Chad K Klauser

Carnegie Corporation of New York, New York City, NY, USA

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Publications (32)72.24 Total impact

  • Article: Factors affecting fetal presentation in twin pregnancies across gestation.
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    ABSTRACT: Abstract Objective: To describe pregnancy characteristics associated with the occurrence of spontaneous version in twin pregnancies from 20 weeks until delivery. Study Design: Review of ultrasound and pregnancy data for all twin pregnancies delivered >24 weeks by one Maternal-Fetal Medicine practice from June 2005 - May 2012. For each 4-week gestational age window, fetal presentations were recorded, as well as the likelihood of the final presentation being vertex for twin A and vertex for both twins. Case control analysis was performed to estimate associations between pregnancy characteristics and spontaneous version of twin A. Results: A total of 491 twin pregnancies were included. The distribution of fetal presentations changed significantly from 20 weeks to delivery, but the presentation at each gestational age interval was significantly associated with the final position of twin A and the likelihood of vertex-vertex presentation at delivery. The likelihood of spontaneous version of twin A decreased from 27.9% after 24 - 27 6/7 weeks, to 18.8% after 28 - 31 6/7 weeks, to 8.2% after 32 - 35 6/7 weeks. Pregnancy characteristics associated with spontaneous version of twin A were a prior vaginal delivery and increased fetal size of either twin. Conclusions:The likelihood of spontaneous version of twin A decreases as pregnancy advances. Parity and increased fetal size are associated with spontaneous version.
    The journal of maternal-fetal & neonatal medicine: the official journal of the European Association of Perinatal Medicine, the Federation of Asia and Oceania Perinatal Societies, the International Society of Perinatal Obstetricians 04/2013; · 1.36 Impact Factor
  • Article: Prophylactic Cerclage in the Management of Twin Pregnancies.
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    ABSTRACT: Objective To determine if prophylactic cerclage improves pregnancy outcomes in women with twin pregnancies without a history of cervical insufficiency.Study Design Women with twin pregnancies who received outpatient preterm labor surveillance services between January 1990 and May 2004 for ≥1 day beginning at < 28.0 weeks' gestation were identified from a database. Patients with previous preterm delivery or a diagnosis of cervical incompetence in a previous or in the index pregnancy were excluded. Twin pregnancies managed with prophylactic cerclage were compared with twin pregnancies in which cerclage was not placed. The primary outcome was incidence of preterm birth prior to 32 weeks. Groups were compared using Fisher exact and Mann-Whitney U test statistics.Results Overall, 8,218 twin pregnancies met inclusion criteria, of which 146 women (1.8%) received prophylactic cerclage. Patients who received prophylactic cerclage had a significantly higher incidence of preterm birth before 32 weeks and infants with lower mean birth weight and longer nursery stays. No significant difference was seen in mean gestational age at delivery. This study had 80% power to detect a 7% reduction in the primary outcome.Conclusion Prophylactic cerclage was not associated with a lower risk of preterm birth and adverse neonatal outcomes in twin pregnancies without history of cervical insufficiency.
    American Journal of Perinatology 01/2013; · 1.32 Impact Factor
  • Article: Effect of antenatal tocolysis on neonatal outcomes.
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    ABSTRACT: Objective: Detail adverse neonatal effects in pregnancies treated with indomethacin (I), magnesium sulfate (M) or nifedipine (N). Methods: Women in acute preterm labor with cervical dilatation 1-6 cm were randomized to receive one of three first-line tocolytic drugs. Results: There were 317 neonates (I = 103, M = 95, N = 119) whose mothers were treated with tocolytic therapy. There was no difference in gestational age at randomization (average 28.6 weeks' gestation) or at delivery (31.6 weeks' gestation, p = 0.551), birth weight (p = 0.871) or ventilator days (p = 0.089) between the three groups. Neonatal morbidity was not different between the three groups; respiratory distress syndrome (p = 0.086), patent ductus arteriosus (p = 0.592), sepsis (p = 0.590), necrotizing enterocolitis (p = 0.770), intraventricular hemorrhage (p = 0.669) and periventricular leukomalacia (p = 0.124). Conclusions: There were no statistically significant differences between the three tocolytics as far as composite neonatal morbidity or mortality was concerned.
