[Fetal monitoring: Current limitations and new approaches based on analysis of the fetal autonomic nervous system]. / Surveillance fœtale : limites actuelles et nouvelles pistes basées sur l'analyse du système nerveux autonome fœtal.

OBJECTIVE: Currently, fetal monitoring during labor is based on visual analysis of the fetal heart rate (FHR). This test is imperfect, with high intra- and inter-observer variability and a moderate to poor prediction of the occurrence of neonatal acidosis or anoxic-ischaemic encephalopathy. In situations where there is an intermediate risk of acidosis, it is possible to use second-line tests such as blood scalp sampling (with pH or lactate measurement) or ST segment analysis of the fetal ECG. However, these invasive tests have many limitations and their place is debated. Some authors suggest a more physiological approach to FHR assessment. The main actor in maintaining fetal homeostasis is the autonomic nervous system (ANS). Its activity can be assessed by analysing heart rate variability (HRV). The aim is to assess whether HRV can be used to identify situations at risk of acidosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Our team has developed an index, the Fetal Stress Index, to measure HRV. To test it in a situation of acidosis, we used a pregnant ewe model. We also developed in parallel a human fetal ECG recording system. RESULTS: In our experimental model, we have shown that this index reflects variations in the parasympathetic system and correlates with the onset of acidosis. As its use in clinical practice requires the acquisition of a beat-to-beat FHR signal, we have also developed an abdominal patch that allows highly accurate analysis of the fetal ECG. CONCLUSION: The future is therefore to validate the FSI as a marker of acidosis in a prospective cohort using the signal obtained from our patch. This could be a new tool for fetal monitoring during labor.

How does fetal inflammatory response syndrome change fetal response to hypoxia? An experimental study in a fetal sheep model.

INTRODUCTION: Fetal inflammatory response syndrome associated with acidosis during labor is a high-risk situation for the fetus. This study evaluated hemodynamic, gasometric, and heart rate variability changes during acute fetal inflammatory response syndrome associated with hypoxia, compared with isolated hypoxia. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Acute fetal inflammatory response syndrome was obtained via an intravenously injection of lipopolysaccharide derived from Escherichia coli. Hypoxia was induced by repeated umbilical cord occlusions during three phases: mild, moderate, and severe umbilical cord occlusions. Two groups were created with chronically instrumented near-term fetal sheep: one group with isolated hypoxia, the other with hypoxia and fetal inflammatory response syndrome. Hemodynamic, gas parameters, and fetal heart rate variability were compared between the groups. RESULTS: The hypoxia and fetal inflammatory response syndrome group had a higher mortality rate (n = 4/9) compared with the hypoxia group (n = 0/9). Gasometric state was altered earlier in case of lipopolysaccharide injection (pH = 7.22 (7.12-7.24) vs 7.28 (7.23-7.34) p = 0.01; lactate = 10.3 mmol/L (9.4-11.0) vs 6.0 mmol/L (4.1-8.2) p < 0.001 after mild occlusions). After mild occlusions, the hypoxia and fetal inflammatory response syndrome group had higher values on seven heart rate variability parameters compared with the hypoxia group. After moderate occlusions, two parameters remained significantly higher. CONCLUSIONS: During fetal inflammatory response syndrome, fetal adaptation to hypoxia is impaired. In case of fetal infection, acidosis during labor is likely to become severe more rapidly, requiring closer fetal monitoring during labor.

Beta-blockers and breastfeeding: a real-life prospective study.

PURPOSE: At Lille University Hospital, a pregnancy heart team including cardiologists, obstetricians, pediatricians, anesthetists, geneticists, and pharmacologists discusses about treatment compatibility taken during breastfeeding in pregnant women (or those wishing to be pregnant) with complex cardiovascular pathologies. Beta-blockers are among the drug most often used in these patients, and data are missing or suggest a risk to the breastfed child. The aim of this study was to evaluate the proportion of women treated with beta-blockers, identified during the multidisciplinary meeting, who breastfed and to monitor adverse effects (AEs) in newborns. METHODS: A prospective descriptive study was conducted from 1 December 2017 to 1 December 2021. All pregnant patients followed up by the pregnancy heart team in Lille University Hospital, treated with beta-blockers and who gave birth, were contacted as part of the pharmacovigilance follow-up. RESULTS: The proportion of women treated with beta-blockers intending to breastfeed was 69.8%. Among the 53 women interviewed, 49% did not breastfeed, including 10 because of the theoretical incompatibility of their beta-blocker with breastfeeding. Among the 27 women who breastfed, 30% breastfed while treated with a theoretically incompatible beta-blocker; 56% was changed from their initial beta-blocker to allow safe breastfeeding. No serious AE was observed. CONCLUSION: To our knowledge, our study is the largest series of patients treated with beta-blockers during breastfeeding. Taking a treatment can be an obstacle to breastfeeding, but for the particular case of beta-blockers, even if the available data are few and sometimes worrying, the data from this study are reassuring.

