Obstetric and Neonatal Outcomes Following Hospital Transfers of Home Births and Births in Midwife-led Units in Austria.

Introduction: Home births and births in midwife-led units and the associated potential risks are still being debated. An analysis of the quality of results of planned home births and births in midwife-led units which require intrapartum transfer of the mother to hospital provides important information on the quality of processes during births which occur outside hospital settings. The aim of this study was to analyze neonatal and maternal outcomes after the initial plan to deliver at home or in a midwife-led unit had to be abandoned and the mother transferred to hospital. Material and Methods: The method used was an analysis of data obtained from the Austrian Birth Registry. The dataset consisted of singleton term pregnancies delivered in the period from 1 January 2017 to 31 December 2021 (n = 286056). For the analysis, two groups were created for comparison (planned hospital births and hospital births recorded in the Registry as births originally planned as home births or births in midwife-led units but which required a transfer to hospital) and assessed with regard to previously defined variables. Data were analyzed using frequency description, bivariate analysis and regression models. Results: In Austria, an average of 19% of planned home births have to be discontinued and the mother transferred to hospital. Home births and births in midwife-led units which require transfer of the mother to hospital are associated with higher intervention rates intrapartum, high rates of vacuum delivery, and higher emergency c-section rates compared to planned hospital births. Multifactorial regression analysis showed significantly higher risks of poorer scores for all neonatal outcome parameters (Apgar score, pH value, transfer rate). Conclusion: If a birth which was planned as a home delivery or as a delivery in a midwife-led unit fails to progress because of (possible) anomalies, the midwife must respond and transfer the mother to hospital. This leads to a higher percentage of clinical interventions occurring in hospital. From the perspective of clinical obstetrics, it is understandable, based on the existing data, that giving birth outside a clinical setting cannot be recommended.

Moonlight surgery: no influence of moon phase or Friday 13th on outcomes of total knee arthroplasty.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of the present study was to investigate associations between revision-free survival and functional scores of total knee arthroplasty (TKA) and moon phase on the day of surgery, as well as operations performed on a Friday 13th. PARTICIPANTS: The data of all patients that received TKA between 2003 and 2019 were extracted from the Tyrol arthroplasty registry. Patients that had undergone previous total or partial knee arthroplasty as well as patients that had missing pre- or post-operative WOMAC were excluded. Patients were allocated to one of the following four groups according to moon phase on the day of surgery: new, waxing, full and waning. Patients operated on a Friday 13th were also identified and compared to patients operated on any other days/dates. A total of 5923 patients met the inclusion criteria, with mean age of 69 ± 9 years, and comprising 62% women. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in revision-free survival among the four moon phase groups (p = 0.479), and no significant differences in preoperative and postoperative total WOMAC (p = 0.260, p = 0.122), There were no significant differences in revision-free survival patients operated on Friday 13th vs. other days/dates (p = 0.440). The preoperative total WOMAC was significantly worse for patients operated on a Friday 13th (p = 0.013), which was observed in the pain (p = 0.032) and function (p = 0.010) subscales. There were no significant differences in postoperative total WOMAC at 1 year follow-up (p = 0.122). CONCLUSIONS: Neither moon phase on the day of surgery nor Friday 13th were associated with revision-free survival or clinical scores of TKA. Patients operated on a Friday 13th had significantly worse preoperative total WOMAC but similar postoperative total WOMAC at 1-year follow-up. These findings could help reassure patients that TKA renders consistent outcomes regardless of the preoperative pain or function, and in spite of bad omens or moon phases.

Total knee arthroplasty without patella resurfacing leads to worse results in patients with patellafemoral osteoarthritis Iwano Stages 3-4: a study based on arthroplasty registry data.