    The journal of maternal-fetal & neonatal medicine: the official journal of the European Association of Perinatal Medicine, the Federation of Asia and Oceania Perinatal Societies, the International Society of Perinatal Obstetricians 08/2012; · 1.36 Impact Factor
  • Article: Induction of labor in twin compared with singleton pregnancies.
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    ABSTRACT: To estimate the likelihood of cesarean delivery and length of labor in twin pregnancies undergoing induction of labor as compared with singleton pregnancies. This was a retrospective cohort study of 100 patients with twin pregnancy in one maternal-fetal medicine practice undergoing induction of labor from 2005 to 2012. The control group was 100 randomly selected patients in the same practice with a singleton pregnancy undergoing induction of labor over the same time period. The primary outcome was mode of delivery (vaginal or cesarean). The likelihood of cesarean delivery did not differ between the groups (19% in twins compared with 21% in singletons, P=.724) nor did the time from induction to vaginal delivery (median and interquartile time 9.7 [5.5-12.5] hours in twins compared with 10.4 [6.6, 14.1] hours in singletons, P=.255). Results were not different when we looked at nulliparous patients only or multiparous patients only. On adjusted analysis of risk factors for cesarean delivery in patients undergoing induction, twin pregnancy was not independently associated with cesarean delivery. Patients with twin pregnancies undergoing induction of labor have a similar risk of cesarean delivery and a similar length of labor as patients with singleton pregnancies undergoing induction of labor. II.
    Obstetrics and Gynecology 08/2012; 120(2 Pt 1):297-301. · 4.73 Impact Factor
  • Article: Persistence of placenta previa in twin gestations based on gestational age at sonographic detection.
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    ABSTRACT: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the gestational age at sonographic detection of placenta previa as a predictor of previa persistence until delivery in twin gestations. A retrospective cohort of twin pregnancies with placenta previa in a single ultrasound unit was analyzed from 2005 to 2010. Pregnancies were ascertained from a database. Diagnoses were confirmed by transvaginal imaging. Previa was categorized as complete if the placenta completely covered the internal os or marginal if the inferior placental edge reached within 2 cm. Gestational ages were grouped into intervals from 15 to 35 weeks. The study outcome was placenta previa at delivery. Only twin pregnancies at 25 weeks' gestation and later were analyzed using nonparametric statistics as appropriate, with P < .05 as significant. Placenta previa was detected in 120 twin pregnancies in the second trimester: 32 complete and 88 marginal. Of those with placenta previa at 15 to 19, 20 to 23, 24 to 27, 28 to 31, and 32 to 35 weeks, previa persisted until delivery in 8.3%, 19.2%, 50%, 75%, and 92.5%, respectively. Only at 15- to 19- and 20- to 23-week intervals was complete previa more likely to persist than marginal previa (P < .001). The likelihood of placenta previa persistence in twins is dependent on the gestational age at sonographic detection. Only at earlier gestations does the type of previa affect its persistence. As gestational age advances, the likelihood of resolution of placenta previa diminishes regardless of the type noted.
    Journal of ultrasound in medicine: official journal of the American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine 07/2012; 31(7):985-9. · 1.25 Impact Factor
  • Article: Combined fetal fibronectin and cervical length and spontaneous preterm birth in asymptomatic triplet pregnancies.
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    ABSTRACT: Objective: To estimate the association between fetal fibronectin (fFN), cervical length (CL), and spontaneous preterm birth (SPTB) in asymptomatic women with triplet pregnancies. Study design: A cohort of 39 consecutive women with triplet pregnancies managed in one Maternal-Fetal medicine practice from 2005-2011 was analyzed. Combined fFN and CL testing was performed every 2 weeks from 22-32 weeks. A short CL was defined as ≤20 mm. Results: A positive fFN was significantly associated with SPTB <28 weeks, <30 weeks, <32 weeks, and <34 weeks. A short CL was significantly associated with SPTB <32 weeks. On combined testing, having both tests positive was associated with the highest likelihood of SPTB at all gestational ages. As a screening test for SPTB <32 weeks, having both a positive fFN and a short CL had a sensitivity of 62.5%, specificity of 90%, positive predictive value of 62.5%, negative predictive value of 90%, positive likelihood ration of 2.98 and negative likelihood ratio of 0.88. Combined fFN and CL outperformed fFN alone, CL alone, or either test being positive alone. Conclusions: In asymptomatic women with triplet pregnancies, fFN and CL are each significantly associated with SPTB. For the prediction of SPTB, combined fFN and CL testing outperforms either test alone.
