Antepartum and intrapartum risk factors for neonatal hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy: a systematic review with meta-analysis.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: To review literature about risk factors of neonatal hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE). RECENT FINDINGS: Search in PubMed, MEDLINE, Embase, Clinicaltrials.gov and reference lists from 1999 to 2018. INCLUSION CRITERIA: study population composed of neonates who manifested HIE within 28 days from delivery, data reported as proportional rate. Studies were excluded if they included preterm pregnancies, postnatal conditions leading to HIE and/or fetal malformations, focused on a single risk factor, were not in English language. PRISMA guidelines were followed. Interstudies heterogeneity was assessed and a random/fixed models were generated as appropriate. Comparison between neonates with HIE vs. controls was performed by calculating odds ratio-95% confidence interval (OR-95% CI). Differences were significant if 95% CI did not encompass 1. Twelve articles were included. Fetuses with growth restriction (OR: 2.87; 95% CI: 1.77-4.67), nonreassuring cardiotocography (OR: 6.38; 95% CI: 2.56-15.93), emergency cesarean section (OR: 3.69; 95% CI: 2.75-4.96), meconium (OR: 3.76; 95% CI: 2.58-5.46) and chorioamnionitis (OR: 3.46: 95% CI: 2.07-5.79) were at higher risk of developing HIE. Nulliparity, gestational diabetes, hypertension, oligohydramnios, polyhydramnios, male sex, induction of labor, labor augmentation, premature rupture of membrane, and vacuum delivery were not significantly different. SUMMARY: Neonatal HIE has multifactorial origin and its cause is often undetermined and not preventable.PROSPERO (Registration number: CRD42018106563).

Endometriosis, endometrioma, and ART results: Current understanding and recommended practices.

Endometriosis and infertility are linked in a complex relationship, and a number of different pathogenetic mechanisms may associate the two. Endometriosis is diagnosed in 6-8% of women undergoing ART. Women with endometriosis appear to have similar ART outcomes compared to controls in terms of live birth rates, despite a lower oocyte quality. Laparoscopy should not be routinely performed before ART with the only aim to diagnose mild or moderate endometriosis, but if the latter is found, surgical removal can be considered, as it might improve pregnancy rates. In case of more severe forms of the disease (endometrioma and deep infiltrating endometriosis), the benefits of surgery before ART are uncertain and must be balanced against risks. Management decisions should be individualized based on patient choice, age, associated symptoms, and the risk of repeat surgery.

Planned home versus planned hospital births in women at low-risk pregnancy: A systematic review with meta-analysis.

New interest in home birth have recently arisen in women at low risk pregnancy. Maternal and neonatal morbidity of women planning delivery at home has yet to be comprehensively quantified. We aimed to quantify pregnancy outcomes following planned home (PHB) versus planned hospital birth (PHos). We did a systematic review of maternal and neonatal morbidity following planned home (PHB) versus planned hospital birth (PHos). We included prospective, retrospective, cohort and case-control studies of low risk pregnancy outcomes according to planning place of birth, identified from January 2000 to June 2017. We excluded studies in which high-risk pregnancy and composite morbidity were included. Outcomes of interest were: maternal and neonatal morbidity/mortality, medical interventions, and delivery mode. We pooled estimates of the association between outcomes and planning place of birth using meta-analyses. The study protocol is registered with PROSPERO, protocol number CRD42017058016. We included 8 studies of the 4294 records identified, consisting in 14,637 (32.6%) in PHB and 30,177 (67.4%) in PHos group. Spontaneous delivery was significantly higher in PHB than PHos group (OR: 2.075; 95%CI:1.654-2.063) group. Women in PHB group were less likely to undergo cesarean section compared with women in PHos (OR:0.607; 95%CI:0.553-0.667) group. PHB group was less likely to receive medical interventions than PHos group. The risk of fetal dystocia was lower in PHB than PHos group (OR:0.287; 95%CI:0.133-0.618). The risk of post-partum hemorrhage was lower in PHB than PHos group (OR:0.692; 95% CI.0.634-0.755). The two groups were similar with regard to neonatal morbidity and mortality. Births assisted at hospital are more likely to receive medical interventions, fetal monitoring and prompt delivery in case of obstetrical complications. Further studies are needed in order to clarify whether home births are as safe as hospital births.

Correlation between fetal autopsy and prenatal diagnosis by ultrasound: A systematic review.

