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Meredith ME, Steimle LN, Stanhope KK, Platner MH, Boulet SL. Racial/ethnic differences in pre-pregnancy conditions and adverse maternal outcomes in the nuMoM2b cohort: A population-based cohort study. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0306206. [PMID: 39133734 PMCID: PMC11318875 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0306206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2023] [Accepted: 06/12/2024] [Indexed: 08/15/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To determine how pre-existing conditions contribute to racial disparities in adverse maternal outcomes and incorporate these conditions into models to improve risk prediction for racial minority subgroups. STUDY DESIGN We used data from the "Nulliparous Pregnancy Outcomes Study: Monitoring Mothers-to-be (nuMoM2b)" observational cohort study. We defined multimorbidity as the co-occurrence of two or more pre-pregnancy conditions. The primary outcomes of interest were severe preeclampsia, postpartum readmission, and blood transfusion during pregnancy or up to 14 days postpartum. We used weighted Poisson regression with robust variance to estimate adjusted risk ratios and 95% confidence intervals, and we used mediation analysis to evaluate the contribution of the combined effects of pre-pregnancy conditions to racial/ethnic disparities. We also evaluated the predictive performance of our regression models by racial subgroup using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) metric. RESULTS In the nuMoM2b cohort (n = 8729), accounting for pre-existing conditions attenuated the association between non-Hispanic Black race/ethnicity and risk of severe preeclampsia. Cardiovascular and kidney conditions were associated with risk for severe preeclampsia among all women (aRR, 1.77; CI, 1.61-1.96, and aRR, 1.27; CI, 1.03-1.56 respectively). The mediation analysis results were not statistically significant; however, cardiovascular conditions explained 36.6% of the association between non-Hispanic Black race/ethnicity and severe preeclampsia (p = 0.07). The addition of pre-pregnancy conditions increased model performance for the prediction of severe preeclampsia. CONCLUSIONS Pre-existing conditions may explain some of the association between non-Hispanic Black race/ethnicity and severe preeclampsia. Specific pre-pregnancy conditions were associated with adverse maternal outcomes and the incorporation of comorbidities improved the performance of most risk prediction models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meghan E. Meredith
- H. Milton Stewart School of Industrial and Systems Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Lauren N. Steimle
- H. Milton Stewart School of Industrial and Systems Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Kaitlyn K. Stanhope
- Department of Gynecology & Obstetrics, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Marissa H. Platner
- Department of Gynecology & Obstetrics, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Sheree L. Boulet
- Department of Gynecology & Obstetrics, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
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Jarlenski M, Kennedy S, Johnson A, Hale C, D'Angelo Z, Nedhari A, Coffee G, Chappell-McPhail M, Green K, Méndez DD, Goetschius LG, Gareau S, Ashford K, Barnes AJ, Ahrens KA, Zivin K, Mosley E, Tang L. Study protocol: a mixed-methods study of the implementation of doula care to address racial health equity in six state Medicaid programs. Health Res Policy Syst 2024; 22:98. [PMID: 39118099 PMCID: PMC11308708 DOI: 10.1186/s12961-024-01185-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2024] [Accepted: 07/22/2024] [Indexed: 08/10/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Racial inequities in severe maternal morbidity (SMM) and mortality constitute a public health crisis in the United States. Doula care, defined as care from birth workers who provide culturally appropriate, non-clinical support during pregnancy and postpartum, has been proposed as an intervention to help disrupt obstetric racism as a driver of adverse pregnancy outcomes in Black and other birthing persons of colour. Many state Medicaid programs are implementing doula programs to address the continued increase in SMM and mortality. Medicaid programs are poised to play a major role in addressing the needs of these populations with the goal of closing the racial gaps in SMM and mortality. This study will investigate the most effective ways that Medicaid programs can implement doula care to improve racial health equity. METHODS We describe the protocol for a mixed-methods study to understand how variation in implementation of doula programs in Medicaid may affect racial equity in pregnancy and postpartum health. Primary study outcomes include SMM, person-reported measures of respectful obstetric care, and receipt of evidence-based care for chronic conditions that are the primary causes of postpartum mortality (cardiovascular, mental health, and substance use conditions). Our research team includes doulas, university-based investigators, and Medicaid participants from six sites (Kentucky, Maryland, Michigan, Pennsylvania, South Carolina and Virginia) in the Medicaid Outcomes Distributed Research Network (MODRN). Study data will include policy analysis of doula program implementation, longitudinal data from a cohort of doulas, cross-sectional data from Medicaid beneficiaries, and Medicaid healthcare administrative data. Qualitative analysis will examine doula and beneficiary experiences with healthcare systems and Medicaid policies. Quantitative analyses (stratified by race groups) will use matching techniques to estimate the impact of using doula care on postpartum health outcomes, and will use time-series analyses to estimate the average treatment effect of doula programs on population postpartum health outcomes. DISCUSSION Findings will facilitate learning opportunities among Medicaid programs, doulas and Medicaid beneficiaries. Ultimately, we seek to understand the implementation and integration of doula care programs into Medicaid and how these processes may affect racial health equity. Study registration The study is registered with the Open Science Foundation ( https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/NXZUF ).
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Affiliation(s)
- Marian Jarlenski
- Department of Health Policy and Management, University of Pittsburgh School of Public Health, 130 DeSoto St, A619, Pittsburgh, PA, 15261, United States of America.
- Center for Innovative Research On Gender Health Equity, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, United States of America.
| | - Susan Kennedy
- AcademyHealth, Washington, DC, United States of America
| | | | - Caroline Hale
- AcademyHealth, Washington, DC, United States of America
| | - Zoe D'Angelo
- AcademyHealth, Washington, DC, United States of America
| | - Aza Nedhari
- Mamatoto Village, Washington, DC, United States of America
| | - Gerria Coffee
- Genesis Birth Services, Williamsport, PA, United States of America
- PA Doula Commission, Landsdowne, PA, United States of America
| | | | - Kiddada Green
- Black Mothers' Breastfeeding Association, Detroit, MI, United States of America
| | - Dara D Méndez
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Pittsburgh School of Public Health, Pittsburgh, PA, United States of America
- Center for Health Equity, University of Pittsburgh School of Public Health, Pittsburgh, PA, United States of America
| | - Leigh G Goetschius
- The Hilltop Institute, University of Maryland, Baltimore County, Baltimore, MD, United States of America
| | - Sarah Gareau
- Institute for Families in Society, College of Social Work, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, United States of America
| | - Kristin Ashford
- College of Nursing, University of Kentucky, Lexington, United States of America
| | - Andrew J Barnes
- Health Policy, School of Population Health, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, United States of America
| | - Katherine A Ahrens
- Public Health Program, Muskie School of Public Service, University of Southern Maine, Portland, ME, United States of America
| | - Kara Zivin
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States of America
| | - Elizabeth Mosley
- Center for Innovative Research On Gender Health Equity, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, United States of America
| | - Lu Tang
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Pittsburgh School of Public Health, Pittsburgh, PA, United States of America
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Rokicki S, McConnell M. Racial and Socioeconomic Disparities in Preconception Health Risk Factors and Access to Care. J Womens Health (Larchmt) 2024; 33:1063-1071. [PMID: 38563909 DOI: 10.1089/jwh.2023.0560] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Background: Black birthing people have significantly higher risks of maternal mortality and morbidity compared with White people. Preconception chronic conditions increase the risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes, yet little is known about disparities in preconception health. This study applies an intersectional framework to examine the simultaneous contributions of racial marginalization and economic deprivation in determining disparities in preconception risk factors and access to care. Methods: Using data from the Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System, 2016-2020 (N = 123,697), we evaluated disparities by race and income in self-reported preconception hypertension, diabetes, obesity, depression, and smoking, as well as preconception insurance coverage and utilization of health care. We estimated linear regression models and calculated predicted probabilities. Results: Black respondents experienced higher probabilities of preconception obesity and high blood pressure at every income level compared with White respondents. Higher income did not attenuate the probability of obesity for Black respondents (linear trend p = 0.21), as it did for White respondents (p < 0.001). Conversely, while White respondents with low income were at higher risk of preconception depression and smoking than their Black counterparts, higher income was strongly associated with reduced risk, with significantly steeper reductions for White compared with Black respondents (difference in trends p < 0.001 for both risk factors). White respondents had higher probabilities of utilizing preconception care across all income levels, despite similar probabilities of insurance coverage. Conclusions: Higher income does not protect against the risk of preconception obesity and other preconception risk factors for Black birthing people as it does for White birthing people. Results point to the need to consider multiple forms of intersecting structural factors in policy and intervention research to improve preconception and maternal health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Slawa Rokicki
- Department of Health Behavior, Society and Policy, Rutgers School of Public Health, Piscataway, New Jersey, USA
- Department of Global Health & Population, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Margaret McConnell
- Department of Global Health & Population, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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Chan M, Parikh S, Willcocks E, Lytel-Sternberg J, Castro E, Tabb LP, Schwartz J, James-Todd T. Associations between Historical Redlining and the Risk of Pregnancy Complications and Adverse Birth Outcomes in Massachusetts, 1995-2015. J Womens Health (Larchmt) 2024. [PMID: 38980750 DOI: 10.1089/jwh.2024.0031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Objective: To assess the impact of historical redlining on the risk of pregnancy complications and adverse birth outcomes in Massachusetts (MA) from 1995 to 2015. Methods: In total, 288,787 pregnant people from the MA Birth Registry had information on parental characteristics, pregnancy factors, and redlining data at parental residences at the time of delivery. Historic redlining data were based on MA Home Owners' Loan Corporation (HOLC) security maps, with grades assigned (A "best," B "still desirable," C "definitely declining," and D "hazardous"). We used covariate-adjusted binomial regression models to examine associations between HOLC grade and each chronic condition and pregnancy/birth outcome. Results: Living in HOLC grades B through D compared with A was associated with an increased risk of entering pregnancy with chronic conditions and adverse pregnancy/birth outcomes. The strongest associations were seen with pregestational diabetes (adjusted risk ratio [RR] Grade D: 1.7, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.3, 2.4) and chronic hypertension (adjusted RR Grade D: 1.5, 95% CI: 1.1, 1.9). Conclusions: Historical redlining policies from the 1930s were associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes and chronic conditions; associations were strongest for chronic conditions in pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marissa Chan
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Shivani Parikh
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Emma Willcocks
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Jennie Lytel-Sternberg
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Edgar Castro
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Loni Philip Tabb
- Department of Biostatistics, Drexel University Dornsife School of Public Health, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Joel Schwartz
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Tamarra James-Todd
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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Albright CM, Sienas L, Pike M, Walker S, Hitti J. Racial Disparity in Severe Maternal Morbidity Associated with Hypertensive Disorders in Washington State: A Retrospective Cohort Study. Matern Child Health J 2024; 28:1234-1241. [PMID: 38407715 DOI: 10.1007/s10995-024-03920-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 02/27/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To evaluate the relationship between hypertensive (HTN) disorders and severe maternal morbidity (SMM). To understand whether there is differential prevalence of HTN disorders by race and whether the relationship between HTN disorders and SMM is modified by race and ethnicity. METHODS We performed a retrospective cohort study using patient-level rates of SMM for pregnancies at all 61 non-military hospitals in Washington State from 10/2015 to 9/2016. Data were obtained from the Washington State Comprehensive Hospital Abstract Reporting System. Adjusted odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated to evaluate the association of HTN disorders and SMM (with and without transfusion) overall and by race. The population-attributable fraction of HTN disorders on SMM within each racial/ethnic group was calculated. RESULTS Of 76,965 deliveries, 864 (1.1%) had any SMM diagnosis or procedure. All racial and ethnic minorities, except white and Asian, were disproportionally affected by preeclampsia with severe features (SF) and SMM. Overall, and within each racial/ethnic group, the SMM rate was higher among pregnancies with any HTN disorder compared to no HTN disorder (2.8 vs. 0.9%, OR 3.1, 95% CI 2.7-3.6). Race and ethnicity significantly modified the association. Overall and within each racial/ethnic group, there was a dose-response relationship between the type of HTN disorder and SMM, with more severe HTN disorders leading to a greater risk of SMM. The population-attributable fraction of HTN disorders on SMM was 20.6% for Black individuals versus 17.5% overall. The findings were similar when reclassifying transfusion-only SMM as no SMM. CONCLUSIONS In Washington, HTN disorders are associated with SMM in a dose-dependent fashion with the greatest impact among Black individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine M Albright
- Department of Obstetrics/Gynecology, University of Washington Medical Center, Seattle, WA, USA.
| | | | - Mindy Pike
- Department of Obstetrics/Gynecology, University of Washington Medical Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Suzan Walker
- Department of Obstetrics/Gynecology, University of Washington Medical Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Jane Hitti
- Department of Obstetrics/Gynecology, University of Washington Medical Center, Seattle, WA, USA
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Boghossian NS, Greenberg LT, Lorch SA, Phibbs CS, Buzas JS, Passarella M, Saade GR, Rogowski J. Racial and ethnic disparities in severe maternal morbidity from pregnancy through 1-year postpartum. Am J Obstet Gynecol MFM 2024; 6:101412. [PMID: 38908797 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajogmf.2024.101412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2024] [Revised: 06/07/2024] [Accepted: 06/09/2024] [Indexed: 06/24/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Previous studies examining racial and ethnic disparities in severe maternal morbidity (SMM) have mainly focused on intrapartum hospitalization. There is limited information regarding the racial and ethnic distribution of SMM occurring in the antepartum and postpartum periods, including SMM occurring beyond the traditional 6 weeks postpartum period. OBJECTIVE To examine the racial and ethnic distribution of SMM during antepartum, intrapartum, and postpartum hospitalizations through 1-year postpartum, overall and stratified by maternal sociodemographic factors, and to estimate the percent increase in SMM by race and ethnicity and maternal sociodemographic factors within each racial and ethnic group after accounting for both antepartum and postpartum SMM through 1-year postpartum rather than just SMM occurring during the intrapartum hospitalization. STUDY DESIGN We conducted a retrospective cohort study using birth and fetal death certificate data linked to hospital discharge records from Michigan, Oregon, and South Carolina from 2008-2020. We examined the distribution of non-transfusion SMM and total SMM per 10,000 cases during antepartum, intrapartum, and postpartum hospitalizations through 365 days postpartum by race and ethnicity and by maternal education and insurance type within each racial and ethnic group. We subsequently examined "SMM cases added" by race and ethnicity and by maternal education and insurance type within each racial and ethnic group. The "SMM cases added" represent cases among unique individuals that are identified by considering the antepartum and postpartum periods but that would be missed if only the intrapartum hospitalization cases were included. RESULTS Among 2,584,206 birthing individuals, a total of 37,112 (1.4%) individuals experienced non-transfusion SMM and 64,661 (2.5%) experienced any SMM during antepartum, intrapartum, and/or postpartum hospitalization. Black individuals had the highest rate of antepartum, intrapartum, and postpartum non-transfusion and total SMM followed by American Indian individuals. Asian individuals had the lowest rate of non-transfusion and total SMM during antepartum and postpartum hospitalizations while White individuals had the lowest rate of non-transfusion and total SMM during the intrapartum hospitalization. Black individuals were 1.9 times more likely to experience non-transfusion SMM during the intrapartum hospitalization than White individuals, which increased to 2.8 times during the antepartum period and to 2.5 times during the postpartum period. Asian and Hispanic individuals were less likely to experience SMM in the postpartum period than White individuals. Including antepartum and postpartum hospitalizations resulted in disproportionately more cases among Black and American Indian individuals than among White, Hispanic, and Asian individuals. The additional cases were also more likely to occur among individuals with lower educational levels and individuals on government insurance. CONCLUSION Racial disparities in SMM are underreported in estimates that focus on the intrapartum hospitalization. Additionally, individuals with low socio-economic status bear the greatest burden of SMM occurring during the antepartum and postpartum periods. Approaches that focus on mitigating SMM during the intrapartum period only do not address the full spectrum of health disparities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nansi S Boghossian
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC (Dr Boghossian).
