Investigators from Montefiore Medical Center and Albert Einstein College of Medicine of Yeshiva University will present abstracts related to developments in diagnosing and treating issues facing Ob/Gyns at the 2014 Annual Clinical Meeting of the American Congress of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ACOG) being held April 26 – 30 in Chicago.

“Montefiore is renowned for its commitment to the community and is on the frontlines of developing innovative approaches to care,” said Cynthia Chazotte, M.D., vice chairman, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology and Women’s Health, Montefiore, and professor of Clinical Obstetrics & Gynecology and Women’s Health, Einstein. “Our abstracts are based on the treatment of a largely underserved minority population in one of the poorest counties in the United States and have the potential to impact care of women across the country.”

Among several other Montefiore/Einstein presenters, Mark Einstein, M.D., M.S., professor and vice chair for Research, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology and Women’s Health, Montefiore Einstein Center for Cancer Care and Einstein, will discuss cervical and ovarian cancer screening, HPV vaccination guidelines and treatment of ovarian cancer on Monday, April 28.

In addition, Dena Goffman, M.D., director of Maternal Safety & Simulation, Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Montefiore, assistant professor, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology and Women's Health, Einstein, will lead a hands-on simulation course to prepare for obstetric emergencies on Saturday, April 26.

Presentations from Montefiore/Einstein investigators will cover topics including placenta accreta, preterm birth, gestational diabetes and the relationship with cardiac disease in women.

Data and presentation highlights include:

1. An Opportunity for Ob/Gyns to Impact the Epidemic of Cardiovascular Disease in Women. This study found that reproductive-aged women prefer to see their Ob/Gyns annually for primary care (65 percent), however, only 35 percent discuss heart health during their annual visits. If Ob/Gyns provide more education about heart health, it would have a significant impact on prevention, clinical care and outcomes of women in terms of cardiac health and other chronic diseases. Presented by Mary Rosser, M.D., Ph.D., Ob/Gyn, Montefiore, assistant professor, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology and Women’s Health, Einstein.  Poster 169. Tuesday, April 29, 3:45 pm.

2. Barriers to Exercise for Urban Parturients. The study found that less than six percent of the pregnant women surveyed participated in a structured exercise program. Multiple barriers included employment obligation, child-care responsibilities, lack of awareness of class schedule, pregnancy complications and inadequate access to transportation. Despite the low class participation rate, 93.5 percent of women reported access to AV equipment and indicated they would do exercise at home if provided with a DVD exercise video. Presented by Rolanda Lister, M.D., Ob/Gyn, Montefiore, assistant professor, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology and Women’s Health, Dena Goffman, M.D. Poster 99. Monday, April 28, 3:45 pm.

3. Outcome of Pregnancy with Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM) is Diagnosed Before or After 24 Weeks. The study compared pregnancy outcomes in women diagnosed with GDM before and after 24 weeks gestation and found that preterm delivery was associated with women diagnosed prior to 24 weeks. Presented by Ivan Manjun Ngai, M.D., Ob/Gyn, Montefiore, instructor, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology and Women’s Health, Einstein. Poster 123. Tuesday, April 29, 3:45 pm.

4. Clinical Outcomes of Anterior Versus Posterior Placenta Accreta. The study evaluated the impact of the location of the placenta on maternal and gestational outcomes associated with placenta accreta. It was found that anterior placenta accreta resulted in significantly higher maternal morbidity and preterm delivery. Presented by Esther Koai, M.D., attending physician, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology and Women’s Health, Montefiore, instructor, Einstein; Dena Goffman, M.D. Poster 113. Monday, April 28, 3:45 pm.

5. Residence in a High Poverty Census Tract is Predictive of Low Birth Weight Among HIV-Positive Women. The study found that among women living with HIV in a high poverty area, a majority of their babies were born with low birth weight. Contributing psychosocial risk factors for adverse birth outcomes included history of rape, maternal viral load and limited access to prenatal care. Presented by Rodney Wright, M.D., M.S., director, OB/GYN HIV Program, Montefiore, associate professor of Clinical Obstetrics & Gynecology and Women's Health, Division of Maternal & Fetal Medicine, Einstein. Poster 56. Tuesday, April 29, 3:45 pm.