Last data update: Jan 27, 2025. (Total: 48650 publications since 2009)
Records 1-30 (of 156 Records) |
Query Trace: Barfield W[original query] |
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Phototherapy to prevent severe neonatal hyperbilirubinemia in the newborn infant 35 or more weeks of gestation: Technical report
Bhutani VK , Wong RJ , Turkewitz D , Rauch DA , Mowitz ME , Barfield WD . Pediatrics 2024 OBJECTIVE: To summarize the principles and application of phototherapy consistent with the current 2022 American Academy of Pediatrics "Clinical Practice Guideline Revision for the Management of Hyperbilirubinemia in the Newborn Infant 35 or More Weeks of Gestation." METHODS: Relevant literature was reviewed regarding phototherapy devices in the United States, specifically those that incorporate blue to blue-green light-emitting diode, fluorescent, halogen, or fiberoptic light sources, and their currently marketed indications. RESULTS: The efficacy of phototherapy devices varies widely because of nonstandardized use of light sources and configurations and irradiance meters. In summary, the most effective and safest devices have the following characteristics: (1) incorporation of narrow band blue-to-green light-emitting diode lamps (∼460-490 nm wavelength range; 478 nm optimal) that would best overlap the bilirubin absorption spectrum; (2) emission of irradiance of at least 30 µW/cm2/nm (in term infants); and (3) illumination of the exposed maximal body surface area of an infant (35% to 80%). Furthermore, accurate irradiance measurements should be performed using the appropriate irradiance meter calibrated for the wavelength range delivered by the phototherapy device. CONCLUSIONS: With proper administration of effective phototherapy to an infant without concurrent hemolysis, total serum or plasma bilirubin concentrations will decrease within the first 4 to 6 hours of initiation safely and effectively. |
U.S. stillbirth surveillance: The National Fetal Death File and other data sources
Gregory ECW , Barfield WD . Semin Perinatol 2023 151873 The National Vital Statistics System is the primary source of information on fetal deaths of 20 weeks of gestation or more in the United States. Data are cooperatively produced by jurisdiction vital statistics offices and the National Center for Health Statistics. In order to promote the uniformity of data, the National Center for Health Statistics issues The Model State Vital Statistics Act and Regulations, and produces standard certificates and reports, developed in collaboration with the states, to inform the development of jurisdictional vital records laws and regulations and data collection. While there are challenges in collecting national fetal death data, there are ongoing data quality improvement efforts to address them. Improved national fetal death data and data from other sources will continue to add insights into the risks, causes and prevention of fetal death. |
Timing of postpartum depressive symptoms
Robbins CL , Ko JY , D'Angelo DV , Salvesen von Essen B , Bish CL , Kroelinger CD , Tevendale HD , Warner L , Barfield W . Prev Chronic Dis 2023 20 E103 INTRODUCTION: Postpartum depression is a serious public health problem that can adversely impact mother-child interactions. Few studies have examined depressive symptoms in the later (9-10 months) postpartum period. METHODS: We analyzed data from the 2019 Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System (PRAMS) linked with data from a telephone follow-up survey administered to PRAMS respondents 9 to 10 months postpartum in 7 states (N = 1,954). We estimated the prevalence of postpartum depressive symptoms (PDS) at 9 to 10 months overall and by sociodemographic characteristics, prior depression (before or during pregnancy), PDS at 2 to 6 months, and other mental health characteristics. We used unadjusted prevalence ratios (PRs) to examine associations between those characteristics and PDS at 9 to 10 months. We also examined prevalence and associations with PDS at both time periods. RESULTS: Prevalence of PDS at 9 to 10 months was 7.2%. Of those with PDS at 9 to 10 months, 57.4% had not reported depressive symptoms at 2 to 6 months. Prevalence of PDS at 9 to 10 months was associated with having Medicaid insurance postpartum (PR = 2.34; P = .001), prior depression (PR = 4.03; P <.001), and current postpartum anxiety (PR = 3.58; P <.001). Prevalence of PDS at both time periods was 3.1%. Of those with PDS at both time periods, 68.5% had prior depression. CONCLUSION: Nearly 3 in 5 women with PDS at 9 to 10 months did not report PDS at 2 to 6 months. Screening for depression throughout the first postpartum year can identify women who are not symptomatic early in the postpartum period but later develop symptoms. |
Increasing access to quality care for pregnant and postpartum people with opioid use disorder: Coordination of services, provider awareness and training, extended postpartum coverage, and perinatal quality collaboratives
Ellick KL , Kroelinger CD , Chang K , McGown M , McReynolds M , Velonis AJ , Bronson E , Riehle-Colarusso T , Pliska E , Akbarali S , Mueller T , Dronamraju R , Cox S , Barfield WD . J Subst Use Addict Treat 2023 156 209208 INTRODUCTION: Fifteen states participating in the Opioid Use Disorder, Maternal Outcomes, and Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome Initiative Learning Community (OMNI LC) developed action plan goals and activities to address the rise in opioid use disorder (OUD) among birthing persons. In a separate initiative, Perinatal Quality Collaboratives (PQCs) from 12 states participating in Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)-supported activities hosted trainings to improve the provision of OUD services and implement protocols for screening and treatment in delivery facilities. METHODS: This descriptive study synthesizes qualitative data extracted from 15 OMNI LC state action plans, excerpts from qualitative interviews conducted with OMNI LC state teams, and quantitative data from quarterly project performance monitoring reports from 12 CDC-funded PQCs implementing quality improvement activities to address clinical service gaps for pregnant and postpartum people with OUD. Qualitative data were deidentified, coded as barriers or facilitators, then aggregated into emergent themes. Count data are presented for quantitative results. RESULTS: The OMNI LC states identified a lack of coordinated care among providers, stigma toward people with OUD, discontinued insurance coverage, and inconsistencies in screening and treating birthing people with OUD as barriers to accessing quality care. Facilitators for access to quality care states identified included: 1) improving engagement and communication between providers and other partners to integrate medical and behavioral health services post-discharge, and facilitate improved patient care postpartum; 2) training providers to prescribe medications for OUD, and to address bias and reduce patient stigma; 3) extending Medicaid coverage up to one year postpartum to increase access to and continuity of services; and 4) implementing screening, brief intervention, and referral to treatment (SBIRT) in clinical practice. PQCs demonstrated that increased provider trainings to treat OUD, improvements in implementation of standardized protocols, and use of evidence-based tools can facilitate access to and coordination of services in delivery facilities. CONCLUSION: State-identified facilitators for increasing access to care include coordinating integrated services, extending postpartum coverage, and provider trainings to improve screening and treatment. PQCs provide a platform for identifying emerging areas for quality improvement initiatives and implementing clinical best practices to provide comprehensive, quality perinatal care for birthing populations. |
