Manejo expectante en preeclampsia severa remota del término (24-33,6 semanas): experiencia en centro de alta complejidad / Expectant management in severe preeclampsia remote from term (24-33.6 weeks): experience in a high complexity center

Resumen Introducción: la preeclampsia severa antes de 34 semanas de gestación tiene alto riesgo de complicaciones maternas y fetales. El manejo expectante, pudiera reducir el riesgo de complicaciones de un parto prematuro. Objetivo: evaluar la efectividad comparativa del manejo expectante en la prevención de desenlaces adversos maternos y perinatales de las pacientes con preeclampsia severa remota del término. Metodología: estudio de cohorte retrospectivo en gestantes con preeclampsia severa entre la 24 a 33,6 semanas, admitidas en un centro de alta complejidad colombiano entre 2011 y 2019. Se compararon medidas descriptivas según el manejo expectante o intervencionistas como grupo de referencia y, de asociación con los desenlaces compuestos maternos y neonatales, además se ajustó por edad gestacional menor a 28 semanas al parto. Resultados: se analizaron 134 pacientes, 110 con manejo expectante y 24 con intervencionista. El manejo expectante tuvo menor probabilidad de cesárea (RR 0,79 IC95% 0,69-0,91) y de resultado compuesto materno (RR 0,67 IC95% 0,57-0,79), que no persistió luego del ajuste. El manejo expectante presentó menor probabilidad de APGAR <7 al minuto (21,6% vs. 40%, RR 0,53 IC95% 0,29-0,97) y de resultado neonatal compuesto (60% vs. 83,3%, RR 0,72 IC95% 0.57-0.90). Al realizar ajuste con edad menor a 28 semanas al parto, el manejo expectante mostró menor probabilidad de APGAR menor a 7 al minuto (RR 0,43 IC95% 0,24-0,75), resultado perinatal adverso compuesto (RR 0,62 IC95% 0,48-0,81), muerte neonatal (RR 0,26 IC95% 0,29-0,71), síndrome de dificultad respiratoria (RR 0,65 IC95% 0,48-0,88), hemorragia intraventricular (RR 0,31 IC95% 0,11-0,89) e ingreso a unidad de cuidados intensivos neonatales (RR 0,80 IC95% 0,70-0,92). Conclusión: la preeclampsia severa remota del término es una patología grave y compleja que enfrenta los intereses maternos y los fetales. Debido al controversial enfoque, su manejo debe realizarse en centros de alta complejidad, con participación interdisciplinaria y anteponiendo la individualidad de cada binomio; nuestros hallazgos sugieren que el manejo expectante es razonable cuando las condiciones maternas y fetales lo permiten, especialmente para gestaciones menores a 28 semanas en favor de mejorar los desenlaces fetales sin detrimento de los desenlaces maternos.

Abstract Introduction: severe preeclampsia before 34 weeks of gestational age has a high risk of maternal and fetal complications. Expectant management could decrease the risk of complications associated with premature birth. Objective: to evaluate the efficacy of expectant management in the prevention of maternal and perinatal adverse events of patients with severe preeclampsia remote from term. Methodology: a retrospective cohort study in pregnant women diagnosed with severe preeclampsia between 24 and 33.6 weeks of gestational age who were admitted in a Colombian high complexity medical center between 2011 and 2019 was carried out. Descriptive measurements of the expectant management and the interventionist management were compared and the association with maternal and neonatal composite outcomes. Results were adjusted by gestational age under 28 weeks of delivery. Results: 134 patients were analyzed; 110 patients with expectant management and 24 interventionist management. Expectant management had a lower probability of cesarean section (RR 0.79 CI95% 0.69-0.91) and maternal composite result (RR 0.67 CI95% 0.57-0.79) that did not persist after the adjustment. Expectant management had a lower probability of APGAR <7 the first minute (21.6% vs. 40%, RR 0.53 CI95% 0.29-0.97) and neonatal composite result (60% vs. 83.3%, RR 0.72 CI95% 0.57-0.90). When adjusting the age under 28 weeks of delivery, the expectant management showed a lower probability of APGAR under 7 at minute one (RR 0.43 CI95% 0.24-0.75), composite outcome of perinatal adverse events (RR 0.62 CI95% 0.48-0.81), neonatal death (RR 0.26 CI95% 0.29-0.71), respiratory distress syndrome (RR 0.65 CI95% 0.48-0.88), intraventricular hemorrhage (RR 0.31 CI95% 0.11-0.89) and admission to the neonatal intensive care unit (RR 0.80 CI95% 0.70-0.92). Conclusion: severe preeclampsia remote from term is a severe and complex disease which faces maternal and neonatal interests. Due to approach controversies, management should be performed in high complexity centers with a multidisciplinary approach individualizing each binomial; our findings suggest expectant management is reasonable when both maternal and fetal conditions allow it, especially in pregnancies under 28 weeks of gestational age to improve fetal outcomes without risking maternal outcomes.

