No. 239-Obesity in Pregnancy.

OBJECTIVE: To review the evidence and provide recommendations for the counselling and management of obese parturients. OUTCOMES: Outcomes evaluated include the impact of maternal obesity on the provision of antenatal and intrapartum care, maternal morbidity and mortality, and perinatal morbidity and mortality. EVIDENCE: Literature was retrieved through searches of Statistics Canada, Medline, and The Cochrane Library on the impact of obesity in pregnancy on antepartum and intrapartum care, maternal morbidity and mortality, obstetrical anaesthesia, and perinatal morbidity and mortality. Results were restricted to systematic reviews, randomized controlled trials/controlled clinical trials, and observational studies. There were no date or language restrictions. Searches were updated on a regular basis and incorporated in the guideline to April 2009. Grey (unpublished) literature was identified through searching the websites of health technology assessment and health technology assessment-related agencies, clinical practice guideline collections, clinical trial registries, and national and international medical specialty societies. VALUES: The evidence obtained was reviewed and evaluated by the Maternal Fetal Medicine and Clinical Practice Obstetric Committees of the SOGC under the leadership of the principal authors, and recommendations were made according to guidelines developed by the Canadian Task Force on Preventive Health Care. BENEFITS, HARMS, AND COSTS: Implementation of the recommendations in this guideline should increase recognition of the issues clinicians need to be aware of when managing obese women in pregnancy, improve communication and consultation amongst the obstetrical care team, and encourage federal and provincial agencies to educate Canadians about the values of entering pregnancy with as healthy a weight as possible.

Maternal and neonatal outcomes in pregnancies complicated by systemic lupus erythematosus: a population-based study.

OBJECTIVE: To determine maternal and neonatal outcomes in pregnancies complicated by systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). METHODS: In a retrospective cohort study using the Nova Scotia Atlee Perinatal Database, 97 pregnancies in women with SLE, with 99 live births, were compared with 211 355 pregnancies in women without SLE and their 214 115 babies. All were delivered in Nova Scotia between 1988 and 2008. RESULTS: In women with SLE, gestational age at birth and mean neonatal birth weight were lower (P < 0.001) than in women without SLE. On bivariate analysis, severe preeclampsia, Caesarean section, newborn resuscitation for > 3 minutes, respiratory distress syndrome, assisted ventilation, bronchopulmonary dysplasia, patent ductus arteriosus, mild to moderate intraventricular hemorrhage, retinopathy of prematurity, and congenital heart block in neonates were significantly more frequent in the women with SLE. Logistic regression analysis identified that having SLE increased the risks of Caesarean section (OR 1.8; 95% CI 1.1 to 2.8, P = 0.005), postpartum hemorrhage (OR 2.4; 95% CI 1.3 to 4.3, P = 0.003), need for blood transfusion (OR 6.9; 95% CI 2.7 to 17, P = 0.001), postpartum fever (OR 3.2; 95% CI 1.7 to 6.1, P = 0.032), small for gestational age babies (OR 1.7; 95% CI 1.005 to 2.9, P = 0.047), and gestational age ≤ 37 weeks (OR 2.1; 95% CI 1.3 to 3.4, P = 0.001). Neonatal death was not shown to be more common in women with SLE (RR 3.05; CI 0.43 to 21.44, P = 0.28). CONCLUSION: Mothers with SLE have an increased risk of Caesarean section, postpartum hemorrhage, and blood transfusion. They are more likely to deliver premature babies, smaller babies, and babies with congenital heart block.

