Clinical Research Directory

Comparative Efficacy of Carbetocin and Oxytocin in Parturients at Risk of Atonic Postpartum Hemorrhage Undergoing Elective Cesarean Delivery

The goal of this study is to compare 2 medications that are commonly used to prevent excess uterine bleeding (postpartum hemorrhage, or PPH) following cesarean delivery (CD), oxytocin and carbetocin. Most of the trials evaluating the preventative role of oxytocin and carbetocin after CD have focused on patient with low-risk of PPH. This trial will focus on patients that are at increased risk of PPH, with risk factors such as: multiple gestation (twins, or more multiples), large baby, polyhydramnios (excess amniotic fluid), history of PPH, body mass index greater than 40, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and placenta previa. The investigators hypothesize that carbetocin would be more effective than an oxytocin regimen in reducing the risk of PPH in patients undergoing CD with any of the biological high-risk factors.

Prevention of Postpartum Hemorrhage With Tranexamic Acid

In part 1 of the study, the investigators conducted a prospective, open-label, dose finding pharmacokinetic (PK) study in 43 pregnant 3rd trimester women scheduled for non-emergent cesarean section. The investigators administered three doses of the drug (5 mg/kg, 10 mg/kg and 15 mg/kg) in an escalating fashion by cohort with the lowest dose first. The drug was administered intravenously at the time of umbilical cord clamping for a non-emergent cesarean section. A maximum of 1 g was administered. TXA serum levels at several time points after delivery were assayed to see if they reach the target plasma concentration of 10 ug/mL. A PK model was constructed for determining the optimal TXA dose administered at parturition. In part 2 of the study, the investigators aim to compare PKPD endpoints using prophylactic TXA via IV and IM routes administered pre-cord clamp. The investigators will administer 1 g TXA within 10 minutes of skin incision via intravenous infusion (up to n=15), intravenous bolus \< 2 minutes (up to n=15) and intramuscular injection (up to n=15). The investigators will target women undergoing scheduled cesarean delivery \> 34 weeks gestation, women undergoing vaginal delivery \> 34 weeks of gestation and morbidly obese women (BMI\>=40) undergoing either a vaginal or cesarean delivery. The investigators will use advanced modeling techniques to determine time to achieve PKPD targets and duration remaining at those targets. The goal will be to determine how the optimal dose may vary if route of administration is modified. The investigators plan to enroll 45 patients in addition to the 43 that were enrolled during part 1. Our goal is to 30 participants, but the investigators will enroll 45 to account for lost to follow-up. The investigators also aim to enroll 30 patients undergoing vaginal delivery and 30 morbidly obese women (BMI \>= 40) undergoing either a vaginal or cesarean delivery but the investigators will enroll 45 patients for each of these groups to account for loss to follow up. In addition, the investigators will enroll 30 pregnant patients receiving no medication acting as the control group, but the investigators will enroll 45 to account for loss to follow up.

Prophylactic Regimen of Intravenous Oxytocin, Intravenous Tranexamic Acid, and Intramuscular Ergot Derivative for Primary Prevention of Postpartum Hemorrhage in Intrapartum Cesarean Section Versus Intravenous Carbetocin Alone

While Carbetocin is effective in reducing PPH, the combination of oxytocin, Tranexamic acid, and Ergot derivatives may offer additional benefits in high-risk populations. We hypothesize that the combination regimen will reduce PPH incidence and severity compared to Carbetocin alone and may be more cost effective

Hemoglobin Testing in Pregnant Patients

The project is a prospective observational study aimed to assess and to validate the use of point-of-care hemoglobin testing in pregnancy. Point-of-care hemoglobin testing has the potential to (1) increase access to hemoglobin monitoring in pregnancy in low resource settings, (2) increase availability of hemoglobin monitoring in anemic patients, and (3) provide immediate results for real-time patient counseling and intervention. However, to date, point-of-care hemoglobin testing devices have not yet been studied for use in an ambulatory obstetric population. The Masimo device is a Root Radical 7 Pulse CO-Oximeter, manufactured by Masimo, Inc. This device is non-invasive and placed externally on a patient's finger to generate an estimation of a patient's hemoglobin value. The HemoCue® device is a minimally-invasive device that relies on the finger prick method to get a capillary hemoglobin measurement, and The Rubby is a mobile application based platform that uses a photo of the participants nailbed to estimate hemoglobin values. Participants in this study will be approached at the Obstetrics and Gynecology clinics at George Washington Medical Faculty Associates. Point-of-care hemoglobin measurements will be assessed using the non-invasive Masimo device along with minimally-invasive hemoglobin HemoCue® Hb 801 device and compared to traditional venipuncture hemoglobin testing.

