Fetal heart rate classification in routine use: Do your prefer a 3-tier or a 5-tier classification?

OBJECTIVE: To assess the current use of a five-tier fetal heart rate (FHR) classification system (National College of French Obstetricians and Gynecologists, CNGOF, 2007) and of a three-tier system (Federation International of Gynecology and Obstetrics, FIGO, 2015). MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a single-center prospective study conducted in April 2016. Midwives were asked to classify FHR hourly during their patients' labors according to two classification systems (CNGOF and FIGO). For each system the midwives rated from 0 to 10 the following elements after delivery: ease of FHR classification, the memorization of the classification, access to routine use, and help with the decision of a second-line examination. Finally, they had to choose which classification system seemed most helpful in their clinical practice. RESULTS: Forty-six patients were included in the study. The median score for the ease of FHR classification according to the CNGOF system was 7, versus 8 according to the FIGO system (p<0.05). The median score for the ease of remembering the classification was 4 for CNGOF versus 8 for FIGO (p<0.05). The FIGO classification system was considered the easiest to use in 76% of cases and the CNGOF system was the most helpful in 61% of cases. The CNGOF system was seen as a help in deciding on a second-line examination in 70% of cases and the FIGO was a help in 63% of cases. CONCLUSION: The three-tier FIGO classification system seemed easier to use but the five-tier CNGOF classification system was more helpful. The choice of which system to use should be discussed within each medical team.

[Compliance to the color codes protocol according to the indication of cesarean and to the decision-to-delivery interval]. / Évaluation du respect du protocole des codes couleurs selon l'indication de césarienne et le délai décision-naissance.

OBJECTIVE: Evaluation of the compliance of the color codes protocol according to the indication of ceasarean section and on the decision-to-delivery interval according to the color code, the operator and the period. METHODS: This is a retrospective monocentric study including women who had to undergo an emergency cesarean section after 37 weeks of amenorrhea in the Jeanne-de-Flandre hospital between 2015 and 2017. Three groups were created: cesarean section with green code, orange code and red code. We compared population characteristics and obstetrical data, then drew up a reassessed color code and analyzed the correspondence between the initial color code and the reassessed one. Finally, we considered the respect of decision-to-delivery interval according to color code, operator level and period. RESULTS: Eight hundred and eighty-one patients were included, amongst which 303 (34%) fell into the green c-section, 353 (40%) into the orange c-section and 225 (26%) into the red c-section. In the three groups, there was a significant consistency between the initial color code and the reassessed one, with a kappa agreement test of 95% 0.95 (0.93-0.97). The average decision-to-delivery interval was 37±20min for the green c-section, 20±6min for the orange c-section and 12±3min for the red c-section with a significant respect of the decision-to-delivery interval according to color code P<0.001. The decision-to-delivery interval was similar considering the operator level and the period. CONCLUSION: In our study, we observed the compliance with color code regarding the indication of ceasarean section and the respect of the decision-to-delivery interval whatever the time of occurrence and the operator.

Systematic prophylactic oxytocin injection and the incidence of postpartum hemorrhage: A before-and-after study.

OBJECTIVE: Assess the impact of routine injection of 5 units of oxytocin as soon as the anterior shoulder is delivered on the incidence of postpartum haemorrhage (PPH) in a context of daily practice. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Single-centre before-and-after study evaluating the effect of a change in the protocol for PPH prevention as applied in our obstetrical unit. During the first period, oxytocin (5 units) was to be injected only in case of PPH risk factors. During the second period, the injection was systematic. RESULTS: In the "before" study period, there were 1953 patients vaginal deliveries and 843 (43%) oxytocin injections, with a protocol compliance of 85%. In the "after" study period, 2018 women had vaginal deliveries and 1911 (95%) had an oxytocin injection (protocol compliance: 95%). The whole study period was associated with a reduced risk of moderate haemorrhage (13.4% vs. 9.2%, P<0.001), but no significant reduced risk of severe haemorrhage was observed (2.1% vs. 2.0%, P=0.79). After logistic regression, the study period remained associated with a significant reduction in the risk of moderate PPH (OR=0.72 [0.58-0.89]). CONCLUSION: Routine injection of 5 units of oxytocin makes it possible to reduce the risk of moderate PPH, but it does not affect the risk of severe PPH.

[Assessment of vacuum-assisted vaginal delivery in a frank breech presentation]. / Peut-on réaliser une extraction par ventouse obstétricale en cas de fœtus en présentation du siège décomplété ?

