Shazly, Sherif A.

Objective Optimal prescriptions practices of opioids in the post-cesarean period remain controversial. The primary aim of this initiative was to minimize unused prescription narcotic medication, with a goal of ≤4 leftover pills of 5-mg oxycodone at postoperative day (POD) 14 without affecting pain or satisfaction measures. Study Design This was a prospective longitudinal quality improvement (QI) initiative starting in 2017 utilizing the DMAIC methodology. The measurement phase consisted of validated surveys over 3 months, along with chart review to determine current institutional prescription practices and predictors of outpatient opioid use. Resulting recommendations were adopted, and 1 year later, all patients undergoing cesarean were surveyed for 3 months to determine the effectiveness of the intervention. The study was approved by the Department's QI Committee. Results The response rate was 48%, with 50 of 101 patients completing surveys pre-intervention and 52 of 111 post-intervention. Pre-intervention, surplus medication was predicted (p <0.05) only by the quantity of the opioid prescription. In addition, patients who required ≤37.5 morphine milligram equivalents (MMEs) during the inpatient postoperative stay did not require outpatient narcotic prescriptions. Thereafter, a strategy of matching inpatient use to outpatient prescription 1:1 in a linear regression model (p <0.001, R 2 0.55) optimally matched patient needs up to 200 MME. In the post-intervention survey, mean (SD) prescription decreased from 17.6 (13.7) MME to 8.4 (8.3) MME (p <0.01); 39% compared with 16% of women were discharged without a prescription (p <0.01); and amongst all patients 82.7% compared with 59.6% (p <0.01) had ≤4 pills remaining without differences in patient satisfaction or pain perception. Conclusion This initiative highlights a practical approach to QI utilizing industry techniques in health care. This approach resulted in significant reductions in over-prescription and unused medication, without impacting pain or satisfaction scores. Key Points

Importance Bilateral renal agenesis is a rare congenital anomaly associated with poor prognosis. Objective The aims of this article are to review and summarize evidence on prenatal diagnosis and outcomes of bilateral renal agenesis. Evidence Acquisition A search was undertaken using PubMed and ClinicalTrials.gov databases from January 1, 1998, to September 1, 2018. Search terms include “prenatal diagnosis” OR “outcomes” AND “bilateral renal agenesis.” Search was limited to English language. Results Fetal ultrasonography is the primary imaging modality for prenatal diagnosis of fetal urogenital tract abnormalities. However, ultrasonography is limited by several factors; it is operator dependent and associated with small field of view, has limited soft-tissue acoustic contrast, and is also influenced by patient habitus and fetal position. Color Doppler ultrasonography can be used as an adjunct to exclude bilateral renal agenesis by visualizing renal arteries. In the literature, prenatal magnetic resonance imaging has been reported to be equal to or superior to prenatal ultrasonography. Bilateral renal agenesis with oligohydramnios/anhydramnios is associated with a poor prognosis; perinatal death occurs secondary to pulmonary hypoplasia in the majority of cases. Conclusions Ultrasonography in combination with color Doppler ultrasonography permits the fetal urinary tract to be assessed in the first and early second trimester of gestation. The magnetic resonance imaging can be used as a complementary adjunctive modality in equivocal or inconclusive ultrasonographic findings. Target Audience Obstetricians and gynecologists, family physicians. Learning Objectives After completing this activity, the learner should be able to describe the natural history of fetuses with bilateral renal agenesis; explain to patients the accuracy and limitations of the prenatal diagnosis of the anomaly; and counsel patients regarding the perinatal outcome and prognosis of fetuses with this condition.