    The journal of maternal-fetal & neonatal medicine: the official journal of the European Association of Perinatal Medicine, the Federation of Asia and Oceania Perinatal Societies, the International Society of Perinatal Obstetricians 05/2012; 25(11):2308-11. · 1.36 Impact Factor
  • Article: Vaginal fetal fibronectin as a predictor of spontaneous preterm delivery in triplet gestations.
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    ABSTRACT: Objective: To assess the diagnostic accuracy of vaginal fetal fibronectin (fFN) sampling for predicting preterm birth in asymptomatic women carrying triplet gestations. Methods: An historical cohort of patients carrying triplet gestations between 1998 and 2010 was identified from a single practice by chart review. All patients were screened with fFN testing at 2-3 week intervals from 22 weeks to 32 weeks of gestation. Outcomes evaluated were spontaneous preterm birth prior to 28, 30, and 32 weeks' gestation and delivery within 2 and 3 weeks of testing. Results: There were 56 pregnancies that met criteria for inclusion. For delivery prior to 30 weeks' gestation, the test had a sensitivity of 75%, a specificity of 85.4%, a positive predictive value of 46.2%, a negative predictive value of 95.3%, positive likelihood ratio of 5.13, and a negative likelihood ratio of 0.29 (p < 0.0001). For delivery within 3 weeks of a single fFN assessment, the test had a sensitivity of 53.3%, a specificity of 95.8%, a positive predictive value of 53.3%, a negative predictive value of 95.8%, positive likelihood ratio of 12.7 and negative likelihood ratio of 0.48 (p < 0.0001). Conclusion: Fetal fibronectin testing provides moderate to high prediction of spontaneous preterm birth in triplet gestations.
    The journal of maternal-fetal & neonatal medicine: the official journal of the European Association of Perinatal Medicine, the Federation of Asia and Oceania Perinatal Societies, the International Society of Perinatal Obstetricians 04/2012; 25(10):1921-3. · 1.36 Impact Factor
  • Article: Cervical length at 30-32 weeks and the risk of Cesarean delivery in twin pregnancies.
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    ABSTRACT: To estimate the association between the cervical length (CL) measurement at 30-32 weeks and the mode of delivery in twin pregnancies. This was a retrospective study of a cohort, from 2005-2010, of 265 twin pregnancies with a CL measurement at 30-32 weeks. We compared the CL measurement at 30-32 weeks based on mode of delivery. We then analyzed our data across four subgroups, based on the CL measurement quartiles at 30-32 weeks. We performed this analysis in all patients, and also performed a planned subgroup analysis of 130 patients who attempted a vaginal delivery. In all patients, including those who attempted a vaginal delivery, the mean CL at 30-32 weeks was significantly shorter in women who delivered vaginally compared with women who had a Cesarean section. The likelihood of Cesarean delivery increased significantly with increasing CL measurement across the groups defined by measurement quartiles. On adjusted analysis controlling for maternal age, race, in-vitro fertilization, chorionicity, induction of labor and prior vaginal delivery, the CL measurement at 30-32 weeks was independently associated with mode of delivery. In twin pregnancies, the CL at 30-32 weeks is significantly associated with the likelihood of Cesarean delivery. A longer CL may represent underdevelopment of the uterus, leading to a higher risk of Cesarean delivery in labor at term.
    Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology 08/2011; 39(5):510-4. · 3.01 Impact Factor
  • Article: The significance of a positive fetal fibronectin in the setting of a normal cervical length in twin pregnancies.
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    ABSTRACT: To estimate the risk of preterm birth in asymptomatic women with twin pregnancies with a normal cervical length (CL) and a positive fetal fibronectin (fFN), we reviewed a retrospective cohort of twin pregnancies delivered in our practice from 2005 to 2010. Patients were screened from 22 to 32 weeks with CL and fFN at 2- to 4-week intervals. We examined 244 patients with twin pregnancies and a normal CL (>25 mm) between 22 and 32 weeks and compared outcomes based on the fFN result. Fourteen (5.7%) patients had a positive fFN and 230 (94.3%) patients had a negative fFN. Positive fFN was associated with an increased the risk of spontaneous preterm birth < 37 weeks (85.7% versus 38.3%, p = 0.001), < 35 weeks (50% versus 11.8%, p < 0.001), < 34 weeks (35.7% versus 6.9%, p < 0.001), and < 32 weeks (21.4% versus 2.2%, p < 0.001). On adjusted analysis, a positive fFN was independently associated with preterm birth < 32 weeks (odds ratio 6.8, 95% confidence interval 1.42, 32.2) and gestational age at delivery (p = 0.001). In the setting of a normal CL, a positive fFN is significantly associated with preterm birth in asymptomatic twin pregnancies. Contingency model screening of fFN in asymptomatic twin pregnancies solely based on CL evaluation may fail to identify a cohort of at-risk patients.
