Delayed interval delivery in multiple gestations

Two multiple pregnancies with delayed delivery after expulsion of dead fetus are presented. Case 1: A woman with a twin pregnancy and one intrauterine fetal death at 20 weeks’ gestation delivered a dead fetus at 27 weeks’ gestation. She delivered a healthy male infant weighing 2430 g at 33 weeks’ gestation (42 d after the delivery of the first twin). Case 2: A woman with quadruplets pregnancy (2 live fetuses, one empty sac, and one fetocide at 7 weeks’ gestation) got a intrauterine fetal death at 21 weeks’ gestation at one fetus among 2 live fetuses and delivered a dead fetus at 24 weeks’ gestation. She delivered a healthy female infant weighing 2110 g at 33 weeks’ gestation (58 d after the delivery of a dead fetus). On the basis of our experience and the review of literature, delayed delivery with careful observation of fetal and maternal condition is recommended for improved survival and decreased morbidity among latter-born siblings. Received: August 1999 / Accepted: 10 January 2000     

Delayed interval delivery in quadruplets

Prolonged interdelivery periods in preterm twin and triplet gestations have resulted in a good outcome for the fetus(es) remaining in utero. This is the second reported case of delayed delivery intervals in quadruplets who were born on 3 separate days. We report on a set of quadruplets following gonadotropin induction of ovulation, in which preterm delivery of the first infant occurred at 26 weeks' gestation. Active uterine contractions ceased and ultrasonography confirmed the remaining triplets to be in separate amniotic sacs with satisfactory heart rate tracings. With bed rest and tocolysis, the delivery of the second infant did not occur until 8 days later. After a further 36-h delay, placental abruption prompted cesarean delivery of the remaining twins. The first infant died of sequelae of prematurity at 7 months, while the remaining triplets survived and are neuro-developmentally normal 1 year after delivery. This report demonstrates the feasibility of prolonging the delivery interval of the fetus(es) in higher order multiple gestations, using tocolysis and watchful expectancy, after the preterm birth of one or more fetuses.     

Delayed interval delivery in twin pregnancies in the United States: Impact on perinatal mortality and morbidity

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the incidence of delayed interval delivery in twin pregnancies in the United States and evaluate the impact of delayed delivery on perinatal outcomes. STUDY DESIGN: A population-based retrospective cohort study was performed using the U.S. "matched multiple birth" file (1995 to 1998), restricting our analysis to twin sets in which the first twin was delivered vaginally at 22 to 28 weeks (n = 4257). Outcomes examined included perinatal and infant mortality and small-for-gestational-age births. Outcomes of second twins in pregnancies that underwent delayed interval delivery of 1, 2, 3, and >/=4 weeks were compared with those in which both twins were delivered contemporaneously. RESULTS: In this cohort, 6.1% (n = 258) of twins had delayed delivery (>/=1 week) of the second twin. Decreases in perinatal and infant mortality were observed only when the first twin was delivered at 22 to 23 weeks and when the delivery interval was /=4 weeks or when the first twin was delivered at 24 to 28 weeks (regardless of delivery interval), there was no benefit in perinatal or infant mortality. Delayed delivery of >/=4 weeks was associated with increased risk of small-for-gestational-age birth in the second twin, regardless of gestational age at delivery of the first. CONCLUSION: When a first twin was delivered at 22 to 23 weeks, delayed delivery of the second twin was associated with reduced perinatal and infant mortality of the second twin if the interval was less than 3 weeks. Delayed delivery of the second twin when the first was delivered at >/=24 weeks had no benefit on mortality.     

An analysis of the maternal and infant outcomes in the delayed interval delivery of twins

