Cervical funneling or intra-amniotic debris and preterm birth in nulliparous women with midtrimester cervical length less than 30 mm.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate whether the presence of cervical funneling or intra-amniotic debris identified in the second trimester is associated with a higher rate of preterm birth (PTB) in asymptomatic nulliparous pregnant women with a midtrimester cervical length (CL) less than 30 mm (i.e. below the 10th percentile). METHODS: This was a secondary cohort analysis of data from a multicenter trial in nulliparous women between 16 and 22 weeks' gestation with a singleton gestation and CL less than 30 mm on transvaginal ultrasound, randomized to treatment with either 17-alpha-hydroxyprogesterone caproate or placebo. Sonographers were centrally certified in CL measurement, as well as in identification of intra-amniotic debris and cervical funneling. Univariable and multivariable analysis was performed to assess the associations of cervical funneling and intra-amniotic debris with PTB. RESULTS: Of the 657 women randomized, 112 (17%) had cervical funneling only, 33 (5%) had intra-amniotic debris only and 45 (7%) had both on second-trimester ultrasound. Women with either of these findings had a shorter median CL than those without (21.0 mm vs 26.4 mm; P < 0.001). PTB prior to 37 weeks was more likely in women with cervical funneling (37% vs 21%; odds ratio (OR), 2.2 (95% CI, 1.5-3.3)) or intra-amniotic debris (35% vs 23%; OR, 1.7 (95% CI, 1.1-2.9)). Results were similar for PTB before 34 and before 32 weeks' gestation. After multivariable adjustment that included CL, PTB < 34 and < 32 weeks continued to be associated with the presence of intra-amniotic debris (adjusted OR (aOR), 1.85 (95% CI, 1.00-3.44) and aOR, 2.78 (95% CI, 1.42-5.45), respectively), but not cervical funneling (aOR, 1.17 (95% CI, 0.63-2.17) and aOR, 1.45 (95% CI, 0.71-2.96), respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Among asymptomatic nulliparous women with midtrimester CL less than 30 mm, the presence of intra-amniotic debris, but not cervical funneling, is associated with an increased risk for PTB before 34 and 32 weeks' gestation, independently of CL. Copyright © 2017 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Prenatal vitamin C and E supplementation in smokers is associated with reduced placental abruption and preterm birth: a secondary analysis.

OBJECTIVE: Smoking and pre-eclampsia (PE) are associated with increases in preterm birth, placental abruption and low birthweight. We evaluated the relationship between prenatal vitamin C and E (C/E) supplementation and perinatal outcomes by maternal self-reported smoking status focusing on outcomes known to be impacted by maternal smoking. DESIGN/SETTING/POPULATION: A secondary analysis of a multi-centre trial of vitamin C/E supplementation starting at 9-16 weeks in low-risk nulliparous women with singleton gestations. METHODS: We examined the effect of vitamin C/E by smoking status at randomisation using the Breslow-Day test for interaction. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The trial's primary outcomes were PE and a composite outcome of pregnancy-associated hypertension (PAH) with serious adverse outcomes. Perinatal outcomes included preterm birth and abruption. RESULTS: There were no differences in baseline characteristics within subgroups (smokers versus nonsmokers) by vitamin supplementation status. The effect of prenatal vitamin C/E on the risk of PE (P = 0.66) or PAH composite outcome (P = 0.86) did not differ by smoking status. Vitamin C/E was protective for placental abruption in smokers (relative risk [RR] 0.09; 95% CI 0.00-0.87], but not in nonsmokers (RR 0.92; 95% CI 0.52-1.62) (P = 0.01), and for preterm birth in smokers (RR 0.76; 95% CI 0.58-0.99) but not in nonsmokers (RR 1.03; 95% CI 0.90-1.17) (P = 0.046). CONCLUSION: In this cohort of women, smoking was not associated with a reduction in PE or the composite outcome of PAH. Vitamin C/E supplementation appears to be associated with a reduction in placental abruption and preterm birth among smokers.

