Volume 49, Issue 1

In present-day obstetrics, cesarean delivery occurs in one in three women in the United States, and in up to four of five women in some regions of the world. The history of cesarean section extends well over four centuries. Up until the end of the nineteenth century, the operation was avoided because of its high mortality rate. In 1926, the Munro Kerr low transverse uterine incision was introduced and became the standard method for the next 50 years. Since the 1970’s, newer surgical techniques gradually became the most commonly used method today because of intraoperative and postpartum benefits. Concurrently, despite attempts to encourage vaginal birth after previous cesareans, the cesarean delivery rate increased steadily from 5 to 30–32% over the last 10 years, with a parallel increase in costs as well as short- and long-term maternal, neonatal and childhood complications. Attempts to reduce the rate of cesarean deliveries have been largely unsuccessful because of the perceived safety of the operation, short-term postpartum benefits, the legal climate and maternal request in the absence of indications. In the United States, as the cesarean delivery rate has increased, maternal mortality and morbidity have also risen steadily over the last three decades, disproportionately impacting black women as compared to other races. Extensive data on the prenatal diagnosis and management of cesarean-related abnormal placentation have improved outcomes of affected women. Fewer data are available however for the improvement of outcomes of cesarean-related gynecological conditions. In this review, the authors address the challenges and opportunities to research, educate and change health effects associated with cesarean delivery for all women.

Objectives In 2014, the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology published guidelines for diagnosing failed induction of labor (FIOL) and arrest of dilation (AOD) to prevent cesarean delivery (CD). The objectives of this study were to determine the rate of adherence to these guidelines and to compare the association of guideline adherence with physician CD rates and obstetric/neonatal outcomes. Methods Retrospective cohort review of singleton primary cesarean deliveries for FIOL and AOD at a single academic institution from 2014 to 2016. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to compare adherence to the guidelines with physician CD rates and obstetric/neonatal outcomes. Results Of the 591 cesarean deliveries in the study, 263 were for failed induction, 328 for AOD and 79% (468/591) were not adherent to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine (ACOG/SMFM) guidelines. Of the failed inductions, 82% (215/263) and of the AODs 77% (253/328) were not adherent. There was no difference between adherent and non-adherent CDs with regard to maternal characteristics, or obstetric/neonatal outcomes. Duration of oxytocin use after rupture of membranes, dilation at time of CD, and birth weight were statistically higher in adherent CDs. On multivariate linear regression, physician CD rates were inversely correlated with adherence to ACOG/SMFM guidelines (p<0.0001), gestational age (p=0.007), and parity (p=0.003). Conclusions Our study shows that physician non-compliance with ACOG guidelines was high. Adherence to these guidelines was associated with lower physician CD rates, without an increase in obstetric or neonatal complications.

Objectives To study the association between induction and outcome among two-parous women in uncomplicated pregnancies ≥ 41 +3 , stratified by first labour delivery mode and conditions present at first delivery. Methods The Swedish Medical Birth Register was used to identify 58,964 uncomplicated singleton pregnancies among women with one previous birth between 1998 and 2014. Women with any registered pregnancy complications were excluded to minimise the risk for indication bias. The outcomes considered were emergency caesarean section (CS), and poor neonatal outcome (Apgar score <7 at 5 min, neonatal death, or meconium aspiration). Results Women who were induced at their second labour had higher emergency CS rates compared to women in spontaneously started deliveries (adjusted risk ratio, ARR: 2.11; 95% CI: 2.00–2.23). Low Apgar score was more common after induction compared to spontaneously started labours (1.0 vs. 0.7%) (ARR: 1.44; 95% CI: 1.18–1.77). Increased CS rates were also found when comparing induction at 41 + 3 to 41 + 6 weeks to labour at 42 weeks or more, regardless of labour start (ARR 1.39; 95% CI: 1.26–1.52). Conclusions We found an increased risk of CS and poor neonatal outcome after second labour induction in prolonged pregnancies. The second labour vaginal success rate after induction was highly dependent, on first labour delivery mode, but also on diagnoses and conditions present at the first delivery.