The objective of this study was to review literature about the correlation between fetal autopsy and ultrasound findings of fetal malformations. Search in PubMed, Medline, EMBASE, Clinicl trials.org, reference list was performed. Inclusion criteria for studies selection were: fetal autopsy performed after termination of pregnancy (TOP) or stillbirth, TOP for fetal anomalies, prenatal diagnosis of malformations, data reported as proportional rates. EXCLUSION CRITERIA: case reports, non English language, data reported in graphs or percentage. From each article: sample size, type of malformation, indication for TOP, autopsy findings. Fetal anomalies were grouped in central nervous system (CNS), genitourinary (GU), congenital heart defects (CHD), gastrointestinal (GI), thorax, limbs, skeleton, genetics (TOP for abnormal karyotype), multiples (TOP for multiple severe malformations for which a single indication for TOP/stillbirth could not be identified). Correspondence between autopsy and ultrasound was defined as agreement (same diagnosis), additional (additional findings undetected by ultrasound), unconfirmed (false positive and false negative ultrasound). PRISMA guidelines were followed. From 19 articles, 3534 fetuses underwent autopsy, which confirmed prenatal ultrasound in 2401 (68.0%) fetuses, provided additional information in 794 (22.5%) fetuses, and unconfirmed prenatal ultrasound in 329 (9.2%) fetuses. The latter group consisted of 3.2% false positive and 2.8% false negative cases. The additional findings changed the final diagnosis in 3.8% of cases. The most frequent indication for TOP/stillbirth was CNS anomalies (36.3%), whereas thorax anomalies represented the less frequent indication (1.7%). The highest agreement between autopsy and prenatal ultrasound was observed in CNS (79.4%) and genetics (79.2%), followed by GU anomalies (76.6%), skeleton (76.6%), CHD (75.5%), thorax (69.7%); GI (62.6%), multiple (37.0%), limbs (23.3%). In spite of the high agreement between prenatal ultrasound and autopsy, fetal examination is mandatory because in a minority of cases it discloses additional findings or changes the final diagnosis and genetic counselling.

The effects of surgery for endometriosis on pregnancy outcomes following in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: To review the literature about the effect of endometriosis on in vitro-fertilization and embryo-transfer (IVF-ET). METHODS: A search in EMBASE, MEDLINE, ClinicalTrial.gov, reference lists from 2000 to 2013 was conducted. Inclusion criteria were: endometriosis confirmed with histologic examination, women undergoing IVF-ET, endometriosis treated or diagnosed by surgery. Women undergoing IVF-ET after surgical removal of endometriosic implants, or a surgical diagnosis of endometriosis without its removal, were compared to women without endometriosis. Main outcomes were clinical pregnancy and delivery rates. RESULTS: Thirteen studies were selected, including 980 women with endometriosis and 5934 controls. Clinical pregnancy rate was lower in women with endometriosis than in controls (OR 0.65; 95 % CI 0.44-0.96), but delivery rate was similar (OR 1.17; 95 % CI 0.69-1.98). When surgery was operative, clinical pregnancy rate after IVF-ET was lower in endometriosis than controls (OR 0.54; 95 % CI 0.34-0.85), but delivery rate was similar (OR 1.12; 95 % CI 0.60-2.07). When surgery was diagnostic, clinical pregnancy (OR 1.15; 95 % CI 0.46-2.84) and delivery rates (OR 1.65; 95 % CI 0.36-7.45) did not differ between the groups. Site of endometriosis was not related to IVF-ET outcomes. Clinical pregnancy rates were similar between stage I-II and controls (OR 0.99; 95 % CI 0.63-1.56) but lower in stage III-IV than controls (OR 0.45; 95 % CI 0.29-0.70), whereas delivery rate was not associated with stage. CONCLUSIONS: In the presence of endometriosis, the clinical pregnancy rate after IVF-ET is lower than in controls. The prognosis is better for mild endometriosis compared with more advanced stages. Even after surgical removal of endometriosis, IVF-ET results remain worse than in controls.