Neonatal Genetic Variation in Steroid Metabolism and Key Respiratory Function Genes and Perinatal Outcomes in Single and Multiple Courses of Corticosteroids.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study is to evaluate the association of steroid metabolism and respiratory gene polymorphisms in neonates exposed to antenatal corticosteroids (ACS) with respiratory outcomes, small for gestational age (SGA), and response to repeat ACS. STUDY DESIGN: This candidate gene study is a secondary analysis of women enrolled in a randomized controlled trial of single versus weekly courses of ACS. Nineteen single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in 13 steroid metabolism and respiratory function genes were evaluated. DNA was extracted from placenta or fetal cord serum and analyzed with TaqMan genotyping. Each SNP was evaluated for association via logistic regression with respiratory distress syndrome (RDS), continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP)/ventilator use (CPV), and SGA. RESULTS: CRHBP, CRH, and CRHR1 minor alleles were associated with an increased risk of SGA. HSD11B1 and SCNN1B minor alleles were associated with an increased likelihood of RDS. Carriage of minor alleles in SerpinA6 was associated with an increased risk of CPV. CRH and CRHR1 minor alleles were associated with a decreased likelihood of CPV. CONCLUSION: Steroid metabolism and respiratory gene SNPs are associated with respiratory outcomes and SGA in patients exposed to ACS. Risks for respiratory outcomes are affected by minor allele carriage as well as by treatment with multiple ACS.

Onset and persistence of postpartum depression in an inner-city maternal health clinic system.

OBJECTIVE: Postpartum depressive disorders lead to maternal disability and disturbed mother-infant relationships, but information regarding the rates of major depressive disorder in minority women is noticeably lacking. The goal of this study was to determine whether the risk factors for and rate of postpartum major depressive disorder in a predominantly African American and Hispanic clinic population would be similar to those reported for Caucasian women. METHOD: Investigators systematically screened all women scheduled for their first postpartum visit on selected days at four publicly funded inner-city community maternal health clinics in Dallas County (N=802). A multistage screening process included the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale, the Inventory of Depressive Symptomatology, and the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV for a maximum of three assessments during the initial 3-5-week postpartum period. RESULTS: The estimated rate of major depressive disorder during the postpartum period among women in this setting was between 6.5% and 8.5%. Only 50% of the depressed women reported onset following birth. Bottle-feeding and not living with one's spouse or significant other were associated with depression at the first evaluation; persistent depressive symptoms were linked with the presence of other young children at home. Greater severity of depressive symptoms at first contact predicted major depressive disorder several weeks later. CONCLUSIONS: Rates of postpartum depression among Latina and African American postpartum women are similar to epidemiologic rates for Caucasian postpartum and nonpostpartum women. As previously shown for Caucasian women, major depressive disorder in many Latina and African American postpartum women begins before delivery, revealing the need to screen pregnant women for depression.

Intentional delivery versus expectant management with preterm ruptured membranes at 30-34 weeks' gestation.

OBJECTIVE: To determine maternal and neonatal outcomes in pregnancies complicated by preterm rupture of membranes (PROM) at 30-34 weeks' gestation. METHODS: A randomized controlled trial was conducted to study the benefits of expectant management in women hospitalized for PROM at 30-34 weeks' gestation. During this investigation, no tocolytics, corticosteroids, or prophylactic antibiotics were used. RESULTS: Sixty-eight women with PROM were managed expectantly and 61 were delivered intentionally. The mean gestational age at study entry was 31.7 weeks in both the expectant management and intentional delivery groups (P > .05). The mean gestational ages at delivery were similar (32.0 and 31.7 weeks, respectively). Other indices of pregnancy outcome (ie, birth weight, intraventricular hemorrhage, necrotizing enterocolitis, sepsis, respiratory distress syndrome, and perinatal death) were not significantly improved by expectant management. However, there was a significant increase in the incidence of chorioamnionitis and antepartum hospitalization in the women managed expectantly. CONCLUSION: There were no clinically significant neonatal advantages to expectant management of ruptured membranes at 30-34 weeks. Antepartum hospitalization was decreased by 2.5 days in those women randomized to intentional delivery.

