In the United States, more than 400,000 babies are born prematurely each year, which is about 1 in 10 babies. Over the last several decades, multiple studies have shown a link between poor oral health and increased occurrence of preterm birth. Researchers have looked at various ways to improve dental health during pregnancy, including doing a “deep-teeth cleaning” (also called ‘scaling and planing’), which involves removing plaque and tarter on the teeth and below the gum line. However, despite improving periodontitis, deep teeth cleaning approaches have not proven to be effective in the prevention of preterm birth. But now new data has discovered an easy and inexpensive way to improve oral health and potentially reduce preterm births. This data was originally presented at the annual Pregnancy meeting at SMFM, but now it is a peer reviewed publication. In this episode, we will review how chewing xylitol gum has promising results for preterm birth reduction. Nonetheless, some important limitations must be reviewed. Listen In for details.
The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force and the World Health Organization recommend primary HPV screening, starting at age 25, as an option (some as preferred) for cervical cancer screening. Although primary HPV screening is as effective as cotesting at detecting cervical cancer, primary HPV screening decreases the number of lifetime screenings needed. The primary HPV screening tests approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) are the Roche Cobas and BD Onclarity tests. HPV results for the Roche and BD tests can be reported as a pooled result. This means the physician receives a result of negative or positive, in which positive indicates that at least one, but possibly more, types of high-risk HPV were identified in the sample. HPV genotyping options differ by manufacturer. Roche Cobas reports HPV 16 and 18 individually and groups 12 other types (i.e., positivity means at least one of the 12 types triggered the positive result). BD Onclarity reports six individual HPV types (16, 18, 31 [the highest risk going immediately to colposcopy], 45, 51, and 52), and combined types (33/58), (35/39/68). Now, as of March/April 2024, the ASCCP has recognized another important and clinically useful HPV and co-test TRIAGE tool, the DUAL STAIN. This pertains only to the ROCHE COBAS HPV test. In this episode, we will review this latest ENDURING GUIDELINES update to the 2019 ASCCP management algorithms (already updated in the ASCCP app).
With an estimated 3.8 million breast cancer survivors in the United States, OBGYNs and other women's healthcare providers often are on the front lines of addressing survivorship issues, including the hypoestrogenic-related adverse effects of cancer therapies or early menopause in survivors. Although systemic and vaginal estrogen are used widely for symptomatic relief of genitourinary syndrome of menopause in the general population, among individuals with a history of hormone-sensitive cancer, there is uncertainty about the safety of hormone-based therapy, leading many individuals with bothersome symptoms to remain untreated, with potential negative consequences on quality of life. The term genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM) is the term used to describe to a constellation of symptoms that relate to hypoestrogenic effects on the genital epithelium, such as genital dryness, burning, and irritation; potential downstream effects of vulvar and vaginal atrophy such as dyspareunia; urinary symptoms such as urgency or dysuria; and recurrent urinary tract infections. Is vaginal estrogen or estrogen-like therapies safe in these patients? What about in those using aromatase inhibitors? A new Meta-Analysis (AJOG) provides insights. Listen in for details.
Yep! We have definitely covered the evolving saga and controversy regarding antenatal corticosteroids in the late preterm/early term interval. It's like Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz: "Lions and Tigers and Bears, Oh My!" More fitting for our discussion, its "Steroids, and Studies, and Shared-Decisions, Oh My!" In this episode we will highlight TWO pieces of literature coming out in DECEMBER 2024 in the Green Journal on this topic. The article is by Clapp et al and the associated editorial piece will be the core part of our episode. Listen in for details!
Well, in the last 4 weeks there have some interesting developments in the sphere of OBGYN medical news. In October 2024, out of the American Society of Anesthesiologists, came a study on the possibility of using serum FAR to predict preeclampsia with severe features in admitted patients (don’t worry, we’ll discuss what FAR is!). PLUS, some exciting, although preliminary, data has been published out of Baylor College of Medicine raising the possibility of a non-invasive test for endometriosis using…POOP! Yep, poop. And on October 31, 2024 a new clinical perspectives article was published in the Green Journal “CHALLANGING” the recent ACOG’s Clinical Practice Update regarding screening for pregestational DM in early pregnancy. Intrigued? You should be….we will cover these 3 tidbits of OBGYN news in this episode!
The ARRIVE was published in the New England Journal of Medicine on August 8, 2018 1. This study was a large unmasked multicenter trial conducted from March 2014 to August randomized 6,106 nulliparous women to either IOL or expectant management at full term. The trial was conducted at 41 facilities across the United States. This validated that eIOL at 39 weeks, in that patient population, had the ability to reduce cesarean sections and rates of hypertensive diseases of pregnancy. Since that time, elective IOLs have INCREASED at 39 weeks as some messaging was distorted implying that IOL was the BEST way to go over expectant management. Has other data since 2018 found the same thing? Or were the results of the ARRIVE trial an aberration? The ACOG has JUST RELEASED a new CPU which provides additional insights to this. Listen in for details!
