[Reducing of cesarean section rate in Krajská nemocnice Liberec - Robson classification]. / Snizování poctu císarských rezu v Krajské nemocnici Liberec - hodnocení podle Robsona.

OBJECTIVE: A retrospective analysis of caesarean section rates using modified Robson classification in years 2013-2016. Discussion of factors influencing the decrease of caesarean section rate. DESIGN: Restrospective data analysis. SETTING: Gynecology and obstetrics department Krajská nemocnice Liberec. METHODS: We compared the caesarean section rates at our department between years 2013-2016 using the modified Robson classification system. The groups were analysed both separately and mutually to identify the factors contributing to the decrease of caesarean section rate in concrete subgroups. RESULTS: We experienced a remarkable reduce in caesaren section rate from 24.6% in 2013 to 14.5% in 2016. CONCLUSION: The Robson classification provides objective caesarean section rates comparisons. This method enables further interpretation of outcomes and policy assessment to reach the optimal caesarean section rate.

Variations in very preterm birth rates in 30 high-income countries: are valid international comparisons possible using routine data?

OBJECTIVE: Concerns about differences in registration practices across countries have limited the use of routine data for international very preterm birth (VPT) rate comparisons. DESIGN: Population-based study. SETTING: Twenty-seven European countries, the United States, Canada and Japan in 2010. POPULATION: A total of 9 376 252 singleton births. METHOD: We requested aggregated gestational age data on live births, stillbirths and terminations of pregnancy (TOP) before 32 weeks of gestation, and information on registration practices for these births. We compared VPT rates and assessed the impact of births at 22-23 weeks of gestation, and different criteria for inclusion of stillbirths and TOP on country rates and rankings. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Singleton very preterm birth rate, defined as singleton stillbirths and live births before 32 completed weeks of gestation per 1000 total births, excluding TOP if identifiable in the data source. RESULTS: Rates varied from 5.7 to 15.7 per 1000 total births and 4.0 to 11.9 per 1000 live births. Country registration practices were related to percentage of births at 22-23 weeks of gestation (between 1% and 23% of very preterm births) and stillbirths (between 6% and 40% of very preterm births). After excluding births at 22-23 weeks, rate variations remained high and with a few exceptions, country rankings were unchanged. CONCLUSIONS: International comparisons of very preterm birth rates using routine data should exclude births at 22-23 weeks of gestation and terminations of pregnancy. The persistent large rate variations after these exclusions warrant continued surveillance of VPT rates at 24 weeks and over in high-income countries. TWEETABLE ABSTRACT: International comparisons of VPT rates should exclude births at 22-23 weeks of gestation and terminations of pregnancy.

[Current status and recommendations for intrapartum monitoring of fetal heart rate]. / Soucasné moznosti a doporucení pro intrapartální monitorování ozev plodu.

UNLABELLED: Monitoring of fetal heart rate is one of the basic components of obstetrical care, in which the cardiotocography remains the gold standard and screening method in early diagnosis of fetal hypoxia, even after introduction of other selective methods of intrauterine monitoring of fetal well-being. The review article is divided into several parts: pathophysiology of fetal oxygenation, fetal heart rate and changes of fetal hemodynamics, and rules for fetal heart rate auscultation. The main principles of cardiotocographic monitoring and evaluation of ante- and intrapartrum recordings according to the FIGO criteria from 1986 and evaluation of intrapartum recordings according to the 2015 FIGO recommendations are mentioned. At the end a comparative table of 1986 FIGO and 2015 FIGO criteria is presented. DESIGN: Review.

[Delivery of macrosomic fetus]. / Porod velkého plodu.

UNLABELLED: Fetal macrosomia is associated with an increased risk of perinatal mortality and morbidity for both, mother and fetus. The frequency of these births is between 1.3 to 1.5%. Macrosomic fetuses are defined with a weight of 4500 g and more. Diagnosis and prediction of macrosomia or fetal birth weight is key to determine the tactics of delivery. It is based on the combination and assessment of medical history, clinical parameters and ultrasound biometry. The limit for elective caesarean section is considered the estimated fetal weight in healthy mothers of more than 5000 g. For mothers with diabetes an indication of the caesarean section should be considered for fetal weight of more than 4000 g. DESIGN: A review of the literature.