Midterm complications after primary obstetrical anal sphincter injury repair in France.

BACKGROUND: Incidence of complications following obstetrical anal sphincter injury (OASI) during vaginal delivery are poorly defined. They are only studied in high level maternities, small cohorts, all stages of perineal tear or in low-income countries. The aim of our study was to describe complications after primary OASI repair following a vaginal delivery in all French maternity wards at short and midterm and to assess factors associated with complication occurrence. METHODS: We conducted a historical cohort study using the French nationwide claim database (PMSI) from January 2013 to December 2021. All women who sustained an OASI repair following a vaginal delivery were included and virtually followed-up for 2 years. Then, we searched for OASIS complications. Finally, we evaluated factors associated with OASIS complication repaired or not and OASIS complication repairs. RESULTS: Among the 61,833 included women, 2015 (2.8%) had an OASI complication and 842 (1.16%) underwent an OASI complication repair. Women were mainly primiparous (71.6%) and 44.3% underwent an instrumental delivery. During a follow-up of 2 years, 0.6% (n = 463), 0.3% (n = 240), 0.2% (n = 176), 0.1% (n = 84), 0.06% (n = 43) and 0.01% (n = 5) of patients underwent second surgery for a perineal repair, a fistula repair, a sphincteroplasty, a perineal infection, a colostomy and a sacral nervous anal stimulation, respectively. Only one case of artificial anal sphincter was noticed. Instrumental deliveries (OR = 1.56 CI95%[1.29;1.9]), private for-profit hospitals (OR = 1.42 [1.11;1.82], reference group "public hospital"), obesity (OR = 1.36 [1;1.84]), stage IV OASIS (OR = 2.98 [2.4;3.72]), perineal wound breakdown (OR = 2.8 [1.4;5.48]), ages between 25 and 29 years old (OR = 1.59 [1.17;2.18], refence group "age between 13 and 24 years old") and 30 and 34 years old (OR = 1.57 [1.14; 2.16], refence group "age between 13 and 24 years old") were factors associated with OASIS complication repairs. CONCLUSIONS: Maternal age, stage IV OASIS, obesity, instrumental deliveries and private for-profit hospitals seemed to predict OASIS complications. Understanding factors associated with OASIS complications could be beneficial for the patient to inform them and to influence the patient's follow-up in order to prevent complications, repairs and maternal distress.

[Nausea and vomiting in pregnancy]. / Nausées et vomissements gravidiques.

NAUSEA AND VOMITING IN PREGNANCY. Nausea and vomiting during pregnancy are common symptoms experienced by pregnant women. In more severe cases, known as hyperemesis gravidarum, these symptoms can become a pathological condition that can lead to significant complications in both the short and long term. Short-term complications include hydro-electrolyte imbalances, pregnancy termination, and growth retardation. Long-term complications may include anxiety disorders, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Mild cases can often be alleviated through lifestyle and dietary adjustments or non-pharmacological treatments like ginger, acupuncture, or acupressure. However, moderate to severe cases require specific psychological support, anti-emetic treatments, and sometimes hospitalization with intravenous treatment and parenteral rehydration. Managing these cases is complex and challenging because it does not guarantee the complete disappearance of symptoms, which can pose difficulties for caregivers.

