Determination of optimal timing of serial in-utero transfusions in red-cell alloimmunization.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the performance of middle cerebral artery peak systolic velocity (MCA-PSV) and of the expected daily decrease in fetal hemoglobin in determining the timing of serial in-utero transfusions (IUT) in red-cell alloimmunization. METHODS: This was a retrospective study of a continuous series of suspected anemic fetuses undergoing IUT between June 2003 and December 2012. Doppler measurement of MCA-PSV and pre- and post-transfusion hemoglobin levels were recorded at the time of the first, second and third IUT. Receiver-operating characteristics (ROC) curves and negative and positive predictive values of MCA-PSV in the prediction of severe fetal anemia were calculated. The daily decrease of fetal hemoglobin (Hb) between IUTs was calculated. Regression analysis was used to assess the correlation between pretransfusion fetal hemoglobin and MCA-PSV, and between observed and expected (by projection of daily decreases) pretransfusion fetal hemoglobin levels. RESULTS: One hundred and eleven fetuses required an IUT, of which 96 and 67 received a second and third IUT, respectively. The area under the ROC curve for MCA-PSV in the prediction of severe fetal anemia was not different for each rank of transfusion. The positive predictive value of MCA-PSV decreased from 75.3% at the first IUT, to 46.7% and 48.8% at the second and third IUTs, respectively, while the negative predictive value for a 1.5-MoM threshold remained high (88.9% at the second and 91.7% at the third IUT). The mean daily decrease in hemoglobin following each transfusion was 0.45, 0.35 and 0.32 g/dL, respectively. There was a persistent linear correlation between fetal hemoglobin and MCA-PSV and between observed and expected fetal hemoglobin levels. CONCLUSIONS: Both MCA-PSV and projection of daily decrease in hemoglobin are reliable means of diagnosing fetal anemia following previous IUTs. The high negative predictive value of MCA-PSV could allow subsequent IUTs to be postponed in selected cases.

Evolving microbiological epidemiology and high fetal mortality in 135 cases of bacteremia during pregnancy and postpartum.

The outcome of bacterial bloodstream infections during pregnancy has greatly improved over the last few decades. However, there are no recent data on the characteristics of bacteremia in pregnant women. The aim of this study was to describe clinical and microbiological features of bacteremia and to assess maternal and fetal outcome. This retrospective study was conducted in the obstetrics departments of five teaching hospitals in Paris, France, from 2005 to 2009. The incidence of bacteremia was 0.3%. The most common sources of bacteremia were chorioamnionitis (47%) and the most common pathogen isolated was Escherichia coli. Empirical antimicrobial therapy was inappropriate in 29% of bacteremia cases, mostly (65%) when secondary to infection with an aminopenicillin-resistant microorganism. Bacteremia during pregnancy was associated with a 10% fetal mortality. Bacteremia during pregnancy is a rare occurrence, but it is associated with an unexpectedly poor fetal outcome and a high mortality rate.

Three-dimensional helical computed tomography in prenatal diagnosis of fetal skeletal dysplasia.

OBJECTIVES: (1) To study the use and diagnostic value, as a complement to ultrasound, of helical computed tomography (helical CT) to differentiate normal fetuses from cases of skeletal dysplasia; (2) to define the most relevant indications for helical CT; and (3) to evaluate its diagnostic performance with respect to radiological criteria considered discriminatory. METHODS: This was a retrospective study from 2005 to 2008 in 67 pregnant women who underwent helical CT after 26 weeks of gestation for suspected fetal skeletal dysplasia due to fetal shortened long bones on ultrasound (≤ 10(th) percentile), either alone or associated with other bone abnormalities. The results were compared with pediatric examinations in 41 cases and with fetal autopsy findings after elective termination of pregnancy in the others. RESULTS: Helical CT had a sensitivity of 82%, specificity of 91% and positive and negative predictive values of 90% and 83%, respectively, for diagnosis of fetal skeletal dysplasia. An etiological diagnosis that had not been suspected at ultrasound was specified in 15% of cases and diagnoses suspected at ultrasound were confirmed in 24% and discounted in 43% of cases. The prevalence of skeletal dysplasia was increased in cases of micromelia < 3(rd) percentile or if there was a combination of bone signs. Helical CT showed 69% sensitivity in identifying individual predefined pathological bone signs which were confirmed on fetal autopsy findings. CONCLUSION: Helical CT is a key examination, in combination with ultrasound, in the diagnosis of fetal skeletal dysplasia from 26 weeks of gestation. It should be reserved for cases with severe micromelia below the 3(rd) percentile and for those with micromelia ≤ 10(th) percentile associated with another bone sign. A checklist of discriminatory signs is proposed.