OBJECTIVES: After verification of the eligibility criteria and with an obstetrician familiar with the specific maneuvers likely to be needed, vaginal delivery of breech presentations is possible. If problems arise during the active pushing phase of labor, vacuum extraction has been described in the literature for this uncommon condition with limited series. The aim of this study is to assess retrospectively vacuum extraction in frank breech presentation in our center. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This retrospective study of trials of vaginal delivery of fetuses in breech presentation at term compares cases according to whether they did or did not use a vacuum extraction. RESULTS: During a two-year period, 83 patients, whom had trials of vaginal delivery in breech presentations, reached the active pushing/bearing down stage after complete cervical dilatation. Vacuum assistance was applied in six of these (7.2 %). The failure rate for vaginal delivery was significantly higher in the group with compared to without vacuum extraction (33.3 % versus 6.5 %, P<0.05). Moreover, the mean pH at birth was significantly lower in the group with vacuum extraction (7.12±0.11 versus 7.20±0.08, P<0.05), and these infants more frequently had deep cutaneous injuries (66.7 % versus 26.0 %, P<0.05). DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: In fetuses in breech presentation, when vaginal delivery failed, it seems to be safer for the fetuses to perform caesarean section rather than attempt vacuum extraction.

[Induction of labor and intrapartum management for women with uterine scar]. / Mode de déclenchement du travail et conduite du travail en cas d'utérus cicatriciel.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the benefits and risks of labor induction in patients previously delivered by at least one low transverse cesarean section. To define how labor should be managed in patients attempting a vaginal birth after cesarean section (VBAC). METHODS: A literature search was performed using the Pubmed(®) and Cochrane(®) databases. Foreign societies guidelines were also consulted. RESULTS: Labor induction is associated with an increased risk of uterine rupture that could be estimated at 1% with oxytocine and 2% with vaginal prostaglandins (Level 2). Mechanical methods have been insufficiently studied. Misoprostol seems to dramatically increase the risk of uterine rupture (Level 3). The routine use of intrauterine pressure catheter does not prevent uterine rupture (Professional agreement). A moderate increase of uterine rupture was also found with augmentation (Level 3). The risk of uterine rupture increases when cervical dilatation is arrested for 3 hours or more when a good uterine dynamic is obtained (Professional agreement). The use of epidural analgesia should be encouraged (Grade C). Routine digital exploration of the uterine scare postpartum is not necessary (Grade C). CONCLUSION: Women attempting a VBAC should be aware of the modalities of labor management. When labor induction is warranted, women should also be informed of the indication and the increased risk of uterine rupture. The choice of labor induction method should take into consideration maternal and obstetrical characteristics.

[The diagnosis of fetal head engagement: transperineal ultrasound, a new useful tool?]. / Engagement de la tête fœtale : échographie transpérinéale, un nouvel outil diagnostique ?

OBJECTIVE: Assessment of fetal head engagement by digital examination is highly subjective even though this method remains the gold standard. Ultrasonography could be helpful to determine fetal head engagement during the second stage of labor. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Prospective unicentric study to compare the diagnostic of fetal head orientation and engagement between digital examination and ultrasonography. One hundred measurements were performed in 100 patients at complete cervical dilatation. RESULTS: In 80 % of patients, abdominal ultrasound assessments were consistent with digital examinations in depicting fetal head position. We were not able to evaluate engagement by abdominal ultrasonography. Perineum to fetal head distance was measured between 12 and 83mm by translabial ultrasonography. When the head was not engaged (-1), the mean distance was 66.4±7.53mm. The measure was 56.15±10.86mm when the head was at the upper part of the birth canal (+1), 46.47±12.49mm at the middle part (+2) and 35.81±10.42mm at the lower part (+3; +4). A threshold of 55mm was associated with a sensibility and a negative predictive value of 100 % for vaginal birth. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Abdominal intrapartum ultrasound increases the accuracy of fetal head position assessment. Translabial ultrasound is a simple and easy method to define fetal head engagement by measuring the distance between perineum and fetal head. Ultrasound during the second stage of labor may serve as an educational tool for physicians in training.

