Surgical site infection after cesarean delivery: incidence and risk factors at a US academic institution

Purpose: To identify the rate of surgical site infection (SSI) after Cesarean delivery (CD) and determine risk factors predictive for infection at a large academic institution.

Methods: This was a retrospective cohort study in women undergoing CD during 2013. SSIs were defined by Centers for Disease Control (CDC) criteria. Chi square and t-tests were used for bivariate analysis and multivariate logistic regression was used to identify SSI risk factors.

Results: In 2419 patients, the rate of SSI was 5.5% (n?=?133) with cellulitis in 4.9% (n?=?118), deep incisional infection in 0.6% (n?=?15) and intra-abdominal infection in 0.3% (n?=?7). On multivariate analysis, SSI was higher among CD for labor arrest (OR 2.4; 95%CI 1.6–3.5; p?<.001). Preterm labor (OR 2.8; 95%CI 1.3–6.0; p?=?.01) and general anesthesia (OR 4.4; 95%CI 2.0–9.8; p?=?.003) were predictive for SSI. Increasing BMI (OR 1.1; 95%CI 1.05–1.09; p?=?.02), asthma (OR 1.9; 95%CI 1.1–3.2; p?=?.02) and smoking (OR 1.9; 95%CI 1.1–3.2; p?=?.02) were associated with increased SSI.

Conclusions: Several patient and surgical variables are associated with increased rate of SSI after CD. Identification of risk factors for SSI after CD is important for targeted implementation of quality improvement measures and infection control interventions.     

Endomyometritis after cesarean delivery in the era of antibiotic prophylaxis: incidence and risk factors

Purpose: To identify the rate of postpartum endomyometritis (PPE) after cesarean delivery (CD) in the era of antibiotic prophylaxis and determine risk factors.

Methods: A single institution retrospective study was performed in women undergoing CD. Data regarding obstetrical and surgical variables were collected. Diagnosis of PPE was made clinically.

Results: Among 2419 patients, the rate of PPE was 1.6% (n?=?38) and was associated with lower age (27.0 versus 31.0; p?p?p?=?.0081). There was no difference in PPE for cefazolin 2?g versus 1?g (OR: 1.91; p?=?.17) or 3?g versus 1?g (OR: 3.69; p?=?.29), gentamicin/clindamycin versus cefazolin (OR: 5.60; p?p?=?.001), sexually transmitted infection during the pregnancy (OR: 4.197; p?=?.02) or blood transfusion (OR: 9.50; p?Conclusions: While the overall rate of PPE was low, several risk factors were identified. Preoperative diagnosis of chorioamnionitits is associated with a higher rate of PPE. Further studies are needed to identify optimal regimens for antimicrobial prophylaxis in women undergoing CD.     

Risk factors for postpartum urinary retention after vaginal delivery at term without epidural anesthesia

Objective: We performed a retrospective case-control study of vaginal delivery at term without epidural anesthesia to identify clinical predictions of postpartum urinary retention (PUR).

Methods: We reviewed the obstetric records of all singleton vaginal deliveries at Japanese Red Cross, Katsushika Maternity Hospital form January 2016 through December 2017.

Results: There were 58 women (2.4%) complicated by PUR and 2391 women without PUR. A multivariate analysis revealed nulliparity, instrumental delivery, and episiotomy as independent risk factors for PUR (nulliparity: adjusted OR 2.39, 95%CI 1.2–4.8, p?=?0.01; instrumental delivery: 3.53, 95%CI 1.9–6.7, p?p?=?.04). While, urination (or urethral catheterization) within 1?hour before delivery revealed as independent prevention factor for PUR (adjusted OR 0.54, 95%CI 0.30–0.99, p?=?.048).

Conclusions: The risk factors identified in our institute seemed to approximately similar to those observed in the institutes capable of performing epidural anesthesia. In addition, urination just before delivery seemed to be an independent prevention factor for PUR.     

Surgical site infection following cesarean deliveries: trends and risk factors

Objective: To identify trends and risk factors for early surgical site infection (SSI) following cesarean delivery (CD).

Methods: A population-based study comparing characteristics of women who have and have not developed post cesarean SSI was conducted. Deliveries occurred between the years 1988 and 2013 in a tertiary medical center. A multivariable logistic regression model, with backwards elimination, was used to control for confounders.

