Síndrome de Ogilvie: una complicación poscesárea

Ogilvie's syndrome is acute colonic pseudo-obstruction without mechanical obstruction, is a tipical complication of caesareas and hips surgery. It is difficult to diagnose, mainly, by having clinic similar to paralytic ileus, but with a much higher gravity. Its complications are ischemia and perforation, which can have when establishing a mortality rate of up to 50%. This is a case with bad evolution after caesarea and that despite the medical treatment is complicated with cecal perforation, finishing in a right hemicolectomy.     

Ayuno vs. dieta líquida. Estudio aleatorizado controlado para evaluar la duración de la labor de parto,tasa de cesáreas y satisfacción con la labor

Aim

To evaluate the benefits of allowing oral intake of clear liquids in terms of labor duration, the cesarean section rate, and personal satisfaction.

Methods

A randomized controlled trial was carried out to assess the effects of a clear liquid diet in a low risk population. The primary outcome was labor duration. The secondary outcome was the incidence of cesarean section. A satisfaction survey was performed within the first 2 h after delivery to evaluate the patient's perception of labor.

Results

A total of 348 patients were randomized. The mean duration of labor was 257.75 min in the liquid diet group and 288.40 min in the fasting group (p = NS). There was no statistically significant difference (per-protocol analysis and intention-to-treat analysis) in the cesarean section rate.Patients reported greater satisfaction when allowed to drink during labor than when fasting.

Conclusion

A clear liquid diet during labor did not alter the duration of labor or the cesarean section rate. Allowing a liquid diet during labor was associated with a better perception of the birth process and a higher degree of satisfaction.     

Resultados perinatales en 492 presentaciones podálicas: cesárea vs. parto vaginal

Objective

To analyze the perinatal results in our hospital comparing vaginal delivery and cesarean section in breech presentation singleton pregnancies at term.

Material and Methods

All live ante-partum singleton fetuses in breech presentation, at 37 to 41+6 weeks and days who delivered between July 2006 and August 2010 were included in the study. We compared perinatal results between cesarean section and vaginal delivery.

Results

There were no differences in Apgar score at 5 minutes < 7, pH umbilical cord < 7, base deficits and lactate, neonatal intensive care unit admission or perinatal mortality.

Conclusions

With appropriate maternal and fetal conditions and a qualified medical team, a breech vaginal delivery could be propose obtaining good perinatal outcomes.     

Non-obstructive cecal dilatation and perforation after cesarean section

A case of non-obstructive cecal dilatation and perforation after cesarean section is reported, with a review of the literature on the diagnosis and management of this entity. Fifteen cases have been described. Attention is called to this rare complication and to the accompanying pseudo-obstructive syndrome, the diagnosis of which is important in order to avoid cecal perforation. Non-obstructive cecal dilatation is a life threatening complication to cesarean section, and immediate surgical intervention is important.     

Ileus of the colon with cecal dilatation and perforation.

Segmental dilatation of the colon without obstruction is an unusual but recognizable entity, distinct from mechanical obstruction and paralytic ileus. Cases of ileus of the colon with cecal dilatation following delivery and gynecologic surgery are collected from the literature, and 3 recent cases are presented: 1 following cesarean section and 2 following abdominal hysterectomy. The etiology of this condition is still obscure and the clinical features are deceptive. The occurrence of this entity in obstetric and gynecologic patients is by no means a rarity and warrants a familiarity with and early recognition of this entity on the part of the physician in order to avoid serious sequelae.     

Encefalopatía hipóxico-isquémica tras hematoma espontáneo de cordón umbilical

Objective

To present the case of a pregnant woman with a spontaneous umbilical cord hematoma and to provide a review of the literature.

Subjects and methods

A primigravida, with no antecedents of interest and uneventful pregnancy, was admitted to our hospital in the latent phase of labor. Cardiotocography was unsatisfactory, and an urgent cesarean section was performed.

Results

A 3050 g girl was born, with an Apgar score of 1/3, and was admitted to the intensive care unit. The neonate was discharged with a diagnosis of hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy.

