What are the novel findings of this work?This is the first study to investigate the cost-effectiveness of different screening strategies for congenital heart defects (CHDs) in pregnancies conceived by in-vitro fertilization (IVF). The most cost-effective strategy is to perform fetal echocardiography (echo) only when abnormal cardiac findings are noted on the detailed anatomic ultrasound scan. Routine fetal echo for all IVF pregnancies is not cost-effective. What are the clinical implications of this work?In current practice guidelines, there is no clear consensus on whether conception by IVF is an indication for performing fetal echo. Based on our cost-effectiveness study of CHD screening strategies in IVF pregnancies, only patients with abnormal cardiac findings on the detailed anatomy scan should undergo fetal echo.

ObjectiveEnhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) protocols are designed to mitigate the physiologic stress response created by surgery, to decrease the time to resumption of daily activities, and to improve overall recovery. This study aims to investigate postoperative recovery outcomes following gynecologic surgery before and after implementation of an ERAS protocol.MethodsA retrospective chart review was performed of patients undergoing elective laparotomy at a major academic center following implementation of an ERAS protocol (11/4/2014–7/27/2016) with comparison to a historical cohort (6/23/2013–9/30/2014). The primary outcome was length of hospital stay. Secondary outcomes included surgical variables, time to recovery of baseline function, opioid usage, pain scores, and complication rates. Statistical analyses were performed using Wilcoxon rank sum, Fisher’s exact, and chi squared tests.ResultsOne hundred and thirty-three women on the ERAS protocol who underwent elective laparotomy were compared with 121 historical controls. There was no difference in length of stay between cohorts (median 4 days; P = 0.71). ERAS participants had lower intraoperative (45 vs 75 oral morphine equivalents; P < 0.0001) and postoperative (45 vs 154 oral morphine equivalents; P < 0.0001) opioid use. ERAS patients reported lower maximum pain scores in the post-anesthesia care unit (three vs six; P < 0.0001) and on postoperative day 1 (four vs six; P = 0.002). There was no statistically significant difference in complication or readmission rates.ConclusionsERAS protocol implementation was associated with decreased intraoperative and postoperative opioid use and improved pain scores without significant changes in length of stay or complication rates.

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It is essential to accurately measure the burden, cost-effectiveness, and impact of pediatric surgical disease in order to make informed policy decisions. Our results indicate that the existing DWs are inadequate to accurately quantify the burden of pediatric surgical conditions. A wider set of DWs for pediatric surgical conditions needs to be developed, taking into account factors specific to the range and severity of surgical conditions.