Assisted vaginal birth in 21st century: current practice and new innovations.

Assisted vaginal birth rates are falling globally with rising cesarean delivery rates. Cesarean delivery is not without consequence, particularly when carried out in the second stage of labor. Cesarean delivery in the second stage is not entirely protective against pelvic floor morbidity and can lead to serious complications in a subsequent pregnancy. It should be acknowledged that the likelihood of morbidity for mother and baby associated with cesarean delivery increases with advancing labor and is greater than spontaneous vaginal birth, irrespective of the method of operative birth in the second stage of labor. In this article, we argue that assisted vaginal birth is a skilled and safe option that should always be considered and be available as an option for women who need assistance in the second stage of labor. Selecting the most appropriate mode of birth at full dilatation requires accurate clinical assessment, supported decision-making, and personalized care with consideration for the woman's preferences. Achieving vaginal birth with the primary instrument is more likely with forceps than with vacuum extraction (risk ratio, 0.58; 95% confidence interval, 0.39-0.88). Midcavity forceps are associated with a greater incidence of obstetric anal sphincter injury (odds ratio, 1.83; 95% confidence interval, 1.32-2.55) but no difference in neonatal Apgar score or umbilical artery pH. The risk for adverse outcomes is minimized when the procedure is conducted by a skilled accoucheur who selects the most appropriate instrument likely to achieve vaginal birth with the primary instrument. Anticipation of potential complications and dynamic decision-making are just as important as the technique for safe instrument use. Good communication with the woman and the birthing partner is vital and there are various recommendations on how to achieve this. There have been recent developments (such as OdonAssist) in device innovation, training, and strategies for implementation at a scale that can provide opportunities for both improved outcomes and reinvigoration of an essential skill that can save mothers' and babies' lives across the world.

Fetal cephalhematoma - an unusual antenatal presentation of a common neonatal scalp swelling posing a diagnostic challenge.

Cephalhematoma is an accumulation of blood in the subperiosteal space. While cephalhematoma is a well-documented postnatal occurrence, antenatal presentation is quite rare. This case report focuses on a rare presentation of fetal scalp swelling in a routine 32-week antenatal scan of a 38-year-old female. The swelling resolved spontaneously after birth. Awareness of this atypical manifestation is crucial for the radiologist to consider it in the differentials and for the obstetrician in providing appropriate prenatal care and avoiding unnecessary drastic interventions. The aim is to elucidate the diagnostic challenges and clinical management of this unique presentation.

A case of chronic ossified hematoma presented as a skull lesion: A literature review on two rare conditions, cephalhematoma, and intradiploic hematoma.

Cephalhematoma is a frequent condition in newborn infants due to birth-related trauma, but ossified cephalhematoma (OCH) is a rare condition, especially when it presents as a skull lesion in the older pediatric population. Chronic intradiploic hematoma (CIH) is another rare condition caused by an organized hematoma between the inner and outer tables of the skull. Differentiating CIH from OCH could be difficult for young neurosurgeons. We present an 18-month-old girl with an OCH presented as a skull lesion, which was managed with craniectomy and en-bloc excision of the organized hematoma. This manuscript discusses the differences between OCH and CIH in diagnosis and management.

Mirror-image Artifact of a Cephalhematoma Mimicking an Epidural Hematoma in a Newborn.

Teaching Point: When performing ultrasound examination of a cephalhematoma, the occurrence of a mirror-image artifact can mimic the presence of an epidural hematoma.

Sagittal craniosynostosis associated with midline cephalhematoma or vice versa, case report and a review of the literature.

INTRODUCTION: Sagittal craniosynostosis associated with midline cephalhematoma is a rare finding. Despite the controversy regarding its etiopathogenesis, this condition represents a clear indication for surgery. CASE REPORT: We present a case of a 10-week-old boy with an ossified midline vertex cephalhematoma and sagittal craniosynostosis. The child underwent a cephalhematoma excision and minimally invasive non-endoscopic narrow vertex craniectomy, with calvarial vault remodeling followed by 2 weeks use of a cranial orthosis. On 5-month follow-up, mesocephaly was achieved. CONCLUSION: Our case is well documented with native CT, 3D CT, intraoperative pictures, and 3D head scan imaging. We described our minimally invasive non-endoscopic technique that led to a rapid cranial vault remodeling with reduction of cranial orthosis need. A review of literature focused on surgical techniques is included.

