Idiopathic polyhydramnios and pregnancy outcome: systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze outcomes of singleton pregnancies with idiopathic polyhydramnios through a systematic review and meta-analysis. METHODS: Electronic databases, including MEDLINE, OVID, EBSCO, Cochrane collection and Science Citation Index, were searched from 1946 to 2019. Gray literature and tables of contents of relevant journals were also screened. Prospective and retrospective studies with a control group were included. Two authors independently reviewed the abstracts retrieved from the literature search. Inclusion criteria were: studies documented in English, singleton pregnancy and idiopathic polyhydramnios determined by amniotic fluid volume assessment on ultrasound. Exclusion criteria were: maternal diabetes, fetal structural or chromosomal anomaly, alloimmunization and intrauterine fetal infection. RESULTS: Twelve studies met the inclusion criteria, giving a total of 2392 patients with idiopathic polyhydramnios and 160 135 patients with normal amniotic fluid volume. Pregnancies complicated by idiopathic polyhydramnios were at a higher risk of neonatal death (odds ratio (OR), 8.68 (95% CI, 2.91-25.87)), intrauterine fetal demise (OR, 7.64 (95% CI, 2.50-23.38)), neonatal intensive care unit admission (OR, 1.94 (95% CI, 1.45-2.59)), 5-min Apgar score < 7 (OR, 2.21 (95% CI, 1.34-3.62)), macrosomia (OR, 2.93 (95% CI, 2.39-3.59)), malpresentation (OR, 2.73 (95% CI, 2.06-3.61)) and Cesarean delivery (OR, 2.31 (95% CI, 1.79-2.99)). CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that pregnancies complicated by idiopathic polyhydramnios are at increased risk of adverse outcome. Future investigations should aim to determine an amniotic fluid volume threshold above which antenatal fetal surveillance is appropriate in the management of these pregnancies. © 2022 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.

Oligohydramnios in complicated and uncomplicated pregnancy: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate adverse pregnancy outcomes in singleton pregnancies diagnosed with oligohydramnios through a systematic review and meta-analysis of controlled trials. METHODS: We searched electronic databases via OVID, EBSCO, Web of Science, Google Scholar and others from 1980 to 2015. Prospective and retrospective studies with a control group were included. Two authors independently reviewed the abstracts from the literature search. Inclusion criteria were: studies in English, singleton pregnancy, normal fetal anatomy, intact membranes and oligohydramnios determined by the amniotic fluid index (AFI) technique. We stratified the meta-analysis into two groups according to risk: high risk including studies of oligohydramnios with comorbid conditions (e.g. hypertension) and low risk including studies of isolated oligohydramnios. RESULTS: Fifteen trials met the inclusion criteria. Nine were high-risk and six were low-risk studies, including 8067 and 27 526 women, respectively. Compared with women with normal AFI, those with isolated oligohydramnios had significantly higher rates of an infant with meconium aspiration syndrome (relative risk (RR), 2.83; 95% CI, 1.38-5.77), Cesarean delivery for fetal distress (RR, 2.16; 95% CI, 1.64-2.85) and admission to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) (RR, 1.71; 95% CI, 1.20-2.42). Patients with oligohydramnios and comorbidities were more likely to have an infant with low birth weight (RR, 2.35; 95% CI, 1.27-4.34). However, rates of 5-min Apgar score < 7 (RR, 1.85; 95% CI, 0.69-4.96), NICU admission (RR, 2.09; 95% CI, 0.80-5.45), meconium-stained amniotic fluid (RR, 1.32; 95% CI, 0.62-2.81) and Cesarean delivery for fetal distress (RR, 1.65; 95% CI, 0.81-3.36) were similar to those for women with normal AFI. Stillbirth rates were too low to analyze in the meta-analysis. CONCLUSIONS: This review helps to delineate which adverse outcomes are increased with oligohydramnios in low-risk pregnancy (NICU admission, Cesarean delivery for fetal distress and meconium aspiration syndrome), but does not provide enough data to determine the optimal timing of delivery in such cases. Oligohydramnios in complicated pregnancy is associated with an increased risk of delivery of an infant with low birth weight, but this may be confounded by the comorbid condition. Therefore, in high-risk pregnancy, management should be dictated by the comorbid condition and not the presence of oligohydramnios. Copyright © 2016 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Childhood Respiratory Morbidity after Late Preterm and Early Term Delivery: a Study of Medicaid Patients in South Carolina.

