Persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn following elective cesarean delivery at term

Objective.?To evaluate the frequency of persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn (PPHN) following elective cesarean at greater than 34 weeks' gestation in an academically affiliated community hospital.

Methods.?Retrospective cohort study involving chart review of 300 newborns with PPHN between 1999 and 2006. Infants less than 34 weeks' or with congenital anomalies were excluded. Subjects were divided into two groups: (1) intended vaginal delivery and (2) elective cesarean.

Results.?A total of 125 neonates were included. In all, 46 were delivered vaginally, 53 by cesarean after a trial of labor, and 26 by elective cesarean. No statistically significant differences were noted between groups in birth weight, gestational age, or length of stay. The crude relative risk (RR) of PPHN in cesareans prior to labor (elective cesareans) when compared to intended vaginal deliveries was 2.0 (95% CI 1.3–3.1). The RR of PPHN in elective cesareans when compared to spontaneous labor resulting in vaginal deliveries was 3.4 (95% CI 2.1–5.5). The adjusted RRs for these outcomes comparing the same delivery groups when considering gestational age at birth (less vs. equal to or more than 37 weeks') were 2.2 (95% CI 1.4–3.4) and 3.7 (95% CI 2.3–6.1), and birth weight (less vs. equal to or more than 2500 g) were 1.9 (95% 1.3–3.0) and 3.4 (95% CI 2.1–5.5), respectively. The incidence of PPHN in the elective cesarean group was 6.9 per 1000 deliveries. The number of cesareans to be avoided to prevent one case of PPHN in this cohort was 387 (number needed to harm, 95% CI 206.8–3003.1).

Conclusions.?Our findings include a high rate of PPHN following elective cesarean delivery, and suggest that physicians should consider this added morbidity when performing elective cesareans.     

Maternal request cesarean versus planned spontaneous vaginal delivery: maternal morbidity and short term outcomes

Since no randomized trial evaluates maternal morbidity from planned cesarean versus planned vaginal delivery, the issue must be addressed indirectly from retrospective cohort studies of vertex fetuses by actual or planned delivery route, and retrospective or randomized studies of breech fetuses by planned delivery route. The available data, although limited, suggest that term planned cesarean and planned vaginal delivery have similarly low rates of absolute and relative short-term maternal morbidity. Endometritis and cystitis are more frequent with cesarean, whereas hemorrhage is more frequent with planned vaginal delivery. Much of the morbidity of planned vaginal delivery is the morbidity of unplanned cesarean in labor and operative vaginal delivery, particularly forceps. Thus, the relative risk of short-term maternal morbidity of planned cesarean versus planned vaginal delivery will depend on the proportion of women in each group ultimately delivering in the planned manner and the frequency with which delivery occurs by an alternative unplanned method.     

Cervical length measured before delivery and the success rate of vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC)

Objective: To test the hypothesis that measuring cervical length (CL) close to the time of delivery is a predictor of successful vaginal birth following a cesarean.

Methods: A prospective longitudinal study included women with singleton pregnancies at 38–41 weeks, who previously underwent a cesarean, and who were interested in trial of labor. Patients who did not have a spontaneous onset of labor were induced at 41 weeks’ gestation. CL measurements were performed prior to labor by transvaginal ultrasound, recorded, and blinded from the caring physicians.

Results: Vaginal birth was achieved in 63/105 (60%) of patients participating in the study. The mode of delivery significantly correlated with CL, Bishop score, and previous obstetrical history. When multivariate analysis was performed, only CL and previous obstetrical history correlated significantly with mode of delivery. In the subgroup of patients with no previous vaginal delivery, only CL had a significant correlation with mode of delivery. The ROC curve demonstrated a high prediction of vaginal delivery by CL for the entire study group and for the subgroup of patients with no previous vaginal delivery (AUC?=?0.8, p?Conclusions: CL measurement after 36 weeks has a high predictive accuracy for a successful vaginal birth after cesarean.     

