Comparison of terbutaline and atosiban as tocolytic agents in intrauterine repair of myelomeningocele: a retrospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Myelomeningocele (MMC) is a neural tube defect disease. Antenatal repair of fetal MMC is an alternative to postnatal repair. Many agents can be used as tocolytics during the in utero fetal repair such as ß2-agonists and oxytocin receptor antagonists, with possible maternal and fetal repercussions. This study aims to compare maternal arterial blood gas analysis between terbutaline or atosiban, as tocolytic agents, during intrauterine MMC repair. METHODS: Retrospective cohort study. Patients were divided into two groups depending on the main tocolytic agent used during intrauterine MMC repair: atosiban (16) or terbutaline (9). Maternal arterial blood gas samples were analyzed on three moments: post induction (baseline, before the start of tocolysis), before extubation, and two hours after the end of the surgery. RESULTS: Twenty-five patients were included and assessed. Before extubation, the terbutaline group showed lower arterial pH (7.347 ± 0.05 vs. 7.396 ± 0.02 for atosiban, p = 0.006) and higher arterial lactate (28.33 ± 12.76 mg.dL-1 vs. 13.06 ± 6.35 mg.dL-1, for atosiban, p = 0.001) levels. CONCLUSIONS: Patients who received terbutaline had more acidosis and higher levels of lactate, compared to those who received atosiban, during intrauterine fetal MMC repair.

Risk factors for shunting at 12 months following open fetal repair of spina bifida by mini-hysterotomy.

OBJECTIVES: Open spina bifida (OSB) is the most common neural tube defect. Prenatal repair reduces the need for ventriculoperitoneal shunting (VPS) due to hydrocephalus from 80-90% to 40-50%. We aimed to determine which variables work as risk factors for VPS at 12 months of age in our population. METHODS: Thirty-nine patients underwent prenatal repair of OSB by mini-hysterotomy. The main outcome was occurrence of VPS in the first 12 months of life. Logistic regression was used to estimate the odds ratios (OR) between prenatal variables and the need for shunting. RESULTS: VPS at 12 months occurred in 34.2% of the children. Larger ventricle size before surgery (62.5% ≥15 mm; 46.2% between 12 and 15 mm; 11.8% <12 mm; p=0.008), higher lesion level (80% >L2, vs. 17.9% ≤L3; p=0.002; OR, 18.4 [2.96-114.30]), and later gestational age at surgery (25.25 ± 1.18 vs. 24.37 ± 1.06 weeks; p=0.036; OR, 2.23 [1.05-4.74]) were related to increased need for shunting. In the multivariate analysis, larger ventricle size before surgery (≥15 mm vs. <12 mm; p=0.046; OR, 1.35 [1.01-1.82]) and higher lesion level (>L2 vs. ≤L3; p=0.004; OR, 39.52 [3.25-480.69]) were risk factors for shunting. CONCLUSIONS: Larger ventricle size before surgery (≥15 mm) and higher lesion level (>L2) are independent risk factors for VPS at 12 months of age in fetuses undergoing prenatal repair of OSB by mini-hysterotomy in the studied population.

Plasmatic catecholamines after neuraxial labour analgesia: A randomised controlled trial comparing epidural versus combined spinal-epidural.