| | | | - Scott A Lorch
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA (Dr Lorch, Ms Passarella); Leonard Davis Institute of Health Economics, Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA (Dr Lorch)
| | - Ciaran S Phibbs
- Health Economics Resource Center and Center for Implementation to Innovation, Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System, Menlo Park, CA (Dr Phibbs); Departments of Pediatrics and Health Policy, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA (Dr Phibbs)
| | - Jeffrey S Buzas
- Department of Mathematics and Statistics, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT (Dr Buzas)
| | - Molly Passarella
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA (Dr Lorch, Ms Passarella)
| | - George R Saade
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk, VA (Dr Saade)
| | - Jeannette Rogowski
- Department of Health Policy and Administration, The Pennsylvania State University, State College, PA (Dr Rogowski)
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Attanasio L, Jeung C, Geissler KH. Association of Postpartum Mental Illness Diagnoses with Severe Maternal Morbidity. J Womens Health (Larchmt) 2024; 33:778-787. [PMID: 38153367 PMCID: PMC11310563 DOI: 10.1089/jwh.2023.0244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: This study aimed to determine whether birthing people who experience severe maternal morbidity (SMM) are more likely to be diagnosed with a postpartum mental illness. Materials and Methods: Using the Massachusetts All Payer Claims Database, this study used modified Poisson regression analysis to assess the association of SMM with mental illness diagnosis during the postpartum year, accounting for prenatal mental illness diagnoses and other patient characteristics. Results: There were 128,161 deliveries identified, with 55.0% covered by Medicaid. Of these, 3.1% experienced SMM during pregnancy and/or delivery hospitalization, and 20.1% had a mental illness diagnosis within 1 year postpartum. In adjusted regression analyses, individuals with SMM had a 10.6% increased risk of having any mental illness diagnosis compared to individuals without SMM, primarily due to an increased risk of a depression or post-traumatic stress disorder diagnosis among people with SMM than those without SMM. Conclusions: Individuals who experienced SMM had a higher risk of a mental illness diagnosis in the postpartum year. Given increases in SMM in the United States in recent decades, policies to mitigate mental health sequelae of SMM are urgently needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Attanasio
- Department of Health Promotion and Policy, University of Massachusetts Amherst School of Public Health and Health Sciences, Amherst, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Chanup Jeung
- Department of Health Policy, Management and Behavior, School of Public Health, State University of New York—University at Albany School of Public Health, Albany, New York, USA
| | - Kimberley H. Geissler
- Department of Healthcare Delivery and Population Sciences, UMass Chan Medical School—Baystate, Springfield, Massachusetts, USA
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Peet ED, Schultz D, Lovejoy S, Tsui FR. The infant health effects of doulas: Leveraging big data and machine learning to inform cost-effective targeting. HEALTH ECONOMICS 2024; 33:1387-1411. [PMID: 38462670 DOI: 10.1002/hec.4821] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2022] [Revised: 12/14/2023] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 03/12/2024]
Abstract
Doula services represent an underutilized maternal and child health intervention with the potential to improve outcomes through the provision of physical, emotional, and informational support. However, there is limited evidence of the infant health effects of doulas despite well-established connections between maternal and infant health. Moreover, because the availability of doulas is limited and often not covered by insurers, existing evidence leaves unclear if or how doula services should be allocated to achieve the greatest improvements in outcomes. We use unique data and machine learning to develop accurate predictive models of infant health and doula service participation. We then combine these predictive models within the double machine learning method to estimate the effects of doula services. We show that while doula services reduce risk on average, the benefits of doula services increase as the risk of negative infant health outcomes increases. We compare these benefits to the costs of doula services under alternative allocation schemes and show that leveraging the risk predictions dramatically increases the cost effectiveness of doula services. Our results show the potential of big data and novel analytic methods to provide cost-effective support to those at greatest risk of poor outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evan D Peet
- RAND Corporation, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | | | | | - Fuchiang Rich Tsui
- Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
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Rajasingham M, Hossein Pour P, Scattolon S, Muraca GM. Temporal trends in peripartum hysterectomy among individuals with a previous cesarean delivery by race/ethnicity in the United States: A population-based cohort study. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0304777. [PMID: 38820511 PMCID: PMC11142665 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0304777] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2024] [Indexed: 06/02/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Rates of severe maternal morbidity have highlighted persistent and growing racial disparities in the United States (US). We aimed to contrast temporal trends in peripartum hysterectomy by race/ethnicity and quantify the contribution of changes in maternal and obstetric factors to temporal variations in hysterectomy rates. METHODS We conducted a population-based, retrospective study of 5,739,569 US residents with a previous cesarean delivery, using National Vital Statistics System's Natality Files (2011-2021). Individuals were stratified by self-identified race/ethnicity and classified into four periods based on year of delivery. Temporal changes in hysterectomy rates were estimated using odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). We used sequential logistic regression models to quantify the contribution of maternal and obstetric factors to temporal variations in hysterectomy rates. RESULTS Over the study period, the peripartum hysterectomy rate increased from 1.23 (2011-2013) to 1.44 (2019-2021) per 1,000 deliveries (OR 2019-2021 vs. 2011-2013 = 1.17, 95% CI 1.10 to 1.25). Hysterectomy rates varied by race/ethnicity with the highest rates among Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander (NHOPI; 2.73 per 1,000 deliveries) and American Indian or Alaskan Native (AIAN; 2.67 per 1,000 deliveries) populations in 2019-2021. Unadjusted models showed a temporal increase in hysterectomy rates among AIAN (2011-2013 rate = 1.43 per 1,000 deliveries; OR 2019-2021 vs. 2011-2013 = 1.87, 95% CI 1.02 to 3.45) and White (2011-2013 rate = 1.13 per 1,000 deliveries; OR 2019-2021 vs. 2011-2013 = 1.21, 95% CI 1.11 to 1.33) populations. Adjustment ranged from having no effect among NHOPI individuals to explaining 14.0% of the observed 21.0% increase in hysterectomy rates among White individuals. CONCLUSION Nationally, racial disparities in peripartum hysterectomy are evident. Between 2011-2021, the rate of hysterectomy increased; however, this increase was confined to AIAN and White individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maya Rajasingham
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Health Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence and Impact, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Parnian Hossein Pour
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Health Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence and Impact, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Sarah Scattolon
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Health Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Giulia M. Muraca
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Health Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence and Impact, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
- Department of Medicine, Solna, Karolinska Institutet, Eugeniahemmet, Clinical Epidemiology Unit, Stockholm, Sweden
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10
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Moore MD, Mazzoni SE, Wingate MS, Bronstein JM. Severe Maternal Morbidity among Low-Income Patients with Hypertensive Disorders of Pregnancy. Am J Perinatol 2024; 41:e563-e572. [PMID: 35977711 DOI: 10.1055/a-1925-9972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) contribute significantly to the development of severe maternal morbidities (SMM), particularly among low-income women. The purpose of the study was to explore the relationship between maternal characteristics and SMM, and to investigate if differences in SMM exist among patients with HDP diagnosis. STUDY DESIGN This study utilized 2017 Alabama Medicaid administrative claims. SMM diagnoses were captured using the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's classification by International Classification of Diseases codes. Maternal characteristics and frequencies were compared using Chi-square and Cramer's V statistics. Logistic regression analyses were conducted to examine multivariable relationships between maternal characteristics and SMM among patients with HDP diagnosis. Odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were used to estimate risk. RESULTS A higher proportion of patients experiencing SMM were >34 years old, Black, Medicaid for Low-Income Families eligible, lived in a county with greater Medicaid enrollment, and entered prenatal care (PNC) in the first trimester compared with those without SMM. Almost half of patients (46.2%) with SMM had a HDP diagnosis. After controlling for maternal characteristics, HDP, maternal age, county Medicaid enrollment, and trimester PNC entry were not associated with SMM risk. However, Black patients with HDP were at increased risk for SMM compared with White patients with HDP when other factors were taken into account (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 1.37, 95% CI: 1.11-1.69). Patients with HDP and SMM were more likely to have a prenatal hospitalization (aOR = 1.45, 95% CI: 1.20-1.76), emergency visit (aOR = 1.30, 95% CI: 1.07-1.57), and postpartum cardiovascular prescription (aOR = 2.43, 95% CI: 1.95-3.04). CONCLUSION Rates of SMM differed by age, race, Medicaid income eligibility, and county Medicaid enrollment but were highest among patients with clinical comorbidities, especially HDP. However, among patients with HDP, Black patients had an elevated risk of severe morbidity even after controlling for other characteristics. KEY POINTS · Patients with SMM were more likely to have a HDP diagnosis.. · Among those with HDP, Black patients had elevated risk of SMM.. · Differences in care delivery did not explain SMM disparities..
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew D Moore
- Department of Health Policy and Organization, School of Public Health, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Sara E Mazzoni
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Martha S Wingate
- Department of Health Policy and Organization, School of Public Health, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Janet M Bronstein
- Department of Health Policy and Organization, School of Public Health, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
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Clapp MA, James KE, Mccoy TH, Perlis RH, Kaimal AJ. The Application of a Standard Risk Threshold for the Stratification of Maternal Morbidity among Population Subgroups. Am J Perinatol 2024; 41:e1235-e1240. [PMID: 36608698 DOI: 10.1055/a-2008-8598] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to determine if a universally applied risk score threshold for severe maternal morbidity (SMM) resulted in different performance characteristics among subgroups of the population. STUDY DESIGN This is a retrospective cohort study of deliveries that occurred between July 1, 2016, and June 30, 2020, in a single health system. We examined the performance of a validated comorbidity score to stratify SMM risk in our cohort. We considered the risk score that was associated with the highest decile of predicted risk as a "screen positive" for morbidity. We then used this same threshold to calculate the sensitivity and positive predictive value (PPV) of this "highest risk" designation among subgroups of the overall cohort based on the following characteristics: age, race/ethnicity, parity, gestational age, and planned mode of delivery. RESULTS In the overall cohort of 53,982 women, the C-statistic was 0.755 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.741-0.769) and calibration plot demonstrated that the risk score was well calibrated. The model performed less well in the following groups: non-White or Hispanic (C-statistic, 0.734; 95% CI, 0.712-0.755), nulliparas (C-statistic, 0.735; 95% CI, 0.716-0.754), term deliveries (C-statistic, 0.712; 95% CI, 0.694-0.729), and planned vaginal delivery (C-statistic, 0.728; 95% CI, 0.709-0.747). There were differences in the PPVs by gestational age (7.8% term and 29.7% preterm) and by planned mode of delivery (8.7% vaginal and 17.7% cesarean delivery). Sensitivities were lower in women who were <35 years (36.6%), non-White or Hispanic (40.7%), nulliparous (38.9%), and those having a planned vaginal delivery (40.9%) than their counterparts. CONCLUSION The performance of a risk score for SMM can vary by population subgroups when using standard thresholds derived from the overall cohort. If applied without such considerations, such thresholds may be less likely to identify certain subgroups of the population that may be at increased risk of SMM. KEY POINTS · Predictive risk models are helpful at condensing complex information into an interpretable output.. · Model performance may vary among different population subgroups.. · Prediction models should be examined for their potential to exacerbate underlying disparities..
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark A Clapp
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Kaitlyn E James
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Thomas H Mccoy
- Center for Quantitative Health, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
- Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Roy H Perlis
- Center for Quantitative Health, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
- Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Anjali J Kaimal
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
- Department of Population Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
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Hacker FM, Phillips JM, Lemon LS, Simhan HN. The Contribution of Neighborhood Context to the Association of Race with Severe Maternal Morbidity. Am J Perinatol 2024; 41:e2151-e2158. [PMID: 37364596 DOI: 10.1055/s-0043-1770704] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/28/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Severe maternal morbidity (SMM) has disproportionate frequencies among racial minorities and those of socioeconomic disadvantage, with people of Black race consistently having the highest proportion. Neighborhood level deprivation has been associated with maternal morbidity and mortality, including adverse pregnancy outcomes. We sought to explore the relationship between neighborhood socioeconomic disadvantage and SMM and describe how neighborhood context impacts the relationship between race and SMM. STUDY DESIGN We performed a retrospective cohort analysis of all delivery admissions in a single health care network from 2015 to 2019. Area deprivation index (ADI) was used to represent neighborhood socioeconomic disadvantage and is a composite index of neighborhood that spans income, education, household characteristics, and housing. The index ranges from 1 to 100 with higher values indicating higher disadvantage. Logistic regression assessed the relationship between ADI and SMM and estimated the effect that ADI has on the relationship between race and SMM. RESULTS Of the 63,208 birthing persons in our cohort, the unadjusted incidence of SMM was 2.2%. ADI was significantly associated with SMM, with higher values conferring higher risk for SMM (p < 0.001). The absolute risk of SMM increased roughly by 1.0% from the lowest to highest ADI value. Those of Black race had the highest unadjusted incidence of SMM compared with the referent group (3.4 vs. 2.0%) and highest median ADI (92; interquartile range [IQR]: 20). In the multivariable model, in which the primary exposure was race and ADI was adjusted for, Black race had a 1.7 times odds SMM when compared with White race (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.5-1.9). This association was attenuated to 1.5 adjusted odds when controlling for ADI (95% CI: 1.3-1.7). Risk attenuation for SMM was not seen in other race categories. CONCLUSION Neighborhood context contributes to SMM but does not explain the majority of racial disparities. KEY POINTS · Neighborhood context is associated with SMM, with higher disadvantage conferring higher risk.. · Compared with White race, all other races had higher rates of SMM, with Black race having the highest.. · Accounting for neighborhood modestly attenuates the magnitude of association of Black race with SMM.. · Neighborhood context contributes to health outcomes but does not explain the majority of disparities..
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Affiliation(s)
- Francis M Hacker
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Science, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, UPMC Magee-Womens Hospital, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Jaclyn M Phillips
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Science, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, UPMC Magee-Womens Hospital, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Lara S Lemon
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Science, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, UPMC Magee-Womens Hospital, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
- Department of Clinical Analytics, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Clinical Analytics, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Hyagriv N Simhan
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Science, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, UPMC Magee-Womens Hospital, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
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El Ayadi AM, Lyndon A, Kan P, Mujahid MS, Leonard SA, Main EK, Carmichael SL. Trends and Disparities in Severe Maternal Morbidity Indicator Categories during Childbirth Hospitalization in California from 1997 to 2017. Am J Perinatol 2024; 41:e3341-e3350. [PMID: 38057087 DOI: 10.1055/a-2223-3520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/08/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Severe maternal morbidity (SMM) is increasing and characterized by substantial racial and ethnic disparities. Analyzing trends and disparities across time by etiologic or organ system groups instead of an aggregated index may inform specific, actionable pathways to equitable care. We explored trends and racial and ethnic disparities in seven SMM categories at childbirth hospitalization. STUDY DESIGN We analyzed California birth cohort data on all live and stillbirths ≥ 20 weeks' gestation from 1997 to 2017 (n = 10,580,096) using the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's SMM index. Cases were categorized into seven nonmutually exclusive indicator categories (cardiac, renal, respiratory, hemorrhage, sepsis, other obstetric, and other medical SMM). We compared prevalence and trends in SMM indicator categories overall and by racial and ethnic group using logistic and linear regression. RESULTS SMM occurred in 1.16% of births and nontransfusion SMM in 0.54%. Hemorrhage SMM occurred most frequently (27 per 10,000 births), followed by other obstetric (11), respiratory (7), and sepsis, cardiac, and renal SMM (5). Hemorrhage, renal, respiratory, and sepsis SMM increased over time for all racial and ethnic groups. The largest disparities were for Black individuals, including over 3-fold increased odds of other medical SMM. Renal and sepsis morbidity had the largest relative increases over time (717 and 544%). Sepsis and hemorrhage SMM had the largest absolute changes over time (17 per 10,000 increase). Disparities increased over time for respiratory SMM among Black, U.S.-born Hispanic, and non-U.S.-born Hispanic individuals and for sepsis SMM among Asian or Pacific Islander individuals. Disparities decreased over time for sepsis SMM among Black individuals yet remained substantial. CONCLUSION Our research further supports the critical need to address SMM and disparities as a significant public health priority in the United States and suggests that examining SMM subgroups may reveal helpful nuance for understanding trends, disparities, and potential needs for intervention. KEY POINTS · By SMM subgroup, trends and racial and ethnic disparities varied yet Black individuals consistently had highest rates.. · Hemorrhage, renal, respiratory, and sepsis SMM significantly increased over time.. · Disparities increased for respiratory SMM among Black, U.S.-born Hispanic and non-U.S.-born Hispanic individuals and for sepsis SMM among Asian or Pacific Islander individuals..
