Prevalence of human immunodeficiency virus in a general prenatal population

Article Abstract:

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV, the virus responsible for AIDS) infections can be transmitted from an infected mother directly to the fetus or the newborn during delivery. There are many benefits from early detection of HIV, including the possibility of early pregnancy termination. It is unknown whether pregnancy affects the course of an already existing maternal HIV infection. There is speculation as to the value of routine testing for HIV infection in pregnant women. The prevalence of the virus in some geographical locations is also unknown. This information would be helpful in establishing testing protocol. During a 14-month period, 585 out of 751 prenatal patients were interviewed to determine their risk of infection. Of the 42 considered to be at risk, three tested positive for the virus (7.1 percent), a relatively low percentage. Patients with no known risk factors tested negative for the virus. It was concluded that only patients at risk should be routinely tested prenatally.

Diagnosis, Maternal-fetal exchange, Complications and side effects, Demographic aspects, HIV (Viruses), HIV, Disease transmission, AIDS (Disease)

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The value of routine urine dipstick screening for protein at each prenatal visit

Article Abstract:

Routine dipstick screening for proteinuria does not appear to predict preeclampsia in pregnant women who are not hypertensive. Proteinuria is the presence of excess protein in the urine. Preeclampsia is toxemia of late pregnancy which causes hypertension, proteinuria, and swelling; in severe cases, it may lead to convulsions and coma. A total of 3,104 women had an average of 10 urine dipsticks for protein each taken during pregnancy. About 93% of the dipstick tests were routine screening tests and about 6% were considered diagnostic tests because of risk factors present in the mother for hypertension. The risk factors were swelling of the lower extremities; an average weekly weight gain of three pounds or more; or systolic blood pressure greater than 140 mm Hg and a diastolic blood pressure of greater than 90 mm Hg.

Testing, Risk factors, Preeclampsia, Pregnancy, Complications of, Pregnancy complications, Urine, Proteinuria

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Rehospitalizations and outpatient contacts of mothers and neonates after hospital discharge after vaginal delivery

Article Abstract:

Hospitals may need different discharge policies for women giving birth depending on the woman's risk factors for a poor outcome. Researchers analyzed re-admission rates among 4,323 mothers and their infants based on how long they stayed in the hospital before discharge. Re-admission rates and use of outpatient care after discharge were higher in the women who stayed longer than 48 hours. These women were more likely to have had preeclampsia, premature delivery or a difficult delivery. Home care visits were associated with lower re-admission rates and outpatient care.

Hospital utilization, Hospital stays, Ambulatory medical care, Ambulatory care utilization

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