BACKGROUND: There is a growing body of research documenting an increased risk of neonatal morbidity for late preterm infants (LPI, 34(0/7) weeks to 36(6/7) weeks) and early term infants (ETI, 37(0/7) weeks to 38(6/7) weeks) compared with term infants (TI, 39(0/7) to 41(6/7) ); however, there has been little research on outcomes beyond the first year of life. In this study, we examined respiratory outcomes of LPI and ETI in early childhood. METHODS: South Carolina Medicaid claims data for maternal delivery and infant birth hospitalisations were linked to vital records data for the years 2000 through 2003. Medicaid claims for all infants were then followed until their fifth birthday or until a break in their eligibility. Infants born between 34(0/7) and 41(6/7) weeks were eligible. Infants with congenital anomaly, birthweight below 500 g or above 6000 g, and multiple births were excluded. We fit Cox proportional hazard models from which adjusted hazard ratio (HR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were derived. RESULTS: A total of 3476 LPI, 12 398 ETI, and 25 975 term infants were included. Both LPI and ETI were associated with an increased risk for asthma (LPI: HR 1.24, 95% CI 1.10, 1.40; ETI: HR 1.12, 95% CI 1.06, 1.19), and bronchitis (LPI: HR 1.15, 95% CI 1.00, 1.34; ETI: HR 1.13, 95% CI 1.05, 1.2) at 3 to 5 years of age. CONCLUSIONS: Late preterm infants and early term infants are at increased risk for asthma and bronchitis.

ADHD and developmental speech/language disorders in late preterm, early term and term infants.

OBJECTIVE: We sought to compare the long-term neurodevelopmental outcomes of late preterm, early term and term infants while controlling for a wide range of maternal complications and comorbidities. STUDY DESIGN: Data for the study was obtained from the South Carolina Medicaid claims and vital records databases from 1 January 2000 to 31 December 2003. We included infants weighing between 1500 and 4500 g, born between 34 0/7 and 41 6/7 weeks, and with no congenital anomalies. Outcome measures were based on the presence of ICD-9-CM codes for attention deficit hyperactivity disorders and developmental speech or language disorders. RESULT: A total of 3270 late preterm (LPIs), 11,527 early term (ETIs) and 24,005 term infants met the eligibility criteria. Rates for all outcome variables were statistically significant and elevated for LPI, but adjusted hazard ratios (AHRs) were only significant for the risk of developmental speech and/or language delay (LPI: AHR 1.36 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.23 to 1.50; ETI: AHR 1.27 95% CI 1.17 to 1.37). CONCLUSION: Late preterm and early term deliveries have adverse long-term neurodevelopmental outcomes, and these outcomes should be considered when determining the timing of delivery.

Effectiveness of progestogens to improve perinatal outcome in twin pregnancies: an individual participant data meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: In twin pregnancies, the rates of adverse perinatal outcome and subsequent long-term morbidity are substantial, and mainly result from preterm birth (PTB). OBJECTIVES: To assess the effectiveness of progestogen treatment in the prevention of neonatal morbidity or PTB in twin pregnancies using individual participant data meta-analysis (IPDMA). SEARCH STRATEGY: We searched international scientific databases, trial registration websites, and references of identified articles. SELECTION CRITERIA: Randomised clinical trials (RCTs) of 17-hydroxyprogesterone caproate (17Pc) or vaginally administered natural progesterone, compared with placebo or no treatment. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Investigators of identified RCTs were asked to share their IPD. The primary outcome was a composite of perinatal mortality and severe neonatal morbidity. Prespecified subgroup analyses were performed for chorionicity, cervical length, and prior spontaneous PTB. MAIN RESULTS: Thirteen trials included 3768 women and their 7536 babies. Neither 17Pc nor vaginal progesterone reduced the incidence of adverse perinatal outcome (17Pc relative risk, RR 1.1; 95% confidence interval, 95% CI 0.97-1.4, vaginal progesterone RR 0.97; 95% CI 0.77-1.2). In a subgroup of women with a cervical length of ≤25 mm, vaginal progesterone reduced adverse perinatal outcome when cervical length was measured at randomisation (15/56 versus 22/60; RR 0.57; 95% CI 0.47-0.70) or before 24 weeks of gestation (14/52 versus 21/56; RR 0.56; 95% CI 0.42-0.75). AUTHOR'S CONCLUSIONS: In unselected women with an uncomplicated twin gestation, treatment with progestogens (intramuscular 17Pc or vaginal natural progesterone) does not improve perinatal outcome. Vaginal progesterone may be effective in the reduction of adverse perinatal outcome in women with a cervical length of ≤25 mm; however, further research is warranted to confirm this finding.

