Before the 1960s, there was no method available to prevent Rh sensitization during Rh-incompatible pregnancies. Then, in 1968, the FDA approved the use of RhoGAM to help prevent Rh immunization. This was a landmark move in the field of Obstetrics. More recently, ever evolving data and medical genomic technology has brought new insights to RHD alloimmunization care. Can maternal RH typing be avoided with early pregnancy loss (under 12 weeks)? Why about in cases of pregnancy termination? Is that safe? And what is the UNITY non-invasive prenatal test? How can it be used to decrease unnecessary Rhogam administration? Well cover all this new data in this episode (NOTE: UNITY is not a sponsor of this podcast nor of this episode).

UPDATES Re: RHD Alloimmunization

Relevant, evidence based, and practical information for medical students, residents, and practicing healthcare providers regarding all things women’s healthcare! This podcast is intended to be clinically relevant, engaging, and FUN, because medical education should NOT be boring! Welcome...to Clinical Pearls.

Science

It definitely is interesting how published data tends to have sporadic “groupings” in print. For example, last week 2 publications were released which could be placed under one “group”: prediction/prevention of spontaneous preterm birth. One publication (AJOG MFM) presented a systematic review and meta-analysis on universal cervical length screening. The second publication, SMFM’s consult series # 70, pertains to the management of a short cervix in individuals without a history of spontaneous preterm birth. In this episode, we will review these 2 similar, yet different, publications and make sense of all! 

UPDATE: Universal CX Length Screening and More Progesterone Stuff!

It’s exciting to know that we are practicing a type of medicine that is alive and ever-evolving! Such is the case regarding our clinical practice/management of gestational diabetes. In this episode, we will review brand new (as of May 21, 2024) clinical guidance from the ACOG regarding gestational diabetes. Should we be screening for diabetes before 24 weeks? Is there one diagnostic threshold which is suggested for use over the other (CC versus NDDG)? And is it possible to screen for postpartum DM as early as 2 days after delivery?

New GDM Guidance!

The United States began adding fluoride to community water supplies in 1945. At that time, Grand Rapids, Michigan became the first community in the world to add fluoride to tapwater. Over the last several years, with an increase in reporting and media stories over the last 3 months, fluorinated drinking water has come under scrutiny and controversy. Does fluoride in drinking water affect children in the womb? Is this a cause of altered neurocognitive development? Does this lower IQ scores? This is a very HOT topic and there’s more fuel towards this fire with a publication which was released on May 20, 2024 in JAMA Network Open. In this episode, we will lay out the facts of this study, and why this must be interpreted with more than just face value. So grab your favorite fluorinated water beverage, and listen in!

Fluoride in Drinking Water Harmful in Pregnancy? Fake News or Real Foe?

Podcast family, this episode is recorded on the last day of the ACOG ACSM. Wanted to share with you some encouragement that I received from our podcast family members over these last 2 to 3 days. AND of course, in typical style, I’ll share with you a brand new publication which was released on May 17, 2024 in the AJOG (GRAY Journal) regarding “optimal dose of antenatal corticosteroids”. And lastly, I’ll share 3 Special Announcements, as an FYI.

Fun Stories From ACOG… & MORE!

We all can agree that we need a new ally against the foe of pre-term birth. With the disappointing results regarding the (lack of) efficacy of progesterone in reducing preterm birth, the search is out for a new, effective tool to reduce pre-term birth rates. Enter: the Lioness(tm) device. In this episode, we will review a new “safety and efficacy” study published today (May 16, 2024) in the AJOG. Is this ready for prime time? And how does this device work? Listen in for details.

UPDATES Re: RHD Alloimmunization

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