[Efficiency of Bakri intra uterine tamponade balloon use in postpartum hemorrhage: Before and after study]. / Efficacité de l'utilisation du ballonnet de tamponnement intra-utérin dans l'hémorragie du post-partum. Étude rétrospective monocentrique avant/après.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the impact of the introduction of intrauterine balloon tamponade on second-line management practices for post-partum hemorrhage (PPH). METHOD: This retrospective study was conducted in a tertiary care centre where arterial embolisation was not available. Two periods were compared, before (2008-2010) and after (2015-2017) the introduction of an intrauterine tamponade balloon protocol using the Bakri balloon. All consecutive patients with PPH refractory to sulprostone in the two periods were included. Outcomes studied were the incidence of invasive procedures (conservative surgery, embolisation, hysterectomy) as well as transfer to centres with arterial embolisation facilities. RESULTS: A total of 109 patients had refractory PPH, 44 in the first period and 65 in the second period. The proportion of all PPH cases which required sulprostone did not differ between the periods (24.2 and 29.3%, respectively, P=0.25). There were significant decreases between the first and the second period in the proportion requiring a transfer to an embolisation centre (79.6% during period 1, vs. 6.2% respectively, P<0.001), embolisation (20.6% vs. 0%, P<0.001), uterine compression sutures (13.6% vs. 3.1% P=0.04) and surgical management (22.7% vs. 7.7%, P=0.025). The decrease in the incidence of hysterectomy did not reach statistical significance (11,4 vs. 1,5%, P=0.095). Among 29 cases of PPH following cesarean sections (14 in the first period and 15 in the second period), we observed a significant decrease in transfer rates (66.7% vs. 0%, P<0.01), as well as decreases in embolisation (26.7% vs. 0%, P=0.10) and invasive procedures (60% vs. 28.7%, P=0.089), which did not reach statistical significance. CONCLUSION: The introduction of intrauterine tamponade was associated with a decrease in the need for invasive procedures. In a centre without access to on-site arterial embolisation, transfer rates were reduced improving patient comfort and reducing costs.

Prenatal description of retinal coloboma.

Retinal coloboma is a rare condition which is difficult to diagnose in foetuses. It can cause blindness. It can be isolated or associated with other malformations in various syndromes. Our objective is to describe the different prenatal ultrasound findings and management of coloboma. We describe a case of prenatal ultrasound diagnosis of retinal coloboma at 27.5 weeks of gestation. Our case adds to the 8 previously reported in the prenatal ultrasound literature, which together illustrate that microphthalmia is the main associated sign, present in 66.6% (6/9) of cases followed by retro-orbital cysts (44.4%) (4/9). These two ultrasound findings should alert us to a close examination of the eye to look for a posterior retinal cleft, the main direct sign of a chorioretinal coloboma.

Transvaginal ultrasound probes are human papillomavirus-free following low-level disinfection: cross-sectional multicenter survey.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the frequency of detection of high-risk human papillomavirus (hrHPV) on transvaginal ultrasound (TVS) probes and keyboards and evaluate operator compliance with national recommendations for prevention of cross-infection during TVS. METHODS: This was a multicenter observational survey involving 46 public and private centers, in the Paris region of France, in which at least five consecutive TVS examinations were performed per day. We audited 676 TVS procedures. We recorded preventive hygiene actions undertaken by the operator at three stages: (1) during TVS; (2) during probe disinfection; and (3) during preparation of the probe for the next TVS. After probe disinfection, we collected one sample from the bare probe and one from the ultrasound keyboard; following probe preparation for the next examination, an additional sample was obtained from the covered probe. The samples were tested for presence of hrHPV DNA using the Cobas® 4800 System. RESULTS: We did not detect hrHPV DNA in samples collected from uncovered or covered probes (0%; 95% CI, 0.00-0.55%). Keyboard samples were positive for hrHPV in two cases (0.3%; 95% CI, 0.04-1.07%). During TVS, the operator avoided touching the keyboard with a hand that had touched the patient's vulva in 86% of cases and held the probe with a gloved hand in 68%. Before probe disinfection, the operator wore new gloves, or performed hand disinfection in 8% of cases. The probe disinfection technique used was adequate in 87% of cases, not performed at all in 12% and insufficient in 1%. Before preparing the probe for the next scan, the operators disinfected their hands or used new gloves in 81% of cases. The probe cover and the coupling gel used complied with recommendations in 98% and 46% of cases, respectively. Of the seven preventive hygiene actions recommended in national guidelines, all were performed in 2%, three to six in 95% and two in 3% of observations. In four (9%) centers, disinfection was not performed in over half the observations. CONCLUSIONS: No evidence of hrHPV DNA was found on TVS probes and probe covers following low-level disinfection, despite suboptimal compliance with hygiene guidelines. Routine TVS practice could be made easier and safer with a global approach to probe disinfection and hand hygiene. Copyright © 2019 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Intrapartum group B Streptococcus screening in the labor ward by Xpert® GBS real-time PCR.

