Ob/Gyn News
Rectally administered misoprostol versus intravenous oxytocin infusion during cesarean delivery to reduce intraoperative and postoperative blood loss
A study out of the International Journal of Gynecology compared the efficacy of rectally administered misoprostol with intravenous oxytocin infusion in preventing uterine atony and blood loss during cesarean delivery. A total of 96 and 94 women were analyzed in the misoprostol and oxytocin groups, respectively. Intraoperative and postoperative blood loss was significantly lower in the misoprostol group than in the oxytocin group. Rectal misoprostol appears to be an effective alternative to intravenous oxytocin in preventing blood loss for routine use during cesarean delivery.
Osteopathic care may ease late-pregnancy back pain
NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - Gentle manipulation from an osteopathic doctor may relieve late-pregnancy back pain that frequently hinders bending, lifting, or walking, findings from a small study hint. The study, in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, included 144 otherwise healthy pregnant women, about 24 years old on average, with moderate levels of back pain and related movement difficulties during late pregnancy.
African-American Women Have a Higher Risk for Developing Peripartum Cardiomyopathy
A study out of the Journal of the American College of Cardiology assessed whether African-American women are at increased risk of having peripartum cardiomyopathy. Peripartum cardiomyopathy is a heart disease of unknown cause that affects young women, often with devastating consequences. The frequency of peripartum cardiomyopathy varies markedly between African and non-African regions. A case-control study was performed and showed African-American women had a 15.7-fold higher relative risk of peripartum cardiomyopathy than non–African Americans. Other significant univariate risk factors were hypertension and having had >2 previous pregnancies. African-American ethnicity remained a significant risk factor for peripartum cardiomyopathy when other risk factors were considered in multivariable and stratified analyses. Although the frequency of peripartum cardiomyopathy (185 of 100,000 deliveries) at this center was higher than in previous U.S. reports, it was comparable to the frequency in countries with more women of African descent (100 to 980 of 100,000). Analysis of other U.S. studies confirmed that the frequency of peripartum cardiomyopathy was significantly higher among African-American women.
Cervical length predicts spontaneous preterm birth in asymptomatic twin pregnancies
A study out of the American College of Obestrics and Gynecology sought to evaluate the change in cervical length (CL) as a predictor of preterm birth in asymptomatic twin pregnancies.121 twin pregnancies were evaluated with CL testing between 18-24 weeks who had a follow-up CL 2-6 weeks after the initial CL.A total of 19 patients had their CL decrease by ≥20% (shortened CL group) and 102 patients' CL decreased by less, or not at all (stable CL group). The shortened CL group had a significantly higher rate of spontaneous preterm birth <28 weeks, <30 weeks, <32 weeks, and <34 weeks.In twin pregnancies, a CL that decreases by 20% over 2 measurements is a significant predictor of very preterm birth, even in the setting of a normal CL. Serial CL measurements should be considered in twin pregnancies, starting <24 weeks.
Teen pregnancy, abortion rates rise
The teen pregnancy rate in the USA rose 3% in 2006, the first increase in more than a decade, according to data out today. The data also show higher rates of births and abortions among girls 15-19. The numbers, calculated by the Guttmacher Institute, a non-profit group that studies reproductive and sexual health, show a clear reversal from the downward trend that began in the 1990s.