[Intrauterine fetal death syndrome: analysis of cases from 2008 to 2012 in Institute for the care of mother and child]. / Syndrom intrauterinního úmrtí plodu: analýza souboru za období 2008-2012 v Ústavu pro péci o matku díte

OBJECTIVE: We made an analysis of number of intrauterine fetal deaths in our institute, it's causes, risk factors and patient's main complaints. METHODS: Retrospective study of all intrauterine fetal deaths in Institute for the care of mother and child in years 2008-2012. RESULTS: We had 60 cases of intrauterine fetal death from 2008 to 2012 which represented 2.4 of all deliveries (24884). The examination started in 45% of cases due to information about decreased fetal movements, 28.3% was diagnosed during regular visit, 13.3% came for contractions, 10% because of PPROM and 3.3% due to vaginal bleeding. In 58.3% we used induction of delivery, in 10% delivery started spontaneously and in 31.7% a caesarean section was performed. CONCLUSION: Decrease in fetal movements was the most frequent complaint of our patients. Spontaneously delivered 68.3% patients, caesarean section was indicated in twins, due to maternal diseases or from vital indication. In 70% of cases we approved the cause of intrauterine fetal death. Mostly umbilical cord or placental abnormalities were present.

[Pregnant women and mothers using alcohol, tobacco and illegal drugs]. / Rodicky uzívající alkohol, tabák a nelegální drogy.

UNLABELLED: This analysis is focused on use of addictive substances among women hospitalised during delivery or puerperium. Analysed data come from National Registry of Mothers at Childbirth and from National Registry of Newborns, which are managed by the Institute of Health Information and Statistics. GOAL: To describe the prevalence of addictive substances use among women during gestation and to study its relation to health complications during pregnancy, delivery or puerperium and to health status of foetus and newborns. METHODS AND MATERIALS: The reporting to registries is provided in the Report on mother at childbirth and in the Report on newborn. Both registers provide basic socio-demographic information about mother, information about previous pregnancies and abortions, about current pregnancy, course of delivery, birth and neonatal treatment and health of newborn during hospitalization of mother during delivery or puerperium. Use of addictive substances is monitored in the National Registry of Mothers at Childbirth since 2000. Addictive substances are divided to tobacco, alcohol and drugs. Descriptive analysis of data was performed and binary logistic regression was used to test association of substance use with education and marital status (adjusted for age), analysis of variance was used to test association of substance use with selected health complications of pregnancy, delivery or puerperium and with health status of foetus/newborns (adjusted for age, education, marital status and interaction between addictive substances). RESULTS: In 2000-2009, 1,008,821 mothers were reported of whom 60,502 women were registered as cigarette smokers, 1,528 used alcohol and 1,836 used other (illegal) drugs. Total of 1,027,200 newborns were reported. The average age of mothers using addictive substances were about 0.5-3 years lower in comparison with nonusers, in average mothers using illegal drugs were the youngest. Mothers using addictive substances were more often unmarried and had lower education than nonusers - almost 2/3 of mothers using addictive substances were unmarried or didn't live in permanent partnership and more than 82% of mothers-users have lower education (primary or secondary school without a diploma). The association between substance use and induced and spontaneous abortions was observed only in smokers. Serious complications of pregnancy were associated with all monitored addictive substances - in mothers-smokers, a probability of serious complications were about 40 %, in users of illicit drugs about 13 % and in alcohol users about 5 % higher as compared to nonusers. Substance use showed almost no association with problems during childbirth. Alcohol and illegal drugs use increased probability of complications in puerperium. Health status of foetus/newborn was negatively significantly altered mainly in those born to mothers-smokers in almost all observed characteristics. Mothers alcohol use during pregnancy was associated primarily with the overall health status of foetus immediately after delivery, congenital anomalies, stillbirth or need for treatment of newborn in the theatre. Infants of mothers using addictive substances had higher probability of consequent hospitalization after discharge from the neonatal department, transfer to infant home and death of infant. CONCLUSION: Association between complications during pregnancy, delivery and puerperium and health status of newborns and substance use of mothers during pregnancy was found mainly in cigarette smoking. Alcohol use was found significant in some (but serious) health problems of mothers and newborns. The association between illegal drugs and monitored indicators wasn't found. Following the results of this work, criteria for reporting of illegal drug use in mothers during pregnancy should be improved.

