Postpartum Management Research Articles

Racial and ethnic disparities in obstetric anesthesia: a scoping review.

Health disparities continue to affect racial and ethnic marginalized obstetric patients disproportionally with increased risk of Cesarean delivery and pregnancy-related death. Yet, the literature on what influences such disparities in obstetric anesthesia service and its clinical outcomes is less well known. We set out to describe racial and ethnic disparities in obstetric anesthesia during the peripartum period in the USA via a scoping review of the recent literature. Using the Institute of Medicine's definition of disparities, we searched the National Library of Medicine's PubMed/Medline, Embase, Web of Science, APA PsycINFO, and Google Scholar for articles published between 1 January 2000 and 30 June 2022 to identify literature on racial and ethnic disparities in obstetric anesthesia. Out of 8,432 articles reviewed, 15 met our inclusion criteria. All but one study was observational. Seven studies were single-institutional while the remaining used multicentre data/databases. All studies compared two or more race and ethnicity classifications. Studies in this review described disparities in the use of labour epidural analgesia, labour epidural request timing, anesthesia for Cesarean deliveries, postpartum pain management, and epidural blood patch for postdural puncture headaches. Several studies reported disparities observed in the unadjusted models becoming no longer significant when adjusted for other covariates. Based on the findings of the present scoping review on racial and ethnic disparities in obstetric anesthesia, we present an evidence map identifying knowledge gaps and propose a future research agenda.

Cardiovascular risk management following gestational diabetes and hypertensive disorders of pregnancy: a narrative review.

Cardiovascular risk management following gestational diabetes and hypertensive disorders of pregnancy: a narrative review.

Postpartum Readmission for Hypertension: The Patient Experience [ID: 1377602

INTRODUCTION: Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) are the most common cause of postpartum readmission. Prior research has led to the creation of clinical guidelines for postpartum management; however, the patient experience is often missing from this work. The objective of this project is to understand the perspective of patients readmitted for postpartum hypertension. METHODS: Institutional review board committee approval was obtained for the study. This was a qualitative study with data generated through semistructured interviews. Patients readmitted with postpartum HDP at an urban academic medical center were approached and consented for a single interview. The same researcher conducted all interviews and patient recruitment continued until thematic saturation was reached (n=9). Two coders coded all interviews using NVivo software with both deductive and inductive coding processes. Discrepancies were discussed and resolved with consensus. Researchers identified themes through grounded theory and were reflexive in their thematic generation. RESULTS: Five themes were generated through the grounded theory analysis: Every pregnancy is different, symptoms of preeclampsia are easily dismissed or often not taken seriously, miscommunication regarding medical changes can hinder patient care, readmission logistics are not baby-friendly, and patient well-being improved when conversations acknowledged the struggles of readmission. CONCLUSION: A qualitative research process revealed patient-identified gaps in care that may have led to readmission for HDP. The specific recommendations that emerge from these themes include: addressing barriers to blood pressure management prior to discharge, improving postpartum discharge follow-up, providing newborn care coordination, and improving counseling on the risk of postpartum preeclampsia during discharge. Incorporating these patient perspectives in hospital discharge policy can be helpful in creating patient-centered systems of care and may help reduce rates of readmission.

Assessment of Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of Postpartum Depression Screening and Management Skills Among Midwives in Selected Hospitals in Ondo State, Nigeria

Assessment of Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of Postpartum Depression Screening and Management Skills Among Midwives in Selected Hospitals in Ondo State, Nigeria

Post-partum myocardial ischemia due to intramuscular methylergonovine-induced coronary vasospasm: case report

BackgroundMethylergonovine is a vasoconstrictive agent historically used as a provocative agent in the lab for coronary vasospasm; it is also a first line uterotonic agent for management of postpartum hemorrhage.Case PresentationA 29-year-old female with history of smoking and idiopathic thrombocytopenia received intramuscular methylergonovine after delivery of twins for intrauterine hemorrhage management. Subsequently, she had episodes of chest pain with high sensitivity Troponin I elevation to 1509 ng/L with accompanying septal T wave inversions, decreased left ventricular ejection fraction to 49% and basal septal wall hypokinesis. Computed tomography (CT) coronary angiogram showed patent coronary arteries and no coronary arterial dissection. The patient was conservatively managed with aspirin and metoprolol, and on follow up had fully recovered left ventricular function with resolution of wall motion abnormalities. Given this, coronary vasospasm due to intramuscular methylergonovine is the most likely cause of patient’s chest pain and associated myocardial ischemia.ConclusionsIntramuscular, intrauterine, intravenous, and even oral methylergonovine can rarely cause coronary vasospasm leading to myocardial ischemia. Cardiologists caring for postpartum patients should be aware of these potential lethal complications; prompt identification and administration of sublingual nitroglycerin can prevent severe complications of arrythmias, heart block, or cardiac arrest.