Vital Signs: Maternity care experiences - United States, April 2023
Mohamoud YA , Cassidy E , Fuchs E , Womack LS , Romero L , Kipling L , Oza-Frank R , Baca K , Galang RR , Stewart A , Carrigan S , Mullen J , Busacker A , Behm B , Hollier LM , Kroelinger C , Mueller T , Barfield WD , Cox S . MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2023 72 (35) 961-967 INTRODUCTION: Maternal deaths increased in the United States during 2018-2021, with documented racial disparities. Respectful maternity care is a component of quality care that includes preventing harm and mistreatment, engaging in effective communication, and providing care equitably. Improving respectful maternity care can be part of multilevel strategies to reduce pregnancy-related deaths. METHODS: CDC analyzed data from the PN View Moms survey administered during April 24-30, 2023, to examine the following components of respectful care: 1) experiences of mistreatment (e.g., violations of physical privacy, ignoring requests for help, or verbal abuse), 2) discrimination (e.g., because of race, ethnicity or skin color; age; or weight), and 3) reasons for holding back from communicating questions or concerns during maternity (pregnancy or delivery) care. RESULTS: Among U.S. mothers with children aged <18 years, 20% reported mistreatment while receiving maternity care for their youngest child. Approximately 30% of Black, Hispanic, and multiracial respondents and approximately 30% of respondents with public insurance or no insurance reported mistreatment. Discrimination during the delivery of maternity care was reported by 29% of respondents. Approximately 40% of Black, Hispanic, and multiracial respondents reported discrimination, and approximately 45% percent of all respondents reported holding back from asking questions or discussing concerns with their provider. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS FOR PUBLIC HEALTH PRACTICE: Approximately one in five women reported mistreatment during maternity care. Implementing quality improvement initiatives and provider training to encourage a culture of respectful maternity care, encouraging patients to ask questions and share concerns, and working with communities are strategies to improve respectful maternity care. |
Influenza and tetanus, diphtheria, and acellular pertussis vaccination coverage during pregnancy: Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System, 2020
Kortsmit K , Oduyebo T , Simeone RM , Kahn KE , Razzaghi H , Galang RR , Ellington S , Ruffo N , Barfield WD , Warner L , Cox S . Public Health Rep 2023 333549231179252 OBJECTIVES: Estimates of vaccination coverage during pregnancy and identification of disparities in vaccination coverage can inform vaccination campaigns and programs. We reported the prevalence of being offered or told to get the influenza vaccine by a health care provider (hereinafter, provider); influenza vaccination coverage during the 12 months before delivery; and tetanus, diphtheria, and acellular pertussis (Tdap) vaccination coverage during pregnancy among women with a recent live birth in the United States. METHODS: We analyzed 2020 data from the Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System from 42 US jurisdictions (n = 41 673). We estimated the overall prevalence of being offered or told to get the influenza vaccine by a provider and influenza vaccination coverage during the 12 months before delivery. We estimated Tdap vaccination coverage during pregnancy from 21 jurisdictions with available data (n = 22 020) by jurisdiction and select characteristics. RESULTS: In 2020, 84.9% of women reported being offered or told to get the influenza vaccine, and 60.9% received it, ranging from 35.0% in Puerto Rico to 79.7% in Massachusetts. Influenza vaccination coverage was lower among women who were not offered or told to get the influenza vaccine (21.4%) than among women who were offered or told to get the vaccine (68.1%). Overall, 72.7% of women received the Tdap vaccine, ranging from 52.8% in Mississippi to 86.7% in New Hampshire. Influenza and Tdap vaccination coverage varied by all characteristics examined. CONCLUSIONS: These results can inform vaccination programs and strategies to address disparities in vaccination coverage during pregnancy and may inform vaccination efforts for other infectious diseases among pregnant women. |
Hush little baby - promise of the eat, sleep, console approach
Barfield WD . N Engl J Med 2023 388 (25) 2391-2392 Hush little baby, don’t say a word …” This traditional lullaby is symbolic of our attempts to offer an appropriate intervention for infants with neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome. The incidence of this condition, which affects newborns after maternal opioid exposure during pregnancy, has increased substantially in recent years,1 and more holistic approaches are being sought to support the care of mother, infant, family, and community.2 | | In this issue of the Journal, Young et al.3 report the results of a large trial assessing a nonpharmacologic strategy — the Eat, Sleep, Console approach — for the treatment of neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome. The study compares Eat, Sleep, Console with the more traditional approach of neonatal scoring for severity of withdrawal symptoms (typically, by means of the Finnegan or Modified Finnegan Neonatal Abstinence Scoring Tool4), which may overestimate the need for medications, typically morphine. The authors tested the hypothesis that the Eat, Sleep, Console approach can reduce the time until infants are ready for hospital discharge, without introducing harm. |
Assessing sustainability of state-led action plans for the Opioid Use Disorder, Maternal Outcomes, And Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome Initiative Learning Community, 2018-2021
Kroelinger CD , Ellick KL , Levecke M , Rice ME , Mueller T , Akbarali S , Pliska E , Ko JY , Cox S , Barfield WD . J Womens Health (Larchmt) 2023 32 (5) 503-512 Objective(s): The opioid crisis affects the health and health care of pregnant and postpartum people and infants prenatally exposed to substances. A Learning Community (LC) among 15 states was implemented to improve services for these populations. States drafted action plans with goals, strategies, and activities. Materials and Methods: Qualitative data from action plans were analyzed to assess how reported activities aligned with focus areas each year. Year 2 focus areas were compared with year 1 to identify shifts or expansion of activities. States self-assessed progress at the LC closing meeting, reported goal completion, barriers and facilitators affecting goal completion, and sustainment strategies. Results: In year 2, many states included activities focused on access to and coordination of quality services (13 of 15 states) and provider awareness and training (11 of 15). Among 12 states participating in both years of the LC, 11 expanded activities to include at least one additional focus area, adding activities in financing and coverage of services (n = 6); consumer awareness and education (n = 5); or ethical, legal, and social considerations (n = 4). Of the 39 goals developed by states, 54% were completed, and of those not completed, 94% had ongoing activities. Barriers to goal completion included competing priorities and pandemic-related constraints, whereas facilitators involving use of the LC as a forum for information-sharing and leadership-supported goal completion. Sustainability strategies were continued provider training and partnership with Perinatal Quality Collaboratives. Conclusion: State LC participation supported sustainment of activities to improve health and health care for pregnant and postpartum people with opioid use disorder and infants prenatally exposed to substances. |
