Relationships Among Mode of Birth, Onset of Labor, and Bishop Score.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate mode of birth in relation to onset of labor and Bishop score. DESIGN: Retrospective observational cohort design. SETTING: A 434-bed Magnet e-designated community hospital. PARTICIPANTS: Nulliparous women, 18 years of age or older, who gave birth at 37 to 41 weeks gestation to live, singleton fetuses in the vertex presentation (N = 701). METHODS: We conducted a retrospective chart review and used chi-square analysis to measure the associations among mode of birth, onset of labor, and Bishop score. We used logistic regression to test the probability of cesarean birth for women undergoing elective induction of labor. RESULTS: Most participants (n = 531, 75.7%) gave birth vaginally. Significant findings included the following relationships: spontaneous onset of labor and vaginal birth (χ2 = 22.2, Ø = 0.18, p < .001) and Bishop score of greater than or equal to 8 and vaginal birth (χ2 = 4.9, Ø = .14, p = .028). Induction of labor was a significant predictor in cesarean birth when controlling for age and body mass index (OR = 2.1, 95% confidence interval [1.5, 3.1], p < .01). CONCLUSION: Reducing elective induction of labor in women with low-risk pregnancies may help lower the risk of cesarean birth. Clinically, Bishop score and mode of birth have a weak association, particularly when induction includes cervical ripening.

Methods of induction of labor in women with obesity: A secondary analysis of two multicenter randomized controlled trials.

INTRODUCTION: Obesity is an increasing public health concern worldwide and can lead to more complications in pregnancy and childbirth. Women with obesity more often require induction of labor for various indications. The aim of this study is to assess which method of induction of labor is safest and most effective in women with obesity. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This is a secondary analysis of two randomized controlled trials about induction of labor. Women with a term singleton pregnancy in cephalic presentation, an unfavorable cervix, intact membranes and without a previous cesarean section were randomly allocated to cervical priming with a Foley catheter or vaginal prostaglandin-E2-gel (PROBAAT-I) or a Foley catheter or oral misoprostol (PROBAAT-II). The inclusion and exclusion criteria for the studies were identical. Induction methods were compared in women with obesity (body mass index ≥30.0). Main outcomes were cesarean section and postpartum hemorrhage (blood loss >1000 mL). RESULTS: A total of 2664 women, were included in the trials, 517 of whom were obese: 254 women with obesity received a Foley catheter, 176 oral misoprostol and 87 prostaglandin E2 (PGE2). A cesarean section was performed in 29.1% of women allocated to Foley vs 22.2% in the misoprostol and 23.0% in the PGE2 groups. Comparisons between groups revealed no statistically significant differences: the relative risk [RR] was 1.31 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.94-1.84) in the Foley vs misoprostol group and 1.27 (95% CI 0.83-1.95) in the Foley vs PGE2 group. The rates of postpartum hemorrhage were comparable (10.6%, 11.4% and 6.9%, respectively; P = 0.512). In women with obesity, more often a switch to another method occurred in the Foley group, (20.1% vs 6.3% in misoprostol vs 1.1% in the PGE2 group; P < 0.001). The risk of a failed Foley placement was higher in women with obesity than in women without obesity (8.3% vs 3.2%; adjusted odds ratio 3.12, 95% CI 1.65-5.90). CONCLUSIONS: In women with obesity we found a nonsignificant trend towards an increased rate of cesarean sections in the group induced with a Foley catheter compared to oral misoprostol; however, the study lacked power for this subgroup analysis. The finding of a higher risk of failed placement of a Foley catheter in women with obesity can be used in shared decision making.

Insucesso de indução por misoprostol em gestantes: revisão integrativa / Fracaso de la inducción por misoprostol en mujeres embarazadas: revisión integradora / Unsuccessful misoprostol induction in pregnant women: an integrative review

Resumo Objetivo Analisar as evidências disponíveis na literatura acerca do insucesso da indução do trabalho de parto com misoprostol em gestações a termo. Métodos Revisão integrativa, realizada entre janeiro e novembro de 2022, cuja pergunta de pesquisa e descritores foram delineados por meio da estratégia PECO. As buscas foram realizadas nas bases de dados MEDLINE; Web of Science; CINAHL; EMBASE e Scopus por duas pesquisadoras de forma independente, assim como a avaliação. Para a fase de seleção e identificação dos estudos foi utilizado o Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA). A avaliação do risco de viés dos artigos incluídos foi realizada através do questionário Newcastle Ottawa Scale. Resultados Foram identificados 3.674 artigos, 84 foram lidos na íntegra, dos quais 11 compuseram a revisão (n=9.010 gestantes), com publicação entre os anos de 2005 a 2021, sendo a maioria nos Estados Unidos. Quanto ao nível de evidência, todos os artigos foram classificados como 2b, avaliada coforme o delineamento de cada investigação. O estudo apontou evidências quanto aos seguintes fatores: IMC elevado (maior igual a 30kg/m2), nuliparidade, bishop imaturo, comprimento cervical (maior igual a 30mm), estatura, etnia (não caucasianas do sul da Europa) e peso fetal (maior igual a 4kg). Conclusão Alcançou-se o objetivo do estudo tendo sido demonstrado seis fatores maternos e um fetal que podem levar ao insucesso da indução. Vale ressaltar a necessidade de evidências que incorporem a individualidade de cada característica e destaca-se a contribuição desse estudo para embasar a escolha da melhor conduta para cada gestação de forma individualizada.