Perinatal outcomes of twin anemia-polycythemia sequence: a systematic review.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze outcomes of monochorionic twins with twin anemia-polycythemia sequence (TAPS). DATA SOURCES: PubMed, EMBASE, Medline, and reference list. STUDY SELECTION: We included reports of TAPS defined prenatally with abnormal Doppler studies of middle cerebral artery and normal amniotic fluid volume which reported data as proportional rates. DATA EXTRACTION: Abstracted outcomes were postnatal hemoglobin levels, postnatal procedures, and survival rates. Outcomes were analyzed for gestational age at diagnosis of TAPS (15 to 23 weeks, 24 to 29 weeks, > 29 weeks), in utero therapy, and nature of onset (isolated TAPS, or following twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome). The review was performed using MOOSE guidelines. Differences were significant if P < 0.05. DATA SYNTHESIS: We assessed data on 28 pregnancies with TAPS. Diagnosis at 15 to 23 weeks' gestation and in utero therapy were associated with the highest mean levels of hemoglobin in anemic twins (P = 0.021), the lowest levels in polycythemic twins (P = 0.025), and the lowest frequency of postnatal procedures (P < 0.001). Survival rate was independent of gestational age at diagnosis and in utero therapy. In cases of TAPS following twin-to-twin transfusion, the mean hemoglobin level was higher in donors than in anemic twins with isolated TAPS (P = 0.029) and similar between recipients and polycythemic twins with isolated TAPS (P = 0.135). Twins with TAPS following twin-to-twin transfusion received in utero therapy more frequently than isolated TAPS twins (P = 0.030) and required a postnatal procedure less often (P < 0.001). Survival rates were similar in each group. CONCLUSION: Diagnosis of TAPS at an early gestational age is associated with more favourable outcomes than later diagnosis. In utero therapy improves neonatal hemoglobin levels but does not change survival rates. Previous twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome does not worsen outcomes.

Objectif : Analyser les issues que connaissent les jumeaux monozygotes qui présentent une séquence anémie-polyglobulie gémellaire (twin anemia-polycythemia sequence ou TAPS). Sources de données : PubMed, EMBASE, Medline et liste de références. Sélection des études : Nous avons inclus les études ayant porté sur la TAPS établie avant la naissance (obtention de résultats anormaux aux études Doppler visant l'artère cérébrale moyenne et constatation d'un volume normal de liquide amniotique) qui signalaient leurs données sous forme de taux proportionnels. Extraction des données : Les issues résumées ont été les suivantes : taux postnataux d'hémoglobine, interventions postnatales et taux de survie. Les issues ont été analysées en fonction de l'âge gestationnel au moment du diagnostic de TAPS (15-23 semaines, 24-29 semaines, > 29 semaines), de la présence d'un traitement in utero et de la nature de l'apparition de la TAPS (TAPS isolée ou apparaissant à la suite du syndrome transfuseur-transfusé). L'analyse a été menée au moyen des lignes directrices MOOSE. Les différences ont été considérées significatives lorsque P < 0,05. Synthèse des données : Nous avons évalué des données portant sur 28 grossesses présentant une TAPS. Le diagnostic à 15-23 semaines de gestation et le traitement in utero ont été associés aux taux moyens d'hémoglobine les plus élevés chez les jumeaux anémiques (P = 0,021), aux taux moyens d'hémoglobine les plus bas chez les jumeaux présentant une polyglobulie (P = 0,025) et à la fréquence d'interventions postnatales la plus basse (P < 0,001). Le taux de survie ne dépendait ni de l'âge gestationnel au moment du diagnostic ni de la présence d'un traitement in utero. Dans les cas de TAPS suivant le syndrome transfuseur-transfusé, le taux moyen d'hémoglobine était plus élevé chez les transfuseurs (par comparaison avec la situation constatée chez les jumeaux anémiques dans les cas de TAPS isolée [P = 0,029]) et il était semblable chez les transfusés (par comparaison avec la situation constatée chez les jumeaux présentant une polyglobulie dans les cas de TAPS isolée [P = 0,135]). Les jumeaux présentant une TAPS constatée à la suite du syndrome transfuseur-transfusé ont reçu un traitement in utero plus fréquemment (P = 0,030) et ont nécessité une intervention postnatale moins souvent (P < 0,001) que les jumeaux présentant une TAPS isolée. Les taux de survie étaient semblables d'un groupe à l'autre. Conclusion : L'établissement d'un diagnostic de TAPS à un âge gestationnel précoce est associé à des issues plus favorables que l'établissement d'un diagnostic de TAPS à un âge gestationnel plus tardif. L'administration d'un traitement in utero améliore les taux néonataux d'hémoglobine, mais ne modifie en rien les taux de survie. La présence d'un syndrome transfuseur-transfusé au préalable n'aggrave en rien les issues.

