Alex Butwick

All Publications

• Validity of ICD-10 diagnosis codes for placenta accreta spectrum disorders. Paediatric and perinatal epidemiology Jotwani, A. R., Lyell, D. J., Butwick, A. J., Rwigi, W., Leonard, S. A. 2024

  Abstract

  BACKGROUND: The 10th revision of the International Classification of Diseases, Clinical Modification (ICD-10) includes diagnosis codes for placenta accreta spectrum for the first time. These codes could enable valuable research and surveillance of placenta accreta spectrum, a life-threatening pregnancy complication that is increasing in incidence.OBJECTIVE: We sought to evaluate the validity of placenta accreta spectrum diagnosis codes that were introduced in ICD-10 and assess contributing factors to incorrect code assignments.METHODS: We calculated sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value of the ICD-10 placenta accreta spectrum code assignments after reviewing medical records from October 2015 to March 2020 at a quaternary obstetric centre. Histopathologic diagnosis was considered the gold standard.RESULTS: Among 22,345 patients, 104 (0.46%) had an ICD-10 code for placenta accreta spectrum and 51 (0.23%) had a histopathologic diagnosis. ICD-10 codes had a sensitivity of 0.71 (95% CI 0.56, 0.83), specificity of 0.98 (95% CI 0.93, 1.00), positive predictive value of 0.61 (95% CI 0.48, 0.72) and negative predictive value of 1.00 (95% CI 0.96, 1.00). The sensitivities of the ICD-10 codes for placenta accreta spectrum subtypes- accreta, increta and percreta-were 0.55 (95% CI 0.31, 0.78), 0.33 (95% CI 0.12, 0.62) and 0.56 (95% CI 0.31, 0.78), respectively. Cases with incorrect code assignment were less morbid than cases with correct code assignment, with a lower incidence of hysterectomy at delivery (17% vs 100%), blood transfusion (26% vs 75%) and admission to the intensive care unit (0% vs 53%). Primary reasons for code misassignment included code assigned to cases of occult placenta accreta (35%) or to cases with clinical evidence of placental adherence without histopatholic diagnostic (35%) features.CONCLUSION: These findings from a quaternary obstetric centre suggest that ICD-10 codes may be useful for research and surveillance of placenta accreta spectrum, but researchers should be aware of likely substantial false positive cases.

  View details for DOI 10.1111/ppe.13076

  View details for PubMedID 38514907

• The role of viscoelastic hemostatic assays for postpartum hemorrhage management and bedside intrapartum care. American journal of obstetrics and gynecology Katz, D., Farber, M., Getrajdman, C., Hamburger, J., Reale, S., Butwick, A. 2024; 230 (3S): S1089-S1106

  Abstract

  Viscoelastic hemostatic assays are point-of-care devices that assess coagulation and fibrinolysis in whole blood samples. These technologies provide numeric and visual information of clot initiation, clot strength, and clot lysis under low-shear conditions, and have been used in a variety of clinical settings and subpopulations, including trauma, cardiac surgery, and obstetrics. Emerging data indicate that these devices are useful for detecting important coagulation defects during major postpartum hemorrhage (especially low plasma fibrinogen concentration [hypofibrinogenemia]) and informing clinical decision-making for blood product use. Data from observational studies suggest that, compared with traditional formulaic approaches to transfusion management, targeted or goal-directed transfusion approaches using data from viscoelastic hemostatic assays are associated with reduced hemorrhage-related morbidity and lower blood product requirement. Viscoelastic hemostatic assays can also be used to identify and treat coagulation defects in patients with inherited or acquired coagulation disorders, such as factor XI deficiency or immune-mediated thrombocytopenia, and to assess hemostatic profiles of patients prescribed anticoagulant medications to mitigate the risk of epidural hematoma after neuraxial anesthesia and postpartum hemorrhage after delivery.

  View details for DOI 10.1016/j.ajog.2022.09.008

  View details for PubMedID 38462250

• Variation in Hospital Neuraxial Labor Analgesia Rates in California. Anesthesiology Parameshwar, P., Guo, N., Bentley, J., Main, E., Singer, S. J., Peden, C. J., Morris, T., Ansari, J., Butwick, A. J. 2024

  Abstract

  Neuraxial analgesia provides effective pain relief during labor. However, it is unclear whether neuraxial analgesia prevalence differs across US hospitals. Our aim was to assess hospital variation in neuraxial analgesia prevalence in California.A retrospective cross-sectional study analyzed birthing patients who underwent labor in 200 California hospitals from 2016 to 2020. The primary exposure was the delivery hospital. The outcomes were hospital neuraxial analgesia prevalence and between-hospital variability, before and after adjustment for patient and hospital factors. Median odds ratio and intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) quantified between-hospital variability. The median odds ratio estimated the odds of a patient receiving neuraxial analgesia when moving between hospitals. The ICC quantified the proportion of the total variance in neuraxial analgesia use due to variation between hospitals.Among 1,510,750 patients who underwent labor, 1,040, 483 (68.9%) received neuraxial analgesia. Both unadjusted and adjusted hospital prevalence exhibited a skewed distribution characterized by a long-left tail. The unadjusted and adjusted prevalence at the 1 st percentile were 5.4% and 6.0%; 5 th percentile were 21.0% and 21.2%; 50 th percentile were 70.6% and 70.7%; 95 th percentile were 75.8% and 76.6%; and 99 th percentile were 75.9% and 78.6%. The adjusted median odds ratio (2.3; 95% CI, 2.1 - 2.5) indicated a substantially increased odds of a patient receiving neuraxial analgesia if they moved from a hospital with a lower to higher odds of neuraxial analgesia. The hospital explained only a moderate portion of the overall variability in neuraxial analgesia (ICC=19.1%; 95% CI, 18.8 - 20.5%).A long left tail in the distribution and wide variation exist in the neuraxial analgesia prevalence across California hospitals, not explained by patient and hospital factors. Addressing the low prevalence among hospitals in the left tail requires exploration of the interplay between patient preferences, staffing availability, and care providers' attitudes towards neuraxial analgesia.

  View details for DOI 10.1097/ALN.0000000000004961

  View details for PubMedID 38412054

• Evaluating tranexamic acid for the prevention and treatment of obstetric hemorrhage. Current opinion in obstetrics & gynecology Kowalczyk, J. J., Cecconi, M., Butwick, A. J. 2023

  Abstract

  Tranexamic acid (TXA) has emerged as a promising pharmacological adjunct to treat and prevent postpartum hemorrhage (PPH). We provide an overview of TXA, including its pharmacology, key findings of randomized trials and observational studies, and critical patient safety information.Pharmacokinetic data indicate that TXA infusions result in peak plasma concentration within 3 min (range: 1-6.6 min). Ex-vivo pharmacodynamic data suggest that low-dose TXA (5 mg/kg) inhibits maximum lysis for at least 1 h. In predominantly developing countries, TXA has demonstrated a 19% reduction in the risk of bleeding-related death among patients with PPH. Based on high-quality randomized trials, TXA prophylaxis does not effectively reduce the risk of PPH during vaginal delivery and is likely ineffective in reducing the PPH risk during cesarean delivery. TXA exposure does not increase the risk of maternal thrombotic events. Maternal deaths have occurred from accidental intrathecal TXA injection from look-alike medication errors.TXA has shown promise as an important adjunct for PPH treatment, especially in low-resource settings. However, TXA is not recommended as PPH prophylaxis during vaginal or cesarean delivery. Patient safety initiatives should be prioritized to prevent maternal death from accidental intrathecal TXA injection.

  View details for DOI 10.1097/GCO.0000000000000935

  View details for PubMedID 38170626

• A validation of the California Maternal Quality Care Collaborative obstetric hemorrhage risk assessment tool in a Swedish population. American journal of obstetrics & gynecology MFM Ladfors, L. V., Butwick, A., Stephansson, O. 2023: 101240

  View details for DOI 10.1016/j.ajogmf.2023.101240

  View details for PubMedID 38056628

• Prevalence and predictors for postpartum sleep disorders: a nationwide analysis. The journal of maternal-fetal & neonatal medicine : the official journal of the European Association of Perinatal Medicine, the Federation of Asia and Oceania Perinatal Societies, the International Society of Perinatal Obstetricians Sultan, P., Guo, N., Kawai, M., Barwick, F. H., Carvalho, B., Mackey, S., Kallen, M. A., Gould, C. E., Butwick, A. J. 2023; 36 (1): 2170749

  Abstract

  To describe the prevalence and predictors of postpartum sleep disorders.A retrospective cohort study.Postpartum.Commercially insured women delivering in California (USA) between 2011 and 2014.Using the Optum Clinformatics Datamart Database.Prevalence of a postpartum sleep disorder diagnosis with and without a depression diagnosis up to 12 months following hospital discharge for inpatient delivery. We also identified predictors of a postpartum sleep disorder diagnosis using multivariable logistic regression.We identified 3535 (1.9%) women with a postpartum sleep disorder diagnosis. The prevalence of sleep disorder diagnoses was insomnia (1.3%), sleep apnea (0.25%), and other sleep disorder (0.25%). The odds of a postpartum sleep disorder were highest among women with a history of drug abuse (adjusted odds ratio (aOR): 2.70, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.79-4.09); a stillbirth delivery (aOR: 2.15, 95% CI: 1.53-3.01); and chronic hypertension (aOR: 1.82; 95% CI: 1.57-2.11). A comorbid diagnosis of a postpartum sleep disorder and depression occurred in 1182 women (0.6%). These women accounted for 33.4% of all women with a postpartum sleep disorder. The strongest predictors of a comorbid diagnosis were a history of drug abuse (aOR: 4.13; 95% CI: 2.37-7.21) and a stillbirth delivery (aOR: 2.93; 95% CI: 1.74-4.92).Postpartum sleep disorders are underdiagnosed conditions, with only 2% of postpartum women in this cohort receiving a sleep diagnosis using International Classification of Diseases, 9th Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD-9-CM) codes. Insomnia was the most common disorder and one-third of women diagnosed with a postpartum sleep disorder had a co-morbid diagnosis of depression. Future studies are needed to improve the screening and diagnostic accuracy of postpartum sleep disorders.

  View details for DOI 10.1080/14767058.2023.2170749

  View details for PubMedID 36710393

• Predicting Placenta Accreta Spectrum Disorder: Are We There Yet? Anesthesia and analgesia Ansari, J. R., Butwick, A. J. 2023; 137 (3): 534-536

  View details for DOI 10.1213/ANE.0000000000006324

  View details for PubMedID 37590798

• Anesthesia Considerations for Placenta Accreta Spectrum. American journal of perinatology Warrick, C. M., Sutton, C. D., Farber, M. M., Hess, P. E., Butwick, A., Markley, J. C. 2023; 40 (9): 980-987

  Abstract

  Anesthesiologists are critical members of the multidisciplinary team managing patients with suspected placenta accreta spectrum (PAS). Preoperatively, anesthesiologists provide predelivery consultation for patients with suspected PAS where anesthetic modality and invasive monitor placement is discussed. Additionally, anesthesiologists carefully assess patient and surgical risk factors to choose an anesthetic plan and to prepare for massive intraoperative hemorrhage. Postoperatively, the obstetric anesthesiologist hold unique skills to assist with postoperative pain management for cesarean hysterectomy. We review the unique aspects of peripartum care for patients with PAS who undergo cesarean hysterectomy and explain why these responsibilities are critical for achieving successful outcomes for patients with PAS. KEY POINTS: · Anesthesiologists are critical members of the multidisciplinary team planning for patients with suspected placenta accreta spectrum.. · Intraoperative preparation for massive hemorrhage is a key component of anesthetic care for patients with PAS.. · Obstetric anesthesiologists have a unique skill set to manage postpartum pain and postoperative disposition for patients with PAS who undergo cesarean hysterectomy..

  View details for DOI 10.1055/s-0043-1761637

  View details for PubMedID 37336215

• Knowledge Gaps in Placenta Accreta Spectrum. American journal of perinatology Carusi, D. A., Duzyj, C. M., Hecht, J. L., Butwick, A. J., Barrett, J., Holt, R., O'Rinn, S. E., Afshar, Y., Gilner, J. B., Newton, J. M., Shainker, S. A. 2023; 40 (9): 962-969

  Abstract

  Since its first description early in the 20th Century, placenta accreta and its variants have changed substantially in incidence, risk factor profile, clinical presentation, diagnosis and management. While systematic use of diagnostic tools and a multidisciplinary team care approach has begun to improve patient outcomes, the condition's pathophysiology, epidemiology, and best practices for diagnosis and management remain poorly understood. The use of large databases with broadly accepted terminology and diagnostic criteria should accelerate research in this area. Future work should focus on non-traditional phenotypes, such as those without placenta previa-preventive strategies, and long term medical and emotional support for patients facing this diagnosis. KEY POINTS: · Placenta accreta spectrum research may be improved with standardized terminology and use of large databases.. · Placenta accreta prediction should move beyond ultrasound with the addition of biomarkers, and needs to extend to those without traditional risk factors.. · Future research should identify practices that can prevent future accreta development..

  View details for DOI 10.1055/s-0043-1761635

  View details for PubMedID 37336213

• Early postpartum hospital encounters among patients with genitourinary and wound infections during hospitalization for birth. American journal of perinatology Leonard, S. A., Girsen, A., Trepman, P., Carmichael, S. L., Darmawan, K., Butwick, A., Gibbs, R. 2023

  Abstract

  To assess the associations between genitourinary and wound infections during the birth hospitalization and early postpartum hospital encounters, and to evaluate clinical risk factors for early postpartum hospital encounters among patients with a genitourinary or wound infection during the birth hospitalization.We conducted a population-based cohort study of births in California during 2016-2018 and postpartum hospital encounters. We identified genitourinary and wound infections using diagnosis codes. Our main outcome was early postpartum hospital encounter, defined as a readmission or ED visit within 3 days after discharge from the birth hospitalization. We evaluated the association of genitourinary and wound infections (overall and subtypes) with early postpartum hospital encounter using logistic regression, adjusting for sociodemographic factors and comorbidities and stratified by mode of birth. We then evaluated factors associated with early postpartum hospital encounter among patients with genitourinary and wound infections.Among 1,217,803 birth hospitalizations, 5.5% were complicated by genitourinary and wound infections and 1.8% resulted in an early postpartum hospital encounter. Genitourinary or wound infection was associated with an early postpartum hospital encounter among patients with both vaginal births (aRR 1.26, 95% CI 1.17, 1.36) and cesarean births (aRR 1.23, 95% CI 1.15, 1.32). Major puerperal infection, followed by wound infection, among patients with a cesarean birth conferred the highest risk of an early postpartum hospital encounter (6.4% and 4.3%, respectively). Among patients with genitourinary and wound infections at birth hospitalization, factors associated with an early postpartum hospital encounter included severe maternal morbidity, major mental health condition, prolonged postpartum hospital stay, and, among cesarean births, postpartum hemorrhage (P-value < 0.05).Genitourinary and wound infections during hospitalization for birth may increase risk of a readmission or ED visit within the first few days after discharge, particularly among patients who have a major puerperal infection or wound infection.

  View details for DOI 10.1055/a-2097-1584

  View details for PubMedID 37216972

• In Reply. Obstetrics and gynecology Butwick, A., Miller, S. E. 2023; 141 (5): 1028

  View details for DOI 10.1097/AOG.0000000000005166

  View details for PubMedID 37103544

• Red Blood Cell Transfusion in Patients With Placenta Accreta Spectrum Reply OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY Nguyen, M. T., Nguyen, B. T., Campo-Engelstein, L. 2023; 141 (5): 1028

  View details for DOI 10.1097/AOG.0000000000005164

  View details for Web of Science ID 001001038900032

  View details for PubMedID 37103542

• Red Blood Cell Transfusion in Patients With Placenta Accreta Spectrum: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. Obstetrics and gynecology Miller, S. E., Leonard, S. A., Meza, P. K., Ku, S., Ren, L. Y., Lyell, D. J., Sultan, P., Butwick, A. 2023; 141 (1): 49-58

  Abstract

  OBJECTIVE: To evaluate red blood cell use during delivery in patients with placenta accreta spectrum.DATA SOURCES: We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, Cochrane Central, ClinicalTrials.gov, and Scopus for clinical trials and observational studies published between 2000 and 2021 in countries with developed economies.METHODS OF STUDY SELECTION: Abstracts (n=4,275) and full-text studies (n=599) were identified and reviewed by two independent reviewers. Data on transfused red blood cells were included from studies reporting means and SDs, medians with interquartile ranges, or individual patient data. The primary outcome was the weighted mean number of units of red blood cells transfused per patient. Between-study heterogeneity was assessed with an I2 statistic. Secondary analyses included red blood cell usage by placenta accreta subtype.TABULATION, INTEGRATION, AND RESULTS: Of the 599 full-text studies identified, 20 met criteria for inclusion in the systematic review, comprising 1,091 cases of placenta accreta spectrum. The number of units of red blood cells transfused was inconsistently described across studies, with five studies (25.0%) reporting means, 11 (55.0%) reporting medians, and four (20.0%) reporting individual patient data. The weighted mean number of units transfused was 5.19 (95% CI 4.12-6.26) per patient. Heterogeneity was high across studies (I2=91%). In a sensitivity analysis of five studies reporting mean data, the mean number of units transfused was 6.61 (95% CI 4.73-8.48; n=220 patients). Further quantification of units transfused by placenta accreta subtype was limited due to methodologic inconsistencies between studies and small cohort sizes.CONCLUSION: Based on the upper limit of the CI in our main analysis and the high study heterogeneity, we recommend that a minimum of 6 units of red blood cells be available before delivery for patients with placenta accreta spectrum. These findings may inform future guidelines for predelivery blood ordering and transfusion support.SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION: PROSPERO, CRD42021240993.

  View details for DOI 10.1097/AOG.0000000000004976

  View details for PubMedID 36701609

• Postpartum care visits among commercially insured women in the United States. AJOG global reports Butwick, A. J., Bentley, J., Daw, J., Sultan, P., Girsen, A., Gibbs, R. S., Guo, N. 2022; 2 (4): 100106

  Abstract

  To reduce postpartum morbidity and mortality, optimizing routine outpatient postpartum care has become a focus of national attention and a healthcare priority.This study aimed to examine the timing, content, and predictors of routine outpatient postpartum visit attendance within a large, commercially insured patient population.We performed a retrospective cohort study using a national US database of commercial insurance beneficiaries with a delivery hospitalization between 2011 and 2015. We calculated the proportion of patients who had an outpatient postpartum visit within 8 weeks of hospital discharge. Using a multivariable logistic regression model, we identified independent predictors of an outpatient postpartum visit. To gain insight into the nature and extent of any postpartum medical or surgical morbidity, we also identified the most frequent International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification codes associated with postpartum visits.The study cohort comprised 431,969 patients who underwent delivery hospitalization, of whom 257,727 (59.7%; 95% confidence interval, 59.5-59.8) had at least 1 outpatient postpartum visit within 8 weeks of hospital discharge. The distribution of postpartum visits was bimodal, occurring most frequently in the first week (23.2%) and sixth week (21.7%) after hospital discharge. The median period between hospital discharge and the postpartum visit was 28 days (interquartile range, 8-41 days). In our multivariable model, patient-level factors that were most strongly associated with a postpartum visit were preexisting medical morbidities, which included: thyroid disease (adjusted odds ratio, 1.62; 95% confidence interval, 1.40-1.52), seizure disorder (adjusted odds ratio, 1.50; 95% confidence interval, 1.33-1.70), chronic hypertension (adjusted odds ratio, 1.46; 95% confidence interval, 1.58-1.67), and psychiatric disease (adjusted odds ratio, 1.41; 95% confidence interval, 1.36-1.47). Between 29% and 42% of patients with preexisting medical morbidity and between 35% and 41% of patients who experienced peri- or postpartum complications did not attend a postpartum visit.Our findings indicate that among a large, commercially-insured patient population, postpartum visit attendance was suboptimal. A high proportion with preexisting medical and peripartum morbidities was not evaluated within 8 weeks of hospital discharge. Multifaceted interventions and healthcare reform are suggested to address patients' concerns and healthcare needs after delivery.

  View details for DOI 10.1016/j.xagr.2022.100106

  View details for PubMedID 36275400

  View details for PubMedCentralID PMC9563203

• Early postpartum readmissions: identifying risk factors at birth hospitalization. AJOG global reports Girsen, A. I., Leonard, S. A., Butwick, A. J., Joudi, N., Carmichael, S. L., Gibbs, R. S. 2022; 2 (4): 100094

  Abstract

  BACKGROUND: The high maternal mortality and severe morbidity rates in the United States compared with other high-income countries have received national attention. Characterization of postpartum hospital readmissions within the first days after delivery hospitalization discharge could help to identify patients who need additional preparedness for discharge.OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate conditions at birth associated with postpartum readmissions occurring within 0 to 6 days and at 7 to 29 days after discharge from the delivery hospitalization.STUDY DESIGN: We analyzed linked vital statistics and hospital discharge records of patients who gave birth in California during 2007 to 2018. We investigated hospital readmissions within 30 days after birth hospitalization discharge. We used multivariable logistic regression to investigate factors associated with early readmission (0-6 days) and later readmission (7-29 days) compared with no readmission within 30 days (reference). The risk factors assessed included maternal medical or obstetrical conditions before and at birth, birth hospitalization length of stay, and mode of delivery. Severe maternal morbidity was defined as the presence of any of the 21 indicators recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.RESULTS: Among 5,248,746 pregnant patients, 23,636 (0.45%) had an early postpartum readmission, whereas 24,712 (0.47%) had a later postpartum readmission. After adjustments, early readmission was most strongly associated with sepsis (adjusted odds ratio, 4.63; 95% confidence interval, 3.87-5.53), severe maternal morbidity (adjusted odds ratio, 3.46; 95% confidence interval, 3.28-3.65) at birth hospitalization, or preeclampsia before birth hospitalization (adjusted odds ratio, 3.67; 95% confidence interval, 3.54-3.81). The associations between later readmission and sepsis and severe maternal morbidity were similar, whereas the association between preeclampsia and later readmission was less strong (adjusted odds ratio, 1.65; 95% confidence interval, 1.57-1.73).CONCLUSION: Pregnant patients with sepsis or severe maternal morbidity during delivery hospitalization or preeclampsia before birth hospitalization were at the highest risk for readmission within 6 days of discharge. These findings may be informative for efforts to improve postpartum care.

  View details for DOI 10.1016/j.xagr.2022.100094

  View details for PubMedID 36536841

• Update on Applications and Limitations of Perioperative Tranexamic Acid. Anesthesia and analgesia Patel, P. A., Wyrobek, J. A., Butwick, A. J., Pivalizza, E. G., Hare, G. M., Mazer, C. D., Goobie, S. M. 2022; 135 (3): 460-473

  Abstract

  Tranexamic acid (TXA) is a potent antifibrinolytic with documented efficacy in reducing blood loss and allogeneic red blood cell transfusion in several clinical settings. With a growing emphasis on patient blood management, TXA has become an integral aspect of perioperative blood conservation strategies. While clinical applications of TXA in the perioperative period are expanding, routine use in select clinical scenarios should be supported by evidence for efficacy. Furthermore, questions regarding optimal dosing without increased risk of adverse events such as thrombosis or seizures should be answered. Therefore, ongoing investigations into TXA utilization in cardiac surgery, obstetrics, acute trauma, orthopedic surgery, neurosurgery, pediatric surgery, and other perioperative settings continue. The aim of this review is to provide an update on the current applications and limitations of TXA use in the perioperative period.

  View details for DOI 10.1213/ANE.0000000000006039

  View details for PubMedID 35977357

• Hospital-level variation in rates of postpartum hemorrhage in California. Transfusion Davis, R., Guo, N., Bentley, J., Sie, L., Ansari, J., Bateman, B., Main, E., Butwick, A. J. 2022

  Abstract

  BACKGROUND: To examine the extent of hospital-level variation in risk-adjusted rates of postpartum hemorrhage (PPH).STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: We performed a cross-sectional study examining live births in 257 California hospitals between 2011 and 2015 using linked birth certificate and maternal discharge data. PPH was measured using International Classification of Diseases Codes version 9. Mixed-effects logistic regression models were used to examine the presence and extent of hospital-level variation in PPH before and after adjustment for patient-level risk factors and select hospital characteristics (teaching status and annual delivery volume). Risk-adjusted rates of PPH were estimated for each hospital. The extent of hospital variation was evaluated using the median odds ratio (MOR) and intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC).RESULTS: Our study cohort comprised 1,904,479 women who had a live birth delivery hospitalization at 247 hospitals. The median, lowest, and highest hospital-specific rates of PPH were 3.48%, 0.54%, and 12.0%, respectively. Similar rates were observed after adjustment for patient and hospital factors (3.44%, 0.60%, and 11.48%). After adjustment, the proportion of the total variation in PPH rates attributable to the hospital was low, with a MOR of 2.02 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.89-2.15) and ICC of 14.3% (95% CI: 11.9%-16.3%).DISCUSSION: Wide variability exists in the rate of PPH across hospitals in California, not attributable to patient factors, hospital teaching status, and hospital annual delivery volume. Determining whether differences in hospital quality of care explain the unaccounted-for variation in hospital-level PPH rates should be a public health priority.

  View details for DOI 10.1111/trf.17036

  View details for PubMedID 35920049

• Association of neuraxial labor analgesia with autism spectrum disorder in children: a systematic review and meta-analysis. International journal of obstetric anesthesia Lumbreras-Marquez, M. I., Capdeville, G., Ferrigno, A. S., Villela-Franyutti, D., Bain, P. A., Campos-Zamora, M., Butwick, A. J., Farber, M. K. 2022; 52: 103577

  View details for DOI 10.1016/j.ijoa.2022.103577

  View details for PubMedID 35908498

• Latest advances in postpartum hemorrhage management. Best practice & research. Clinical anaesthesiology Kumaraswami, S., Butwick, A. 2022; 36 (1): 123-134

  Abstract

  Hemorrhage is the leading cause of maternal mortality worldwide. A maternal health priority is improving how healthcare providers prevent and manage postpartum hemorrhage (PPH). Because anesthesiologists can help facilitate how hospitals develop approaches for PPH prevention and anticipatory planning, we review the potential utility of PPH risk-assessment tools, bundles, and protocols. Anesthesiologists rely on clinical and diagnostic information for initiating and evaluating medical management. Therefore, we review modalities for measuring blood loss after delivery, which includes visual, volumetric, gravimetric, and colorimetric approaches. Point-of-care technologies for assessing changes in central hemodynamics (ultrasonography) and coagulation profiles (rotational thromboelastometry and thromboelastography) are also discussed. Anesthesiologists play a critical role in the medical and transfusion management of PPH. Therefore, we review blood ordering and massive transfusion protocols, fixed-ratio vs. goal-directed transfusion approaches, coagulation changes during PPH, and the potential clinical utility of the pharmacological adjuncts, tranexamic acid, and fibrinogen concentrate.

