Results of Cardiovascular Testing among Pregnant and Postpartum Persons Undergoing Standardized Cardiovascular Risk Assessment.

Background: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of maternal mortality in the United States, accounting for one in three pregnancy-related deaths. A standardized CVD Risk Assessment can guide clinicians in identifying patients at risk for CVD.

Objective(s): The objective of this study was to evaluate whether a standardized CVD risk assessment yields more abnormal findings on follow-up CVD testing among pregnant and postpartum patients compared to assessments based on clinician judgment alone.

Aspirin resistance in pregnancy is associated with reduced interleukin-2 (IL-2) concentrations in maternal serum: Implications for aspirin prophylaxis for preeclampsia.

Objectives: To evaluate the impact of aspirin resistance on the incidence of preeclampsia and maternal serum biomarker levels in pregnant individuals at high-risk of preeclampsia receiving low dose aspirin (LDA).

Study Design: We performed a secondary analysis of a randomized, placebo-controlled trial of LDA (60 mg daily) for preeclampsia prevention in high-risk individuals (N = 524) on pregnancy outcomes and concentrations of PLGF, IL-2, IL-6, thromboxane B2 (TXB), sTNF-R1 and sTNF-R2 from maternal serum.

Main Outcome Measures: LDA-resistant individuals were defined as those having a TXB concentration >10 ng/ml or <75 % reduction in concentration at 24-28 weeks after LDA administration.

Cardiovascular Risk Assessment as a Quality Measure in the Pregnancy and Postpartum Period.

Background: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of maternal mortality in the United States, accounting for over one-third of all pregnancy-related deaths. Contributing factors such as lack of recognition and delayed diagnosis of CVD are primarily due to the overlap of signs and symptoms of a normal pregnancy with those of CVD.

Objectives: This study aimed to demonstrate the feasibility of introducing CVD risk assessment into clinical practice using the California Maternal Quality Care Collaborative algorithm to detect CVD during pregnancy and postpartum periods.

Timing and Mode of Delivery in Prenatally Diagnosed Congenital Heart Disease- an Analysis of Practices within the University of California Fetal Consortium (UCfC).

Prenatal diagnosis of critical congenital heart disease (CHD) is associated with decreased morbidity. It is also associated with lower birth weights and earlier gestational age at delivery. The University of California Fetal Consortium (UCfC) comprises five tertiary medical centers, and was created to define treatment practices.

Anomalous Pulmonary Venous Return: Insights Into Prenatal Detection.

Objectives: To review all cases of total anomalous pulmonary venous return (TAPVR) or partial anomalous pulmonary venous return (PAPVR) identified prenatally or postnatally at a single institution and to identify factors that may lead to a correct or missed diagnosis in both high- and low-risk fetuses on screening examinations.

Methods: Fetal images from 16 cases of prenatally or postnatally diagnosed T/PAPVR were retrospectively reviewed to analyze factors that influenced interpretations and diagnoses.

Results: Sixteen diagnoses of T/PAPVR were made, with a final number of 10 confirmed cases, 1 of which was PAPVR.

Congenital cardiac anomalies: prenatal readings versus neonatal outcomes.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine the variation between prenatal and postnatal diagnosis of congenital cardiac lesions diagnosed by both fetal center primary physicians and fetal pediatric cardiologists at a single tertiary referral center in the United States and evaluate why cases were misdiagnosed.

Methods: A retrospective review of all cardiac abnormalities identified prenatally by level II sonography at a tertiary referral fetal center between January 2006 and December 2008 was performed to include any patient with a fetal cardiac abnormality and with a documented autopsy or neonatal follow-up. Congenital heart disease diagnoses were classified as correct, incorrect, or incorrect but within the same spectrum of disease.

Chronic myelocytic leukemia in pregnancy: a case report describing successful treatment using multimodal therapy.

Leukemia during pregnancy is rare, posing a complex series of questions, including appropriate therapy and maternal counseling. Management of chronic myelocytic leukemia (CML) during pregnancy is limited. Our patient presented at 30 weeks' gestation with anemia, leukocytosis, and a non-productive cough.

Use of multiplanar 3-dimensional ultrasonography for prenatal sex identification.

Objective: Determination of fetal sex is an important part of detailed second-trimester ultrasonography. This task can be hindered by the fetal position, a low amniotic fluid volume, and advanced gestational age. Identification of fetal sex is further important in multiple gestations and prior histories of indeterminate-sex pregnancies.

Three-dimensional obstetric ultrasound.

Three-dimensional ultrasound has gained a significant popularity in obstetrical practice in recent years. The advantage of this modality in some cases is in question, however. This article provides a basic review of volume acquisition, mechanical positioning, and display modalities.