Dr. Chapa’s OBGYN Clinical Pearls

In 1949, Priscilla White published her landmark study on diabetes in pregnancy, launching the “White Classification”. This has been a staple of pre-pregnancy diabetes nomenclature since that time. However, despite its historical role in obstetrics, is this scale still relevant? In this episode we will review the history, definitions of, and proposed alternative nomenclature to the traditional White Classification.

Epilepsy/seizure disorders disproportionately affects women of reproductive age over men. The influence of sex hormones on seizure prevalence is well documented. As women’s healthcare providers, it’s vital for us to understand the influence of seizure disorders on women’s overall care. In this session, we will review important aspects regarding contraception and review the data on pregnancy outcomes in women with epilepsy.

There are so many things to go over with our pregnant patients especially at their initial intake visit. However, one thing that should not be left off that discussion list includes food items to avoid! Listeriosis during pregnancy can be devastating for the fetus. Are you familiar with the work up and CDC recommended treatment for this condition? In this episode we will present an easy to remember protocol for managing patients with a possible exposure to listeria monocytogenes.

I’ll let this episode title speak for itself… LOL. Hope this makes you smile.

Endometriosis is a devastating condition. Once thought to have its impact only during reproductive age, endometriosis has been linked to an increased risk of stroke later in life. Any new medication which shows safety and efficacy in menstrual pain reduction is welcome in this space. In this session we will review a new FDA approval of an existing medication in the battle against endometriosis. (Special guest co-host, Kacie Mitchell, 3rd medical student)

The discussion focuses on the evolving standards for magnesium sulfate in fetal neuroprotection. It highlights the necessity for updated guidelines in light of recent data regarding neonatal viability. Listeners explore the controversial consideration of administering magnesium sulfate at just 22 weeks. The podcast provides a comprehensive timeline of research findings from 2017 to the present, shedding light on how practices are changing in obstetrical care.

Over the last several years, the “limit of viability” for neonates has decreased dramatically. The new “lower limit” of neonatal viability can now be considered to be as early as 22 gestational weeks. But there’s a lot more to that statement! In this session, we will review the latest data on neonatal survival in the Periviable interval. We will highlight and summarize a new publication from the Lancet published on July 25, 2022. Should we be performing “universal resuscitation” at 22 weeks? Or should we take a more “selective” approach? Let’s summarize the latest data.

Polyhydramnios affects from 0.2 to 2% of all pregnancies. Which is preferred for diagnosis, MVP or AFI? Is amnioreduction an effective intervention? When is indomethacin indicated? In the session we will dive into the issue of polyhydramnios, its workup, and delivery implications.

One of the most common techniques to assess fetal status intrapartum is the fetal scalp stimulation test. First proposed in 1936, its incorporation in modern obstetric practice is still evident. However, there are some common misapplications and misunderstandings of this intervention. Does fetal scalp stimulation help resolve a fetal deceleration? Or could it be potentially harmful? In this podcast we will set the record straight to prevent misuse of the fetal scalp stimulation test. Thank you Abby for the podcast topic and bringing this to my attention.

In this session, we will continue our brief summary of the NAMS 2022 clinical update on hormone therapy. Is hormone therapy allowed in patients with known BRCA genetic mutations? Is Bazedoxifene safe? What about vaginal estrogen therapy? We will answer these questions and more in this session.