Atuação da psicologia em unidade neonatal no contexto da pandemia da covid-19 / The work of psychology in a neonatal unit in the covid-19 pandemic / Actuación de la psicología en una unidad neonatal en el contexto de la pandemia de la covid-19

A pandemia de covid-19 provocou intensas mudanças no contexto do cuidado neonatal, exigindo dos profissionais de saúde a reformulação de práticas e o desenvolvimento de novas estratégias para a manutenção da atenção integral e humanizada ao recém-nascido. O objetivo deste artigo é relatar a atuação da Psicologia nas Unidades Neonatais de um hospital público de Fortaleza (CE), Brasil, durante o período de distanciamento físico da pandemia de covid-19. Trata-se de estudo descritivo, do tipo relato de experiência, que ocorreu no período de março a agosto de 2020. No contexto pandêmico, o serviço de Psicologia desenvolveu novas condutas assistenciais para atender às demandas emergentes do momento, como: atendimento remoto; registro e envio on-line de imagens do recém-nascido a seus familiares; visitas virtuais; e reprodução de mensagens de áudio da família para o neonato. Apesar dos desafios encontrados, as ações contribuíram para a manutenção do cuidado centrado no recém-nascido e sua família, o que demonstra a potencialidade do fazer psicológico.(AU)

The COVID-19 pandemic brought intense changes to neonatal care and required health professionals to reformulate practices and develop new strategies to ensure comprehensive and humanized care for newborn. This study aims to report the experience of the Psychology Service in the Neonatal Units of a public hospital in Fortaleza, in the state of Ceará, Brazil, during the social distancing period of the COVID-19 pandemic. This descriptive experience report study was conducted from March to August 2020. During the pandemic, the Psychology Service developed new care practices to meet the emerging demands of that moment, such as remote care, recordings and online submission of newborns' pictures and video images for their family, virtual tours, and reproduction of family audio messages for the newborns. Despite the challenges, the actions contributed to the maintenance of a care that is centered on the newborns and their families, which shows the potential of psychological practices.(AU)

La pandemia de la COVID-19 ha traído cambios intensos en el contexto de la atención neonatal, que requieren de los profesionales de la salud una reformulación de sus prácticas y el desarrollo de nuevas estrategias para asegurar una atención integral y humanizada al recién nacido. El objetivo de este artículo es reportar la experiencia del Servicio de Psicología en las Unidades Neonatales de un hospital público de Fortaleza, en Ceará, Brasil, durante el periodo de distanciamiento físico en la pandemia de la COVID-19. Se trata de un estudio descriptivo, un reporte de experiencia, que se llevó a cabo de marzo a agosto de 2020. En el contexto pandémico, el servicio de Psicología desarrolló nuevas conductas asistenciales para atender a las demandas emergentes del momento, tales como: atención remota; grabación y envío em línea de imágenes del recién nacido; visitas virtuales; y reproducción de mensajes de audio de la familia para el recién nacido. A pesar de los desafíos encontrados, las acciones contribuyeron al mantenimiento de la atención centrada en el recién nacido y su familia, lo que demuestra el potencial de la práctica psicológica.(AU)

Desfechos maternos e neonatais em servidoras públicas estaduais de São Paulo com idade materna avançada / Maternal and neonatal outcomes in state public servants of São Paulo with advanced maternal age

Objetivo: Caracterizar a população das gestantes em diferentes faixas etárias; avaliar desfechos maternos e neonatais em pacientes com idade materna avançada; determinar a faixa etária a partir da qual os desfechos adversos foram mais prevalentes. Métodos: Parturientes atendidas no Hospital do Servidor Público Estadual de São Paulo entre junho/2019 e maio/2020 foram divididas em três grupos ­ 20 a 34 anos; 35 a 39 anos; 40 anos ou mais ­ e analisadas quanto a diversas variáveis. Resultados: Entre as gestantes do Serviço, 44,2% tinham idade materna avançada. A amostra foi composta por 927 pacientes, a maioria com relacionamento conjugal estável (75,2%) e ensino de nível superior (74,7%). Independentemente do grupo etário, foram observados elevados índices de obesidade (25,9%), sobrepeso (39,7%) e cesariana (76,4%). A frequência de iteratividade, diabetes gestacional e doença hipertensiva específica da gestação foi maior a partir dos 35 anos, e a frequência de hipertensão arterial crônica foi maior a partir dos 40 anos. Neonatos de pacientes com 40 anos ou mais tiveram maiores índices de baixo peso ao nascer, óbito neonatal, Apgar de quinto minuto < 7 e necessidade de reanimação neonatal. Conclusão: Pacientes com idade materna avançada representaram porcentagem expressiva da população e tiveram maior frequência de desfechos adversos. Complicações obstétricas foram mais prevalentes a partir dos 35 anos, com destaque para diabetes gestacional e distúrbios hipertensivos. Resultados neonatais desfavoráveis, como baixo peso ao nascer e óbito neonatal, foram mais prevalentes a partir de 40 anos.

