Dr. Chapa’s OBGYN Clinical Pearls

Latest Episodes:

“Orgasm Gave Me a Seizure” Dec 20, 2023

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Sex has always had its share of misinformation, even as it relates to some medical conditions- like epilepsy. "Coitus brevis epilepsia est" ("Sex is a brief seizure") is an ancient proverb attributed to Galen, the influential Greek physician and philosopher in the Roman Empire. Then, in the 18th and 19th centuries, some physicians, including Samuel-Auguste Tissot and Edward Sieveking, argued that excessive masturbation could cause epilepsy! At the time, castration and clitoridectomy (removal of the clitoris) were reportedly performed on people with severe epilepsy. Terrible! Thankfully we now are all SURE that sex does not CAUSE epilepsy, but sexual release (orgasm) and seizure like activity are indeed similar. Can orgasm trigger epilepsy? And is the reverse possible: can seizures give orgasm like effect? How is PNES related to this? We will review this fascinating clinical conundrum in this episode.

UPDATED 1st & 2nd Stage Labor Mgmt: Jan 2024 Dec 18, 2023

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BIG. BIG. BIG Update. In March 2014, the ACOG/SMFM released OCC #1 (Safe Prevention of the Primary C-section) which redefined the labor curve. That document has now been WITHDRAWN. It is being replaced with Obstetrical Care Consensus #8 coming out January 2024. In this episode, we will highlight key points from this updated guidance including: 1. ACOG’s new language surrounding the length of latent phase, 2. the role of “early” amniotomy in labor induction, and 3. clarification on 2nd stage of labor management.

GDF15 and N/V of Pregnancy: Moving Beyond Estrogen and HCG Dec 15, 2023

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It’s really amazing how fast medical information and discovery happens. For decades, we blamed nausea and vomiting of pregnancy/hyperemesis gravidarum on either estrogen or high levels of HCG. While these 2 hormones definitely have some association with that condition, new evidence has pointed to a separate compound as the likely offender. In this episode, we will review data just published on December 13, 2023 from an international research think tank. This group has likely pinpointed the origin of nausea and vomiting of pregnancy. This discovery opens up a new area of therapeutics aimed at targeting this chemical messenger, rather than simply treating the symptom of nausea. Are you familiar with GDF-15? In this episode, will review this incredible little molecule, and summarize key findings from this recent publication.

AMH in PCOS DX: 2023 PCOS Update Dec 15, 2023

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According to ACOG’s CO 773 from 2019, “Currently, serum antimüllerian hormone levels are not part of the accepted diagnostic criteria for polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)”. But medicine moves fast, and that statement is no longer valid, at least it isn’t valid from the ASRM July 2023 Standpoint. Yep, once considered experimental, AMH has now entered the PCOS diagnostic algorithm. Nonetheless, some important limitations and facts must be understood for its use in this way. In this episode, we will highlight the recommendations from the 2023 international, evidence-based guideline for the assessment and management of polycystic ovary syndrome, focusing on the role of AMH. We will also discuss the condition in adolescents and why this diagnosis is DIFFERENT in this group, and the update to the number of follicles per ovary (FNPO) recommended for the diagnosis. This guideline has been co-published in Fertility and Sterility, Human Reproduction, European Journal of Endocrinology, and The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism.

The Endometriosis-Migraine Link: New Data on Genes and CGRP Dec 13, 2023

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We thought we had endometriosis all figured out. After all, we know it’s a chronic pain syndrome that’s hormone responsive. But there’s more to it than that. Within the last few years, including this year 2023, we have grown even more in our understanding of this pelvic pain condition. We now have new data explaining the link between endometriosis and migraine attacks. Are you familiar with CGRP? While most attention has focused on this biochemical messenger’s role in migraines, CGRP is also related to endometrial implants. In this episode, we will do a deep dive into the shared pathophysiology of endometriosis and migraine headaches. We will look at the role that CGRP and TRPV1 play in both of these pain conditions.

IVH: OB Considerations Dec 11, 2023

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Advances in obstetrical and neonatal care have allowed for increased survival rates in babies born at extremely premature gestational ages. However, extreme prematurity brings its own set of issues and problems. One of these issues is intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH). Intraventricular hemorrhage is not simply a neonatology issue, but is something that all obstetrical providers should be familiar with. Does the mode of delivery impact the rates of intraventricular hemorrhage for extremely preterm vertex babies? Do corticosteroids help reduce the rate of IVH? And at what gestational age is umbilical cord milking not associated with the risk of intraventricular hemorrhage (Nov 2023 Data)? In this episode, we will do a deep dive into the pathogenesis and behavior of IVH and discuss common obstetrical interventions that may mitigate its occurrence. We will also discuss how magnesium sulfate works for fetal neuroprotection and discuss the importance of neonatal vitamin K administration in extremely pre-term neonates.

DIY Insemination: YEP, It’s Real. Dec 08, 2023

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We are definitely a “DIY“ society. And now, consumers can add DIY Insemination to that list! On December 6, 2023 the FDA cleared the first device for at home insemination. This over-the-counter option will be available in 2024. In this episode, we will review this landmark and historic device clearance. We will also clarify the distinction between FDA “approval” and FDA “clearance”. Who is best suited to use this device? Is this considered first-line for unexplained infertility? Lots of interesting questions, but we have the answers. Listen in and find out more.

AOK & AOK-T: Data Review for AFE Care Dec 07, 2023

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Amniotic fluid embolism remains one of the most devastating conditions in obstetric practice with an incidence of approximately 1 in 40,000 deliveries. The associated mortality for this condition has been reported to be 20% at the low-end, to 80% at the high-end. The use of atropine (1 mg intravenously [IV]), ondansetron (8 mg IV), and ketorolac (30 mg IV) (AOK) as an adjunctive treatment has been widely discussed by obstetric providers as a treatment option which should be considered to supplement other treatment modalities. In this episode, we will review the pathophysiology of AFE and discuss its first-line treatment regimens, as well as the AOK/AOK – T protocol.

The CIN2 Conundrum: New Population-Based Data. Dec 05, 2023

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Management of CINI is straightforward, as is management of CIN3. CIN1 allows for observation, and CIN3 requires treatment regardless of the patient’s age as it is a true pre-cancerous lesion. But some “gray zone“ exits for CIN2 management. Population-based data has confirmed a high rate of spontaneous resolution within 2 years after CIN2 diagnosis. Is the rate of cervical cancer higher in this surveillance group compared to immediate LEEP? In this episode, we will highlight 2 separate publications, each originating from the same patient database (Danish population-based cohort). These 2 publications are from the same group of authors with one publication coming from the AJOG (December 2023), and the other one published last month in BMJ (November 2023).

The IR Issue: Evidence-Based Testing Dec 03, 2023

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A recent analysis of NHANES data from 2021 found that 40% of US adults aged 18 to 44 are insulin-resistant (IR) based on HOMA-IR measurements. While obesity rates have increased considerably over the past 2 decades, this rapid increase in prevalence was not only associated with increased adiposity. Hypertension, dyslipidemia, and limited physical activity also increased insulin resistance. PCOS and IR are intimately tied, although not all PCOS patients will have clinical or biochemical evidence of IR. And remember this clinical pearl: IR is NOT included in the diagnostic criteria for PCOS. According to published estimates, insulin resistance may be found in 44% to 90% of people with PCOS (the widespread percentage is due to various testing modalities and PCOS phenotypes). Screening for IR is an important aspect of preventative health maintenance in PCOS patients, and all patients deemed high risk. In this episode, we will provide an evidence-based review of the various modalities for IR screening and diagnosis.

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