Pet therapy program for antepartum high-risk pregnancies: a pilot study.

OBJECTIVE: This pilot study evaluated the potential benefits of pet therapy on symptoms of anxiety and depression in antepartum hospitalized women with high-risk pregnancies. STUDY DESIGN: Eighty-two women in a hospital-based setting completed the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory and the Beck Depression Inventory before and after the pet therapy visit. For both questionnaires, paired t-test was used and adjusted P-values were obtained using the Hochberg step-up Bonferroni method. RESULT: The mean scores for depressive symptoms significantly improved from the pre-pet therapy (10.1 ± 6.3) compared with the post-pet therapy (6.3 ± 5.9) (P<0.0001). Likewise mean scores of the state anxiety significantly improved from the pre-pet therapy test (44.8 ± 11.7) compared with the post-pet therapy (34.5 ± 10.5) (P<0.001). CONCLUSION: Pet therapy significantly reduced anxiety and depression in antepartum hospitalized women with high-risk pregnancies.

Domestic violence screening of obstetric triage patients in a military population.

OBJECTIVE: The objective was to estimate the self-reported prevalence of domestic violence in a pregnant military population presenting for emergency care, and to determine the acceptability of domestic violence screening. STUDY DESIGN: A prospective observational survey of patients presenting for obstetric emergency care. Women were anonymously screened for domestic violence using the Abuse Assessment Screen. RESULT: A total of 499 surveys were distributed, with 26 duplicate surveys. After excluding the 12 blank surveys, a total of 461 surveys were included in the final analysis. The lifetime prevalence of domestic violence (including physical, emotional and sexual abuse) was 22.6% (95% CI=19.0 to 26.4) with 4.1% (95% CI=2.3-6.0) of women reporting physical abuse in the past year and 2.8% (95% CI=1.3-4.3) reporting abuse since becoming pregnant. The majority of women 91.8% (95% CI=88.7-94.2) were not offended by domestic violence screening and 88.8% (95% CI=82.0-88.9) felt that patients should be routinely screened. CONCLUSION: The self-reported prevalence of domestic violence in a pregnant military population presenting for emergency care was 22.6%. Most women are not offended by domestic violence screening and support routine screening.

Antepartum bleeding of unknown origin in the second half of pregnancy and pregnancy outcomes.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of our investigation was to evaluate factor(s) associated with unexplained antepartum bleeding of unknown origin (ABUO) after 24 weeks of pregnancy and correlate unexplained haemorrhage with maternal and perinatal outcomes. DESIGN: This is a retrospective observational study. SETTING: King Edward Memorial Hospital (KEMH), Subiaco, Western Australia. POPULATION: Singleton pregnancies delivering at KEMH between January 1998 and December 2004. METHODS: ABUO was defined as bleeding after 20 weeks of gestation but before the onset of labour with no cause detected on vaginal examination or abdominal ultrasound. Outcomes of these pregnancies were collated and compared with those of pregnancies without ABUO. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Antepartum complications assessed included pre-eclampsia/eclampsia, gestational diabetes and preterm birth. Intrapartum evaluations included labour inductions, mode of delivery and gestational age at delivery. Neonatal outcomes evaluated included birthweight, Apgar scores, newborn intensive care unit (NICU) admission, neonatal complications and risk of perinatal/neonatal death. RESULTS: Between January 1998 and December 2004, there were 26 583 deliveries without ABUO and 1431 with ABUO. Multivariable analyses of the ABUO effects revealed that ABUO was a simultaneously significant risk factor for term labour inductions (OR = 2.00, 95% CI: 1.72-2.32, P < 0.001), preterm delivery (OR = 4.31, 95% CI: 3.84-4.84, P < 0.001), NICU admission (OR = 1.23, 95% CI: 1.01-1.51, P = 0.042), hyperbilirubinaemia (OR = 1.29, 95% CI: 1.01-1.63, P = 0.041) and reduced birthweight (26 g, 95% CI: 3-50, P = 0.026). CONCLUSION: Women with ABUO are at greater risk of preterm delivery, term labour induction and their neonates are at greater risk for NICU admissions, hyperbilirubinaemia and a reduced birthweight.