Objectif : Déterminer les issues maternelles et néonatales dans les cas de grossesse compliquée par le lupus érythémateux disséminé (LED). Méthodes : Dans le cadre d'une étude de cohorte rétrospective menée au moyen de la Nova Scotia Atlee Perinatal Database, 97 grossesses chez des femmes présentant le LED (ayant donné lieu à 99 naissances vivantes) ont été comparées à 211 355 grossesses chez des femmes ne présentant pas le LED (ayant donné lieu à 214 115 naissances vivantes). Toutes ces femmes ont accouché en Nouvelle-Écosse entre 1988 et 2008. Résultats : Chez les femmes présentant le LED, l'âge gestationnel à la naissance et le poids de naissance moyen étaient inférieurs (P < 0,001) à ceux qui ont été constatés chez les femmes ne présentant pas le LED. Dans le cadre de l'analyse bivariée, nous avons constaté que la prééclampsie grave, la césarienne, la réanimation néonatale menée pendant > 3 minutes, le syndrome de détresse respiratoire, la ventilation assistée, la dysplasie bronchopulmonaire, la persistance du canal artériel, l'hémorragie intraventriculaire allant de légère à modérée, la rétinopathie des prématurés et le bloc cardiaque congénital chez les nouveau-nés étaient considérablement plus fréquents chez les femmes présentant le LED. L'analyse par régression logistique a déterminé que le fait de présenter le LED entraînait une hausse des risques de césarienne (RC, 1,8; IC à 95 %, 1,1 - 2,8, P = 0,005), d'hémorragie postpartum (RC, 2,4; IC à 95 %, 1,3 - 4,3, P = 0,003), de voir une transfusion sanguine s'avérer nécessaire (RC, 6,9; IC à 95 %, 2,7 - 17, P = 0,001), de fièvre puerpérale (RC, 3,2; IC à 95 %, 1,7 - 6,1, P = 0,032), d'hypotrophie fœtale (RC, 1,7; IC à 95 %, 1,005 - 2,9, P = 0,047) et de constater un âge gestationnel ≤ 37 semaines (RC, 2,1; IC à 95 %, 1,3 - 3,4, P = 0,001). Il n'a pas été démontré que le décès néonatal était plus courant chez les femmes présentant le LED (RR, 3,05; IC 0,43 - 21,44, P = 0,28). Conclusion : Les mères présentant le LED sont exposées à un risque accru de césarienne, d'hémorragie postpartum et de transfusion sanguine. Elles sont plus susceptibles d'accoucher d'enfants prématurés, plus petits que la normale et présentant un bloc cardiaque congénital.

Up-down determination of the ED(90) of oxytocin infusions for the prevention of postpartum uterine atony in parturients undergoing Cesarean delivery.

INTRODUCTION: Use of the lowest effective dose of oxytocin may reduce side effects. This study was designed to determine the effective dose (ED)(90) of oxytocin infusion for an elective Cesarean delivery (CD) to prevent uterine atony. METHODS: The participants were ASA I and II, non-obese, non-labouring adult women undergoing an elective CD at term with a singleton gestation. The spinal anesthetic technique was standardized, and a blinded infusion of oxytocin was administered after delivery. The obstetrician rated the uterine contraction as either satisfactory or unsatisfactory. The initial dose of oxytocin infusion was 0.4 IU.min(-1), and the dose for the next subject was based on the response of the preceding subject as per a biased-coin design up-down sequential method. The ED(90) was calculated using Firth's penalized likelihood estimation. RESULTS: Fifty subjects were screened, eight subjects were excluded, and two patients were withdrawn. Seven of the 40 subjects had uterine tone that was judged unsatisfactory by the obstetrician and required additional uterotonic medications. The ED(90), i.e., the dose at which 90% of women were judged to have satisfactory uterine tone, was 0.29 IU.min(-1) (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.15-0.43 IU.min(-1)). DISCUSSION: In this study, we found the ED(90) of oxytocin required to prevent uterine atony and postpartum hemorrhage after an elective CD to be 0.29 IU.min(-1)-approximately 15 IU of oxytocin in 1 L of intravenous fluid administered over a one-hour period-(95% CI 0.15-0.43 IU.min(-1)). This oxytocin infusion dose is 30% less than the clinical infusions currently in use. It remains to be seen whether this dosing will be required for higher risk individuals or for labouring parturients undergoing non-elective CD. (Clinical Trial gov. NCT00785395).

Obesity in pregnancy.