Resumen Objetivo Analizar las evidencias disponibles en la literatura acerca del fracaso de la inducción del trabajo de parto con misoprostol en gestaciones a término. Métodos Revisión integradora, realizada entre enero y noviembre de 2022, cuya pregunta de investigación y descriptores fueron definidos mediante la estrategia PECO. Las búsquedas fueron realizadas en las bases de datos MEDLINE, Web of Science, CINAHL, EMBASE y Scopus por dos investigadoras de forma independiente, al igual que la evaluación. Para la fase de selección e identificación de los estudios se utilizó el Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA). La evaluación del riesgo de sesgo de los artículos incluidos se realizó a través del cuestionario Newcastle Ottawa Scale. Resultados Se identificaron 3.674 artículos, 84 se leyeron en su totalidad, de los cuales 11 conformaron la revisión (n=9.010 mujeres embarazadas), publicados entre los años 2005 y 2021, la mayoría en Estados Unidos. Respecto al nivel de evidencia, todos los artículos fueron clasificados como 2b, evaluada de acuerdo con el diseño de cada investigación. El estudio indicó evidencias respecto a los siguientes factores: IMC elevado (mayor igual a 30 kg/m2), nuliparidad, bishop bajo, longitud cervical (mayor o igual a 30 mm), estatura, etnia (no caucasoide del sur de Europa) y peso fetal (mayor igual a 4 kg). Conclusión Se alcanzó el objetivo del estudio y se demostraron seis factores maternos y uno fetal que pueden llevar al fracaso de la inducción. Cabe resaltar la necesidad de evidencias que incorporen la individualidad de cada característica y se destaca la contribución de este estudio para fundamentar la elección de la mejor conducta en cada gestación de forma individualizada.

Abstract Objective To analyze the evidence available in literature regarding unsuccessful labor induction with misoprostol in full-term pregnancies. Methods This is an integrative review, carried out between January and November 2022, whose research question and descriptors were outlined using the PECO strategy. The searches were carried out in the MEDLINE, Web of Science, CINAHL, EMBASE and Scopus databases by two researchers independently as well as assessment. For the study selection and identification phase, the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) was used. The risk of bias assessment of included articles was carried out using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. Results A total of 3,674 articles were identified, and 84 were read in full, of which 11 comprised the review (n=9,010 pregnant women), published between 2005 and 2021, with the majority in the United States. Regarding the level of evidence, all articles were classified as 2b, assessed according to the design of each study. The study showed evidence regarding the following factors: High BMI (greater than 30 kg/m2), nulliparity, immature bishop, cervical length (greater than 30 mm), height, ethnicity (non-Caucasians from southern Europe) and fetal weight (greater equal to 4 kg). Conclusion The objective study was achieved, having demonstrated six maternal factors and one fetal factor that can lead to unsuccessful induction. It is worth highlighting the need for evidence that incorporates the individuality of each characteristic and the contribution of this study to support the choice of the best conduct for each pregnancy on an individual basis stands out.

Effectiveness and safety of intra-amniotic ethacridine injection for third trimester induction due to fetal demise / 中华围产医学杂志

