Branda, Megan E.

ABSTRACT Objective To compare maternal and neonatal adverse outcomes between women who are English proficient (EP) and those who have limited English proficiency (LEP). Design Retrospective cohort study. Setting Single US academic medical centre with interpreter services. Population All pregnant women with deliveries during the study period. Methods We retrospectively identified EP and LEP individuals (categorised by self‐report) who delivered at Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA, from 2015 to 2019. Overall composite adverse outcomes, as well as maternal and neonatal composite outcomes, were measured with generalised linear models and logistic regression, reporting estimates and 95% CIs. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to assess associations between language proficiency and outcome measures while controlling for other clinical factors. Main Outcome Measures Composite overall, maternal and neonatal adverse outcomes. Results Among 10 427 EP and 900 LEP participants, the LEP group had a higher incidence of gestational diabetes, unplanned intensive care unit admission, uterine rupture, postpartum haemorrhage with transfusion, neonatal death and 5‐min Apgar score less than 7. The composite overall, maternal and neonatal adverse outcomes were more prevalent in the LEP group than the EP group in unadjusted analysis. Of these, the composite adverse outcome remained significant when the model was adjusted (odds ratio, 1.40; 95% CI, 1.03–1.90). Conclusions Pregnant women with LEP had increased incidence of adverse delivery outcomes, even in a setting with universal availability of medical interpreters.

Abstract Purpose Overuse of thyroid ultrasound (TUS) has contributed to rising thyroid cancer diagnoses and is projected to increase US healthcare costs from $1.5 billion to $3.5 billion by 2030. This study evaluated the healthcare cost of inappropriately ordered TUS in a national multicenter academic system. Methods This is a secondary cost analysis of a retrospective cohort study across 4 Mayo Clinic sites (Rochester, MN; Jacksonville, FL; Scottsdale, AZ; and the Midwest Mayo Clinic Health System). Adult patients (≥18 years) undergoing their first TUS between January 1, 2017, and December 31, 2021, with at least 1 year of follow-up were included. TUS indications were classified as appropriate or inappropriate using a guideline-based natural language processing algorithm. The primary outcome was a comparison of adjusted 1-year all-cause healthcare costs. A secondary analysis calculated the direct procedural costs of the inappropriate TUS cascade. Results Among 6984 patients (mean age 56 [SD 16.4]; 76.2% female; 90.9% White), 546 (7.8%) underwent TUS for inappropriate indications. These patients were younger (mean age 53.0 vs 56.3 years, P < .0001) but otherwise demographically similar. Adjusted total healthcare costs over 90 days and 1 year were comparable: $4842 vs $5794 and $13 748 vs $14 257 for inappropriate vs appropriate TUS, respectively. The inappropriate TUS cascade, including an estimated 56 subsequent biopsies and 22 thyroidectomies, resulted in a minimum of $576 134 in direct procedural costs. Conclusion While adjusted total costs were similar, inappropriate TUS represents potentially avoidable spending and remains a viable target for cost-reduction strategies. Reducing low-value imaging remains a critical target for cost-saving interventions.

Abstract Background Patients living with diabetes and chronic conditions may face significant burden managing their health. Many of these patients use digital medicine tools such as continuous glucose monitoring systems. Although measures exist to assess treatment burden from tasks such as managing medications and attending healthcare visits, there is no patient-reported measure that captures the burden of digital care. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to validate the Treatment Burden Questionnaire Plus Digital (TBQ + D), a patient-reported measure of treatment burden that includes using digital tools for adults with diabetes. Methods Adult patients with type 1 or type 2 diabetes mellitus completed the 25-item TBQ + D (scored 0 [none] to 10 [maximum] per item; total score range 0–250). We evaluated ease of administration, internal consistency, and tested hypotheses about the relationship between TBQ + D scores and treatment complexity, digital tool use intensity, social risk factors, and digital comfort to assess TBQ + D’s validity. Results Of 324 patients approached, 300 (93%) consented and completed the TBQ + D (mean age 57 [SD 17]; 50% female; 50% with type 2). The mean TBQ + D score was 53.7 (SD 41.6). Internal consistency was excellent (Cronbach’s α = 0.94). As hypothesized, higher TBQ + D scores were reported by patients with type 1 vs. type 2 diabetes mellitus (61.7 vs. 45.7; p = .0008), maximal/moderate vs. minimal to no digital tool use (56.5/60.7 vs. 41.3; p = .001), those on intensive insulin therapy vs. other treatments (61.4 vs. 38.0; p < .0001), and those with greater social vulnerability (p < .0106). TBQ + D scores were not significantly higher in patients with HbA1c ≥ 8% (p = .055) or less comfortable with digital technology (p = .08). Conclusions TBQ + D is a novel and valid measure of treatment burden in patients living with diabetes, inclusive of digital burden, that can play a role in fostering minimally disruptive care for patients with diabetes.