Postpartum Opioid Prescribing in Patients with Opioid Use Prior to Birth.

This study aimed to describe opioid prescribing patterns for pregnant patients with a history of or active opioid use to inform postpartum pain management strategies. We conducted a retrospective cohort analysis of all patients with a history of opioid use disorder (OUD) or chronic pain seen at a single outpatient clinic specializing in opioid use and OUD in pregnancy from January 2019 to August 2021. Patient characteristics, delivery outcomes, and opioid prescribing information were collected through electronic health record fields. We used descriptive statistics to characterize differences in receipt of an opioid prescription, prescription size, and receipt of a prescription refill across three patient groups: patients with OUD on medication, patients with OUD maintaining abstinence, and patients with chronic pain using opioids. In the study period, the institutional average rate of opioid prescribing after cesarean and vaginal birth were 80.0 and 2.8%, respectively. Of the 69 patients included in this study, 46 (66.7%) had a history of OUD on medication, 14 (20.3%) had a history of OUD maintaining abstinence, and 9 (13.0%) had a history of chronic pain. Receipt of an opioid prescription after childbirth was more common after cesarean birth (12/23, 52.2%) than vaginal birth (3/46, 6.5%). Refills were common in patients who received an opioid proscription (cesarean: 5/12, 41.7%; vaginal: 1/3, 33.3%). Compared with institutional averages, postpartum opioid prescribing rates for people with a history of OUD or chronic pain were 50 to 60% lower for cesarean birth and three times higher for vaginal birth. Future work is needed to balance opioid stewardship and harm reduction with adequate pain control in these high-risk populations. · Opioid prescribing rates for patients with OUD/chronic pain were 60% lower for cesarean birth than institutional averages.. · Opioid prescribing rates for patients with OUD/chronic pain were three times higher for vaginal birth than institutional averages.. · Refill rates following birth were high overall for cesarean (40%) and vaginal (33%) birth.. · More work is needed to balance opioid prescribing with adequate pain control in high-risk patients..

Screening and nursing management of gestational diabetes in Ghana: Evidence-based recommendations

ObjectiveTo describe the development of evidence-based recommendations for screening and nursing management of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) in Ghana and present the recommendations. DesignA qualitative study. SettingMilitary Health Institutions in Ghana. MeasurementsData from qualitative interviews with 7 women with GDM and 8 midwives, and an integrative literature review including available clinical practice guidelines on screening and nursing management of GDM, was used to develop the recommendations. The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence’ steps guided the recommendations’ development. Methodological quality of the recommendations was assessed based on an adapted version of the Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation (AGREE II) tool. Six experts reviewed the recommendations and an infographic in support of the recommendations. FindingsTwo main recommendations and an infographic were developed, including: 1. Early screening and diagnosis of GDM, and 2. Involvement of women with GDM and their significant others during pregnancy, intrapartum and postpartum management, in a culturally and socio-economically appropriate manner. Key conclusionsThe recommendations and infographic, once reviewed and pilot tested, may assist midwives managing GDM in Ghana, with support of health institution management. Implications for practiceThe study highlights the need for recommendations which can be used by midwives to manage GDM in Ghana. The recommendations are the first to be contextualized for the Ghanaian setting.

Long term renal outcome after hypertensive disease during pregnancy: a nationwide population-based study.

