Fetal heart rate evolution patterns in cerebral palsy associated with umbilical cord complications: a nationwide study.

BACKGROUND: The aim of the present study was to clarify fetal heart rate (FHR) evolution patterns in infants with cerebral palsy (CP) according to different types of umbilical cord complications. METHODS: This case-control study included children born: with a birth weight ≥2000 g, at gestational age ≥33 weeks, with disability due to CP, and between 2009 and 2014. Obstetric characteristics and FHR patterns were compared among patients with CP associated with (126 cases) and without (594 controls) umbilical cord complications. RESULTS: There were 32 umbilical cord prolapse cases and 94 cases with coexistent antenatal umbilical cord complications. Compared with the control group, the persistent non-reassuring pattern was more frequent in cases with coexistent antenatal umbilical cord complications (p = 0.012). A reassuring FHR pattern was observed on admission, but resulted in prolonged deceleration, especially during the first stage of labor, and was significantly identified in 69% of cases with umbilical cord prolapse and 35% of cases with antenatal cord complications, compared to 17% of control cases (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Hypercoiled cord and abnormal placental umbilical cord insertion, may be associated with CP due to acute hypoxic-ischemic injury as well as sub-acute or chronic adverse events during pregnancy, while umbilical cord prolapse may be characterized by acute hypoxic-ischemic injury during delivery.

Delayed versus early pushing during the second stage of labour in primigravidas under epidural anaesthesia with occipitoposterior malposition: a randomised controlled study.

This randomised controlled trial aimed to compare the effect of early and delayed pushing during the second stage of labour in women with occipitoposterior (OP) malposition. It included 184 nulliparous women with OP position randomised to early pushing in which women were allowed to push within one hour after full cervical dilatation or delayed pushing in which women were asked not to push for maximum of three hours or start pushing when the vertex was visible. The primary outcome was successful vaginal delivery. The rate of spontaneous vaginal delivery was significantly higher in the early pushing group (80.4 vs. 60.9%, p=.004) while the rate of instrumental vaginal delivery (30.4 vs. 15.4%) and CS (8.7 vs. 4.3%) was significantly higher in the delayed pushing group. Women in the delayed pushing group showed a significantly longer duration of the second stage (129.4 ± 7.5 vs. 61.6 ± 15.3 minutes, p<.001) and shorter duration of pushing (219.8 ± 74.8 vs. 693.9 ± 145.2 seconds, p<.001) .The rate of 2nd and 3rd degree perineal lacerations (19.6 and 13% vs. 5.4 and 8.7% respectively, p=.013) and vaginal tears (41.3 vs. 8.7%, p<.001) was significantly higher in the early pushing group. We concluded that early pushing during the second stage of labour is associated with higher rates of spontaneous vaginal delivery and vaginal and perineal lacerations.Clinical trial registration NCT03121274.Impact StatementWhat is already known on this subject? Occipitoposterior malposition is common during delivery especially in primigravida and is associated with higher rates of instrumental delivery and caesarean section. It can be managed through early or delayed pushing.What the results of this study add? Early pushing is associated with higher rates of spontaneous vaginal delivery, perineal and vaginal tears, shorter duration of second stage of labour, shorter duration of pushing, lower rates of both instrumental vaginal delivery and caesarean section.What the implications are of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research? Early pushing during the second stage of labour is associated with higher rates of spontaneous vaginal delivery and vaginal and perineal lacerations in women with OP malposition and should be tried and not delaying the pushing.

Excessive fibrinolysis detected with thromboelastography in a case of amniotic fluid embolism: fibrinolysis may precede coagulopathy.

Amniotic fluid embolism (AFE) is a catastrophic condition in the peripartum period and still remains as a leading cause of maternal death. Although over 80% of cases of AFE cases are accompanied by coagulopathy, the pathology of disseminated intravascular coagulation is not well understood not only because of its rarity but also because of the limited availability of laboratory testing in emergent clinical settings. We describe a case of AFE whose characteristic data for coagulation and fibrinolysis were timely depicted with sequential thromboelastography. We believe that the point-of-care, which provides information for both coagulopathy and fibrinolysis, may provide crucial data not only for the treatment of postpartum hemorrhage in daily clinical practice but also for the elucidation of AFE pathophysiology.

Severe Postpartum Femoral Neuropathy: A Case Series.