预防初次剖宫产指南对促进阴道试产的作用

剖宫产术是处理妊娠并发症和合并症、解决难产和宫内缺氧的重要手段。但近年剖宫产率的上升并未明显降低孕产妇和围产儿发病率及死亡率,相反增加了剖宫产术后并发症的发生率。文章分析剖宫产的风险,从孕期管理,个性化引产,提高助产技术,新产程的运用,胎儿监护的管理,臀位外倒转以及剖宫产后阴道试产等7个方面阐述有关预防剖宫产、促进阴道试产问题。     

阴道分娩和剖宫产对女性盆底功能的影响

盆底功能障碍性疾病(PFD)是临床症状表现为盆腔器官脱垂、尿失禁和粪失禁等症状的疾病,妊娠和分娩是产后PFD发生的主要因素.既往研究表明,产后PFD的发生与阴道分娩相关,而剖宫产可预防产后PFD的发生,但是阴道分娩和剖宫产对PFD发生的风险尚存争议.文章分析不同分娩方式对产后盆腔器官脱垂、尿失禁和粪失禁的影响,探讨分娩...     

Validation of the prediction model for success of vaginal birth after cesarean delivery at the university hospital in Barcelona

Objective: To validate the prediction model for successful vaginal birth after cesarean delivery (VBAC) based on variables easily obtainable at the first antenatal visit, in a Spanish population.

Methods: Retrospective observational study. Women with a single live fetus in cephalic presentation with one previous low-transverse CD who underwent trial of labor after cesarean delivery (TOLAC) at ≥37 gestational weeks between January 2011 and December 2015 were identified in the hospital’s information system. Their antenatal medical records and delivery summary reports were reviewed and individual probabilities of successful VBAC were calculated, according to a previously published model. These probabilities were categorized into deciles. For calibration, each decile of predicted probabilities was compared to the observed rates. To assess the accuracy of the prediction model, receiver operating characteristic curve was constructed and the area under the curve (AUC) was calculated.

Results: In total, 630 women who underwent TOLAC had all required information and were included in the study. Among them, 450 (71.4%) women had successful VBAC. The AUC was 0.70 (95% confidence interval 0.66–0.74).

Conclusion: Prediction ability of the validated model was in agreement with the original study.     

Comparison of readmission rates between groups with early versus late discharge after vaginal or cesarean delivery: a retrospective analyzes of 14,460 cases

Aim: The aim of this retrospective analysis was to show the readmission rate of cases with and without early discharge following vaginal or cesarean delivery.

Methods: After exclusion of cases with pregnancy, delivery and neonatal complications, a total of 14,460 cases who delivered at Zeynep Kamil Women and Children’s Health Training and Research Hospital were retrospectively screened from hospital database. Subjects were divided into two groups as Group 1: early discharge (n?=?6802) and Group 2: late discharge (n?=?7658). Groups were compared in terms of readmission rates and indications for readmission.

Results: There were 6802 cases with early discharge whereas the remaining women were discharged after 24?h for vaginal delivery and 48?h following cesarean delivery on regular bases. Among cases with early discharge, 205 (3%) cases readmitted to emergency service with variable indications, while there were 216 (2.8%) readmitted women who were discharged on regular bases. Most common indication for readmission was wound infection in both groups. Neonatal sex distributions were similar between groups (p?>?.05), where as there was a higher rate of cesarean deliveries in Group 2 (p?p?Conclusion: Similar readmission rates were observed in groups with early and late discharges following vaginal or cesarean delivery without any mortality or permanent morbidity and cost analyses revealed 68 Turkish liras lower cost with early discharge.     

Sonographic appearance of the uterus in the early puerperium in vaginal versus cesarean deliveries: a prospective study

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to compare uterine sonographic characteristics in early puerperium, following vaginal versus cesarean deliveries; and in women with abnormal third stage of labor, compared to uncomplicated vaginal delivery.

Materials and methods: This is a prospective study of women after delivery of singleton, appropriate-for-gestational-age weight, term neonates; 66 women delivered vaginally and 33 delivered by cesarean section. Sonographic uterine dimensions (height, length, and width), intracavitary thickness and its echogenicity (at level of fundus, midcavity and cervix) were recorded at less than and after 24?h from delivery, and compared between women delivered vaginally and by cesarean section. Among women delivered vaginally, data were further analyzed according to whether women underwent manual revision of the uterine cavity.

Results: Sonographic evaluations were taken at 15.4 (4.3–24.0) and 39.5 (28.8–108.8) hours after delivery (median, range). We found no clinically significant differences in uterine characteristics according to mode of delivery or according to manual revision of the uterine cavity. The sonographic appearance of the uterus was similar when performed at less than or after 24?h from delivery.

