Nulliparas at Term with Premature Rupture of Membranes and an Unfavorable Cervix: Labor Induction with Prostaglandin or Oxytocin? A Retrospective Matched Case Study.

Background: Induction of labor (IOL) in nulliparas with premature rupture of membranes (PROM) and an unfavorable cervix at term poses challenges. Our study sought to investigate the impact of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) compared to oxytocin on the duration of IOL in this specific group of parturients. Methods: This was retrospective matched-case study. All nulliparas with term PROM who underwent induction between January 2006 to April 2023 at Shaare Zedek Medical Center were identified. Cases induced by either PGE2 or oxytocin were matched by the following criteria: (1) time from PROM to IOL; (2) modified Bishop score prior to IOL ≤ 5; (3) newborn birthweight; and (4) vertex position. The primary outcome was time from IOL to delivery. Results: Ninety-five matched cases were identified. All had a modified Bishop score ≤ 5. Maternal age (26 ± 4.7 years old, p = 0.203) and gestational age at delivery (38.6 ± 0.6, p = 0.701) were similar between the groups. Matched factors including time from PROM to IOL (23.5 ± 19.2 versus 24.3 ± 21.4 p = 0.780), birth weight of the newborn (3111 g versus 3101 g, p = 0.842), and occiput anterior position (present on 98% in both groups p = 0.687) were similar. Time from IOL to delivery was significantly shorter by 3 h and 36 min in the group induced with oxytocin than in the group induced with PGE2 (p = 0.025). Within 24 h, 55 (58%) of those induced with PGE2 delivered, compared to 72 (76%) of those induced with oxytocin, (p = 0.033). The cesarean delivery rates [18 (19%) versus 17 (18%)], blood transfusion rates [2 (2%) versus 3 (3%)], and Apgar scores (8.8 versus 8.9) were similar between the groups (PGE2 versus oxytocin, respectively), p ≥ 0.387. Conclusions: Induction with oxytocin, among nulliparas with term PROM and an unfavorable cervix, was associated with a shorter time from IOL to delivery and a higher rate of vaginal delivery within 24 h, with no difference in short-term maternal or neonatal adverse outcomes.

Term Idiopathic Polyhydramnios, and Labor Complications.

Background and Aim: Polyhydramnios is associated with an increased risk of various adverse pregnancy outcomes, yet complications during labor have not been sufficiently studied. We assessed the labor and perinatal outcomes of idiopathic polyhydramnios during term labor. Methods: Retrospective cohort study at a tertiary medical center between 2010 and 2014. Women with idiopathic polyhydramnios defined as an amniotic fluid index (AFI) greater than 24 cm or a deep vertical pocket (DVP) > 8 cm (cases) were compared with women with a normal AFI (5-24 cm) (controls). Statistics: Descriptive, means ± SDs, medians + IQR. Comparisons: chi-square, Fisher's exact test, Mann-Whitney Test, multivariate logistic models. Results: During the study period 11,065 women had ultrasound evaluation completed by a sonographer within two weeks of delivery. After excluding pregnancies complicated by diabetes (pre-gestational or gestational), fetal anomalies, IUFD, multifetal pregnancies, elective cesarean deliveries (CD) or missing data, we included 750 cases and 7000 controls. The degree of polyhydramnios was mild in 559 (75.0%) cases (AFI 24-30 cm or DVP 8-12 cm), moderate in 137 (18.0%) cases (30-35 cm or DVP 12-15 cm) and severe in 54 (7.0%) cases (AFI >35 cm or DVP > 15 cm). Idiopathic polyhydramnios was associated with a higher rate of CD 9.3% vs. 6.2%, p = 0.004; a higher rate of macrosomia 22.8% vs. 7.0%, p < 0.0001; and a higher rate of neonatal respiratory complications 2.0% vs. 0.8%, p = 0.0001. A multivariate regression analysis demonstrated an independent relation between polyhydramnios and higher rates of CD, aOR 1.62 (CI 1.20-2.19 p = 0.002) and composite adverse neonatal outcome aOR 1.28 (CI 1.01-1.63 p = 0.043). Severity of polyhydramnios was significantly associated with higher rates of macrosomia and CD (p for trend <0.01 in both). Conclusions: The term idiopathic polyhydramnios is independently associated with macrosomia, CD and neonatal complications. The severity of polyhydramnios is also associated with macrosomia and CD.

Induction of labor at second delivery subsequent to a primary cesarean: is stage of labor at previous cesarean a factor?

