Ongoing Cases of Early-Onset Group B Streptococcal Disease in the Era of Screening and Prophylaxis.

OBJECTIVE: We reviewed cases of group B Streptococcus (GBS) sepsis in term infants at our institution to identify areas for potential prevention. METHODS: We identified cases by searching our institution's microbiology databases for all positive GBS blood and cerebrospinal fluid cultures taken from infants between 2008 and 2013. Patients were included if the timing of the positive culture met the criteria for early-onset GBS disease (age 7 days or under). Charts that met inclusion criteria were abstracted for details related to antepartum screening, intrapartum care, and postpartum outcome. RESULTS: There are an average of 10 000 deliveries per year in our institution. During the five-year period (2008-2013), we identified 13 cases representing early-onset GBS disease in term infants. Of the 13 cases, nine mothers screened negative for GBS, two screened positive, and two were screened unknown. Four cases qualified for intrapartum prophylaxis; of these, two did not receive appropriate prophylaxis, one because of parental refusal and one for unspecified reasons after the membranes had been ruptured for > 18 hours. All 13 infants had confirmed GBS bacteremia, and four had concurrent GBS meningitis. One infant died and one infant had neurologic sequelae. CONCLUSION: Early-onset GBS disease in term infants continues to occur at our institution, and consequences for the infant can be severe. The majority of cases identified were screened and managed in accordance with current guidelines. Most cases were GBS negative when screened in the antepartum period, raising the question of whether a more sensitive test or a test closer to delivery could prevent further cases of early-onset GBS disease.

Resuscitating the Baby after Shoulder Dystocia.

Background. To propose hypovolemic shock as a possible explanation for the failure to resuscitate some babies after shoulder dystocia and to suggest a change in clinical practice. Case Presentation. Two cases are presented in which severe shoulder dystocia was resolved within five minutes. Both babies were born without a heartbeat. Despite standard resuscitation by expert neonatologists, no heartbeat was obtained until volume resuscitation was started, at 25 minutes in the first case and 11 minutes in the second. After volume resuscitation circulation was restored, there was profound brain damage and the babies died. Conclusion. Unsuspected hypovolemic shock may explain some cases of failed resuscitation after shoulder dystocia. This may require a change in clinical practice. Rather than immediately clamping the cord after the baby is delivered, it is proposed that (1) the obstetrician delay cord clamping to allow autotransfusion of the baby from the placenta and (2) the neonatal resuscitators give volume much sooner.

Evaluating the safety of labour in women with a placental edge 11 to 20 mm from the internal cervical Os.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate pregnancy outcomes in a cohort of women with a placental edge between 11 and 20 mm from the internal cervical os, and to determine the likelihood of a successful vaginal delivery when trial of labour is attempted in these women. METHODS: We carried out a prospective observational study of women with singleton pregnancies and a placental edge between 11 and 20 mm from the internal cervical os (identified by transvaginal sonography) who underwent a trial of labour. RESULTS: Fourteen women with the above characteristics underwent a trial of labour during the study period. The mean interval (± SD) from ultrasound to delivery was 17.2 ± 9.6 days. Thirteen women (92.9%) delivered vaginally with no complications, and only one woman (7.1%) required an emergency Caesarean section for intrapartum bleeding. The risks of antepartum and postpartum hemorrhage were 21.4% and 14.3%, respectively. CONCLUSION: Having a placental edge more than 10 mm from the internal os, measured by transvaginal sonography near term, justifies allowing a trial of labour and carries a low risk of subsequent obstetrical hemorrhage.

Objectif : Cette étude avait pour objectif d'évaluer les issues de grossesse au sein d'une cohorte de femmes qui présentaient un pourtour placentaire se situant à 11-20 mm d'écart par rapport à l'orifice cervical interne; elle cherchait également à déterminer la probabilité d'un accouchement vaginal réussi lorsqu'un essai de travail est tenté chez de telles femmes. Méthodes : Nous avons mené une étude observationnelle prospective portant sur des femmes qui connaissaient une grossesse monofœtale, qui présentaient un pourtour placentaire se situant à 11-20 mm d'écart par rapport à l'orifice cervical interne (identifié par échographie transvaginale) et qui ont tenté un essai de travail. Résultats : Quatorze femmes présentant les caractéristiques susmentionnées ont tenté un essai de travail au cours de la période d'étude. L'intervalle moyen (± σ) entre l'échographie et l'accouchement a été de 17,2 ± 9,6 jours. Treize femmes (92,9 %) ont connu un accouchement vaginal sans complications; une seule femme (7,1 %) a nécessité une césarienne d'urgence en raison de la présence de saignements pendant la période intrapartum. Les risques d'hémorragie antepartum et postpartum étaient de 21,4 % et de 14,3 %, respectivement. Conclusion : La constatation d'un pourtour placentaire se situant à plus de 10 mm d'écart par rapport à l'orifice cervical interne (mesuré par échographie transvaginale peu avant le terme) justifie la tenue d'un essai de travail et ne s'accompagne que d'un faible risque d'hémorragie obstétricale subséquente.