ImportanceThyroid cancer incidence has tripled in the past 3 decades, largely driven by increased detection of small, indolent papillary thyroid cancers. Overuse of thyroid ultrasonography (TUS) contributes to overdiagnosis, leading to unnecessary biopsies, procedures, and potential patient harm.ObjectiveTo evaluate the frequency of and factors associated with inappropriate TUS (iTUS) orders and assess related clinical outcomes.Design, Setting, and ParticipantsThis retrospective cohort study analyzed adult patients 18 years and older who underwent their first TUS from January 1, 2017, to December 30, 2021, at 4 Mayo Clinic sites. Patients with previous thyroid nodule, thyroid cancer, thyroid surgery, or TUS were excluded. Based on documented clinical indications, a validated natural language processing model classified TUS orders as appropriate or inappropriate. Data were analyzed from April 2024 to May 2025.ExposuresBaseline characteristics of patients, clinicians, and clinical encounters investigated for their association with an iTUS order.Main Outcomes and MeasuresThe primary outcome was the proportion of iTUS orders. Secondary outcomes included factors associated with iTUS (sociodemographic, clinical, order-specific, and clinician-related factors) and clinical outcomes following iTUS, including the detection of thyroid nodules, thyroid procedures, and thyroid cancer diagnoses.ResultsOf 11 442 included patients, 8422 (73.6%) were female, and the mean (SD) age was 57.3 (15.8) years with a mean (SD) body mass index (calculated as weight in kilograms divided by height in meters squared) of 29.7 (7.0). Among 11 442 TUS orders, 866 (7.6%) were classified as inappropriate. In multivariable analysis, younger age (age of 18 to 54 years vs older than 65 years; odds ratio [OR], 1.86; 95% CI, 1.56-2.22), hyperthyroidism (OR, 9.04; 95% CI, 6.75-12.11), ordering by nonendocrinology specialties (eg, oncology/hematology; OR, 3.43; 95% CI, 2.47-4.76), and orders not linked to an in-person appointment (eg, portal messages; OR, 2.42; 95% CI, 2.08-2.82) were strongly associated with increased odds of iTUS. Compared with appropriate TUS, iTUS led to lower rates of thyroid nodule detection (202 of 866 [23.3%] vs 6885 of 10 576 [65.1%]; OR, 0.16; 95% CI, 0.14-0.19), biopsies (89 [10.3%] vs 2647 [25.0%]; OR, 0.34; 95% CI, 0.27-0.43), partial thyroidectomies (14 [1.6%] vs 424 [4.0%]; OR, 0.39; 95% CI, 0.23-0.67), and confirmed thyroid cancer cases (16 [1.8%] vs 425 [4.0%]; OR, 0.45; 95% CI, 0.27-0.74).Conclusions and RelevanceIn this cohort study, approximately 1 in 13 TUS orders were inappropriate. iTUS was more common in younger patients, those with thyroid dysfunction, those not seen in person, and in those referred by nonendocrinology specialties. These findings highlight the need for targeted strategies to optimize TUS use and mitigate overdiagnosis and overtreatment.