NAUSÉES ET VOMISSEMENTS GRAVIDIQUES. Les nausées et vomissements de la grossesse sont un symptôme classique chez la femme enceinte. Le plus souvent sans gravité, les formes modérées à sévères, appelées hyperémèse gravidique, constituent une pathologie qui peut être invalidante, source de complications de la grossesse à court terme (troubles hydroélectrolytiques, arrêt de grossesse, retard de croissance) mais aussi à long terme (troubles anxiodépressifs, état de stress post-traumatique). Les formes minimes peuvent être atténuées par des règles hygiénodiététiques ou des traitements non médicamenteux (gingembre, acupuncture, acupression). Les formes modérées à sévères nécessitent un accompagnement psychologique spécifique, des traitements antiémétiques et, parfois, une hospitalisation avec traitement par voie intraveineuse et réhydratation parentérale. Leur prise en charge est complexe et difficile car elle ne permet pas toujours une disparition des symptômes, ce qui peut mettre en difficulté les soignants.

[Impact of the mode of follow-up of preterm premature rupture of membranes before 36 weeks of gestation on the latency period]. / Impact du mode de suivi des ruptures prématurées des membranes avant 36 SA sur la durée de latence.

INTRODUCTION: Preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM) is the main cause of premature delivery, complicating 1-3% of all pregnancies. Conventional hospitalization (CH) is the most frequent mode of follow-up, but homecare (HC) seems to be an alternative. OBJECTIVES: Study of the impact of the monitoring mode on the duration of the latency period and on the latency ratio after PPROM, and analysis of the risk factors modifying this ratio. METHODS: This was a bicentric retrospective cohort study here-abouts including patients who presented a PPROM between 24 and 36weeks of gestation from 2016 to 2018. Patients had a follow-up in HC at Lille University Hospital center (UHC) and in CH at Nantes UHC according to two different follow-up protocols. The latency ratio corresponded to the real latency period divided by the latency period to theoretical term. RESULTS: We included 154 patients: 102 in HC and 52 in CH. The mean latency period was significantly higher in HC: 36.9±21.8 days, corresponding to an 85.5±23.7% latency ratio versus 20.2±12 days, corresponding to an 66.9±29.8% latency ratio in CH (P<0.001). The latency ratio in CH was correlated with term at PPROM (P=0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The duration of the latency period seems prolonged for PPROM followed by HC management versus CH in selected populations. This study suggests a benefit to HC in stable patients.

Prospective Validation of First-Trimester Screening for Preterm Preeclampsia in Nulliparous Women (PREDICTION Study).

BACKGROUND: Fetal Medicine Foundation (FMF) studies suggest that preterm preeclampsia can be predicted in the first trimester by combining biophysical, biochemical, and ultrasound markers and prevented using aspirin. We aimed to evaluate the FMF preterm preeclampsia screening test in nulliparous women. METHODS: We conducted a prospective multicenter cohort study of nulliparous women recruited at 11 to 14 weeks. Maternal characteristics, mean arterial blood pressure, PAPP-A (pregnancy-associated plasma protein A), PlGF (placental growth factor) in maternal blood, and uterine artery pulsatility index were collected at recruitment. The risk of preterm preeclampsia was calculated by a third party blinded to pregnancy outcomes. Receiver operating characteristic curves were used to estimate the detection rate (sensitivity) and the false-positive rate (1-specificity) for preterm (<37 weeks) and for early-onset (<34 weeks) preeclampsia according to the FMF screening test and according to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists criteria. RESULTS: We recruited 7554 participants including 7325 (97%) who remained eligible after 20 weeks of which 65 (0.9%) developed preterm preeclampsia, and 22 (0.3%) developed early-onset preeclampsia. Using the FMF algorithm (cutoff of ≥1 in 110 for preterm preeclampsia), the detection rate was 63.1% for preterm preeclampsia and 77.3% for early-onset preeclampsia at a false-positive rate of 15.8%. Using the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists criteria, the equivalent detection rates would have been 61.5% and 59.1%, respectively, for a false-positive rate of 34.3%. CONCLUSIONS: The first-trimester FMF preeclampsia screening test predicts two-thirds of preterm preeclampsia and three-quarters of early-onset preeclampsia in nulliparous women, with a false-positive rate of ≈16%. REGISTRATION: URL: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov; Unique identifier: NCT02189148.

