Platelet Counts during Pregnancy.

Background: Platelet counts of less than 150,000 per cubic millimeter during uncomplicated pregnancies are described as gestational thrombocytopenia if no alternative cause is identified. Platelet counts may be even lower in women with pregnancy-related complications. However, the occurrence and severity of thrombocytopenia throughout pregnancy are not defined.

Pregnancy outcomes following recovery from acquired thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura.

Unlabelled: Pregnancy may precipitate acute episodes of thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP), but pregnancy outcomes in women who have recovered from acquired TTP are not well documented. We analyzed pregnancy outcomes following recovery from TTP associated with acquired, severe ADAMTS13 deficiency (ADAMTS13 activity <10%) in women enrolled in the Oklahoma TTP-HUS Registry from 1995 to 2012. We also systematically searched for published reports on outcomes of pregnancies following recovery from TTP associated with acquired, severe ADAMTS13 deficiency.

Unsuccessful trial of labor in women with and without previous cesarean delivery.

Objective: To compare maternal and neonatal outcomes after unsuccessful labor in women with and those without prior cesarean delivery.

Methods: This was a retrospective cohort study of all women in labor delivered by cesarean section (CS) from November 2004 through December 2006. The study population was dichotomized by previous CS and compared for various maternal and neonatal outcomes.

A comparison of meningococcal carriage by pregnancy status.

Neisseria meningitidis is the second leading cause of invasive meningitis. A prerequisite for infection is colonization of the nasopharynx, and asymptomatic carrier rates are widely reported in the range of 10-15%. Recent reports have indicated an increased likelihood that a pediatric admission for Neisseria meningitidis will have a mother who is pregnant in the home.

The effect of digital cervical examination on group B streptococcal culture.

Objective: We sought to evaluate whether group B streptococcus (GBS) detection is altered by the digital cervical examination.

Study Design: A total of 302 women undergoing the clinical GBS culture had a digital cervical examination and a repeated GBS culture. Statistical comparison of pre-post culture results were performed with kappa and McNemar tests.

Multicenter randomized trial of cerclage for preterm birth prevention in high-risk women with shortened midtrimester cervical length.

Objective: The objective of the study was to assess cerclage to prevent recurrent preterm birth in women with short cervix.

Study Design: Women with prior spontaneous preterm birth less than 34 weeks were screened for short cervix and randomly assigned to cerclage if cervical length was less than 25 mm.

Results: Of 1014 women screened, 302 were randomized; 42% of women not assigned and 32% of those assigned to cerclage delivered less than 35 weeks (P = .

Evaluation of outcomes after transabdominal cervicoisthmic cerclage.

Purpose: To evaluate maternal and neonatal outcomes after transabdominal cerclage.

Methods: Retrospective analysis of 15 patients receiving transabdominal cerclage. Using the patient's prior pregnancy as her own control, we assessed the effect of this procedure on gestational age and neonatal survival.

Abetalipoproteinemia complicating the puerperium.

Background: Abetalipoproteinemia is a rare, autosomal recessive disease, in which the absence of beta-lipoprotein results in the malabsorption of fat-soluble vitamins. There are few reported complications from abetalipoproteinemia during pregnancy. We present a case of untreated abetalipoproteinemia complicating the puerperium.

Resolution of hydrops secondary to cytomegalovirus after maternal and fetal treatment with human cytomegalovirus hyperimmune globulin.

Background: Congenital cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a common infection with limited treatment options. Vertical transmission can lead to fetal death or long-term neurologic injury. We present a case wherein fetal hydrops resolved after maternal and fetal intravenous administration of CMV hyperimmune globulin.

The association of chronic endometritis with preterm birth.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine whether chronic endometritis (CE) that is diagnosed by endometrial biopsy is associated with preterm birth at <37 weeks of gestation.

Study Design: Pathology reports for women aged 18-45 years who underwent clinically indicated endometrial biopsy between 1992 and 2002 were solicited from 3 participating clinical pathology laboratories. Reports were dichotomized into those with and those without CE by a standard definition.

Serum homocysteine levels after preterm premature rupture of the membranes.

Objective: Preterm premature rupture of the membranes (PPROM) is believed to be caused, in part, by abnormalities of collagen and increased levels of oxidative stress. Elevated homocysteine levels have been shown to induce these same pathophysiologic changes. We tested the hypothesis that serum homocysteine levels would be higher in women with PPROM when compared with matched control women.

Management of pregnancies complicated by anti-c isoimmunization.

Objective: To review cases of anti-c isoimmunization and determine the most appropriate management strategies.

Methods: We performed a review of 102 pregnancies managed at The Ohio State University from 1967 to 2001 for anti-c isoimmunization. Of these, 55 had complete data and are included in this report.