Angie Jelin

Intracranial magnetic resonance imaging findings in the surviving fetus after spontaneous monochorionic cotwin demise

OBJECTIVE This study was undertaken to evaluate intracranial magnetic resonance imaging abnormalities in the surviving fetus after a cotwin demise. STUDY DESIGN This is a retrospective observational study evaluating the intracranial findings of surviving twins after demise of a monochorionic cotwin. A total of 47 cases of cotwin demise were identified from an magnetic resonance imaging database consisting of all fetal magnetic resonance imagings performed at the University of California San Francisco. Twenty-one of these cases were monochorionic twins who had not undergone an intervention (fetal radiofrequency ablation and placental laser ablation) and these comprised the study group. The magnetic resonance imagings were reviewed by a pediatric neuroradiologist who was blinded to the ultrasound and clinical findings. RESULTS The mean gestational age at the time of cotwin demise was 19(6/7) weeks (range 12(4/7) weeks-26(5/7) weeks) with an average interval of 4(3/7) weeks between the time of cotwin demise and fetal magnetic resonance imaging (range 0-12(1/7) weeks). Nine cases (41%) were associated with diagnosed twin-twin transfusion syndrome. Abnormal findings, including polymicrogyria, germinolytic cysts, intracranial hemorrhage, ventriculomegaly, and delayed sulcation were identified by fetal magnetic resonance imaging in 7 (33%) cases, the majority of which had a normal ultrasound. CONCLUSION Prenatal magnetic resonance imaging is a valuable tool in evaluating the fetal brain after a cotwin demise.

Perinatal Outcome of Conservative Management versus Fetal Intervention for Twin Reversed Arterial Perfusion Sequence with a Small Acardiac Twin

Objective: To examine the outcomes of patients with twin reversed arterial perfusion (TRAP) sequence in which the acardiac twin was ≤50% the weight of the pump twin. Methods: This was a retrospective study conducted with institutional review board approval. The records of all patients referred to UCSF for suspected diagnosis of TRAP between 1994 and 2009 were reviewed (n = 76). Patients with pregnancies complicated by TRAP with an acardiac twin ≤50% the weight of the pump twin were included (21 patients). Exclusion criteria were loss to follow-up (1 patient) and syndromic abnormalities in the pump twin (2 patients). Results: Of the 18 patients with viable pregnancies that met the criteria for analysis, 7 (39%) underwent radiofrequency ablation (RFA) of the acardiac twin and 11 (61%) underwent conservative management. None of the pump twins in either group had hydrops fetalis. Three of the 11 acardiac twins in the conservative management group did not undergo RFA because they did not have blood flow at presentation to UCSF. Survival to delivery was 100% (7/7) in the RFA group and 91% (10/11) in the conservative management group. When we eliminated from our analysis the 3 pregnancies in the conservative management group without blood flow to the acardiac twin, survival to delivery was 88% (7/8). The single death occurred in 1 of the 3 monochorionic-monoamniotic pregnancies in the conservative management group, all of whom had blood flow to the acardiac twin. There were no statistically significant differences in gestational age at delivery, birth weight or survival between the RFA and conservative management groups, even after stratification by blood flow. Conclusions: Conservative management with close monitoring appears to be a safe option for TRAP pregnancies in which the acardiac twin is ≤50% the weight of the pump twin.

Postpartum follow-up for women with gestational diabetes mellitus.

We sought to determine the frequency of postpartum follow-up for women diagnosed with gestational diabetes mellitus. A retrospective cohort study of women with gestational diabetes mellitus from 2002 to 2008 ( N = 745) at an academic center was conducted. The primary outcome was either fasting blood glucose or 2-hour oral glucose tolerance, both measured at ≤6 months postpartum. Chi-square test and multivariable logistic regression analysis were used for statistical comparisons, and statistical significance was indicated by P < 0.05 and 95% confidence intervals. The frequency of follow-up for the study cohort was 33.7%. Of these women, 28.3% had values consistent with impaired glucose tolerance and 2.0% were diagnosed with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Asian women were the most likely to follow up (43%), and Latinas had the lowest follow-up frequency (18%; P < 0.001). Compared with their counterparts, women ≥35 years old, nulliparas, and women with GDM subtype A2 were more likely to return for postpartum glucose testing (odds ratio [OR] = 1.7, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.2 to 2.5; OR = 1.9, 95% CI 1.3 to 2.7; OR = 2.28, 95% CI 1.4 to 3.6, respectively). The frequency of postpartum follow-up for women diagnosed with gestational diabetes mellitus is exceedingly low. More effective strategies are needed to increase the postpartum and longitudinal follow-up for all women with gestational diabetes mellitus.