PURPOSE: Parturients with a history of a cesarean delivery (CD) in the first delivery (P1), undergoing induction of labor (IOL) in the subsequent delivery (P2) are at increased risk for obstetric complications. The primary aim was to study if "the stage of labor" at previous cesarean (elective/latent/first/second) is associated with a successful IOL. The secondary aim was to search for other obstetric characteristics associated with a successful IOL. METHODS: A retrospective longitudinal follow-up study in a large tertiary medical center. All parturients at term who underwent IOL at P2 with a singleton fetus in cephalic presentation, with a prior CD, between the years 2006 and 2014 were included. A univariate analysis was performed including the stage of labor at previous cesarean, birth weight of newborn at P1 and P2, gestational week of delivery at P2, time of interpregnancy interval, indication and mode of IOL, epidural analgesia and augmentation of labor at P2. Significant factors were incorporated in a multivariate logistic regression model. RESULTS: During the study period, 150 parturients underwent IOL (P2) subsequent to a previous CD (P1). VBAC was achieved in 78 (52%). We found no association between the stages of labor in which the previous CD was performed to a successful IOL. Applying the multivariate logistic regression revealed that augmentation of labor with oxytocin, OR 4.17, [1.73-10.05], epidural analgesia OR 3.30 [1.12-9.73] and birth weight (P2) < 4000 g, OR 5.88, [1.11-33.33] were associated with a successful IOL. CONCLUSION: The stage of labor at previous CD should not be incorporated among the variables found to be associated with a successful IOL. As a result of our findings, clinician's will be able to adjust a personalized consult prior to initiating IOL.

Risk factors, early and late postpartum complications of retained placenta: A case control study.

OBJECTIVES: To identify risk factors and complications associated with 3rd stage of labor removal of placental fragments (3rd SRPF) by manual uterine revision under a strict protocol. STUDY DESIGN: Ten years retrospective register-based cohort study of vaginal deliveries. Women with 3rd SRPF n = 3297 (exposed) and those without n = 97,888 (non exposed) were compared. MAIN OUTCOMES MEASURES: (1) risk factors for 3rd SRPF aOR (95%CI) (2) early (2a) and late (2b) maternal complications. RESULTS: (1) Risk factors for 3rd SRPF procedure were assisted reproductive technologies 2.20 (1.73-2.34), preterm delivery 2.53 (2.21-2.88), preeclampsia 1.66 (1.25-2.21) Multiple previous early pregnancy loss (>3) 1.40(1.19-1.66), VBAC 1.26(1.13-1.47) and epidural analgesia 1.56 (1.46-1.69). (2a) Early complications: puerperal fever 1.1% vs 0.3%, blood transfusion 9.0% vs. 0.5%, prolonged maternal hospitalization 21.0% vs. 11.4%, all P < 0.0001. Puerperal readmission was 0.819% in the 3rd SRPF vs. 0.315% the control group, P < 0.0001. (2b) Late complications: retained placenta and hysteroscopy / D&C rates were significantly higher among the 3rd SRPF vs. controls: 40.7% vs. 7.1%, 14.8% vs. 3.6% and 48.1% vs. 18.2%, respectively, all P < 0.0001. CONCLUSION: Uterine revision for 3rd SPRF is associated with significant early and late maternal morbidity; should be considered discriminative of a population at risk and postpartum health care planning, beyond being a therapeutic intervention.

Delivery of the Nonpresenting Twin First: Rates and Associated Factors.

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the rate of delivery of the nonpresenting twin first and to identify risk factors for such an event by using a cohort of opposite-sex twins for whom the intrauterine order was well documented with ultrasonography before delivery. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective cohort study of all opposite-sex dichorionic twins in a single tertiary center between 2002 and 2016. Reports of ultrasonograms performed less than 2 weeks before birth were reviewed for information on twins' presenting order in relation to fetal sex. Intrauterine labeling was compared with labeling at the time of birth. Multivariable regression analysis was used to identify factors associated with delivery of the nonpresenting twin first. RESULTS: Of 1,746 women with dichorionic twin pregnancies, 942 (53.9%) had opposite-sex twins and 617 had recent data on ultrasonographic twin labeling. In 456 of 617 (73.9%) pregnancies, both twins were delivered by cesarean delivery and in 161 of 617 (26.1%) pregnancies, one or both twins were delivered vaginally. The overall rate of delivery of the nonpresenting twin first was 6.8% (95% CI 4.5-9.1%, 31/456) in the cesarean group; there were no deliveries (95% CI 0.0-2.3%, 0/161) of the nonpresenting twin first in the vaginal group (P=.001). The following factors were independently associated with delivery of the nonpresenting twin first at cesarean delivery: discordance greater than 25% in birth weights (17.5%, adjusted odds ratio [OR] 4.0, 95% CI 1.7-9.1), nonvertex presentation of the presenting twin (11.6%, adjusted OR 3.8, 95% CI 1.7-8.3), and gestational age less than 32 0/7 weeks (14.9%, adjusted OR 3.6, 95% CI 1.6-7.8). CONCLUSIONS: Delivery of the nonpresenting twin first in dichorionic, opposite-sex twins at the time of birth occurs in 6.8% of cesarean deliveries. Clinicians and researchers should be aware of this phenomenon because it has implications for neonatal care and long-term outcome.