BACKGROUND: Femoral neuropathy is a rare complication of vaginal delivery that is often under-reported. It is marked by weakness and sensory loss in the lower limbs. This report presents 3 cases to outline possible prevention strategies, as well as to describe the process of diagnosis, management, and recovery for this injury. CASES: Diagnosis is made clinically, and prognosis is determined by clinical follow-up along with nerve conduction studies and electromyography. Management involves interdisciplinary efforts with physiotherapy. Prevention includes frequent repositioning and avoidance of hip hyperflexion during labour. The expected recovery period ranges from 2 to 24 months. CONCLUSION: Femoral neuropathy after vaginal delivery is under-reported. Though prognosis is often excellent, special attention to positioning during labour, prompt clinical diagnosis, and interdisciplinary management are essential for this rare injury.

Amniotic fluid embolism - implementation of international diagnosis criteria and subsequent pregnancy recurrence risk.

OBJECTIVES: An international diagnostic criterion for amniotic fluid embolism (AFE) diagnosis has recently been published. Data regarding subsequent pregnancies is scarce. We sought to implement recent diagnostic criteria and detail subsequent pregnancies in survivors. METHODS: A case series of all suspected AFE cases at a tertiary medical center between 2003 and 2018 is presented. Cases meeting the diagnostic criteria for AFE were included. Clinical presentation, treatment, and outcomes described. Pregnancy outcomes in subsequent pregnancies in AFE survivors detailed. RESULTS: Between 2003 and 2018 14 women were clinically suspected with AFE and 12 of them (85.71%) met the diagnostic criteria for AFE. Three cases occurred during midtrimester dilation and evacuation procedures, and the remaining occurred in the antepartum period. Of the antepartum cases, mode of delivery was cesarean delivery or vacuum extraction for expedited delivery due to presentation of AFE in 8/9 cases (88.88%). Clinical presentation included cardiovascular collapse, respiratory distress and disseminated intravascular coagulopathy (DIC). Heart failure of varying severity was diagnosed in 75% (9/12) cases. Composite maternal morbidity was 5/12 (41.66%), without cases of maternal mortality. 11 subsequent pregnancies occurred in four AFE survivors. Pregnant women were followed by a high-risk pregnancy specialist and multidisciplinary team if pregnancy continued beyond the early second trimester. Six pregnancies resulted in a term delivery. No recurrences of AFE were documented. CONCLUSIONS: Use of a diagnostic criterion for diagnosis of AFE results in a more precise diagnosis of AFE. Nevertheless, the accuracy of clinical diagnosis is still high. Subsequent pregnancies were not associated with AFE recurrence.

Perineal skin tear repair following vaginal birth; skin adhesive versus conventional suture - a randomised controlled trial.

This was a prospective randomised controlled trial comparing the effects of first-degree perineal tear repair using adhesive glue versus conventional suturing in terms of pain score, wound complication and patient's satisfaction. One hundred and twenty one women were randomised. The skin adhesive group had a significantly lower pain score at rest as well as during sitting, walking and micturition during the first week of delivery compared to the suture group. The time taken to become pain free was significantly shorter in the tissue adhesive group (3.18 vs. 8.65 days, p < .001). Only two patients who had skin glue experienced wound gaping. No significant difference was observed in the level of satisfaction between the adhesive and suture groups. Tissue adhesive is better than subcuticular suture for repairing first-degree perineal tear as it causes less pain and has shorter recovery time.Impact statementWhat is already known on this subject. First- and second-degree tears following vaginal delivery are common and involved a third of women. Suturing of these tears is advocated to avoid wound gaping and poor healing.What the results of this study add. For first-degree tear repair, tissue adhesive is better than conventional suture in terms of pain reduction and recovery time.What the implications are of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research. Skin adhesive is an ideal method for first-degree perineal tear repair especially in out of hospital settings such as home birth or midwifery-led centre. A larger scale study is needed to establish its feasibility for second- and third-degree tears repair.

Fetal heart rate pattern in term or near-term cerebral palsy: a nationwide cohort study.