BACKGROUND: Combined spinal-epidural technique (CSE) for labour analgesia has been associated with fetal bradycardia and uterine hypertonia when compared with epidural analgesia (EA), possibly due to a decrease in epinephrine levels following neuraxial anaesthesia. However, there are no recent studies comparing plasmatic catecholamines levels between those two techniques. This study aimed to compare CSE versus EA regarding pre- and post-analgesia catecholamines levels, uterine tone and fetal heart rate. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Randomised clinical trial with 47 labouring patients divided in two groups (CSE and EA). Primary outcome was plasmatic catecholamine measurements before and after neuraxial block. Secondary outcomes were fetal heart rate changes, uterine hypertonia, hypotension episodes, pain relief and fetal outcomes. RESULTS: For CSE group, the median decrease of plasmatic epinephrine was 0 pg/mL [(-) 480-(+) 41] and for norepinephrine was -21 pg/mL [(-) 2507-(+) 94]. For EA group, the median decrease for epinephrine was 0 pg/mL [(-) 326-(+) 15] and for norepinephrine was -5 pg/mL [(-) 190-(+76)]. There were no differences between groups (p = 0.96 and p = 0.63 for epinephrine and norepinephrine, respectively). There were no differences for secondary outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: There was no evidence of a more significant decrease of catecholamines with CSE when compared with EA. Catecholamines decrease theory may not be valid for modern labour analgesia techniques.

Fetal open spinal dysraphism repair through a mini-hysterotomy: Influence of gestational age at surgery on children's ability to walk.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the impact of gestational age (GA) at the time of fetal open spinal dysraphism (OSD) repair through a mini-hysterotomy on the ability of children to walk. METHODS: Children who underwent in utero repair of OSD and had formal neurological assessment after 2.5 years of age were compared regarding their ability to walk in relation to pre-surgical predictors. RESULTS: Sixty-nine children fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Among them, 63.7% (44/69) were able to walk with or without orthesis. Fetal OSD correction performed earlier in gestation (from 19.7 to 26.9 weeks) was associated with a higher probability of walking with or without orthesis (p = 0.033). The median GA at delivery was 35.3 weeks. Multivariate binary logistic regression showed that the upper anatomical level of the OSD ( L5) (p < 0.004; OR: 10.31 [95% CI: 2.07-51.28]) and GA at the time of fetal surgery (p = 0.026; OR = 0.68 [95% CI: 0.48-0.95]) were independent predictors of the postnatal ability to walk with or without orthesis. CONCLUSION: Fetuses with OSD who were operated on earlier in pregnancy (range: 19.7-26.9 weeks), were more likely to walk with or without orthesis.

Open fetal myelomeningocele repair at a university hospital: surgery and pregnancy outcomes.

PURPOSE: Myelomeningocele (MMC) is an open neural tube defect that causes great morbidity. Prenatal open repair is the standard treatment; however, there are many complications related to the procedure. This study reports preliminary findings of open in utero repair of MMC in a public tertiary hospital in Brazil and describes factors that could be associated with increased surgical morbidity. METHODS: Thirty-nine patients underwent open in utero repair of MMC from October 2015 to August 2019. The Clavien-Dindo classification of surgical complications and a classification system with the preterm definitions of the World Health Organization were used, respectively, for maternal and fetal complications. RESULTS: A total of 28 mothers (71.8%) and 31 fetuses (79.5%) experienced at least one minor to major complication. Three mothers (7.7%) had a severe grade 4 complication. Fetal complications grades 3 to 5 occurred in 13 fetuses (33.3%). Gestational age at surgery and at birth were 24.88 ± 1.16 weeks and 33.23 ± 3.68 weeks, respectively. Preterm delivery occurred in 30 patients (76.9%), membrane rupture in 18 patients (46.2%) and chorioamnionitis in 13 patients (33.3%). CONCLUSION: Open fetal surgery for MMC was performed at a Brazilian public tertiary care center, resulting in three grade 4 maternal complications. Relevant fetal complications were also present. The use of a standard classification system for complications renders studies more comparable and data more useful for counseling patients. Adjustments of perioperative procedures and long-term follow-up are needed to determine the real benefit of open in utero repair of MMC at our hospital.