"The next-generation": Long-term reproductive outcome of adults born at a very low birth weight.

BACKGROUND: Preterm birth at very low birth weight (VLBW, <1500g) has a multitude of consequences that extend to various aspects of adult life. Little is known about the long-term reproductive outcome of VLBW that survive to adulthood. AIMS: To evaluate the reproductive outcome of VLBW infants who survive to adulthood (next-generation). STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective cohort. SUBJECTS: Infants born at a single tertiary center between the years 1982-1997 who survived to 18years of age (first-generation). OUTCOME MEASURES: The number and the birth weight of offspring from adults born with VLBW were compared to those of other birth weight groups born in the same epoch: 1500-2499g, 2500-3799g (reference group) and ≥3800g. We calculated the ratio of actual compared to expected number of children in the next-generation for extreme birth weight parents, using the reference group as a control group and adjusting for birth year. Thereafter, we measured whether first-generation VLBW had an increased risk for a VLBW in the next-generation. RESULTS: After exclusions, we identified first-generation 67,183 births, including 618 (9.2%) VLBW. There were 193 males and 184 female VLBW infants who survived to adulthood. Both female and male first-generation patients from the VLBW group had half the reproductive rate relative for the normal birth weight group. After adjusting for parental age, male and female VLBW survivors had no significant risk for a VLBW neonate in the next-generation, however, the overall number of are small and may limit any conclusion. CONCLUSION: VLBW children who reach adulthood may be at a significantly lower reproductive capacity.

Epidural analgesia at trial of labor after cesarean (TOLAC): a significant adjunct to successful vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC).

INTRODUCTION: Epidural analgesia has been considered a risk factor for labor dystocia at trial of labor after cesarean (TOLAC) and uterine rupture. We evaluated the association between exposure to epidural during TOLAC and mode of delivery and maternal-neonatal outcomes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A single center retrospective study of women that consented to TOLAC within a strict protocol between 2006 and 2013. Epidural "users" were compared to "non-users". Primary outcome was the mode of delivery: repeat in-labor cesarean or vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC). Secondary outcomes were maternal/neonatal morbidities. Univariate/multivariate analyses for associations between epidural and mode of delivery were adjusted for significant covariates/mediators. RESULTS: Of a total of 105,471 births registered, 9464 (9.0%) were eligible for TOLAC; 7149 (75.5%) women consented to TOLAC, among which 4081 (57.1%) had epidural analgesia. The in labor cesarean rate was significantly lower for the epidural "users" 8.7% vs. "non-users" 11.8%, P<0.0001, with a parallel increased rate of instrumental delivery. Uterine rupture rates were comparable: 0.4% and 0.29%, respectively (P=0.31). The adjusted multivariate model showed that epidural "users" were more likely to experience a VBAC, odds ratio (OR) 4.58 [3.67; 5.70]; P<0.0001 with a similar rate of adverse maternal-neonatal outcomes. CONCLUSION: Epidural analgesia at TOLAC may emerge as a safe and significant adjunct for VBAC.

Prediction value of anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) serum levels and antral follicle count (AFC) in hormonal contraceptive (HC) users and non-HC users undergoing IVF-PGD treatment.