Ossified Cephalhematoma: An Unusual Cause of Calvarial Mass in Infancy.

Cephalhematomas occurring in newborn usually resolve within a month. Rarely, they tend to ossify and present as hard scalp swelling. Unless one is aware of this possibility, this condition may be misinterpreted as bony tumor and cause needless apprehension to parents as well as the treating physician. A suspicion that ossified cephalhematoma (OC) could present in such a manner supported by careful history taking and relevant imaging (X-ray/computed tomography) would help in appropriate evaluation of this benign condition. The management of OC is controversial. Occasionally, they undergo spontaneous remodeling. Those with secondary craniosynostosis and/or disfigurement are treated surgically. Simple ossified lesions with no significant cosmetic issues may be conservatively tackled. We report such a case in a 3-month-old child. The other management options are briefly discussed.

Infected cephalhaematoma in a five-week-old infant - case report and review of the literature.

BACKGROUND: A cephalhaematoma is usually a benign condition which resolves spontaneously. Nevertheless, there is a small risk of primary or secondary infection and diagnosis of this condition is challenging. The purpose of this article is to summarise risk factors, clinical criteria, pathogenesis, appropriate investigations and treatment methods for infected cephalhaematomas in infants. CASE PRESENTATION: A 5-week-old infant presented with fever and a non-tender cephalhaematoma without local signs of inflammation. The inflammatory markers in blood were elevated. Urine, blood and cerebrospinal fluid cultures were sterile. The raised inflammatory markers did not decrease under antibiotic treatment. An aspirate of the cephalhaematoma grew Escherichia coli. A debridement and evacuation of the haematoma was performed and the infant was treated with antibiotics for 11 days. The infant did not show any sequelae on follow-up visits. CONCLUSIONS: We present a case of an infected cephalhaematoma with Escherichia coli in a 5-week-old infant. Diagnosis of an infected cephalhaematoma is challenging. Infection should be suspected if infant present with secondary enlargement of the haematoma, erythema, fluctuance, skin lesions or signs of systemic infection. Inflammatory markers and imaging have limited diagnostic power. The main associations with infection of cephalhaematomas are instrumental assisted deliveries and sepsis, followed by the use of scalp electrodes, skin abrasions and prolonged rupture of membranes. Although, aspiration is contraindicated in treatment of cephalhaematomas, it needs to be performed when an infection is suspected. Escherichia coli are the most frequently isolated bacteria from infected cephalhaematomas.

Surgical Treatment of Ossified Cephalhematoma: A Case Report and Review of the Literature.

BACKGROUND: Cephalhematoma is more frequently associated with hard labor of infancy, but the incidence of ossified cephalhematoma is a rare clinical entity. CASE DESCRIPTION: This case report presents a 2-month-old infant with an ossified cephalhematoma who was treated successfully by excision. CONCLUSIONS: Cephalhematoma goes to an ossification process rather than a calcification one. Surgery should be used to shave off the ossified cephalhematoma.

Growing skull fractures: guidelines for early diagnosis and surgical management.

BACKGROUND: Growing skull fracture (GSF) is a rare complication of pediatric head trauma and causes delayed onset neurological deficits and cranial defect. GSF usually develops following linear fracture with underlying dural tear resulting in herniation of the brain. Early diagnosis and treatment are essential to avoid complications. However, there are no clear-cut guidelines for the early diagnosis of GSF. The present study was conducted to identify the criteria for the early diagnosis of GSF. MATERIAL AND METHODS: From 2010 to 2015, all pediatric patients of head trauma with linear fracture were evaluated. Patients of age <5 years with cephalhematoma, bone diastasis of 4 mm or more with underlying brain contusion were subjected to contrast brain MRI to find out the dural tear and herniation of the brain matter. Patients with contrast MRI showing dural tear and herniation of the brain matter were considered high risk for the development of GSF and treated surgically within 1 month of trauma. Patients with contrast brain MRI not showing dural tear and herniation of the brain matter were regularly followed for any signs of GSF. RESULTS: A total of 20 patients were evaluated, out of which 16 showed dural defects with herniation of the brain matter and were subjected to duraplasty. Four patients in which MRI did not show dural tear and herniation of the brain matter were regularly followed-up and have not shown any sign of GSF later on follow-up. CONCLUSION: Early diagnosis of GSF can be made based on the four criteria, i.e., (1) age <5 year with cephalhematoma, (2) bone diastasis 4 mm or more (3) underlying brain contusion (4) contrast MRI showing dural tear and herniation of the brain matter. Dural tear with herniation of the brain matter is the main etiopathogenic factor for the development of GSF. Early diagnosis and treatment of GSF can yield a good outcome.