OBJECTIVE: To review the evidence and provide recommendations for the counselling and management of obese parturients. OUTCOMES: Outcomes evaluated include the impact of maternal obesity on the provision of antenatal and intrapartum care, maternal morbidity and mortality, and perinatal morbidity and mortality. EVIDENCE: Literature was retrieved through searches of Statistics Canada, Medline, and The Cochrane Library on the impact of obesity in pregnancy on antepartum and intrapartum care, maternal morbidity and mortality, obstetrical anaesthesia, and perinatal morbidity and mortality. Results were restricted to systematic reviews, randomized controlled trials/controlled clinical trials, and observational studies. There were no date or language restrictions. Searches were updated on a regular basis and incorporated in the guideline to April 2009. Grey (unpublished) literature was identified through searching the websites of health technology assessment and health technology assessment-related agencies, clinical practice guideline collections, clinical trial registries, and national and international medical specialty societies. VALUES: The evidence obtained was reviewed and evaluated by the Maternal Fetal Medicine and Clinical Practice Obstetric Committees of the SOGC under the leadership of the principal authors, and recommendations were made according to guidelines developed by the Canadian Task Force on Preventive Health Care. BENEFITS, HARMS, AND COSTS: Implementation of the recommendations in this guideline should increase recognition of the issues clinicians need to be aware of when managing obese women in pregnancy, improve communication and consultation amongst the obstetrical care team, and encourage federal and provincial agencies to educate Canadians about the values of entering pregnancy with as healthy a weight as possible. RECOMMENDATIONS: 1. Periodic health examinations and other appointments for gynaecologic care prior to pregnancy offer ideal opportunities to raise the issue of weight loss before conception. Women should be encouraged to enter pregnancy with a BMI < 30 kg/m(2), and ideally < 25 kg/m(2). (III-B). 2. BMI should be calculated from pre-pregnancy height and weight. Those with a pre-pregnancy BMI > 30 kg/m(2) are considered obese. This information can be helpful in counselling women about pregnancy risks associated with obesity. (II-2B). 3. Obese pregnant women should receive counselling about weight gain, nutrition, and food choices. (II-2B). 4. Obese women should be advised that they are at risk for medical complications such as cardiac disease, pulmonary disease, gestational hypertension, gestational diabetes, and obstructive sleep apnea. Regular exercise during pregnancy may help to reduce some of these risks. (II-2B). 5. Obese women should be advised that their fetus is at an increased risk of congenital abnormalities, and appropriate screening should be done. (II-2B). 6. Obstetric care providers should take BMI into consideration when arranging for fetal anatomic assessment in the second trimester. Anatomic assessment at 20 to 22 weeks may be a better choice for the obese pregnant patient. (II-2B). 7. Obese pregnant women have an increased risk of Caesarean section, and the success of vaginal birth after Caesarean section is decreased. (II-2B). 8. Antenatal consultation with an anaesthesiologist should be considered to review analgesic options and to ensure a plan is in place should a regional anaesthetic be chosen. (III-B). 9. The risk of venous thromboembolism for each obese woman should be evaluated. In some clinical situations, consideration for thromboprophylaxis should be individualized. (III-B).

Factors associated with maternal morbidity in the Term Breech Trial.

OBJECTIVE: In the Term Breech Trial, the risk of maternal morbidity in women who delivered after planning for a caesarean section (CS) was not significantly different from those who delivered after planning for a vaginal birth. We undertook secondary analyses to determine factors associated with maternal morbidity among 2078 women. METHODS: By using multiple logistic regression analyses, we determined the effect of prelabour CS, CS during early labour, CS during active labour, vaginal birth, and other factors on maternal morbidity. For 1536 women delivered after labour, we determined the effect of variables associated with labour on maternal morbidity. RESULTS: The risk of maternal morbidity was lowest following vaginal birth (odds ratio [OR] 1.0) and highest following CS during active labour (OR 3.33; 95% confidence intervals [CI] 1.75-6.33, P < 0.001). For those delivered after labour, a short active phase of the second stage of labour (< 30 minutes) was associated with the lowest risk of maternal morbidity (OR 0.25; 95% CI 0.11-0.57, P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: For women with a singleton fetus in breech resentation at term, maternal morbidity is lowest following vaginal birth and highest following CS during active labour.

SOGC Clinical Practice Guidelines: Obesity in pregnancy. No. 239, February 2010.