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Affiliation(s)
- Alison M El Ayadi
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of California, San Francisco, California
| | - Audrey Lyndon
- NYU Rory Meyers College of Nursing, New York, New York
| | - Peiyi Kan
- Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California
| | - Mahasin S Mujahid
- Division of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, California
| | - Stephanie A Leonard
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Dunlevie Maternal-Fetal Medicine Center, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California
| | - Elliott K Main
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Dunlevie Maternal-Fetal Medicine Center, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California
| | - Suzan L Carmichael
- Department of Pediatrics, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Stanford University, Stanford, California
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Zivin K, Courant A. Disparities in Utilization and Delivery Outcomes for Women with Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders. JOURNAL OF PSYCHIATRY AND BRAIN SCIENCE 2024; 9:e240003. [PMID: 38817312 PMCID: PMC11138136 DOI: 10.20900/jpbs.20240003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/01/2024]
Abstract
Perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMAD), which include depression and/or anxiety in the year before and/or after delivery, are common complications of pregnancy, affecting up to one in four perinatal individuals, with costs of over $15 billion per year in the US. In this paper, we provide an overview of the disparities in utilization and delivery outcomes for individuals with perinatal mood and anxiety disorders in the US. In addition, we discuss the current US screening and treatment guidelines as well as the high societal costs of illness of PMAD for both perinatal individuals and children. Finally, we outline opportunities for quality improvement of PMAD care in the US, including leveraging increased engagement with healthcare system during prenatal care, working toward a more cohesive national strategy to address PMAD, leaning into evidence-based policymaking through collaboration with a panel of experts, and generating state-level profiles focused on PMAD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kara Zivin
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
- Program on Women’s Healthcare Effectiveness Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
- Institute for Healthcare Policy and Innovation, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
- Department of Health Management and Policy, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor MI 48109, USA
- VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System, Ann Arbor MI 48105, USA
| | - Anna Courant
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
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Ibrahim Sous C, Moravec W, DeFranco E, Kelly EA, Rossi RM. Factors Associated with Maternal Morbidity among Black Women in the United States. Am J Perinatol 2024. [PMID: 38531390 DOI: 10.1055/a-2295-4058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/28/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Non-Hispanic Black people (NHBP) have a three-fold higher rate of maternal mortality compared to other racial groups. Racial disparities in maternal morbidity are well-described; however, there are substantial differences in cultural, economic, and social determinants of health among racial groups. We thus sought to study the at-risk, non-Hispanic Black population as its own cohort to identify factors most associated with severe maternal morbidity (SMM). STUDY DESIGN This is a population-based retrospective case-control study of all live births in the United States between 2017 and 2019 using birth records obtained from the National Center for Health Statistics. The primary outcome for this study was to determine demographic, social, medical, and obstetric factors associated with maternal morbidity among NHBP who did and did not experience an SMM event. Multivariable logistic regression was used to estimate the adjusted odds ratio between each individual factor and the outcome of SMM among NHBP. RESULTS Of the 1,624,744 NHBP who delivered between 2017 and 2019, 1.1% experienced an SMM event defined as a composite of blood product transfusion, eclamptic seizure, intensive care unit admission, unplanned hysterectomy, and uterine rupture. The rates of these individual SMM events per 10,000 deliveries were 50, 40, 20, 5, and 4 among NHBP, respectively. Among NHBP, factors associated in multivariable regression analysis with SMM in order of strength of association included cesarean delivery, earlier gestational age at delivery, preeclampsia, induction of labor, chronic hypertension, prior preterm birth, lower educational attainment, multifetal gestation, advanced maternal age, pregestational diabetes, and cigarette smoking. The population attributable fraction for cesarean delivery, preterm birth, and pregnancy-induced hypertensive disease for the outcome of SMM were 0.46, 0.23, and 0.07, respectively. CONCLUSION The three factors most associated with SMM among NHBP are potentially avoidable or modifiable by aggressive screening, prevention, and treatment of preeclampsia and preterm birth as well as reducing cesarean rates in this population. KEY POINTS · The rate of SMM in NHBP may be modifiable.. · NHBP have a three-fold higher rate of maternal mortality.. · Preeclampsia, preterm birth, and cesarean sections are most associated with maternal morbidity..
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Affiliation(s)
- Catrine Ibrahim Sous
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio
| | - William Moravec
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio
| | - Emily DeFranco
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio
| | - Elizabeth A Kelly
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio
| | - Robert M Rossi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio
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Ragunanthan NW, Lamb J, Hauspurg A, Beck S. Assessment of Racial Disparities in Aspirin Prophylaxis for Preeclampsia Prevention. Am J Perinatol 2024; 41:635-640. [PMID: 35189651 PMCID: PMC9900494 DOI: 10.1055/s-0042-1743142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Low-dose aspirin is recommended for preeclampsia prevention among women with high-risk conditions, including chronic hypertension. Black women have higher rates of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, and whether this is related to disparities in aspirin prophylaxis is unknown. We investigated the relationship between race and counseling/prescription and uptake of aspirin among a cohort of women with chronic hypertension. STUDY DESIGN This is a single-institution, retrospective cohort study of women with chronic hypertension who delivered between 2016 and 2018. Medical record review was performed to assess counseling/prescription of aspirin prophylaxis and self-reported uptake. Self-reported uptake was determined by mention in the provider's notes or by inclusion in the medication reconciliation system. Demographic and obstetric outcome data were compared by self-reported race (Black vs. all other races) in univariate analysis. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to evaluate the association between race and aspirin adherence. RESULTS We included 872 women: 361 (41.4%) Black women and 511 (58.6%) white or other race women. Overall, 567 (65.0%) women were counseled and/or given a prescription for aspirin, and 411 (72.4%) of those women reported uptake. Black women were equally likely to be counseled and/or prescribed aspirin compared with all other races (67.3 vs. 63.4%; p = 0.7). However, Black women were less likely to report uptake of aspirin (63.8 vs. 79.0%; p < 0.001). After adjustment for total prenatal visits and tobacco use, Black race was associated with an adjusted odds ratio of 0.53 (95% confidence interval: 0.36-0.78) for uptake of aspirin. CONCLUSION In our cohort, recommendation for aspirin prophylaxis was suboptimal in all groups, reaching only 65% of eligible women. Black women were equally likely as women of other races to receive counseling about aspirin, but rates of uptake were lower. Our findings suggest that counseling and prescription of aspirin alone in high-risk Black women are not sufficient for utilization of this intervention. KEY POINTS · Rates of counseling about aspirin prophylaxis for preeclampsia did not vary by race.. · Black women had lower rates of uptake of aspirin compared with women of other races.. · Counseling about aspirin was inadequate in general, reaching only 65% of eligible women..
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Affiliation(s)
- Nina W. Ragunanthan
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Jordan Lamb
- University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Alisse Hauspurg
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Stacy Beck
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
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Rangrass G, Obiyo L, Bradley AS, Brooks A, Estime SR. Closing the gap: Perioperative health care disparities and patient safety interventions. Int Anesthesiol Clin 2024; 62:41-47. [PMID: 38385481 DOI: 10.1097/aia.0000000000000439] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/23/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Govind Rangrass
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care, Saint Louis University Hospital/SSM Health, Saint Louis, Missouri
| | - Leziga Obiyo
- Department of Anesthesia & Critical Care, University of Chicago Medicine, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Anthony S Bradley
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of South Florida Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, Florida
| | - Amber Brooks
- Department of Anesthesiology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina
| | - Stephen R Estime
- Department of Anesthesia & Critical Care, University of Chicago Medicine, Chicago, Illinois
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Saffian E, Palatnik A. Association Between Recurrent Preeclampsia and Attendance at the Blood Pressure Monitoring Appointment After Birth. J Obstet Gynecol Neonatal Nurs 2024; 53:132-139. [PMID: 38006903 PMCID: PMC10939826 DOI: 10.1016/j.jogn.2023.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2023] [Revised: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 11/01/2023] [Indexed: 11/27/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To examine the association between recurrent preeclampsia and attendance at the standard of care blood pressure monitoring appointment after birth. DESIGN Retrospective cohort. SETTING Single Magnet-accredited hospital affiliated with an academic medical center. PARTICIPANTS Multiparous women who gave birth between 2010 and 2020 and were diagnosed with preeclampsia (N = 313). METHODS We divided participants into two groups: those with prior preeclampsia (n = 119) and those without prior preeclampsia (n = 194). Using logistic regression, we calculated unadjusted and adjusted odds ratios to estimate the association between attendance at the postpartum blood pressure (PPBP) monitoring appointment and prior preeclampsia. We also explored the relationship between attendance at the PPBP monitoring appointment and use of magnesium sulfate during labor and birth and the relationship between attendance at the PPBP monitoring appointment and use of maintenance antihypertensive medications. RESULTS In adjusted analysis, participants with prior preeclampsia were 66.4% less likely to attend the PPBP monitoring appointment compared with those without prior preeclampsia, adjusted OR = 0.34, 95% CI [0.18, 0.62]. Administration of magnesium sulfate during delivery admission and use of maintenance antihypertensive medications were not associated with a change in attendance at the PPBP appointment. CONCLUSION Further research on patient-perceived risk of recurrent preeclampsia and improvement of systems to facilitate postpartum follow-up is needed.
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Petersen J, Abusnina W, Beesabathina S, Desu SS, Walters RW, Alla VM. Racial Disparities in Outcomes of Delivery and Cardiac Complications Among Pregnant Women with Congenital Heart Disease. J Racial Ethn Health Disparities 2024:10.1007/s40615-024-01950-0. [PMID: 38416292 DOI: 10.1007/s40615-024-01950-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2023] [Revised: 02/08/2024] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 02/29/2024]
Abstract
Advances in cardiology have led to improved survival among patients with congenital heart disease (CHD). Racial disparities in cardiovascular and maternal outcomes are well known and are likely to be more profound among pregnant women with CHD. Using the 2001 to 2018 National Inpatient Sample, we identified all hospitalizations for delivery among women ≥ 18 years of age with CHD. Unadjusted and adjusted between-race differences in adverse maternal cardiovascular, obstetric, and fetal events were assessed using logistic regression models. During the study period, we identified 52,711 hospitalizations for delivery among women with concomitant CHD. Of these, 66%, 11%, and 16% were White, Black, and Hispanic, respectively. Obstetric complications and fetal adverse events were higher among Blacks compared to Whites and Hispanics (44% vs. 33% vs. 37%, p < .001; 36% vs. 28% vs. 30%, p < .001), respectively. No between-race differences were observed in overall cardiovascular adverse events (27% vs. 24% vs. 23%, p < .21). However, heart failure was significantly higher among Black women (3.6% vs. 1.7% vs. 2.2%, p = 0.001). While a lower income quartile was associated with higher rates of adverse outcomes, adjustment for income did not attenuate the adverse impact of race. Black females with CHD diagnoses were more likely to experience adverse obstetric, fetal events, and heart failure compared to White and Hispanic women irrespective of their income status. Further research is needed to identify causes and devise interventions to mitigate racial disparities in the care of pregnant women with CHD.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Petersen
- Creighton University School of Medicine, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Waiel Abusnina
- Section of Interventional Cardiology, MedStar Washington Hospital Center, Washington, DC, USA
| | | | | | - Ryan W Walters
- Department of Clinical Research and Public Health, Creighton University School of Medicine, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Venkata Mahesh Alla
- Division of Cardiology, Creighton University School of Medicine, 7710 Mercy Rd., Suite #401, Omaha, NE, 68123, USA.