[Effects of a policy for reasonable use of oxytocin during spontaneous labor at term]. / Impact d'une politique d'utilisation raisonnée de l'oxytocine de synthèse lors du travail spontané à terme.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the effect of a modified definition of dystocia and of a different timing of interventions during spontaneous labor on the rate of oxytocin use and on its consequences on labor outcome. METHODS: We compared oxytocin use and labor outcome before and after the introduction of a new protocol for the management of spontaneous labor. By protocol, oxytocin use and/or artificial rupture of the membranes was restricted to cases without progress in cervical dilatation for≥1h and/or no progress of fetal descent for≥1h at full dilatation. The main outcome measure was the rate of oxytocin use. Secondary outcome criteria were the consequences on labor (duration of labor, tachysystole and uterine hyperstimulation, abnormal fetal heart rate, cesarean delivery rate) and neonatal outcome. RESULTS: Oxytocin use was strongly reduced from 2015 (69.2%) to 2016 (39.8%; P<0.01) and 2017 (31.9%; P<0.01). Abnormal FHR rates decreased simultaneously (respectively 52%, 37% et 29%, P<0.05), as well as uterine hyperstimulation (respectively 33.6%, 21.3% et 23.0%; P<0.05). The cesarean delivery rate did not vary significantly from 2015 (11.5%) to 2016 (8.4%; NS) but it decreased from 2015 to 2017 (11.5% to 2.6%, respectively; P<0.05). No difference was found in postpartum hemorrhage rates or in neonatal outcome. The duration of labor was significantly longer for women who delivered in 2017, compared with 2015 (372 minutes versus 306 minutes, respectively; P<0.05). After multivariate analysis, FHR abnormalities were reduced (aOR 0.65 IC 95% [0.49-0.86]) as well as cesarean deliveries during labor (aOR 0.5 IC 95% [0.26-0.97]) in 2017 only, compared with the reference year 2015. CONCLUSION: A simple and easy-to-use definition of dystocia and of interventions required during labor allowed a strong reduction of oxytocin use during labor with subsequent benefits such as reduced rates of FHR abnormalities, uterine hyperstimulations and cesarean deliveries, at the cost of a limited prolongation of labor, mainly in nulliparous women.

[Liver infarcts with early HELLP syndrome and probable catastrophic antiphospholipid syndrome]. / Infarctus hépatiques associés à un syndrome HELLP précoce et un probable syndrome catastrophique des antiphospholipides.

INTRODUCTION: Among microangiopathic disorders of pregnancy, catastrophic antiphospholipid syndrome (CAPS) is a maternal and fetal life-threatening disorder. Hepatic involvement of this multi-systemic disorder can be confused with HELLP syndrome, occurring usually later in the course of pregnancy. CASE REPORT: We report a case of probable CAPS with hepatic disease in a pregnant woman at 13 week's gestation, with antiphospholipid syndrome and biological features of HELLP syndrome. Unspecific hepatic imaging, well-described in our case allowed undelayed therapy. CONCLUSION: CAPS and HELLP syndrome, both severe microangiopathic disorders, may be associated. Nosological distinction does not modify treatment strategy, which is a maternal and foetal emergency, but their overlapping requires aggressive and early management.

[Overview of induction of labor practices in France]. / État des lieux des pratiques de déclenchement en France.

OBJECTIVE: To describe induction of labor practices in France and to identify factors associated with the use of different methods. METHODS: The data came from the French prospective population-based cohort MEDIP (MEthodes de Déclenchement et Issues Périnatales), including consecutively during one month in 2015 all women with induction of labor and a live fetus in 7 perinatal networks. The characteristics of women, maternity units, gestational age, Bishop's score, decision mode, indication and methods of labor induction were described. Factors associated with the use of different methods were sought in univariate analyzes. RESULTS: The rate of induction of labor during the study was 21% and 3042 women were included (95.9% participation rate). The two main indications were prolonged pregnancy (28.7%) and premature rupture of the membranes (25.4%). More than one-third of women received intravenous oxytocin in first method, 57.3% prostaglandins, 4.5% balloon catheter and 1.4% another method. Among the prostaglandins, the vaginal device of dinoprostone was the most used (71.6%) then the gel (20.7%) and the vaginal misoprostol (6.7%). Women with a balloon were more often of higher body mass index and multiparous with scarred uterus. The balloon and misoprostol were mainly used in university public hospitals. CONCLUSIONS: The evolution of induction of labor methods, due to new data from the literature and the development of new drugs or devices, invites to regularly repeat population-based studies on induction of labor.