Results: Of the 41 375 cesarean deliveries performed during the study period, 1521 (3.7%) were complicated with SSI. SSI rates significantly deceased over the years, from 7.4% in 1988 to 1.5% in 2012. Using a multivariable regression model, the following independent risk factors for SSI were identified: obesity (OR 2.0; 95% CI, 1.6–2.5); previous CD (OR 1.8; 95% CI, 1.6–2.0); hypertensive disorders (OR 1.4; 95% CI, 1.2–1.6); premature rupture of membranes (OR 1.3; 95% CI, 1.1–1.6); gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM, OR 1.2; 95% CI, 1.1–1.4); and recurrent pregnancy losses (OR 1.2; 95% CI, 1.1–1.5).

Conclusion: Independent risk factors for post-cesarean SSI include obesity, GDM, hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, premature rupture of membranes, and recurrent pregnancy losses. Information regarding higher rates of SSI and preventative measures should be provided to these high-risk women prior to surgery.     

Neonatal clavicle fracture in cesarean delivery: incidence and risk factors

Background: Neonatal clavicle fracture in cesarean delivery is rare and has not been extensively studied.

Methods: We performed a retrospective review of cesarean deliveries with neonatal clavicle fracture during a 12-year period. Maternal and neonatal factors as well as surgical factors related to cesarean delivery for the fracture were determined and compared to the control group to analyze their significance.

Results: Among a total 89?367 deliveries during the study period, 36 286 babies were born via cesarean section. Nineteen cases of clavicle fractures in cesarean section were identified (0.05% of total live births via cesarean section). In the analysis of maternal and neonatal risk factors, birthweight, birthweight ≥?4000 g and maternal age were significantly associated with clavicle fracture in cesarean section. However, clavicle fractures were not correlated with the selected surgical factors such as indication for cesarean section, skin incision to delivery time and incision type of skin and uterus. Logistic regression analysis showed that birthweight was the major risk factor for clavicle fracture.

Conclusion: Clavicle fractures complicated 0.05% of cesarean deliveries. The main risk factor related to a clavicle fracture in cesarean section was the birthweight of an infant. As reported in previous studies associated with vaginal delivery, clavicle fracture is considered to be an unavoidable event and may not be eliminated, even in cesarean delivery.     

Intrauterine cleaning after placental delivery at cesarean section: a randomized controlled trial

Objective: The objective of this study is to evaluate whether omission of intrauterine cleaning increases intraoperative and postoperative complications among women who deliver via cesarean section.

Methods: We randomized 206 women undergoing primary elective cesarean deliveries to intrauterine cleaning or omission of cleaning. Postpartum endomyometritis rates across groups were the primary outcome. We also examined secondary outcomes. To detect a 20% difference in infection rate between the cleaned and the non-cleaned groups (two-tailed [alpha]?=?0.05, [beta]?=?0.2), 103 women were required per group. Analysis was by intention-to-treat.

Results: Two hundred and six were randomized as follows: 103 to intrauterine cleaning and 103 to omission of cleaning after placental delivery. There were no statistically significant differences in the rate of endomyometritis between the two groups (2.0% versus 2.9%, RR =0.60; 95% CI 0.40–1.32). There were no statistically significant differences in postpartum hemorrhage rates (5.8% versus 7.7%, RR 0.75; 95% CI 0.6–1.2), hospital readmission rates (2.9 versus 3.8%, RR 0.75; 95% CI 0.5–1.6), time to return of gastrointestinal function, need for repeat surgery, or quantitated blood loss between the two groups.

Conclusions: Our randomized controlled trial provides evidence suggesting that omission of intrauterine cleaning during cesarean deliveries in women at low risk of infection does not increase intraoperative or postoperative complications.     

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.     

Risk of spontaneous preterm delivery in a low-risk population: the impact of maternal febrile episodes, urinary tract infection, pneumonia and ear-nose-throat infections

Objective

To assess the associations between maternal infections during pregnancy (i.e. ear–nose–throat infection, pneumonia, urinary tract infection, febrile episodes and influenza-like infection) and spontaneous preterm delivery (SPTD).

Study design

Prospective questionnaire data from the Norwegian Mother and Child Cohort (MoBa) study, including more than 100 000 pregnancies and, collected during 1999–2008, were used. Linked data from the Medical Birth Registry of Norway were added. SPTD occurring between gestational weeks 22 + 0 days and 36 + 6 days was the main outcome. Data were analysed in two steps because questionnaires (including information about occurrence of the various infections so far) were completed at different stages of pregnancy. Hazard ratios (HR) were obtained using Cox regression.

