[Dermatologic diseases and healthcare pathway among pregnant women]. / Lésions dermatologiques et parcours de soins chez la femme enceinte.

OBJECTIVE: Make an inventory of skin lesions during pregnancy and obtain visibility on healthcare pathway among these women in order to identify more precisely the role of the general practitioner (GP). METHODS: Prospective, observational study, using a self-administered questionnaire among all women in immediate postpartum period between April 2021 and August 2021, relating to pre-existing skin lesions or rashes that appeared during pregnancy, and the description of the healthcare pathway among these women. RESULTS: The questionnaire was collected in 377 women with a mean age of 30.6±3.7 years, 88.6% had fair skin and 14.6% were smokers. Among them, 35 (9.3%) declared skin diseases prior to pregnancy, of which 22 had a history of atopic eczema. During pregnancy, 136 women (36.1%) declared having skin lesions, the most frequent of which were stretch marks (63.2%) and hyperpigmentation (26.5%), and mainly during the 2nd trimester (47.0%). Among these 136 women, only 59 (43.4%) referred it to a health care professional who was in 47.4% of cases (28/59) their GP and in 76.3% (45/59) of cases during a pregnancy follow-up appointment. CONCLUSION: This study showed that skin lesions during pregnancy were frequent and that the majority of these women consulted their GP.

[Expert consensus from the College of French Gynecologists and Obstetricians: Management of nausea and vomiting of pregnancy and hyperemesis gravidarum]. / Consensus formalisé d'experts du Collège national des gynécologues et obstétriciens français : prise en charge des nausées et vomissements gravidiques et de l'hyperémèse gravidique.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the management of patients with 1st trimester nausea and vomiting and hyperemesis gravidarum. METHODS: A panel of experts participated in a formal consensus process, including focus groups and two Delphi rounds. RESULTS: Hyperemesis gravidarum is distinguished from nausea and vomiting during pregnancy by weight loss≥5 % or signs of dehydration or a PUQE score≥7. Hospitalization is proposed when there is, at least, one of the following criteria: weight loss≥10%, one or more clinical signs of dehydration, PUQE (Pregnancy Unique Quantification of Emesis and nausea) score≥13, hypokalemia<3.0mmol/L, hyponatremia<120mmol/L, elevated serum creatinine>100µmol/L or resistance to treatment. Prenatal vitamins and iron supplementation should be stopped without stopping folic acid supplementation. Diet and lifestyle should be adjusted according to symptoms. Aromatherapy is not to be used. If the PUQE score is<6, even in the absence of proof of their benefit, ginger, pyridoxine (B6 vitamin), acupuncture or electrostimulation can be used, even in the absence of proof of benefit. It is proposed that drugs or combinations of drugs associated with the least severe and least frequent side effects should always be chosen for uses in 1st, 2nd or 3rd intention, taking into account the absence of superiority of a class over another to reduce the symptoms of nausea and vomiting of pregnancy and hypermesis gravidarum. To prevent Gayet Wernicke encephalopathy, Vitamin B1 must systematically be administered for hyperemesis gravidarum needing parenteral rehydration. Patients hospitalized for hyperemesis gravidarum should not be placed in isolation (put in the dark, confiscation of the mobile phone or ban on visits, etc.). Psychological support should be offered to all patients with hyperemesis gravidarum as well as information on patient' associations involved in supporting these women and their families. When returning home after hospitalization, care will be organized around a referring doctor. CONCLUSION: This work should contribute to improving the care of women with hyperemesis gravidarum. However, given the paucity in number and quality of the literature, researchers must invest in the field of nausea and vomiting in pregnancy, and HG to identify strategies to improve the quality of life of women with nausea and vomiting in pregnancy or hyperemesis gravidarum.

[Screening and management of endometriosis by primary care physicians]. / Repérage et prise en charge de l'endométriose en soins primaires par les médecins généralistes.