Association of mental health conditions, recent stressful life events, and adverse childhood experiences with postpartum substance use - seven states, 2019-2020
Stewart A , Ko J , Salvesen von Essen B , Levecke M , D'Angelo DV , Romero L , Cox S , Warner L , Barfield W . MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2023 72 (16) 416-420 Most pregnancy-related deaths due to mental health conditions, which include overdose and poisoning related to substance use disorder, occur during the late (43-365-day) postpartum period (1). Adverse childhood experiences and stressful life events are associated with increased substance use during pregnancy (2,3). Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System (PRAMS) respondents in seven states with high opioid overdose mortality rates were recontacted 9-10 months after giving birth in 2019 and asked about postpartum prescription opioid misuse,* tobacco use, unhealthy alcohol use,(†) and use of other substances.(§) Substance and polysubstance use prevalence estimates were calculated, stratified by mental health and social adversity indicators. Overall, 25.6% of respondents reported postpartum substance use, and 5.9% reported polysubstance use. The following conditions were associated with higher substance and polysubstance use prevalence in postpartum women: depressive symptoms, depression, anxiety, adverse childhood experiences, and stressful life events. Substance use prevalence was higher among women who experienced six or more stressful life events during the year preceding the birth (67.1%) or four adverse childhood experiences related to household dysfunction (57.9%). One in five respondents who experienced six or more stressful life events in the year before giving birth and 26.3% of women with four adverse childhood experiences reported postpartum polysubstance use. Clinical and community- and systems-level interventions to improve postpartum health can include screening and treatment for depression, anxiety, and substance use disorders during the postpartum period. Evidence-based strategies can prevent adverse childhood experiences and mitigate the immediate and long-term harms.(¶). |
Sudden unexpected infant deaths: 2015-2020
Shapiro-Mendoza CK , Woodworth KR , Cottengim CR , Erck Lambert AB , Harvey EM , Monsour M , Parks SE , Barfield WD . Pediatrics 2023 151 (4) OBJECTIVE: Although the US infant mortality rate reached a record low in 2020, the sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) rate increased from 2019. To understand if the increase was related to changing death certification practices or the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, we examined sudden unexpected infant death (SUID) rates as a group, by cause, and by race and ethnicity. METHODS: We estimated SUID rates during 2015 to 2020 using US period-linked birth and death data. SUID included SIDS, unknown cause, and accidental suffocation and strangulation in bed. We examined changes in rates from 2019 to 2020 and assessed linear trends during prepandemic (2015-2019) using weighted least squares regression. We also assessed race and ethnicity trends and quantified COVID-19-related SUID. RESULTS: Although the SIDS rate increased significantly from 2019 to 2020 (P < .001), the overall SUID rate did not (P = .24). The increased SIDS rate followed a declining linear trend in SIDS during 2015 to 2019 (P < .001). Other SUID causes did not change significantly. Our race and ethnicity analysis showed SUID rates increased significantly for non-Hispanic Black infants from 2019 to 2020, widening the disparities between these two groups during 2017 to 2019. In 2020, <10 of the 3328 SUID had a COVID-19 code. CONCLUSIONS: Diagnositic shifting likely explained the increased SIDS rate in 2020. Why the SUID rate increased for non-Hispanic Black infants is unknown, but warrants continued monitoring. Interventions are needed to address persistent racial and ethnic disparities in SUID. |
Maternal and neonatal risk-appropriate care: gaps, strategies, and areas for further research
DeSisto CL , Kroelinger CD , Levecke M , Akbarali S , Pliska E , Barfield WD . J Perinatol 2023 1-6 Risk-appropriate care is a strategy to improve perinatal health outcomes by providing care to pregnant persons and infants in facilities with the personnel and services capable of meeting their health needs. The Association of State and Territorial Health Officials hosted discussions among state health officials, health agency staff, and clinicians to advance risk-appropriate care. The discussions focused on neonatal levels of care, levels of maternal care, ancillary services utilized for care of both populations including transport and telemedicine, and issues affecting provision of care such as standardization of state policies or approaches, reimbursement for services, gaps in risk-appropriate care, and equity. State-identified implementation strategies for improvement were presented. In this Perspective, we summarize current studies describing provision of risk-appropriate care in the United States, identify gaps in research, and highlight ongoing and proposed activities to address research gaps and support state health officials and clinicians. |
Impacts of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Nationwide Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion Activities.
Balasuriya L , Briss PA , Twentyman E , Wiltz JL , Richardson LC , Bigman ET , Wright JS , Petersen R , Hannan CJ , Thomas CW , Barfield WD , Kittner DL , Hacker KA . Am J Prev Med 2022 64 (3) 452-458 The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has underscored the need to prevent chronic disease and promote health.1 , 2 More than a million American lives have been lost to COVID-19, and life expectancy decreased between 2018 and 2020.3 , 4 Chronic diseases are major risk factors for COVID-19 morbidity and mortality.5 In addition, COVID-19 morbidity and mortality have been higher among persons from racial and ethnic groups such as those who are African American, Hispanic or Latino, and American Indian or Alaska Native as well as those living at lower SES.6 This has magnified pre-existing health inequities in chronic disease.1 , 2 , 7 |
Michigan Plan for Appropriate Tailored Healthcare in Pregnancy Prenatal Care Recommendations: A Practical Guide for Maternity Care Clinicians.