Use of hormone contraceptives (HC) is very popular in the reproductive age and, therefore, evaluation of ovarian reserve would be a useful tool to accurately evaluate the reproductive potential in HC users. We conducted a retrospective cohort study of 41 HC users compared to 57 non-HC users undergoing IVF-preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) aiming to evaluate the effect of HC on the levels of anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH), small (2-5 mm), large (6-10 mm) and total antral follicle count (AFC) and the ability of these markers to predict IVF outcome. Significant differences in large AFC (p = 0.04) and ovarian volume (p < 0.0001) were seen, however, there were no significant differences in small and total AFC or in serum AMH and FSH levels. Oocyte number significantly correlated with AMH and total AFC in HC users (p < 0.001) while in non-HC users these correlations were weaker. In HC users, the significant predictors of achieving <6 and >18 oocytes were AFC (ROC-AUC; 0.958, p = 0.001 and 0.883, p = 0.001) and AMH (ROC-AUC-0.858, p = 0.01 and 0.878, p = 0.001), respectively. The predictive values were less significant in non-HC users. These findings are important in women treated for PGD, in ovum donors and for assessing the fertility prognosis in women using HC and wishing to postpone pregnancy.

Elective induction of labor in women with gestational diabetes mellitus: an intervention that modifies the risk of cesarean section.

AIM: To evaluate the effect of elective induction at term for women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) on the risk for cesarean delivery. STUDY DESIGN: This is a retrospective case-control matched study, based on a single-center computerized database, 2005-2011. The medical records were reviewed for GDM management and glycemic control. For the study, two groups were defined: Group 1, women diagnosed with GDM with an estimated fetal weight <4,000 g, electively induced at term; Group 2, women induced due to Term-PROM, an indication for term induction in normoglycemic women with uncomplicated pregnancies, matched for age and parity (ratio 1:2). The primary outcome was cesarean delivery and secondary outcomes included other maternal and neonatal events. Descriptive analyses and multivariate analyses models were fitted. RESULTS: GDM was diagnosed in 1,873 (2.6 %) women of 72,374 births; 227 (12.1 %) were eligible for inclusion in Group 1 and matched with 454 women in Group 2. GDM management included diet in 103 (45.4 %), insulin in 81 (35.7 %), and oral hypoglycemic agents in 43 (18.9 %).The cesarean delivery rate was significantly higher in Group 1, 17.1 vs. 11.2 % (p = 0.02). Three out of four births complicated by shoulder dystocia and BW <4,000 g, occurred in Group 1 (p = 0.076) and were associated with no glycemic control. Other obstetrical-related outcomes such as instrumental birth, severe perineal tears, early postpartum hemorrhage and peripartum transfusion were similar between groups. CONCLUSION: Elective induction at term for women with GDM is associated with an increased risk for cesarean delivery as compared to other elective induction of labor.

The prenatal diagnosis of isolated fetal varix of the intra-abdominal umbilical vein is associated with favorable neonatal outcome at term: a case series.

OBJECTIVE: Varix of the fetal intra-abdominal umbilical vein (VFIUV) has been reported to be associated with an increased risk of adverse perinatal outcome and especially with intra-uterine fetal demise (IUFD). Induction of preterm birth, as early as 32-34 weeks gestation has been suggested to minimize this risk. We aimed to evaluate our center experience with the antenatal diagnosis of VFIUV and review the relevant literature. METHODS: This is a retrospective case series of all cases (between 2004 and 2009) where the sonographic antenatal diagnosis of VFIUV was registered at any gestational age (GA). Ultrasound, maternal and newborn electronic medical records were used. Descriptive statistics were employed as appropriated and correlation coefficient (r) calculated. RESULTS: We identified 24 women with fetuses, with isolated VFIUV (excluding one lost-to-follow-up). GA at diagnosis was 30.5 ± 4.4 weeks; 13 (56.5 %) cases were diagnosed <32 weeks. The mean VFIUV diameter was 13 ± 2.9 (range 9-20) mm and turbulent flow was reported in 7 cases (30.4 %). GA at birth was 37 ± 2.5 weeks. The small for gestational age rate was 4 % (1/23), while no case of IUFD occurred. The group induction of labor rate was 65.2 %, while 43 % (10/23) due to the diagnosis of VFIUV alone: 17 % (4/23) preterm and 26 % (6/23) at term. The cesarean rate was 17 % (4/23) and NICU admission was required for five neonates (21.7 %). The preterm induction of birth was related to a significantly increased risk for cesarean and neonatal morbidity (p = 0.015; p = 0.029, respectively). The mode of delivery was not associated with the GA at diagnosis, size/type of flow of VFIUV (r = 0.101; r = 0.727; r = 0.671, respectively) overall (r) = 0.4. All fetuses were live-born with normal follow-up at 2-60 months. CONCLUSION: Isolated VFIUV has a favorable perinatal outcome at term, unrelated to the structural and flow characteristics of VFIUV. We show that follow-up for growth abnormalities with no preterm induction of birth is a safe maternal and neonatal approach.