Incidence, causes, and maternofetal outcomes of obstructed labor in Ethiopia: systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Obstructed labor is a preventable obstetric complication. However, it is an important cause of maternal mortality and morbidity and of adverse outcomes for newborns in resource-limited countries in which undernutrition is common resulting in a small pelvis in which there is no easy access to functioning health facilities with a capacity to carry out operative deliveries. Therefore, this systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to estimate the incidence, causes, and maternofetal outcomes of obstructed labor among mothers who gave birth in Ethiopia. METHOD: for this review, we used the standard PRISMA checklist guideline. Different online databases were used for the review: PubMed, Google Scholar, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, HINARI, AFRO Library Databases, and African Online Journals. Based on the adapted PICO principles, different search terms were applied to achieve and access the essential articles. The search included all published and unpublished observational studies written only in the English language and conducted in Ethiopia. Microsoft Excel 16 was used for data entrance, and Stata version 11.0 (Stata Corporation, College Station, Texas, USA) was used for data analysis. RESULTS: I included sixteen (16) primary studies with twenty-eight thousand five hundred ninety-one (28,591) mothers who gave birth in Ethiopia. The pooled incidence of obstructed labor in Ethiopia was 12.93% (95% CI: 10.44-15.42, I2 = 98.0%, p < 0.001). Out of these, 67.3% (95% CI: 33.32-101.28) did not have antenatal care follow-up, 77.86% (95% CI: 63.07-92.66) were from the rural area, and 58.52% (95% CI: 35.73- 82.31) were referred from health centers and visited hospitals after 12 h of labor. The major causes of obstructed labor were cephalo-pelvic disproportion 64.65% (95% CI: 57.15- 72.14), and malpresentation and malposition in 27.24% (95% CI: 22.05-32.42) of the cases. The commonest complications were sepsis in 38.59% (95% CI: 25.49-51.68), stillbirth in 38.08% (95% CI: 29.55-46.61), postpartum hemorrhage in 33.54% (95% CI:12.06- 55.02), uterine rupture in 29.84% (95% CI: 21.09-38.58), and maternal death in 17.27% (95% CI: 13.47-48.02) of mothers who gave birth in Ethiopia. CONCLUSION: This systematic review and meta-analysis showed that the incidence of obstructed labor was high in Ethiopia. Not having antenatal care follow-up, rural residency, and visiting hospitals after 12 h of labor increased the incidence of obstructed labor. The major causes of obstructed labor were cephalo-pelvic disproportion, and malpresentation and malpresentation. Additionally, the commonest complications were sepsis, stillbirth, postpartum hemorrhage, uterine rupture, and maternal death. Thus, promoting antenatal care service utilization, a good referral system, and availing comprehensive obstetric care in nearby health institutions are recommended to prevent the incidence of obstructed labor and its complications.

Evolution of the human pelvis and obstructed labor: new explanations of an old obstetrical dilemma.

Without cesarean delivery, obstructed labor can result in maternal and fetal injuries or even death given a disproportion in size between the fetus and the maternal birth canal. The precise frequency of obstructed labor is difficult to estimate because of the widespread use of cesarean delivery for indications other than proven cephalopelvic disproportion, but it has been estimated that at least 1 million mothers per year are affected by this disorder worldwide. Why is the fit between the fetus and the maternal pelvis so tight? Why did evolution not lead to a greater safety margin, as in other primates? Here we review current research and suggest new hypotheses on the evolution of human childbirth and pelvic morphology. In 1960, Washburn suggested that this obstetrical dilemma arose because the human pelvis is an evolutionary compromise between two functions, bipedal gait and childbirth. However, recent biomechanical and kinematic studies indicate that pelvic width does not considerably affect the efficiency of bipedal gait and thus is unlikely to have constrained the evolution of a wider birth canal. Instead, bipedalism may have primarily constrained the flexibility of the pubic symphysis during pregnancy, which opens much wider in most mammals with large fetuses than in humans. We argue that the birth canal is mainly constrained by the trade-off between 2 pregnancy-related functions: while a narrow pelvis is disadvantageous for childbirth, it offers better support for the weight exerted by the viscera and the large human fetus during the long gestation period. We discuss the implications of this hypothesis for understanding pelvic floor dysfunction. Furthermore, we propose that selection for a narrow pelvis has also acted in males because of the role of pelvic floor musculature in erectile function. Finally, we review the cliff-edge model of obstetric selection to explain why evolution cannot completely eliminate cephalopelvic disproportion. This model also predicts that the regular application of life-saving cesarean delivery has evolutionarily increased rates of cephalopelvic disproportion already. We address how evolutionary models contribute to understanding and decision making in obstetrics and gynecology as well as in devising health care policies.

Differences in rate and medical indication of caesarean section between Germany and Japan.