Vascular limb occlusion in twin-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS): case series and literature review.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the phenomenon of vascular ischemic limb necrosis in twin-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS). STUDY DESIGN: This was a multicenter retrospective review of ischemic limb necrosis in patients with TTTS. RESULTS: Twenty cases of fetal ischemic limb necrosis in association with TTTS were identified from 10 fetal medicine centers. The recipient was affected in 19 cases, and the lower limb was affected in 17 cases. The extent of the damage correlated with TTTS severity. Eighty percent of limb defects (16/20) clearly were unrelated to laser treatment (3 cases untreated, 7 cases after amnioreduction, 6 cases present at time of laser). The recipient was relatively polycythemic in 5 of 7 cases in which neonatal or fetal hemoglobin/hematocrit levels were available. CONCLUSION: Ischemic limb necrosis is a rare complication of TTTS. The lesion is unrelated to therapy and may be the result of polycythemia, hypertension, and vasoconstriction.

Cerebral cavernous malformations and pregnancy: hemorrhage risk and influence on obstetrical management.

BACKGROUND: Cerebral cavernous malformations are brain vascular malformations associated with intracranial hemorrhage. It is unclear whether pregnancy is a risk factor for hemorrhage, yet there is speculation that it may be. OBJECTIVE: To compare the risk of clinically significant hemorrhage during pregnancy and nonpregnancy. METHODS: A total of 186 patients from the University of Toronto Vascular Malformations Study Group were enrolled. The obstetrical history of each patient was collected and matched to their neurological history from the records of the study group. All hemorrhagic events occurring during childbearing years were associated with either a defined pregnancy risk period or nonpregnancy period. Patients were also asked to recall advice that they received from health care professionals regarding risk of hemorrhage in pregnancy. RESULTS: Among our patient population there were 349 pregnancies (283 live births) and 49 hemorrhages during childbearing years, 3 of which were during pregnancy but none during delivery or within 6 weeks post partum. The hemorrhage rate for pregnant women was 1.15% (95% confidence interval: 0.23-3.35) per person-year and 1.01% (95% confidence interval: 0.75-1.36) per person-year for nonpregnant women. Relative risk of pregnancy was 1.13 (95% confidence interval: 0.34-3.75) (P = .84). Neurosurgeons and obstetricians were the source of most hemorrhage risk advice. The majority of neurosurgeons suggested that the risk was unchanged, but the obstetricians were divided. Four patients never conceived, and 2 others began contraception because of the advice that they received. CONCLUSION: The risk of intracranial hemorrhage from cerebral cavernous malformations is likely not changed during pregnancy, delivery, or post partum.

Antenatal and postnatal diagnosis of coxsackie b4 infection: case series.

Enteroviruses are a common cause of neonatal infection. In particular, Coxsackie B viruses are often associated with severe, fatal disease. The antenatal diagnosis of Coxsackie B viral infections is uncommon. We present a unique case of Coxsackie B4 virus ventriculitis and myocarditis causing fetal hydrops at 22 weeks gestation. Transmission was inferred by viral isolation from the amniotic fluid and by placental pathology. We also describe two additional cases of fatal neonatal Coxsackie B4 infection complicated by myocarditis and encephalitis with cerebral necrosis in a 4-day-old female and by myocarditis, spinal leptomeningitis, and hepatitis in a 4-day-old male. Transplacental acquisition of infection carries a poor prognosis. We propose that Coxsackie B virus should be considered in the investigation of nonimmune hydrops, particularly in the presence of cardiac dysfunction.

Stable versus progressive hepatitis unique to pregnancy.