Traumatic brain injury in infants and toddlers, 0-3 years old.

OBJECT: Children 0-3 years old present a completely different neurotraumatic pathology. The growing and the development processes in this age group imply specific anatomical and pathophysiological features of the skull, subarachnoid space, CSF flow, and brain. Most common specific neurotraumatic entities in children 0-3 years old are cephalhematoma, subaponeurotic (subgaleal) hematoma, diastatic skull fracture, grow skull fracture, depressed ('ping-pong') skull fracture, and extradural hematoma. METHODS: We present our 10 years experience in neuropediatric traumatic brain injuries, between 1999 and 2009, in the First Department of Neurosurgery and Pediatric Intensive Care Unit. Including criteria were children, 0-3 years old, presenting only traumatic brain injury. We excluded patients with politrauma, who require a different management. RESULTS: We present the incidence of these specific head injuries, clinical and imagistic features, treatment, and outcome. We found 72 children with diastatic skull fracture, 61 cases with depressed ('ping-pong') skull fracture, 22 cases with grow skull fracture, 11 children harboring intrusive skull fracture, 58 cephalhematomas, 26 extradural hematomas, and 7 children with severe brain injury and major posttraumatic diffuse ischemia ('black-brain'). Usually, infants and toddlers present with seizures, pallor, and rapid loss of consciousness. First choice examination, in all children was cerebral CT-scan, and for follow-up, we performed cerebral MRI. We emphasize on the importance of seizure prevention in this age group. Children presenting with extensive diffuse ischemia ('black-brain') had a poor outcome, death occurring in all 7 cases. CONCLUSION: Children 0-3 years old, present with a total distinctive pathology than adults. Children with head injury must be addressed to a pediatric department of neurosurgery and pediatric intensive care unit. Prophylaxis pays the most important role in improving the outcome.

Cephalhematoma causing severe anemia in the newborn: report of 2 cases.

This report describes two newborns with massive Cephalhematoma leading to marked blood loss and severe anemia. The hematocrits were 19% and 13% respectively. The babies were managed with blood transfusion, phototherapy, antibiotics and dexamethasone.

Céfalo-hematoma subperiosteal gigante ossificado na infância / Ossified giant subperiosteal cephalhematoma in childhood

Hematoma subperiosteal ou céfalo-hematoma, apesar de condição conhecida em neonatos, é rara em adultos e mesmo em crianças maiores, o que levanta a suspeita de uma diferente patogênese entre as duas situações. A cronificação e a ossificação do céfalo-hematoma são condições extremamente infrequentes, com escasso material bibliográfico, e sua presença no adulto é fato inusitado na literatura. Reportamos o caso de um hematoma subperiosteal crônico de grandes proporções, ossificado, com um ano de evolução, tratado cirurgicamente, em um menino de 12 anos de idade com síndrome epiléptica e déficit cognitivo prévios. A revisão e a discussão de sua patogênese e seu tratamento foram realizadas para exposição da condição.

Subperiosteal hematoma or cephalhematoma is a well known condition on newborns, but rare in adults and older children, what may lead to a different pathogenic origin. Chronic or ossificated cephalhematoma are infrequent, with few reports in medical literature. There are no cases reported in adults. It is presented a case of a 12 year-old boy, with previous epileptic syndrome and cognitive deficit, who was admitted because of a large chronic ossified subperiosteal hematoma. It was removed surgically. Revision and discussion of its pathogenesis were prepared for the case presentation.

