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Preliminary experience with a prospective protocol for planned vaginal delivery of triplet gestations.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study was to evaluate a protocol for vaginal delivery of triplet gestations. STUDY DESIGN: All women with triplet gestations managed between January 1, 1995, and December 31, 1997, by University Medical Center's perinatal practice were offered enrollment in our vaginal delivery protocol. Our protocol offered attempt of vaginal delivery if triplet A was in vertex presentation, fetal monitoring was possible, and there were no other obstetric contraindications. Twenty-three triplet gestations were identified; 8 achieved vaginal delivery. Outcome parameters investigated included neonatal mortality, Apgar scores, neonatal intracranial hemorrhage, arterial cord pH, neonatal weight, and length of postpartum hospital stays of mother and neonates. All parameters were analyzed with analysis of variance and the Student t test as appropriate with the JMP 3.1 statistics program (Cary, NC). RESULTS: Twenty-three sets of triplets were enrolled. Eight sets were delivered vaginally. Eight of 9 patients (88.9%) who attempted trial of labor were delivered vaginally, 1 of which was a vaginal birth after cesarean section. The remaining triplet gestation failed to progress at 4-cm dilation. Twelve sets of triplets had a nonvertex-presenting triplet and were delivered by the cesarean route. The remaining 2 triplet gestations were delivered by the cesarean route because of inadequate fetal monitoring. Neonatal survivals were 100% for both groups. No significant differences in neonatal mortality, Apgar scores, intracranial hemorrhage, arterial cord blood pH, hospital or neonatal intensive care unit stay of neonate, neonatal weight, and change in maternal or neonatal blood cell count were noted. There were no cases of grade III or IV intraventricular hemorrhage in either group. A significant reduction in postpartum hospital stay of mother was noted in the vaginal delivery group (2.8 vs 4.5 days, P <.001). The mean gestational age at delivery was significantly lower for the vaginal delivery group (31.3 vs 34.0 weeks, P <.02). The mean neonatal weight for the vaginal delivery group was significantly lower (1758 +/- 473 vs 2022 +/- 407 g, P <.02). There were no significant differences in outcome parameters for the first, second, and third triplets within each group when compared with each other or with the other study group. One patient who underwent vaginal delivery had retained products of conception and required curettage. A single fetal death occurred at 22 weeks' gestation from twin-twin transfusion, with the remaining triplets being delivered vaginally at 35 weeks' gestation. Cesarean hysterectomy was required in 1 case for uncontrollable bleeding at the time of cesarean delivery. Perinatal complications occurred in a large number of patients, with the incidence of premature labor 47. 8% (n = 11), that of preterm premature rupture of membranes 26.1% (n = 6), and that of preeclampsia 34.8% (n = 8). CONCLUSION: In selected cases vaginal delivery of triplet gestations can be accomplished without increased maternal or neonatal morbidity and mortality and may significantly decrease maternal hospital stay and postoperative morbidity.

Cesarean Section↗

Driving through: postpartum care during World War II.

In 1996, public outcry over shortened hospital stays for new mothers and their infants led to the passage of a federal law banning "drive-through deliveries." This recent round of brief postpartum stays is not unprecedented. During World War II, a baby boom overwhelmed maternity facilities in American hospitals. Hospital births became more popular and accessible as the Emergency Maternal and Infant Care program subsidized obstetric care for servicemen's wives. Although protocols before the war had called for prolonged bed rest in the puerperium, medical theory was quickly revised as crowded hospitals were forced to discharge mothers after 24 hours. To compensate for short inpatient stays, community-based services such as visiting nursing care, postnatal homes, and prenatal classes evolved to support new mothers. Fueled by rhetoric that identified maternal-child health as a critical factor in military morale, postpartum care during the war years remained comprehensive despite short hospital stays. The wartime experience offers a model of alternatives to legislation for ensuring adequate care of postpartum women.

Birth Rate↗

Glomerular heteroporous membrane modeling in third trimester and postpartum before and during amino acid infusion.

