External validation of a prediction model on vaginal birth after caesarean in a The Netherlands: a prospective cohort study.

OBJECTIVES: Discussing the individual probability of a successful vaginal birth after caesarean (VBAC) can support decision making. The aim of this study is to externally validate a prediction model for the probability of a VBAC in a Dutch population. METHODS: In this prospective cohort study in 12 Dutch hospitals, 586 women intending VBAC were included. Inclusion criteria were singleton pregnancies with a cephalic foetal presentation, delivery after 37 weeks and one previous caesarean section (CS) and preference for intending VBAC. The studied prediction model included six predictors: pre-pregnancy body mass index, previous vaginal delivery, previous CS because of non-progressive labour, Caucasian ethnicity, induction of current labour, and estimated foetal weight ≥90th percentile. The discriminative and predictive performance of the model was assessed using receiver operating characteristic curve analysis and calibration plots. RESULTS: The area under the curve was 0.73 (CI 0.69-0.78). The average predicted probability of a VBAC according to the prediction model was 70.3% (range 33-92%). The actual VBAC rate was 71.7%. The calibration plot shows some overestimation for low probabilities of VBAC and an underestimation of high probabilities. CONCLUSIONS: The prediction model showed good performance and was externally validated in a Dutch population. Hence it can be implemented as part of counselling for mode of delivery in women choosing between intended VBAC or planned CS after previous CS.

The peripheral chemoreflex: indefatigable guardian of fetal physiological adaptation to labour.

The fetus is consistently exposed to repeated periods of impaired oxygen (hypoxaemia) and nutrient supply in labour. This is balanced by the healthy fetus's remarkable anaerobic tolerance and impressive ability to mount protective adaptations to hypoxaemia. The most important mediator of fetal adaptations to brief repeated hypoxaemia is the peripheral chemoreflex, a rapid reflex response to acute falls in arterial oxygen tension. The overwhelming majority of fetuses are able to respond to repeated uterine contractions without developing hypotension or hypoxic-ischaemic injury. In contrast, fetuses who are either exposed to severe hypoxaemia, for example during uterine hyperstimulation, or enter labour with reduced anaerobic reserve (e.g. as shown by severe fetal growth restriction) are at increased risk of developing intermittent hypotension and cerebral hypoperfusion. It is remarkable to note that when fetuses develop hypotension during such repeated severe hypoxaemia, it is not mediated by impaired reflex adaptation, but by failure to maintain combined ventricular output, likely due to a combination of exhaustion of myocardial glycogen and evolving myocardial injury. The chemoreflex is suppressed by relatively long periods of severe hypoxaemia of 1.5-2 min, longer than the typical contraction. Even in this setting, the peripheral chemoreflex is consistently reactivated between contractions. These findings demonstrate that the peripheral chemoreflex is an indefatigable guardian of fetal adaptation to labour.

Lower perinatal mortality in preterm born twins than in singletons: a nationwide study from The Netherlands.

BACKGROUND: Twin pregnancies are at increased risk for perinatal morbidity and death because of many factors that include a high incidence of preterm delivery. Compared with singleton pregnancies, overall perinatal risk of death is higher in twin pregnancies; however, for the preterm period, the perinatal mortality rate has been reported to be lower in twins. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to compare perinatal mortality rates in relation to gestational age at birth between singleton and twin pregnancies, taking into account socioeconomic status, fetal sex, and parity. STUDY DESIGN: We studied perinatal mortality rates according to gestational age at birth in 1,502,120 singletons pregnancies and 51,658 twin pregnancies without congenital malformations who were delivered between 2002 and 2010 after 28 weeks of gestation. Data were collected from the nationwide Netherlands Perinatal Registry. RESULTS: Overall the perinatal mortality rate in twin pregnancies (6.6/1000 infants) was higher than in singleton pregnancies (4.1/1000 infants). However, in the preterm period, the perinatal mortality rate in twin pregnancies was substantially lower than in singleton pregnancies (10.4 per 1000 infants as compared with 34.5 per 1000 infants, respectively) for infants who were born at <37 weeks of gestation; this held especially for antepartum deaths. After 39 weeks of gestation, the perinatal mortality rate was higher in twin pregnancies. Differences in parity, fetal sex, and socioeconomic status did not explain the observed differences in outcome. CONCLUSION: Overall the perinatal mortality rate was higher in twin pregnancies than in singleton pregnancies, which is most likely caused by the high preterm birth rate in twins and not by a higher mortality rate for gestation, apart from term pregnancies. During the preterm period, the antepartum mortality rate was much lower in twin pregnancies than in singleton pregnancies. We suggest that this might be partially due to a closer monitoring of twin pregnancies, which indirectly suggests a need for closer surveillance of singleton pregnancies.

