[Can we reduce the decision-to-delivery interval in case of emergency cesarean sections by optimizing the premises' architecture?] / Peut-on diminuer le délai décision-extraction des césariennes en urgence en optimisant l'architecture des locaux ?

OBJECTIVE: To study the influence of architectural premises' improvements on decision-to-delivery interval (DDI) in case of emergency cesarean sections. METHODS: A retrospective observational Before-After study conducted in a type III maternity, first from 2004 to 2009 (Period 1, P1) then after moving our unit to new premises from 2009 to 2013 (P2). DDI, maternal and neonatal outcomes of every emergency cesarean section were studied. RESULTS: The mean DDI of extremely urgent cesarean significantly decreased from 21.3±10.3minutes during P1 (n=294) to 14.9±7.14minutes during P2 (n=165). During P2 there was an increase in the proportion of extreme emergency cesarean sections done in less than 30minutes (85.1% versus 93.5%, P=0.003) as according to the ACOG recommendations, and also an increase of DDI of less than 15minutes (25.8% versus 61.1%, P<0.001). Also during P2 if there was a reduction of umbilical cord pHs, which were correlated to DDI, we observed a reduction of neonatal hospitalizations (42.2% versus 35.7%, P<0.001). Apgar score was correlated to umbilical cord pH and birth weight, but not to DDI. CONCLUSION: The space optimization has allowed our level III maternity to improve the rate of extreme emergency cesarean sections performed with DDI of less than 30 and even 15minutes, according to international recommendations. These results were obtained by reducing the transfer time to the operating room. Despite a positive correlation between DDI and umbilical cord pH, there was an improvement in neonatal outcomes associated with a decrease of neonatal hospitalizations.

[Comparison of diagnostic performance of two tests of premature rupture of membranes (IGFBP-1/PAMG-1) in clinical practice]. / Comparaison des performances diagnostiques de deux tests de rupture prématurée des membranes (IGFBP-1/PAMG-1) en pratique clinique.

OBJECTIVES: Evaluate the two main immunochromatographic tests of premature rupture of membranes (PROM): Actimprom(®) based on the discovery of insulin-like growth factor binding protein-1 (IGFBP-1) and Amnisure(®) based on the discovery of placental alpha 1-microglobulin (PAMG -1). The comparison was made voluntarily in clinical practice and is interested in a population whose failure is not clean break. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Prospective and comparative study performed on 2012, at the university hospital of Caen, in 85 patients with PROM suspected between 24 SA and 36 SA. The presence of blood, semen or vaginal infection has been notified. Frank rupture of membranes was an exclusion criterion. RESULTS: Actimprom(®) and Amnisure(®) were detected PROM with a specificity, sensitivity, PPV and NPV respectively 89.4% (CI 79.4-95.6%), 68.4% (CI 43.5-87.4%), 65% (CI 40.8-84.6%) and 90.8% (CI 81-96.5%). The results of both tests were not influenced by the presence of blood or inflammatory disease. CONCLUSION: Performance of these tests is probably related to the quality of the sample and the extraction step in bed of the patient. This work showed no significant difference between the two tests in terms of performance in the diagnosis of PROM. At present, there is no formally favor the use of one or the other.

[Can we do a cesarean section in less than 30min in unsuitable premises in order to follow the recommendations of the ACOG?]. / Peut-on faire une césarienne en moins de 30min dans des locaux inadaptés afin de suivre les recommandations de l'ACOG ?

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to assess in clinical practice the "decision-to-delivery" interval for an emergency cesarean section depending on the type of care. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a retrospective study conducted at the maternity of the CHU of Caen Level III between 2004 and 2009. The comprehensive collection of data totals 294 emergency cesarean sections. The main indications were found to be: bradycardia, cord prolapse, uterine rupture, eclampsia, failure of vacuum extraction on fetal heart rate abnormality during expulsion, the suspicion of placental abruption and hemorrhage in placenta previa. Recorded activities day and night were individualized and the maternal and fetal complications related to the emergency. RESULTS: The mean "decision-to-delivery" interval is of 21.3±10.3minutes with 80.2% of cesarean sections within 30minutes (CE30) and 25.8% in less than 15minutes. Concerning the activity period, the average time at night is 22.5±10.3minutes with 20.7% <15minutes and 77.2% <30minutes and in the daytime, the average time is 20.1±10.1minutes with 31.2% <15minutes and 83.3% <30minutes. The laying of spinal anesthesia in the operating room significantly delays the time of extraction (54.9% vs. 91, 8% CE30, P<0.001), but the epidural before the cesarean section and general anesthesia is faster with 91.9% vs. 78.9% (P=0.002) and 91.8% vs. 81.6% (P=0.022) respectively CE30. We deplored 9 deaths of newborns. These nine deaths represent 3.2% of emergency caesarean sections with an average time of 20.7±14.7minutes. CONCLUSION: The time is influenced by the transition to the operating room, the type of anesthesia and lack of information clearly stated to the team. The fetal prognosis is not limited to the "decision-to-delivery" interval but it remains essential in situations of emergency. The 15 or 30minutes interval is discussed in the literature. Obviously, the delay must be appreciated based on certain parameters (medical personnel, architecture) and each Alpha must adapt their practice to the physical working environment to meet the recommended objectives. However, the introduction of a protocol for extreme emergencies would allow for optimal responsiveness of all the teams involved and should result in a compliance period of 30minutes. Teamwork and adherence to procedures can improve these results.

Selection of somatic hybrids between diploid clones of potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) transformed by direct gene transfer.

Five diploid potato clones have been transformed by electroporation of protoplasts with different selectable markers. The resulting diploid regenerated plants have been used in somatic hybridization. It has been shown that hybrid cell selection on the basis of antibiotic or herbicide resistances brought by the two parents of fusion is an efficient method for the recovery of tetraploid somatic hybrids.