Group B Streptococcus (GBS) is the leading cause of neonatal infections in industrialized countries. Intrapartum antibiotic prophylaxis (IAP) given to colonized parturients is a key step for the prevention of neonatal early-onset infection. We compared the performances of Xpert® GBS polymerase chain reaction (PCR) (Cepheid, Sunnyvale, CA, USA) as a point-of-care system in labor wards to standard culture for intrapartum GBS detection. Pregnant women with a GBS-positive antenatal screening were prospectively included. A vaginal double swab was collected at the time of delivery for point-of-care Xpert® GBS PCR and GBS culture. A total of 565 pregnant women were included. Valid Xpert® GBS results were obtained for 488 (86.4%) women on the first attempt. Repeat testing improved the PCR success to 516 (91.3%) women. Among the 305 women positive for GBS by culture at delivery, only 238 (78.0%) were positive by Xpert® GBS PCR, cycle thresholds being correlated to culture quantification. Among 260 women negative for GBS culture, 56 (21.5%) were positive by Xpert® GBS PCR, including 50 where IAP was initiated before vaginal sampling. Overall, among the 565 women with GBS antenatal positive culture, only 335 (59.3%) were still positive at delivery whatever the technique used, resulting in unnecessary IAP for 40% of them. This large cohort study comparing intrapartum to antepartum GBS detection provides evidence that (i) Xpert® GBS PCR might be a valuable solution for intrapartum GBS detection compared to culture-based strategies and (ii) laboratory training of non-specialized staff is mandatory to reach the performances required for point-of-care tests.

Laparoscopy in the second and third trimesters of pregnancy for abdominal surgical emergencies.

OBJECTIVE: To assess complications and outcomes of pregnancies following laparoscopic abdominal surgery during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Retrospective single-center study of 23 cases of laparoscopic surgery in the second or third trimesters of pregnancy between January 2005 and May 2016. RESULTS: The laparoscopies were performed between 15 and 33 weeks of gestation, a mean of 23 weeks+2 days, with 6 cases in the 3rd trimester. The operations were: 11 cholecystectomies, 6 appendectomies, 1 intestinal occlusion (volvulus on a gastric band), 3 adnexal torsions, 1 ovarian cyst and 1 paratubal cyst with torsion. No secondary laparotomy was required. The postoperative courses were favorable in most cases. However, 3 appendectomies were complicated, one by chorioamnionitis and miscarriage at 20½ weeks of gestation and 2 by right iliac fossa abscesses requiring percutaneous radiological drainage, one of these women delivered a healthy term baby and the other had chorioamnionitis and preterm delivery at 34 weeks, followed by neonatal death. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopy can be safely performed for surgical indications in the second and third trimesters of pregnancy. In case of abdominal symptoms, a timely diagnosis is required to decide whether or not to operate and imaging should not be withheld particularly in case of suspected appendicitis which has a high risk of complications.

[Digestive surgical complications during pregnancy following bariatric surgery: Experience of a center for perinatology and obesity]. / Complications digestives chirurgicales après chirurgie bariatrique pendant la grossesse : expérience d'un centre de périnatalité et de chirurgie bariatrique.