[Trends in vaginal assisted deliveries in the Moravian-Silesian region between the years 2002-2011]. / Trendy operacních vaginálních porodu v Moravskoslezském regionu v letech 2002-2011.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze trends in vaginal assisted deliveries between 2002-2011 in the Moravian-Silesian region, Czech Republic. DESIGN: Retrospective analysis. SETTING: Obstetric facilities in the Moravian-Silesian region, Czech Republic. METHODS: Analysis of data on vaginal assisted deliveries in the obstetric facilities in the Moravian-Silesian region, Czech Republic, between the years 2002-2011. RESULTS: During the analyzed period the use of vacuum extraction rose from 0.11% to 2.44% of all deliveries and the use of forceps declined from 1.54% to 0.24% of all deliveries. The overall frequency of vaginal assisted deliveries increased from 1.65% to 2.87%. The frequency of caesarean section increased from 16% to 24.5%. CONCLUSION: A fundamental change in the trends of vaginal assisted deliveries occurred in the Moravian-Silesian region between 2002 to 2011. There was a significant reduction in the use of forceps and the rise in the use of vacuum extraction with an overall increase in vaginal assisted deliveries. In comparison with the results of the rest of the Czech Republic, the trends in the Moravian-Silesian region are more pronounced. During the analysed period a significant rise of the cesarean section deliveries occurred.

[The safety of home birth and evidence-based medicine]. / Bezpecnost domácích porodu a medicína zalozená na dukazech.

OBJECTIVE: To review the available scientific evidence of perinatal outcome of planned home births and their reflection in the Czech Republic. DESIGN: Review article. SETTING: Institute for the Care of Mother and Child, Prague - Podolí. METHOD: An overview of recently published data. RESULTS: Results of studies that evaluate the safety of planned home births are inconsistent and burdened by methodological limitations (selection bias, the absence of randomized trials, insufficient sample size and the lack of a control group). Evidence of argument that home birth is as safe as hospital birth, are insufficient. Consensual acceptance of home birth is conditioned by the exclusion of individual risk of complications, presence of qualified personnel and availability of emergency transfer to hospital. CONCLUSION: Study of the safety of planned home births are methodologically limited and their results are inconsistent. Currently, there is no professional, organizational and legal framework for the management of planned home births in the Czech Republic.

[Prognosis of the level of perinatal care in the Czech Republic in near future. I. Development of perinatal indicators in the Czech Republic]. / Prognóza úrovne perinatální péce v Ceské republice do nejblizsí budoucnosti I. Z pohledu vývoje ukazatelu v CR.

AIM OF THE STUDY: Prognosis of the development of perinatal care in the Czech Republic in near future. STUDY DESIGN: Nation-wide perinatal epidemiological study. SETTING: Institute for the Care of Mother and Child, Prague-Podoli. METHODS: Four basic conditions for prognosis: previous prognosis, current status (previous and actual nationwide perinatal data), current environment, and international data for comparison. RESULTS: Prognosis of the Czechoslovak Academy of Science from the beginning of eighties to lower perinatal mortality from 15/1000 to 10/1000 until the year 2000 was accomplished already in 1989. Prognosis of Scientific Board of the Czech Ministry of Health from 2004 analyzed in the first part the causes of improvement of perinatal mortality before and after 1990 and the reasons for increase of newborns under 2000 grams and cesarean sections in 90s. The second part of this prognosis predicted stagnation of perinatal mortality around 4/1000 until the year 2000 and postulated two alternatives for low birth-weight rate from 5.9% to a) 6.9% and b) 8.0% and cesarean section rates increase from 13.5% to a) 17% and b) 22%. This projection was based on previous two prognoses, on the data from the year 2000, and on the analysis of demographic and economic circumstances, and on the comparison of international perinatal data. According to the prognosis, the perinatal mortality decreased to 3.4/1000 in 2009, and the low birth-weight rate and cesarean section rate increased according to the alternative b). Increase of centralization of preterm newborns under 1500 grams and improvement of their birth-weight specific early neonatal mortality (the factors which played the main role in decrease of perinatal mortality before) have already stopped. In the situation of further increase of low birth-weight rate and further deterioration of other negative factors we could expect increase of perinatal mortality above 4/1000. CONCLUSION: According to the two previous prognoses we observed improvements of perinatal care. While the reserves for the continuing improvement (medical and organizational) are already exhausted and while the conditions for provision of care are worsening, we could expect worse perinatal results in terms of further increase of low birth-weight rate, increase of cesarean section rate, and elevation of perinatal mortality above 4/1000.