  View details for DOI 10.1016/j.bpa.2022.02.004

  View details for PubMedID 35659949

• Variation in postpartum hemorrhage prevalence based on hospital of delivery in California Davis, R., Guo, N., Butwick, A. J. LIPPINCOTT WILLIAMS & WILKINS. 2022: 674

  View details for Web of Science ID 000840283000269

• Subsequent risk of stillbirth, preterm birth, and small for gestational age: A cross-outcome analysis of adverse birth outcomes. Paediatric and perinatal epidemiology Bane, S., Simard, J. F., Wall-Wieler, E., Butwick, A. J., Carmichael, S. L. 2022

  Abstract

  BACKGROUND: Stillbirth, preterm birth, and small for gestational age (SGA) birth have an increased recurrence risk. The occurrence of one of these biologically related outcomes could also increase the risk for another one of these outcomes in a subsequent pregnancy.OBJECTIVES: We assessed cross-outcome risks for subsequent stillbirth, preterm birth, and SGA.METHODS: We used live birth and fetal death records to identify singleton, sequential birth pairs in California (1997-2017). Stillbirth was defined as delivery at ≥20weeks of gestation of a foetus that died in utero; preterm birth as live birth at 20-36weeks; and small for gestational age as sex-specific birthweight <10th percentile for gestational age. Risk ratios (RR) were computed using modified Poisson regression and adjusted for potential confounders. Sensitivity analyses included analysing a cohort restricted to primiparous index births and using inverse-probability censoring weights.RESULTS: Of 3,108,532 birth pairs, 16,668 (0.5%), 260,596 (8.4%) and 331,109 (10.7%) of index births were stillborn, preterm and SGA, respectively. Among individuals with an index stillbirth, the adjusted RRs were 1.90 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.83, 1.98) for subsequent preterm and 1.35 (95% CI 1.28, 1.41) for subsequent SGA. Among those with index preterm birth, the adjusted RRs were 2.02 (95% CI 1.92, 2.13) for stillbirth and 1.42 (95%CI1.41, 1.44) for SGA. Among those with index SGA, the adjusted RRs were 1.54 (95% CI 1.46, 1.63) for stillbirth and 1.45 (95% CI 1.44, 1.47) for preterm birth. Similar results were reported for sensitivity analyses.CONCLUSIONS: Individuals experiencing stillbirth, preterm birth, or SGA in one pregnancy had an increased risk of one of these biologically related outcomes in a subsequent pregnancy. These findings could encourage enhanced surveillance for individuals who experience stillbirth, preterm birth, or SGA and desire a subsequent pregnancy.

  View details for DOI 10.1111/ppe.12881

  View details for PubMedID 35437809

• A data-driven health index for neonatal morbidities. iScience De Francesco, D., Blumenfeld, Y. J., Maric, I., Mayo, J. A., Chang, A. L., Fallahzadeh, R., Phongpreecha, T., Butwick, A. J., Xenochristou, M., Phibbs, C. S., Bidoki, N. H., Becker, M., Culos, A., Espinosa, C., Liu, Q., Sylvester, K. G., Gaudilliere, B., Angst, M. S., Stevenson, D. K., Shaw, G. M., Aghaeepour, N. 2022; 25 (4): 104143

  Abstract

  Whereas prematurity is a major cause of neonatal mortality, morbidity, and lifelong impairment, the degree of prematurity is usually defined by the gestational age (GA) at delivery rather than by neonatal morbidity. Here we propose a multi-task deep neural network model that simultaneously predicts twelve neonatal morbidities, as the basis for a new data-driven approach to define prematurity. Maternal demographics, medical history, obstetrical complications, and prenatal fetal findings were obtained from linked birth certificates and maternal/infant hospitalization records for 11,594,786 livebirths in California from 1991 to 2012. Overall, our model outperformed traditional models to assess prematurity which are based on GA and/or birthweight (area under the precision-recall curve was 0.326 for our model, 0.229 for GA, and 0.156 for small for GA). These findings highlight the potential of using machine learning techniques to predict multiple prematurity phenotypes and inform clinical decisions to prevent, diagnose and treat neonatal morbidities.

  View details for DOI 10.1016/j.isci.2022.104143

  View details for PubMedID 35402862

• Accuracy of visual estimation of blood loss in obstetrics using clinical reconstructions: an observational simulation cohort study. International journal of obstetric anesthesia Athar, M. W., Abir, G., Seay, R. C., Guo, N., Butwick, A., Carvalho, B. 2022; 50: 103539

  Abstract

  INTRODUCTION: Postpartum hemorrhage is the leading cause of maternal mortality worldwide, and optimal management requires accurate blood loss estimations. The aim of this study was to assess whether differences exist between visually estimated blood loss versus actual blood loss based on delivery mode, blood volume or distribution/location and knowledge of patient's current cardiovascular status.METHODS: For this observational cohort study, photographs were taken of 18 blood loss scenarios for vaginal delivery and cesarean delivery, and six photographs were duplicated and annotated with maternal vital signs. Scenarios were categorized into 50% (500 mL), 100% (1000 mL) and 200% (2000 mL) of the defined blood loss volume for postpartum hemorrhage and the photographs were shown to participants to visually estimate blood loss volumes.RESULTS: The mean ± standard deviation estimates of actual 500 mL, 1000 mL and 2000 mL blood loss volumes were 1208 ± 438 mL, 1676 ± 630 mL and 2637 ± 1123 mL, respectively (P <0.001 among groups). The difference was significantly greater in vaginal delivery than cesarean delivery scenarios (1064 ± 849 mL vs. 284 ± 456 mL; P <0.001). Estimated blood loss volume was not influenced by blood loss distribution/location, or by provider group or experience. The cardiovascular status of the patient impacted estimations only if tachycardia and hypotension were present.CONCLUSIONS: Most providers significantly overestimated blood loss volumes (by nearly 700 mL). Provider and scenario factors that impact inaccuracies in visual estimated blood loss identified in this study can be used to guide education and training.

  View details for DOI 10.1016/j.ijoa.2022.103539

  View details for PubMedID 35397264

• Association of Medicaid Expansion With Neuraxial Labor Analgesia Use in the United States: A Retrospective Cross-Sectional Analysis. Anesthesia and analgesia Xiao, M. Z., Whitney, D., Guo, N., Sun, E. C., Wong, C. A., Bentley, J., Butwick, A. J. 2022; 134 (3): 505-514

  Abstract

  BACKGROUND: The Affordable Care Act has been associated with increased Medicaid coverage for childbirth among low-income US women. We hypothesized that Medicaid expansion was associated with increased use of labor neuraxial analgesia.METHODS: We performed a cross-sectional analysis of US women with singleton live births who underwent vaginal delivery or intrapartum cesarean delivery between 2009 and 2017. Data were sourced from births in 26 US states that used the 2003 Revised US Birth Certificate. Difference-in-difference linear probability models were used to compare changes in the prevalence of neuraxial labor analgesia in 15 expansion and 11 nonexpansion states before and after Medicaid expansion. Models were adjusted for potential maternal and obstetric confounders with standard errors clustered at the state level.RESULTS: The study sample included 5,703,371 births from 15 expansion states and 5,582,689 births from 11 nonexpansion states. In the preexpansion period, the overall rate of neuraxial analgesia in expansion and nonexpansion states was 73.2% vs 76.3%. Compared with the preexpansion period, the rate of neuraxial analgesia increased in the postexpansion period by 1.7% in expansion states (95% CI, 1.6-1.8) and 0.9% (95% CI, 0.9-1.0) in nonexpansion states. The adjusted difference-in-difference estimate comparing expansion and nonexpansion states was 0.47% points (95% CI, -0.63 to 1.57; P = .39).CONCLUSIONS: Medicaid expansion was not associated with an increase in the rate of neuraxial labor analgesia in expansion states compared to the change in nonexpansion states over the same time period. Increasing Medicaid eligibility alone may be insufficient to increase the rate of neuraxial labor analgesia.

  View details for DOI 10.1213/ANE.0000000000005878

  View details for PubMedID 35180167

• Epidural labour analgesia and autism spectrum disorder: is the current evidence sufficient to dismiss an association? BRITISH JOURNAL OF ANAESTHESIA Butwick, A. J., Abrams, D. A., Wong, C. A. 2022; 128 (3): 393-398

  View details for DOI 10.1016/j.bja.2021.10.042

  View details for Web of Science ID 000761787900017

• Viscoelastic haemostatic point-of-care assays in the management of postpartum haemorrhage: a narrative review. Anaesthesia Dias, J. D., Butwick, A. J., Hartmann, J., Waters, J. H. 2022

  Abstract

  Viscoelastic haemostatic assays provide rapid testing at the bed-side that identify all phases of haemostasis, from initial fibrin formation to clot lysis. In obstetric patients, altered haemostasis is common as pregnancy is associated with coagulation changes that may contribute to bleeding events such as postpartum haemorrhage, as well as thrombosis events. In this narrative review, we examine the potential clinical utility of viscoelastic haemostatic assays in postpartum haemorrhage and consider the current recommendations for their use in obstetric patients. We discuss the clinical benefits associated with the use of viscoelastic haemostatic assays due to the provision of (near) real-time readouts with a short turnaround, coupled with the identification of coagulation defects such as hypofibrinogenaemia. The use of viscoelastic haemostatic assay-guided algorithms may be beneficial to diagnose coagulopathy, predict postpartum haemorrhage, reduce transfusion requirements and monitor fibrinolysis in women with obstetric haemorrhage. Further studies are required to assess whether viscoelastic haemostatic assay-guided treatment improves clinical outcomes, and to confirm the utility of prepartum viscoelastic haemostatic assay measurements for identifying patients at risk of postpartum haemorrhage.

  View details for DOI 10.1111/anae.15662

  View details for PubMedID 35194779

• Relation entre le ratio temps de coagulation INTEM/HEPTEM et la concentration plasmatique dheparine chez les patientes dobstetrique : une etude exploratoire in vitro. Canadian journal of anaesthesia = Journal canadien d'anesthesie Katz, D., Leffert, L., Getrajdman, C., Sison, M., Shin, D. W., Lin, H., Butwick, A. 1800

  Abstract

  PURPOSE: Unfractionated heparin continues to be one of the main agents used for thromboprophylaxis in obstetrics, which can complicate the placement of neuraxial anesthetics. In this study, we explored the relationship between a point-of-care coagulation test (thromboelastometry) and plasma heparin concentrations in vitro.METHODS: We obtained blood from consenting obstetric patients with uncomplicated pregnancies in their third trimester who were not in labour and had a specific hematocrit range. Blood was processed and analyzed. We added increasing amounts of unfractionated heparin to samples from 0 to 0.3 U·mL-1 in 0.05 U·mL-1 increments to simulate increasing doses of unfractionated heparin. We performed INTEM and HEPTEM testing in parallel with activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) testing. We created a model of the relationship between heparin concentration and the INTEM/HEPTEM coagulation time (IH CT) ratio using nonlinear regression. A similar model for aPTT was also created.RESULTS: Seventy-seven patients were included in the study. Only one concentration of heparin was added to blood samples of each patient. At a concentration of 0.05 U·mL-1, the IH CT ratio was less than or equal to 1.1 in 9/11 (82%) samples. Activated partial thromboplastin time was not prolonged (> 35 sec) until a concentration of 0.1 U·mL-1 heparin was added. In all samples, the IH CT ratio was prolonged at a concentration ≥ 0.2 U·mL-1 as measured by thromboelastometry; however, at no concentration of heparin was aPTT prolonged in all samples.CONCLUSION: The point-of-care IH CT ratio may be useful in identifying the presence of little to no heparin activity. Further research is needed to determine if this ratio can predict heparin activity in vivo.

  View details for DOI 10.1007/s12630-022-02193-5

  View details for PubMedID 35102496

• Placenta Accreta Spectrum Disorders: Knowledge Gaps in Anesthesia Care. Anesthesia and analgesia Warrick, C. M., Markley, J. C., Farber, M. K., Balki, M., Katz, D., Hess, P. E., Padilla, C., Waters, J. H., Weiniger, C. F., Butwick, A. J. 1800

  Abstract

  Placenta accreta spectrum (PAS) disorder is a potentially life-threatening condition that can occur during pregnancy. PAS puts pregnant individuals at a very high risk of major blood loss, hysterectomy, and intensive care unit admission. These patients should receive care in a center with multidisciplinary experience and expertise in managing PAS disorder. Obstetric anesthesiologists play vital roles in the peripartum care of pregnant patients with suspected PAS. As well as providing high-quality anesthesia care, obstetric anesthesiologists coordinate peridelivery care, drive transfusion-related decision making, and oversee postpartum analgesia. However, there are a number of key knowledge gaps related to the anesthesia care of these patients. For example, limited data are available describing optimal anesthesia staffing models for scheduled and unscheduled delivery. Evidence and consensus are lacking on the ideal surgical location for delivery; primary mode of anesthesia for cesarean delivery; preoperative blood ordering; use of pharmacological adjuncts for hemorrhage management, such as tranexamic acid and fibrinogen concentrate; neuraxial blocks and abdominal wall blocks for postoperative analgesia; and the preferred location for postpartum care. It is also unclear how anesthesia-related decision making and interventions impact physical and mental health outcomes. High-quality international multicenter studies are needed to fill these knowledge gaps and advance the anesthesia care of patients with PAS.

  View details for DOI 10.1213/ANE.0000000000005862

  View details for PubMedID 35073282

• Epidural labour analgesia and autism spectrum disorder: is the current evidence sufficient to dismiss an association? British journal of anaesthesia Butwick, A. J., Abrams, D. A., Wong, C. A. 1800

  Abstract

  Findings from a population-based study using a sibling-matched analysis published in this issue of the British Journal of Anaesthesia indicate that epidural labour analgesia is not associated with an increased risk of autism spectrum disorder. These findings are consistent with those from three other population-based studies that used similar methodological approaches. Cumulatively, these robust, high-quality epidemiological data support the assertion that there is no meaningful association between epidural labour analgesia and autism spectrum disorder in offspring.

  View details for DOI 10.1016/j.bja.2021.12.017

  View details for PubMedID 35039173

• Authors reply re: The Ten Group Classification System - First Things First. BJOG : an international journal of obstetrics and gynaecology Ladfors, L. V., Muraca, G. M., Zetterqvist, J., Butwick, A. J., Stephansson, O. 1800

  View details for DOI 10.1111/1471-0528.17057

  View details for PubMedID 34985182

• Hospital Readmissions after Postpartum Emergency Department Visit Girsen, A., Leonard, S. A., Carmichael, S. L., Gibbs, R. S., Butwick, A. MOSBY-ELSEVIER. 2022: S517-S518

  View details for Web of Science ID 000737459401161

• Trends in eclampsia in the United States, 2009-2017: a population-based study. Journal of hypertension Xiao, M. Z., Whitney, D., Guo, N., Bentley, J., Shaw, G. M., Druzin, M. L., Butwick, A. J. 2021

  Abstract

  BACKGROUND: Reducing the prevalence of eclampsia, a major cause of maternal and perinatal morbidity, is a maternal health priority. However, sparse data exist examining trends in the USA prevalence of eclampsia.OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to assess temporal trends in the prevalence of eclampsia among live births in the United States from 2009 to 2017.STUDY DESIGN: This population-based cross-sectional study included live births in 41 USA states and the District of Columbia between 2009 and 2017. The prevalence of eclampsia among all women, women with chronic hypertension and hypertensive disorders of pregnancy were reported by 1000 live births. Risk ratios adjusted for maternal characteristics were used to assess temporal trends.RESULTS: Of 27 866 714 live births between 2009 and 2017, 83 000 (0.30%) were associated with eclampsia. The adjusted risk of eclampsia decreased 10% during the 7 most recent years of the cohort, with an adjusted risk ratio of 0.90 [95% confidence interval (95% CI): 0.87-0.93] in 2017 relative to 2009. Relative to 2009, the adjusted risk of eclampsia in 2017 was substantially lower among women with chronic hypertension (adjusted risk ratio: 0.51; 95% CI: 0.46-0.57) and women with hypertensive pregnancy disorders (adjusted risk ratio: 0.43; 95% CI: 0.40-0.47). Among nonhypertensive women, there was a slight increase in the adjusted risk of eclampsia in 2017 relative to 2009 (adjusted risk ratio: 1.14; 95% CI: 1.10-1.17).CONCLUSION: Despite reductions in the eclampsia prevalence among women with chronic hypertension and hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, public health initiatives are needed to reduce the overall eclampsia prevalence, especially in nonhypertensive women.

  View details for DOI 10.1097/HJH.0000000000003037

  View details for PubMedID 34751169

• Evidence Mounts Refuting an Association Between Epidural Use and Neurodevelopmental Adverse Outcomes in Children. JAMA network open Butwick, A. J., Wall-Wieler, E. 2021; 4 (10): e2131722

  View details for DOI 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2021.31722

  View details for PubMedID 34709392

• Association of Gestational Age with Postpartum Hemorrhage: An International Cohort Study ANESTHESIOLOGY Butwick, A. J., Liu, C., Guo, N., Bentley, J., Main, E. K., Mayo, J. A., Shaw, G. M., Stephansson, O. 2021; 134 (6): 874-886

  Abstract

  Risk factors for postpartum hemorrhage, such as chorioamnionitis and multiple gestation, have been identified in previous epidemiologic studies. However, existing data describing the association between gestational age at delivery and postpartum hemorrhage are conflicting. The aim of this study was to assess the association between gestational age at delivery and postpartum hemorrhage.The authors conducted a population-based retrospective cohort study of women who underwent live birth delivery in Sweden between 2014 and 2017 and in California between 2011 and 2015. The primary exposure was gestational age at delivery. The primary outcome was postpartum hemorrhage, classified using International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision-Clinical Modification codes for California births and a blood loss greater than 1,000 ml for Swedish births. The authors accounted for demographic and obstetric factors as potential confounders in the analyses.The incidences of postpartum hemorrhage in Sweden (23,323/328,729; 7.1%) and in California (66,583/2,079,637; 3.2%) were not comparable. In Sweden and California, the incidence of postpartum hemorrhage was highest for deliveries between 41 and 42 weeks' gestation (7,186/75,539 [9.5%] and 8,921/160,267 [5.6%], respectively). Compared to deliveries between 37 and 38 weeks, deliveries between 41 and 42 weeks had the highest adjusted odds of postpartum hemorrhage (1.62 [95% CI, 1.56 to 1.69] in Sweden and 2.04 [95% CI, 1.98 to 2.09] in California). In both cohorts, the authors observed a nonlinear (J-shaped) association between gestational age and postpartum hemorrhage risk, with 39 weeks as the nadir. In the sensitivity analyses, similar findings were observed among cesarean deliveries only, when postpartum hemorrhage was classified only by International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision-Clinical Modification codes, and after excluding women with abnormal placentation disorders.The postpartum hemorrhage incidence in Sweden and California was not comparable. When assessing a woman's risk for postpartum hemorrhage, clinicians should be aware of the heightened odds in women who deliver between 41 and 42 weeks' gestation.

  View details for DOI 10.1097/ALN.0000000000003730

  View details for Web of Science ID 000648691100012

  View details for PubMedID 33760074

• Association of Epidural Labor Analgesia With Offspring Risk of Autism Spectrum Disorders. JAMA pediatrics Wall-Wieler, E., Bateman, B. T., Hanlon-Dearman, A., Roos, L. L., Butwick, A. J. 2021

  Abstract

  Importance: Epidural labor analgesia (ELA) has been associated with an increased offspring risk of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Whether this finding may be explained by residual confounding remains unclear.Objective: To assess the association between ELA and offspring risk of ASD.Design, Setting, and Participants: Longitudinal cohort study of vaginal deliveries of singleton live infants born from 2005 to 2016 from a population-based data set linking information from health care databases in Manitoba, Canada; offspring were followed from birth until 2019 or censored by death or emigration. Data were analyzed from October 19, 2020, to January 22, 2021.Exposures: Epidural labor analgesia.Main Outcomes and Measures: At least 1 inpatient or outpatient diagnosis of ASD in offspring aged at least 18 months. For the full population and a sibling cohort, inverse probability of treatment-weighted Cox proportional hazards regression analyses were used to control for potential confounders.Results: Of the 123 175 offspring included in this study (62 647 boys [50.9%]; mean [SD] age of mothers, 28.2 [5.8] years), 47 011 (38.2%) were exposed to ELA; 2.1% (985 of 47 011) of exposed vs 1.7% (1272 of 76 164) of unexposed offspring were diagnosed with ASD in the follow-up period (hazard ratio [HR], 1.25; 95% CI, 1.15-1.36). After adjusting for maternal sociodemographic, prepregnancy, pregnancy, and perinatal covariates, ELA was not associated with an offspring risk of ASD (inverse probability of treatment-weighted HR, 1.08; 95% CI, 0.97-1.20). In the within-siblings design adjusting for baseline covariates, ELA was not associated with ASD (inverse probability of treatment-weighted HR, 0.97; 95% CI, 0.78-1.22). Results from sensitivity analyses restricted to women without missing data who delivered at or after 37 weeks of gestation, firstborn infants only, and offspring with ASD classified with at least 2 diagnostic codes were consistent with findings from the main analyses.Conclusions and Relevance: In a Canadian population-based birth cohort study, no association between ELA exposure and an increased offspring risk of ASD was found.

  View details for DOI 10.1001/jamapediatrics.2021.0376

  View details for PubMedID 33871547

• Antepartum and postpartum anemia: a narrative review. International journal of obstetric anesthesia Butwick, A. J., McDonnell, N. 2021: 102985

  Abstract

  Antepartum anemia impacts over a third of pregnant women globally and is associated with major maternal and perinatal morbidity, including peripartum transfusion, maternal death, maternal infection, preterm birth, and neurodevelopmental disorders among offspring. Postpartum anemia impacts up to 80% of women in low-income and rural populations and up to 50% of women in Europe and the United States, and is associated with postpartum depression, fatigue, impaired cognition, and altered maternal-infant bonding. Iron deficiency is the most common cause of maternal anemia because of insufficient maternal iron stores at the start of pregnancy, increased pregnancy-related iron requirements, and iron losses due to blood loss during parturition. Anemic women should undergo testing for iron deficiency; a serum ferritin cutoff level of 30 mug/L is commonly used to diagnose iron deficiency during pregnancy. The first-line treatment of iron deficiency is oral iron. Intravenous iron is a consideration in the following scenarios: a poor or absent response to oral iron, severe anemia (a hemoglobin concentration <80 g/L), rapid treatment for anemia in the third trimester, women at high risk for major bleeding (such as those with placenta accreta), and women for whom red blood cell transfusion is not an option. Given the high prevalence of antepartum and postpartum anemia, anesthesiologists are advised to partner with other maternal health professionals to develop anemia screening and treatment pathways.

  View details for DOI 10.1016/j.ijoa.2021.102985

  View details for PubMedID 33893005

• Risk Factors for Postpartum Readmission Among Women After Having a Stillbirth. American journal of obstetrics & gynecology MFM DiTosto, J. D., Liu, C., Wall-Wieler, E., Gibbs, R. S., Girsen, A. I., El-Sayed, Y. Y., Butwick, A. J., Carmichael, S. L. 2021: 100345

  Abstract

  BACKGROUND: Compared to women with a livebirth, women with a stillbirth are more likely to have maternal complications during pregnancy and at birth, but risk factors related to their postpartum health are uncertain.OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to identify patient-level risk factors for postpartum hospital readmission among women after having a stillbirth.STUDY DESIGN: This is a population-based cohort study of 29,654 women with a stillbirth in California from 1997-2011. Using logistic regression models, we examined the association of maternal patient-level factors with postpartum readmission among women after a stillbirth within six weeks of hospital discharge and between six weeks and nine months after birth.RESULTS: Within six weeks after a stillbirth, 642 (2.2%) women had a postpartum readmission. Risk factors for postpartum readmission after a stillbirth were: severe maternal morbidity excluding transfusion (aOR= 3.02, 95% CI 2.28-4.00), transfusion at delivery but no other indication of severe maternal morbidity (aOR= 1.95, 95% CI 1.35-2.81), gestational hypertension or preeclampsia (aOR=1.93, 95% CI 1.54-2.42), pre-pregnancy hypertension (aOR= 1.80, 95% CI 1.36-2.37), diabetes (aOR= 1.78, 95% CI = 1.33-2.37), an antenatal hospitalization (aOR= 1.78, 95% CI 1.43-2.21), cesarean birth (aOR= 1.73, 95% CI 1.43-2.21), long (> 2 days for vaginal birth, > 4 days for cesarean birth) birth hospitalization length of stay (aOR= 1.59, 95% CI 1.33-1.89), non- Hispanic black race/ ethnicity (aOR= 1.38, 95% CI 1.08-1.76), and having less than a high school education (aOR= 1.35, 95% CI 1.02-1.80). From 6 weeks to 9 months, 1,169 (3.90%) women had a postpartum readmission; significantly associated risk factors were largely similar to those for earlier readmission.CONCLUSION: Women with comorbidities, birth-related complications, of non-Hispanic black race/ ethnicity, or with less education had increased odds of postpartum readmission after having a stillbirth, highlighting the importance of continued care for these women after birth hospitalization.TRIAL REGISTRATION: Not applicable.

  View details for DOI 10.1016/j.ajogmf.2021.100345

  View details for PubMedID 33705999

• Positive predictive value of ICD-10 codes for placenta accreta syndrome: a single center validation study Jotwani, A. R., Leonard, S. A., Butwick, A., Lyell, D. J. MOSBY-ELSEVIER. 2021: S523–S524

  View details for Web of Science ID 000621547401386

• Association between Neuraxial Labor Analgesia and Neonatal Morbidity after Operative Vaginal Delivery. Anesthesiology Butwick, A. J., Wong, C. A., Lee, H. C., Blumenfeld, Y. J., Guo, N. n. 2021; 134 (1): 52–60

  Abstract

  Up to 84% of women who undergo operative vaginal delivery receive neuraxial analgesia. However, little is known about the association between neuraxial analgesia and neonatal morbidity in women who undergo operative vaginal delivery. The authors hypothesized that neuraxial analgesia is associated with a reduced risk of neonatal morbidity among women undergoing operative vaginal delivery.Using United States birth certificate data, the study identified women with singleton pregnancies who underwent operative vaginal (forceps- or vacuum-assisted delivery) in 2017. The authors examined the relationships between neuraxial labor analgesia and neonatal morbidity, the latter defined by any of the following: 5-min Apgar score less than 7, immediate assisted ventilation, assisted ventilation greater than 6 h, neonatal intensive care unit admission, neonatal transfer to a different facility within 24 h of delivery, and neonatal seizure or serious neurologic dysfunction. The authors accounted for sociodemographic and obstetric factors as potential confounders in their analysis.The study cohort comprised 106,845 women who underwent operative vaginal delivery, of whom 92,518 (86.6%) received neuraxial analgesia. The proportion of neonates with morbidity was higher in the neuraxial analgesia group than the nonneuraxial group (10,409 of 92,518 [11.3%] vs. 1,271 of 14,327 [8.9%], respectively; P < 0.001). The unadjusted relative risk was 1.27 (95% CI, 1.20 to 1.34; P < 0.001); after accounting for confounders using a multivariable model, the adjusted relative risk was 1.19 (95% CI, 1.12 to 1.26; P < 0.001). In a post hoc analysis, after excluding neonatal intensive care unit admission and neonatal transfer from the composite outcome, the effect of neuraxial analgesia on neonatal morbidity was not statistically significant (adjusted relative risk, 1.07; 95% CI, 1.00 to 1.16; P = 0.054).In this population-based cross-sectional study, a neonatal benefit of neuraxial analgesia for operative vaginal delivery was not observed. Confounding by indication may explain the observed association between neuraxial analgesia and neonatal morbidity, however this dataset was not designed to evaluate such considerations.