Objectives Current literature evaluating the role of induction of labor (IOL) following successful external cephalic version (ECV) attempt as compared to expectant management is limited. We aim to assess the risk of cesarean delivery in those undergoing immediate IOL following successful ECV as compared to those who were expectantly managed. Methods A retrospective cohort study of successful external cephalic versions. The study group included 57 women that were induced after procedure in the lack of maternal or fetal indications for induction of labor. These women were compared to 341 expectantly managed women. Maternal and fetal characteristics and outcomes were compared. Results Gestation age at delivery was higher among the expectant management group (40 1/7 vs. 38 4/7 , median, p=0.002) as compared to the induction group. Cesarean delivery rates were similar between both groups (28 [8.2%] vs. 3 [5.3%], p=0.44). In a multivariate logistic regression analysis, only nulliparity was significantly associated with cesarean delivery (adjusted odds ratio 3.42, confidence interval 1.61–7.24, p=0.001). No correlation was found between the version-to-delivery interval and the risk for cesarean delivery. Conclusions Induction of labor after successful ECV was not shown to influence cesarean delivery rates. As immediate IOL may result in higher rate of early-term deliveries, and in light of the lack of clinical benefit, we advocate against elective IOL following successful ECV.

Objectives The purpose of this study is to follow the birth process with transperineal ultrasonography (TPU) and predict the delivery method using angle of progression (AOP). Methods The study included 134 patients. The AOP was examined with TPU in the lithotomy position applied at 4-h intervals, not at a time of straining or contractions. The relationship was examined between AOP and those who continued with vaginal delivery, and those who underwent caesarean section delivery. Results A total of 122 (91%) patients had vaginal delivery and 12 (9%) patients had cesarean delivery. In patients giving vaginal delivery, progress in AOP was observed in every 4-h measurement, but not in patients with cesarean section. In the ROC analysis, if 70% sensitivity and 75% specificity with AOP degree >132.5°, the patient was expected to have vaginal delivery with a probability of 77.5% (95% CI 0.62–0.93; p=0.002). Conclusions Rather than repeating digital examinations, the labour process can be monitored with serial TPU and the type of delivery can be predicted. There is a need for further studies for the measurement of AOP with TPU to become a part of clinical practice in the monitoring of the whole labour process.

Objectives To evaluate the effect of altering vaginal pH on induction of labor in full-term pregnancies using Misoprostol. Methods This randomized controlled trial was conducted at Kasralainy Hospital, Cairo University, Egypt and Algezeera Hospital, Egypt. A total of 218 healthy term primigravida pregnant women who were scheduled for pregnancy termination were recruited in the study. The included patients were divided into three groups; Group A: Those who received normal saline vaginal wash (0.9% NaCl), Group B: those who received alkaline vaginal wash (5% sodium bicarbonate) and Group C: those who received acidic vaginal wash (5% acetic acid). Patients received 25 μg of Misoprostol E1 (Vagiprost ® Adwia Pharmaceuticals, Egypt) every 6 h for a maximum of 24 h (total of four potential doses). Results The ‘acid’ group participants took a mean time of 20.46 h to reach active stage of labor, followed by the ‘normal saline’ group with 21.45 h and the ‘alkaline’ group with 22.59 h. The difference between the groups was statistically significant, with a p-value of 0.013. Conclusions Douching the vagina with acidic solution seems to supplement the effect of Misoprostol on inducing labor in full-term pregnancies, as evidenced by having the shortest mean time needed to reach active stage of labor.

Objectives The purpose of this study was to compare the rate of preterm birth, low birth weight, and foetal growth restriction in assisted reproductive technology (ART) singleton pregnancies diagnosed with vanishing twin (VT) syndrome to those of ART pregnancies that were originally singleton pregnancies. Methods In this retrospective study, 177 pregnancies diagnosed with VT syndrome were matched and compared with 218 primary singleton pregnancies. The preterm birth and low birth weight rates of these two groups were evaluated. All pregnancies were conceived through ART and delivered at Peking University First Hospital and Hebei Xingtai Infertility Hospital from 2014 to 2016. Results The preterm delivery rate (20.90 vs. 8.72%, p<0.05) was significantly higher in the ART singletons with VT syndrome than in the control singleton group. The proportion of low-birth-weight (<2500 g) infants was also higher in the VT group than in the primary singleton group (10.73 vs. 3.67%, p<0.05). In addition, the preterm birth rate of the naturally conceived singletons was significantly lower than that of the ART singletons (6.00 vs. 14.18%, p<0.05). Conclusions ART singleton pregnancies with VT syndrome have higher rates of preterm birth and low-birth-weight new-borns than ART pregnancies that were originally singleton pregnancies.

