION: The CRD Paper Test is a simple, non-invasive, "sample-in/answer-out" point-of-care clinical tool for rapid identification of PE. FUNDING: Saving Lives at Birth Program and NICHD.

Risk of Ischemic Placental Disease in Relation to Family History of Preeclampsia.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the risk of ischemic placental disease (IPD) including preeclampsia, small for gestational age (SGA), and abruption, in relation to preeclampsia in maternal grandmother, mother, and sister(s). STUDY DESIGN: We performed a secondary analysis of data from a randomized trial of vitamins C and E for preeclampsia prevention. Data on family history of preeclampsia were based on recall by the proband. The associations between family history of preeclampsia and the odds of IPD were evaluated from alternating logistic regressions. RESULTS: Of the 9,686 women who delivered nonmalformed, singleton live births, 17.1% had IPD. Probands provided data on preeclampsia in 55.5% (n = 5,374) on all three family members, 26.5% (n = 2,562) in mother and sister(s) only, and 11.6% (n = 1,125) in sister(s) only. The pairwise odds ratio (pOR) of IPD was 1.16 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.00-1.36) if one or more of the female relatives had preeclampsia. The pORs of preeclampsia were 1.54 (95% CI: 1.12-2.13) and 1.35 (95% CI: 1.03-1.77) if the proband's mother or sister(s) had a preeclamptic pregnancy, respectively, but no associations were seen for SGA infant or abruption. CONCLUSION: This study suggests that IPD may share a predisposition with preeclampsia, suggesting a familial inheritance.

Incidence of early-onset sepsis in infants born to women with clinical chorioamnionitis.

Objective To determine the frequency of sepsis and other adverse neonatal outcomes in women with a clinical diagnosis of chorioamnionitis. Methods We performed a secondary analysis of a multi-center placebo-controlled trial of vitamins C/E to prevent preeclampsia in low risk nulliparous women. Clinical chorioamnionitis was defined as either the "clinical diagnosis" of chorioamnionitis or antibiotic administration during labor because of an elevated temperature or uterine tenderness in the absence of another cause. Early-onset neonatal sepsis was categorized as "suspected" or "confirmed" based on a clinical diagnosis with negative or positive blood, urine or cerebral spinal fluid cultures, respectively, within 72 h of birth. Adjusted odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated by logistic regression. Results Data from 9391 mother-infant pairs were analyzed. The frequency of chorioamnionitis was 10.3%. Overall, 6.6% of the neonates were diagnosed with confirmed (0.2%) or suspected (6.4%) early-onset sepsis. Only 0.7% of infants born in the setting of chorioamnionitis had culture-proven early-onset sepsis versus 0.1% if chorioamnionitis was not present. Clinical chorioamnionitis was associated with both suspected [OR 4.01 (3.16-5.08)] and confirmed [OR 4.93 (1.65-14.74)] early-onset neonatal sepsis, a need for resuscitation within the first 30 min after birth [OR 2.10 (1.70-2.61)], respiratory distress [OR 3.14 (2.16-4.56)], 1 min Apgar score of ≤3 [OR 2.69 (2.01-3.60)] and 4-7 [OR 1.71 (1.43-2.04)] and 5 min Apgar score of 4-7 [OR 1.67 (1.17-2.37)] (vs. 8-10). Conclusion Clinical chorioamnionitis is common and is associated with neonatal morbidities. However, the vast majority of exposed infants (99.3%) do not have confirmed early-onset sepsis.

Hepcidin, an Iron Regulatory Hormone of Innate Immunity, is Differentially Expressed in Premature Fetuses with Early-Onset Neonatal Sepsis.