OBJECTIVE: To review the evidence and provide recommendations for the counselling and management of obese parturients. OUTCOMES: OUTCOMES evaluated include the impact of maternal obesity on the provision of antenatal and intrapartum care, maternal morbidity and mortality, and perinatal morbidity and mortality. EVIDENCE: Literature was retrieved through searches of Statistics Canada, Medline, and The Cochrane Library on the impact of obesity in pregnancy on antepartum and intrapartum care, maternal morbidity and mortality, obstetrical anaesthesia, and perinatal morbidity and mortality. Results were restricted to systematic reviews, randomized controlled trials/controlled clinical trials, and observational studies. There were no date or language restrictions. Searches were updated on a regular basis and incorporated in the guideline to April 2009. Grey (unpublished) literature was identified through searching the websites of health technology assessment and health technology assessment-related agencies, clinical practice guideline collections, clinical trial registries, and national and international medical specialty societies. VALUES: The evidence obtained was reviewed and evaluated by the Maternal Fetal Medicine and Clinical Practice Obstetric Committees of the SOGC under the leadership of the principal authors, and recommendations were made according to guidelines developed by the Canadian Task Force on Preventive Health Care. BENEFITS, HARMS, AND COSTS: Implementation of the recommendations in this guideline should increase recognition of the issues clinicians need to be aware of when managing obese women in pregnancy, improve communication and consultation amongst the obstetrical care team, and encourage federal and provincial agencies to educate Canadians about the values of entering pregnancy with as healthy a weight as possible.

Abnormal antenatal sonogram: an indicator of disease severity in children with posterior urethral valves.

PURPOSE: To review the association of an abnormal prenatal sonogram with most recent serum creatinine in patients with proven posterior urethral valves (PUV). METHODS: Since 1992, all live-born patients between 1992-2004 with clinically proven PUV, with postnatally proven PUV, from 2 pediatric tertiary care centers, were reviewed for age at diagnosis, most recent serum creatinine, presence of chronic renal failure (CRF) (serum creatinine >2 standard deviations above normal for age), or end stage renal disease (dialysis or transplant). Available antenatal reports from the 2 centres and surrounding community hospitals were reviewed for gestational age (GA) at the time of ultrasound, volume of amniotic fluid, and urinary-tract abnormality. RESULTS: Thirty-four patients with proven PUV and prenatal sonograms were identified (1992-2004). Eighteen patients had abnormalities on their prenatal sonogram, with poor outcome in 5 (mean follow-up, 8 years [1-13 y]). No specific features were identified on prenatal sonogram. Sixteen patients had normal prenatal sonograms, with poor outcomes in 2 (mean follow-up, 8 years [3-13y]). There is an increased risk of an abnormal serum creatinine among those patients with an abnormal prenatal study, odds ratio (OR) 2.6 (95% confidence interval, 0.35-32). CONCLUSIONS: PUV represents a spectrum of disease severity. A normal prenatal ultrasound does not preclude PUV. The majority of patients with a normal prenatal examination have good outcomes. The OR suggests that there may be increased risk for poor outcome in those with an abnormal prenatal examination. A multicenter study is necessary to obtain a larger sample size and more precise ORs.

Prevention and detection of diabetic embryopathy.

Congenital anomalies are more common in the offspring of women with type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus. Herein we define those anomalies more commonly found in the offspring of women with diabetes mellitus, and examine the role of hyperglycemia in their pathogenesis. We then discuss methods for the optimal screening and detection of embryopathy. We conclude by presenting evidence in support of preconception diabetes care to lower the risk of fetal anomalies in women with diabetes mellitus.

Factors associated with adverse perinatal outcome in the Term Breech Trial.

BACKGROUND: In the Term Breech Trial, the risk of adverse perinatal outcome was lower with planned cesarean section versus planned vaginal birth. We undertook secondary analyses to determine factors associated with adverse perinatal outcome. STUDY DESIGN: By using multiple logistic regression analyses, we determined the effect of prelabor cesarean section, cesarean section during early labor, cesarean section during active labor versus vaginal birth, and other factors, on adverse perinatal outcome. For 1384 fetuses delivered after labor, we determined the effect of variables associated with labor on adverse perinatal outcome. RESULTS: The risk of adverse perinatal outcome was lowest with prelabor cesarean section (odds ratio [OR]=0.13) and highest with vaginal birth. For those delivered after labor, labor augmentation (P=.007), birth weight less than 2.8 kg (P=.003), and longer time between pushing and delivery (P<.001) increased the risk, whereas the presence of an experienced clinician at delivery (P=.004) reduced the risk of adverse perinatal outcome. CONCLUSION: Breech infants at term are best delivered by prelabor cesarean section.