Liggins and Howie’s landmark paper in 1972 demonstrated that a single course of corticosteroids given to women at risk for preterm delivery reduced the incidence of respiratory distress syndrome and mortality in the offspring. After almost 50 years and a plethora of studies, the optimal timing of corticosteroid remains unclear. The benefits of a single…
In this update: New definition for postpartum hemorrhage from the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists Tranexamic acid as first-line medication 1:1 ratio of packed red blood cells (PRBC) to fresh frozen plasma (FFP) Postpartum hemorrhage is defined as cumulative blood loss greater than or equal to 1,000 mL or bleeding associated with signs/symptoms of…
When Samuel Johnson was born at Norton Children’s Hospital with a diaphragmatic hernia, a highly trained and specialized team was ready. “We have well-thought-out plans, a process in place to take care of children with diaphragmatic hernias,” said Ketan C. Mehta, M.D., of Norton Children’s Neonatology. “They are complicated cases and require aggressive and very…
Intrauterine transfusion is an essential treatment for severe fetal anemia. The procedure is performed between 18 and 35 weeks after fetal ultrasound is suggestive of fetal anemia or hydrops. In a sterile environment, fetal blood is obtained via percutaneous umbilical blood sampling. Transfusion is recommended for a fetal hematocrit less than 30 cc, which can…
A “high-risk pregnancy” can mean many things. However, pregnant women who need extra care to have a healthy pregnancy and delivery should be referred to a maternal-fetal medicine specialist. Norton Children’s Maternal-Fetal Medicine provides services in Louisville, Paducah and Bowling Green, Kentucky, and Madison, Indiana. The practice offers: Diagnosis and counseling for fetal abnormalities and…