Association between small for gestational age and paternally inherited 5' insulin haplotypes.

OBJECTIVE: To test the association between small for gestational age and polymorphisms in the insulin gene in newborns and their mothers, as well as the effect of the parental transmission of haplotypes. SUBJECTS: Pairs of healthy African-American full-term newborns (N=207) and mothers were recruited from Memphis TN and Jackson MS with birth weights ranging from 2210 to 4735 g. METHODS: Six single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) located in the insulin (INS) and insulin-like growth factor 2 (IGF2) genes were genotyped in mothers and newborns. Haplotypes composed of three SNPs in the 5' region of the INS-IGF2 locus were computationally inferred. Odds ratios for risk of small for gestational age (SGA) birth were calculated for individual SNPs and inferred haplotypes in the newborns and in the mothers using logistic regression. For 162 mother--newborn pairs the parental transmission of the haplotypes could be inferred, and the risks for SGA birth were calculated for the three common haplotypes in this sample. RESULTS: Three INS SNPs exhibited significant association with risk for SGA birth. The SNP alleles associated with increased risk for SGA were opposite in the maternal and newborn genomes, implying opposing influences on the rate of fetal growth. Consistent with these results, haplotypes composed of complementary nucleotide sequences (CAC at rs3842738, rs689 and rs3842748, respectively, in the newborn versus GTG in the mother) were significantly associated with risk for SGA birth. In analyses of haplotypes according to parental transmission, the same trend in risk for SGA was observed for both maternally and paternally transmitted haplotypes, although a significant difference in risk was observed only for paternally transmitted haplotypes. CONCLUSION: Polymorphisms near the 5' end of the INS-IGF2 locus are significantly associated with risk for SGA birth with a major effect due to the paternally transmitted haplotype, which is preferentially expressed due to imprinting.

Second trimester placental location as a predictor of an adverse pregnancy outcome.

OBJECTIVE: To determine if the second trimester placental location is associated with perinatal outcomes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Observational study of placental location and the subsequent risk of an adverse pregnancy outcome. Placental location was divided into three categories, low, high lateral and high fundal. RESULTS: There were 3336 pregnancies analyzed in this study. Low implantation sites had a greater risk of preterm labor (odds ratio (OR) 1.70, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.38 to 2.90, P<0.001), preterm delivery (OR 1.86, 95% CI 1.36 to 2.54, P<0.001), fewer fetuses with macrosomia (OR 0.56, 95% CI 0.38 to 0.83, P=0.010) and reduced risk of postpartum hemorrhage (OR 0.56, 95% CI 0.46 to 0.95, P=0.026). High lateral implantations had a greater risk of low 1-min (OR 1.80, 95% CI 1.11 to 2.93, P=0.017) and 5-min (OR 3.49, 95% CI 1.46 to 8.36, P=0.005) Apgar scores. CONCLUSIONS: Low placental implantation was associated with an increased risk of preterm labor, preterm delivery and a reduced risk of postpartum hemorrhage, and of a macrosomic fetus. High lateral implantation was associated with low Apgar scores.