PURPOSE: To determine whether the preoperative degree of degeneration of the patellofemoral joint really affects the outcome of total knee arthroplasty (TKA) surgery without patella resurfacing and thus to establish a parameter that might serve as a guiding factor to decide whether or not to perform retropatellar resurfacing. It was hypothesized that patients with preoperative mild patellofemoral osteoarthritis (Iwano Stages 0-2) would significantly differ from patients with preoperative severe patellofemoral osteoarthritis (Iwano Stages 3-4) in terms of patient-reported outcome (Hypothesis 1) and revision rates/survival (Hypothesis 2) after TKA without patella resurfacing. METHODS: Application of a retrospective-comparative design on the basis of Arthroplasty Registry data that included patients with primary TKA without patella resurfacing. Patients were allocated to the following groups based on preoperative radiographic stage of patellofemoral joint degeneration: (a) mild patellofemoral osteoarthritis (Iwano Stage ≤ 2) and (b) severe patellofemoral osteoarthritis (Iwano Stages 3-4). The Western Ontario and MacMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) score was assessed preoperative and 1 year postoperative (0: best, 100 worst). In addition, implant survival was calculated from the Arthroplasty Registry data. RESULTS: In 1209 primary TKA without patella resurfacing, postoperative WOMAC total and WOMAC subscores did not differ significantly between groups, but potentially suffered from type 2 error. Three-year survival was 97.4% and 92.5% in patients with preoperative mild and severe patellofemoral osteoarthritis, respectively (p = 0.002). Five-year survival was 95.8% vs. 91.4% (p = 0.033) and 10-year survival was 93.3% vs. 88.6% (p = 0.033), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: From the study findings, it is concluded that patients with preoperative severe patellofemoral osteoarthritis have significantly higher risks for reoperation than do those with preoperative mild patellofemoral osteoarthritis-when treated with TKA without patella resurfacing. Hence, it is recommended that patella resurfacing be applied in patients with severe Iwano Stage 3 or 4 patellofemoral osteoarthritis during TKA. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III, Retrospective comparative.

Teenage Pregnancies in Austria - an Epidemiological Study on Prevalence and Perinatal Outcome.

Introduction Even though teenage pregnancy rates have been declining in the last decades, their global prevalence is still high and shows country-specific discrepancies. Insufficient sexual education, poor availability of contraceptives and early marriage are some of the multifactorial causes for adolescent pregnancies. Very often teenage pregnancies are classified as high-risk pregnancies. Studies have found higher rates of peripartal complications, such as preterm birth, low birth weight or low fetal Apgar-Scores. The aim of this retrospective cohort study is to evaluate the prevalence of teenage pregnancies in Austria and to identify principal differences in maternal and neonatal outcome. Material and methods Data were collected from the Austrian Birth Registry between 01/2012 and 12/2020. A total of 751661 deliveries in Austria were documented. Obstetric, maternal and neonatal parameters were descriptively analyzed. Mothers were subclassified into two age groups: teenage mothers of 19 years and younger and adult mothers of 20 to 39 years of age. Results Newborns of teenage mothers were significantly smaller (49.98 ± 3.11 vs. 50.31 ± 3.16 cm, p < 0.001) and had a lower birth weight (3216 ± 564 vs. 3247 ± 576 g, p < 0.001) than newborns of adult mothers. The percentage of caesarean deliveries in the teenage group was significantly lower than in adult mothers (21.1 vs. 31.8%, p < 0.001). Newborns of teenage mothers had significantly higher rates of very low (< 4) and low (< 7) 5-minute Apgar scores (5-minute Apgar < 4: 0.75 vs. 0.54%, p = 0.004) (5-minute Apgar < 7: 1.77 vs. 1.37%, p = 0.001) and significantly lower arterial umbilical-cord pH (7.25 ± 0.08 vs. 7.26 ± 0.08, p < 0.001). Perinatal mortality was higher in the age group below 20 years (0.7 vs. 0.6%, p = 0.043). Conclusion The data of this study show significantly poorer outcomes in pregnancies of teenagers compared to adult women, even though the healthcare system in Austria is considered excellent. Future guideline recommendations should focus on important aspects of obstetric care in teenage mothers.

Universal gestational diabetes screening and antepartum stillbirth rates in Austria-A population-based study.