Obstetricians’ attitudes and beliefs regarding umbilical cord clamping

Abstract Objective: Although delayed umbilical cord clamping has been demonstrated to reduce the incidence of intraventricular hemorrhage and neonatal sepsis, and decrease the need for neonatal transfusions (without affecting cord pH, Apgar scores or the need for phototherapy), the extent to which this practice is being employed is unknown. We conducted a survey of US obstetricians to assess their attitudes and beliefs about cord clamping. Study design: Questionnaires were randomly mailed to members of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), and the Collaborative Ambulatory Research Network (CARN). The data were analyzed using Chi-square and Student t tests. Results: The response rates for the CARN and other ACOG members were 47% and 21%, respectively. Most (88%) responders reported their hospital had no umbilical cord clamping policy. The most frequent response for optimal timing of umbilical cord clamping, regardless of gestational age, was “don’t know”. Potential for neonatal red blood cell transfusion was the only concern cited as a reason for being somewhat or very inclined to delay umbilical cord clamping (51%). Delayed neonatal resuscitation (76%) was listed as a reason to clamp the cord immediately, despite the paucity of literature to support immediate cord clamping in this cohort. Conclusion: Despite substantial evidence supporting the practice of delayed cord clamping, few institutions have policies regarding this practice. Moreover, obstetricians’ beliefs about the appropriate timing for umbilical cord clamping are not consistent with the evidence that demonstrates its beneficial impact on neonatal outcomes.

Early-onset preeclampsia and neonatal outcomes

Objective. To evaluate the neonatal outcomes of infants delivered to mothers with early-onset preeclampsia. Study design. This is a retrospective cohort of 1709 infants delivered at 24 0/7 to 29 6/7 weeks gestation was examined. Neonatal outcomes of 235 infants delivered prematurely because of preeclampsia were compared with 1474 infants delivered preterm because of other etiologies. Primary outcomes examined included: small for gestational age (SGA), respiratory distress syndrome (RDS), and neonatal death (NND). Multivariable logistic regression was used to analyze the association between preeclampsia and the neonatal outcomes, controlling for potential confounders. Results. Infants of women with preeclampsia were more likely to be SGA (17.8% vs. 5.6%, AOR 3.9, CI 2.5–6.2) and have RDS (70.6% vs. 60.7%, AOR 1.5, 95% CI 1.1–2.2); however, they were less likely to suffer a NND (11.1% vs. 18.1%, AOR 0.6, 95% CI 0.4–0.9). Conclusion. Compared with neonates delivered prematurely because of other etiologies, neonates born to preeclamptic mothers were more likely to be SGA and have RDS, but had a decrease in mortality. This may be a reflection of the differences in the underlying pathophysiology behind indicated preterm birth due to preeclampsia.

Is preeclampsia associated with an increased risk of cesarean delivery if labor is induced

Objective. To determine whether preeclampsia is associated with an increased risk of cesarean delivery if labor is induced. Methods. This retrospective cohort study of 3505 women ≥24 weeks gestation with singleton pregnancies undergoing labor induction compares cesarean delivery rates between preeclamptics and non-preeclamptics. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to control for potential confounders including unfavorable cervix (Bishop score ≤5), method of labor induction, maternal age, parity, gestational age, race/ethnicity, epidural use, medical insurance, and marital status. Results. Among term nulliparous women undergoing labor induction, preeclamptics had a higher cesarean delivery rate then non-preeclamptics (81/267, 30% vs. 363/1568, 23%; p = 0.011), as did preeclamptic compared with non-preeclamptic women who were term and multiparous (10/64, 16% vs. 55/900, 6%, p = 0.003). Preterm preeclamptics also had more cesarean deliveries compared with non-preeclamptics among nulliparous (48/164, 29% vs. 16/245, 7%; p < 0.001) and multiparous (13/72, 18% vs. 18/225, 8%; p = 0.015) women. In multivariable analysis, preeclampsia still conferred an increased risk of cesarean delivery if labor was induced (adjusted odd ratio = 1.90, 95% CI 1.45–2.48). Conclusion. Women with preeclampsia undergoing labor induction had higher cesarean delivery rates compared with non-preeclamptics regardless of parity or gestational age. However, the majority of women with preeclampsia still had successful vaginal deliveries.

