Dr. Chapa’s Clinical Pearls.

Correction of iron deficiency anemia in pregnancy is not just about fixing a low “H & H”. Iron deficiency during pregnancy is associated with real adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes. What is the best way to take oral iron supplementation? What about IV iron? Does “intramuscular” iron injection have a place in practice? Let’s cover these questions and more in this session.

Nifedipine is one of the most common medications used for tocolysis. However, does it actually improve neonatal outcomes? What about tocolysis in general? In this session we will review a new randomized trial from Parkland, published in July 2021 in Obstetrics Gynecology (Green Journal).

According to the latest US Census Bureau report analyzing the use of languages in the United States, over 20% of Americans speak a language other than English at home. Of this population, greater than 24% report that they do not speak English well or do not speak English at all. With a US population of more than 300 million, this makes over 70 million people with limited English proficiency. In this session, we will review best practices for using medical translation with our patients and why using family members as “ad hoc translators“ can land us in hot water (aqua caliente!)

Our understanding of gestational diabetes has changed over the last two decades, and more changes are sure to come! The traditional screen between 24 to 28 weeks may actually be too late. Enter the “GO MOMs” study. This NIH study, starting now, aims to answer the persistent unknowns regarding maternal blood levels during gestation. Listen to how this remarkable study may impact our screening, diagnosis, and management of gestational diabetes in the very near future.

Welcome back! In this session, we will review the contraindications for LEEP and the specific indications for CKC.

In 2019, the ASCCP made some impactful changes to the management algorithm for cervical dysplasia. Why was the treatment algorithm divided between those under the age of 25 years and those over 25 years of age? When is observation without excision preferred? And, what’s the best way to perform surveillance after an excision procedure? In this session, which is Part 1, we will review the guidelines related to surgical excision of high-grade dysplasia.

Cesarean section is the most common laparotomy performed worldwide. So, you would think we would have a standardized way of closing the uterine incision. But we don’t! What does the data say about single layer hysterotomy closure compared to two layer closure? Is one really better for TOLAC? Is one associated with more complications than the other? The answer is a little bit more complicated than you think. In this session, we will review the aggregate data on this persistent debate.

I love how our medical community can come together to discuss and brainstorm on better ways to care for our patients. Last night I received a message from Allison, from Chicago. Thanks Allison! She had a question regarding our recent RLS podcast and the potential role for magnesium supplementation for the condition. Is magnesium an effective treatment choice for RLS? Let’s review that data now.

Welcome to Part 2! In this session we will complete our discussion of RLS in Pregnancy and review its workup and management strategies.

Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS), now often referred to as Willis–Ekbom Disease (WED), is a common sensorimotor disturbance much more prevalent in women and during pregnancy. Do you know the potential pathophysiological tie between pregnancy and this condition? What are RLS symptoms? What about treatment? Let’s dive into this very common, yet largely overlooked, issue in the session.