Pregnancy and childbirth after treatment with autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation for severe systemic sclerosis requiring parenteral nutrition. Ethical issues.

We report a pregnancy in a patient who had undergone autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (AHSCT) for diffuse cutaneous systemic sclerosis (SSc). SSc onset was at age 25, with Raynaud phenomenon and evolved to include diffuse cutaneous, arthritis, pulmonary fibrosis and extensive gastrointestinal involvement. AHSCT (cyclophosphamide/ATG for conditioning) was performed four years later with improvement of all features apart from the gastrointestinal symptoms requiring parenteral nutrition (PN). Forty months after AHSCT, she had a spontaneous miscarriage necessitating curettage. Despite advice to avoid pregnancy because of poor nutritional status and recurring catheter infections from her PN, she fell pregnant one year later. The pregnancy proceeded normally and she delivered at 34 weeks, under cesarean section. The baby girl, (1990g and 4 APGAR score) after initial respiratory distress, is now 4 years old with normal growth and development. Unfortunately, the patient died early in 2008 due to severe disease progression terminating with gastrointestinal obstruction and pericarditis. This first report of a successful pregnancy in a patient with diffuse SSc treated by AHSCT illustrates that despite the possibility for a normal pregnancy, the decision to do so includes aspects of maternal prognosis.

[Non invasive fetal RhD genotyping using maternal blood: time for use in all RhD negative pregnant women]. / Génotypage RhD foetal non invasif sur sang maternel: vers une utilisation chez toutes les femmes enceintes RhD négatif.

Non invasive fetal RhD genotyping, based on polymerase-chain-reaction (PCR), is an accurate and validated technique. It allows a reduction by one-third of anti-D immunoglobulin injections to prevent RhD allo-immunization. In case of maternal anti-D immunization, fetal RhD genotyping allows to focus on RhD positive fetuses only the biologic and sonographic follow-up. The wide use of this technique implies the validation and economic evaluation of a commercial RhD genotyping kit, ready for use in non specialized laboratories.

[Fetal scalp blood sampling for pH and lactate measurement during labour]. / Surveillance foetale par mesure du pH et des lactates au scalp au cours du travail.

The wide use of continuous of fetal heart rate monitoring (FHR) since the seventies has been accompanied by an increase in cesarean delivery rates, without any decrease in cerebral palsy rate. Second line methods of fetal monitoring have been developed in order to better identify fetuses truly at risk of intrapartum asphyxia. The use of fetal scalp blood sampling (FBS) for fetal monitoring seems logical since neonatal acidosis is one of the major criteria of birth asphyxia. Studies show that the use of FBS reduces the increase in cesarean deliveries associated with the use of continuous FHR monitoring. However, FBS is invasive, non continuous and technically uneasy, with a rather high rate of failed blood samplings. Fetal scalp lactates measurement by micromethod requires a much smaller volume of blood. Although a wider assessment is required, the predictive value of fetal blood lactates seems to be similar to that of fetal scalp blood pH.

[Use of peak systolic velocity of the middle cerebral artery in the management of fetal anemia due to fetomaternal erythrocyte alloimmunization]. / Intérêt pratique du pic systolique de vélocité à l'artère cérébrale moyenne dans la prise en charge des anémies foetales par allo-immunisation érythrocytaire.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the peak systolic velocity in the middle cerebral artery (PSV-MCA) in the prediction of fetal anemia in case of severe red-cell alloimmunization. METHODS: A prospective study, from January 2003 to April 2006, of 47 consecutive pregnancies with severe alloimmunization. Fetal surveillance was based on titration and dosage of antibodies, ultrasound scans, and doppler for PSV-MCA measurement up to twice a week. A fetal blood sampling and in utero transfusion was performed in case of increase in PSV-MCA above 1.5 multiples of the median (MoM), and/or signs of hydrops on ultrasound. Severe fetal anemia was defined by fetal hemoglobin below 0.55MoM for gestational age. Analyses performed included the correlation between PSV-MCA and fetal hemoglobin, the value of PSV-MCA in the prediction of severe fetal anemia, and the determination of adequate threshold for intervention based on ROC curve analysis. RESULTS: Four hundred and eighty-five PSV-MCA were performed in 47 high-risk pregnancies, of which 125 were coupled with hemoglobin measurement by fetal blood sampling. There is a significant negative correlation between PSV-MCA and fetal hemoglobin (R2=0.6545 ; p<0.0001). Based on all prospective data, the negative predictive value of PSV-MCA was 97.8 %, sensitivity was 86.7 %, with a false positive rate of 12.2%. Area under the ROC curve was 0.85 (IC 95 %, 0.742-0.927 ; p<0.0001), suggesting an excellent value of this test. When switching the threshold for intervention from 1.5 to 1.6MoM, the positive predictive value increased, without decrease in sensitivity or negative predictive value. CONCLUSION: This study confirms the correlation between PSV-MCA and fetal hemoglobin. It allows a decrease of invasive procedures in the follow-up of pregnancies with severe red-cell alloimmunization.