Accuracy of ultrasonography at 11-14 weeks of gestation for detection of fetal structural anomalies: a systematic review.

OBJECTIVE: To review the literature concerning the efficacy of early ultrasonography (at 11-14 weeks of gestation) to identify fetal malformations. DATA SOURCES: A search in PubMed, MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Library, and ClinicalTrials.gov was performed (January 2000 to December 2012). Keywords were: fetal anatomy, fetal echocardiography, nuchal translucency, fetal structural anomalies, fetal malformations, prenatal diagnosis, prenatal screening, and first-trimester ultrasonography. METHODS OF STUDY SELECTION: Inclusion criteria were: fetal anatomy examination at early ultrasonography and diagnosis of fetal malformations confirmed by postnatal or postmortem examination. Data abstracted were: sample size, location of structural defect, ultrasound modality, presence of multiple defects, and study population. Pooled detection rate was calculated for each malformation and compared with χ. Differences were considered statistically significant if P<.05. TABULATION, INTEGRATION, AND RESULTS: From 1,203 articles, 19 were included. Overall, we pooled 78,002 fetuses undergoing ultrasonography at 11-14 weeks, of which 996 were malformed, leading to prevalence of malformation of 12 per 1,000. The overall detection rate was 472 of 957 (51%). The highest detection rate was achieved for neck anomalies (92%), whereas limbs (34%), face (34%), and genitourinary anomalies (34%) were associated with the lowest detection rate. At 14 weeks of gestation or less, fetal echocardiography detected 53% of congenital heart disease compared with 43% by complete scan (P=.040). The use of Doppler did not improve the detection rate for congenital heart defects (52% compared with 44%, respectively; P=.11). Multiple defects were identified more frequently than isolated malformations (60% compared with 44%; P=.005). The detection rate was higher combining transabdominal and transvaginal techniques (62%) than either abdominal (51%) or transvaginal (34%; P<.001). Detection rate was higher in women at high risk (65%) than unselected population (50% P=.001). CONCLUSION: Because of the natural history of fetal defects and the late development of some organ systems, a number of fetal malformations remain undetected by early ultrasonography.

Perinatal outcomes of isolated oligohydramnios at term and post-term pregnancy: a systematic review of literature with meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: The management of isolated oligohydramnios (IO) in post/term pregnancies is controversial. The aim of this paper was to review outcomes of term and post-term pregnancies with IO versus normal amniotic fluid (AF) at labor assessment. STUDY DESIGN: A search in PubMed, Medline, EMBASE, and reference lists was performed. Inclusion criteria for articles selection: singleton pregnancy, definition of olgohydramnios as AFI <5cm, AF assessment at 37-42 gestational weeks. EXCLUSION CRITERIA: fetal malformations, preterm delivery, premature rupture of membranes, intrauterine growth restriction. Perinatal outcomes were: obstetric intervention for non-reassuring fetal heart rate (cesarean section, operative delivery), meconium-stained AF, Apgar score <7 at 5min, umbilical artery pH <7.0, small for gestational age infants (SGA), admission to neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) and perinatal death. Meta-analysis compared outcomes of pregnancies with IO vs normal AF. Inter-studies heterogeneity was tested. Pooled odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (95% CI) were calculated. Differences between the two groups were considered significant if 95% CI did not encompass 1. MOOSE guidelines were followed. RESULTS: Four articles provided 679 (17.2%) cases with IO and 3264 (82.8%) with normal AF. Obstetric interventions occurred more frequently in the IO than normal AF group (IO: 89/679, 13% vs normal; AF: 166/3354, 5%; OR: 2.30; 95% CI: 1.00-5.29). Meta-analysis did not show differences with regard to meconium, Apgar, pH, SGA, NICU and perinatal death. CONCLUSION: In term or post-term pregnancies, IO is associated with increased risk of obstetric interventions but outcomes are similar to those of pregnancies with normal AF.

Prevention, management, and outcomes of macrosomia: a systematic review of literature and meta-analysis.