Fetal open spinal dysraphism repair through a mini-hysterotomy: Influence of gestational age at surgery on the perinatal outcomes and postnatal shunt rates.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the impact of gestational age (GA) at the time of fetal open spinal dysraphism (OSD) repair through a mini-hysterotomy on the perinatal outcomes and the infants' ventriculoperitoneal shunt rates. METHODS: Retrospective study of cases of fetal OSD correction performed from 2014 and 2019. RESULTS: One hundred and ninety women underwent fetal surgery for OSD through a mini-hysterotomy, and 176 (176/190:92.6%) have since delivered. Fetal OSD correction performed earlier in the gestational period, ranging from 19.7 to 26.9 weeks, was associated with lower rates of postnatal ventriculoperitoneal shunting (P: .049). Earlier fetal surgeries were associated with shorter surgical times (P: .01), smaller hysterotomy lengths (P < .001), higher frequencies of hindbrain herniation reversal (P: .003), and longer latencies from surgery to delivery (P < .001). Median GA at delivery was 35.3 weeks. Multivariate binary logistic regression showed that both fetal lateral ventricle-to-hemisphere ratio (%; P < .001; OR: 1.14 [95% CI: 1.09-1.21]) and GA at the time of fetal surgery (P: .016; OR: 1.37 [95% CI: 1.07-1.77]) were independent predictors of postnatal ventriculoperitoneal shunting. CONCLUSION: Fetuses with OSD who were operated on earlier in the gestational interval, which ranged from 19.7 to 26.9 weeks, were less prone to receiving postnatal ventriculoperitoneal shunts.

Incidence of postoperative dyspepsia is not associated with prophylactic use of drugs.

CONTEXT AND OBJECTIVE: Preoperative fasting guidelines do not recommend H2 receptor antagonists or proton pump inhibitors. This study investigated prophylactic use of gastric protection and the incidence of dyspeptic symptoms in the immediate postoperative period. DESIGN AND SETTING: Non-randomized observational investigation in a post-anesthesia care unit. METHODS: American Society of Anesthesiologists risk classification ASAP1 and ASAP2 patients over 18 years of age were evaluated to identify dyspeptic symptoms during post-anesthesia care for up to 48 hours, after receiving or not receiving prophylactic gastric protection during anesthesia. History of dyspeptic symptoms and previous use of such medications were exclusion criteria. The odds ratio for incidence of dyspeptic symptoms with use of these medications was obtained. RESULTS: This investigation studied 188 patients: 71% women; 50.5% ASAP1 patients. Most patients received general anesthesia (68%). Gastric protection was widely used (n = 164; 87.2%), comprising omeprazole (n = 126; 76.8%) or ranitidine (n = 38; 23.2%). Only a few patients did not receive any prophylaxis (n = 24; 12.8%). During the observation, 24 patients (12.8%) reported some dyspeptic symptoms but without any relationship with prophylaxis (relative risk, RR = 0.56; 95% confidence interval, CI: 0.23-1.35; P = 0.17; number needed to treat, NNT = 11). Omeprazole, compared with ranitidine, did not reduce the chance of having symptoms (RR = 0.65; 95% CI: 0.27-1.60; P = 0.26; NNT = 19). CONCLUSION: This study suggests that prophylactic use of proton pump inhibitors or H2 receptor antagonists was routine for asymptomatic patients and was not associated with postoperative protection against dyspeptic symptoms.

Incidence of postoperative dyspepsia is not associated with prophylactic use of drugs / Incidência de dispepsia pós-operatória não está associada com uso profilático de medicamentos