Impact of body mass index on sonographic measurement of head perineum distance before operative vaginal delivery.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the impact of body mass index (BMI) on sonographic measurement of head perineum distance (HPD) before operative vaginal delivery (OVD). METHODS: This was a single-center retrospective cohort study (Lille, France) conducted from March 1, 2019 to October 31, 2020 including all singleton and OVD. HPD measurement was systematically performed without and with compression on the perineum soft tissues. The level of station was defined by vaginal examination and three maternal BMI groups were defined (normal BMI [<24.9 kg/m2] vs overweight [25-29.9 kg/m2] vs obese [≥30 kg/m2]). HPD measures were compared between BMI groups and compression, in distinct level of station, using a two-factor analysis of variance including BMI groups, the compression, and the interaction term BMI group compression. RESULTS: A total of 775 women were included: 488 with normal BMI, 181 overweight patients and 106 obese patients. The measurement of HPD before OVD without and with compression on the soft tissues was significantly different between the BMI groups only in the lower part, particularly between normal BMI and obese patients (mean difference (95% CI): 6.6 mm (4.0 to 9.2) without compression; 3.8 (1.1 to 6.4) with compression). CONCLUSION: The values of HPD without and with compression on the soft tissues on the maternal perineum were different according to the maternal BMI concerning lower part station. Thus, it seems important to define thresholds of HPD measures corresponding to each head station levels according to maternal BMI.

Management and outcomes of pregnant women with cardiovascular diseases in a cardio-obstetric team.

BACKGROUND: Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are currently the leading cause of maternal death in Western countries. Although multidisciplinary cardio-obstetric teams are recommended to improve the management of pregnant women with CVD, data supporting this approach are scarce. AIMS: To describe the characteristics and outcomes of pregnant patients with CVD managed within the cardio-obstetric programme of a tertiary centre. METHODS: We included every pregnant patient with history of CVD managed by our cardio-obstetric team between June 2017 and December 2019, and collected all major cardiovascular events (death, heart failure, acute coronary syndromes, stroke, endocarditis and aortic dissection) that occurred during pregnancy, peripartum and the following year. RESULTS: We included 209 consecutive pregnancies in 202 patients. CVDs were predominantly valvular heart diseases (37.8%), rhythm disorders (26.8%), and adult congenital heart diseases (22.5%). Altogether, 47.4% were classified modified World Health Organization (mWHO)>II, 66.5% had CARdiac disease in PREGnancy score (CARPREG II)≥2 and 80 pregnancies (38.3%) were delivered by caesarean section. Major cardiovascular events occurred in 16 pregnancies (7.7%, 95% confidence interval [CI] 4.5-12.2) during pregnancy and in three others (1.5%, 95% CI 0.3-4.1) during 1-year follow-up. Most events (63.1%) occurred in the 16.3% of patients with unknown CVD before pregnancy. CONCLUSIONS: The management of pregnant patients with CVD within a cardio-obstetric team seems encouraging as we found a relatively low rate of cardiovascular events compared to the high-risk profile of our population. However, most of the remaining events occurred in patients without cardiac monitoring before pregnancy.

[Can we predict intrauterine balloon tamponade failure according to the mode of delivery?] / Peut-on prévenir l'échec du ballon de tamponnement intra-utérin selon la voie d'accouchement ?

OBJECTIVE: The intrauterine balloon tamponade (IUBT) is one of the major tool to manage the postpartum hemorrhage (PPH). Previous studies identified factors predicting IUBT failure regardless the mode of delivery. Our aim was to determine if IUBT predictive failure can be determined regarding the mode of delivery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a retrospective cohort study among women who had IUBT secondary to severe PPH after vaginal or cesarean delivery from 2012 until 2021 at Lille (France). We compared 2 groups: success or failure of the IUBT, which was defined as the need of additional invasive procedures (uterine embolization or surgical procedure). RESULTS: We included 238 women, 83 who underwent cesarean and 155 vaginal delivery. The overall success of the IUBT was 78% (80% for vaginal delivery and 75% for cesarean delivery). In the vaginal delivery group with failed IUBT, coagulopathies were significantly more frequent (84.2 vs. 33.3% P=<0.001) with higher estimated blood loss at the use of the IUBT (1865.8 vs. 1580.8mL, P=0.015) compared with the vaginal delivery group with success of IUBT. In the cesarean delivery group, none factor was significant between the two groups. CONCLUSION: It is possible to identify predictors of IUBT failure in case of vaginal delivery. In contrast, in case of cesarean delivery, there is no apparent predictive facto. It could be interesting to validate our findings in a multicentric study.