Objective:To study the effectiveness and safety of intra-amniotic ethacridine injection in pregnancy induction at ≥28 gestational weeks due to fetal demise.Methods:This retrospective study recruited 77 singleton pregnant women who were admitted to Peking University First Hospital at ≥28 gestational weeks, from January 1, 2011 to December 31, 2021, because of fetal demise diagnosed by ultrasound. Four groups were classified according to different methods of induction, including ethacridine success group ( n=63), ethacridine failure group ( n=4), mifepristone plus misoprostol group ( n=5), and spontaneous delivery group ( n=5). Those in the ethacridine success group were further divided into scarred and non-scarred uterus group. The differences in general conditions and delivery outcomes among these women were analyzed using t-test, one-way analysis of variance, Chi-square test, and Mann-Whitney U test or Kruskal-Wallis H test. Results:(1) Among the 67 patients induced by ethacridine, the success rate was 94.0% (63/67). (2) Compared the ethacridine success group with the mifepristone plus misoprostol group or spontaneous delivery group, respectively, there was no significant difference in total labor duration, intrapartum hemorrhage volume, weight of the dead fetus, and the incidence of postpartum hemorrhage, perineal laceration, and intrauterine residue (all P>0.05). No serious complications such as placental abruption, disseminated intravascular coagulation, intrauterine infection, uterine rupture, conversion to cesarean section, or puerperal infection occurred in the three groups. (3) The duration between ethacridine injection and labor onset was shorter in the ethacridine success group than in the mifepristone plus misoprostol group [(28.5±12.0) h vs (54.2±17.6) h, t=－4.45, P<0.001]. (4) Among the 63 cases of ethacridine success group, the outcomes after induction were similar between scarred and non-scarred uterus group (all P>0.05). (5) The median duration between ethacridine injection and labor onset in the ethacridine success group was 26.8 h (2.3-66.0 h), which meant 95% of the patients went into labor within 51.7 h and 100% within 66 h after the injection. Conclusion:Intra-amniotic injection of ethacridine is safe and effective in termination for singleton pregnancy due to fetal demise at the third trimester and the duration from drug administration to labor onset was significantly shorter than that of mifepristone plus misoprostol, without increasing the risk of any complications.

Comparison of cesarean section rates between obstetricians preferring labor induction at early versus late gestational age.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the cesarean section (CS) rates of obstetricians with a preference of labor induction at early versus late gestational age. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Medical records of women who were low risk, nulliparous, singleton pregnancy, and >37 weeks and delivered their babies, were reviewed. Obstetricians, who preferred labor induction at<41 weeks, were allocated to the early induction group; and the other obstetricians were allocated to the late induction group. RESULTS: The late induction group had a higher percentage of labor induction at ≥41 weeks, compared with the early induction group (21% vs. 8%, p = 0.007). The late induction group had a lower CS rate (11.0% vs. 19.1%, p < 0.001). Multivariable Cox proportional hazard model revealed that the early induction group (hazard ratio [HR] = 2.14, p < 0.001), maternal age (HR = 1.04, p = 0.001), premature rupture of membranes (HR = 1.59, p = 0.006), and birth body weight (kg, HR = 2.13, p < 0.001) were independent predictors of CS. In women receiving labor induction (n = 312), birth body weight (kg, HR = 1.72, p = 0.04) was the sole predictor of CS; and there is a trend that the early induction group (HR = 1.54, p = 0.051) has a higher CS rate, compared with the late induction group. However, gestational age at labor induction was not a predictor of CS. CONCLUSION: In low-risk pregnancies, obstetricians preferring labor induction at early gestational age seem to be associated with a higher CS rate, compared with obstetricians preferring labor induction at late gestational age. Nonetheless, the above finding seems to be associated with physician's factor, instead of gestational age at labor induction.

Impact of Planned Delivery on the Perinatal Outcome of Term Fetuses with Isolated Heart Defects.

OBJECTIVE: Pregnancies complicated by fetal heart defects often undergo a planned delivery prior to term by either induction of labour or cesarean delivery to ensure optimal availability of neonatal care. We aimed to assess whether such planned deliveries achieve their goal of better perinatal care. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective case-control study of pregnancies complicated by isolated fetal cardiac defects, without other fetal comorbidities, managed at a single fetal medicine unit over a 10-year period. Only pregnancies delivered past 37 weeks gestation were included. Patients undergoing elective delivery for care planning reasons only were compared with patients in whom planned delivery was clinically indicated and patients who laboured spontaneously. Obstetric and perinatal outcomes were recorded. RESULTS: Of the 180 pregnancies included in the study, 59 (32.8%) were in the elective group, 49 (27.2%), in the indicated group, and 72 (40%), in the spontaneous group. Mean gestational age at delivery was 39.0 ± 1.1 weeks overall and did not differ between the groups. For the elective group, only 35.6% of deliveries occurred during office hours, which was similar to the 2 other groups. The rate of adverse obstetric or postnatal outcomes was not statistically significantly different between groups. CONCLUSION: Timed delivery at term does not seem to be associated with an increased risk of poor perinatal outcomes. It may improve perinatal care by providing proximity to a neonatal intensive care unit and convenience for patients and providers.