ObjectiveTo investigate the treatment methods used for the delayed interval delivery of twins and to evaluate the maternal and infant outcomes.Materials and methodsThe clinical data of 5 patients that underwent delayed interval delivery of twins at Fujian Maternal and Child Health Hospital from 2014 to 2018 were analyzed. The gestational ages at delivery, obstetrical management, the interval between deliveries, and the maternal and child outcomes were analyzed.ResultsThe average gestational age at delivery of the first child was 23⁺³ weeks (range: 20⁺¹–30⁺² weeks). All 5 mothers underwent high ligation of the umbilical cord and received prophylactic antibiotic treatment. Tocolytics were administered to 3 patients, 1 of which had previously undergone cervical cerclage placement. No tocolytics were administered to the remaining 2 patients. The average delayed delivery time was 15 days (range: 3–31 days). The second child was delivered at an average gestational age of 25⁺⁵ weeks (range: 20⁺⁴–31⁺³ weeks). The average birth weight of the second twin was 957 g (range: 360–1930 g). Three of the patients delivered vaginally, 1 delivered via a cesarean section, and 1 required a breech extraction. Of these deliveries, there were 3 neonatal survivals. Pathogens were detected in the cervical secretion cultures in all cases. Two patients had grade 2 placental abruption, 5 had an intrauterine infection, 1 developed sepsis, 1 developed postpartum hemorrhage, and 5 showed a placenta adherence.ConclusionThe delayed interval delivery of twins is a unique treatment for patients experiencing a twin pregnancy. Successful performance of this method can improve the survival rates for the second twin and improve prognosis. However, careful attention is required when performing this treatment to prevent and treat possible complications that may arise during the procedure.     

双胎妊娠第二胎延迟分娩4例临床分析

目的:探讨双胎妊娠第二胎延迟分娩的临床情况、处理及妊娠结局。方法:回顾性分析2007～2010年间首都医科大学附属北京妇产医院及山东胜利油田中心医院发生的双胎妊娠第二胎延迟分娩共4例患者的临床资料。结果:4例双胎妊娠延迟分娩患者第一胎分娩孕周26～31周,平均28周;分娩体重140～980g,平均670g;1例死胎,1例死产,2例新生儿死亡。第一胎分娩后,予抗感染、保胎、促胎肺成熟等治疗,1例行宫颈环扎术。保胎期间宫颈分泌物培养3例阴性;1例发现粪肠球菌,其WBC(10.09×109～17.13×109/L)、C反应蛋白(4.32～47.7mg/L)监测升高;其余3例正常。第二胎分娩孕周为27～37周,平均31周;出生体重1020～2980g,平均1795g,皆存活。分娩间隔时间为7～43天,平均24天。结论:双胎妊娠第二胎延迟分娩是双胎妊娠的一种特殊并发症,处理得当可明显提高第二胎新生儿的存活率。     

Delayed Interval Delivery of the Second Twin: Obstetric Management,Neonatal Outcomes,and 2-Year Follow-Up

Objectives

To evaluate the obstetric management and neonatal outcomes in twin pregnancies with delayed delivery of the second twin, including follow-up.

Methods

This study is a review of four cases of delayed delivery of the second twin in our hospital from 2009 to 2012. The obstetric management of the cases from the expulsion of the first twin to the delivery of the second twin is analyzed. The neonatal outcomes including follow-up for 2 years were reviewed.

Results

The first twins were delivered between 15 and 25 weeks (average 21 weeks) and the second twins were delivered between 25 and 31 weeks (average 27 weeks). One first twin (25 %) survived, while three (75 %) second twins survived. Two out of the three second twins delivered after 28 weeks were in satisfactory condition.

Conclusions

The delayed delivery of the second twins which occurred in the third trimester is associated with favorable outcome, however, the risks should not be ignored.     

Genetic influence on prolonged gestation: a population-based Danish twin study

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to test a possible genetic component to prolonged gestation. STUDY DESIGN: The gestational duration of single, first pregnancies by both female and male twins was obtained by linking the Danish Twin Registry, The Danish Civil Registration System, and the Danish Medical Birth Register. A total of 2588 same-sex twin pairs of whom both cotwins became parents during 1978 to 1996 were identified. RESULTS: The concordance rate for female twin pairs for a gestation of > or =41 weeks and > or =42 weeks was higher for monozygotic twin pairs than for dizygotic twin pairs, which indicates genetic effects. Biometric modeling suggested that genetic factors account for 23% to 30% of the liability to prolonged gestation. The difference in concordance rate between monozygotic and dizygotic male twin pairs was small, and the best fitting model indicated no genetic factors. CONCLUSION: Maternal genes influence prolonged gestation. However, a substantial paternal genetic influence through the fetus was not found.     

Delayed second twin delivery: benefits and risks

Background: An increasing number of reports describe the delayed second twin delivery for days, or weeks with good results in the majority of the cases, and different survival rate between centers, without reported randomized controlled trials (RCTs).