Comparison of National Factor-Based Models for Preeclampsia Screening.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to compare the predictive values of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), and the Society of Obstetricians and Gynecologists of Canada (SOGC) factor-based models for preeclampsia (PE) screening. STUDY DESIGN: We conducted a secondary analysis of maternal and birth data from 32 hospitals. For each delivery, we calculated the risk of PE according to the ACOG, the NICE, and the SOGC models. Our primary outcomes were PE and preterm PE (PE combined with preterm birth) using the ACOG criteria. We calculated the detection rate (DR or sensitivity), the false positive rate (FPR or 1 - specificity), the positive (PPV) and negative (NPV) predictive values of each model for PE and for preterm PE using receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curves. RESULTS: We used 130,939 deliveries including 4,635 (3.5%) cases of PE and 823 (0.6%) cases of preterm PE. The ACOG model had a DR of 43.6% for PE and 50.3% for preterm PE with FPR of 15.6%; the NICE model had a DR of 36.2% for PE and 41.3% for preterm PE with FPR of 12.8%; and the SOGC model had a DR of 49.1% for PE and 51.6% for preterm PE with FPR of 22.2%. The PPV for PE of the ACOG (9.3%) and NICE (9.4%) models were both superior than the SOGC model (7.6%; p < 0.001), with a similar trend for the PPV for preterm PE (1.9 vs. 1.9 vs. 1.4%, respectively; p < 0.01). The area under the ROC curves suggested that the ACOG model is superior to the NICE for the prediction of PE and preterm PE and superior to the SOGC models for the prediction of preterm PE (all with p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The current ACOG factor-based model for the prediction of PE and preterm PE, without considering race, is superior to the NICE and SOGC models. KEY POINTS: · Clinical factor-based model can predict PE in approximately 44% of the cases for a 16% false positive.. · The ACOG model is superior to the NICE and SOGC models to predict PE.. · Clinical factor-based models are better to predict PE in parous than in nulliparous..

Factors associated with successful balloon catheter labor induction in women with a previous caesarean section: A retrospective single-center evaluation.

BACKGROUND: Labor induction of women with a history of uterine scarring is an increasingly frequent situation and one for which there are currently no clear professional recommendations favoring one method over another. The objectives of this study were to determine the success rate of balloon catheter induction in women with a history of caesarean section and to evaluate the main factors associated with vaginal delivery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This single-center retrospective study was conducted between January 1, 2014, and December 31, 2018, in Lille, France, and included all women with one previous caesarean section who were induced by first-line balloon catheter induction. Multivariate analysis was performed to identify the factors associated with the primary outcome (vaginal delivery). RESULTS: Of the 310 women in the sample, 192 delivered vaginally (62 %). After adjustment, factors associated with successful induction (vaginal delivery) were the number of previous vaginal deliveries (odds ratio [OR] 1.37; 95 % confidence interval [CI] 1.04-1.81), evolution of the Bishop score after balloon removal (OR 1.24; 95 % CI 1.10-1.41), and the initial Bishop score (OR 1.17; 95 % CI 1.00-1.37). Uterine rupture was observed in three women (1 %). CONCLUSION: The vaginal delivery rate after balloon catheter induction in women with a previous caesarean section was 62 %. Prognostic factors for vaginal delivery include previous vaginal delivery, the initial Bishop score, and evolution of the Bishop score after balloon catheter induction.

Aspirin at 75 to 81 mg Daily for the Prevention of Preterm Pre-Eclampsia: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Background: Aspirin at 150 mg daily, initiated in the 1st trimester of pregnancy, prevents preterm pre-eclampsia. We aimed to estimate whether a dose of 75 to 81 mg daily can help to prevent preterm pre-eclampsia as well. Methods: A systematic search was conducted using multiple databases and meta-analyses of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that compared aspirin initiated in the first trimester of pregnancy to placebo or no treatment, following the PRISMA guidelines and the Cochrane risk of bias tool. Results: We retrieved 11 RCTs involving 13,981 participants. Five RCTs had a low risk of bias, one at unclear risk, and fiver had a high risk of bias. A pooled analysis demonstrated that doses of 75 to 81 mg of aspirin, compared to a placebo or no treatment, was not associated with a significant reduction in preterm pre-eclampsia (8 studies; 12,391 participants; relative risk, 0.66; 95% confidence interval: 0.27 to 1.62; p = 0.36), but there was a significant heterogeneity across the studies (I2 = 61%, p = 0.02). Conclusion: It cannot be concluded that taking 75 to 81 mg of aspirin daily reduces the risk of preterm pre-eclampsia. However, given the significant heterogeneity between the studies, the true effect that such a dose of aspirin would have on pregnancy outcomes could not be properly estimated.