Objective: Featuring the population of pregnant women in different age groups; assessing maternal and neonatal outcomes in patients at advanced maternal age; determining the threshold age for the potential prevalence of adverse outcomes. Methods: Women in labor assisted at Hospital do Servidor Público Estadual de São Paulo between June/2019 and May/2020 were divided into three age groups ­ 20 to 34 years; 35 to 39 years; over 40 years ­, who were assessed for several variables. Results: 44.2% of pregnant women in this Service were at advanced maternal age. The sample counted on 927 patients, most of them declared stable marital relationships (75.2%) and College degree (74,7%). High obesity levels (25.9%), overweight (39.7%) and cesarean delivery (76.4%) were observed, regardless of age group. Maternal request was the main indication for cesarean surgery. Iteration frequency, gestational diabetes and pregnancy-specific hypertensive disease was higher from the age of 35 years, on. Chronical high blood pressure was higher in the age group over 40 years. Newborns from patients older than over 40 years presented higher low weight at birth index, neonatal death, 5th minute Apgar score < 7 and the need of neonatal resuscitation. Conclusion: Patients at advanced maternal age recorded higher obstetric adversity frequency in the age group over 35 years, with emphasis on gestational diabetes and high blood pressure. Unfavorable neonatal outcomes related to low weight at birth and neonatal death were more prevalent in the age group over 40 years.

A novel scoring system (YASHMA) predicting brain injury in asphyxiated newborns.

BACKGROUND: Hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy is a complication of adverse intrapartum events and birth asphyxia resulting in brain injury and mortality in late preterm and term newborns. OBJECTIVES: In this study, we aimed to predict brain damage on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with a new scoring system. METHODS: Yieldly And Scorable Holistic Measuring of Asphyxia (YASHMA) is generated for detection of brain injury in asphyxiated newborns. Total scores were calculated according to scores of birth weight, gestation weeks, APGAR scores at first and fifth minutes, aEEG patterns and epileptic status of patients. The major outcome of the scoring system was to determine correlation between poor scores and neonatal brain injury detected on MRI. RESULTS: In hypothermia group with brain injury, low gestational weeks and lowest APGAR scores, abnormal aEEG findings were statistically different from others. YASHMA scores were statistically significant with high sensitivity, specificity, AUC and 95% confidence interval values. CONCLUSIONS: YASHMA scoring system is feasible and can be suggestive for detecting brain injury in low-income countries.

The outcome of complementary and alternative medicine use among pregnant women in South-East Nigeria: a multi-centre prospective study.

There is a global increasing trend of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) use among pregnant women. This study aimed at determining the maternal and perinatal outcome of CAM use among the pregnant women in South-East Nigeria. This was a prospective study in which self-administered semi-structured questionnaires were used to collate information from the consenting pregnant women who use CAM and those who did not use CAM from the gestational age of 36 weeks at four hospitals in South-East Nigeria. Both groups were matched for age, parity and address. Every participant was followed up until delivery. Data were analysed using SPSS version 23 (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL). This study's ethical clearance number was NHREC/05/01/2008B-FWA00002458-1RB00002323 and it was obtained at UNTH and on February 15 2019. CAM use in pregnancy was associated with low haemoglobin concentration, maternal complications, high caesarean section rate, low birth weight, low APGAR score, large placental weight and high hospital admission of babies when compared with non-CAM users (p value= <.05). In conclusion, CAM use in pregnancy was associated with poor maternal and perinatal health indices, hence the need to implement policies aimed at reversing them.Impact StatementWhat is already known on this subject? There is an increasing trend of CAM use among pregnant women in the world. Pregnancy is associated with certain conditions that predispose women to CAM use. The clinical indications for CAM use by the pregnant women are nausea and vomiting, labour pain, induction of labour, pedal oedema and waist pain.What the results of this study add? CAM use in pregnancy was associated with low haemoglobin concentration, maternal complications, high caesarean section rate, low birth weight, low APGAR score, large placental weight and high hospital admission of the babies when compared with non-CAM users.What the implications are of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research? CAM use in pregnancy was associated with poor maternal and perinatal health indices, hence the need to implement policies aimed at reversing them.