    American Journal of Perinatology 08/2011; 29(4):267-72. · 1.32 Impact Factor
  • Article: Second-trimester estimated fetal weight and discordance in twin pregnancies: association with fetal growth restriction.
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    ABSTRACT: The purpose of this study was to estimate the association between second-trimester estimated fetal weight and fetal growth restriction in twin pregnancies. A historical cohort of 306 twin pregnancies from a single center was analyzed. Estimated fetal weight and discordance at 18 to 24 weeks were calculated. Patients with a fetus whose second-trimester estimated fetal weight was below the 10th percentile were compared to patients with both fetuses at or above the 10th percentile. Also, patients with second-trimester discordance of 15% or greater were compared to patients with discordance of less than 15%. Second-trimester discordance was significantly smaller than birth weight discordance (mean discordance ± SD, 7.41% ± 6.06% versus 11.43% ± 9.6%, respectively; P < .001). Patients with second-trimester discordance of 15% or greater were significantly more likely to deliver a twin with a birth weight below the 10th percentile for gestational age (67.7% versus 44.1%; P = .012) and below the 5th percentile for gestational age (41.9% versus 22.8%; P = .019). Patients with a second-trimester estimated fetal weight below the 10th percentile were significantly more likely to deliver a twin with a birth weight below the 10th percentile for gestational age (65.5% versus 44.5%; P = .031) and below the 5th percentile for gestational age (55.2% versus 21.5%; P < .001). In twin pregnancies, second-trimester estimated fetal weight below the 10th percentile and discordance of 15% or greater are associated with fetal growth restriction.
    Journal of ultrasound in medicine: official journal of the American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine 08/2011; 30(8):1095-101. · 1.25 Impact Factor
  • Article: Treatment of severe nausea and vomiting of pregnancy with subcutaneous medications.
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    ABSTRACT: We examined treatment outcomes in women with severe nausea and vomiting of pregnancy (NVP) receiving outpatient nursing support and either subcutaneous metoclopramide or subcutaneous ondansetron via a microinfusion pump. Among women receiving outpatient nursing services, we identified those diagnosed with severe NVP having a Pregnancy-Unique Quantification of Emesis (PUQE) score of greater than 12 at enrollment and prescribed either metoclopramide (N = 355) or ondansetron (N = 521) by their physician. Maternal characteristics, response to treatment, and start versus stop values were compared between the medication groups. Allocation to group was based on intention-to-treat protocol. Maternal characteristics were similar between the groups. Days to reduction in PUQE score levels were similar (median 2 days, metoclopramide; 3 days, ondansetron; P = 0.206). Alteration from metoclopramide to ondansetron (31.8%) was more frequent than alteration from ondansetron to metoclopramide (4.4%; P < 0.001). Improvement of NVP symptoms and reduced need for hospitalization was noted with both medications. Treatment with either metoclopramide or ondansetron resulted in significant improvement of NVP symptoms with half of women showing a reduction from severe symptoms to moderate or mild symptoms within 3 days of treatment initiation. Alteration in treatment was significantly greater in patients initially prescribed metoclopramide.
    American Journal of Perinatology 06/2011; 28(9):715-21. · 1.32 Impact Factor
  • Article: The effect of maternal obesity on pregnancy outcomes in women with gestational diabetes.
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    ABSTRACT: To examine the impact of maternal obesity on maternal and neonatal outcomes in pregnancies complicated with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). Women with singleton pregnancies and GDM enrolled in an outpatient GDM education, surveillance and management program were identified. Maternal and neonatal pregnancy outcomes were compared for obese (pre-pregnancy BMI ≥ 30 kg/m(2)) and non-obese (pre-pregnancy BMI < 30 kg/m(2)) women and for women across five increasing pre-pregnancy BMI categories. A total of 3798 patients were identified. Maternal obesity was significantly associated with the need for oral hypoglycemic agents or insulin, development of pregnancy-related hypertension, interventional delivery, and cesarean delivery. Adverse neonatal outcomes were also significantly increased including stillbirth, macrosomia, shoulder dystocia, need for NICU admission, hypoglycemia, and jaundice. When looking across five increasing BMI categories, increasing BMI was significantly associated with the same adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes. In women with GDM, increasing maternal BMI is significantly associated with worse maternal and neonatal outcomes.