Pre-pregnancy body mass index and pregnancy outcomes.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the effect of maternal pre-pregnancy BMI on pregnancy outcomes. METHODS: Pregnancy cohort recruited pregnancies between 16 and 18 weeks. BMI evaluated underweight, BMI<18.5, normal, BMI 18.5-25, overweight BMI 25-30, and obese BMI>30 women. RESULTS: Pre-pregnancy BMI classified 331 women as underweight (11.7%), 1982 normal (69.9%), 326 overweight (11.5%), and 188 as obese (6.6%). Obese women were more likely to develop gestational diabetes (p<0.001), hypertension (p<0.001), preeclampsia (p<0.001), need labor induction (p<0.001), cesarean delivery for fetal distress (p<0.001), postpartum hemorrhage (p=0.003), need neonatal resuscitation (p=0.001) and deliver hypoglycemic infants (p=0.007). Being underweight is correlated with fetal growth restriction (p=0.001). CONCLUSION: Pre-pregnancy obesity is a risk factor for gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, labor induction, cesarean for fetal distress, postpartum hemorrhage and neonatal hypoglycemic and need for resuscitation. Being underweight is risk factor for fetal growth restriction.

Effectiveness and safety of a structured swimming program in previously sedentary women during pregnancy.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether undertaking a swimming program in sedentary women during pregnancy would improve maternal fitness without adverse fetal consequences. METHODS: Prospective observational investigation of healthy sedentary pregnant women participating in a monitored swimming program. RESULTS: Twenty-three women attended swimming sessions from 16 to 28 weeks of gestation resulting in increasing distances swum and improved aerobic fitness as measured by physical work capacity (PWC170) (p = 0.003). Resting maternal heart rate decreased (p = 0.041) and resting systolic (p = 0.092) and diastolic (p = 0.971) blood pressures remained unchanged over gestation. The mean fetal heart rates decreased with advancing gestational age (p = 0.001), consistent with normal physiology. Non-stress tests and umbilical artery systolic/diastolic ratios were similar before and after swimming sessions, providing evidence that fetal well-being was unchanged. CONCLUSIONS: A structured swimming program in sedentary pregnant women increases maternal fitness without any alteration in maternal and fetal well-being.

Application of learning theory to obstetric maloccurrence.

The average fellow of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists performs approximately 140 deliveries per year. Based on this estimation and the established prevalence of three commonly litigated maloccurrences, we calculated the number of years of clinical experience required to encounter one case. Permanent brachial plexus palsy complicates only 1 per 4553 deliveries so a clinician would encounter such a case in 33 years of practice. For every 6667 deliveries, there is a case of cerebral palsy attributable to intrapartum hypoxia, so a practioner would see only one case every 48 years. Since the rate of asphyxia with uterine rupture is 1 per 2819 vaginal births after Cesarean section and the average provider performs seven vaginal births after Cesarean deliveries per year, a clinician would have a case in 403 years of practice. Adverse outcomes expressed as an absolute percentage or as the number of cases per number of deliveries are statistically accurate. Expression of these maloccurrences in terms of the number of years of clinical experience permits the generation of a clinically relevant data point and also allows insight into why their prevalence has not decreased.

Dexamethasone compared with betamethasone for glucocorticoid treatment of postpartum HELLP syndrome.

OBJECTIVES: To compare the efficacy of dexamethasone and betamethasone to ameliorate the course of postpartum hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, low platelets (HELLP) syndrome. METHODS: A prospective, mixed randomized/non-randomized clinical investigation of patients with postpartum HELLP syndrome. Treatment with either dexamethasone or betamethasone was continued until there was evidence of disease recovery. RESULTS: Baseline characteristics of both the dexamethasone (n=18) and betamethasone (n=18) groups were similar. Although the time to discharge from the obstetrical recovery room was not statistically significant between groups, reduction in mean arterial blood pressure was more pronounced in the dexamethasone group as compared with the betamethasone group (-15.3+/-1.4 mmHg vs. -7.5+/-1.4 mmHg, respectively, P<0.01). Patients in the dexamethasone group required less antihypertensive treatment than the betamethasone group (6% vs. 50%, P=0.01) and also had a decreased need for readmission to the obstetrical recovery room (0% vs. 22%, P=0.03). CONCLUSION: This investigation supports the use of dexamethasone as the superior glucocorticoid to use for patients with postpartum HELLP syndrome.