BACKGROUND: Urgent delivery of the fetus is often considered as the treatment of choice for mothers in their second or third trimester with hepatitis unique to pregnancy (HUP). OBJECTIVE: To determine whether standard liver function tests (serum bilirubin and international normalized ratio levels) help to identify mothers and their newborns who might benefit from early delivery. METHODS: A total of 149 patients with HUP were retrospectively classified as those with normal (stable-HUP, n=118) or abnormal (progressive-HUP, n=31) liver function tests. Clinical outcomes consisted of maternal lengths of hospital stay after delivery and neonatal appearance, pulse, grimace, activity, respiration score ratings at 0 and 5 min. RESULTS: Patients with stable-HUP had similar lengths of hospital stay after delivery whether delivered early (4.8±3.4 days) or at term (4.8±3.6 days). Appearance, pulse, grimace, activity, respiration score ratings at birth were similar in neonates from patients with stable-HUP delivered prematurely (5.8±2.7) and at term (7.8±1.7, P=0.48) but significantly higher at 5 min in those delivered at term (7.5±2.0 vs. 8.9±0.3, P=0.003). Too few patients with progressive-HUP were delivered at term (N=4) to allow similar comparisons in this cohort. CONCLUSION: The results of this study indicate that mothers with HUP and normal liver function tests (bilirubin and international normalized ratio) can be safely followed to term without jeopardizing the health of either mother or neonates. Additional studies are required to determine whether abnormal liver function tests represent an indication for immediate delivery of the fetus in mothers with HUP.

Perinatal and maternal outcomes in critically ill obstetrics patients with pandemic H1N1 Influenza A.

BACKGROUND: During the influenza pandemic of spring 2009, Manitoba had a disproportionate number of pregnant women who became critically ill. Information about these cases will be useful to help us understand the potential impact of future outbreaks and review critical illness in pregnancy. METHODS: We describe the clinical details of six critically ill pregnant women with pandemic H1N1 2009 influenza virus admitted to two ICUs in Manitoba between March 1 and August 31, 2009. RESULTS: Thirty adult pregnant women tested positive for pandemic H1N1 2009 virus in Manitoba. Six women were admitted to the ICU. The time from onset of symptoms to life-threatening deterioration was on average five days. Most patients presented with worsening fever and cough and had H1N1-positive contacts. Five of six patients (83%) were Aboriginal. Four of six cases occurred in the third trimester. These patients frequently required non-conventional ventilatory support such as high frequency ventilation or extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). All patients received oseltamivir. Two patients died while in the ICU. Three of six patients had adverse perinatal outcomes, and there was one spontaneous abortion and one early preterm delivery. CONCLUSION: Pandemic H1N1 2009 influenza virus has the potential to cause severe illness in pregnant patients. Those patients requiring ICU admission for respiratory support have a high risk for poor fetal and neonatal outcome. The experience of this cohort underscores the appropriateness of public health measures directed at prevention and early treatment of H1N1 infection in pregnancy.

Gastric bypass surgery is associated with reduced inflammation and less depression: a preliminary investigation.

BACKGROUND: Prior studies have documented elevated symptoms of depression among patients undergoing gastric bypass surgery, in addition to significant elevations of inflammatory markers including C-reactive protein (CRP) and interleukin-6 (IL-6). No prior study has examined the relationship of changes in depression with change in inflammation among patients undergoing gastric bypass surgery. This pilot study was designed to examine the relationship of inflammation and depression among gastric bypass patients in a 12-month longitudinal study. METHODS: 13 Caucasian women (mean age 46.9 +/- 5.7 years) who were scheduled to undergo a Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGBP) were recruited prior to surgery for measurement of body mass and blood markers of inflammation, as well as self-report measures of depression, quality of life, and disordered eating. 12 months later, subjects completed the same battery of physiological and psychological measures. Data were analyzed with paired t-tests and Pearson correlations. RESULTS: In addition to significant reductions in BMI (P < .001), participants experienced significant reductions in CRP (P < .001), IL-6 (P = .002), and depressive symptoms (P = .025). Reductions also were observed in binge eating (P = .005). Decreased depression during the 12-month follow-up was highly correlated with reduced CRP (r = .98, P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: Results from this pilot study indicate that RYGBP is associated with significant reductions in inflammatory markers of cardiovascular disease risk (e.g., CRP, IL-6) and depressive symptoms, in addition to reductions in weight. Results suggested that reductions in depression were associated with the observed decreases in inflammation.