BACKGROUND: It is crucial to interpret fetal heart rate patterns with a focus on the pattern evolution during labor to estimate the relationship between cerebral palsy and delivery. However, nationwide data are not available. OBJECTIVE: The aim of our study was to demonstrate the features of fetal heart rate pattern evolution and estimate the timing of fetal brain injury during labor in cerebral palsy cases. STUDY DESIGN: In this longitudinal study, 1069 consecutive intrapartum fetal heart rate strips from infants with severe cerebral palsy at or beyond 34 weeks of gestation, were analyzed. They were categorized as follows: (1) continuous bradycardia (Bradycardia), (2) persistently nonreassuring, (3) reassuring-prolonged deceleration, (4) Hon's pattern, and (5) persistently reassuring. The clinical factors underlying cerebral palsy in each group were assessed. RESULTS: Hypoxic brain injury during labor (those in the reassuring-prolonged deceleration and Hon's pattern groups) accounted for 31.5% of severe cerebral palsy cases and at least 30% of those developed during the antenatal period. Of the 1069 cases, 7.86% were classified as continuous bradycardia (n=84), 21.7% as persistently nonreassuring (n=232), 15.6% as reassuring-prolonged deceleration (n=167), 15.9% as Hon's pattern (n=170), 19.8% as persistently reassuring (n=212), and 19.1% were unclassified (n=204). The overall interobserver agreement was moderate (kappa 0.59). Placental abruption was the most common cause (31.9%) of cerebral palsy, accounting for almost 90% of cases in the continuous bradycardia group (64 of 73). Among the cases in the Hon's pattern group (n=67), umbilical cord abnormalities were the most common clinical factor for cerebral palsy development (29.9%), followed by placental abruption (20.9%), and inappropriate operative vaginal delivery (13.4%). CONCLUSION: Intrapartum hypoxic brain injury accounted for approximately 30% of severe cerebral palsy cases, whereas a substantial proportion of the cases were suspected to have either a prenatal or postnatal onset. Up to 16% of cerebral palsy cases may be preventable by placing a greater focus on the earlier changes seen in the Hon's fetal heart rate progression.

Association of pubovisceral muscle tear with functional capacity of urethral closure: evaluating maternal recovery from labor and delivery.

BACKGROUND: Vaginal birth is a risk factor for pubovisceral muscle tear, decreased urethral closure pressure, and urinary incontinence. The relationship between these 3 factors is complicated. Urinary continence relies on maintaining urethral closure pressure, particularly when low urethral closure pressure can usefully be augmented by a volitional pelvic muscle (Kegel) contraction just before and during stress events like a cough. However, it is unknown whether a torn pubovisceral muscle decreases the ability to increase urethral closure during an attempted pelvic muscle contraction. OBJECTIVE: We tested the null hypothesis that a pubovisceral muscle tear does not affect the ability to increase urethral closure pressure during a volitional pelvic muscle contraction in the Evaluating Maternal Recovery from Labor and Delivery (EMRLD) study. STUDY DESIGN: We studied 56 women 8 months after their first vaginal birth. All had at least 1 risk factor for pubovisceral muscle tear (eg, forceps and long second stage). A tear was assessed bilaterally by magnetic resonance imaging. Urethral closure pressure was measured both at rest and during an attempted volitional pelvic muscle contraction. A Student t test was used to compare urethral closure pressures. Multiple linear regression was used to estimate the effect of a magnetic resonance imaging-confirmed pubovisceral muscle tear on volitionally contracted urethral closure pressure after adjusting for resting urethral closure pressure. RESULTS: The mean age was just a little more than 30 years, with the majority being white. By magnetic resonance imaging measure, unadjusted for other factors, the 21 women with tear had significantly lower urethral closure pressure during an attempted contraction compared with the 35 women without tear (65.9 vs 86.8 cm H2O, respectively, P = .004), leading us to reject the null hypothesis. No significant group difference was found in resting urethral closure pressure. After adjusting for resting urethral closure pressure, pubovisceral muscle tear was associated with lower urethral closure pressure (beta = -21.1, P = .001). CONCLUSION: In the first postpartum year, the presence of a pubovisceral muscle tear did not influence resting urethral closure. However, women with a pubovisceral muscle tear achieved a 25% lower urethral closure pressure during an attempted pelvic muscle contraction than those without a pubovisceral muscle tear. These women with pubovisceral muscle tear may not respond to classic behavioral interventions, such as squeeze when you sneeze or strengthen through repetitive pelvic muscle exercises. When a rapid rise to maximum urethral pressure is used as a conscious volitional maneuver, it appears to be reliant on the ability to recruit the intact pubovisceral muscle to simultaneously contract the urethral striated muscle.

Maternal BMI at the time of birth and selected risk factors associated with severe neonatal outcomes: a secondary analysis of the WHO Better Outcomes in Labour Difficulty (BOLD) project.