Objectives Evaluate the association between urolithiasis during pregnancy and obstetric outcomes outside the context of urological intervention. Methods We conducted a retrospective cohort study of singleton, non-anomalous gestations delivered at 23–42 weeks in California from 2007 to 2011. Maternal outcomes (preterm delivery [early (<32 weeks) and late (<37 weeks)], preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, cesarean deliveries, urinary tract infection [UTI] at delivery, chorioamnionitis, endomyometritis, and maternal sepsis) and newborn outcomes (seizure, respiratory distress syndrome, hypoglycemia, jaundice, and neonatal abstinence syndrome [NAS]) were compared using χ 2 -tests and multivariable logistic regression. Results A total of 2,013,767 pregnancies met inclusion criteria, of which 5,734 (0.28%) were complicated by urolithiasis. Stone disease during pregnancy was associated with 30% greater odds of each early (aOR 1.30; 95% CI 1.19–1.43) and late (aOR 1.29; 95% CI 1.18–1.41) preterm delivery. Cesarean delivery, UTI at delivery, gestational hypertension, gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, and sepsis were all significantly positively associated with urolithiasis. Odds of NAS (aOR 2.11; 95% CI 1.27–3.51) and jaundice were significantly greater in the neonates of stone-forming patients (aOR 1.08; 95% CI 1.01–1.16). Conclusions Urolithiasis during pregnancy was associated with 30% greater odds of preterm delivery and increased risk of myriad metabolic, hypertensive, and infectious disorders of gestation. Neonates born to stone-forming patients were more than twice as likely to develop neonatal abstinence syndrome but did not have significantly greater odds of complications of prematurity.

Objectives To evaluate the serum levels of the serine proteinase inhibitor kallistatin in women with preeclampsia (PE). Methods The clinical and laboratory parameters of 55 consecutive women with early-onset PE (EOPE) and 55 consecutive women with late-onset PE (LOPE) were compared with 110 consecutive gestational age (GA)-matched (±1 week) pregnant women with an uncomplicated pregnancy and an appropriate for gestational age fetus. Results Mean serum kallistatin was significantly lower in women with PE compared to the GA-matched-controls (27.74±8.29 ng/mL vs. 37.86±20.64 ng/mL, p<0.001); in women with EOPE compared to that of women in the control group GA-matched for EOPE (24.85±6.65 ng/mL vs. 33.37±17.46 ng/mL, p=0.002); and in women with LOPE compared to that of women in the control group GA-matched for LOPE (30.87±8.81 ng/mL vs. 42.25±22.67 ng/mL, p=0.002). Mean serum kallistatin was significantly lower in women with EOPE compared to LOPE (24.85±6.65 ng/mL vs. 30.87±8.81 ng/mL, p<0.001). Serum kallistatin had negative correlations with systolic and diastolic blood pressure, creatinine, and positive correlation with GA at sampling and GA at birth. Conclusions Serum kallistatin levels are decreased in preeclamptic pregnancies compared to the GA-matched-controls. This decrease was also significant in women with EOPE compared to LOPE. Serum kallistatin had negative correlation with systolic and diastolic blood pressure, creatinine and positive correlation with GA at sampling and GA at birth.

Objectives Congenital cytomegalovirus (cCMV) infection can be easily prevented by hygienic measures. Up to date the majority of the studies in literature highlighted a reduction in cCMV antenatal counseling and its prevention. Our purpose was to evaluate obstetrics providers’ knowledge about cCMV infection, management and the behavioral practices to avoid it. Methods This is a cross-sectional survey carried out in Umberto I Hospital, “Sapienza” University of Rome between November 2019 and January 2020. We recruited 148 specialists and residents in Obstetrics and Gynecology through online anonymous multiple-choice 13-questions, 10 min-survey comparing responses between the two groups. Results A total of 94.6% of all participants said they always prescribe cytomegalovirus (CMV) serum screening: 73.6% of them regularly counsel about preventive practices, with specialists recording higher percentages (85.4 vs. 65.1%, p<0.005). We identified a good knowledge about the diagnostic pathway, but only 58.1% of our population knows the correct time of late amniocentesis. 12.2% of providers do not consider magnetic resonance (MRI) as a complementary exam. Conclusions Prevention of maternal seroconversion is crucial: even if our data show an acceptable knowledge about antenatal counseling, we encourage clinicians to firmly inform and educate women about behavioral measures.