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are a leading cause of health care visits in the USA and around the world. In the US, they have a cost burden of $3.5 billion annually. Half of women experience at least one UTI in their lifetime, and approximately 25% of these women develop recurrent UTIs! On October 31, 2024, a study was published in Obstetrics Gynecology (the Green Journal) looking at UTI treatment trends in nonpregnant women. With the increased use of tele-visits, there is now a conundrum between allowing easier access to care (tele-visit) and treatment of UTIs online balanced against contributing to antibiotic resistance. Is urine culture recommended prior to antibiotic use for uncomplicated UTI? That depends on who you read! We will discuss this issue in this episode. PLUS, we will briefly discuss a NEW oral antibiotic for uncomplicated UTI in women; this was just FDA approved on October 25, 2024.
Everyone understands that VTE (DVT and/or VTE) requires life-saving anticoagulation. That's simple. No controversy there. But what about pregnancy-associated superficial thrombophlebitis (AKA superficial venous thrombosis) in an extremity? Does that need anticoagulation? We have been traditionally taught that superficial venous issues are benign and do not require LMWH. Is that correct? The answer is NOT as straightforward as you would think. In this episode, we will review the 2018 ASH guidelines and contrast them to the 2022 published consensus statement from the Balkan Working Group. Plus, we will highlight a May 2023 Danish population based study from the Lancet Hematology that reminds us that superficial venous disease is not always benign in its course. Listen in for details,
According to the UK’s National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE; 2024), women who are S/P scheduled CS and recovering well, who are afebrile, and do not have complications, should be discharged early (after 24 h) and followed at home because this is not related to the readmission of the baby or mother. However, the first 24 hours after a C-section can be challenging, with many of the same challenges as a vaginal delivery PLUS the usual post-surgical issues: The mother will be adjusting to new parenthood, attempting breastfeeding, and fielding visitors; the incision will be sore, and pain may increase as anesthesia wears off. Is this postop plan coming to the USA? A soon to be published systematic review and meta-analysis (Dec 2024) in the AJOG MFM seems to favor that. Is this the new progression of the postop ERAS protocol? Listen in for details.
Welcome Back to another episode of "You ask, We Answer"! As Abrysvo (RSV vaccine) now has some time on the market, some women may find themselves with a subsequent pregnancy after first receiving the injection in the prior pregnancy. Is another RSV vaccine recommended with each pregnancy, like TDap? The answer to that question depends on where you live. We will discuss in this episode. PLUS, have you heard of CLITOXIN? Its a little botulinum toxin injected into the clitoris for "enhanced sexual response". Is that evidence-based? Is there data for that?! Listen in for details.
Ultrasound assessment of placental volume has been proposed as an important aspect of prenatal care. It involves measuring the size and volume of the placenta, which may provide critical information regarding fetal health and development. Abnormal placental volume can be associated with various complications such as FGR, preeclampsia, and other pregnancy-related conditions. Some advocates suggests the volume and vascularity of the first trimester placenta may be linked to the most devasting adverse pregnancy outcomes which is stillbirth. Social Media posts have been advocating and endorsing the measurement of placental volume antenatally as a stillbirth prevention strategy. Is this evidence-based? It’s very controversial. Nonetheless, we have principles from the AIUM. ISUOG, ACOG, and SMFM to guide us here. Listen in for details.
Stroke is also a leading cause of adult-onset disability; among individuals who survive 6 months, almost half are dependent in at least 1 activity of daily living. In October 2024, the AHA/ASA released their 2024 Primary Prevention of Stroke guidance. This document has a striking focus on women's health, namely adverse pregnancy outcomes and certain gynecological conditions (Endometriosis, POI, PCOS). Listen in for details.
Several observational studies have suggested that women with endometriosis have a slightly increased risk for preterm birth. The cause seems to be related to factors associated with pathogenesis of endometriosis, such as inflammation, reactive oxygen species, progesterone resistance, and alterations in the junctional zone of uterus leading to the shallow invasion of the placenta and to preterm birth. But is this association firmly established? It is actually more an enigma than solid evidence. In October 2024, a new cohort study in Fertility Sterility is questioning this relationship. These results are a contrast to the findings of a meta-analysis published in January 2022, which itself conflicted with results of a French observational study published the following month, February 2022. It’s the perpetual problem and enigma of whether endometriosis is associated with PTB, or not! Listen in for details.
In November's Green Journal, Drs Amy Valent and Linda Barbour will publish their Clinical Expert Series (CES) on insulin management in GDM and Type 2 DM in pregnancy. This is a FANTASTIC document and is our subject matter in this episode. Here, we will give clinical pearls for insulin initiation in pregnancy based on 3 regimens (NPH/Reg; NPH/RAAs; Basal-Bolus) and their initiation in an easy to follow format. Congratulations to Drs Valent and Barbour on a wonderful CES.