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Ragsdale AS, Al-Hammadi N, Bass S, Chavan NR. Racial and Ethnic Disparities Among Pregnancies with Substance Use Disorder: Impact on Perinatal Outcomes. J Womens Health (Larchmt) 2024. [PMID: 38407821 DOI: 10.1089/jwh.2023.0619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Objective: To examine racial/ethnic disparities in severe maternal morbidity (SMM) and adverse pregnancy outcomes (APOs) among pregnant patients with substance use disorder (SUD) compared to individuals without SUD. Materials and Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional analysis of inpatient hospitalizations of pregnant people from the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project (HCUP) National Inpatient Sample (NIS) from 2016 to 2019. ICD-10 codes were used to identify the frequency of SMM and/or APO between those with and without SUD by race/ethnicity. Multilevel logistic regression analyses were performed to identify the effect of race/ethnicity as an independent predictor and as an effect modifier of SMM and APO in patients with SUD. Results: From 2,508,259 hospitalizations, SUD was identified in 6.7% admissions with the highest rate in White patients (8.2%) followed by Black (7.7%) and Hispanic (2.2%) patients. Rate of SMM and APO were increased in patients with SUD in all racial/ethnic groups compared to those without SUD, increasing by 1% and 10%, respectively. Among all patients, Black race was an independent predictor of SMM (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 2.09; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.05-2.13) and APO (aOR 1.58; 95% CI: 1.56-1.59). Hispanic ethnicity was also an independent risk factor for predicting SMM (aOR 1.40; 95% CI: 1.37-1.43). Among Hispanic patients, SUD was associated with an ∼90% increased likelihood of SMM and APO. Conclusion: Although higher rates of SMM and APO are seen among hospitalizations of pregnant people with SUD, racial/ethnic disparities also exist among this population. This warrants further attention and presents an opportunity for intervention and for addressing the root causes of racial and ethnic disparities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra S Ragsdale
- Division of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Women's Health, Saint Louis University/SSM Health, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Noor Al-Hammadi
- Department of Health and Clinical Outcomes Research, Advanced HEAlth Data (AHEAD) Research Institute, Saint Louis University, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Sabel Bass
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, College of Public Health and Social Justice, Saint Louis University, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Niraj R Chavan
- Division of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Women's Health, Saint Louis University/SSM Health, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
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Park M, Wanigaratne S, D'Souza R, Geoffrion R, Williams S, Muraca GM. Asian-White disparities in obstetric anal sphincter injury: a systematic review and meta-analysis. AJOG GLOBAL REPORTS 2024; 4:100296. [PMID: 38283323 PMCID: PMC10820309 DOI: 10.1016/j.xagr.2023.100296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Obstetrical anal sphincter injury describes a severe injury to the perineum and perianal muscles after birth. Obstetrical anal sphincter injury occurs in approximately 4.4% of vaginal births in the United States; however, racial and ethnic inequities in the incidence of obstetrical anal sphincter injury have been shown in several high-income countries. Specifically, an increased risk of obstetrical anal sphincter injury in individuals who identify as Asian vs those who identify as White has been documented among residents of the United States, Australia, Canada, Western Europe, and the Scandinavian countries. The high rates of obstetrical anal sphincter injury among the Asian diaspora in these countries are higher than obstetrical anal sphincter injury rates reported among Asian populations residing in Asia. A systematic review and meta-analysis of studies in high-income, non-Asian countries was conducted to further evaluate this relationship. DATA SOURCES MEDLINE, Ovid, Embase, EmCare, and the Cochrane databases were searched from inception to March 2023 for original research studies. STUDY ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA Observational studies using keywords and controlled vocabulary terms related to race, ethnicity and obstetrical anal sphincter injury. All observational studies, including cross-sectional, case-control, and cohort were included. 2 reviewers followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines and the Meta-analysis of Observational Studies in Epidemiology recommendations. METHODS Meta-analysis was performed using RevMan (version 5.4; Cochrane Collaboration, London, United Kingdom) for dichotomous data using the random effects model and the odds ratios as effect measures with 95% confidence intervals. Subgroup analysis was performed among Asian subgroups. The risk of bias was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal tools. Meta-regression was used to determine sources of between-study heterogeneity. Results A total of 27 studies conducted in 7 countries met the inclusion criteria encompassing 2,337,803 individuals. The pooled incidence of obstetrical anal sphincter injury was higher among Asian individuals than White individuals (pooled odds ratio, 1.64; 95% confidence interval, 1.48-1.80). Subgroup analyses showed that obstetrical anal sphincter injury rates were highest among South Asians and among population-based vs hospital-based studies. Meta-regression showed that moderate heterogeneity remained even after accounting for differences in studies by types of Asian subgroups included, study year, mode of delivery included, and study setting. Conclusion Obstetrical anal sphincter injury is more frequent among Asian versus white birthing individuals in multiple high-income, non-Asian countries. Qualitative and quantitative research to elucidate underlying causal mechanisms responsible for this relationship are warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meejin Park
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Global Health, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada (Ms Park)
| | - Susitha Wanigaratne
- Edwin S.H. Leong Centre for Healthy Children, SickKids Research Institute, Toronto, Ontario, Canada (Dr Wanigaratne)
| | - Rohan D'Souza
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada (Drs D'Souza and Muraca)
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence, and Impact, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada (Drs D'Souza and Muraca)
| | - Roxana Geoffrion
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada (Dr Geoffrion)
| | - Sarah Williams
- Department of Anthropology, University of Connecticut, Mansfield, CT (Dr Williams)
| | - Giulia M. Muraca
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada (Drs D'Souza and Muraca)
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence, and Impact, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada (Drs D'Souza and Muraca)
- Clinical Epidemiology Division, Department of Medicine, Solna, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden (Dr Muraca)
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Hill CM, Fantasia HC, Burnette S. Implementing a Respectful Maternity Care Guideline During Childbirth Experiences. Nurs Womens Health 2024; 28:50-57. [PMID: 38228285 DOI: 10.1016/j.nwh.2023.09.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2023] [Revised: 09/10/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To measure the impact of an evidence-based guideline on respectful maternity care on nurses' attitudes and beliefs about childbirth practices. DESIGN A quality improvement pilot project with a pretest/posttest design examining the attitudes and beliefs of intrapartum nurses about childbirth practices of respectful care. SETTING High-risk intrapartum unit at a tertiary care center in the southeastern United States. PARTICIPANTS A convenience sample of 130 registered nurses were invited to participate, and nine completed the pre- and posttests. INTERVENTION/MEASUREMENTS The intervention included a recorded webinar, access to printed and electronic copies of the guideline, discussions in daily huddles, and a virtual journal club. Data were collected using the 42-item Nurse Attitudes and Beliefs Questionnaire-Revised. Lower scores are reflective of attitudes and beliefs that support a medical model of care, whereas higher scores are reflective of a physiologic model of care. Descriptive statistics and the Wilcoxon signed rank test were used to analyze changes in attitudes and beliefs based on the aggregate scores of the nurse participants. RESULTS Although there was no change in nurse attitude and beliefs about childbirth practices after 3 months (p = .058), the aggregate scores on a scale of 42 to 168 increased by 5.6 points. Two subscales of the Nurse Attitudes and Beliefs Questionnaire-Revised-Medical Model of Conflict and Women's Autonomy-had the greatest increase in aggregate scores. CONCLUSION Understanding nurses' attitudes and beliefs can assist in identifying barriers to the provision of respectful care, particularly during labor and birth, when patients are most vulnerable. Measurement of nurse attitudes and beliefs regarding respectful maternity care may require a longer immersion in a respectful maternity care program to allow for changes over time.
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23
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Auty SG, Daw JR, Admon LK, Gordon SH. Comparing approaches to identify live births using the Transformed Medicaid Statistical Information System. Health Serv Res 2024; 59:e14233. [PMID: 37771156 PMCID: PMC10771902 DOI: 10.1111/1475-6773.14233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/30/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the performance of different approaches for identifying live births using Transformed Medicaid Statistical Information System Analytic Files (TAF). DATA SOURCES The primary data source for this study were TAF inpatient (IP), other services (OT), and demographic and eligibility files. These data contain administrative claims for Medicaid enrollees in all 50 states and the District of Columbia from January 1, 2018 to December 31, 2018. STUDY DESIGN We compared five approaches for identifying live birth counts obtained from the TAF IP and OT data with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Natality data-the gold standard for birth counts at the state level. DATA COLLECTION/EXTRACTION METHODS The five approaches used varying combinations of diagnosis and procedure, revenue, and place of service codes to identify live births. Approaches 1 and 2 follow guidance developed by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). Approaches 3 and 4 build on the approaches developed by CMS by including all inpatient hospital claims in the OT file and excluding codes related to delivery services for infants, respectively. Approach 5 applied Approach 4 to only the IP file. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS Approach 4, which included all inpatient hospital claims in the OT file and excluded codes related to infants to identify deliveries, achieved the best match of birth counts relative to CDC birth record data, identifying 1,656,794 live births-a national overcount of 3.6%. Approaches 1 and 3 resulted in larger overcounts of births (20.5% and 4.5%), while Approaches 2 and 5 resulted in undercounts of births (-3.4% and -6.8%). CONCLUSIONS Including claims from both the IP and OT files, and excluding codes unrelated to the delivery episode and those specific to services rendered to infants improves accuracy of live birth identification in the TAF data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha G. Auty
- Department of Health Law, Policy and ManagementBoston University School of Public HealthBostonMassachusettsUSA
| | - Jamie R. Daw
- Department of Health Policy and ManagementColumbia Mailman School of Public HealthNew York CityNew YorkUSA
| | - Lindsay K. Admon
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyUniversity of MichiganFlintMichiganUSA
| | - Sarah H. Gordon
- Department of Health Law, Policy and ManagementBoston University School of Public HealthBostonMassachusettsUSA
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24
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Alfred MC, Wilson D, DeForest E, Lawton S, Gore A, Howard JT, Morton C, Hebbar L, Goodier C. Investigating Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Maternal Care at the System Level Using Patient Safety Incident Reports. Jt Comm J Qual Patient Saf 2024; 50:6-15. [PMID: 37481433 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcjq.2023.06.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2023] [Revised: 06/07/2023] [Accepted: 06/08/2023] [Indexed: 07/24/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Maternal mortality in the United States is high, and women and birthing people of color experience higher rates of mortality and severe maternal morbidity (SMM). More than half of maternal deaths and cases of SMM are considered preventable. The research presented here investigated systems issues contributing to adverse outcomes and racial/ethnic disparities in maternal care using patient safety incident reports. METHODS The authors reviewed incidents reported in the labor and delivery unit (L&D) and the antepartum and postpartum unit (A&P) of a large academic hospital in 2019 and 2020. Deliveries associated with a reported incident were described by race/ethnicity, age group, method of delivery, and several other process variables. Differences across racial/ethnic group were statistically evaluated. RESULTS Almost two thirds (64.8%) of the 528 reports analyzed were reported in L&D, and 35.2% were reported in A&P. Non-Hispanic white (NHW) patients accounted for 43.9% of reported incidents, non-Hispanic Black (NHB) patients accounted for 43.2%, Hispanic patients accounted for 8.9%, and patients categorized as "other" accounted for 4.0%. NHB patients were disproportionally represented in the incident reports, as they accounted for only 36.5% of the underlying birthing population. The odds ratio (OR) demonstrated a higher risk of a reported adverse incident for NHB patients; however, adjustment for cesarean section attenuated the association (OR 1.25, 95% confidence interval 1.01-1.54). CONCLUSION Greater integration of patient safety and health equity efforts in hospitals are needed to promptly identify and alleviate racial and ethnic disparities in maternal health outcomes. Although additional systems analysis is necessary, the authors offer recommendations to support safer, more equitable maternal care.
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25
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Hall C, Romano CJ, Bukowinski AT, Gumbs GR, Dempsey KN, Poole AT, Conlin AMS, Lamb SV. Severe Maternal Morbidity among Women in the U. S. Military, 2003-2015. Am J Perinatol 2024; 41:150-159. [PMID: 34891195 DOI: 10.1055/s-0041-1740248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study aimed to assess trends and correlates of severe maternal morbidity at delivery among active duty women in the U.S. military, all of whom are guaranteed health care and full employment. STUDY DESIGN Linked military personnel and medical encounter data from the Department of Defense Birth and Infant Health Research program were used to identify a cohort of delivery hospitalizations among active duty military women from January 2003 through August 2015. Cases of severe maternal morbidity were identified by applying 21- and 20-condition algorithms (with and without blood transfusion) developed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Rates (per 10,000 delivery hospitalizations) were reported overall and by specific condition. Multivariable Poisson regression models estimated associations with demographic, clinical, and military characteristics. RESULTS Overall, 187,063 hospitalizations for live births were included for analyses. The overall 21- and 20-condition severe maternal morbidity rates were 111.7 (n = 2089) and 37.4 (n = 699) per 10,000 delivery hospitalizations, respectively. The 21-condition rate increased by 184% from 2003 to 2015; the 20-condition rate increased by 40%. Compared with non-Hispanic White women, the adjusted 21-condition rate of severe maternal morbidity was higher for Hispanic (adjusted rate ratio [aRR] = 1.28, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.13-1.46), non-Hispanic Black (aRR = 1.34, 95% CI: 1.21-1.49), Asian/Pacific Islander (aRR = 1.35, 95% CI: 1.13-1.61), and American Indian/Alaska Native (aRR = 1.39, 95% CI: 1.06-1.82) women. Rates also varied by age, clinical factors, and deployment history. CONCLUSION Active duty U.S. military women experienced an increase in severe maternal morbidity from 2003 to 2015 that followed national trends, despite protective factors such as stable employment and universal health care. Similar to other populations, military women of color were at higher risk for severe maternal morbidity relative to non-Hispanic White military women. Continued surveillance and further investigation into maternal health outcomes are critical for identifying areas of improvement in the Military Health System. KEY POINTS · Cesarean delivery and multiple birth were the strongest correlates of severe maternal morbidity in this population.. · Racial disparities persisted across indicators of severe maternal morbidity.. · Rates of disseminated intravascular coagulation were higher than those reported nationally..
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Affiliation(s)
- Clinton Hall
- Deployment Health Research Department, Naval Health Research Center, San Diego, California
- Leidos Inc., San Diego, California
| | - Celeste J Romano
- Deployment Health Research Department, Naval Health Research Center, San Diego, California
- Leidos Inc., San Diego, California
| | - Anna T Bukowinski
- Deployment Health Research Department, Naval Health Research Center, San Diego, California
- Leidos Inc., San Diego, California
| | - Gia R Gumbs
- Deployment Health Research Department, Naval Health Research Center, San Diego, California
- Leidos Inc., San Diego, California
| | - Kaitlyn N Dempsey
- School of Medicine, Uniformed Services University, Bethesda, Maryland
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Naval Medical Center Portsmouth, Portsmouth, Virginia
| | - Aaron T Poole
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Naval Medical Center Portsmouth, Portsmouth, Virginia
- Las Palmas Del Sol Healthcare, El Paso, Texas
| | - Ava Marie S Conlin
- Deployment Health Research Department, Naval Health Research Center, San Diego, California
| | - Shannon V Lamb
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, Maryland
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26
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Kern-Goldberger AR, Madden N, Baptiste C, Friedman A, Gyamfi-Bannerman C. Maternal and Neonatal Morbidities by Race in College-Educated Women. AJP Rep 2024; 14:e57-e61. [PMID: 38288160 PMCID: PMC10824592 DOI: 10.1055/s-0043-1778000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2020] [Accepted: 10/22/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2024] Open
Abstract
Objective Non-Hispanic black and Hispanic women experience significantly higher adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes compared with non-Hispanic white women. The purpose of this study is to explore whether disparities in obstetric outcomes exist by race among women who are college-educated. Study Design This is a retrospective cohort study from a multicenter observational cohort of women undergoing cesarean delivery. Women were defined as "college-educated" if they reported completion of a 4-year college degree. Race/ethnicity was categorized as non-Hispanic white, non-Hispanic black, Hispanic, Asian, Native American, or unknown. The primary outcome was a composite of maternal morbidity, and a composite of neonatal morbidity was evaluated as a secondary outcome. A multivariable logistic regression model was then utilized to assess associations of race with the primary and secondary outcomes. Results A total of 2,540 women were included in the study. After adjusting for potential confounding variables, maternal morbidity was found to be significantly higher for college-educated non-Hispanic black women compared with non-Hispanic white women (odds ratio [OR] 1.77, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.12-2.80). The incidence of neonatal morbidity was significantly higher for non-Hispanic black (OR 1.91, 95% CI 1.31-2.79) and Hispanic (OR 3.34, 95% CI 2.23-5.01) women. Conclusion In this cohort, the odds of cesarean-related maternal and neonatal morbidities were significantly higher for college-educated non-Hispanic black women, compared with their non-Hispanic white counterparts. This demonstrates that even among women with higher level education, racial and ethnic disparities persist in obstetric outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adina R. Kern-Goldberger
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York
| | - Nigel Madden
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York
| | - Caitlin Baptiste
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York
| | - Alexander Friedman
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York
| | - Cynthia Gyamfi-Bannerman
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York
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27
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Guglielminotti J, Samari G, Friedman AM, Landau R, Li G. State-Level Indicators of Structural Racism and Severe Adverse Maternal Outcomes During Childbirth. Matern Child Health J 2024; 28:165-176. [PMID: 37938439 PMCID: PMC11299521 DOI: 10.1007/s10995-023-03828-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/24/2023] [Indexed: 11/09/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Structural racism (SR) is viewed as a root cause of racial and ethnic disparities in maternal health outcomes. However, evidence linking SR to increased odds of severe adverse maternal outcomes (SAMO) is scant. This study assessed the association between state-level indicators of SR and SAMO during childbirth. METHODS Data for non-Hispanic Black and non-Hispanic white women came from the US Natality file, 2017-2018. The exposures were state-level Black-to-white inequity ratios for lower education level, unemployment, and prison incarceration. The outcome was patient-level SAMO, including eclampsia, blood transfusion, hysterectomy, or intensive care unit admission. Adjusted odds ratios (aORs) of SAMO associated with each ratio were estimated using multilevel models adjusting for patient, hospital, and state characteristics. RESULTS A total of 4,804,488 birth certificates were analyzed, with 22.5% for Black women. SAMO incidence was 106.4 per 10,000 (95% CI 104.5, 108.4) for Black women, and 72.7 per 10,000 (95% CI 71.8, 73.6) for white women. Odds of SAMO increased 35% per 1-unit increase in the unemployment ratio for Black women (aOR 1.35; 95% CI 1.04, 1.73), and 16% for white women (aOR 1.16; 95% CI 1.01, 1.33). Odds of SAMO increased 6% per 1-unit increase in the incarceration ratio for Black women (aOR 1.06; 95% CI 1.03, 1.10), and 4% for white women (aOR 1.04; 95% CI 1.02, 1.06). No significant association was observed between SAMO and the lower education level ratio. CONCLUSIONS FOR PRACTICE State-level Black-to-white inequity ratios for unemployment and incarceration are associated with significantly increased odds of SAMO.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean Guglielminotti
- Department of Anesthesiology, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, 622 West 168th Street, PH5-505, New York, NY, 10032, USA.
