OB and Surgical Complications Flashcards
Describe ultrasound features characteristic for dichorinic twin gestation
Thick intertwin membrane (>2mm)
Sex discordance
Lambda / Twin peak signs
When is ultrasound the most accurate at establishing chorionicity in multiple gestation?
1st trimester
How do you counsel a patient about the maternal risks of pregnancy with dichorionic twins?
Fetal risks?
Maternal: Hyperemesis Gestational diabetes Hypertensive disorders Anemia Hemorrhage C/S Postpartum depression
Fetal:
Preterm delivery
Stillbirth
FGR
How do you follow Di/di twins throughout gestation?
Serial growth ultrasound
Weekly testing at 36 weeks
Do you follow/perform cervical length screening in twins?
No
What are the options for aneuploidy screening in twins?
NT
NIPT
Quad screen, sequential, integrated, etc.
When do you recommend delivery of uncomlicated di-di twins?
38w0d-38w6d
What are the indications for cesarean in a di/di twin pregnancy?
Twin A breech
<32 weeks Twin A cephalic, twin B noncephalic
Usual obstetric indications
Twin A cephalic, twin B noncephalic and OB provider not trained in management of breech 2nd twin
How do you counsel a patient about risk following a dichorionic cotwin demise in the first trimester?
It can happen fairly commonly
Not usually associated with increased morbidity or mortality of the cotwin
How do you counsel a patient about risk following a dichorionic cotwin demise in the second trimester?
3% -22% risk of cotwin death
1% risk of neurologic abnormality
How do you counsel a patient about risk following a dichorionic cotwin demise in the third trimester?
3-22% risk of cotwin death
1% risk of neurologic abnormality
How do you follow a patient following a dichorionic co twin demise in the first trimester?
Routine obstetric care
But would not use cell free-DNA or serum screens for aneuploidy (NT alone or invasive testing)
How do you follow a patient following a dichorionic co twin demise in the second trimester?
Monitor growth of surviving twin
Antenatal testing
Do not deliver surviving twin as it does not decrease brain injury in 2nd twin
How do you follow a patient following a dichorionic co twin demise in the third trimester?
Monitor growth of surviving twin
Antenatal testing
Do not deliver surviving twin as it does not decrease brain injury in 2nd twin
Do di/di twins run in families?
Yes, on the moms side (more likely to release two eggs, for a non-identical twin)
How do you manage a patient with twins and history of a prior spontaneous preterm birth?
Routine obstetric care
What pregnancy complications are unique to monochorionic twins compared to dichorionic twins?
Twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome Twin anemia polycthemia sequence Acardiac twin (TRAP) Conjoined twins Fetal anomalies
Describe ultrasound features characteristic for a mo/di twin pregnancy?
T-sign
Thin intertwin membrane (<2mm)
Sex concordance
How do you follow mo/di twins during pregnancy?
1st trimester US for dating/chorionicity
TTTS Monitoring (Ultrasound every 2 weeks for fluid and growth, if abnormal –> UA Dopplers)
TAPS monitoring (MCA Doppler velocimetry q2 weeks starting at 26 weeks)
Fetal echocardiogram at 18-22 weeks
Serial growth ultrasounds
Weekly antenatal testing at 32 weeks
When do you recommend delivery of uncomplicated monochorionic twin gestation?
Mono/Di : 34w0d-37w6d (but usually say 36-37 weeks)
Mono/Mono: 32w0d-34w0d
How do you counsel a patient about risks follow a monochorionic cotwin demise in the first trimester?
Unclear whether there can be an increased risk of neurologic abnormality
How do you counsel a patient about risks follow a monochorionic cotwin demise in the second trimester?
15%-40% risk of cotwin death
18%-30% risk of neurologic abnormality
Also if previable offer termination due to the increased risk of neurological abnormality
immediate delivery of the co-twin has not been demonstrated to be of benefit
How do you counsel a patient about risks follow a monochorionic cotwin demise in the third trimester?
15%-40% risk of cotwin death
18%-30% risk of neurologic abnornality
immediate delivery of the co-twin has not been demonstrated to be of benefit
How do you follow a patient following a monochorionic cotwin demise in the first trimester?
Routine obstetric care
But would not use cell free-DNA or serum screens for aneuploidy (NT alone or invasive testing)
How do you follow a patient following a monochorionic cotwin demise in the second trimester?