OBJECTIVE: To describe severe complications during pregnancy requiring surgery in patients with a history of obesity surgery. MATERIEL AND METHODS: A retrospective study in a hospital with tertiary care perinatology and an obesity reference center, on all pregnancies following bariatric surgery over a 10-year period, analyzing all cases of surgical complications. RESULTS: There were 8 major complications related to the procedure in 141 pregnancies with bariatric surgery. The 2 complications in women with gastric banding were band slippage resulting in severe dysphagia, one of which leading to intractable vomiting and serious hydrolectric disorders. Among the 6 complications after bypass surgery, 4 were occlusions: 3 on internal hernias of which 2 with volvulus and 1 associated with intestinal invagination, as well as one with intestinal invagination only. One patient had a laparotomy for a suspected invagination which was not confirmed. The other surgical complications after gastric bypass were a hernia and an exploratory laparotomy for suspected intussusception which was overturned. There was no case of maternal or perinatal death. CONCLUSION: Pregnancies in patients with a history of bariatric surgery are at high risk, in particular for complications related to the surgery and thus require careful interdisciplinary surveillance, and determination of predictive factors.

[Uterine necrosis after arterial embolization for postpartum hemorrhage]. / Nécrose utérine après embolisation hémostatique des artères utérines.

Radiologic embolization of the uterine arteries is increasingly used to treat severe postpartum hemorrhage, as an alternative to surgical procedures. Guidelines have been published in order to standardize the indications as well as the technique. An important objective was to limit severe complications such as uterine necrosis. We report a case of a uterine necrosis after arterial embolization for severe postpartum hemorrhage due to uterine atony on a uterus with fibroids. This complication occurred despite the use of the recommended technique.

[What use of progesterone to prevent preterm birth?]. / Quelle utilisation de la progestérone pour prévenir la prématurité ?

Widely prescribed in the years 1970-1980 to prolong gestation, progesterone has regained interest after the publication of randomized trials since 10 years. In women at increased risk of preterm birth with a history of preterm delivery or late miscarriage, the use of progesterone, especially intramuscularly may reduce the incidence of spontaneous preterm birth. In contrast, in cases of preterm labor or twin pregnancies, progesterone efficacy to reduce preterm birth has not been demonstrated. In women with asymptomatic midtrimester sonographic short cervix, randomized studies show conflicting results and new studies are necessary before its widespread utilisation.

[Specific particularities of uterine scars and their impact on the risk of uterine rupture in case of trial of labor]. / Critères d'acceptation de la voie vaginale selon les caractéristiques de la cicatrice utérine.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the risk of uterine rupture in case of uterine scar in specific situations. To investigate whether ultrasonographic measurement of the lower uterine segment is predictive of the risk of uterine rupture. METHODS: French and English publications were identified through PubMed and Cochrane databases. RESULTS: Trial of labor after cesarean (TOLAC) is possible in cases of uterine mullerian anomalies, segmental vertical or unknown uterine incision, postpartum fever, cesarean delivery before 37 weeks during the previous cesarean (professional agreement). TOLAC can be considered if obstetrical conditions are favorable even if the delay is less than 6 months between the previous cesarean delivery and the date of conception of the following pregnancy (professional agreement). TOLAC can be considered after a previous myomectomy, depending on technical conditions under which the intervention was conducted (gradeC). TOLAC is possible even after previous hysteroscopic metroplasty for uterine septa or in cases of uterine perforation with monopolar coagulation (professional agreement). The type of uterine suture during the previous cesarean should not influence the choice of the route of delivery (professional agreement). TOLAC can be considered in cases of two previous cesarean sections if obstetrical conditions are favorable (professional agreement). Planned cesarean section is recommended from history of three previous cesarean sections (professional agreement). A planned cesarean section is recommended in cases of previous corporeal incision during cesarean (gradeC). There is not enough data to recommend ultrasonographic measurement of the lower uterine segment during pregnancy to help to determine the route of delivery (professional agreement). CONCLUSIONS: TOLAC can be considered, depending on obstetric conditions, in all situations studied, except in cases of previous obstetric corporeal incision or previous history of at least three cesareans.