Hypertensive disease during pregnancy increases the risk of maternal morbidity and mortality and leads to the development of multi-organ dysfunction, including kidney dysfunction. Complicated pregnancies require careful postpartum management to prevent sequelae. It is believed that kidney injury can consistently occur even after delivery; therefore, defining the chronicity and endpoint is essential for establishing diagnostic criteria. However, data on the prevalence of persistent renal complications following hypertensive disease during pregnancy are limited. In this study, we evaluated the risk of developing renal disorders in patients with a history of hypertensive disease during pregnancy. Participants who gave birth between 2009 and 2010 were followed up for 8 years after delivery. The risk of renal disorder development after delivery was compared according to a history of hypertensive disease during pregnancy. Different factors that could affect the course of pregnancy, including age, primiparity, multiple pregnancy, preexisting hypertension, pregestational diabetes, hypertensive disease during pregnancy, gestational diabetes, postpartum hemorrhage, and cesarean section, were adjusted for using the Cox hazard model. Women with hypertension during pregnancy had a higher risk of developing renal disorders after delivery (0.23% vs. 1.38%; P<0.001). This increased risk remained significant even after adjusting for covariates (adjusted hazard ratio, 3.861; 95% confidence interval [CI], 3.400-4.385] and 4.209 [95% CI, 3.643-4.864], respectively). Hypertension during pregnancy can contribute to the development of renal disorders, even after delivery.

Isolated aberrant right subclavian artery: an underlying clue for genetic anomalies

Objective Aberrant right subclavian artery (ARSA) is known to be associated with specific chromosomal abnormalities. However, there is no agreement regarding clinical decisions related to isolated ARSA. This study evaluated the association between ARSA and genetic abnormalities to provide evidence for prenatal consultation and the postpartum management of isolated ARSA. Methods This single-center cross-sectional study involved fetuses diagnosed with ARSA between January 2014 and May 2021. A range of data was recorded for each patient, including screening ultrasound, fetal echocardiograms, genetic results, postnatal information, and follow-up records. Results ARSA was detected in 151 fetuses, of which 136 were considered isolated cases. The remaining 9.9% (15/151) of cases had cardiac and/or extracardiac abnormalities or soft markers. Data from karyotype analysis and chromosomal microarray analysis (CMA) were available for 56 and 33 (out of 56) fetuses, respectively. Genetic abnormalities were detected in 10.7% of fetuses (6/56). Of these, 4.4% (2/45) and 36.4% (4/11) were associated with isolated and non-isolated ARSA, respectively, with a significant difference between these two groups regarding the frequency of genetic abnormality (p = 0.011). The analysis detected Klinefelter Syndrome (47, XXY) and 16p11.2 microdeletion in two isolated cases. One case each of trisomy 21 and 22q11.2 deletion, and another case of 47, XXY, were detected in fetuses with cardiac anomalies. Partial 5q deletion was found in a fetus with extracardiac malformations. In total, 141 of the fetuses survived after birth; termination of pregnancy was performed for 10 fetuses; only two fetuses had mild symptoms of dysphagia. Conclusion ARSA may be an underlying ultrasonic clue for genetic anomalies even in isolated ARSA. Fetuses with isolated ARSA cannot be ruled out for invasive antenatal diagnosis.

Inequities in Inpatient Obstetrics Pain Management and Evaluation: Age, Race, Mental Health, and Obesity.

To evaluate disparities of pain management among patients giving birth in inpatient Obstetrics units based on age, race, BMI, and mental health diagnoses. A retrospective cohort study was performed and included all individuals giving birth at a tertiary-care institution in 2019. Patient-reported pain scores, and inpatient narcotic administration and dosing for pain control were collected. Models were adjusted for race, age, BMI, and diagnoses of anxiety, depression, opioid use disorder, and/or schizophrenia. 4788 Individuals met the inclusion criteria. A higher proportion of African American patients reported severe pain (n = 233/607, 38.4%) and received narcotics (n = 653/1141, 57.2%) compared to patients of other races. Despite controlling for several possible confounders, African American patients (OR 1.55, 95% CI 1.08-2.22), patients with increased BMI (OR 1.02, 95% CI 1.01-1.03), and patients with a mental health diagnosis (OR 2.33, 95% CI 1.32-4.12) were more likely to have worse pain at rest. Older patients were more likely to be administered narcotics (n = 447/757, 59.0%) compared to younger patients (patients aged 18-26: n = 577/1257, 52.3%; patients aged 27-35: n = 1451/2774, 52.3%; p < 0.001), despite younger patients being more likely to have severe pain (OR 1.50; 95% CI 1.20-1.86; p = 0.001). Patients who are Non-Hispanic African American and patients with obesity and mental health diagnoses experience inequities in postpartum pain management. Pain is complex and multifactorial and can be impacted by cultural, social, environmental factors and more. Further studies on factors that influence pain perception and management in inpatient obstetrics units are needed.