Cervical dilatation and prematurity revisited.

Cervical examination between 26 and 30 weeks' gestation is described as a method for identifying women at risk for delivery before 34 weeks. Blinded cervical examinations were performed in 185 consecutive women, and 15 (8%) were found to have cervixes dilated 2 or 3 cm. The incidence of delivery before 34 weeks' gestation was 27% in such women compared with 2% in those whose cervixes were undilated or 1 cm. Other factors linked to cervical dilatation included parity and prior preterm delivery. However, parous women with cervical dilatation remained at increased risk for delivery before 34 weeks' gestation. We conclude that early third-trimester cervical examination may be an important adjunct in identifying women at risk for preterm delivery.

Correlation of measured amniotic fluid volume and sonographic predictions of oligohydramnios.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the measured volume of amniotic fluid (AF) in term gestations to the volume predicted sonographically. METHODS: One hour before elective cesarean delivery, 40 women had sonographic measurement of the AF index and largest vertical pocket diameter. At surgery, a suction catheter was placed into a 1-cm uterine incision and a second catheter was used to aspirate AF from the operative field. Hemoglobin concentration was measured in the collected AF to determine the extent of blood contamination. RESULTS: The mean measured AF volume was 532 mL (range 40-1692). The correlation coefficient between AF index and AF volume was 0.744 (P < .001). A similar value (r = 0.755, P < .001) was observed for the largest vertical pocket measured with ultrasound. CONCLUSION: Sonographic measurements of the largest vertical pocket and the AF index have similar positive correlations with measured AF volumes at term. Current methods of estimating AF volume have low sensitivity for detecting oligohydramnios.

The natural history of preterm ruptured membranes: what to expect of expectant management.

We asked the question: What can be expected of expectant management in preterm ruptured membranes? Our findings showed that ruptured membranes during the first half of the third trimester occurred in only 1.7% (N = 298) of 17,877 pregnancies delivered at our institution, yet accounted for 20% of the total perinatal deaths during the study period. Expectant management was seldom successful; only 20 (7%) of pregnancies with preterm ruptured membranes did not begin labor within 48 hours. The condition of preterm ruptured membranes was also frequently associated with other obstetric complications such as twins, breech presentation, chorioamnionitis, and fetal heart rate decelerations in labor. We conclude that preterm ruptured membranes is an uncommon but complex obstetric problem that remains largely unsolved.

Hypothyroidism complicating pregnancy.

Hypothyroidism rarely complicates pregnancy because most affected women are anovulatory. In this report, we describe 28 complicated pregnancies cared for over a ten-year period at Parkland Memorial Hospital. In the group of 16 pregnancies in 14 overtly hypothyroid women, maternal complications were common and included anemia (31%), preeclampsia (44%), placental abruption (19%), postpartum hemorrhage (19%), and cardiac dysfunction. Perinatal morbidity and mortality were also high mainly because of placental abruption, and reflected frequent low birth weight (31%) and fetal death (12%). In a group of 12 women with subclinical hypothyroidism, these complications were less impressive. We speculate that overt thyroid deficiency is associated with adverse pregnancy outcome related to preeclampsia and placental abruption. Thyroxine replacement probably improves these outcomes even if subclinical hypothyroidism persists.

Myocardial infarction during pregnancy: a review.

In the present review the world literature on pregnancy complicated by myocardial infarction is summarized, and two additional cases are presented. It is apparent that the majority of pregnant women who have died after myocardial infarction did so at the time of initial infarction, and maternal mortality was greatest if the infarction was late in pregnancy. Moreover, delivery within two weeks of infarction was associated with increased mortality as was reinfarction during labor. These results suggest that the increasing cardiovascular stresses of late pregnancy, especially when intensified by parturition, seriously compromise women with ischemic heart disease. Efforts should therefore be made to limit myocardial oxygen demand/consumption throughout pregnancy, and particularly during parturition. Although principles of management can be generalized, these high risk patients require individualization of care by a multidisciplinary team of cardiologists, anesthesiologists, and obstetricians.