| | - Goleen Samari
- Heilbrunn Department of Population and Family Health, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, 722 West 168th Street, New York, NY, 10032, USA
| | - Alexander M Friedman
- Division of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, 622 West 168th Street, New York, NY, 10032, USA
| | - Ruth Landau
- Department of Anesthesiology, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, 622 West 168th Street, PH5-505, New York, NY, 10032, USA
| | - Guohua Li
- Department of Anesthesiology, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, 622 West 168th Street, PH5-505, New York, NY, 10032, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, 722 West 168th Street, New York, NY, 10032, USA
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28
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Roese N, Lan CW, Tirumala K, Joshi S. Community-Level Factors are Predictors of Severe Maternal Morbidity Among American Indian and Alaska Native Pregnant People in the Pacific Northwest in a Multilevel Logistic Regression. Matern Child Health J 2024; 28:125-134. [PMID: 37955840 DOI: 10.1007/s10995-023-03811-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 11/14/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) pregnant people face barriers to health and healthcare that put them at risk of pregnancy complications. Rates of severe maternal morbidity (SMM) among Indigenous pregnant people are estimated to be twice that of non-Hispanic White (NHW) pregnant people. METHODS Race-corrected Oregon Hospital Discharge and Washington Comprehensive Hospital Abstract Reporting System data were combined to create a joint dataset of births between 2012 and 2016. The analytic sample was composed of 12,535 AI/AN records and 313,046 NHW records. A multilevel logistic regression was used to assess the relationship between community-level, individual and pregnancy risk factors on SMM for AI/AN pregnant people. RESULTS At the community level, AI/AN pregnant people were more likely than NHW to live in mostly or completely rural counties with low median household income and high uninsured rates. They were more likely to use Medicaid, be in a high-risk age category, and have diabetes or obesity. During pregnancy, AI/AN pregnant people were more likely to have insufficient prenatal care (PNC), gestational diabetes, and pre-eclampsia. In the multilevel model, county accounted for 6% of model variance. Hypertension pre-eclampsia, and county rurality were significant predictors of SMM among AI/AN pregnant people. High-risk age, insufficient PNC and a low county insured rate were near-significant at p < 0.10. DISCUSSION Community-level factors are significant contributors to SMM risk for AI/AN pregnant people in addition to hypertension and pre-eclampsia. These findings demonstrate the need for targeted support in pregnancy to AI/AN pregnant people, particularly those who live in rural and underserved communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalie Roese
- Northwest Portland Area Indian Health Board, Portland, OR, USA.
| | - Chiao Wen Lan
- Northwest Portland Area Indian Health Board, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Karuna Tirumala
- Northwest Portland Area Indian Health Board, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Sujata Joshi
- Northwest Portland Area Indian Health Board, Portland, OR, USA
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29
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Labgold K, Howards PP, Drews-Botsch C, Dunlop AL, Bryan JM, Ruddock T, Johnston S, Kramer MR. Decomposing the Black-White Racial Disparity in Severe Maternal Morbidity Risk: The Role of Hypertensive Disorders of Pregnancy. Epidemiology 2024; 35:94-102. [PMID: 37793115 DOI: 10.1097/ede.0000000000001683] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND To our knowledge, no studies have explicitly studied the role of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) in racial disparities in severe maternal morbidity (SMM). METHODS Using causal mediation models, we estimated the proportion of the non-Hispanic (NH) Black-White racial disparity in risk of SMM that is explained through the pathway of HDP. We linked 2006-2019 Georgia hospital discharge records with vital statistics birth and fetal death records for NH Black and NH White birthing persons. We used G-estimation of a structural nested mean model to decompose the absolute racial disparity in the incidence of SMM into pathways operating through HDP. RESULTS NH Black birthing people experienced an excess 56 SMM events (95% confidence interval [CI] = 52, 59) per 10,000 delivery hospitalizations compared with NH White birthing people. If counterfactual disparity measure estimation assumptions hold, the estimated absolute disparity remaining after blocking the causal pathways through HDP was 41 SMM events per 10,000 deliveries (95% CI = 38, 44), suggesting that 26% (95% CI = 12, 40) of the absolute racial disparity would be eliminated if there was no contribution of HDP to SMM risk. CONCLUSION Our results are consistent with the hypothesis that intervening to prevent HDP is an important (yet incomplete) pathway for reducing the excess risk among NH Black pregnancies compared with NH White pregnancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katie Labgold
- From the Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA
| | - Penelope P Howards
- From the Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA
| | - Carolyn Drews-Botsch
- From the Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA
- Department of Global and Community Health, School of Health and Human Services, George Mason University, Fairfax, VA
| | - Anne L Dunlop
- From the Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA
| | | | | | | | - Michael R Kramer
- From the Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA
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30
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Du R, Ali MM, Sung YS, Pandit AA, Payakachat N, Ounpraseuth ST, Magann EF, Eswaran H. Maternal comorbidity index and severe maternal morbidity among medicaid covered pregnant women in a US Southern rural state. J Matern Fetal Neonatal Med 2023; 36:2167073. [PMID: 36683016 DOI: 10.1080/14767058.2023.2167073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The rates of SMM have been steadily increasing in Arkansas, a southern rural state, which has the 5th highest maternal death rate among the US states. The aims of the study were to test the functionality of the Bateman index in association to SMM, in clustering the risks of pregnancies to SMM, and to study the predictability of SMM using the Bateman index. STUDY DESIGN From the ANGELS database, 72,183 pregnancies covered by Medicaid in Arkansas between 2013 and 2016 were included in this study. The expanded CDC ICD-9/ICD-10 criteria were used to identify SMM. The Bateman comorbidity index was applied in quantifying the comorbidity burden for a pregnancy. Multivariable logistic regressions, KMeans method, and five widely used predictive models were applied respectively for each of the study aims. RESULTS SMM prevalence remained persistently high among Arkansas women covered by Medicaid (195 per 10,000 deliveries) during the study period. Using the Bateman comorbidity index score, the study population was divided into four groups, with a monotonically increasing odds of SMM from a lower score group to a higher score group. The association between the index score and the occurrence of SMM is confirmed with statistical significance: relative to Bateman score falling in 0-1, adjusted Odds Ratios and 95% CIs are: 2.1 (1.78, 2.46) for score in 2-5; 5.08 (3.81, 6.79) for score in 6-9; and 8.53 (4.57, 15.92) for score ≥10. Noticeably, more than one-third of SMM cases were detected from the studied pregnancies that did not have any of the comorbid conditions identified. In the prediction analyses, we observed minimal predictability of SMM using the comorbidity index: the calculated c-statistics ranged between 62% and 67%; the Precision-Recall AUC values are <7% for internal validation and <9% for external validation procedures. CONCLUSIONS The comorbidity index can be used in quantifying the risk of SMM and can help cluster the study population into risk tiers of SMM, especially in rural states where there are disproportionately higher rates of SMM; however, the predictive value of the comorbidity index for SMM is inappreciable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruofei Du
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA
| | - Mir M Ali
- Institute for Digital Health & Innovation, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA
| | - Yi-Shan Sung
- Institute for Digital Health & Innovation, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA
| | - Ambrish A Pandit
- Division of Pharmaceutical Evaluation and Policy, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA
| | - Nalin Payakachat
- Division of Pharmaceutical Evaluation and Policy, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA
| | - Songthip T Ounpraseuth
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA
| | - Everett F Magann
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA
| | - Hari Eswaran
- Institute for Digital Health & Innovation, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA
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Kucirka LM, Angarita AM, Manuck TA, Boggess KA, Derebail VK, Wood ME, Meyer ML, Segev DL, Reynolds ML. Characteristics and Outcomes of Patients With Pregnancy-Related End-Stage Kidney Disease. JAMA Netw Open 2023; 6:e2346314. [PMID: 38064217 PMCID: PMC10709776 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2023.46314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2023] [Accepted: 10/24/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Importance The incidence of pregnancy-related acute kidney injury is increasing and is associated with significant maternal morbidity including progression to end-stage kidney disease (ESKD). Little is known about characteristics and long-term outcomes of patients who develop pregnancy-related ESKD. Objectives To examine the characteristics and clinical outcomes of patients with pregnancy-related ESKD and to investigate associations between pre-ESKD nephrology care and outcomes. Design, Setting, and Participants This was a cohort study of 183 640 reproductive-aged women with incident ESKD between January 1, 2000, and November 20, 2020, from the US Renal Data System and maternal data from births captured in the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention publicly available natality data. Data were analyzed from December 2022 to June 2023. Exposure Pregnancy-related primary cause of ESKD, per International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision (ICD-9) and ICD-10 codes reported at ESKD onset by the primary nephrologist on Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services form 2728. Main Outcomes Measures Multivariable Cox proportional hazards and competing risk models were constructed to examine time to (1) mortality, (2) access to kidney transplant (joining the waiting list or receiving a live donor transplant), and (3) receipt of transplant after joining the waitlist. Results A total of 341 patients with a pregnancy-related primary cause of ESKD were identified (mean [SD] age 30.2 [7.3]). Compared with the general US birthing population, Black patients were overrepresented among those with pregnancy-related ESKD (109 patients [31.9%] vs 585 268 patients [16.2%]). In adjusted analyses, patients with pregnancy-related ESKD had similar or lower hazards of mortality compared with those with glomerulonephritis or cystic kidney disease (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR], 0.96; 95% CI, 0.76-1.19), diabetes or hypertension (aHR, 0.49; 95% CI, 0.39-0.61), or other or unknown primary causes of ESKD (aHR, 0.60; 95% CI, 0.48-0.75). Despite this, patients with pregnancy-related ESKD had significantly lower access to kidney transplant compared with those with other causes of ESKD, including (1) glomerulonephritis or cystic kidney disease (adjusted subhazard ratio [aSHR], 0.51; 95% CI, 0.43-0.66), (2) diabetes or hypertension (aSHR, 0.81; 95% CI, 0.67-0.98), and (3) other or unkown cause (aSHR, 0.82; 95% CI, 0.67-0.99). Those with pregnancy-related ESKD were less likely to have nephrology care or have a graft or arteriovenous fistula placed before ESKD onset (nephrology care: adjusted relative risk [aRR], 0.47; 95% CI, 0.40-0.56; graft or arteriovenous fistula placed: aRR, 0.31; 95% CI, 0.17-0.57). Conclusion and Relevance In this study, those with pregnancy-related ESKD had reduced access to transplant and nephrology care, which could exacerbate existing disparities in a disproportionately Black population. Increased access to care could improve quality of life and health outcomes among these young adults with high potential for long-term survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren M. Kucirka
- Division of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
| | - Ana M. Angarita
- Division of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sidney Kimmel Medical College of Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Tracy A. Manuck
- Division of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
- Institute for Environmental Health Solutions, Gillings School of Global Public Health, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Kim A. Boggess
- Division of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
| | - Vimal K. Derebail
- UNC Kidney Center, Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, Department of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
| | - Mollie E. Wood
- Department of Epidemiology, Gillings School of Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
- Center for Pharmacoepidemiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
| | - Michelle L. Meyer
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
| | - Dorry L. Segev
- Division of Transplant, Department of Surgery, New York University Langone Medical Center, New York
| | - Monica L. Reynolds
- UNC Kidney Center, Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, Department of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
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White RS, Tangel VE, Lui B, Jiang SY, Pryor KO, Abramovitz SE. Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Delivery In-Hospital Mortality or Maternal End-Organ Injury: A Multistate Analysis, 2007-2020. J Womens Health (Larchmt) 2023; 32:1292-1307. [PMID: 37819719 DOI: 10.1089/jwh.2023.0245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: In the United States, Black maternal mortality is 2-4 × higher than that of White maternal mortality, with differences also present in severe maternal morbidity and other measures. However, limited research has comprehensively studied multilevel social determinants of health, and their confounding and effect modification on obstetrical outcomes. Materials and Methods: We performed a retrospective multistate analysis of adult inpatient delivery hospitalizations (Florida, Kentucky, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, and Washington) between 2007 and 2020. Multilevel multivariable models were used to test the confounder-adjusted association for race/ethnicity and the binary outcomes (1) in-hospital mortality or maternal end-organ injury and (2) in-hospital mortality only. Stratified analyses were performed to test effect modification. Results: The confounder-adjusted odds ratio showed that Black (1.33, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.30-1.36) and Hispanic (1.14, 95% CI: 1.11-1.18) as compared with White patients were more likely to die in-hospital or experience maternal end-organ injury. For Black and Hispanic patients, stratified analysis showed that findings remained significant in almost all homogeneous strata. After statistical adjustment, Black as compared with White patients were more likely to die in-hospital (1.49, 95% CI: 1.21-1.82). Conclusions: Black and Hispanic patients had higher adjusted odds of in-patient mortality and end-organ damage after birth than White patients. Race and ethnicity serve as strong predictors of health care inequality, and differences in outcomes may reflect broader structural racism and individual implicit bias. Proposed solutions require immense and multifaceted active efforts to restructure how obstetrical care is provided on the societal, hospital, and patient level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert S White
- Department of Anesthesiology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York, USA
| | - Virginia E Tangel
- Department of Anesthesiology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York, USA
| | - Briana Lui
- Weill Cornell Medical College, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York, USA
| | - Silis Y Jiang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York, USA
| | - Kane O Pryor
- Department of Anesthesiology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York, USA
| | - Sharon E Abramovitz
- Department of Anesthesiology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York, USA
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Liu J, Hung P, Zhang J, Olatosi B, Shih Y, Liang C, Campbell BA, Hikmet N, Li X. Severe maternal morbidity by race and ethnicity before vs. during the COVID-19 pandemic. Ann Epidemiol 2023; 88:51-61. [PMID: 37952778 PMCID: PMC10843780 DOI: 10.1016/j.annepidem.2023.11.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2023] [Revised: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 11/08/2023] [Indexed: 11/14/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE To examine the change in racial disparity in severe maternal morbidity (SMM) during the COVID-19 pandemic and the associations between SARS-CoV-2 infection and SMM. METHODS This retrospective cohort study used linked databases of all livebirths delivered between 2018 and 2021 in South Carolina (n = 162,576). Exposures were 1) pre-pandemic and pandemic periods (before vs. March 2020 onwards); 2) SARS-CoV-2 infection, severity, and timing of first infection. Log-binomial regression models were used. RESULTS SMM rate was higher among pandemic childbirths than pre-pandemic period (p = 0.06). The risk of SMM among Hispanics was doubled from pre-pandemic to pandemic periods (adjusted relative risk (aRR)= 2.50, 95% CI: 1.27, 4.94). During pre-pandemic, compared to White women, Black women (aRR=1.37, 95% CI: 1.14-1.64), while Hispanics had lower risk of SMM (aRR=0.42, 95% CI: 0.24-0.73). During the pandemic, the Black-White difference in the risk of SMM persisted (aRR=1.24, 95% CI: 1.00-1.54) and Hispanic-White difference in SMM risk became insignificant (aRR=0.85, 95% CI: 0.54-1.34). SARS-CoV-2 infection, its severity, and the late diagnosis were associated with 1.78-5.06 times higher risk of SMM. CONCLUSIONS During pandemic, Black-White racial disparity in SMM persisted but the relative pre-pandemic advantage in SMM among Hispanic women over White women disappeared during the pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jihong Liu
- Department of Epidemiology & Biostatistics, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, 915 Greene Street, Columbia, SC 29208, USA.