Monitor growth of surviving twin
Antenatal testing
Do not deliver surviving twin as it does not decrease brain injury in 2nd twin
How do you follow a patient following a monochorionic cotwin demise in the third trimester?
If occurs in late 2nd or in 3rd trimester
Admit for steroids, magnesium sulfate and continuous monitoring
Monitor growth of surviving twin
Antenatal testing
Do not deliver surviving twin as it does not decrease brain injury in 2nd twin
If an intertwin dividing membrane cannot be visualized, what is your differential diagnosis?
TTTS with stuck twin
Monochorionic-monoamniotic twin pregnancy
Rupture of membranes
What is the likelihood of developing TTTS in a mo/di twin pregnancy?
10-15%
What is TTTS?
Complication of Mono-di pregnancies where there is unequal balance of blood flow via A-V connections in the placenta that results in one twin donating blood (donor) to the other twin (recipient) resulting in increased morbidity and mortality.
What are the US features leading you to suspect TTTS?
Donor: volume depleted, growth restricted, oligohydramnios
Recipient: polycythemic, heart failure, polyhydramnios, hypervolemic, hydrops
What are the Quintero stages of TTTS?
I: Poly-Oli II: Poly-Oli + Absent bladder in donor III: Absent/reversed UA diastolic flow, reversed ductus venosus, pulsatile UV flow IV: Hydrops fetalis in one or both twins V: Fetal demise
When do you refer a patient for possible laser surgery for TTTS?
II, III, and IV TTTS in continuing pregnancies at <26 weeks
Why do we not perform laser on Stage I TTTS?
> 75% will regress / remain stable
How do you counsel the patient regarding the benefits of laser therapy for TTTS?
Improved survival at 6 months
Improved neurologic outcomes
Later ga at delivery
Single procedure vs. multiple procedures
80% survival of at least 1 twin
50% survival of both twins
How do you follow a patient after laser surgery for TTTS?
Weekly for 2-3 weeks q 2 weeks if stable Growths q 4 Antenatal testing at 28 weeks Delivery at 34-36 weeks
What are the potential comlications that can occur post laser for TTTS?
PPROM Iatrogenic Mono mono twinning Fetal demise (1 or 2) Brain lesions PVLM Persistent cardiac disease (pulmonary valve) TAPS TTTS recurrence TTTS reversal
When do you recommend delivery following laser surgery for TTTS?
Goal of 34-36 weeks
What is TAPS?
Unbalanced blood distribution between twins w/o amniotic fluid discordance; Likely through small (< 1mm) vessels
Unidirectional, unreciprocated artery and vein anastamoses near periphery of placenta
How do you define TAPS?
MCA PSV> 1.5 MoM in one twin and < 1.0 MoM in the other twin
Do you screen for TAPS?
MCA PSV starting at >26 weeks
How is TAPS detected?
MCA PSV> 1.5 MoM in one twin and < 1.0 MoM in the other twin
What is the likelihood of developing TAPS in a mo/di twin gestation?
5%
What is the likelhood of developing TAPS following laser surgery for TTTS?
10-15%
If TAPS is detected, how will you manage the patient?
??Expectant management, delivery (stage I), selective feticide, IUT (may be short duration, may worsen polycythemia hyperviscosity syndrome in the recipient, skin necrosis of LE reported)-donor IV vs IP, partial exchange IUT or laser ???
Describe US features of monoamniotic twin gestation
Cord entanglement
No intertwin membrane
Sex concordance
One placenta
How do you counsel a patient about the pregnancy risks of a monoamniotic twin gestation?
Cord entanglement
TTTS
Congenital malformations
How do you manage a monoamniotic twin gestation?
Offer early inpatient management (beginning at 24–28 weeks of gestation) with daily fetal surveillance
Regular assessment of fetal growth
When do you recommend delivery for a monoamniotic twin gestation?
32-34 weeks
How do you manage cotwin demise with a monoamniotic twin gestation?
Consider delaying delivery to allow steroids
Delivery after 30 weeks, but can consider continued monitoring until 32
What is a placental abruption?
When a normally implanted placenta prematurely separates from the uterus
What are risk factors for a placental abruption?
