Implementation of a protocol for management of antepartum iron deficiency anemia: a prospective cohort study.

Background: In randomized trials, antepartum intravenous iron sucrose is effective at improving predelivery hemoglobin in iron deficiency anemia. Yet, there is a gap between this knowledge and its implementation into care.

Objective: We aimed to determine if the implementation of a standardized protocol for the management of antepartum anemia outside of a clinical trial improves intravenous iron sucrose utilization and clinical outcomes.

Marijuana use and pregnancy outcomes among women with hypertension in pregnancy.

Background: Marijuana has vasoconstrictive properties and its use has been associated with increased blood pressure in the general population. Yet, there are limited data on marijuana use and adverse outcomes among women with hypertension in pregnancy, even though these disorders are associated with severe maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality. Since marijuana is currently the most commonly used illicit drug in pregnancy, there is an urgent need to better understand the potential association between marijuana use and hypertension in pregnancy.

Assessment of blood-brain barrier integrity and neuroinflammation in preeclampsia.

Background: Although blood-brain barrier integrity is intact under normal pregnancy conditions, animal studies suggest that blood-brain barrier impairment occurs in preeclampsia. Yet, human data are limited, and the integrity of the blood-brain barrier has not been assessed in women with preeclampsia.

Objective: We sought to test the hypothesis that the integrity of the blood-brain barrier is impaired and that neuroinflammation is increased in women with preeclampsia.

Association between insurance type and pregnancy outcomes in women diagnosed with hypertensive disorders of pregnancy.

Hypertension in pregnancy is associated with adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes. Previous studies have demonstrated disparities in the risk of preeclampsia based on race, educational attainment, census tract income level and household income. Yet, data on the association of insurance type, classification of hypertension in pregnancy and outcomes have not been well described.