BACKGROUND: There are growing concerns about the increasing rate of caesarean section (CS) worldwide. Various strategies have been implemented to reduce the proportion of CS to a reasonable level. Most research on medical indications for CS focuses on nationwide evaluations. Comparative research between different countries is sparse. The aim of this study was to evaluate differences in the rate and indications for CS between Japan and Germany in 2012 and 2013. METHODS: Comparison of the overall rate and medical indications for CS in two cohort studies from Germany and Japan. We used data from the German Perinatal Survey and the Japan Environment and Children's Study (JECS). RESULTS: We analyzed data of 1 335 150 participants from the German perinatal survey and of 62 533 participants from JECS and found significant differences between the two countries in CS rate (30.6% vs 20.6%) and main medical indications: cephalopelvic disproportion (3.2% vs 1.3%; OR: 2.4 [95% CI: 2.2-2.6]), fetal distress (7.3% vs 2.3%; OR: 3.4 [95%-CI: 3.2-3.6]), and past uterine surgery/repeat CS (8.4% vs 8.8%; OR: 0.9 [95%-CI: 0.9-1]). CONCLUSION: There are differences in the rate and medical indications for CS between Germany and Japan at the population level. Fetal distress was identified as a medical indication for CS more often Germany than in Japan. Considering the substantial diagnostic uncertainty of electronic fetal monitoring (EFM) as the major indicator for fetal distress, it would seem to be reasonable to rethink CS decision algorithms.

Cliff-edge model of obstetric selection in humans.

The strikingly high incidence of obstructed labor due to the disproportion of fetal size and the mother's pelvic dimensions has puzzled evolutionary scientists for decades. Here we propose that these high rates are a direct consequence of the distinct characteristics of human obstetric selection. Neonatal size relative to the birth-relevant maternal dimensions is highly variable and positively associated with reproductive success until it reaches a critical value, beyond which natural delivery becomes impossible. As a consequence, the symmetric phenotype distribution cannot match the highly asymmetric, cliff-edged fitness distribution well: The optimal phenotype distribution that maximizes population mean fitness entails a fraction of individuals falling beyond the "fitness edge" (i.e., those with fetopelvic disproportion). Using a simple mathematical model, we show that weak directional selection for a large neonate, a narrow pelvic canal, or both is sufficient to account for the considerable incidence of fetopelvic disproportion. Based on this model, we predict that the regular use of Caesarean sections throughout the last decades has led to an evolutionary increase of fetopelvic disproportion rates by 10 to 20%.

Pregnancy outcome in unbooked mothers at a tertiary health institution, South-South, Nigeria.

Background: Maternal complications and poor perinatal outcome are highly associated with non-utilisation of antenatal and delivery care services. The study aimed at determining the socio-demographical characteristics and feto-maternal outcome in unbooked mothers who delivered at a tertiary referral hospital. Materials and Methods: A retrospective study of all unbooked patients managed at the Obstetric unit of the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital (UPTH), Nigeria from January 1, 2009 to December 31, 2013. Data obtained from the theatre records, delivery registers and case notes were analysed using the statistical package SPSS 20. Results: Unbooked mothers constituted 15.8% (2,490) of the deliveries. Majority (81.7%) of the women were aged 20-34 years with a mean age of 30.8 ± 4.5 years. More than half of the women were Para 1-4 (61.3%). Emergency caesarean section was the mode of delivery in 58.7% of the women. The commonest indication for caesarean section was cephalopelvic disproportion (40%) followed by Obstructed labour (26%). There were 149 maternal deaths, giving maternal mortality ratio of 4654.8/100,000. The perinatal mortality rate was 331.7/1000 births. Conclusion: The study showed a positive correlation between lack of proper antenatal care and adverse pregnancy outcome in unbooked patients. Improvement in the socioeconomic conditions of the populace especially women and the removal of fee for service in maternal care services will help to improve the availability and accessibility of good quality antenatal care.

Fetal pelvic index to predict cephalopelvic disproportion - a retrospective clinical cohort study.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the diagnostic accuracy of the fetal pelvic index to predict cephalopelvic disproportion. DESIGN: Retrospective observational cohort study. SETTING: Pregnant women who had been examined by X-ray or magnetic resonance imaging pelvimetry because of an increased risk of fetal-pelvic disproportion during 2000-2008 in North Karelia Central Hospital. POPULATION: A total of 274 pregnant women. METHODS: Univariable and multivariable regression analyses were carried out to identify risk factors for cesarean section. Diagnostic accuracy was tested with a receiver operating characteristic curve, and the optimal cut-off value for fetal pelvic index was calculated. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Cesarean section rates. RESULTS: A total of 242 women delivered vaginally, and 32 delivered with cesarean section caused by labor arrest. In multivariable modeling, the fetal pelvic index, maternal pelvic inlet size, fetal head circumference and maternal age were significantly associated with a risk of cesarean section. In the receiver operating characteristic analysis, the area under curve was 0.686 with a p-value of 0.001 and a 95% confidence interval of 0.595-0.778. The optimal fetal pelvic index cut-off value according to the receiver operating characteristic was -0.65. The cesarean section rate was 8% below the fetal pelvic index value of -0.65 and 20% above the fetal pelvic index value of -0.65. CONCLUSIONS: The fetal pelvic index was not a clinically useful tool to predict the mode of delivery for patients at high risk of cephalopelvic disproportion. The pooled analysis of the current and previous studies strengthened this conclusion.