Conclusions

Umbilical cord abnormalities should be suspected when the results of fetal monitoring are unsatisfactory. Histological analysis of the umbilical cord should be performed.     

Recuperación del parto vaginal de nalgas y versión cefálica externa

Objective

To review the obstetric and neonatal outcomes of the application of an updated vaginal breech delivery protocol 10 years after this practice had been discontinued.

Methods

Breech presentations were referred to a dedicated breech unit at 36 weeks where the external cephalic version was offered. If breech presentation persisted, the patients were selected to undergo attempted vaginal delivery if the following criteria were met: a) estimated fetal weight of 2.500-3.600 g; b) frank or complete breech presentation; c) absence of hyperextension of the fetal head; and d) a clinically adequate pelvis. Intrapartum criteria included: a) progression of labor of ≥ 1 cm/hour in the first hour; b) In the second stage, 90 minutes were allowed for adequate descent of the breech, and 1 hour of active pushing, and c) the availability of an on-call expert.

Results

A total of 93 patients showed single live pregnancies in breech presentation after external cephalic version. Sixty-nine patients (73.4%) underwent elective prelabor cesarean delivery, and 24 (26.6%) progressed to attempted vaginal breech delivery, which was successful in 19 (20.1%). Cesarean indications for breech presentation were reduced from 5.7% in 2009 to 2.02% after the application of external cephalic version and vaginal breech delivery (P<.001). We observed no fetal deaths, no Apgar test at 5 minutes of less than 7, no umbilical artery pH of less than 7, and no fetal injuries.

Conclusions

. When antepartum and intrapartum criteria are met, vaginal breech delivery is safe. The availability of an on-call expert allows vaginal breech delivery to be safely performed. The combination of external cephalic version and vaginal breech delivery decreases the cesarean rate for breech presentation.     

Comparación de la efectividad de la pulsioximetría y el electrocardiograma fetal en las situaciones de riesgo de pérdida de bienestar fetal

Objective

To evaluate the effectiveness of pulse oximetry and fetal electrocardiogram in the management of labor with fetal heart rate patterns associated with a risk of loss of fetal well-being.

Subjects and methods

We performed an open, randomized, experimental trial with two groups: pulse oximetry was used in one group and the STAN® technique was used in the other. Each group included 40 women with single, term pregnancies in cephalic presentation and fetal heart rate patterns associated with a risk of loss of fetal well-being. The overall cesarean section rate, indications of risk of fetal distress, and neonatal acid-base balance were evaluated.

Results

No significant differences were found in the rate of cesarean section (47.5 vs 40%; P = .33), indications of risk of fetal distress (32.5 vs 37.5%; P = .41), or neonatal outcomes.

Conclusions

The use of pulse oximetry and STAN®21, as auxiliary methods to cardiotocographic recording, showed no superiority in reducing the cesarean section rate or improving neonatal outcomes.     

Análisis de la finalización de la gestación y morbilidad materna en las gestaciones de 41 semanas

Objective

To evaluate the mode of delivery and maternal morbidity associated with pregnancies ending at 41 weeks.

Material and methods

We designed a retrospective cohort study. The mode of delivery and maternal complications of 230 pregnancies ending at 41 weeks were compared with those in 234 pregnancies ending between 37 and 40 weeks at the Miguel Servet University Hospital in 2005.

Results

Women delivering at 41 weeks had an increased risk of membrane sweep, unfavorable Bishop score at admission, induction and longer duration of labor. These increases were also seen in the rates of operative vaginal delivery (25.6 vs 17.6%, p < 0.001) and cesarean section (21.7 vs 8.5%, p < 0.001).

Conclusions

The rates of maternal peripartum complications increase as pregnancy reaches 41 weeks. Accurate investigation of these rates is important to determine the gestational age at which the risk of continuing the pregnancy outweighs the risk of labor induction.     