Retrospective evaluation of patients treated for ectopic pregnancy: Experience of a tertiary center

Abstract Objective In recent years, there has been an increase in the incidence of ectopic pregnancies; therefore, it is important for tertiary centers to report their approaches and outcomes to expand and improve treatment modalities. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the general characteristics, treatment and outcomes of cases diagnosed with ectopic pregnancy. Methods In total, 432 patients treated for ectopic pregnancy between February 2016 and June 2019 were retrospectively evaluated. Results Overall, 370 patients had tubal pregnancy, 32 had cesarean scar pregnancy, 18 had pregnancy of unknown location, 6 had cervical pregnancy, and 6 had interstitial pregnancy. The most important risk factors were advanced age (> 35 years; prevalence: 31.2%) and smoking (prevalence: 27.1%). Thirty patients who did not have any symptoms of rupture and whose human chorionic gonadotropin (β-hCG) levels were ≤ 200 mIU/ml were followed-up with expectant management, while 316 patients whose β-hCG levels were between 1,500 mIU/ml and 5,000 mIU/ml did not have an intrauterine gestational sac on the transvaginal or abdominal ultrasound, did not demonstrate findings of rupture, and were treated with a systemic multi-dose methotrexate treatment protocol. In total, 24 patients who did not respond to the medical treatment, 20 patients whose β-hCG levels were > 5,000 mIU/ml, 16 patients who had shown symptoms of rupture at the initial presentation, and 6 patients diagnosed with interstitial pregnancy underwent surgery. Patients with cervical and scar pregnancies underwent ultrasound-guided curettage, and no additional treatment was needed. Conclusion The fertility status of the patients, the clinical and laboratory findings, and the levels of β-hCG are the factors that must be considered in planning the appropriate treatment.

Expectant management of incomplete miscarriage, anembryonic pregnancy and early fetal demise: a comparative study

Background: Expectant management as first line management of early pregnancy miscarriages is less accepted due to failure and increased complications reported in few studies. Proper selection of cases improves outcome of expectant management. Aim of this study was to compare success rate and complications in expectant management in three groups of early pregnancy miscarriages- Incomplete miscarriage, anembryonic pregnancy and early fetal demise.Methods: Prospective observational study conducted in tertiary care centre for 3 years, including 107 patients with USG confirmed pregnancy miscarriage <13 weeks. Patients preferring expectant management were managed as outpatient without intervention for 2 weeks after which repeat USG was done to ascertain complete miscarriage. Failed expectant management patients underwent planned surgical uterine evacuation. Emergency admission and evacuation was done, if symptomatic during waiting period. Success rate and complications like emergency evacuation, vaginal bleeding, abdominal pain, limitation of physical activity and patient satisfaction were assessed and compared in subgroups of anembryonic pregnancy, early fetal demise and incomplete miscarriage. Statistical analysis was done by chi-square test.Results: Incomplete miscarriage group had highest success rate of 88.46%. followed by anembryonic pregnancy (72.5%) and EFD (47.83%) p value = 0.007. Complication rate was highest in EFD, followed by anembryonic and the least in incomplete miscarriage all of which was statistically significant except vaginal bleeding.Conclusions: Expectant management should be offered as first line choice for all types of early pregnancy miscarriages. Proper selection of case as to type of miscarriage especially incomplete miscarriage and selected cases of anembryonic pregnancy and EFD ensures higher success rate with lesser complications. Reserving medical and surgical management for unsuitable/failed cases.

Long-Term Results of Expectant Management of First Episode of Primary Spontaneous Pneumothorax: Is it a Safe Therapeutic Option?