Results

The SPTD proportion was low in this cohort: 2.9% and 2.7% at the two analysis steps, respectively. After exclusions, 67 310 and 60 689 pregnancies, respectively, remained for the analyses. Ear–nose–throat infections occurring before week 17 were associated with an increased risk of SPTD in the first (HR: 1.27, 95% CI: 1.08–1.50) and second (HR: 1.26, 95% CI: 1.04–1.52) step of the analysis, but not if occurring later in pregnancy. None of the other maternal infections were associated with an increased risk of SPTD.

Conclusion

In this low-risk population, ear–nose–throat infection in early pregnancy was associated with an increased risk of SPTD. However, infectious morbidity in later pregnancy was not. Thus, the link between maternal infection and preterm delivery may vary in different populations and health care settings.     

Pelvic floor morbidity at 3 years after instrumental delivery and cesarean delivery in the second stage of labor and the impact of a subsequent delivery

OBJECTIVE: To compare pelvic floor symptoms at three years following instrumental delivery and cesarean section in the second stage of labor and to assess the impact of a subsequent delivery. STUDY DESIGN: We conducted a prospective cohort study of 393 women with term, singleton, cephalic pregnancies who required instrumental vaginal delivery in theatre or cesarean section at full dilatation between February 1999 and February 2000. 283 women (72%) returned postal questionnaires at three years. RESULTS: Urinary incontinence at three years post delivery was greater in the instrumental delivery group as compared to the cesarean section group (10.5% vs 2.0%), OR 5.37 (95% CI, 1.7, 27.9). There were no significant differences in ano-rectal or sexual symptoms between the two groups. Pelvic floor symptoms were similar for women delivered by cesarean section after a failed trial of instrumental delivery compared to immediate cesarean section. A subsequent delivery did not increase the risk of pelvic floor symptoms at three years in either group. CONCLUSION: An increased risk of urinary incontinence persists up to three years following instrumental vaginal delivery compared to cesarean section in the second stage of labor. However, pelvic floor symptoms are not exacerbated by a subsequent delivery.     

Chewing gum improves postoperative recovery of gastrointestinal function after cesarean delivery: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized trials

Objective: To examine whether chewing gum hastens the return of gastrointestinal function after a cesarean delivery.

Methods: All randomized controlled trials comparing the use of chewing gum in the immediate postoperative recovery period (i.e. intervention group) with a control group were included in the meta-analysis. The primary outcome was the time to first flatus in hours. Meta-analysis was performed using the random effects model of DerSimonian and Laird, to produce summary treatment effects in terms of mean difference (MD) or relative risk (RR) with 95% confidence interval (CI).

Results: Seventeen trials, including 3041 women, were analyzed. Trials were of moderate to low quality with different inclusion criteria. In most of the included trials chewing gum was given right after delivery, three times a day for 30?min each and until the first flatus. Women who were randomized to the chewing gum group had a significantly lower mean time to first flatus (MD – 6.49?h, 95%CI ?8.65 to ?4.33), to first bowel sounds (MD – 8.48?h, 95%CI ?9.04 to ?7.92), less duration of stay (MD – 0.39?days, 95%CI –0.78 to ?0.18), lower time to first feces (MD – 9.57?h, 95% CI ?10.28 to 8.87) and to the first feeling of hunger (MD – 2.89?h, 95%CI ?4.93 to ?0.85), less number of episodes of nausea or vomiting (RR 0.33, 95%CI 0.12 to 0.87), less incidence of ileus (RR 0.39, 95%CI 0.19 to 0.80) and significantly higher satisfaction.

Conclusions: Gum chewing starting right after cesarean delivery three times a day for about 30?min until the first flatus is associated with early recovery of bowel motility. As this is a simple, generally inexpensive intervention, providers should consider implementing cesarean postoperative care with gum chewing.     

Maternal urinary tract infection and related drug treatments during pregnancy and risk of congenital abnormalities in the offspring

OBJECTIVE: The association between urinary tract infection (UTI) of pregnant women and preterm birth/low birthweight is known, but the possible association between UTI and congenital abnormalities (CAs) was evaluated rarely. Only one study showed an association with atrial septal defect, thus we decided to check this possible association. DESIGN: The population-based large data set of the Hungarian Case-Control Surveillance of Congenital Abnormalities (HCCSCA); most maternal UTIs were based on medically recorded data. SETTING The HCCSCA, 1980-1996, contained 22 843 newborns or fetuses with CAs and 38 151 matched controls, i.e. newborn infants without any HCAs. POPULATION: Hungarian informative offspring: live births, stillbirths and prenatally diagnosed malformed fetuses. METHODS: Case-control pair analysis. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Twenty-five CA groups. RESULTS: A total of 1542 (6.75%) mothers in the case group had UTI during entire pregnancy compared with 2188 (5.74%) mothers in the control group (adjusted prevalence odds ratios [POR] with 95% CI: 1.15, 1.06-1.24). We did not find a higher prevalence of UTI during the second and/or third months of pregnancy in total case group (adjusted POR with 95% CI: 1.1, 0.9-1.2) and in any group of CAs including atrial septal defect type II. CONCLUSIONS: No evidence for the teratogenic effect of maternal UTI and related drug treatments during early pregnancy.     

