Case Files Clinical Pearls Flashcards
How do we determine normalcy of labor?
cervical change versus time
during active labor, a nulliparous woman’s cervix should change over 1.2 cm/hr. A multip should change over 1.5 cm per hour
What is the term used when cervical change is progressing, but at a slower rate than expected?
protraction of active phase
What is the definition of arrest of active phase?
when there is no progress in the active phase of labor for 2 hours
CS for labor abnormalities in the absence of clear cephalopelvic disproportion is generally reserved for what?
arrest of active phase with adequate uterine contractions
note - if she’s not having adequate contractions, you can give pitocin
How do we typically define adequate uterine contractions?
- greater than 200 montevideo units with an IUPC
2. uterine contractions every 2-3 minutes, firm on palpation, and lasting at least 40-60 sec
In general, latent labor occurs when the cervix is less than __ cm dilated.
4
What are early decels typically caused by?
they are mirror images of uterine contractions and are caused by fetal head compressions
What are variable decels usually caused by?
they are abrupt in decline (less than 15 sec to nadir) and adrupt in resolution, usually caused by cord compression
What are late decels usually caused by?
they are gradual in shape and are offset form the uterine contractions
usually caused by uteroplacental insufficiency (and resultant hypoxia)
What is the normal fetal heart rate baseline?
110-160
What is the most common cause of anemia in pregnancy?
iron def
Iron deficiency causes a microcytic anemia. What is the other possible cause of a mcirocytic anemia in this context?
thalassemia
How can you diagnose a thalassemia?
Hgb electrophoresis
An elevated A2 hemoglobin level is suggestive of what thalassemia? How about an elevated hemoglobin F?
elevated A2 = beta thal
elevated F = alpha thal
For mild anemias in a woman without risk factors for thalassemia, what is the most appropriate first step?
trial of iron and recheck in 3-4 weeks
In pregnancy, anemia is diagnosed at a Hgb less than?
10.5
What is the most common cause of megaloblastic anemia in pregnancy?
folate deficiency
Although it can occur spontaneously, what is the most common cause of an inverted uterus?
undue traction on the cord when the placenta has not yet separated
What are the 4 signs of placental separation?
gush of blood
lengthening of the cord
globular-shaped uterus
uterus rising up to the anterior abdominal wall
What is the most common complication of an inverted uterus and why does it happen?
hemorrhage
because an inverted uterus can’t contract down
What is the length of time you expect a placenta to be delivered?
30 mintues
If a placenta is not delivered after 30 minutes, what do you do?
manual extraction
What are some relaxing agents that can be used to help reposition an inverted uterus?
halothane
terbutaline
magnesium sulfate
(note - after you reposition, you turn these off and start pitocin)
What is the biggest risk factor for should dystocia?
feta lmacrosomia, especially in gestational diabetes because they tend to pack the weight on in their shoudlers and abdomen
(but also maternal obesity and prolonged second stage of labor)
What is the most common injury to the neonate in a shoulder dystocia
brachial plexus injury
What is the first action to take in a shoulder dystocia?
Mcroberts maneuver and suprapubic pressure
Where should you NOT put pressure after a shoulder dystocia is diagnosed?
fundal - increases injury to baby
What are some subsequent maneuvers if McRoberts doesn’t work?
- Wood’s corkscrew (progressively rotating the posterior shoulder 180 in a corkscrew fashion)
- delivery of the posterior arm
- zavanelli maneuver
What is the definition of fetal bradycardia?
fetal heart rate less than 110 for at least 10 minutes
What are the steps to take with fetal bradycardia?
confirm fetal HR vs mom’s HR
vaginal exam to assess for cord prolapse
positional changes (on side to improve blood return)
oxygen via face mask (100%)
IV fluid bolus and pressors of hypotension
DIscontinue oxytocin (baby may not be able to recoop if contractions are coming too quickly)
What is the best therapy for a cord prolapse?
elevation of the presenting part and emergency CS
What fetal presentations will increase the risk for prolapse?
- cephalic is the head isn’t engaged into the pelvis yet
- footling breach
- transverse lie
What is the most common finding with uterine rupture?
fetal heart rate abnormality such as deep variable decels or bradycardia
What is the best treatment for a suspected uterine rupture?
emergent CS
What are the risk factors for uterine atony (and hence, PPH)?
magnesium sulfate (so pre-ecclpampsia) oxytocin use during labor rapid labor and/or delivery overdistention of the uterus from macrosomia, multifetal pregnancy or hydramnios chorioamnionitis prolonged labor high parity
A PPH with a firm uterus on exam is most likely due to what?
a genital tract laceration
What is the most common cause of a LATE PPH?
subinvolution of the uterus
Hypertensive disease is a contraindication for what medictation used in PPH?
Methergine
Asthma is a contraindication for what medication used in PPH?
