American journal of obstetrics and gynecology
-
Am. J. Obstet. Gynecol. · Jul 2016
Observational StudySequential plasma angiogenic factors levels in women with suspected preeclampsia.
Alterations in circulating angiogenic factors are associated with the diagnosis of preeclampsia and correlate with adverse perinatal outcomes during the third trimester. ⋯ Among women admitted for evaluation of preeclampsia, women at risk for adverse pregnancy outcomes have higher soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase/placental growth factor ratio on admission, which continued to rise until delivery. Women with high soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase/placental growth factor ratios delivered sooner than women with low soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase/placental growth factor levels. These data support the hypothesis that targeting angiogenic imbalance in preeclampsia may lead to prolongation of pregnancy.
-
Am. J. Obstet. Gynecol. · Jul 2016
A multi-state analysis of postpartum readmissions in the United States.
Readmission rates are used as a quality metric in medical and surgical specialties; however, little is known about obstetrics readmissions. ⋯ Postpartum readmission rates have risen over the last 8 years. Understanding the risk factors, etiologies, and cause-specific timing for postpartum readmissions may aid in the development of new quality metrics in obstetrics and targeted strategies to curb the rising rate of postpartum readmissions in the United States.
-
Am. J. Obstet. Gynecol. · Jul 2016
Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter StudyAnti-hemorrhagic effect of prophylactic tranexamic acid in benign hysterectomy-a double-blinded randomized placebo-controlled trial.
Hysterectomy is one of the most frequently performed major gynecological surgical procedures. Even when the indication for the procedure is benign, relatively high complication rates have been reported. Perioperative bleeding seems to represent the most common cause of complications and in 2004, 8% of all women in Denmark undergoing benign hysterectomy experienced a bleeding complication. Tranexamic acid is an antifibrinolytic agent that has shown to effectively reduce bleeding complications within other surgical and medical areas. However, knowledge about the drug's effect in relation to benign hysterectomy is still missing. ⋯ The results support the hypothesis that prophylactic treatment with tranexamic acid reduces the overall total blood loss, the incidence of substantial blood loss, and the need for reoperations owing to postoperative hemorrhage in relation to benign hysterectomy. No incidences of serious adverse events occurred. Thus, tranexamic acid should be considered as a prophylactic treatment prior to elective benign hysterectomy.
-
Am. J. Obstet. Gynecol. · Jul 2016
Multicenter StudyThe "occiput-spine angle": a new sonographic index of fetal head deflexion during the first stage of labor.
Fetal head "attitude" (relationship of fetal head to spine) in the first stage of labor may have a substantial impact on labor outcome. The diagnosis of fetal head deflexion traditionally is based on digital examination in labor, although the use of ultrasound to support clinical diagnosis has been recently reported. ⋯ We described herein the "occiput-spine angle," a new sonographic parameter to assess fetal head deflection during labor. Fetuses with smaller occiput-spine angle (<125°) are at increased risk for operative delivery.
-
Am. J. Obstet. Gynecol. · Jul 2016
Severe maternal morbidity in a large cohort of women with acute severe intrapartum hypertension.
Hypertensive diseases of pregnancy are associated with severe maternal morbidity and remain common causes of maternal death. Recently, national guidelines have become available to aid in recognition and management of hypertension in pregnancy to reduce morbidity and mortality. The increased morbidity related to hypertensive disorders of pregnancy is presumed to be associated with the development of severe hypertension. However, there are few data on specific treatment or severe maternal morbidity in women with acute severe intrapartum hypertension as opposed to severe preeclampsia. ⋯ Women with acute severe intrapartum hypertension had a significantly higher risk of severe maternal morbidity compared to women without severe hypertension. Significantly lower antihypertensive treatment rates and higher severe maternal morbidity rates were seen in lower-delivery volume hospitals.