Cross sectional study in China: fetal gender has adverse perinatal outcomes in mainland China.

BACKGROUND: The association between fetal gender and pregnancy outcomes has been thoroughly demonstrated in western populations. However, this association has not been thoroughly documented in China. The primary objective of the present study is to determine whether the association of adverse pregnancy and labour outcomes with male fetuses applies to the Chinese population. METHODS: This cross-sectional hospital-based retrospective survey collected data from thirty-nine hospitals in 2011 in mainland China. A total of 109,722 women with singleton pregnancy who delivered after 28 weeks of gestation were included. RESULTS: Of these pregnancies, the male-to-female sex ratio was 1.2. The rates of preterm birth (7.3% for males, 6.5% for females) and fetal macrosomia (8.3% for males, 5.1% for females) were higher for male newborns, whereas fetal growth restriction (8.0% for females, 5.4% for males) and malpresentation (4.3% for females, 3.6% for males) were more frequent among female-bearing mothers. A male fetus was associated with an increased incidence of operative vaginal delivery (1.3% for males, 1.1% for females), caesarean delivery (55.0% for males, 52.9% for females), and cephalopelvic disproportion/failure to progress (10.0% for males, 9.2% for female). Male gender was also significantly associated with lower Apgar scores (<7 at 5 min, adjusted odds ratio 1.3, 95% CI 1.0-1.6), as well as a neonatal intensive care unit admission and neonatal death, even after adjustments for confounders (adjusted odds ratio 1.3, 95% CI 1.1-1.5, adjusted odds ratio 1.4, 95% CI 1.1-1.8). CONCLUSION: We confirm the existence of obvious neonatal gender bias and adverse outcomes for male fetuses during pregnancy and labour in our population. Further research is required to understand the mechanisms and clinical implications of this phenomenon.

Pregnancy outcome and predictive factors for adverse pregnancy outcomes of cephalopelvic disproportion pregnancies in a resource-limited setting with an efficient referral system.

OBJECTIVE: Small local hospitals with inexperiencedpersonnel often have adverse incidence that could be prevented. A good referral system could reduce this unnecessary death rate. The present study was conducted to determine the pregnancy outcomes of cephalopelvic disproportion (CPD) cases that were referred for cesarean section at a tertiary center and presented the predictivefactorsfor adverse pregnancy outcomes. MATERIAL AND METHOD: A retrospective study that descriptively presented the adverse pregnancy outcome in referred CPD pregnancies and analyzed for predictive factor of overall adverse pregnancy outcome. RESULTS: One hundred ninety five referred CPD pregnancies were included in this study. The mean duration ± SD from CPD diagnosis to childbirth was 232.32±103.75 minutes. Pregnancy additional complication was found in 42/195 (21.5%) cases, but there were no maternal or neonatal mortalities. The NICU admission and postpartum hemorrhage rates were 21.5% and 12.3%, respectively. Obesity BMI was associated with an increased risk of overall adverse maternal outcomes (OR 3.12). Previously complicated pregnancy and cervical dilatation at CPD diagnosis were significant predictors for overall neonatal adverse outcomes. The highest risk wasforpregnant women who were cesarean delivered at 10 cm cervical dilatation (OR 2.84 vs. cervical dilatation ≤5 cm, p-value 0.002). CONCLUSION: A referral system is one of the modalities to avoid maternal and neonatal mortality for CPD pregnant women in a resource-limited setting. We suggest that early referral before advanced progression of cervical dilatation, especially in obese pregnant women and in complicated pregnancies, may improve the pregnancy outcomes.

[Cesarean delivery rate and indications in mainland China: a cross sectional study in 2011].