Perimortem cesarean delivery 30 minutes after a laboring patient jumped from a fourth-floor window: baby survives and is normal at age 4 years

We describe the first case of a perimortem cesarean section on a patient who committed suicide during labor by jumping from the fourth-floor window of the labor ward. The cesarean section was performed 30 minutes after the death of the woman, and a child of 3037 g was born with an Apgar score of 0 at 1 minute. Today, 4 years later, the baby is well and has no apparent neurological problems.     

Neonatal mortality and morbidity after elective cesarean delivery versus routine expectant management: a decision analysis

A number of competing risks and benefits influence the rates of neonatal morbidity and mortality in elective cesarean delivery versus expectant management. To compare these rates, we developed complex decision trees to model the expected outcomes among hypothetical cohorts of 1,000,000 uncomplicated pregnancies undergoing elective cesarean delivery versus 1,000,000 comparable pregnancies undergoing routine pregnancy management. A separate tree was created for each complication, including neonatal death, respiratory morbidity, intracranial hemorrhage, and brachial plexus injury. We found that neonatal mortality was increased among elective cesarean deliveries, but perinatal mortality was higher with routine expectant management due to fetal deaths. Respiratory morbidity was substantially more common among infants delivered by elective cesarean delivery, whereas intracranial hemorrhage and brachial plexus injury were less common. We conclude that the fetal/neonatal impact of elective cesarean is mixed, but any improvement in perinatal health is likely to be small.     

Optimal timing and mode of delivery after cesarean with previous classical incision or myomectomy: a review of the data

Uterine rupture is an obstetrical emergency that can be catastrophic for the mother and fetus. Previous uterine surgery, including previous cesarean delivery or myomectomy, is an established risk factor, although the exact magnitude of the associated risk remains uncertain. We reviewed the literature related to uterine rupture after previous cesarean delivery with classical incision or myomectomy in an attempt to quantify outcomes associated with various management strategies. Although cesarean delivery with a classical incision is relatively uncommon (representing 0.3%-0.4% of deliveries), it presents a significant risk of rupture in subsequent pregnancies (1%-12% on the basis of published reports). Available data suggest that scheduled cesarean at 36-37 weeks optimizes both maternal and fetal outcomes in these cases. Patients with previous myomectomy are more frequently encountered in the obstetrical population. The risk of uterine rupture in subsequent pregnancies in these women is substantially lower than those with a history of previous classical incision (0.5%-0.7% on the basis of published reports). Although less common, given the potentially devastating consequences of uterine rupture, scheduled delivery at 38 weeks is suggested in those women requiring cesarean delivery. Despite the lack of well-controlled studies, preferred management strategies can be gleaned from previously published data to optimize maternal and fetal outcomes in women with these risk factors.     

Predicting vaginal birth after cesarean delivery: a review of prognostic factors and screening tools

OBJECTIVE: Our purpose was to identify the factors associated with vaginal delivery after trial of labor in patients with a prior cesarean and to evaluate the effectiveness of existing screening tools. STUDY DESIGN: Studies were identified through MEDLINE and HealthSTAR (1980-2002), reference list reviews, and suggestions of national experts. RESULTS: Thirteen of the 100 eligible studies provided fair to good quality evidence for the predictive nature of 12 factors. Two of the six screening tools were considered promising and demonstrated reproducibility through validation studies. CONCLUSIONS: There is little high-quality data to guide clinical decisions regarding which women are likely to have a successful trial of labor. Although we identified two validated screening tools that may be reasonable for practitioners to use, further development is needed to deliver them in a user-friendly manner and further research is needed to determine the clinical setting in which they are most useful. Conducting high-quality research on the factors that delineate women who are at higher likelihood of vaginal delivery without complications and developing accurate user-friendly screening tools to integrate these data should be a national research priority.     

Acute antepartum pyelonephritis in pregnancy: a critical analysis of risk factors and outcomes

Objective

To test the incidence and sonographic parameters of pyelonephritis during pregnancy, and to examine risk factors and pregnancy outcomes of women with acute antepartum pyelonephritis.