Abstract Introduction The prevalence of pre‐pregnancy obesity, including pre‐pregnancy class 3 obesity, has increased over time, with significant implications for maternal and neonatal well‐being. Regular physical activity may mitigate these risks. Available data suggest that most pregnant individuals do not meet the recommended physical activity guidelines of accumulating at least 150 min of moderate‐intensity exercise per week. Importantly, limited data are available regarding physical activity patterns in individuals with higher body mass index (BMI), particularly for those with class 3 obesity (BMI ≥ 40 kg/m 2 ). The aim of this study was to evaluate whether pregnant individuals are meeting physical activity guidelines. We assessed self‐reported physical activity across BMI categories including those with class 3 obesity, further subdivided into BMI of 40–49.9 and ≥ 50 kg/m 2 . Methods This is a retrospective cohort study of individuals at an academic hospital system who delivered between May 1, 2018 and May 1, 2023. To be included, individuals had to respond to the following two‐item physical activity questionnaire early in pregnancy: (1) “On average, how many days per week do you engage in moderate to strenuous exercise?” And (2) “On average, how many minutes do you engage in exercise at this level?” From these two questions, total minutes per week of activity were calculated. Individuals met physical activity guidelines if they engaged in ≥ 150 min of physical activity per week. Data were analyzed using Kruskal–Wallis and Chi‐square tests. Results A total of 6884 individuals were incl uded in the cohort. A total of 510 individuals met the criteria for class 3 obesity, with 61 having a pre‐pregnancy BMI ≥ 50 kg/m 2 . Among normal weight individuals (BMI 18.5–24.9 kg/m 2 ), 34% met physical activity guidelines. Overweight and obese individuals were significantly less physically active than those with normal BMI ( p < 0.05). Only 22% of those with BMI 40–49.9 kg/m 2 and 18% of those with BMI ≥ 50 kg/m 2 reported sufficient physical activity. Conclusion Our results are consistent with existing data, showing that pregnant individuals are not meeting physical activity goals. Pregnant individuals who are overweight or obese engage in significantly less physical activity compared to those with a BMI in the normal range, with the lowest levels of activity observed among individuals with class 3 obesity. More data are needed on physical activity among pregnant individuals with class 3 obesity, including evaluation of potential interventions to increase activity as well as barriers to participation. Increasing physical activity in this group may positively impact both maternal and neonatal health.

Abstract The objective of this study was to estimate the average hospitalization cost (AHC) for deliveries affected by severe maternal morbidity (SMM) and analyze trends from 2014 to 2019. The study also aimed to explore cost stratification based on patient, delivery, and hospital characteristics. Using the National Inpatient Sample dataset, all delivery hospitalizations from 2014 to 2019 were identified. Deliveries affected by SMM were determined based on the Centers for Disease Control definition. Deliveries were categorized into three groups: no SMM (nSMM), any SMM (aSMM), and SMM excluding cases with blood transfusion as the only indicator (SMMeBTo). A regression model accounting for survey design and adjusting for variables including age, race/ethnicity, primary payer, income, delivery method, hospital location/teaching status, and hospital region was used to test the trends in incidence. Hospital charges were adjusted using cost-to-charge ratios and presented in 2022 U.S. dollars ($). A regression model adjusting for the same variables was used to assess costs. From 2014 to 2019, 4,444,957 deliveries were identified, with a weighted estimate of 22,224,775. The rates of aSMM and SMMeBTo were 1.9 and 0.7%, respectively. AHC was $5,218 (95% confidence intervals [CI]: $5,200–5,235) for nSMM, $11,101 (95% CI: $11,038–11,165) for aSMM, and $11,541 (95% CI: $114,330–11,650) for SMMeBTo. Hospitalization costs across all SMM categories rose annually from 2014 to 2017, decreased in 2018, and peaked in 2019. All races had significantly higher costs than non-Hispanic Whites across all SMM categories. SMM costs were higher for cesarean deliveries. The highest cost was in deliveries involving a temporary tracheostomy. Urban teaching hospitals and those in the Northeast had the highest SMM costs. Deliveries affected by SMM incur significantly higher costs, with these costs increasing over time. Understanding disparities across patient factors, delivery methods, and hospital characteristics can inform interventions aimed at addressing inequities.