[Prevention of mother-to-child transmission of toxoplasmosis: perspectives]. / Prévention de la transmission mère-enfant de la toxoplasmose : perspectives.

In France, screening for toxoplasmosis is mandatory during pregnancy, whereas it is not performed in most other countries. The rationale for prenatal screening is to allow for several levels of intervention: primary prevention by health education; in case of seroconversion, prophylactic therapy; prenatal diagnosis using amniocentesis; the possibility of termination of pregnancy (TOP) in case of severe cerebral lesions at ultrasound; in most cases of fetal infection, antiparasitic therapy prenatally as well as postnatally. The French Health Authority (Haute Autorité de santé [HAS]) called into question the screening policy, but maintained it for 5 years pending randomized clinical trials. Recent data is available to answer some of the questions, but not the place of prenatal therapy. The sensitivity of prenatal diagnosis has progressed, while the place of TOP has decreased. The incidence of toxoplasmosis in the French population has fallen. Some studies have shown evidence in favor of prenatal therapy for infected fetuses. However, studies of prophylactic therapy are disappointing. These studies are purely observational and concern mostly spiramycine. For the first time, a multicenter randomized clinical trial of prevention of mother-to-child transmission of Toxoplasma gondii is underway (the TOXOGEST study). The HAS guidelines are that any suspected toxoplasmosis seroconversion should be confirmed in a reference laboratory, and that patients should be referred to expert centers without delay. It is not recommeded to start therapy before such expert consultation. The reference centers should provide counseling and access to prenatal diagnosis and therapy options.

[Amniotic fluid embolism: report of the successful outcome of a case with inaugural cardiac arrest and early DIVC complicated by hemoperitoneum of iatrogen origin and bleeding of an hepatic adenoma]. / Embolie amniotique: à propos de l'issue favorable d'un cas avec arrêt cardiaque inaugural et CIVD précoce compliquée d'un hémopéritoine d'origine iatrogène et d'un saignement sur un adénome hépatique.

Amniotic fluid embolism is a relatively rare clinical entity and with difficult medical recognition. However, it is the second leading cause of maternal mortality. We report here the case of a 32-year-old patient who underwent elective caesarean section complicated by an amniotic fluid embolism with cardiac arrest. The presence of a major disseminated intravascular coagulation favored the occurrence of a retroperitoneal hematoma of iatrogenic origin on attempt of femoral venous catheterization and that of hemoperitoneum on bleeding of an hepatic adenoma. The diagnostic of amniotic fluid embolism was confirmed by the presence of amniotic cells in the bronchoalveolar lavage. The patient survived without sequelae.

[Amniocentesis trainer: development of a cheap and reproducible new training model]. / Simulateur d'amniocentèse : intérêts et développement d'un nouveau modèle reproductible et économique.

Amniocentesis is the most common invasive procedure for prenatal diagnosis. It is essential to master this sampling technique prior to performing more complex ultrasound-guided interventions (cordocentesis, drain insertion). Training is a challenge because of the risks associated with the procedure, as well as the impact on the patient's anxiety. An amniocentesis simulator allows for safe training and repeats interventions, thus accelerating the learning curve, and also allows for periodic evaluation of proficiency. We present here a new, simple, and cost-effective amniotrainer model that reproduces real life conditions, using chicken breast and condoms filled with water.

[Postpartum diabetes screening following gestational diabetes mellitus: practices in a university hospital and focus on the role of the general practitioner]. / Dépistage du diabète de type 2 après un diabète gestationnel : rôle du médecin traitant.