  View details for DOI 10.1097/ALN.0000000000003589

  View details for PubMedID 33045040

• The association between postpartum hemorrhage and postpartum depression: A Swedish national register-based study. PloS one Liu, C., Butwick, A., Sand, A., Wikström, A. K., Snowden, J. M., Stephansson, O. 2021; 16 (8): e0255938

  Abstract

  Postpartum hemorrhage is an important cause of maternal death and morbidity. However, it is unclear whether women who experience postpartum hemorrhage are at an increased risk of postpartum depression.To examine whether postpartum hemorrhage is associated with postpartum depression.We conducted a national register-based cohort study of 486,476 Swedish-born women who had a singleton livebirth between 2007 and 2014. We excluded women with pre-existing depression or who filled a prescription for an antidepressant before childbirth. We classified postpartum depression up to 12 months after giving birth by the presence of an International Classification of Diseases, version 10 (ICD-10) diagnosis code for depression or a filled outpatient prescription for an antidepressant. We used Cox proportional hazard models, adjusting for maternal sociodemographic and obstetric factors.Postpartum depression was identified in 2.0% (630/31,663) of women with postpartum hemorrhage and 1.9% (8601/455,059) of women without postpartum hemorrhage. In our unadjusted analysis, postpartum hemorrhage was not associated with postpartum depression (unadjusted hazard ratio (HR) = 1.06, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.97-1.15). After adjusting for maternal age, parity, education, cohabitation status, maternal smoking status, and early pregnancy maternal BMI, gestational age, and birthweight, the association did not appreciably change, with confidence intervals overlapping the null (adjusted HR = 1.08, 95% CI 0.99, 1.17).Within a population-based cohort of singleton women in Sweden with no prior history of depression, postpartum hemorrhage was not associated with postpartum depression.

  View details for DOI 10.1371/journal.pone.0255938

  View details for PubMedID 34379698

• Postpartum haemorrhage trends in Sweden using the Robson 10-group classification system: A population-based cohort study. BJOG : an international journal of obstetrics and gynaecology Ladfors, L. V., Muraca, G. M., Zetterqvist, J., Butwick, A., Stephansson, O. 2021

  Abstract

  To examine postpartum haemorrhage (PPH) trends in Sweden using the Robson classification system.Population-based cohort study.Sweden.Deliveries 2000-2016, classified as Robson groups 1-5 (singleton pregnancies in vertex presentation, from week 37+0; n=1,590,178).We examined temporal trends in PPH between 2000 and 2016 overall and within each Robson group, and performed logistic regression to examine the influence of changes in risk factors (maternal, comorbidity, obstetric practice and infant factors) over time.PPH, defined as an estimated blood loss greater than 1000 ml.The overall PPH rate increased from 5.4% to 7.3%, corresponding to a 37% (OR: 1.37, 95% CI: 1.32-1.42) increase over time. Rates varied between Robson groups, ranging from 4.5% in group 3 to 14.3% in group 4b. Increasing trends in PPH were found in all Robson groups except for group 2b and 4b (prelabour caesarean deliveries). In the unstratified analysis, adjusting for maternal, comorbidity and obstetric practice factors slightly attenuated the risk of PPH in the later period (2013-16) compared with the reference period (2000-04; crude OR: 1.26, 95% CI: 1.24-1.29, adjusted OR: 1.22, 95% CI: 1.20-1.25). Within individual Robson groups, changes in risk factors did not explain increasing rates of PPH.PPH rates varied between Robson group. Changes in risk factors could not explain the 37% increase in PPH in women in Robson groups 1-5 in Sweden, 2000-2016.

  View details for DOI 10.1111/1471-0528.16931

  View details for PubMedID 34536326

• Current State and Future Direction of Postpartum Hemorrhage Risk Assessment. Obstetrics and gynecology Ende, H. B., Butwick, A. J. 2021

  Abstract

  In the United States, postpartum hemorrhage is a leading preventable cause of maternal mortality and morbidity. To reduce morbidity from postpartum hemorrhage, risk assessment is an important starting point for informing decisions about risk management and hemorrhage prevention. Current perinatal care guidelines from the Joint Commission recommend that all patients undergo postpartum hemorrhage risk assessment at admission and after delivery. Three maternal health organizations-the California Maternal Quality Care Collaborative, AWHONN, and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists' Safe Motherhood Initiative-have developed postpartum hemorrhage risk-assessment tools for clinical use. Based on the presence of risk factors, each organization categorizes patients as low-, medium-, or high-risk, and ties pretransfusion testing recommendations to these categorizations. However, the accuracy of these tools' risk categorizations has come under increasing scrutiny. Given their low positive predictive value, the value proposition of pretransfusion testing in all patients classified as medium- and high-risk is low. Further, 40% of all postpartum hemorrhage events occur in low-risk patients, emphasizing the need for early vigilance and treatment regardless of categorization. We recommend that maternal health organizations consider alternatives to category-based risk tools for evaluating postpartum hemorrhage risk before delivery.

  View details for DOI 10.1097/AOG.0000000000004579

  View details for PubMedID 34736271

• The Society for Obstetric Anesthesia and Perinatology (SOAP) COVID-19 Registry: An analysis of outcomes among pregnant women delivering during the initial SARS-CoV-2 outbreak in the United States. Anesthesia and analgesia Katz, D. n., Bateman, B. T., Kjaer, K. n., Turner, D. P., Spence, N. Z., Habib, A. S., George, R. B., Toledano, R. D., Grant, G. n., Madden, H. E., Butwick, A. J., Lynde, G. n., Minehart, R. D., Beilin, Y. n., Houle, T. T., Sharpe, E. E., Kodali, B. n., Bharadwaj, S. n., Farber, M. K., Palanisamy, A. n., Prabhu, M. n., Gonzales, N. Y., Landau, R. n., Leffert, L. n. 2021

  Abstract

  Early reports associating SARS-CoV-2 infection with adverse pregnancy outcomes were biased by including only women with severe disease without controls. The Society for Obstetric Anesthesia and Perinatology (SOAP) COVID Registry was created to compare peripartum outcomes and anesthetic utilization in women with and without SARS-CoV-2 infection delivering at institutions with widespread testing.Deliveries from 14 U.S. medical centers, March 19-May 31, 2020, were included. Peripartum infection was defined as a positive SARS-CoV-2 polymerase chain reaction test within 14 days of delivery. Consecutive SARS-CoV-2 infected patients with randomly selected control patients were sampled (1:2 ratio) with controls delivering during the same day without a positive test. Outcomes were obstetric (e.g., delivery mode, hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, delivery < 37 weeks), an adverse neonatal outcome composite measure (primary), and anesthetic utilization (e.g., neuraxial labor analgesia and anesthesia). Outcomes were analyzed using generalized estimating equations to account for clustering within centers. Sensitivity analyses compared symptomatic and asymptomatic patients to controls.1454 peripartum women were included: 490 with SARS-CoV-2 infection [176 (35.9%) symptomatic]; 964 controls. SARS-CoV-2 patients were slightly younger, more likely non-nulliparous, non-white, and Hispanic than controls. They were more likely to have diabetes, obesity, or cardiac disease and less likely to have autoimmune disease. After adjustment for confounders, individuals experiencing SARS-CoV-2 infection exhibited an increased risk for delivery < 37 weeks gestation compared to controls, 73 (14.8%) vs. 98 (10.2%) [adjusted odds ratio (aOR): 1.47 95% CI (1.03-2.09)]. Effect estimates for other obstetric outcomes and the neonatal composite outcome measure were not meaningfully different between SARS-CoV-2-patients versus controls. In sensitivity analyses, compared to controls, symptomatic SARS-CoV-2 patients exhibited: increases in cesarean delivery [aOR: 1.57 95% CI (1.09-2.27)]; postpartum length of stay [aOR 1.89 95% CI (1.18-2.60)]; delivery < 37 weeks gestation [aOR 2.08 95% CI (1.29-3.36)]. These adverse outcomes were not found in asymptomatic women versus controls. SARS-CoV-2 patients (asymptomatic and symptomatic) were less likely to receive neuraxial labor analgesia [aOR: 0.52 95% CI (0.35-0.75)] and more likely to receive general anesthesia for cesarean delivery [aOR: 3.69 95% CI (1.40-9.74)] due to maternal respiratory failure.In this large, multicenter U.S. cohort study of women with and without peripartum SARS-CoV-2 infection, differences in obstetric and neonatal outcomes seem to be mostly driven by symptomatic patients. Lower utilization of neuraxial analgesia in laboring patients with asymptomatic or symptomatic infection compared to patients without infection requires further investigation.

  View details for DOI 10.1213/ANE.0000000000005592

  View details for PubMedID 33830956

• Opioid Prescription and Persistent Opioid Use After Ectopic Pregnancy In Reply OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY Butwick, A. J., Wall-Wieler, E. 2020; 136 (6): 1235

  View details for Web of Science ID 000618940600037

• Accuracy of postpartum hemorrhage coding in the Swedish Pregnancy Register. Acta obstetricia et gynecologica Scandinavica Ladfors, L. V., Muraca, G. M., Butwick, A., Edgren, G., Stephansson, O. 2020

  Abstract

  INTRODUCTION: Postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) is recognized as a leading cause of obstetric morbidity and mortality. Population-wide studies have used International Classification of Diseases (ICD) diagnostic codes to track and report the prevalence of PPH. Although the tenth revision (ICD-10) was introduced in Sweden in 1997, the accuracy of ICD-10 codes for PPH is not known. Thus, the aim was to determine the accuracy of diagnostic coding for PPH in the Swedish Pregnancy Register.MATERIAL AND METHODS: We performed a retrospective cohort study of 609807 deliveries in Sweden between 2014 and 2019. Information on ICD-10 codes for PPH and estimated blood loss were extracted from the Swedish Pregnancy Register. Using an estimated blood loss >1000 ml as the reference standard, we evaluated the diagnostic accuracy of ICD-10 codes for PPH by estimating sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value with exact binomial 95% confidence intervals (CIs). In our secondary analysis, we assessed the ICD-10 coding accuracy for severe PPH, defined as an estimated blood loss >1000 ml and transfusion of at least one unit of red blood cells registered in the Scandinavian Donations and Transfusion database.RESULTS: Of the 609807 deliveries, 43312 (7.1%) had an ICD-10 code for PPH and 45071 (7.4%) had an estimated blood loss >1000 ml. The ICD-codes had a sensitivity of 88.5% (95% CI:88.2 - 88.7), specificity of 99.4% (95% CI:99.4 - 99.4), positive predictive value of 92.0% (95% CI:91.8 - 92.3) and negative predictive value of 99.1% (95% CI:99.1 - 99.1). In our secondary analysis, on deliveries with severe PPH, the sensitivity for an ICD-code was 91.3% (95% CI:90.7 - 91.9) whereas specificity was 83.5% (95% CI:82.3 - 84.6).CONCLUSIONS: Our findings indicate that ICD-10 codes for PPH in Sweden have moderately high sensitivity and excellent specificity. These results suggest that PPH diagnostic codes in medical records and linked pregnancy and birth registers can be used for research, quality improvement and reporting PPH prevalence in Sweden.

  View details for DOI 10.1111/aogs.13994

  View details for PubMedID 32956490

• Machine learning: the next frontier in obstetric anesthesiology? International journal of obstetric anesthesia Butwick, A. J., McCarthy, R. J. 2020

  View details for DOI 10.1016/j.ijoa.2020.09.002

  View details for PubMedID 33129657

• Opioid Prescription and Persistent Opioid Use After Ectopic Pregnancy. Obstetrics and gynecology Wall-Wieler, E., Shover, C. L., Hah, J. M., Carmichael, S. L., Butwick, A. J. 2020

  Abstract

  OBJECTIVE: To evaluate outpatient opioid dispensing and the incidence of persistent opioid use after ectopic pregnancy.METHODS: This cohort study used U.S. employer-based claims data to identify opioid-naive individuals experiencing ectopic pregnancy from November 1, 2008, to September 30, 2015. Treatment was categorized as surgical, medical (using methotrexate), or unknown. New opioid prescriptions were defined as prescriptions filled from 1 week before to 1 week after an ectopic pregnancy treatment. For those who filled a new opioid prescription, we calculated the incidence and risk factors for persistent opioid use, defined as having filled at least one opioid prescription both from 8 to 90 days after treatment and from 91 to 365 days after treatment.RESULTS: Of the 15,338 individuals in our study, 7,047 (45.9%, 95% CI 45.2-46.7%) filled an opioid prescription at the time of treatment, of whom 4.1% (95% CI 3.6-4.6%) developed persistent opioid use. The risk of persistent opioid use was lower among those who had surgical compared with medical treatment (3.7% and 6.8%, respectively; relative risk [RR] 0.54, 95% CI 0.38-0.77). Variables most strongly associated with persistent opioid use were a history of benzodiazepine use (RR 1.99; 95% CI 1.43-2.78; adjusted relative risk [aRR] 1.57, 95% CI 1.11-2.22), antidepressant use (RR 1.91, 95% CI 1.45-2.53; aRR 1.53, 95% CI 1.08-2.18), and a pre-existing pain disorder (RR 1.58, 95% CI 1.26-1.99; aRR 1.47, 95% CI 1.16-1.85) in the year before treatment.CONCLUSION: New opioid use is common after an ectopic pregnancy; approximately 4% of those with new opioid use develop persistent opioid use, with the rate higher in those treated medically. New pain-management guidelines need to be developed to prevent persistent opioid use after ectopic pregnancy.

  View details for DOI 10.1097/AOG.0000000000004015

  View details for PubMedID 32769649

• How do I manage severe postpartum hemorrhage? Transfusion Butwick, A., Lyell, D., Goodnough, L. 2020

  Abstract

  In the United States, postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) accounts for 4.6% of all maternal deaths and is responsible for major peripartum medical and surgical morbidity. Therefore, a national health priority is to ensure that women who experience severe PPH receive timely, appropriate, and effective treatment. In this article, we describe our system-wide approach for the planning and delivery of women with suspected placenta accreta spectrum disorder, a condition associated with life-threatening blood loss at the time of delivery. We also highlight current evidence related to transfusion decision making and hemostatic monitoring during active postpartum bleeding. Specifically, we describe how we activate and use the massive transfusion protocol to obtain sufficient volumes and types of blood products. We also describe how we use viscoelastic monitoring (thromboelastography) and standard laboratory tests to assess the maternal coagulation profile. Finally, we review the findings of recent studies examining the potential efficacy of tranexamic acid and fibrinogen concentrate as adjuncts for PPH prevention and treatment. We describe how we have incorporated these drugs into PPH treatment protocols at our institution.

  View details for DOI 10.1111/trf.15794

  View details for PubMedID 32319687

• Maternal and Infant Adverse Outcomes Associated with Mild and Severe Preeclampsia during the First Year after Delivery in the United States AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PERINATOLOGY Ton, T. N., Bennett, M. V., Incerti, D., Peneva, D., Druzin, M., Stevens, W., Butwick, A. J., Lee, H. C. 2020; 37 (4): 398–408

  View details for DOI 10.1055/s-0039-1679916

  View details for Web of Science ID 000519106200009

• Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Hospital-Based Care Associated with Postpartum Depression. Journal of racial and ethnic health disparities Chan, A. L., Guo, N. n., Popat, R. n., Robakis, T. n., Blumenfeld, Y. Y., Main, E. n., Scott, K. A., Butwick, A. J. 2020

  Abstract

  To estimate racial and ethnic differences in rates of hospital-based care associated with postpartum depression.This is a retrospective cohort study using International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD-9-CM) diagnosis codes within data from the Office of Statewide Planning and Development in California. We included primiparous women who underwent delivery hospitalization from 2008 to 2012. The primary outcome was the first postpartum hospital encounter with a ICD-9-CM code for depression over a 9-month period after delivery. We examined the cumulative incidence of hospital-based care for postpartum depression by race/ethnicity. Logistic regression was used to estimate relative risk.The study cohort consisted of 984,167 primiparous women: 314,037 (32%) were non-Hispanic White; 59,754 (6%) were non-Hispanic Black; 150,855 (15%) were non-Hispanic Asian; 448,770 (46%) were Hispanic; and 10,399 (1%) were other races. The cumulative incidence of hospital-based care for postpartum depression was highest for Black women (39; 95% CI = 34-44 per 10,000 deliveries) and lowest for Asian women (7; 95% CI = 5-8 per 10,000 deliveries). Compared with White women, hospital-based care for postpartum depression was more likely to be provided to Black women (OR = 2.3; 95% CI = 1.9-2.7), whereas care was less likely for Asians (OR = 0.4; 95% CI = 0.3-0.5) and Hispanics (OR = 0.8; 95% CI = 0.7-1.0). Similar findings were observed after excluding women with antepartum depression, adjusting for sociodemographic and clinical variables, and stratifying according to care settings.Compared with White women, hospital-based care for postpartum depression more frequently impacts Black women. Identifying and improving inequities in access to and utilization of mental health care for postpartum women should be a maternal health priority.

  View details for DOI 10.1007/s40615-020-00774-y

  View details for PubMedID 32474833

• IV versus oral iron for postpartum anemia: A cost-effectiveness analysis Greiner, K., Caughey, A. B., Butwick, A. J. MOSBY-ELSEVIER. 2020: S197

  View details for DOI 10.1016/j.ajog.2019.11.308

  View details for Web of Science ID 000504997300292

• Antepartum iron-deficiency anemia: An opportunity to reduce severe maternal morbidity Leonard, S. A., Main, E. K., Lyell, D. J., Butwick, A. J., Carmichael, S. L. MOSBY-ELSEVIER. 2020: S168–S169

  View details for DOI 10.1016/j.ajog.2019.11.260

  View details for Web of Science ID 000504997300244

• Antepartum anemia and racial/ethnic disparities in blood transfusion in california Igbinosa, I., Leonard, S. A., Butwick, A. J., Lyell, D. J. MOSBY-ELSEVIER. 2020: S304

  View details for DOI 10.1016/j.ajog.2019.11.480

  View details for Web of Science ID 000504997300463

• Maternal Health after Stillbirth: Postpartum Hospital Readmission in California. American journal of perinatology Wall-Wieler, E. n., Butwick, A. J., Gibbs, R. S., Lyell, D. J., Girsen, A. I., El-Sayed, Y. Y., Carmichael, S. L. 2020

  Abstract

   The aim of this study is to assess whether the risk of postpartum readmission within 6 weeks of giving birth differs for women who had stillbirths compared with live births. Using data from the Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development in California, we performed a population-based cohort study of 7,398,640 births between 1999 and 2011. We identified diagnoses and procedures associated with the first postpartum hospital readmission that occurred within 6 weeks after giving birth. We used log-binomial models to estimate relative risk (RR) of postpartum readmission for women who had stillbirth compared with live birth deliveries, adjusting for maternal demographic, prepregnancy, pregnancy, and delivery characteristics. The rate of postpartum readmission was higher among women who had stillbirths compared with women who had live births (206 and 96 per 10,000 births, respectively). After adjusting for maternal demographic and medical characteristics, the risk of postpartum readmission for women who had stillbirths was nearly 1.5 times greater (adjusted RR = 1.47, 95% confidence interval: 1.35-1.60) compared with live births. Among women with stillbirths, the most common indications at readmission were uterine infection or pelvic inflammatory disease, psychiatric conditions, hypertensive disorder, and urinary tract infection. Based on our findings, women who have stillbirths are at higher risk of postpartum readmissions within 6 weeks of giving birth than women who have live births. Women who have stillbirths may benefit from additional monitoring and counseling after hospital discharge for potential postpartum medical and psychiatric complications.· Women who have stillbirths are at nearly 1.5 times greater risk of postpartum readmission than women who have live births.. · Uterine infections and pelvic inflammatory disease, and psychiatric conditions are the most common reasons for readmission among women who had a stillbirth.. · Women who have stillbirths may benefit from additional monitoring and counseling after hospital discharge for potential postpartum medical and psychiatric complications..

  View details for DOI 10.1055/s-0040-1708803

  View details for PubMedID 32365389

• Postpartum Hemorrhage: Wherefore Art Thou, Hyperfibrinolysis? Anesthesia and analgesia Butwick, A. J. 2020; 131 (5): 1370–72

  View details for DOI 10.1213/ANE.0000000000004881

  View details for PubMedID 33079857

• In Reply. Obstetrics and gynecology Butwick, A. J., Wall-Wieler, E. n. 2020; 136 (6): 1235

  View details for DOI 10.1097/AOG.0000000000004194

  View details for PubMedID 33214525

• Evaluation of US State-Level Variation in Hypertensive Disorders of Pregnancy. JAMA network open Butwick, A. J., Druzin, M. L., Shaw, G. M., Guo, N. n. 2020; 3 (10): e2018741

  Abstract

  Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy are important causes of maternal and perinatal morbidity in the US. However, the extent of statewide variation in the prevalence of chronic hypertension, pregnancy-induced hypertension or preeclampsia, and eclampsia in the US remains unknown.To examine the extent of statewide variation in the prevalence of chronic hypertension, hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (including pregnancy-induced hypertension or preeclampsia), and eclampsia in the US.A cross-sectional study using 2017 US birth certificate data was conducted from September 1, 2019, to February 1, 2020. A population-based sample of 3 659 553 women with a live birth delivery was included.State-specific prevalence of chronic hypertension, hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, and eclampsia was assessed using multilevel multivariable logistic regression, with the median odds ratio (MOR) to evaluate statewide variation.Of the 3 659 553 women, 185 932 women (5.1%) were younger than 20 years, 727 573 women (19.9%) were aged between 20 and 24 years, 1 069 647 women (29.2%) were aged between 25 and 29 years, 1 037 307 women (28.3%) were aged between 30 and 34 years, 523 607 women (14.3%) were aged between 35 and 39 years, and 115 487 women (3.2%) were 40 years or older. Most women had Medicaid (42.8%) or private insurance (49.4%). Hawaii had the lowest adjusted prevalence of chronic hypertension (1.0%; 95% CI, 0.9%-1.2%), and Alaska had the highest (3.4%; 95% CI, 3.0%-3.9%). Massachusetts had the lowest adjusted prevalence of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (4.3%; 95% CI, 4.1%-4.6%), and Louisiana had the highest (9.3%; 95% CI, 8.9%-9.8%). Delaware had the lowest adjusted prevalence of eclampsia (0.03%; 95% CI, 0.01%-0.09%), and Hawaii had the highest (2.8%; 95% CI, 2.2%-3.4%). The degree of statewide variation was high for eclampsia (MOR, 2.36; 95% CI, 1.88-2.82), indicating that the median odds of eclampsia were 2.4-fold higher if the same woman delivered in a US state with a higher vs lower prevalence of eclampsia. Modest variation between states was observed for chronic hypertension (MOR, 1.27; 95% CI, 1.20-1.33) and hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (MOR, 1.17; 95% CI, 1.13-1.21).The findings of this study suggest that after accounting for patient-level and state-level variables, substantial state-level variation exists in the prevalence of eclampsia. These data can inform future public-health inquiries to identify reasons for the eclampsia variability.

  View details for DOI 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2020.18741

  View details for PubMedID 33001203

• Combatting misinformation and myths about obstetric anesthesia. International journal of obstetric anesthesia Butwick, A. J., Weiniger, C. F. 2019

  View details for DOI 10.1016/j.ijoa.2019.08.008

  View details for PubMedID 31537419

• Severe Maternal Morbidity Among Stillbirth and Live Birth Deliveries in California. Obstetrics and gynecology Wall-Wieler, E., Carmichael, S. L., Gibbs, R. S., Lyell, D. J., Girsen, A. I., El-Sayed, Y. Y., Butwick, A. J. 2019

  Abstract

  OBJECTIVE: To assess the prevalence and risk of severe maternal morbidity among delivery hospitalization for stillbirth compared with live birth deliveries.METHODS: Using data from the Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development in California, we performed a population-based cross-sectional study of 6,459,842 deliveries between 1999 and 2011. We identified severe maternal morbidity using an algorithm comprising diagnoses and procedures developed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and used log-binomial regression models to examine the relative risk (RR) of severe maternal morbidity for stillbirth compared with live birth deliveries, adjusting for maternal demographic, medical, and obstetric characteristics. We also examined severe maternal morbidity prevalence by cause of fetal death among stillbirth deliveries.RESULTS: The prevalence of severe maternal morbidity for stillbirth and live birth was 578 and 99 cases per 10,000 deliveries, respectively. After adjusting for maternal demographic, medical, and obstetric characteristics, the risk of severe maternal morbidity among stillbirth deliveries was more than fourfold higher (adjusted RR 4.77; 95% CI 4.53-5.02) compared with live birth deliveries. The severe maternal morbidity prevalence was highest among stillbirths caused by hypertensive disorders and placental conditions (24 and 19 cases/100 deliveries, respectively), and lowest among stillbirths caused by fetal malformations or genetic abnormalities (1 case per 100 deliveries).CONCLUSION: Women who have stillbirths are at substantially higher risk for severe maternal morbidity than women who have live births, regardless of cause of fetal death. The prevalence of severe maternal morbidity varies by cause of fetal death.

  View details for DOI 10.1097/AOG.0000000000003370

  View details for PubMedID 31306335

• Oral vs intravenous iron therapy for postpartum anemia: a systematic review and meta-analysis AMERICAN JOURNAL OF OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY Sultan, P., Bampoe, S., Shah, R., Guo, N., Estes, J., Stave, C., Goodnough, L., Halpern, S., Butwick, A. 2019; 222 (1): 19-+

  View details for DOI 10.1016/j.ajog.2018.12.016

  View details for Web of Science ID 000472481100020

• Determinants of women's dissatisfaction with anaesthesia care in labour and delivery. Anaesthesia Yurashevich, M., Carvalho, B., Butwick, A. J., Ando, K., Flood, P. D. 2019

  Abstract

  Patient-centred care and factors associated with patient satisfaction with anaesthesia have been widely studied. However, the most important considerations in the setting of obstetric anaesthesia are uncertain. Identification of, and addressing, factors that contribute to patient dissatisfaction may improve quality of care. We sought to identify factors associated with<100% satisfaction with obstetric anaesthesia care. At total of 4297 women treated by anaesthetists provided satisfaction data 24h after vaginal and 48h after caesarean delivery. As 78% of women were 100% satisfied, we studied factors associated with the dichotomous variable, 100% satisfied vs. < 100% satisfied. We evaluated patient characteristics and peripartum factors using multivariable sequential logistic regression. The following factors were strongly associated with maternal dissatisfaction after vaginal delivery: pain intensity during the first stage of labour; pain intensity during the second stage of labour; postpartum pain intensity; delay >15min in providing epidural analgesia and postpartum headache (all p<0.0001). Pruritus (p=0.005) also contributed to dissatisfaction after vaginal delivery, whereas non-Hispanic ethnicity was negatively associated with dissatisfaction (p=0.01). After caesarean delivery, the intensity of postpartum pain (p<0.0001), headache (p=0.001) and pruritus (p=0.001) were linked to dissatisfaction. Hispanic ethnicity also had a negative relationship with dissatisfaction after caesarean delivery (p=0.005). Thus, inadequate or delayed analgesia and treatment-related side-effects are associated with maternal dissatisfaction with obstetric anaesthesia care. Development of protocols to facilitate identification of ineffective analgesia and provide an appropriate balance between efficacy and side-effects, are important goals to optimise maternal satisfaction.