    The journal of maternal-fetal & neonatal medicine: the official journal of the European Association of Perinatal Medicine, the Federation of Asia and Oceania Perinatal Societies, the International Society of Perinatal Obstetricians 03/2011; 24(5):723-7. · 1.36 Impact Factor
  • Article: First-trimester aneuploidy risk assessment: the impact of comprehensive counseling and same-day results on patient satisfaction, anxiety, and knowledge.
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    ABSTRACT: We evaluated the added benefit of a comprehensive counseling protocol for first-trimester aneuploidy risk assessment. We performed a prospective cohort study surveying patients referred for first-trimester aneuploidy risk assessment. We compared responses between women who underwent serum testing done in advance of their ultrasound such that their final risk assessment was given to them the same day as their ultrasound (comprehensive) versus women who underwent serum testing the same day as their ultrasound and who therefore received their final risk assessment later (standard). Response rate was 94.8%. The comprehensive group was significantly more likely to receive counseling in accordance with recommended American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) guidelines, had significantly greater reduction in anxiety and increased satisfaction, and was more likely to report an increased understanding of their results. The comprehensive group scored significantly higher on test-style questions about aneuploidy risk assessment. Comprehensive aneuploidy risk assessment counseling including same-day results is associated with increased patient understanding and satisfaction, decreased anxiety, and increased adherence to ACOG guidelines.
    American Journal of Perinatology 01/2011; 28(1):13-8. · 1.32 Impact Factor
  • Article: Women with preterm premature rupture of the membranes do not benefit from weekly progesterone.
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    ABSTRACT: We sought to determine if 17-alpha-hydroxyprogesterone (17P) extends gestation vs placebo in women with preterm premature rupture of the membranes (PPROM). Women with vertex presentations with PPROM, 20-30 weeks' gestation, were randomized to receive weekly 17P or placebo in an attempt to prolong the pregnancy. A total of 69 patients (17P, n = 33; placebo, n = 36) were randomized into this study. Initial cervical dilatation, gestational age at enrollment, and interval to delivery were not different between the 2 groups (P = .914, .424, and .146, respectively). Time of randomization to delivery (P = .250), mode of delivery (relative risk, 1.16; 95% confidence interval, 0.66-2.06), and the neonatal outcome statistics of morbidity (P = .820) and mortality (relative risk, 1.28; 95% confidence interval, 0.59-2.75) were similar between the 2 groups. In patients with PPROM, 17P did not extend gestation vs placebo and cannot be recommended for treatment in such women.
    American journal of obstetrics and gynecology 01/2011; 204(1):54.e1-5. · 3.28 Impact Factor
  • Article: Association between second-trimester cervical length and spontaneous preterm birth in twin pregnancies.
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    ABSTRACT: The purpose of this study was to define normal second-trimester cervical length (CL) measurements and to estimate the association between second-trimester CL and spontaneous preterm birth (SPTB) in twin pregnancies. A retrospective cohort of 309 asymptomatic patients with twin pregnancies who had routine outpatient CL assessment in the second trimester was studied. We looked at the gestational age periods of 16 to 17 6/7, 18 to 19 6/7, 20 to 21 6/7, and 22 to 23 6/7 weeks. We estimated the association between the CL measurement during each period and SPTB. A short CL was defined both as a CL at or below the 10th percentile for gestational age and 25 mm or less. We also performed regression analyses controlling for a number of clinically important factors: maternal age, chorionicity, in vitro fertilization, multifetal reduction, prior term births, prior preterm births, prepregnancy body mass index, and cerclage. The CL measurement at 16 to 17 6/7 weeks was not associated with gestational age at delivery or SPTB. At 18 to 19 6/7 and 20 to 21 6/7 weeks, the CL measurement was not significantly associated with gestational age at delivery or SPTB before 28 and 32 weeks. There was an association with SPTB before 35 weeks. At 22 to 23 6/7 weeks, the CL measurement had a significant association with gestational age at delivery and SPTB before 28, 32, and 35 weeks (P < .05). A short CL at 22 to 23 6/7 weeks was significantly associated with SPTB before 32 and 35 weeks (P < .05). In second-trimester twin pregnancies, the strongest association between CL and SPTB is at 22 to 23 6/7 weeks.