The perils of true knot of the umbilical cord: antepartum, intrapartum and postpartum complications and clinical implications.

BACKGROUND: True knot of the umbilical cord (TKUC) is found in 0.3-2.1% of pregnancies and is associated with an increased risk of adverse perinatal outcomes. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study including all singleton pregnancies delivered from 2011 to 2019 was performed. Diagnosis of TKUC was made postnatally, immediately after delivery of the baby. Comparison was made between pregnancies with and without TKUC regarding maternal, fetal and neonatal adverse outcome. RESULTS: Overall, 867/85,541 (1%) pregnancies were diagnosed with TKUC. Maternal age, BMI, gravidity and parity were significantly higher in pregnancies with TKUC as well as higher rate of induction of labor, meconium-stained amniotic fluid, and delivery prior to 37 weeks. The rate of cesarean deliveries due to non-reassuring-fetal monitor was significantly higher in pregnancies with TKUC. Overall, there were 2.5% IUFD in pregnancies with TKUC vs. 1% in pregnancies without TKUC (p < 0.001). Importantly, the rate of IUFD prior to 37 weeks of gestation was not significantly higher in the group with TKUC, however, the rate of IUFD after 37 weeks of gestation was 10 folds higher in fetuses with TKUC, 0.9% vs. 0.08% (p < 0.001). Significantly, more neonates with TKUC needed phototherapy or suffered from hypoglycemia. There were no differences in the 5 min Apgar scores, admission to the NICU and number of days of hospitalization. CONCLUSION: Pregnancies complicated with TKUC are associated with a tenfold higher risk of IUFD beyond 37 weeks of gestation. To the results of this study suggest that it would be prudent to induce labor around 37 weeks of gestation in pregnancies with prenatal diagnosis of TKUC. It may be warranted to use continuous fetal monitoring during labor and delivery in those cases were antenatal diagnosis of TKUC is made.

Labor Pain in Different Dilatations of the Cervix and Apgar Scores Affected by Aromatherapy: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

Labor pain (LP), as a physiological process, is known as one of the most severe pains. Aromatherapy is one of the methods to reduce LP in the first phase of labor. It is an important approach for enjoyable birth and decreases the severity of pain in today's society. Accordingly, this study aimed to systematically review the relieving effect of aromatherapy in LP and Apgar score. We used international databases such as EMBASE, Web of Science, Scopus, Google Scholar, PubMed, Cochrane Library, ProQuest, and clinicaltrials.gov to conduct a systematic search for all relevant articles. Cochran's Q-test and I2 statistic were applied to assess heterogeneity, a random-effects model was used to estimate the unstandardized mean difference (UMD), and a meta-regression method was utilized to investigate the factors affecting heterogeneity between studies. A total of 27 studies were included in the meta-analysis (sample size: 2,566). Overall, aromatherapy leads to relieving LP during delivery (UMD: 1.75; 95% CI: 1.13-2.37). Based on cervix dilation, aromatherapy significantly affects LP when cervix dilation is 8-10 cm (UMD: 6.18; 95% CI: 4.51-7.85) and 0-4 cm (UMD: 5.31; 95% CI: 3.74-6.87); but it had no effects on 1- and 5-min Apgar scores. No publication bias was observed (P=0.113). Mother's age, publication year, sample size, and cervix dilation had no significant effects on heterogeneity (P>0.05). Aromatherapy had a positive impact on relieving LP, and the greatest and least effect was witnessed in dilatation of 8-10 cm and 0-4 cm, respectively. Moreover, it had no effects on 1- and 5-min Apgar scores.