Conclusions: Postpartum sonographic evaluation of the uterus appears similar after vaginal and cesarean deliveries.     

Comparison of cesarean versus vaginal delivery of extremely preterm gestations in breech presentation: retrospective cohort study

Objective: As survival increases at earlier gestational ages, the optimal mode of delivery, especially in cases of breech presentation, is of increasing importance. The objective of this study was to compare outcomes of vaginal delivery (VD) and cesarean section (CS) births for infants in breech presentation at borderline viability.

Study design: A retrospective chart review of live breech births between 23?+?0 and 25?+?6 weeks gestation at a tertiary university center from 2003 to 2013 was conducted. Those delivered vaginally were compared with those delivered by CS. Stillbirths and deliveries where no resuscitation was intended were removed from the analysis. Variables were compared using a Student t-test (continuous), Mann–Whitney U test (categorical), or a Chi-squared test (count). Logistic regression analysis was performed to further evaluate the results. Results with p?Results: One hundred seventy-six births were included, 36 VD and 140 CS. Baseline characteristics were similar between groups. Gestational age at delivery was significantly higher in CS deliveries (24.9?±?0.6 versus 24.5?±?0.7, p?=?.0007). The rate of neonatal death (23.6% versus 44.4%, p?=?.0127) was significantly lower in those born by CS. All other neonatal outcomes including Apgar scores at one and 5?min, cord gases, birth weight, length of stay in NICU, incidence of respiratory complications, and incidence of high-grade IVH demonstrated no significant differences. Logistic regression suggested that male sex, lower birth weight, and earlier gestational age are significantly associated with neonatal mortality. Thirty percent of uterine incisions were of the classical, high transverse or inverted-T types. The estimated blood loss was significantly higher in CS births (706.6?±?226.4 versus 327.4?±?174.1?mL, p?Conclusion: CS delivery of breech infants at borderline viability had a protective effect on neonatal mortality compared to VD depending on the regression model utilized. Infant sex, birth weight, and gestational age also contribute significantly to neonatal mortality. A prospective study of planned method of delivery is recommended to further explore this finding.     

Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) for pain control after vaginal delivery and cesarean section

Abstract

Objective: The present study aims to determine the efficiency and reliability of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) in the management of pain related with uterine contractions after vaginal delivery and the pain related with both abdominal incision uterine contractions after cesarean section.

Methods: A hundred healthy women who underwent cesarean section under general anesthesia were randomly assigned to the placebo group (Group 1) or the TENS group (Group 2), while 100 women who delivered by vaginal route without episiotomy were randomized into the placebo group (Group 3) or the TENS group (Group 4).

Results: The patients in Group 2 had statistically lower visual analog scale (VAS) and verbal numerical scale (VNS) scores than the patients in Group 1 (p?<?0.001 for both). The patients in Group 4 had statistically lower VAS and VNS scores than the patients in Group 3 (p?=?0.022 and p?=?0.005, respectively). The analgesic requirement at the eighth hour of cesarean section was significantly lower in the patients who were treated with TENS (p?=?0.006). The need for analgesics at the eighth hour of vaginal delivery was statistically similar in the patients who were treated with TENS and the patients who received placebo (p?=?0.830).

Conclusion: TENS is an effective, reliable, practical and easily available modality of treatment for postpartum pain.     

Mode of delivery in the early preterm infant (<28 weeks)

Elective caesarean section for women in labour with an immature baby might reduce the chances of fetal or neonatal death, but might also increase the risk of maternal morbidity. A review (updated in February 2004) of randomised trials comparing a policy of elective caesarean section versus expectant management with recourse to caesarean section produced six studies involving only 122 women. Differences in fetal outcome did not reach significance, but mothers undergoing elective caesarean section were more likely to have serious morbidity. Scientifically, the evidence remains inadequate. Clinically, the recommendation is that prematurity is not, in itself, an indication for caesarean section. In a survey from Israel, published in December 2004, of 2955 very low birthweight infants born at 24–34 weeks of gestation, the overall caesarean section rate was 51.7%, and the mortality rate among babies prior to discharge was lower after caesarean section (13.2 versus 21.8%). After adjustment using multiple logistic regression, caesarean section had no effect on survival except in a subgroup with amnionitis, and it was again concluded that caesarean section cannot be routinely recommended unless there are other indications. A decision model developed in the USA has compared costs and health outcomes of two options for managing labour at 24 weeks of gestation. The probabilities of both intact survival (16.8 versus 12.9%) and survival with major morbidity (39.2 versus 19.4%) are higher with willingness to perform caesarean section, but less aggressive management is the more cost-effective strategy. Large studies are few and recruitment to such studies is perceived as a major problem. For clinicians, the decision will be influenced by local circumstances.     