Prior history Hypertensive disorders Trauma Cocaine / Smoking Polyhydramnios Multiple gestation PPROM Infection Uterine anomalies/fibroids
What would make you suspect an abruption?
Painful vaginal bleeding
Nonreassuring fetal heart tracing with tachysystole
If an abruption is seen on US, describe the US characteristics?
Hyperechoic or isoechoic collections that turn hypoechoic 2 weeks after event
Does a normal US exclude the possibility of abruption?
50% of abruptions are not seen on ultrasound
What is a concealed abruption?
An abruption that doesnt communicate with cervix and therefore you dont see vaginal bleeding
What are the maternal risks if an abruption occurs?
Hemorrhage, hypovolemia, shock
Coagulopathy
Need for hysterectomy
What are the fetal risks if an abruption occurs?
Fetal growth restriction
PPROM
Prematurity and associated morbidity/mortality
Fetal death
What lab tests will you order if you suspect an abruption?
CBC PT/PTT Fibrinogen Type and cross KB if Rh negative
How do you evaluate a patient if you suspect an abruption?
Vital signs Evaluate for bleeding (speculum) CBC PT/PTT Fibrinogen Type and cross KB if Rh negative Ultrasound FHR/Toco
How do you manage a patient if an abruption is diagnosed?
If >2 bleeds or >34 weeks deliver
<34 weeks and hemodynamically stable without further bleeding, surveillance with delivery at 37 weeks
What is a placenta previa?
When the placenta is covering the internal cervical os
How is a placenta previa diagnosed?
Transvaginal ultrasound
If a placenta previa is identified at <20 weeks on ultrasound, how likely is it to resolve?
90%
If a placenta previa is seen on mid trimester US, how will you follow this patient?
Repeat ultrasound at 32 weeks
How do you counsel a patient if a placenta previa is noted on her 32 weeks US?
That it still has the possibility to resolve, though the likelihood is smaller now than before
Reevaluate at 36 weeks, if still previa, recommend delivery by C/section.
When is delivery recommended for placenta previa?
36w0d-37w6d
How do you manage a patient who presents with a bleeding placenta previa?
Assess maternal / fetal status
Consider betamethasone / magnesium sulfate if viable/appropriate
Rhogam if Rh negative
Consider delivery if >34 weeks
When do you recommend hospitalization for patients with a placenta previa?
3+ bleeding episodes
Long distance from hospital
Do you recommend bedrest for patients with a placenta previa?
No
What are the maternal risks with a placenta previa?
Hemorrhage, need for blood transfusion Need for cesarean section Increased hospitalization Need for hysterectomy particularly if associated with history of cesarean section and MAP Maternal death
What are the fetal risks with a placenta previa?
Preterm delivery
Increased neonatal morbidity/mortality due to prematurity
What is the chance of invasive placentation in patients with a previa and 0 prior uterine surgeries? 1 prior c/s? 2 prior c/s? 3 prior c/s?
0: 3%
1: 11%
2: 40%
3: 61%
What is a vasa previa?
Type 1: Velamentous cord insertion with umbilical vessels inserted into the membranes near or directly Over the internal cervical os
Type 2: Umbilical vessels coursing over membranes between a succenturiate lobe and main lobe near or over the cervix
How is a vasa previa diagnosed?
Transvaginal ultrasound: Uumbilical vessels crossing within 1-2cm of the endocervical os with color doppler
What are the maternal risks with a vasa previa?
hemorrhage
need for blood transfusion
need for cesarean section
When do you recommend hospitalization for patients with a vasa previa?
30-34 weeks
Do you recommend bedrest for patients with a vasa previa?
No, but I recommend pelvic rest
When do you recommend delivery for patients with a vasa previa?
34-35 weeks
What is placenta accreta spectrum disorder?
Where the placenta has invaded to/beyond the myometrium
What are the US findings suggestive of placenta accreta spectrum?
(1) Loss of normal hypoechoic retroplacental zone
(2) Multiple vascular lacunae in placenta (swiss cheese placenta)
(3) Blood vessels or placenta tissue bridging uterine-placental margin, myometrial bladder interface or crossing uterine serosa (disruption of serosa/bladder interface)
(4) Retroplacenta myometrial thickness <1mm
(5) bulging of placenta beyond or distorting the uterine contour
What is the role of MRI in the diagnosis of placenta accreta spectrum?