Introduction: Expectant treatment in clinically stable patients with small primary spontaneous pneumothorax (PSP) remains in discussion, partly due to the described increased recurrence rate compared to patients treated with pleural drainage. Objective: To present the experience in the management of grade I PSP, comparing long- and short-term results of patients treated with pleural drainage with those treated expectantly. Methods: We present a retrospective study of patients diagnosed with small asymptomatic or mildly symptomatic PSP. Results: 34 out of 69 patients were treated with pleural drainage and 35 underwent expectant treatment with outpatient management. Both groups were comparable regarding sex, side, size of pneumothorax and history of tobacco smoking. As for the short-term results, there weren't any differences between groups in success therapy, but there were significant differences related to hospital stay, where patients treated with pleural drainage presented longer length of stay. Regarding long-term results, there weren't significant differences in terms of recurrence between both groups. Conclusion: The expectant management of clinically stable patients with small primary spontaneous pneumothorax with strict ambulatory control follow-up and those who comply with treatment recommendations and can obtain prompt emergency medical care presents acceptable long- and short-term results and should be the first choice of treatment.

A Comparitive Study On Induction Of Labour Versus Expectant Management In Term Premature Rupture Of Membranes In Tertiary Care Hospital,Visakhapatnam.

Premature rupture of membranes (PROM), also called Prelabour Rupture Of Membranes, is classically dened as rupture of membranes before labour and accounts for 0.8-0.9% of all pregnancies at term. this study was conducted over a period of 14 months ( from March 2018 to May 2019) in a tertiary care medical college . A total of 100 term PROM patients were recruited in our study – and divided into two groups randomly--50 (Group A) patients were managed conservatively and 50 (Group- B) patients underwent induction of labour. Both these patient groups were studied to compare the feto-maternal outcome. Group-A (conservative management group) patients were observed to await the spontaneous onset of labour pains for at least 24 hours. Patients in group B were induced with either - PGE1 tab (misoprostol) 25 μgm 4 hourly orally or iv oxytocin infusion. the PROM-delivery interval was < 12 hours in 72 % of induced groups (Group B) and 10% (5) in group- A (conservative or expectant group). LSCS rate was 10 % in group-A (expectant group) & 15 % in group –B (induced group). Sepsis rate, maternal and fetal, hospital stay, NICU admission & duration of NICU stay were notably higher in group – A (expectant management group). therefore, from our study we concluded that immediate induction of labour in term PROM cases shortens the PROM- delivery interval, hospital stay, NICU stay and reduction in both maternal & neonatal sepsis.

Programmed labour compared with expectant management: is it truly a need of new millennium?

Background: The mechanism triggering the initiation of human parturition is still an enigma. At term a series of complex physiological, biochemical and physical processes cascade resulting in delivery of the fetus. This study deals exclusively with comparison of normal labour, induction of labour with prostaglandin, and with augmentation by intracervical insertion of PGE2 tablets, amniotomy and smooth muscle relaxant. Advantages and disadvantages of each of the above methods are compared with expectant management of labour. Aim of this study was to compare pros and cons of programmed labour that to with expectant management.Methods: Study was conducted in Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Bharati Hospital and Research Centre, Pune. It was a prospective randomized clinical trial. 100 pregnant full term women, were selected for each group. At 0 hour primiprost tablet is inserted into the vagina close to the cervix. Frequency of repetition of tablet will be at three hours interval. Patient will be monitored.Results: The youngest one being of age 17 years and the eldest being of age 29 years. In this, we observed those primi and 2nd gravida patients 2-2 tablets each in latent phase and 1-1 tablets in active phase. The induction delivery Interval in primigravida was observed to be of average of 9 hours. While in II Gravida was 6.5 hours, in III Gravida 5.5 hours and in IV Gravida 4 hours.Conclusions: It has been proved beyond doubt that by programmed labour, the patient definitely can get the benefit of decrease in duration of labour.

A randomized controlled study on expectant management of incomplete abortions caused by self medication

Background: Medical method of termination of pregnancy is a very effective method when used as per recommended regimen and under proper supervision. Self-administration of these drugs has become a very common practice these days, resulting in incomplete abortion because of improper use. Traditionally surgical curettage has been the preferred mode of treatment for these cases but is associated with very high complication rates. Expectant management of incomplete abortion has been recently adopted as a better method of management of incomplete abortions worldwide. Present study compares expectant management with surgical curettage in cases of incomplete abortions caused by self medication.Methods: It was one-year prospective randomized controlled study. Total of 220 patients were recruited for the study out of which 103 were randomized to undergo expectant management while 117 to undergo surgical curettage. Results were compared using chi square test..Results: Success rate of expectant and surgical management was found to be 82% and 95% respectively. Complication rate was found to be comparable in both the group while acceptability of expectant management was found to be much higher in expectant group. However, significantly more unplanned admissions and unplanned surgical curettage occurred after expectant management than surgical management.Conclusions: Expectant management is a safe and efficacious option in carefully selected cases. If used properly it can avoid complications associated with surgical management and therefore should be utilized whenever suitable.