Detection of fetal growth restriction in patients with chronic hypertension: is it feasible?

OBJECTIVE: To determine the utility of sonographic estimated fetal weight (EFW) in diagnosing intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR, birth weight < 10% for gestational age) in patients with chronic hypertension. METHODS: All pregnant patients with hypertension delivered during a 5-year period at three centers were identified retrospectively. Patients with gestational hypertension, pre-eclampsia, diabetes mellitus, fetal anomalies and absence of a sonographic examination within 3 weeks of delivery were excluded. Likelihood ratio (LR) and guidelines established by the Evidence-Based Medicine Working Group were used to determine whether sonographic EFW is a reliable diagnostic test to detect IUGR. RESULTS: At the three centers, there were 264 patients with chronic hypertension (122, 77 and 65 at centers I, II and III, respectively). The incidence of IUGR ranged from 13% to 27% but was similar at the three locations (p = 0.064). The LR (with 95% confidence interval (CI)) of detecting IUGR was 4.4 (95% CI 2.5, 7.7), 2.3 (95% CI 1.4, 3.7) and 6.1 (95% CI 2.7, 13.7) at centers I, II and III, respectively. Based on the proportions of abnormal growth, we required 253 and 71 newborns with fetal growth restriction at centers I and II, respectively, to have narrow confidence intervals around the clinically important LR of 10. The extremely low incidence of IUGR at center III (13%) precluded the estimation of required sample size. CONCLUSION: Use of Evidence-Based Medicine Working Group guidelines indicates that sonographic EFW is slightly to moderately useful in detecting fetal growth restriction in patients with chronic hypertension.

Ultrasound estimation of amniotic fluid volume using the largest vertical pocket containing umbilical cord: measure to or through the cord?

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this investigation was to determine the preferable method, either measuring to the umbilical cord or through the umbilical cord to the base of the pocket, of ultrasonically estimating amniotic fluid volume. SUBJECT AND METHODS: This was a prospective study carried out in singleton pregnancies undergoing a third-trimester amniocentesis. The amniotic fluid index (AFI) and single deepest pocket (SDP) were measured prior to amniocentesis. If measured spaces contained umbilical cord, measurements were made to and through the cord. Actual amniotic fluid volume was determined by the dye-dilution technique. RESULTS: One-hundred pregnancies were evaluated. Low dye-determined volume was identified in a significantly greater number of pregnancies using the AFI to the cord (7/28, 25%) compared to through the cord (2/28, 7%) (P = 0.025). The SDP technique to the cord was superior in low volumes (2/28, 7%) vs. (0/28, 0%) through the cord (although statistical significance could not be determined because there were no low through-the-cord measurements). CONCLUSIONS: For the detection of low amniotic fluid volumes, the AFI to the cord is better than through the cord. Measurement to the cord and through the cord had similar accuracy for both the AFI and SDP techniques in normal and high dye-determined amniotic fluid volumes.

Dye-dilution techniques using aminohippurate sodium: do they accurately reflect amniotic fluid volume?

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether the dye-dilution technique using aminohippurate sodium accurately measures amniotic fluid volume. METHODS: Singleton pregnancies with intact membranes undergoing a Cesarean delivery had their amniotic fluid volume assessed by the dye-dilution technique and direct measurement. RESULTS: Fifteen women were prospectively assessed. Six patients had their amniocentesis on the delivery table and nine patients at 4-24 h prior to the Cesarean delivery. The six women undergoing an amniocentesis just before delivery had good concordance between the dye-determined and direct measurement of amniotic fluid volume (r = 0.99, p = < 0.001). Among the nine women with varying times from amniocentesis to direct measurement, the correlation was not significant (r = 0.36, p = 0.08). The percentage difference between the dye-determined and directly measured amniotic fluid volume was significantly smaller in the women undergoing amniocentesis just prior to delivery (7%) than in the women with varying times from amniocentesis to delivery (37%, P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Dye-determined amniotic fluid volume accurately reflects actual amniotic fluid volume but the dye-determined concentrations, in vivo, may undergo rapid changes.