The relationship between hormonal birth control and sexual orientation has been a topic on social media channels and threads; it is a discussion of controversy. It is essential to clarify that the hormonal birth control pill itself does not determine or change an individual's sexual orientation. While there is evidence to suggest that hormonal birth control can influence sexual desire and partner preferences, there is insufficient data to support the idea that it can change a person's sexual orientation. Sexual orientation is a complex interplay of biological, environmental, and social factors, and current scientific consensus does not support the idea that hormonal contraceptives influence one's sexual orientation. Where did this concept come from? Are there large-scale studies which address this? Listen in for details.
Early pregnancy failure (EPF), pregnancy loss in the first trimester, is a common pregnancy complication, with 15 to 20% of clinically recognized pregnancies ending in the first trimester. It is not uncommon for women with one or more cesarean sections, or myomectomies, to present with EPF. Options for treatment of early pregnancy failure include expectant management, surgical management (D&C), or medical management with medications such as misoprostol (miso). However, the limited information available regarding miso with EPF in those with prior uterine surgery may complicate the counseling of these women. What does the ACOG say about misoprostol use in the first trimester for these patients? Is misoprostol safe for EPF in women with 2 prior cesareans? In this episode, we will explore the data for miso use in these cases with a focus on the first trimester, but also review the data for miso use in the early second trimester in those with a scarred uterus.
The SMFM, ACOG and RCOG all recommend screening for Antiphospholipid Antibody Syndrome (APS) in women with Recurrent Pregnancy Loss (RPL). However, once identified, there has been controversy historically regarding the best TIME to initiate low dose aspirin and prophylactic LMWH. The main controversy regarding this is whether to begin treatment before a confirmed pregnancy, right after a positive pregnancy test, or only after an ultrasound confirms a viable fetus; with some studies suggesting potential benefits from starting earlier, while others debate the optimal timing due to lack of conclusive evidence and potential risks associated with early anticoagulation. Nonetheless, we DO HAVE current guidance here to make an evidence-based plan of care for these patients. In this episode, we will summarize a recent Clinical Expert Series from the ACOG (May 2024) and the RCOG (June 2023). PLUS, we will highlight some persistent controversies surrounding APS and RPL.
Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome (CHS): Yep, this is definitely an issue and has been in recent print. This was just covered in an expert commentary in J Gastroenterology in May 2024, and CMS was featured as a JAMA Patient Page on October 10, 2024 in JAMA Network. PLUS, we actually covered this back in Feb 10th, 2020! Yep…M-O-R-E information just keeps coming, including a new study in the OCT 2024 Green Journal, which shows that rates of THC in pregnancy are still increasing. This study, again from THIS MONTH, tells us that the prevalence of prenatal cannabis use increased from 5.5% in 2012 to 9.0% in 2022 among pregnant individuals, at least according to the database from Northern California ( Kaiser Permanente Northern California). In this episode, we will update our previous discussion on CHS (from back in 2020) based on these new publications.
Proper hydration is important for physiology whether male or female, and if female… hydration in pregnancy is important for proper uterine blood flow and proper amniotic fluid production. Interestingly, water recommendations do not specify differential water needs or hydration status recommendations by pregnancy month or trimester, nor do they take into account body composition, knowing that overweight and obesity increase the probability of being underhydrated. During pregnancy, dehydration is thought to contribute to Braxton-Hicks contractions possibly due to lactic acid buildup in the myometrial cells or via reflex secretion of ADH (vasopressin). But this is theoretical. Here is where IV hydration comes into clinical practice. What's hoped for in administering intravenous (IV) hydration is that the fast fluid volume increase will stop uterine activity and hence avert cervical change. Theoretically, hydration may reduce uterine contractility by increasing uterine blood flow and by decreasing pituitary secretion of antidiuretic hormone and oxytocin. Does mild-moderate dehydration lead to preterm labor? Is IV hydration a way to prevent preterm birth. There has been data since the 1980s up until 2021 which says, “No”. Listen in for details.
Eczema is also known as a form of Atopic Dermatitis (AD). Males and females are not equally affected by AD, and studies have shown that AD is more common among males during infancy and childhood. However, around puberty, there is a shift towards more females than males having AD and this female predominance continues into adulthood. Eczema can impact any women during pregnancy. In fact, it is the most common prenatal skin condition. A majority of women with eczema in pregnancy have never it previously diagnosed. Actually, approximately 60%–80% of prenatal eczema patients have no prior history of the condition. Eczema in pregnancy may occur because of changes in hormones and the immune system. During pregnancy, the body’s immunity shifts a bit and this shift in immunity can make the mother more sensitive to allergens and dermal manifestations vis inflammatory mediators. Those with preexisting common hay fever or other allergies before pregnancy may be at higher risk of developing eczema during pregnancy. Eczema isn’t just about “itchy skin”, for some it has severe skin manifestations and affects quality of life. While biologics are generally not initiated in pregnancy except for very severe cases, some women may be on this medication when ENTERING pregnancy. Are they safe to use? We have new SURPRISING data from September 2024 which will help us in our shared-decision making with our patients. Listen in for details.
Azura Bennett
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