The main objective of this secondary analysis was to describe the nutritional status of the Better Outcomes in Labour Difficulty (BOLD) project study population and determine possible associations between maternal nutritional status (as reflected by maternal BMI at the time of birth) and severe neonatal outcomes (SNO). We also analysed previous and index maternal pathologies to determine associations with neonatal outcomes. We used the classification designed by Atalah for maternal BMI and compared with the Hyperglycaemia and Adverse Pregnancy Outcome study one. To describe the nutritional status of this population, figures of distribution and test of normality related to weight and BMI were presented for the women and their babies. To explore the association between maternal BMI data and SNO, the χ2 test was performed. To identify a maternal characteristic or a group of characteristics that could predict SNO, we used Fisher's exact test using previous maternal pathology collected in the BOLD project as well as that in the index pregnancy. In this study, BMI at the time of birth was not associated with neonatal near miss or death. We found that previous maternal obesity, diabetes and chronic hypertension were associated with SNO. Maternal pathology in the index pregnancy such as other obstetric haemorrhage, pre-eclampsia, anaemia and gestational diabetes was associated with SNO.

Clinical Features and Associations of Descending Perineum Syndrome in 300 Adults with Constipation in Gastroenterology Referral Practice.

BACKGROUND: Outlet obstruction constipation accounts for about 30% of chronic constipation (CC) cases in a referral practice. AIMS: To assess the proportion of patients with CC diagnosed with descending perineum syndrome (DPS) by a single gastroenterologist and to compare clinical, radiological, and associated features in DPS compared to patients with constipation. METHODS: We conducted a review of records of 300 consecutive patients evaluated for constipation by a single gastroenterologist from 2007 to 2019, including medical, surgical, and obstetrics history, digital rectal examination, anorectal manometry, defecation proctography (available in 15/23 with DPS), treatment, and follow-up. DPS was defined as > 3 cm descent of anorectal junction on imaging or estimated perineal descent on rectal examination. Logistic regression with univariate and multivariate analysis compared factors associated with DPS to non-DPS patients. RESULTS: Twenty-three out of 300 (7.7%, all female) patients had DPS; these patients were older, had more births [including more vaginal deliveries (84.2% vs. 31.2% in non-DPS, p < 0.001)], more instrumental or traumatic vaginal deliveries, more hysterectomies, more rectoceles on proctography (86.7% vs. 28.6% non-DPS, p = 0.014), lower squeeze anal sphincter pressures (p < 0.001), and lower rectal sensation (p = 0.075) than non-DPS. On univariate logistic regression, history of vaginal delivery, hysterectomy, and Ehlers-Danlos syndrome increased the odds of developing DPS. Vaginal delivery was confirmed as a risk factor on multivariate analysis. CONCLUSIONS: DPS accounts for almost 10% of tertiary referral patients presenting with constipation. DPS is associated with age, female gender, and number of vaginal (especially traumatic) deliveries.

Interventions for Intrapartum Fetal Heart Rate Abnormalities.

Intrapartum fetal heart rate (FHR) decelerations may represent interrupted oxygen transfer to the fetus. In many cases, these interruptions are transient and do not result in progressive fetal acidemia with risk for asphyxia and neurological compromise. When significant FHR decelerations are present, reversible causes of reduced fetal oxygen delivery should be considered and corrective measures should be undertaken to optimize oxygenation. In this review, we describe potential intrapartum causes of reduced fetal oxygen delivery and the efficacy of common interventions for an abnormal FHR tracing.

Characteristics of labor-onset hypertension persist after neuraxial labor analgesia.

AIM: This study aimed to investigate the rate of labor-onset hypertension (LOH) under neuraxial labor analgesia and the effect of neuraxial labor analgesia on LOH. METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted in a tertiary university hospital from 2015 to 2016. Patients who were admitted to the hospital for vaginal delivery under combined spinal and epidural anesthesia were selected. LOH was defined as the elevation of systolic blood pressure (BP) to ≥140 mmHg or diastolic BP to ≥90 mmHg for the first time after the onset of labor. Cases of LOH that persisted after neuraxial labor analgesia (prolonged LOH) were further analyzed to determine the hypertension severity and therapeutic intervention rate. RESULTS: Among 775 patients, 213 (28.4%) developed LOH. Prolonged LOH was observed in 30 patients (3.9%). LOH severity and the likelihood of prolonged LOH were positively correlated. Therapeutic intervention was administered only to the patients with prolonged LOH, that is, to 100% of those with emergent hypertension, to 21.1% of those with severe hypertension during labor, and to 36.8% of those with severe hypertension, to 55.6% of those with mild hypertension in the post-partum period. CONCLUSION: The rate of LOH was reduced significantly after neuraxial labor analgesia. Patients with prolonged LOH should be carefully followed up during labor and in the post-partum period because such patients often require antihypertensive therapy.