CONTEXT AND OBJECTIVE: Preoperative fasting guidelines do not recommend H2 receptor antagonists or proton pump inhibitors. This study investigated prophylactic use of gastric protection and the incidence of dyspeptic symptoms in the immediate postoperative period. DESIGN AND SETTING: Non-randomized observational investigation in a post-anesthesia care unit. METHODS: American Society of Anesthesiologists risk classification ASAP1 and ASAP2 patients over 18 years of age were evaluated to identify dyspeptic symptoms during post-anesthesia care for up to 48 hours, after receiving or not receiving prophylactic gastric protection during anesthesia. History of dyspeptic symptoms and previous use of such medications were exclusion criteria. The odds ratio for incidence of dyspeptic symptoms with use of these medications was obtained. RESULTS: This investigation studied 188 patients: 71% women; 50.5% ASAP1 patients. Most patients received general anesthesia (68%). Gastric protection was widely used (n = 164; 87.2%), comprising omeprazole (n = 126; 76.8%) or ranitidine (n = 38; 23.2%). Only a few patients did not receive any prophylaxis (n = 24; 12.8%). During the observation, 24 patients (12.8%) reported some dyspeptic symptoms but without any relationship with prophylaxis (relative risk, RR = 0.56; 95% confidence interval, CI: 0.23-1.35; P = 0.17; number needed to treat, NNT = 11). Omeprazole, compared with ranitidine, did not reduce the chance of having symptoms (RR = 0.65; 95% CI: 0.27-1.60; P = 0.26; NNT = 19). CONCLUSION: This study suggests that prophylactic use of proton pump inhibitors or H2 receptor antagonists was routine for asymptomatic patients and was not associated with postoperative protection against dyspeptic symptoms. .

CONTEXTO E OBJETIVO: Diretrizes para jejum pré-operatório não recomendam antagonistas dos receptores H2 ou inibidores da bomba de prótons. Este estudo investigou o uso profilático de proteção gástrica e a incidência de sintomas dispépticos no período pós-operatório imediato. TIPO DE ESTUDO E LOCAL: Estudo observacional não aleatorizado em unidade de recuperação pós-anestésica. MÉTODOS: Pacientes ASAP1 e ASAP2, classificação de risco da American Society of Anesthesiologists, com mais de 18 anos de idade, foram avaliados para identificar sintomas dispépticos durante a recuperação pós-anestésica em até 48 horas, tendo ou não recebido proteção gástrica profilática durante a anestesia. História de sintomas dispépticos e uso prévio de tais medicamentos foram critérios de exclusão. A razão de chances para incidência de sintomas dispépticos com uso desses medicamentos foi obtida. RESULTADOS: Foram estudados 188 pacientes, 71% mulheres, 50,5% dos pacientes ASAP1. A maioria dos pacientes recebeu anestesia geral (68%). Proteção gástrica foi amplamente usada (n = 164; 87,2%), consistindo de omeprazol (n = 126; 76,8%) ou ranitidina (n = 38; 23,2%). Poucos pacientes não receberam qualquer profilaxia (n = 24; 12,8%). Durante a observação, 24 pacientes (12,8%) relataram alguns sintomas dispépticos, porém sem relação com profilaxia (risco relativo, RR = 0,56; intervalo de confiança, IC 95% 0,23-1,35, P = 0,17; número necessário para tratar, NNT = 11). Omeprazol, comparado à ranitidina, não reduziu a chance de ter sintomas (RR = 0,65; IC 95% 0,27-1,60; P = 0,26; NNT = 19). CONCLUSÃO: Este estudo sugere que o uso profilático de inibidores da bomba de prótons ...