Unable to adequately visualize the uteroplacental interface (obesity)
Suspected percreta
Is MRI superior to US for the diagnosis of placenta accreta spectrum?
Not superior to ultrasound
What are the risk factors for placenta accreta spectrum?
previa
prior c/section
prior myomectomy
If placenta accreta spectrum is suspected, how do you counsel the patient?
Increased risk of: Hemorrhage (life threatening) Preterm birth w/ need for cesarean hysterectomy Morbidity d/t cesarean hysterectomy Risk of mortality
How will you manage the pregnancy if placenta accreta spectrum is diagnosed on US?
Planned cesarean hysterectomy at 34-35 weeks
Describe your delivery plan for a patient with placenta accreta spectrum?
Cesarean hysterectomy at 34-35w
Steroids for fetal lung maturity in week prior
Maximize preop Hb (iron if indicated)
Multidisciplinary approach
Plan for intraoperative hemorrhage / transfusion (cell saver and blood product availability)
Central lines
What are the risks of cesarean hysterectomy?
Hemorrhage
Risk of ICU admission due to hemorrhage
Damage to GI/GU systems/Ovaries
Describe your surgical approach for cesarean hysterectomy for placenta accreta spectrum?
Consult with NICU, Gyn Onc or Gen surgery and anesthesia Blood products on hold Lithotomy position Midline abdominal incision Fundal uterine incision No attempted removal of placenta
What are the risk factors for hypertensive disorders in pregnancy?
High risk factors: Prior Hx CHTN Diabetes Multiple gestation Renal disease Autoimmune disease (SLE, APS) Moderate risk factors: Age, Weight, Nulliparity, Fam hx, Socioeconomic status, Hx of LBW
Who do you consider to be a candidate for baby ASA to prevent preeclampsia?
1 high risk factor or 2+ moderate risk factors
How do you define GHTN?
SBP >= 140 or DBP >= 90 after 20 weeks
two occasions 4 hours apart
without proteinuria or severe features
What is severe GHTN?
SBP >= 160 or DBP >= 110 after 20 weeks on two occasions 4 hours apart without proteinuria
How do you manage a patient with severe GHTN?
The same as preeclampsia WITH severe features
Admit to hospital
Mag / Steroids
BP control (Goal <160/110)
Delivery at 34 weeks or sooner if contraindications arise
What are the pregnancy risks with GHTN?
Abruption Preeclampsia with severe features Stroke Seizure Pulmonary Edema End-organ damage (Kidney, liver, brain)
How do you screen for preeclampsia?
History
Do you perform Uterine Artery Dopplers to assess risk for preeclampsia?
No, low positive predictive value, so I currently use history for screening
What are criteria to diagnose preeclampsia?
SBP >= 140 or DBP >= 90 after 20 weeks on two occasions 4 hours apart
WITH proteinuria
OR WITH severe features
How do you diagnose preeclampsia w/ severe features?
SBP >= 160 or DBP >= 110 after 20 weeks on two occasions 4 hours apart
WITH proteinuria
OR WITH severe features
What are the severe features of preeclampsia?
SBP >=160 or DBP >= 110 after 20 weeks on 2 occasions at least 4 hours apart
Visual changes/Persistent HA not relieved by meds
Creatinine >=1.1 or 2X baseline
LFTs >= 2X ULN, or persistent RUQ/epigastric pain not relieved by conservative management or explained by alternative dx
Pulmonary edema
Platelets < 100
Can a patient have preeclampsia without proteinuria? Example?
Yes, Patient presenting with new hypertension and abnormal lab findings
How do you define proteinuria?
300mg in a 24 hour urine protein collection
Protein creatinine ratio of >0.3
2+ protein on a dipstick if no other testing is available
How do you manage a patient with preeclampsia WITHOUT severe features diagnosed after 24 weeks?
Outpatient management Home BP checks / evaluation for signs/symptoms of preeclampsia Betamethasone Weekly labs Antenatal testing Serial growth ultrasounds Timing of delivery: 37 weeks
How do you manage a patient with preeclampsia WITH severe features diagnosed prior to 24 weeks?
Supportive care, magnesium sulfate and delivery
How do you manage a patient with preeclampsia WITH severe features diagnosed in the third trimester?
