Cervical ripening after cesarean section: a prospective dual center study comparing a mechanical osmotic dilator vs. prostaglandin E2.

OBJECTIVES: Worldwide, the overall cesarean section is rising. Trial of labor after cesarean (TOLAC) is an overall safe option with an immediate impact on neonatal and maternal short- and long-term health. Since the use of prostaglandins in cervical ripening is associated with an increased risk of uterine rupture, mechanical methods as balloon catheters or osmotic dilators have been suggested for cervical ripening prior to induction of labour. Here we are analyzing and comparing the VBAC rate, as well as maternal and fetal outcome in cervical ripening prior to TOLAC. METHODS: This prospective dual center study analyses maternal and neonatal outcomes of TOLAC in women with an unfavorable cervix requiring cervical ripening agent. The prospective application of an osmotic dilator (Dilapan-S, n=104) was analysed in comparison to the retrospective application of off-label dinoprostone (n=102). RESULTS: The overall fetal and neonatal outcome revealed no significant differences in both groups. Patients receiving cervical ripening with the osmotic dilator delivered vaginally/by ventouse in 52% of cases, compared to 53% when using dinoprostone (p=0.603). The interval between application to onset of labor was significantly higher in the osmotic dilator group (37.9 vs.20.7 h, p=<0.001). However, time from onset of labor to delivery was similar in both groups (7.93 vs. 7.44 h, p=0.758). There was one case of uterine rupture in the dinoprostone group. CONCLUSIONS: Our data shows that the application of the osmotic dilator leads to similar outcomes in VBAC rate and time from onset of labor to delivery as well as safety in both groups compared to off-label use dinoprostone. Cervical ripening using the mechanical dilator is a viable and effective option, without the risk of uterine hyperstimulation.

Induction of labor in patients with an unfavorable cervix after a cesarean using an osmotic dilator versus vaginal prostaglandin.

BACKGROUND: Trial of labor after cesarean (TOLAC) is a viable option for safe delivery. In some cases cervical ripening and subsequent labor induction is necessary. However, the commonly used prostaglandins are not licensed in this subgroup of patients and are associated with an increased risk of uterine rupture. METHODS: This cohort study compares maternal and neonatal outcomes of TOLAC in women (n=82) requiring cervical ripening agents (osmotic dilator vs. prostaglandins). The initial Bishop scores (BSs) were 2 (0-5) and 3 (0-5) (osmotic dilator and prostaglandin group, respectively). In this retrospective analysis, Fisher's exact test, the Kruskal-Wallis rank sum test and Pearson's chi-squared test were utilized. RESULTS: Vaginal birth rate (including operative delivery) was 55% (18/33) in the osmotic dilator group vs. 51% (25/49) in the dinoprostone group (P 0.886). Between 97% and 92% (32/33 and 45/49) (100%, 100%) of neonates had an Apgar score of >8 after 1 min (5, 10 min, respectively). The time between administration of the agent and onset of labor was 36 and 17.1 h (mean, Dilapan-S® group, dinoprostone group, respectively). Time from onset of labor to delivery was similar in both groups with 4.4 and 4.9 h (mean, Dilapan-S® group, dinoprostone group, respectively). Patients receiving cervical ripening with Dilapan-S® required oxytocin in 97% (32/33) of cases. Some patients presented with spontaneous onset of labor, mostly in the dinoprostone group (24/49, 49%). Amniotomy was performed in 64% and 49% (21/33 and 24/49) of cases (Dilapan-S® group and dinoprostone group, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: This pilot study examines the application of an osmotic dilator for cervical ripening to promote vaginal delivery in women who previously delivered via cesarean section. In our experience, the osmotic dilator gives obstetricians a chance to perform induction of labor in these women.

Antenatal body mass index (BMI) and weight gain in pregnancy - its association with pregnancy and birthing complications.

