Duke Material Fetal Medicine faculty and fellows presented data at the 37th Annual Pregnancy Meeting of the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine (SMFM) held January 23-28, 2017. Read about the exciting new developments in the treatment of high risk pregnancy.
Day 1
Oxytocin-Related Gene Expression Predicts Outcomes in Induced Near-Term Labor
Variations in genes involved in oxytocin receptor (OXTR) signaling appear to influence oxytocin dosing requirements during induced labor, according to findings from a new study. Genetic variants within the OXTR signaling system also correlate with the duration of labor and the risk of cesarean delivery in women undergoing induced near-term labor. Read more>>
Women’s Knowledge of Zika Virus Drives Decisions on Prenatal Screening and Invasive Testing
Pregnant women demonstrate varied levels of knowledge regarding the risks of Zika virus infection and maternal-fetal transmission, according to findings from a new patient survey. Furthermore, knowledge of Zika virus appears to influence choices about prenatal screening, invasive testing, and pregnancy termination. Read more>>
New Wound Protocol Reduces Surgical-Site Infections After Cesarean Delivery
Negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) significantly lowers the risk of surgical-site infections after cesarean delivery in women who are morbidly obese, according to the results of a new study. Since the utilization of NPWT in January 2015 for all morbidly obese women undergoing cesarean delivery, the risk of postoperative infections has decreased by 60% in this high-risk group. Read more>>
Day 2
Most Pregnant Women Desire Additional Testing to Inform Their Decisions About Zika Virus
Faced with potential exposure to Zika virus, most pregnant women desire additional clinical information in the form of repeat ultrasonography and amniocentesis, according to results of a patient survey. These findings highlight the importance of patient preferences in algorithms for managing exposure to Zika virus. Read more >>
Cervical Microbiome Diversity May Contribute to High Preterm Birth Rates in Black Women
Black women have a greater degree of cervical microbiome diversity during pregnancy than white women, according to a new study. The findings reveal an important potential link between the cervical microbiome and the risk for preterm birth. Read more>>
Day 3
Quality-Improvement Initiative Reduced Wound Complications After Cesarean Delivery
After implementing a simple bundle of quality-improvement measures in January 2016, the rate of surgical-site infections among women undergoing cesarean delivery decreased by 70% at Duke, according to findings from a new study. Read more>>
Day 4
High Levels of Magnesium in Cord Blood May Adversely Affect Non-Neurologic Outcomes in Infants
Infants with higher levels of magnesium in cord blood at birth may be at an increased risk of adverse non-neurologic outcomes, according to the results of a new subgroup analysis from the Beneficial Effects of Antenatal Magnesium Sulfate (BEAM) trial. These findings call into question the optimal dosing of magnesium sulfate supplements during pregnancy. Read more>>
Other data presented that include Duke University faculty collaborators
Maternal Childhood Trauma Predicts Inflammatory Imbalances During Pregnancy
Women with a history of childhood trauma are more likely to experience imbalances in inflammatory cytokines during pregnancy, according to findings from a new study. These imbalances, which are especially pronounced in late gestation, may adversely affect fetal development. Read more>>
Childhood Poverty Alters Immune System Function in Pregnant Women
Regardless of their current economic status, women born into poverty show higher levels of immune responsiveness during pregnancy, according to new research. These findings suggest a possible mechanism by which health disparities persist across generations. Read more>>
Study Results Show Minimal to No Transfer of Certolizumab Pegol Into Breast Milk
Mothers who breastfeed while taking certolizumab pegol transfer very low doses of the medication into their breast milk, according to new research. These findings should be reassuring to nursing mothers who are concerned about the safety of breastfeeding during treatment with certolizumab pegol. Read more>>
TNF Levels Implicated in Response to Antidepressant Treatment in Pregnant Women
Among pregnant women with depression, proinflammatory cytokine levels are lowest in those who respond to antidepressant therapy, according to findings from a new study. By comparison, inflammatory markers are higher in pregnant women with untreated depression or depression that persists despite standard antidepressant treatment. Read more>>
Inflammation Not to Blame for Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes in Women With Depression
Although women with depression have elevated levels of inflammatory markers, inflammation does not appear to mediate the link between depression and adverse pregnancy outcomes, according to new research. Read more>>