| | - Peiyin Hung
- Department of Health Services Policy & Management, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, 915 Greene Street, Columbia, SC 29208, USA; Big Data Health Science Center, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, 915 Greene Street, Columbia, SC 29208, USA
| | - Jiajia Zhang
- Department of Epidemiology & Biostatistics, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, 915 Greene Street, Columbia, SC 29208, USA; Big Data Health Science Center, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, 915 Greene Street, Columbia, SC 29208, USA
| | - Bankole Olatosi
- Department of Health Services Policy & Management, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, 915 Greene Street, Columbia, SC 29208, USA; Big Data Health Science Center, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, 915 Greene Street, Columbia, SC 29208, USA
| | - Yiwen Shih
- Department of Health Services Policy & Management, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, 915 Greene Street, Columbia, SC 29208, USA
| | - Chen Liang
- Department of Health Services Policy & Management, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, 915 Greene Street, Columbia, SC 29208, USA; Big Data Health Science Center, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, 915 Greene Street, Columbia, SC 29208, USA
| | - Berry A Campbell
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, University of South Carolina, Two Medical Park, Columbia, SC 29203, USA
| | - Neset Hikmet
- Big Data Health Science Center, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, 915 Greene Street, Columbia, SC 29208, USA; Department of Integrated Information Technology, College of Engineering and Computing, University of South Carolina, 550 Assembly Street, Columbia, SC 29208, USA
| | - Xiaoming Li
- Big Data Health Science Center, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, 915 Greene Street, Columbia, SC 29208, USA; Department of Health Promotion, Education, & Behavior, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, 915 Greene Street, Columbia, SC 29208, USA
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Jiang W, Chen W, Li D. Racial and ethnic disparities in the incidence, healthcare utilization, and outcomes of retained placenta among delivery hospitalizations in the United States, 2016-2019. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 2023; 23:783. [PMID: 37951873 PMCID: PMC10638702 DOI: 10.1186/s12884-023-06097-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2023] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 11/14/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Retained placenta is a concern during labor and delivery. However, recent data regarding the profiles of retained placenta are scarce, especially nationwide and in minority populations. This study aimed to investigate the recent incidence of retained placenta and its associated outcomes. METHODS We retrospectively analyzed an American population-based data from the National Inpatient Sample (NIS) 2016-2019. The outcomes of interest included the incidence of retained placenta, in-hospital mortality, length of hospital stay, and hospitalization costs. We estimated the incidence for retained placenta overall and by racial and ethnic subgroups, utilizing survey weights standardized for each subgroup. Multivariable linear or logistic regression models were employed in our study to investigate the associations between retained placenta and the impact of in-hospital mortality, duration of stay, and hospitalization expenditures for the entire population and further stratified by race and ethnicity, adjusting for potential confounders. RESULTS Of the 13,848,131 deliveries, there were 108,035 (or 0.78%) birthing persons were identified as having retained placentas. Over time, the incidence of retained placenta increased from 730 per 100,000 (0.73%) in 2016 to 856 per 100,000 (0.86%) in 2019. Native American mothers have the highest rate of retained placenta, with a prevalence almost twice that of the general population, reaching 1,434 cases per 100,000 (1.43%). After adjusting for confounding factors, Native American mothers were more likely to have retained placenta (odds ratio [OR], 1.56; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.35-1.81), whereas Black (OR, 0.92; 95% CI, 0.88-0.97) and Hispanic mothers (OR, 0.84; 95% CI, 0.80-0.89) were significantly less likely to have retained placenta than White mothers. Furthermore, those who delivered with a retained placenta were significantly associated with higher in-hospital mortality, a longer duration of stay, and hospitalization expenditures, which were disproportionately varied by maternal race and ethnicity. CONCLUSIONS The incidence of retained placenta among people undergoing vaginal delivery is exhibiting an upward trend over time, with notable variations observed across different ethnic groups by unclear mechanisms. The ramifications of these findings have the potential to impact the clinical management of maternal health care and the creation of health policies, specifically in relation to the Native American birth population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen Jiang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children (Sichuan University), Ministry of Education, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Wei Chen
- West China Biomedical Big Data Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Dong Li
- Department of Emergency, Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, 1000 W Carson St, Torrance, CA, 90502, USA.
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Clark Onwunyi VR, Walker VP, Olutoye OO. With Caution and Courage: Contextualizing Color-Blind Approaches to Perioperative Research and Care. Anesth Analg 2023; 137:963-966. [PMID: 37862396 DOI: 10.1213/ane.0000000000006382] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Varina R Clark Onwunyi
- From the Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Division of Molecular Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
| | - Valencia P Walker
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neonatology, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Center for the Study of Racism, Social Justice & Health, Fielding School of Public Health, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
| | - Oluyinka O Olutoye
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio
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Rotenstein LS, Figueroa JF. Uncovering Hidden Racial and Ethnic Bias Through Electronic Health Record Logs. JAMA Netw Open 2023; 6:e2336336. [PMID: 37812423 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2023.36336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/10/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Lisa S Rotenstein
- Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
- Now with Department of Medicine, University of California at San Francisco, San Francisco
| | - Jose F Figueroa
- Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
- Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts
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Brennan KA, Angelidis IK. Resuscitation in obstetric care. Int Anesthesiol Clin 2023; 61:55-61. [PMID: 37622314 DOI: 10.1097/aia.0000000000000413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/26/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Kaitlyn A Brennan
- Department of Anesthesiology & Critical Care Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennesse
| | - Ioannis K Angelidis
- New York University, Grossman School of Medicine, New York, New York
- Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative Care & Pain Medicine, NYU Langone Health, New York, New York
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Gao X, Thomas TA, Morello-Frosch R, Allen AM, Snowden JM, Carmichael SL, Mujahid MS. Neighborhood gentrification, displacement, and severe maternal morbidity in California. Soc Sci Med 2023; 334:116196. [PMID: 37678111 PMCID: PMC10959124 DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2023.116196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2023] [Revised: 06/29/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023]
Abstract
Gentrification, a racialized and profit-driven process in which historically disinvested neighborhoods experience an influx of development that contributes to the improvement of physical amenities, increasing housing costs, and the dispossession and displacement of existing communities, may influence the risk of severe maternal morbidity (SMM). Leveraging a racially diverse population-based sample of all live hospital births in California between 2006 and 2017, we examined associations between neighborhood-level gentrification and SMM. SMM was defined as having one of 21 procedures and diagnoses, as described in the SMM index developed by Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. We compared three gentrification measures to determine which operationalization best captures aspects of gentrification most salient to SMM: Freeman, Landis 3-D, and Urban Displacement Project Gentrification and Displacement Typology. Descriptive analysis assessed bivariate associations between gentrification and birthing people's characteristics. Overall and race and ethnicity-stratified mixed-effects logistic models assessed associations between gentrification and SMM, adjusting for individual sociodemographic and pregnancy factors while accounting for clustering by census tract. The study sample included 5,256,905 births, with 72,718 cases of SMM (1.4%). The percentage of individuals living in a gentrifying neighborhood ranged from 5.7% to 11.7% across exposure assessment methods. Net of individual and pregnancy-related factors, neighborhood-level gentrification, as measured by the Freeman method, was protective against SMM (OR = 0.89, 95% CI: 0.86-0.93); in comparison, gentrification, as measured by the Gentrification and Displacement Typology, was associated with greater risk of SMM (OR = 1.18, 95% CI: 1.14-1.23). These associations were significant among non-Hispanic White, non-Hispanic Black, and Hispanic individuals. Findings demonstrate that gentrification plays a role in shaping the risk of SMM among birthing people in California. Differences in how gentrification is conceptualized and measured, such as an emphasis on housing affordability compared to a broader characterization of gentrification's multiple aspects, may explain the heterogeneity in the directions of observed associations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xing Gao
- Division of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Timothy A Thomas
- Urban Displacement Project, Institute of Governmental Studies, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Rachel Morello-Frosch
- Department of Environmental Science, Policy and Management, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA; Division of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA; Division of Community Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Amani M Allen
- Division of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA; Division of Community Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Jonathan M Snowden
- School of Public Health, Oregon Health & Science University-Portland State University, OR, USA
| | - Suzan L Carmichael
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neonatal & Developmental Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA; Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Mahasin S Mujahid
- Division of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA.
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West BS, Choi S, Terplan M. In our responses to the overdose epidemic, we cannot forget pregnant and postpartum people. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DRUG POLICY 2023; 120:104153. [PMID: 37572587 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2023.104153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2023] [Revised: 07/10/2023] [Accepted: 07/27/2023] [Indexed: 08/14/2023]
Abstract
In 2021, there were over 100,000 drug overdose deaths in the United States (US). Death rates have increased faster among women than men, particularly among Black and Indigenous people. Although drug overdose is a leading cause of pregnancy-associated deaths, birthing people are rarely emphasized in discussions of overdose and research and services remain limited. Data show increases in drug use and deaths among women of child-bearing age, with risks continuing in the postpartum period. Harms experienced by birthing people who use drugs occur in the context of broader inequities in maternal morbidity and mortality that lead to disparate reproductive health outcomes. Shared structural antecedents (e.g. intersecting sexism and racism, stigma, and punitive policies) underlie overlapping epidemics of overdose and maternal morbidity and mortality. Here we discuss the unique challenges placed on birthing people who use drugs and make recommendations on how to mitigate harms by improving access to and delivery of quality care and addressing unjust policies and practices. We highlight the need for integrated health services, clearer guidelines rooted in equity, and the need for changes to policy and practice that support rather than punish. To better serve individuals and families impacted by substance use, we need multilevel solutions that advance gender equity and racial justice to reshape and/or dismantle the systems that undergird oppression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brooke S West
- Columbia University School of Social Work, United States.
| | - Sugy Choi
- Department of Population Health, New York University Langone Health, United States
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Goulding AN, Fox KA, Reed CC, Salmanian B, Shamshirsaz AA, Aagaard KM. A Retrospective Review of Social Deprivation Index and Maternal Outcomes with Placenta Accreta Spectrum from a Single Referral Center. Am J Perinatol 2023; 40:1383-1389. [PMID: 37364598 PMCID: PMC11107423 DOI: 10.1055/s-0043-1770162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/28/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Little is known about how community characteristics influence placenta accreta spectrum (PAS) outcomes. Our objective was to evaluate whether adverse maternal outcomes among pregnant people (gravidae) with PAS delivering at a single referral center differ by community-level measures of social deprivation. STUDY DESIGN We conducted a retrospective cohort study of singleton gravidae with histopathology confirmed PAS delivering from January 2011 to June 2021 at a referral center. Data abstraction collected relevant patient information, including resident zip code, which was linked to Social Deprivation Index (SDI) score (a measure of area-level social deprivation). SDI scores were divided into quartiles for analysis. Primary outcome was a composite of maternal adverse outcomes. Bivariate analyses and multivariable logistic regression were performed. RESULTS Among our cohort (n = 264), those in the lowest (least deprived) SDI quartile were older, had lower body mass index, and were more likely to identify as non-Hispanic white. Composite maternal adverse outcome occurred in 81 (30.7%), and did not differ significantly by SDI quartile. Intraoperative transfusion of ≥4 red blood cell units occurred more often among those living in deprived areas (31.2% in the highest [most deprived] vs. 22.7% in the lowest [least deprived] SDI quartile, p = 0.04). No other outcomes differed by SDI quartile. In multivariable logistic regression, a quartile increase in SDI was associated with 32% increased odds of transfusion of ≥4 red blood cell units (adjusted odds ratio: 1.32, 95% confidence interval: 1.01-1.75). CONCLUSION Within a cohort of gravidae with PAS delivered at a single referral center, we found that those living in more socially deprived communities were more likely to receive transfusion of ≥4 red blood cell units, but other maternal adverse outcomes did not differ. Our findings highlight the importance of considering how characteristics of the surrounding community can impact PAS outcomes and may assist with risk stratification and resource deployment. KEY POINTS · Little is known about how community characteristics influence PAS outcomes.. · In a referral center, transfusion was more common in gravidae living in socially deprived areas.. · Future research should consider how community characteristics can impact PAS outcomes..