The impact of extending the second stage of labor to prevent primary cesarean delivery on maternal and neonatal outcomes.

BACKGROUND: A low rate of primary cesarean delivery is expected to reduce some of the major complications that are associated with a repeat cesarean delivery, such as uterine rupture, adhesive placental disorders, hysterectomy, and even maternal death. Since 2014, and in alignment with the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine, we changed our approach to labor dystocia, defined as abnormal progression of labor, by allowing a longer duration of the second stage of labor. OBJECTIVE: To examine the effect of prolonging the second stage of labor on the rate of cesarean delivery, and maternal and neonatal outcomes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In a historical control group, we compared maternal and neonatal outcomes over 2 periods. Period I (9300 patients): from May 2011 until April 2014, when a prolonged second stage in nulliparous women was considered after 3 hours with regional anesthesia or 2 hours if no such anesthesia was provided. Second-stage arrest was defined in multiparous women after 2 hours with regional anesthesia or 1 hour without it. Period II (10,531 patients): from May 2014 until April 2017, allowed nulliparous and multiparous women continuing the second stage of labor an additional 1 hour before diagnosing second-stage arrest. Singleton deliveries at or beyond 37 weeks' gestation were initially considered for eligibility. We excluded women with high-risk pregnancies and known fetal anomalies. For comparing means, we used the t test. If variables were not normally distributed, we used the Mann-Whitney test instead. For comparing proportions, we used the χ2 test with continuity correction. RESULTS: The primary cesarean delivery was decreased in nulliparous women from 23.3% (819 of 3515) in period I to 15.7% (596 of 3796) in period II (relative risk [RR], 0.67; 95% CI, 0.61-0.74), a trend that was also significant in multiparous women (10.9%, 623 of 5785, in period I vs 8.1%, 544 of 6735, in period II; RR, 0.75; 95% CI, 0.67-0.84). The rate of operative vaginal deliveries in nulliparous women was higher in period II than in period I (19.2%, 732 of 3515, vs 17.7%, 622 of 3796, P < .0001). Rates of third- and fourth-degree laceration and of shoulder dystocia were also higher in period II. The rate of arterial cord pH < 7.0 and the rate of admission to the neonatal intensive care unit were higher in period II, but the early neurological outcome was not different when comparing the 2 periods. CONCLUSION: The new policy of labor management successfully decreased primary cesarean deliveries, with a small rise in instrumental deliveries. However, it also increased the other immediate maternal and neonatal complications. A higher rate of lower umbilical artery cord pH was the most significant finding; however, the early neurological outcome did not change. It is possible that the ongoing adjustment to the new labor protocol will avoid, in the future, maternal and neonatal complications. The long-term maternal and neonatal consequences of our new approach will be evaluated in future studies.

First stage of labor progression in women with large-for-gestational age infants.