Oxytocin Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics

Oxytocin is the first-line drug to promote contraction of the uterus and prevent atony immediately after delivery. Nonetheless, unpredictable uterine atony refractory to oxytocin affects roughly 250,000 parturients annually in the U.S. and rates are increasing. This two-part study will measure the action of oxytocin at cesarean delivery. The first part will measure the pharmacokinetics of a single intravenous (IV) dose of deuterium-labeled oxytocin. The second part will measure the pharmacodynamics of all plasma oxytocin to see how concentrations correspond to the contractile effect on the uterus. After delivery of the fetus, study subjects will receive a bolus of IV deuterated oxytocin followed by an unlabeled oxytocin infusion. Venous blood samples drawn at multiple time points (within 1 hour after delivery) will be analyzed for plasma concentrations of labeled and unlabeled (endogenous + exogenous infused) oxytocin over time. Plasma concentrations will be compared with 0-10 uterine tone scores measuring uterine contraction strength, to describe the concentration-effect relationship. The goal of this study is to define both the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of oxytocin in parturients to help identify the cause(s) of failed first-line oxytocin therapy.

A Pragmatic Randomized Controlled Trial to Predict Postpartum Hemorrhage

This research project aims to enhance the safety of childbirth by using advanced computer models to predict the risk of postpartum hemorrhage (PPH). PPH is a significant concern for mothers during and after delivery. Current risk assessment tools are basic and do not adapt to changing conditions. This study will investigate whether a new and recently validated model for predicting PPH, combined with a provider-facing Best Practice Advisory (BPA) regarding currently recommended strategies triggered by an increased predicted risk, can improve perinatal outcomes. This study will compare the current category based risk assessment tool with a new, enhanced prediction model which calculates risk based on 21 factors, automatically updates as new information becomes available during labor and, if elevated, provides a provider-facing Best Practice Advisory (BPA) recommending consideration of strategies that are institutionally agreed to represent high-quality practice. Investigators hypothesize that the enhanced care approach will result in improved perinatal outcomes. The goal of the study is to improve the wellbeing of mothers during childbirth by harnessing the power of modern technology and data analysis.

Evaluating Placental Thickness and Thickness of Uterine Muscle at Placenta Attachment in Prediction of Postpartum Blood Loss in Placenta Accreta

Aim of the Work is To determine the significance of the placental thickness and the thickness of the uterine muscle layer at placental attachment in the prediction of postpartum hemorrhage in cases of placenta previa accreta and to evaluate both of them as as parameters for identifying high-risk patients.

Aortic Compression Trial to Reduce Blood Loss at Cesarean Section

The goal of this clinical trial is to test if manual external aortic compression can prevent heavy blood loss in cesarean section. The main question\[s\] it aims to answer are: 1. Is external aortic compression effective? 2. Is external aortic compression safe? Participants will receive preventive manual external aortic compression or no external aortic compression (standard care) immediately after the baby is out at cesarean section. Blood loss will be measured, as well as kidney function, hemoglobin, and hematocrit before and after the operation. Experienced discomfort will be assessed the day after surgery and breastfeeding and signs of depression will be assessed using questionnaires after 2 months. Researchers will compare women with and without manual external aortic compression to see if there are differences in these outcomes.

ROLE OF PROPHYLACTIC TRANEXAMIC ACID IN PREVENTION OF POST-PARTUM HEMORRHAGE IN ELLSCS

IN THIS STUDY WOMEN UNDER GOING ELLSCS WOULD BE DIVIDED INTO TWO GROUPS , ONE GROUP WOULD BE GIVEN TRANEXAMIC ACID WHILE THE OTHER WOULD BE GETTING PLACEBO PROPHYLACTICALLY TO SEE THE EFFECT OF TRANEXAMIC ACID IN PREVENTING PPH. THIS IS A RANDOMIZED CONTROLLED TRIAL. THE SAMPLING TECHNIQUE WOULD BE NON-PROBABILITY TECHNIQUE RANDOMIZATION WOULD BE DONE VIA BALLOTING METHOD.

Sublingual Oxytocin for the Prevention of Post-partum Hemorrhage

An open-label, randomized, single-center, dose ascending trial will be conducted to evaluate the efficacy and safety of sublingual oxytocin for the prevention of post-partum hemorrhage caused by uterine atony in term pregnant women having an uncomplicated vaginal delivery. The primary objective is to estimate the optimal effective dose (ED90) of sublingual oxytocin administered during the active management of the third stage of labor to result in satisfactory uterine tone and a cumulative blood loss \< 500 ml at 20 minutes after vaginal delivery in 90% of parturients with an acceptable safety profile.