Lecithin-sphingomyelin ratios in amniotic fluid of pregnancies with an anencephalic fetus.

As many investigators have shown that surfactant production in the developing human lung is subject to multihormonal regulation, the present authors determined the lecithin-sphingomyelin (L/S) ratio in amniotic fluid of pregnancies with an anencephalic fetus, in which there was known to be aberrant production of fetal pituitary, adrenal, and consequently, placental hormones. The L/S ratio in amniotic fluid from seven of eight pregnancies with an anencephalic fetus was substantially lower than that in amniotic fluids of pregnancies with a normal fetus at the same stage of gestation. The L/S ratio in amniotic fluid of an anencephalic fetus of a twin pregnancy (monochorionic diamniotic) at 34 weeks' gestation was low; the L/S ratio of the amniotic fluid of the normal fetus was high. These data are supportive of the view that fetal lung maturation is dependent, in part, upon normal function of the fetal pituitary and adrenal.

The national impact of ritodrine hydrochloride for inhibition of preterm labor.

Ritodrine hydrochloride is a beta 2-receptor agonist that relaxes uterine smooth muscle. It was developed specifically for treatment of preterm labor and was approved for this indication in 1980 by the Food and Drug Administration. Estimates of ritodrine usage in the United States were calculated based upon annual sales, and these were examined in relation to the incidence of births in 500-g weight categories less than 2500 g. We estimate that more than 100,000 women with preterm labor are treated with ritodrine annually, but this has had minimal if any impact on the incidence of low birth weight in this country.

The economic advantages of measured change in health care: an example from obstetrics.

To evaluate the economic effects of an increased oxytocin dosage for labor stimulation at a large urban hospital, a cost analysis of a before and after cohort, analytic clinical trial was performed. Delivery outcomes for two different oxytocin dosages were evaluated from the perspective of provider and consumer costs attributable to the oxytocin regimen. The high-dose oxytocin regimen resulted in an estimated provider and consumer cost savings of approximately $350,000 per year. We conclude that a small change in health care, such as an increased infusion rate of a single drug, can have economic advantages.

Forty weeks and beyond: pregnancy outcomes by week of gestation.

OBJECTIVE: To assess pregnancy outcomes at 40, 41, and 42 weeks' gestation when labor induction is done routinely at 42 but not 41 weeks. METHODS: We reviewed all singleton pregnancies delivered at 40 or more weeks' gestation between 1988 and 1998 at Parkland Memorial Hospital, Dallas, Texas. We excluded women with hypertension, prior cesarean, diabetes, malformations, breech presentation, and placenta previa. Labor characteristics and neonatal outcomes of pregnancies at 41 and 42 weeks' gestation were compared with pregnancies that ended at 40 weeks. Women with certain dating criteria had induction of labor at 42 weeks. Gestational age was calculated from the last menstrual period (LMP), sonography when available, and clinical examination. If the fundal height between 18 and 30 weeks was within 2 cm of gestational age, the reported LMP was accepted as correct. Sonogram was used to calculate gestational age if a discrepancy was identified. Statistical analysis consisted of chi(2) and analysis of variance. RESULTS: We studied 56,317 pregnancies: 29,136 at 40 weeks, 16,386 at 41 weeks, and 10,795 at 42 weeks. Labor complications increased from 40 to 42 weeks, including oxytocin induction (2% versus 35%, P <.001), length of labor (5.5 +/- 4.9 versus 8.8 +/- 6. 5 hours, P <.001), prolonged second stage of labor (2% versus 4%, P <.001), forceps use (6% versus 9%, P <.001), and cesarean delivery (7% versus 14%, P <.001). Neonatal outcomes were similar in the three groups, including 5-minute Apgar score less than 4, admission to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), umbilical artery pH less than 7, seizures, and perinatal mortality. Sepsis was more frequent in the 42-week group than the other groups (0.1 versus 0.3%, P =. 001), as was admission to the NICU (0.4 versus 0.6%, P =.008). CONCLUSION: Routine labor induction at 41 weeks likely increases labor complications and operative delivery without significantly improving neonatal outcomes.