Peahl AF , Turrentine M , Barfield W , Blackwell SC , Zahn CM . J Womens Health (Larchmt) 2022 31 (7) 917-925 Prenatal care is an important preventive service designed to improve the health of pregnant patients and their infants. Prenatal care delivery recommendations have remained unchanged since 1930, when the 12-14 in-person visit schedule was first established to detect preeclampsia. In 2020, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, in collaboration with the University of Michigan, convened a panel of maternity care experts to determine new prenatal care delivery recommendations. The panel recognized the need to include emerging evidence and experience, including significant changes in prenatal care delivery during the COVID-19 pandemic, pre-existing knowledge of the importance of individualized care plans, the promise of telemedicine, and the significant influence of social and structural determinants of health (SSDoH) on pregnancy outcomes. Recommendations were derived using the RAND-UCLA appropriateness method, a rigorous e-Delphi method, and are designed to extend beyond the acute public health crisis. The resulting Michigan Plan for Appropriate Tailored Healthcare in pregnancy (MiPATH) includes recommendations for key aspects of prenatal care delivery: (1) the recommended number of prenatal visits, (2) the frequency of prenatal visits, (3) the role of monitoring routine pregnancy parameters (blood pressure, fetal heart tones, weight, and fundal height), (4) integration of telemedicine into routine care, and (5) inclusion of (SSDoH). Resulting recommendations demonstrate a new approach to prenatal care delivery that incorporates medical, SSDoH, and patient preferences, to develop individualized prenatal care delivery plans. The purpose of this document is to outline the new MiPATH recommendations and to provide practical guidance on implementing them in routine practice. |
Connecting the dots: Public health, clinical, and community connections to improve contraception access
Pliska ES , Barfield WD , Fraser MR . Am J Public Health 2022 112 S508-s510 Reproductive well-being and equity require systems working together to develop trust and authentic, power-sharing relationships with communities, particularly those that have been historically marginalized. This includes addressing structural racism and healing from it; promoting equity, including equitable access to health care services; and engaging communities as decision makers in policy development, program design, and quality care.1,2 Appropriate contraception access that includes receiving the desired care and support that one needs is critical for promoting optimal and equitable reproductive health.3 |
COVID-19 Vaccination and Intent Among Pregnant Women, United States, April 2021.
Razzaghi H , Kahn KE , Masalovich S , Black CL , Nguyen KH , Barfield WD , Galang RR , Singleton JA . Public Health Rep 2022 137 (5) 333549221099244 OBJECTIVES: National data on COVID-19 vaccination coverage among pregnant women are limited. We assessed COVID-19 vaccination coverage and intent, factors associated with COVID-19 vaccination, reasons for nonvaccination, and knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs related to COVID-19 illness and vaccination among pregnant women in the United States. METHODS: Data from an opt-in internet panel survey of pregnant women conducted March 31-April 16, 2021, assessed receipt of 1 dose of any COVID-19 vaccine during pregnancy. The sample included 1516 women pregnant any time during December 1, 2020-April 16, 2021, who were not fully vaccinated before pregnancy. We used multivariable logistic regression to determine variables independently associated with receipt of COVID-19 vaccine. RESULTS: As of April 16, 2021, 21.7% of pregnant women had received 1 dose of COVID-19 vaccine during pregnancy, 24.0% intended to receive a vaccine, 17.2% were unsure, and 37.1% did not intend to receive a vaccine. Pregnant women with (vs without) a health care provider recommendation (adjusted prevalence ratio [aPR] = 4.86), those who lived (vs not) with someone with a condition that could increase risk for serious medical complications of COVID-19 (aPR = 2.11), and those who had received (vs not) an influenza vaccination (aPR = 2.35) were more likely to receive a COVID-19 vaccine. Common reasons for nonvaccination included concerns about safety risk to baby (37.2%) or self (34.6%) and about rapid vaccine development (29.7%) and approval (30.9%). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings indicate a continued need to emphasize the benefits of COVID-19 vaccination during pregnancy and to widely disseminate the recommendations of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and other clinical professional societies for all pregnant women to be vaccinated. |
US county-level estimation for maternal and infant health-related behavior indicators using pregnancy risk assessment monitoring system data, 2016-2018
Wang Y , Tevendale H , Lu H , Cox S , Carlson SA , Li R , Shulman H , Morrow B , Hastings PA , Barfield WD . Popul Health Metr 2022 20 (1) 14 BACKGROUND: There is a critical need for maternal and child health data at the local level (for example, county), yet most counties lack sustainable resources or capabilities to collect local-level data. In such case, model-based small area estimation (SAE) could be a feasible approach. SAE for maternal or infant health-related behaviors at small areas has never been conducted or evaluated. METHODS: We applied multilevel regression with post-stratification approach to produce county-level estimates using Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System (PRAMS) data, 2016-2018 (n = 65,803 from 23 states) for 2 key outcomes, breastfeeding at 8 weeks and infant non-supine sleeping position. RESULTS: Among the 1,471 counties, the median model estimate of breastfeeding at 8 weeks was 59.8% (ranged from 34.9 to 87.4%), and the median of infant non-supine sleeping position was 16.6% (ranged from 10.3 to 39.0%). Strong correlations were found between model estimates and direct estimates for both indicators at the state level. Model estimates for both indicators were close to direct estimates in magnitude for Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania. CONCLUSION: Our findings support this approach being potentially applied to other maternal and infant health and behavioral indicators in PRAMS to facilitate public health decision-making at the local level. |
Hypertensive disorders in pregnancy and mortality at delivery hospitalization - United States, 2017-2019
Ford ND , Cox S , Ko JY , Ouyang L , Romero L , Colarusso T , Ferre CD , Kroelinger CD , Hayes DK , Barfield WD . MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2022 71 (17) 585-591 Hypertensive disorders in pregnancy (HDPs), defined as prepregnancy (chronic) or pregnancy-associated hypertension, are common pregnancy complications in the United States.* HDPs are strongly associated with severe maternal complications, such as heart attack and stroke (1), and are a leading cause of pregnancy-related death in the United States.(†) CDC analyzed nationally representative data from the National Inpatient Sample to calculate the annual prevalence of HDP among delivery hospitalizations and by maternal characteristics, and the percentage of in-hospital deaths with an HDP diagnosis code documented. During 2017-2019, the prevalence of HDP among delivery hospitalizations increased from 13.3% to 15.9%. The prevalence of pregnancy-associated hypertension increased from 10.8% in 2017 to 13.0% in 2019, while the prevalence of chronic hypertension increased from 2.0% to 2.3%. Prevalence of HDP was highest among delivery hospitalizations of non-Hispanic Black or African American (Black) women, non-Hispanic American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) women, and women aged ≥35 years, residing in zip codes in the lowest median household income quartile, or delivering in hospitals in the South or the Midwest Census regions. Among deaths that occurred during delivery hospitalization, 31.6% had any HDP documented. Clinical guidance for reducing complications from HDP focuses on prompt identification and preventing progression to severe maternal complications through timely treatment (1). Recommendations for identifying and monitoring pregnant persons with hypertension include measuring blood pressure throughout pregnancy,(§) including self-monitoring. Severe complications and mortality from HDP are preventable with equitable implementation of strategies to identify and monitor persons with HDP (1) and quality improvement initiatives to improve prompt treatment and increase awareness of urgent maternal warning signs (2). |