Effect of acupressure at the BL67 spot on the spontaneous rotation of fetus with breech presentation: A randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Breech is a common fetal presentation in preterm pregnancies. This study aimed to investigate the effect of acupressure at the BL67 point on the spontaneous rotation of fetus with breech presentation. METHODS: An unblind, two-armed randomized controlled trial was carried out from September 2017 to April 2020. Research participants were 138 pregnant women at 32 to 35 weeks of gestational age that had fetal breech presentation confirmed by ultrasound. They were randomly assigned into intervention and control groups (n=69 in each group). The intervention group received acupressure at the BL67 point on both feet for 10 minutes daily and for two consecutive weeks. The control group received routine care. Demographic and midwifery data questionnaires were used for data collection. RESULTS: The spontaneous rotation of fetus with breech presentation into cephalic was observed in the majority of participants in the intervention group (82.6%) compared to the control group (17.4%) (p<0.001). Statistically significant differences in the fetal presentation at delivery was observed between the groups (84.1% cephalic vs. 18.8% breech, p<0.001). Regarding the type of delivery, cesarean section was reported mostly (85.5%) in the control group compared to the intervention group (21.7%) (p<0.001). However, the first- and fifth-minute Apgar scores of newborns had no statistically significant differences between the groups (p=0.773). CONCLUSION: It is suggested to incorporate acupressure at the BL67 point into the care process for pregnant women to help with the reduction of the rate of cesarean section and avoid its related complications.

Safety of English ivy (Hedera helix) leaf extract during pregnancy: retrospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: English ivy (Hedera helix) is commonly used to reduce productive cough symptoms by acting as expectorant therapy. The safety of Hedera helix extract during pregnancy was not established yet. This study aims to determine the safety of English ivy leaf extract on newborns. OBJECTIVES: To determine the weight, APGAR (Activity-Pulse-Grimace-Appearance-Respiration) score, and health status of the newborns among the studied groups. METHODS: A retrospective multicenter cohort study was conducted during the fourth quarter of 2020 on 245 pregnant women and their newborns in two hospitals located in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The women were divided into an exposed group (N = 165) who used English ivy leaf extract syrup during pregnancy, and a control group (N = 80) who were not using any natural-pharmaceutical product for cough. RESULTS: The mean weight of the newborns in the exposed group was 3 kg compared to 2.8 kg in the control group (p-value < 0.05). The median APGAR score of the newborns in the exposed group was 8.5/10 compared to 8.0/10 in the control group (p-value > 0.05). There were no significant differences regarding the percentages of full-term and preterm newborns in the exposed and control groups (78.8% vs. 76.3%, and 21.0% vs. 24.0%, respectively, odds ratio [OR] = 0.86, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.45-1.63, p-value > 0.05). Regarding the newborns' health complications reported, there was no statistical difference in the percentages of full-term newborns diagnosed with at least one health complication between the exposed and control groups (0.6 vs. 3.8, OR = 0.15, 95% CI = 0.01-1.47, p-value > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Hedera helix (English ivy) leaf extract syrup was safe to be used in short term during pregnancy for the fetus.

Adequacy of maternal anesthesia depth with two sodium thiopental doses in elective caesarean section: a randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Administration of an optimal dose of anesthetic agent to ensure adequate depth of hypnosis with the lowest risk of adverse effects to the fetus is highly important in cesarean section. Sodium thiopental (STP) is still the first choice for induction of anesthesia in some countries for this obstetric surgery. We aimed to compare two doses of STP with regarding the depth of anesthesia and the condition of newborn infants. METHODS: In this clinical trial, parturient undergoing elective Caesarian section were randomized into two groups receiving either low-dose (5 mg/kg) or high-dose (7 mg/kg) STP. Muscle relaxation was provided with succinylcholine 2 mg/kg and anesthesia was maintained with O2/N2O and sevoflurane. The depth of anesthesia was evaluated using isolated forearm technique (IFT) and bispectral index (BIS) in various phases. Additionally, infants were assessed using Apgar score and neurobehavioral test. RESULTS: Forty parturient were evaluated in each group. BIS was significantly lower in high-dose group at skin incision to delivery and subcutaneous and skin closure. Also, significant differences were noticed in IFT over induction to incision and incision to delivery. Apgar score was significantly lower in high-dose group at 1 min after delivery. Newborn infants in low-dose group had significantly better outcomes in all three domains of the neurobehavioral test. CONCLUSION: 7 mg/kg STP is superior to 5 mg/kg in creating deeper hypnosis for mothers. However, it negatively impacts Apgar score and neurobehavioral test of neonates. STP seems to has dropped behind as an acceptable anesthetic in Cesarean section. TRIAL REGISTRATION: IRCT No: 2016082819470 N45 , 13/03/2019.

Relationship between Thyroid Status during the First Trimester of Pregnancy and Neonatal Well-Being.