Recent trends and patterns in cesarean and vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC) deliveries in the United States

Cesarean delivery is the most common major surgical procedure for women in the United States, with 1.4 million surgeries annually. In 2008, nearly one-third (32.3%) of US births were by cesarean delivery. Cesarean delivery rates have increased rapidly in the United States in recent years because of an increasing primary cesarean delivery rate and a declining vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC) rate. In 2007, the VBAC rate was 8.3% in a 22-state reporting area. The US VBAC rate was lowest among 14 industrialized countries; 3 countries had VBAC rates greater than 50%.     

Sublingual misoprostol is as effective as intravenous oxytocin to reduce intra-operative blood loss during cesarean delivery in women living at high altitude

Objective: To assess the effect of sublingual misoprostol compared to intravenous oxytocin for blood loss during cesarean delivery in women living at high altitude.

Study design: In a randomized trial, conducted in Quito, Ecuador (2800?m above sea level), 100 women received either sublingual misoprostol (400?µg) or intravenous oxytocin (10?IU).

Results: Bleeding in the misoprostol was no different than in the oxytocin group. Shivering was reported in 66% of women in the misoprostol group.

Conclusion: Sublingual misoprostol might be a valid alternative to oxytocin reduce intra-operative blood loss during cesarean section in women living at high altitude.     

Vaginal delivery among women who underwent labor induction with vaginal dinoprostone (PGE2) insert: a retrospective study of 1656 women in China

Objective: This study aimed to qualify relevant factors for vaginal delivery among women who underwent labor induction with vaginal dinoprostone (PGE2) insert in a Chinese tertiary maternity hospital.

Material and methods: A retrospective study was conducted in Hubei Maternal and Child Health Hospital. A total of 1656 pregnancies that underwent labor induction with vaginal dinoprostone insert between January and August 2016 were finally included in this study. Data were analyzed using univariate and multivariable regression modeling.

Results: Of 1656 women with PGE2-induced labor at term, 396 (23.91%) gave birth by cesarean section, 1260 (76.09%) had a vaginal delivery among which 921 (55.61%) delivered vaginally within 24?h. Multivariable regression analysis showed that maternal age (p?p?p?=?.009, OR = 0.98, 95%CI 0.96–0.99), and birth weight (p?p?p?p?=?.004, OR = 0.96, 95%CI 0.94–0.99), and birth weight (p?Conclusions: Our findings suggested a vaginal delivery rate of 76.09% when dinoprostone vaginal insert was used for labor induction, which was markedly higher than the overall annual vaginal delivery rate of 65.1% in China during 2014. Maternal age, parity, baseline fetal heart rate, and birth weight were significant factors for vaginal delivery. This study enables us to better understand the efficiency of dinoprostone and the potential predictors of vaginal delivery in dinoprostone-induced labor, which may be helpful to guide the clinical use of dinoprostone and therefore provide better service clinically.     

两种悬吊术治疗女性压力性尿失禁疗效比较

目的探讨经闭孔尿道中段无张力悬吊术和改良尿道中段无张力悬吊术在治疗女性压力性尿失禁中的疗效。方法 2008年5月至2009年5月在南京医科大学附属常州市第二人民医院将100例压力性尿失禁患者随机分成两组,一组进行经闭孔尿道中段无张力悬吊术,简称闭孔组,作为对照组;另一组行改良尿道中段无张力悬吊术,简称改良组;比较两组术中情况及术后疗效。结果分别对两种方法的手术时间,术中出血量,排气时间及住院时间等指标进行统计学分析(P<0.05),结果表明改良组较对照组手术时间短,术中出血少,住院时间短(P<0.05);而改良组在术后1年的复发率较对照组差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。结论改良尿道中段无张力悬吊术手术更简单,短期疗效满意,对患者生存质量有很大改善,但对其长期疗效还有待进一步研究。