Summary of best evidence for management of labor course induced by oxytocin drip in term pregnancy / 中国实用护理杂志

Objective:To search, evaluate and summarize the best evidences related to induction of labor by oxytocin infusion in pregnant women with full-term pregnancy, and to provide reference for clinical practice in order to reduce the complications during labor, such as the proportion of instrument delivery, prolonged labor duration, uterine rupture, postpartum hemorrhage, etc. Standardize the management process of induction of labor with oxytocin, improve the satisfaction of pregnant women to participate in the decision of induction of labor, and improve the outcome of the newborn.Methods:Take the evidence-based nursing method, in view of the full-term pregnancy pregnant women oxytocin drip induced labor evidence-based labor management problems, nearly 10 years related literature retrieval from January 1st 2011 to April 9th, 2021, the Australian JBI evidence-based health care center of literature quality evaluation criteria and evidence classification system, all kinds of research evaluation and classification of retrieval.Results:Early detection to 340 articles, and eventually into 9 articles, including 1 clinical decision, 6 guides, 2 pieces of system evaluation. Totally 45 pieces evidences related to induction of labor by oxytocin infusion in pregnant women with full-term pregnancy were sumarized, including induced labor time, oxytocin side effects, induced labor before evaluation, induced labor of guardianship, infusion solution, such as health education, and other seven aspects.Conclusions:The present study summarized 45 pieces of best evidence on the management of labor induced by oxytocin infusion during term pregnancy, which provided some evidence-based basis for midwives, obstetric nurses and managers. Through the application of the best evidence, it is beneficial to improve the outcome of pregnant women in the neonatal perinatal period, standardize the process of inducing labor with oxytocin, and improve the quality of obstetric care.

Autonomia da parturiente no contexto da assistência ao trabalho parto induzido: estudo transversal

Propósito/Contexto. Este estudio tiene como objetivo analizar la autonomía de las mujeres en la asistencia al parto inducido. Metodología/Enfoque. Se trata de un estudio transversal realizado desde octubre de 2019 a junio de 2021 mediante la aplicación de un cuestionario electrónico, construido en Google Forms, que contiene preguntas cerradas. Resultados/Hallazgos. 383 mujeres respondieron el cuestionario elaborado por los autores. La edad de los participantes osciló entre los 17 y los 50 años. Entre las participantes, el 28,8 % tuvo trabajo de parto inducido, de las cuales el 12,5 % se sometió a inducción mecánica, el 62,5 % recibió oxitocina y el 25 % prostaglandina/misoprostol. Discusión/Conclusiones/Contribuciones. La autonomía de la mujer embarazada en la realización de su parto es fundamental para que los profesionales actúen con buenas prácticas en la atención del parto.

Objetivo/Contexto. Este estudo tem por objetivo analisar a autonomia da mulher na assistência ao parto induzido. Metodologia/Abordagem. Trata-se de um estudo transversal realizado no período de outubro de 2019 a junho de 2021 por meio da aplicação de um questionário eletrônico, construído no Google Forms, contendo questões fechadas. Resultados/Descobertas. 383 mulheres responderam ao questionário elaborado pelos autores. A idade das participantes variou entre 17 a 50 anos. Dentre as participantes, 28,8 % tiveram o parto induzido, das quais 12,5 % passaram pela indução mecânica, 62,5 % receberam ocitocina e 25 % prostaglandina/ misoprostol. Discussão/Conclusões/Contribuições. A autonomia da parturiente na condução do seu parto é primordial para que os profissionais atuem com boas práticas na assistência ao parto.

Purpose/Context. This study aims to analyze women's autonomy in assisting induced childbirth. Methodology/Approach. This is a sectional study carried out from October 2019 to June 2021 through the application of an electronic questionnaire, built on Google Forms, containing closed questions. Results/Findings. 383 women answered the questionnaire prepared by the authors. The age of the participants ranged from 17 to 50 years. Among the participants, 28.8 % had induced labor, of which 12.5 % underwent mechanical induction, 62.5 % received oxytocin and 25 % prostaglandin/misoprostol. Discussion/Conclusions/Contributions. The parturient's autonomy in conducting her delivery is essential for professionals to act with good practices in childbirth care.

Labor induction with randomized comparison of cervical, oral and intravaginal misoprostol.