  View details for DOI 10.1111/anae.14756

  View details for PubMedID 31264207

• Assessing the Association Between Blood Loss and Postoperative Hemoglobin After Cesarean Delivery: A Prospective Study of 4 Blood Loss Measurement Modalities ANESTHESIA AND ANALGESIA Fedoruk, K., Seligman, K. M., Carvalho, B., Butwick, A. J. 2019; 128 (5): 926–32

  View details for DOI 10.1213/ANE.0000000000003449

  View details for Web of Science ID 000480723100022

• Prepregnancy maternal body mass index and venous thromboembolism: a population-based cohort study BJOG-AN INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF OBSTETRICS AND GYNAECOLOGY Butwick, A. J., Bentley, J., Leonard, S. A., Carmichael, S. L., El-Sayed, Y. Y., Stephansson, O., Guo, N. 2019; 126 (5): 581–88

  View details for DOI 10.1111/1471-0528.15567

  View details for Web of Science ID 000460341700007

• The Crystalloid Co-Load: Clinically as Effective as Colloid Preload for Preventing Hypotension from Spinal Anaesthesia for Caesarean Delivery. Turkish journal of anaesthesiology and reanimation Riley, E. T., Mangum, K., Carvalho, B., Butwick, A. J. 2019; 47 (1): 35-40

  Abstract

  Colloid preloading diminishes post-spinal hypotension. However, whether colloid preloading is superior to crystalloid co-loading is uncertain. In this retrospective study, we compared the effects of a colloid preload versus a crystalloid co-load on vasopressor requirements and maternal haemodynamics among women undergoing elective caesarean delivery (CD) with spinal anaesthesia.We extracted data from the medical records of 160 healthy women who underwent elective CD with spinal anaesthesia at an academic obstetric centre before and after an institutional fluid-loading protocol change. Patients received a 500 mL 6% hydroxyethyl starch preload or a 1000 mL crystalloid co-load. The primary outcome was the total phenylephrine dose administered from spinal block placement to delivery.Our cohort comprised 79 women in the colloid group and 77 women in the crystalloid group. The mean phenylephrine use was significantly lower in the colloid group than in the crystalloid group (489±403 μg vs. 647±464 μg, respectively, p=0.02). The maximal drop in systolic blood pressure was greater in the colloid group than in the crystalloid group (36±20 mmHg vs. 29±16 mmHg, respectively, p=0.02). There were no clinically significant differences between the groups in heart rate, blood loss, temperature and Apgar scores.Vasopressor use was lower in colloid preloading than in crystalloid co-loading. However, differences in all outcome measures were minimal and likely clinically insignificant, suggesting that both fluid-loading techniques are appropriate to use for the prevention of spinal hypotension in women undergoing CD.

  View details for DOI 10.5152/TJAR.2018.76402

  View details for PubMedID 31276109

  View details for PubMedCentralID PMC6598662

• A call for multidisciplinary cesarean delivery analgesia care. American journal of obstetrics & gynecology MFM Weiniger, C. F., Ioscovich, A. n., Butwick, A. J. 2019; 1 (3): 100033

  View details for DOI 10.1016/j.ajogmf.2019.100033

  View details for PubMedID 33345797

• United States State-Level Variation in the Use of Neuraxial Analgesia During Labor for Pregnant Women. JAMA network open Butwick, A. J., Bentley, J., Wong, C. A., Snowden, J. M., Sun, E., Guo, N. 2018; 1 (8): e186567

  Abstract

  Neuraxial labor analgesia is recognized as the most effective method of providing pain relief during labor. Little is known about variation in the rates of neuraxial analgesia across US states. Identifying the presence and extent of variation may provide insights into practice variation and may indicate where access to neuraxial analgesia is inadequate.To test the hypothesis that variation exists in neuraxial labor analgesia use among US states.Retrospective, population-based, cross-sectional analysis using US birth certificate data. Participants were 2 625 950 women who underwent labor in 2015.State-specific prevalence of neuraxial analgesia per 100 women who underwent labor and variability in neuraxial analgesia use among states, assessed using multilevel multivariable regression modeling with the median odds ratio and the intraclass correlation coefficient to evaluate variation by state.In the study population of 2 625 950 women, 0.1% (n = 2010) were younger than 15 years, 7.0% (n = 183 546) were between the ages of 15 and 19 years, 23.6% (n = 620 118) were between the ages of 20 and 24 years, 29.6% (n = 777 957) were between the ages of 25 and 29 years, 26.0% (n = 683 656) were between the ages of 30 and 34 years, 11.4% (n = 298 237) were between the ages of 35 and 39 years, 2.2% (n = 57 130) were between the ages of 40 and 44 years, and 0.1% (n = 3296) were between the ages of 45 and 54 years. More than 90% were privately insured or insured with Medicaid. Neuraxial analgesia was used by 73.1% (n = 1 920 368) of women. After adjustment for antepartum, obstetric, and intrapartum factors, Maine had the lowest neuraxial analgesia prevalence (36.6%; 95% CI, 33.2%-40.1%) and Nevada the highest (80.1%; 95% CI, 78.3%-81.7%). The adjusted median odds ratio was 1.5 (95% CI, 1.4-1.6), and the intraclass correlation coefficient was 5.4% (95% CI, 4.0%-7.9%).Results of this study suggest that a small portion of the overall variation in neuraxial analgesia use is explained by US states. Unmeasured patient-level and hospital-level factors likely account for a large portion of the variation between states. Efforts should be made to understand what the main reasons are for this variation and whether the variation influences maternal or perinatal outcomes.

  View details for DOI 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2018.6567

  View details for PubMedID 30646335

  View details for PubMedCentralID PMC6324365

• Maternal Body Mass Index and Use of Labor Neuraxial Analgesia A Population-based Retrospective Cohort Study ANESTHESIOLOGY Butwick, A. J., Wong, C. A., Guo, N. 2018; 129 (3): 448–58

  View details for DOI 10.1097/ALN.0000000000002322

  View details for Web of Science ID 000441864900013

• Prevalence of Depression Among Women of Reproductive Age in the United States OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY Guo, N., Robakis, T., Miller, C., Butwick, A. 2018; 131 (4): 671–79

  View details for DOI 10.1097/AOG.0000000000002535

  View details for Web of Science ID 000441347800012

• Effect of Maternal Body Mass Index on Postpartum Hemorrhage. Anesthesiology Butwick, A. J., Abreo, A. n., Bateman, B. T., Lee, H. C., El-Sayed, Y. Y., Stephansson, O. n., Flood, P. n. 2018

  Abstract

  It is unclear whether obesity is a risk factor for postpartum hemorrhage. The authors hypothesized that obese women are at greater risk of hemorrhage than women with a normal body mass index.The authors conducted a cohort study of women who underwent delivery hospitalization in California between 2008 and 2012. Using multilevel regression, the authors examined the relationships between body mass index with hemorrhage (primary outcome), atonic hemorrhage, and severe hemorrhage (secondary outcomes). Stratified analyses were performed according to delivery mode.The absolute event rate for hemorrhage was 60,604/2,176,673 (2.8%). In this cohort, 4% of women were underweight, 49.1% of women were normal body mass index, 25.9% of women were overweight, and 12.7%, 5.2%, and 3.1% of women were in obesity class I, II, and III, respectively. Compared to normal body mass index women, the odds of hemorrhage and atonic hemorrhage were modestly increased for overweight women (hemorrhage: adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 1.06; 99% CI, 1.04 to 1.08; atonic hemorrhage: aOR, 1.07; 99% CI, 1.05 to 1.09) and obesity class I (hemorrhage: aOR, 1.08; 99% CI, 1.05 to 1.11; atonic hemorrhage; aOR, 1.11; 99% CI, 1.08 to 1.15). After vaginal delivery, overweight and obese women had up to 19% increased odds of hemorrhage or atonic hemorrhage; whereas, after cesarean delivery, women in any obesity class had up to 14% decreased odds of severe hemorrhage.The authors' findings suggest that, at most, maternal obesity has a modest effect on hemorrhage risk. The direction of the association between hemorrhage and body mass index may differ by delivery mode.

  View details for PubMedID 29346134

• Mode of anaesthesia for Caesarean delivery and maternal morbidity: can we overcome confounding by indication? British journal of anaesthesia Butwick, A. J., Palanisamy, A. n. 2018; 120 (4): 621–23

  View details for PubMedID 29576102

• Accuracy of international classification of diseases, ninth revision, codes for postpartum hemorrhage among women undergoing cesarean delivery. Transfusion Butwick, A. J., Walsh, E. M., Kuzniewicz, M. n., Li, S. X., Escobar, G. J. 2018

  Abstract

  Determining the accuracy of International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD-9) codes for postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) is vital for reaching valid conclusions about the epidemiology of PPH. Our primary objectives were to assess the performance characteristics of ICD-9 PPH codes against a reference standard using estimated blood loss (EBL) among a cohort undergoing Cesarean delivery.We analyzed maternal discharge and EBL data from women who underwent Cesarean delivery at Kaiser Permanente Northern California facilities between 2010 and 2013. We defined PPH as an EBL of at least 1000 mL. In a secondary analysis, ICD-9 performance characteristics were assessed using an EBL of at least 1500 mL to classify severe PPH.We identified 35,614 hospitalizations for Cesarean delivery. Using EBL of at least 1000 mL as the "gold standard," PPH codes had a sensitivity of 27.8%, specificity of 97%, positive predictive value (PPV) of 74.5%, and a negative predictive value (NPV) of 80.9%. The prevalence of a PPH code (9%) was lower than the prevalence using a blood loss of at least 1000 mL (24%). Using a reference standard of EBL of at least 1500 mL, PPH codes had a sensitivity of 61.7%, specificity of 93.8%, PPV of 34.2%, and NPV of 97.9%.PPH ICD-9 codes have high specificity, moderately high PPVs and NPVs, and low sensitivity. An EBL of at least 1500 mL as a reference standard has higher sensitivity. Our findings suggest that, for women undergoing Cesarean delivery, quality improvement efforts are needed to enhance PPH ICD-9 coding accuracy in administrative data sets.

  View details for PubMedID 29377131

• Tranexamic Acid for the Management of Obstetric Hemorrhage. Obstetrics and gynecology Butwick, A. J., Deneux-Tharaux, C., Sentilhes, L. 2017; 130 (6): 1386

  View details for DOI 10.1097/AOG.0000000000002384

  View details for PubMedID 29189683

• Tranexamic Acid for the Management of Obstetric Hemorrhage OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY Butwick, A. J., Deneux-Tharaux, C., Sentilhes, L. 2017; 130 (6): 1386

  View details for Web of Science ID 000419132400036

• Risk Factors for Severe Postpartum Hemorrhage After Cesarean Delivery: Case-Control Studies. Anesthesia and analgesia Butwick, A. J., Ramachandran, B., Hegde, P., Riley, E. T., El-Sayed, Y. Y., Nelson, L. M. 2017

  Abstract

  Women who undergo intrapartum caesarean delivery (CD) are at increased risk of postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) compared with those undergoing prelabor CD. To determine whether the presence and strength of the associations between individual risk factors and severe PPH vary among women undergoing prelabor CD or intrapartum CD, stratified analyses are needed according to CD subtype.To identify risk factors for severe PPH within 2 distinct CD populations, prelabor CD and intrapartum CD, we performed 2 case-control studies. Women in each study cohort delivered at a tertiary obstetric center in the United States between 2002 and 2012. For each study, cases were women who had a blood loss ≥1500 mL or who received an intraoperative or postoperative transfusion up to 48 hours after delivery. Risk factors for severe PPH among women undergoing prelabor CD or intrapartum CD were examined in separate logistic regression models.For prelabor CD, we identified 269 cases and 550 controls. Clinical factors with the highest adjusted odds for severe PPH during prelabor CD were general anesthesia (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 22.3; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 4.9-99.9; reference group = spinal anesthesia), multiple pregnancies (aOR = 8.0; 95% CI = 4.2-15.0; reference group = singleton pregnancy), and placenta previa (aOR = 6.3; 95% CI = 3.4-11.8). For intrapartum CD, we identified 278 cases and 572 controls. Clinical factors with the highest adjusted odds for severe PPH during intrapartum CD were general anesthesia (aOR = 5.4; 95% CI = 1.7-17.1), multiple pregnancies (aOR = 3.2; 95% CI = 1.7-6.3), and a predelivery hemoglobin ≤ 9.9 g/dL (aOR = 3.0; 95% CI = 1.3-6.9; reference group = predelivery hemoglobin ≥ 11 g/dL).Women who undergo prelabor CD and intrapartum CD have several shared risk factors for severe PPH (general anesthesia and multiple pregnancies). However, the risk factor profiles for severe PPH differed between these CD cohorts. Recognizing these differences may be important when planning resources and interventions for high-risk patients undergoing either prelabor or intrapartum CD.

  View details for DOI 10.1213/ANE.0000000000001962

  View details for PubMedID 28277324

• Effect of a High-Rate Versus a Low-Rate Oxytocin Infusion for Maintaining Uterine Contractility During Elective Cesarean Delivery: A Prospective Randomized Clinical Trial. Anesthesia and analgesia Duffield, A., McKenzie, C., Carvalho, B., Ramachandran, B., Yin, V., El-Sayed, Y. Y., Riley, E. T., Butwick, A. J. 2017; 124 (3): 857-862

  Abstract

  Oxytocin is routinely used as prophylaxis against uterine atony. During elective cesarean delivery (CD), an oxytocin bolus is used to initiate adequate uterine tone, followed by an oxytocin infusion to maintain uterine contractility. However, it is unclear whether oxytocin maintenance infusion rate influences total estimated blood loss (EBL).We performed a prospective, randomized, double-blind trial in 51 women undergoing elective CD. Women were randomly assigned to receive an oxytocin maintenance infusion of 2.5 or 15 U/h. All women received an oxytocin 1 U bolus to initiate adequate uterine tone. The primary outcome was EBL. EBL values between groups were compared using a Mann-Whitney U test; P < .05 as statistically significant. The median EBL difference with 95% confidence intervals was also calculated. Secondary outcomes included adequacy of uterine tone, use of additional uterotonics, and oxytocin-related side effects, including hypotension.Of 51 women, 24 received a low-rate infusion and 27 received a high-rate infusion. Median (interquartile range) EBL values in the low-rate and high-rate groups were 634 (340-886) mL versus 512 (405-740) mL, respectively (P = .7). The median difference in EBL between groups was 22 mL; 95% confidence interval = -158 to 236 mL. The rate of postpartum hemorrhage did not differ between groups (low-rate group: 4/24 [16.7%] versus high-rate group: 4/26 [15.4%]). There were no between-group differences over time (first 20 minutes after commencing infusion) in the incidence of adequate uterine tone (P = .72) or hypotension (P = .32).Among women undergoing elective CD receiving an oxytocin maintenance infusion, EBL and uterine tone did not differ between women receiving 2.5 U/h oxytocin and those receiving 15 U/h oxytocin. Our findings suggest that efficacy can be obtained with a low oxytocin maintenance infusion rate; however, dose-finding studies are needed to determine the infusion rate that optimizes drug efficacy while minimizing side effects.

  View details for DOI 10.1213/ANE.0000000000001658

  View details for PubMedID 28212181

  View details for PubMedCentralID PMC5319709

• Postpartum hemorrhage following vaginal delivery: risk factors and maternal outcomes. Journal of perinatology Miller, C. M., Cohn, S., Akdagli, S., Carvalho, B., Blumenfeld, Y. J., Butwick, A. J. 2017; 37 (3): 243-248

  Abstract

  Limited understanding of risk factors exists for postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) post-vaginal delivery. The aim of this study was to identify risk factors for PPH post-vaginal delivery within a contemporary obstetric cohort.Retrospective case-control study. PPH was classified by an estimated blood loss ⩾500 ml. Risk factors for PPH were identified using univariable and multivariable logistic regression. We secondarily investigated maternal outcomes and medical and surgical interventions for PPH management.The study cohort comprised 159 cases and 318 controls. Compared with a second-stage duration <2 h, a second stage⩾3 h was associated with PPH (adjusted odds ratio=2.3; 95% CI=1.2 to 4.6). No other clinical or obstetric variables were identified as independent risk factors for PPH. Among cases, 4% received red blood cells and 1% required intensive care admission.Although PPH-related morbidity may be uncommon after vaginal delivery, PPH should be anticipated for women after a second stage ⩾3 h.

  View details for DOI 10.1038/jp.2016.225

  View details for PubMedID 27977018

  View details for PubMedCentralID PMC5334143

• Improving post-caesarean analgesia: Where to next? BJOG : an international journal of obstetrics and gynaecology Butwick, A. 2017

  Abstract

  The provision of effective pain relief to mothers after caesarean section (CS) is a priority for both obstetric and anaesthesia providers. To meet this goal, multimodal analgesic regimens have been endorsed to manage pain and reduce opioid requirements after CS. Post-CS, typical oral analgesic regimens may comprise paracetamol, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and an oral opioid. The inclusion of paracetamol and NSAIDs is important as each drug has an opioid sparing effect, thereby reducing the incidence of opioid related side-effects. We know less about the best method to administer analgesics to mothers after CS. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

  View details for DOI 10.1111/1471-0528.14597

  View details for PubMedID 28178769

• Clinical and microbiological features of maternal sepsis: a retrospective study INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF OBSTETRIC ANESTHESIA Abir, G., Akdagli, S., Butwick, A., Carvalho, B. 2017; 29: 26-33

  Abstract

  Identifying pregnant women with sepsis is challenging because diagnostic clinical and laboratory criteria overlap with normal pregnant physiologic indices. Our primary study aim was to describe clinical and laboratory characteristics of women diagnosed with sepsis, severe sepsis and septic shock. Our secondary aim was to determine positive predictive values for International Classification of Disease (ICD)-9 billing codes for sepsis, severe sepsis, and septic shock.After gaining Institutional Review Board approval, we identified women with ICD-9 codes for sepsis, severe sepsis and septic shock who were admitted to a single tertiary obstetric center from 2007-2013. Diagnoses were confirmed using criteria from the International Sepsis Definitions Conference report. Demographic, obstetric, vital signs and laboratory data were abstracted by medical chart review.We identified 190 women with sepsis-related ICD-9 codes: of these, 35 (18%) women met the criteria for a clinical diagnosis of sepsis, severe sepsis or septic shock. Twenty (57%) women had a sepsis-related diagnosis after cesarean delivery. Twenty-one (60%) women had one or more pre-existing medical conditions and 19 (54%) women had one or more obstetric-related conditions. The genital tract was the most common site of infection. We observed considerable heterogeneity in maternal vital signs and laboratory indices for women with ICD-9 codes for sepsis, severe sepsis, and septic shock. The positive predictive value for each sepsis-related ICD-9 code was low: 16% (95% CI 10 to 24%) for sepsis, 10% (95% CI 3 to 25%) for severe sepsis and 24% (95% CI 10 to 46%) for septic shock.We identified marked heterogeneity in patient characteristics, clinical features, laboratory indices and microbiological findings among cohorts of women diagnosed with maternal sepsis, severe sepsis or septic shock. Based on our findings, the incidence of maternal sepsis using ICD-9 codes may be significantly overestimated.

  View details for DOI 10.1016/j.ijoa.2016.09.003

  View details for Web of Science ID 000394917700006

• Comparative Effectiveness of Lower Leg Compression Devices Versus Sequential Compression Devices to Prevent Postspinal Hypotension During Cesarean Delivery. Anesthesia and analgesia Carvalho, B. n., Zheng, L. L., Butwick, A. n. 2017; 124 (2): 696–97

  View details for PubMedID 28098691

• Patterns and predictors of severe postpartum anemia after Cesarean section TRANSFUSION Butwick, A. J., Walsh, E. M., Kuzniewicz, M., Li, S. X., Escobar, G. J. 2017; 57 (1): 36-44

  Abstract

  Postpartum anemia is associated with maternal and perinatal morbidity. Population-level data may inform guideline development for postpartum anemia screening. Our objectives were to evaluate the associations between potential predictors (predelivery anemia and postpartum hemorrhage [PPH]) with severe postpartum anemia after Cesarean section.Data were collected from 70,939 hospitalizations for Cesarean section performed at Kaiser Permanente Northern California facilities between 2005 and 2013. Severe postpartum anemia was defined as a hemoglobin (Hb) level of less than 8 g/dL before hospital discharge. Using multivariable logistic regression, we assessed the associations between predelivery anemia and PPH with severe postpartum anemia. Distributions of these characteristics among women with severe postpartum anemia were evaluated.The overall rate of severe postpartum anemia was 7.3% (95% confidence interval [CI], 7.1%-7.4%). Severe postpartum anemia was strongly associated with a predelivery Hb level between 10 and 10.9 g/dL (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 5.4; 95% CI, 4.89-5.91), predelivery Hb level of less than 10 g/dL (aOR, 30.6; 95% CI, 27.21-34.6), and PPH (aOR, 8.45; 95% CI, 7.8-9.16). The proportions of women with severe postpartum anemia were highest for those experiencing PPH but no predelivery anemia (12.2%; 95% CI, 11.0%-13.6%) and those who did not incur PPH nor predelivery anemia (10.7%; 95% CI, 9.6%-12.0%).Our findings suggest that PPH and predelivery anemia are strong independent risk factors for severe postpartum anemia. Optimization of patients' Hb before delivery may reduce the incidence of severe anemia after Cesarean section.

  View details for DOI 10.1111/trf.13815

  View details for Web of Science ID 000394428500008

• Postcesarean delivery analgesia. Best practice & research. Clinical anaesthesiology Carvalho, B. n., Butwick, A. J. 2017; 31 (1): 69–79

  Abstract

  Effective pain management should be a key priority in women undergoing cesarean delivery. Suboptimal perioperative pain management is associated with chronic pain, greater opioid use, delayed functional recovery, impaired maternal-fetal bonding, and increased postpartum depression. Severe acute postoperative pain is also strongly associated with persistent pain after cesarean delivery. Multimodal analgesia is the core principle for cesarean delivery pain management. The use of neuraxial morphine and opioid-sparing adjuncts such as scheduled nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications and acetaminophen is recommended for all women undergoing cesarean delivery with neuraxial anesthesia unless contraindicated. Additional analgesic and opioid-sparing options such as wound instillation of local anesthetics, transversus abdominis plane blocks, dexamethasone, gabapentin, and ketamine may be used as appropriate in women at risk of severe postoperative pain or in women whose postoperative pain is not well controlled despite standard analgesic regimes.

  View details for PubMedID 28625307

• The Society for Obstetric Anesthesia and Perinatology Consensus Statement on the Anesthetic Management of Pregnant and Postpartum Women Receiving Thromboprophylaxis or Higher Dose Anticoagulants. Anesthesia and analgesia Leffert, L. n., Butwick, A. n., Carvalho, B. n., Arendt, K. n., Bates, S. M., Friedman, A. n., Horlocker, T. n., Houle, T. n., Landau, R. n., Dubois, H. n., Fernando, R. n., Houle, T. n., Kopp, S. n., Montgomery, D. n., Pellegrini, J. n., Smiley, R. n., Toledo, P. n. 2017

  Abstract

  Venous thromboembolism is recognized as a leading cause of maternal death in the United States. Thromboprophylaxis has been highlighted as a key preventive measure to reduce venous thromboembolism-related maternal deaths. However, the expanded use of thromboprophylaxis in obstetrics will have a major impact on the use and timing of neuraxial analgesia and anesthesia for women undergoing vaginal or cesarean delivery and other obstetric surgeries. Experts from the Society of Obstetric Anesthesia and Perinatology, the American Society of Regional Anesthesia, and hematology have collaborated to develop this comprehensive, pregnancy-specific consensus statement on neuraxial procedures in obstetric patients receiving thromboprophylaxis or higher dose anticoagulants. To date, none of the existing anesthesia societies' recommendations have weighed the potential risks of neuraxial procedures in the presence of thromboprophylaxis, with the competing risks of general anesthesia with a potentially difficult airway, or maternal or fetal harm from avoidance or delayed neuraxial anesthesia. Furthermore, existing guidelines have not integrated the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of anticoagulants in the obstetric population.The goal of this consensus statement is to provide a practical guide of how to appropriately identify, prepare, and manage pregnant women receiving thromboprophylaxis or higher dose anticoagulants during the ante-, intra-, and postpartum periods. The tactics to facilitate multidisciplinary communication, evidence-based pharmacokinetic and spinal epidural hematoma data, and Decision Aids should help inform risk-benefit discussions with patients and facilitate shared decision making.

  View details for PubMedID 29099429

• Obstetric interventions and maternal morbidity among women who experience severe postpartum hemorrhage during cesarean delivery. International journal of obstetric anesthesia Seligman, K. n., Ramachandran, B. n., Hegde, P. n., Riley, E. T., El-Sayed, Y. Y., Nelson, L. M., Butwick, A. J. 2017; 31: 27–36

  Abstract

  Compared to vaginal delivery, women undergoing cesarean delivery are at increased risk of postpartum hemorrhage. Management approaches may differ between those undergoing prelabor cesarean delivery compared to intrapartum cesarean delivery. We examined surgical interventions, blood component use, and maternal outcomes among those experiencing severe postpartum hemorrhage within the two distinct cesarean delivery cohorts.We performed secondary analyses of data from two cohorts who underwent prelabor cesarean delivery or intrapartum cesarean delivery at a tertiary obstetric center in the United States between 2002 and 2012. Severe postpartum hemorrhage was classified as an estimated blood loss ≥1500mL or receipt of a red blood cell transfusion up to 48h post-cesarean delivery. We examined blood component use, medical and surgical interventions and maternal outcomes.The prelabor cohort comprised 269 women and the intrapartum cohort comprised 278 women. In the prelabor cohort, one third of women received red blood cells intraoperatively or postoperatively, respectively. In the intrapartum cohort, 18% women received red blood cells intraoperatively vs. 44% postoperatively (P<0.001). In the prelabor and intrapartum cohorts, methylergonovine was the most common second-line uterotonic (33% and 43%, respectively). Women undergoing prelabor cesarean delivery had the highest rates of morbidity, with 18% requiring hysterectomy and 16% requiring intensive care admission.Our findings provide a snapshot of contemporary transfusion and surgical practices for severe postpartum hemorrhage management during cesarean delivery. To determine optimal transfusion and management practices in this setting, large pragmatic studies are needed.

  View details for PubMedID 28676403

• Nitrous oxide for labor analgesia: Utilization and predictors of conversion to neuraxial analgesia. Journal of clinical anesthesia Sutton, C. D., Butwick, A. J., Riley, E. T., Carvalho, B. n. 2017; 40: 40–45

  Abstract

  We examined the characteristics of women who choose nitrous oxide for labor analgesia and identified factors that predict conversion from nitrous oxide to labor neuraxial analgesia.Retrospective descriptive study.Labor and Delivery Ward.146 pregnant women who used nitrous oxide for analgesia during labor and delivery between September 2014 and September 2015.Chart review only.Demographic, obstetric, and intrapartum characteristics of women using nitrous oxide were examined. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to identify factors associated with conversion from nitrous oxide to neuraxial analgesia. Data are presented as n (%), median [IQR], adjusted relative risk (aRR), and 95% confidence intervals (CI) as appropriate.During the study period, 146 women used nitrous oxide for labor analgesia (accounting for 3% of the total deliveries). The majority (71.9%) of women who used nitrous oxide were nulliparous, and over half (51.9%) had expressed an initial preference for "nonmedical birth." The conversion rate to neuraxial blockade was 63.2%, compared to a concurrent institutional rate of 85.1% in women who did not use nitrous oxide. Factors associated with conversion from nitrous oxide to neuraxial blockade were labor induction (aRR=2.0, CI 1.2-3.3) and labor augmentation (aRR=1.7, CI 1.0-2.9).Only a small number of women opted to use nitrous oxide during labor, analgesia was minimal, and most converted to neuraxial analgesia. Women with induced and augmented labors should be counseled about the increased likelihood that they will convert to neuraxial analgesia.