OBJECTIVE: Analyze knowledge and practices of general practitioners concerning the screening and treatment of endometriosis in primary care. METHODS: Observational study carried out with general practitioners in a healthcare area using an anonymous online questionnaire about symptoms, screening and their management of endometriosis. Responses were analyzed according to the general practitioners' sex, age and practice in gynecology. RESULTS: Sixty-nine general practitioners (69/458 ; 15.1%) responded. Women (18.4% vs. 9.7% : P=0.02), between 40 and 59 years old (26.5% vs. 0 ; P<0.01), with additional training in gynecology (27.2% vs. 3.0%; P<0.01) had significant activity in gynecology. Typical symptoms of endometriosis were experienced by 76.8% general practitioners, but only 36% "often" or "always" referred to endometriosis when faced with these symptoms. Additional training in gynecology, mostly carried out by women, between 40 and 59 years old, had a positive impact on the evocation of endometriosis in the face of these symptoms. If endometriosis was suspected, 72.5% GPs immediately ordered pelvic ultrasound and 85.5% for analgesics, but 42% referred the woman to a gynecologist. CONCLUSION: The general practitioner has a key role in the screening and initial management of endometriosis in primary care. The practice and continuing education of general practitioners in gynecology has a significant impact in improving the screening and initial management of endometriosis.

[Breech Presentation: CNGOF Guidelines for Clinical Practice - External Cephalic Version and other Interventions to turn Breech Babies to Cephalic Presentation]. / Présentation du siège. Recommandations pour la pratique clinique du CNGOF ­ Version par manœuvre externe et techniques de version alternatives.

OBJECTIVES: To provide guidelines regarding efficiency and safety of external cephalic version (ECV) attempt and alternatives methods to turn breech babies to cephalic presentation. METHODS: MedLine and Cochrane Library databases search in French and English and review of the main foreign guidelines between 1980 and 2019. RESULTS: ECV is associated with a decreasing rate of breech presentation at birth (LE2), and potentially with a lower rate of cesarean section (LE3) without an increase of severe maternal (LE3) and perinatal morbidity (LE3). It is therefore recommended to inform women with a breech presentation at term that ECV should be attempt (Professional consensus). ECV attempt should be performed with immediate access to an operating room for emergency cesarean (Professional consensus). The ECV attempt before 37 weeks, compared to ECV attempt after 37 weeks, increases the rate of cephalic presentation at birth (LE2) but with a small increase risk of moderate prematurity (LE2). ECV attempt should be performed from 36SA (Professional consensus). The main factors associated with successful ECV attempt are multiparity (LE3) and no maternal obesity (LE3). Parenteral tocolysis (ß mimetic or atosiban), for ECV attempt at term is associated with a higher success rate (LE2), higher rate of achieved cephalic presentation in labor (LE2) and a lower cesarean section rate (LE2). It is recommended to use parenteral tocolysis for ECV attempt at term in order to increase its success rate (grade B). The ECV attempt is associated with an increase in transient FHR abnormalities (LE3), it is therefore recommended that cardiotocography should be performed prior and during 30minutes after the procedure (Professional consensus). There is no argument for recommending the practice of delayed cardiotocography after ECV attempt (Professional consensus). The risk of significant positivity (>30mL) of the Kleihauer test after ECV attempt is low (<0.1%) (LE3), it is not recommended to systematically perform a Kleihauer test after ECV attempt (professional consensus). In case of RH-1 negative women, it is recommended to ensure systematic RH-1 prophylaxis (Professional consensus). In case of breech presentation at term, acupuncture, moxibustion and postural methods are not effective in reducing breech presentation at birth (LE2), and are therefore not recommended (Grade B). CONCLUSION: According to the clear benefits and the low risks of ECV attempt, all women with a breech presentation at term should be informed that ECV should be attempted to decrease breech presentation at birth and cesarean section.

