The effect of mode of delivery in twin pregnancies on the latency period between diagnosis of preterm labor and birth.

INTRODUCTION: The optimal mode of delivery in twin pregnancies presenting with preterm labor is controversial. Current literature regarding these cases is based on observational studies, innately prone to bias. A possibly substantial, yet hitherto unexplored, source of bias is an effect of mode of delivery on the timing of delivery. The aim of our study is to examine whether the mode of delivery affects the latency period between preterm labor (PTL) presentation and actual delivery and to assess the possible effect of latency on neonatal outcome. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective cohort study at a single tertiary center from the year 2011 to 2018. All twin pregnancies (dichorionic or monochorionic-diamniotic) between 24 and 36 weeks of gestation admitted due to PTL were included in the study. RESULTS: A total of 469 twin deliveries met the study criteria, of them, 204 delivered by cesarean section and 265 delivered vaginally. Cesarean delivery significantly decreased the chances of reaching a latency period of 1 or more days (OR = 0.53, 95% CI = 0.33-0.84), 2 or more days (OR = 0.47, 95% CI = 0.27-0.82) and 3 or more days (OR = 0.28, 95% CI = 0.09-0.9). In a regression model adjusting for gestational age at delivery, mode of delivery was not associated with neonatal morbidity or mortality. However, in a regression model adjusting for gestational age at PTL presentation, thereby accounting for differences in the latency period, cesarean delivery was found to significantly increase the risk of respiratory distress syndrome (OR = 1.62, 95% CI = 1.04-2.54). CONCLUSIONS: In PTL of twin pregnancies, the latency period is significantly longer in vaginal deliveries compared to cesarean deliveries. The possibility of longer latency period in vaginal deliveries should be considered when counseling patients on the mode of delivery in preterm twin pregnancies.

Sonographic assessment of the lower uterine segment during active labor in women with or without a uterine scar - a prospective study.

OBJECTIVES: No study thus far has evaluated the LUS thickness in active labor. In this study, we endeavored to assess the LUS during active labor. METHODS: Using transabdominal sonography in the mid-sagittal position with a full urinary bladder, the thickness of the LUS was measured during active labor phase in women with or without a history of a previous cesarean section. RESULTS: A total of 28 women with a previous cesarean delivery were compared to 29 women without a history of uterine surgery. The median LUS was significantly thinner in women with a uterine scar both during (4 versus 5 mm, p = .001) and between contractions (5 versus 7 mm, p = .011). Paired comparison of LUS thickness between and during contractions within each group showed that thinning of LUS during contraction was significant for both the previous CS group (p < .001) and the control group (p < .001). We found no correlation between LUS thickness and chances of successful TOLAC. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, we characterized for the first time the LUS during active labor. We found that LUS was significantly thinner in women after a previous CS and that the LUS was significantly thinner during contraction.

Decision-to-delivery interval in suspected placental abruption - association with pregnancy outcome.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the association between decision to delivery interval (DDI) and short-term perinatal outcome in cases of suspected placental abruption delivered by cesarean section (CS). STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective cohort study of all cases of placental abruption delivered by CS (2010-2012) in a single university affiliated tertiary center. Composite adverse neonatal and maternal outcome were assessed. RESULTS: The rate of placental abruption was 0.5% (140/27 677 deliveries) and 65/140 (46%) were delivered by CS. Indications for CS were non-reassuring fetal heart rate (NRFHR) in 32/65 (49.3%), maternal bleeding 20/65 (30.7%) and other indications in 13/65 (20%). Obstetrical and labor characteristics were similar unrelated to the indication for CS. Gestational age at delivery was higher in the group operated due to NRFHR (36 ± 4.3, 34 ± 3.7 and 32 ± 4.1 weeks, respectively, p = 0.03). DDI was shortest when CS was due to NRFHR followed by CS due to maternal bleeding or other indications (23 ± 19, 30 ± 16, 50 ± 40 min, respectively, p = 0.001). The umbilical artery PH was lower in those who operated due to NRFHR (7.17 ± 0.17, 7.23 ± 0.06 and 7.30 ± 0.09, respectively, p = 0.002). The overall rate of neonatal and maternal composite outcome was 66% and 40%, respectively with no significant difference in relation to indication for CS. CONCLUSION: In cases of suspected placental abruption, fetal short-term morbidity is probably related to the indication for CS and not only to DDI.