Implementation of maternal guidelines for gravid teenagers with hypertensive disorders in KwaZulu-Natal.

The worldwide phenomenon of teenage pregnancy among 13-9-year-olds is complicated by obstetric conditions. Among the top three causes of maternal mortality, hypertension is the third in South Africa. Quality maternal care is assured by obstetric practitioners (OPs) implementing guidelines specific for management of hypertension in pregnancy. The objective of this study was to investigate implementation of maternal guidelines for hypertension in pregnancy among teenagers. As a retrospective quantitative research design was used, 173 maternal records of pregnant teenagers from 13 to 19 years were sampled from six district hospitals and Community Health Centres (CHCs) between 01 January 2017 and 31 December 2019 to undergo systematic random sampling. A pretested structured checklist was used to record data from sampled maternal records. Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 26 was used for data analysis, and results were presented using simple descriptive statistics. Research results indicated that teenagers who suffered from hypertension intrapartum and postpartum did not receive maternal care according to the guidelines for maternity care in South Africa. Blood pressure was not measured of six (3.47%) intrapartum and five (2.9%) postpartum teenagers. Seventeen (9.8%) hypertensive postpartum teenagers received their antihypertensives. Public health institutions (PHIs) compromised provision of quality maternal care among teenagers, evidenced by incomplete intrapartum and postpartum assessment, diagnosis and management of hypertensive disorders in pregnancy (HDP).Contribution:This study contributed to facilitating adherence to guidelines improving healthcare of teenagers in government facilities.

Factors influencing postpartum haemorrhage detection and management and the implementation of a new postpartum haemorrhage care bundle (E-MOTIVE) in Kenya, Nigeria, and South Africa

BackgroundPostpartum haemorrhage (PPH) is the leading cause of global maternal deaths, accounting for 30–50% of maternal deaths in sub-Saharan Africa. Most PPH-related deaths are preventable with timely detection and initiation of care, which may be facilitated by using a clinical care bundle. We explore influences on current PPH detection and management and on the future implementation of a new PPH bundle (E-MOTIVE) in low-resource, high-burden settings.MethodsSemi-structured qualitative interviews based on the Theoretical Domains Framework were conducted with 45 healthcare providers across nine hospitals in Nigeria, Kenya and South Africa, to identify barriers and enablers to current PPH detection and management and future implementation of a new PPH care bundle. Data were analysed using thematic and framework analysis. The Behaviour Change Wheel was used to identify potential interventions to address identified barriers and enablers.ResultsInfluences on current PPH detection and management fell under 12 domains: Environmental Context and Resources (drug and staff shortages), Skills (limited in-service training), Knowledge (variable understanding of the recommended practice), Behaviour Regulation (limited quality improvement culture), Beliefs about Consequences (drawbacks from inaccurate detection), Emotion (stress from the unpredictability of PPH), Social Influence (teamwork), Memory, Attention and Decision-making (limited guideline use), Social/Professional Role and Identity (role clarity), Beliefs about Capabilities (confidence in managing PPH), Reinforcement (disciplinary procedures) and Goals (PPH as a priority). Influences on bundle uptake included: Beliefs about Consequences (perceived benefits of new blood loss measurement tool), Environmental Context and Resources (high cost of drugs and new tools), Memory, Attention and Decision-making (concerns about whether bundle fits current practice), Knowledge (not understanding ‘bundled’ approach), Social Influence (acceptance by women and staff) and Intention (limited acceptance of ‘bundled' approach over existing practice). These influences were consistent across countries. Proposed interventions included: Education, Training, Modelling (core and new skills), Enablement (monitoring uptake), Persuasion (leadership role) and Environmental Restructuring (PPH emergency trolley/kit).ConclusionsA wide range of individual, socio-cultural and environmental barriers and enablers to improving PPH detection and management exist in these settings. We identified a range of interventions that could improve PPH care and the implementation of new care bundles in this context.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov: NCT04341662