[Breech Presentation: CNGOF Guidelines for Clinical Practice - Short Text]. / Présentation du siège. Recommandations pour la pratique clinique du CNGOF ­ Texte court.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the optimal management of singleton breech presentation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The PubMed database, the Cochrane Library and the recommendations from the French and foreign obstetrical societies or colleges have been consulted. RESULTS: In France, 5% of women have breech deliveries (Level of Evidence [LE3]). One third of them have a planned vaginal delivery (LE3) of whom 70% deliver vaginally (LE3). External cephalic version (ECV) is associated with a reduced rate of breech presentation at birth (LE2), and with a lower rate of cesarean section (LE3) without increases in severe maternal (LE3) and perinatal morbidity (LE3). It is therefore recommended to inform women with a breech presentation at term that ECV could be attempted from 36 weeks of gestation (Professional consensus). In case of breech presentation, planned vaginal compared with planned cesarean delivery might be associated with an increased risk of composite perinatal mortality or serious neonatal morbidity (LE2). No difference has been found between planned vaginal and planned cesarean delivery for neurodevelopmental outcomes at two years (LE2), cognitive and psychomotor outcomes between 5 and 8 years (LE3), and adult intellectual performances (LE4). Short and long term maternal complications appear similar in case of planned vaginal compared with planned cesarean delivery in the absence of subsequent pregnancies. A previous cesarean delivery results for subsequent pregnancies in higher risks of uterine rupture, placenta accreta spectrum and hysterectomy (LE2). It is recommended to offer women who wish a planned vaginal delivery a pelvimetry at term (Grade C) and to check the absence of hyperextension of the fetal head by ultrasonography (Professional consensus) to plan their mode of delivery. Complete breech presentation, previous cesarean, nulliparity, term prelabor rupture of membranes do not contraindicate planned vaginal delivery (Professionnal consensus). Term breech presentation is not a contraindication to labor induction when the criteria for acceptance of vaginal delivery are met (Grade C). CONCLUSION: In case of breech presentation at term, the risks of severe morbidity for the child and the mother are low after both planned vaginal and planned cesarean delivery. For the French College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (CNGOF), planned vaginal delivery is a reasonable option in most cases (Professional consensus). The choice of the planned route of delivery should be shared by the woman and her caregiver, respecting the right to woman's autonomy.

Perineal prevention and protection in obstetrics: CNGOF clinical practice guidelines.

INTRODUCTION: The objective of these clinical practice guidelines was to analyse all of the interventions during pregnancy and childbirth that might prevent obstetric anal sphincter injuries (OASIS) and postnatal pelvic floor symptoms. MATERIAL AND METHODS: These guidelines were developed in accordance with the methods prescribed by the French Health Authority (HAS). RESULTS: A prenatal clinical examination of the perineum is recommended for women with a history of Crohn's disease, OASIS, genital mutilation, or perianal lesions (professional consensus). Just after delivery, a perineal examination is recommended to check for OASIS (Grade B); if there is doubt about the diagnosis, a second opinion should be requested (Grade C). In case of OASIS, the injuries (including their severity) and the technique for their repair should be described in detail (Grade C). Perineal massage during pregnancy must be encouraged among women who want it (Grade B). No intervention conducted before the start of the active phase of the second stage of labour has been shown to be effective in reducing the risk of perineal injury. The crowning of the baby's head should be manually controlled and the posterior perineum manually supported to reduce the risk of OASIS (Grade C). The performance of an episiotomy during normal deliveries is not recommended to reduce the risk of OASIS (Grade A). In instrumental deliveries, episiotomy may be indicated to avoid OASIS (Grade C). When an episiotomy is performed, a mediolateral incision is recommended (Grade B). The indication for episiotomy should be explained to the woman, and she should consent before its performance. Advising women to have a caesarean delivery for primary prevention of postnatal urinary or anal incontinence is not recommended (Grade B). During pregnancy and again in the labour room, obstetrics professionals should focus on the woman's expectations and inform her about the modes of delivery.