INTRODUCTION: Occult or untreated gestational diabetes (GDM) is a well-known risk factor for adverse perinatal outcomes and may contribute to antepartum stillbirth. We assessed the impact of screening for GDM on the rate of antepartum stillbirths in non-anomalous pregnancies by conducting a population-based study in 974 889 women in Austria. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Our database was derived from the Austrian Birth Registry. Inclusion criteria were singleton live births and antepartum stillbirths ≥24+0 gestational weeks, excluding fetal congenital malformations, terminations of pregnancy and women with pre-existing type 1 or 2 diabetes. Main outcome measures were (a) overall stillbirth rates and (b) stillbirth rates in women at high risk of GDM (i.e., women with a body mass index ≥30 kg/m2 , history of previous intrauterine fetal death, GDM, previous macrosomic offspring) before (2008-2010, "phase I") and after (2011-2019, "phase II") the national implementation of universal GDM screening with a 75 g oral glucose tolerance test in Austrian pregnant women by 2011. RESULTS: In total, 940 373 pregnancies were included between 2008 and 2019, of which 2579 resulted in intrauterine fetal deaths at 33.51 ± 5.10 gestational weeks. After implementation of the GDM screening, a statistically significant reduction in antepartum stillbirth rates among non-anomalous singletons was observed only in women at high risk for GDM (4.10‰ [95% confidence interval (CI) 3.09-5.43] in phase I vs. 2.96‰ [95% CI 2.57-3.41] in phase II; p = 0.043) but not in the general population (2.76‰ [95% CI 2.55-2.99] in phase I vs. 2.74‰ [95% CI 2.62-2.86] in phase II; p = 0.845). The number needed to screen with the oral glucose tolerance test to subsequently prevent one case of (non-anomalous) intrauterine fetal death was 880 in the high-risk and 40 000 in the general population. CONCLUSIONS: The implementation of a universal GDM screening program in Austria in 2011 has not led to any significant reduction in antenatal stillbirths among non-anomalous singletons in the general population. More international data are needed to strengthen our findings.

Medial unicondylar knee arthroplasty should be reserved for patients with complete joint space collapse.

PURPOSE: To determine whether preoperative radiologic joint space width (JSW) is related to the outcome of medial unicondylar knee arthroplasty (UKA) (primary hypothesis). METHODS: A retrospective comparative analysis was performed. One group was comprised of UKA patients with preoperative JSW 0-1 mm. Another group was made up of patients with preoperative JSW ≥ 2 mm (range 0-4 mm). The JSW was measured from preoperative weight-bearing Schuss-view radiographs. The clinical outcome was determined with the Western Ontario and MacMaster Universities (WOMAC) Osteoarthritis Index score preoperatively and 1 year after medial UKA. Implant survival data were obtained from the arthroplasty register of Tyrol. RESULTS: There were 80 patients with a preoperative JSW 0-1 mm (age 66, BMI 27.8) and 70 patients with a preoperative JSW ≥ 2 mm (age 64, IQR 15, BMI 28.1). WOMAC total was 10 ± 10 in patients with 0-1 mm JSW and 25 ± 47 in patients with ≥ 2 mm JSW at 1 year postoperative (p = 0.052). WOMAC pain at 1 year postoperative was 7 ± 16 in patients with 0-1 mm JSW and 18 ± 46 in patients with ≥ 2 mm JSW (p = 0.047). WOMAC function at 1 year postoperative was 10 ± 9 in patients with 0-1 mm JSW and 17 ± 51 in patients with ≥ 2 mm JSW (p = 0.048). In patients with 0-1 mm JSW 5 year prosthesis survival was 92.3% and in patients with ≥ 2 mm JSW, it was 81.1% (p = 0.016). CONCLUSIONS: In patients with preoperative complete joint space collapse (0-1 mm JSW), clinical outcome was superior to that of patients with incomplete joint space collapse. This was true for both 1 year postoperative WOMAC pain and WOMAC function and for 5 year implant survival rates. On the basis of our findings, it is recommended that 'complete joint space collapse' especially be used to achieve best clinical outcome in medial UKA surgery. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV.

Antepartum stillbirth rates during the COVID-19 pandemic in Austria: A population-based study.