Objectives: This study was designed to evaluate the suggested management of the delayed second twin delivery in the Sabah Maternity Hospital regarding its outcome, possible risks, and benefits.

Patients and methods: Forty-seven twin pregnancies with preterm labor (PTL) of the first fetus between 20–30 weeks, and delayed delivery of the second twin were included in this study. Studied women signed informed consent about the possible risks of keeping the live fetus in the hostile intrauterine environment, and benefits of the prolonged gestation for the second twin. Throughout the conservative treatment of the second twin, the studied women were hospitalized with regular follow up for infections, consumptive coagulopathy parameters, and wellbeing of the second twin.

Results: There was significant difference in the gestational age at delivery between the first and second twin (22.6?±?3.4 versus 34.3?±?2.5 weeks; respectively, p?=?.01). There was significant difference in the birth weight between the first and second twin (435?±?91.2 versus 1472?±?61.5?g; respectively, p?=?.004). The rate of the cesarean delivery was significantly high during delivery of the second twin compared with the first twin (23.4% (11/47) versus 0% (0/47); respectively, p?=?.0001) with high survival rate for the second twin (85.1% (40/47)) after the delayed second twin delivery.

Conclusions: The birth weight, the gestational age, and the survival rate of the studied second twin significantly increased after the suggested management of the delayed second twin delivery.     

Short interpregnancy interval and risk of spontaneous preterm delivery

OBJECTIVES: Short interpregnancy intervals are related to increased prevalence of adverse perinatal outcomes. However, the reported association with preterm birth might be due to confounding by factors such as previous pregnancy outcomes, socioeconomic level or lifestyles. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of short interpregnancy interval on the occurrence of spontaneous preterm delivery. STUDY DESIGN: The prevalence of a short interpregnancy interval, defined as six or less months between a preceding delivery or abortion and the last menstrual period before index pregnancy, was compared between 263 spontaneous preterm (<37 weeks) and 299 term (37-42 weeks) consecutive births. Separate analyses were performed for early (<34 weeks) and late (34-36 weeks) preterm deliveries. Crude and adjusted odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated using unconditional logistic regression. RESULTS: There was a significant association between short interpregnancy interval and spontaneous early preterm delivery, both crude (OR=3.9; 95% CI: 1.91-8.10) and adjusted for maternal age, school education, previous birth outcomes, antenatal care, smoking habits, body mass index and gestational weight gain (adj(OR)=3.6; 95% CI: 1.41-8.98). No significant effect on spontaneous late preterm delivery was found (crude(OR)=0.8; 95% CI: 0.32-1.83). CONCLUSIONS: This study showed that short interpregnancy intervals significantly increased the risk of early spontaneous preterm birth but no such effect was evident for late preterm deliveries.     

Presentation to delivery interval in women with early preterm delivery presenting with preterm labor: the effect of gestational age

Background: To evaluate the association between gestational age at presentation and interval to delivery in women with early spontaneous preterm delivery (PTD).

Methods: A retrospective cohort study of women who presented with threatened preterm labor (tPTL) and intact membranes and had a spontaneous PTD <34 weeks in a university-affiliated hospital (2009–2015). The interval from presentation to delivery was compared between different gestational age subgroups.

Results: Of 67 550 deliveries during the study period, 252 met inclusion criteria. This cohort was divided to three gestational age subgroups at presentation: 24–28^6/7 weeks (n?=?83), 29–31^6/7 weeks (n?=?61) and 32–33^6/7 weeks (n?=?108). Median time from presentation to delivery was 24.5?h. An inverse relation was observed between gestational age at presentation and admission–delivery interval (group A: 74.7?h, group B: 21.0?h, group C: 14.0?h, p?Conclusion: Gestational age at presentation is inversely related to admission–delivery interval in women with tPTL and intact membranes.     