[Perineal prevention and protection in obstetrics: CNGOF Clinical Practice Guidelines (short version)]. / Prévention et protection périnéale en obstétrique : Recommandations pour la Pratique Clinique du CNGOF (texte court).

INTRODUCTION: The objective of these clinical practice guidelines was to analyse all of the interventions during pregnancy and childbirth that might prevent obstetric anal sphincter injuries (OASIS) and postnatal pelvic floor symptoms. MATERIAL AND METHODS: These guidelines were developed in accordance with the methods prescribed by the French Health Authority (HAS). RESULTS: A prenatal clinical examination of the perineum is recommended for women with a history of Crohn's disease, OASIS, genital mutilation, or perianal lesions (professional consensus). Just after delivery, a perineal examination is recommended to check for OASIS (Grade B); if there is doubt about the diagnosis, a second opinion should be requested (GradeC). In case of OASIS, the injuries (including their severity) and the technique for their repair should be described in detail (GradeC). Perineal massage during pregnancy must be encouraged among women who want it (Grade B). No intervention conducted before the start of the active phase of the second stage of labour has been shown to be effective in reducing the risk of perineal injury. The crowning of the baby's head should be manually controlled and the posterior perineum manually supported to reduce the risk of OASIS (GradeC). The performance of an episiotomy during normal deliveries is not recommended to reduce the risk of OASIS (Grade A). In instrumental deliveries, episiotomy may be indicated to avoid OASIS (GradeC). When an episiotomy is performed, a mediolateral incision is recommended (Grade B). The indication for episiotomy should be explained to the woman, and she should consent before its performance. Advising women to have a caesarean delivery for primary prevention of postnatal urinary or anal incontinence is not recommended (Grade B). During pregnancy and again in the labour room, obstetrics professionals should focus on the woman's expectations and inform her about the modes of delivery.

[Double-balloon catheter compared to vaginal dinoprostone for cervical ripening in obese women at term]. / Comparaison sonde à double ballonnet-dinoprostone pour la maturation cervicale chez les femmes obèses à terme.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the efficacy of a double-balloon catheter versus vaginal prostaglandin E2 (dinoprostone) for cervical ripening in obese patients with unfavorable cervix at term. METHODS: The study had an open-label, prospective combined with retrospective, observational design. From January 2013 until May 2016, a prospective cohort study of 46 women with pre-pregnancy BMI>30kg/m2, live singleton term fetuses (>37 weeks) in vertex presentation and unfavorable cervix (Bishop score<6), who underwent labor induction for conventional indications using a double-balloon catheter. In the same period, 46 obese women who had undergone cervical ripening using vaginal dinoprostone (3mg) were retrospectively included. Women in groups were paired according to Bishop score before the insertion, pre-pregnancy BMI and parity. The primary outcome was a favorable cervix (Bishop score ≥6) 24h after cervical ripening. RESULTS: After 24h, there was a significantly higher rate of women with favorable cervix (Bishop score ≥6) in the double-balloon group than in dinoprostone group (80.4% vs 47.8%; P=0.001). After adjustment, a double-balloon catheter was significantly associated with an efficient cervical ripening compared to vaginal dinoprostone (aOR 7.81, 95% CI 2.58-23.60). No difference was observed in cesarean section rate (39.1% in each group; P=0.96) and in mean induction time to vaginal delivery (34.5h in the balloon group vs 36.5h in the dinoprostone group; P=0.53). Maternal and neonatal outcomes were similar. CONCLUSION: For obese patients at term, cervical ripening using a double-balloon catheter is more efficient on Bishop score after 24h compared to vaginal dinoprostone.

French family physician experience concerning the outpatient care for women suffering from nausea and vomiting in pregnancy.