BACKGROUND: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 has had dramatic effects on the pregnant population worldwide, increasing the risk of adverse perinatal outcomes. OBJECTIVE: To assess the incidence of antepartum stillbirth (aSB) during the COVID-19 pandemic in Austria. METHODS: We collected epidemiological data from the Austrian Birth Registry and compared the rate of aSB (i.e., fetal death at or after 24+0 gestational weeks) during the pandemic period (March-December 2020) and in the respective pre-pandemic months (2015-2019). RESULTS: In total, 65 660 pregnancies were included, of which 171 resulted in aSB at 33.7 ± 4.8 gestational weeks. During the pandemic, the aSB rate increased from 2.49‰ to 2.60‰ (P = 0.601), in contrast to the significant decline in preterm deliveries at or before 37 gestational weeks from 0.61‰ to 0.56‰ (relative risk [RR] 0.93; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.91-0.96; P < 0.001). During the first lockdown, the aSB rate significantly increased from 2.38‰ to 3.52‰ (P = 0.021), yielding an adjusted odds ratio of 1.57 (95% CI 1.08-2.27; P = 0.018). The event of aSB during the COVID-19 pandemic was strongly related with increased fetal weight and maternal obesity. CONCLUSION: In Austria, there has been an overall increase in the incidence of aSB during the pandemic with a significant peak during the first lockdown.

Perinatal and postpartum care during the COVID-19 pandemic: A nationwide cohort study.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to analyze perinatal outcomes and adverse events during the COVID-19 pandemic's first wave to help direct decision making in future waves. METHODS: This study was an epidemiological cohort study analyzing comprehensive birth registry data among all 80 obstetric departments in Austria. Out of 469 771 records, 468 348 were considered eligible, whereof those with preterm delivery, birthweight <500 g, multiple fetuses, fetal malformations and chromosomal anomalies, intrauterine fetal death, maternal cancer, HIV infection, and/or inter-hospital transfers were excluded. Women who delivered between January and June 2020 were then classified as cases, whereas those who delivered between January and June 2015-2019 were classified as controls. Perinatal outcomes, postpartum hospitalization, and adverse events served as outcome measures. RESULTS: Of 33 198 cases and 188 225 controls, data analysis showed significantly increased rates of labor induction, instrumental delivery, obstetric anesthesia, NICU transfer, and 5-min Apgar score below 7 during the COVID-19 period. There was a significantly shorter length of postpartum hospitalization during the COVID-19 period compared with the non-COVID-19 period (3.1 ± 1.4 vs 3.5 ± 1.5 days; P < .001). Significantly more women opted for short-stay delivery during the COVID-19 period (3.7% vs 2.4%; P < .001). Those who delivered during the COVID-19 period were also more likely to experience postpartum adverse events (3.0% vs 2.6%; P < .001), which was confirmed in the logistic regression model (odds ratio, 2.137; 95% confidence interval, 1.805-2.530; P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: Perinatal and postpartum care during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic differed significantly from that provided before. Increased rates of adverse events underline the need to ensure access to high-quality obstetric care to prevent collateral damage.

Exposure to night-time light pollution and risk of prolonged duration of labor: A nationwide cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Light pollution (LP) is a ubiquitous environmental agent that affects more than 80% of the world's population. This large nationwide cohort study evaluates whether exposure to LP can influence obstetric outcomes. METHODS: We analyzed Austrian birth registry data on 717 113 cases between 2008 and 2016 and excluded cases involving day-time delivery, <23 + 0 gestational weeks, and/or birthweight <500 g, induction of labor, elective cesarean, or cases with missing data. The independent variable, that is, degree of night-time LP, was categorized as low (0.174 to <0.688 mcd/m2 ), medium (0.688 to <3 mcd/m2 ), or high (3 to <10 mcd/m2 ). Duration of labor and adverse neonatal outcomes served as outcome measures. RESULTS: Cases in regions with high LP (odds ratio [OR], 1.43; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.30-1.57) and medium LP (OR, 1.22; 95% CI, 1.14-1.31) showed increased odds of prolonged labor (P < .0001 each). Newborns born in regions with high LP (OR, 1.12; 95% CI, 1.07-1.16) and medium LP (OR, 1.07; 95% CI, 1.04-1.10) showed increased odds of experiencing adverse outcomes (P < .0001 each). Preterm delivery <28 + 0 weeks was also associated with the degree of LP (P = .04). CONCLUSIONS: Night-time LP negatively interferes with obstetric outcomes. The perceived influence of LP as an environmental agent needs to be re-evaluated to minimize associated health risks.

Epidemiology of Antepartum Stillbirths in Austria-A Population-Based Study between 2008 and 2020.

