Luis B. Curet

Trial of calcium to prevent preeclampsia

Background Previous trials have suggested that calcium supplementation during pregnancy may reduce the risk of preeclampsia. However, differences in study design and a low dietary calcium intake in the populations studied limit acceptance of the data. Methods We randomly assigned 4589 healthy nulliparous women who were 13 to 21 weeks pregnant to receive daily treatment with either 2 g of elemental calcium or placebo for the remainder of their pregnancies. Surveillance for preeclampsia was conducted by personnel unaware of treatment-group assignments, using standardized measurements of blood pressure and urinary protein excretion at uniformly scheduled prenatal visits, protocols for monitoring these measurements during the hospitalization for delivery, and reviews of medical records of unscheduled outpatient visits and all hospitalizations. Results Calcium supplementation did not significantly reduce the incidence or severity of preeclampsia or delay its onset. Preeclampsia occurred in 158 of the 2295 wome...

Expanding access to hepatitis C virus treatment—Extension for Community Healthcare Outcomes (ECHO) project: Disruptive innovation in specialty care†

The Extension for Community Healthcare Outcomes (ECHO) Model was developed by the University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center as a platform to deliver complex specialty medical care to underserved populations through an innovative educational model of team‐based interdisciplinary development. Using state‐of‐the‐art telehealth technology, best practice protocols, and case‐based learning, ECHO trains and supports primary care providers to develop knowledge and self‐efficacy on a variety of diseases. As a result, they can deliver best practice care for complex health conditions in communities where specialty care is unavailable. ECHO was first developed for the management of hepatitis C virus (HCV), optimal management of which requires consultation with multidisciplinary experts in medical specialties, mental health, and substance abuse. Few practitioners, particularly in rural and underserved areas, have the knowledge to manage its emerging treatment options, side effects, drug toxicities, and treatment‐induced depression. In addition, data were obtained from observation of ECHO weekly clinics and database of ECHO clinic participation and patient presentations by clinical provider. Evaluation of the ECHO program incorporates an annual survey integrated into the ECHO annual meeting and routine surveys of community providers about workplace learning, personal and professional experiences, systems and environmental factors associated with professional practice, self‐efficacy, facilitators, and barriers to ECHO. The initial survey data show a significant improvement in provider knowledge, self‐efficacy, and professional satisfaction through participation in ECHO HCV clinics. Clinicians reported a moderate to major benefit from participation. We conclude that ECHO expands access to best practice care for underserved populations, builds communities of practice to enhance professional development and satisfaction of primary care clinicians, and expands sustainable capacity for care by building local centers of excellence. (HEPATOLOGY 2010)

Symptoms of Postpartum Depression and Breastfeeding

Despite important health benefits, the presence of depressive symptoms may decrease the prevalence of breastfeeding. The current study assessed the relationship between depressive symptoms and breastfeeding at 6 and 12 weeks postpartum. Participants were recruited from a cohort completing a clinical trial of calcium for prevention of preeclampsia. At 6 weeks postpartum, the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) was completed by mail. At 12 weeks postpartum, the EPDS was completed at an outpatient visit. There was an inverse relationship between depressive symptoms and breastfeeding at 6 weeks postpartum (P < .001) but not at 12 weeks. This relationship persisted even after controlling for prior history of depression, increased life stress, and current psychoactive medication. The results suggest that depressive symptoms early in the postpartum period may lower the prevalence of breastfeeding.

Metformin Compared With Glyburide in Gestational Diabetes: A Randomized Controlled Trial

OBJECTIVE: To compare the efficacy of metformin with glyburide for glycemic control in gestational diabetes. METHODS: Patients with gestational diabetes who did not achieve glycemic control on diet were randomly assigned to metformin (n=75) or glyburide (n=74) as single agents. The primary outcome was glycemic control. Secondary outcomes were drug failure rate and neonatal and obstetric complications. RESULTS: In the patients who achieved adequate glycemic control, the mean fasting and 2-hour postprandial blood glucose levels were not statistically different between the two groups. However, 26 patients in the metformin group (34.7%) and 12 patients in the glyburide group (16.2%) did not achieve adequate glycemic control and required insulin therapy (P=.01). CONCLUSION: In this study, the failure rate of metformin was 2.1 times higher than the failure rate of glyburide when used in the management of gestational diabetes (95% confidence interval 1.2–3.9). CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov, www.clinicaltrials.gov, NCT00965991. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: I