Practice variation of vaginal birth after cesarean and the influence of risk factors at patient level: a retrospective cohort study.

INTRODUCTION: Large practice variation exists in mode of delivery after cesarean section, suggesting variation in implementation of contemporary guidelines. We aim to evaluate this practice variation and to what extent this can be explained by risk factors at patient level. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This retrospective cohort study was performed among 17 Dutch hospitals in 2010. Women with one prior cesarean section without a contraindication for a trial of labor were included. We used multivariate logistic regression analysis to develop models for risk factor adjustments. One model was derived to adjust the elective repeat cesarean section rates; a second model to adjust vaginal birth after cesarean rates. Standardized rates of elective repeat cesarean section and vaginal birth after cesarean per hospital were compared. Pseudo-R2 measures were calculated to estimate the percentage of practice variation explained by the models. Secondary outcomes were differences in practice variation between hospital types and the correlation between standardized elective repeat cesarean section and vaginal birth after cesarean rates. RESULTS: In all, 1068 women had a history of cesarean section, of whom 71% were eligible for inclusion. A total of 515 women (67%) had a trial of labor, of whom 72% delivered vaginally. The elective repeat cesarean section rate at hospital level ranged from 6 to 54% (mean 29.8, standard deviation 11.8%). Vaginal birth after cesarean rates ranged from 50 to 90% (mean 71.8%, standard deviation 11.1%). More than 85% of this practice variation could not be explained by risk factors at patient level. CONCLUSION: A large practice variation exists in elective repeat cesarean section and vaginal birth after cesarean rates that can only partially be explained by risk factors at patient level.

The influence of preferred place of birth on the course of pregnancy and labor among healthy nulliparous women: a prospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Most studies on birth settings investigate the association between planned place of birth at the start of labor and birth outcomes and intervention rates. To optimize maternity care it also is important to pay attention to the entire process of pregnancy and childbirth. This study explores the association between the initial preferred place of birth and model of care, and the course of pregnancy and labor in low-risk nulliparous women in the Netherlands. METHODS: As part of a Dutch prospective cohort study (2007-2011), we compared medical indications during pregnancy and birth outcomes of 576 women who initially preferred a home birth (n = 226), a midwife-led hospital birth (n = 168) or an obstetrician-led hospital birth (n = 182). Data were obtained by a questionnaire before 20 weeks of gestation and by medical records. Analyses were performed according to the initial preferred place of birth. RESULTS: Low-risk nulliparous women who preferred a home birth with midwife-led care were less likely to be diagnosed with a medical indication during pregnancy compared to women who preferred a birth with obstetrician-led care (OR 0.41 95% CI 0.25-0.66). Preferring a birth with midwife-led care - both at home and in hospital - was associated with lower odds of induced labor (OR 0.51 95% CI 0.28-0.95 respectively OR 0.42 95% CI 0.21-0.85) and epidural analgesia (OR 0.32 95% CI 0.18-0.56 respectively OR 0.34 95% CI 0.19-0.62) compared to preferring a birth with obstetrician-led care. In addition, women who preferred a home birth were less likely to experience augmentation of labor (OR 0.54 95% CI 0.32-0.93) and narcotic analgesia (OR 0.41 95% CI 0.21-0.79) compared to women who preferred a birth with obstetrician-led care. We observed no significant association between preferred place of birth and mode of birth. CONCLUSIONS: Nulliparous women who initially preferred a home birth were less likely to be diagnosed with a medical indication during pregnancy. Women who initially preferred a birth with midwife-led care - both at home and in hospital - experienced lower rates of interventions during labor. Although some differences can be attributed to the model of care, we suggest that characteristics and attitudes of women themselves also play an important role.

