Obesity is not an independent risk factor for peri- and post-operative complications following mid-urethral sling (MUS) surgeries for the treatment of stress urinary incontinence (SUI).

OBJECTIVE: To inquire whether obesity is a risk factor of peri- and post-operative complications following Mid-urethral sling (MUS) surgeries for SUI repair using the Clavien-Dindo classification system (CDcs). METHODS: This retrospective cohort included 304 women who undergone a MUS in a 1000 beds tertiary University medical center between the years 2012-2018. Univariate analysis was conducted to compare clinical and operative traits by BMI group and to examine associations of obesity and complications rates and severity according to the CDcs. Multivariate analysis was conducted to assess the risk for post-operative complications and adjust to potential confounders. RESULTS: The study group included 106 (34.9%) women with BMI 30 or higher and the comparison group included 198 (65.1%) women with BMI lower than 30. In the study group we found a significantly higher prevalence of hypertension (P = 0.019), previous abdominal surgeries (P = 0.012) including cesarean section (P = 0.025), previous pelvic floor surgeries (P = 0.005) and pelvic organ prolapse (P = 0.02). In the control group we found a significantly higher rates of concomitant hysterectomy which performed during the MUS (P = 0.005). Obesity was not associated with increased rates of peri and post-operative complications (P = 0.973). CONCLUSIONS: In our study, obesity was not associated with peri- and post-operative complications following MUS.

Correlation between total deceleration area in CTG records and cord blood pH in pregnancies with IUGR.

PURPOSE: Fetal cardiotocography is the most common method to assess fetal well-being during labor. Nevertheless, its predictive ability for acidemia is limited, both in low-risk and high-risk pregnancies (Nelson et al. in N Engl J Med 334: 613-9, 1996; Rinciples P et al. in Health and Human Development Workshop Report on Electronic Fetal Monitoring : Update on Definitions. no. 2007, 510-515, 2008), especially in high-risk pregnancies, such as those complicated by growth restriction. In this study we aim examine the association between deceleration and acceleration areas and other measure of fetal heart rate in intrapartum fetal monitoring and neonatal arterial cord blood pH in pregnancies complicated by growth restriction. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective cohort study of 100 deliveries complicated by growth restriction, delivered during 2018, was conducted. Known major fetal anomalies, non-vertex presentation and elective cesarean deliveries were excluded. Total deceleration and acceleration areas were calculated as the sum of the areas within the deceleration and acceleration, respectively. RESULTS: In deliveries complicated by growth restriction, cord blood pH is significantly associated with total deceleration area (p = 0.05) and correlates with cumulative duration of the decelerations (Spearman's rank -0.363, p < 0.05), and total acceleration area (-0.358, p < 0.05). By comparing the cord blood pH in deliveries with a total deceleration area that was above and below the median total deceleration area, we demonstrated a significant difference between the categories. CONCLUSIONS: Cord blood pH significantly correlates with total deceleration area and other fetal monitoring characteristics in neonates with growth restriction. Future studies using real-time, machine-learning based techniques of fetal heart rate monitoring, may provide population specific threshold values that will support bedside clinical decision making and perhaps achieve better outcomes.

The association of intrapartum deceleration and acceleration areas with MRI findings in neonatal encephalopathy.

BACKGROUND: Hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) is an important contributor to disability worldwide. The current cardiotocography (CTG) predictive value for neonatal outcome is limited. OBJECTIVE: To assess the association of intrapartum CTG deceleration and acceleration areas with early MRI cerebral pathology in infants with HIE. METHODS: Term and near-term low-risk pregnancies that resulted in HIE, treated with therapeutic hypothermia with sufficient CTG records from a single, tertiary hospital between 2013 and 2021 were enrolled. Accelerations and decelerations areas, their minimum and maximum depths, and duration were calculated as well as the acceleration-to-deceleration area ratio during the 120 min prior to delivery. These data were assessed for associations with higher degrees of abnormality on early MRI scans. RESULTS: A total of 77 infants were included in the final analysis. Significant associations between increased total acceleration area (p = 0.007) and between a higher acceleration-to-deceleration area ratio (p = 0.003) and better MRI results were detected. CONCLUSION: In neonates treated for HIE, acceleration area and acceleration-to-deceleration ratio are associated with the risk of neonatal brain MRI abnormalities. To increase the role of these measurements as a relevant clinical tool, larger, more powered prospective trials are needed, using computerized real-time analysis. IMPACT: The current cardiotocography predictive value for neonatal outcome is limited. This study aimed to assess the association of intrapartum deceleration and acceleration areas with the degree of cerebral injury in early cerebral MRI of neonates with encephalopathy. Lower acceleration area and acceleration-to-deceleration ratio were found to be associated with a higher degree of neonatal brain injury. Brain MRI is a marker of long-term outcome; its association with cardiotocography indices supports their association with long-term outcome in these neonates. Future computer-based CTG area analysis could assist in delivery room decision making to better time interventions and prevent hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy.