Participation in survey research among mothers with a recent live birth: A comparison of mothers with living versus deceased infants - Findings from the Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System, 2016-2019
Kortsmit K , Shulman H , Smith RA , Shapiro-Mendoza CK , Parks SE , Folger S , Whiteman M , Harrison L , Cox S , Christiansen-Lindquist L , Barfield WD , Warner L . Paediatr Perinat Epidemiol 2022 36 (6) 827-838 BACKGROUND: Despite high infant mortality rates in the United States relative to other developed countries, little is known about survey participation among mothers of deceased infants. OBJECTIVE: To assess differences in survey response, contact and cooperation rates for mothers of deceased versus. living infants at the time of survey mailing (approximately 2-6 months postpartum), overall and by select maternal and infant characteristics. METHODS: We analysed 2016-2019 data for 50 sites from the Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System (PRAMS), a site-specific, population-based surveillance system of mothers with a recent live birth. We assessed differences in survey participation between mothers of deceased and living infants. Using American Association for Public Opinion Research (AAPOR) standard definitions and terminology, we calculated proportions of mothers who participated and were successfully contacted among sampled mothers (weighted response and contact rates, respectively), and who participated among contacted mothers (weighted cooperation rate). We then constructed multivariable survey-weighted logistic regression models to examine the adjusted association between infant vital status and weighted response, contact and cooperation rates, within strata of maternal and infant characteristics. RESULTS: Among sampled mothers, 0.3% (weighted percentage, n = 2795) of infants had records indicating they were deceased at the time of survey mailing and 99.7% (weighted percentage, n = 344,379) did not. Mothers of deceased infants had lower unadjusted weighted response (48.3% vs. 56.2%), contact (67.9% vs. 74.3%) and cooperation rates (71.1% vs. 75.6%). However, after adjusting for covariates, differences in survey participation by infant vital status were reduced. CONCLUSIONS: After covariate adjustment, differences in PRAMS participation rates were attenuated. However, participation rates among mothers of deceased infants remain two to four percentage points lower compared with mothers of living infants. Strategies to increase PRAMS participation could inform knowledge about experiences and behaviours before, during and shortly after pregnancy to help reduce infant mortality. |
Summary of neonatal and maternal transport and reimbursement policies-a 5-year update
DeSisto CL , Okoroh EM , Kroelinger CD , Barfield WD . J Perinatol 2022 42 (10) 1306-1311 OBJECTIVE: To examine the number of states with neonatal and maternal transport and reimbursement policies in 2019, compared with 2014. STUDY DESIGN: We conducted a systematic review of web-based, publicly available information on neonatal and maternal transport policies for each state in 2019. Information was abstracted from rules, codes, licensure regulations, and planning and program documents, then summarized within two categories: transport and reimbursement policies. RESULT: In 2019, 42 states had a policy for neonatal transport and 37 states had a policy for maternal transport, increasing by 8 and 7 states respectively. Further, 31 states had a reimbursement policy for neonatal transport and 11 states for maternal transport, increases of 1 state per category. Overall, the number of states with policies increased from 2014 to 2019. CONCLUSION: The number of state neonatal and maternal transport policies increased; these policies may support provision of care at the most risk-appropriate facilities. |
Assisted reproductive technology surveillance - United States, 2018
Sunderam S , Kissin DM , Zhang Y , Jewett A , Boulet SL , Warner L , Kroelinger CD , Barfield WD . MMWR Surveill Summ 2022 71 (4) 1-19 PROBLEM/CONDITION: Since the first U.S. infant conceived with assisted reproductive technology (ART) was born in 1981, both the use of ART and the number of fertility clinics providing ART services have increased steadily in the United States. ART includes fertility treatments in which eggs or embryos are handled in the laboratory (i.e., in vitro fertilization [IVF] and related procedures). Although the majority of infants conceived through ART are singletons, women who undergo ART procedures are more likely than women who conceive naturally to have multiple births because multiple embryos might be transferred. Multiple births can pose substantial risks for both mothers and infants, including obstetric complications, preterm birth (<37 weeks), and low birthweight (<2,500 g). This report provides state-specific information for the United States (including the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico) on ART procedures performed in 2018 and compares birth outcomes that occurred in 2018 (resulting from ART procedures performed in 2017 and 2018) with outcomes for all infants born in the United States in 2018. PERIOD COVERED: 2018. DESCRIPTION OF SYSTEM: In 1995, CDC began collecting data on ART procedures performed in fertility clinics in the United States as mandated by the Fertility Clinic Success Rate and Certification Act of 1992 (Public Law 102-493 [October 24, 1992]). Data are collected through the National ART Surveillance System (NASS), a web-based data collection system developed by CDC. This report includes data from the 50 U.S. states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico. RESULTS: In 2018, a total of 203,119 ART procedures (range: 196 in Alaska to 26,028 in California) were performed in 456 U.S. fertility clinics and reported to CDC. These procedures resulted in 73,831 live-birth deliveries (range: 76 in Puerto Rico and Wyoming to 9,666 in California) and 81,478 infants born (range: 84 in Wyoming to 10,620 in California). Nationally, among women aged 15-44 years, the rate of ART procedures performed was 3,135 per 1 million women. ART use exceeded 1.5 times the national rate in seven states (Connecticut, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, and Rhode Island) and the District of Columbia. ART use rates exceeded the national rate in an additional seven states (California, Delaware, Hawaii, New Hampshire, Utah, Vermont, and Virginia). Nationally, among all ART transfer procedures, the average number of embryos transferred was similar across age groups (1.3 among women aged <35 years, 1.3 among women aged 35-37 years, and 1.4 among women aged >37 years). The national single-embryo transfer (SET) rate among all embryo-transfer procedures was 74.1% among women aged <35 years (range: 28.2% in Puerto Rico to 89.5% in Delaware), 72.8% among women aged 35-37 years (range: 30.6% in Puerto Rico to 93.7% in Delaware), and 66.4% among women aged >37 years (range: 27.1% in Puerto Rico to 85.3% in Delaware). In 2018, ART contributed to 2.0% of all infants born in the United States (range: 0.4% in Puerto Rico to 5.1% in Massachusetts) from procedures performed in 2017 and 2018. Approximately 78.6% of ART-conceived infants were singleton infants. Overall, ART contributed to 12.5% of all multiple births, including 12.5% of all