Correlation between the body mass index (BMI) of pregnant women and the development of hypotension after spinal anesthesia for cesarean section.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Very few publications correlate hypotension in obese pregnant women, and especially morbidly obese, after spinal anesthesia for cesarean section. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the incidence of hypotension according to the BMI. METHODS: Forty-nine patients with pregestational BMI below 25 kg.m(-2) were included in the Eutrophia group, and 51 patients with BMI ≥ 25 kg.m(-2) were included in the Overweight group. After spinal anesthesia, blood pressure, volume of crystalloid infused, and dose of vasopressors used until delivery were recorded. A fall in systolic blood pressure below 100 mmHg or 10% reduction of the initial systolic blood pressure (SBP) was considered as hypotension and it was corrected by the administration of vasopressors. RESULTS: Episodes of hypotension were fewer in the Eutrophia group (5.89 ± 0.53 vs. 7.80 ± 0.66, p = 0.027), as well as the amount of crystalloid administered (1,298 ± 413.6 mL vs. 1,539 ± 460.0 mL; p = 0.007), and use of vasopressors (5.87 ± 3.45 bolus vs. 7.70 ± 4.46 bolus; p = 0.023). As for associated diseases, we observed higher incidence of diabetes among obese pregnant women (29.41% vs. 9.76%, RR 1.60, 95%CI: 1.15-2.22, p = 0.036), however, differences in the incidence of pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH) were not observe between both groups (overweight: 21.57%, normal weight: 12.20%, RR 1.30, 95%CI: 0.88-1.94, p = 0.28). CONCLUSIONS: In the study sample, pregestational BMI ≥ 25 kg.m(-2) was a risk factor for hypotension after spinal anesthesia in patients undergoing cesarean section. The same group of patients required higher doses of vasopressors. Those results indicate that the anesthetic techniques in those patients should be improved to reduce the consequences of post-spinal anesthesia hypotension, both in pregnant women and fetuses.

Correlação entre o índice de massa corporal (IMC) de gestantes e hipotensão após raquianestesia para cesarianas / Correlation between the body mass index (BMI) of pregnant women and the development of hypotension after spinal anesthesia for cesarean section / Correlación entre el índice de masa corporal (IMC) de embarazadas e hipotensión después de la raquianestesia para cesáreas

JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVOS: Existem poucas publicações correlacionando hipotensão em gestantes obesas, principalmente em obesas mórbidas, após raquianestesia para cesárea. Objetivamos avaliar a incidência de hipotensão correlacionada ao IMC. MÉTODO: No grupo Eutrofia foram incluídas 49 pacientes com IMC pré-gestacional abaixo de 25 kg.m-2 e no grupo Sobrepeso, 51 pacientes com IMC igual ou acima de 25 kg.m-2. Após raquianestesia, foram anotadas as medidas de pressão arterial, volume de cristaloides infundidos e dose de vasopressores utilizada até o nascimento. Redução da pressão arterial sistólica abaixo de 100 mmHg ou 10 por cento da pressão arterial sistólica (PAS) inicial foi classificada como hipotensão e corrigida com vasopressor. RESULTADOS: Os episódios de hipotensão foram menores no grupo Eutrofia (5,89 ± 0,53 vs. 7,80 ± 0,66; p = 0,027), assim como a quantidade de cristaloides (1.298 ± 413,6 mL vs. 1.539 ± 460,0 mL; p = 0,007) e o uso de vasopressores (5,87 ± 3,45 bolus vs. 7,70 ± 4,46 bolus; p = 0,023). Quanto às doenças associadas, observamos maior incidência de diabetes entre as gestantes obesas (29,41 por cento vs. 9,76 por cento, RR 1,60; IC 95 por cento: 1,15-2,22; p = 0,036), porém não houve diferença entre os grupos em relação à incidência de doença hipertensiva específica da gestação (DHEG) (sobrepeso: 21,57 por cento, peso normal: 12,20 por cento, RR 1,30; IC 95 por cento: 0,88-1,94; p = 0,28). CONCLUSÕES: Na amostra estudada, IMC pré-gestacional maior ou igual a 25 kg.m-2 apresentou-se como fator de risco para hipotensão após raquianestesia em pacientes submetidas a cesáreas. O mesmo grupo de pacientes necessitou de um número de doses maior de vasopressores. A valorização desses achados implica aprimorar as técnicas anestésicas nessas pacientes a fim de diminuir as consequências da hipotensão pós-raquianestesia, tanto na gestante como no feto.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Very few publications correlate hypotension in obese pregnant women, and especially morbidly obese, after spinal anesthesia for cesarean section. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the incidence of hypotension according to the BMI. METHODS: Forty-nine patients with pregestational BMI below 25 kg.m-2 were included in the Eutrophia group, and 51 patients with BMI > 25 kg.m-2 were included in the Overweight group. After spinal anesthesia, blood pressure, volume of crystalloid infused, and dose of vasopressors used until delivery were recorded. A fall in systolic blood pressure below 100 mmHg or 10 percent reduction of the initial systolic blood pressure (SBP) was considered as hypotension and it was corrected by the administration of vasopressors. RESULTS: Episodes of hypotension were fewer in the Eutrophia group (5.89 ± 0.53 vs. 7.80 ± 0.66, p = 0.027), as well as the amount of crystalloid administered (1,298 ± 413.6 mL vs. 1,539 ± 460.0 mL; p = 0.007), and use of vasopressors (5.87 ± 3.45 bolus vs. 7.70 ± 4.46 bolus; p = 0.023). As for associated diseases, we observed higher incidence of diabetes among obese pregnant women (29.41 percent vs. 9.76 percent, RR 1.60, 95 percentCI: 1.15-2.22, p = 0.036), however, differences in the incidence of pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH) were not observe between both groups (overweight: 21.57 percent, normal weight: 12.20 percent, RR 1.30, 95 percentCI: 0.88-1.94, p = 0.28). CONCLUSIONS: In the study sample, pregestational BMI > 25 kg.m-2 was a risk factor for hypotension after spinal anesthesia in patients undergoing cesarean section. The same group of patients required higher doses of vasopressors. Those results indicate that the anesthetic techniques in those patients should be improved to reduce the consequences of post-spinal anesthesia hypotension, both in pregnant women and fetuses.