Prostaglandin F2-alpha
What are some potential causes of elevated msAFP?
underesetimation of gestational age multiple gestations neural tuve defects abdominal wall defects cystic hygroma fetal skin defectsa sacrococcygeal teratoma decreased maternal weight oligohydramnios
What are some potential causes of low msAFP?
overestimated gestational age chromosmal trisomies molar pregnancy fetal death increased maternal weight
What is the next step in the evaluation of an abnormal triple screen?
a targeted ultrasound
Which are associated with higher rates of complications - monozygotic or dizygotic?
monozygotic
How do the maternal physiologic changes differ in a twin pregnancy compared to a singleton pregnancy?
- increased nausea and vomiting (from the increased bhcg)
- greater physiologic anemia (because plasma increases more, but RBC mass increases less)
- greater increase in blood pressure after 20 weeks
- greater increase in size and weight of the uterus
What should be suspected when there is a substantial discordance of the twins and discrepancy of the distribution of the amniotic fluid volume?
twin-twin-transfusion syndrome
What is a serious condition that can cause rapid fetal demise after ruptur eof membranes?
vasa previa
How can we go about diagnosing vasa previa prenatally?
it’s hard, but US with color doppler can sometimes pick it up
and if it does - C-section
What are the indications for c-section in a woman with HSV?
if she has prodromal symptoms or suscpicious lesions of the genital tract at the time of labor
note that even if she doesn’t have this, there is a small chance that she could pass HSV to her infant during a vaginal delivery
Most neonatal herpes infections occur from HSV from genital tract secretions, but what percent of neonatal infections are acquired in utero?
5% - usually due to primary infections during pregnancy
What drug is given in pregnancy during primary HSV infections to decrease the duration of viral shedding and duration of the lesions?
acyclovir
Acyclovir suppression can decrease the likelihood of recurrence and need for cesarean. When do we start it?
36w GA
What are the 5 main risk factors for placenta previa?
grand multiparity prior cs prior uterine curettage previous placental previa multiple gestation
If a woman comes to triage with spotting, why should you get an US (or at least look at the most recent one) before attempting a speculum or digital exam?
because she may have a previa, and a vaginal exam could promote more bleeding
What route of delivery do you opt for with placenta previa? And when?
CS at 34 weeks
Why don’t we get super worried yet about a placenta previa diagnosed in early gestation?
most of the time the placenta will move away from the cervix as the lower uterine segment undergoes further development.
What are the risk factors for placenta abruption?
hypertension!!!! cocaine use short umbilical cord trauma uteroplacental insufficiency submucosal leiomyomata sudden uterine decompression (hydramnios) cigarette smoking pPROM
True or false: US can establish the diagnosis of abruption with a high degree of certainty.
false - it’s not helpful in a majority of cases. you have to go based on the clinical picture
During an abruption, bleeding can seep into the uterine muscle and cause what?
a reddish discoloration known as the Couvelaire uterus
When the abruption is of sufficient severity to cause fetal death, 1/3 of cases will also be complicated by what?
coagulopathy - secondary to hypofibrinogenemia (below 100-150 mg/dL)
What are the risk factors for placenta accreta?
placenta previa (especially if hx of cs) implantaiton over the lower uterine segment prior CS scar or other uterine scar uterine curettage fetal down syndrome age over 35 yo
In placenta percreta, which organ will the placenta often adhere to?
the bladder
What is the usual management for placenta accreta?
hysterectomy
Placenta accreta is associated with a defect in what layer?
the decidua basalis
What should be included in a differential diagnosis of abdominal pain in pregnancy?
appendicitis cholecystitis ovarian torsion placental abruption ectopic pregnancy ruptured corpus luteum red degeneration of a uterine fibroid
What is the most common time for ovarian torsion to occur during pregnancy?
14 weeks GA - when the uterus rises above the pelvic brim
or
immediately postpartum when the uterus rapidly involutes
Why does appendicitis present differently in a pregnant woman?
pain will be more superior and lateral, as the appendix is pushed over by the uterus
What is the management for ovarian torsion?
surgical untwisting of the pedicle to observe for viability. If blood perfusion cannot be reestablished, the ovary needs to be removed
The most common cause of hemoperitoneum in pregnancy is an ectopic, but what can mimic this?
a ruptured corpus luteum
If the corpus luteum is excised in a pregnancy of less than 10 to 12 weeks GA, what hormone will need to be supplemented?
progesterone
What are the three main specific causes of pruritis in pregnancy?
intrhepatic cholestasis of pregnancy
pruritic urticarial papules and plaques of pregnancy
herpes gestationis
What differentiates these three causes of pruritis?
cholestasis: prutritis without visible skin rash
PUPPP: intense pruritis with erythematous papules on abdomen and extremities
HG: Intense itching and vesicles
How does one make the diagnosis of cholestasis?
