Inclusion of body mass index in the history of present illness

To estimate the degree of association between body mass index (BMI) and some of the most common adverse outcomes and conditions in obstetrics and gynecology, and to compare it with the traditional descriptors such as age, gravidity, parity, history of preterm births, history of abortions or miscarriages, and race and ethnic status.

Using a PubMed search, abstracts were identified that dealt with the associations between each of the descriptors (age, gravidity, parity, history of preterm births, history of abortions, racial and ethnic identification, and BMI) and a variety of adverse outcomes and conditions in both obstetrics and in gynecology.

Body mass index had the highest association with the most common adverse outcomes and conditions in obstetrics and in gynecology (53 of 57 [93%]) as compared with the traditional descriptors (age, 39 of 57 [88%]; gravidity, 19 of 57 [33%]; parity, 24 of 57 [42%]; previous preterm births, 22 of 57 [39%]; abortions, 14 of 57 [25%]; and race and ethnic status, 26 of 57 [46%]).

This study underscores the prominence BMI plays regarding its frequently cited associations with an array of obstetric and gynecologic conditions. Body mass index should be included in the opening statement of the history of present illness and in all communications of health care providers regarding obstetric and gynecologic patients.