twin births and 13.3% of all triplets and higher-order births. ART-conceived twins accounted for approximately 97.1% (15,532 of 16,001) of all ART-conceived multiple births. The percentage of multiple births was higher among infants conceived with ART (21.4%) than among all infants born in the total birth population (3.3%). Approximately 20.7% (15,532 of 74,926) of ART-conceived infants were twins, and 0.6% (469 of 74,926) were triplets and higher-order multiples. Nationally, infants conceived with ART contributed to 4.2% of all low birthweight (<2,500 g) infants. Among ART-conceived infants, 18.3% were low birthweight compared with 8.3% among all infants. ART-conceived infants contributed to 5.1% of all preterm (gestational age <37 weeks) infants. The percentage of preterm births was higher among infants conceived with ART (26.1%) than among all infants born in the total birth population (10.0%). The percentage of low birthweight among singletons was 8.3% among ART-conceived infants and 6.6% among all infants born. The percentage of preterm births among ART-conceived singleton infants was 14.9% compared with 8.3% among all singleton infants. The percentages of small for gestational age infants was 7.3% among ART-conceived infants compared with 9.4% among all infants. INTERPRETATION: Although singleton infants accounted for the majority of ART-conceived infants, multiple births from ART varied substantially among states and nationally, contributing to >12% of all twins, triplets, and higher-order multiple infants born in the United States. Because multiple births are associated with higher rates of prematurity than singleton births, the contribution of ART to poor birth outcomes continues to be noteworthy. Although SET rates increased among all age groups, variations in SET rates among states and territories remained, which might reflect variations in embryo-transfer practices among fertility clinics and might in part account for variations in multiple birth rates among states and territories. PUBLIC HEALTH ACTION: Reducing the number of embryos transferred and increasing use of SET, when clinically appropriate, can help reduce multiple births and related adverse health consequences for both mothers and infants. Whereas risks to mothers from multiple-birth pregnancy include higher rates of caesarean delivery, gestational hypertension, and gestational diabetes, infants from multiple births are at increased risk for numerous adverse sequelae such as preterm birth, birth defects, and developmental disabilities. Long-term follow-up of ART infants through integration of existing maternal and infant health surveillance systems and registries with data available from NASS might be useful for monitoring adverse outcomes on a population basis. |
A field placement approach to enhance state and local capacity for opioid-related issues affecting pregnant and postpartum people and infants prenatally exposed to opioids and other substances
Weber MK , Tran EL , Kroelinger CD , Ellison C , Mueller T , Romero L , Ellick KL , Rice ME , Garcia G , Pliska E , Akbarali S , Dronamraju R , Patterson K , Fehrenbach SN , Barfield WD . J Womens Health (Larchmt) 2022 31 (2) 145-153 Opioid use disorder (OUD) poses a significant public health concern impacting maternal and infant outcomes. In 2018, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) partnered with the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials (ASTHO) to develop the Opioid use disorder, Maternal outcomes, and Neonatal abstinence syndrome Initiative Learning Community (OMNI LC) to identify and disseminate best practices and strategies for implementing systems-level changes in state health departments to address OUD affecting pregnant and postpartum persons and infants prenatally exposed to opioids. In 2019, the OMNI LC incorporated a field placement approach that assigned temporary field placement staff in five select OMNI LC states to provide important linkages, facilitate information sharing, and strengthen capacity among state and local health departments and other partners supporting maternal and child health communities affected by the opioid crisis. Using an implementation science framework, the field placement approach was assessed using five implementation outcome measures: appropriateness, acceptability, implementation cost, sustainability, and feasibility. Written responses from the participating OMNI LC states on these implementation outcome measures were analyzed to (1) highlight key strategies used by field placement staff, (2) assess the implementation of the OMNI LC field placement approach within the context of implementation science, and (3) identify implementation barriers. This report describes the implementation of a temporary field placement approach and suggests that this approach could be replicated to enhance state and local capacity to respond to the opioid crisis or other high-consequence events. |
Designing your patient's prenatal care "PATH": Recommendations for maternity care professionals based on MiPATH
Peahl AlexFriedman , Turrentine Mark , Barfield Wanda , Blackwell SeanC , Zahn ChristopherM . Contemp Ob Gyn 2022 67 (1) 27-30 The article provides recommendations for maternity care professionals when designing their patient's prenatal care Plan for Appropriate Tailored Healthcare (PATH). Topics discussed include evidence supporting prenatal care recommendations, information on Michigan PATH (MiPATH) panel process, and MiPATH panel recommendations which includes screening for medical, social, and structural determinants of health, telemedicine, and supporting for social and structural determinants. |
Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System for Dads: A piloted randomized trial of public health surveillance of recent fathers' behaviors before and after infant birth
Garfield CF , Simon CD , Stephens F , Castro Román P , Bryan M , Smith RA , Kortsmit K , Salvesen von Essen B , Williams L , Kapaya M , Dieke A , Barfield W , Warner L . PLoS One 2022 17 (1) e0262366 BACKGROUND: Becoming a father impacts men's health and wellbeing, while also contributing to the health and wellbeing of mothers and children. There is no large-scale, public health surveillance system aimed at understanding the health and behaviors of men transitioning into fatherhood. The purpose of this study was to describe piloted randomized approaches of a state-based surveillance system examining paternal behaviors before and after their infant's birth to better understand the health needs of men and their families during the transition to parenthood. METHODS: During October 2018-July 2019, 857 fathers in Georgia were sampled 2-6 months after their infant's birth from birth certificates files and surveyed via mail, online or telephone, in English or Spanish, using two randomized approaches: Indirect-to-Dads and Direct-to-Dads. Survey topics included mental and physical health, healthcare, substance use, and contraceptive use. FINDINGS: Weighted response rates (Indirect-to-Dads, 33%; Direct-to-Dads, 31%) and population demographics did not differ by approach. Respondents completed the survey by mail (58%), online (28%) or telephone (14%). Among 266 fathers completing the survey, 55% had a primary care physician, and 49% attended a healthcare visit for themselves during their infant's mother's pregnancy or since their infant's birth. Most fathers were overweight or had obesity (70%) while fewer reported smoking cigarettes (19%), binge drinking (13%) or depressive symptoms (10%) since their infant's birth. CONCLUSIONS: This study tests a novel approach for obtaining population-based estimates of fathers' perinatal health behaviors, with comparable response rates from two pragmatic approaches. The pilot study results quantify a number of public health needs related to fathers' health and healthcare access. |
Changes and Geographic Variation in Rates of Preterm Birth and Stillbirth during the COVID-19 Pandemic According to Health Insurance Claims in the United States, April-June 2019-2020.