BACKGROUND: This study attempts to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of 50µgm intracervical misoprostol in comparison with intravaginal and sublingual for the induction of labor at term pregnant women. METHODS: This study is designed as a parallel clinical trial study. Three hundred and fifteen term pregnancies requiring induction of labor were treated with the maximum used misoprostol intracervical, sublingual, and vaginal doses. Participants were randomly allocated into three groups of 105. The dose was repeated every 4 h until adequate uterine contraction and Bishop Score were achieved. The duration of induction to births, time to the active phase, the rate of births, and the need for caesarean section were compared in three groups. Additionally, labor course and side effects were recorded and analyzed. Data were analyzed using SPSS software. A significance level of p <  0.05 was considered for statistical analyses. FINDINGS: Labor was successfully induced in all cases most (63%) of which required a single dose of misoprostol. Ninety-three (93.0%, p <  0.05) cervical participants proceeded to vaginal births. This figure was also the same in the vaginal and sublingual group of 83 cases (83.0%). The other 41 cases received caesarean section with more indications of failure to progress and meconium-stained liquor. The results indicated that 278 (92.7%) births were achieved in less than 10 h. Time from start of medication to the active phase of labor and childbirth was 3.01 ± 0.86 and 6.1 ± 1.3 h in the Cervical group, 4.2 ± 0.66 and 8.4 ± 0.92 h in the sublingual group, and 5.06 ± 1.1 and 9.2 ± 1.5 h in the vaginal group respectively (p < 0.001). The Caesarean rate was lower in the cervical group than in the two other groups (p = 0.05). No significant differences were observed between the study groups in terms of Apgar score and meconium-stained amniotic fluid. Furthermore, no maternal and neonatal complications were observed. CONCLUSION: In addition to the sublingual and intravaginal routes of administration, intracervical misoprostol at a single dose of 50µgm appears to be an effective method for induction of labor in women with an unfavorable cervix. Like all medical interventions, a discussion of the risks, benefits, and alternatives to induction of labor with this medication in each woman should be undertaken before treatment. TRIAL REGISTRATION: This clinical study was approved by the Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials with IRCT ID: IRCT20190415043278N1 . Registration date was on May 13, 2019 and May 27, 2019 respectively ( http://www.irct.ir ).

Analgesic considerations for induction of labor.

Induction of labor may be indicated to minimize maternal and fetal risks. The rate of induction is likely to increase as recent evidence supports elective induction at 39 weeks gestation. We review methods of induction and then analgesic options as they relate to indications and methods to induce labor. We specifically focus on parturients at high risk for anesthetic complications including those requiring anticoagulation, and those with cardiac disease, obesity, chorioamnionitis, prior spinal instrumentation, elevated intracranial pressure, known or anticipated difficult airway, thrombocytopenia, and preeclampsia. Guidelines regarding timing of anticoagulation dosing with neuraxial anesthetic techniques have been defined through consensus statements. Early epidural placement may be beneficial in patients with cardiac disease, obesity, anticipated difficult airway, and HELLP syndrome. Questions remain regarding how early is too early for epidural placement, what options are safest for patients with bacteremia, and what pain relief should be offered to those unable to tolerate cervical exams in early labor.

Evidence around early induction of labor in women of advanced maternal age and those using assisted reproductive technology.

Worldwide, there has been a trend toward later motherhood. Concurrently, the incidence of subfertility has been on the rise, necessitating conception using assisted reproductive technologies (ARTs). These pregnancies are considered high risk due to fetal complications such as antepartum stillbirth and growth restriction and maternal complications such as increase in maternal morbidity and mortality. Early induction of labor can help to mitigate these risks. However, this has to be balanced against the iatrogenic harms of earlier delivery to both the baby, including respiratory distress and NICU stay, and the mother who might experience longer labor and other complications such as uterine hyperstimulation. Induction of labor at 39 weeks is the optimal timing for preventing antepartum stillbirth and avoiding iatrogenic harm. Delivery by elective cesarean section is not advocated as its benefits in these patients are unclear compared with the short- and long-term complications of a major abdominal surgery.

Pregnancy Outcomes During the COVID-19 Pandemic in Canada, March to August 2020.

OBJECTIVE: Several studies have documented changes in the rates preterm birth and stillbirth during the COVID-19 pandemic. We carried out a study to examine obstetric intervention, preterm birth, and stillbirth rates in Canada from March to August 2020. METHODS: The study included all singleton hospital deliveries in Canada (excluding Québec) from March to August 2020 (and March to August for the years 2015-2019) with information obtained from the Canadian Institute for Health Information. Data for Ontario were examined separately because this province had the highest rates of COVID-19 in the study population. Rates and odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were used to quantify pregnancy-related outcomes. RESULTS: There were 136,445 and 717,905 singleton hospital deliveries in Canada (excluding Quebéc) in from March to August 2020 and between March and August 2015-2019, respectively. Rates of obstetric intervention declined in early gestation in 2020. Odds ratios for labour induction and cesarean delivery at <32 weeks gestation for March-August 2020 versus March-August in 2015 to 2019 were 0.84 (95% CI 0.74-0.95) and 0.92 (95% CI 0.85-1.00), respectively. Preterm birth rates increased in Canada (excluding Québec) from 6.42% in March-August 2015 to 6.74% in March-August 2019 but were unchanged in March-August 2020 (6.74%). Stillbirth rates were stable between March-August 2015 and March-August 2020. However, stillbirth rates peaked in Ontario in April 2020 due to higher rates of stillbirths at 20-27 and 37-41 weeks gestation. CONCLUSION: Changes in labour induction and cesarean delivery at early gestation and other perinatal outcomes during the period of March to August 2020 highlight the need to reconsider the use and impact of obstetric services in pandemics as well as the need for timely perinatal surveillance.