Midtrimester preterm prelabour rupture of membranes (PPROM): expectant management or amnioinfusion for improving perinatal outcomes (PPROMEXIL - III trial).

BACKGROUND: Babies born after midtrimester preterm prelabour rupture of membranes (PPROM) are at risk to develop neonatal pulmonary hypoplasia. Perinatal mortality and morbidity after this complication is high. Oligohydramnios in the midtrimester following PPROM is considered to cause a delay in lung development. Repeated transabdominal amnioinfusion with the objective to alleviate oligohydramnios might prevent this complication and might improve neonatal outcome. METHODS/DESIGN: Women with PPROM and persisting oligohydramnios between 16 and 24 weeks gestational age will be asked to participate in a multi-centre randomised controlled trial. INTERVENTION: random allocation to (repeated) abdominal amnioinfusion (intervention) or expectant management (control). The primary outcome is perinatal mortality. Secondary outcomes are lethal pulmonary hypoplasia, non-lethal pulmonary hypoplasia, survival till discharge from NICU, neonatal mortality, chronic lung disease (CLD), number of days ventilatory support, necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), periventricular leucomalacia (PVL) more than grade I, severe intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) more than grade II, proven neonatal sepsis, gestational age at delivery, time to delivery, indication for delivery, successful amnioinfusion, placental abruption, cord prolapse, chorioamnionitis, fetal trauma due to puncture. The study will be evaluated according to intention to treat. To show a decrease in perinatal mortality from 70% to 35%, we need to randomise two groups of 28 women (two sided test, ß-error 0.2 and α-error 0.05). DISCUSSION: This study will answer the question if (repeated) abdominal amnioinfusion after midtrimester PPROM with associated oligohydramnios improves perinatal survival and prevents pulmonary hypoplasia and other neonatal morbidities. Moreover, it will assess the risks associated with this procedure. TRIAL REGISTRATION: NTR3492 Dutch Trial Register (http://www.trialregister.nl).

Economic analysis comparing induction of labor and expectant management in women with preterm prelabor rupture of membranes between 34 and 37 weeks (PPROMEXIL trial).

OBJECTIVE: To compare the costs of induction of labor and expectant management in women with preterm prelabor rupture of membranes (PPROM). DESIGN: Economic analysis based on a randomized clinical trial. SETTING: Obstetric departments of eight academic and 52 non-academic hospitals in the Netherlands. POPULATION: Women with PPROM near term who were not in labor 24 h after PPROM. METHODS: A cost-minimization analysis was done from a health care provider perspective, using a bottom-up approach to estimate resource utilization, valued with unit-costs reflecting actual costs. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Primary health outcome was the incidence of neonatal sepsis. Direct medical costs were estimated from start of randomization to hospital discharge of mother and child. RESULTS: Induction of labor did not significantly reduce the probability of neonatal sepsis [2.6% vs. 4.1%, relative risk 0.64 (95% confidence interval 0.25-1.6)]. Mean costs per woman were €8094 for induction and €7340 for expectant management (difference €754; 95% confidence interval -335 to 1802). This difference predominantly originated in the postpartum period, where the mean costs were €5669 for induction vs. €4801 for expectant management. Delivery costs were higher in women allocated to induction than in women allocated to expectant management (€1777 vs. €1153 per woman). Antepartum costs in the expectant management group were higher because of longer antepartum maternal stays in hospital. CONCLUSIONS: In women with pregnancies complicated by PPROM near term, induction of labor does not reduce neonatal sepsis, whereas costs associated with this strategy are probably higher.