    Journal of ultrasound in medicine: official journal of the American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine 12/2010; 29(12):1733-9. · 1.25 Impact Factor
  • Article: Intrauterine growth restriction in twin pregnancies: incidence and associated risk factors.
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    ABSTRACT: We sought to estimate the association of several maternal risk factors with intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) in twin pregnancies. This is a case-control study of 313 patients with twin pregnancies delivered greater than 24 weeks between June 2005 and January 2010. We used three definitions of IUGR: (1) either twin with a birth weight < 10th percentile for gestational age; (2) either twin with a birth weight < 5th percentile for gestational age; and (3) birth-weight discordance ≥ 20%. Using each definition of IUGR, we estimated the association between IUGR and maternal age, weight, monochorionicity, in vitro fertilization, pregnancy reduction, thrombophilia, hypertension, and diabetes. Overall, 47% of patients delivered at least one twin with a birth weight <10th percentile, 27% of patients delivered at least one twin with a birth weight <5th percentile, and 16% of patients had birth-weight discordance of ≥20%. Using any of these three definitions for IUGR in twin pregnancies, there was no significant association between IUGR and any of the risk factors examined. This remained true when we excluded all patients who delivered <34 weeks. IUGR is very common in twin pregnancies. However, in twin pregnancies, IUGR cannot be predicted by maternal risk factors.
    American Journal of Perinatology 12/2010; 28(4):267-72. · 1.32 Impact Factor
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    Article: Weight gain in twin pregnancies and adverse outcomes: examining the 2009 Institute of Medicine guidelines.
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    ABSTRACT: To estimate whether the weight gain recommendations for twin pregnancies in the 2009 Institute of Medicine (IOM) guidelines are associated with improved perinatal outcomes. A cohort of 297 twin pregnancies was identified from a single practice with measured prepregnancy body mass index (BMI) and weight gain during pregnancy. Recommended IOM guidelines were applied to our cohort based on prepregnancy BMI categories (normal weight, overweight, obese). Pregnancy outcomes were compared between patients whose weight gain met or exceeded the IOM recommendations and patients who did not meet these recommendations. Patients with normal prepregnancy BMIs whose weight gain met the IOM recommendations had significantly improved outcomes compared with patients who did not meet the IOM recommendations. They were less likely to have preterm birth before 32 weeks (5.0% compared with 13.8%) and spontaneous preterm birth before 32 weeks (3.4% compared with 11.5%). They also delivered significantly larger neontates (larger twin birth weight 2,582.1+/-493.4 g compared with 2,370.3+/-586.0 g; smaller twin birth weight 2,277.0+/-512.1 g compared with 2,109.3+/-560.9 g) and were significantly more likely to have both neonates weigh more than 2,500 g (38.8% compared with 22.5%) and more than 1,000 g (97.5% compared with 91.2%) and were less likely to deliver any twin with a birth weight lower than the fifth percentile for gestational age (21.5% compared with 35.0%). In women with twin pregnancies and normal starting BMIs, weight gain during pregnancy is significantly associated with improved outcomes, including a decreased risk of prematurity and larger birth weights. II.
    Obstetrics and Gynecology 07/2010; 116(1):100-6. · 4.73 Impact Factor
  • Article: Prediction of placenta accreta by ultrasonography and color Doppler imaging.
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    ABSTRACT: To determine the accuracy of ultrasound and color flow Doppler to diagnose placenta accreta. Respectively, ultrasound images consistent with signs of placenta accreta (concomitant previa, numerous vascular lacunae, absent lower uterine segment between bladder-placenta, turbulent or complicated blood flow at the uteroplacental interface) were correlated with findings at the time of surgery and pathologic examination. Over 64 months, 12 cases with suspected placenta accreta by ultrasound were studied. The median gestational age at first diagnosis was 25 weeks and 92% had a previa while all had at least one previous cesarean delivery. At surgery, 83% (10/12) had an adherent placenta requiring hysterectomy (eight accreta, one increta, and one percreta). There were two false positives (one complete previa, one low-lying placenta with vasa previa). Nine of 12 women (75%) required blood transfusions due to a mean hematocrit nadir of 22.7 ± 4.6%. The mean number of packed red blood cell units transfused was 4.9 ± 4.7 units (range 2-17 units). Sonography coupled with color-flow Doppler appears helpful in allowing antenatal diagnosis of accreta.