Correlation between Cephalhematomas and Intracranial Hematomas

PURPOSE: Cephalhematomas rarely lead to serious complications, such as skull fractures and intracranial hematomas, so CT and/or MRI scans are indicated only in cases in which depressed fractures are suspected or neurologic symptoms develop. Nevertheless, we have experienced several cases of cephalhematomas associated with intracranial hematomas in the absence of remarkable neurologic symptoms. The aim of this study was to evaluate the correlation between cephalhematomas and intracranial hematomas and determine the need for neuroimaging in infants with cephalhematomas. METHODS: Infants who were admitted to the NICU with cephalhematomas and underwent neuroimaging (CT and/or MRI) between January 2002 and July 2006 were evaluated. Neuroimaging was done when the symptoms suggested the development of an intracranial hematoma. RESULTS: Among 54 infants with cephalhematomas, 18 infants underwent neuroimaging. Six of 18 infants (33.3%) had intracranial hematomas, 4 infants had epidural hematomas, and 2 infants had subdural hematomas. Four of these 6 infants had neurologic symptoms or depressed skull fractures; 2 infants had no neurologic symptoms or depressed skull fractures. The neuroimaging was done to evaluate the cause of an excessive elevation of serum bilirubin and unexplained anemia. There were no remarkable differences between the infants with and without intracranial hematomas with respect to gestational age, birth weight, head circumference, diameter of the cephalhematoma, neurologic symptoms, and other clinical signs and symptoms. CONCLUSION: Based on this study, intracranial hematomas are common complications of cephalhematomas, thus more careful inspection and neuroimaging may be needed in cases of cephalhematomas in newborns.

Epidural hematoma treated by aspiration of accompanying cephalhematoma in a newborn infant / 소아과

Epidural hematoma is relatively rare in newborn infants and frequently associated with instrumental deliveries or other complications during labor and delivery. Although surgical evacuation has been the most common therapy, many other procedures have been described. Although many epidural hematomas require surgical evacuation rather than nonsurgical management, conservative or aspiration of hematoma have been attempted. In the case of EDH associated with cephalhematoma, aspiration of cephalhematoma could be attempted because frequent features of these combination were communication between these hematoma. We report a case of successful nonsurgical management of epidural hematoma through the aspiration of accompanying cephalhematoma in a 5-day-old newborn infant.

Factores de riesgo asociados a traumatismo al nacimiento / Risk factors for birth injuries

Objective. To identify risk factors associated with birth trauma. Setting. Servicio de Neonatología, Hospital General "Dr. Manuel Gea González", Secretaría de Salud. Design. Case-control, prolective study. Patients. There were 129 cases and 134 controls. Measures. We recorded the following variables: a) maternal and delivery: age, weight, height, prenatal care, pre-existing disease or gestational disease, mode of delivery, anesthetic management during labor, use of external maneuvers or forceps; b) newborn: birth weight, gestational age, academic degree of attendant physician at delivery, and type of birth injury. Results. The independent risk factors associated to birth injury were: for ecchymoses; general anesthesia (OR 13.7, 95% CI - 3 - 62.6), breech presentation (OR 6.4, 95% IC 95% = 1.4 - 27.9) and gestational age < 32 weeks (OR 6.4, 95% CI = 1.3 - 31.1); for lacerations, vaginal dystocic delivery or cesarean section (OR 19, 95% CI = 4.4 - 81.1) and use of external maneuvers (OR 5.6, 95% CI = 1.5 - 21.6); for cephalhematoma maternal height < 1.54 m (OR 7.4, 95% CI = 2.3 - 23.7) and external maneuvers (OR 7.2, 95% CI = 2.3 - 23.7); for caput succedaneum, external maneuvers (OR 3.4, 95% CI = 1.5-7.7) and maternal age < 19 or > 36 years (OR 3.0, 95% CI = 1.4 - 6.4). Conclusions. Risk factors associated with birth injuries identified in this study involved maternal conditions, neonatal conditions and mechanism of delivery.