Inpatient management: Betamethasone Magnesium sulfate Antihypertensives to keep BP out of severe range Serial labs Antenatal testing Serial growth ultrasounds Timing of delivery: 34 weeks, or earlier if contraindications to expectant management
What preeclamptic patients are a candidate for mag sulfate?
Severe features
How do you administer mag sulfate?
4g bolus / 2g/hr
What is a therapeutic mag level?
4.8 - 9.6mg/dL
What is the role of magnesium levels?
Monitor that magnesium is in therapeutic range, especially in patients at high risk for mag toxicity (elevated creatinine, low urine output, symptoms of mag toxicity)
How do you manage magnesium in a patient with renal insufficiency?
Decrease maintenance from 2g/hr to 1g/hr
Monitor magnesium levels
Monitor for signs/symptoms of mag toxicity
What are signs and symptoms of mangesium toxicity?
At what levels do changes occur?
Flushing Headache Loss of reflexes (9mg/dL) Respiratory depression (12mg/dL) Cardiovascular collapse (at 30mg/dL)
How do you manage mag toxicity?
1g Calcium gluconate 10% IV, 10mL given over 3 minutes
Furosemide to promote renal clearance
Why is Calcium gluconate administered over 3 minutes?
Risk of respiratory depression or acute hypertension if pushed too fast
When are indications for delivery in a patient with preeclampsia w/out severe features?
37 weeks of gestation
The usual obstetric indications
What are the MATERNAL contraindications for expectant management in preeclampsia WITH severe features?
Severe BPs not responsive to meds Persistent headaches, refractory to tx Epigastric/ruq pain unresponsive to tx Visual disturbances, altered sensorium HELLP syndrome New/worse renal dysfunction Pulmonary edema Stroke Myocardial infarction Eclampsia DIC Abruption or VB w/out previa
What are the FETAL contraindications for expectant management in preeclampsia WITH severe features?
Abnormal fetal testing
Fetal death
Fetus without expectation for survival (eg, lethal anomaly, extreme prematurity)
Persistent rEDV in umbilical artery
Is there a role for outpatient management of preeclampsia?
Yes WITHOUT severe features
What blood pressure requires antihypertensive therapy?
> =160/110
Describe your approach to a patient with severe hypertension?
Treat acutely to get BP <160/110
Regimen 1: Labetalol: 20,40,80 Hydralazine: 10
OR
Regimen 2: Hydralazine 10, 10 Labetalol: 20,40
OR
Regimen 3: Oral nifedipine 10, 20, 20 Labetalol: 20
Repeating BP at 10 mins for Labetalol, 20 mins for hydralazine, nifedipine
What is your first line medication for treatment of severe hypertension?
IV labetalol
What is your goal of therapy for treatment of hypertension?
BP <160/110
How will you manage the patient who has not responded to IV labetalol and hydralazine therapy?
ICU transfer - IV infusion with nicardipine or esmolol
Arterial line
What are indications for an arterial line in preeclampsia?
pulmonary edema
requiring antihypertensive drip
What would make you suspect that your preeclamptic patient is developing pulmonary edema?
Shortness of breath
O2 saturation < 95%
Decreased urine output
In preeclampsia, If the patient develops hypoxemia, how will you evaluate her?
Listen to lungs Continuous pulsox CXR Urine output Check for mag toxicity Labs including mag level and creatinine
In preeclampsia, what is your differential diagnosis for hypoxemia?
Pulmonary edema
Mag toxicity
Pulmonary embolism
Pneumonia
How will you manage anesthesia and analgesia in a preeclamptic patient with platelet count of 90,000?
Neuraxial anesthesia
How will you manage anesthesia and analgesia in a preeclamptic patient with platelet count of 60,000?
General anesthesia
How will you manage anesthesia and analgesia in a preeclamptic patient with platelet count of 30,000?
General anesthesia
How do you manage a patient who present within 7 days postpartum with hypertension?
Admission to hospital
Magnesium sulfate x 24 hours
Antihypertensives
How do you follow your patient postpartum if she was delivered for preeclampsia?
Control BP in hospital prior to discharge
Home BP monitoring
Preeclampsia precautions (specifically headache)
BP check in office in 1 week
How do you counsel a patient with preeclampsia about her risk of cardiovascular disease?