Macrosomia represents an obstetric challenge, and when suspected, there is no general consensus as to whether expectant management, induction of labor, or elective cesarean delivery are the best option. This review article was aimed to discuss literature published in the last decade about the identification, management, and outcomes of macrosomia. The identification of macrosomia remains uncertain, mainly because of the high heterogeneity across studies because of different definitions of macrosomia, gestational age at time of assessment, and fetal weight formulas. With regard to management and outcomes of macrosomia, 12,212 macrosomic neonates can be pooled from 17 articles. Compared with neonates with normal birth weight, the odds ratio of emergency cesarean delivery increases from 1.92 (1.53-2.42) to 2.24 (1.42-3.56) and 5.20 (3.47-7.79) for macrosomia 4000 g or greater, 4500 g or greater, and 5000 g or greater, respectively. The odds ratios of shoulder dystocia are 7.18 (2.06-25.00), 7.33 (5.13-10.48), and 16.16 (7.62-34.26) for macrosomia 4000 g or greater, 4500 g or greater, and 5000 g or greater, respectively. Three birth traumas were reported after cesarean delivery. Perinatal mortality is similar between macrosomic and neonates with normal birth weight at each cutoff of macrosomia. Nonetheless, limitations of current literature, which are also discussed in this review, do not allow to drive definitive conclusion about the management of macrosomia.

Survival outcomes of twin-twin transfusion syndrome stage I: a systematic review of literature.

OBJECTIVE: To review literature about treatment of twin-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) stage I. MATERIALS: A search in PubMed, EMBASE, Medline, and reference lists was performed. Inclusion criteria were TTTS diagnosed with standard criteria and classified with Quintero staging and survival rates (SR) stratified for stage and first-choice treatment. Outcomes were SR and progression to advanced stages. Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines were followed. RESULTS: Seven articles pooled 262 twin sets treated with amnioreduction (16%), conservative management (22%), and laser therapy (62%). The overall SR was 77% after amnioreduction, 86% in the conservative management group, and 85% in the laser therapy group. Progression rate occurred in 30%, 15%, and 0%, respectively. Outcomes were similar between laser therapy as first- versus second-choice treatment. Because most studies were observational and not comparative, a meta-analysis was not performed. CONCLUSION: Conservative management of TTTS stage I is a reasonable option until randomized clinical trials are presented.

Neurodevelopmental outcomes after laser therapy for twin-twin transfusion syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To perform a systematic review of the literature regarding the occurrence of neurologic morbidity, neurologic impairment, or neurologic morbidity and impairment of patients treated with laser therapy for twin-twin transfusion syndrome. DATA SOURCES: The PubMed, MEDLINE, EMBASE databases and reference lists were searched up to December 2010 for studies describing outcomes in laser-treated twin-twin transfusion syndrome pregnancies. METHODS FOR STUDY SELECTION: Inclusion criteria were twin-twin transfusion syndrome diagnosed with standard criteria and treated by laser therapy and neurologic morbidity and neurologic impairment collected at birth or 28 days after birth. Exclusion criteria were omission of at least one criterion; data in graphs or percentage; and non-English publications, letters, personal communications. TABULATION, INTEGRATION AND RESULTS: Data recorded were rates and length of successful follow-up, age at diagnosis and type of neurologic morbidity, affected donors and recipients, prevalence of neurologic morbidity, and neurologic impairment for twin sets. From 15 articles, the incidence of neurologic morbidity at birth was 55 out of 895 (6.1%), without differences between donors and recipients (19/249, 7.6% compared with 16/273, 5.8%; odds ratio [OR] 1.36; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.68-2.70). At follow-up, the incidence of neurologic impairment was 140 out of 1,255 (11.1%), with cerebral palsy the most frequent (60/151, 39.7%). Neurologic impairment was identified equally between donors and recipients (48/330, 14.5% compared with 54/364, 14.8%; OR 1.02; 95% CI 0.66-1.57), and between one survivor and two survivors for twin sets (24/139, 17.3% compared with 88/489, 18.0%; OR 0.67; 95% CI 0.18-2.49). CONCLUSION: A small number (11.1%) of cases of twin-twin transfusion syndrome treated with laser therapy are affected with neurologic impairment that manifests during infancy. A strict follow-up of apparently healthy neonates is warranted.