Human pregnancy is associated with substantial increments in glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and renal plasma flow (RPF). We have previously demonstrated that permselectivity to neutral dextrans is altered in pregnancy, theoretical analysis of the dextran sieving curves suggesting that elevated GFR is due to increased RPF and decreased glomerular oncotic pressure (pi(GC)) with no evidence of increased transglomerular hydrostatic pressure difference (DeltaP). These conclusions have been challenged, with claims that the rise in GFR is primarily a result of a decrement in pi(GC). With refined laboratory and infusion protocols, we have reexplored the determinants of ultrafiltration in a serial study of 11 healthy women in late pregnancy (LP) and 4 mo postpartum (PP), both in the baseline state and after increasing GFR and RPF by infusion of amino acids. Results were analyzed using two computer modeling programs. Increased GFR in LP (38%, P < 0.05) was due to a combination of elevated RPF (22%) and a decrement in pi(GC) and associated with an increased ultrafiltration coefficient, without evidence of increased DeltaP, and additional amino acid-provoked GFR increments (P < 0.05) produced similar findings. In addition, refined methodology permitted collection of sufficient data on excreted large-radii dextrans (>60 A) to better define the nondiscriminatory "shunt" pathway (omega(0)) and the standard deviation of pore size (S) about the mean radius of the distribution. Thus it was possible to demonstrate that the physiological increase in total protein excretion in LP is associated with a prominent shunt and an upward shift in breadth of distribution of pore sizes. This ability to quantify omega(0) and S will now permit better evaluation of the pathophysiological changes in the glomerulus associated with pregnancy in women with renal disease and in gravidas developing preeclampsia.

Adult↗

Options for Recovery: California's perinatal projects.

In response to the increasing magnitude of problems related to perinatal exposure to alcohol and other drugs, a novel interagency collaboration was formed that involved the California Departments of Alcohol and Drug Programs, Developmental Services. Health Services, and Social Services. This collaboration was named Options for Recovery (OFR). Its mission was to promote the recovery of pregnant, postpartum, and parenting chemically dependent women and the enhancement of the health of their children by providing comprehensive and coordinated alcohol and other drug treatment, case management, and recruitment and training of foster parents and relative caregivers. Seven OFR pilot projects were selected. Findings from the three-year evaluation of the pilot projects showed that the initiative was successful in connecting women with essential services, promoting perinatal recovery and child health, and increasing family reunification of children in foster care. Women who were most likely to complete alcohol and other drug treatment were younger, high school graduates, mandated to treatment, or those who participated in treatment 150 days or more. Participants reported high levels of satisfaction with OFR. The findings indicate that OFR served the unique needs of high-risk perinatal populations. Future efforts should try to reach women early in their pregnancies and should provide a wide array of alcohol and other drug treatment approaches that are responsive to the myriad needs of women and their children.

Adult↗

Medicaid maternal and child health care: prepaid plans vs. private fee-for-service.

A randomly selected sample of 98 inner-city new mothers was interviewed with regard to (a) their level of satisfaction with and perceived barriers to pediatric and maternal health care, and (b) the health status of their infants. The mothers were divided according to their Medicaid status: 39 (40%) were enrolled into a Medicaid prepaid plan (PPP) and 59 (60%) were enrolled as regular Medicaid fee-for-service (FFS) patients. Comparison of the two groups showed that infant health status was similar but that PPP mothers reported a higher incidence of untreated infant problems and perceived more barriers to pediatric care. Birth outcomes also were similar for the two groups but FFS mothers and infants were hospitalized for significantly longer periods postpartum. The implications of these findings for the delivery of maternal and child health services to low-income populations through the Medicaid program are discussed.

Adolescent↗

Outpatient psychotherapy for mothers--a new treatment.

The perinatal period and new motherhood entail a multitude of physiologic and psychosocial changes and are also associated with an increased risk of mental illness. Nevertheless, many mothers with an acute postpartum mental illness reject hospitalization to avoid being separated from their children even when treatment is urgently needed. A new psychotherapeutic outpatient treatment program adapted to the special needs of mothers and offering a substitute to inpatient treatment is presented. Empirical results indicate that this treatment is an effective alternative to hospitalization.