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Affiliation(s)
- Alison N. Goulding
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - Karin A. Fox
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - Christina C. Reed
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - Bahram Salmanian
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | | | - Kjersti M. Aagaard
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
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Henderson JT, Webber EM, Thomas RG, Vesco KK. Screening for Hypertensive Disorders of Pregnancy: Updated Evidence Report and Systematic Review for the US Preventive Services Task Force. JAMA 2023; 330:1083-1091. [PMID: 37721606 DOI: 10.1001/jama.2023.4934] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/19/2023]
Abstract
Importance Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy are a leading cause of pregnancy-related morbidity and mortality in the US. Objective To conduct a targeted systematic review to update the evidence on the effectiveness of screening for hypertensive disorders of pregnancy to inform the US Preventive Services Task Force. Data Sources MEDLINE and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials for relevant studies published between January 1, 2014, and January 4, 2022; surveillance through February 21, 2023. Study Selection English-language comparative effectiveness studies comparing screening strategies in pregnant or postpartum individuals. Data Extraction and Synthesis Two reviewers independently appraised articles and extracted relevant data from fair-or good-quality studies; no quantitative synthesis was conducted. Main outcomes and measures Morbidity or mortality, measures of health-related quality of life. Results The review included 6 fair-quality studies (5 trials and 1 nonrandomized study; N = 10 165) comparing changes in prenatal screening practices with usual care, which was routine screening at in-person office visits. No studies addressed screening for new-onset hypertensive disorders of pregnancy in the postpartum period. One trial (n = 2521) evaluated home blood pressure measurement as a supplement to usual care; 3 trials (total n = 5203) evaluated reduced prenatal visit schedules. One study (n = 2441) evaluated proteinuria screening conducted only for specific clinical indications, compared with a historical control group that received routine proteinuria screening. One additional trial (n = 80) only addressed the comparative harms of home blood pressure measurement. The studies did not report statistically significant differences in maternal and infant complications with alternate strategies compared with usual care; however, estimates were imprecise for serious, rare health outcomes. Home blood pressure measurement added to prenatal care visits was not associated with earlier diagnosis of a hypertensive disorder of pregnancy (104.3 vs 106.2 days), and incidence was not different between groups in 3 trials of reduced prenatal visit schedules. No harms of the different screening strategies were identified. Conclusions and Relevance This review did not identify evidence that any alternative screening strategies for hypertensive disorders of pregnancy were more effective than routine blood pressure measurement at in-person prenatal visits. Morbidity and mortality from hypertensive disorders of pregnancy can be prevented, yet American Indian/Alaska Native persons and Black persons experience inequitable rates of adverse outcomes. Further research is needed to identify screening approaches that may lead to improved disease detection and health outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jillian T Henderson
- Kaiser Permanente Evidence-based Practice Center, Center for Health Research, Kaiser Permanente, Portland, Oregon
| | - Elizabeth M Webber
- Kaiser Permanente Evidence-based Practice Center, Center for Health Research, Kaiser Permanente, Portland, Oregon
| | - Rachel G Thomas
- Kaiser Permanente Evidence-based Practice Center, Center for Health Research, Kaiser Permanente, Portland, Oregon
- CareOregon, Portland
| | - Kimberly K Vesco
- Kaiser Permanente Evidence-based Practice Center, Center for Health Research, Kaiser Permanente, Portland, Oregon
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Richardson MB, Toluhi AA, Baskin ML, Budhwani H, Julian ZI, Knight CC, Sinkey R, Szychowski JM, Tita AT, Wingate MS, Turan JM. Community and Systems Contributors and Strategies to Reduce Racial Inequities in Maternal Health in the Deep South: Provider Perspectives. Health Equity 2023; 7:581-591. [PMID: 37736520 PMCID: PMC10510686 DOI: 10.1089/heq.2023.0114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose Black pregnant individuals in Alabama are disproportionately affected by severe maternal morbidity and mortality (SMM). To understand why racial disparities in maternal health outcomes persist and identify potential strategies to reduce these inequities, we sought perspectives from obstetric health care providers, health administrators, and members of local organizations who provide pregnancy, delivery, and postpartum care services in Alabama. Methods We conducted qualitative in-depth interviews with stakeholders (n=20), purposively recruited from community-based organizations, clinical settings, government organizations, and academic institutions. Interview guides were based on Howell's conceptual model of pathways to racial disparities in maternal mortality. Data were coded using a modified framework theory approach and analyzed thematically. Results Racism, unjust laws and policies, and poverty/lack of infrastructure in communities emerged as major themes contributing to racial disparities in maternal health at the community and systems levels. Inadequate health insurance coverage was described as a strong driver of the disparities. Service providers suggested strategies for Alabama should be community focused, evidence based, and culturally sensitive. These should include Medicaid expansion, expanded parental leave, and removal of laws restricting choice. Community- and systems-level interventions should include community infrastructure improvements, choice in maternity services, and provision of digital communication options. Conclusions Providers shared perspectives on community and structural areas of intervention to reduce racial inequities in SMM. These results can inform discussions with health system and community partners about Alabama and other Deep South initiatives to improve maternal health outcomes in black communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Molly B. Richardson
- Department of Health Policy and Organization, University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB), Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Angelina A. Toluhi
- Department of Health Policy and Organization, University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB), Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Monica L. Baskin
- Department of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB), Birmingham, Alabama, USA
- Center for Women's Reproductive Health, UAB, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Henna Budhwani
- Center for Women's Reproductive Health, UAB, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
- Center of Population Sciences for Health Equity, College of Nursing, Florida State University (FSU), Tallahassee, Florida, USA
| | - Zoë I. Julian
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, WellStar Kennestone Regional Medical Center, Marietta, Georgia, USA
| | - Candace C. Knight
- Center for Women's Reproductive Health, UAB, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
- School of Nursing, UAB, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Rachel Sinkey
- Center for Women's Reproductive Health, UAB, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, UAB, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Jeff M. Szychowski
- Center for Women's Reproductive Health, UAB, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
- Department of Biostatistics, UAB, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Alan T.N. Tita
- Center for Women's Reproductive Health, UAB, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, UAB, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Martha S. Wingate
- Department of Health Policy and Organization, University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB), Birmingham, Alabama, USA
- Center for Women's Reproductive Health, UAB, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Janet M. Turan
- Department of Health Policy and Organization, University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB), Birmingham, Alabama, USA
- Center for Women's Reproductive Health, UAB, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
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Garrett SB, Jones L, Montague A, Fa-Yusuf H, Harris-Taylor J, Powell B, Chan E, Zamarripa S, Hooper S, Chambers Butcher BD. Challenges and Opportunities for Clinician Implicit Bias Training: Insights from Perinatal Care Stakeholders. Health Equity 2023; 7:506-519. [PMID: 37731787 PMCID: PMC10507933 DOI: 10.1089/heq.2023.0126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction In an attempt to address health inequities, many U.S. states have considered or enacted legislation requiring antibias or implicit bias training (IBT) for health care providers. California's "Dignity in Pregnancy and Childbirth Act" requires that hospitals and alternative birthing centers provide IBT to perinatal clinicians with the goal of improving clinical outcomes for Black women and birthing people. However, there is as yet insufficient evidence to identify what IBT approaches, if any, achieve this goal. Engaging the experiences and insights of IBT stakeholders is a foundational step in informing nascent IBT policy, curricula, and implementation. Methods We conducted a multimethod community-based participatory research study with key stakeholders of California's IBT policy to identify key challenges and recommendations for effective clinician IBT. We used focus groups, in-depth interviews, combined inductive/deductive thematic analysis, and multiple techniques to promote rigor and validity. Participants were San Francisco Bay Area-based individuals who identified as Black or African American women with a recent hospital birth (n=20), and hospital-based perinatal clinicians (n=20). Results We identified numerous actionable challenges and recommendations regarding aspects of (1) state law; (2) IBT content and format; (3) health care facility IBT implementation; (4) health care facility environment; and (5) provider commitment and behaviors. Patient and clinician insights overlapped substantially. Many respondents felt IBT would improve outcomes only in combination with other antiracism interventions. Health Equity Implications These stakeholder insights offer policy-makers, health system leaders, and curriculum developers crucial guidance for the future development and implementation of clinician antibias interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah B. Garrett
- Philip R. Lee Institute for Health Policy Studies, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Linda Jones
- California Preterm Birth Initiative, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Alexandra Montague
- UCSF-UC Law Consortium on Law, Science & Health Policy, University of California College of the Law, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Haleemat Fa-Yusuf
- Independent Researcher and Community Advisor, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Julie Harris-Taylor
- California Preterm Birth Initiative, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Breezy Powell
- California Preterm Birth Initiative, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Erica Chan
- University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Stephen Zamarripa
- Philip R. Lee Institute for Health Policy Studies, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Sarah Hooper
- UCSF-UC Law Consortium on Law, Science & Health Policy, University of California College of the Law, San Francisco, California, USA
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Azcoaga-Lorenzo A, Fagbamigbe AF, Agrawal U, Black M, Usman M, Lee SI, Eastwood KA, Moss N, Plachcinski R, Nelson-Piercy C, Brophy S, O'Reilly D, Nirantharakumar K, McCowan C. Maternal multimorbidity and preterm birth in Scotland: an observational record-linkage study. BMC Med 2023; 21:352. [PMID: 37697325 PMCID: PMC10496247 DOI: 10.1186/s12916-023-03058-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 09/13/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Multimorbidity is common in women across the life course. Preterm birth is the single biggest cause of neonatal mortality and morbidity. We aim to estimate the prevalence of multimorbidity in pregnant women and to examine the association between maternal multimorbidity and PTB. METHODS This is a retrospective cohort study using electronic health records from the Scottish Morbidity Records. All pregnancies among women aged 15 to 49 with a conception date between 1 January 2014 and 31 December 2018 were included. Multimorbidity was defined as the presence of two or more pre-existing long-term physical or mental health conditions, and complex multimorbidity as the presence of four or more. It was calculated at the time of conception using a predefined list of 79 conditions published by the MuM-PreDiCT consortium. PTB was defined as babies born alive between 24 and less than 37 completed weeks of gestation. We used Generalised Estimating Equations adjusted for maternal age, socioeconomic status, number of previous pregnancies, BMI, and smoking history to estimate the effect of maternal pre-existing multimorbidity. Absolut rates are reported in the results and tables, whilst Odds Ratios (ORs) are adjusted (aOR). RESULTS Thirty thousand five hundred fifty-seven singleton births from 27,711 pregnant women were included in the analysis. The prevalence of pre-existing multimorbidity and complex multimorbidity was 16.8% (95% CI: 16.4-17.2) and 3.6% (95% CI: 3.3-3.8), respectively. The prevalence of multimorbidity in the youngest age group was 10.2%(95% CI: 8.8-11.6), while in those 40 to 44, it was 21.4% (95% CI: 18.4-24.4), and in the 45 to 49 age group, it was 20% (95% CI: 8.9-31.1). In women without multimorbidity, the prevalence of PTB was 6.7%; it was 11.6% in women with multimorbidity and 15.6% in women with complex multimorbidity. After adjusting for maternal age, socioeconomic status, number of previous pregnancies, Body Mass Index (BMI), and smoking, multimorbidity was associated with higher odds of PTB (aOR = 1.64, 95% CI: 1.48-1.82). CONCLUSIONS Multimorbidity at the time of conception was present in one in six women and was associated with an increased risk of preterm birth. Multimorbidity presents a significant health burden to women and their offspring. Routine and comprehensive evaluation of women with multimorbidity before and during pregnancy is urgently needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amaya Azcoaga-Lorenzo
- Division of Population and Behavioural Sciences, School of Medicine, University of St Andrews, St Andrews, UK.
- Hospital Rey Juan Carlos, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Fundación Jimenez Diaz, Madrid, Spain.
- Research Network On Chronicity, Primary Care and Prevention and Health Promotion, (ISCIII), Madrid, Spain.
| | - Adeniyi Francis Fagbamigbe
- Division of Population and Behavioural Sciences, School of Medicine, University of St Andrews, St Andrews, UK
- Department of Epidemiology and Medical Statistics, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
- Institute of Applied Health Sciences, School of Medicine, Medical Sciences & Nutrition, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK
| | - Utkarsh Agrawal
- Division of Population and Behavioural Sciences, School of Medicine, University of St Andrews, St Andrews, UK
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Mairead Black
- Aberdeen Centre for Women's Health Research, School of Medicine, Medical Science and Nutrition, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK
| | - Muhammad Usman
- Division of Population and Behavioural Sciences, School of Medicine, University of St Andrews, St Andrews, UK
| | - Siang Ing Lee
- Institute of Applied Health Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Kelly-Ann Eastwood
- Centre for Public Health, Queen's University of Belfast, Belfast, UK
- St Michael's Hospital, University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust, Bristol, UK
| | - Ngawai Moss
- Patient and Public Representative, London, UK
| | | | | | - Sinead Brophy
- Data Science, Medical School, Swansea University, Swansea, UK
| | - Dermot O'Reilly
- Centre for Public Health, Queen's University of Belfast, Belfast, UK
| | | | - Colin McCowan
- Division of Population and Behavioural Sciences, School of Medicine, University of St Andrews, St Andrews, UK
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Jiao A, Sun Y, Avila C, Chiu V, Slezak J, Sacks DA, Abatzoglou JT, Molitor J, Chen JC, Benmarhnia T, Getahun D, Wu J. Analysis of Heat Exposure During Pregnancy and Severe Maternal Morbidity. JAMA Netw Open 2023; 6:e2332780. [PMID: 37676659 PMCID: PMC10485728 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2023.32780] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 09/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Importance The rate of severe maternal morbidity (SMM) is continuously increasing in the US. Evidence regarding the associations of climate-related exposure, such as environmental heat, with SMM is lacking. Objective To examine associations between long- and short-term maternal heat exposure and SMM. Design, Setting, and Participants This retrospective population-based epidemiological cohort study took place at a large integrated health care organization, Kaiser Permanente Southern California, between January 1, 2008, and December 31, 2018. Data were analyzed from February to April 2023. Singleton pregnancies with data on SMM diagnosis status were included. Exposures Moderate, high, and extreme heat days, defined as daily maximum temperatures exceeding the 75th, 90th, and 95th percentiles of the time series data from May through September 2007 to 2018 in Southern California, respectively. Long-term exposures were measured by the proportions of different heat days during pregnancy and by trimester. Short-term exposures were represented by binary variables of heatwaves with 9 different definitions (combining percentile thresholds with 3 durations; ie, ≥2, ≥3, and ≥4 consecutive days) during the last gestational week. Main Outcomes and Measures The primary outcome was SMM during delivery hospitalization, measured by 20 subconditions excluding blood transfusion. Discrete-time logistic regression was used to estimate associations with long- and short-term heat exposure. Effect modification by maternal characteristics and green space exposure was examined using interaction terms. Results There were 3446 SMM cases (0.9%) among 403 602 pregnancies (mean [SD] age, 30.3 [5.7] years). Significant associations were observed with long-term heat exposure during pregnancy and during the third trimester. High exposure (≥80th percentile of the proportions) to extreme heat days during pregnancy and during the third trimester were associated with a 27% (95% CI, 17%-37%; P < .001) and 28% (95% CI, 17%-41%; P < .001) increase in risk of SMM, respectively. Elevated SMM risks were significantly associated with short-term heatwave exposure under all heatwave definitions. The magnitude of associations generally increased from the least severe (HWD1: daily maximum temperature >75th percentile lasting for ≥2 days; odds ratio [OR], 1.32; 95% CI, 1.17-1.48; P < .001) to the most severe heatwave exposure (HWD9: daily maximum temperature >95th percentile lasting for ≥4 days; OR, 2.39; 95% CI, 1.62-3.54; P < .001). Greater associations were observed among mothers with lower educational attainment (OR for high exposure to extreme heat days during pregnancy, 1.43; 95% CI, 1.26-1.63; P < .001) or whose pregnancies started in the cold season (November through April; OR, 1.37; 95% CI, 1.24-1.53; P < .001). Conclusions and Relevance In this retrospective cohort study, long- and short-term heat exposure during pregnancy was associated with higher risk of SMM. These results might have important implications for SMM prevention, particularly in a changing climate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anqi Jiao
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Program in Public Health, University of California, Irvine
| | - Yi Sun
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Program in Public Health, University of California, Irvine
- Institute of Medical Information, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Chantal Avila
- Department of Research & Evaluation, Kaiser Permanente Southern California, Pasadena
| | - Vicki Chiu
- Department of Research & Evaluation, Kaiser Permanente Southern California, Pasadena
| | - Jeff Slezak
- Department of Research & Evaluation, Kaiser Permanente Southern California, Pasadena
| | - David A. Sacks
- Department of Research & Evaluation, Kaiser Permanente Southern California, Pasadena
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Southern California, Keck School of Medicine, Los Angeles
| | | | - John Molitor
- College of Public Health and Human Sciences, Oregon State University, Corvallis
| | - Jiu-Chiuan Chen
- Department of Population and Public Health Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles
| | - Tarik Benmarhnia
- Scripps Institution of Oceanography, University of California, San Diego
| | - Darios Getahun
- Department of Research & Evaluation, Kaiser Permanente Southern California, Pasadena
- Department of Health Systems Science, Kaiser Permanente Bernard J. Tyson School of Medicine, Pasadena, California
| | - Jun Wu
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Program in Public Health, University of California, Irvine
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Osei-Poku GK, Prentice JC, Peeler M, Bernstein SN, Iverson RE, Schiff DM. Risk of Severe Maternal Morbidity in Birthing People With Opioid Use Disorder. Womens Health Issues 2023; 33:524-531. [PMID: 37423777 DOI: 10.1016/j.whi.2023.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2022] [Revised: 05/29/2023] [Accepted: 06/09/2023] [Indexed: 07/11/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION We examined severe maternal morbidity (SMM) among birthing people with opioid use disorder (OUD) and evaluated the extent to which differences in SMM exist by race and ethnicity. METHODS We performed a retrospective cohort study using hospital discharge data for all Massachusetts births between 2016 and 2020. SMM rates for all SMM indicators, except transfusions, were computed for those diagnosed with and without OUD. Multivariable logistic regression was used to examine the association between OUD and SMM after adjusting for patient and hospital characteristics, including race and ethnicity. RESULTS Among 324,012 childbirths, the SMM rate was 148 (95% confidence interval [CI]. 115-189) per 10,000 childbirths among birthing people with OUD compared with 88 (95% CI, 85-91) for those without. In adjusted models, both OUD and race/ethnicity were significantly associated with SMM. Birthing people with OUD had 2.12 (95% CI, 1.64-2.75) times the odds of experiencing an SMM event compared with those without. Non-Hispanic Black and Hispanic birthing people were at 1.85 (95% CI, 1.65-2.07) and 1.26 (95% CI, 1.13-1.41) higher odds of experiencing SMM compared with non-Hispanic White birthing people. Among birthing people with OUD, the odds of SMM were not significantly different between birthing people of color and non-Hispanic White individuals. CONCLUSIONS Birthing people with OUD are at an elevated risk of SMM, underscoring the need for improved access to OUD treatment and increased support. Perinatal quality improvement collaboratives should measure SMM in bundles aimed at improving outcomes for birthing people with OUD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Godwin K Osei-Poku
- Betsy Lehman Center for Patient Safety, Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Boston, Massachusetts.