Neonatal outcomes of assisted and naturally conceived twins: systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To review the neonatal outcomes of assisted reproductive technique (ART) vs. naturally conceived (NC) twins. METHODS: A search in PubMed, Medline, EMBASE, and Cochrane library was performed (January 2000-September 2010). Articles reporting outcomes of ART vs. NC twins were classified in controlled and non-controlled studies. A sub-group was limited to unlike sex twins (UST). The MOOSE guidelines were followed. A randomized model was generated if inter-studies heterogeneity was >25%. Inter-group comparison was significant if P<0.05. RESULTS: Thirteen articles were reviewed. In non-controlled studies, outcomes were equal between groups, except for cesarean section rates (ART: 71.8%; NC: 49.6%; P<0.0001; OR: 2.34; 95% CI: 1.55-3.54). Similar results were obtained in controlled studies, except for higher rates of preterm delivery in ART (55%) than in NC (53%) twins (P=0.03; OR: 1.30; 95% CI: 1.03-1.65). UST differed with regard to preterm delivery (ART: 58.6%; NC: 49.5%; P<0.0001; OR: 1.51; 95% CI: 1.25-1.83), and perinatal death (ART: 3.6%; NC: 1.8%; P<0.0001; OR: 1.95; 95% CI: 1.41-2.71). Birth weight differed between groups. CONCLUSION: ART twins carry increased risk of adverse outcomes. UST are at higher risk of perinatal death, although further studies are needed to assess whether chorionicity impacts on neonatal outcomes after ART.

Prevention of pre-eclampsia with low-dose aspirin or vitamins C and E in women at high or low risk: a systematic review with meta-analysis.

UNLABELLED: The aim of this study is to review literature about the efficacy of low dose aspirin (LDA) and vitamins C/E (VCE) to prevent pre-eclampsia in women at high and low risk. Randomized clinical trials were included and stratified for high and low risk women. Inclusion criteria were: assignment of patients in treated or placebo groups, definition of pre-eclampsia according to the guidelines of the International Society for the Study of Hypertension in Pregnancy. Exclusion criteria were: omitting at least one of the inclusion criteria, trials involving women with pre-eclampsia at trial entry, studies investigating hypertensive disorders other than pre-eclampsia, prophylaxis of intrauterine growth restriction with low-dose aspirin or vitamins C/E, non-randomized studies and data reported in graphs or percentages. The incidence of pre-eclampsia, perinatal outcomes and adverse effects attributable to LDA and VCE were compared between treated women and placebo. Inter-studies heterogeneity was tested. P<0.05 was considered significant. pooled odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were calculated. PRISMA guidelines were followed. Fifteen studies were pooled. LDA did not decrease the incidence of pre-eclampsia in high-risk (396/5025 - 8% vs placebo: 464/5027 - 9%; P=0.05; OR: 0.72; 95% CI: 0.51-1.00) and low-risk (137/4939 - 3% vs placebo: 166/4962 - 3%; P=0.10; OR: 0.82; 95% CI: 0.65-1.04) women. Similarly, VCE did not reduce the incidence of pre-eclampsia in high-risk (VCE: 250/1744 - 14% vs placebo: 275/1741 - 16%; P=0.24; OR: 0.84; 95% CI: 0.63-1.12) and low-risk (VCE: 56/935 - 6% vs placebo 47/942 - 5%; P=0.57; OR: 1.20; 95% CI: 0.82-1.75) women. In high-risk women, other hypertensive disorders were more frequent in VCE (121/1692 - 7%) than placebo (79/1693 - 5%; P=0.002). Perinatal outcomes were not improved by LDA or VCE. CONCLUSION: there is no evidence to support the administration of LDA or VCE to prevent pre-eclampsia.

Emergency postpartum hysterectomy for uncontrolled postpartum bleeding: a systematic review.