Fetal brain response to worsening acidosis: an experimental study in a fetal sheep model of umbilical cord occlusions.

Perinatal anoxia remains an important public health problem as it can lead to hypoxic-ischaemic encephalopathy (HIE) and cause significant neonatal mortality and morbidity. The mechanisms of the fetal brain's response to hypoxia are still unclear and current methods of in utero HIE prediction are not reliable. In this study, we directly analysed the brain response to hypoxia in fetal sheep using in utero EEG. Near-term fetal sheep were subjected to progressive hypoxia induced by repeated umbilical cord occlusions (UCO) at increasing frequency. EEG changes during and between UCO were analysed visually and quantitatively, and related with gasometric and haemodynamic data. EEG signal was suppressed during occlusions and progressively slowed between occlusions with the increasing severity of the occlusions. Per-occlusion EEG suppression correlated with per-occlusion bradycardia and increased blood pressure, whereas EEG slowing and amplitude decreases correlated with arterial hypotension and respiratory acidosis. The suppression of the EEG signal during cord occlusion, in parallel with cardiovascular adaptation could correspond to a rapid cerebral adaptation mechanism that may have a neuroprotective role. The progressive alteration of the signal with the severity of the occlusions would rather reflect the cerebral hypoperfusion due to the failure of the cardiovascular adaptation mechanisms.

Impact of COVID-19 and Vaccination During Pregnancy on Placenta-Mediated Complications (COVIGRO Study).

OBJECTIVES: COVID-19 has been associated with preterm birth (PTB) and placental-mediated complications, including fetal growth restriction and preeclampsia (PE). This study aimed to estimate the impact of COVID-19 and vaccination on adverse pregnancy outcomes and markers of placental function. METHODS: We performed a study on a prospective cohort of women recruited in the first trimester of pregnancy during the early COVID-19 pandemic period (December 2020 to December 2021). At each trimester of pregnancy, the assessment included a questionnaire on COVID-19 and vaccination status; serological tests for COVID-19 (for asymptomatic infection); measurement of placental growth factor (PlGF) and soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase 1 (sFlt-1) in maternal blood; measurement of mean uterine artery pulsatility index (UtA-PI); and pregnancy outcomes (PTB, PE, birth weight below the fifth and the tenth percentile). RESULTS: Among 788 patients with complete data, we observed 101 (13%) cases of symptomatic infection and 74 (9%) cases of asymptomatic infection with SARS-CoV-2. Most cases (73%) of infection were among women with previous vaccination or COVID-19 infection before pregnancy. COVID-19 infection was not associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes, abnormal fetal growth, sFlt-1/PlGF ratio, or mean UtA-PI. Vaccination during pregnancy did not influence these outcomes either. We observed no case of severe COVID-19 infection requiring respiratory support. CONCLUSION: Mild symptomatic or asymptomatic COVID-19 during pregnancy did not influence the risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes and the markers of placental function in predominantly vaccinated women. Fetal growth monitoring is unlikely to be mandatory in women with mild symptoms of COVID-19.

Clinical Risk Factors for Placenta Accreta or Placenta Percreta: A Case-Control Study.