OBJECTIVE: Hepcidin, a mediator of innate immunity, binds the iron exporter ferroportin, leading to functional hypoferremia through intracellular iron sequestration. We explored hepcidin-ferroportin interactions in neonates clinically diagnosed with early-onset neonatal sepsis (EONS). STUDY DESIGN: Hepcidin and interleukin (IL)-6 were quantified by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in 92 paired cord blood-maternal blood samples in the following groups: "Yes" EONS (n = 41, gestational age [GA] 29 ± 1 weeks) and "No" EONS (n = 51, GA 26 ± 1 weeks). Placental hepcidin and ferroportin expression were evaluated by immunohistochemistry and real-time-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Liver hepcidin and ferroportin expression patterns were ascertained in autopsy specimens of neonates (n = 8) who died secondary to culture-proven sepsis. RESULTS: Cord blood hepcidin was significantly elevated (GA corrected, p = 0.018) and was positively correlated with IL-6 (r = 0.379, p = 0.001) in EONS. Hepcidin localized at syncytiotrophoblast and fetal vascular endothelium. Placental ferroportin, but not hepcidin mRNA correlated with cord blood hepcidin levels (r = 0.46, p = 0.039) and funisitis severity (r = 0.50, p = 0.018). Newborns who died from sepsis (n = 4) had higher hepatic hepcidin and iron sequestration, but lower ferroportin staining than those who died of nonsepsis causes (n = 4). CONCLUSION: Premature fetuses with EONS have elevated circulating hepcidin, likely related to lower placenta and liver ferroportin expression. Fetal hepcidin-ferroportin interaction appears to play a role in EONS pathophysiology independent of maternal response to intrauterine inflammation.

Cell-Free Total and Fetal DNA in First Trimester Maternal Serum and Subsequent Development of Preeclampsia.

Objective The objective of this study was to assess the relationship between first trimester cell-free total and fetal DNA in maternal plasma and the subsequent development of preeclampsia. Study Design Nested case-control study of patients enrolled in the Combined Antioxidant and Preeclampsia Prediction Studies prediction study of 175 women who did and 175 women who did not develop preeclampsia. The predictive values of cell-free total and fetal DNA and the subsequent development of preeclampsia were measured using receiver operating characteristic curves. Results Cell-free total DNA was higher in African American (median; 25-75%; 6.15; 0.14-28.73; p = 0.02) and Hispanic (4.95; 0.20-26.82; p = 0.037) compared with white women (2.33; 0.03-13.10). Levels of cell-free total DNA were also associated with maternal body mass index (BMI) (p = 0.02). Cell-free total DNA levels were similar between women who later developed preeclampsia (3.52; 0.11-25.3) and controls (3.74; 0.12-21.14, p = 0.96). Conclusion There is no significant difference in levels of cell-free total DNA in the first trimester in women who subsequently develop preeclampsia. Levels of cell-free total DNA in the first trimester are increased in African American and Hispanic compared with white women, and levels increase with increasing BMI.

Evidence for participation of neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin/matrix metalloproteinase-9 (NGAL•MMP-9) complex in the inflammatory response to infection in pregnancies complicated by preterm birth.

PROBLEM: Neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) is expressed in neutrophils and involved in innate immunity by sequestering iron. NGAL's ability to complex with matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) and extend its gelatinolytic activity led us to investigate its role in pregnancies complicated by preterm birth (PTB) and intra-amniotic infection/inflammation (IAI). METHOD OF STUDY: We assayed the amniotic fluid (AF) levels of NGAL and MMP-9 in 308 women that had a clinically indicated amniocentesis and a normal pregnancy outcome or PTB. qRT-PCR was employed to determine NGAL mRNA expression of placental villous trophoblast and amniochorion. Immunohistochemistry was used for cellular localization. RESULTS: AF NGAL levels were gestational age-regulated. Women with IAI and PTB had significantly higher levels of NGAL, MMP-9 and NGAL•MMP-9 complex. CONCLUSION: The amniochorion is a source of NGAL and similarly to other inflammatory conditions, this protein may augment the collagenolytic effect of MMP-9 and modulate host-microbe interactions in pregnancies complicated by IAI.

Laboratory abnormalities in pregnancy-associated hypertension: frequency and association with pregnancy outcomes.