Iodine is an essential micronutrient for the synthesis of thyroid hormones. The proper functioning of the thyroid axis is essential for the normal development of the nervous system, especially in the first trimester of gestation. The aim of the present study was to analyze the perinatal outcomes, anthropometry, and APGAR test scores of newborns and to relate them to maternal thyroid status. A total of 190 newborns participated in the study. No correlation was found between thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) and maternal ioduria values in the first trimester of gestation with the weight or length of the newborn, or the APGAR score at one minute after birth. However, we found significant differences between the APGAR scores of children whose mothers had an iodine sufficiency level in the first trimester compared to the children of mothers with iodine deficiency. Similarly, the APGAR scores of children whose mothers had a TSH > 4 have significantly better APGAR scores than the children of mothers with a TSH < 4. Likewise, we found significant differences between the measurements of the newborns depending on whether their mothers smoked. The children of mothers who took iodine supplements or iodized salt obtained the highest APGAR score at one and five minutes after birth. It is essential to focus on recommending adequate consumption of iodine supplements and iodized salt prior to gestation and at least during the first trimester to achieve better fetal well-being.

Maternal and Perinatal Factors Associated With Twin Pregnancies in Ecuador.

There are few studies on twins in Ecuador and Latin America. It requires a better understanding of perinatal conditions, especially from an ethnic perspective. This work aims to assess perinatal factors related to twin pregnancy in Ecuadorian Mestizo individuals. We performed an epidemiological, observational and cross-sectional study at the Hospital San Francisco and Hospital Nueva Aurora in Quito, Ecuador, from November 2019 to January 2020. It included 203 newborns from twin pregnancies, including mothers with and without pathological history. The average gestational age was 31 weeks, and the APGAR score at first minute was 6.86, with significant differences. Regarding the metabolic balance, the mean pH was 6.14; and bicarbonate was 11.57, with significant differences. Twins had intrauterine growth restriction in 6.9% of cases, with significant differences (p = .003); 81.4% required supplemental oxygen, with significant differences (p = .002); 93% required noninvasive mechanical ventilation (NIMV), with significant differences (p = . 003); 93% required inotropic and sedation, with substantial differences; 69% required antibiotics (≥21 days), with significant differences (p = .014); and 17.2% needed between 8 to 14 days of hospitalization, and 51% more than 28 days, with significant differences. The studied mothers' demographic profile was mostly Mestizos, with an average age of 32 years, and 93% had a poverty status. Most of the twins were diamniotic monochorial and were discordant twins. It found jaundice, premature anemia and sepsis in 100% of twins and hyaline membrane disease in 89.66% of twins. Twins of women with relevant prenatal care had more premature births (30.4 ± 2.6 weeks), more acid-base imbalance, APGAR at ≥7 min in 90% of cases, and patent ductus arteriosus in all. There was also a greater need for double intensive phototherapy than twins of healthy women.

Obstetric and neonatal outcomes in women with pregnancy associated cancer: a population-based study in Lombardy, Northern Italy.

BACKGROUND: Pregnancy associated cancer (PAC) may lead to adverse obstetric and neonatal outcomes. This study aims to assess the association between PACs and adverse perinatal outcomes [i.e. labor induction, iatrogenic delivery, preterm birth, small for gestational age (SGA) newborn, low Apgar score, major malformations, perinatal mortality] in Lombardy, Northern Italy. METHODS: This population-based historic cohort study used the certificate of delivery assistance and the regional healthcare utilization databases of Lombardy Region to identify beneficiaries of National Health Service who delivered between 2008 and 2017. PACs were defined through oncological ICD-9-CM codes reported in the hospital discharge forms. Each woman with PAC was matched to four women randomly selected from those cancer-free (1:4). Log-binomial regression models were fitted to estimate crude and adjusted prevalence ratio (aPR) and the corresponding 95% confidence interval (CI) of each perinatal outcome among PAC and cancer-free women. RESULTS: Out of the 657,968 deliveries, 831 PACs were identified (1.26 per 1000). PAC diagnosed during pregnancy was positively associated with labor induction or planned delivery (aPR=1.80, 95% CI: 1.57-2.07), cesarean section (aPR=1.78, 95% CI: 1.49-2.11) and premature birth (aPR=6.34, 95% CI: 4.59-8.75). No association with obstetric outcomes was found among PAC diagnosed in the post-pregnancy. No association of PAC, neither during pregnancy nor in post-pregnancy was found for SGA (aPR=0.71, 95% CI: 0.36-1.35 and aPR=1.04, 95% CI: 0.78-1.39, respectively), but newborn among PAC women had a lower birth weight (p-value< 0.001). Newborns of women with PAC diagnosed during pregnancy had a higher risk of borderline significance of a low Apgar score (aPR=2.65, 95% CI: 0.96-7.33) as compared to cancer-free women. CONCLUSION: PAC, especially when diagnosed during pregnancy, is associated with iatrogenic preterm delivery, compromising some neonatal heath indicators.