[Pregnancy and essential thrombocytemia]. / Thrombocytémie essentielle et grossesse.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the management and outcome of pregnancy in women with essential thrombocytemia. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We conducted a retrospective study including all the pregnant women with essential thrombocytemia followed between January 2000 and January 2008 in a University Hospital (hôpital Jeanne-de-Flandre, Lille, France). We report our experience of 18 pregnancies in 13 women. The management and the complications of these pregnancies were reported. RESULTS: All the patients were treated with low dose aspirin during the pregnancy. We observed one intrauterine death, one premature delivery at 29 weeks of gestation and six maternal haemorrhages at delivery (33%). DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: It is essential to treat these patients with low dose aspirin as soon as the pregnancy begins. Aspirin will be continued in postpartum with anticoagulant treatment. This management appears to improve the obstetric outcome and decrease the thrombotic complications usually described. A national register seems to be necessary to evaluate the complications occurring during pregnancy and the optimum follow-up.

[Comparative study of two single-use vacuum extractor]. / Etude comparative de deux ventouses à usage unique.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the effectiveness of two single-use vacuum devices, the Kiwi Omnicup and the Mitysoft Bell. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This retrospective study was conducted during two different periods: from January 15th to March 14th to assess the Kiwi Omnicup and from March 15th to June 15th for the Mitysoft Bell. The primary outcome was the successful completion of delivery with the allocated instrument. Secondary outcomes were fetal scalp trauma and maternal perineal lesions. All deliveries were performed by similar teams. RESULTS: Thirty-nine patients were included in the Kiwi Omnicup group and 48 in the Mitysoft Bell group. Compared to the Kiwi Omnicup, the Mitysoft Bell was associated with a greater number of cup detachments (41.7% vs. 10.3%; p<0.01) and a significantly higher rate of failure (31.3% vs. 12.8%). Rates of substantial scalp trauma and maternal trauma were similar in both groups. CONCLUSION: The Mitysoft Bell is not as successful at achieving a vaginal delivery as the Kiwi Omnicup. This could be explained by the shape of the cup.

[Five questions about the Kiwi OmniCup vacuum extractor]. / Cinq questions à propos de la ventouse Kiwi OmniCup.

The vacuum extractor Kiwi OmniCup (Clinical Innovations, Muray, Utah, USA) has been developed to provide several advantages. This is a complete system with an integral hand-held vacuum operated by the obstetrician. This is also a single use instrument, which may reduce the risk of potential transmission of infections and the logistic of sterilization process. Further potential benefits of this system include the smaller overall equipment size and the ability to measure traction force. However, the data about its efficiency remain conflicting. The first works demonstrated very high successful rate of vaginal delivery, whereas two recent randomized studies showed that the Kiwi Omnicup was less efficient than currently used vacuum extractor. It appears to be as safe as conventional a device for both mother and newborn. However, further additional data remain necessary needed to complete its evaluation.

[Post-partum broad ligament hematoma embolization: a case report]. / Embolisation d'un hématome du ligament large du post-partum: à propos d'un cas.

We relate the embolization of a hematoma of the broad ligament which developed suddenly in the post-partum period. The radiological intervention could be considered as an alternative treatment. The decision for embolization must be a multidisciplinary decision involving all the specialists concerned (interventional radiologist, intensive care specialist, and obstetrician).

[Amniotic fluid embolism suspected in a case of seizure and mild uterine haemorrhage with activation of coagulation and fibrinolysis]. / Embolie amniotique d'évolution favorable suspectée devant un tableau clinique atypique.

After a normal pregnancy and labour in a 29-year-old parturient, a single seizure followed by a transient headache was observed during the uterine revision for placental retention. Mild uterine haemorrhage of 150 ml per hour without any uterine atony was associated with activation of clotting and fibrinolysis (decrease of fibrinogen, elevated fibrin soluble complexes and D-dimers). A ten fold value of foetal blood cells in maternal serum suggested the diagnosis of amniotic fluid embolism. Atypical forms of amniotic fluid embolism and their diagnosis are discussed.

[Severe maternal and fetal situations during delivery]. / Accouchement dans les situations extrêmes maternelles et foetales.

If pregnancy is very frequently normal, severe complications can appear for fetus, mother or both. The etiologies are various but preeclampsia and its complications remain one of the leading causes. The management is discussed according to the etiology and the severity of the disease and also the level of maternity and neonatal unit which can accept the newborn. However, all situation is a case apart and any decision will not be taken without concertation between obstetricians and neonatologists. In France, a regionalization policy is taking place to improve the maternal and neonatanal management.

Intravenous nitroglycerin for internal podalic version of the second twin in transverse lie.