Induction of labor versus expectant management in women with preterm prelabor rupture of membranes between 34 and 37 weeks: a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: At present, there is insufficient evidence to guide appropriate management of women with preterm prelabor rupture of membranes (PPROM) near term. METHODS AND FINDINGS: We conducted an open-label randomized controlled trial in 60 hospitals in The Netherlands, which included non-laboring women with >24 h of PPROM between 34(+0) and 37(+0) wk of gestation. Participants were randomly allocated in a 1:1 ratio to induction of labor (IoL) or expectant management (EM) using block randomization. The main outcome was neonatal sepsis. Secondary outcomes included mode of delivery, respiratory distress syndrome (RDS), and chorioamnionitis. Patients and caregivers were not blinded to randomization status. We updated a prior meta-analysis on the effect of both interventions on neonatal sepsis, RDS, and cesarean section rate. From 1 January 2007 to 9 September 2009, 776 patients in 60 hospitals were eligible for the study, of which 536 patients were randomized. Four patients were excluded after randomization. We allocated 266 women (268 neonates) to IoL and 266 women (270 neonates) to EM. Neonatal sepsis occurred in seven (2.6%) newborns of women in the IoL group and in 11 (4.1%) neonates in the EM group (relative risk [RR] 0.64; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.25 to 1.6). RDS was seen in 21 (7.8%, IoL) versus 17 neonates (6.3%, EM) (RR 1.3; 95% CI 0.67 to 2.3), and a cesarean section was performed in 36 (13%, IoL) versus 37 (14%, EM) women (RR 0.98; 95% CI 0.64 to 1.50). The risk for chorioamnionitis was reduced in the IoL group. No serious adverse events were reported. Updating an existing meta-analysis with our trial results (the only eligible trial for the update) indicated RRs of 1.06 (95% CI 0.64 to 1.76) for neonatal sepsis (eight trials, 1,230 neonates) and 1.27 (95% CI 0.98 to 1.65) for cesarean section (eight trials, 1,222 women) for IoL compared with EM. CONCLUSIONS: In women whose pregnancy is complicated by late PPROM, neither our trial nor the updated meta-analysis indicates that IoL substantially improves pregnancy outcomes compared with EM. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Current Controlled Trials ISRCTN29313500

Management of late-preterm premature rupture of membranes: the PPROMEXIL-2 trial.

OBJECTIVE: The evidence for the management of near term prelabor rupture of membranes is poor. From January 2007 until September 2009, we performed the PPROM Expectant Management versus Induction of Labor (PPROMEXIL) trial. In this trial, we showed that in women with preterm prelabor rupture of membranes (PPROM), the incidence of neonatal sepsis was low, and the induction of labor (IoL) did not reduce this risk. Because the PPROMEXIL trial was underpowered and because of a lower-than-expected incidence of neonatal sepsis, we performed a second trial (PPROMEXIL-2), aiming to randomize 200 patients to improve the evidence in near-term PPROM. STUDY DESIGN: In a nationwide multicenter study, nonlaboring women with PPROM between 34 and 37 weeks' gestational age were eligible for inclusion. Patients were randomized to IoL or expectant management (EM). The primary outcome measure was neonatal sepsis. RESULTS: From December 2009 until January 2011, we randomized 100 women to IoL and 95 to EM. Neonatal sepsis was seen in 3 neonates (3.0%) in the IoL-group versus 4 neonates (4.1%) in the EM group (relative risk, 0.74; 95% confidence interval, 0.17-3.2). One of the sepsis cases in the IoL group resulted in neonatal death because of asphyxia. There were no significant differences in secondary outcomes. CONCLUSION: The risk of neonatal sepsis after PPROM near term is low. Induction of labor does not reduce this risk.