A comparative study of maternal and fetal outcomes following induction of labour versus expectant management in mild gestational hypertension at term

Background: To compare the maternal and neonatal outcomes between planned induction of labour and expectant management in women with mild gestational hypertension at term.Methods: A prospective hospital based observational study. The 120 pregnant women with mild gestational hypertension were randomized in a 1:1 ratio either to receive immediate induction of labour (group A comprising 60 women) or expectant management (group B comprising 60 women). Primary outcomes were incidence of any maternal mortality, renal failure, pulmonary oedema, need for ICU care or post-partum eclampsia and also composite maternal morbidity like severe gestational hypertension, pre-eclampsia, eclampsia, abruption and PPH. Secondary outcomes were mode of delivery, need for antihypertensives and MgSO4.Results: Though there were no maternal death or renal or pulmonary complications in any group, progression to severe hypertension was more in group B (expectant management) compared to group A (immediate induction) (18.33% vs. 3.33%). Increased incidence of pre-eclampsia and eclampsia were noted in group B (15% and 3%) as compared to group A (0%). Incidence of Abruption and PPH was less in group A 1.67% and 5% compared to group B 3.33% and 10 % respectively. Spontaneous vaginal delivery rate was low and caesarean section rates were high in group A (61.67% and 31.67%) compared to group B (68.33% and 25% respectively). Need for antihypertensive and MgSO4 were less in group A (3.33% each) compared to group B (18.33% and 16.66% respectively).Conclusions: Requirement of antihypertensive, progression to severe hypertension, pre-eclampsia, eclampsia, use of MgSO4, incidence of abruption, PPH were less in group A compared to group B. However, induction at completion of 37 weeks may be associated with increased incidence of operative deliveries.

Third stage of labour: expectant versus active management-a comparative study in local low risk population

Background: Postpartum haemorrhage (PPH) is the leading cause of maternal mortality, accounting for about 35% of all maternal deaths. These deaths have a major impact on the lives and health of the families affected. Thus, anticipation as well as proper management of 3rd stage of labour is mandatory. The objective of this study was to compare expectant and active management of third stage of labour in preventing post-partum blood loss and having impact on prevention of maternal mortality in local population. Advantages and disadvantages of both techniques might be over estimated.Methods: Prospective comparative study carried out in Obstetrics and Gynecology department of SBKSMIRC (Shrimati Bhikhiben Kanjibhai Shah Medical Institute and Research Centre), Dhiraj general hospital, comprising of 200 laboring women admitted directly or from OPD to labour room for expected vaginal delivery. They were randomly allocated to group A (expectant management) and group B (active management). Labour progress was charted on partograph and interventions recorded. Statistical analysis of data was done after compiling and tabulation of data. Mean±SD for descriptive variables were calculated and appropriate statistical tests applied to determine significance.Results: Average PPBL (post-partum blood loss) was 360.5ml in group A as compared to 290.6ml in group B. 12 patients in group A had blood loss more than 500ml while none in group B. 66% cases in group B had duration of third stage of labour less than 5 min as compared to only 22% in group A. the mean duration of third stage was 13.46±8.3 in group A while 5.32±3.05 in group B. these differences were statistically significant.Conclusions: Active management of the third stage of labour is associated with less blood loss as well as a shorter duration of third stage compared with expectant management. It is reasonable to advocate this regime.

Different management for women in the third stage of labour / 中国实用护理杂志

Active management of the third stage of labour involves giving a prophylactic uterotonic, early cord clamping, controlled cord traction and uterine massage. Active management of the third stage, as the main package of procedure to prevent postpartum hemorrhage, can effectively shorten the third stage of labor and reduce the incidence of severe postpartum hemorrhage, this is a major cause of women dying in developing countries. In developed countries, severe bleeding occurs much less often, yet active management has become standard practice in many countries for several decades. The most common complications of active management of the third stage of labor are pain and side effects of oxytocin, in addition to serious complications such as inversion of uterus and retained placental. Therefore, in recent years, a variety of interventions have been adopted in the third stage of labour, especially for low-risk pregnant women, which have been questioned and the evidence for using active management for all women is insufficient. The purpose of this article is to compare the effectiveness and variations of different management of the third stage of labour, and provide the basis for reasonable and individualized management of the third stage of labour, ultimately promote the natural labour.

