Innovations in perinatal care, gender affirming care and improving pregnancy outcomes for women with fibroids, were among the topics UCSF clinicians discussed at the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) 2024 Annual Clinical & Scientific Meeting, May 17 – May 19, in San Francisco. The theme of this year’s conference was “Pathways to Progress,” and features novel research and discussions by experts UCSF’s Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences.
UCSF Presentation highlights included:
ACOG 2024 Opening Ceremonies
Andrea V. Jackson, MD, MAS, professor and chair of the UCSF Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, provided remarks at the opening ceremonies of the 2024 conference. Her remarks included “San Francisco pro tips” for conference goers, and described Dr. Katherine Brown’s transformative healthcare equity work with the UCSF Black Wellness Clinic.
Educational Session/Emerging Topics: Late-Breaking Studies in Obstetrics & Gynecology
Antoinette Allen, MD, clinical research fellow in the UCSF Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, presented the results of her study “Pregnancy Outcomes After Laparoscopic Radiofrequency Ablation of Uterine Leiomyomas Compared with Myomectomy,” comparing pregnancy outcomes after laparoscopic radiofrequency ablation and myomectomy. Her research and presentation are part of the Uterine Leiomyoma Treatment with Radiofrequency Ablation (ULTRA) study, a multicenter, prospective cohort study with a cohort of 50 percent women of color – the target population for fibroid care and health care disparities. This new technology can possibly help preserve route of delivery (vaginal versus C-section) options for women with fibroids whereas traditional methods such as myomectomy usually result in a C-section.
Educational Session/Office Practice: What Am I Supposed to Do with THAT RPR: Practical Syphilis Management
Ina Park, MD, professor in the UCSF Departments of Family Community Medicine & Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, provided her expert perspective for how to manage challenging syphilis treatment scenarios. Topics included differentiating syphilis rashes, low titers, discrepant lab results, the reverse algorithm, treatment in pregnancy, follow-up titers, and congenital syphilis prevention.
Educational Session: The Prevention Conversation: Let’s Talk About Alcohol and Other Substance Use during Pregnancy
Tricia E. Wright, MD, MS, UCSF professor and director of Perinatal Mental Health and Addiction Medicine in department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, was among the experts to provide an overview of the impact of alcohol and substance exposure during pregnancy. The session provided evidence-based screening methods as well as tips for providers to acquire skills for communicating and supporting their patients who use alcohol and other drugs. In addition, Dr. Wright discussed the legal requirements for reporting as well as the harms from over-reporting pregnant persons to child welfare.
Educational Session/Emerging Topics: What's New in Gender Affirming Hormone Therapy
Mitzi Hawkins, MD, assistant professor in the UCSF Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, provided a review of recent guidance and evidence-based provision of gender affirming hormone therapy for transgender and gender diverse people.
Educational Session/Obstetrics: The Pathway to Better Prenatal Care: Prenatal Care Innovation in Action
Malini Nijagal, MD, professor in the UCSF Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, presented about the importance of comprehensive and innovative care and support to achieve equitable perinatal outcomes. Her discussion focused on a unique Pregnancy Pop-up Village that focuses on collaborating with support providers outside of the medical system. She discussed the importance of building trust between providers, patients and community, as well as the need to pay attention to health and wellness in a more comprehensive way in the medical setting.
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