|
|||||
|
|
Toward a new modality for detecting a uterine rupture: electrohysterogram propagation analysis during trial of labor after cesarean |
|
| Authors: | Hinke de Lau Kai Tao Yang Chiara Rabotti Marion Vlemminx Galin Bajlekov Massimo Mischi |
| Affiliation: | 1. Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Máxima Medical Center, Veldhoven, the Netherlands and;2. Department of Electrical Engineering, University of Technology Eindhoven, Eindhoven, the Netherlands |
| Abstract: | Objective: Observational cohort study which aimed to explore the potential of electrohysterogram (EHG) analysis for detecting a uterine rupture during trial of labor after cesarean. The EHG propagation characteristics surrounding the uterine scar of six patients with a previous cesarean section were compared to a control group of five patients without a scarred uterus. Methods: The EHG was recorded during the first stage of labor using a high-resolution 64-channel electrode grid positioned on the maternal abdomen across the cesarean scar. Based on simulations, the inter-channel correlation and propagation direction were adopted as EHG parameters for evaluating possible disruption of electrical propagation by the uterine scar. Results: No significant differences in inter-channel correlation or propagation direction were observed between the group of patients with an intact uterine scar and the control group. A strong predominance of vertical propagation was observed in one case, in which scar rupture occurred. Conclusions: The results support unaffected propagation of electrical activity through the intact uterine scar tissue suggesting that changes in the EHG might only occur in case of rupture. |
| Keywords: | Electrohysterogram labor and delivery trial of labor after cesarean uterine electromyography uterine rupture vaginal birth after cesarean |