  View details for PubMedID 28625444

• Neuraxial Anesthesia in Obstetric Patients Receiving Thromboprophylaxis With Unfractionated or Low-Molecular-Weight Heparin: A Systematic Review of Spinal Epidural Hematoma. Anesthesia and analgesia Leffert, L. R., Dubois, H. M., Butwick, A. J., Carvalho, B. n., Houle, T. T., Landau, R. n. 2017; 125 (1): 223–31

  Abstract

  Venous thromboembolism remains a major source of morbidity and mortality in obstetrics with an incidence of 29.8/100,000 vaginal delivery hospitalizations; cesarean delivery confers a 4-fold increased risk of thromboembolism when compared with vaginal delivery. Revised national guidelines now stipulate that the majority of women delivering via cesarean and women at risk for ante- or postpartum venous thromboembolism receive mechanical or pharmacological thromboprophylaxis. This practice change has important implications for obstetric anesthesiologists concerned about the risk of spinal epidural hematoma (SEH) among anticoagulated women receiving neuraxial anesthesia. We conducted a systematic review of published English language studies (1952-2016) and of the US Anesthesia Closed Claims Project Database (1990-2013) to identify cases of SEH associated with neuraxial anesthesia and thromboprophylaxis. We also report on SEH in obstetric patients receiving thromboprophylaxis and neuraxial anesthesia without adherence to the American Society of Regional Anesthesia (ASRA) recommendations. In our review, we initially identified 736 publications of which 10 met inclusion criteria; these were combined with the 5 cases of SEH identified in 546 obstetric Anesthesia Closed Claims reviews. None of these publications revealed SEH associated with neuraxial anesthesia and thromboprophylaxis with unfractionated heparin or low-molecular-weight heparin in obstetric patients. Based on data from 6 reports, 28 parturients had their neuraxial blockade before the minimum ASRA recommended time interval between the last anticoagulant dose and the neuraxial procedure. Based on data from 2 reports, 52 parturients received neuraxial anesthesia without their low-molecular-weight heparin dose being discontinued during the intrapartum period. Although the very low level of evidence and high heterogeneity in these reports make it difficult to draw quantitative conclusions from this systematic review, it is encouraging that this comprehensive search did not identify a single case of SEH in an obstetric patient receiving thromboprophylaxis and neuraxial anesthesia. Analysis of large-scale registries (eg, the Anesthesia Incident Reporting System of the Anesthesia Quality Institute) with more granular clinical and pharmacological data is needed to assess the impact of these practice changes on obstetric SEH incidence. In the interim, optimal care of obstetric patients depends on multidisciplinary planning of anticoagulation dosing to facilitate neuraxial anesthesia and thoughtful weighing of the relative risks and benefits of providing versus withholding neuraxial in favor of general anesthesia.

  View details for PubMedID 28628578

• A Standardized Approach for Transfusion Medicine Support in Patients With Morbidly Adherent Placenta. Anesthesia and analgesia Panigrahi, A. K., Yeaton-Massey, A. n., Bakhtary, S. n., Andrews, J. n., Lyell, D. J., Butwick, A. J., Goodnough, L. T. 2017

  Abstract

  The incidence of placenta accreta (PA) has increased from 0.8 to 3.0 in 1000 pregnancies, driven by increased rates of cesarean deliveries (32.2% in 2014) of births in the United States. The average blood loss for a delivery complicated by PA ranges from 2000 to 5000 mL, frequently requiring substantial transfusion medicine support. We report our own institutional multidisciplinary approach for managing such patients, along with transfusion medicine outcomes, in this setting over a 5-year period.We reviewed records for patients referred to our program in placental disorders from July 1, 2009, to July 1, 2014. A placental disorders preoperative checklist was implemented to ensure optimal management of patients with peripartum hemorrhage.Of 136 patients whose placentas were reviewed postpartum, 21 had PA, 39 had microscopic PA, 17 had increta, 17 had percreta, and 42 had no accreta (of which 11 had placenta previa). For each subtype, the percentage of patients receiving blood products were 71% (PA), 28% (microscopic PA), 82% (increta), 82% (percreta), and 19% (no accreta). Among patients with PA or variants, 89% of patients with PA or variants underwent postpartum hysterectomy, compared to only 5% of patients with no or microscopic PA.Based on our experience and on the findings of our retrospective analysis, patients presenting with either antepartum radiological evidence or clinical suspicion of morbidly adherent placenta will benefit from a standardized protocol for clinical management, including transfusion medicine support. We found that massive hemorrhage is predictable when abnormal placentation is identified predelivery and that blood product support is substantial regardless of the degree of placental invasiveness. The protocol at our institution provides immediate access to sufficient volumes and types of blood products at delivery for patients at highest risk for life-threatening obstetric hemorrhage. Therefore, for patients with a diagnosis of morbidly adherent placenta scheduled for planned cesarean delivery with possible hysterectomy, a programmatic checklist that mobilizes a multidisciplinary team, including proactive transfusion medicine support, represents best practices.

  View details for PubMedID 28640786

• National and International Guidelines for Patient Blood Management in Obstetrics: A Qualitative Review ANESTHESIA AND ANALGESIA Shaylor, R., Weiniger, C. F., Austin, N., Tzabazis, A., Shander, A., Goodnough, L. T., Butwick, A. J. 2017; 124 (1): 216-232

  Abstract

  In developed countries, rates of postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) requiring transfusion have been increasing. As a result, anesthesiologists are being increasingly called upon to assist with the management of patients with severe PPH. First responders, including anesthesiologists, may adopt Patient Blood Management (PBM) recommendations of national societies or other agencies. However, it is unclear whether national and international obstetric societies' PPH guidelines account for contemporary PBM practices. We performed a qualitative review of PBM recommendations published by the following national obstetric societies and international groups: the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists; The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, United Kingdom; The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists; The Society of Obstetricians and Gynecologists of Canada; an interdisciplinary group of experts from Austria, Germany, and Switzerland, an international multidisciplinary consensus group, and the French College of Gynaecologists and Obstetricians. We also reviewed a PPH bundle, published by The National Partnership for Maternal Safety. On the basis of our review, we identified important differences in national and international societies' recommendations for transfusion and PBM. In the light of PBM advances in the nonobstetric setting, obstetric societies should determine the applicability of these recommendations in the obstetric setting. Partnerships among medical, obstetric, and anesthetic societies may also help standardize transfusion and PBM guidelines in obstetrics.

  View details for DOI 10.1213/ANE.0000000000001473

  View details for Web of Science ID 000390613500025

• The impact of postpartum hemoglobin levels on maternal quality of life after delivery: a prospective exploratory study. Annals of hematology Miller, C. M., Ramachandran, B., Akbar, K., Carvalho, B., Butwick, A. J. 2016; 95 (12): 2049-2055

  Abstract

  Postpartum anemia has been associated with postpartum morbidities, such as depression and poor cognition. However, it is unclear whether postpartum anemia is associated with reduced health-related quality of life. We performed a prospective study to examine the relations between postpartum Hb levels with postpartum health-related quality of life (HRQoL). We collected data from 60 women intending vaginal delivery and assessed HRQoL and maternal fatigue on admission and on the first postpartum day using the RAND 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36) and the Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory (MFI), respectively. Maternal Hb levels were measured on admission and on the first postpartum day. We also assessed patients for postpartum depression using the Edinburgh Postpartum Depression Scale (EPDS). We performed unadjusted and multivariate linear regression (adjusting for maternal age, parity, mode of delivery, and race) to assess the associations between postdelivery Hb with each subscale of the SF-36 and MFI. The mean predelivery and postpartum Hb levels were 12.3 (1.2) and 10.8 (1.4) g/dl, respectively. In our unadjusted and adjusted regression analyses, we observed no statistically significant associations between postpartum Hb levels with any SF-36 or MFI subscale (P > 0.05). Based on the EPDS, only one patient was depressed; her postpartum Hb was 11.2 g/dl. Our findings suggest that postpartum Hb levels may not influence HRQoL or fatigue. However, our findings may only apply to women without predelivery anemia, severe blood loss or moderate-to-severe anemia after delivery. Future studies are needed to determine whether postpartum Hb influences HRQoL among women with moderate or severe postpartum anemia.

  View details for PubMedID 27623626

• Evaluation of high-risk obstetric patients: a survey of US academic centers JOURNAL OF CLINICAL ANESTHESIA Butwick, A. J., Tiouririne, M. 2016; 33: 460-468

  Abstract

  Obstetric anesthesiologists commonly care for high-risk obstetric patients. However, it is unclear how obstetricians refer these patients for anesthetic evaluation and whether obstetric anesthesia clinics (OACs) are used. Our study aims were to determine the availability and characteristics of OACs at US academic obstetric centers and to evaluate how high-risk patients are referred for anesthetic evaluation.This is a survey study design.University of Virginia Center for Survey Research.A survey questionnaire was constructed and electronically mailed to obstetric anesthesia directors based at hospitals with accredited anesthesia residency programs.One hundred thirteen obstetric anesthesia directors were contacted. We asked questions about the presence and operational characteristics of OACs. These characteristics were compared between hospitals with high, medium, and low annual delivery volumes. We also inquired about how high-risk patients are referred for anesthetic evaluation. Frequencies were compared using Fisher test, with P< .05 considered as statistically significant.The survey response rate was 58% (n = 65). Overall, only 25 (38%) respondents indicated that their hospital operated an OAC. The proportion of hospitals with an OAC and OAC operational hours did not significantly vary according to hospital delivery volume. Among hospitals with an OAC, 24% respondents indicated that obstetricians always refer high-risk patients to the OAC. Nearly half of respondents (44%) indicated that high-risk patients usually or sometimes receive their first anesthetic evaluation during the delivery hospitalization.Our findings suggest that, among US academic centers, OACs are uncommon and the referral of high-risk patients for antenatal anesthetic evaluation is inconsistent. These findings suggest that more structured referral processes are needed to ensure that high-risk women receive anesthetic evaluation before labor or delivery.

  View details for DOI 10.1016/j.jclinane.2016.04.005

  View details for Web of Science ID 000382421800088

  View details for PubMedID 27555211

• Knowledge of blood loss at delivery among postpartum patients PEERJ Farber, M. K., Miller, C. M., Ramachandran, B., Hegde, P., Akbar, K., Goodnough, L. T., Butwick, A. J. 2016; 4

  Abstract

  Postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) is a leading cause of obstetric morbidity. There is limited understanding of patients' knowledge about blood loss at delivery, PPH, and PPH-related morbidities, including transfusion and anemia.We surveyed 100 healthy postpartum patients who underwent vaginal or cesarean delivery about blood loss, and whether they received information about transfusion and peripartum hemoglobin (Hb) testing. Responses were compared between women undergoing vaginal delivery vs. cesarean delivery; P < 0.05 considered as statistically significant.In our cohort, 49 women underwent vaginal delivery and 51 women underwent cesarean delivery. Only 29 (29%) of women provided blood loss estimates for their delivery. Women who underwent cesarean delivery were more likely to receive clear information about transfusion therapy than those undergoing vaginal delivery (43.1% vs. 20.4% respectively; P = 0.04). Women who underwent vaginal delivery were more likely to receive results of postpartum Hb tests compared to those undergoing cesarean delivery (49% vs. 29.4%; P = 0.02).Our findings suggest that women are poorly informed about the magnitude of blood loss at delivery. Hematologic information given to patients varies according to mode of delivery. Further research is needed to better understand the clinical implications of patients' knowledge gaps about PPH, transfusion and postpartum anemia.

  View details for DOI 10.7717/peerj.2361

  View details for PubMedID 27635332

• Availability and Readability of Online Patient Education Materials Regarding Regional Anesthesia Techniques for Perioperative Pain Management. Pain medicine Kumar, G., Howard, S. K., Kou, A., Kim, T. E., Butwick, A. J., Mariano, E. R. 2016

  Abstract

  OBJECTIVE : Patient education materials (PEM) should be written at a sixth-grade reading level or lower. We evaluated the availability and readability of online PEM related to regional anesthesia and compared the readability and content of online PEM produced by fellowship and nonfellowship institutions. METHODS : With IRB exemption, we constructed a cohort of online regional anesthesia PEM by searching Websites from North American academic medical centers supporting a regional anesthesiology and acute pain medicine fellowships and used a standardized Internet search engine protocol to identify additional nonfellowship Websites with regional anesthesia PEM based on relevant keywords. Readability metrics were calculated from PEM using the TextStat 0.1.4 textual analysis package for Python 2.7 and compared between institutions with and without a fellowship program. The presence of specific descriptive PEM elements related to regional anesthesia was also compared between groups. RESULTS : PEM from 17 fellowship and 15 nonfellowship institutions were included in analyses. The mean (SD) Flesch-Kincaid Grade Level for PEM from the fellowship group was 13.8 (2.9) vs 10.8 (2.0) for the nonfellowship group (p = 0.002). We observed no other differences in readability metrics between fellowship and nonfellowship institutions. Fellowship-based PEM less commonly included descriptions of the following risks: local anesthetic systemic toxicity (p = 0.033) and injury due to an insensate extremity (p = 0.003). CONCLUSIONS : Available online PEM related to regional anesthesia are well above the recommended reading level. Further, fellowship-based PEM posted are at a higher reading level than PEM posted by nonfellowship institutions and are more likely to omit certain risk descriptions.

  View details for PubMedID 27485090

• Maternal outcomes of term breech presentation delivery: impact of successful external cephalic version in a nationwide sample of delivery admissions in the United States BMC PREGNANCY AND CHILDBIRTH Weiniger, C. F., Lyell, D. J., Tsen, L. C., Butwick, A. J., Shachar, B., Callaghan, W. M., Creanga, A. A., Bateman, B. T. 2016; 16

  Abstract

  We aimed to define the frequency and predictors of successful external cephalic version in a nationally-representative cohort of women with breech presentations and to compare maternal outcomes associated with successful external cephalic version versus persistent breech presentation.Using the Nationwide Inpatient Sample, a United States healthcare utilization database, we identified delivery admissions between 1998 and 2011 for women who had successful external cephalic version or persistent breech presentation (including unsuccessful or no external cephalic version attempt) at term. Multivariable logistic regression identified patient and hospital-level factors associated with successful external cephalic version. Maternal outcomes were compared between women who had successful external cephalic version versus persistent breech.Our study cohort comprised 1,079,576 delivery admissions with breech presentation; 56,409 (5.2 %) women underwent successful external cephalic version and 1,023,167 (94.8 %) women had persistent breech presentation at the time of delivery. The rate of cesarean delivery was lower among women who had successful external cephalic version compared to those with persistent breech (20.2 % vs. 94.9 %; p < 0.001). Compared to women with persistent breech at the time of delivery, women with successful external cephalic version were also less likely to experience several measures of significant maternal morbidity including endometritis (adjusted Odds Ratio (aOR) = 0.36, 95 % Confidence Interval (CI) 0.24-0.52), sepsis (aOR = 0.35, 95 % CI 0.24-0.51) and length of stay > 7 days (aOR = 0.53, 95 % CI 0.40-0.70), but had a higher risk of chorioamnionitis (aOR = 1.83, 95 % CI 1.54-2.17).Overall a low proportion of women with breech presentation undergo successful external cephalic version, and it is associated with significant reduction in the frequency of cesarean delivery and a number of measures of maternal morbidity. Increased external cephalic version use may be an important approach to mitigate the high rate of cesarean delivery observed in the United States.

  View details for DOI 10.1186/s12884-016-0941-9

  View details for Web of Science ID 000379605300001

  View details for PubMedID 27392035

  View details for PubMedCentralID PMC4938982

• Does Time of Delivery Influence the Risk of Neonatal Morbidity? American journal of perinatology Brookfield, K. F., O'Malley, K., El-Sayed, Y. Y., Blumenfeld, Y. J., Butwick, A. J. 2016; 33 (5): 502-509

  Abstract

  Objective To examine whether time of delivery influences the risk of neonatal morbidity among women with singleton pregnancies. Study Design Secondary analysis of data from the Maternal Fetal Medicine Units Network Factor V Leiden Mutation study. We categorized time of delivery as day (07:00-16:59), evening (17:00-23:59), and overnight (midnight-06:59). Severe neonatal morbidity was defined by at least one of the following: respiratory distress syndrome, transient tachypnea of the newborn, sepsis, seizures, neonatal intensive care admission, or a 5-minute APGAR ≤3. We calculated frequencies of severe neonatal morbidity by time of delivery. Multivariate analysis was performed to determine whether time of delivery was independently associated with severe neonatal morbidity. Results Among 4,087 women, 1,917 (46.9%) delivered during the day, 1,140 (27.9%) delivered in the evening, and 1,030 (25.2%) delivered overnight. We observed no significant differences in the rates of neonatal morbidity between delivery time periods (day: 12.3%; evening: 12.8%; overnight: 12.6%; p = 0.9). No significant association was observed between time of delivery and neonatal morbidity after adjustment for maternal, obstetric, and peripartum factors. Conclusion Our findings suggest that time of delivery is not associated with severe neonatal morbidity.

  View details for DOI 10.1055/s-0035-1567891

  View details for PubMedID 26595143

• Israeli survey of anesthesia practice related to placenta previa and accreta. Acta anaesthesiologica Scandinavica Ioscovich, A., Shatalin, D., Butwick, A. J., Ginosar, Y., Orbach-Zinger, S., Weiniger, C. F. 2016; 60 (4): 457-464

  Abstract

  Anesthesia practices for placenta previa (PP) and accreta (PA) impact hemorrhage management and other supportive strategies. We conducted a survey to assess reported management of PP and PA in all Israeli labor and delivery units.After Institutional Review Board waiver, we surveyed all 26 Israeli hospitals with a labor and delivery unit by directly contacting the representatives of obstetric anesthesiology services in every department (unit director or department chair). Each director surveyed provided information about the anesthetic and transfusion management in their labor and delivery units for three types of abnormal placentation based on antenatal placental imaging: PP, low suspicion for PA, and high suspicion for PA. The primary outcome was use of neuraxial or general anesthesia for PP and PA Cesarean delivery. Univariate statistics were used for survey responses using counts and percentages.The response rate was 100%. Spinal anesthesia is the preferred anesthetic mode for PP cases, used in 17/26 (65.4%) of labor and delivery units. By comparison, most representatives reported that they perform general anesthesia for patients with PA: 18/26 (69.2%) for all low suspicion cases of PA and 25/26 (96.2%) for all high suspicion cases of PA. Although a massive transfusion protocol was available in the majority of hospitals (84.6%), the availability of thromboelastography and cell salvage was much lower (53.8% and 19.2% hospitals respectively).In our survey, representatives of anesthesia labor and delivery services in Israel are almost exclusively using general anesthesia for women with high suspicion for PA; however, almost two-thirds use spinal anesthesia for PP without suspicion of PA. Among representatives, we found wide variations in anesthesia practice patterns with regard to anesthesia mode, multidisciplinary management, and hemorrhage anticipation strategies.

  View details for DOI 10.1111/aas.12656

  View details for PubMedID 26597396

• Labor outcome at extremely advanced maternal age. American journal of obstetrics and gynecology Osmundson, S. S., Gould, J. B., Butwick, A. J., Yeaton-Massey, A., El-Sayed, Y. Y. 2016; 214 (3): 362 e1-7

  Abstract

  Women of advanced maternal age (AMA) are at increased risk for cesarean delivery compared to non-AMA women. However, it is unclear whether how this association is altered by parity and the presence or absence of a trial of labor.We sought to examine modes of delivery and maternal outcomes among AMA women stratified by parity and the presence or absence of a trial of labor.This is a retrospective cohort study of all women delivering singletons births at ≥20 weeks' gestation in the state of California from 2007 through 2011. Data were extracted from maternal discharge data linked to infant birth certificate records. We compared non-AMA women (age 20-34 years, reference group) to AMA women who were classified as follows: age 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, and ≥50 years). The primary outcome was route of delivery (cesarean vs vaginal) stratified by parity and whether a trial of labor occurred (prelabor vs intrapartum cesarean delivery). The association between a trial of labor and perinatal morbidity was also studied.There were 1,346,889 women who met inclusion criteria, which included 181 (0.01%) women who were age ≥50 years at the time of delivery. Overall, 34.7% underwent a cesarean delivery and this risk differed significantly by age group (30.5%, 20-34 years; 40.5%, 35-39 years; 47.3%, 40-44 years; 55.6%, 45-49 years; 62.4%, >50 years). Nulliparous women age ≥50 years were significantly less likely to undergo a trial of labor compared to the reference group (relative risk [RR], 0.44; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.32-0.62). Furthermore, nulliparous women age ≥50 years were significantly more likely to experience an intrapartum cesarean delivery (RR, 2.61; 95% CI, 1.31-5.20), however the majority (74%) who underwent a trial of labor experienced a vaginal delivery. Compared to the reference group, women age ≥50 years were 5 times more likely to experience severe maternal morbidity (1.7% vs 0.3%; RR, 5.08; 95% CI, 1.65-15.61) and their infants 3 times more likely to require neonatal intensive care unit admission (14.9% vs 5.2%; RR, 3.1; 95% CI, 2.2-4.4), however these outcomes were not associated significantly with having undergone a trial of labor, a cesarean delivery following labor, or a prelabor cesarean delivery. Similar trends were observed among multiparous women.Compared to non-AMA women, women age ≥50 years with a singleton pregnancy experience significantly higher rates of cesarean delivery. However the majority of those who undergo a trial of labor will have a vaginal delivery. Neither a trial of labor nor a prelabor cesarean delivery is significantly associated with maternal or neonatal morbidity. These data support either approach in women of extremely AMA.

  View details for DOI 10.1016/j.ajog.2015.09.103

  View details for PubMedID 26454124

• Checklists and multidisciplinary team performance during simulated obstetric hemorrhage. International journal of obstetric anesthesia Hilton, G., Daniels, K., Goldhaber-Fiebert, S. N., Lipman, S., Carvalho, B., Butwick, A. 2016; 25: 9-16

  Abstract

  Checklists can optimize team performance during medical crises. However, there has been limited examination of checklist use during obstetric crises. In this simulation study we exposed multidisciplinary teams to checklist training to evaluate checklist use and team performance during a severe postpartum hemorrhage.Fourteen multidisciplinary teams participated in a postpartum hemorrhage simulation occurring after vaginal delivery. Before participating, each team received checklist training. The primary study outcome was whether each team used the checklist during the simulation. Secondary outcomes were the times taken to activate our institution-specific massive transfusion protocol and commence red blood cell transfusion, and whether a designated checklist reader was used.The majority of teams (12/14 (86%)) used the checklist. Red blood cell transfusion was administered by all teams. The median [IQR] times taken to activate the massive transfusion protocol and transfuse red blood cells were 5min 14s [3:23-6:43] and 14min 40s [12:56-17:28], respectively. A designated checklist reader was used by 7/12 (58%) teams that used the checklist. Among teams that used a checklist with versus without a designated reader, we observed no differences in the times to activate the massive transfusion protocol or to commence red blood cell transfusion (P>0.05).Although checklist training was effective in promoting checklist use, multidisciplinary teams varied in their scope of checklist use during a postpartum hemorrhage simulation. Future studies are required to determine whether structured checklist training can result in more standardized checklist use during a postpartum hemorrhage.

  View details for DOI 10.1016/j.ijoa.2015.08.011

  View details for PubMedID 26421705

• Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Mode of Anesthesia for Cesarean Delivery. Anesthesia and analgesia Butwick, A. J., Blumenfeld, Y. J., Brookfield, K. F., Nelson, L. M., Weiniger, C. F. 2016; 122 (2): 472-9

  Abstract

  Racial and ethnic disparities have been identified in the provision of neuraxial labor analgesia. These disparities may exist in other key aspects of obstetric anesthesia care. We sought to determine whether racial/ethnic disparities exist in mode of anesthesia for cesarean delivery (CD).Women who underwent CD between 1999 and 2002 at 19 different obstetric centers in the United States were identified from the Maternal-Fetal Medicine Units Network Cesarean Registry. Race/ethnicity was categorized as: Caucasian, African American, Hispanic, and Non-Hispanic Others (NHOs). Mode of anesthesia was classified as neuraxial anesthesia (spinal, epidural, or combined spinal-epidural anesthesia) or general anesthesia. To account for obstetric and non-obstetric covariates that may have influenced mode of anesthesia, multiple logistic regression analyses were performed by using sequential sets of covariates.The study cohort comprised 50,974 women who underwent CD. Rates of general anesthesia among racial/ethnic groups were as follows: 5.2% for Caucasians, 11.3% for African Americans, 5.8% for Hispanics, and 6.6% for NHOs. After adjustment for obstetric and non-obstetric covariates, African Americans had the highest odds of receiving general anesthesia compared with Caucasians (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 1.7; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.5-1.8; P < 0.001). The odds of receiving general anesthesia were also higher among Hispanics (aOR = 1.1; 95% CI, 1.0-1.3; P = 0.02) and NHOs (aOR = 1.2; 95% CI, 1.0-1.4; P = 0.03) compared with Caucasians, respectively. In our sensitivity analysis, we reconstructed the models after excluding women who underwent neuraxial anesthesia before general anesthesia. The adjusted odds of receiving general anesthesia were similar to those in the main analysis: African Americans (aOR = 1.7; 95% CI, 1.5-1.9; P < 0.001); Hispanics (aOR = 1.2; 95% CI, 1.1-1.4; P = 0.006); and NHOs (aOR = 1.2; 95% CI, 1.0-1.5; P = 0.05).Based on data from the Cesarean Registry, African American women had the highest odds of undergoing general anesthesia for CD compared with Caucasian women. It is uncertain whether this disparity exists in current obstetric practice.

