Last month at the MFMU Steering Committee, we heard some great news: “WE’RE NUMBER ONE!”

The nation’s 14 MFMU Network centers received their “report cards,” ranking the centers’ performance in several key areas over the past five years. Each center is ranked from 1 to 14, with 1 being the top ranking. These are very important measures, and the rankings help determine who will stay in the network as we all re-compete for a spot. It’s a very prestigious network and the competition is strong.

The Utah center includes the University of Utah, McKay-Dee Hospital, LDS Hospital, Intermountain Medical Center, and Utah Valley Regional Medical Center. Our center received the #1 overall ranking in the Network, which consists of 14 Centers totaling about 30 hospitals across the country. 

We were #1 in recruitment, #2 in data quality and #3 in protocol adherence. These are the three most important rankings. We are pleased to recognize the team members and the corresponding hospitals for their great participation in the MFMU Network studies. This achievement is something to really be proud of – “best in the country” is impressive and the result of a lot of hard work. As we come around to the sites over the next few weeks, we’ll be celebrating the success as well as taking a few minutes to look at areas where we can still improve.

Meanwhile, we are currently recruiting for or conducting MFMU Network Studies in the following areas:

• ALPS : Antenatal Late- Preterm Steroids. This study is looking at whether Betamethasone should be given to moms delivering between 34 and 36 weeks. Currently it is given routinely only when a mother is going to deliver before 34 weeks. We welcome referrals of women who may be delivering between 34 and 36 weeks.

• ARRIVE : This study is looking at the benefits/risks of inducing first time moms at 39 weeks. Women are randomized to either induction at 39 weeks or expectant management. Women who would like to be considered should talk with their healthcare provider.

• CMV : Cytomegalovirus is a flu-like virus that most of us will get sometime in our life. When a pregnant woman gets CMV, there is a chance that she will pass it to her baby. Though the percentage is low, there is also a chance that the virus will cause problems for the baby. This study is looking at a possible treatment to keep moms from passing the virus along to their babies. Pregnant women who are in close contact with children (such as day-care or school environments) may want to be screened for CMV.

• HCV : Hepatitis C is a virus that is usually passed by blood sharing. HCV can affect the patient’s liver, and also children of moms with HCV. Collecting information and blood samples at various time points in pregnancy and in the baby’s first eighteen months of life will help doctors learn more about how HCV affects pregnant women and their babies. This is an observational study, there is no treatment involved.

• C/SOAP at IMED and McKay-Dee: We are currently doing a study looking at the Optimal Antibiotic Prophylaxis for women undergoing a C/Section delivery.

• GDM: We are going to be starting a study looking at the optimal treatment for women who are newly diagnosed with Gestational Diabetes.

If you would like information about any of these studies or other research projects you can call the Intermountain Women & Newborn Research Office nearest you:

McKay-Dee:  801-387-4060

LDSH:            801-408-3577

IMED:            801-507-7433

UVRMC:         801-357-7950