Endometritis risk factors after arterial embolisation for postpartum haemorrhage

Various complications of arterial embolisation (AE) for postpartum haemorrhage (PPH) are reported. Endometritis (EM) frequently causes abscesses, increasing hysterectomy risk. However, risk factors for EM after AE for PPH are unclear. We explored these risk factors. We included patients who underwent AE for PPH in our hospital from 2005 to 2020 and compared those who did (EM group) and did not develop EM after AE (non-EM group) in a case-control study. Twenty patients met the study criteria; eight patients (40%) had EM. There were no differences in risk factors between groups involved in infection, such as premature rupture of membranes. However, the contrast medium extravasation rate on computed tomography scans before the AE procedure was significantly higher in the EM group (p=.019) compared to the non-EM group. The greatest EM risk factor was contrast medium extravasation before AE for PPH, determined by classification and regression tree modelling (relative risk: 4.5). Impact Statement What is already known on this subject? Reportedly, the clinical success rate of arterial embolisation (AE) for critical haemorrhage in obstetrics is high, around 90%. However, information regarding AE complications is limited. Endometritis is one of these complications, which not only causes prolonged hospitalisation but may also require further treatment, such as hysterectomy. However, the incidence rate and risk factors for EM remain unknown. What do the results of this study add? In this study, 40.0% of patients developed EM after AE for PPH. Extravasation of contrast medium was the top risk factor (relative risk: 4.5 compared to those without EM, p=.019). The second-leading risk factor was a bleeding volume greater than 2500 mL (relative risk: 4.5 compared to those without EM, p=.019). What are the implications of these findings for future clinical practice and/or future research? We created an EM prediction model using extravasation and a bleeding volume greater than 2500 mL. The model was 87.5% sensitive and 66.7% specific. This prediction model allows for the early detection and treatment of EM by recognising high-risk patients and providing intensive postpartum management.

Perspectives on clinicians’ roles and postpartum pain management: a qualitative analysis

Pain is a common postpartum complaint, yet data suggest that approaches to postpartum pain management vary widely. Given the goal of improving quality and equity in postpartum pain management, we aimed to examine whether and how clinicians’ perspectives on postpartum pain management differed by clinician roles.

Combined spinal-epidural anesthetic management of delivery for marfan syndrome: Case report

Pregnancy in a patient with Marfan syndrome is associated with risks, including cardiovascular complications. The hemodynamic changes of pregnancy during delivery are deleterious to Marfan syndrome patients. This case describes a Marfan syndrome parturient with dilated aortic root >45 mm who underwent neuraxial anesthesia and cesarean delivery. Anesthetic management focused on reducing hypertension and shear forces on the ascending aorta. A combined spinal-epidural with a reduced dose of hyperbaric bupivacaine was utilized for cesarean delivery. Multidisciplinary approaches are vital in the management of Marfan syndrome pregnancy and cardiovascular complications must be considered when planning for delivery and postpartum management. Anesthetic management must consider the hemodynamic changes in pregnancy and severity of Marfan syndrome cardiovascular involvement in the parturient as well as neonatal risks. Guideline development concerning anesthetic management for both the timing of delivery and aortic repair postpartum would be beneficial to Marfan syndrome parturients.

Pregnancy as an opportunity to prevent type 2 diabetes mellitus: FIGO Best Practice Advice.

Gestational diabetes (GDM) impacts approximately 17million pregnancies worldwide. Women with a history of GDM have an 8-10-fold higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes and a 2-fold higher risk of developing cardiovascular disease (CVD) compared with women without prior GDM. Although it is possible to prevent and/or delay progression of GDM to type 2 diabetes, this is not widely undertaken. Considering the increasing global rates of type 2 diabetes and CVD in women, it is essential to utilize pregnancy as an opportunity to identify women at risk and initiate preventive intervention. This article reviews existing clinical guidelines for postpartum identification and management of women with previous GDM and identifies key recommendations for the prevention and/or delayed progression to type 2 diabetes for global clinical practice.

Pulmonary embolism in pregnancy and the puerperium.

