Neonatal outcome of second-stage cesarean delivery versus vacuum extraction among neonates <34 weeks.

OBJECTIVE: Among deliveries <34 weeks, there is inconclusive evidence regarding the preferred route of delivery when there is a need to expedite delivery during the second stage of labor. As it is unreasonable that future randomized controlled trials will be conducted to settle this query, every clinical data concerning this topic, may be helpful. We aim to compare neonatal outcomes among women undergoing emergent cesarean delivery (ECD) versus vacuum-assisted delivery (VAD) during the second stage of labor among singleton gestations <34 weeks. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study including all women who underwent either ECD or VAD at the second stage of labor between 30°/7 and 336/7 weeks, during 2011-2019. The primary outcome was the rate of adverse neonatal outcomes, defined as intrapartum death, mechanical ventilation, asphyxia, respiratory distress syndrome, subgaleal hemorrhage, intraventricular hemorrhage, necrotizing enterocolitis, and phototherapy. RESULTS: Of the 153,672 live singleton deliveries during the study period, 2871 (1.9%) delivered before 34°/7. Of those 1674 (58.3%) delivered vaginally unassisted and 1137 (39.6%) delivered by a CD during the first stage of labor. A total of 60 deliveries were analyzed, with a median gestational age of 32 weeks, interquartile range (IQR) 31-33. Median birth weight at delivery was 1845 g, IQR 1574-2095. Overall 25 (42%) of women were delivered by VAD and 35 by CD (58%). Indications for expeditious delivery did not differ between the study groups. Neonates delivered by VAD had a higher median birth weight (1940 vs. 1620 g, p = .02). Second stage of labor was longer in the ECD group as compared to the VAD group (median 200 vs. 52 min, p = .01). The rate of Apgar score at 1 min <7 was higher among the CD group (10 (40%) vs. 5 (14%), OR [95% CI]: 4.0 (1.1-13.8), p = .03). Longer length of stay was evident in the CD group as compared to the VAD group (median 30 vs. 21 days, p = .001). The rate of composite neonatal adverse outcome was comparable between the study groups. Adverse outcomes were associated with lower body mass index (median 27.7 vs. 34.9, p = .04), higher rate of premature preterm rupture of membranes (40 (91%) vs. 5 (31%), OR [95% CI]: 22.0 (5.0-91.1), p < .001) and labor dystocia as the indication for expedited delivery (38 (86%) vs. 7 (44%), OR [95% CI]: 8.1 (2.1-30.1), p = .001). CONCLUSIONS: Cesarean delivery during the second stage of labor of gestations <34 weeks was associated with a higher rate of lower Apgar scores and longer length of stay. SYNOPSIS: Delivery by second stage CD of premature neonates <34 weeks is associated with a higher rate of lower Apgar score.

Midwife annual delivery workload and maternal and neonatal adverse outcomes, is there an association?

OBJECTIVE: In recent years there has been growing interest in the relationship between the workload of an individual practitioner and its short- and long-term consequences on birth outcomes. In this respect, data is limited with regard to midwives' workload. We aimed to evaluate the association between midwives' annual birth workload and the short-term, adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes occurring at birth. STUDY DESIGN: This retrospective cohort study was performed in a single tertiary academic center between 2006 and 2018. All single, live vertex term vaginal births were included and categorized into two groups based on the midwife's median annual volume of births during the study duration. The "high-volume" and "low-volume" groups included births above and below the median annual volume, respectively as a dichotomous variable. Further analyses were performed for the annual volume by deciles. Short term maternal and neonatal outcomes were compared between groups and between deciles. RESULTS: During the study period 140,856 births met the study criteria. The median annual volume of births of a single midwife was 152 [114-195]. Maternal and labor characteristics were comparable between the groups. Maternal outcomes were not significantly associated with the midwifes' annual workload. However, neonates delivered by midwives with "low" annual volume had higher rate of neonatal jaundice (aOR 1.07, 95 % CI [1.00-1.14]) and mechanical ventilation (aOR 1.32, 95 % CI [1.05-1.66). CONCLUSION: Adverse perinatal outcomes are only mildly affected by midwives' annual volume after controlling for the midwife, parturient and neonate's characteristics.