Postpartum Ultrasound Evaluation to Assess Risk of Hemorrhage

Up to 5% of patients in the United States have a postpartum hemorrhage. "Postpartum hemorrhage" means excessive bleeding after delivery. The majority of these bleeds occur immediately with delivery. The current study focuses on hemorrhages that occur in the "medium-term" (1.5-24 hours after delivery). Investigators are examining whether ultrasound exams performed at the beginning of this period 1.5 to 2 hours after birth can identify markers that predict a medium-term bleed. Data collected for this study will include medical and obstetrical history, details about the course and outcomes of patients' labor and delivery, and particulars about postpartum bleeding. This information will be collected through the end of the patients' delivery admission and will allow correlation with the results of the ultrasound exam. If patients are re-admitted to the hospital after the delivery discharge, investigators may also collect relevant information about those admissions up to 6 weeks postpartum. All patients after term delivery (≥ 37 weeks' gestation) will be eligible to participate. Patients will be approached to provide consent for participation as early as feasible during a prenatal visit (≥ 36 weeks' gestation) or during the delivery admission. No subjects will be consented while in significant pain, \>6cm dilated without an epidural, or \>8cm dilatated with an epidural.

Prophylactic Tranexamic Acid To Reduce Blood Loss During Caesarean Delivery.

Postpartum hemorrhage continues to be the leading cause of maternal morbidity and mortality. Globally, it is responsible for 25% of all pregnancy-related deaths. PPH is unpredictable and may occur in the absence of risk factors. Tranexamic acid is an antifibrinolytic proven to reduce blood loss and transfusion requirements for various surgeries. This study aims to explore the effectiveness of tranexamic acid as an adjunct to other uterotonics before the Caesarian Section.

Comparing Intramyometrial Tranexamic Acid and Oxytocin for Blood Loss in Cesarean Section

Cesarean section is the most prevalent operation among women globally, 10-15% (1, 2). Recent research has shown Egypt to be the third-largest country globally, with an estimated 52% cesarean sections (3). However, the cesarean section has many serious complications, including the primary postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) (4). During labor, the average blood loss is about 300 to 400 ml. Bleeding postpartum is known as losing over five hundred milliliter of blood following a vaginal birth and losing over one thousand milliliter after the cesarean section (5). The prime cause of maternal death rate is postpartum bleeding, predominately in poor countries, and the estimated mortality number due to postpartum bleeding is one hundred thousand per year (6). Therefore, it is essential to reduce bleeding during and after CS to diminish maternal mortality and morbidity (7). The most successful technique for decreasing PPH is the active third stage labor management, requiring prophylactic uterotonic drugs like oxytocin, ergometrine malate, prostaglandins (E1, E2, and F2α), and combinations of them, or hemostatic agent as tranexamic acid (Kapron) and Etamsylate (Dicynon) (8, 9).

Evaluation of Maternal & Newborn Health Simulation Lab Centers of Excellence in Nepal

Postpartum hemorrhage and birth asphyxia are the leading causes of maternal and neonatal mortalities worldwide. Prevention and adequate treatment are, therefore crucial. While Nepal has made significant improvements in maternal and neonatal health, these efforts are insufficient to achieve the Sustainable Development Goal 3. Several studies have revealed critical gaps in the knowledge and clinical skills of maternal and neonatal health (MNH) providers in Nepal, likely due to limited clinical experience and practical exposure. Therefore, One Heart Worldwide is implementing the 'Maternal and Newborn Health Simulation Lab Centers of Excellence' project in 7 referral hospitals of Nepal wherein in simulation labs will be established and simulation-based training will be provided to hospital staff with a focus on essential care of labor and birth, bleeding after birth, and helping babies breathe modules. This implementation study will evaluate the project implementation and effectiveness using a REAIM (Reach, Effectiveness, Adoption, Implementation, and Maintenance) framework. A mixed-methods approach will be used to evaluate each component of RE-AIM using a quasi-experimental pre-test and post-test design. The pre-test data collection will be of 6 months' duration. During this phase, the investigators will collect daily data on maternal and neonatal health outcomes (Post-partum hemorrhage (PPH) incidence, proportion of newborns with APGAR score\&amp;lt;7 at 5 minutes' assessment, and rate of maternal blood transfusion after PPH), and also assess the skills assessment scores of the MNH service providers. After the completion of pre-test data collection, training will be provided to MNH service providers of the hospital in the established simulation labs. The daily MNH routine data collection will continue during project implementation phase, and till six months after the training MNH service providers of the hospitals. In addition to the assessments done in the pre-test, the investigators will also assess the reach, implementation status, challenges, utilization, and maintenance of established simulation labs. The post-test assessment of skills of MNH service providers will be conducted six months after the completion of the in-hospital trainings. Written informed consent will be obtained from the study participants. For the quantitative data, descriptive and inferential statistical methods will be used for data analysis. Qualitative data will be analyzed using thematic analysis supported by NVIVO 12 software.

Standard Oxytocin Versus High Dose Oxytocin to Control Postpartum Hemorrhage in High Risk Pregnancy During Elective Cesarean Section

Controlling hemorrhage during and after a cesarean section reduces significantly maternal mortality and morbidity and the present study is important for detection of the effectiveness of routinely increasing the oxytocin dose instead of using the standard dose only in preventing postpartum hemorrhage and additional use of uterotonics in the first 24 hours after cesarean section for high risk pregnancy.