  View details for DOI 10.1213/ANE.0000000000000679

  View details for PubMedID 26797554

  View details for PubMedCentralID PMC4724639

• Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Mode of Anesthesia for Cesarean Delivery ANESTHESIA AND ANALGESIA Butwick, A. J., Blumenfeld, Y. J., Brookfield, K. F., Nelson, L. M., Weiniger, C. F. 2016; 122 (2): 472-479

  Abstract

  Racial and ethnic disparities have been identified in the provision of neuraxial labor analgesia. These disparities may exist in other key aspects of obstetric anesthesia care. We sought to determine whether racial/ethnic disparities exist in mode of anesthesia for cesarean delivery (CD).Women who underwent CD between 1999 and 2002 at 19 different obstetric centers in the United States were identified from the Maternal-Fetal Medicine Units Network Cesarean Registry. Race/ethnicity was categorized as: Caucasian, African American, Hispanic, and Non-Hispanic Others (NHOs). Mode of anesthesia was classified as neuraxial anesthesia (spinal, epidural, or combined spinal-epidural anesthesia) or general anesthesia. To account for obstetric and non-obstetric covariates that may have influenced mode of anesthesia, multiple logistic regression analyses were performed by using sequential sets of covariates.The study cohort comprised 50,974 women who underwent CD. Rates of general anesthesia among racial/ethnic groups were as follows: 5.2% for Caucasians, 11.3% for African Americans, 5.8% for Hispanics, and 6.6% for NHOs. After adjustment for obstetric and non-obstetric covariates, African Americans had the highest odds of receiving general anesthesia compared with Caucasians (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 1.7; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.5-1.8; P < 0.001). The odds of receiving general anesthesia were also higher among Hispanics (aOR = 1.1; 95% CI, 1.0-1.3; P = 0.02) and NHOs (aOR = 1.2; 95% CI, 1.0-1.4; P = 0.03) compared with Caucasians, respectively. In our sensitivity analysis, we reconstructed the models after excluding women who underwent neuraxial anesthesia before general anesthesia. The adjusted odds of receiving general anesthesia were similar to those in the main analysis: African Americans (aOR = 1.7; 95% CI, 1.5-1.9; P < 0.001); Hispanics (aOR = 1.2; 95% CI, 1.1-1.4; P = 0.006); and NHOs (aOR = 1.2; 95% CI, 1.0-1.5; P = 0.05).Based on data from the Cesarean Registry, African American women had the highest odds of undergoing general anesthesia for CD compared with Caucasian women. It is uncertain whether this disparity exists in current obstetric practice.

  View details for DOI 10.1213/ANE.0000000000000679

  View details for Web of Science ID 000368646500001

  View details for PubMedCentralID PMC4724639

• Can extra carbs improve perinatal outcomes? BJOG : an international journal of obstetrics and gynaecology Sutton, C. n., Butwick, A. J. 2016; 123 (4): 518

  View details for PubMedID 26914894

• Study to investigate the association between placenta accreta subtype and red blood cell transfusion Bakhtary, S., Yeaton-Massey, A., Panigrahi, A., Lyell, D., Goodnough, L. T., Butwick, A. J. MOSBY-ELSEVIER. 2016: S380–S381

  View details for DOI 10.1016/j.ajog.2015.10.773

  View details for Web of Science ID 000367092800716

• Trial of labor versus primary cesarean delivery in women with extreme obesity Osmundson, S. S., O'Malley, K., Butwick, A. J. MOSBY-ELSEVIER. 2016: S131

  View details for DOI 10.1016/j.ajog.2015.10.257

  View details for Web of Science ID 000367092800216

• In Response. Anesthesia and analgesia Bateman, B. T., Butwick, A. J., Huybrechts, K. F. 2015; 121 (5): 1397-1398

  View details for DOI 10.1213/ANE.0000000000000847

  View details for PubMedID 26484466

• Morbidity associated with cesarean delivery in the United States: is placenta accreta an increasingly important contributor? AMERICAN JOURNAL OF OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY Creanga, A. A., Bateman, B. T., Butwick, A. J., Raleigh, L., Maeda, A., Kuklina, E., Callaghan, W. M. 2015; 213 (3)

  Abstract

  To examine cesarean morbidity and its predictors in the United States.We used 2000-2011 Nationwide Inpatient Sample data to identify cesarean deliveries and records with 12 potential cesarean complications, including placenta accreta. We estimated cesarean morbidity rates and rate changes during 2000-2011, and fitted Poisson regression models to assess the relative incidence of morbidity among repeat versus primary cesareans and explore its predictors.During 2000-2011, 76 in 1,000 cesareans (97 in 1,000 primary and 48 in 1,000 repeat cesareans) were accompanied by ≥1 of 12 complications. The unadjusted composite cesarean morbidity rate increased by 3.6% only among women with a primary cesarean (p<0.001), while the unadjusted rate of placenta accreta increased by 30.8% only among women with a repeat cesarean (p=0.025). The adjusted rate of overall composite cesarean morbidity decreased by 1% annually during 2000-2011 (p<0.001). Compared to women with a primary cesarean, those who underwent a repeat cesarean were half as likely (incidence rate ratio=0.50; 95%CI 0.49-0.50) to develop a complication, but 2.13 (95%CI 1.98-2.29) times more likely to have a placenta accreta diagnosis. Both cesarean morbidity and placenta accreta were positively associated with: age >30 years; non-Hispanic black race-ethnicity; presence of a chronic medical condition; and delivery in urban, teaching, or larger hospitals.Overall, cesarean morbidity declined modestly during 2000-2011, but placenta accreta became an increasingly important contributor to repeat cesarean morbidity. Clinicians should maintain a high index of suspicion for abnormal placentation and make adequate preparations for patients who need cesarean deliveries.

  View details for DOI 10.1016/j.ajog.2015.05.002

  View details for Web of Science ID 000360551700027

  View details for PubMedID 25957019

• Mode of anaesthesia for preterm Caesarean delivery: secondary analysis from the Maternal-Fetal Medicine Units Network Caesarean Registry†‡. British journal of anaesthesia Butwick, A. J., El-Sayed, Y. Y., Blumenfeld, Y. J., Osmundson, S. S., Weiniger, C. F. 2015; 115 (2): 267-274

  Abstract

  Preterm delivery is often performed by Caesarean section. We investigated modes of anaesthesia and risk factors for general anaesthesia among women undergoing preterm Caesarean delivery.Women undergoing Caesarean delivery between 24(+0) and 36(+6) weeks' gestation were identified from a multicentre US registry. The mode of anaesthesia was classified as neuraxial anaesthesia (spinal, epidural, or combined spinal and epidural) or general anaesthesia. Logistic regression was used to identify patient characteristic, obstetric, and peripartum risk factors associated with general anaesthesia.Within the study cohort, 11 539 women had preterm Caesarean delivery; 9510 (82.4%) underwent neuraxial anaesthesia and 2029 (17.6%) general anaesthesia. In our multivariate model, African-American race [adjusted odds ratio (aOR)=1.9; 95% confidence interval (CI)=1.7-2.2], Hispanic ethnicity (aOR=1.5; 95% CI=1.2-1.8), other race (aOR=1.4; 95% CI=1.1-1.9), and haemolysis, elevated liver enzymes and low platelets (HELLP) syndrome or eclampsia (aOR=2.8; 95% CI=2.2-3.5) were independently associated with receiving general anaesthesia for preterm Caesarean delivery. Women with an emergency Caesarean delivery indication had the highest odds for general anaesthesia (aOR=3.5; 95% CI=3.1-3.9). For every 1 week decrease in gestational age at delivery, the adjusted odds of general anaesthesia increased by 13%.In our study cohort, nearly one in five women received general anaesthesia for preterm Caesarean delivery. Although potential confounding by unmeasured factors cannot be excluded, our findings suggest that early gestational age at delivery, emergent Caesarean delivery indications, hypertensive disease, and non-Caucasian race or ethnicity are associated with general anaesthesia for preterm Caesarean delivery.

  View details for DOI 10.1093/bja/aev108

  View details for PubMedID 25956901

• Risk Factors for Prolonged Postpartum Length of Stay Following Cesarean Delivery AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PERINATOLOGY Blumenfeld, Y. J., El-Sayed, Y. Y., Lyell, D. J., Nelson, L. M., Butwick, A. J. 2015; 32 (9): 825-832

  Abstract

  Objective This study aims to identify risk factors for prolonged postpartum length of stays (LOS) after cesarean delivery (CD). Study Design Patients undergoing CD were sourced from a multicenter registry of 19 academic centers between 1999 and 2002 (n = 57,067). Prolonged postpartum LOS was defined as a hospitalization duration ≥ 90th centile. Maternal, antepartum, perioperative, and neonatal variables were compared between women with and without prolonged postpartum LOS. Results The 90th centile for postpartum LOS was 4 days, with 14,954 women experiencing prolonged postpartum LOS. Women with perioperative complications had the highest independent risk for a prolonged postpartum LOS: ileus (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 12.28; 95% confidence interval CI = 8.98-16.8); endometritis (aOR = 10.45; 95% CI = 9.51-11.5), and wound complications (aOR = 5.49; 95% CI = 4.54-6.63). Several antepartum, perioperative, and neonatal variables were associated with a prolonged postpartum LOS. Conclusion Perioperative complications had the highest risk for prolonged LOS after CD. Strategies to reduce perioperative complications are needed to decrease the health care burden of prolonged post-CD LOS.

  View details for DOI 10.1055/s-0034-1543953

  View details for Web of Science ID 000358571000004

• Transfusion and coagulation management in major obstetric hemorrhage CURRENT OPINION IN ANESTHESIOLOGY Butwick, A. J., Goodnough, L. T. 2015; 28 (3): 275-284

  Abstract

  Major obstetric hemorrhage is a leading cause of maternal morbidity and mortality. We will review transfusion strategies and the value of monitoring the maternal coagulation profile during severe obstetric hemorrhage.Epidemiologic studies indicate that rates of severe postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) in well resourced countries are increasing. Despite these increases, rates of transfusion in obstetrics are low (0.9-2.3%), and investigators have questioned whether a predelivery 'type and screen' is cost-effective for all obstetric patients. Instead, blood ordering protocols specific to obstetric patients can reduce unnecessary antibody testing. When severe PPH occurs, a massive transfusion protocol has attracted interest as a key therapeutic resource by ensuring sustained availability of blood products to the labor and delivery unit. During early postpartum bleeding, recent studies have shown that hypofibrinogenemia is an important predictor for the later development of severe PPH. Point-of-care technologies, such as thromboelastography and rotational thromboelastometry, can identify decreased fibrin clot quality during PPH, which correlate with low fibrinogen levels.A massive transfusion protocol provides a key resource in the management of severe PPH. However, future studies are needed to assess whether formula-driven vs. goal-directed transfusion therapy improves maternal outcomes in women with severe PPH.

  View details for DOI 10.1097/ACO.0000000000000180

  View details for PubMedID 25812005

• Second-line uterotonics and the risk of hemorrhage-related morbidity. American journal of obstetrics and gynecology Butwick, A. J., Carvalho, B., Blumenfeld, Y. J., El-Sayed, Y. Y., Nelson, L. M., Bateman, B. T. 2015; 212 (5): 642 e1-7

  Abstract

  Uterine atony is a leading cause of postpartum hemorrhage (PPH). Although most cases of PPH respond to first line therapy with uterine massage and oxytocin administration, second line uterotonics including methylergonovine and carboprost are integral for the management of refractory uterine atony. Despite their ubiquitous use, it is uncertain whether the risk of hemorrhage-related morbidity differs in women exposed to methylergonovine or carboprost at Cesarean delivery (CD).We performed a secondary analysis using the Maternal-Fetal Medicine Units Network Cesarean Registry. We identified women who underwent CD and received either methylergonovine or carboprost for refractory uterine atony. The primary outcome was hemorrhage-related morbidity defined as intraoperative or postoperative red blood cells (RBC) transfusion or the need for additional surgical interventions including uterine artery ligation, hypogastric artery ligation, or peripartum hysterectomy for atony. We compared the risk of hemorrhage-related morbidity in those exposed to methylergonovine vs. carboprost. Propensity-score matching was used to account for potential confounders.The study cohort comprised 1,335 women; 870 (65.2%) women received methylergonovine and 465 (34.8%) women received carboprost. After accounting for potential confounders, the risk of hemorrhage-related morbidity was higher in the carboprost group than the methylergonovine group (RR = 1.7; 95% CI = 1.2 - 2.6).In this propensity-score matched analysis, methylergonovine was associated with reduced risk of hemorrhage-related morbidity during CD compared to carboprost. Based on these results, methylergonovine may be a more effective second line uterotonic.

  View details for DOI 10.1016/j.ajog.2015.01.008

  View details for PubMedID 25582104

• Antenatal Corticosteroids for Preterm Premature Rupture of Membranes: Single or Repeat Course? AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PERINATOLOGY Brookfield, K. F., El-Sayed, Y. Y., Chao, L., Berger, V., Naqvi, M., Butwick, A. J. 2015; 32 (6): 537-543

  Abstract

  Objective The aim of this article is to determine the risk of maternal chorioamnionitis and neonatal morbidity in women with preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM) exposed to one corticosteroid course versus a single repeat corticosteroid steroid course. Study Design Secondary analysis of a cohort of women with singleton pregnancies and PPROM. The primary outcome was a clinical diagnosis of maternal chorioamnionitis. Using multivariate logistic regression, we controlled for maternal age, race, body mass index, diabetes, gestational age at membrane rupture, preterm labor, and antibiotic administration. Neonatal morbidities were compared between groups controlling for gestational age at delivery. Results Of 1,652 women with PPROM, 1,507 women received one corticosteroid course and 145 women received a repeat corticosteroid course. The incidence of chorioamnionitis was similar between groups (single course = 12.3% vs. repeat course = 11.0%; p = 0.8). Women receiving a repeat corticosteroid course were not at increased risk of chorioamnionitis (adjusted odds ratio, 1.28; 95% confidence interval, 0.69-2.14). A repeat course of steroids was not associated with an increased risk of any neonatal morbidity. Conclusion Compared with a single steroid course, our findings suggest that the risk of maternal chorioamnionitis or neonatal morbidity may not be increased for women with PPROM receiving a repeat corticosteroid course.

  View details for DOI 10.1055/s-0034-1396690

  View details for Web of Science ID 000354342400005

  View details for PubMedID 25545441

• The impact of advanced maternal age on peripartum thromboelastographic coagulation profiles: a prospective observational exploratory study CANADIAN JOURNAL OF ANESTHESIA-JOURNAL CANADIEN D ANESTHESIE Butwick, A., Gutierrez, M. C., Hilton, G. 2015; 62 (5): 504-512

  Abstract

  Advanced maternal age (AMA) is a known risk factor for pregnancy-related venous thromboembolism. However, it is unclear if underlying differences exist in the maternal coagulation profiles of AMA vs non-AMA women. The aim of this prospective observational study was to compare peripartum thromboelastography parameters of AMA and non-AMA women undergoing elective Cesarean delivery (CD).We compared the peripartum thromboelastographic profiles of healthy AMA women (age > 35 yr) and non-AMA women (age ≤ 35 yr) undergoing elective CD under neuraxial anesthesia. Blood samples were drawn prior to CD and at 24 hr and 72 hr post-CD. At each time point, we assessed thromboelastographic and other standard laboratory coagulation indices. We used a linear mixed-effects regression model (SAS(®) PROC MIXED) to assess between-group differences for individual thromboelastographic and laboratory coagulation parameters.The median [interquartile range] ages of women were 38 [37-41] yr and 29 [25-34] yr in the AMA and non-AMA groups, respectively (P < 0.001). We observed no statistically significant effect of study group on any thromboelastographic or laboratory coagulation parameters. No statistically significant correlations were found between any thromboelastographic parameter and maternal age. Peripartum thromboelastography and coagulation profiles of healthy AMA and healthy non-AMA women up to 72 hr post-CD were also similar.These data suggest that maternal thromboelastographic profiles of healthy AMA and non-AMA women undergoing elective CD are similar. The study was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (identifier: NCT01416454).

  View details for DOI 10.1007/s12630-014-0300-0

  View details for Web of Science ID 000352615100009

  View details for PubMedID 25549988

• Second-line uterotonics and the risk of hemorrhage-related morbidity AMERICAN JOURNAL OF OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY Butwick, A. J., Carvalho, B., Blumenfeld, Y. J., El-Sayed, Y. Y., Nelson, L. M., Bateman, B. T. 2015; 212 (5)

  Abstract

  Uterine atony is a leading cause of postpartum hemorrhage (PPH). Although most cases of PPH respond to first line therapy with uterine massage and oxytocin administration, second line uterotonics including methylergonovine and carboprost are integral for the management of refractory uterine atony. Despite their ubiquitous use, it is uncertain whether the risk of hemorrhage-related morbidity differs in women exposed to methylergonovine or carboprost at Cesarean delivery (CD).We performed a secondary analysis using the Maternal-Fetal Medicine Units Network Cesarean Registry. We identified women who underwent CD and received either methylergonovine or carboprost for refractory uterine atony. The primary outcome was hemorrhage-related morbidity defined as intraoperative or postoperative red blood cells (RBC) transfusion or the need for additional surgical interventions including uterine artery ligation, hypogastric artery ligation, or peripartum hysterectomy for atony. We compared the risk of hemorrhage-related morbidity in those exposed to methylergonovine vs. carboprost. Propensity-score matching was used to account for potential confounders.The study cohort comprised 1,335 women; 870 (65.2%) women received methylergonovine and 465 (34.8%) women received carboprost. After accounting for potential confounders, the risk of hemorrhage-related morbidity was higher in the carboprost group than the methylergonovine group (RR = 1.7; 95% CI = 1.2 - 2.6).In this propensity-score matched analysis, methylergonovine was associated with reduced risk of hemorrhage-related morbidity during CD compared to carboprost. Based on these results, methylergonovine may be a more effective second line uterotonic.

  View details for DOI 10.1016/j.ajog.2015.01.008

  View details for Web of Science ID 000353598500025

  View details for PubMedID 25582104

• In response. Anesthesia and analgesia Ducloy-Bouthors, A., Vallet, B., Susen, S., Wong, C. A., Butwick, A., Lockhart, E. 2015; 120 (4): 956-957

  View details for DOI 10.1213/ANE.0000000000000621

  View details for PubMedID 25790218

• Does the Ratio of Membrane Rupture To Labor Duration Predict Maternal Morbidity Among Women With a Successful VBAC? Girsen, A. I., Shachar, B., Blumenfeld, Y. J., Aziz, N., El-Sayed, Y. Y., Butwick, A. J. SAGE PUBLICATIONS INC. 2015: 341A

  View details for Web of Science ID 000351407202497

• Does the Ratio Between the Duration of Membrane Rupture To the Duration of Labor Influence the Risk of Neonatal Morbidity in Term Women Undergoing Vaginal Delivery? Butwick, A. J., Shachar, B., El-Sayed, Y. Y., Blumenfeld, Y. J., Girsen, A. I. SAGE PUBLICATIONS INC. 2015: 337A

  View details for Web of Science ID 000351407202487

• Medical Advances in the Treatment of Postpartum Hemorrhage (vol 119, pg 1140, 2014) ANESTHESIA AND ANALGESIA Ducloy-Bouthors, A. S. 2015; 120 (2): 494

  View details for DOI 10.1213/ANE.0000000000000602

  View details for Web of Science ID 000348138700035

• Risk Factors for Prolonged Postpartum Length of Stay Following Cesarean Delivery. American journal of perinatology Blumenfeld, Y. J., El-Sayed, Y. Y., Lyell, D. J., Nelson, L. M., Butwick, A. J. 2015

  Abstract

  Objective This study aims to identify risk factors for prolonged postpartum length of stays (LOS) after cesarean delivery (CD). Study Design Patients undergoing CD were sourced from a multicenter registry of 19 academic centers between 1999 and 2002 (n = 57,067). Prolonged postpartum LOS was defined as a hospitalization duration ≥ 90th centile. Maternal, antepartum, perioperative, and neonatal variables were compared between women with and without prolonged postpartum LOS. Results The 90th centile for postpartum LOS was 4 days, with 14,954 women experiencing prolonged postpartum LOS. Women with perioperative complications had the highest independent risk for a prolonged postpartum LOS: ileus (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 12.28; 95% confidence interval CI = 8.98-16.8); endometritis (aOR = 10.45; 95% CI = 9.51-11.5), and wound complications (aOR = 5.49; 95% CI = 4.54-6.63). Several antepartum, perioperative, and neonatal variables were associated with a prolonged postpartum LOS. Conclusion Perioperative complications had the highest risk for prolonged LOS after CD. Strategies to reduce perioperative complications are needed to decrease the health care burden of prolonged post-CD LOS.

  View details for DOI 10.1055/s-0034-1543953

  View details for PubMedID 25594218

• Mode of delivery in women of extremely advanced maternal age Osmundson, S., Gould, J., Butwick, A., Yeaton-Massey, A., El-Sayed, Y. MOSBY-ELSEVIER. 2015: S201–S202

  View details for DOI 10.1016/j.ajog.2014.10.431

  View details for Web of Science ID 000361140900381

• Patterns of Second-Line Uterotonic Use in a Large Sample of Hospitalizations for Childbirth in the United States: 2007-2011 ANESTHESIA AND ANALGESIA Bateman, B. T., Tsen, L. C., Liu, J., Butwick, A. J., Huybrechts, K. F. 2014; 119 (6): 1344-1349

  Abstract

  The incidence of postpartum hemorrhage due to uterine atony has increased significantly in the United States during the past decade. For patients with refractory uterine atony after oxytocin administration, second-line uterotonics including methylergonovine maleate, carboprost, and misoprostol are recommended. In this study, we describe hospital-level patterns of second-line uterotonic use in a large, nationwide sample of admissions for childbirth in the United States.The Premier Research Database was used to define a cohort of 2,180,916 patients hospitalized for delivery at 1 of 367 hospitals from 2007 to 2011. Mixed-effects logistic regression models were used to estimate the hospital-specific frequency of second-line uterotonic use adjusting for measured patient-level and hospital-level characteristics that might be risk factors for uterine atony.The median hospital-level frequency of second-line uterotonic use was 7.1% (interquartile range 5.2-% to 10.8%). In the fully adjusted model, the mean (SE) predicted probability of second-line uterotonic use was 7.02% (0.26%), with 95% of the hospitals having a predicted (SE) probability between 1.69% (0.12%) and 24.96% (1.28%).We observed wide interhospital variation in the use of second-line uterotonics that was not explained by patient-level or hospital-level characteristics. Studies aimed at defining the optimal pharmacologic strategies for the management of uterine atony are needed, particularly in light of the increasing incidence of atonic postpartum hemorrhage in the United States and other developed countries.

  View details for DOI 10.1213/ANE.0000000000000398

  View details for Web of Science ID 000345266600021

• Elective ceasarean section at 38 weeks versus 39 weeks: neonatal and maternal outcomes in a randomised controlled trial reply BJOG-AN INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF OBSTETRICS AND GYNAECOLOGY Cho, Y., Carvalho, B., Butwick, A., Blumenfeld, Y., Riley, E. 2014; 121 (13): 1748-1749

  View details for DOI 10.1111/1471-0528.13080

  View details for Web of Science ID 000345508600045

• Elective ceasarean section at 38 weeks versus 39 weeks: neonatal and maternal outcomes in a randomised controlled trial. BJOG : an international journal of obstetrics and gynaecology Cho, Y., Carvalho, B., Butwick, A., Blumenfeld, Y., Riley, E. 2014; 121 (13): 1748-?

  View details for DOI 10.1111/1471-0528.13079

  View details for PubMedID 25413764

• Medical Advances in the Treatment of Postpartum Hemorrhage ANESTHESIA AND ANALGESIA Ducloy-Bouthors, A., Susen, S., Wong, C. A., Butwick, A., Vallet, B., Lockhart, E. 2014; 119 (5): 1140-1147

  Abstract

  Postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) is a leading cause of maternal mortality worldwide. Recent advances in the management of severe bleeding for trauma patients may provide insight into PPH management, but must be applied with caution considering the significant differences between trauma and obstetric patients. In this review, we summarized evidence for current management strategies for patients with major obstetric hemorrhage, including (1) rapid laboratory assessment of coagulopathy, (2) early transfusion of plasma and high plasma-to-red blood cell transfusion ratios in massive PPH, and (3) use of tranexamic acid and fibrinogen concentrates in the setting of PPH complicated by coagulopathy.

  View details for DOI 10.1213/ANE.0000000000000450

  View details for Web of Science ID 000343633500022

  View details for PubMedID 25329026

• Risk factors for obstetric morbidity in patients with uterine atony undergoing Caesarean delivery BRITISH JOURNAL OF ANAESTHESIA Butwick, A. J., Carvalho, B., El-Sayed, Y. Y. 2014; 113 (4): 661-668

  Abstract

  Uterine atony (UA) is recognized as a leading cause of postpartum haemorrhage. However, knowledge of risk factors of haemorrhage-related morbidity among patients diagnosed with UA is uncertain. We investigated risk factors for haemorrhage-related morbidity among patients undergoing Caesarean delivery with UA.We conducted a secondary analysis of data sourced from a 4-yr observational study at 19 US academic centres. Patients with UA were identified based on receiving methylergonovine or carboprost. Our primary outcome (haemorrhage-related morbidity) included a composite of intra- or postpartum transfusion; Caesarean hysterectomy; uterine or hypogastric artery ligation; intensive care admission for: pulmonary oedema, coagulopathy, adult respiratory distress syndrome, postoperative ventilation, or invasive line monitoring.Among 57 182 patients who underwent Caesarean delivery, 2294 (4%) patients developed UA. Haemorrhage-related morbidity occurred in 450 (19.6%) patients with UA. The risk of haemorrhage-related morbidity was increased among African-Americans [adjusted odds ratio (aOR)=2.36; 95% confidence interval (CI)=1.73-3.23], Hispanics (aOR=1.4; 95% CI=1.04-1.9), women with multiple gestations (aOR=1.59; 95% CI=1.06-2.38), placenta praevia (aOR=4.89; 95% CI=3.04-7.87), patients with ASA class III (aOR=1.4; 95 CI=1.03-1.9), or ASA class IV (aOR=5.88; 95% CI=2.48-13.9), exposure to general anaesthesia (GA) (aOR=2.4; 95% CI=1.59-3.62) and combined general and regional anaesthesia (aOR=4.0; 95% CI=2.62-6.09), and ≥2 prior Caesarean deliveries (aOR=1.62; 95% CI=1.1-2.39).Among patients with UA undergoing Caesarean delivery, the risk of haemorrhage-related morbidity is increased in African-Americans, Hispanics, patients with multiple gestations, placenta praevia, ASA class III or IV, ≥2 prior Caesarean deliveries and those undergoing GA.

  View details for DOI 10.1093/bja/aeu150

  View details for Web of Science ID 000343087400019

• Anticoagulant prescribing practices and anesthetic interventions among anticoagulated pregnant patients: a retrospective study. International journal of obstetric anesthesia Butwick, A., Hass, C., Wong, J., Lyell, D., El-Sayed, Y. 2014; 23 (3): 238-245

  Abstract

  The peripartum management of anticoagulated patients poses important challenges for obstetric anesthesiologists, especially when deciding to perform neuraxial block. However, there is limited evidence evaluating anticoagulant prescribing practices and neuraxial block utilization in this setting. Our objective was to examine peripartum anticoagulant prescribing and anesthetic practices in a cohort of anticoagulated patients receiving subcutaneous enoxaparin, and subcutaneous or intravenous unfractionated heparin.We performed a retrospective study of anticoagulant prescribing patterns and anesthetic interventions among patients receiving enoxaparin and/or unfractionated heparin who delivered at a USA obstetric center over a seven-year period.We identified 101 patients who received enoxaparin and/or unfractionated heparin before delivery. Thirty-nine (38.6%) patients received enoxaparin only, 41 (40.6%) patients received enoxaparin bridged to subcutaneous unfractionated heparin, 11 (10.9%) patients received enoxaparin and were converted to intravenous unfractionated heparin and 10 (9.9%) patients received only subcutaneous unfractionated heparin. The overall rate of neuraxial block utilization was 80.2%. The median [IQR] time-period between the last dose of enoxaparin and neuraxial block was significantly shorter for patients who received only enoxaparin vs. enoxaparin with subcutaneous unfractionated heparin (54h [12-192h] (n=26) vs. 216h [39-504h] (n=23), P=0.04). Among patients who received only subcutaneous unfractionated heparin, the time period between unfractionated heparin and neuraxial block was 24h [19-51h].In this study, the neuraxial block rate was high among patients receiving enoxaparin and/or subcutaneous unfractionated heparin with patients undergoing relatively long periods off anticoagulation. Careful multidisciplinary planning is recommended for the peripartum management of anticoagulated pregnant patients.