OBJECTIVES: Following pregnancies with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), to assess: the perception by women of the risk of subsequent type 2 diabetes, the rate of screening for diabetes in the postpartum, and identify the factors leading women to undergo screening, in particular with respect to the information given to the general practitioner (GP) by the obstetrical team. METHODS: A cohort study of all women with GDM who delivered in a single academic hospital between 1st June 2008 and 31st May 2009, based on data extracted from files and from phone interviews made 6 to 12 months after the delivery. RESULTS: Out of 152 GDM cases, 147 medical files were consulted and 124 phone interviews were performed. Fifty-one percent of the interviewed women were aware of the risk of type 2 diabetes. Eighty patients (65%) underwent postpartum glucose testing, out of which 69 were prescribed by the maternity and 27 women (22%) did not get any prescription. The compliance rate was 78% (53/69) for the hospital prescriptions and 100% (18/18) for the GP's prescriptions, a significant difference in uptake (P<0.05). Although it appears that the information given to the GP is the only factor improving patient awareness about type 2 diabetes (P=0.01), as well as their compliance to postpartum glucose testing (P=0.02), only 41 reports (28%) were sent to the GP out of the 63 reports (43%) mentioning the GDM. CONCLUSION: Postpartum testing for type 2 diabetes following a GDM was not optimal in this study. In view of the key role played by the GP in the postpartum period, it appears that cooperation between maternity and GPs needs to be reinforced in order to maximise both proper screening and diabetes primary prevention following GDM.

[Screening of gestational diabetes mellitus: a new consensus?]. / Dépistage du diabète gestationnel: vers un nouveau consensus?

The choice of thresholds to diagnose gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a topic of ongoing controversy. In 2008, the Hyperglycemia and Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes (HAPO) study showed continuous graded relationships between increasing maternal plasma glucose and increasing frequency of adverse perinatal outcomes. Macrosomia (birth weight>90th percentile for gestational age), primary cesarean delivery, clinical neonatal hypoglycemia and hyperinsulinemia (cord serum C peptide>90th percentile) were all related to each of the 3 glucose values (fasting plasma glucose and at 1 and 2 hours after the 75 g oral glucose test). The associations were continuous with no obvious thresholds at which risks increased. The International Association of Diabetes and Pregnancy Study Group (IADPSG) recently issued recommendations that the diagnosis of GDM be made when any of the following thresholds are met or exceeded: fasting plasma glucose: 0,92 g/L; 1 hour: 1,80 g/L; or 2 hours: 1,53 g/L after the 75 g oral glucose test. These criteria were chosen to identify pregnancy with increased risk of adverse perinatal outcomes. By the new criteria, the total incidence of gestational diabetes in the HAPO population was 17, 8%. Fasting plasma glucose (FPG) in early pregnancy appears as an important predictive factor. Higher first trimester FPG (lower than those diagnostic of diabetes) are associated with increased risks of later diagnosis of gestational diabetes and adverse pregnancy outcomes. Whether this new consensus will be adopted by public health bodies and professionals remains to be seen.

Prenatal diagnosis of 18q-syndrome: a case of fetal mosaicism with a normal karyotype in chorionic villi.

We report a case of fetoplacental discrepancy with normal karyotype on chorionic villi and deletion of the long arm of chromosome 18 on amniotic fluid. Cytogenetic tests were repeated because of a short corpus callosum on ultrasound examination. This 18q-syndrome has been reported to be associated with poor neurodevelopmental outcome.

[Cervical disease in postmenopausal HIV-1-infected women]. / Dysplasies cervicales chez les patientes ménopausées infectées par le VIH.

INTRODUCTION: An increasing number of HIV-1-infected women reaches the age of menopause. This infection is associated with a higher incidence of cervical squamous intraepithelial lesions (low-grade or LSIL, high grade or HSIL). The aim of our study was to describe the cervical disease in these patients during menopause. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Retrospective study, identifying all Pap smears and colposcopy in HIV-1-infected postmenopausal women between 1995 and 2008, in our hospital. RESULTS: Eighteen postmenopausal women, aged of 54 years (43-63), have HIV-1 infection since 7.5 years (2-25). Fifty-one pathological exams were reviewed in which 27 (50.98%) abnormal, including four (7.84%) ASC-US, 15 (29.41%) LSIL lesions, and seven (13.73%) HSIL. Ten patients had surgery (laser, conisation, hysterectomy) during the period. The evolution of cervical lesions was: stability in 40.48%, regression in 35.71% and progression in 23.81%. The median time to develop an HSIL at menopause was 5 years. CONCLUSION: In our study, postmenopausal HIV-1-infected women have most frequently LSIL and persistent. Monitoring of these postmenopausal women should be continued, the attitude to realise an initial HPV typing and confirmation of an abnormal annually Pap smear with colposcopic exam should be confirmed by larger study.