BACKGROUND: Women with suspected large-for-gestational age fetuses have higher rates of dysfunctional labor and labor arrest diagnoses and, consequently, higher rates of cesarean deliveries. The identification of the factors that significantly affect labor progression of women with large-for-gestational age infants may better inform expected duration of labor for certain subgroups of this population. OBJECTIVE: Because the standards for the first stage of labor when large-for-gestational age is present have not been defined clearly, the present study aims to evaluate labor progress of women with large-for-gestational age infants who complete the first stage of labor after 3-cm cervical dilation. STUDY DESIGN: We conducted a retrospective cohort study of patients who were admitted for labor from 2004-2014 with a term vertex singleton who achieved 10-cm cervical dilation. Labor curves were constructed with repeated measures regression and were compared between patients who delivered large-for-gestational age infants (actual birthweight, >90th percentile for gestational age) and those who delivered appropriate-for-gestational age infants (actual birthweight, 10-90th percentile for gestational age). Interval-censored regression estimated median duration of labor after 3-cm cervical dilation stratified by actual infant birthweight and further stratified by parity (nulliparity vs multiparity), labor onset (spontaneous [augmented and not augmented] and induced labor), pregestational diabetes mellitus or gestational diabetes mellitus status, and maternal body mass index (obese, ≥30 kg/m2 vs not obese, <30 kg/m2). Multivariate analysis adjusted for confounding factors that were identified by bivariate analysis. RESULTS: Among all 17,097 women who were included, 15,843 women (92.7%) had appropriate-for-gestational age infants; 1254 women (7.3%) had large-for-gestational age infants, of whom 387 (30.9%) were nulliparous; 464 women (37.0%) underwent induction of labor; 863 women (68.8%) were obese, and 158 women (12.6%) had diabetes mellitus or gestational diabetes mellitus. Women with large-for-gestational age infants had a slower progression from 3- to 10-cm cervical dilation compared with those with appropriate-for-gestational age infants (median, 8.57 hours [5th, 95th percentile, 2.95, 24.86] vs 6.46 hours [5th, 95th percentile, 2.23, 18.74]; P<.01). In the large-for-gestational age group, dilation from 6-10 cm progressed slower in nulliparous compared with multiparous women (3.28 hours [5th, 95th percentile, 0.71, 15.16] vs 2.03 hours [5th, 95th percentile, 0.44, 9.39]; P<.01) and in obese compared with not obese women (2.36 hours [5th, 95th percentile, 0.51, 10.91] vs 1.79 hours [5th, 95th percentile, 0.39, 8.31]; P<.01). Labor curves did not differ between large-for-gestational age and appropriate-for-gestational age groups when stratified by labor onset (nonaugmented spontaneous labor vs induced labor) or the presence of diabetes mellitus or gestational diabetes mellitus. CONCLUSION: After 3-cm cervical dilation, the time required to reach the second stage of labor is greater in women with large-for-gestational age infants compared with those with appropriate-for-gestational age infants; these differences are most pronounced in nulliparous and obese women with large-for-gestational age infants in the active phase of labor (6-10 cm). Among women with large-for-gestational age infants, labor onset and presence of diabetes mellitus or gestational diabetes mellitus have no apparent effect on the duration of the first stage of labor after 3-cm cervical dilation.

Medium- to Long-term Follow-up of Obstetric Anal Sphincter Injury.

BACKGROUND: Obstetric anal sphincter injury is the primary modifiable risk factor for anal incontinence in women. Currently, endoanal ultrasound is most commonly used to detect residual anal sphincter defects after childbirth. Translabial ultrasound has recently been introduced as a noninvasive alternative. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to determine medium- to long-term outcomes in women after obstetric anal sphincter injuries diagnosed and repaired at delivery. DESIGN: This is a cross-sectional study. SETTINGS: This study was performed in a tertiary obstetric unit. PATIENTS: Between 2005 and 2015, 707 women were diagnosed with obstetric anal sphincter injuries; 146 followed an invitation for follow-up. INTERVENTIONS: Clinical examination, anal manometry, and translabial ultrasound were performed. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The primary outcomes measured were the St Mark incontinence score and the evidence of sphincter disruption on translabial ultrasound. RESULTS: Of 372 contactable patients, 146 attended at a mean follow-up of 6.6 years (1.7-11.9), of which 75 (51%) reported symptoms of anal incontinence with a median "bother score" of 6 (interquartile range, 3-8). Median St Mark score was 3 (interquartile range, 2-5). Twenty-four (16%) had a score of ≥5. Women who had been diagnosed with a 3c/4th degree tear had more symptoms (58% vs 44%), significantly lower mean maximal resting pressure (p < 0.001), maximal squeeze pressure (p < 0.001), and more residual external (p < 0.001) and internal (p = 0.012) sphincter defects in comparison with those who had a 3a/3b tear. Women with residual external sphincter defects had lower mean maximal squeeze pressure (p = 0.02). Residual internal sphincter defects (p = 0.001) and levator avulsion (p = 0.048) are independent risk factors for anal incontinence on multivariate modeling. LIMITATIONS: This study was limited by the lack of predelivery data of bowel symptoms and BMI and incomplete intrapartum documentation of tear grade. CONCLUSIONS: Symptoms of anal incontinence were highly prevalent (51%), with a high bother score of 6. St Mark scores were associated with residual internal anal sphincter defects and levator avulsion. Women who had a higher tear grade showed a higher incidence of residual sphincter defects and lower manometry pressures. See Video Abstract at http://links.lww.com/DCR/A824.

Severe maternal morbidity during delivery hospitalisation in a large international administrative database, 2008-2013: a retrospective cohort.