  View details for DOI 10.1016/j.ijoa.2014.03.007

  View details for PubMedID 24910353

• Perioperative and transfusion outcomes in women undergoing cesarean hysterectomy for abnormal placentation. Transfusion Brookfield, K. F., Goodnough, L. T., Lyell, D. J., Butwick, A. J. 2014; 54 (6): 1530-1536

  Abstract

  Women with placenta increta (PI) and placenta percreta (PP) are at high risk of obstetric hemorrhage; however, the severity of hemorrhage and perioperative morbidity may differ according to the degree of placental invasion. We sought to compare blood component usage and perioperative morbidity between women with PI versus PP undergoing cesarean hysterectomy (CH).We identified 77 women who underwent CH for PI or PP from the NICHD MFMU Network Cesarean Registry, which sourced data from 19 centers from 1999 to 2002. We examined demographic, obstetric, and surgical data and rates of transfusion and perioperative morbidity. We performed statistical tests for between-group analyses; p values less than 0.05 were significant.Rates of intraoperative or postoperative red blood cell (RBC) transfusion were similar between groups (PI 84% vs. PP 88%; p = 0.7). We observed no between-group differences in rates of fresh-frozen plasma (FFP) transfusion (intraoperative FFP-PI 30% vs. PP 41%; p = 0.3; postoperative FFP-PI 28% vs. PP 18%; p = 0.4) or platelet (PLT) transfusion (intraoperative PLTs-PI 14% vs. PP 29%; p = 0.2; postoperative PLTs-PI 9% vs. PP 9%; p = 1.0). Among the morbidities, a higher proportion of PP women underwent cystotomy (PI 14% vs. PP 38%; p = 0.02) and postoperative mechanical ventilation (PI 14% vs. PP 35%; p = 0.03).Rates of intraoperative RBC, FFP, and PLT transfusion are similar for PI and PP women, and perioperative outcomes are worse for PP women. We suggest the same mobilization transfusion medicine support for both groups, including blood ordering (type and cross-match for CH) and availability of emergency blood protocols including fibrinogen-containing preparations.

  View details for DOI 10.1111/trf.12483

  View details for PubMedID 24188691

• Preferred spoken language mediates differences in neuraxial labor analgesia utilization among racial and ethnic groups. International journal of obstetric anesthesia Caballero, J. A., Butwick, A. J., Carvalho, B., Riley, E. T. 2014; 23 (2): 161-167

  Abstract

  The aims of this study were to assess racial/ethnic disparities for neuraxial labor analgesia utilization and to determine if preferred spoken language mediates the association between race/ethnicity and neuraxial labor analgesia utilization.We performed a retrospective cohort study of 3129 obstetric patients who underwent vaginal delivery at a tertiary care obstetric center. Bivariate analyses and multivariate logistic regression models were used to assess the relationships between race/ethnicity, preferred spoken language and neuraxial labor analgesia.Hispanic ethnicity (adjusted OR 0.77, 95% CI 0.61-0.98) and multiparity (adjusted OR 0.59, 95% CI 0.51-0.69) were independently associated with a reduced likelihood of neuraxial labor analgesia utilization. When preferred spoken language was controlled for, the effect of Hispanic ethnicity was no longer significant (adjusted OR 0.84, 95% CI 0.66-1.08) and only non-English preferred spoken language (adjusted OR 0.82, 95% CI 0.67-0.99) and multiparity (adjusted OR 0.59, 95% CI 0.51-0.69) were associated with a reduced likelihood of neuraxial labor analgesia utilization.This study provides evidence that preferred spoken language mediates the relationship between Hispanic ethnicity and neuraxial labor analgesia utilization.

  View details for DOI 10.1016/j.ijoa.2013.09.001

  View details for PubMedID 24703871

• Predictors for Perioperative Injury at Cesarean Delivery. Girsen, A. I., Butwick, A., Faucett, A. M., Lyell, D. J. SAGE PUBLICATIONS INC. 2014: 158A–159A

  View details for Web of Science ID 000333813001243

• Preventing spinal hypotension during Caesarean delivery: what is the latest? British journal of anaesthesia Butwick, A. J., Columb, M. O., Carvalho, B. n. 2014

  View details for PubMedID 25080429

• Chorioamnionitis and antenatal steroid therapy: single vs repeat course? Brookfield, K., Chao, L., Berger, V., Naqvi, M., El-Sayed, Y., Butwick, A. MOSBY-ELSEVIER. 2014: S16

  View details for DOI 10.1016/j.ajog.2013.10.058

  View details for Web of Science ID 000330322600028

• Maternal characteristics and neonatal outcomes in women with eclampsia versus severe preeclampsia Judy, A., Chao, L., Girsen, A., O'Malley, K., Lyell, D., Blumenfeld, Y., Butwick, A., El-Sayed, Y. MOSBY-ELSEVIER. 2014: S188–S189

  View details for DOI 10.1016/j.ajog.2013.10.404

  View details for Web of Science ID 000330322600372

• Does low-dose aspirin for preeclampsia prevention increase the risk of antepartum bleeding or placental abruption? Ohno, M., Girsen, A., O'Malley, K., Blumenfeld, Y., Lyell, D., Butwick, A., El-Sayed, Y. MOSBY-ELSEVIER. 2014: S189

  View details for DOI 10.1016/j.ajog.2013.10.406

  View details for Web of Science ID 000330322600374

• Ethnic disparities among patients undergoing general anesthesia for cesarean delivery Butwick, A., Blumenfeld, Y., Brookfield, K., Weiniger, C. MOSBY-ELSEVIER. 2014: S259

  View details for DOI 10.1016/j.ajog.2013.10.558

  View details for Web of Science ID 000330322600525

• Risk factors for prolonged length of stay following cesarean delivery Blumenfeld, Y., El-Sayed, Y., Lyell, D., Nelson, L., Butwick, A. MOSBY-ELSEVIER. 2014: S253

  View details for DOI 10.1016/j.ajog.2013.10.545

  View details for Web of Science ID 000330322600512

• Obstetric Anesthesia Clinics (Commentary Article) Society of Obstetric Anesthesia and Perinatology - Summer Newsletter Butwick, A., Tiouririne, M. 2014
• Platelet Counts and Coagulation Tests Prior to Neuraxial Anesthesia in Patients With Preeclampsia A Retrospective Analysis CLINICAL AND APPLIED THROMBOSIS-HEMOSTASIS Sultan, P., Butwick, A. 2013; 19 (5): 529-534

  Abstract

  This retrospective, descriptive study aimed to assess hematologic testing practices in 100 patients with preeclampsia undergoing neuraxial blockade (NB). Prior to NB, platelet (PLT) count was performed in 61 (98%) of 62 women in labor and in 37 (97%) of 38 women undergoing cesarean delivery (CD). No patients had a pre-NB PLT count <70 × 10(9)/L. Pre-NB tests for prothrombin time (PT) and activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) were less common and varied among laboring patients (15 [24%] of 62) and patients prior to CD (18 [47%] of 38). Prior to NB, PT and APTT values were within normal limits in all patients. The time intervals between laboratory testing and NB ranged from <2 to >12 hours. The lack of consistency in pre-NB coagulation testing and the variable time intervals between laboratory tests and NB may be due to a lack of consensus among anesthesiologists for determining "safe" hemostatic conditions for NB placement in patients with preeclampsia.

  View details for DOI 10.1177/1076029612441860

  View details for PubMedID 22531481

• Anesthetic management of a parturient with VACTERL association undergoing Cesarean delivery. Canadian journal of anaesthesia = Journal canadien d'anesthésie Hilton, G., Mihm, F., Butwick, A. 2013; 60 (6): 570-576

  Abstract

  PURPOSE: We present the anesthetic management of a parturient with VACTERL association undergoing combined regional and general anesthesia for Cesarean delivery. Defined as a syndrome, VACTERL association comprises at least three of the following abnormalities: vertebral, anal atresia, cardiac, tracheoesophageal, renal, and limb. CLINICAL FEATURES: The patient's anatomic abnormalities and comorbidities comprised severe cervicothoracic scoliosis, kyphoscoliosis, congenitally fused ribs, and severe restrictive lung disease. She had a Mallampati class 3 airway, a right laterally flexed neck, and reduced mandibular protrusion. We performed a lumbar spine ultrasound for epidural placement which was used to provide peri- and postoperative analgesia. Due to the anticipated difficult tracheal intubation, the patient underwent an awake fibreoptic intubation and subsequently received general anesthesia. The patient's trachea was extubated on the first postoperative day, and she received adequate post-Cesarean epidural analgesia. CONCLUSION: This case highlights the challenges that anesthesiologists face when managing parturients at extremely high risk for perioperative anesthetic morbidity due to the presence of severe pre-existing disease, anticipated difficult airway, and major spinal abnormalities complicating neuraxial anesthesia. We used a combined general and epidural anesthetic approach to control ventilation, provide effective postoperative analgesia, and reduce the risk of anesthetic-related perioperative morbidity. An individualized approach should be considered for the anesthetic management of high-risk pregnant patients with complex and multiple medical and surgical morbidities undergoing labour and delivery.

  View details for DOI 10.1007/s12630-013-9919-5

  View details for PubMedID 23519725

• Methodological queries about point-of-care haemoglobin data ANAESTHESIA Butwick, A. 2013; 68 (5): 540-541

  View details for DOI 10.1111/anae.12187

  View details for Web of Science ID 000317520200027

  View details for PubMedID 23573859

• Postpartum hemorrhage and low fibrinogen levels: the past, present and future. International journal of obstetric anesthesia Butwick, A. J. 2013; 22 (2): 87-91

  View details for DOI 10.1016/j.ijoa.2013.01.002

  View details for PubMedID 23473552

• General anesthesia at cesarean delivery portends worse maternal and neonatal outcomes 33rd Annual Pregnancy Meeting of the Society-for-Maternal-Fetal-Medicine (SMFM) Brookfield, K., Osmundson, S., Naqvi, M., Butwick, A., Lyelll, D. MOSBY-ELSEVIER. 2013: S283–S283

  View details for Web of Science ID 000313393500670

• What's New in Obstetric Anesthesia in 2011? Reducing Maternal Adverse Outcomes and Improving Obstetric Anesthesia Quality of Care ANESTHESIA AND ANALGESIA Butwick, A. 2012; 115 (5): 1137-1145

  Abstract

  This article accompanied the "What's New in Obstetric Anesthesia?" lecture presented at the Society for Obstetric Anesthesia and Perinatology Annual Meeting in May 2012. The invited lecturer reviewed the obstetric, obstetric anesthesiology, perinatology, and key medical literature published in 2011. This review identifies key topics and themes from the 2011 literature relevant to the science and clinical practice of obstetric anesthesiology and the interdisciplinary care of obstetric patients. Specific topics include health care policy issues that affect pregnant women, updated information on maternal mortality and morbidity, and clinical and outcomes-based research related to anesthetic practices for women undergoing cesarean delivery.

  View details for DOI 10.1213/ANE.0b013e31826af982

  View details for Web of Science ID 000310762100020

  View details for PubMedID 22984153

• 2012 Gerard W. Ostheimer Lecture - What's new in obstetric anesthesia? INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF OBSTETRIC ANESTHESIA Butwick, A. J. 2012; 21 (4): 348-356

  Abstract

  The aim of the 2012 "What's new in obstetric anesthesia?" review is to highlight important scientific and medical advances in the fields of obstetric anesthesiology, obstetrics and perinatology from literature published in 2011. This review will consider advances in the prevention and treatment of important obstetric and obstetric anesthesia-related morbidities, research relevant to the course of labor and electronic fetal monitoring, and advances in neuraxial analgesia and anesthesia for obstetric patients.

  View details for DOI 10.1016/j.ijoa.2012.08.005

  View details for Web of Science ID 000310409000009

  View details for PubMedID 22959260

• Postpartum hemorrhage treated with a massive transfusion protocol at a tertiary obstetric center: a retrospective study INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF OBSTETRIC ANESTHESIA Gutierrez, M. C., GOODNOUGH, L. T., Druzin, M., Butwick, A. J. 2012; 21 (3): 230-235

  Abstract

  A massive transfusion protocol may offer major advantages for management of postpartum hemorrhage. The etiology of postpartum hemorrhage, transfusion outcomes and laboratory indices in obstetric cases requiring the massive transfusion protocol were retrospectively evaluated in a tertiary obstetric center.We reviewed medical records of obstetric patients requiring the massive transfusion protocol over a 31-month period. Demographic, obstetric, transfusion, laboratory data and adverse maternal outcomes were abstracted.Massive transfusion protocol activation occurred in 31 patients (0.26% of deliveries): 19 patients (61%) had cesarean delivery, 10 patients (32%) had vaginal delivery, and 2 patients (7%) had dilation and evacuation. Twenty-six patients (84%) were transfused with blood products from the massive transfusion protocol. The protocol was activated within 2h of delivery for 17 patients (58%). Median [IQR] total estimated blood loss value was 2842 [800-8000]mL. Median [IQR] number of units of red blood cells, plasma and platelets from the massive transfusion protocol were: 3 [1.75-7], 3 [1.5-5.5], and 1 [0-2.5] units, respectively. Mean (SD) post-resuscitation hematologic indices were: hemoglobin 10.3 (2.4)g/dL, platelet count 126 (44)×10(9)/L, and fibrinogen 325 (125)mg/dL. The incidence of intensive care admission and peripartum hysterectomy was 61% and 19%, respectively.Our massive transfusion protocol provides early access to red blood cells, plasma and platelets for patients experiencing unanticipated or severe postpartum hemorrhage. Favorable hematologic indices were observed post resuscitation. Future outcomes-based studies are needed to compare massive transfusion protocol and non-protocol based transfusion strategies for the management of hemorrhage.

  View details for DOI 10.1016/j.ijoa.2012.03.005

  View details for Web of Science ID 000307685000005

  View details for PubMedID 22647592

• Continuous spinal anesthesia for Cesarean hysterectomy and massive hemorrhage in a parturient with placenta increta CANADIAN JOURNAL OF ANESTHESIA-JOURNAL CANADIEN D ANESTHESIE Sultan, P., Hilton, G., Butwick, A., Carvalho, B. 2012; 59 (5): 473-477

  Abstract

  We present anesthetic management using a continuous spinal anesthesia (CSA) technique in a patient with placenta increta who underwent elective Cesarean hysterectomy with massive postpartum hemorrhage.A 34-yr-old parturient (G3P2) was scheduled for Cesarean delivery and possible hysterectomy at 35(+3) weeks due to suspected placenta accreta. Her body mass index was 21 kg·m(-2) and she had a reassuring airway. Inadvertent dural puncture occurred during combined spinal-epidural (CSE) placement, and a decision was made to thread the epidural catheter and utilize a CSA technique. Following delivery of a healthy infant, morbid adherence of the placenta to the myometrium was confirmed, and a supracervical hysterectomy was performed. Eight litres of blood loss occurred postpartum requiring resuscitation with crystalloid 3,800 mL, colloid 1,500 mL, red blood cells 16 units, fresh frozen plasma 16 units, platelets 4 units, and cryoprecipitate 1 unit. The patient developed pulmonary edema requiring conversion to general anesthesia. The patient's cardiovascular status was stable throughout surgery, and her lungs were mechanically ventilated for 18 hr postoperatively in the intensive care unit. The intrathecal catheter was removed 24 hr after placement. She developed no adverse neurological sequelae and reported no postdural puncture headache. The pathology report confirmed placenta increta.A CSA technique may be a viable option in the event of inadvertent dural puncture during planned CSE or epidural placement in patients with a reassuring airway undergoing Cesarean delivery. Although a catheter-based neuraxial technique is appropriate for Cesarean hysterectomy for abnormal placentation, conversion to general anesthesia may be required in the event of massive perioperative hemorrhage and fluid resuscitation.

  View details for DOI 10.1007/s12630-012-9681-0

  View details for PubMedID 22395824

• Managing Patients with Abnormal Placentation: What Are the Best Anesthetic and Transfusion Strategies? ANESTHESIOLOGY Butwick, A. J. 2012; 116 (5): 1156-1157

  View details for DOI 10.1097/ALN.0b013e31824e60d1

  View details for Web of Science ID 000303199600029

  View details for PubMedID 22531257

• Non-invasive haemoglobin measurement in patients undergoing elective Caesarean section BRITISH JOURNAL OF ANAESTHESIA Butwick, A., Hilton, G., Carvalho, B. 2012; 108 (2): 271-277

  Abstract

  The ability to measure haemoglobin (Hb) real-time and non-invasively offers important clinical value in the assessment of acute changes in maternal Hb during the peripartum period. This study evaluates the Masimo Rainbow SET(®) Radical-7 Pulse CO-Oximeter in a pregnant population undergoing Caesarean section (CS).Fifty patients undergoing elective CS were enrolled in this prospective, controlled study and followed for 48 h after surgery. Non-invasive Masimo Hb (SpHb) values were compared with laboratory Hb values from venous blood samples drawn at baseline, immediately post-CS, and 24 h post-CS using the Bland-Altman plots. Longitudinal analysis of SpHb changes over time was performed using mixed-effects regression modelling.For the comparison between SpHb and laboratory Hb, SpHb displayed a significant positive bias at baseline {1.22 g dl(-1) [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.89-1.54]} and at 24 h post-CS [1.36 g dl(-1) (95% CI: 1.04-1.68)]. The bias immediately post-CS was 0.14 g dl(-1) (95% CI: -0.18 to 0.46). The limits of agreement at baseline, immediately post-CS, and at 24 h post-CS were: -0.9 and 3.33, -2.35 and 2.56, and -0.55 and 3.27 g dl(-1), respectively. The mean decrease in SpHb from baseline to 48 h post-CS was ∼1 g dl(-1).The variability in bias and limits of agreements of the Rainbow SET(®) Radical-7 Pulse CO-Oximeter SpHb may limit its clinical utility for assessing Hb concentration in patients undergoing elective CS. Modifications are needed in the calibration of the device to improve accuracy and precision in an obstetric setting. The study was registered at clinicaltrials.gov (NCT01108471) before participant enrolment: URL=http://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01108471?term=butwick&rank=1.

  View details for DOI 10.1093/bja/aer373

  View details for Web of Science ID 000299414800015

  View details for PubMedID 22116296

• How we treat: transfusion medicine support of obstetric services TRANSFUSION Goodnough, L. T., Daniels, K., Wong, A. E., Viele, M., Fontaine, M. F., Butwick, A. J. 2011; 51 (12): 2540-2548

  Abstract

  Obstetric services depend on the transfusion service (TS) to provide diagnostic testing and blood component therapy for clinical care pathways.We describe three quality improvement (QI) initiatives implemented to improve TS support of obstetric services.We implemented a pathway for patients requiring an ABO/Rh order for every admission to obstetric services, along with reconciliation of the daily hospital birth manifest and TS umbilical cord log to identify every woman eligible for RhIG. After assessment over 6 months, 21 (1%) of 2041 women lacked an admission ABO/Rh; all subsequently had ABO/Rh determinations. Umbilical cords were missing for eight (0.4%) mothers; four were D- and received RhIG. We developed algorithms for diagnostic blood ordering for patients deemed at "low,"moderate," or "high" risk of blood transfusion. A 27% reduction in total diagnostic test volumes and 24% reduction in charges was documented after compared to before implementation. We analyzed the impact of our massive transfusion protocol (MTP) on blood inventory management for 31 (0.25%) women undergoing 12,945 deliveries, representing 11% of 286 MTPs for all clinical services over a 32-month interval. O- uncrossmatched red blood cells (RBCs) represented 103 (24%) of 421 RBC units issued. Wastage rates of RBCs, plasma, and platelets ordered and issued in the MTPs were 0.7, 16, and 3%, respectively.QI initiatives for RhIG prophylaxis, diagnostic blood test ordering, and MTP improve TS support of obstetric services.

  View details for DOI 10.1111/j.1537-2995.2011.03152.x

  View details for PubMedID 21542850

• Epidural Catheter Removal in Patients on Warfarin Thromboprophylaxis A More Cautious Interpretation of Results Required? REGIONAL ANESTHESIA AND PAIN MEDICINE Carvalho, B., Mariano, E. R., Butwick, A. J. 2011; 36 (6): 632-632

  View details for DOI 10.1097/AAP.0b013e31822e0c7e

  View details for Web of Science ID 000296532100021

  View details for PubMedID 22024706

• An In Vitro Investigation of the Coagulation Effects of Exogenous Oxytocin Using Thromboelastography in Healthy Parturients ANESTHESIA AND ANALGESIA Butwick, A., Harter, S. 2011; 113 (2): 323-326

  Abstract

  We investigated the coagulation effects in vitro of exogenous oxytocin in whole blood of healthy term parturients.Thromboelastography (TEG®) was performed on kaolin-activated citrated blood samples from 25 healthy, term, nonlaboring parturients. We compared the in vitro effects on the maternal thromboelastographic profile of 3 different exogenous oxytocin concentrations (22.5, 30.1, and 32.9 μU/mL) and a control (0 μU/mL). These exogenous oxytocin concentrations were chosen to approximate maternal plasma oxytocin concentrations during elective cesarean delivery, vaginal delivery, and nonelective cesarean delivery, respectively.Increasing the oxytocin concentration was significantly associated with hypercoagulable effects as observed with TEG® (decreasing reaction time, clot formation time, and Tmax; increasing α angle and maximum rate of thrombus generation). Compared with control samples, the median percentage change (interquartile range) in TEG® values for samples with the highest exogenous oxytocin concentration (32.9 μU/mL) was largest for reaction time: -40.3% (-45.8%, -22.2%); and Tmax: -39.2% (-42.9%, -28.5%).The results of this in vitro investigation suggest that exogenous oxytocin is associated with modest hypercoagulable effects in the maternal blood of healthy term parturients.

  View details for DOI 10.1213/ANE.0b013e3182222a82

  View details for Web of Science ID 000293064500019

  View details for PubMedID 21642611

• The Proseal laryngeal mask airway and elective caesarean section ANAESTHESIA AND INTENSIVE CARE Dyer, R. A., James, M. F., Butwick, A. J., Carvalho, B. 2011; 39 (4): 760-761

  View details for Web of Science ID 000293264000036

  View details for PubMedID 21823396

• Non-invasive measurement of hemoglobin during cesarean hysterectomy: a case series INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF OBSTETRIC ANESTHESIA Butwick, A. J., Hilton, G., Riley, E. T., Carvalho, B. 2011; 20 (3): 240-245

  Abstract

  Obstetric patients diagnosed with abnormal placentation (placenta accreta, increta or percreta) are at increased risk of major postpartum hemorrhage and cesarean hysterectomy. Obstetric anesthesiologists are primarily involved in intraoperative transfusion management in these cases. Hemoglobin assessment is invaluable for assisting transfusion decision-making during the acute period of obstetric hemorrhage. However, laboratory and point-of-care tests of hemoglobin concentration are time-dependent and intermittent, and do not provide a real-time assessment of change during the acute phase of blood loss. A new non-invasive hemoglobin monitor has been introduced recently, which provides real-time measurement of hemoglobin values (SpHb) using multi-wavelength pulse co-oximetry. We present a review of five patients with suspected abnormal placentation who received SpHb monitoring during cesarean hysterectomy at our institution. We discuss the potential clinical utility of non-invasive hemoglobin monitoring for pregnant patients at high risk of obstetric hemorrhage, and the potential role of SpHb in guiding transfusion therapy.

  View details for DOI 10.1016/j.ijoa.2011.03.009

  View details for Web of Science ID 000293042800009

  View details for PubMedID 21640577

• Oxytocin for labour and caesarean delivery: implications for the anaesthesiologist CURRENT OPINION IN ANESTHESIOLOGY Dyer, R. A., Butwick, A. J., Carvalho, B. 2011; 24 (3): 255-261

  Abstract

  The implications of the obstetric use of oxytocin for obstetric anaesthesia practice are summarised. The review focuses on recent research on the uterotonic effects of oxytocin for prophylaxis and management of uterine atony during caesarean delivery.Oxytocin remains the first-line agent in the prevention and management of uterine atony. In-vitro and in-vivo studies show that prior exposure to oxytocin induces uterine muscle oxytocin receptor desensitization. This may influence oxytocin dosing for adequate uterine tone following delivery. Oxytocin has important cardiovascular side-effects (hypotension, tachycardia and myocardial ischaemia). Recent studies suggest that the effective dose of oxytocin for prophylaxis against uterine atony during caesarean delivery is significantly lower than the 5-10 IU historically used by anaesthesiologists. Slow administration of small bolus doses of oxytocin minimises maternal haemodynamic disturbance. Continuous oxytocin infusions are recommended for maintaining uterine tone after bolus administration, although ideal infusion rates are still to be established. The efficacy of the long-acting oxytocin analogue carbetocin requires further investigation. Recommendations are presented for oxytocin dosing during caesarean delivery.Oxytocin remains the first-line uterotonic after vaginal and caesarean delivery. Recent research elucidates the therapeutic range of oxytocin during caesarean delivery, as well as receptor desensitization. Evidenced-based protocols for the prevention and treatment of uterine atony during caesarean delivery are recommended.

  View details for DOI 10.1097/ACO.0b013e328345331c

  View details for Web of Science ID 000289974800004

  View details for PubMedID 21415725

• The effectiveness of preemptive sphenopalatine ganglion block on postoperative pain and functional outcomes after functional endoscopic sinus surgery 56th Annual Fall Scientific Meeting of the American-Rhinologic-Society (ARS) Cho, D., Drover, D. R., Nekhendzy, V., Butwick, A. J., Collins, J., Hwang, P. H. WILEY-BLACKWELL. 2011: 212–18

  Abstract

  The sphenopalatine ganglion block (SPGB) with local anesthetic is used to treat facial pain and headache of various etiologies; it has been widely used during functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS). The purpose of this study was to investigate whether preemptive SPGB may positively impact postoperative pain and functional outcomes after FESS.A prospective, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study was performed. A total of 60 patients (18-70 years), undergoing general anesthesia for bilateral FESS, were randomly assigned to receive SPGB with either 2 mL 0.25% bupivacaine with epinephrine 1:100,000 (BP, treatment group) or normal saline (NS, control group). SPGB was performed preemptively 10 minutes before the start of surgery. Preoperative and postoperative (day 0, day 7, and day 30) visual analog pain scale, Sino-Nasal Outcome Test (SNOT-20), computed tomography (CT) and endoscopic scores were compared between the 2 groups.A total of 29 patients were enrolled in BP, and 27 were enrolled in NS. Three patients withdrew from the study, and 1 was withdrawn by the investigator due to severe hypertension after induction of anesthesia. There were no differences in patient demographic characteristics between the study groups. On day 7, the mean visual analog pain scales were 1.12 ± 0.3 in NS and 0.48 ± 0.23 in BP (p = 0.053). There were no statistical differences in other outcome measures (SNOT-20, CT and endoscopic scores) between the 2 groups.A limited trend toward reduced postoperative pain after FESS was noted with bupivacaine compared to saline, but statistical significance was not achieved. Preemptive SPGB may offer sinonasal symptomatic benefits for patients undergoing FESS, but larger studies are warranted.

