AJP reports
-
The transformation of our health care system in response to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) provides a unique opportunity to examine the use of telehealth for postpartum care. The postpartum period can pose significant risks and challenges, particularly for women with hypertensive disorders of pregnancy. Remote blood pressure monitoring has proven feasible and acceptable among women and providers but has not been widely implemented or researched. ⋯ Preliminary data make a compelling case for remote monitoring as a promising treatment strategy to manage postpartum hypertension. Remote monitoring technology should be incorporated as a standard component for the comprehensive management of postpartum hypertension during COVID-19. As a consequence of the pandemic, we now have an opportunity to research the impact of postpartum remote blood pressure monitoring on maternal outcome and disparities within these outcomes.
-
Case Reports
Acute Respiratory Decompensation Requiring Intubation in Pregnant Women with SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19).
There is a current paucity of information about the obstetric and perinatal outcomes of pregnant novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients in North America. Data from China suggest that pregnant women with COVID-19 have favorable maternal and neonatal outcomes, with rare cases of critical illness or respiratory compromise. ⋯ After presenting with mild symptoms, both quickly developed worsening respiratory distress requiring intubation, and both delivered preterm via caesarean delivery. These cases highlight the potential for rapid respiratory decompensation in pregnant COVID-19 patients and the maternal-fetal considerations in managing these cases.
-
Objectives To estimate the prevalence of and identify modifiable risk factors for alternative antibiotics for group B Streptococcus (GBS) prophylaxis in penicillin-allergic women. Methods Retrospective cohort study of pregnant women within a health care network from January 1, 2014, to December 31, 2017. Included women were GBS colonized, delivered at ≥ 37 weeks' gestation, and reported penicillin/cephalosporin allergy. ⋯ Low-risk allergic reaction group was less likely to receive alternative antibiotic prophylaxis (aOR: 0.36; 95 CI%: 0.19-0.66). Conclusion Alternative antibiotic use for GBS prophylaxis is frequent with penicillin/cephalosporin allergies. Efforts to confirm allergy and perform penicillin hypersensitivity testing may increase compliance with guidelines for antibiotic administration.
-
Objective To compare outcomes of operative intervention in the second stage of labor during trial of labor after cesarean (TOLAC). Study Design A secondary analysis of the Maternal-Fetal Medicine Units Network cesarean section registry was conducted. Analysis was by first attempted mode of delivery. ⋯ Conclusion The success rate of OVD is high in TOLAC with similar outcomes to RCD. Maternal composite outcomes were highest with forceps-assisted vaginal deliveries. However, considering overall morbidity, OVD in the second stage of labor in TOLAC is a reasonable, safe option in selected cases.
-
Objective To examine the association between perioperative Beta ( β ))-lactam versus non- β -lactam antibiotics and cesarean delivery surgical site infection (SSI). Study Design Retrospective cohort of women undergoing cesarean delivery from January 1 to December 31, 2014. All women undergoing cesarean after 34 weeks with a postpartum visit were included. ⋯ Among the 893 women who reported a non-type I (low risk) allergy, 819 (92%) received β -lactam prophylaxis. SSI occurred in 7% of women who received β -lactam antibiotics versus 15% of women who received a non- β -lactam ( p = 0.004). β -Lactam prophylaxis was associated with lower odds of SSI compared with non- β -lactam antibiotics (odds ratio [OR] = 0.43; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.22-0.83; p = 0.01) after controlling for chorioamnionitis in labor, postlabor cesarean, endometritis, tobacco use, and body mass index (BMI). Conclusion β -Lactam perioperative prophylaxis is associated with lower odds of a cesarean delivery surgical site infection compared with non- β -lactam antibiotics.