Identification of cases with adverse neonatal outcome monitored by cardiotocography versus ST analysis: secondary analysis of a randomized trial.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate whether correct adherence to clinical guidelines might have led to prevention of cases with adverse neonatal outcome. DESIGN: Secondary analysis of cases with adverse outcome in a multicenter randomized clinical trial. SETTING: Nine Dutch hospitals. POPULATION: Pregnant women with a term singleton fetus in cephalic position. METHODS: Data were obtained from a randomized trial that compared monitoring by STAN® (index group) with cardiotocography (control group). In both trial arms, three observers independently assessed the fetal surveillance results in all cases with adverse neonatal outcome, to determine whether an indication for intervention was present, based on current clinical guidelines. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Adverse neonatal outcome cases fulfilled one or more of the following criteria: (i) metabolic acidosis in umbilical cord artery (pH < 7.05 and base deficit in extracellular fluid >12 mmol/L); (ii) umbilical cord artery pH < 7.00; (iii) perinatal death; and/or (iv) signs of moderate or severe hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy. RESULTS: We studied 5681 women, of whom 61 (1.1%) had an adverse outcome (26 index; 35 control). In these women, the number of performed operative deliveries for fetal distress was 18 (69.2%) and 16 (45.7%), respectively. Reassessment of all 61 cases showed that there was a fetal indication to intervene in 23 (88.5%) and 19 (57.6%) cases, respectively. In 13 (50.0%) vs. 11 (33.3%) cases, respectively, this indication occurred more than 20 min before the time of delivery, meaning that these adverse outcomes could possibly have been prevented. CONCLUSIONS: In our trial, more strict adherence to clinical guidelines could have led to additional identification and prevention of adverse outcome.

Prediction of neonatal metabolic acidosis in women with a singleton term pregnancy in cephalic presentation.

We sought to predict neonatal metabolic acidosis at birth using antepartum obstetric characteristics (model 1) and additional characteristics available during labor (model 2). In 5667 laboring women from a multicenter randomized trial that had a high-risk singleton pregnancy in cephalic presentation beyond 36 weeks of gestation, we predicted neonatal metabolic acidosis. Based on literature and clinical reasoning, we selected both antepartum characteristics and characteristics that became available during labor. After univariable analyses, the predictors of the multivariable models were identified by backward stepwise selection in a logistic regression analysis. Model performance was assessed by discrimination and calibration. To correct for potential overfitting, we (internally) validated the models with bootstrapping techniques. Of 5667 neonates born alive, 107 (1.9%) had metabolic acidosis. Antepartum predictors of metabolic acidosis were gestational age, nulliparity, previous cesarean delivery, and maternal diabetes. Additional intrapartum predictors were spontaneous onset of labor and meconium-stained amniotic fluid. Calibration and discrimination were acceptable for both models (c-statistic 0.64 and 0.66, respectively). In women with a high-risk singleton term pregnancy in cephalic presentation, we identified antepartum and intrapartum factors that predict neonatal metabolic acidosis at birth.

Cost-effectiveness of cardiotocography plus ST analysis of the fetal electrocardiogram compared with cardiotocography only.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the cost-effectiveness of addition of ST analysis of the fetal electrocardiogram (ECG; STAN) to cardiotocography (CTG) for fetal surveillance during labor compared with CTG only. DESIGN: Cost-effectiveness analysis based on a randomized clinical trial on ST analysis of the fetal ECG. SETTING: Obstetric departments of three academic and six general hospitals in The Netherlands. Population. Laboring women with a singleton high-risk pregnancy, a fetus in cephalic presentation, a gestational age >36 weeks and an indication for internal electronic fetal monitoring. METHODS: A trial-based cost-effectiveness analysis was performed from a health-care provider perspective. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Primary health outcome was the incidence of metabolic acidosis measured in the umbilical artery. Direct medical costs were estimated from start of labor to childbirth. Cost-effectiveness was expressed as costs to prevent one case of metabolic acidosis. RESULTS: The incidence of metabolic acidosis was 0.7% in the ST-analysis group and 1.0% in the CTG-only group (relative risk 0.70; 95% confidence interval 0.38-1.28). Per delivery, the mean costs per patient of CTG plus ST analysis (n= 2 827) were €1,345 vs. €1,316 for CTG only (n= 2 840), with a mean difference of €29 (95% confidence interval -€9 to €77) until childbirth. The incremental costs of ST analysis to prevent one case of metabolic acidosis were €9 667. CONCLUSIONS: The additional costs of monitoring by ST analysis of the fetal ECG are very limited when compared with monitoring by CTG only and very low compared with the total costs of delivery.