OBJECTIVE: This study utilized the Dr. Foster Global Comparators database to identify pregnancy complications and associated risk factors that led to severe maternal morbidity during delivery hospitalisations in large university hospitals based in the USA, Australia, and England. DESIGN: Retrospective cohort. SETTING: Births in the USA, England and Australia from 2008 to 2013. SAMPLE: Data from delivery hospitalisations between 2008 and 2013 were examined using the Dr. Foster Global Comparators database. METHODS: We identified delivery hospitalisations with life-threatening diagnoses or use of life-saving procedures, using algorithms for severe maternal morbidity from the Center for Disease Control. Frequency of severe maternal morbidity was calculated for each country. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Multivariable analysis was used to examine the association between morbidity and socio-demographic and clinical characteristics within each country. Chi-square tests assessed differences in covariates between countries. RESULTS: From 2008 to 2013, there were 516 781 deliveries from a total of 18 hospitals: 24.5% from the USA, 57.0% from England and 18.4% from Australia. Overall severe maternal morbidity rate was 8.2 per 1000 deliveries: 15.6 in the USA, 5.0 in England, and 8.2 in Australia. The most common codes identifying severe morbidity included transfusion, disseminated intravascular coagulation, acute renal failure, cardiac events/procedures, ventilation, hysterectomy, and eclampsia. Advanced maternal age, hypertension, diabetes, and substance abuse were associated with severe maternal morbidity in all three countries. CONCLUSION: Rates of severe maternal morbidity differed by country. Identification of geographical, socio-demographic, and clinical differences can help target modifications of practice and potentially reduce severe maternal morbidity. TWEETABLE ABSTRACT: Rates of severe maternal morbidity vary, but risk factors associated with adverse outcomes are similar in developed countries.

Levator ani muscle coactivation at term is associated with longer second stage of labor in nulliparous women.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the effect of levator ani muscle (LAM) coactivation at term on outcome of labor in nulliparous women. METHODS: This was a prospective study of 284 low-risk nulliparous women with a singleton pregnancy at term recruited before the onset of labor. The anteroposterior diameter of the levator hiatus was measured in each woman on transperineal ultrasound at rest, on maximum pelvic floor muscle contraction and on maximum Valsalva maneuver before and after visual feedback. LAM coactivation was defined as a reduction in the anteroposterior diameter of the levator hiatus on maximum Valsalva maneuver in comparison with that at rest. The association of pelvic hiatal diameter values and LAM coactivation with mode of delivery and duration of labor was assessed. RESULTS: No significant difference was found between women who underwent Cesarean delivery and those who had a vaginal delivery with regard to the anteroposterior diameter of the levator hiatus at rest, on pelvic floor muscle contraction and on Valsalva maneuver. Longer second stage of labor was associated with shorter anteroposterior diameter of the levator hiatus on all assessments, but in particular at rest and on Valsalva both before and after visual feedback. LAM coactivation was found in 89 (31.3%) and 75 (26.4%) women before and after visual feedback, respectively. Post visual feedback, women with LAM coactivation had a significantly longer second stage of labor than did those without LAM coactivation (83 ± 63 vs 63 ± 42 min; P = 0.006). On Cox regression analysis, LAM coactivation post visual feedback was an independent predictor of longer second stage of labor (adjusted hazard ratio, 1.499 (95% CI, 1.076-2.087); P = 0.017). CONCLUSION: LAM coactivation in nulliparous women at term is associated with a longer second stage of labor. Copyright © 2018 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Role of leucocyte caspase-1 activity in epidural-related maternal fever: a single-centre, observational, mechanistic cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Epidural-related maternal fever (ERMF) has been reported in ∼26% of labouring women. The underlying mechanisms remain unclear. We hypothesised that ERMF is promoted by bupivacaine disrupting cytokine production/release from mononuclear leucocytes [mononuclear fraction (MNF)]. We examined whether bupivacaine (i) reduces caspase-1 activity and release of the anti-pyrogenic cytokine interleukin (IL)-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1ra), and (ii) is pro-inflammatory through mitochondrial injury/IL-1ß. METHODS: In labouring women, blood samples were obtained before/after epidural analgesia was implemented. Maternal temperature was recorded hourly for the first 4 h of epidural analgesia. Time-matched samples/temperatures were obtained from labouring women without epidural analgesia, pregnant non-labouring, and non-pregnant women. The primary clinical outcome was change in maternal temperature over 4 h after the onset of siting epidural catheter/enrolment. The secondary clinical outcome was development of ERMF (temperature ≥ 38°C). The effect of bupivacaine/saline on apoptosis, caspase-1 activity, intracellular IL-1ra, and plasma IL-1ra/IL-1ß ratio was quantified in MNF from labouring women or THP-1 monocytes (using flow cytometry, respirometry, or enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay). RESULTS: Maternal temperature increased by 0.06°C h-1 [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.03-0.09; P=0.003; n=38] after labour epidural placement. ERMF only occurred in women receiving epidural analgesia (five of 38; 13.2%). Bupivacaine did not alter MNF or THP-1 apoptosis compared with saline control, but reduced caspase-1 activity by 11% (95% CI: 5-17; n=10) in MNF from women in established labour. Bupivacaine increased intracellular MNF IL-1ra by 25% (95% CI: 10-41; P<0.001; n=10) compared with saline-control. Epidural analgesia reduced plasma IL-1ra/IL-1ß ratio (mean reduction: 14; 95% CI: 7-30; n=30) compared with women without epidural analgesia. CONCLUSIONS: Impaired release of anti-pyrogenic IL-1ra might explain ERMF mechanistically. Immunomodulation by bupivacaine during labour could promote ERMF.