OBJECTIVE: To estimate cesarean delivery rates and indications by region in mainland China. METHODS: A cross sectional survey of all deliveries in 39 hospitals in 14 provinces of mainland China from January 1 to December 31, 2011 was evaluated for mode of delivery, cesarean delivery rates and indications for delivery. RESULTS: (1) A survey of a total of 112 138 women at delivery with gestations greater than 24 weeks was analyzed. 79 631 and 32 507 deliveries were obtained from the tertiary and secondary hospitals respectively. 90 971 were primipara, 21 167 were multipara. Of these pregnancies, 61 084, 49 734 and 1 320 cases resulted in cesarean delivery, vaginal delivery and operative vaginal delivery respectively, the cesarean delivery rate was 54.472% (61 084/112 138). Among 61 084 women who had cesarean delivery, 14 998 cases of the cesarean deliveries were performed without medical indications, 46 086 cases of the cesarean deliveries had medical indications. The cesarean delivery rate of the tertiary hospitals was 55.927% (44 535/79 631), and was significant higher than that in the secondary hospitals (50.909%, 16 549/32 507; P < 0.01). (2) Overall 24.553 % (14 998/61 084) of cesarean deliveries were performed without medical indications. 19.744% (8 793/44 535) of the cesarean deliveries without medical indications were performed in the tertiary hospitals, and was significant lower than in the secondary hospitals (37.495%, 6 205/16 549;P < 0.01). (3) Maternal request was the most common indication (24.553% of all cesarean deliveries), followed by fetal distress (12.507% , 7 640/61 084), cephalopelvic disproportion (11.787%, 7 200/61 084), previous uterine surgery (10.374%, 6 337/61 084), malpresentation (5.815%, 3 552/61 084), failure to progress (5.710%, 3 488/61 084) and suspected macrosomia (5.594%, 3 417/61 084). CONCLUSIONS: The increasing caesarean section rate in mainland China is explained mainly by the high non-indicated caesarean section rate. The main medical indications of the cesarean deliveries included fetal distress, cephalopelvic disproportion, previous uterine surgery, malpresentation and failure to progress.

Indication and Post-operative Complication of Primary Caesarean Section in Multiparous Women in A Tertiary Level Hospital.

The spectrum of indications for primary caesarean section changes with advancing parity. As parity advances more cesarean section are done for maternal rather than fetal indications. The objective of this study was to determine the indications and complications of caesarean section in multiparous women with history of previous vaginal delivery. This cross-sectional descriptive observational study was conducted in Mymensingh Medical College Hospital from January 2019 to June 2019 among 100 purposively selected multiparous women who underwent primary caesarean section. A well-designed, semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect data by face-to-face interview, clinical examinations and laboratory investigations. Data analysis was conducted in SPSS 20.0 version. Majority (74.0%) of the women in this study were in the age group 21-30 years with mean age of 26.3±5.76 years. Majority of the patients were of second gravida (42.0%) followed by third gravida (33.0%). The highest gravida in this study was 6th. Most of the patients were of para 1(44.0%). Highest para in this study was para 5. The most common indication of caesarean section in this study was foetal distress (26.0%). The next common indications were cephalo-pelvic disproportion (22.0%), antepartum haemorrhage (13.0%), mal-presentaion or mal-position (16.0%). Other causes were PROM (8.0%), prolonged labour (6.0%), cord prolapse (2.0%), post-dated pregnancy (4.0%), severe pre-eclampsia (2.0%) and secondary subfertility (1.0%). There was no case of maternal mortality in this study but 15 mothers suffered from various post-operative complications like wound infection (4.0%), UTI (4.0%), puerperal pyrexia (3.0%), postpartum haemorrhage (3.0%) and paralytic ileus (1.0%). Among the babies delivered 97 were live births. Among the 97 live births 11(11.34%) were preterm babies. Among the babies delivered majority (85.0%) was with good APGAR score (7-10). In conclusion it can say that a multiparous women in labour requires the same attention as that of primigravida. A parous women needs good obstetric care to improve maternal and neonatal outcome and still keeping caesarean section to a lower rate.

Rise in cesarean section rate over a 20-year period in a public sector hospital in northern Thailand.

OBJECTIVE: To determine a trend of cesarean section rate (CSR) and main contributing factors in a public sector hospital, representing northern part of Thailand. METHODS: A retrospective descriptive analysis was conducted by assessing the database of maternal-fetal medicine unit, which had prospectively been collected for 20 years. Trends were evaluated using data for the years 1992-2011. Private sector patients were excluded. RESULTS: A total of 50,872 public sector patients were available for analysis. The number of deliveries was gradually decreased from 3,802 in 1992 to 1,748 in 2011. Of them, 7,480 underwent cesarean section, CSR of 14.7 %. However, the CSR was significantly increased from 11.3 % in 1992 to 23.6 % in 2011 (p value <0.001). The CSRs indicated by cephalopelvic disproportion (CPD) and previous CSs were mainly responsible for a marked increase over the study period. CSR due to CPD was increased from 3.2 % in 1992 to 7.9 % in 2011 (p value <0.0001). While CSR due to other indications either breech presentation, fetal distress and twin pregnancies were only slightly, but significantly increased in the last decades but they are relatively constant in the recent years. CONCLUSIONS: In our public sector, CSR has gradually increased. The main reasons of such an increase were likely to be associated with over-diagnosis of CPD and subsequent repeated CS, while other indications played only a minimal role. To achieve the appropriate CSR, audit system for diagnosis of CPD must be instituted.