The effect of labor dance on perceived labor pain, birth satisfaction, and neonatal outcomes.

OBJECTIVE: This research was conducted to determine the effects of labor dance on perceived birth pain, birth satisfaction, and neonatal outcomes. DESIGN: This is an experimental study. Data were collected under three groups during the active phase of labor: the dance practitioner midwife group (DPMG, comprising 40 pregnant women), the dance practitioner spouse/partner group (DPSG, comprising 40 pregnant women) and the control group (CG, comprising 80 pregnant women). SETTING: This study was conducted between 1 April 2017 and 31 October 2017 in Turkey. PARTICIPANTS: This study was administered on pregnant women volunteers with no risk during the active phase of labor. INTERVENTIONS: During the active phase, pregnant women in DPMG danced with the midwife; pregnant women in DPSG, on the other hand, danced with their spouses/partners throughout the active phase. When vaginal dilatation reached 4 cm and 9 cm, labor pain was measured by employing the visual analog scale (VAS). In the postpartum phase, newborn babies' first, fifth, and tenth minute Apgar scores and oxygen saturation levels were measured and registered. In the first hour after delivery, the Mackey Birth Satisfaction Scale was administered. CG, on the other hand, received only the routine procedures offered in the hospital. FINDINGS: The mean scores of VAS 1 and VAS 2 in DPSG and DPMG were lower than in CG. The fifth and tenth minute Apgar scores and the first, fifth, and tenth minute oxygen saturation levels of the newborns in the experimental groups, as well as the level of birth satisfaction, were significantly higher than in CG. KEY CONCLUSIONS: The study showed a positive effect of labor dancing on the labor process.

Ventricular-Peritoneal Shunt in Newborns in a High-Risk Maternity Unit: Case Series

Objective To identify factors related to ventricular-peritoneal shunt (VPS) complications in pediatric patients at a high-risk maternity hospital. Methods Prospective study, conducted between September/2018 and June/2019, with selected newborns without previous ventricular bypass who underwent neurosurgery for VPS placement in a high-risk maternity hospital in the state of Sergipe, Brazil. Diagnosis of hydrocephalus occurred by transfontanelle ultrasound. The variables were analyzed by Student t-test, adopting p < 0.05 as statistical significance. Results Seven newborns participated in the study, 3 male and 4 female. Folic acid supplementation during pregnancy was considered a positive influencing factor in the 1st minute Apgar.Hydrocephalus secondary to premature hemorrhagewas present inmost newborns. Prematurity, 1st minute Apgar score < 7, and birth weight< 2,500 g did not represent a significant negative risk factor for prolonged hospitalization after neurosurgery. One newborn had cerebrospinal fluid infection and was the only one with heart disease. Conclusion This is the first scientific research that associates the benefits of maternal use of folic acid during pregnancy to better newborn Apgar scores. Only one newborn developed complications after neurosurgery, the only one with an associated comorbidity. Further studies are needed to provide more evidence on risk factors related to complications of VPS implantation in newborns. This neurosurgical procedure in a highrisk maternity contributed to the early management of hydrocephalus.

Perinatal outcomes of frequent attendance in midwifery care in the Netherlands: a retrospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Over the last decade, a trend towards high utilisation of primary maternity care was observed in high-income countries. There is limited research with contradictory results regarding frequent attendance (FA) and perinatal outcomes in midwifery care. Therefore, this study examined possible associations between FA in midwifery care and obstetric interventions and perinatal outcomes. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was performed in a medium-sized midwifery-led care practice in an urban region in the Netherlands. Frequent attenders (FAs) were categorised using the Kotelchuck-Index Revised. Regression analyses were executed to examine the relationship between FAs and perinatal outcomes, stratified by antenatal referral to an obstetrician. Main outcomes of interest were Apgar score ≤ 7 and perinatal death, birth weight, mode of delivery, haemorrhage, place of birth, transfer during labour, and a requirement for pain relief. RESULTS: The study included 1015 women, 239 (24%) FAs and 776 (76%) non-FAs, 538 (53%) were not referred and 447 (47%) were referred to an obstetrician. In the non-referred group, FA was significantly associated with a requirement for pain relief (OR 1.98, 95% CI 1.24-3.17) and duration of dilatation (OR 1.20, 95% CI 1.04-1.38). In the referred group, FA was significantly associated with induction of labour (OR 1.86, 95% CI 1.17-2.95), ruptured perineum (OR 0.50, 95% CI 0.27-0.95) and episiotomy (OR 0.48, 95% CI 0.24-0.95). In the non-referred and the referred group, FA was not associated with the other obstetric and neonatal outcomes. Due to small numbers, we could not measure possible associations of FA with an Apgar score ≤ 7 and perinatal death. CONCLUSION: In our study, perinatal outcomes differed by FA and antenatal referral to an obstetrician. In the non-referred group, FA was significantly associated with medical pain relief and duration of dilatation. In the referred group, FA was significantly associated with induction of labour, ruptured perineum, and episiotomy. Further research with a larger study population is needed to look for a possible association between FA and primary adverse birth outcomes such as perinatal mortality.