OBJECTIVE: To explore thoughts and attitudes among French family physicians on the outpatient care for women suffering from nausea and vomiting in pregnancy (NVP). DESIGN AND SETTING: A retrospective study was conducted among family physicians who had taken care of pregnant women who gave birth in our hospital in 1 year. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Fifty-nine French family physicians responded to a questionnaire assessing their experience about outpatient care for women suffering from NVP. Analysis were done according to the physicians' age, as the annual demographics data analysis from the French Medical Council. RESULTS: More than 89% of family physicians asked systematically the question concerning NVP (53/59), which were estimated as a frequent symptom (n=44, 74.6%). The intensity of NVP was assessed as mild in 28.8% (n=17), moderate in 62.7% (n=37), severe in 6.8% (n=4) and unbearable in 1.7% (n=1). Physicians younger than 40 years questionned less frequently about NVP compared to those older than 40 or older than 60 years (66.7% vs. 90.5% vs. 95.5%, respectively; P=0.04). Severe and unbearable NVP were significantly estimated more frequent among younger physicians (33.3% vs. 6.8%; P=0.03). Treatments (sick leave, diet, drugs, homeopathy, acupuncture or psychotherapy) did not differ between groups. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Outpatient care for women suffering from NVP may vary according to the physician. French family physicians played a key role in NVP. Younger family physician considered NVP as a frequent symptom which needed active management in severe forms.

Spontaneous heterotopic triplets - A review of literature.

OBJECTIVE: Spontaneous heterotopic triplets, a tubal ectopic pregnancy and a twin pregnancy, are rare disorders. The study aimed to examine all available evidence regarding signs and symptoms, imaging findings, management and newborn outcome of spontaneous heterotopic triplets. DESIGN: A literature search in Medline and EMBASE databases from 2000 to 2016 was conducted. The following key words were employed: 'spontaneous heterotopic pregnancy', OR 'heterotopic triplets'. Only cases of spontaneous heterotopic triplets without assisted reproduction techniques were included. RESULTS: Six cases were identified and included in the present review. All cases presented with abdominal pain and one case presented in shock. Hemoperitoneum was present in five cases. Laterouterine mass with adnexal gestational sac is not systematically described (3 cases/6), but was a good ultrasonographic sign of heterotopic pregnancy. All patients had tubal rupture, but anyone had vaginal bleeding. The surgical treatment was made by salpingectomy in five cases to ensure successful treatment. The mean and median gestational age at delivery were 29.9 and 37.54 weeks, respectively (range 6-41 weeks). The neonatal outcome was good for 6 newborns. CONCLUSION: Spontaneous heterotopic triplets are rare. Early surgical intervention is the key to successful treatment of heterotopic triplet pregnancy and allows good neonatal outcome.

French prenatal Vitamin D recommended supplementation: Enough or not?

OBJECTIVE: To determine the impact of current recommended vitamin D prenatal supplementation on blood cord 25(OH)D level in a French cohort and to determine population at risk of higher needs. DESIGN AND SETTING: An observational prospective study was conducted in teaching hospital including two large groups of newborns, one born after summer and another after winter period. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Three hundred and ninety-nine mother/newborns pairs were enrolled and blood cord results were available for 225 newborns in the post-summer group and 174 newborns in the post-winter group. Maternal supplementation during pregnancy was recorded from medical notes and questionnaires. RESULTS: 25(OH)D level were generally low with mean at 50.9±24.7nM. Vitamin D supplementation was prescribed in only 37.6% over all the study period. Studying general population, 25(OH)D was significantly higher in the supplemented group, but current recommended supplementation failed to cover the needs for most subgroups of newborns. After winter, 25(OH)D cord blood level was in deficiency range for 40.7% of the general population and in the pigmented mothers group the deficiency rates even rose up to 61.9%. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Vitamin D cord level is low in north of France as in other industrial countries. Despite national guidelines on vitamin D supplementation, the rates are currently insufficient. Beside, although the recommended 100,000IU single dose helps to limit deficiency in newborns, it fails to cover infant's needs for optimal status. Actually, benefit of this substitution is for children below the 10th percentile weight. A new recommendation with higher rate of vitamin D for all pregnant women after specific studies seems to be indicated.

