American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists Practice Bulletins: Ascertaining Their Citation, Influence, and Utilization

Objective To ascertain the influence and utilization of the American College Obstetricians and Gynecologists practice bulletins (PBs) by measuring their citations in three different search tools. Study Design PBs in obstetrics (OB-PBs) and gynecology (GYN-PBs) published from September 1998 to December 2009 were identified. PubMed, Ovid MEDLINE, and Web of Science were utilized to determine how often PBs were cited. The citations were quantified by three parameters, most citations, highest citation rate, and highest impact factor. Results The OB-PB with the most citations (125) was PB no. 33 (Diagnosis and Management of Preeclampsia and Eclampsia), highest citation rate (44) was PB no. 101 (Ultrasonography in Pregnancy), highest OBGYN impact factor (4.39) was PB no. 71 (Episiotomy), and highest non-OBGYN impact factor (53.49) was PB no. 38 (Perinatal Care at Threshold of Viability). The GYN-PB with the highest citation rate (103) was PB no. 109 (Cervical Cytology Screening), highest OBGYN impact factor (3.85) was PB no. 103 (Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer Syndrome), and highest non-OBGYN impact factor (20.89) was PB no. 35 (Cervical Carcinoma). Conclusions No one PB had the most citations, highest citation rate, and highest impact factor.