MFM Clinicians Play a Major Role in Preventing Premature Births

Every day in 34 practices across the country, Obstetrix Medical Group affiliated clinicians engage in a variety of research studies and trials that help reduce the occurrence of preterm deliveries and improve neonatal outcomes. Working collaboratively, they compare clinical approaches to determine best practices and share their findings with the medical community. Their efforts to take great care of the patient, every day and in every way to advance evidence-based medicine, have been successful.

Our randomized trial of a second course of antenatal steroids in patients with preterm labor has shown benefits in reducing neonatal morbidity. Now, we are exploring the effectiveness of the “rescue course” in women with premature rupture of membranes (PROM) between 24 and 32 weeks gestation.

A follow up randomized trial of pessary for placenta previa is also underway. In certain conditions, such as twin pregnancy, our clinicians identified a reduction in the occurrence of premature birth by inserting a pessary over the cervix to relieve pressure off the lower uterus and delay effacement. Currently, our practices are evaluating the benefits of using a pessary with additional patients experiencing placenta previa, with the hope of reducing the occurrence of premature births and improving maternal outcomes. 

What makes our approach unique?

As part of a multi-disciplinary national network, our MFM providers are able to tap into the resources of both maternal-fetal medicine peers and other medical specialists from across a variety of clinical settings. Many of our MFM practices work in collaboration with our affiliated neonatology groups, allowing for increased communication and coordination from the management of high-risk pregnancies through labor and delivery.

Our Center for Research, Education, Quality and Safety (CREQS) serves as a central system of support for our clinicians, providing a variety of clinical insight and resources to aid research efforts including data collection and reporting systems, patient recruitment support, and access to experienced research team to aid in the research process. With the support from the CREQS and our Research Advisory Committee, Obstetrix-affiliated clinicians are empowered to join their colleagues in large-scale, multidisciplinary efforts, as well as propose trials at the individual practice level.

Join us in our efforts to improve patient care.

Obstetrix Medical Group has career opportunities for MFM providers across all levels of experience, including those just starting out, as well as seasoned professionals seeking a career change. With a variety of practice and location types you’re sure to find an opportunity that will fit both your personal and professional interests.

Clinical trials underway:

• A Randomized trial of a vaginal pessary versus current management for placenta previa
• Assessment of new cell free fetal DNA analyses for more extensive chromosome analyses
• A randomized trial of a second course versus placebo for patients with preterm premature rupture of membranes

Completed clinical trials:

• Intrauterine growth restriction increases morbidity and mortality among premature neonate
• Twins and triplets: the effect of plurality and growth on neonatal outcome compared with singleton infants
• A study on optimal management of monoamniotic twins
• Identification of fetal aneuploidy using maternal blood
• Normal tandem mass spectrometry profiles of amniotic fluid
• 17-Alpha-Hydroxyprogesterone Caproate for reduction of neonatal morbidity due to preterm birth in twin and triplet pregnancies (two separate trials)
• Amniotic fluid infection, inflammation and colonization in preterm labor with intact membranes
• Impact of duration of rupture of membranes on outcomes of premature infant
• Removal versus retention of cerclage in preterm premature rupture of membranes: a randomized controlled trial
• Il6 analysis to detect intra-amniotic infection and predict preterm birth in women presenting with preterm labor and intact amniotic membranes
• Detection of microbial invasion of the amniotic cavity by analysis of cervicovaginal proteins in women with preterm labor and intact membranes
• Fetal fibronectin versus cervical length as predictors of preterm birth in twin pregnancy with or without 17-hydroxyprogesterone caproate
• Identification of proteomic markers of intra-amniotic infection in patients with preterm rupture of amniotic membranes
• A randomized double-blinded study comparing the impact of one versus two courses of antenatal steroids on neonatal outcome (the “rescue steroid” approach)
• 17-hydroxyprogesterone caproate for preterm rupture of the membranes: a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial
• Vasa previa: diagnosis and management
• A multicenter prospective study of neonatal outcomes at less than 32 weeks associated with reasons for maternal admission and delivery
• The impact of cfDNA screening on the frequency of invasive procedures in a geographically diverse private network

Want to learn more?

Visit the MEDNAX Center for Research, Education, Quality and Safety page.