[Length of pushing efforts: pushing is not playing. Reply to the article of C. Le Ray and F. Audibert]. / Durée des efforts expulsifs : pousser n'est pas jouer. Réponse à l'article de C. Le Ray et F. Audibert.

The aim of this work is to answer constructively to C. Le Ray and F. Audibert who were surprised that the French guidelines recommended an assisted delivery after 30 min pushing, even if the fetal heart rate is reassuring. We first resumed the definition of "second stage of labor", this word including the first phase with no pushing efforts and the second phase with active pushing of the mother. With that definition, the length of the second stage is around 60 min for the primipara and 20 min for the multipara, this length being modified by the use of peridural. We then specified the physiological mechanisms influencing the acidobasic equilibrium during the pushing time. Those mechanisms are difficult to consider because foetal heart rate monitoring is often "lost" during that phase. Altogether, these factors bring incertitude about progressive foetal acidosis and incapacity to diagnose it. Finally, the literature analysis teaches us that increasing the second stage of labor (inactive plus active phases) during the normal pregnancy seems to be at low risk for the foetus within the primiparas, but display a risk for the mother and so might be limited. Comparing the delayed pushing with the immediate pushing only lead us to conclude that delayed pushing is dangerous, as is prolonged second stage. In conclusion, we think that prolonging the second stage of labor is possible but must be by increasing the inactive first phase of the second stage, especially as long as we will not get a noninvasive and reliable method allowing assessing the well-being of the foetus.

Labour induction practices in France: A population-based declarative survey in 94 maternity units.

INTRODUCTION: In 2016, 22.0% of deliveries in France were induced. The current lack of high level of evidence data about the methods and indications for induction of labour has promoted heterogeneous and non-recommended practices. The extent of these different practices is not adequately known in France today, although they may influence perinatal outcomes. The objective of this study was to report current practices of induction of labour in France. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This study surveyed 94 maternity units in seven perinatal networks. A questionnaire was sent by email to either the department head or delivery room supervisor of these units to ask about their methods for induction and their attitudes in specific obstetric situations. RESULTS: The rate of induction varied between maternity units from 7.7% to 33% of deliveries. Most units used two (39.4%) or three or more (35.1%) agents for cervical ripening. In all, 87 (92.6%) units reported using dinoprostone as a vaginal slow-released insert, 59 units dinosprostone as a vaginal gel (62.8%) and 46 units a balloon catheter (48.9%). Only three units reported using vaginal misoprostol. Inductions without medical indication were reported by 71 (75.5%) maternity units, and 22 (23.4%) units even when the cervix was unfavourable. Obstetric attitudes in cases of breech presentation, previous caesareans, fetal growth restriction or macrosomia and prelabour rupture of the membranes varied widely. DISCUSSION: The variability of practices for induction of labour and the persistence of disapproved practices call for an assessment of the effectiveness and the safety of the different strategies.

[Economic analysis of the prevention of anti-D immunization]. / Analyse économique de la prévention de l'immunisation anti-D.

Any prevention policy has a cost. For anti-D immunization, the main questions concern the cost of a change in the prevention policy by the health insurance fund and more globally by the society in general. Furthermore, the analysis must also examine the cost effectiveness of systematic prevention extended to all Rhesus negative women in comparison with targeted prevention or no prevention. Studies published in Great Britain, Canada, and The United States have generally concluded that the raw cost of systematic prevention is high compared with targeted prevention. On the other hand, the cost-effectiveness would favor the systematic approach. These data are difficult to apply to the French situation because health care costs are different and because of the lack of perfectly reliable epidemiological data on the frequency and consequences of severe forms of allo-immunization. Technological advances, particularly concerning genotyping of fetal Rhesus from maternal blood samples, could have an important impact on the cost factor if a systematic approach is adopted.

[Contribution of fetal middle cerebral artery peak systolic velocity in the management of non-immune hydrops]. / Apport de la mesure du pic des vitesses systoliques dans l'artère cérébrale moyenne pour la discussion étiologique des anasarques foetaux.

Hydrops fetalis is associated with a wide variety of fetal and maternal disorders. Among these disorders, cases with anemia may benefit from a specific treatment. The authors report on two cases of hydrops fetalis with increased middle cerebral artery peak systolic velocity and discussed the contribution of this finding in the management of fetuses with hydrops.