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the frequency of abnormal laboratory test results in pregnancy-associated hypertension and the relationship with pregnancy outcomes. METHODS: This was a secondary analysis of a multicenter trial of vitamin C and E for prevention of pregnancy-associated hypertension in low-risk nulliparous women. Laboratory abnormalities included: platelets less than 100,000/mm, aspartate aminotransferase 100 units/L or greater, creatinine 1.5 mg/dL or greater, lactate dehydrogenase 600 units/L or greater, total bilirubin 1.2 mg/dL or greater, or evidence of hemolysis on peripheral smear. Mild pregnancy-associated hypertension was defined as blood pressure 140-159/90-109 mm Hg. Severe pregnancy-associated hypertension was defined as persistent blood pressure 160/110 mm Hg or greater, acute antihypertensive treatment, or any blood pressure elevation associated with clinical signs of end-organ dysfunction (one or more of headache, epigastric pain, blurred vision, pulmonary edema, eclampsia, or oliguria). Pregnancy outcomes were compared across four groups: I, mild hypertension alone; II, mild hypertension+abnormal laboratory values; III, severe pregnancy-associated hypertension alone; and IV, severe pregnancy-associated hypertension+abnormal laboratory values. RESULTS: Of 9,969 women, 2,752 (27.9%) developed pregnancy-associated hypertension and of these, laboratory abnormalities occurred in 7.3%. Laboratory abnormalities increased with severity of hypertension: mild hypertension alone (4.9%), severe hypertension alone (8.9%), and mild or severe hypertension with clinical signs of end-organ dysfunction (12.2%) (P for trend<.001). Compared with women with mild hypertension alone, the adjusted odds for the perinatal composite (2-fold to 4.8-fold in Category III-IV), preterm birth (2.1-fold to 7.8-fold in Category II-IV), and other adverse perinatal outcomes increase with disease severity, particularly with laboratory abnormalities and severe clinical signs. CONCLUSION: The frequency of abnormal laboratory values in women with pregnancy-associated hypertension increases with disease severity. Adverse perinatal outcomes increase in the presence of abnormal laboratory values, particularly in those with clinical signs, likely atttributable in part to the decision to deliver early.

Haptoglobin phenotype and abnormal uterine artery Doppler in a racially diverse cohort.

OBJECTIVE: The anti-oxidant and proangiogenic protein haptoglobin (Hp) is believed to be important for implantation and pregnancy, although its specific role is not known. The three phenotypes (1-1, 2-1 and 2-2) differ in structure and function. Hp 2-2 is associated with increased vascular stiffness in other populations. We examined whether Hp phenotype is associated with abnormal uterine artery Doppler (UAD) in pregnancy. METHODS: We conducted a secondary analysis of a preeclampsia prediction cohort nested within a larger placebo-controlled randomized clinical trial of antioxidants for prevention of preeclampsia. We determined Hp phenotype in 2184 women who completed UAD assessments at 17 weeks gestation. Women with notching were re-evaluated for persistent notching at 24 weeks' gestation. Logistic regression was used to assess differences in UAD indices between phenotype groups. RESULTS: Hp phenotype did not significantly influence the odds of having any notch (p = 0.32), bilateral notches (p = 0.72), or a resistance index (p = 0.28) or pulsatility index (p = 0.67) above the 90th percentile at 17 weeks' gestation. Hp phenotype also did not influence the odds of persistent notching at 24 weeks (p = 0.25). CONCLUSIONS: Hp phenotype is not associated with abnormal UAD at 17 weeks' gestation or with persistent notching at 24 weeks.

Evaluation of the fetal heart at 14 to 18 weeks' gestation in fetuses with a screening nuchal translucency greater than or equal to the 95th percentile.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to determine whether normal fetal cardiac anatomy could be successfully demonstrated and congenital heart disease detected transabdominally at 14 to 18 weeks' gestation in fetuses with a nuchal translucency greater than or equal to the 95th percentile. METHODS: In this retrospective chart review, grayscale images, Z scores, and Doppler evaluations, including pulsed, color, and spectral Doppler imaging, were reviewed to determine whether fetal heart evaluation findings at 14 to 18 weeks' gestation were normal or abnormal. RESULTS: Normal cardiac anatomy was successfully evaluated in 32 of 33 normal cases; only an aortic arch and a ductal arch were not successfully visualized in 1 case. Major congenital heart disease was detected prenatally in 4 abnormal cases. CONCLUSIONS: The fetal heart can be successfully evaluated at an earlier gestational age but may be dependent on the skill of the sonographer and reading physician. Maternal decisions can be made earlier in gestation, before the pregnancy is obvious, and can allow planning for a pregnancy that will need to be delivered at a medical center that has a level 3 nursery.

Pregnancy outcomes with weight gain above or below the 2009 Institute of Medicine guidelines.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate pregnancy outcomes according to 2009 Institute of Medicine (IOM) gestational weight gain guidelines. METHODS: This study is a secondary analysis of a preeclampsia prevention trial among nulliparas carrying singletons. Odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals (adjusted for maternal age, race, smoking, and treatment group) were calculated based on total weight gain below or above the IOM guidelines stratified by prepregnancy body mass index (BMI). The referent group was weight gain within the guidelines. RESULTS: Of 8,293 pregnancies, 9.5% had weight gain below, 17.5% within, and 73% above IOM guidelines. With excess weight gain, all BMI categories had an increased risk of hypertensive disorders; normal weight and overweight women also had increased risk of cesarean delivery and neonatal birth weight at or above the 90 centile but a decreased risk of weight below the 10 centile. There were no consistent associations with insufficient weight gain and adverse outcomes. CONCLUSION: Excess weight gain was prevalent and associated with an increased risk of hypertensive disorders, cesarean delivery, and large-for-gestational-age neonates.