it’s actually a clinical diagnosis - increased bile acids or elevated LFTs are not necessary to diagnose
What are the fetal complications of cholestasis? So when do you typically deliver?
prematurity
fetal distress
fetal loss
so deliver at 37w
WHa this the management for cholestasis?
antihistamines, cholesteryamine (but associated with vitamin K def), ursodeoxycholic acid is better tolerated
Are there adverse fetal effects for PUPPP or herpes gestationalis?
not really
HG can cause transient lesions on the baby’s skin, but they self-resolve
What is the management for acute fatty liver of pregnancy?
delivery
How do we confirm a diagnosis of PE in a pregnant patient?
spiral CT scan (less radiation than a ventilation-perfusion scan)
D-dimer will generally be positive in pregnancy regardless of clot or not
What is the most common presenting symptom of PE? Sign?
symptoms = dyspnea sign = tachycardia
PE during pregnancy wins the prize for what?
the most common cause of maternal mortality
A PO2 less than ___ in a pregnant woman is abnormal
80 mm Hg
What is the most accurate method to diagnose a DVT?
venous duplex doppler sonography (physical exam is not very useful)
In general, treatment of preeclampsia at term is…
magensium sulfate and delivery
What is the first sign of mag toxicity?
loss of DTRs
What are the risk factors for preterm labor?
pPROM multiple gestations previous preterm labor or birth hydramnios uterine anomaly hx of cervical cone biopsy cocaine abuse african american race abdominal trauma pyelonephritis abdominal surgery in pregnancy
In preterm labor, tocolysis is considered if the GA is less than?
34-35 weeks
In preterm labor, intramuscular steroids are administered if the GA is less than ___. For what purpose?
34 week to encourage fetal lung development
What medications do we use for tocolysis?
terbualine
ritodrine
nifedipine
indomethacine
Dyspnea occurring in a woman with preterm labor and tocolysis is usually due to what?
pulmonary edema as a side effect of the tocolytic
What is the most common cause of neonatal morbidity in a preterm infant?
respiratory distress syndrome
What are the side effects of beta-agonist tocolytics (terbutaline, ritodrine)?
pulmonary edema, tachycardia, widened pulse pressure, hyperglycemia, and hypokalemia
A negative cervical fetal fibronectin assay suggests what?
99% predictive that the patient will not deliver in the next week
Infection of what given weekly from 16 wk to 36 w in women with hx of prior spontaneous preterm births decreases the risk of preterm birth by one-third?
progesterone
What is the earliest sign fo chorioamnionitis?
fetal tachycardia
Pregnancies complicated by PPROM and chorio should be treated how?
broad spec antibiotics like amp and gent followed by delivery
With PPROM before 32 weeks, we typically utilized corticosteroids for fetal lung development unless…
there are signs of infections
What are some potential causes of hydramnios?
fetal CNS anomalies (can't swallow) fetal GI tract malformations (can't swallow) fetal choromsomal anomalies fetal nonimmune hydrops (parvo) maternal diabetes isoimmunization multiple gestations syphilis
What is the most common infectious cause of non-immune hydrops? How about the most common non-infectious cause?
parvovirus B19
fetal cardiac arrhythmias
What is one of the earliest manifestations of fetal hydrops?
hydramnios
and then excess fluid located in 2 or more fetal body cavities
What are the best treatments for chlamydial cervicitis in pregnancy?
erythromycin or amoxicillin for 7 days or a one-time dose of azithromycin
doxycyclines are contraindicated in pregnancy because they can cause fetal tooth discolortaion
What is the main concern with chlamydia - issues for mom or issues for baby?
issues for baby - can cause pneumonia and conjuncitivitis
True or false: opthalmic antibiotics administered to the noonate will help prevent chlamydial conjuncitivits, but not gonococcal conjuncitivitis.
false - they work against gonococcal, but not chlamydial
you need to use oral erythromycin for that
What is the most common mode of HIV transmission in women?
heterosexual contact
What is the most common cause of hyperthyroidism in pregnancy?
graves disease
What is the most common cause of hyperthyroidism in the postpartum period? When? With what kind of antibodies?
destructive lymphocytic thyroiditis
associated with antimicrosomal antibodies
1-4 months post-partum
can lead to hypothyroid eventually
What is the treatment for thyroid storm in pregnancy?
MMI or PTU (more likely PTU)
steroids
beta-blockers
True or false? Maternal graves disease doesn’t lead to fetal hyperthyroidism because the antibodies are IgM.
false - they’re IgG, so they can cross the placenta and cause fetal hyperthyroidism
What is pregnancy’s effect on total thyroxine levels? Why?
Increases thyroid-binding globulin
total thyroxine increases
free T4 stays the same
TSH is unchanged