Objectives To evaluate the predictive values of maternal characteristics, biophysical parameters (mean arterial pressure [MAP] and Doppler uterine artery measurements), and biochemical parameters (pregnancy-associated plasma protein A [PAPP-A] and placental growth factor [PlGF]) alone and in association for small-for-gestational age (SGA) fetuses. Methods We performed a retrospective analysis of a prospective observational study that evaluated 615 pregnant women in the first trimester using ultrasonography. For all the women, information regarding clinical and obstetric histories, MAP, and uterine artery mean pulsatility index (UtA-PI), and blood samples for analysis of biochemical markers (PAPP-A and PlGF) were obtained. The patients were grouped according to birth weight as follows: group I (n=571), >10th percentile (control); group II (n=44), <10th percentile; and group III (n=34), <5th percentile. The predictive values of the variables for the detection of SGA fetuses were calculated using a logistic regression model and an analysis of the area under the receiver-operating characteristic curve (AUC). Results The sensitivity rates of the maternal characteristics, biophysical markers (MAP and UtA-PI), biochemical markers (PAPP-A and PlGF), and the association between them were: 23.3, 32.5, 25, and 30% respectively, at a false-positive (FP) rate of 10%, in group II and 26.5, 26.5, 23.5, and 23.5%, respectively, at a FP rate of 10% in group III. Conclusions The predictive performances of the combination of maternal characteristics and biophysical and biochemical parameters were unsatisfactory, with a slight improvement in the predictive capacity for SGA fetuses <10th percentile.

Objectives The World Health Organisation (WHO) has highlighted a marked trend for worse pregnancy-related indicators in migrants, such as maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality, poor mental health and suboptimal care. The aim of this study was to determine whether such adverse outcomes occurred in refugees who moved to high income countries by comparing their antenatal and perinatal outcomes to those of non-immigrant women. Methods A literature search was undertaken. Embase and Medline databases were searched using Ovid. Search terms included “refugee”, “pregnan*” or “neonat*”, and “outcome”. Results The search yielded 194 papers, 23 were included in the final analysis. All the papers included were either retrospective cohort or cross-sectional studies. The refugees studied originated from a wide variety of source countries, including Eritrea, Somalia, Afghanistan, Iraq, and Syria. Refugee women were more likely to be socially disadvantaged, but less likely to smoke or take illegal drugs during pregnancy. Refugee women were more likely to have poor, late, or no attendance at antenatal care. Miscarriages and stillbirth were more common amongst refugee women than non-refugees. Perinatal mortality was higher among refugees. Conclusions Despite better health care services in high income countries, refugee mothers still had worse outcomes. This may be explained by their late or lack of attendance to antenatal care.

Objectives The maternal body size affects birth weight. The impact on birth weight percentiles is unknown. The objective of the study was to develop birth weight percentiles based on maternal height and weight. Methods This observational study analyzed 2.2 million singletons from the German Perinatal Survey. Data were stratified into 18 maternal height and weight groups. Sex-specific birth weight percentiles were calculated from 31 to 42 weeks and compared to percentiles from the complete dataset using the GAMLSS package for R statistics. Results Birth weight percentiles not considering maternal size showed 22% incidence of small for gestational age (SGA) and 2% incidence of large for gestational age (LGA) for the subgroup of newborns from petite mothers, compared to a 4% SGA and 26% LGA newborns from big mothers. The novel percentiles based on 18 groups stratified by maternal height and weight for both sexes showed significant differences between identical original percentiles. The differences were up to almost 800 g between identical percentiles for petite and big mothers. The 97th and 50th percentile from the group of petite mothers almost overlap with the 50th and 3rd percentile from the group of big mothers. Conclusions There is a clinically significant difference in birth weight percentiles when stratified by maternal height and weight. It could be hypothesized that birth weight charts stratified by maternal anthropometry could provide higher specificity and more individual prediction of perinatal risks. The new percentiles may be used to evaluate estimated fetal as well as birth weight.

Objectives Most studies of inhaled nitric oxide (iNO) for prevention of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) in premature infants have focused on short-term mortality and morbidity. Our aim was to determine the long-term effects of iNO. Methods A 7-year follow-up was undertaken of infants entered into a multicenter, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial of iNO for prevention of BPD in premature infants born between 24 and 28 weeks plus six days of gestation. At 7 years, survival and hospital admissions since the 2-year follow-up, home oxygen therapy in the past year, therapies used in the previous month and growth assessments were determined. Questionnaires were used to compare general health, well-being, and quality of life. Results A total of 305 children were assessed. No deaths were reported. Rates of hospitalization for respiratory problems (6.6 vs. 10.5%, iNO and placebo group, respectively) and use of respiratory medications (6.6 vs. 9.2%) were similar. Two patients who received iNO and one who received placebo had received home oxygen therapy. There were no significant differences in any questionnaire-documented health outcomes. Conclusions iNO for prevention of BPD in very premature infants with respiratory distress did not result in long-term benefits or adverse long-term sequelae. In the light of current evidence, routine use of iNO cannot be recommended for prevention of BPD in preterm infants.