Chen J , Ferre C , Ouyang L , Mohamoud Y , Barfield W , Cox S . Am J Obstet Gynecol MFM 2022 4 (1) 100508 OBJECTIVE: Studies from Europe1 reported a reduction in the preterm birth rates early in the COVID-19 pandemic, but data from other world regions offered conflicting evidence.2 In the United States, evidence on preterm birth and stillbirth rates during the pandemic is also mixed.3,4 Existing studies were often limited to specific US hospitals or states or had missing information on stillbirths. We examined the temporal changes in US preterm birth and stillbirth rates by comparing the prepandemic rates with those during a period of reduced population movement (lockdown) and we investigated the geographic variation in the changes by census regions. | | STUDY DESIGN: We used IQVIA's PharMetrics Plus database (IQVIA, Durham, NC) a large convenience sample of claims data that included about one-fifth of US births covered by commercial health insurance, to compare rates between the lockdown period (AprilJune 2020) and a comparison prepandemic period (AprilJune 2019). We identified singleton delivery hospitalizations at 20 weeks gestation using International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision, and Current Procedural Terminology codes. We extracted information about the weeks of gestation and birth outcomes (live birth or stillbirth) for each delivery. Preterm birth rates (birth at <37 weeks gestation), late preterm birth rates (birth at 34 to 36 weeks gestation), and early preterm birth rates (birth at <34 weeks gestation) were examined. Stillbirth rates were also examined. We used a logistic regression to compare the birth outcome rates between the 2 time periods, adjusting for census region and maternal age. Although race and ethnicity data were available through data linkages for 12% of the sample, the missing or unknown category in the linked data was still more than 30%, limiting our ability to adjust for or stratify by this variable. We reported the adjusted rate measured in percentage point (%), adjusted rate difference (ARD), and adjusted rate ratio using predictive margins from each regression model. To examine geographic variation, we used interaction terms between the indicator variables for the time period and census region. | | RESULTS: Among 165,433 privately-insured women with singleton deliveries at 20 weeks gestation during the study periods, 0.2% were stillbirths, and 99.8% were live births; and of the live births, approximately 7% were preterm in both the time periods (Table 1). The adjusted rate of preterm birth during the 2020 lockdown was lower than the adjusted rate during the same months in 2019 (7.0% vs 7.4%; ARD=0.4%; 95% CI, 0.6 to 0.1). There was no change in the adjusted rate of stillbirth (ARD=0.02%; 95% CI, 0.07 to 0.02). The reduction in preterm birth was driven by the decrease in late preterm birth (ARD=0.3%; 95% CI, 0.6 to 0.1) (Table 2). The largest reduction in preterm birth was in the Northeast (ARD=1.1; 95% CI, 1.8 to 0.5) (Table 2). |
Variations in Low-Risk Cesarean Delivery Rates in the United States Using the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine Definition
Ouyang L , Cox S , Ferre C , Xu L , Sappenfield WM , Barfield W . Obstet Gynecol 2022 139 (2) 235-243 OBJECTIVE: To assess variations in low-risk cesarean delivery rates in the United States using the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine (SMFM) definition of low-risk for cesarean delivery and to identify factors associated with low-risk cesarean deliveries. METHODS: From hospital discharge data in the 2018 National Inpatient Sample and State Inpatient Databases, we identified deliveries that were low-risk for cesarean delivery using the SMFM definition based on the International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision, Clinical Modification codes. We estimated national low-risk cesarean delivery rates overall and by patient characteristics, clinically relevant conditions not included in the SMFM definition, and hospital characteristics based on the nationally representative sample of hospital discharges in the National Inpatient Sample. Multivariate logistic regressions were estimated for the national sample to identify factors associated with low-risk cesarean delivery. We reported low-risk cesarean delivery rates for 27 states and the District of Columbia based on the annual state data that represented the universe of hospital discharges from participating states in the State Inpatient Databases. RESULTS: Of an estimated 3,634,724 deliveries in the 2018 National Inpatient Sample, 2,484,874 low-risk deliveries met inclusion criteria. The national low-risk cesarean delivery rate in 2018 was 14.6% (95% CI 14.4-14.8%). The rates varied widely by state (range 8.9-18.6%). Nationally, maternal age older than 40 years, non-Hispanic Black or Asian race, private insurance as primary payer, admission on weekday, obesity, diabetes, or hypertension, large metropolitan residence, and hospitals of the South census region were associated with low-risk cesarean delivery. CONCLUSION: Approximately one in seven low-risk deliveries was by cesarean in 2018 in the United States using the SMFM definition and the low-risk cesarean delivery rates varied widely by state. |
Emergency preparedness and response: Highlights from the Division of Reproductive Health, 2011-2021
Perez M , Galang RR , Snead MC , Strid P , Bish CL , Tong VT , Barfield WD , Shapiro-Mendoza CK , Zotti ME , Ellington S . J Womens Health (Larchmt) 2021 30 (12) 1673-1680 This report provides historical context and rationale for coordinated, systematic, and evidence-based public health emergency preparedness and response (EPR) activities to address the needs of women of reproductive age. Needs of pregnant and postpartum women, and infants-before, during, and after public health emergencies-are highlighted. Four focus areas and related activities are described: (1) public health science; (2) clinical guidance; (3) partnerships, communication, and outreach; and (4) workforce development. Finally, the report summarizes major activities of the Division of Reproductive Health's EPR Team at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. |
Workplace Leave and Breastfeeding Duration Among Postpartum Women, 2016-2018