(1) Background: Across Europe, the incidence of antepartum stillbirth varies greatly, partly because of heterogeneous definitions regarding gestational weeks and differences in legislation. With this study, we sought to provide a comprehensive overview on the demographics of antepartum stillbirth in Austria, defined as non-iatrogenic fetal demise ≥22+0 gestational weeks (/40). (2) Methods: We conducted a population-based study on epidemiological characteristics of singleton antepartum stillbirth in Austria between January 2008 and December 2020. Data were derived from the validated Austrian Birth Registry. (3) Results: From January 2008 through December 2020, the antepartum stillbirth rate ≥20+0/40 was 3.10, ≥22+0/40 3.14, and ≥24+0/40 2.83 per 1000 births in Austria. The highest incidence was recorded in the federal states of Vienna, Styria, and Lower and Upper Austria, contributing to 71.9% of all stillbirths in the country. In the last decade, significant fluctuations in incidence were noted: from 2011 to 2012, the rate significantly declined from 3.40 to 3.07‰, whilst it significantly increased from 2.76 to 3.49‰ between 2019 and 2020. The median gestational age of antepartum stillbirth in Austria was 33+0 (27+2-37+4) weeks. Stillbirth rates ≤26/40 ranged from 164.98 to 334.18‰, whilst the lowest rates of 0.58-8.4‰ were observed ≥36/40. The main demographic risk factors were maternal obesity and low parity. (4) Conclusions: In Austria, the antepartum stillbirth rate has remained relatively stable at 2.83-3.10 per 1000 births for the last decade, despite a significant decline in 2012 and an increase in 2020.

Institutional guidelines on maternal care and investigations following antepartum stillbirth - a national survey.

BACKGROUND: Antepartum stillbirth, i.e., intrauterine fetal death (IUFD) above 24 weeks of gestation, occurs with a prevalence of 2.4-3.1 per 1000 live births in Central Europe. In order to ensure highest standards of treatment and identify causative and associated (risk) factors for fetal death, evidence-based guidelines on clinical practice in such events are recommended. Owing to a lack of a national guideline on maternal care and investigations following stillbirth, we, hereby, sought to assess the use of institutional guidelines and clinical practice after IUFD in Austrian maternity units. METHODS: A national survey with a paper-based 12-item questionnaire covering demographic variables, local facilities and practice, obstetrical care and routine post-mortem work-up following IUFD was performed among all Austrian secondary and tertiary referral hospitals with maternity units (n = 75) between January and July 2019. Statistical tests were conducted using Chi2 and Fisher's Exact test, respectively. Univariate logistic regression analyses were performed to calculate odds ratio (OR) with a 95% confidence interval (CI). RESULTS: 46 (61.3%) obstetrical departments [37 (80.4%) secondary; 9 (19.6%) tertiary referral hospitals] participated in this survey, of which 17 (37.0%) have implemented an institutional guideline. The three most common investigations always conducted following stillbirth are placental histology (20.9%), fetal autopsy (13.1%) and maternal antibody screen (11.5%). Availability of an institutional guideline was not significantly associated with type of hospital, on-site pathology department, or institutional annual live and stillbirth rates. Post-mortem consultations only in cases of abnormal investigations following stillbirth were associated with lower odds for presence of such guideline [OR 0.133 (95% CI 0.018-0.978); p = 0.047]. 26 (56.5%) departments consider a national guideline necessary. CONCLUSIONS: Less than half of the surveyed maternity units have implemented an institutional guideline on maternal care and investigations following antepartum stillbirth, independent of annual live and stillbirth rate or type of referral centre.

Survivorship of Ceramic-on-Ceramic Total Hip Arthroplasty With Metal-Backed Acetabular Liners at 10 Years.

