Analysis of Factors Contributing to Antenatal Corticosteroid Administration in Patients Presenting with Threatened Preterm Labor.

Objective: This study aimed to analyze characteristics of those seen for threatened preterm labor (tPTL) who receive antenatal corticosteroids (ACS) to better understand clinical decision-making.

Study Design: This retrospective cohort study consisted of patients seen in triage at an urban county hospital in 2021 for tPTL during pregnancy. Demographic variables (maternal age, race/ethnicity, and prior preterm delivery) and obstetrical variables (cervical dilation, effacement, membrane rupture, and tocolytic administration) were evaluated against the primary outcome of ACS administration.

Do maternal demographics and prenatal history impact the efficacy of betamethasone therapy for threatened preterm labor?

Background: Betamethasone (BMZ) is used to accelerate fetal lung maturation in women with threatened preterm birth, but its efficacy is variable and limited by the lack of patient individualization in its dosing and administration. To determine sources of variability and potential opportunities for individualization of therapy, the objective of this study was to evaluate maternal factors associated with development of neonatal respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) in a cohort of women who received betamethasone.

Methods: This study prospectively enrolled women, gestational ages 23-34 weeks, who received betamethasone for threatened preterm birth.

A comprehensive severity score for the morbidly adherent placenta: combining ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging.

Background: Ultrasound (US) is the first-line imaging modality to assess the morbidly adherent placenta, but sensitivity and specificity are lacking.

Objective: This investigation aims to improve diagnostic accuracy with a comprehensive score using clinical history, US, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Materials And Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study of pregnant women who received both transvaginal US and MRI with suspicion for morbidly adherent placenta between 2009 and 2016.

Urinary Iodine, Perchlorate, and Thiocyanate Concentrations in U.S. Lactating Women.

Background: Iodine is an essential micronutrient for thyroid hormone production. Adequate iodine intake and normal thyroid function are important during early development, and breastfed infants rely on maternal iodine excreted in breast milk for their iodine nutrition. The proportion of women in the United States of childbearing age with urinary iodine concentration (UIC) <50 μg/L has been increasing, and a subset of lactating women may have inadequate iodine intake.

Inflammatory gene networks in term human decidual cells define a potential signature for cytokine-mediated parturition.

Background: Inflammation is a proximate mediator of preterm birth and fetal injury. During inflammation several microRNAs (22 nucleotide noncoding ribonucleic acid (RNA) molecules) are up-regulated in response to cytokines such as interleukin-1β. MicroRNAs, in most cases, fine-tune gene expression, including both up-regulation and down-regulation of their target genes.

A simulation program for teaching obstetrics and gynecology residents the pediatric gynecology examination and procedures.

Study Objective: To assess the use of a pelvic simulation curriculum to teach obstetrics and gynecologic residents the pediatric gynecology examination and procedures.

Design: Residents in obstetrics and gynecology participated in a simulation curriculum using a modified pelvic hemimodel to simulate a pediatric pelvis.

Participants: 19 obstetrics and gynecology residents completed the study protocol.