Different management for women in the third stage of labour / 中国实用护理杂志

Active management of the third stage of labour involves giving a prophylactic uterotonic, early cord clamping, controlled cord traction and uterine massage. Active management of the third stage, as the main package of procedure to prevent postpartum hemorrhage, can effectively shorten the third stage of labor and reduce the incidence of severe postpartum hemorrhage, this is a major cause of women dying in developing countries . In developed countries, severe bleeding occurs much less often, yet active management has become standard practice in many countries for several decades. The most common complications of active management of the third stage of labor are pain and side effects of oxytocin, in addition to serious complications such as inversion of uterus and retained placental. Therefore, in recent years, a variety of interventions have been adopted in the third stage of labour, especially for low-risk pregnant women, which have been questioned and the evidence for using active management for all women is insufficient. The purpose of this article is to compare the effectiveness and variations of different management of the third stage of labour, and provide the basis for reasonable and individualized management of the third stage of labour, ultimately promote the natural labour.

Type II and III selective fetal growth restriction: perinatal outcomes of expectant management and laser ablation of placental vessels

OBJECTIVES: To describe the perinatal outcomes of type II and III selective fetal growth restriction (sFGR) in monochorionic-diamniotic (MCDA) twin pregnancies treated with expectant management or laser ablation of placental vessels (LAPV). METHODS: Retrospective analysis of cases of sFGR that received expectant management (type II, n=6; type III, n=22) or LAPV (type II, n=30; type III, n=9). The main outcomes were gestational age at delivery and survival rate. RESULTS: The smaller fetus presented an absent/reversed "a" wave in the ductus venosus (arAWDV) in all LAPV cases, while none of the expectant management cases presented arAWDV. The median gestational age at delivery was within the 32nd week for expectant management (type II and III) and for type II LAPV, and the 30th week for type III LAPV. The rate of at least one twin alive at hospital discharge was 83.3% and 90.9% for expectant management type II and III, respectively, and 90% and 77.8% for LAPV type II and III, respectively. CONCLUSION: LAPV in type II and III sFGR twins with arAWDV in the smaller fetus seems to yield outcomes similar to those of less severe cases that received expectant management.

Prognosis for Monochorionic Twins with Twin Reversed Arterial Perfusion Sequence / 中山大学学报(医学科学版)

[Objective] The purpose of this study was to evaluate the association of ultrasound findings and different treatments with the prognosis of the pump twin in twin reversed arterial perfusion sequence (TRAP).[Methods] The 55 cases that were diagnosed as TRAP during the period from January 4th 2010 and August 31st 2015 were included.Ultrasound appearances of monochorionic twins were documented in detail when the twins were diagnosed with TRAP initially.At the initial evaluation,presence or absence of the following abnormalities were documented,including the ratio of the acardiac twin to the weight of the pump twin,hydrops fetalis in the pump twin,cardiomegaly in the pump twin,polyhydramnios in the pump twin,oligohydramnios in the acardiac twin and different treatments.The relationship between these ultrasound characteristics and different treatments with mortality of pump twin were analyzed with logistic regression.[Results] A total of 55 cases with TRAP were diagnosed in our institution and three cases were lost to follow up.Selective reduction was performed in 21 cases,termination of pregnancies in 13 and expectant management in 18.Excluding the cases that underwent termination of pregnancy,the remaining 39 cases were divided into two groups according treatment,expectant management group (n=18) and selective reduction group (n=21).Overall survival rate of the pump twin in these two groups was 66.7％ and 71.4％,respectively,P =0.748.The markers of perinatal outcome were not significantly different between expectant management group and selective reduction group.Logistic regression demonstrated that cardiomegaly in the pump twin (OR=21.73,95％CI:1.15 ～ 203.89,P ＜ 0.001) were significant correlated with mortality of the pump twin.[Conclusion] The prognosis markers were not significantly different between conservative management and selective reduction group.Cardiomegaly in the pump twin should be considered as risk predictors for mortality of the pump twin in TRAP.