Induction of labor using balloon catheter as an outpatient versus prostaglandin as an inpatient: A cost-effectiveness analysis.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this work was to assess the cost-effectiveness of induction of labor with outpatient balloon catheter cervical priming versus inpatient prostaglandin vaginal gel or tape. STUDY DESIGN: Economic evaluation alongside a multi-centre, randomized controlled trial at eight Australian maternity hospitals. The trial reported on 448 women with live singleton term pregnancies, undergoing induction of labor for low-risk indications between September 2015 and October 2018. An economic decision tree model was designed from a health services perspective from time of induction of labor to hospital discharge. Sensitivity and subgroup analyses were performed to test the robustness of model outcomes. We estimated resource use, collected data on health outcomes (using EQ-5D-3 L questionnaire) and reported cost (Australian Dollars) per quality-adjusted life year gained, incremental cost-effect ratio and net monetary benefit. RESULTS: Deterministic analysis showed lower mean costs ($7294 versus $7585) in the outpatient-balloon (n = 205) compared to the inpatient-prostaglandin group (n = 243), with similar health outcomes (0.75 vs 0.74 quality-adjusted life years gained) and overall higher net monetary benefit ($30,054 vs $29,338). In probabilistic analyses outpatient-balloon induction of labor was cost-effective in 55.3 % of all simulations and 59.1 % for women with favourable cervix (modified Bishop score >3) and 64.5 % for nulliparous women. CONCLUSIONS: Outpatient-balloon induction of labor may be cost-saving compared to inpatient induction of labor with prostaglandin and is most likely to be cost-effective for nulliparous women, but more research is warranted in other settings to explore the generalisability of results.

Second-trimester termination due to conjoined twins in a woman with twice previous cesarean sections / 中华围产医学杂志

We report the induced labor of conjoined twins in the second trimester in a woman with a history of two previous cesarean sections, the last one of which was performed in 2017. This 25-year-old patient was found to have thoracolumbar conjoined fetuses with one heart and polyhydramnios through the routine ultrasound examination at 19 +5 gestational weeks and was admitted at 20 +1 gestational weeks. After a full assessment of the fetal and maternal condition through multidisciplinary consultation, it was determined to attempt a vaginal delivery as no absolute contraindication for induction of labor. The patient was given 300 mg mifepristone orally plus an amniotic cavity injection of 100 mg ethacridine lactate. Regular contractions occurred 28 hours after medication. The patient delivered a pair of dead female conjoined twins at 20 +6 gestational weeks following successful induction of labor, with an assisted vaginal breech delivery. There was no soft tissue damage in the birth canal, and the estimated blood loss was 150 ml. Pathological examination and autopsy showed thoracolumbar conjoined deformity twins with a common heart and liver. Adequate prenatal evaluation, a detailed understanding of the indications for induction of labor and vaginal delivery, closed monitoring during labor, and preparation for emergency cesarean section, are essential safety measures for induced labor of conjoined twins in women with a scarred uterus in the second trimester.

Evaluation of the diagnosis and treatment of cesarean scar pregnancy induced in the second trimester: a national multicenter retrospective study / 中华妇产科杂志

Objective:To study the risk factors of adverse pregnancy outcomes for induced abortion of cesarean scar pregnancy in midtrimester.Methods:A national multicenter retrospective study was conducted. A total of 154 singletons pregnant women with cesarean scar pregnancy during the second trimester induced abortion by various reasons in 12 tertiary A hospitals were selected, their pregnant outcomes were observed and the risk factors of serious adverse outcomes were analyzed with univariate and multivariate logstic regression; the role of ultrasound and MRI in predicting placenta accreta and severe adverse outcomes was evaluated, the effectiveness of uterine artery embolization (UAE) in preventing hemorrhage in pregnant women with and without placenta accreta was compared.Results:Among 154 subjects, the rate of placenta accreta was 42.2% (65/154), the rate of postpartum hemorrhage≥1 000 ml was 39.0% (60/154), the rate of hysterectomy was 14.9% (23/154), the rate of uterine rupture was 0.6% (1/154). The risk factor of postpartum hemorrhage≥1 000 ml and hysterectomy was placenta accreta ( P<0.01). For each increase in the number of parity, the risk of placenta accreta increased 2.385 times (95% CI: 1.046-5.439; P=0.039); and the risk of placenta accreta decreased with increasing ultrasound measurement of scar myometrium thickness ( OR=0.033, 95% CI: 0.001-0.762; P=0.033). The amount of postpartum hemorrhage and hysterectomy rate in the group with placenta accreta diagnosed by ultrasound combined with MRI were not significantly different from those in the group with placenta accreta diagnosed by ultrasound only or MRI only (all P>0.05). For pregnant women with placenta accreta, there were no significant difference in the amount of bleeding and hysterectomy rate between the UAE group [median: 1 300 ml; 34% (16/47)] and the non-embolization group (all P>0.05); in pregnant women without placenta accreta, the amount of bleeding in the UAE group was lower than that in the non-embolization group (median: 100 vs 600 ml; P<0.01), but there was no significant difference in hysterectomy rate [2% (1/56) vs 9% (3/33); P>0.05]. Conclusions:(1) Placenta accreta is the only risk factor of postpartum hemorrhage≥1 000 ml with hysterectomy for induced abortion of cesarean scar pregnancy in midtrimester; multi-parity and ultrasound measurement of scar myometrium thickness are risk factors for placenta accreta. (2) The technique of using ultrasound and MRI in predicting placenta accreta of cesarean scar pregnancy needs to be improved. (3) It is necessary to discuss of UAE in preventing postpartum hemorrhage for induced abortion of cesarean scar pregnancy in midtrimester.