The impact of preoperative vitamin administration on skeletal status following sleeve gastrectomy in young and middle-aged women: a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: The appropriate strategies to minimize skeletal deterioration following bariatric surgeries are inconclusive. This randomized controlled trial evaluated the effect of preoperative vitamin supplementation on bone mineral density (BMD) and biochemical parameters in females post-sleeve gastrectomy (SG). METHODS: Participants were randomized to a 2-month preoperative treatment with a multivitamin and vitamin D 4000 IU/d (intervention arm) or 1200 IU/d (control arm). Preoperative and 12-month postoperative follow-up evaluations included anthropometrics, biochemical parameters, and dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA). RESULTS: Sixty-two females (median age 29.7 years and median BMI 43.4 kg/m2) were recruited, 87% completed the 12-month follow-up. For the intervention and control arms, significant and similar reductions at 12-months post-surgery were observed in BMD of the hip (-6.8 ± 3.7% vs. -6.0 ± 3.6%; P = 0.646) and of the femoral neck (-7.1 ± 5.8% vs. -7.2 ± 5.5%; P = 0.973). For the intervention compared to the control arm, the 25 hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) increment was greater after 2 months treatment, and vitamin D deficiency rates were lower at 3 and 6-months follow-up (P < 0.016). However, at 12-months postoperative, 25(OH)D values and vitamin D deficiency were comparable between the arms (P > 0.339). Predictors for BMD decline in the total hip were the percentage of excess weight-loss, age>50 years, and lower initial BMI (P ≤ 0.003). CONCLUSIONS: SG was associated with a significant decline in BMD of the hip and femoral neck in young and middle-aged women, and was unaffected by preoperative vitamin D supplementation. Females who are peri-menopausal or with greater postoperative weight-loss should be particularly followed for BMD decline.

Determinants of adverse neonatal outcome in vaginal deliveries complicated by suspected intraamniotic infection.

PURPOSE: Intraamniotic infection, categorized into isolated maternal fever, suspected intraamniotic infection (SII), and confirmed intraamniotic infection, is associated with neonatal morbidity. However, there is paucity of data regarding the association between intraamniotic infection duration and neonatal outcomes among term singleton vaginal deliveries. We aimed to study the risk factors for adverse neonatal outcome among vaginal deliveries complicated by SII. METHODS: A retrospective observational study conducted at a tertiary medical center. All consecutive singleton term deliveries with SII were included between 2011 and 2019. Maternal and obstetrical characteristics were evaluated to identify risk factors for adverse neonatal outcome. Correlation between SII duration and neonatal adverse outcome was analyzed. RESULTS: Overall, 882 were analyzed. Most women (85.4%) were primiparous. Median gestation age at delivery was 40 2/7 weeks. Median time from SII to delivery was 170 min. Adverse neonatal outcomes occurred in 113 (12.8%) of deliveries. Duration of SII was not associated with adverse neonatal outcome. Analysis for determinants of adverse neonatal outcome revealed that oligohydramnios was more common in pregnancies with adverse neonatal outcome (7/113 (6.2%) vs. 41 (5.4%) OR [95% CI] 2.47 (1.02-5.98), p = 0.03). Duration of second stage of labor was longer in the adverse outcome group (median 179 min vs. 126 min, p = 0.008). Prolonged second stage was more common in the adverse outcome group (60 (53.1%) vs. 273 (35.5%) OR [95% CI] 2.05 (1.38-3.06), p < 0.001). On logistic regression analysis, prolonged second stage was the only modifiable factor independently associated with adverse neonatal outcome [adjusted OR 2.09 (1.37-3.2), p = 0.001]. Other variables tested did not differ between groups. Only phototherapy and base excess ≥ 12 mmol/L were significantly associated with the duration of second stage of labor; for each additional hour of the second stage, the OR for the former increased by 0.34 (p = 0.008), and for the latter by 0.69 (p = 0.007). CONCLUSION: Duration of suspected intraamniotic infection was not associated with increased neonatal morbidity among women delivering vaginally at term. Prolonged second stage was a strong independent predictor of an adverse neonatal outcome among fetuses exposed to intraamniotic infection.