The C677T methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase variant and third trimester obstetrical complications in women with unexplained elevations of maternal serum alpha-fetoprotein.

INTRODUCTION: The C677T MTHFR variant has been associated with the same third trimester pregnancy complications as seen in women who have elevations of maternal serum alpha-fetoprotein (MSAFP). We hypothesized that these women with third trimester pregnancy complications and MSAFP elevations would have an increased frequency of the variant compared to an abnormal study control group (women with MSAFP elevations without pregnancy complications) as well as to normal population controls. METHODS: Women who had unexplained elevations of MSAFP in pregnancy were ascertained retrospectively. The frequency of the C677T MTHFR variant among those women with unexplained elevations of MSAFP who had experienced later pregnancy complications was compared to that of women with unexplained elevations of MSAFP without complications as well as to that of the previously established Manitoba frequency. RESULTS: Women who had complications of pregnancy and an unexplained MSAFP elevation had a higher allele frequency for the C677T MTHFR variant (q = 0.36,) compared to women with MSAFP elevations and normal pregnancy outcomes (q = 0.25, OR 1.73 95% CI 1.25-2.37, p = 0.03). The frequency was also higher than that of the population controls (q= 0.25, OR 1.70 95% CI 1.11-2.60, p = 0.007). The frequency in women with MSAFP elevations without pregnancy complications was not significantly different from that of the population controls (p = 0.41). CONCLUSION: Women with unexplained elevations of MSAFP and who experience complications in later pregnancy are more likely to have one or two alleles of the C677T MTHFR variant.

RETIRED: Antenatal corticosteroid therapy for fetal maturation.

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Evolution of minimally invasive bariatric surgery.

BACKGROUND: Minimally invasive Roux-en-Y gastric bypass is a procedure that is being performed with increasing frequency. It is an advanced laparoscopic procedure with a steep learning curve. With experience, it can be performed in a reasonable amount of time with minimal morbidity. METHODS: We first performed minimally invasive gastric bypass with the hand-assisted laparoscopic surgery (HALS) technique. After significant experience with HALS, we changed our approach to completely laparoscopic (LS). Our technique for all cases involves a circular stapled gastrojejunostomy with a 25-mm anvil passed transgastrically. RESULTS: From June 1998 to January 2002, 304 patients underwent minimally invasive gastric bypass. Our first 81 cases were with HALS, and the rest were LS. The incidence of early major and minor perioperative complications for the entire series was 5.6% and 7.9%, respectively. Early reoperation (less than 30 days) was required in 4.6% of all patients. There was 1 leak (1.2%) in the HALS group and 4 anastomotic leaks (1.8%) in the LS group. Other measured outcomes were similar in each group with the exception of wound hernia (16% HALS vs 0.9% LS). Weight loss after 1 year was 44% for HALS and 56% for LS. We have not had any deaths in our series. CONCLUSIONS: HALS may have certain advantages in selected patients and early in a surgeon's experience with minimally invasive gastric bypass. With experience, good results are possible with either approach.

Computer-enhanced vs. standard laparoscopic antireflux surgery.

Computer-assisted telesurgical devices have recently been approved in the United States for general surgery. To determine the safety and efficacy of these procedures, we performed a prospective trial of computer-enhanced "robotic" fundoplication compared to standard laparoscopic control procedures. Consecutive patients undergoing surgical treatment for gastroesophageal reflux were included. The operating surgeon worked at a console using a three-dimensional image and manipulated hand controls. Operative times, complications, and length of hospital stay were recorded. A standardized questionnaire was administered to evaluate symptoms. Twenty patients were entered into each group. There were no differences in age, preoperative weight, or sex. Operative times were significantly longer in the robot group (97 vs. 141 minutes). There were no complications and most patients went home the first postoperative day. At follow-up, symptoms were similar in both groups; however, there was a significant difference in the number of patients taking antisecretory medication--none in the robotic group but six in the laparoscopic group reported regular use. Computer-assisted laparoscopic antireflux surgery is safe. However, operative times are longer, with little difference in outcomes. At the current level of technology and experience, robotic antireflux surgery appears to offer little advantage over standard laparoscopic approaches.