BACKGROUND: Overweight and obesity is a serious health risk in both developed and developing nations. It is a common finding among women in their reproductive age. Half of patients entering their pregnancy in the US have a BMI >25.0 and therefore qualify as overweight or obese. Moreover, there is a tendency towards increased weight gain during pregnancy. Studies have shown that gestational overweight is associated with complications in pregnancy and birthing as well as short-term and long-term impacts on neonatal outcome in childhood and adulthood. METHODS: Five hundred and ninety-one women visiting our tertiary perinatal center in 2014 were analyzed for antenatal BMI, gestational weight gain, as well as pregnancy outcome and complication together with neonatal weight and outcome. Pregnancy weight gain was assessed based on the IOM guidelines (Institute of Medicine) issued in 2009. RESULTS: Twenty-nine percent of our population was overweight with a BMI of more than 25.0. The general weight gain was in every BMI group similar (median ranging from 12.0 to 14.0 kg). Approximately one third gained more than the appropriate amount (37%, P<0.001). Women with more gestational weight were at risk of labor induction (55.0% vs. 45.7% labor induction in total, P=0.007). Strikingly, those patients were found to have significantly higher rates of secondary cesarean section (22.4% vs. 15.4%) and decreased chances of spontaneous vaginal birth (57.5% vs. 61.4%) (P=0.008). Furthermore women with a pregnancy weight gain in excess of the guidelines gave birth to neonates with a higher birth weight (>75.centile, 28.3% vs. 21.3%, P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Altogether, one third of the analyzed population is already overweight or obese when entering pregnancy. A higher gestational weight gain than the recommended amount was found in 37% of cases. We found an association with pregnancy and birthing complications as well as higher infant weight. This highlights the importance of preconceptive and prenatal advice, and if necessary, intervention on BMI and weight gain.

Severe Lactational Mastitis With Complicated Wound Infection Caused by Streptococcus pyogenes.

INTRODUCTION: Puerperal mastitis, a complication occurring during the breastfeeding period, is often caused by Staphylococcus aureus. Here we report on severe streptococcal mastitis in a lactating breast, with subsequent invasive disease and wound healing problems. MAIN ISSUE: The 41-year-old woman (G2, P2) presented at 2 weeks postpartum to our hospital with painful swelling and reddening of the left breast, in addition to fever and malaise, and complained about a nipple fissure on the left breast. Previously, her 4-year-old son was treated for an acute otitis media and her husband experienced flu-like symptoms. MANAGEMENT: Due to the severity of the symptoms, Clindamycin antibiotic treatment was initiated intravenously. Streptococcus pyogenes was isolated in the milk. This strain is commonly known to cause infections of the upper respiratory tract, skin, and soft tissue, but rarely mastitis. Furthermore, the participant developed invasive disease with abscess formation and skin erosion with a milk fistula. Special dressing was applied to promote wound healing. The participant continued breastfeeding well into the child's 2nd year of life. CONCLUSION: This rare form of complicated mastitis with invasive disease caused by Streptococcus pyogenes called for an interdisciplinary approach. We want to draw attention to other pathogens causing mastitis and to alert health care workers to promote hygiene in lactating women to prevent transmission.

Perinatal Outcome in Women with a Vietnamese Migration Background - Retrospective Comparative Data Analysis of 3000 Deliveries.

INTRODUCTION: Perinatal data of women with a Vietnamese migration background have not been systematically studied in Germany to date. Numerous details of important maternal and child outcomes were compared and analysed. The study's primary parameters were the frequency of and indication for c-section. METHODOLOGY: The perinatal data from a Berlin hospital were analysed retrospectively. The women (Vietnamese migration background vs. autochthonous) were grouped using name analysis. Datasets of 3002 women giving birth, including 999 women with a Vietnamese migration background, were included. The associations between primary or secondary cesarean delivery and different child outcomes depending on the migration background (exposure) were studied using logistical regression analysis. RESULTS: Women with a Vietnamese migration background have a lower c-section rate of 8.0% for primary and 12.6% for secondary c-section than women without a migration background (11.1% primary and 16.4% secondary c-section respectively). Regression analysis shows that the odds that women with a Vietnamese migration background will have a primary (OR 0.75; p = 0.0884) or secondary c-section (OR 0.82; p = 0.1137) are not significantly lower. A Vietnamese migration background was associated with higher odds for an episiotomy but not for a grade 3 - 4 perineal tear. A Vietnamese migration background does not have a significant influence on poor 5-min Apgar scores ≤ 7 and low umbilical cord arterial pH values ≤ 7.10. Newborns of mothers with a Vietnamese migration background have higher odds of a relatively higher birth weight (> 3110 g). SUMMARY: There was no evidence that women with a Vietnamese migration background are delivered more often by caesarean section. There were also no differences as regards important child outcome data from women in the comparator group. Overall, the results do not provide any evidence for poorer quality of care of women with a Vietnamese migration background in Berlin despite the cultural and communication barriers in the reality of care provision.