Haptoglobin phenotype, preeclampsia risk and the efficacy of vitamin C and E supplementation to prevent preeclampsia in a racially diverse population.

Haptoglobin's (Hp) antioxidant and pro-angiogenic properties differ between the 1-1, 2-1, and 2-2 phenotypes. Hp phenotype affects cardiovascular disease risk and treatment response to antioxidant vitamins in some non-pregnant populations. We previously demonstrated that preeclampsia risk was doubled in white Hp 2-1 women, compared to Hp 1-1 women. Our objectives were to determine whether we could reproduce this finding in a larger cohort, and to determine whether Hp phenotype influences lack of efficacy of antioxidant vitamins in preventing preeclampsia and serious complications of pregnancy-associated hypertension (PAH). This is a secondary analysis of a randomized controlled trial in which 10,154 low-risk women received daily vitamin C and E, or placebo, from 9-16 weeks gestation until delivery. Hp phenotype was determined in the study prediction cohort (n = 2,393) and a case-control cohort (703 cases, 1,406 controls). The primary outcome was severe PAH, or mild or severe PAH with elevated liver enzymes, elevated serum creatinine, thrombocytopenia, eclampsia, fetal growth restriction, medically indicated preterm birth or perinatal death. Preeclampsia was a secondary outcome. Odds ratios were estimated by logistic regression. Sampling weights were used to reduce bias from an overrepresentation of women with preeclampsia or the primary outcome. There was no relationship between Hp phenotype and the primary outcome or preeclampsia in Hispanic, white/other or black women. Vitamin supplementation did not reduce the risk of the primary outcome or preeclampsia in women of any phenotype. Supplementation increased preeclampsia risk (odds ratio 3.30; 95% confidence interval 1.61-6.82, p<0.01) in Hispanic Hp 2-2 women. Hp phenotype does not influence preeclampsia risk, or identify a subset of women who may benefit from vitamin C and E supplementation to prevent preeclampsia.

The utility of uterine artery Doppler velocimetry in prediction of preeclampsia in a low-risk population.

OBJECTIVE: The underlying pathophysiology of preeclampsia is thought to be abnormal trophoblast invasion of the spiral arteries leading to maldevelopment of uteroplacental perfusion. We estimated whether uterine artery Doppler measurements made in the early second trimester would predict the subsequent development of preeclampsia. METHODS: Uterine artery Doppler measurements before 21 weeks of gestation (median 16.6 weeks) were correlated with subsequent development of preeclampsia in a cohort of 2,188 low-risk nulliparous women in a randomized control trial of antioxidant supplementation for prevention of preeclampsia. Preeclampsia developed in 165 (7.5%) women. RESULTS: Development of preeclampsia overall was associated with increased resistance index, pulsatility index, a pulsatility index or resistance index multiple of the median at or above the 75th percentile but not the presence of a notch or a bilateral notch before 21 weeks of gestation. The sensitivity was 43% (95% confidence interval [CI] 35-51) and specificity 67% (95% CI 65-69) for prediction of preeclampsia overall. The presence of a notch or bilateral notch, resistance index, and pulsatility index multiple of the median was significantly associated with early onset (before 34 weeks of gestation) compared with late onset or no preeclampsia (odds ratio [OR] 6.9, 95% CI 2.3-20.9; sensitivity 78%, 95% CI 52-94; specificity 66%, 95% CI 64-68). The presence of a notch or resistance index multiple of the median at or above the 75th percentile increased the odds of developing severe compared with mild or no preeclampsia (OR 2.2, 95% CI 1.4-3.7; sensitivity 53%, 95% CI 40-65; specificity 66%, 95% CI 64-68). CONCLUSION: Our data show poor sensitivity of second-trimester Doppler ultrasound measurements for prediction of preeclampsia overall in a well-characterized, low-risk, nulliparous population. The technique has utility in identifying poor trophoblast invasion of spiral arteries of a magnitude that severely compromises uteroplacental blood flow and gives early-onset disease. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: II.