INTRODUCTION: After an increase in labor induction-associated uterine rupture cases, our institution implemented a restrictive trial of labor after cesarean (TOLAC) induction of labor (IOL) eligibility policy. The policy did not allow elective IOL to TOLAC patients and denied medically indicated IOL to patients who met any of the following criteria: two or more cesarean deliveries; body mass index greater or equal to 50 AND without a prior vaginal delivery; a priori predicted success rate of less than 60% AND Bishop score of less than 8. We investigated how this policy affected uterine rupture and VBAC rates. METHODS: This was a retrospective cohort of 4,356 participants with a prior cesarean delivery who delivered a subsequent neonate between 2011 and 2022. Uterine rupture rates were compared before and after implementation of the eligibility policy in 2018. The primary outcomes were uterine rupture and rates of VBAC. Multivariable logistic regression was performed. RESULTS: The uterine rupture rate decreased by 50% after implementation of eligibility criteria (0.9% pre-policy, 0.5% post-policy). The VBAC rate decreased from 30% to 25%, whereas the unsuccessful TOLAC rate decreased from 7.3% to 5%. CONCLUSIONS/IMPLICATIONS: This study supports previous studies that demonstrate IOL in TOLAC patients may increase the risk of uterine rupture. Restrictive criteria for IOL in TOLAC patients decreased the rates of uterine rupture and unsuccessful TOLAC, however decreased the overall VBAC rate. Uterine rupture is a rare, yet catastrophic event, and more studies are needed to develop policies that minimize risk to TOLAC patients and maximize VBAC rates.

ObjectivesFetal growth restriction (FGR) is commonly associated with placental dysfunction, increasing perinatal morbidity and mortality. Visualizing placental vessels in utero would be advantageous for identifying functional FGR cause and determining proper management strategies. We aimed to utilize high‐sensitivity ultrasound microvessel imaging (HUMI) for quantifying placental vessel density (VD) in pregnancies diagnosed with FGR.MethodsThis pilot case–control study enrolled subjects in the third trimester with a diagnosis of FGR (n = 40) and gestational age‐matched controls with normal fetal growth (n = 20) at a 2:1 ratio, respectively. The Verasonics Vantage ultrasound system was used to perform HUMI on each participant at one timepoint. Scanning involved randomized singular value decomposition‐based clutter filtering to identify the villous tree, followed by step‐by‐step scanning to acquire 3‐dimensional‐like data. Mean VD was calculated from three ultrasound measurements per subject. Additional clinical and pathology data were also collected and compared.ResultsSixteen participants were utilized to establish the scanning protocol and 2 met exclusion criteria at delivery. Thus, VD was successfully measured on 42 pregnancies scanned at 35 weeks 5 days on average. In FGR (n = 24), placental VD was significantly reduced compared to controls (P < .01). VD measures were as good at predicting FGR as systolic/diastolic (S/D) ratios (area under the curve 0.86 versus 0.80). In a smaller cohort, VD in placentas with a diagnosis of inflammatory villitis (n = 10) by histology showed an increase in VD compared to those without inflammation (P = .01). Low VD was correlated with increased S/D ratios (P = .03).ConclusionsHUMI is useful for identifying altered placental vascularization in utero for FGR. VD may be a valuable indicator for placental health and could lead to improved risk stratification methods considering underlying biology.

The fetal sheep model has been widely used in fetal therapy research. However, there is a significant degree of variability among published normal values. Our study aimed to evaluate the literature available on normal values for hemodynamics, blood gases, and acid-base status in the sheep fetus and to determine the best possible estimation of such physiologic values. We conducted a systematic review with a comprehensive search of several databases. We included 189 articles in the database and over 2,800 sheep fetuses. Analysis revealed a mean umbilical blood flow of 202 mL/kg/min (95% CI: 182 to 223); mean arterial pCO2 of 49.8 mm Hg (95% CI: 49.2 to 50.3); mean arterial pO2 of 22.3 mm Hg (95% CI: 21.9 to 22.7); mean arterial pH of 7.35 (95% CI: 7.3487 to 7.3562); and mean arterial oxygen saturation of 59.8 (95% CI; 58 to 61.7). Our findings were punctuated by a high heterogeneity, for which we conducted several subanalyses. The results showed high heterogeneity and small study effect in the literature available and provided our best assessment of relevant variables on normal hemodynamics, blood gases, and acid-base status in the fetus after using strategies to mitigate the risk of bias present in the literature.