Outpatient cervical ripening with prostaglandin E2 and estradiol.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether weekly outpatient administration of prostaglandin gel or estrogen cream initiated labor in women with an unfavorable cervix. METHODS: All uncomplicated pregnancies at term gestation who were candidates for a vaginal delivery with a Bishop score of < or = 6 were randomly assigned to receive on a weekly basis: prostaglandin E2 gel (n = 41); estrogen cream (n = 44); or inert lubricant jelly (n = 43). RESULTS: In the three groups no differences were observed among 128 subjects in the weekly Bishop scores, cervical dilatation or gestational age upon admission to the labor and delivery suite, the percentage of patients presenting with spontaneous labor or ruptured membranes, the number of post-date inductions or neonatal outcome. CONCLUSIONS: Weekly out-patient cervical ripening using either prostaglandin gel or estrogen in women with an unfavorable cervix at 37 weeks' gestation was no more effective than a placebo in Bishop score improvement or in preventing post-date inductions.

Repeat postpartum magnesium sulfate administration for seizure prophylaxis: is there a patient profile predictive of need for additional therapy?

OBJECTIVE: To profile patients with hypertensive disorders of pregnancy who require reinstitution of magnesium sulfate therapy for disease exacerbation. STUDY DESIGN: A prospective clinical trial enrolling gravidas with pre-eclampsia. The length of postpartum magnesium sulfate seizure prophylaxis was determined by individual patient characteristics. Patients with exacerbation of their disease after discontinuation of magnesium sulfate received a second course of magnesium sulfate lasting 24 h. RESULTS: Of a total of 503 patients, 38 (7.6%) required reinstitution of postpartum magnesium sulfate therapy for an additional 24-h period. Patients with chronic hypertension complicated by superimposed pre-eclampsia were most likely to require further therapy (11/61, 18.0%), when compared with other hypertensive disorders. Additionally, patients who required reinstitution of magnesium therapy had significantly shorter gestations (32.4 +/- 4.2 weeks versus 36.3 +/- 4.2 weeks, respectively; p < 0.001), and higher mean arterial pressure during the initial magnesium course (113.2 +/- 11.2 versus 105.6 +/- 11.3 mmHg; p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Patients with chronic hypertension complicated by superimposed pre-eclampsia, patients delivered prior to 35 weeks' gestation and patients requiring a longer initial magnesium prophylaxis are at higher risk for the need of reinstitution of seizure prophylaxis postpartum.

Does uterine wiping influence the rate of post-Cesarean endometritis?

OBJECTIVE: To compare two methods of uterine cleansing to remove residual amnion-chorion at the time of Cesarean delivery. METHODS: All consenting uninfected parturients undergoing a non-emergency Cesarean delivery at the university were enrolled. All patients received antibiotic prophylaxis of a 1-g intravenous bolus of a first-generation cephalosporin immediately after cord clamping. Postpartum endometritis was defined as a temperature of > or = 100.4 degrees F (38 degrees C) on two occasions 6 h apart after the first 24 h with uterine tenderness and/or foul-smelling lochia. RESULTS: Between January 1998 and February 2000 there were 1400 patients enrolled in this investigation. A total of 153 women were determined to have chorioamnionitis present at surgery and 17 women refused participation, leaving 614 women in the uterine wipe group and 616 in the no wipe group. Maternal demographics were similar between patient groups (NS). Intrapartum factors including gestational age at time of Cesarean section, type of anesthesia used for the operative delivery, hours of amnion rupture prior to delivery, use of internal monitoring devices, type of skin incision, method of placental removal, total operative time and estimated blood loss were similar between patient groups (NS). An almost identical number of patients in each arm of the study developed post-Cesarean endometritis (65 out of 614, 10.5%, in the uterine wipe group vs. 66 out of 616, 10.7%, in the no wipe group; p = 1). CONCLUSIONS: Both methods of removing residual amnion-chorion membrane tissue and associated debris at surgery were comparably effective, but neither produced a dramatic reduction in the incidence of postoperative endometritis.