Clinical analysis of pregnancy termination in 167 pregnant women with cardiovascular disease during the first and second trimester / 中华妇产科杂志

Objective:To study the risk assessment, method selection and clinical management of pregnancy termination during the first and second trimester of pregnant women with cardiovascular disease.Methods:This study focused on pregnant women with cardiovascular diseases who were admitted to Beijing Anzhen Hospital during the first and second trimester of pregnancy from January 2016 to September 2019, to summarize their clinical characteristics, reasons and methods of pregnancy termination, management and outcomes.Results:Among 167 pregnant women, 119 cases (71.3%, 119/167) were in early pregnancy and 48 cases (28.7%, 48/167) were in middle pregnancy. The reasons for termination of pregnancy were cardiovascular disease (109 cases; 65.3%, 109/167), unwanted pregnancy (54 cases; 32.3%, 54/167) and other reasons (4 cases). Vacuum aspiration was performed in 98 cases and forceps curettage was performed in 19 cases, medical abortion was performed in 2 cases in early pregnancy. There was no change in cardiac function after pregnancy termination and all survived in early pregnancy. In the second trimester, 16 cases were induced by intraamniotic injection of ethacridine, 2 cases by water balloon, 1 case by oxytocin intravenous drip, and 29 cases by hysterotomy delivery. The ratio of patients with hysterotomy delivery with cardiac function grade Ⅲ-Ⅳ was significantly higher than that in the patients with vaginal labor induction in the second trimester [79% (23/29) vs 4/19; P<0.01]; the ratio of pregnancy risk grade Ⅳ-Ⅴ was also significantly higher [100% (29/29) vs 14/19; P=0.007]. The mean length of hospital stay of patients with hysterotomy delivery was significantly longer than that in the patients with vaginal labor induction [(7.1±3.4) vs (2.4±1.8) days; P<0.01]. Cardiac function was improved in 4 patients induced by ethacridine and rapid recovery without serious complications. Cardiac function decreased in 5 cases and 1 case died on the first day after hysterotomy delivery. Conclusions:Pregnancy risk assessment should be conducted as early as possible in patients with cardiovascular disease. If it is not suitable to continue the pregnancy, terminate pregnancy as early as possible to reduce the risk. Pregnancy termination methods and analgesic methods should be selected according to different gestational age and complications. The indications for hysterotomy delivery should not be relaxed at will, so as to minimize trauma and hemodynamic changes. After the termination of pregnancy, contraceptive measures should be implemented and the next treatment plan should be guided.

Cervical Ripening and Labor Induction and Augmentation, 5th Edition.

Cervical ripening and induction and augmentation of labor are common procedures in labor and birth units. The potential risks and benefits for the procedure should be explained to women so that they can make informed decisions. Clinicians should be knowledgeable about the methods and medications used and be skilled in maternal-fetal assessment. Adequate nurse staffing is required to monitor the mother and fetus to promote the best possible outcomes. This practice monograph includes information on mechanical and pharmacologic methods for cervical ripening; labor induction and augmentation with oxytocin, a high alert drug; and nurse staffing levels and skills needed to provide safe and effective care during cervical ripening and labor induction and augmentation.

Cervical Ripening and Labor Induction and Augmentation, 5th Edition.