[Expansion dilatation balloons for cervical ripening in obstetric practice]. / Utilisation des ballonnets de dilatation cervicale en obstétrique.

During recent decades, mechanical devices have been substituted by pharmacological methods. Their place in the therapeutic arsenal remains important with a renewed obstetrical interest for these devices. Due to a lack of data they are still not recommended as first-line. This review thus attempted to examine the use of expansion dilatation balloons (Foley catheter and double-balloons) to analyze their effectiveness in case of native uterus and previous cesarean section. Twenty-seven clinical trials had compared balloons catheter and prostaglandins in patients without a history of uterine scar. The risk of cesarean section did not differ. Mechanical methods seemed to be more effective in achieving delivery within 24hours, with fewer episodes of excessive uterine contractions, but they necessitated more oxytocin during labor. Ten clinical trials analyzed dilatation balloons in patients with previous cesarean section. More than 70% women had favorable cervical ripening (Bishop score>6), and vaginal delivery was reported between 35 and 70% of patients. The risk of uterine rupture was low between 0.64 and 0.72%, with neither increased risk of severe neonatal and maternal morbidity nor increased risk of infectious morbidity. Mechanical methods are effective and safe for third trimester cervical ripening, mainly in women with previous cesarean section. Potential advantages may include wide availability and reduction of some of the side effects.

[Factors predicting unsuccessful labor induction with dinoprostone in post-term pregnancy with unfavorable cervix]. / Facteurs prédictifs d'échec d'entrée en travail par dinoprostone en cas de grossesse prolongée et de conditions locales défavorables.

OBJECTIVE: To identify predictive factors for unsuccessful induction of labor within 24hours after dinoprostone insertion in post-term pregnancy with unfavorable cervix. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 325 singleton pregnancies with a diagnosis of post-term pregnancy and unfavorable cervix (Bishop score<6) during the period January 2012-Decembre 2012. Patients were classified into 2 groups: successful labor, defined as cervical ripening, within 24hours after dinoprostone insertion (Group R; n=248; 76.3 %) or failure group (Group E; n=77; 23.7 %). Antepartum and perpartum characteristics of women were compared. RESULTS: Nulliparity (74.0 versus 56.0 %; OR=2.23; 95 % CI: 1.27-4.00; P=0.005), gestational age ≤41 SA+4 (53.2 versus 33.9 %; OR=2.22; 95 % CI: 1.32-3.74; P=0.003) and history of dilatation and curettage (27.3 versus 10.5 %; OR=3.19; 95 % CI: 1.66-6.11; P=0.0005) were significantly associated with unsuccessful induction of labor. Bishop score was significantly higher in Group R (3.6 versus 1.9; P=0.001). Also, consistency (74.0 versus 44.4 %; OR=3.57; 95 % CI: 2.04-6.40; P<10(-5)) and absence of dilatation of the cervix (59.7 versus 23.0 %; OR=4.97; 95 % CI: 2.89-8.56; P<10(-6)) were identified as significant predictive factors for unsuccessful induction of labor. CONCLUSION: Nulliparity, gestational age ≤41 SA+4, history of dilatation and curettage and Bishop score, in particular consistency and dilatation, are correlated with failure of cervical ripening in post-term pregnancy with unfavorable cervix.

[Primary biliary cirrhosis and pregnancy]. / Cirrhose biliaire primitive et grossesse.

Primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) is a chronic cholestatic liver disease, asymptomatic during a protracted time, characterized by changes in the small-sized bile ducts near portal spaces. The etiology of PBC is undefined, but immunologic and environmental disturbances may contribute to the disease. Infertility is often associated with PBC and cirrhosis, but pregnancy may well occur in women with PBC and without cirrhosis or in some others with compensated cirrhosis. A pluridisciplinary approach including gastroenterologists and obstetricians is recommended. The patient must be closely monitored throughout her pregnancy with maternal and routine antenatal care. Medical treatment requires ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA). In non-cirrhotic UDCA-treated women with PBC, pregnancy often follows a normal course with vaginal delivery. In cirrhotic patients, UDCA must be continued during pregnancy, esophageal and gastric varices must be evaluated before pregnancy, and endoscopic ligature is recommended for treating large varices. Additionally, beta-blocker therapy may be associated, especially when variceal rupture occurred previously. Elective cesarean section is recommended in patients with large esophageal or gastric varices because of the potentially increased risk of variceal bleeding during maternal expulsive efforts in case of vaginal delivery.

Acute pancreatitis during pregnancy: a review.

This article aims to draw together recent thinking on pregnancy and acute pancreatitis (AP), with a particular emphasis on pregnancy complications, birth outcomes and management of AP during pregnancy contingent on the etiology. AP during pregnancy is a rare but severe disease with a high maternal-fetal mortality, which has recently decreased thanks to earlier diagnosis and some maternal and neonatal intensive care improvement. AP usually occurs during the third trimester or the early postpartum period. The most common causes of AP are gallstones (65 to 100%), alcohol abuse and hypertriglyceridemia. Although the diagnostic criteria for AP are not specific for pregnant patients, Ranson and Balthazar criteria are used to evaluate the severity and treat AP during pregnancy. The fetal risks from AP during pregnancy are threatened preterm labor, prematurity and in utero fetal death. In cases of acute biliary pancreatitis during pregnancy, a consensual strategy could be adopted according to the gestational age, and taking in consideration the high risk of recurrence of AP (70%) with conservative treatment and the specific risks of each treatment. This could include: conservative treatment in first trimester and laparoscopic cholecystectomy in second trimester. During the third trimester, conservative treatment or endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography with biliary endoscopic sphincterotomy, and laparoscopic cholecystectomy in early postpartum period are recommended. A multidisciplinary approach, including gastroenterologists and obstetricians, seems to be the key in making the best choice for the management of AP during pregnancy.

[Estimation of fetal weight by external abdominal measurements and fundal height measurement near term for the detection of intra-uterine growth retardation]. / Estimation clinique du poids fœtal et hauteur utérine dans le dépistage de l'hypotrophie fœtale à terme.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the estimation of fetal weight by external abdominal measurements, alone or associated with fundal height measurement and/or ultrasonographic exams near 32 weeks, to detect intra-uterine growth retardation (IUGR) near term. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A retrospective cohort study included all women who delivered a small-for-gestational-age infant less than 37 weeks gestation during 2008-2009. We analyzed the sensitivity of estimation of fetal weight by external abdominal measurements and the others different routine exams during third trimester, and compared them to detect IUGR near term. RESULTS: The estimation of fetal weight by external abdominal measurements was used in 263 pregnant patients. External abdominal measurements and fundal height measurement were not statistically different and were better tests than ultrasonographic exams at 32 weeks to detect IUGR near term (sensitivity: 41.4%, 42.2% and 22.8%, respectively; P<0.05). External abdominal measurements associated with regular ultrasonographic examination at 32 weeks of gestation significantly increased the sensitivity to detect IUGR near term (42.9% vs. 22.8%; P<0.05). But, the association of external abdominal measurements and fundal height measurement did not increase the rate of detection (47.9% vs. 42.2%; P=0.22). DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: The present findings confirm that the use of the estimation of fetal weight by external abdominal measurements to detect intra-uterine growth retardation is effective. Measures to improve the learning of this technique and its reproducibility are recommended.