BACKGROUND: Ceramic-on-ceramic bearings are becoming increasingly popular in primary total hip arthroplasty (THA). To enhance ceramic-on-ceramic liner exchange in case of revision surgery, metal-backed liner systems have been proposed. Little is known about the clinical performance of these implants. The purpose of this study is to evaluate a metal-backed liner implant system for primary THA. METHODS: A total of 422 patients (with 468 consecutive THAs) were followed over a mean period of 10 years. All arthroplasties were performed with a cementless stem, a press-fit cup, and a metal-backed liner system. Surgical and clinical data, complications, and revisions were analyzed. The Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) before surgery and at 1 and 10 years after surgery were compared. RESULTS: The overall 10-year implant survival rate was 93.8%. The survival rate was 97.0% for heads and liners, 97.5% for stem, and 99.3% for acetabular cup. The most common reason for revision was ceramic breakage (2.4%) of the third-generation (BIOLOX forte) acetabular liner. Mean WOMAC score improved significantly from 50.1 before surgery to 13.2 at 1 year after surgery. There was no difference in WOMAC scores between surgical approach and type of bearing at 1 and 10 years after surgery. CONCLUSION: THA using cementless stem, press-fit cup, and metal-backed liner system provides satisfactory long-term outcomes, with revision rate comparable to that with other systems available in the market. The metal-backed liner system has low risk of mal-seating. Third-generation ceramic liners should be avoided as they seem to be more prone to breakage.

Femoral Revision Total Hip Arthroplasty Performed through the Interval of the Direct Anterior Approach.

BACKGROUND: we report the clinical outcomes for femoral revision total hip replacement (THR) using the Direct Anterior Approach (DAA) interval. METHODS: 149 patients (165 hips) with a mean age of 68.9 years (range, 33.2-91.0 years) and a mean follow-up of 4.2 years (1.1-8.9 years) were included. The indication for revision surgery was aseptic stem loosening in 131 (79.4%) hips, periprosthetic fracture in 29 (17.6%) hips, revision for stem malalignment in one (0.6%) hip, and prosthetic failure in four (2.4%) hips. RESULTS: an endofemoral approach was used for 156 hips, and a Wagner transfemoral osteotomy was used for nine hips. An additional cup revision was done in 52 hips (uncemented cup: n = 29; cemented cup: n = 21; acetabular cage: n = 2). The overall complication rate was 14.5% (24 complications). Ten patients (10 hips) were revised (8 cups, 2 liners, 2 stems) with an average time to revision of 6 months (range, 3-23 months). The median preoperative Western Ontario McMasters Osteoarthritis Score (WOMAC) score was 52.5 (Inter Quartile Range (IQR): 33.3), which improved to 27.2 (IQR: 30) postoperatively (p < 0.01). CONCLUSION: use of the DAA achieved similar results when compared with other surgical approaches in terms of clinical outcomes and complications, including dislocation rate. These results suggest that femoral revision using the DAA interval can be a safe and reliable procedure.

[The Influence of Maternal Obesity on Selected Obstetric Parameters]. / Der Einfluss von mütterlicher Adipositas auf ausgewählte geburtshilfliche Parameter.

INTRODUCTION: In Austria, the percentage of obese people increased by 5.2% between 1999 and 2014; 14.8% of women between the age of 15 to 45 are overweight. An increased body mass index (BMI) of women increases the risk of pathologies and irregularities during pregnancy, childbirth and the puerperium. In this work, the influence of maternal obesity on selected obstetric parameters is analyzed. METHODOLOGY: The data set includes all single births between 1.1.2008 and 31.12.2018 with a predictable BMI (n=640922) from the Austrian birth register. The maternal BMI was compared with the variables of age of the mother, parity, length of pregnancy, induction of labor, birth mode, child's APGAR value, child's umbilical cord pH value, and child's mortality and evaluated by means of a descriptive representation of the frequencies and bivariate analysis methods. RESULTS: A BMI of women ≥30 resulted in an increased rate of premature births, childbirth, Caesarean sections, neonatal APGAR values < 8 and ≤ 4, lower umbilical cord pH values of < 7.2 and increased rates of child mortality. In contrast, vaginal operative birth termination is less common. CONCLUSIONS: Obesity has a negative impact on various obstetric factors. Prevention should promote a healthy lifestyle before the onset of pregnancy.

Cesarean delivery after non-medically indicated induction of labor: A population-based study using different definitions of expectant management.