Prolonged pregnancy: induction of labor and cesarean births.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the effects of labor induction on cesarean delivery in post-date pregnancies. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 1325 women who reached 41 weeks' gestation between December 1, 1997, and April 4, 2000, and who were scheduled for induction of labor at 42 weeks were included in this prospective observational study. Cesarean delivery rates were compared between those women who entered spontaneous labor and those who underwent induction. Women with any medical or obstetric risk factors were excluded. A power analysis was performed to determine how many patients would be required to show no effect of labor induction on cesarean delivery with a beta of.8 and an alpha of.05. Approximately 5200 patients would be required, taking an estimated 28 years to accrue at our institution. RESULTS: Admission to delivery was longer (5.7 compared with 11.1 hours, P =.001) and more likely to extend beyond 10 hours (55 compared with 24%, P =.001) in the induction group. Cesarean deliveries were increased in the induced group (19 compared with 14%, P <.001) due to cesarean for failure to progress (14 compared with 8%, P <.001). Independent risk factors for cesarean delivery included nulliparity, undilated cervix prior to labor, and epidural analgesia. Correction for these risk factors using logistic regression analysis revealed that it was the risk factors, and not induction of labor per se, that increased cesarean delivery. CONCLUSION: Risk factors intrinsic to the patient, rather than labor induction itself, are the cause of excess cesarean deliveries in women with prolonged pregnancies.

High-dose oxytocin: 20- versus 40-minute dosage interval.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether an increase in the oxytocin dosing interval would decrease the incidence of uterine hyperstimulation. METHODS: This study included 1801 consecutive pregnancies receiving high-dose oxytocin. Oxytocin was used for labor augmentation in 1167 and induction in 634 women. Twenty- and 40-minute dosage intervals were compared. The study period was based on an 80% likelihood of detecting 5 and 10% differences in the cesarean and hyperstimulation rates, respectively. Statistics were analyzed with chi 2, Fisher, and Wilcoxon rank-sum tests where appropriate. Multivariate logistic regression and analysis of covariance were used to control for confounding demographic variables. RESULTS: Comparison of the 20- and 40-minute regimens for labor induction yielded no differences in the rates of cesarean delivery for dystocia (16 versus 19%) or fetal distress (5 versus 6%). The 20-minute regimen for augmentation was associated with a significant reduction in cesarean for dystocia (8 versus 12%; P = .05). The incidence of uterine hyperstimulation was greater with the 20-minute than the 40-minute regimen for induction (40 versus 31%; P = .02), but not for augmentation (31 versus 28%). Neonatal outcomes were unaffected by the dosage interval for both augmentation and induction. CONCLUSION: A 40-minute dosing interval for high-dose oxytocin offers no clear advantage over a 20-minute interval. Both regimens were safe and efficient, with no differences in perinatal outcome. The 20-minute interval was associated with fewer cesareans for dystocia when used for labor augmentation, whereas the 40-minute interval resulted in less hyperstimulation when used for labor induction.