[Prognosis of the level of perinatal care in the Czech Republic in near future II. From the World Health Organization point of view]. / Prognóza úrovne perinatální péce v Ceské republice do nejblizsi budoucnosti II. Z pohledu Svetové zdravotnické organizace.

AIM OF THE STUDY: Evaluation of performance according to Goals of the WHO Project Health for All 21 in the Czech Republic. STUDY DESIGN: Comparative study of the WHO recommendations and the situation in the Czech Republic. SETTING: Institute for the Care of Mother and Child, Prague-Podoli. METHODS: Comparison of completion of 4 out of 21 Goals of the WHO Project Health for All 21 related to perinatal care in the Czech Republic. RESULTS: After experience with the WHO Project HFA 2000 for Europe (introduced in late 70s) consisting of 38 goals for particular fields of medicine to be achieved by the end of 2000 (adapted in 1992), the WHO Project HFA 21 with 21 Goals to be achieved by 2020 was introduced. While in relation to the Project HFA 2000 the Czech Republic analyzed the situation in 1993 without application of individual goals into the health care system, in 2003 the group of experts prepared "Recommendation for achievements of the Goals" of the WHO Project HFA 21. In 4 goals related to perinatal care, the recommendation postulated the ways and timeline and responsibilities in effort to accomplish these tasks. The evaluation of achievements by the year 2009 is attached. In the Goal 3, related to indicators of perinatal care, we have accomplish the decrease of perinatal mortality and the Czech Republic got among countries with the best results. On contrary, we have observed increase of low birth-weight rate and increase of frequency of cesarean delivery, and increase of drug abuse among pregnant women. The legislature in the field of long-term follow-up of handicapped children was not prepared. In the Goal 15 the Czech Republic accomplished the introduction of functional organizational system of care. In the Goal 17, the financing of high level of care was underestimated. In the Goal 20, the health care policy was not prepared to fulfill the requirements of this Goal. CONCLUSION: Comparison of recommendation of the 4 goals of the WHO Project Health for All 21 related to perinatal care in the Czech Republic and the national recommendations was confronted with the results. While the improvements of indicators of level of care and introduction of organization of perinatal care were achieved, the lack of health care policy was the main deficiency of the system.

[Use of ultrasound in labor]. / Vyuzití ultrazvuku v peripartálním období.

In the managing of labor, the obstetrician gets often to the border situations especially at the end of the second stage of labor, where only accurate diagnosis allows the make correct decisions on how to end the delivery. Since clinical vaginal examination does not always give complete informations about station and rotation of the head, the intrapartum fetal ultrasound showing the fetus inside the birth canal can refine and document the diagnosis and help us to decide.

[Stillbirth in the Czech Republic II. Analysis of relationship of selected data]. / Mrtvorozenost v Ceské republice v roce 2005 II. Vzájemné vztahy nekterých evidovaných údaju.

OBJECTIVE: To identify main causes of unchanged stillbirth rate in the Czech Republic. DESIGN: Nationwide retrospective analysis of stillbirth. SETTING: Institute for the Care of Mother and Child, Prague-Podoli. METHODS: Analysis of relationship of selected data on antenatal stillbirth cases of singleton fetuses with birth weight 2000 grams and more without congenital malformations. RESULTS: Among 151 women with stillborn babies who died after 31st week (differentiated to groups of pathological pregnancy, risk pregnancy and no-risk) 30 selected data items were collected. CONCLUSIONS: Prevailing insufficiency of out-patient care was no-referal or late refferal to hospital care, especially among women with pathological course of pregnancy (this is insufficiency in organization of care). On the other hand, the most prevailing insufficiency in hospital care was the underestimation of severity of pathological pregnancies and a return of patients to out-patients care or in case of hospitalization the late decision about termination of pregnancy. Using the results of the analysis the possibility to avoid an intrauterine death was quantified at the level of 0.3 per thousand, which would have impacted on possible decrease of stillbirth rate from 2.7 per thousand to 2.33 per thousand.