Incarceración y torsión uterina en gestante

Uterine torsion is a rare event, especially in the absence of pregnancy. This complication is defined as a rotation of more than 45° around the long axis of the uterus and usually occurs along the transition between the body and the cervix. In two thirds of cases, the torsion is toward the right side. This event is usually caused by the presence of an abnormal condition that affects the uterus and/or the adjacent structures. Clinical manifestations may be acute or chronic, or even entirely absent, in which case the torsion is identified as an intraoperative finding. The diagnosis can only be confirmed during laparotomy. Because of vessel congestion in the broad ligament and the anterior position of the ovaries, low hysterotomy, usually performed at cesarean section, cannot be carried out in certain situations. Instead classical hysterotomy on the posterior surface of the uterus is performed.     

Ensayo clínico controlado de la influencia del entrenamiento aeróbico en la tolerancia al ejercicio y los síntomas depresivos en primigestantes colombianas

Introduction

Depression in pregnancy affects almost 60% of pregnant women and several studies have shown that aerobic exercise can reduce depressive symptoms by increasing physical capacity. However, this effect has not been determined in pregnancy.

Objective

To evaluate the influence of aerobic training on exercise tolerance and depressive symptoms in Colombian nulliparous pregnant women.

Materiales and methods

We carried out a simple controlled trial in 80 nulliparous pregnant women, between 16 and 20 weeks of pregnancy, randomized to two groups. 1) The control group continued their usual activities, with no specific exercise regime. 2) The intervention group performed aerobic training between 50% and 65% of their maximal heart rate for 50 minutes, three times a week for 12 weeks. Exercise tolerance was assessed using the 6-minute walk test and symptoms of depression were assessed by the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale (CES-D) at baseline and immediately after the 3-month intervention.

Results

The mean age was 21 ± 3 years and gestational age was 18 ± 2 weeks. Seventy-four women completed the study. After the intervention, participants who exercised had a higher exercise tolerance, measured by the 6-minute walk test, and a greater reduction in depressive symptoms than the control group, as measured by the CES-D scale, P<.05.

Conclusions

A supervised 3-month program of primarily aerobic exercise during pregnancy reduces depressive symptoms and improves exercise tolerance. These results provide new evidence of the benefits of exercise in preventing maternal depression.     

Colorectal cancer emergencies during pregnancy case reports

Colorectal carcinoma emergencies during pregnancy are exceptionally rare. Three women 38, 31 and 36 years old, in the third trimester of gestation received treatment, respectively, for acute abdomen due to perforation of rectal carcinoma, ileus due to a sigmoid tumor, and deep venous thrombosis (DVT) from a cecal tumor compromising the right iliac vein. In the first two patients urgent cesarean sections were carried out with Hartmann's procedure and a loop colostomy was performed to resolve the ensuing intraabdominal sepsis and ileus, respectively. In the third patient, a cesarean section was carried out to treat the underlying DVT more aggressively, while right colectomy was postponed for three weeks. Restoration of the alimentary tract was achieved two months later in the first case, while in the second and third cases total colectomy due to familial polyposis and right colectomy were performed three weeks after the cesarean section. An overview of the clinical features, diagnostic pitfalls and therapeutic approaches to manage complications of colorectal cancer during pregnancy are discussed.     

Retención intraabdominal de feto posterior a legrado uterino. Comunicación de un caso

Uterine perforation during the first trimester after uterine curettage is a rare complication that occurs in 0.02% to 0.4% of all procedures. The presence of fetus or any of its parts is even less common. We report the case of a 19-year-old patient, gravida I, abortion I, who presented with abdominal pain 1 week after a curettage. Exploratory laparotomy was performed, revealing a perforation in the posterior portion of the right uterine horn with the presence of a fetus in the pouch of Douglas.     

Resultados perinatales de un protocolo de atención para gestantes con riesgo de prematuridad extrema

Introduction

Gestational age and birthweight are the most important variables that influence perinatal outcomes and future quality of life.

Method

An intervention project was applied following a protocol for the perinatal care of women admitted to the Mariana Grajales Perinatal Care Unit in Santa Clara at risk of extremely preterm delivery (26 to 32 weeks).

Objective

To evaluate perinatal results and neonatal survival in this high-risk group.