Childbirth simulation to assess cephalopelvic disproportion and chances for failed labor in a French population.

Reducing failed labor and emergency cesarean section (CS) rates is an important goal. A childbirth simulation tool (PREDIBIRTH software and SIM37 platform) that evaluates a 5-min magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) assessment performed at 37 weeks of gestation was developed to enhance the consulting obstetrician's ability to predict the optimal delivery mode. We aimed to determine the potential value of this childbirth simulation tool in facilitating the selection of an optimal delivery mode for both mother and infant. A retrospective cohort study was performed on all patients referred by their obstetricians to our level 2 maternity radiology department between December 15, 2015 and November 15, 2016, to undergo MRI pelvimetry at approximately 37 weeks of gestation. The childbirth simulation software was employed to predict the optimal delivery mode based on the assessment of cephalopelvic disproportion. The prediction was compared with the actual outcome for each case. Including childbirth simulations in the decision-making process had the potential to reduce emergency CSs, inappropriately scheduled CSs, and instrumental vaginal deliveries by up to 30.1%, 20.7%, and 20.0%, respectively. Although the use of the simulation tool might not have affected the overall CS rate, consideration of predicted birthing outcomes has the potential to improve the allocation between scheduled CS and trial of labor. The routine use of childbirth simulation software as a clinical support tool when choosing the optimal delivery mode for singleton pregnancies with a cephalic presentation could reduce the number of emergency CSs, insufficiently justified CSs, and instrumental deliveries.

Short stature as an independent risk factor for cephalopelvic disproportion in a country of relatively small-sized mothers.

OBJECTIVE: To clarify the relationship between maternal height and cesarean rate due to cephalopelvic disproportion (CPD) in singleton pregnancies among ethnic groups of relatively short stature. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was performed on Thai singleton pregnancies at gestational age of more than 34 weeks. Logistic regression analysis was performed to correlate the maternal height and a risk for CPD. The short stature was defined by a cut-off value at 5th percentile ranking. Odds ratio for CPD was determined. RESULTS: Of 11,026 recruited, 9,198 were available for analysis. Considering cut-off value of 145 cm, short stature was significantly associated with higher rate of CPD with odds ratio of 2.4 (95% CI 1.8-3.0). The odds = exp(4.048 - 0.042 × Ht). After control of other variables, the relationship between maternal height and rate of CPD was still high. CONCLUSION: Mothers with short stature were significantly correlated with a higher rate of CPD, even after control of birth weight, parity and type of attendance. Clinical points could be drawn from this study including (1) definition of short statue must be developed for particular geographic or ethnic groups. In Thai population, using 145 cm as a cut-off value, odds of CPD is 2.4; (2) Probability of CPD may be estimated by maternal height as a single variable or multiple variables using logistic regression equations.

Risk factors and perinatal outcome of pregnancies complicated with cephalopelvic disproportion: a population-based study.

OBJECTIVES: To characterize risk factors and perinatal outcome following cephalopelvic disproportion (CPD). METHODS: A retrospective population-based study comparing all singleton deliveries of women with and without CPD, between 1988 and 2010, was conducted. A multiple logistic regression model was used to control for confounders. RESULTS: Out of 242,520 patients, 0.3% (n = 673) were diagnosed with CPD. Using a multivariable analysis, the following obstetric risk factors were significantly associated with CPD: fetal macrosomia (birth weight above 4 kg, OR = 3.3, 95% CI 2.7-4.1, P < 0.001), infertility treatment (OR = 2.6, 95% CI 1.8-3.8, P < 0.001), previous caesarean delivery (OR = 2.2, 95% CI 1.9-2.7, P < 0.001), maternal obesity (OR = 2.1, 95% 1.3-3.4, P < 0.001), and polyhydramnios (OR = 1.7, 95% CI 1.3-2.3, P < 0.001). Deliveries complicated by CPD resulted in Caesarean delivery in 99%, and were more likely to have laceration of the cervix (1.2 vs. 0.3%, P < 0.001), rupture of uterus (0.4 vs. 0.1%, P < 0.001), intrapartum mortality (0.6 vs. 0.1% in control, P < 0.001), and low 1-min Apgar scores (<7; 27.2 vs. 6.5%, P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: In our population, independent risk factors for CPD include fetal macrosomia, infertility treatment, previous caesarean delivery, maternal obesity and polyhydramnion. These pregnancies had higher rates of adverse perinatal outcomes and accordingly high index of suspicion should be pursued when commencing trial of labor of such pregnancies.