Perinatal mortality in preterm births: an analysis of causes, presence of substandard care and avoiding mortality in three Dutch regions.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the causes and underlying events in cases of perinatal mortality (PNM) in preterm children. SETTING: Three regions within the Netherlands. STUDY DESIGN: For this study, we combined data of a PNM audit over a 1-year (2003-2004) with the corresponding data of its source population (n=22,189). In the perinatal audit, all cases of perinatal death have been assessed by multi disciplinary teams of professionals in perinatal care in a consensus model for cause of death and the presence of substandard care factors (SSF). In this article, we restricted our analysis to children born between 22+0 and 37+0 weeks of pregnancy (≥154 and <259 days). We also evaluated avoidability of preterm birth and avoidability of preterm perinatal mortality (PPM) in cases with and without SSF. RESULTS: Of 1885 preterm children, 166 died perinatally (8.81%). The two most important determinants were small-for-gestational-age;ib47.6% of all cases with gestational age (GA) ≥25 weeks;ic and previous PNM (21.1%). In addition, PPM was substantially increased in mothers of non-Dutch origin (PPM 12.1% vs. 6.6% in children of Dutch mothers relative risk (RR)=1.88, 95% confidence interval=1.46-2.43) and in mothers in the age group 20-26 years (PPM 13.4% vs. <9% in all other categories, RR=1.69, 95% confidence interval=1.21-2.38). In 22.6% of the cases perinatal death was considered to be avoidable while in 17.0% perinatal death was related to SSF by caregivers. CONCLUSIONS: Immediate and appropriate actions by both caregivers and care receivers in case of early signals of possible preterm labor may reduce PNM in this category in the Netherlands by more than 20%. Improvement in surveillance of fetal growth may reduce mortality significantly in the preterm gestational period.

Neonatal outcomes according to actual delivery mode after planned vaginal delivery in women with a twin pregnancy.

OBJECTIVE: To compare, in women with twin pregnancy with the first twin in cephalic position, neonatal morbidity and mortality rates after actual 1) Vaginal delivery (VD) both twins versus 2) unplanned Cesarean Delivery (CD) of both twins and 3) after VD of twin A and CD of twin B (combined delivery). STUDY DESIGN: We describe a nationwide cohort study of women pregnant with twins who planned to deliver vaginally between 32+0 - 41+6 weeks with the first twin in cephalic position, between 2000-2012 in the Netherlands. We used multivariate logistic regression analysis to compare neonatal morbidity and mortality according to actual mode of delivery, overall, and for preterm and term groups separately. RESULTS: We included 19,723 women of whom 15,785 women (80.0 %) delivered both twins by VD, 2926 (14.6 %) delivered both twins by unplanned CD, and 1012 (5.1 %) women delivered by combined delivery. After unplanned CD of both twins compared to VD more perinatal mortality (1 or more twins affected) was seen (adjusted Odds Ratio (aOR) 2.23 (95 % CI 1.26-4.129)), as was 'Asphyxia related morbidity' (aOR 2.44 (95 % CI 1.80-3.31), 'other morbidity' (aOR 1.34 (95 %CI 1.17-1.54), and 'any morbidity or mortality' (aOR1.39 (95 % CI 1.22-1.58)). Less 'Trauma- related morbidity' after unplanned CD vs. VD (aOR 0.11 (95 % 0.02-0.79)) was seen. After combined delivery vs. VD, more perinatal mortality (aOR 7.75 (95 % CI 4.51-13.34)), more Asphyxia- related morbidity (aOR 6.67 (95 % CI4.91-9.06), 'prematurity related morbidity' (aOR 2.11 (95 % CI 1.59-2.79) 'other morbidity' (aOR 2.01 (95 % CI 1.65-2.46), and 'any morbidity or mortality' (aOR 2.44 (95 % CI 2.04-2.91)) were noted. All outcomes expect 'trauma-associated morbidity' were more increased for twin B as compared to twin A. CONCLUSION: After unplanned CD of both twins vs. VD of both twins, a twofold increase in neonatal mortality is noted. Combined delivery vs. VD of both twins is associated with a sevenfold increase in perinatal mortality and a five-fold increase in asphyxia-related outcomes. Twin A is more affected after unplanned CD of both twins, while twin B is more affected after combined delivery.

A systematic review of etiological factors for postpartum fecal incontinence.

