Hypertension in Pregnancy and Preeclampsia: Variation in Clinical Management Strategies Among Obstetric/Gynecologic Provider Type

Background

Preeclampsia, a condition in pregnancy characterized by new onset high blood pressure and proteinuria, complicates 2%-8% of pregnancies globally. Early detection, careful monitoring, and treatment of high blood pressure are crucial in preventing mortality related to preeclampsia disorders. There is limited data that examines obstetric/gynecologic (OBGYN) provider-type practices concerning management of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy to reduce early onset preeclampsia (EOP). We assessed the knowledge and practice patterns of OBGYN management to reduce EOP.

Methods

We conducted a semistructured survey with OBGYN residents, maternal-fetal medicine fellows, and attending physicians (OBGYN and family medicine) at a single academic medical center to assess the management of hypertensive disorders to EOP.

Results

Thirty-one participants (71% residents/fellows 29% attendings) completed the survey. Seventy-eight percent of attendings indicated they discuss blood pressure and preeclampsia with all patients compared to 50% of residents/fellows (p = 0.31). Eighty-nine percent of attendings reported they are extremely likely to monitor high-risk patients compared to 36% of residents/fellows (p = 0.07).

Conclusion

Attending physicians were more likely to appropriately manage hypertension in women at risk for pregnancy compared to residents/fellows. Further research is needed on monitoring high-risk patients.

Admission Cardiotocography as a Predictor of Low Apgar Score: An Observational, Cross-Sectional Study

Background and objective Cardiotocography (CTG) has been used more frequently in recent decades to reduce intrapartum fetal mortality rates. The purpose of this study was to determine whether pathological or non-reactive CTG could predict a low Apgar (Appearance, Pulse, Grimace, Activity, and Respiration) score. An abnormal trace would indicate a distressed fetus, whereas a normal trace would indicate a well-oxygenated fetus. Methods This study included a total of 470 women with a gestational period of more than 37 weeks. Based on the results of their CTGs, they were divided into three groups. An emergency cesarean section (CS) was performed if there was any sign of fetal distress on CTG. The Apgar scoring for newborns was recorded in the proforma following delivery. Results The study was carried out at two major tertiary-care hospitals in Pakistan. A reactive CTG was found in more than one-third (39.36%) of the 470 patients. An Apgar score above 8 was obtained by 34.26% of the newborns, while an Apgar score below 8 was obtained by more than half (63.40%). Only 2.34% of newborns had an Apgar score below 6. A third (30.64%) of the patients had grade-1 meconium-stained liquor (MSL), 24.89% had grade-2 MSL, 19.79% had grade-3 MSL, and 24.68% had no MSL. One-third (32.34%) of the neonates were admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) shortly after birth. When CTG was pathological or non-reactive, the odds of securing a higher Apgar score decreased by 70.45% (OR: 0.30; 95% CI: 0.20-0.44; p<0.001). Conclusion The main conclusion drawn from this study's findings is that a pathological CTG is an indicator of a low Apgar score.