A five-year retrospective review of the maternal and feotal outcome of obstructed labour and its determinants in a tertiary hospital in Nigeria.

Background: Obstructed labour is one of the common obstetric emergencies in Nigeria which is associated with an increased maternal and foetal complications. Objective: To determine the maternal and foetal outcome of obstructed labour and its determinants in a tertiary hospital in Ebonyi State University Teaching hospital Abakaliki. Methods: A retrospective review of all women with obstructed labour managed at Ebonyi State University Teaching hospital Abakaliki between January 2007 and December 2011 was carried out. Results: The prevalence rate of obstructed labour was 3.4% (95%CI 3.37 - 3.42) for the period under review. Women in their second and third decade of life formed 91.6% (196/214) of patients in the study. Majority of obstructed labour occurred in primiparous women (92/214, 42.9%) and the commonest cause of obstructed labour was cephalopelvic disproportion (106/214, 49.6%). The commonest maternal complication was wound infection accounting for 23.2% (48/214) of all the complications. Most of the babies delivered had a good Apgar score as was noted in 60.3% (129/214) of cases. Being unbooked, para 3 and above, maternal age of 30 and above, having no formal education and rural residence were strongly associated with parturient having maternal complication (P > 0.05) and abnormal APGAR score. The maternal and perinatal mortality rate was 191/100,000 live births and 168/1000 deliveries respectively. Conclusion: The commonest cause of obstructed labour in our review is cephalopelvic disproportion occurring more in primiparous women. Wound infection is the commonest maternal complication with majority of the neonates having a good outcome. Provision of free antenatal care services, education of women on the importance of antenatal care, early presentation in the hospital and early use of broad spectrum antibiotics would help to reduce the associated complications.

The sonographic measurement of the ratio between the fetal head circumference and the obstetrical conjugate is accurate in predicting the risk of labor arrest: results from a multicenter prospective study.

BACKGROUND: Labor arrest is estimated to account for approximately one-third of all primary cesarean deliveries, and is associated with an increased risk of adverse maternal and perinatal outcomes. One of the main causes is the mismatch between the size of the birth canal and that of the fetus, a condition usually referred to as cephalopelvic disproportion. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to describe a new ultrasound predictor of labor arrest leading to cesarean delivery because of suspected cephalopelvic disproportion. STUDY DESIGN: This was a multicenter prospective study conducted at 3 maternity units from January 2021 to January 2022. A nonconsecutive series of singleton pregnancies with cephalic-presenting fetuses, gestational age of 34 weeks+0 days or above, and no contraindication to vaginal delivery attending at the antenatal clinics of each institution were considered eligible. Between 34+0 and 38+0 weeks of gestation, all eligible patients were submitted to transabdominal 2D ultrasound measurement of the obstetrical conjugate. On admission to the labor ward, the fetal head circumference was measured on the standard transthalamic plane by transabdominal ultrasound. The primary outcome of the study was the accuracy of the ratio between the fetal head circumference and the obstetrical conjugate measurement (ie, head circumference/obstetrical conjugate ratio) in predicting the occurrence of cesarean delivery secondary to labor arrest. The secondary outcome was the relationship between the head circumference/obstetrical conjugate ratio and labor duration. RESULTS: A total of 263 women were included. Cesarean delivery for labor arrest was performed in 7.6% (20/263) of the included cases and was associated with more frequent use of epidural analgesia (95.0% vs 45.7%; P<.001), longer second stage of labor (193 [120-240] vs 34.0 [13.8-66.5] minutes; P=.002), shorter obstetrical conjugate (111 [108-114] vs 121 [116-125] mm; P<.001), higher head circumference/obstetrical conjugate ratio (3.2 [3.2-3.35] vs 2.9 [2.8-3.0]; P<.001), and higher birthweight (3678 [3501-3916] vs 3352 [3095-3680] g; P=.003) compared with vaginal delivery. At logistic regression analysis, the head circumference/obstetrical conjugate ratio expressed as Z-score was the only parameter independently associated with risk of cesarean delivery for labor arrest (odds ratio, 8.8; 95% confidence interval, 3.6-21.7) and had higher accuracy in predicting cesarean delivery compared with the accuracy of fetal head circumference and obstetrical conjugate alone, with an area under the curve of 0.91 (95% confidence interval, 81.7-99.5; P<.001). A positive correlation between the head circumference/obstetrical conjugate ratio and length of the second stage of labor was found (Pearson coefficient, 0.16; P=.018). CONCLUSION: Our study, conducted on an unselected low-risk population, demonstrated that the head circumference/obstetrical conjugate ratio is a reliable antenatal predictor of labor arrest leading to cesarean delivery.