Pulmonary embolism (PE) in pregnant women appears to be increasing. This could be related in part to improved health care allowing more women with risk factors to conceive, as well as increase in the high-risk groups which include pregnancies conceived on artificial reproductive technology, advancing maternal age, obesity, and caesarean deliveries. Prevention and early diagnosis with prompt effective treatment can reduce maternal mortality and improve pregnancy outcome, so that obstetricians should be on the lookout for venous thrombosis and PE, especially when in the majority of cases, risk factors only start to emerge or develop in the course of pregnancy and delivery. Management includes accurate diagnosis with ventilation/perfusion scan and CT pulmonary angiography, followed by effective anticoagulation and more aggressive measures such as thrombolysis as indicated, together with general supportive measures. Postpartum management should cover subsequent health issues, including breastfeeding, contraception, mood changes, and recurrence in subsequent pregnancies.

Multiple sclerosis in pregnancy – current neurological considerations

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a neurological condition found in young women of reproductive age, and pregnancy can be a challenge. Lack of consensus on the conduct and impact of MS on pregnancy outcomes requires adequate counseling for these patients. Early initiation of treatment in MS to prevent long-term disability is extremely important because delaying treatment after the woman achieves irreversible complications may accompany reproductive goals. Aggression and disease progression requires an ideal schedule for conception. Initiation of treatment and successful pregnancy monitoring are clear goals of healthcare providers. Counseling of patients with MS before pregnancy, conduct during pregnancy, mode of delivery, and postpartum management, to which is added the choice of type of medication are important criteria that prevent complications secondary to the clinical course of this disease.

Risk Factors of Postpartum Cardiovascular Disease in Patients with Gestational Diabetes Mellitus

Objective: To investigate the risk factors of postpartum cardiovascular disease in patients with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). Methods: From December 2020 to December 2021, pregnant women who underwent 75-g oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) between 24 and 28 weeks of gestation and were diagnosed with GDM were selected as the research subjects. These women were followed-up after delivery. Results: The average fasting plasma glucose (FPG) levels of these women were 6.25 ± 1.36 mmol/L before discharge and 5.01 ± 1.45 mmol/L at 42 days after delivery; the average 2-hour plasma glucose (2hPG) levels were 11.23 ± 2.01 mmol/L before discharge and 7.98 ± 1.23 mmol/L at 42 days after delivery; the average insulin levels were 8.36 ± 1.98 mmol/L before discharge and 2.98 ± 1.36 mmol/L at 42 days after delivery. There were 46 patients with postpartum cardiovascular disease, with an incidence rate of 22.89%. Conclusion: By improving the postpartum management of patients, the weight of GDM patients can be better controlled, their insulin sensitivity can be increased, and the occurrence of glucose and lipid metabolism disorders can be reduced.

Pregnancy outcomes of immigrant women living in Korea: A population-based study.

Although there is a high rate of pregnant immigrant women in Korea, little is known regarding their pregnancy outcomes. The aim of this study was to evaluate the pregnancy outcomes of immigrant women in Korea. Data for all pregnant women who gave birth between January 1, 2007 and December 31, 2016 were obtained using the Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service Database. Pregnant women were divided into two groups: Korean and immigrant women. The main outcome measures were adverse pregnancy outcomes including gestational diabetes of mellitus, preeclampsia, cesarean section, placental abrnomalities, and postpartum hemorrhage. The odds of gestational diabetes mellitus, preeclampsia, cesarean section, placental previa, placental abruptio, and postpartum hemorrhage was compared between the two groups. Among 4,439,778 pregnant women who gave birth during the study period, 168,940 (3.8%) were immigrant women. The odds of gestational diabetes mellitus (adjusted OR: 1.24; 95% CI: 1.21, 1.28), and cesarean section (adjusted OR: 1.26; 95% CI: 1.25-1.28)were higher in immigrant women than in Korean women, but the odds of preeclampsia (adjusted OR: 0.84; 95% CI: 0.81-0.86) and postpartum hemorrhage (adjusted OR 0.96, 95% CI 0.94-0.97) was lower in immigrant women than in Korean women. Immigrant women had different pregnancy outcomes. Pregnancy and postpartum management that reflects these characteristics will be necessary for immigrant women.