Kortsmit K , Li R , Cox S , Shapiro-Mendoza CK , Perrine CG , D'Angelo DV , Barfield WD , Shulman HB , Garfield CF , Warner L . Am J Public Health 2021 111 (11) e1-e10 Objectives. To examine associations of workplace leave length with breastfeeding initiation and continuation at 1, 2, and 3 months. Methods. We analyzed 2016 to 2018 data for 10 sites in the United States from the Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System, a site-specific, population-based surveillance system that samples women with a recent live birth 2 to 6 months after birth. Using multivariable logistic regression, we examined associations of leave length (< 3 vs ≥ 3 months) with breastfeeding outcomes. Results. Among 12 301 postpartum women who planned to or had returned to the job they had during pregnancy, 42.1% reported taking unpaid leave, 37.5% reported paid leave, 18.2% reported both unpaid and paid leave, and 2.2% reported no leave. Approximately two thirds (66.2%) of women reported taking less than 3 months of leave. Although 91.2% of women initiated breastfeeding, 81.2%, 72.1%, and 65.3% of women continued breastfeeding at 1, 2, and 3 months, respectively. Shorter leave length (< 3 months), whether paid or unpaid, was associated with lower prevalence of breastfeeding at 2 and 3 months compared with 3 or more months of leave. Conclusions. Women with less than 3 months of leave reported shorter breastfeeding duration than did women with 3 or more months of leave. (Am J Public Health. Published online ahead of print October 21, 2021:e1-e10. https://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.2021.306484). |
The Michigan plan for appropriate tailored health care in pregnancy prenatal care recommendations
Peahl AF , Zahn CM , Turrentine M , Barfield W , Blackwell SD , Roberts SJ , Powell AR , Chopra V , Bernstein SJ . Obstet Gynecol 2021 138 (4) 593-602 OBJECTIVE: To describe MiPATH (the Michigan Plan for Appropriate Tailored Healthcare) in pregnancy panel process and key recommendations for prenatal care delivery. METHODS: We conducted an appropriateness study using the RAND Corporation and University of California Los Angeles Appropriateness Method, a modified e-Delphi process, to develop MiPATH recommendations using sequential steps: 1) definition and scope of key terms, 2) literature review and data synthesis, 3) case scenario development, 4) panel selection and scenario revisions, and 5) two rounds of panel appropriateness ratings with deliberation. Recommendations were developed for average-risk pregnant individuals (eg, individuals not requiring care by maternal-fetal medicine specialists). Because prenatal services (eg, laboratory tests, vaccinations) have robust evidence, panelists considered only how services are delivered (eg, visit frequency, telemedicine). RESULTS: The appropriateness of key aspects of prenatal care delivery across individuals with and without common medical and pregnancy complications, as well as social and structural determinants of health, was determined by the panel. Panelists agreed that a risk assessment for medical, social, and structural determinants of health should be completed as soon as individuals present for care. Additionally, the panel provided recommendations for: 1) prenatal visit schedules (care initiation, visit timing and frequency, routine pregnancy assessments), 2) integration of telemedicine (virtual visits and home devices), and 3) care individualization. Panelists recognized significant gaps in existing evidence and the need for policy changes to support equitable care with changing practices. CONCLUSION: The MiPATH recommendations offer more flexible prenatal care delivery for average-risk individuals. |
Assisted Reproductive Technology and Perinatal Mortality: Selected States (2006-2011)
Chang J , Zhang Y , Boulet SL , Crawford SB , Copeland GE , Bernson D , Kirby RS , Kissin DM , Barfield WD . Am J Perinatol 2021 40 (9) 953-959 OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to compare trends and characteristics of assisted reproductive technology (ART) and non-ART perinatal deaths and to evaluate the association of perinatal mortality and method of conception (ART vs. non-ART) among ART and non-ART deliveries in Florida, Massachusetts, and Michigan from 2006 to 2011. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study using linked ART surveillance and vital records data from Florida, Massachusetts, and Michigan. RESULTS: During 2006 to 2011, a total of 570 ART-conceived perinatal deaths and 25,158 non-ART conceived perinatal deaths were identified from the participating states. Overall, ART perinatal mortality rates were lower than non-ART perinatal mortality rates for both singletons (7.0/1,000 births vs. 10.2/1,000 births) and multiples (22.8/1,000 births vs. 41.2/1,000 births). At <28 weeks of gestation, the risk of perinatal death among ART singletons was significantly lower than non-ART singletons (adjusted risk ratio [aRR] = 0.46, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.26-0.85). Similar results were observed among multiples at <28 weeks of gestation (aRR = 0.64, 95% CI: 0.45-0.89). CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that ART use is associated with a decreased risk of perinatal deaths prior to 28 weeks of gestation, which may be explained by earlier detection and management of fetal and maternal conditions among ART-conceived pregnancies. These findings provide valuable information for health care providers, including infertility specialists, obstetricians, and pediatricians when counseling ART users on risk of treatment. KEY POINTS: · ART use is associated with a decreased risk of perinatal deaths prior to 28 weeks of gestation.. · ART perinatal mortality rates were lower than that for non-ART perinatal mortality.. · This study used linked data to examine associations between use of ART and perinatal deaths.. |
Seven years later: state neonatal risk-appropriate care policy consistency with the 2012 American Academy of Pediatrics Policy
Kroelinger CD , Rice ME , Okoroh EM , DeSisto CL , Barfield WD . J Perinatol 2021 42 (5) 595-602 OBJECTIVE: To assess consistency of state neonatal risk-appropriate care policies with the 2012 AAP policy seven years post-publication. STUDY DESIGN: Systematic, web-based review of all publicly available 2019 state neonatal levels of care policies. Information on infant risk (gestational age, birth weight), technology and equipment capabilities, and availability of specialty staffing used to define neonatal levels of care was extracted for review. RESULT: Half of states (50%) had a neonatal risk-appropriate care policy. Of those states, 88% had language consistent with AAP-defined Level I criteria, 80% with Level II, 56% with Level III, and 55% with Level IV. Comparing policies (2014-2019), consistency increased in state policies among all levels of care with the greatest increase among level IV criteria. CONCLUSION: States improved consistency of policy language by each level of care, though half of states still lack policy to provide minimum standards of care to the most vulnerable infants. |
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