[Screening for gestational diabetes mellitus: Is it time to revise the recommendations?]. / Dépistage du diabète gestationnel : le temps est-il venu de revoir les recommandations ?

Universal screening for gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) has been a topic of ongoing controversy for many years. In 2005, the French Health Authority concluded that no recommendation could be issued because of insufficient evidence. Recently, several studies have clarified the issues. It is now clearly established that women with GDM, including mild forms, are at increased risk of perinatal complications. Randomized controlled trials demonstrate that treatment to reduce maternal glucose levels improves perinatal outcomes. Today, the rationale for screening appears unquestionable. There are simple screening tests. However, it remains difficult to define threshold values because there is a strong, continuous association of maternal glucose levels with increased risks of adverse pregnancy outcomes.

Prenatal and postnatal follow-up of a fetal interhemispheric arachnoid cyst with partial corpus callosum agenesis, asymmetric ventriculomegaly and localized polymicrogyria. Case report.

We report a case of a fetal interhemispheric arachnoid cyst associated with partial callosal agenesis and asymmetric ventriculomegaly. After second trimester ultrasound diagnosis and evaluation, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) at 28 weeks showed polymicrogyria laterally to the cyst. The parents decided to continue the pregnancy. The diagnosis was confirmed after birth by transfontanellar ultrasound examination and MRI. In the neonatal period, the child was sleepy and showed axial hypotonia. At 1 month of age, he had a normal neurological examination. Cyst-peritoneal shunting was performed at 5 weeks of age because the cyst increased markedly in size, and shunt revision was required at 8 months of age. At 17 months, he had mild left-side hemiparesis but he could walk alone and had begun to speak. To date, the child never experienced seizures. We review other published cases and discuss the postnatal outcome of this rare association.

[Pregnancy and psychoactives substances: prevalence study based on the declared consumption]. / Grossesse et substances psychoactives: étude de prévalence de la consommation déclarée.

OBJECTIVES: Evaluate substance use (tobacco, alcohol, psychotropic drugs, illicit drugs) declared before and during pregnancy. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Two hundred and forty-five pregnant women were interviewed through a self-administered and anonymous questionnaire as they were going to a prenatal consultation in a maternity hospital in the Parisian area. RESULTS: Before pregnancy, 16.3% of women reported smoking and 10.2% carried on smoking during pregnancy. Altogether, 40.8% of women reported alcohol consumption before pregnancy; 25.3% of women had contact with alcohol during pregnancy; 4.5% reported tobacco and alcohol consumption during pregnancy. During the month preceding the study, the consumption of psychotropic drugs (hypnotics, antidepressants or sedatives) was reported by 3.7% of women and that of marijuana by 2.4%. Moreover, the marijuana consumers, who tend to drink alcohol more often, combine important social and familial difficulties and represent a high-risk group. CONCLUSION: Tobacco and alcohol use in this study were lower than in any previously conducted French surveys. Methodological specificities and cultural factors might explain those results. However, this is the first study that asses substance use and marijuana use, in particular, by French pregnant women.

Intrapericardial teratoma with hydrops leading to in utero demise.

We report a case of intrapericardial teratoma following in utero demise at 29 weeks with nonimmune hydrops. The diagnosis was strongly suggested by ultrasound findings and confirmed by fetopathology. The mechanism whereby intrapericardial teratomas may lead to hydrops and death is massive pericardial effusion responsible for compressive tamponade. When prenatal diagnosis is performed before this stage, in utero interventions can obtain decompression, and the birth can be planned with rapid and appropriate management of the neonate.