OBJECTIVE: To report our experience with high doses (0.1-0.2 mg per 10 kg pregnant weight) of intravenous (IV) nitroglycerin as a uterine relaxing agent for managing internal podalic version of the second twin in transverse lie with unruptured membranes. METHODS: Between August 1994 and December 1997, we managed 22 cases of internal podalic version of the second twin with the administration of high doses of IV nitroglycerin. RESULTS: Twenty internal podalic versions were completed successfully, and two cases failed. One failure was considered not related to IV nitroglycerin because the patient had a panic attack, requiring general anesthesia for sedation. The internal podalic version then succeeded. The patient with true failure of IV nitroglycerin required emergency cesarean because of acute fetal bradycardia and a nonrelaxed uterus. This was the only nontransverse lie, but with a very high face presentation. One internal podalic version was complicated by hemorrhage (2000 mL). CONCLUSION: Intravenous nitroglycerin to induce uterine atonia, with epidural analgesia, avoids general anesthesia and makes internal podalic version easier. In 22 cases (with success in 20) of internal podalic version of the second twin in transverse lie with unruptured membranes, IV nitroglycerin induced transient and prompt uterine relaxation without affecting maternal and fetal outcomes.

[Physiopathology of pre-eclampsia: the role of immunology]. / Physiopathologie de la pré-éclampsie: place de l'immunologie.

Preeclampsia complicating 3% of all births is an important cause of maternal death and is associated with an increased risks of neonatal morbidity and mortality. Among the numerous theories proposed to explain this syndrome, the concept of placental ischaemia resulting in a generalized disturbance of endothelial physiology is receiving increasing support. Maternal immunological systems is often solicited during normal pregnancy. Most likely the immunological system is implicated in preeclampsia. Its responsibility is protean. Trophoblastic antigens may not be properly recognized by maternal immunologic system, resulting in a defect of trophoblastic invasion of the myometrial segment of the spiral arteries. Preeclampsia does not seem to be accompanied with trophoblast immunological rejection by the mother. Some cases of preeclampsia are associated with autoimmune phenomena. The autoantibodies could be directed against phospholipids or/and trophoblastic membrane components. Activated neutrophils release a variety of substances, capable of mediating vascular damage. An imbalance between the protective antioxidant activity and aggressive oxidant mechanisms could initiate the endothelial lesions. Preeclampsia could be one presentation of immunodystrophism with local excess of harmful cytokines. The immunologic system is probably not the initiator of preeclampsia, but its role is ambiguous: either the protective immunologic mechanisms usually operating during pregnancy can be surpassed, or immunologic responses are inadequate and directly aggressive. A better understanding of the underlying immunologic anomalies will improve the nosologic classification of preeclampsia syndrome.

[Laparoscopically-prepared vaginal hysterectomy. Our personal experiences (apropos of 35 cases)]. / Hystérectomies vaginales coelio-préparées. Notre expérience personnelle (à propos de 35 cas).

We report our personal experience with 35 laparoscopically prepared vaginal hysterectomies performed over a 3 year period, for January 1990 to January 1993. We give our indications for this new technique present our results. We compared our results with those reported in the literature evaluating indications, technique and complications and demonstrate the numerous advantages of this new technique. Finally, a decision protocol has been prepared in order to chose the optimal approach according to the preoperative work-up.

[Prenatal diagnosis of hepatic hemangioendothelioma. Apropos of a case]. / Diagnostic anténatal d'un hémangioendothéliome hépatique. A propos d'une observation.

An antenatal echography performed at 32 weeks of amenorrhoea revealed a formation in the liver. Other tests during the antenatal period were unable to provide an exact diagnosis which was only established after exploratory laparotomy after birth. A review of the literature showed that this hepatic tumour has been diagnosed in 3 reported cases antenatally. Haemangioendothelioma occurring during the antenatal period is difficult to diagnose and the severe forms discovered by echography have a poor prognosis.

[Partial 12q trisomy and chylothorax]. / Trisomie partielle 12q et chylothorax.

The authors present a case of partial trisomy 12q associated with chylothorax, diagnosed at 30 weeks of pregnancy. Cordocentesis for the karyotype as well as thoracocentesis were carried out. In spite of the administration of tocolytic drugs the patient delivered a girl with multiple clinical abnormalities, who died at 7 days of age. From this case, the authors report 6 other cases of partial trisomy 12q in the literature, and, in the discussion they suggest the management after the diagnosis of hydrothorax has been made by ultrasound.