Changes in hemodynamics, ventricular remodeling, and ventricular contractility during normal pregnancy: A longitudinal study**

Objective To investgate the hemodynamic changes occurring in normal pregnanacy and to see if these changes were associated with an increase in myocardial contractility. Methods In a longitudinal study, primigravidas were studied with echocardiography in early (15 ± 1.8 weeks), mid (26 ± 1.2 weeks), and late (36 ± 1.0 week) gestation, as well as at 6 weeks postpartum. Carkiac dimensions were measured with two-dimensional and M-mode echocardiography and hemodynamic indices were calculated. All measurements were made with subjects in the left lateral decubitus position. Statistical analysis was performed with repeated measures analysis of variance. Results Seventy-six women with normal pregnancy outcomes completed all four studies. From the baseline study to late gestation, an increase in cardiac output of 27% (from [mean ± standard error] 4.2 ± 0.1 to 5.8 ± 0.2 L/min, P = .001). and a decrease in total peripheral resistance of 33% (from 1356 ± 69 to 941 ± 37 dynes/second cm −5, P = .001) occurred. Over this same time period, left ventricular function, while demonstrating a small and non-significant increase in velocity of circumferential fiber shortening (from 1.25 ± 0.02 to 1.27 ± 0.02 cm/second), revealed a 12% decrease in wall stress (from 36.3 ± 1.0 to 31.9 ± 1.0 g/cm2, P = .001) and a 13% decrease in the load-independent wall stress to velocity of circumferential fiber shortening ratio (from 30.0 ± 1.2 to 26.1 ± 1.0, P = .01), impluing enhanced intrinsic myocarial contractility. Conclusion Normal pregnancy is characterized by enhanced myocarial performance.

Active management of labor: Does it make a difference?

OBJECTIVE Our goal was to evaluate whether active management of labor lowers cesarean section rates, shortens the length of labor, and overcomes any negative effects of epidural analgesia on nulliparous labor. STUDY DESIGN We randomly assigned 405 low-risk term nulliparous patients to either an active management of labor (n = 200) or our usual care control protocol (n = 205). Patients who were undergoing active management of labor were diagnosed as being in labor on the basis of having painful palpable contractions accompanied by 80% cervical effacement, underwent early amniotomy, and were treated with high-dose oxytocin for failure to progress adequately in labor. RESULTS The cesarean section rate in the active management of labor group was lower than that of controls but not significantly so (active management, 7.5%; controls, 11.7%; p = 0.36). The length of labor in the active management group was shortened by 1.7 hours (from 11.4 to 9.7 hours, p = 0.001). Fifty-five percent of patients received epidural analgesics; a reduction in length of labor persisted despite the use of epidural analgesics (active management 11.2 hours vs control 13.3 hours, p = 0.001). A significantly greater proportion of active management patients were delivered by 12 hours compared with controls (75% vs 58%, p = 0.01); this difference also persisted despite the use of epidural analgesics (66% vs 51%, p = 0.03). CONCLUSIONS Patients undergoing active management had shortened labors and were more likely to be delivered within 12 hours, differences that persisted despite the use of epidural analgesics. There was a trend toward a reduced rate of cesarean section.

Predictors of outcome in trauma during pregnancy: identification of patients who can be monitored for less than 6 hours.

