Gastroenterology consultations in pregnancy

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Obstetrics
• Internal Medicine

Background:

• Gastroenterology (GI) training for fellows includes pregnancy-related disorders, but the gastroenterologist's role remains unclear.
• Characterizing GI consultations in pregnancy can refine trainee education and prepare specialists for practice.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the indications for GI consultations in pregnant patients.
• To define the gastroenterologist's role in evaluating and managing GI disorders during pregnancy.

Main Methods:

• A 3-year retrospective chart review of outpatient GI consultations for pregnant women at a high-volume obstetrics hospital.
• Data collected included referring source, patient demographics, consultation indications, diagnoses, management changes, and follow-up requirements.

Main Results:

• 370 charts were reviewed; most consultations (70.1%) were requested by obstetricians/gynecologists.
• Common indications included viral hepatitis (20.2%), nausea/vomiting (18.9%), and abdominal pain (13.5%).
• Consultations led to a change in diagnosis for 25.1% and management for 78.6% of patients.

Conclusions:

• GI consultations in pregnancy are frequently for non-pregnancy-specific disorders.
• While diagnoses changed less often, management was frequently altered by gastroenterologist input.
• Gastroenterologists must be prepared to manage common GI disorders in pregnant patients.