The Green Room: A Podcast from Obstetrics & Gynecology

Dr. Naida M. Cole, an Assistant Professor and chief of the OB anesthesia division at the University of Chicago, dives into critical discussions on maternal health equity and the impact of healthcare policies on maternal outcomes. She highlights innovative approaches to managing uterine atony and postpartum hemorrhage, including insights from her research on second-line uterotonics. The conversation also addresses ACOG's recent guideline updates, particularly in shared decision-making for patient care, and the implications of recent clinical trials in obstetric practices.

Ebony Carter, a reproductive health equity researcher and associate professor at UNC School of Medicine, shares her expertise on diabetes in pregnancy. She discusses the benefits of group prenatal care over traditional methods, highlighting improved postpartum engagement and disparities in outcomes. The conversation explores the challenges of transitioning to virtual care during the pandemic and the importance of adapting practices based on patient needs. Carter's insights shed light on the evolving landscape of prenatal care and the necessity for evidence-based approaches.

Dive into the latest advancements in managing diabetes during pregnancy, where expert insights highlight the role of continuous glucose monitoring in improving outcomes. Discover innovative diagnostic methods for hyperglycemia, focusing on the urgent need for early detection. A new multi-center trial aims to shed light on glucose metabolism's impact on pregnancy. The discussion underscores the significance of research in transforming prenatal care and enhancing the health of both mothers and babies.

Courtney Kerestes, a complex family planning specialist at The Ohio State University and author on innovative abortion-related research, joins the discussion. She introduces the LMP-SURE self-screening tool that allows patients to assess eligibility for medication abortion without unnecessary ultrasounds. The talk also dives into a multi-site study reviewing this method's impressive accuracy and the significant role of period tracking apps in enhancing LMP dating. This conversation highlights the need for patient-centered approaches in gynecological care.

Jennifer Hoskovec, VP of Clinical Affairs at Billion to One, dives into the latest breakthroughs in prenatal testing. She discusses the rise of personalized management for hemolytic disease, emphasizing non-invasive methods and cell-free DNA technology to enhance patient care. The conversation highlights a pivotal study on nipocalumab's potential to treat severe neonatal conditions and introduces innovative algorithms for managing red blood cell isoimmunization. With a focus on collaboration and accuracy, Hoskovec shares insights that could reshape obstetric practices.

Dr. Torri D. Metz, an associate professor and maternal-fetal medicine expert at the University of Utah, shares key insights on managing mild chronic hypertension during pregnancy. She discusses the benefits of elective induction at 39 weeks, emphasizing tailored delivery approaches for better maternal and fetal health. The conversation also covers innovative postpartum monitoring practices and the importance of research for improved outcomes, including findings from the significant CHAP trial on blood pressure management for pregnant individuals.

Kimberley A. Bullard, an OB-GYN resident at the University of Tennessee, Chattanooga, focuses her research on improving reproductive health access. She discusses the cost-effectiveness of immediate postpartum long-acting reversible contraception (LARC), emphasizing its role in reducing severe maternal morbidity. Bullard explores the intersection of gynecology, health policy, and patient preferences, detailing the barriers individuals face in accessing affordable contraception. This insightful dialogue invites listeners to consider the importance of shared decision-making in healthcare.

Dr. Andrea Ries Thurman, a board-certified OBGYN and medical director at Dare Bioscience, discusses groundbreaking research on female sexual health. She highlights the promising results of a study on topical sildenafil cream for Female Sexual Arousal Disorder, emphasizing its potential to improve women's lives. The conversation also touches on the challenges faced in treating this condition, the emotional impacts on patients, and the critical need for more research and awareness in women's sexual health.

Dr. Marcela Smid, an associate professor and expert in maternal-fetal medicine, dives into pressing concerns in obstetrics. She discusses alarming trends in congenital syphilis and hemorrhage-related deaths, stressing the need for targeted interventions. The conversation highlights innovative strategies in optimizing opioid prescriptions after cesarean sections, balancing effective pain management with a patient-centered approach. Smid's insights into addressing substance use disorders among pregnant patients underscore the importance of collaboration in improving maternal health outcomes.

Dr. Holly B. Ende, an expert in obstetric anesthesiology at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, dives into groundbreaking advancements in postpartum hemorrhage risk prediction. She discusses the development of a real-time predictive model, emphasizing its integration into clinical settings for better patient outcomes. The podcast also highlights the importance of validating these models within electronic health records to enhance healthcare provider efficiency and improve maternal care. Listeners will gain insights into the urgency of timely interventions and the collaborative efforts to refine clinical prediction tools.