Results

The causes of extreme prematurity were, in order of frequency, aggravated preeclampsia, premature rupture of membranes, spontaneous delivery, and gastorrhagia in the second half of pregnancy. The most common route of delivery was cesarean section. Birthweight was less than 1 500 g in 52% of the neonates, mainly due to preeclampsia and preterm delivery. Low Apgar scores of 4-6 were found in 12.3% of the neonates with 100% recovery at 5 minutes. Delivery occurred at less than 30 weeks in 30.1%. Pregnancy was prolonged by 8.6 days in preeclampsia, by 6 days in premature rupture of membranes and by 322 days in preterm delivery. The most frequent complications were hyaline membrane disease (15%) and sepsis (36.9%), which provoked one death.

Conclusions

Survival in this group of high-risk neonates was high, decisively influencing the low infant mortality rate in this unit in 2009-2010.     

“Early rupture of membranes” after the spontaneous onset of labor as a risk factor for cesarean delivery

Objective

The objective of this study was to examine if patients with “early rupture of membranes (ROM)” after spontaneous onset of labor are at increased risk of cesarean section.

Study design

The rate of cesarean section was examined in 447 term singleton nulliparas who were admitted after the spontaneous onset of labor. The cases were divided into 2 groups: (1) “early ROM”, defined as ROM at a cervical dilatation <4 cm (n = 109); and (2) “late ROM”, ROM at a cervical dilatation ≥4 cm (n = 338).

Results

(1) “Early ROM” occurred in 24.4% of the cases and the overall cesarean section rate was 5.6%; (2) there were no significant differences in the clinical characteristics including prepregnancy BMI, proportion of complicated pregnancies, total duration of labor, proportion of regional anesthesia, gestational age at delivery, and birthweight between the two groups of cases. However gravidas with “early ROM” were of advanced maternal age and had less cervical dilation on admission, shorter duration of 1st stage of labor, and more frequent use of oxytocin augmentation; (3) patients with “early ROM” had a threefold higher rate (11.9% vs. 3.6%) of cesarean section and a fourfold higher rate (11.9% vs. 3.0%) of cesarean section due to failure of progress than did those with “late ROM” (p < 0.005 for each); (3) 92% (23/25) of cesarean sections were performed due to failure to progress; and (4) there was no significant difference in the rate of histologic chorioamnionitis between the two groups of cases.

Conclusion

“Early ROM” after the spontaneous onset of labor is a risk factor for cesarean section in term singleton nulliparas.     

Ensayo clínico,aleatorizado y controlado para evaluar la eficacia y la seguridad de la administración de 25 μg de misoprostol vaginal frente a 50 μg de misoprostol sublingual para la inducción del trabajo del parto

Objectives

To compare the safety and efficacy of 25 μg of vaginal misoprostol versus 50 μg of sublingual misoprostol for induction of labor.

Patients and methods

Four hundred fifty women were randomly assigned to receive 25 μg of vaginal misoprostol or 50 μg of sublingual misoprostol every 4 h for up to four doses. The main outcome assessed was the number of vaginal deliveries in 24 h.

Results

A total of 155/225 (68.9%) patients in the sublingual group and 154/225 (68.4%) women in the vaginal group delivered vaginally (p = 0.920; RR = 1.021; 95% CI for RR, 0.685-1.521). The mean time (± standard deviation) for starting labor was 2.75 ± 2.20 h in the sublingual group and 3.8 ± 2.77 h in the vaginal group (p < 0.001). The mean number (± standard deviation) of doses was 1.9 ± 0.8 in the vaginal group and 1.6 ± 0.8 in the sublingual group (p = 0.010). Indications for cesarean section and the frequency of tachysystole were similar in both groups. There was a greater need for oxytocin in the vaginal group (22.7%) than in the sublingual group (14.7%) (p = 0.020).

Conclusions

No statistically significant differences were found between the 2 treatment groups in the main variable: the number of vaginal deliveries in 24 h.     

Adecuación de la profilaxis antibiótica en el parto por cesárea

Objective

To evaluate compliance with a protocol for antibiotic prophylaxis in cesarean sections and its influence on the incidence of surgical wound infection.

