Objective The aim of the study is to estimate the association between arcuate uterus and pregnancy outcomes using controls selected from a similarly high-risk cohort. Study Design This is a retrospective cohort study of women with an arcuate uterus cared for by a single maternal–fetal medicine practice from 2005 to 2020. We included all women with a singleton pregnancy ≥20 weeks and diagnosis of arcuate uterus and randomly selected (3:1) patients with a singleton pregnancy and no uterine anomaly from the same practice as controls. Baseline characteristics and pregnancy outcomes were compared between the two groups. Chi-square, Fisher's exact, and independent samples t-test were used for data analysis, as indicated. Results A total of 37 women with an arcuate uterus (55 independent singleton pregnancies) and 165 controls were included. There were no differences in baseline characteristics. Women with an arcuate uterus had a significantly higher rate of spontaneous preterm birth less than 37 weeks (10.9 vs. 3.0%, p = 0.031) and were more likely to require vaginal progesterone (5.5 vs. 0.6%, p = 0.049) and administration of antenatal corticosteroids (16.4 vs. 5.5%, p = 0.020). Arcuate uterus was also associated with lower birthweight (3,028.1 ± 528.0 vs. 3257.2 ± 579.9 g, p = 0.010) and higher incidence of intrauterine fetal growth restriction (20.0 vs. 7.3%, p = 0.008), despite similar starting body mass index (BMI) and weight gain throughout pregnancy. There were no differences in preeclampsia, malpresentation, cesarean delivery, blood transfusion, retained placenta, or morbidly adherent placenta. Conclusion Arcuate uterus is associated with a significantly increased risk of spontaneous preterm birth (<37 weeks), need for vaginal progesterone for short cervix and antenatal corticosteroids, fetal growth restriction, and lower mean birthweight. These findings suggest that arcuate uterus is not just a normal variant of uterine anatomy but rather a risk factor for poor fetal growth, short cervix, and a higher risk pregnancy. Key Points
A host of anti-hyperglycemic agents are currently available and widely prescribed for diabetes and weight loss management. In patients undergoing surgery, use of these agents poses a clinical challenge to surgeons, anesthesiologists, and other perioperative care providers with regard to optimal timing of discontinuation and resumption of use, as well as possible effects of these agents on physiology and risk of postoperative complications. Here, we provide a comprehensive review of anti-hyperglycemic medications’ effects on physiology, risks/benefits, and best practice management in the perioperative setting. Additionally, we report an illustrative case of small bowel obstruction in a patient taking semaglutide for 6 months prior to an otherwise uncomplicated laparoscopic hysterectomy and bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy. This review is meant to serve not as a replacement of, but rather as a consolidated complement to, various society guidelines regarding perioperative anti-hyperglycemic agent management.
27 April 2022 in Case Reports in Obstetrics and Gynecology
Background. Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) is an enzyme produced by the liver, small intestine, bone, and kidneys as well as the placenta during pregnancy. ALP levels may increase up to twice the normal limit during pregnancy secondary to placental release and fetal bone growth. Rare case reports of extremely elevated levels of ALP during pregnancy have demonstrated possible association with adverse pregnancy outcomes. Case. The patient is a 36-year-old G2P1001 who was found to have extremely elevated ALP levels during pregnancy after presenting with bilateral lower leg swelling and rash after receiving the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine. She subsequently developed intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy and preeclampsia. ALP peaked at 2,601U/L immediately prior to delivery at 36 weeks 1 day. She was followed postpartum, and her ALP levels had nearly normalized by 15 weeks postpartum. Conclusion. Our case demonstrates a rare report of an extremely elevated level of ALP in the setting of multiple adverse pregnancy outcomes, including preterm delivery, preeclampsia without severe features, and intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy.
16 July 2026 in American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology MFM