Singleton, Term, Vertex Cesarean Delivery on a Midwife Service Compared With an Obstetrician Service.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the difference in odds of cesarean delivery in term, singleton, vertex pregnancies between the midwife and obstetrician-led services at the same rural tertiary care center. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study of term, singleton, and vertex deliveries in patients without a history of cesarean delivery was performed. Patients self-selected a delivery service. The primary outcome was the odds of cesarean delivery between midwife and obstetrician-led services. After propensity score matching, logistic regression was performed on the matched sample to assess the adjusted odds of cesarean delivery. RESULTS: From January 2015 to December 2017, 1,787 (80.2% of total) deliveries were analyzed with management of 956 (53.5%) by the midwife service and 831 (46.5%) by the obstetrician-led service. The rate of cesarean delivery was 20.7% (n=172) in the obstetrician-led service and 13.1% (n=125) in the midwife service. In the matched sample, the odds of cesarean delivery were lower in the midwife service compared with the obstetrician-led service in unadjusted and adjusted analyses (odds ratio [OR] 0.62, 95% CI 0.47-0.81; adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 0.58, 95% CI 0.44-0.80). Older maternal age (OR 1.02, 95% CI 1.00-1.06; aOR 1.07, 95% CI 1.04-1.10) and higher delivery body mass index (OR 1.06, 95% CI 1.04-1.08; aOR 1.07, 95% CI 1.04-1.09) were associated with higher odds of cesarean delivery. Increased parity was associated with decreased odds of cesarean delivery (OR 0.41, 95% CI 0.31-0.55; aOR 0.35, 95% CI 0.26-0.48). There were no differences in neonatal outcomes. CONCLUSION: At a single rural tertiary care center, patients on the midwife service have significantly lower adjusted odds of cesarean delivery than patients on the obstetrician-led service.

A double-blind randomised placebo-controlled trial of melatonin as an adjuvant agent in induction of labour (MILO): a study protocol.

INTRODUCTION: Induction of labour (IOL) is a common practice. In Australia, up to 40% of women undergoing labour induction will ultimately have a caesarean section. As a biological role for melatonin in the onset and progress of labour has been demonstrated, we aim to test the hypothesis that addition of melatonin will reduce the need for caesarean section. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: This is a double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled trial in women undergoing IOL at term. We plan to randomise 722 women (1:1 ratio) to receive either melatonin (four doses of 10 mg melatonin: first dose-in the evening at the time of cervical balloon or Dinoprostone PGE2 vaginal pessary insertion, second dose-at time of oxytocin infusion commencement, third dose-6 hours after the second dose, fourth dose-6 hours after the third dose) or placebo (same dosing regime). Participants who are having artificial rupture of the membranes only as the primary means of labour induction will receive up to three doses of the trial intervention. The primary outcome measure will be the requirement for a caesarean section. Secondary outcomes will include duration of each stage of labour and time from induction to birth, total dose of oxytocin administration, epidural rate, indication for caesarean section, rate of instrumental deliveries, birth within 24 hours of induction commencement, estimated blood loss, Apgar score at 5 min, neonatal intensive care unit admissions and participant satisfaction. Maternal melatonin levels will be measured immediately before commencement of the oxytocin intravenous infusion and 3 hours after and at the time of birth in order to determine any differences between the two trial arms. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: The study is conducted in accordance with the conditions of Monash Health HREC (RES-17-0000-168A). Findings from the trial will be disseminated through peer-reviewed publications and conference presentations. PROTOCOL VERSION: V.7.0, 30 July 2019. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: ACTRN12616000311459, Universal trial number: (UTN) U1111-1195-3515.