  View details for DOI 10.1002/alr.20040

  View details for PubMedID 22287376

• The Association Between Thromboelastographic Parameters and Total Estimated Blood Loss in Patients Undergoing Elective Cesarean Delivery ANESTHESIA AND ANALGESIA Butwick, A., Ting, V., Ralls, L. A., Harter, S., Riley, E. 2011; 112 (5): 1041-1047

  Abstract

  In this study, we assessed the relationship between coagulation parameters using kaolin-activated thromboelastography (TEG®) and total estimated blood loss (EBL) in patients undergoing elective cesarean delivery (CD).TEG® parameters were recorded in 52 patients before and after elective CD. Laboratory markers of coagulation (prothrombin time, activated partial thromboplastin time, fibrinogen) were also assessed in a smaller subset (21 patients). Correlation and linear regression analysis was used to assess the relationship among TEG® parameters, relevant clinical variables, and total EBL. Secondary analysis included comparisons of TEG® and coagulation profiles pre-CD versus post-CD.EBL weakly correlated with percentage change in maximum amplitude (r=0.3; P=0.04) and post-CD maximum rate of thrombus generation (r=0.31; P=0.02). Post-CD values for split point, reaction time, time to maximum rate of thrombin generation, prothrombin time, and activated partial thromboplastin time were significantly increased compared with baseline values (P<0.05). Post-CD α angle, maximum amplitude, total thrombus generation, fibrinogen, and platelet counts were significantly decreased compared with baseline values (P<0.05).There is a weak association between clot strength (as assessed by kaolin-activated TEG®) and EBL in patients undergoing elective CD under neuraxial anesthesia, and a modest reduction in the degree of maternal hypercoagulability occurs in the early postpartum period after elective CD.

  View details for DOI 10.1213/ANE.0b013e318210fc64

  View details for Web of Science ID 000289785100009

  View details for PubMedID 21474664

• The postoperative anaesthetic review. Journal of perioperative practice Sultan, P., Jigajinni, S., McGlennan, A., Butwick, A. 2011; 21 (4): 135-139

  Abstract

  An anaesthetic preoperative assessment for all patients is the standard of care in UK hospitals. The Royal College of Anaesthetists (RCoA) 2009 guidelines state that a postoperative visit, within 24 hours following surgery, is recommended for patients only in certain circumstances. This article critiques these guidelines and explores factors which must be taken into consideration when deciding whether or not anaesthetists should routinely visit their patients after they leave the recovery area. We discuss the physiological rationale for performing a postoperative anaesthetic visit; the identification of post-operative morbidity including provision of adequate post-operative analgesia; patient benefits; limitations of performing postoperative review, and the implications that expanding anaesthetists' responsibilities as perioperative physicians has had upon anaesthetic training and service provision. Finally, this article offers an alternative model for deciding when to perform a post-anaesthetic visit.

  View details for PubMedID 21560554

• Anticoagulant and antithrombotic drugs in pregnancy: what are the anesthetic implications for labor and cesarean delivery? JOURNAL OF PERINATOLOGY Butwick, A. J., Carvalho, B. 2011; 31 (2): 73-84

  Abstract

  Neuraxial anesthetic techniques are commonly used during the peripartum period to provide effective pain relief for labor and anesthesia during cesarean delivery. Major neurologic complications are rare after neuraxial anesthesia; however, spinal hematoma is associated with catastrophic neurologic outcomes (including lower-limb paralysis). Anticoagulant and antithrombotic drugs can increase the risk of spinal hematoma after neuraxial anesthesia, and better understanding of the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of anticoagulants has led to greater appreciation for withholding anticoagulation before and after neuraxial anesthesia. A number of national anesthetic societies have produced guidelines for performing neuraxial anesthesia in patients receiving anticoagulation. However, there is limited information about anesthetic implications of anticoagulation during the peripartum period. This article will review the risks of spinal hematoma after neuraxial anesthesia in pregnant patients; current guidelines for neuraxial anesthesia for anticoagulated patients; and relevant pharmacological data of specific anticoagulant and antithrombotic drugs in pregnancy.

  View details for DOI 10.1038/jp.2010.64

  View details for Web of Science ID 000286808100001

  View details for PubMedID 20559281

• Retrospective analysis of anesthetic interventions for obese patients undergoing elective cesarean delivery JOURNAL OF CLINICAL ANESTHESIA Butwick, A., Carvalho, B., Danial, C., Riley, E. 2010; 22 (7): 519-526

  Abstract

  To examine the relationship between body mass index (BMI), perioperative times, and anesthetic interventions in patients undergoing elective cesarean delivery.Retrospective chart review.University-affiliated hospital.All patients were ranked according to BMI (kg/m(2)) at the time of delivery. The BMI groups were designated a priori: ≤ 29.9 kg/m(2) (Group C); 30-34.9 kg/m(2) (Group I); 35-39.9 kg/m(2) (Group II), and ≥ 40 kg/m(2) (Group III). One hundred patients (25 pts per group) underwent elective cesarean delivery. Data collected included anesthetic technique, perioperative times, anesthesia-related costs, and neonatal outcomes.A higher percentage of Group III patients (60%) received combined spinal-epidural (CSE) anesthesia than did Group C or Group I (18% and 16%, respectively; P < 0.05). The total intraoperative period was significantly longer in Group III (101 min) compared with Groups C, I, and II (81 min, 90 min, and 92 min, respectively; P < 0.05). Total intraoperative time increased significantly with BMI (R = 0.394 kg/m(2); P < 0.001). The highest anesthesia-related costs during the study were generated by patients with BMI ≥ 40 kg/m(2).Our single-center experience showed that choice of anesthetic technique (CSE vs. spinal anesthesia) varies according to obesity class. Longer intraoperative periods must be considered in deciding upon the mode of anesthesia for patients with BMI ≥ 40 kg/m(2) who undergo elective cesarean delivery.

  View details for DOI 10.1016/j.jclinane.2010.01.005

  View details for Web of Science ID 000284791000006

  View details for PubMedID 21056808

• ST depression at caesarean section and the relation to oxytocin dose. A randomised controlled trial BJOG-AN INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF OBSTETRICS AND GYNAECOLOGY Butwick, A., Dyer, R. 2010; 117 (9): 1165-1165

  View details for DOI 10.1111/j.1471-0528.2010.02625.x

  View details for Web of Science ID 000279532500029

  View details for PubMedID 20604789

• Minimum effective bolus dose of oxytocin during elective Caesarean delivery BRITISH JOURNAL OF ANAESTHESIA Butwick, A. J., Carvalho, B. 2010; 105 (1): 92-93

  View details for Web of Science ID 000278969500017

• Minimum effective bolus dose of oxytocin during elective Caesarean delivery - Conflict of interest BRITISH JOURNAL OF ANAESTHESIA Butwick, A. J., Carvalho, B. 2010; 104 (6): 783-785

  View details for Web of Science ID 000277731100027

• Neuraxial anesthesia in obstetric patients receiving anticoagulant and antithrombotic drugs INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF OBSTETRIC ANESTHESIA Butwick, A. J., Carvalho, B. 2010; 19 (2): 193-201

  View details for DOI 10.1016/j.ijoa.2009.06.008

  View details for Web of Science ID 000277553700012

  View details for PubMedID 20202816

• Minimum effective bolus dose of oxytocin during elective Caesarean delivery BRITISH JOURNAL OF ANAESTHESIA Butwick, A. J., Coleman, L., Cohen, S. E., Riley, E. T., Carvalho, B. 2010; 104 (3): 338-343

  Abstract

  The aim of this study was to determine the lowest effective bolus dose of oxytocin to produce adequate uterine tone (UT) during elective Caesarean delivery (CD).Seventy-five pregnant patients undergoing elective CD under spinal anaesthesia were randomized to receive oxytocin (0.5, 1, 3, 5 units) or placebo. UT was assessed by a blinded obstetrician as either adequate or inadequate, and using a verbal numerical scale score (0-10; 0, no UT; 10, optimal UT) at 2, 3, 6, and 9 min after oxytocin administration. Minimum effective doses of oxytocin were analysed (ED(50) and ED(95)) using logistic regression. Oxytocin-related side-effects (including hypotension) were recorded.There were no significant differences in the prevalence of adequate UT among the study groups at 2 min (73%, 100%, 93%, 100%, and 93% for 0, 0.5, 1, 3, and 5 units oxytocin, respectively). The high prevalence of adequate UT after placebo and low-dose oxytocin precluded determination of the ED(50) and ED(95). UT scores were significantly lower in patients receiving 0 unit oxytocin at 2 and 3 min compared with 3 and 5 units oxytocin (P<0.05, respectively). The prevalence of hypotension was significantly higher after 5 units oxytocin vs 0 unit at 1 min (47% vs 7%; P=0.04).The routine use of 5 units oxytocin during elective CD can no longer be recommended, as adequate UT can occur with lower doses of oxytocin (0.5-3 units).

  View details for DOI 10.1093/bja/aeq004

  View details for Web of Science ID 000274485900011

  View details for PubMedID 20150347

• Retrospective analysis of transfusion outcomes in pregnant patients at a tertiary obstetric center INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF OBSTETRIC ANESTHESIA Butwick, A. J., Aleshi, P., Fontaine, M., Riley, E. T., GOODNOUGH, L. T. 2009; 18 (4): 302-308

  Abstract

  The decision to use red blood cell transfusion and/or blood products (fresh frozen plasma, platelets, cryoprecipitate) to manage obstetric hemorrhage or treat postpartum anemia is often made empirically by physicians. We performed a retrospective study to review transfusion outcomes in pregnant and postpartum patients at a large obstetric center.A retrospective, observational study was performed of obstetric in-patients who received red blood cell transfusion and/or blood products over a one-year period. Data abstracted included transfusion data, pre-transfusion hemoglobin (Hb) and lowest recorded (nadir) Hb, and maternal and neonatal outcomes.During the study period, 74 patients received transfusion therapy (1.4%). Pre-transfusion and nadir Hb values were 7.6 g/dL and 7.0 g/dL respectively. Median [IQR] total red blood cells transfused were 2 units [2-3], with 41 (55%) patients receiving 1-2 units. Based on chart review, no specific indications for transfusion were identified in 25 patients (34%), and 13 patients (18%) had undetected postpartum anemia (Hb values <8.2 g/dL) at least 24h after delivery.More formal assessment and documentation of the etiologic factors associated with transfusion management in pregnant patients is advised. In addition, the identification and management of undetected postpartum anemia is underappreciated.

  View details for DOI 10.1016/j.ijoa.2009.02.005

  View details for Web of Science ID 000271135300002

  View details for PubMedID 19628384

• Obstetric hemorrhage during an exit procedure for severe fetal airway obstruction 40th Annual Meeting of the Society-for-Obstetric-Anesthesia-and-Perinatology Butwick, A., Aleshi, P., Yamout, I. SPRINGER. 2009: 437–42

  Abstract

  To report a case of massive obstetric hemorrhage occurring during Cesarean delivery for an ex utero intrapartum treatment (EXIT) procedure. Methods to optimize the anesthetic, obstetric, and perinatal management are discussed.A healthy parturient underwent an urgent EXIT procedure at 32 weeks gestation for a giant fetal neck mass. During the intraoperative period, severe intraoperative hemorrhage occurred from the site of the uterine incision. No evidence of placental bleeding, premature placental separation, or inadequate uterine relaxation was observed during the perioperative period. Placement of a uterine stapling device was unsuccessful in achieving adequate surgical hemostasis. Initial attempts with laryngoscopy and rigid bronchoscopy to secure the fetal airway on placental support were unsuccessful, and early termination of placental support was deemed necessary due to the severity of maternal blood loss. After full delivery of the neonate and termination of placental support, neonatal ventilation with bag-mask ventilation was achieved and successful endotracheal intubation occurred during repeat bronchoscopy.The risk of obstetric hemorrhage due to uterine relaxation and inadequate surgical hemostasis in patients undergoing EXIT procedures is poorly reported. To reduce adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes, the premature termination of placental support during EXIT procedures may be required in the setting of severe obstetric hemorrhage.

  View details for DOI 10.1007/s12630-009-9092-z

  View details for Web of Science ID 000265940000007

  View details for PubMedID 19396506

• A survey of perioperative and postoperative anesthetic practices for cesarean delivery. Anesthesiology research and practice Aiono-Le Tagaloa, L., Butwick, A. J., Carvalho, B. 2009; 2009: 510642-?

  Abstract

  The aim of this survey was to review cesarean delivery anesthetic practices. An online survey was sent to members of the Society of Obstetric Anesthesia and Perinatology (SOAP). The mode of anesthesia, preferred neuraxial local anesthetic and opioid agents, postoperative analgesic regimens, and monitoring modalities were assessed. 384 responses from 1,081 online survey requests were received (response rate = 36%). Spinal anesthesia is most commonly used for elective cesarean delivery (85% respondents), with 90% of these respondents preferring hyperbaric bupivacaine 0.75%. 79% used intrathecal fentanyl and 77% used morphine (median [range] dose 200 mcg [50-400]). 91% use respiratory rate, 61% use sedation scores, and 30% use pulse oximetry to monitor for postoperative respiratory depression after administration of neuraxial opioids. Postoperative analgesic regimens include: nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents, acetaminophen, oxycodone, and hydrocodone by 81%, 45%, 25%, and 27% respondents respectively. The majority of respondents use spinal anesthesia and neuraxial opioids for cesarean delivery anesthesia. There is marked variability in practices for monitoring respiratory depression postdelivery and for providing postoperative analgesia. These results may not be indicative of overall practice in the United States due to the select group of anesthesiologists surveyed and the low response rate.

  View details for DOI 10.1155/2009/510642

  View details for PubMedID 21217809

  View details for PubMedCentralID PMC2915619

• Vaginal twin delivery: a survey and review of location, anesthesia coverage and interventions 38th Annual Meeting of the Society-for-Obstetric-Anesthesia-and-Perinatology Carvalho, B., Saxena, A., Butwick, A., Macario, A. CHURCHILL LIVINGSTONE. 2008: 212–16

  Abstract

  Twin pregnancies are associated with increased perinatal morbidity and mortality. No consensus exists whether vaginal twin delivery should take place in the labor room or operating room, or whether anesthesiologists should be present. We surveyed members of the California Society of Anesthesiologists (CSA) to review management of vaginal twin delivery, and examined anesthetic intervention retrospectively at our institution.230 CSA members were asked to complete an online survey on location of vaginal twin delivery in their institution and whether they were required to be present throughout. We then retrospectively reviewed charts of vaginal twin deliveries at our institution over a 36-month period to analyze frequency and type of anesthetic intervention.The online survey response rate was 58%; 64% of responders reported that vaginal twin deliveries were performed in the operating room and 55% that an anesthesiologist was present. There was a strong association between anesthesiologist's presence and delivery in the operating room (OR 7; 95% CI 3-20). We reviewed 81 charts of women who underwent vaginal twin delivery. The median (range) time that the anesthesiologist was present for each delivery was 60 (20-380) min. Of women undergoing vaginal twin delivery, 27% required anesthetic intervention during the second stage of labor with 6% having emergency cesarean delivery.There is a lack of consensus regarding the appropriate location for vaginal twin delivery and the role of anesthesiologists. A significant percentage of women undergoing vaginal twin delivery in our institution received anesthetic intervention in the immediate delivery period.

  View details for DOI 10.1016/j.ijoa.2007.04.004

  View details for Web of Science ID 000257844200003

  View details for PubMedID 17881218

• Intraoperative forced air-warming during cesarean delivery under spinal anesthesia does not prevent maternal hypothermia ANESTHESIA AND ANALGESIA Butwick, A. J., Lipman, S. S., Carvalho, B. 2007; 105 (5): 1413-1419

  Abstract

  Prewarming and intraoperative warming with forced air-warming systems prevent perioperative hypothermia and shivering in patients undergoing elective cesarean delivery with epidural anesthesia. We tested the hypothesis that intraoperative lower body forced air-warming prevents hypothermia in patients undergoing elective cesarean delivery with spinal anesthesia.Thirty healthy patients undergoing cesarean delivery with spinal anesthesia were randomly assigned to forced air-warming or control groups (identical cover applied with forced air-warming unit switched off). A blinded investigator assessed oral temperature, shivering, and thermal comfort scores at 15-min intervals until discharge from the postanesthetic care unit. Umbilical cord blood gases and Apgar scores were also measured after delivery.The maximum core temperature changes were similar in the two groups (-1.3 degrees C +/- 0.4 degrees C vs -1.3 degrees C +/- 0.3 degrees C for the forced air-warming group and control group, respectively; P = 0.8). Core hypothermia (< or =35.5 degrees C) occurred in 8 of 15 patients receiving forced air-warming and in 10 of 15 unwarmed patients (P = 0.5). The incidence and severity of shivering did not significantly differ between groups. Umbilical cord blood gases and Apgar scores were similar in both groups (P = NS).We conclude that intraoperative lower body forced air-warming does not prevent intraoperative hypothermia or shivering in women undergoing elective cesarean delivery with spinal anesthesia.

  View details for DOI 10.1213/01.ane.0000286167.96410.27

  View details for Web of Science ID 000250317500039

  View details for PubMedID 17959975

• Can we improve maternal outcome for high-risk obstetric patients? INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF OBSTETRIC ANESTHESIA Carvalho, B. 2007; 16 (4): 311-313

  View details for DOI 10.1016/j.ijoa.2007.04.005

  View details for Web of Science ID 000250284800003

  View details for PubMedID 17698338

• Successful spinal blockade in a parturient with myotonia congenita INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF OBSTETRIC ANESTHESIA Butwick, A. J. 2007; 16 (3): 292-293

  View details for DOI 10.1016/j.ijoa.2007.01.003

  View details for Web of Science ID 000248160500022

  View details for PubMedID 17451935

• Neuraxial anesthesia for cesarean delivery in a parturient with type 1 von Willebrand disease and scoliosis JOURNAL OF CLINICAL ANESTHESIA Butwick, A. J., Carvalho, B. 2007; 19 (3): 230-233

  Abstract

  We present the case of a parturient with von Willebrand disease and scoliosis who required cesarean delivery. Neuraxial anesthesia was used for the patient. The indications for neuraxial anesthesia with regard to type 1 von Willebrand disease are reviewed.

  View details for DOI 10.1016/j.jclinane.2006.08.013

  View details for Web of Science ID 000247128200014

  View details for PubMedID 17531735

• Fulminant hepatic failure due to hepatitis B reactivation in pregnancy Evers, A. R., Butwick, A. J. LIPPINCOTT WILLIAMS & WILKINS. 2007: B105

  View details for Web of Science ID 000246032500232

• The effect of colloid and crystalloid preloading on thromboelastography prior to Cesarean delivery Annual Meeting of the Obstetric-Anaesthetists-Association Butwick, A., Carvalho, B. SPRINGER. 2007: 190–95

  Abstract

  Fluid preloading with colloids reduces hypotension after spinal anesthesia for Cesarean delivery more effectively than crystalloids. However, the effects of fluid preloading regimens on coagulation in pregnant patients remain unresolved. The aim of this study was to compare the effects on coagulation of fluid preloading with 6% hydroxyethyl starch (HES) and lactated Ringer's (LR) solution using thromboelastography (TEG) with kaolin-activated whole blood in healthy pregnant patients prior to spinal anesthesia for Cesarean delivery.After obtaining Ethics committee approval, 30 parturients were prospectively randomized prior to spinal anesthesia for elective Cesarean delivery to receive fluid preloading with either 1500 mL LR or 500 mL 6% HES over 30 min. Thromboelastography was performed immediately prior to and after fluid preloading. Standard TEG parameters were analyzed in terms of r time (min), k time (min), alpha angle (degrees) and maximum amplitude (mm).Group HES had statistically significant longer reaction times (r) and clot formation times (k) after fluid loading compared to baseline values (P < 0.05 respectively), although these post-fluid loading TEG parameters remained within a normal reference range. No significant differences in TEG values were seen after preloading within the LR group.Fluid preloading with 500 mL 6% HES in healthy parturients produced mild coagulation effects, as measured with TEG, prior to spinal anesthesia for Cesarean delivery. No significant effects on coagulation with TEG were observed following preloading with 1500 mL LR.

  View details for Web of Science ID 000245113600005

  View details for PubMedID 17331930

• Anesthetic interventions during vaginal twin deliveries Carvalho, B., Saxena, A., Butwick, A., Macario, A. LIPPINCOTT WILLIAMS & WILKINS. 2006: B43

  View details for Web of Science ID 000236428600121

• Effects of crystalloid and colloid preloads on coagulation assessed by thromboelastography in parturients prior to elective cesarean section Butwick, A. J., van der Starre, P., Carvalho, B. LIPPINCOTT WILLIAMS & WILKINS. 2006: B9

  View details for Web of Science ID 000236428600053

• Oxytocin requirements at cesarean section: An opinion-based survey of obstetricians Campitelli, Butwick, A. J., Carvalho, B., Riley, E. T., Cohen, S. E. LIPPINCOTT WILLIAMS & WILKINS. 2006: B34

  View details for Web of Science ID 000236428600102

• Uterine inversion and postpartum hemorrhage treated with recombinant factor VIIA Butwick, A. J., Kolz, M. L., Riley, E. LIPPINCOTT WILLIAMS & WILKINS. 2006: B56

  View details for Web of Science ID 000236428600147

• Evaluation of a high-risk obstetric anesthetic clinic based in a large tertiary obstetric referral center Horstman, D. J., Butwick, A., Riley, E., Carvalho, B. LIPPINCOTT WILLIAMS & WILKINS. 2006: B30

  View details for Web of Science ID 000236428600095

• Remifentanil patient-controlled analgesia in labor ANESTHESIA AND ANALGESIA Butwick, A., Carvalho, B. 2006; 102 (1): 333-333

  View details for Web of Science ID 000234275700071

  View details for PubMedID 16368862

• Recombinant factor VIIa for life-threatening post-partum haemorrhage BRITISH JOURNAL OF ANAESTHESIA Butwick, A. J., Riley, E. T. 2005; 95 (4): 558-558

  View details for Web of Science ID 000231921400023

• Recombinant factor VIIa for life-threatening post-partum haemorrhage BRITISH JOURNAL OF ANAESTHESIA Ahonen, J., Jokela, R. 2005; 95 (4): 558

  View details for DOI 10.1093/bja/aei594

  View details for Web of Science ID 000231921400024

• Maternal and neonatal side-effects of remifentanil patient-controlled analgesia in labour BRITISH JOURNAL OF ANAESTHESIA Volikas, I., Butwick, A., Wilkinson, C., Pleming, A., Nicholson, G. 2005; 95 (4): 504-509

  Abstract

  Remifentanil has been suggested as an ideal opioid for patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) in labour, but the safety profile has not been established. The aims of this preliminary prospective observational study were to investigate the maternal side-effects and early neonatal effects, and to assess the placental transfer of remifentanil PCA during labour.Women with no known obstetric complications or contraindication to remifentanil were recruited (n=50). Remifentanil was administered at a bolus dose of 0.5 microg kg(-1) and a lockout period of 2 min. A visual analogue scale was used to assess pain, nausea and itching. Maternal observations were recorded hourly and fetal heart rate trace was assessed every 2 h. Umbilical cord gases, 1 and 5 min Apgar scores and neurological evaluation of the neonate were recorded. Maternal venous blood and umbilical artery and vein cord blood samples were collected for analysis of remifentanil concentration.Fifty women enrolled in the study (24 multiparous, 26 primiparous). There was no evidence of cardiovascular instability or respiratory depression. Pain scores decreased significantly, but there was no significant change in nausea after initiating the PCA. A statistically significant increase in itching was found to be clinically mild and 22 women were slightly drowsy (95% confidence interval [CI], 30-58.7%) but alert to voice. Ten fetal heart rate traces demonstrated changes in the first 20 min, but did not require intervention (95% CI, 10-33.7%). The median 1 and 5 min Apgar scores were 9. The mean umbilical cord gases and neurological examination were within normal limits. Maternal vein and umbilical vein cord samples demonstrated placental transfer of remifentanil, and small amounts were detected in umbilical artery samples.At the bolus dose used remifentanil PCA has an acceptable level of maternal side-effects and minimal effect on the neonate. Remifentanil crosses the placenta and appears to be either rapidly metabolized or redistributed in the neonate.

  View details for DOI 10.1093/bja/aei219

  View details for Web of Science ID 000231921400013

  View details for PubMedID 16113038

• Management of pregnancy in a patient with beta thalassaemia major INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF OBSTETRIC ANESTHESIA Butwick, A., Findley, I., Wonke, B. 2005; 14 (4): 351-354

  Abstract

  beta thalassaemia is one of the world's most wide-spread monogenetic disorders. Advances in the management of beta thalassaemia major by extensive blood transfusions and chelation therapy have improved survival of patients into adult life. Due to the prolonged life expectancy and improvements in quality of life, pregnancy has now become an important issue for patients and clinicians. We report a case of a pregnant patient with beta thalassaemia major who underwent a successful caesarean section under spinal anaesthesia. The multidisciplinary approach to management of beta thalassaemia major and pregnancy is discussed.

  View details for DOI 10.1016/j.ijoa.2005.02.002

  View details for Web of Science ID 000232874100019

  View details for PubMedID 16140004

• Anesthetic management for cesarean section in a parturient with myotonia congenita Butwick, A. J., Riley, E. LIPPINCOTT WILLIAMS & WILKINS. 2005: A61

  View details for Web of Science ID 000228673000146

• Does forced air-warming reduce hypothermia and shivering for patients undergoing cesarean section with spinal anesthesia? Butwick, A. J., Lipman, S. S., Andes, L., Cohen, S. E., Carvalho, B. LIPPINCOTT WILLIAMS & WILKINS. 2005: A29

  View details for Web of Science ID 000228673000081

• Ventilator-assisted nasotracheal intubation ANAESTHESIA Butwick, A., Garewal, D. 2004; 59 (2): 197-197

  View details for Web of Science ID 000188226600028

  View details for PubMedID 14725535

• A pilot study of the effect of the Queen's Square external bladder stimulator on urinary retention after knee replacement surgery ANAESTHESIA Butwick, A., Carter, P., Dolin, S. J. 2003; 58 (6): 587-591

  Abstract

  Postoperative urinary retention remains an important problem after major orthopaedic surgery and can increase morbidity. External vibration applied to the suprapubic region has improved bladder emptying and urinary symptoms in patients with neurogenic bladders. Forty-three patients undergoing elective major knee surgery were randomly assigned to receive either a Queen's Square bladder stimulator or placebo device for 24 h postoperatively. No statistically significant differences in rates of urinary retention could be demonstrated in the bladder stimulator group compared to the placebo group (41% and 33%, respectively). There were no differences between the two groups when analysed for prostatic symptoms, type and effectiveness of analgesia and fluid balance. We conclude that, while the Queen's Square external bladder stimulator may be effective in treating chronic urinary retention associated with a neurogenic bladder, it does not appear to be effective in preventing postoperative urinary retention.

  View details for Web of Science ID 000183025400017

  View details for PubMedID 12846628