    The journal of maternal-fetal & neonatal medicine: the official journal of the European Association of Perinatal Medicine, the Federation of Asia and Oceania Perinatal Societies, the International Society of Perinatal Obstetricians 05/2010; 24(1):118-21. · 1.36 Impact Factor
  • Article: Active second-stage management in twin pregnancies undergoing planned vaginal delivery in a U.S. population.
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    ABSTRACT: To estimate neonatal morbidity and delivery outcomes according to planned mode of delivery in twin pregnancies with active second-stage management. This was an historic cohort of twin pregnancies delivered in one practice between June 2005 and September 2009 using a strict protocol of second-stage management, including breech extraction of a second noncephalic twin and internal version of a nonengaged cephalic second twin followed by breech extraction. Primary outcome was a 5-minute Apgar score less than 7 for twin B. Secondary outcomes were 5-minute Apgar score less than 7 for twin A and 1-minute Apgar score less than 7 and arterial cord pH below 7.20 for each twin. A total of 287 twin pregnancies were included. There were 157 patients (54.7%) in the planned cesarean group and 130 patients (45.3%) in the planned vaginal delivery group. There was no significant difference in the rates of twin B having a 5-minute Apgar score lower than 7 or an arterial cord pH below 7.20. Among the patients in the planned vaginal delivery group, the cesarean delivery rate was 15.4%. No patients had a vaginal delivery of twin A followed by cesarean delivery of twin B. Among the patients in the planned vaginal delivery group, patients who had a successful vaginal delivery were more likely to be younger (31.56+/-6.6 compared with 36.88+/-6.1 years, P=.001) and were more likely to have a prior vaginal delivery (47.3% compared with 15.0%, P=.007). Planned vaginal delivery of twin pregnancies seems to be associated with neonatal outcomes similar to those with planned cesarean delivery. Active second-stage management is associated with good neonatal outcomes and a low risk of combined vaginal-cesarean delivery. II.
    Obstetrics and Gynecology 02/2010; 115(2 Pt 1):229-33. · 4.73 Impact Factor
  • Article: Using 17 α-hydroxyprogesterone caproate to impact rates of recurrent preterm delivery in clinical practice.
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    ABSTRACT: Evaluation of an outpatient 17 α-hydroxyprogesterone caproate (17P) administration programme. A retrospective analysis of data collected from patients with a history of preterm birth (PTB) and current singleton gestation enrolled between 16.0 and 20.9 weeks' gestational age (GA) for weekly outpatient 17P administration and nursing assessment between 7/2004 and 12/2007 was conducted (n=3139). The population was mostly white (50.3%), 18-35 years old (77.7%), and married (67.0%). Median GA at 17P initiation and stop was 17.4 (16.0, 20.9) weeks and 35.1 (18.6, 37.4) weeks. Mean injections per patient were 16.5±4.9, at an interval of 7.2 days. Median GA at delivery was 37.3 (18.6, 44.0) weeks. Rate of recurrent spontaneous PTB was 29.8%, with 15.5% and 7.0% with PTB at <35 and <32 weeks. This represents the largest cohort reported to date of patients prescribed 17P therapy in clinical practice to prevent recurrent spontaneous PTB.
    The journal of maternal-fetal & neonatal medicine: the official journal of the European Association of Perinatal Medicine, the Federation of Asia and Oceania Perinatal Societies, the International Society of Perinatal Obstetricians 02/2010; 23(10):1139-42. · 1.36 Impact Factor

Institutions

  • 2011–2013
    • Carnegie Corporation of New York
      New York City, NY, USA
    • Willis-Knighton Health System
      Shreveport, LA, USA
  • 2010–2013
    • Mount Sinai School of Medicine
      • Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Science
      Manhattan, NY, USA
    • Reproductive Medicine Associates of New York
      New York City, NY, USA
    • Gracie Square Hospital, New York, NY
      New York City, NY, USA
  • 2012
    • Mount Sinai Hospital
      New York City, NY, USA
  • 2003–2010
    • University of Mississippi Medical Center
      • Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology
      Jackson, MS, USA
  • 2007
    • The University of Tennessee Health Science Center
      • Department of Pediatrics
      Memphis, TN, USA