Patients and methods

A prospective cohort study was carried out to assess compliance with our antibiotic prophylaxis protocol. Percentages of compliance and the cumulative incidence of infection were calculated. The effect of compliance with the protocol for antibiotic prophylaxis on surgical wound infection was estimated with the relative risk.

Results

We included 680 patients. Overall compliance with the protocol was 95.7%. The most frequent cause of lack of compliance was the time of administration (96.6%). The cumulative incidence of infection was 2.5% and there was no association between compliance with the protocol and the infection rate (RR = 4.5; 95% CI: 0.55-38.4; P>.05).

Conclusions

Compliance with the protocol for antibiotic prophylaxis was high. The cumulative incidence of surgical wound infection was low and was unrelated to antibiotic prophylaxis.     

Impacto de la edad materna avanzada en las complicaciones obstétricas y perinatales de las gestaciones gemelares

Objective

To evaluate the pregnancy and perinatal outcomes of twin gestations in women aged 35 or older.

Material and methods

We designed a retrospective cohort study. Maternal complications, mode of delivery and perinatal outcomes were compared in 229 women who delivered at age 35 or older and in 374 women who delivered at age less than 35 years. The computerized database and medical records of pregnant women attending the Miguel Servet University Hospital from January 2001 to December 2007 were retrospectively reviewed.

Results

Older women had an increased risk of conceptions after assisted reproductive techniques (p > 0.001), dichorionic pregnancies (p > 0.001) and gestational diabetes (p = 0.007; 95% CI: 1.119-3.19). There was no significant association between older maternal age and an increased incidence of preterm labor, premature rupture of membranes, fetal growth restriction, cesarean delivery or perinatal mortality.

Conclusion

Based on our data and previous studies, advanced maternal age in twin pregnancies does not seem to significantly increase obstetric complications or adverse perinatal results.     

Ogilvie's syndrome.

Four cases of Ogilvie's syndrome (acute colonic pseudo-obstruction) are reported. All occurred in the early puerperium following cesarean section and cesarean hysterectomy. In three of the patients, the diameter of the distended cecum was less than 9.0 cm and so management was conservative while in the fourth patient it was more than 9.0 cm, and so surgical intervention was carried out. A cecal diameter of 9.0 cm or above is an indication for surgical intervention to prevent possible colonic perforation. Other indications for surgery include established cecal perforation and failed conservative management. It is important that an early diagnosis is made and management instituted in order to prevent complications and associated high mortality.     

Estudio de la integridad del ADN espermático en relación con la calidad seminal y los resultados del ciclo de fecundación in vitro

Objective

To establish the relationship between the degree of sperm DNA fragmentation and seminal parameters, male age and outcome of in vitro fertilization/intracytoplasmic sperm injection (IVF/ICSI).

Subjects and methods

The sample consisted of 43 couples undergoing IVF/ICSI. The mean age of men was 35.62 ± 4.87 years and that of women was 33.88 ± 3.95 years. We prospectively analyzed sperm DNA fragmentation from each patient by the Sperm Chromatin Structure Assay (SCSA) and correlated the findings with seminal parameters (volume, concentration, progressive motility and morphology), IVF/ICSI outcomes and male age. IVF/ICSI outcome was evaluated by measuring the fertilization rate, embryo quality and the pregnancy and miscarriage rates.

Results

DNA fragmentation was negatively correlated with progressive motility (p = 0.000) of fresh and capacitated (p = 0.041) semen. Older patients had a significantly lower percentage of progressive motility in fresh seminal samples (p = 0.034) and worse sperm DNA quality (p = 0.043). There were no significant differences between the fragmentation rate and fertilization rate, embryo quality, and the pregnancy and miscarriage rates.

Conclusions

DNA fragmentation is inversely correlated with progressive motility in fresh seminal samples. DNA fragmentation does not predict the IVF/ICSI outcome but screening for sperm DNA damage may provide useful information in the diagnosis of idiopathic male infertility. Seminal quality is affected by increasing male age.