Adult↗

Hairy cell leukemia in pregnancy: a case report.

Hairy cell leukemia (leukemic reticuloendotheliosis) is a rare disease. No previously reported cases in pregnancy could be found with the use of available computer-assisted medical literature search programs. The pregnancy was complicated by progressive thrombocytopenia, leukopenia, and anemia that did not improve with delivery. The deterioration was eventually abated by postpartum splenectomy.

Adult↗

Psychotic denial of pregnancy: phenomenology and clinical management.

Psychotic denial of pregnancy in chronic mentally ill women may place the women and their fetuses at high risk of postpartum emotional disturbance, precipitous or unassisted delivery, fetal abuse, and neonaticide. Psychotic denial of pregnancy is illustrated with case reports from an inpatient program for pregnant mentally ill women. Women who denied their pregnancies tended to have a diagnosis of chronic schizophrenia, to have previously lost custody of children, and to anticipate separation from the baby they were carrying. The author suggests that treatment for such patients should take place in a setting that integrates comprehensive psychiatric and obstetrical care and may include pharmacotherapy, supportive psychotherapy, and evaluation of the patient's parenting skills and support network to assess whether she is able to keep her baby.

Adult↗

A model of home care for high-risk childbearing families. Women with diabetes in pregnancy.

With a national trend toward decreased hospitalizations for high-risk childbearing women, home care and follow-up services have gained increased importance. The Quality-Cost Model of Nurse Specialist Transitional Follow Up Care is presented as a method to provide home care for high-risk pregnant women, specifically those whose pregnancies are complicated by diabetes mellitus. The model offers opportunities for intensive education, assessment, intervention, and support throughout the pregnancy and postpartum period. In addition, this model can potentially decrease the burden of care on the woman and her family by providing a comprehensive program of home care, follow up, support, and education.

Adult↗

Seroincidence of HIV-1 infection in African women of reproductive age: a prospective cohort study in Kigali, Rwanda, 1988-1992.

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the seroincidence of HIV-1 infection among women of reproductive age in Kigali, Rwanda. DESIGN: Fixed prospective cohort followed for 36 months between November 1988 and June 1992, as part of an ongoing study of mother-to-child transmission of HIV-1. SETTING: Centre Hospitalier, Kigali, Rwanda. SUBJECTS: A total of 216 HIV-seronegative women were enrolled at delivery between November 1988 and June 1989. METHODS: A blood sample was obtained at delivery to test for HIV antibodies (by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and Western blot). Serum was tested every 3 months during follow-up. Incidence density rates of HIV seroconversion were estimated. RESULTS: The follow-up rate after 3 years was 89%, assessed by the maximum person-years method. The seroincidence density rate was 3.5 per 100 women-years (95% confidence interval, 1.9-5.0). It decreased linearly from 7.6 during the first 6-months postpartum to 2.5 per 100 women-years during the last 6 months of the third year of follow-up. Maternal age did not affect HIV incidence rates. We examined the role of the cohort, counselling, and the first 6-month postpartum effects on this estimate. CONCLUSION: This fixed cohort provided an overall estimation of the HIV infection incidence rate and its dynamics. These figures could be used for programming future HIV preventive vaccine efficacy trials in Rwanda.

Adolescent↗

Development and experience of a university-based, freestanding birthing center.

OBJECTIVE: To describe our experience with a freestanding birthing center established in conjunction with a university medical center, and to determine the safety and effectiveness of such a program. METHODS: The University of California Irvine Medical Center opened a freestanding birthing center 2 miles from the hospital. The unit provides prenatal, labor, delivery, postpartum and well-baby care 24 hours/day. All direct patient care is provided by certified nurse-midwives. Data were collected prospectively to provide a descriptive account and to evaluate maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality to determine the safety and efficacy of this approach. RESULTS: During the first 20 months of operation, the University of California Irvine Birthing Center cared for 1830 patients. Approximately 90% were indigent, 85% were Hispanic, and 35% were nulliparas. Of the total patients, 12% were transferred antenatally for high-risk conditions and 19% were transferred intrapartum. The cesarean rate for all patients was 10% (6.5% for those whose intrapartum care began at the birthing center). The perinatal mortality rate was six per 1000. Neonatal morbidity rates, neonatal intensive care unit admissions, and maternal complications were not greater than expected. CONCLUSION: The first 20 months of experience with a university-based, freestanding birthing center suggests that this alternative is safe for delivering obstetric and newborn care to low-risk patients.