OBJECTIVES: Uterine scarring is a risk factor for placenta accreta spectrum (PAS) disorder. We aimed to determine the factors related to PAS in women who had previously undergone a cesarean. METHODS: We performed a case-control study where women who underwent postpartum hysterectomy for placenta accreta/percreta (cases) were matched to all women with a previous cesarean who delivered in the week before each case (controls). Maternal characteristics along with previous cesarean characteristics were compared between cases and controls. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to determine risk factors related to PAS. RESULTS: We compared 64 cases of PAS that required hysterectomy to 192 controls. The factors related to PAS were a history of uterine surgery (OR 27.4; 95% CI 5.1-146.5, P < 0.001) and the number of previous cesareans (2 cesareans: OR 7.2; 95% CI 3.4-15.4, P < 0.001; more than 2 cesareans: OR 7.9; 95% CI 2.9-21.5, P < 0.001). In women with a single previous cesarean without previous uterine surgery, an interdelivery interval of fewer than 18 months (OR 6.3; 95% CI 1.8-22.4, P = 0.004) and smoking (OR 5.8; 95% CI 1.2-27.8, P = 0.03) were related to PAS. The gestational age and the cervical dilatation at previous cesarean were not associated with PAS (all with P > 0.05). The lack of data regarding the closure of the uterus at previous cesareans prevents us from drawing solid conclusions. CONCLUSIONS: Previous uterine surgery, the number of previous cesareans, smoking, and an interdelivery interval of fewer than 18 months after cesarean are significant risk factors for PAS requiring postpartum hysterectomy.

Early heart rate variability changes during acute fetal inflammatory response syndrome: An experimental study in a fetal sheep model.

INTRODUCTION: Fetal infection during labor with fetal inflammatory response syndrome (FIRS) is associated with neurodevelopmental disabilities, cerebral palsy, neonatal sepsis, and mortality. Current methods to diagnose FIRS are inadequate. Thus, the study aim was to explore whether fetal heart rate variability (HRV) analysis can be used to detect FIRS. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In chronically instrumented near-term fetal sheep, lipopolysaccharide (LPS) was injected intravenously to model FIRS. A control group received saline solution injection. Hemodynamic, blood gas analysis, interleukin-6 (IL-6), and 14 HRV indices were recorded for 6 h. In both groups, comparisons were made between the stability phase and the 6 h following injection (H1-H6, respectively) and between LPS and control groups. RESULTS: Fifteen lambs were instrumented. In the LPS group (n = 8), IL-6 increased significantly after LPS injection (p < 0.001), confirming the FIRS model. Fetal heart rate increased significantly after H5 (p < 0.01). In our FIRS model without shock or cardiovascular decompensation, five HRV measures changed significantly after H2 until H4 in comparison to baseline. Moreover, significant differences between LPS and control groups were observed in HRV measures between H2 and H4. These changes appear to be mediated by an increase of global variability and a loss of signal complexity. CONCLUSION: As significant HRV changes were detected before FHR increase, these indices may be valuable for early detection of acute FIRS.

Effect of delayed cord clamping on red blood cell alloimmunization: a retrospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Although delayed cord clamping has well-known benefits for preterm and term neonates, it has been inadequately assessed in alloimmunized neonates. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the benefits and risks of delayed cord clamping in alloimmunized neonates. STUDY DESIGN: This was a retrospective comparative pre-post cohort study conducted from 2003 to 2018 in a tertiary care center in France. All living singleton neonates whose mothers were followed up for red blood cell alloimmunization during gestation and confirmed at birth (N=224) were included. Neonates were either exposed to immediate (n=125) or delayed cord clamping (n=99). Our main outcome was the time from birth to first exchange transfusions and/or transfusions. Secondary outcomes were hemoglobin level at birth, rate of exchange transfusion, number of postnatal transfusions, maximum bilirubin level, and number of phototherapy hours. RESULTS: Hemoglobin at birth was significantly higher in case of delayed cord clamping (mean difference, 1.7 g/dL; 95% confidence interval, 0.7-2.8). Among infants treated with exchange transfusion or transfusion, the time to initial treatment was higher in case of delayed cord clamping (median difference, 8 days; rate ratio, 1.51; 95% confidence interval, 1.09-2.10). There were no significant differences in the need for exchange transfusion, the number of transfusions, the maximum total bilirubin level, nor the number of phototherapy hours. In the subgroup analysis of neonates needing intrauterine transfusion during pregnancy (ie, severe alloimmunization), neonates had a lower rate of exchange transfusion in case of delayed cord clamping (odds ratio, 0.36; 95% confidence interval, 0.15-0.82). CONCLUSION: Our results indicate a benefit of delayed cord clamping in alloimmunization, regardless of pathology severity, without increased risk of jaundice.