| | - Julia C Prentice
- Betsy Lehman Center for Patient Safety, Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Boston, Massachusetts; Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Mary Peeler
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Sarah N Bernstein
- Division of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Reproductive Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Ronald E Iverson
- Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Boston Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Davida M Schiff
- Division of General Academic Pediatrics and Newborn Medicine, Mass General Hospital for Children, Boston, Massachusetts
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GUGLIELMINOTTI J, DAW JR, LANDAU R, FRIEDMAN AM, LI G. Association of the United States Affordable Care Act Dependent Coverage Provision with Labor Neuraxial Analgesia Use. Anesthesiology 2023; 139:274-286. [PMID: 37228003 PMCID: PMC10527099 DOI: 10.1097/aln.0000000000004632] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Providing continuous health insurance coverage during the perinatal period may increase access to and utilization of labor neuraxial analgesia. This study tested the hypothesis that implementation of the 2010 Dependent Coverage Provision of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, requiring private health insurers to allow young adults to remain on their parent's plan until age 26 yr, was associated with increased labor neuraxial analgesia use. METHODS This study used a natural experiment design and birth certificate data for spontaneous vaginal deliveries in 28 U.S. states between 2009 and 2013. The intervention was the Dependent Coverage Provision, categorized into pre- and postintervention periods (January 2009 to August 2010 and September 2010 to December 2013, respectively). The exposure was women's age, categorized as exposed (21 to 25 yr) and unexposed (27 to 31 yr). The outcome was the labor neuraxial analgesia utilization rate. RESULTS Of the 4,515,667 birth certificates analyzed, 3,033,129 (67.2%) indicated labor neuraxial analgesia use. For women aged 21 to 25 yr, labor neuraxial analgesia utilization rates were 64.9% during the preintervention period and 68.9% during the postintervention period (difference, 4.0%; 95% CI, 3.9 to 4.2). For women aged 27 to 31 yr, labor neuraxial analgesia utilization rates were 64.9% during the preintervention period and 67.7% during the postintervention period (difference, 2.8%; 95% CI, 2.7 to 2.9). After adjustment, implementation of the Dependent Coverage Provision was associated with a 1.0% (95% CI, 0.8 to 1.2) absolute increase in labor neuraxial analgesia utilization rate among women aged 21 to 25 yr compared with women aged 27 to 31 yr. The increase was statistically significant for White and Hispanic women but not for Black and Other race and ethnicity women. CONCLUSIONS Implementation of the Dependent Coverage Provision was associated with a statistically significant increase in labor neuraxial analgesia use, but the small effect size is unlikely of clinical significance. EDITOR’S PERSPECTIVE
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean GUGLIELMINOTTI
- Department of Anesthesiology, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, 622 West 168 Street, PH5-505, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Jamie R. DAW
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, 722 West 168 Street, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Ruth LANDAU
- Department of Anesthesiology, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, 622 West 168 Street, PH5-505, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Alexander M. FRIEDMAN
- Division of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, 622 West 168 Street, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Guohua LI
- Department of Anesthesiology, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, 622 West 168 Street, PH5-505, New York, NY 10032, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, 722 West 168 Street, New York, NY 10032, USA
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Shields AD, Plante LA, Pacheco LD, Louis JM. Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine Consult Series #67: Maternal sepsis. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2023; 229:B2-B19. [PMID: 37236495 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajog.2023.05.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Maternal sepsis is a significant cause of maternal morbidity and mortality, and is a potentially preventable cause of maternal death. This Consult aims to summarize what is known about sepsis and provide guidance for the management of sepsis during pregnancy and the postpartum period. Most studies cited are from the nonpregnant population, but where available, pregnancy data are included. The following are the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine recommendations: (1) we recommend that clinicians consider the diagnosis of sepsis in pregnant or postpartum patients with otherwise unexplained end-organ damage in the presence of a suspected or confirmed infectious process, regardless of the presence of fever (GRADE 1C); (2) we recommend that sepsis and septic shock in pregnancy be considered medical emergencies and that treatment and resuscitation begin immediately (Best Practice); (3) we recommend that hospitals and health systems use a performance improvement program for sepsis in pregnancy with sepsis screening tools and metrics (GRADE 1B); (4) we recommend that institutions develop their own procedures and protocols for the detection of maternal sepsis, avoiding the use of a single screening tool alone (GRADE 1B); (5) we recommend obtaining tests to evaluate for infectious and noninfectious causes of life-threatening organ dysfunction in pregnant and postpartum patients with possible sepsis (Best Practice); (6) we recommend that an evaluation for infectious causes in pregnant or postpartum patients in whom sepsis is suspected or identified includes appropriate microbiologic cultures, including blood, before starting antimicrobial therapy, as long as there are no substantial delays in timely administration of antibiotics (Best Practice); (7) we recommend obtaining a serum lactate level in pregnant or postpartum patients in whom sepsis is suspected or identified (GRADE 1B); (8) in pregnant or postpartum patients with septic shock or a high likelihood of sepsis, we recommend administration of empiric broad-spectrum antimicrobial therapy, ideally within 1 hour of recognition (GRADE 1C); (9) after a diagnosis of sepsis in pregnancy is made, we recommend rapid identification or exclusion of an anatomic source of infection and emergency source control when indicated (Best Practice); (10) we recommend early intravenous administration (within the first 3 hours) of 1 to 2 L of balanced crystalloid solutions in sepsis complicated by hypotension or suspected organ hypoperfusion (GRADE 1C); (11) we recommend the use of a balanced crystalloid solution as a first-line fluid for resuscitation in pregnant and postpartum patients with sepsis or septic shock (GRADE 1B); (12) we recommend against the use of starches or gelatin for resuscitation in pregnant and postpartum patients with sepsis or septic shock (GRADE 1A); (13) we recommend ongoing, detailed evaluation of the patient's response to fluid resuscitation guided by dynamic measures of preload (GRADE 1B); (14) we recommend the use of norepinephrine as the first-line vasopressor during pregnancy and the postpartum period with septic shock (GRADE 1C); (15) we suggest using intravenous corticosteroids in pregnant or postpartum patients with septic shock who continue to require vasopressor therapy (GRADE 2B); (16) because of an increased risk of venous thromboembolism in sepsis and septic shock, we recommend the use of pharmacologic venous thromboembolism prophylaxis in pregnant and postpartum patients in septic shock (GRADE 1B); (17) we suggest initiating insulin therapy at a glucose level >180 mg/dL in critically ill pregnant patients with sepsis (GRADE 2C); (18) if a uterine source for sepsis is suspected or confirmed, we recommend prompt delivery or evacuation of uterine contents to achieve source control, regardless of gestational age (GRADE 1C); and (19) because of an increased risk of physical, cognitive, and emotional problems in survivors of sepsis and septic shock, we recommend ongoing comprehensive support for pregnant and postpartum sepsis survivors and their families (Best Practice).
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Boghossian NS, Greenberg LT, Saade GR, Rogowski J, Phibbs CS, Passarella M, Buzas JS, Lorch SA. Association of Sickle Cell Disease With Racial Disparities and Severe Maternal Morbidities in Black Individuals. JAMA Pediatr 2023; 177:808-817. [PMID: 37273202 PMCID: PMC10242511 DOI: 10.1001/jamapediatrics.2023.1580] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Importance Little is known about the association between sickle cell disease (SCD) and severe maternal morbidity (SMM). Objective To examine the association of SCD with racial disparities in SMM and with SMM among Black individuals. Design, Setting, and Participants This cohort study was a retrospective population-based investigation of individuals with and without SCD in 5 states (California [2008-2018], Michigan [2008-2020], Missouri [2008-2014], Pennsylvania [2008-2014], and South Carolina [2008-2020]) delivering a fetal death or live birth. Data were analyzed between July and December 2022. Exposure Sickle cell disease identified during the delivery admission by using International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision and Tenth Revision codes. Main Outcomes and Measures The primary outcomes were SMM including and excluding blood transfusions during the delivery hospitalization. Modified Poisson regression was used to estimate risk ratios (RRs) adjusted for birth year, state, insurance type, education, maternal age, Adequacy of Prenatal Care Utilization Index, and obstetric comorbidity index. Results From a sample of 8 693 616 patients (mean [SD] age, 28.5 [6.1] years), 956 951 were Black individuals (11.0%), of whom 3586 (0.37%) had SCD. Black individuals with SCD vs Black individuals without SCD were more likely to have Medicaid insurance (70.2% vs 64.6%), to have a cesarean delivery (44.6% vs 34.0%), and to reside in South Carolina (25.2% vs 21.5%). Sickle cell disease accounted for 8.9% and for 14.3% of the Black-White disparity in SMM and nontransfusion SMM, respectively. Among Black individuals, SCD complicated 0.37% of the pregnancies but contributed to 4.3% of the SMM cases and to 6.9% of the nontransfusion SMM cases. Among Black individuals with SCD compared with those without, the crude RRs of SMM and nontransfusion SMM during the delivery hospitalization were 11.9 (95% CI, 11.3-12.5) and 19.8 (95% CI, 18.5-21.2), respectively, while the adjusted RRs were 3.8 (95% CI, 3.3-4.5) and 6.5 (95% CI, 5.3-8.0), respectively. The SMM indicators that incurred the highest adjusted RRs included air and thrombotic embolism (4.8; 95% CI, 2.9-7.8), puerperal cerebrovascular disorders (4.7; 95% CI, 3.0-7.4), and blood transfusion (3.7; 95% CI, 3.2-4.3). Conclusions and Relevance In this retrospective cohort study, SCD was found to be an important contributor to racial disparities in SMM and was associated with an elevated risk of SMM among Black individuals. Efforts from the research community, policy makers, and funding agencies are needed to advance care among individuals with SCD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nansi S. Boghossian
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia
| | | | - George R. Saade
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk
| | - Jeannette Rogowski
- Department of Health Policy and Administration, The Pennsylvania State University, State College
| | - Ciaran S. Phibbs
- Health Economics Resource Center and Center for Implementation to Innovation, Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System, Menlo Park, California
- Perinatal Epidemiology and Health Outcomes Research Unit, Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California
| | - Molly Passarella
- Roberts Center for Pediatric Research, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Jeffrey S. Buzas
- Department of Mathematics and Statistics, University of Vermont, Burlington
| | - Scott A. Lorch
- Roberts Center for Pediatric Research, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Leonard Davis Institute of Health Economics, Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia
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Fuller S, Kuenstler M, Snipes M, Miller M, Lutgendorf MA. Obstetrical health care inequities in a universally insured health care system. AJOG GLOBAL REPORTS 2023; 3:100256. [PMID: 37638226 PMCID: PMC10458343 DOI: 10.1016/j.xagr.2023.100256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/29/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Racial and ethnic disparities in health care exist and are rooted in long-standing systemic inequities. These disparities result in significant excess health care expenditures and are due to complex interactions between patients, health care providers and systems, and social and environmental factors. In perinatal care, these inequities also exist, with Black patients being 3 to 4 times more likely to die of childbirth compared with White patients. Similar health care inequities may also exist in the Military Health System despite universal health care coverage, stable employment, and social programs that benefit military families. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to evaluate racial disparities in obstetrical outcomes in the Military Health System. STUDY DESIGN This is a retrospective cohort study of deliveries from 2019 to 2021 in the Military Health System, which provides obstetrical care for approximately 35,000 annual deliveries. The study was conducted using National Perinatal Information Center data on cesarean delivery, postpartum hemorrhage, and severe maternal morbidity by race and ethnicity from direct-care military hospitals representing tertiary care medical centers and community hospitals in the United States and abroad. Chi-square analyses and binary logistic regression were used to compare groups. RESULTS The cohort included 68,918 deliveries. Of these, 32,358 (47%) were White, 9594 (13.9%) Black, 3120 (4.5%) Asian Pacific Islander, 456 (0.7%) American Indian/Alaska Native, 19,543 (28.4%) other, 3976 (5.8%) unknown, 7096 (10.3%) Hispanic, 58,009 (84.2%) non-Hispanic, and 4399 (6.4%) other ethnicity. Rates of cesarean delivery were significantly higher for Black (30%; odds ratio, 1.44; 95% confidence interval, 1.37-1.52), Asian Pacific Islander (27%; odds ratio, 1.24; 95% confidence interval, 1.14-1.35), and other (26%; odds ratio, 1.20; 95% confidence interval, 1.15-1.25) compared with White race (23%) (P<.001). Postpartum hemorrhage rates were higher for Black (5.9%; odds ratio, 1.11; 95% confidence interval, 1.00-1.24) and Asian Pacific Islander (7.7%; odds ratio, 1.49; 95% confidence interval, 1.29-1.72) compared with White race (5.3%) (P<.001). Severe maternal morbidity was higher for Black (2.9%; odds ratio, 1.44; 95% confidence interval, 1.24-1.67), Asian Pacific Islander (2.9%; odds ratio, 1.45; 95% confidence interval, 1.15-1.82), and other (2.8%; odds ratio, 1.36; 95% confidence interval, 1.21-1.54) compared with White race (2.1%) (P<.001). For severe maternal morbidity excluding blood transfusions, rates were also significantly higher for Black (1%; odds ratio, 1.68; 95% confidence interval, 1.30-2.17) than for White race (0.6%) (P<.002). Hispanic ethnicity was associated with a lower rate of severe maternal morbidity excluding transfusions (0.5%; odds ratio, 0.68; 95% confidence interval, 0.48-0.98) compared with non-Hispanic ethnicity (0.7%) (P=.04). CONCLUSION Racial disparities in obstetrical outcomes exist in the Military Health System despite universal health care coverage, with significantly higher rates of cesarean delivery and severe maternal morbidity in Black, Asian Pacific Islander, and other races compared with White race. These findings suggest that these disparities are likely related to other factors or social determinants of health rather than availability of health care and insurance coverage. Further work should include investigation into such social determinants of health to address their causes, including systemic and structural barriers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shara Fuller
- Department of Gynecologic Surgery and Obstetrics, Naval Medical Center San Diego, San Diego, CA (Drs Fuller and Miller)
| | - Molly Kuenstler
- Department of Gynecologic Surgery and Obstetrics, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD (Dr Kuenstler and Dr Lutgendorf)
| | - Marie Snipes
- Department of Mathematics and Statistics, Kenyon College, Gambier, OH (Dr Snipes)
| | - Michael Miller
- Department of Gynecologic Surgery and Obstetrics, Naval Medical Center San Diego, San Diego, CA (Drs Fuller and Miller)
| | - Monica A. Lutgendorf
- Department of Gynecologic Surgery and Obstetrics, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD (Dr Kuenstler and Dr Lutgendorf)
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