OBJECTIVE: To describe factors leading to and outcomes after emergency postpartum hysterectomy for uncontrolled postpartum hemorrhage. DATA SOURCES: Searches were conducted up to August 2009 using the PubMed, MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library databases, using the following medical subject heading and text words: "postpartum bleeding," "postpartum hysterectomy," "uterine atony," "cesarean hysterectomy," "placenta accreta," "increta," "percreta," and "placenta previa." METHODS OF STUDY SELECTION: Studies were reviewed if they included cases of emergency postpartum hysterectomy performed at the time or within 48 hours of delivery, described factors leading to uncontrolled postpartum hemorrhage, enrolled women who delivered after 24 weeks of gestation, and reported data as proportional rates in tables or text. Studies were excluded if they analyzed hysterectomy performed after 48 hours of delivery or electively for an associated gynecologic condition, enrolled a small sample size (fewer than 10 patients), were conducted in underdeveloped countries, reported data in graphs or percentages, or did not include the actual numbers of patients. TABULATION, INTEGRATION, AND RESULTS: Twenty-four articles that included 981 cases of emergency postpartum hysterectomy were retrieved. Study characteristics and quality were recorded for each study. Demographic maternal characteristics, previous uterine surgery, conservative procedures to prevent emergency postpartum hysterectomy, type of hysterectomy (total or subtotal), factors leading to emergency postpartum hysterectomy, and maternal morbidity and mortality related to emergency postpartum hysterectomy were abstracted, presented as proportional rates (percentage), and integrated with meta-analysis techniques. The maternal morbidity rate was 549 (56.0%) of 981, and 428 (44.0%) of 981 women required blood transfusion. The maternal mortality rate was 26 (2.6%) of 981 cases. The type of hysterectomy was specified in 601 (61.2%) of 981 cases of emergency postpartum hysterectomy (total hysterectomies, 314 of 601 [52.2%]; subtotal hysterectomies, 287 of 601 [47.8%]). Additional surgery was required in 103 (10.5%) of 981 of cases. CONCLUSION: Women at highest risk of emergency hysterectomy are those who are multiparous, had a cesarean delivery in either a previous or the present pregnancy, or had abnormal placentation.

The efficacy of Quintero staging system to assess severity of twin-twin transfusion syndrome treated with laser therapy: a systematic review with meta-analysis.

Severity of twin-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) is classified in five stages according to Quintero staging. However, the efficacy of such staging was recently debated. We reviewed the efficacy of Quintero staging to predict survival rate in TTTS treated with laser therapy. Articles reporting survival rate for each stage in TTTS treated with laser therapy were reviewed. Number of twins alive per pregnancy (NAP) was compared between early (I + II) and advanced (III + IV) stages and within stages. Meta-analysis was performed according to Meta-analysis Of Observational Studies in Epidemiology guidelines. Heterogeneity was tested with chi-square for heterogeneity at a significance level of P < 0.10, and random or fixed models were generated as appropriate. A P value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. NAP was similar between early (zero survivors: 34/228, 15%; one survivor: 49/228, 21%; two survivors: 145/228, 63%) and advanced stages (zero survivors: 38/214, 18%; one survivor: 64/214, 30%; two survivors: 112/214, 52%; P > 0.05) except for one survivor ( P < 0.05). A trend for increased NAP was observed in all stages. Because clinically relevant differences were not observed, laser therapy is the optimal treatment for all stages. As Quintero staging does not provide information about prognosis, a new staging system is proposed.

Umbilical cord occlusion for selective feticide in complicated monochorionic twins: a systematic review of literature.

The aim of this study was to review literature concerning selective feticide (SF) in monochorionic pregnancies complicated with twin-twin transfusion syndrome, twin reversed arterial perfusion, severe malformation, and discordant growth. The remaining twins' outcomes were stratified for indication and surgical technique. Three hundred forty-five cases of SF were reviewed. Premature rupture of membranes was described in all the procedures and complicated 76/345 (22%) pregnancies within 4 postoperative weeks (59%) or later (41%; P = .52). Fetal demise accounted for 51/345 (15%), more frequently within 2 postoperative weeks (79%) than thereafter (21%; P = .004; odds ratio [OR], 6.12; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.81-20.70). Improved survival rate was achieved in surgeries after 18 weeks (89%) than earlier (69%; P = .02; OR, 0.28; 95% CI, 0.10-0.80) without differences for indication. Survivors were 86% after radiofrequency ablation, 82% after bipolar cord coagulation, 72% after laser cord coagulation, 70% after cord ligation. In spite of favorable outcomes, the optimal surgical approach remains undetermined.

Comparison of donor and recipient outcomes following laser therapy performed for twin-twin transfusion syndrome: a meta-analysis and review of literature.

