American journal of obstetrics and gynecology
-
Checklists to guide critical procedures are becoming an increasingly important part of medical practice. These tools have proved effective in improving outcome in a variety of medical settings, including obstetrics. In this review, we outline essential principles of successful checklist creation and implementation and review our experience with checklist development in a worldwide, multi-institutional health care delivery system.
-
Am. J. Obstet. Gynecol. · Sep 2011
Improved performance of maternal-fetal medicine staff after maternal cardiac arrest simulation-based training.
To determine the impact of simulation-based maternal cardiac arrest training on performance, knowledge, and confidence among Maternal-Fetal Medicine staff. ⋯ Prompt cardiopulmonary resuscitation initiation and pregnancy modifications application are critical in maternal and fetal survival during cardiac arrest. Simulation is a useful tool for Maternal-Fetal Medicine staff to improve skills, knowledge, and confidence in the management of this catastrophic event.
-
Am. J. Obstet. Gynecol. · Sep 2011
Glial fibrillary acidic protein as a biomarker for neonatal hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy treated with whole-body cooling.
Glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) is specific to astrocytes in the central nervous system. We hypothesized that serum GFAP would be increased in neonates with hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) treated with whole-body cooling. ⋯ Serum GFAP levels during the first week of life were increased in neonates with HIE and were predictive of brain injury on MRI. Biomarkers such as GFAP could help triage neonates with HIE to treatment, measure treatment efficacy, and provide prognostic information.
-
Am. J. Obstet. Gynecol. · Sep 2011
Fetal omphalocele ratios predict outcomes in prenatally diagnosed omphalocele.
The objective of the study was to evaluate whether ratios considering omphalocele diameter relative to fetal biometric measurements perform better than giant omphalocele designation at predicting inability to achieve neonatal primary surgical closure. ⋯ The O/HC of 0.21 or greater best predicted staged or delayed omphalocele closure. Giant omphalocele designation, regardless of definition, poorly predicted outcome.