JUSTIFICATIVA Y OBJETIVOS: Existen pocas publicaciones correlacionando la hipotensión en embarazadas obesas y principalmente obesas mórbidas, después de la raquianestesia para cesárea. Deseamos aquí evaluar la incidencia de la hipotensión correlacionada con el IMC. MÉTODO: En el grupo Eutrofia fueron incluidas 49 pacientes con IMC pregestacional por debajo de 25 kg.m-2 y en el grupo Sobrepeso 51 pacientes con IMC igual o por encima de 25 kg.m-2. Después de la raquianestesia fueron anotadas las medidas de presión arterial, volumen de cristaloides infundidos y dosis de vasopresores utilizadas hasta el nacimiento. La reducción de la presión arterial sistólica por debajo de 100 mmHg o 10 por ciento de la presión arterial sistólica (PAS) inicial, fue considerado como hipotensión y corregida con vasopresor. RESULTADOS: Los episodios de hipotensión fueron menores en el grupo Eutrofia (5,89 ± 0,53 vs 7,80 ± 0,66; p 0,027); como también la cantidad de cristaloides (1298 ± 413,6 mL vs. 1539 ± 460,0 mL; p 0,007) y el uso de vasopresores (5,87 ± 3,45 bolo vs. 7,70 ± 4,46 bolo; p 0,023). En lo concerniente a las enfermedades asociadas, observamos una mayor incidencia de diabetes entre las embarazadas obesas (29,41 por ciento vs. 9,76 por ciento, RR 1,60, IC 95 por ciento: 1,15-2,22, p 0,036), pero no hubo una diferencia entre los grupos con relación a la incidencia de enfermedad hipertensiva específica de la gestación (DHEG) (sobrepeso: 21,57 por ciento, peso normal: 12,20 por ciento, RR 1,30, IC 95 por ciento: 0,88-1,94, p 0,28). CONCLUSIONES: En la muestra en estudio, el IMC pregestacional mayor o igual a 25 kg.m-2 se presentó como un factor de riesgo para la hipotensión después de la raquianestesia en pacientes sometidas a la cesárea. El mismo grupo de pacientes necesitó un número de dosis mayor de vasopresores. La valoración de esos hallazgos nos hace perfeccionar las técnicas anestésicas en esas pacientes para reducir las consecuencias de la hipotensión postraquianestesia, tanto en la embarazada como en el feto.