We reviewed current literature about donor and recipient outcomes after laser therapy performed for twin-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS). Study inclusion criteria were monochorionic diamniotic pregnancies, TTTS diagnosed with standard criteria, survival, and cerebral anomalies rates defined individually for donors and recipients. Exclusion criteria were studies including triplets and monoamniotic pregnancies, therapeutic techniques different from laser therapy, data reported in graphs or percentage, and non-English language publications. Meta-analysis was performed by random effects model whenever heterogeneity across studies was > 25%. Fifteen articles were reviewed. Survival rate was 60% in donors and 70% in recipients ( P = 0.0002; odds ratio: 0.66; 95% confidence interval: 0.53 to 0.82). Neurological morbidity did not differ between twins (donors: 9% versus recipients: 10%; P = 0.66). This review shows that recipients are more likely to survive as compared with donors, whereas no differences are noted with regard to neurological morbidity. It may be hypothesized that a lethal injury (to which donors appear to be more sensitive) or a cerebral damage (with which donors and recipients are equally affected) occurs before the timing of surgery. Therefore, a study protocol to assess whether diagnosis of TTTS may be anticipated in the first trimester is proposed.

Comparison of six sonographic signs in the prenatal diagnosis of spina bifida.

AIMS: To compare the diagnostic accuracy of sonographic signs that may be looked for in fetuses with spina bifida. METHODS: Forty-nine fetuses affected by spina bifida were enrolled, at a gestational age of 18-28 weeks. The following sonographic signs were looked for: "lemon" sign, small cerebellum, effaced cisterna magna, small posterior fossa, ventriculomegaly and direct visualization of a spinal defect. RESULTS: The "lemon" sign was present in 53%, a small cerebellum in 96%, an effaced cisterna magna in 93%, a small posterior fossa in 96%. Ventriculomegaly was present in 40/49 (81%) cases and was severe in 20 fetuses and borderline in the remaining 20. The spinal defect was missed in one fetus presenting the cerebellar and posterior fossa signs. In two fetuses, the myelomeningocele was present without cranial signs of Chiari II malformation and in both cases the defect was covered by intact skin. CONCLUSIONS: Our results confirm the usefulness of evaluation of the posterior fossa in the diagnosis of spina bifida, particularly in cases of small spinal defects that may be missed at ultrasound. Conversely, myelomeningocele covered by intact skin was not associated with the cranial signs of Chiari II malformation.

Maternal morbidity following a trial of labor after cesarean section vs elective repeat cesarean delivery: a systematic review with metaanalysis.

This study reviewed maternal morbidity following trial of labor (TOL) after cesarean section, compared with elective repeat cesarean delivery (ERCS). Articles were pooled to compare women planning vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC) with those undergoing ERCS with regard to maternal morbidity (MM), uterine rupture/dehiscence (UR/D), blood transfusion (BT), and hysterectomy. The former group was subdivided into successful VBAC (S-VBAC) and failed TOL (F-TOL). VBAC was successful in 17,905 of 24,349 patients (73%). MM, BT, and hysterectomy were similar in women planning VBAC or ERCS, whereas UR/D was different (1.3%; 0,4%). MM, UR/D, BT and hysterectomy were more common after F-TOL (17%, 4.4%, 3%; 0.5%) than after S-VBAC (3.1%, 0.2%, 1.1%; 0.1%) or ERCS (4.3%, 0.4%, 1%; 0.3%). Outcomes were more favorable in S-VBAC than ERCS. These findings show that a higher risk of UR/D in women planning VBAC than ERCS is counterbalanced by reduction of MM, UR/D. and hysterectomy when VBAC is successful.

General vs local anesthesia for the percutaneous laser treatment of twin-twin transfusion syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to review our anesthetic experience in selective laser photocoagulation of communicating vessels (SLPCV) to treat twin-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS). STUDY DESIGN: A total of 266 consecutive eligible patients were studied. Twenty-seven patients (10%) underwent general anesthesia (GenA), 100 (38%) received total intravenous anesthesia (TIVA), and 139 (52%) received local anesthesia/conscious sedation (LocA). Maternal-fetal hemodynamic fluctuations were compared between groups. RESULTS: Maternal blood pressure decreased significantly in all 3 groups during surgery (P < .0001) but was more evident in the GenA and TIVA groups (P < .0001). Maternal heart rate varied significantly in GenA (P = .02) but was constant in LocA and TIVA. There were no significant differences in fetal heart rate changes between the groups. Intraamniotic bleeding occurred more frequently with GenA and TIVA than LocA(P < .0001). CONCLUSION: Local anesthesia is the safest anesthetic technique for SLPCV in TTTS patients.