Study design

A retrospective population-based study comparing all singleton pregnancies of patients with and without acute antepartum pyelonephritis was performed. Patients lacking prenatal care as well as multiple gestations were excluded from the study. Multiple logistic regression models were used to control for confounders.

Results

Out of 219,612 singleton deliveries in 1988–2010, 165 women (0.07%) suffered from acute antepartum pyelonephritis. Abnormal sonographic findings were found in 85.7% of the patients with pyelonephritis. Pyelonephritis was significantly associated with nulliparity (46.1% vs. 24.4%, p < 0.001), younger maternal age (26.3 ± 6.0 vs. 28.6 ± 5.8 years, p < 0.001), intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) (6.7% vs. 2.1%, p < 0.001), placental abruption (3.6% vs. 0.7%, p < 0.001), low 1 min Apgar scores (10.3% vs. 6.0%, p < 0.05), urinary tract infection (UTI) (4.2% vs. 0.4%, p < 0.001) and preterm delivery (less than 37 weeks gestation; 20.0% vs. 7.8%; p < 0.001). Using a multivariable analysis, independent risk factors for acute antepartum pyelonephritis were nulliparity (OR 2.0; 95% C.I 1.4–2.9; p < 0.001), UTI (OR 10.3; 95% C.I 4.8–22.1; p < 0.001) and younger maternal age (OR 0.96; 95% C.I 0.93–0.99; p = 0.009). Using another multivariable analysis, with preterm delivery as the outcome variable, acute antepartum pyelonephritis was found as an independent risk factor for preterm delivery (OR 2.6; 95% C.I 1.7–3.9; p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Acute antepartum pyelonephritis is associated with adverse perinatal outcomes and specifically is an independent risk factor for preterm delivery.     

Atopy, the use of condoms, and a history of cesarean delivery: potential predisposing factors for latex sensitization in pregnant women

OBJECTIVE: Our purpose was to assess the prevalence of latex sensitization among women admitted for delivery and the relevant risk factors. STUDY DESIGN: In a prospective study 333 consecutive patients admitted for delivery were screened for specific immunoglobulin E antibodies to latex and for atopic status. A questionnaire was filled in and included questions about the obstetric and surgical history, known contact with latex, and previous use of condoms. RESULTS: Nine of 333 (2.7%) women showed latex-specific immunoglobulin E. All 9 women had atopy (100% vs 26. 2% in the latex-negative group; P <.00001). Of 8 patients with specific immunoglobulin E who gave details about the use of condoms, 6 had had frequent contact with latex condoms (75% vs 51%). Previous cesarean delivery was more frequent in latex-sensitized patients (33% vs 8.4%; P <.05), whereas previous pregnancies, previous deliveries, and total number of operations had no influence. CONCLUSION: Given a prevalence of 2.7% of latex sensitization, all obstetric patients should be questioned about known immediate allergic reaction to latex, a predisposition to atopy, previous intra-abdominal operations, and the regular use of condoms in the past. Patients with atopy and additive risk factors should be treated in a latex-free environment.     

Pelvic floor morbidity up to one year after difficult instrumental delivery and cesarean section in the second stage of labor: a cohort study

OBJECTIVE: This study was undertaken to assess symptoms of pelvic floor morbidity at 6 weeks and at 1 year after difficult instrumental vaginal delivery or cesarean section during the second stage of labor. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective cohort study of 393 women with term, singleton, cephalic pregnancies who required operative delivery in surgery at full dilatation between February 1999 and February 2000. Postal questionnaires were used for follow-up at 6 weeks and at 1 year. RESULTS: Instrumental delivery was associated with a greater risk of urinary incontinence at 6 weeks and at 1-year postdelivery, adjusted odds ratio [OR] 7.8 (95% CI, 2.6-23.6) and OR 3.1 (95% CI, 1.3-7.6), respectively. Although instrumental delivery was associated with an increased risk of moderate-to-severe dyspareunia at 6 weeks, adjusted OR 3.35 (95% CI, 1.36-8.25), this difference was not significant at 1 year. Cesarean section after attempted instrumental delivery was associated with an increased risk of moderate-to-severe pain during intercourse at 1 year compared with immediate cesarean section, (18% vs 9%) P=.01. CONCLUSION: Although cesarean section at full dilatation does not completely protect women from pelvic floor morbidity, those that followed instrumental delivery had a significantly greater prevalence of urinary symptoms and dyspareunia. Urinary symptoms persist up to 1 year after delivery.