Neonatal subgaleal hemorrhage unrelated to assisted vaginal delivery: clinical course and outcomes.

PURPOSE: The purpose of the study was to evaluate the occurrence of subgaleal hemorrhage (SGH) following non-assisted vaginal delivery (normal vaginal delivery or cesarean delivery), and to characterize associated factors, clinical course, and outcomes, compared to attempted assisted vaginal delivery (AVD)-associated SGH METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was conducted. All cases of SGH encountered following delivery of a singleton neonate at Hadassah, Hebrew University Medical Center during 2011-2018 were included. Maternal, fetal, intrapartum, and neonatal characteristics and outcomes were compared between AVD-related and non-AVD-related SGH groups. RESULTS: The overall incidence of SGH was 4.5/1000 (369/82,256) singleton deliveries. The incidences of AVD- and non-AVD-related SGH were 44.6/1000 (350/7852) and 0.3/1000 (19/74,404) singleton deliveries, respectively. Ten (53%) of the 19 non-AVD-related SGH were diagnosed after vaginal delivery and 9 (47%) after an urgent cesarean section. SGH severity was mild, moderate, and severe in 68%, 16%, and 16% of the cases, respectively. SGH severity did not differ between the attempted AVD group and the non-AVD-related SGH group. A higher proportion of neonates with non-AVD SGH required phototherapy treatment than did those diagnosed with AVD-related SGH (56% vs. 24%, P = 0.003). Other neonatal outcomes, including Apgar scores, maximal bilirubin level, length of stay, and the rate of composite adverse outcomes, did not differ between the groups. CONCLUSIONS: SGH, although rare, may be diagnosed after unassisted vaginal or cesarean delivery in the absence of an AVD attempt. We advocate continuing education for all medical staff who participate in peripartum and neonatal care, regarding the possible occurrence of non-AVD-related SGH.

Nutritional Management for Chronic Kidney Disease Patients who Undergo Bariatric Surgery: A Narrative Review.

Bariatric surgery (BS) may be effective for chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients by reducing microalbuminuria and proteinuria, and by facilitating their meeting inclusion criteria for kidney transplantation. However, nutritional management for this population is complex and specific guidelines are scarce. A literature search was performed to create dietetic practice for these patients based on the most recent evidence. For the purposes of nutritional recommendations, we divided the patients into 2 subgroups: 1) patients with CKD and dialysis, and 2) patients after kidney transplantation. Before surgery, nutritional care includes nutritional status evaluation and adjusting doses of supplements to treat deficiencies and daily nutrient intake according to the dietary restrictions derived from kidney disease, including quantities of fluids, protein, phosphorus, potassium, and vitamins. After BS, these patients are at major risk for lean body mass loss, malnutrition and dehydration because of fluid restriction and diuretics. Postoperative nutritional recommendations should be carefully tailored according to CKD nutritional limitations and include specific considerations regarding protein, fluids, and supplementation, in particular calcium, vitamin A, and vitamin D. Nutritional management of CKD and kidney transplant patients undergoing BS is challenging and future studies are required to establish uniform high-level evidence-based guidelines.

Maternal nutritional status and related pregnancy outcomes following bariatric surgery: A systematic review.