BACKGROUND The first objective of this study was to identify risk factors in pregnant patients suffering blunt trauma predictive for uterine contractions, preterm labor, or fetal loss. The second objective was to identify patients who can safely undergo fetal monitoring for 6 hours or less after blunt trauma by selecting out those patients demonstrating the identified risk factors. METHODS A retrospective chart review was performed from January 1, 1990, through December 31, 1998. Charts were reviewed for numerous possible risk factors for adverse outcomes. Statistical analysis was performed by using logistic regression. RESULTS A total of 271 pregnant patients admitted after blunt trauma were identified. Risk factors significantly predictive of fetal death included ejections, motorcycle and pedestrian collisions, maternal death, maternal tachycardia, abnormal fetal heart rate, lack of restraints, and Injury Severity Score > 9. Risk factors significantly predictive of contractions or preterm labor included gestational age >35 weeks, assaults, and pedestrian collisions. CONCLUSION Pregnant patients who present after blunt trauma with any of the identified risk factors for contractions, preterm labor, or fetal loss should be monitored for at least 24 hours. Patients without these risk factors can safely be monitored for 6 hours after trauma before discharge.

Is amniotic fluid analysis the key to preterm labor? A model using interleukin-6 for predicting rapid delivery

OBJECTIVE Our purpose was to create a model for predicting amnionitis and rapid delivery in preterm labor patients by use of amniotic fluid interleukin-6 and clinical parameters. STUDY DESIGN Amniotic fluid was cultured and analyzed, and a clinical score (incorporating gestational age, amniotic fluid Gram stain, glucose, leukocyte esterase, and maternal serum C-reactive protein) was determined in 111 patients diagnosed with preterm labor. Statistical analysis involved t tests, chi2, logarithmic regression, and multivariate regression analysis (P < or = .05). RESULTS The incidence of positive amniotic fluid cultures was 8.7% (9 of 103 patients). Patients with positive cultures of the amniotic fluid had a shorter delivery interval (4.8 +/- 7.5 vs 28.9 +/- 25.4 days, P < .001). Patients with elevated amniotic fluid interleukin-6 (> or = 7586 pg/ml) were more likely to have a positive amniotic fluid culture (relative risk = 8.8, 95% confidence interval = 1.6 to 47.4, P < .001) and to be delivered within 2 days (relative risk = 16.8, 95% confidence interval = 4.5 to 62.7, P < .001). Stepwise multivariate regression analysis yielded a model using interleukin-6, cervical dilatation, and gestational age (r2 = 0.63, P < .001) with a specificity of 100% for predicting delivery within 2 days of amniocentesis. CONCLUSIONS A mathematical model using maternal amniotic fluid interleukin-6 seems to be a useful clinical tool for quantifying the interval to preterm birth for patients in preterm labor.

Female circumcision: Obstetric issues

Female circumcision is a problem unfamiliar to most Western obstetrician-gynecologists. We present a case illustrative of the unique management problems posed by these patients during labor. A method of releasing the anterior vulvar scar tissue to allow vaginal delivery is described. Sensitivity and a nonjudgmental approach as to what is culturally appropriate care for these women are of paramount importance.

A randomized trial of misoprostol and oxytocin for induction of labor: Safety and efficacy

Objective To compare the safety and efficacy of misoprostol and oxytocin for induction of labor. Methods One hundred thirty women requiring induction of labor were randomized to receive either intravenous oxytocin or 100 μg misoprostol, administered intravaginally every 4 hours until labor was established. Results Compared with women receiving oxytocin, a greater percentage of women in the misoprostol group had Bishop scores of 3 or less (58 versus 38%, P < .05). Nonetheless, the median induction-to-delivery interval was significantly shorter (585 versus 885 minutes, P < .001) in the misoprostol group. Women in the misoprostol group were more likely to deliver vaginally within 24 hours of the start of induction (77 versus 55%, P < .002). Epidural analgesia was used more frequently in women receiving oxytocin than in those receiving misoprostol (73 versus 50%, P = .025). The total percentage of cesarean deliveries was not significantly different, although the percentage of cesarean deliveries for dystocia was lower in the misoprostol group (8 versus 21%, P = .02). Uterine tachysystole was significantly more common (70 versus 11%, P < .001) and hospital charges significantly less with misoprostol. Conclusion Compared with oxytocin for labor induction, misoprostol results in a shorter induction-to-delivery interval, a reduction in the rate of cesarean delivery for dystocia, and a decreased use of epidural analgesia. Uterine tachysystole is significantly more common with the use of misoprostol.