Examining the predictive value of fetal fraction on hypertensive disorders of pregnancy.

Background: Cell-free fetal DNA (cffDNA) screening is routinely performed in pregnancy. Abnormal fetal fraction has been associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes, including hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, which are associated with severe maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality.

Objective: This study examined whether abnormal fetal fraction, defined in this study as fetal fraction either <6 or >15 on the basis of restricted-cubic-spline-plot within our study population, was associated with HDP in a retrospective sample, as well as whether fetal fraction improves the prediction of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP).

Use of Respiratory and Contact Precautions to Decrease the Spread of SARS-CoV-2 Infection Was Not Associated with a Decrease in Endometritis-Intra-Amniotic Infection.

Objective:  To decrease the spread of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) on the Mount Sinai Hospital's obstetric service, additional contact and respiratory precautions for patients and staff were implemented. Patients were allowed only one support person, SARS-CoV-2 tested on admission, and required to mask during hospitalization. Staff were required to wear masks and eye shields, gloves for all patient care, and gowns for care with SARS-CoV-2-infected patients.

Mid-trimester sonographic placenta previa thickness and persistence at delivery.

Objective: Increasing placental thickness is associated with adverse outcomes including earlier gestational age at delivery, lower birthweight, and lower umbilical artery pH. We aim to determine whether mid-trimester placenta previa thickness is associated with persistence of previa at time of delivery.

Study Design: Single-center retrospective cohort study of singleton gestations with previa diagnosed at 18-24 weeks delivering between 2015 and 2019.

Grand Multiparity and Obstetric Outcomes in a Contemporary Cohort: The Role of Increasing Parity.

Objective: Evidence is inconsistent regarding grand multiparity and its association with adverse obstetric outcomes. Few large American cohorts of grand multiparas have been studied. We assessed if increasing parity among grand multiparas is associated with increased odds of adverse perinatal outcomes.

Preoperative Application of Chlorhexidine to Reduce Infection with Cesarean Delivery after Labor (PRACTICAL): A Randomized Clinical Trial.

Objective: To evaluate whether use of both preoperative 2% chlorhexidine gluconate abdominal cloth and 4% chlorhexidine gluconate vaginal scrub is effective in reducing surgical site infections (SSIs) in patients undergoing cesarean delivery after labor.

Study Design: This is a single-center, randomized clinical trial in which patients were randomized 1:1 to receive 2% chlorhexidine gluconate cloth applied to the abdomen in addition to the application of 4% chlorhexidine gluconate vaginal scrub versus standard of care. The primary outcome was rate of SSIs, including endometritis, by 6 weeks postdelivery.

Is Increasing Parity Associated with Adverse Perinatal Outcomes in Dichorionic Twin Gestations?

Objective: Dichorionic twins have increased risk of preterm birth and hypertensive disorders of pregnancy. Grand multiparity may be associated with adverse perinatal outcomes in singleton pregnancies, although the effect of increasing parity in twins is unclear. This study aimed to elucidate whether grand multiparity leads to adverse outcomes in dichorionic twins compared with multiparity and nulliparity.

Perioperative dexamethasone with neuraxial anesthesia for scheduled cesarean delivery and neonatal hypoglycemia.

Objective: While the use of dexamethasone for cesarean delivery to prevent post-operative nausea and vomiting has become routine, the impact on fetal glucose metabolism is unknown. We aim to examine whether perioperative dexamethasone administration prior to scheduled non-labor cesarean delivery is associated with neonatal hypoglycemia.

Study Design: Multi-institution retrospective cohort study of singleton, full-term, non-anomalous pregnancies delivered by scheduled non-labor cesarean delivery with neuraxial anesthesia from 2013 to 2019.

Beyond stillbirth: association of intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy severity and adverse outcomes.

Background: Intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy is associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes, including sudden fetal cardiac arrhythmias, resulting in stillbirth. This association has been correlated with the total bile acid levels, which are a marker for disease severity. Studies are yet to determine if intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy severity is also associated with increased rates of other adverse neonatal outcomes.

Intravenous immunoglobulin induced pancytopenia while preventing development of gestational alloimmune liver disease: A case report.

Gestational alloimmune liver disease is a rare complication associated with reactive maternal immunoglobulins resulting in neonatal liver pathology. The mainstay treatment for prevention in future pregnancies is intravenous immunoglobulins. Although relatively well tolerated, adverse reactions may occur.

Racial and Ethnic Disparities Among Women Undergoing a Trial of Labor After Cesarean Delivery: Performance of the VBAC Calculator with and without Patients' Race/Ethnicity.

The Maternal Fetal Medicine Units Network (MFMU) vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC) calculator is a clinical tool designed to predict trial of labor after cesarean delivery (TOLAC) success. The calculator has come under scrutiny for its inclusion of race and ethnicity, which systematically predicts a lower likelihood of success for patients who identify as African American or Hispanic. We hypothesized that the calculator would predict VBAC more accurately without the use of race or ethnicity.

Fetal growth restriction with abnormal individual biometric parameters at second trimester ultrasound is associated with small for gestational age neonate at delivery.

Objectives: To determine if early-onset fetal growth restriction with abnormal individual biometric parameters, defined as head circumference, abdominal circumference and femur length less than the 10th percentile, is associated with adverse neonatal outcomes compared to fetal growth restriction with normal biometric parameters.

Study Design: Retrospective cohort study including women diagnosed with fetal growth restriction between 16 and 24 weeks gestation who delivered a singleton, non-anomalous neonate at Mount Sinai Hospital from 2013 to 2019. The primary outcome was rate of small for gestational age neonate at delivery.

Characteristics and Outcomes of Pregnant Women with Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in New York City: A Matched Cohort Study.

Objective: The aim of this study was to examine the association between severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection and preterm birth, cesarean birth, and composite severe maternal morbidity by studying women with and without SARS-CoV-2 infection at the time of delivery hospitalization from similar residential catchment areas in New York City.

Study Design: This was a retrospective cohort study of pregnant women with laboratory-confirmed or laboratory-denied SARS-CoV-2 on nasopharyngeal swab under universal testing policies at the time of admission who gave birth between March 13 and May 15, 2020, at two New York City medical centers. Demographic and clinical data were collected and follow-up was completed on May 30, 2020.

The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Postpartum Readmission Rates at a Single Tertiary Care Center in New York City.

Objective: The aim of this study was to mitigate transmission of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection and decrease exposure to the hospital setting, Mount Sinai Hospital implemented new protocols, including early postpartum discharge. Early discharge would allow for more single-bedded rooms, limiting exposure to other patients and their support persons. During the pandemic, patients were discharged to home on postpartum day 1 or 2 after vaginal or cesarean delivery, respectively, instead of day 2 or 3, unless longer hospitalization was needed for medical indications.

SARS-CoV-2 Antibody Response among Women Infected during Pregnancy.

Objectives: Novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) virus has been declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization as of March 11, 2020. Pregnant women naturally have a reduced immune system due to immunological changes and decreased lung capacity due to respiratory adaptations, making them more susceptible to coronavirus complications. Within the Mount Sinai Health system, more than 15,000 deliveries are performed annually.