BACKGROUND: Conflicting results are reported about the contribution of maternal, obstetric and fetal characteristics to postpartum fecal incontinence (FI), which is hampering prevention and management of FI. OBJECTIVE: To perform a systematic review identifying delivery-related etiological factors for postpartum FI. Search strategy. Literature searches of PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL, DocOnline and reference lists from 1980 up to 2009 were conducted. Selection criteria. Prospective cohort studies evaluating maternal, obstetric or fetal risk factors for postpartum FI, with a follow-up period of at least three months, were assessed. We reviewed full reports in English, German or Dutch, with anal incontinence (AI), FI, flatus incontinence, soiling, urgency and FI severity scores as reported outcomes. Data collection and analysis. Data on study characteristics, methodological quality and outcome were extracted from 31 studies according to a standardized protocol. Clinical and methodological sources of heterogeneity permitted only a qualitative analysis. MAIN RESULTS: A third- or fourth-degree sphincter rupture was the only etiological factor strongly (AI) or moderately (flatus incontinence) associated with postpartum FI. No association with other postulated risk factors was found, for example, birth weight or instrumental delivery. The potential co-existence of different risk factors impedes the interpretation of the influence of a single delivery-related risk factor. CONCLUSIONS: This systematic review, including only longitudinal studies and recognizing the importance of separating results for different outcomes, identifies that a third- or fourth-degree sphincter rupture is the only factor that is strongly (AI) or moderately (flatus incontinence) associated with postpartum FI.

Avoidable mortality in small-for-gestational-age children in the Netherlands.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze avoidable perinatal mortality in small-for-gestational-age (SGA) children. METHODS: All SGA-children (< or =10(th) percentile) among 22,189 newborns delivered after 24 weeks' gestation (175 days), from three regions of the Netherlands during 2003-2004 were evaluated. Cases of perinatal mortality were identified and assessed in a consensus model by perinatal audit groups for cause of death and the presence of substandard care factors (SSF). We analyzed all singleton SGA-cases with and without SSF for avoidable perinatal mortality. RESULTS: Out of 20,927 singletons, 2396 newborns were SGA. Of those, 59 died perinatally (2.46%), and 55 of which were assessed by perinatal audit groups. SSF by caregivers were found in 22 cases (40%). In 16 of these cases (29%) the relation to the perinatal death was considered possible or (very) probable. Of the cases without SSF by caregivers, 15 cases (25%) could possibly have been avoided: in 13 cases an avoidable condition and in 2 cases avoidable death were identified. Failure in the correct and timely diagnosis of fetal growth restriction appears to be an important issue in all cases of perinatal mortality in SGA-children. Before referral growth restriction was suspected only in 22% of all SGA cases during the third trimester of pregnancy. CONCLUSIONS: More adequate action by caregivers could decrease perinatal mortality in nearly 1/3 among SGA-children. Adjustments in pregnancy monitoring, especially in low-risk pregnancies, such as routine ultrasound biometry examination, may improve the accuracy in detecting growth deviations and decreasing the number of possibly avoidable cases of perinatal mortality in this category.

Prevalence and predictors of chronic pain after labor and delivery.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Labor pain is a complex phenomenon with sensory, emotional, and perceptive components and can be regarded as one of the most serious kinds of pain. Different strategies to approach acute labor pain have been developed. Chronic pain after labor and delivery has not been studied so extensively. In this review recent findings about chronic pain after labor and delivery will be discussed. RECENT FINDINGS: Prevalence rates of chronic pain after cesarean section are between 6 and 18% and after vaginal delivery they are between 4 and 10%. Predictors for chronic pain after cesarean section and delivery are previous chronic pain, general anesthesia and higher postdelivery pain. As labor pain is rated as one of the most serious kinds of acute pain one could make a prediction about chronic pain after labor and delivery. We speculate that effective treatment of this pain with epidural analgesia could prevent the development of chronic pain. SUMMARY: Treatment of acute pain during labor and delivery is necessary to prevent chronic pain. Future studies should focus on the long-term effects of different analgesic regimens on the development of chronic pain after labor and delivery.

Aspects of fetal learning and memory.