Outcome of twin pregnancies according to intrapair birth weight differences.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the clinical significance of twin intrapair birth weight differences. METHODS: This was a retrospective study of twin pregnancy outcomes. Intrapair birth weight differences were stratified into the following six groups: 14% or less, 15-20%, 21-25%, 26-30%, 31-40%, and 41% or more using the larger infant as the growth standard. Statistical analysis was done using the Mantel-Haenzel chi2 test. RESULTS: We studied 1370 consecutive women who delivered at Parkland Hospital, Dallas, Texas, between January 1, 1988, and December 31, 1996, and had twin gestations and live births or fetal deaths within 7 days of delivery. Greater birth weight discordance was significantly associated with preterm delivery due to intervention (P<.001). Noncephalic-cephalic presentations and cesarean delivery were also associated with greater discordance (P = .001 and .02, respectively). Neonatal morbidities, including low birth weight, intensive care admission, and respiratory distress, were all associated with higher birth weight discordance. Fetal abnormalities were more common with increased discordance (P<.001). Greater birth weight discordance was also associated with intrauterine fetal death. There were no differences in outcome for the smaller compared with the larger twin of the twin pair. CONCLUSION: Twin birth weight discordance is problematic because severe divergent fetal growth increases the risk of fetal death and leads to obstetric intervention and consequent neonatal morbidity due to prematurity.

Induced delivery prior to surgery for ruptured cerebral aneurysm.

Labor was induced by amniotomy at 34 weeks' gestation because of preeclampsia in a woman with a recent ruptured cerebral aneurysm prior to corrective neurosurgery. Neither labor nor vaginal delivery caused neurologic injury to the mother. Subsequent neurosurgery was successful and both mother and infant continued to do well several months later. These outcomes support management advised in the literature in circumstances not previously reported.

Chorioamnionitis and the prognosis for term infants.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the effects of clinical chorioamnionitis and labor complications on short-term neonatal morbidity, including seizures. METHODS: This was a retrospective cohort study of all live-born term infants who weighed more than 2500 g delivered between 1988 and 1997 at Parkland Memorial Hospital, Dallas, Texas. Infant outcomes were compared between women with and without clinical diagnoses of chorioamnionitis. Chorioamnionitis was based on maternal fever of 38C or greater with supporting clinical evidence including fetal tachycardia, uterine tenderness, and malodorous infant. RESULTS: A total of 101,170 term infants were analyzed, 5144 (5%) of whom were born to women with chorioamnionitis. Apgar scores of 3 or less at 5 minutes, umbilical artery pH of 7.0 or less, delivery-room intubation, sepsis, pneumonia, seizures in the first 24 hours, and meconium aspiration syndrome were all increased in infants exposed to chorioamnionitis. After adjustment for confounding factors, including route of delivery and length of labor, chorioamnionitis remained significantly associated with intubation in the delivery room (odds ratio [OR] 2.0; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.5, 2.6), pneumonia (OR 2.2; 95% CI 1.7, 2.8), and sepsis (OR 2.9; 95% CI 2.1, 4.1). Short-term neurologic morbidity, manifest as seizures, was not related to maternal infection during labor, but was significantly related to other labor complications. CONCLUSION: The main short-term neonatal consequence of chorioamnionitis is infection. Short-term neurologic morbidity in infants is related to labor complications and not chorioamnionitis per se.

Prenatal care and the low birth weight infant.

In this study the authors assessed human and economic consequences of low birth weight linked to the lack of prenatal care for indigent women. Low birth weight infants were defined as those who weighed between 860 and 2220 g, corresponding to the 50th percentiles at 26 and 34 weeks' gestation. Women seeking prenatal care had a significantly decreased incidence of low birth weight infants compared with those without such care. Concomitantly, low birth weight infants born to women with prenatal care had significantly better perinatal survival as well as less frequent respiratory distress and intraventricular hemorrhage. Because of these factors, infants born to clinic mothers used fewer neonatal intensive care days and had shorter hospitalizations. Hospital costs were reviewed for 175 surviving infants and failure to obtain prenatal care was associated with a 50% increase in costs for each infant. The frequencies of the most common pregnancy complications in women with and without prenatal care, coupled with corresponding obstetric interventions, suggest that such care facilitates identification and management of women at risk for delivery of low birth weight infants. The authors conclude that there are important human and economic advantages of antenatal care for indigent women.