INTRODUCTION: Most observational studies found that non-medically indicated induction of labor (IOL) is not associated with an increased risk of cesarean delivery compared with expectant management, defined as all births at a later gestation. However, given the higher rate of cesarean delivery at late term, this definition of the expectant management group might bias the results of observational studies in favor of IOL at early or full term when estimating the risk of short-term (eg up to 1 week) expectant management. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We conducted a retrospective cohort study including 447 066 singleton term and post-term hospital births that occurred in Austria between 2008 and 2016. Multivariate logistic regression was used to test the association of IOL and cesarean delivery at each week of gestation from 37-41. Expectant management was either defined as all births at "next week or beyond" or "at next week". RESULTS: Non-medically indicated IOL was associated with increased odds for cesarean delivery at 37 and 38 weeks, and reduced odds at 40 and 41 weeks. At 39 weeks, IOL resulted in comparable cesarean rates compared with expectant management defined as "next week or beyond" (17.2% vs 16.2%; adjusted odds ratio [OR] 0.93; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.86-1.00; P = .059). However, when defined as births "at the next week", expectant management was associated with significantly reduced odds for cesarean delivery (13.6%; adjusted OR 0.76; 95% CI 0.70-0.82; P < .001). Comparison of the cesarean delivery rates for the two definitions of expectant management showed that the "next week and beyond" model underestimates the benefit of short-term expectant management by up to 1 week, particularly for IOL at weeks 38 and 39. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings demonstrate that the definition of the expectant management group has a significant impact when analyzing the outcome of IOL in retrospective cohort studies. Non-medically indicated IOL is not an all-or-none choice between "elective" induction and indefinite expectant management. Thus, to define the control group as all births at the next week could be useful for clinical decision-making, as it allows to estimate the risks of expectant management until the next appointment compared with immediate IOL.

Mid-term Follow-up of the Direct Anterior Approach in Acetabular Revision Hip Arthroplasty Using a Reconstruction Cage With Impaction Grafting.

BACKGROUND: Severe acetabular bone loss is often treated with reconstruction cages and impaction grafting using allograft bone. Accurate implant positioning is crucial for successful clinical and radiological outcomes. The direct anterior approach (DAA) is a standard approach for primary total hip arthroplasty (THA) that is being used more frequently for revision THA. The aim of this study was to report midterm clinical and radiological outcomes of acetabular revision arthroplasty using the DAA to address large acetabular defects by using a reconstruction cage and impaction grafting. METHODS: Acetabular cup revisions were performed in 64 patients (64 hips) with severe acetabular bone loss. All patients received reconstruction cages with impaction grafting via the DAA. The stem was also revised in 22 patients. Complications, radiological, and functional outcomes were assessed. RESULTS: Six of the 64 patients were revised at a mean follow-up of 27.6 months (range, 11-84 months), two each for implant failure, infection, and recurrent dislocation. One hip showed the radiological failure of the implant, but the patient was asymptomatic and was not revised. The median Western Ontario McMasters Osteoarthritis Score (WOMAC) for the cohort overall improved significantly (P < .01) by the latest follow-up compared with preoperative scores. CONCLUSION: Good midterm outcomes can be obtained with the DAA for acetabular cup revisions done to address severe acetabular bone loss by using reconstruction cages and impaction grafting. The number of complications was within the expected range for this type of revision procedure at midterm follow-up, and dislocation rates were low.

The direct anterior approach: treating periprosthetic joint infection of the hip using two-stage revision arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: Either one- or two-stage revision arthroplasties can be used for the treatment of chronic periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) after total hip arthroplasty (THA). We report our results following two-stage revision surgery performed through the direct anterior approach (DAA) interval using a custom-made articulating spacer. METHODS: Between 2009 and 2014, 49 patients (49 consecutive procedures) had surgery through either a DAA or extended DAA approach. Each patient received perioperative intravenous administration of antibiotics. A custom-made spacer was implanted after explanting cup and stem and following extensive debridement. Broad-spectrum antibiotics were administered during the immediate perioperative period and then adjusted according to the infecting organism. Complication rates and eradication rates were observed. WOMAC patient assessments were administered preoperatively and one-year postoperatively. RESULTS: Of the 49 study patients, five had a recurrence of the infection after the second-stage revision, five had a proximal periprosthetic fracture during the first stage procedure and one patient had a transient femoral nerve palsy that resolved fully within the first postoperative year. 30 different microorganisms were identified on intraoperative specimens. The average time between first and second stage procedure was 65.7 days (range 21-132 days). Eradication of infection was defined as healed wound without fistula, no drainage, no recurrence of the infection, no subsequent surgical intervention for persistent or perioperative infection after second stage revision and no long-term (> 6 months) antimicrobial suppression therapy. Eradication rate of infection in our study was 89.8%. Postoperative WOMAC scores improved significantly CONCLUSION: The preliminary clinical results for the custom-made spacer technique implanted through the DAA are promising. Therefore, we believe the DAA can be used safely as a standard operative approach for two-stage revision procedures.