[Evaluation of the CNGOF foetal heart rate classification]. / Évaluation de la forme simplifiée de la classification du rythme cardiaque fœtal proposée dans le cadre des recommandations pour la pratique clinique « surveillance du travail ¼.

INTRODUCTION: The 2007 CNGOF guidelines for good practice on "Methods of foetal surveillance during labour" proposed a consensual definition of intra-partum foetal heart rate (FHR) patterns. In order to facilitate its application, Carbon et al. published in 2013 a simplified table of the classification with 5 types of tracing. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the diagnosis value of this FHR classification to determine the risk of foetal acidosis. METHODS: Retrospective single-centre study including 252 single pregnancies beyond 34 weeks of gestation with a record of at least 60minutes before delivery. The primary endpoint was a pH at birth < 7.20. RESULTS: When pH was < 7.20, type 3 tracing was significantly more frequent during the first stage of labour while types 4 and 5 were more frequently found during active second stage. A pH<7.20 was significantly associated with more instrumental extractions, emergency caesarean section, Apgar score < 7 and neonatal respiratory distress. The areas under the curve were 0.63 for the analysis during the first stage of labour, 0.69 for second stage, and 0.68 when the two stages were combined. CONCLUSION: Our study found that the CNGOF classification improved the FHR interpretation but its diagnosis value to predict acidosis remained limited.

[Closed claims in obstetrics: A study based on French Sham insurance data]. / Sinistralité en obstétrique dans les hôpitaux publics français: données Sham.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to analyze the medicolegal claims related to obstetrics in French hospitals. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We did retrospective study on insurance claims provided by Sham insurances and which has been settled by a court over a 3-year period (2004-2006). RESULTS: We analyzed 66 closed claims that occurred between 1983 and 2005 in French hospitals (54 general hospitals and 12 academic). The average time between the declaration of the claim and the court conviction was 6 years. The average amount of compensation per claim was 500,000 €. The damage occurred during vaginal delivery (n=44), planned (n=5) or unplanned (n=4) cesarean. The more often claims are fetal asphyxia (n=24) or shoulder dystocia (n=8). The consequences are very important: cerebral palsy (16), death of the newborn (12), death of the mother (2) or brachial plexus injuries (6). CONCLUSION: The causes identified by the expert are always multifactorial with generally a misdiagnosis (n=27), a decision making error (n=36), a care error by the midwife (n=21) and/or a delay in medical care (n=13). These data should help strengthen the quality approach in obstetrics.

[Prevention of recurrent preterm birth: a comeback for progesterone?]. / Prévention des récidives de prématurité par la progestérone: le retour?

Progesterone has been prescribed for many years in women with preterm labor despite the lack of benefit for the fetus or neonate. The description of increased risk of intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy led to discontinuation of this prescription. Recently, several double-blind randomized trials have focused on the usefulness of progesterone for the prevention of recurrent preterm birth. In this review, we re-examine the pathophysiological rationale for the use of progesterone and discuss the biases and limitations of older studies, detailing two recent randomized trials which suggest use of progesterone should be revisited. Data from these trials appear to provide convincing evidence that preventive use of 17 alpha-hydroxyprogesterone administered by injections early in the course of pregnancy is effective only for women with a history of preterm delivery. This prescription could be part of a more global preventive strategy together with cervical cerclage and preventive treatment of bacterial vaginitis. During treatment, it is advisable to search for secondary hepatic effects. Conversely, there are still no data favoring the use of progesterone for preterm labor. Most preterm deliveries occurring in women without a history of preterm birth preventive use of progesterone should remain a rare indication.

[Acute pulmonary edema during preterm labor: role of nicardipine tocolysis (three cases)]. / OEdème pulmonaire aigu lors d'une menace d'accouchement prématuré: rôle de la tocolyse par la nicardipine: à propos de 3 observations.

Beta adrenergic agonists are still used as first line treatment for preterm labor in many institutions, but their side effects lead to use alternative tocolytic drugs such as calcium channel blockers. We report three cases of pulmonary edema during preterm labor associated with the use of calcium channel blocker, intravenous nicardipine, widely used for tocolysis in France. In this article, potential mechanisms of this severe complication are briefly discussed: pregnancy-induced overload, deleterious hemodynamic effects of calcium channel blockers, concomitant administration of calcium channel blockers and/or beta-agonists and finally concomitant administration of physiological saline and/or glucocorticoids. Based on our experience, we recommend avoiding the association of calcium channel blockers and beta-agonists for preterm labor. Nicardipine, if used, should be administered at an adjusted dose with electric syringe to reduce volume infusion.