Ninety-three pregnant women were recruited to assess fetal learning and memory, based on habituation to repeated vibroacoustic stimulation of fetuses of 30-38 weeks gestational age (GA). Each habituation test was repeated 10 min later to estimate the fetal short-term memory. For Groups 30-36, both measurements were replicated in a second session at 38 weeks GA for the assessment of fetal long-term memory. Within the time frame considered, fetal learning appeared GA independent. Furthermore, fetuses were observed to have a short-term (10-min) memory from at least 30 weeks GA onward, which also appeared independent of fetal age. In addition, results indicated that 34-week-old fetuses are able to store information and retrieve it 4 weeks later.

Cost analysis of the Dutch obstetric system: low-risk nulliparous women preferring home or short-stay hospital birth--a prospective non-randomised controlled study.

BACKGROUND: In the Netherlands, pregnant women without medical complications can decide where they want to give birth, at home or in a short-stay hospital setting with a midwife. However, a decrease in the home birth rate during the last decennium may have raised the societal costs of giving birth. The objective of this study is to compare the societal costs of home births with those of births in a short-stay hospital setting. METHODS: This study is a cost analysis based on the findings of a multicenter prospective non-randomised study comparing two groups of nulliparous women with different preferences for where to give birth, at home or in a short-stay hospital setting. Data were collected using cost diaries, questionnaires and birth registration forms. Analysis of the data is divided into a base case analysis and a sensitivity analysis. RESULTS: In the group of home births, the total societal costs associated with giving birth at home were euro3,695 (per birth), compared with euro3,950 per birth in the group for short-stay hospital births. Statistically significant differences between both groups were found regarding the following cost categories 'Cost of contacts with health care professionals during delivery' (euro138.38 vs. euro87.94, -50 (2.5-97.5 percentile range (PR)-76;-25), p < 0.05), 'cost of maternity care at home' (euro1,551.69 vs. euro1,240.69, -311 (PR -485; -150), p < 0.05) and 'cost of hospitalisation mother' (euro707.77 vs. 959.06, 251 (PR 69;433), p < 0.05). The highest costs are for hospitalisation (41% of all costs). Because there is a relatively high amount of (partly) missing data, a sensitivity analysis was performed, in which all missing data were included in the analysis by means of general mean substitution. In the sensitivity analysis, the total costs associated with home birth are euro4,364 per birth, and euro4,541 per birth for short-stay hospital births. CONCLUSION: The total costs associated with pregnancy, delivery, and postpartum care are comparable for home birth and short-stay hospital birth. The most important differences in costs between the home birth group and the short-stay hospital birth group are associated with maternity care assistance, hospitalisation, and travelling costs.

[Decrease in foetal and neonatal mortality in the Netherlands; comparison with other Euro-Peristat countries in 2004, 2010 and 2015]. / Afname van foetale en neonatale sterfte in Nederland.

OBJECTIVE: To compare changes in foetal, neonatal and perinatal mortality in the Netherlands in 2015, relative to 2004 and 2010, with changes in other European countries and regions. DESIGN: Descriptive population-wide study. METHOD: Data from 32 European countries and regions within the Euro-Peristat registration area were analysed. These countries and regions were grouped into: the Netherlands, Scandinavia, Western Europe and Eastern Europe. International differences in registration and policies were taken into account by using rates from 28 weeks gestation for foetal mortality and for 24 weeks gestation and beyond for neonatal mortality. Ranking was based on individual countries and regions. RESULTS: Foetal mortality decreased by 24% in the Netherlands, from 2.9 per 1,000 births in 2010 to 2.2 per 1,000 births in 2015; neonatal mortality decreased by 9%, from 2.2 to 2.0 per 1,000 live births. Perinatal mortality (the sum of foetal mortality and neonatal mortality) decreased by 18% from 5.1 to 4.2 per 1,000 births. The Netherlands moved from the 18th place in the European ranking in 2004 to the 10th place in 2015. CONCLUSION: Foetal, neonatal and perinatal mortality in the Netherlands decreased in 2015 when compared with 2004 and 2010. The country's position in the European ranking also improved. Explanations for this decrease are related to changes in the areas of organisation of care, population and risk factors. When mortality rates in other European countries and regions - particularly Scandinavia - are considered there is room for further improvement.