J Matern Fetal Neonatal Med. 2024 Dec;37(1):2367090. doi: 10.1080/14767058.2024.2367090. Epub 2024 Jun 23.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Current guidelines recommend multidisciplinary cardiovascular obstetric programs (CVOB) to manage complex pregnant patients with cardiovascular disease. Minimal evaluation of these programs exists, with most of these programs offered at university-based centers.
METHODS: A cohort of 113 patients managed by a CVOB team at a non-university health system (2018-2019) were compared to 338 patients seen by cardiology prior to the program (2016-2017). CVOB patients were matched with comparison patients (controls) on modified World Health Organization (mWHO) category classification, yielding a cohort of 102 CVOB and 102 controls.
RESULTS: CVOB patients were more ethnically diverse and cardiovascular risk was higher compared to controls based on mWHO ≥ II-III (57% vs 17%) and. After matching, CVOB patients had more cardiology tests during pregnancy (median of 8 tests vs 5, p < .001) and were more likely to receive telemetry care (32% vs 19%, p = .025). The median number of perinatology visits was significantly higher in the CVOB group (8 vs 2, p < .001). Length of stay was a half day longer for vaginal delivery patients in the CVOB group (median 2.66 vs 2.13, p = .006).
CONCLUSION: Implementation of a CVOB program resulted in a more diverse patient population than previously referred to cardiology. The CVOB program participants also experienced a higher level of care in terms of increased cardiovascular testing, monitoring, care from specialists, and appropriate use of medications during pregnancy.
PMID:38910113 | DOI:10.1080/14767058.2024.2367090