Age and/or postmenopausal status as risk factors for pelvic organ prolapse development: systematic review with meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: Age is named as a risk factor for pelvic organ prolapse (POP), despite not being the primary outcome for many observational studies. Postmenopausal status is another associated factor but has many confounders. We aimed to systematically review the role of age and/or postmenopausal status in POP development. METHODS: Systematic review addressing age and hormones, more specifically by postmenopausal status, from inception to March 2020 in four databases (PubMed, Embase, WOS, Cochrane Library). Quality of evidence was classified by the ROBINS-I classification for non-randomized studies. Experimental studies, animal studies, studies linking age with recurrent POP and case series were excluded. Effect estimates were collected from adjusted odds ratio plus 95% confidence intervals. Significance level was 5%. A discussion exploring mechanistic factors was also included. RESULTS: Nineteen studies (11 cross sectional, 6 cohort and 2 case control) were included for quantitative analysis. Only two studies presented a low overall risk of bias for age; most of the domains were of moderate risk. Every additional year was responsible for a 10% increase in the risk to develop POP (OR = 1.102 [1.021-1.190]; i2 = 80%, random analysis, p = 0.012). This trend was confirmed when age was dichotomized into a cutoff of 35 (p = 0.035) and 50 (p < 0.001) years. Although an increase in the risk for POP was noted in postmenopausal women, this did not reach statistical significance (OR = 2.080 [0.927-4.668], i2 = 0%, p = 0.076). CONCLUSION: Age is a risk factor for POP; postmenopausal status was not statistically associated with POP, prompting the need for further studies addressing this factor.

Ultrasonographic approach to diagnosis of fetal inflammatory response syndrome: a tool for at-risk fetuses?

Preterm parturition is a syndrome that may result from many underlying mechanisms. Infection and inflammation are the prominent ones. Intrauterine infection and inflammation have an effect akin to sepsis, and that is similar to systemic inflammatory response in adults. Indeed, there is evidence to support the association of a fetal inflammatory response syndrome (FIRS) to systemic infection and inflammation. The utilization of invasive procedures for the prenatal diagnosis of FIRS is associated with a risk for complications resulting from the invasive method. The progress in the imaging quality of obstetrical ultrasound and the development of novel methods for functional anatomical assessment of the fetal organs may help to identify, noninvasively, fetuses at risk for FIRS in patients presenting with preterm labor. We review the studies describing advanced sonographic modalities and the imaging findings in the heart, thymus, kidney, adrenal glands, and spleen of these fetuses.

The significance of a uterine rupture in subsequent births.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether women with a previous uterine rupture have a higher risk of adverse perinatal outcome in subsequent births. METHODS: A retrospective study comparing all subsequent singleton cesarean deliveries (CD) of women with a previous uterine rupture, with CD of women with no such history, during the years 1988-2011 was conducted. RESULTS: Out of 34,601 singleton CD that occurred during the study period, 0.1 % (n = 46) were of women with a previous uterine rupture. Previous uterine rupture was significantly associated with preterm delivery (<37 weeks), low birth weight (<2500 g), cervical tears, and dehiscence of the uterine scar. Pregnancies following a previous uterine rupture were associated with lower Apgar scores at 5 min. However, the perinatal mortality rate did not differ between the two groups. A recurrent uterine rupture occurred in 15.2 % of patients with a previous uterine rupture. CONCLUSION: Previous uterine rupture is a risk factor for adverse maternal and perinatal outcome and specifically recurrent uterine rupture. Appropriate consultation regarding these risks is needed for patients with a previous uterine rupture.