Manejo de la preeclampsia con elementos de severidad antes de las 34 semanas de gestación: nuevos conceptos

La preeclampsia es una de las principales causas de mortalidad materna en el Perú y en el mundo. El manejo de la preeclampsia con elementos de severidad en pacientes con menos de 34 semanas de gestación es un tema polémico. En este artículo presentamos una revisión de la literatura y la evidencia y últimas recomendaciones para el manejo de preeclampsia con elementos de severidad en países de América Latina.

Preeclampsia is one of the main causes of maternal mortality in Peru and the world. Management of preeclampsia with severity elements in patients less than 34 weeks of gestation is controversial. In this article review of the literature and evidence and current recommendations for management of preeclampsia with components of severity in Latin American countries is presented.

Manejo expectante o conservador de preeclampsia grave lejos del término

La preeclampsia grave que se desarrolla antes de las 34 semanas de gestación se asocia con altas probabilidades de mortalidad y morbilidad perinatal. El manejo con la interrupción inmediata puede llevar a altas morbilidades y mortalidad perinatal, y mucho tiempo de hospitalización en unidades intensivas neonatales. Por otro lado, la prolongación del embarazo puede llevar a muertes y asfixia en útero e incrementar la morbilidad materna. El manejo conservador versus agresivo o interrupción inmediata ha sido estudiado en tres estudios clínicos aleatorios, en los que se ha evaluado cerca de 400 pacientes. Estos estudios muestran disminución del síndrome de dificultad respiratoria, pero igual tiempo en unidades de cuidados intensivos y similar mortalidad perinatal. Además, a pesar de prolongar el embarazo por 1 a 2 semanas y no encontrar otros beneficios, se presentaron más pequeños para la edad gestacional y más desprendimiento de placenta. Por lo tanto, en embarazos con menos de 34 semanas se debe administrar corticoides por un periodo de 48 a 72 horas y luego interrumpir. Si el embarazo tiene entre 24 y 28 semanas, además del corticoide se puede considerar el manejo conservador, con posible interrupción ante eventos maternos o fetales.

Severe preeclampsia that develops at <34 weeks of gestation is associated with high perinatal mortality and morbidity rates. Management with immediate delivery leads to high neonatal mortality and morbidity rates and prolonged hospitalization in the neonatal intensive care unit because of prematurity. Conversely, attempts to prolong pregnancy with expectant management may result in fetal death or asphyxia damage in utero and increased maternal morbidity. Expectant care has been compared with interventionist care in three randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that enrolled 400 women. Interventionist care was associated with more respiratory distress syndrome but similar neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admission and neonatal mortality. Expectant care was associated with a mean pregnancy prolongation of 1-2 weeks, but more small for gestational age (SGA) infants and abruptio placentae. Women with severe preeclampsia before 34 weeks may benefit from stabilization on a 48-72 hour period, to enable maximal effect of antenatal corticosteroids and delivery. Women with severe preeclampsia between 24-28 weeks may benefit from effect of antenatal corticosteroids and observation with possible expectant management and delivery due to maternal o fetal conditions.

Expectant Management of Ectopic Pregnancy : Analysis of Four Cases

Expectant management of ectopic pregnancy is infrequently used. Used in a select group of patients, the result in terms of success of treatment, tubal patency , later intrauterine pregnancy are comparable to medical and surgical management.We report 4 cases of ectopic pregnancy managed expectantly in one year period and present a review of literature.

Live Birth After Expectant Management of Second Trimester Placental Abruption / 대한산부인과학회잡지

Prognosis of placental abruption depends on gestational age and the status of the mother and the fetus, and perinatal mortality was almost entirely attributable to prematurity. A midtrimester women with placental abruption was successfully treated by expectant management including fetal surveillance, serial ultrasonography and maternal hematologic examination, and delivered a healthy baby 11 weeks later. We suggest that expectant management may be considered as a good treatment option until fetal lung maturation is documented in preterm pregnancy with placental abruption if there is no maternal or fetal compromise.