Teenage pregnancies: a lingering obstetric problem in Nigeria.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the teenage pregnancy rate, associated epidemiological factors, outcome and complications in a Nigerian tertiary hospital. DESIGN: A 5 year retrospective study of women presenting with teenage pregnancies, between 1st of January, 2004 and 31st of December, 2008 was done. METHODS: The obstetric variables from 72 cases of teenage pregnancies and 89 selected controls aged 20-24 years were compared. Chi-square was used to compare some of the variables. The level of statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. RESULTS: The prevalence of teenage pregnancy was 2.7%. The age range was from 14-19 years with a mean age of 17.8 +/- 1.2 years. 33 (45.8%) women among the study group were single while 39 (54.2%) were married. There was a statistically significant difference in the marital status between the study and control groups (x2 = 41.80, p = 0.001). Interestingly, the teenage group were mainly primiparous women (63.9%) compared to the adults who were mostly nulliparous. Ante-partum complications such as anaemia, mal-presentations and ante-partum haemorrhage were commoner in the teenage pregnancy group. Prolonged labour, preterm labour, intra-uterine growth restriction, premature rupture of fetal membranes and caesarean deliveries were commoner in the teenage group, but not to a significant level. CONCLUSION: Promoting education of the girl-child and economic empowerment of teenage girls will reduce the incidence of teenage pregnancy and the high complication rate associated with it.

[Cesarean birth: justifying indication or justified concern?]. / Operación cesárea: Indicación justificante o preocupación justificada?

BACKGROUND: Caesarean section is the most common surgery performed in all hospitals of second level of care in the health sector and more frequently in private hospitals in Mexico. OBJECTIVE: To determine the behavior that caesarean section in different hospitals in the health sector in the city of Aguascalientes and analyze the indications during the same period. MATERIAL AND METHOD: A descriptive and cross in the top four secondary hospitals in the health sector of the state of Aguascalientes, which together account for 81% of obstetric care in the state, from 1 September to 31 October 2008. Were analyzed: indication of cesarean section and their classification, previous pregnancies, marital status, gestational age, weight and minute Apgar newborn and given birth control during the event. RESULTS: were recorded during the study period, 2.964 pregnancies after 29 weeks, of whom 1.195 were resolved by Caesarean section with an overall rate of 40.3%. We found 45 different indications, which undoubtedly reflect the great diversity of views on the institutional medical staff to schedule a cesarean section. CONCLUSIONS: Although each institution has different resources and a population with different characteristics, treatment protocols should be developed by staff of each hospital to have the test as a cornerstone of labor, also request a second opinion before a caesarean section, all try to reduce the frequency of cesarean section.

Pubic Arch Angle Measurement by Transperineal Ultrasonography: A Prospective Cross-Sectional Study.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the ability of the pubic arch angle (PAA) as measured by transperineal ultrasonography during labor to predict the delivery type and cephalic pole disengagement mode. METHODS: The present prospective cross-sectional study included 221 women in singleton-gestational labor ≥ 37 weeks with cephalic fetuses who underwent PAA measurement using transperineal ultrasonography. These measurements were correlated with the delivery type, cephalic pole disengagement mode, and fetal and maternal characteristics. RESULTS: Out of the subjects, 153 (69.2%) had spontaneous vaginal delivery, 7 (3.2%) gave birth by forceps, and 61 (27.6%) delivered by cesarean section. For the analysis, deliveries were divided into two groups: vaginal and surgical (forceps and cesarean). The mean PAA was 102 ± 7.5° (range, 79.3-117.7°). No statistically significant difference was observed in delivery type (102.6 ± 7.2° versus 100.8 ± 7.9°, p = 0.105). The occipitoanterior position was seen in 94.1% of the fetuses and the occipitoposterior position in 5.8%. A narrower PAA was found in the group of surgical deliveries (97.9 ± 9.6° versus 102.6 ± 7.3°, p = 0.049). Multivariate regression analysis showed that PAA was a predictive variable for the occurrence of head disengagement in occipital varieties after birth (odds ratio, 0.9; 95% confidence interval, 0.82-0.99; p = 0.026). CONCLUSION: Ultrasonographic measurement of the PAA was not a predictor of delivery type, but was associated with the persistence of occipital varieties after birth.