The effect of folic acid throughout pregnancy among pregnant women at high risk of pre-eclampsia: A randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Pre-eclampsia is a serious hypertension disease that occurs during pregnancy. Folic acid (FA) supplementation has been reported to reduce pre-eclampsia risk in pregnant women. Here, we aimed to assess whether treatment of high doses of FA in pregnant women with high pre-eclampsia risk could prevent the onset of pre-eclampsia. METHODS: We conducted a randomized clinical trial in 1576 women who had pre-eclampsia or eclampsia in their last pregnancy and had a pregnancy plan. Subjects were randomized into two groups. The low dose (LD) group (n = 788) received 0.4 mg of FA daily from the first 3 months of pregnancy until the entire pregnancy, and the high dose (HD) group (n = 788) received 4 mg of FA per day. We followed up the subjects until production. RESULTS: The plasma homocysteine (homocysteine) and FA levels were significantly higher in the HD group that in the LD group. Severe gestational hypertension, early onset pre-eclampsia (<32 weeks' gestation), severe pre-eclampsia, and newborns' Apgar score <7 at 5 min were remarkably decreased in the HD group compared with the LD group. Further, the incidence of pre-eclampsia was reduced in the HD group with compliance >50%. CONCLUSION: This study has provided evidence that a high dosage of FA supplement from 3 months before pregnancy until the entire pregnancy reduces the recurrent pre-eclampsia.

Rate of rise of total serum bilirubin in very low birth weight preterm infants.

BACKGROUND: To assess the postnatal rate of rise (ROR) of total serum bilirubin (TSB) in very low birth weight (VLBW) preterm infants, to determine risk factors associated with a rapid rise (>90th percentile), and to compare ROR and hour-specific TSB at postnatal 12-48 h with data of term infants retrieved from the literature. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of 2430 routine TSB concentrations obtained between birth and initiation of phototherapy in 483 VLBW infants. RESULTS: TSB increased by a median (interquartile range) ROR of 0.15 (0.11-0.19) mg/dL/h. The 50th percentile of TSB was below the 40th percentile of (near-)term counterparts at 12-48 h. TSB ROR correlated with the age at initiation (RS = -0.687; p < 0.001) and the duration (RS = 0.444; p < 0.001) of phototherapy. ROR >90th percentile (>0.25 mg/dL/h) was associated with lower gestational ages [27.2 (25.4-29.3) vs. 28.4 (26.4-30.4) weeks], lower birth weights [978 (665-1120) vs. 1045 (814-1300) g], and lower 5-min Apgar scores [7 (7-8) vs. 8 (7-9)]. CONCLUSION: ROR of TSB is an indicator for early and prolonged phototherapy. While hour-specific TSB and ROR at 12-48 h are lower than those reported for (near-)term infants, TSB appears to rise more rapidly in infants with low gestational age, low birth weight, and low 5-min Apgar score.

A retrospective comparison of waterbirth outcomes in two United States hospital settings.

BACKGROUND: Water immersion during labor is an effective comfort measure; however, outcomes for waterbirth in the hospital setting have not been well documented. Our objective was to report the outcomes from two nurse-midwifery services that provide waterbirth within a tertiary care hospital setting in the United States. METHODS: This study is a retrospective, observational, matched comparison design. Data were collected from two large midwifery practices in tertiary care centers using information recorded at the time of birth for quality assurance purposes. Land birth cases were excluded if events would have precluded them from waterbirth (epidural, meconium stained fluid, chorioamnionitis, estimated gestational age < 37 weeks, or body mass index > 40). Neonatal outcomes included Apgar score and admission to the neonatal intensive care unit. Maternal outcomes included perineal lacerations and postpartum hemorrhage. RESULTS: A total of 397 waterbirths and 2025 land births were included in the analysis. There were no differences in outcomes between waterbirth and land birth for Apgar scores or neonatal intensive care admissions (1.8% vs 2.5%). Women in the waterbirth group were less likely to sustain a first- or second-degree laceration. Postpartum hemorrhage rates were similar for both groups. Similar results were obtained using a land birth subset matched on insurance, hospital location, and parity using propensity scores. DISCUSSION: In this study, waterbirth was not associated with increased risk to neonates, extensive perineal lacerations, or postpartum hemorrhage. Fewer women in the waterbirth group sustained first- or second-degree lacerations requiring sutures.