Cervical ripening and induction and augmentation of labor are common procedures in labor and birth units. The potential risks and benefits for the procedure should be explained to women so that they can make informed decisions. Clinicians should be knowledgeable about the methods and medications used and be skilled in maternal-fetal assessment. Adequate nurse staffing is required to monitor the mother and fetus to promote the best possible outcomes. This practice monograph includes information on mechanical and pharmacologic methods for cervical ripening; labor induction and augmentation with oxytocin, a high alert drug; and nurse staffing levels and skills needed to provide safe and effective care during cervical ripening and labor induction and augmentation.

[Effect of rivanol-induced abortion on placental histology: pitfalls in pathological interpretations].

Objective: Placental pathology reflects the health condition of both mother and fetus during pregnancy, providing information about pathogenesis especially in adverse pregnancies, and may provide guidance on subsequent pregnancies. Description on the placental changes after long-term use of rivanol is lacking, and this evaluated the placental changes, with emphasis on the differential diagnosis from other primary placental lesions. Methods: A total of 85 placentas from rivanol induced abortion submitted to the Department of Pathology, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University from Januaury 2017 to October 2019 were reviewed; and 81 gestational-age-matched cases of spontaneous abortion or preterm delivery during the same period were also included as the control group. Diagnoses were based on the consensus statement of 2016 Amsterdam Placental Workshop Group. Statistical differences were analyzed by individual diagnostic terms. Results: The maternal age in rivanol group was (30.5±4.1) (range 22-41) years, compared with (30.9±4.3) (range 22-44) years in the control group. Gestational age was (23.2±3.5) (range 17-35) weeks and (23.3±2.8) (range 17-33) weeks in the rivanol and control groups. The incidence of chorioamnionitis in rivanol group was 91.8%, significantly higher than the control (63.0%, P<0.05); and there were more stage 1 (subchorionic) maternal response in rivanol than in the control (61.0% vs.28.6%, P<0.05) groups. In addition, acute deciduitis was also more common in rivanol group (27.1% vs. 13.6%, P<0.05). No significant difference was observed in fetal inflammatory responses (vasculitis of vessels in chorion plate and umbilical cord); maternal malperfusion (narrowing of intervillous space, increased intervillous fibrin deposition, decidual arteriopathy, villous infarction and retroplacental hematoma); and fetal malperfusion (villous stromal hemorrhage and avascular villi). Conclusions: The chemical chorioamnionitis caused by rivanol is characterized by maternal inflammatory response of low stage and high grade. The use of rivanol has no obvious impact on the fetal inflammatory response, maternal malperfusion and fetal malperfusion. Such morphologic changes may reflect the original placental lesions.

[Effect of induction on maternal and neonatal outcomes of vaginal birth after cesarean].

Objective: To investigate the effect of induction on maternal and neonatal outcomes of vaginal birth after cesarean section (VBAC). Methods: Retrospective cohort study. A total of 452 pregnant women who underwent trail of labor after cesarean section (TOLAC) from January 2015 to March 2019 of Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Capital Medical University were enrolled. According to the mode of the onset of labor, those 331 women who underwent VBAC were divided into spontaneous labor group (n=280) and induction group(n=51). According to induction methods, the pregnant women in the induction group was divided into the low-dose oxytocin subgroup (n=35) and other method subgroup (n=16, 9 cases with cervical ripening by balloon and 7 cases combined with oxytocin). The effect of induction on labor duration and maternal and neonatal outcome in VBAC were analyzed. Results: No maternal and neonatal death occurred. There were 23.0% (76/331) with forceps, 15.1% (50/331) of postpartum hemorrhage, and 24.5% (81/331) of fetal distress. The gravidity, birth weight and the gestational weeks of delivery in the induction group were significantly higher than those in the spontaneous onset group [2.0 (2.0-3.0) vs 2.0(1.0-2.0) times, 39.0(38.0-40.0) vs 38.0(37.0-39.0) weeks, (3 467±372) vs (3 168±538) g, Z=-3.548,-3.892,-3.813, all P<0.01]. The duration of the second stage of labor was significantly longer than that of the spontaneous onset group [43(26-60) vs 30(17-49) min, Z=-2.145,P<0.05], but the duration of the first stage, the total duration of labor, the rate of forceps, the incidence of postpartum hemorrhage, the rate of perineal incision and the incidence of fetal distress were not obvious different (all P>0.05). The duration of the first stage and total duration in oxytocin group were significantly shorter than those other method group [260(210-435) vs 325(250-490) min, 450(355-620) vs 523(370-668) min, Z=-2.001,-1.913, all P<0.05]. There were not significantly different in the duration of second stage, mode of delivery, perineal injury, the rate of postpartum hemorrhage, and fetal distress in the two groups (all P>0.05). Conclusion: Pregnant women who have undergone TOLAC after caesarean section can be induced after fully evaluation. Although induction prolongs the labor duration, it does not affect the maternal and neonatal complication rate.