Perinatal Outcome in Relation to the Latency of Delivery in Severe Preeclampsia before 32 Weeks of Gestation / 대한주산의학회잡지

OBJECTIVE: To study the differences in the pregnancy outcomes of severe preeclampsia before 32 weeks of gestation in relation to the latency between admission and delivery. METHODS: We reviewed medical records of 89 pregnant women who were managed in Samsung Medical Center because of severe preeclampsia before 32 weeks of gestation between January 1996 and February 2004. We studied the differences in the management and the neonatal outcomes between the immediate delivery group (admission to delivery 2 days). We excluded maternal renal disease, chronic hypertension, multiple pregnancies, diabetes and placenta previa from this study. RESULTS: 40 women were included in the immediate delivery group and 49 women in the expectant management group. Antenatal corticosteroid was given pregnant women in the expectant management group (89.8% vs. 52.5%, p<0.0001). There was no significant difference in the occurrence of small for gestational age- and prematurity-related complications including neonatal mortality. There was significantly less respiratory distress syndrome in the expectant management group (46.9% vs. 62.5%, p=0.0315). However this difference disappeared when the adjustment was made to the gestational age at delivery (p=0.223). CONCLUSION: The latency period does not seem to alter the neonatal prognosis in severe preeclampsia before 32 weeks of gestation but the gestational age at the delivery, a reflection of the severity of the preeclampsia, seems to be the single most important factor for the occurrence of neonatal respiratory distress syndrome.

Rotura prematura de membranas al termino: manejo expectante por 24 horas e inducción con oxitocina / Premature rupture of membranes at term: expectant management for 24 hours and induction with oxytocin

La conducta más difundida en pacientes con rotura prematura de membranas (RPM) al término es la inducción inmediata por el riesgo de infecciones maternas y neonatales. Para reducir estas complicaciones y mantener una adecuada tasa de parto vaginal se comunican diversos métodos de inducción del parto y profilaxis antibiótica. Este estudio retrospectivo muestra los resultados de una conducta expectante por 24 horas en 115 pacientes consecutivas con embarazos de término entre enero y abril de 2001 con el diagnóstico de RPM; sin signos clínicos de infección, sufrimiento fetal o trabajo de parto al momento de consultar. Una vez cumplidas las 24 horas, las pacientes que no iniciaron trabajo de parto fueron inducidas con oxitocina. Los resultados muestran una tasa de parto vaginal de 84% y un 9,5% de infección ovular clínica en trabajo de parto. La incidencia de infección neonatal fue de 6,9%, sin mortalidad ni secuelas a mediano plazo.

Prelabor rupture of membranes at term is a condition that most obstetricians manage with inmediate labor induction in order to reduce maternal and neonatal infection. Different methods for labor induction and prophylaxis antibiotic treatments are proposed in the medical literature to prevent neonatal sepsis and to lower the cesarean section rate. This retrospective observational study reports the results of a policy of expectant management of 24 hours in 115 consecutive cases between January and April, 2001, in the presence of prelabour rupture of membranes at term. Patients were excluded if clinical chorioamnionitis, fetal distress or labor were present at admission. Patients who did not begin spontaneous labor after 24 hours received intravenous oxytocin for labor induction. The incidence of cesarean section was 16%, with 9.5% of patients with corioamnionitis during labor. There was a 6.9% of neonatal infection without mortality or long term sequelae were present.

Perinatal Outcome with Active Expectant Management of Second-Trimester Rupture of Membranes / 대한산부인과학회잡지

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the perinatal outcomes in pregnancies complicated by preterm premature rupture of membranes (PROM) during the second trimester. METHODS: Thirty-two consecutive pregnancies with PROM at 20-28 weeks of gestation were studied retrospectively. The goals of management were to prolong the pregnancies to 32 weeks through active expectant management and to avoid fetal compromise through close monitoring and active intervention. All medical records of mothers and neonates were reviewed. RESULTS: Total 30 pregnant women with rupture of membranes at 20-28 weeks were included. Rupture of membranes occurred at 20-25 weeks(mean 24.2) in 14 women and at 26-28 weeks(mean 27.2) in 16 women. The median latency periods to delivery were 309 hours and 234 hours when rupture of membranes occurred at 20-25 weeks and at 26-28 weeks, respectively. Overall incidences of clinical and histologic chorioamnionitis were 10% and 72%. There were no fetal deaths and 8 neontal deaths. When rupture of membranes occurred at 20-25 weeks and at 26-28 weeks, the perinatal survival rates were 50% and 94%, respectively. CONCLUSION: Active expectant management of second-trimester PROM offers better perinatal survival than previously thought.