Dr. Chapa’s OBGYN Clinical Pearls

The historic saying is, “there is nothing new under the sun”. So true! Such is the case with the extraperitoneal C-section. First advocated in 1823 by French obstetrician, Louis-Auguste Baudelocque, this complex technique fell to the waste-side with the advent of antibiotic availability. But now, this extra-peritoneal cesarean technique, A.K.A. the "French AmbUlatory Cesarean Section" technique (FAUCS), is trending on social media. Is this safe? Does this have any advantage over a traditional C-section? And why has one country recently BANNED this procedure? In this episode we will present this novel technique and explain why some are calling for caution in its adoption.

The “cure” for preeclampsia is NOT delivery. Preeclampsia is an important signal for future cardiovascular complications once pregnancy is over. While there may not be a true “cure”, we do have options for chemoprophylaxis of preeclampsia. Currently, only low-dose aspirin is ACOG/SMFM endorsed for preeeclampsia prevention. But pravastatin is gaining steam. Pravastatin was previously classified (in the now discontinued FDA label) Category X. However, the FDA recently removed the warning regarding use of statins in pregnancy, resulting from the favorable data on pravastatin as a potential chemoprophylactic agent against preeclampsia. While short term fetal safety has already been documented, there was a gap in data regarding long-term neurodevelopmental outcomes in children exposed to this medication in- utero. But new data has some reassuring findings (with a CAVEAT). In this episode, we will highlight a soon-to-be released publication in the AJOG, which is the first to report on the long-term neuromotor, cognitive, and behavioral outcomes of children exposed to pravastatin in utero.

Some obstetrical publications discuss adverse perinatal outcomes based on a short interpregnancy interval (IPI). A separate, yet related topic, is a short interdelivery interval (IDI). Most obstetrical care providers are aware of the adverse obstetrical outcomes following a short IPI. However, short IPI has also been linked to adverse neurodevelopmental disorders in the child. Are repeat fetal growth ultrasounds indicated in a pregnancy following a short IPI? Is antepartum fetal surveillance indicated? In this episode, we will tackle the short interpregnancy interval, and we will end the podcast with the Level C guidance regarding pregnancy management following a short IPI.

In 2018, the ACOG recommended immediate induction of labor/delivery for patients with PPROM, who had sure gestational dating, and were at 34 weeks and 0 days or more. This was in order to reduce the risk of neonatal sepsis. This changed, however, in 2020 with ACOG Practice Bulletin 217 which discussed expected management for PPROM in the late preterm interval. Nonetheless, as is our tagline for this podcast, “medicine moves fast”. In February 2023, a current commentary was published in BJOG adding a cautionary note to the option of expected management in the late preterm interval. In this episode, we will review the acog guidelines, review GBS culture versus NAAT, and summarize this current commentary from BJOG. What is the one clinical factor that should be considered in planning for expected management with PPROM in the late preterm interval? We will explain it in this episode.

As part of our medical training and education, we often learn diagnoses in isolation. For example, we have learned that Proliferative Endometrium on EMB is a non-pathological finding. That result can be left alone without therapy, correct? But what if that is found in the context of a postmenopausal patient. Is it still considered a nonpathological finding? In this episode, we will summarize the current nomenclature for endometrial pathology and why one classification scheme is favored over the other (EIN over WHO). We will also summarize key points form a February 2023 publication (Obstetrics and Gynecology) released under the section, “Clinical Conundrums: Proliferative Endometrium in Menopause, to Treat or Not to Treat?”.

Marginal cord insertions can be found on antenatal ultrasound. What is the data regarding marginal cord insertion and adverse neonatal outcomes? Is there a relationship, or is this a benign finding? Are serial growth ultrasounds recommended? What about antepartum fetal surveillance for isolated marginal cord insertion? In this episode, we will review the latest data on pregnancies with marginal cord insertion. We will end the episode with a summary of the expert opinions regarding best practice for management of pregnancies found to have a marginal cord insertion.

This is our impromptu podcast session in-between patients in our OB Clinic. In this episode, Dr. Leon-Arango (Senior Resident) highlights the importance of looking “deeper” into a patient’s persistent complaint of depression despite a negative PHQ9 score, based on her encounter from today. This real example of a physician’s perception of need for intervention likely helped to change the trajectory of this patient’s life. Listen in as we go “beyond the PHQ9”.

The first case of placenta accreta listed on PubMed was reported in 1927 by Dr D.S. Forster out of Montreal. That was 1 case in 8000 deliveries! Now, according to the National Accreta Foundation, PAS occurs in 1 in 272 pregnancies. How did we get to this rate? In this episode we will highlight data from ACOG, SMFM, and the National Accreta Foundation. We will highlight key ultrasound markers, patient risk stratification, and review what a PAS Care Center is. This is how we win the battle against PAS.

Delayed cord clamping (DCC) provides vital placental transfusion to newborns and is endorsed by ACOG, SMFM, March of Dimes, and the ACNM. However, DCC in nonvigorous newborns may not be provided owing to a perceived need for immediate resuscitation. Umbilical cord milking, in late-term and full-term neonates, is an alternative in these cases. In December 2020, the ACOG’s Committee Opinion stated a lack of outcomes data for umbilical cord milking in nonvigorous newborns. This Level 1 data has now arrived (February 2023). In this episode, we will summarize the key findings from this soon-to-be released publication from the AJOG on umbilical cord milking in nonvigorous newborns born at >/= 35 weeks.

Historically, IUDs where considered contraindicated in a patient with a prior ectopic pregnancy. This was due to concerns that IUDs may be causative of tubal gestations. Is this true? Are IUDs contraindicated with a past history of ectopic pregnancy? In this episode we will review the data from the CHOICE project, the CDC (US), and the Royal College of OBGYN (UK). We will also summarize key findings from a May 2022 Green Journal publication that investigated this very issue, and we will explain why some IUSs may be MORE protective (52mg vs 13.5mg) against ectopic than others (Thank you Jessica W. for this timely and clinically relevant podcast topic suggestion).