Psychosocial Background History of Pregnant Women with Opioid Use Disorder: A Prospective Cohort Study.

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the psychosocial background history and confounding social factors in pregnant women with opioid use disorder (OUD).

Study Design: We performed a prospective observational cohort study of pregnant women from a dedicated obstetrical OUD clinic. Data collection came from extensive interview sessions regarding psychosocial background events and other social factors that might impact prenatal care.

Patient reaction to Tdap vaccination in pregnancy.

Background: The current obstetrical recommendation is to routinely administer the tetanus, diphtheria, and acellular pertussis (Tdap) vaccination during every pregnancy regardless of a patient's prior history. There are minimal data that have prospectively evaluated solicited patient response to this treatment plan. The study objective was to evaluate patient reaction following receipt of Tdap vaccination during pregnancy.

Sharing of Snorting Straws and Hepatitis C Virus Infection in Pregnant Women.

Objective: To evaluate possible modes of hepatitis C virus (HCV) acquisition in pregnant women found to be HCV-infected in the prenatal period and to assess transmission risk factors.

Methods: This was a prospective cohort study conducted from March 2014 through June 2015 involving the distribution of an anonymous survey to HCV-infected pregnant women that assessed for numerous modes of potential HCV transmission involving, intravenous drug use, blood transfusion, organ transplant, sexual contact, tattoos, and snorting drugs with a straw. Participants were drawn from our institutional obstetric high-risk clinic.

The use of prostaglandin E₁ in peripartum patients with asthma.

Objective: Prostaglandin E₁ (PGE₁) is commonly used in obstetric practice for labor induction and cervical ripening and in treating postpartum hemorrhage; however, its use in pregnant asthmatic patients has not been studied to date. The package insert states there is an unknown causal side effect for dyspnea and bronchospasm. Other pharmacological publications have stated that bronchoconstriction may occur with the use of PGE₁.

Accuracy of the lamellar body count in amniotic fluid contaminated by meconium.

Objective: To determine whether meconium-contaminated amniotic fluid falsely elevates the lamellar body count in fetal lung maturity testing.

Methods: Thirty mothers undergoing amniocentesis for fetal lung maturity testing were prospectively consented. A 2 mL portion of the patient's sample was mixed with a 10% meconium solution and the meconium-stained sample was then run in tandem with the patient's sample used in clinical management.

Transplacental passage of vancomycin from mother to neonate.

Objective: The objective of the study was to analyze a large number of patients receiving vancomycin chemoprophylaxis and evaluate the maternal and neonatal cord blood levels at the time of delivery.

Study Design: Every mother who entered labor with a positive group B streptococcal culture and a high-risk penicillin allergy with resistance to clindamycin or unknown sensitivity was consented to participate in the study. In the initial phase of the study, patients received the standard intravenous dose of 1 g every 12 hours.

BMP4-directed trophoblast differentiation of human embryonic stem cells is mediated through a ΔNp63+ cytotrophoblast stem cell state.

The placenta is a transient organ that is necessary for proper fetal development. Its main functional component is the trophoblast, which is derived from extra-embryonic ectoderm. Little is known about early trophoblast differentiation in the human embryo, owing to lack of a proper in vitro model system.

Physician knowledge and opinions about sexually transmitted infections and the human papillomavirus vaccine: a community based survey.

Background: The new Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine is targeted to pre-adolescents; therefore pediatric providers will be its most frequent supplier.

Methods: A survey focusing on physician knowledge and opinions about sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and the HPV vaccine was distributed to pediatric providers in Chattanooga, TN.

Results: Response rate of 171 distributed surveys was 59 percent.

Robotic-assisted laparoscopic placement of transabdominal cerclage during pregnancy.

Cervical incompetence treated with transabdominal cerclage can carry significant morbidity with the need for sequential laparotomies and necessitating prolonged postoperative recovery. Laparoscopic transabdominal cerclage placement has been described but has significant limitations with only two-dimensional depth perception and limited dexterity. Robotic-assisted laparoscopic surgery (RALS) is rapidly gaining acceptance in gynecologic surgery.