Pregnancy in women with portal vein thrombosis: results of a multicentric European study on maternal and fetal management and outcome.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Women of childbearing age account for approximately 25% of patients with non-cirrhotic portal vein thrombosis (PVT). We aimed at assessing maternal and fetal outcome in pregnant women with known PVT. METHODS: We performed a retrospective analysis of the files of women with chronic PVT in three European referral centers between 1986 and 2010. RESULTS: Forty-five pregnancies, 28 (62%) treated with low molecular weight heparin, occurred in 24 women. Nine (20%) were lost before gestation week 20. Preterm birth occurred in 38% of deliveries: there were 3 births at week 24-25, 7 at week 32-36, and 26 after week 37. A term birth with a healthy infant occurred in 58% of pregnancies. Cesarean section was used in 53% of deliveries. Two women developed HELLP syndrome. A favorable outcome happened in 64% of pregnancies. Pregnancies with an unfavorable outcome were associated with a higher platelet count at diagnosis. Bleeding from esophageal varices occurred in 3 patients during pregnancy, all without adequate primary prophylaxis. Genital or parietal bleeding occurred postpartum in 4 patients, only one being on anticoagulation therapy. Thrombotic events occurred in 2 patients, none related to lower limbs or mesenteric veins. There were no maternal deaths. CONCLUSIONS: In pregnant PVT patients treated with anticoagulation on an individual basis, the rate of miscarriage and preterm birth appears to be increased. However, fetal and maternal outcomes are favorable for most pregnancies reaching gestation week 20. High platelet counts appear to increase the risk for unfavorable outcome. Pregnancy should not be contraindicated in stable PVT patients.

[Single-shot ropivacaine wound infiltration during cesarean section for postoperative pain relief]. / Intérêt de l'instillation pariétale unique de ropivacaïne dans la prévention des douleurs après césarienne.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the efficiency of single-shot ropivacaine wound infiltration during cesarean section for postoperative pain relief, using a prospective, randomized, double-blinded study. PATIENTS AND METHODS: One hundred consecutive patients with planned cesarean section were enrolled between September 2007 and May 2008 and randomized into two groups: single-shot wound infiltration of 20mL of ropivacaine 7.5mg/mL (Group R; n=56) or single-shot wound infiltration of 20mL of saline solution (group T; n=44). The primary goal of this study was the double-blinded evaluation of the postoperative pain after coughing and leg raise using the 100-mm visual analog scales (VAS) during the first 48 postoperative hours after cesarean delivery. The secondary goals were the occurrence of nausea and vomiting and the morphine consumption. RESULTS: Numerical pain rating scale for pain evaluation was significantly lower (P<0.05) in the ropivacaine group than in the control group at M0, M20, M40, M60, H2 and H4. But, at H8, H12 and H24, no significant difference for VAS was noted between the two groups. The occurrence of nausea and vomiting and the total morphine consumption were not significantly different between the two groups during the first 48 postoperative hours. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Single-shot ropivacaine wound infiltration during planned cesarean section is a simple and safe procedure that provides effective reduction of post-partum pain within the first 4hours.

[Inflammatory bowel diseases: gynecological and obstetrical considerations]. / Gynécologie, obstétrique et maladies inflammatoires chroniques de l'intestin.

Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), including Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, are invalidating inflammatory affections, which evolve by relapse interrupted with clinical remission. Crohn's disease commonly affects young women in their reproductive years with a peak of incidence between 20 and 30. Infertility and sexual dysfunction are equivalent to that of the general population while they are increasing in patients with active IBD or after colorectal surgery. IBD are well controlled by medical treatments and the frequency of relapse during the pregnancy is similar to that of the non-pregnant IBD patients. The data concerning the risk of congenital malformations in IBD are contradictory. The risk of preterm delivery and low birth weight is significantly increased and correlated to the disease activity. When a medical treatment insures a quiescent disease before the pregnancy, it is advisable to continue it during the pregnancy because the benefits of controlled disease outweigh the risks of medication. IBD, possible perianal lesions and colorectal surgical interventions influence the mode of delivery, but the indication of caesarean section should primarily be governed by obstetric necessity. Preconceptional counseling seems desirable because of the risks during pregnancy, according to the disease activity, the surgical histories and the therapeutic agents.