Objetivo. Identificar los factores de riesgo asociados a lesiones originadas durante el nacimiento en recién nacidos. Lugar. Servicio de Neonatología, Hospital General "Dr. Manuel Gea González", SS. Diseño. Casos y controles, prolectivo. Pacientes. 129 casos y 134 controles. Mediciones. Las variables estudiadas fueron, a) maternas y del parto: edad, peso, talla, control prenatal, enfermedad previa o durante el embarazo, características del trabajo de parto, tipo de anestesia, aplicación de maniobras externas, uso de fórceps; b) en el recién nacido: peso al nacer, edad gestacional, grado académico del médico que atendió el nacimiento y tipo de lesión. Resultados. Los factores que se asociaron en forma independiente a la presentación de traumatismo al nacimiento fueron para equimosis: anestesia general (RM 13.7, IC 95% = 3 - 62.6), presentación pélvica (RM 6.4, IC 95% = 1.4 - 27.9 y edad gestacional < 32 semanas (RM 6.4, IC 95% =1.3 - 31.1); para laceración, nacimiento vaginal distócico o cesárea (RM 19, IC 95% = 4.4 - 81.1), y maniobras externas (RM 5.6, IC 95% = 1.5 - 21.6); para cefalohematoma talla materna < 1.54 m (RM 7.4, IC 95% = 2.3 - 23.7) y maniobras externas (RM 7.2, IC 95% = 2.2 - 23.7); para caput succedaneum maniobras externas (RM 3.4, IC 95% = 1.5 - 7.7) y edad materna < 19 o > 36 años (RM 3.0, IC 95% = 1.4 - 6.4). Conclusiones. Los factores de riesgo asociados a lesiones durante el nacimiento identificados en este estudio involucran tanto características maternas como del recién nacido y de la atención del parto.

Spontaneous Rapid Resolution of Acute Epidural Hematoma in a Neonate

A case of acute epidural hematoma associated with depressed skull fracture and cephalhematoma resolved spontaneously within three days, is reported. A female neonate was admitted for the evaluation of convulsion developed on the next day after delivery. Computed tomography(CT) revealed epidural hematoma and overlying cephalhematoma on the left parietal region. Repeated CT scan after three days showed total resolution of epidural hemotoma and slight enlargement of cephalhematoma. Redistribution of hematoma through communication between epidural hemotoma and cephalhematoma is suggested as the mechanism of spontaneous rapid resolution of epidural hemotoma.

Indications for the Diagnostic Tap of Cephalhematoma: A Survey of Case Reports / 대한주산의학회잡지

PURPOSES: We experienced a case of infected cephalhematoma drained spontaneously. So we wanted to review the most appropriate method for investigating cephalhematomas for possible infection and to clarify the indications for the diagnostic aspiration. METHODS: MEDLINE searches were conducted for the period from 1972 to 1997, and all reports were obtained. 15 articles reporting 18 infected cephalhematomas were identified in the literature. We analyzed the medical records in patients according to age: sex ; associated infections especially sepsis or osteomyelitis, risk factors such as scalp electrode or vacuum use, local signs such as increase in size, fluctuation, local redness: organisrns: and radiographic findings. RESULTS: Escherichia coli was isolated from over 50% of the cephalhematomas that were aspirated. Most patients presented with sepsis, meningitis, and/or osteomyelitis. Plain radiographs, bone scans, and enhanced CT scans were limited in their ability to determine if a cephalhematoma was infected unless associated osteomyelitis existed. Local signs of scalp infection, such as increase in size, fluctuation, local redness were obvious in almost all cases. CONCLUSIONS: Aspiration is the diagnostic procedure of choice for cephalhematomas suspected of being infected. The indications for aspiration were increase in size, development of erythema, development of fluctuation, relapse of systemic infection, or a delay in the resolution of clinical symptoms of infection.

Proptosis from a cephalhematoma in a twelve-year-old girl: a case report

We report a unique case of a 12-year-old girl with unilateral proptosis form orbital extension of an extensive bilateral cephalhematoma. Loss of vision in the left eye due to severe proptosis was reversed by prompt aspiration and tarsorrhaphy.