Dr. Chapa’s OBGYN Clinical Pearls

Latest Episodes:

Check the Box: REASSURING NEWs regarding US Maternal Mortality Mar 13, 2024

Show notes

Four years, the US National Vital Statistics System has reported an abnormally high maternal mortality rate in the United States, showing it to be nearly doubled from 17.4 in 2018 to 32.9 per 100,000 live births in 2021. The United States’s maternal mortality rate has been on the media radar for many years because of this. But that rate is completely WRONG. How is it that maternal mortality rates are more than 2 to 3 times higher than other developed countries despite our vast progress in obstetrical care? The answer? It is a statistical error! In this episode, we will review a brand new publication from the AJOG published on March 12, 2024 that is making media headlines. We have known that this reporting system is greatly flawed for several years, and now it is getting the attention it deserves. Although this is reassuring news for the country overall, there is still ONE patient demographic where we need to dramatically reduce the maternal mortality rate. Curious? Listen in and find out more.

Should We Screen For Thrombophilia Pre-OCP? March 2024 Data Mar 10, 2024

Show notes

The ACOG, CDC, and WHO currently do not recommend universal screening for thrombophilia in the general population before starting oral contraceptive pills. However, a new publication in AJOG (March 2024) is challenging that stance. In this episode, we will review this new prospective population-based study to see if it makes the case for universal screening for thrombophilia variants before starting OCPs. In this episode, we’ll also discuss high-risk versus low-risk thrombophilia, discuss relative risk versus absolute risk of VTE on the combination pill, and give clear clinical implications for patient management.

Metformin in OB and Child's Neurodevelopmental Outcomes (March 2024 Data) Mar 08, 2024

Show notes

Gestational Diabetes (GDM) is vastly more prevalent in pregnancy compared to pre-existing diabetes. In 2009, the ACOG states that 7% of all pregnancies were complicated by a diabetes diagnosis, with 86% being GDM. The prevalence of GDM keeps rising in the US and globally. Metformin is increasingly prescribed in pregnancy, yet its long-term effect on the neurocognitive development of the offspring remains incompletely described. However, newly published data (March 6, 2024; AJOG) has changed that! In this episode, we will summarize and review a systematic review and meta-analysis of childhood neurodevelopmental outcomes after in utero exposure to metformin. Additionally, does some evidence suggest that metformin may be superior to insulin in pregnancy for perinatal outcomes? We will discuss all this and more, in this episode. This information will be helpful as we counsel and educate our patients on metformin use in pregnancy.

OPill…Now HERE! (ACOG PA March 2024) Mar 07, 2024

Show notes

On this podcast, we have been following this story of the OPill for several months. Previous episodes on the subject can be found in our podcast library. As expected, this first ever daily use progestin only pill is now available over-the-counter in the US. 👏👏. On Wednesday, March 6, 2024, the ACOG released its Practice Advisory presenting some key reminders for clinicians regarding this new over-the-counter contraceptive option. In this episode, we will summarize this practice advisory and answer some real-world questions patients may have regarding this: does the OPill help with acne? Is this approved for endometriosis pain? What happens if a patient misses the next dose at the scheduled time? Listen in for these answers and more.

GLP1 Agonist Exposure in Pregnancy Mar 05, 2024

Show notes

Use of second-line noninsulin diabetic medications, like Glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) agonists and sodium-glucose co-transporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitors, is rapidly increasing for treatment of T2D and other indications. As these drugs are being used by an increasing group of fertile women, it is expected that a few of them will get pregnant and data on their safety when used in the first trimester is needed. Is periconceptional use of glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists associated with increased risk of major congenital malformations? In this episode, we will look at the available data (although limited) regarding these medications, focusing on specific GLP1 options.

Foley For CX: Tension or No Tension? And More (March 2024 Data) Mar 01, 2024

Show notes

Using mechanical options as a way to prime/ripen the cervix for labor is nothing new. Balloon catheters have been used for labor induction as far back as the 1890s. Embrey and Mollison reinvigorated the method in 1967 using it in combination with extraamniotic prostaglandins. Since then numerous studies have been performed worldwide, mostly using the Foley catheter. Then, in 1990, the double balloon catheter was introduced by Atad; this paved the way for the Cook Balloon. But what is the best way to use a balloon for cervical ripening? Should be a single balloon or a double balloon? If single balloon, does volume of the balloon matter? Should it be used alone or with combination with a second agent? Can it be used safely as an outpatient procedure? In this episode, we will present new data regarding traction vs no-traction for single balloon cervical ripening therapy. This new study was published on March 1, 2024 in Obstetrics and Gynecology (the Green Journal).

Things That Make You Go Hmmmm Feb 29, 2024

Show notes

It’s very important to stay up-to-date and current with new data. But sometimes you read something that is hot-off-the press and it makes you just stop and say, “hmmm”. In this episode, we will discuss the new USPSTF position statement on screening/treating iron deficiency anemia in pregnancy. We will also review the ACOG August 2023 clinical consensus #4 regarding UTI in pregnancy. In doing so, we present 2 things that “make you go hmmm”.

GDM Dx with Abnormal Fasting Value: Start Meds? Feb 28, 2024

Show notes

The “traditional“ Parkland management protocol for GDM included the immediate initiation of medical therapy for those with abnormal fasting blood sugar, in addition to another additional value, on the 3 hour GTT. These patients were automatically labeled as A2 GDM at time of diagnosis, rather than waiting the 1 to 2 weeks of nutritional/diet therapy. Does fasting hyperglycemia on the 100g GTT truly predict the need for subsequent medical therapy? In this episode, we will summarize new data on this subject from AJOG MFM published on February 17, 2024. Does immediate medical therapy after GDM diagnosis improve overall maternal/neonatal outcome? It’s a complicated answer, and we will review it in this episode.

Feb 26, 24 SMFM Position Statement RHIG < 12 Weeks: Confused? Feb 26, 2024

Show notes

Yes, the subject of RhoGAM/RHIG administration to RH negative patients under 12 weeks gestational age is a continuously controversial issue. We have covered this issue in past episodes, most recently- last month- on January 4, 2024. Today, February 26, 2024, the SMFM released their position statement on the subject. As you would guess, the controversy continues! In this episode, we will review this brand new, hot off the press, position statement regarding RHIG administration, or avoidance, under 12 weeks gestation.

Stage 1 HTN in OB Feb 24, 2024

Show notes

February 2024 has seen its share of medical and mainstream media stories highlighting hypertensive disorders in pregnancy. While some of this can be considered “old news”, there is “new news” and new developments on the horizon. We have covered hypertensive disorders in pregnancy on several past episodes; however, in this episode, we are going to pick up where we left off and review what the current state of understanding is for AHA/ACC Stage 1 hypertension in pregnancy. Does stage I hypertension in pregnancy require medication? What about antepartum fetal surveillance? What are these patients at risk for? Listen in as we simplify the latest data and summarize the latest evidence regarding serum biomarkers for hypertensive disorders in pregnancy.

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