Women with a history of preeclampsia continue to have an elevated risk of cardiovascular disease in subsequent years
Hypertension
Myocardial infarction
Congestive heart failure
Cerebrovascular events (stroke)
Peripheral arterial disease
and Cardiovascular mortality later in life
May warrant closer long-term follow-up and lifestyle modifications to better manage risk factors for cardiovascular disease (eg, achieving healthful weight, exercise, diet, smoking cessation)
What is the risk of recurrent hypertensive disorder in a subsequent pregnancy?
Approximately 15% (higher if early and severe, lower if later and non-severe)
What is eclampsia?
Convulsive manifestation of the hypertensive disorders of pregnancy
New onset tonic clonic, focal or multifocal seizure in the absence of other causes (epilepsy, infarction, hemorrhage, drugs)
What are the risks to the patient of having an eclamptic seizure?
Hypoxia
Aspiration pneumonia
Trauma
Describe how you will manage a patient having an eclamptic seizure?
Call for help
Prevent maternal injury (Padding railings)
Prevent aspiration (Lateral decubitus position)
Supplemental oxygen
Monitor vital signs
Magnesium sulfate
Delivery once stable (does not need to be c/s)
What is the risk of seizure in preeclampia?
Severe: 1/50
Non-severe: 1/200
When do you recommend brain imaging in eclampsia?
Refractory Seizure or while on mag
Vision loss
Altered mental status
Focal symptoms
How will you proceed with delivery following an eclamptic seizure?
Cesarean is not required, but at <28 weeks approximately 97% risk, decreases to 65% from 28-32 weeks
How do you manage the patient with an intractable seizure?
A further 2-4g magnesium bolus over 5 minutes
If still seizing at 20 mins after bolus, or >2 recurrences:
Sodium amobarbitol (250mg IV in 3 mins)
Thiopental
Phenytoin (1250mg IV at 50mg/minute)
ICU admission and consider intubation
What are the fetal risks during a seizure?
Hypoxemia
abruption,
fetal demise
When do you recommend head CT vs MRI in eclampsia?
If suspect hemorrhage -> CT
If suspect PRES -> MRI
How is HELLP syndrome defined?
LDH >600 IU/L
AST/ALT >2x ULN
Platelet <100 x 10^9/L
How do you manage a patient with HELLP syndrome?
Delivery regardless of gestational age (consider trying to complete steroids if stable)
Supportive care
Serial labs
What are maternal/fetal risks from HELLP syndrome?
DIC Abruption Acute kidney injury Pulmonary edema subcapsular or intraparenchymal liver hematoma Retinal detachment Small for gestational age Stillbirth / neonatal death Maternal death
Is there a role for steroids in the management of HELLP syndrome?
Only for the usual fetal indications
What would make you suspect a subcapsular hematoma?
Severe RUQ/epigastric pain
Abnormal LFTs
Nausea/vomitting
If a subcapsular hematoma is identified how will you manage the patient?
Obtain CT/MRI
Assess vitals/coags
Transfuse / volume replete
Delivery once hemodynamically stable and anemia / coagulopathy are corrected
Consult ICU / Surgery (liver trauma experienced)
What are the risks of a subcapsular hematoma?
Capsular rupture -> hemorrhage -> Severe anemia
DIC
Maternal death
How do you manage a patient with a ruptured subcapsular hematoma?
Massive transfusion protocol
Consultation for anesthesia and trauma surgery
Delivery via c/s
How do you counsel patient about recurrence risks following a pregnancy complicated by HELLP syndrome?
7%
Differential diagnosis for HELLP?
Acute fatty liver of pregnancy
thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura
pregnancy-related hemolytic-uremic syndrome
systemic lupus erythematosus
How do you define preterm labor?
Regular contractions with cervical change
What are risk factors for preterm labor?
Prior preterm birth PPROM Short cervix Infection Multiple gestation Polyhydramnios Smoking / Drugs Medical conditions
How do you evaluate a patient presenting with suspected preterm labor?
H&P Assess frequency of contractions and history of preterm delivery Labs: UA, UDS, GBS, GC, wet mount SSE w/ FFN collection Cervical length >3, sent home <2 dont sent FFN, check cervix and admit for PTL management 2-3cm I would send an FFN
How do you manage preterm labor?