Breastfeeding in women with severe preeclampsia.

BACKGROUND: In the United States, breastfeeding initiation is reported for 75% of all live births; however, little information is available for mothers affected by severe preeclampsia (SP) who because of magnesium sulfate treatment are separated from their infants in the immediate postpartum period. This study examined feeding practices and factors associated with breastfeeding initiation in 281 women with SP and their 200 late-preterm and 81 term infants. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: SP was diagnosed according to established clinical and laboratory criteria. Infant feeding preference was ascertained on admission to labor and delivery. Variables known to influence breastfeeding initiation, including maternal age, smoking, obesity, and racial and educational characteristics, were assessed. RESULTS: All mothers received magnesium sulfate for 24 hours following delivery. Of 281 infants, 54% were admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). All mothers and infants survived. On admission, 149 women intended to breastfeed, 73 intended to feed formula, and 59 were undecided. Four of 73 women who did not wish to breastfeed and 27 of 59 originally undecided later initiated breastfeeding. At discharge, 144 (51%) of all these mothers had successfully initiated breastfeeding. Factors associated with breastfeeding initiation failure included African American race, younger age, lower education, multiparity, smoking, and obesity. Of 149 women who intended to breastfeed, 76% were successful, and logistic regression analysis showed that intention to breastfeed was the most significant predictor of breastfeeding initiation. During the first 24 hours postpartum, 78% of infants receiving well-baby care, and 4% of those admitted to the NICU visited with their mother once. Among women who intended to breastfeed, successful breastfeeding initiation involved 85% of infants receiving routine well-baby care and 69% of those admitted to the NICU. CONCLUSIONS: In spite of the challenges created by SP, including early maternal separation, breastfeeding initiation is possible. The strongest predictor for breastfeeding success remains the intention to breastfeed, whereas race, lower level of education, and obesity are associated with breastfeeding initiation failure.

Impact of smoking during pregnancy on functional coagulation testing.

Compounds that are systemically absorbed during the course of cigarette smoking, and their metabolites, affect the coagulation system and cause endothelial dysfunction, dyslipidemia, and platelet activation leading to a prothrombotic state. In addition, smoking increases the activity of fibrinogen, homocysteine, and C-reactive protein. We hypothesize that smoking may affect functional coagulation testing during pregnancy. A secondary analysis of 371 women pregnant with a singleton pregnancy and enrolled in a multicenter, prospective observational study of complications of factor V Leiden mutation subsequently underwent functional coagulation testing for antithrombin III, protein C antigen and activity, and protein S antigen and activity. Smoking was assessed by self-report at time of enrollment (<14 weeks). None of the functional coagulation testing results was altered by maternal smoking during pregnancy. Smoking does not affect the aforementioned functional coagulation testing results during pregnancy.

Temporary extracorporeal circulatory support and pulmonary embolectomy for catastrophic amniotic fluid embolism.

Amniotic fluid embolism is usually a life-threatening complication of an otherwise healthy pregnancy. Medical management of the coagulopathy and cardiovascular collapse is challenging and is often unsuccessful. We present a case and advocate the use of temporary circulatory support and pulmonary embolectomy in what would otherwise have been a fatal scenario.

Maternal insulin resistance and preeclampsia.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to determine whether mid-trimester insulin resistance is associated with subsequent preeclampsia. STUDY DESIGN: This was a secondary analysis of 10,154 nulliparous women who received vitamin C and E or placebo daily from 9-16 weeks gestation until delivery. Of these, 1187 women had fasting plasma glucose and insulin tested between 22 and 26 weeks gestation. Insulin resistance was calculated by the homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) and the quantitative insulin sensitivity check index. RESULTS: Obese women were twice as likely to have a HOMA-IR result of ≥75th percentile. Hispanic and African American women had a higher percentage at ≥75th percentile for HOMA-IR than white women (42.2%, 27.2%, and 16.9%, respectively; P < .001). A HOMA-IR result of ≥75th percentile was higher among the 85 nulliparous women who subsequently had preeclampsia, compared with women who remained normotensive (40.5% vs 24.8%; adjusted odds ratio, 1.9; 95% confidence interval, 1.1-3.2). Quantitative insulin sensitivity check index results were similar to the HOMA-IR results. CONCLUSION: Midtrimester maternal insulin resistance is associated with subsequent preeclampsia.