Up to 80% of patients who undergo bariatric surgery are women of childbearing age. Coupled with improved fertility in women with obesity after bariatric surgery, pregnancy postbariatric surgery has become increasingly more common. Although numerous studies have evaluated associations of bariatric surgery with pregnancy outcomes, the effect of maternal nutritional status on maternal and perinatal outcomes is not well established. We used Medline and Embase databases and a manual search of references for articles published until June 2018 to conduct a systematic review on nutritional status after bariatric surgery and its association with maternal and perinatal outcomes. Of the 306 initially identified articles, 27 met the study inclusion criteria, comprising 2056 women with pregnancies after bariatric surgery. Deficiencies were reported in maternal concentrations of vitamins A, B1, B6, B12, C, D, K, iron, calcium, selenium, and phosphorous. The only adverse events documented for these deficiencies encountered during pregnancy were anemia (vitamin B12, iron), night blindness (vitamin A), and urinary tract infections (vitamin A, D). This systematic review suggests that various micronutrient deficiencies are common among pregnant postbariatric surgery patients. Nevertheless, despite the concern that these deficiencies could adversely affect pregnancy outcomes (e.g., lower neonatal birth weight), evidence of such is lacking. Further prospective studies are warranted to confirm our findings and better delineate the optimal supplementation regimen during pregnancy after bariatric surgery.

Maternal and Perinatal Outcomes After Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy.

OBJECTIVE: To examine associations of laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy with maternal and perinatal outcomes. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective case-control study of deliveries that occurred from 2006 to 2016 at two university hospitals. The study group comprised all women who had undergone laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy and who delivered during the study period. If a woman had more than one pregnancy during the study period, data from only her first pregnancy were used. A control group was established by matching preoperative body mass index (BMI), age, parity, delivery history, and delivery year. RESULTS: Data from 238 women were analyzed, 119 post-laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy and 119 matched control parturients. Among the post-laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy patients, the median preoperative BMI was 41.7 (interquartile range 39.9-44.4) and the median postoperative BMI was 28.9 (26.6-32.0). Compared with the control group, the study group had lower rates of gestational diabetes mellitus (3.4% vs 17.6%, P=.001), large-for-gestational-age neonates (1.7% vs 19.3%, P=.001), and birth weight greater than 4,000 g (0.8% vs 7.6%, P=.02) but higher proportions of small-for-gestational-age (SGA) neonates (14.3% vs 4.2%, P=.01) and low-birth-weight neonates (12.6% vs 4.2%, P=.03). Rates of gestational hypertensive disorders and prematurity were comparable between the groups. For the study group, hemoglobin levels were lower in early pregnancy (median 12.6 vs 13.2 g/dL, P=.001) and after delivery (10.5 vs 10.8 g/dL, P=.002), and a higher proportion of patients were treated with intravenous iron supplementation during pregnancy (14.3% vs 0.8%, P=.001). Cesarean delivery rates during labor were lower in the study group (10.1% vs 20.2%, P=.04). CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy was associated with reduced rates of gestational diabetes mellitus, excessive fetal growth, and cesarean delivery and an increased rate of SGA and low-birth-weight neonates.

Factors associated with thromboembolic events following cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: We investigated the risk factors, incidence, and role of thromboprophylaxis in the development of thrombosis following cytoreductive surgery with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (CRS/HIPEC). METHODS: We reviewed data of patients with CRS/HIPEC in three hospitals. RESULTS: Overall, 192 patients underwent CRS/HIPEC during 2007-2016. Mechanical (thigh-length pneumatic compression stockings) and pharmacologic thromboprophylaxis (40 mg enoxaparin daily, starting 12 h before surgery until discharge) was provided for all patients; and 116 (60.4%) also received an extended course of enoxaparin for 2-4 weeks after discharge. Twenty-six patients experienced thrombotic complications (13.5%) including portal-splenic-mesenteric venous thrombosis (n = 11, 5.7%), pulmonary embolism (n = 10, 5.2%), and deep vein thrombosis (n = 5, 2.6%); most (n = 21, 80.8%) occurred after hospital discharge. Univariate analysis identified Peritoneal Cancer Index, intraoperative transfusion requirement, operative blood loss, operative time, lengths of hospital, and intensive care unit stay, and lack of administration of anticoagulation at discharge as significantly associated with thrombosis. With multivariate analysis, only the lack of anticoagulation therapy at discharge remained significantly associated with thrombosis (P = 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Thromboembolic complications are common following CRS/HIPEC. As significantly lower rates of thrombosis were found in patients who received an extended course of anticoagulation, we support its use for at least 2 weeks after discharge.