Betamethasone
Magnesium sulfate for neuroprotection
FHR / Toco
I consider tocolytics for 48 hours in patients <34 weeks for the purpose of administration of steroids
How do you manage a patient admitted for PTL at 36 weeks?
Admit to hospital UA, Urine culture Antibiotics for GBS prophylaxis if positive or unknown Steroids No tocolytics Expectant management
What tocolytic do you use for PTL treatment?
Indomethacin
Procardia
What is the role of terbutaline in the management of preterm labor?
I do not use it, but it can be used for short duration for the purpose of getting steroids on board
What are the contraindications to tocolysis?
Intrauterine fetal demise Lethal fetal anomaly Nonreassuring fetal status Severe preeclampsia or eclampsia Maternal bleeding w/ hemodynamic instability Chorioamnionitis PPROM Maternal contraindications to specific medications
Specific contraindications for procardia?
Hypotension
Preload depending cardiac lesions (aortic insufficiency)
Specific contraindications for Indomethacin?
Platelet dysfunction / bleeding disorder Hepatic dysfunction GI Ulcer Renal dysfunction Asthma (in women with hypersensitivity to aspirin)
Specific contraindications for terbutaline?
Tachycardia sensitive maternal cardiac disease
Poorly controlled DM
What are potential complications of prolonged terbutaline use in a pregnant woman?
Death Arrhythmias / Tachycardia Hyperglycemia Hypokalemia Pulmonary edema Myocardial ischemia
Who do you consider a candidate for tocolysis?
Women at <34 week receiving corticosteroids due to increaed risk of preterm delivery
Women with uterine tachysystole
Women undergoing cerclage
What are the risks of chronic NSAID use in pregnancy at/or beyond 32 weeks gestation?
In utero constriction of ductus arteriosus (PDA)
Oligohydramnios
Necrotizing enterocolitis in preterm newborns
Will you tocolyze a previable gestation?
Not for preterm labor, though it can be used after a procedure (like abdominal surgery or cerclage placement)
How long do you continue tocolysis?
48 hours
Is there a role for oral tocolysis beyond 48-72 hours?
No
Who is a candidate for corticosteroids for fetal benefit?
Women that are at increased risk of delivery in the next 7 days that are less than 37 weeks
Who is a candidate for “rescue steroids?
<34 weeks of gestation AND at risk of preterm delivery within the next 7 days
AND whose prior course was >14 days prior (but can be considered within 7 days)
Unclear if beneficial in patients with PPROM
Who is a candidate for corticosteroids between 34-36w6d?
Singleton
No prior antenatal steroids
Not in patients likely to deliver in 12 hours
Not in patients with pregestational diabetes
Benefit of late preterm steroids?
Decreased need for respiratory support in 72 hours
Do you give more than 2 courses of steroids for fetal benefit?
No
What is the earliest gestational age you will give steroids for fetal benefit?
22 weeks if neonatal resuscitation is planned as it may help with mortality
What is the latest gestational age you will give steroids for fetal benefit?
36w6d
How does magnesium provide fetal benefit?
reduces the severity and risk of cerebral palsy, possibly via decreased excitotoxicity in the brain
Who is a candidate for magnesium for fetal neuroprotection?
Increased risk of imminent preterm delivery and gestational age>23 weeks but <32 weeks
Describe your regimen for mangesium for fetal neuroprotection.
4-6g loading dose, 1-2g/hour maintenance dose
Who should receive GBS prophylaxis
GBS positive in labor GBS bacteriuria in this pregnancy GBS unknown and preterm GBS unknown and >18 hours ruptured GBS unknown and prior pregnancy with GBS colonization GBS unknown and maternal fever >=100.4
How do you manage a patient with PTL and unknown GBS?
GBS culture
then treat them
How do you manage GBS prophylaxis in a patient with a low-risk allergy to penicillin?
Treat with cephalosporin
Cefazolin 2g iv, 1g q8h
How do you manage GBS prophylaxis in a patient with a high-risk allergy to penicillin?
Clindamycin and erythro susceptible: Clindamycin 900 mg IV every 8 hrs until delivery
Isolate not clindamycin susceptible: Vancomycin 1g q12 hours
When is a patient a candidate for discharge from the hospital following treatment for PTL?
Depends on the clinical picture and distance from hospital