Adolescent↗

Comprehensive school-based services for pregnant and parenting adolescents in West Dallas, Texas.

A cohort of 339 Black (n = 210), Hispanic (n = 118), and other (n = 11) adolescent mothers in Dallas, Texas, were followed from the start of their pregnancy through the school year of the delivery to assess differences in numbers of prenatal care visits, postpartum care, repeat deliveries, and school continuation rates. Approximately one-half the teens received reproductive services at a comprehensive, school-based clinic and one-half at a categorical (Title XX) family planning and prenatal care clinic. Adolescents attending the school-based clinic were more likely to be in school at conception and averaged more prenatal visits than those served by the categorical provider. However, during the pregnancy and following the delivery, school dropout rates for the two sets of teens converged. School continuation rates were higher among a subset of adolescents attending the Dallas Independent School District school for pregnant teens than among other teens. Hispanic teens were two times more likely than their Black counterparts to drop out of school. No differences were found in repeat birth rates, by ethnicity, clinic site, or school attended.

Adolescent↗

Postpartum hemorrhage today: ICM/FIGO initiative 2004-2006.

Postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) is the main cause of maternal mortality. Yet, even though solutions have been identified, governments and donor countries have been slow to implement programs to contain the problem. While poverty and low educational level remain the underlying cause of PPH, the current literature suggests that active management of the third stage of labor can prevent it. The International Confederation of Midwives (ICM) and the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) are attempting to address the chronic PPH crisis by educating their members on best practices and on troubleshooting where resources are inadequate. Some studies found oxytocin to be preferable to misoprostol in settings where active management is the norm. However, secondary clinical effects may prove more troublesome with oxytocin than with misoprostol, and misoprostol may prove to be more practical and equally effective in low-resource settings. Two new interventions are also proposed, the anti-shock garment and the balloon tamponade.

Balloon Occlusion↗

The BirthPlace collaborative practice model: results from the San Diego Birth Center Study.

