Use of Therapeutic Plasma Exchange and Intravenous Immunoglobulin to Prevent Complications in a K+ Sensitized Pregnancy.

The K antigen is a major cause of hemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn (HDFN). K-HDFN is unique in that it can result in destruction of not just mature erythrocytes but fetal erythrocyte progenitors, causing severe fetal anemia earlier in pregnancy than other antigens. This poses a danger to fetal health as intrauterine transfusion (IUT), the preferred method of managing HDFN, becomes riskier earlier in pregnancy.

Heterogeneity of preterm birth subtypes in relation to neonatal death.

Objective: To investigate the heterogeneity of preterm labor, preterm premature rupture of membranes (PROM), and indicated preterm birth in overall and gestational-age-specific neonatal death risk.

Methods: We used 2001 U.S.

Plasmapheresis and intravenous immune globulin for the treatment of D alloimmunization in pregnancy.

The alloimmunized pregnancy can result in fetal and newborn mortality due to fetal anemia. Control of fetal anemia has not been possible until recently, and management consists of following the degree of fetal anemia during gestation until intrauterine transfusion is feasible to support the fetus until delivery. Cordocentesis and intrauterine transfusion have potential complications that have been well documented.

Maternal obesity and pregnancy.

Obesity is a global health problem that is increasing in prevalence. The World Health Organization characterizes obesity as a pandemic issue, with a higher prevalence in females than males. Thus, many pregnant patients are seen with high body mass index (BMI).

Marked abnormal quadruple screen in a patient with severe preeclampsia at 20 weeks with a triploid fetus.

Severe preeclampsia rarely occurs prior to 20 weeks of gestation except in pregnancies with triploidy. The patient reported herein is a 29-year-old primigravida who developed severe preeclampsia at 20 weeks of gestation. Evaluation of the pregnancy demonstrated a markedly abnormal quadruple screen.

Antenatal Down syndrome screening in the United States in 2001: a survey of maternal-fetal medicine specialists.

Objective: Our objectives were to determine patterns of antenatal Down syndrome screening and risk adjustment by maternal-fetal medicine specialists in the United States in 2001.

Study Design: A survey to investigate Down syndrome screening practice patterns was mailed to the 1,638 members of the Society of Maternal-Fetal Medicine in the United States. Practice demographics, screening patterns, and the numeric risks quoted in counseling were analyzed.