Dr. Chapa’s Clinical Pearls.

The stillbirth rate in the US is considerably higher than in many countries with similar resources. In 2021, the United States stillbirth (loss before birth at ≥20 weeks’ gestation) ratio was 5.73 per 1000 births or 1 in 175 pregnancies with 21,000 stillbirths occurring annually. Contrast that to the rate in Japan which is 1.6/1000! The UK and Australia have both implemented stillbirth prevention bundles which have proved worthwhile. It is long past due for the US to have its won national stillbirth prevention bundle. In this episode we will review a publication from Aug 2024 (AJOG) describing this bundle proposal and highlight a letter to the editor from January 9, 2025 in the AJOG in response to that August publication. Listen in for details.

Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) is a rare disorder that causes muscle weakness and sometimes paralysis. It's caused by the body's immune system damaging nerves. While most cases are triggered by respiratory or gastrointestinal infections, vaccinations have also been linked to GBS pathogenesis. GBS can last from weeks to years, but most people start to recover within a few weeks. The earlier symptoms improve, the better the outlook. Physical therapy is important to prevent muscle contractures and deformities. Some people may experience long-term weakness, numbness, fatigue, or pain. A small percentage of people with GBS may have a relapse, which can cause muscle weakness years after symptoms end. On Jan 7, 2025, the FDA required and approved UPDATED safety labeling changes to the Prescribing Information for Abrysvo (Respiratory Syncytial Virus Vaccine) manufactured by Pfizer Inc. and Arexvy (Respiratory Syncytial Virus Vaccine, Adjuvanted) manufactured by GlaxoSmithKline Biologicals. Specifically, FDA has required each manufacturer to include a new warning about the risk for Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) following administration of their Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) vaccine. Who is most at risk for GBS? Where pregnant women affected? This is important information….listen in for details.

Sometimes you read a new study and you just have to say, "You Don't Say?!" In this episode, we will highlight 2 publications which were released Dec 26. 2024 and Jan 6, 2025 which make you say just that. This is a brief, fun, YET STILL EDUCATIONAL, episode...Listen in for details.

In this episode, we will cover 2 topics: the first is brand new in print (01/06/2025 ), and the second is just weird. In the “new” portion we'll summarize a new randomized study published in JAMA Network dealing with gestational diabetes. Should we add glyburide to metformin for GDM control? Listen in for details. In the second portion, we'll focus on unilateral ovarian absence not related to previous removal. Yep! This is why it's very important to check the adnexa at “routine” C-section or “routine” gynecological surgery. It is possible to be missing an ovary…and its weird! Listen in for details!