影响极低出生体重儿存活率的相关因素

目的　探讨影响极低出生体重儿 (extremelylowbirthweightinfant,ELBWI)存活率的相关因素 ,以采取相应措施。　方法　将 4 2例ELBWI按体重分为三组 ,并对其临床资料进行回顾性分析。　结果　ELBWI出院时存活 2 2例 ,存活率 5 2 % (2 2 /4 2 ) ;死亡 19例 ,病死率 4 5 % (19/4 2 ) ,放弃 1例。存活率随体重增加而增高 (P <0 .0 1) ,病死率则下降 (P <0 .0 1)。存活者平均住院天数 (33.5± 8.3)d ,住院天数随体重增加而缩短 (P <0 .0 1)。引起ELBWI的主要原因是 :多胎妊娠 (4 5 % ) ;胎膜早破 (2 9% ) ;妊娠并发症 (19% ) ,包括妊娠高血压综合征 (17% )、胎盘早剥 (2 % ) ;妊娠期慢性疾病(7% )。全部ELBWI均存在一种以上并发症。其体重越低并发症发生率越高 (P <0 .0 1)。死亡主要原因是 :新生儿呼吸窘迫综合征、颅内出血、肺出血、呼吸循环衰竭、肾功能衰竭等。　结论　加强围产期保健与监护 ,提高儿科对ELBWI管理及并发症的处置水平 ,是提高ELBWI存活率、降低病死率的关键。     

不同类型早产所致围生儿存活及发病情况研究

目的:探讨不同类型早产是否与围生儿的存活及发病情况有关。方法:回顾分析489例活胎妊娠孕妇(孕28~36+6周)及其分娩的550例新生儿(活产儿539个,死产儿11个),按早产类型将其分为自发性早产(SPB)、胎膜早破性早产(PPROM)、医源性早产(IPD)3组。对3组孕妇和新生儿的临床特征,围产儿的存活和发病情况进行了比较分析。结果:(1)IPD单胎围生儿存活率低于SPB和PPROM(P<0.01)。多胎围生儿存活率无统计学差异;(2)围生儿主要并发症的发病率在3组早产中无统计学差异(P>0.05)。(3)非条件Logistic回归多因素分析结果显示:Apgar 5m in评分,孕周,剖宫产与围生儿的存活成正相关。医源性早产,小于胎龄儿与围生儿存活成负相关。Apgar 5m in评分,孕周与围生儿的发病成负相关。结论:IPD与围生儿的存活呈负相关,IPD单胎围生儿存活率低于SPB和PPROM(P<0.01)。     

Trends in cervical cancer survival in Europe, 1983-1994: a population-based study

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate trends in survival from cervical cancer in Europe and in European countries participating in the EUROCARE study as a function of age, morphology and stage at diagnosis. METHODS: Relative survival and relative excess risk of death within 5 years of diagnosis, as a function of age, morphology and stage, among 73,022 women aged 15-99 years diagnosed during 1983-1994 and followed up to 1999 in each of 18 European countries participating in the EUROCARE study, using data from 34 population-based cancer registries. RESULTS: Overall five-year relative survival was 62%, rising by 2% during the period 1983-1994. The highest survival occurred in Northern and Western Europe and the lowest in Central Europe. Survival falls with age at diagnosis, but mainly for localised disease. Survival is higher for adenocarcinoma in younger women, but higher for squamous cell carcinoma in older women. The proportions of younger women, localised cancer and adenocarcinoma all increased. The main improvements in survival were for women under 65, and for metastatic disease. CONCLUSIONS: Survival in Europe has improved slowly but steadily, but the trend is not geographically uniform. Central European countries and the UK saw little or no improvement, and survival in those countries remains the lowest among participating countries in Europe. Further reduction of cervical cancer mortality in Europe may be expected from expansion of screening, and improvement in the treatment of older women, and of metastatic disease.     

Maternal age and the likelihood of a maternal request for cesarean delivery: a 5-year population-based study

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to examine associations between maternal age and maternal request cesarean deliveries. STUDY DESIGN: Five-year population-based data from Taiwan (1997-2001) that covered 904,657 singleton deliveries without a clinical indication for cesarean delivery that were judged by the attending physician were subjected to multiple logistic regression, year-wise, to examine the association of maternal age with request cesarean delivery, adjusted for health care institutional characteristics. RESULTS: Request cesarean delivery rates steadily increased over the study period within each age group, disproportionately so among the 34+ age group. Women aged < 25 years were less likely than women aged 25 to 34 years (reference group) to request a cesarean delivery (odds ratio range, 0.67-0.88) and women aged 34+ were more likely than the reference group to have a request cesarean delivery (odds ratio range, 1.96-2.01), adjusted for health care institutional characteristics. CONCLUSION: Population-based data confirms the expectancy that request cesarean delivery propensity increases with maternal age.