The effect of non-obstetric invasive procedures during pregnancy on perinatal outcomes.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effect of non-obstetric invasive procedure during pregnancy on perinatal outcome. METHODS: The present retrospective study investigated perinatal outcome in women that underwent an invasive procedure during one of their pregnancies (n = 61); perinatal outcome was compared to other pregnancies (without an invasive procedure) of the same patients (n = 122). RESULTS: Women with a non-obstetric invasive procedure during pregnancy delivered earlier than those in the comparison group (38.5 vs. 40.0 weeks; p = 0.01) and had a significantly higher rate of cesarean sections (18 vs. 5 cases; p < 0.01). In addition, birth weight was significantly lower in patients undergoing invasive procedures during pregnancy (2908.65 vs. 3185.84 gr; p = 0.02). The absolute rate of prematurity (<37 weeks) was non-significantly higher in the study group (18.3 vs. 10.0 %; p = 0.28). CONCLUSION: Non-obstetric invasive procedures are associated with an increased rate of cesarean sections and lower birth weight. Nevertheless, no significant differences in early perinatal outcome were found in comparison to other pregnancies of the same patients. More studies are needed to evaluate the outcome following specific procedures.

Influence of ovarian torsion on reproductive outcomes and mode of delivery.

Purpose: To investigate differences in reproductive outcomes among patients before and following ovarian torsion. Study design: In this retrospective cohort study, we investigated the reproductive outcomes of patients who underwent surgery for ovarian torsion between 1988 and 2015 in a tertiary medical center. Data on deliveries before and after ovarian torsion were compared. Results: During the study period, 199 women underwent surgery due to ovarian torsion. The majority (91.4%; n = 182) underwent detorsion, and 8.6% (n = 17) underwent unilateral adnexectomy. At the time of the torsion, 27.6% (n = 55) of patients were pregnant. Among women who suffered from ovarian torsion, about half (52%) of the deliveries occurred before the torsion and 48% following the torsion. No significant difference in the live birth rate was noted (p = 0.19). The fertility treatment rate in our cohort was 7.5% before and 5% after the torsion (p = 0.01). In addition, live birth, cesarean delivery, and fertility treatment rates were similar in women who underwent detorsion vs. those who had adnexectomy. Conclusion: Surgically treated ovarian torsion does not appear to negatively influence fertility and live birth potential.

Risk for complications in the subsequent pregnancy following first versus second-stage cesarean delivery: 25 years follow-up in a large cohort.

BACKGROUND: Cesarean delivery is a prevalent procedure worldwide, and an established risk factor for subsequent pregnancies. AIMS: To examine if a prior cesarean delivery due to first vs. second stage non-progressive labor carries different risk profiles for adverse outcomes in the subsequent pregnancy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective cohort study, based on data accumulated over the years 1988-2013 at the Soroka University Medical Center. We compared pregnancy complications and adverse perinatal outcomes in subsequent delivery following a cesarean delivery due to first vs. second stage non-progressive labor. Multiple logistic regression models were constructed. RESULTS: There were 3828 subsequent deliveries of patients who underwent prior cesarean delivery due to first vs. second stage non-progressive labor, 2791 (72.91%) and 1037 (27.09%), respectively. Patients with a prior cesarean delivery due to first stage non-progressive labor were more likely to have hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (7.4% vs 3.8% in first vs. second stage non-progressive labor, respectively, p = .002), and repeated cesarean delivery at the subsequent pregnancy (70% vs 62% in first vs. second stage non-progressive labor, respectively, p < .001). Patients with prior cesarean delivery due to second stage non-progressive labor were more likely to have preterm birth (10% vs 6.8% in second vs. first stage non-progressive labor, respectively, p = .001). Prior cesarean delivery due to first stage non-progressive labor was independently associated with a recurrent cesarean delivery in the subsequent pregnancy. In addition, prior cesarean delivery due to second stage non-progressive labor was independently associated with preterm birth. CONCLUSIONS: Cesarean delivery due to first stage non-progressive labor carries higher rates of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy and recurrent cesarean delivery in the subsequent pregnancy. Prior cesarean delivery due to second stage non-progressive labor carries higher rates of subsequent preterm birth.