Sacrococcygeal teratoma with spinal canal invasion prenatally diagnosed

Fetal sacrococcygeal teratoma (SCT) is rarely associated with spinal invasion. The prognostic significance of spinal invasion is unknown. In the past, invasion has been discovered by postnatal imaging or in the operating room. As screening ultrasounds have become more prevalent in the United States, more SCTs have been discovered and characterized prenatally. This screening has allowed for better birth planning and neonatal therapy. We report a case of SCT invading the spinal canal seen on prenatal ultrasound. To our knowledge, this is the first documented case of prenatally diagnosed SCT intraspinal invasion.

Clamp late and maintain perfusion (CLAMP) policy: delayed cord clamping in preterm infants

Abstract Objective: Randomized controlled trials have demonstrated that delayed umbilical cord clamping (DCC) in preterm infants results in improved neonatal outcomes, including increased hematocrit, and decreased rates of intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) and packed red blood cell transfusions. We hypothesized that implementation of a DCC policy in preterm infants would result in similarly improved outcomes, despite initial clinician resistance. Study design: A DCC policy (30–60 s) for singleton infants <35 weeks gestation was implemented in September 2011. We conducted a pre-test/post-test analysis of neonatal outcomes among singletons delivered between 24 0/7 weeks and 34 6/7 weeks gestation from 2009 to 2013 (2 years pre-implementation and 2 years post-implementation). The primary outcomes were rates of policy compliance and four neonatal outcomes. Results: Despite multiple routes of policy dissemination, DCC was attempted in only 49% of the deliveries. In spite of this, infants delivered post-policy implementation (n = 196) had a significant decrease in IVH, significant increase in initial hematocrits, and improved temperatures compared with infants delivered pre-implementation (n = 204). Conclusion: After implementation of a DCC policy, preterm singleton infants had improved temperatures, increased hematocrits and a decreased prevalence of IVH without significant differences in adverse outcomes, suggesting that the benefits of DCC outweighed the risks.

Child neurology: Brachial plexus birth injury: what every neurologist needs to know.

While most often transient, brachial plexus birth injury can cause permanent neurologic injury. The major risk factors for brachial plexus birth injury are fetal macrosomia and shoulder dystocia. The degree of injury to the brachial plexus should be determined in the neonatal nursery, as those infants with the most severe injury—root avulsion—should be referred early for surgical evaluation so that microsurgical repair of the plexus can occur by 3 months of life. Microsurgical repair options include nerve grafts and nerve transfers. All children with brachial plexus birth injury require ongoing physical and occupational therapy and close follow-up to monitor progress.

Obstetrician and gynecologists’ population-based screening practices

Abstract Background: The ability to obtain genetic information can now be accomplished in far greater detail, and more quickly than in the past. It is important to understand obstetrician–gynecologists’ (ob-gyns) screening practices as these changes occur. Methods: Cross-sectional survey was performed by mailing paper surveys to Fellows of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and a subset of Fellows who belong to the Collaborative Ambulatory Research Network (CARN). Results: Response rates were 57% for the CARN network. Almost all responders (92%) offer population-based genetic screening in the prenatal period and almost all (93%) conduct counseling prior to the provision of genetic testing. Almost all (92%) counsel patients when the result is positive, with 46% being the primary counselor and 55% calling the patient themselves. When results are negative, 73% counsel with 58% indicating they are the primary counselor and 17% call patients themselves. A total of 72% have received continuing medical education (CME) on genetics within 5 years, with 79% receiving CME at conferences and 21% receiving CME online. Conclusion: Ob-gyns have a large role in providing patients new genetic screening technologies. This role requires a significant knowledge base, some of which can be obtained by online modules; however, our study suggests online education is underutilized as a means for CME on genetic screening among ob-gyns.