OBJETIVO: Avaliar a medida do ângulo do arco púbico (AAP) por ultrassonografia transperineal durante trabalho de parto em predizer tipo de parto e modo de desprendimento do polo cefálico. MéTODOS: Um estudo prospectivo transversal foi conduzido com 221 mulheres em trabalho de parto com gestação única ≥ 37 semanas, com fetos em apresentação cefálica, foram submetidas à avaliação ultrassonográfica por via transperineal para aferição do AAP. Correlações com tipo de parto, modo de desprendimento do polo cefálico e características fetais e maternas foram realizadas. RESULTADOS: Um total de 153 (69,2%) mulheres apresentaram parto vaginal espontâneo, 7 (3,2%) parto a fórceps e 61 (27,6%) parto cesárea. Para fins de análise, dividiu-se os partos em dois grupos: partos vaginais e cirúrgicos (fórceps e cesáreas). A média do AAP foi 102 ± 7,5° (variação: 79,3­117,7°). Não foi observada significância estatística do AAP em relação ao tipo de parto (102,6 ± 7,2° versus 100,8 ± 7,9°; p = 0,105). Um total de 94,1% dos fetos desprenderam em variedade de posição occipito anterior e 5,8% em occipito posterior. Encontrou-se AAP mais estreitado no grupo de partos cirúrgicos (97,9 ± 9,6° versus 102,6 ± 7,3°; p = 0,049). A análise de regressão multivariada demonstrou que AAP foi uma variável de proteção para a ocorrência de desprendimento da cabeça em variedades occipito posteriores ao nascimento (odds ratio [OR]= 0,9; índice de confiança (IC) 95%: 0,82­0,99; p = 0,026). CONCLUSãO: A medida ultrassonográfica do AAP não foi preditora do tipo de parto, porém demonstrou associação com persistência de variedades occipito posteriores ao nascimento.

CESAREAN SECTION CLASSIFICATION ACCORDING TO THE ROBSON MODEL, OBSTETRICS UNIT, SAN FELIPE GENERAL HOSPITAL, HONDURAS, APRIL-JUNE, 2017.

OBJECTIVE: To classify cesarean sections according to the Robson Model in the obstetrics unit of an intermediate complexity hospital. METHODS: Descriptive cross-sectional study conducted in the obstetrics unit of the San Felipe General Hospital (HGSF), Tegucigalpa, Honduras, between April and June 2017. Out of 477 clinical records of patients undergoing elective and/ or emergency surgery during the study period, 89 were selected using probabilistic random selection. A descriptive analysis of sociodemographic variables, clinical/obstetric indications, and categories of the Robson model was conducted. Authorization from the institution was obtained. RESULTS: The proportion of cesarean sections during the study period was 59.8% (477/797; 95% CI:56.3-63.3). Of the cases studied, 48/89 (53.9%) were classified as "no risk pregnancy" (categories 1-4); the most frequent indications in this group were low fetal reserve in 22/48 (22/48*100%) and cephalopelvic disproportion in 16/48 (16/48*100%). In the "risk group" (categories 5-10), in 41/89 (46.1%), indications were cephalopelvic disproportion and breech presentation, (8/41) (8/41*100%), respectively. The main contributors to cesarean section were groups 1 (17/89; 19.1%), 2 (20/89, 22.5%) and 5 (20/89; 22.5%), for a total of 64.1%. CONCLUSIONS: The Robson model is applicable in our setting and the classification provides information that can be used as a diagnostic and surveillance tool for cesarean sections in a level II institution.

TITULO: CLASIFICACIÓN DE CESÁREAS SEGÚN EL MODELO DE ROBSON, UNIDAD OBSTÉTRICA, HOSPITAL GENERAL SAN FELIPE, HONDURAS, ABRIL-JUNIO DE 2017. OBJETIVO: Clasificar las cesáreas según el modelo de Robson en la unidad obstétrica de un hospital de nivel medio de complejidad. METODOS: Estudio descriptivo, transversal, llevado a cabo en unidad obstétrica del HGSF, Tegucigalpa, Honduras, entre abril y junio de 2017. Se seleccionan 89 de 477 historias clínicas de pacientes sometidas a cesárea electiva o de emergencia en el periodo del estudio mediante selección aleatoria probabilística. Se realiza análisis descriptivo de variables sociodemográficas, indicaciones clínicas/obstétricas y categorías del modelo de Robson. Se obtuvo autorización institucional. RESULTADOS: La proporción de cesáreas en el periodo fue 59,8 % (477/797; IC 95 %:56,3-63,3). Se clasificaron 48/89 (53,9%) cesáreas estudiadas como embarazo "sin riesgo" (categorías 1-4); la indicación más frecuente en este grupo fue baja reserva fetal 22/48 (22/48*100 %) y desproporción céfalo-pélvica 16/48 (16/48*100 %). En el grupo "de riesgo" (categorías 5-10) en 41/89 (46,1 %) las indicaciones fueron desproporción céfalo-pélvica y presentación pélvica (8/41) (8/41*100 %) respectivamente. Los principales aportantes de cesárea fueron los grupos 1 (17/89; 19,1 %), 2 (20/89, 22,5 %) y 5 (20/89; 22,5 %) para totalizar 64,1 %. CONCLUSIONES: El modelo de Robson es aplicable en nuestro medio y la clasificación aporta información como herramienta de diagnóstico y vigilancia en la realización de cesáreas en una institución de segundo nivel.