[Stillbirth in the Czech Republic at 2005 year. I. Methods and results of frequency analysis]. / Mrtvorozenost v Ceské republice v roce 2005. I. Metodika a výsledky frekvencní analýzy.

OBJECTIVE: To identify main causes of unchanged stillbirth rate in the Czech Republic. DESIGN: Nationwide retrospective analysis of stillbirth. SETTING: Institute for the Care of Mother and Child, Prague. METHODS: Frequency analysis of selected data on all antenatal stillbirth cases of singleton fetuses with birth weight 2000 grams and more without congenital malformations. RESULTS: This selected group of 151 stillborn babies contributed by more than half to the overall stillbirth rate (1.56 per thousand of 2.7 per thousand). We collected 30 data items including demographic characteristics, social data, data on prenatal care, information about maternal and fetal complications and data on time and place of delivery, using special questionnaire. The analysis has shown that the most of risk factors indentified about 30 years ago has only low value of relative risk today. Only 50% of pregnant women with those risk factors experienced development of one of the five serious pathological statuses. In 52 pregnant women there were no risk factors and no pathological statuses. The more serious clinical status (categories: no risk, risk pregnancy, and pathological pregnancy) the sooner the delivery of prenatal stillbirth. CONCLUSIONS: We created a database of selected stillbirth cases (63% of all stillbirth) using a questionnaire collecting 30 data items on each case (return of 98.1%). Analysis has identified the most frequent maternal and fetal risk factors and serious pathological statuses.

[International comparison of perinatal care in the Czech Republic from the WHO viewpoint]. / Mezinárodní srovnání urovnë perinatálni péce v CR z pohledu WHO.

OBJECTIVE: To verify the excellent level of perinatal care in the Czech Republic in the world-wide context. DESIGN: International comparative perinatal epidemiologic study. SETTING: Institute for the Care of Mother and Child, Prague. METHODS: Analysis of the relationship of perinatal mortality and 8 other selected indicators of perinatal care in 40 countries with perinatal mortality lower than 10 per thousand out of 192 WHO members states. RESULTS: The analysis pointed out than only 6-8 countries achieved the currently lowest perinatal mortality of 4-6 per thousand (out of which less than 2 per thousand are due to the ENM and 2-3 fold more due to the stillbirts, as well the lowest infant mortality (3-5 per thousand) and maternal mortality ratio (less than 15/100 live-born babies). The frequency od CS which was not above 20% in these countries was not interrelated with either perinatal or maternal mortality. In the Czech Republic, all the indicators were closer to lower levels what indicates that the Czech Republic belongs to the countries with the best results. The decreasing perinatal and maternal mortality led to the increasing expenses for the care and these were in negative correlation with the population density. The population density has an impact on the network of health care facilities and on the transport system of pregnant women, pathological newborns and newborn of very low birthweight to perinatal centers. CONCLUSION: Based on the results of the comparative analysis of perinatal mortality and 8 other selected indicators we can evaluate their reliability and also the level of perinatal care. The Czech Republic belongs among countries with the lowest perinatal mortality in the world.

[Analysis of stagnation of perinatal mortality in the Czech Republic]. / Analýza stagnace perinatální úmrtnosti v Ceské republice.

OBJECTIVE: Analysis of stagnation of perinatal mortality level in the CR in 2000-2004. DESIGN: Retrospective nationwide epidemiological study of selected indicators of perinatal care level. SETTINGS: Institute for the Mother and Child Care, Prague, Czech Republic. METHODS: Comparison of selected indicators of perinatal care and conditions for such care during years period 2000-2002 and 2003-2004. RESULTS: Stagnation of perinatal mortality in the Czech republic since 2000 has been the result of two opposite process. On one side it is the continuous increase of newborns of low birth weight as a result of not only biological but also demographic and socio-economic risk factors, which create unfavorable envirement for provision of perinatal care. On the other side it is the improved professional care observed in two areas (prenatal diagnosis of congenital malformations and intensive care in newborns of extremely low birth weight). During 2003-2004 we were still able to observe odds of improvement of professional care against the deteriorating conditions which led to further decrease of perinatal mortality by 0.27 per thousand on average. However, there is a danger that negative factors will prevail in the near future, because reserves for the further improvement of professional care are exhausted and analyzed unfavorable factors are continuously on the rise. This could lead to an increase of the curently low perinatal mortality level. CONCLUSIONS: Stagnation of perinatal mortality in the Czech Republic during the last five years in a range of 4.0-4.4 per thousand is a result of two opposite processes. On one side it is due to improved level of professional care in prenatal diagnosis, and due to centralized intensive care of newborns of extremely low birth weight. However, the reserves in those two areas are already exhausted. On the other side there are the deteriorating conditions (demographic and social) for such care, which are continuously on rise. While the first process has been prevailing until now with the resulting minimal decrease of perinatal mortality by 0.4 per thousand, there is a danger that the ballance will change in the near future.