Obstetric anal sphincter injury: a systematic review of information available on the internet.

OBJECTIVE: There is no systematic evaluation of online health information pertaining to obstetric anal sphincter injury. Therefore, we evaluated the accuracy, credibility, reliability, and readability of online information concerning obstetric anal sphincter injury. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Multiple search engines were searched. The first 30 webpages were identified for each keyword and considered eligible if they provided information regarding obstetric anal sphincter injury. Eligible webpages were assessed by two independent researchers for accuracy (prioritised criteria based upon the RCOG Third and Fourth Degree Tear guideline); credibility; reliability; and readability. RESULTS: Fifty-eight webpages were included. Seventeen webpages (30%) had obtained Health On the Net certification, or Information Standard approval and performed better than those without such approvals (p = 0.039). The best overall performing website was http://www.pat.nhs.uk (score of 146.7). A single webpage (1%) fulfilled the entire criteria for accuracy with a score of 18: www.tamesidehospital.nhs.uk . Twenty-nine webpages (50%) were assessed as credible (scores ≥7). A single webpage achieved a maximum credibility score of 10: www.meht.nhs.uk . Over a third (21 out of 58) were rated as poor or very poor. The highest scoring webpage was http://www.royalsurrey.nhs.uk (score 62). No webpage met the recommended Flesch Reading Ease Score above 70. The intra-class coefficient between researchers was 0.98 (95% CI 0.96-0.99) and 0.94 (95% CI 0.89-0.96) for accuracy and reliability assessments. CONCLUSION: Online information concerning obstetric anal sphincter injury often uses language that is inappropriate for a lay audience and lacks sufficient accuracy, credibility, and reliability.

Delivery in Myopic Women: A Comparison of Mode of Delivery in Years 1990, 2000, and 2010.

BACKGROUND A belief has existed for many years that severe myopia is a direct indication for cesarean section or an instrumental vaginal delivery, although many academic papers negated this opinion. The aim of this study was to analyze the mode of delivery of myopic patients in the years 1990, 2000, and 2010. MATERIAL AND METHODS Medical records of 3027 women in labor from the 1st Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical University of Warsaw were analyzed in 3 time periods: year 1990 - group 1 (G1), year 2000 - group 2 (G2), and 2010 - group 3 (G3). Maternal age, severity and proportion of myopia, ophthalmological consultations, and mode of delivery were assessed. RESULTS In G1 there were 992 patients, in G2 there were 1010 patients, and in G3 there were 1025 patients. Myopic women in labor accounted for 20% of G1, 12% of G2, and 20% of G3. The mean maternal age was ±29.4 years in G1, ±30 years in G2, and ±31.5 years in G3. Myopia was divided into 3 levels of severity depending on the degree of refractive error: low myopia -6 DS. The number of ophthalmological examinations needed in myopic patients to decide on the mode of delivery showed an increasing tendency over the evaluated years, but the rates of referrals for cesarean section/assisted delivery decreased. CONCLUSIONS The proportion of myopic women in labor receiving ophthalmological consultations showed an increasing trend over time. Despite publication of the Ophthalmology-Obstetrics Consensus of the Polish Society of Ophthalmology guidelines, myopia still remains an indication for cesarean section (cesarian section), but not to shorten the second stage of delivery.