Objective: The search for quality, cost-effective health care programs in the United States is now a major focus in the era of health care reform. New programs need to be evaluated as alternatives are developed in the health care system. The BirthPlace program provides comprehensive perinatal services with certified nurse-midwives and obstetricians working together in an integrated collaborative practice serving a primarily low-income population. Low-risk women are delivered by nurse-midwives in a freestanding birth center (The BirthPlace), which is one component of a larger integrated health network. All others are delivered by team obstetricians at the affiliated tertiary hospital. Wellness, preventive measures, early intervention, and family involvement are emphasized. The San Diego Birth Center Study is a 4-year research project funded by the U.S. Federal Agency for Health Care Policy and Research (#R01-HS07161) to evaluate this program. The National Birth Center Study (NEJM, 1989; 321(26): 1801-11) described the advantages and safety of freestanding birth centers. However, a prospective cohort study with a concurrent comparison group of comparable risk had not been conducted on a collaborative practice-freestanding birth center model to address questions of safety, cost, and patient satisfaction.Methods: The specific aims of this study are to compare this collaborative practice model to the traditional model of perinatal health care (physician providers and hospital delivery). A prospective cohort study comparing these two health care models was conducted with a final expected sample size of approximately 2,000 birth center and 1,350 traditional care subjects. Women were recruited from both the birth center and traditional care programs (private physicians offices and hospital based clinics) at the beginning of prenatal care and followed through the end of the perinatal period. Prenatal, intrapartum, postpartum and infant morbidity and mortality are being compared along with cost-effectiveness and acceptance of the model by patients. Data collection occurred primarily through medical record abstraction with the addition of two patient questionnaires. Comparability of the cohorts was established by using a validated methodology to determine medical/perinatal risk and birth center eligibility, which included assessment by two CNMs and an independent blind review by a perinatologist. The cost analysis uses a resource-utilization approach and new methodologies such as activity-based-costing to compare costs from both the perspective of the payor and the health care provider. Patient satisfaction was measured using a self-administered patient questionnaire.Results: Current preliminary results from approximately 38% of the final expected study sample are available. Crude and adjusted analysis have been conducted. Overall, the preliminary results suggest similar morbidity and mortality in the two groups. Fetal deaths are 0.75% in the index and 0.64% in the comparison group, with early neonatal deaths at 0.26% and 0.23%, respectively. The traditional care group showed adjusted rate differences of 5.83% more major maternal intrapartum complications and 9% more NICU admissions. While the birth center group showed adjusted rate differences of 5.5% more low birth weight and 0.95% more preterm birth. For other outcomes, the birth center group showed an adjusted rate difference of 22.34% more exclusive breastfeeding at discharge. Also, there was less utilization of cesarean section and assisted delivery in the birth center group as compared to the traditional care group. The adjusted rate difference for normal spontaneous vaginal deliveries in nulliparas was 10.23% more in the birth center group, with similar results in multiparas with and without history of cesarean (28.88% and 7.84%, respectively). Preliminary results also show that the average total cost for pregnancy-related services paid by California Medicaid was $4,550 for the birth center and $5,535 for the traditional care group. Final results based on the full study sample (full data available February 1998) details of payor costs such as provider, facility, NICU, and ancillary along with costs from the health care system perspective and patient satisfaction results will be presented.Conclusion: Current results suggest similar morbidity and mortality between the birth center program and traditional care groups, with less resource utilization translating to lower costs in the collaborative practice model. Results suggest that collaborative practice using a freestanding birth center as an adjunct to an integrated perinatal health care system may provide a quality, lower-cost alternative for the provision of perinatal services.

Journal Article↗

A "PROPP" for the Bronx: preterm birth prevention education in the inner city.

As one component of the multifaceted community-wide preterm prevention program known as "A PROPP for the Bronx" (Program to Reduce Obstetric Problems and Prematurity), a prenatal education videotape in both English and Spanish was developed. Its impact was evaluated in 615 high-risk patients at the Bronx Municipal Hospital Center. The 12-minute videotape focused on the implications of preterm birth, the signs and symptoms of preterm labor, and behavioral modification to reduce life-style risk factors. An instrument was constructed to examine baseline knowledge, information transfer, and knowledge retention, and was validated and tested for reliability (r = 0.95). The results demonstrated a statistically significant knowledge transfer for patients viewing the videotape (P less than .0001) and significant knowledge retention through the postpartum period (P less than .0001) for Spanish-speaking as well as English-speaking parturients. These data emphasize the importance of the educational component of a preterm prevention program in an impoverished population at risk for early delivery.

Adolescent↗

A breast-feeding promotion and support program a randomized trial in The Netherlands.

BACKGROUND: In the Netherlands, the initiation rate of breast-feeding (BF) was 80% in 2002, but only 35% of the mothers continued to breast-feed for 3 months. This study examined the effectiveness of a breast-feeding promotion program to increase the continuation of breast-feeding. METHODS: A cluster-randomized intervention trial was used. Ten child health care centers in three regions of the home health care were randomly allocated to the program or usual care. Elements in the program were health counseling, measures to enhance cooperation, early signaling of breast-feeding problems and continuity of care, and lactation consultancy. Pregnant mothers who applied for home health care in the intervention or usual care regions were enrolled and were followed up from pregnancy until 6 months postpartum (n = 683). The primary outcome measure was the continuation of breast-feeding until at least 3 months. RESULTS: The 3-month breast-feeding rate was 32% in the intervention and 38% in the control groups (OR = 0.79, 95% CI = 0.58-1.08). CONCLUSION: The program was not effective. We discuss possible explanations from the design and execution of the trial and give some points for improvement of our program, such as the categories of caregivers involved and the number and duration of contacts after parturition.

Breast Feeding↗