Influence of Maternal Age on Selected Obstetric Parameters.

Introduction In recent decades, there has been a continuous rise in the average age at which women give birth. A maternal age of 35 years and above is considered an independent risk factor in pregnancy and birth, due to higher rates of intervention. This study investigates the influence of maternal age on birth procedure, gestational age, and rate of interventions during delivery. The influence of maternal parity is also analyzed. Material and Methods Data from the Austrian Register of Births was retrospectively collected and evaluated. The collected data was the data of all singleton live births in Austria between January 1, 2008 and December 31, 2016 (n = 686 272). Multiple births and stillbirths were excluded from the study. Maternal age and parity were analyzed in relation to predefined variables (birth procedure, gestational age, episiotomy in cases of vaginal delivery, epidural anesthesia in both vaginal and cesarean deliveries, and intrapartum micro-blood gas analysis). Statistical data was evaluated using (1) descriptive univariate analysis, (2) bivariate analysis, and (3) multinomial regression models. Results The cesarean section rate and the rate of surgically-assisted vaginal deliveries increased with advancing maternal age, especially in primiparous women, while the rate of spontaneous deliveries decreased with increasing maternal age. A parity of ≥ 2 had a protective effect on the cesarean section rate. The rate of premature births also increased with increasing maternal age, particularly among primiparous women. Discussion Although higher maternal age has a negative effect on various obstetric parameters, it was nevertheless not possible to identify a causal connection. Maternal age should not be assessed as an independent risk factor; other factors such as lifestyle or prior chronic disease and parity must be taken into consideration.

Working-hour phenomenon in obstetrics is an attainable target to improve neonatal outcomes.

BACKGROUND: Giving birth in a health care facility does not guarantee high-quality care or favorable outcomes. The working-hour phenomenon describes adverse outcomes of institutional births outside regular working hours. OBJECTIVES: The objectives of the study were to evaluate whether the time of birth is associated with adverse neonatal outcomes and to identify the riskiest time periods for obstetrical care. STUDY DESIGN: This nationwide retrospective cohort study analyzed data from 2008 to 2016 from all 82 obstetric departments in Austria. Births at ≥ 23+0 gestational weeks with ≥500 g birthweight were included. Independent variables were categorized by the time of day vs night as core time (morning, day) and off hours (evening, nighttime periods 1-4). The composite primary outcome was adverse neonatal outcome, defined as arterial umbilical cord blood pH <7.2, 5 minute Apgar score <7, and/or admission to the neonatal intensive care unit. Multivariate logistic regression was used to develop a model to predict these adverse neonatal outcomes. RESULTS: Of 462,947 births, 227,672 (49.2%) occurred during off hours and had a comparable distribution in all maternity units, regardless of volume (<500 births per year: 50.3% during core time vs 49.7% during off hours; ≥500 births per year: 50.7% core time vs 49.3% off hours; perinatal tertiary center: 51.2% core time vs 48.8% off hours). Furthermore, most women (35.8-35.9%) gave birth between 2:00 and 5:59 am (night periods 3 and 4). After adjustment for covariates, we found that adverse neonatal outcomes also occurred more frequently during these night periods 3 and 4, in addition to the early morning period (night 3: odds ratio, 1.05; 95% confidence interval, 1.03-1.08; P < .001; night 4: odds ratio, 1.08; 95% confidence interval, 1.05-1.10; P < .001; early morning period: odds ratio, 1.05; 95% confidence interval, 1.02-1.08; P < .001). The adjusted odds for adverse outcomes were lowest for births between 6:00 and 7:59 pm (odds ratio, 0.96; 95% confidence interval, 0.93-0.99; P = .006). CONCLUSION: There is an increased risk of adverse neonatal outcomes when giving birth between 2:00 and 7:59 am. The so-called working-hour phenomenon is an attainable target to improve neonatal outcomes. Health care providers should ensure an optimal organizational framework during this time period.