Congenital diaphragmatic hernia associated with esophageal atresia, tracheoesophageal fistula, and truncus arteriosus in a premature newborn.

The occurrence of coexisting congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) and esophageal atresia (EA) with distal tracheoesophageal fistula (TEF) is extremely rare and is considered highly lethal. The combination of CDH with EA/TEF and truncus arteriosus communis (TAC) has not been reported in the literature to date. The authors describe a premature neonate with this association.

[Importance of registry of aggregated data on women giving birth]. / Význam registru agregovaných údaju o rodicce.

OBJECTIVE: Analysis of causes of unchanging level of national perinatal mortality and identification of potential for its further decrease. DESIGN: Retrospective epidemiological analysis of aggregated data on perinatal care. SETTING: Mother and Child Care Institute, Prague 4-Podolí. METHODS: Correlation of selected national aggregated data on the level of perinatal care under current system and under influence of changing conditions for care provision. RESULTS: The analysis of some criteria of perinatal care demonstrated the influence of several contradictory processes: 1) among newborns below 2500 grams the stillbirth increased while the early neonatal mortality decreased; there was also decrease of contribution of congenital malformation in this group, 2) although there were more live born babies under 500 grams, who suffered from high mortality, their contribution to perinatal mortality was compensated by further decrease of early neonatal mortality of newborns weighing 1000-1499 grams, 3) the increasing frequency of low birthweight newborns did not influence the total perinatal mortality due to improved perinatal care. We observed the improvement of results among half of the regional perinatal centres with formerly higher early neonatal mortality figures, which represents the decrease of one of the reserves for further decrease of early neonatal mortality. There is a similar situation in centralisation of preterm deliveries--transfer in utero--which reached its maximum. Up to now we did not succeed in early referral of women with serious pregnancy complications which lead to stillbirth to perinatal centres with lower stillbirth rates. However this represents only small potential for decrease of total perinatal mortality. CONCLUSION: The 4-year stagnation of national perinatal mortality is a result of contradictory influence of improving level of care on one side and worsening of conditions on the other side. The potential for improvement under current conditions is almost exhausted.

[Analysis of maternal mortality in the Czech Republic in 2001]. / Rozbor materské úmrtnosti v CR v roce 2001.

OBJECTIVE: Analysis of maternal mortality in the Czech Republic in 2001. DESIGN: Retrospective statistical and clinical analysis. SETTING: Mother and Child Care Institute, Prague-Podoli. METHODS: We used database of 9 cases of maternal deaths in the Czech Republic during 2001 to analyze their causes, clinical courses especially related to obstetrical surgery, adequacy of provided care, and characteristics of their occurrence. RESULTS: There were total of 9 reported maternal deaths in pregnancy, during labor or within 42 days after delivery in the Czech Republic in 2001. During the same period there were 90,715 live births in the Czech Republic, and Pregnancy-related mortality ratio (A+B+C) was 0.0992/1000, i.e. 9.92 deaths per 100,000 live births. This is about 1.08/1000 better than in 2000 (the table 5 demonstrates the development of maternal mortality during the last 11 years). One reported death was unrelated to gestation (category C), therefore adjusted maternal mortality rate (A+B) was 0.0882/1000, i.e. 8.82 deaths per 100,000 live births versus 9.9 deaths per 100,000 live births in 2000. Group A (specific risk-direct maternal mortality) contributed to adjusted maternal mortality by 5 maternal deaths and direct maternal mortality was 5.5 per 100,000 live births. Group B (non-specific risk-undirect maternal mortality) contributed by 3 maternal deaths and undirect maternal mortality was 3.3 per 100,000 live births.