Bicornuate uterus is an independent risk factor for cervical os insufficiency: A retrospective population based cohort study.

INTRODUCTION: The purpose of our study was to explore maternal and fetal outcomes in the second and third trimester in women with bicornuate uterus. METHODS: A total of 280,106 pregnancies met the inclusion criteria and were divided in two study groups: (1) pregnancies in women with bicornuate uterus (n = 444); and (2) controls (n = 279,662). The diagnosis of bicornuate uterus was performed in all patients during the workup for infertility or recurrent pregnancy loss, during pregnancy, or at the time of cesarean delivery. Multivariate logistic regression models were performed in order to assess the risk factors for cervical insufficiency in women with bicornuate uterus. RESULTS: The rate of women with a bicornuate uterus in our population was 0.15%. Women with bicornuate uterus had lower parity (2.93 ± 1.90 vs. 3.42 ± 2.51, p < 0.001) and a higher rate of previous cesarean deliveries (54.1% vs. 12.3%, p < 0.001). In addition, these patients were more prone to conceive with assisted reproductive techniques (5.6% vs. 1.9%, p < 0.001) and had a significantly higher rate of recurrent abortions (12.4% vs. 5.1%, p < 0.001) compared to controls. CONCLUSIONS: Bicornuate uterus is an independent risk factor for cervical os insufficiency. This is an important finding due to the burden of the risk for midtrimester periviable birth associated with cervical incompetence.

Placenta previa associated with severe bleeding leading to hospitalization and delivery: a retrospective population-based cohort study.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of our study was to compare maternal and neonatal outcomes in women with placenta previa complicated with severe bleeding leading to hospitalization until delivery versus those without severe bleeding episodes. METHODS: This is a population-based retrospective cohort study including all pregnant women with placenta previa who delivered at our medical center in the study period, divided into the following groups: 1) women with severe bleeding leading to hospitalization resulting with delivery (n = 32); 2) patients with placenta previa without severe bleeding episodes (n = 1217). RESULTS: Out of all women with placenta previa who delivered at our medical center, 2.6% (32/1249) had an episode of severe bleeding leading to hospitalization and resulting with delivery. The rate of anemia was lower (43.8% versus 63.7%, p = 0.02) while the need for blood transfusion higher (37.5% versus 21.1%, p = 0.03) in the study group. The rate of cesarean sections was significantly different between the groups, and a logistic regression model was constructed in order to find independent risk factors for cesarean section in our patients. CONCLUSION: To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to evaluate the impact of severe bleeding on the outcome of pregnancies complicated with placenta previa. Our study demonstrates that, in women with placenta previa, severe bleeding does not lead to increased adverse maternal or neonatal outcomes.

Placental calcifications: a clue for the identification of high-risk fetuses in the low-risk pregnant population?

"What does it mean, Doctor?" and "Is it going to affect my baby in some way?". Those are the most typical questions of pregnant women to obstetricians. Answering is sometimes easier but placental calcification is not the case, since placental architecture and disease are two different faces of the same coin and the association between them is not completely clear. Placenta can function properly, even in the presence of architectural alterations, without any fetal consequences. So, remains the question, when does a placental structural anomaly become a sign of increased attention to maternal conditions, fetal development and well-being? The present review will analyze these concepts, with emphasis on placental calcification, its pathogenesis, and the state-of-the-art regarding the influence of this finding on pregnancy outcomes among low-risk pregnant patients.

"Habitual adnexal torsions"--recurrence after two oophoropexies in a prepubertal girl: a case report and review of the literature.

BACKGROUND: Recurrent adnexal torsion rarely affects girls. Various surgical techniques for its prevention are available. We describe a case of recurrent asynchronous bilateral torsions in a prepubertal patient. CASE: An 8-year-old girl first presented with a right adnexal torsion and underwent a laparoscopic untwisting. During the following 3 years, 4 additional laparoscopies were required for treatment of left adnexal torsions. Although undergoing bilateral utero-ovarian ligament plication twice, torsion recurred. After examining the various options, we fixated the left ovary to the sidewall just below the pelvic brim. SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION: In the absence of clear evidence, treatment should be flexible and dependent on the individual case. Thorough patient education is imperative in order to prevent a delay in diagnosis and treatment of recurrent adnexal torsion.