Is a pregnancy following a second trimester uterine evacuation associated with increased adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes?

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate maternal and neonatal outcomes of pregnancies following a uterine evacuation in the second trimester, in comparison to a first trimester spontaneous pregnancy loss. STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective analysis of data of women who conceived ≤6 months following a uterine evacuation due to a spontaneous pregnancy loss and subsequently delivered in a single tertiary medical center between 2016 and 2021. Maternal and neonatal outcomes were compared between women with second trimester (14-23 weeks) and first trimester (<14 weeks) pregnancy loss. The primary outcome of this study was the preterm delivery (<37 weeks) rate. Secondary outcomes were adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes. Univariate analysis was followed by multiple logistic regression models; adjusted odds ratios (aORs) and 95 % confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated. RESULTS: During the study period, 1365 women met the inclusion criteria. Of those, 272 (19.9 %) women gave birth following a second trimester uterine evacuation and 1093 (80.1 %) women following a first trimester uterine evacuation. There were no demographic differences between the two groups. No difference was found in the preterm delivery rate in the subsequent pregnancy (5.1 % vs. 5.3 %, p = 0.91), further confirmed in the multivariate analysis [aOR 1.02 (0.53-1.94), p = 0.96]. No differences were identified with respect to other maternal and neonatal parameters examined, including hypertension disorders of pregnancy, third stage placental complications, mode of delivery and neonatal birth weight. CONCLUSION: Pregnancy conceived shortly after second trimester uterine evacuation as compared to first trimester, confers no additional risk for preterm delivery or other adverse perinatal outcomes. Further studies to strengthen these findings are needed.

Resuscitative Endovascular Balloon Occlusion of the Aorta (REBOA) in the Multidisciplinary Management of Morbidly Adherent Placenta.

BACKGROUND: Morbidly adherent placentation (MAP) increases the risk for obstetric hemorrhage. Cesarean hysterectomy is the prevalent perioperative approach. Resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta (REBOA) is a minimally invasive and relatively simple endovascular procedure to temporarily occlude the aorta and control below diaphragm bleeding in trauma. It has been effectively used to reduce obstetric hemorrhage. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate whether REBOA during cesarean delivery (CD) in women with morbidly adherent placentation is a safe and effective treatment modality. METHODS: We introduced REBOA for CD with antepartum diagnosis of MAP in 2019 and compared these patients (RG) to a standard approach group (SAG) treated in our center over the preceding year, as a control. All relevant data were collected from patient electronic files. RESULTS: Estimated blood loss and transfusion rates were significantly higher in SAG; 54.5% of SAG patients received four RBC units or more vs. one administered in RG. No fresh frozen plasma, cryoprecipitate, or platelets were administered in RG vs. mean 3.63, 6, and 3.62 units, respectively in SAG. Ten SAG patients (90.9%) underwent hysterectomy vs. 3 RG patients (30%). Five SAG patients (45%) required post-surgical intensive care unit (ICU) admission vs. no RG patients. Bladder injury occurred in five SAG cases (45%) vs. 2 RG (20%). One RG patient had a thromboembolic event. Perioperative lactate levels were significantly higher in SAG patients. CONCLUSIONS: Use of REBOA during CD in women with MAP is safe and effective in preventing massive bleeding, reducing the rate of hysterectomy, and improving patient outcome.

Maternal and Neonatal Outcomes of Women Conceived Less Than 6 Months after First Trimester Dilation and Curettage.

Objective: To evaluate the maternal and neonatal outcomes of pregnancies conceived ≤6 months after first trimester (<14 weeks) dilation and curettage (D&C). Methods: A retrospective computerized database study of women who conceived ≤6 months following a missed abortion and delivered in a single tertiary medical center between 2016 and 2021. The maternal and neonatal outcomes of women who had D&C were compared to those of women who had non-medical or spontaneous miscarriages. The primary outcome of this study was the rate of preterm birth (<37 weeks). Secondary outcomes were adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes. Univariate analysis was followed by multiple logistic regression models; adjusted odds ratios (aORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated. Results: During the study period, 1773 women met the inclusion criteria; of those, 1087 (61.3%) women gave birth following D&C. We found no differences between the study groups in any maternal or neonatal parameter examined including preterm birth (PTB), miscarriage to pregnancy interval, fertility treatments, hypertension disorders of pregnancy, placental complications, mode of delivery and neonatal birth weights. This was confirmed on a multivariate analysis as well [aOR 1.74 (0.89−3.40), p = 0.11] for preterm birth. Conclusion: Watchful waiting or the medical treatment of a first trimester missed abortion present no more risks than D&C to pregnancies conceived within six months of the index miscarriage. Further studies in other settings to strengthen these findings are needed.

Laparoscopic negative appendectomy during pregnancy is associated with adverse neonatal outcome.

BACKGROUND: The impact on pregnancy of laparoscopy for acute appendicitis is well documented. However, with an accurate pre-operative diagnosis being more challenging in pregnant patients, the incidence of a negative appendectomy (NA) is higher in this cohort. The aim of this study was to evaluate the maternal and neonatal implications of a NA during pregnancy. METHODS: A single center retrospective study between 2004 and 2019 was performed. Pregnant women who underwent laparoscopic appendectomy for suspected appendicitis were identified from which those who had a pathologically normal appendix were selected. The maternal and neonatal outcome of this group were compared with a matched control group of pregnant women who underwent diagnostic laparoscopy for a presumed ovarian torsion in whom no further surgical intervention was performed. Multivariate regression analysis was performed to explore factors that gestational size. RESULTS: Of the 225 pregnant women who underwent laparoscopy appendectomy, a NA was performed in 33 (14.7%). These were compared with 50 pregnant women in the diagnostic laparoscopy group. The former was characterized by higher rate of nulliparity and later gestational age at the time of the surgery (17.8 ± 7.5 vs 11.3 ± 6.3, p < 0.001). Whilst the rate of maternal complications during pregnancy were similar between the groups, NA was associated with significantly lower neonatal birthweights (2733.9 ± 731.1 vs 3200.7 ± 458.5 g, p = 0.002) and a significantly higher risk of small for gestational age (SGA) infants (OR 5.6, 95% CI 1.02-30.9). CONCLUSIONS: Performing a NA during pregnancy is an indicator for perioperative counseling and antenatal follow up.

Delayed presentation of ectopic pregnancy during the COVID-19 pandemic: A retrospective study of a collateral effect.

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to assess the rates of overall diagnosis of ectopic pregnancy (EP), treatment modality and associated complications during the COVID-19 pandemic compared to the exact time period in the previous year (pre-COVID-19). METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was conducted at a single referral regional center (Shaare Zedek Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel). Prevalence of the diagnosis of EP, treatment modality and associated complications during the COVID-19 lockdown period in the state of Israel (March 10-May 12, 2020) was compared to patients receiving the same diagnosis during the parallel timeframe in the previous year (2019). RESULTS: Overall there were 29 and 43 cases of EP during the COVID-19 and pre COVID-19 epoch, respectively. COVID-19 period patients presented to the emergency room with significantly higher ß-human chorionic gonadotrophin level; median of 1364 versus 633 IU, P = 0.001. The rate of ruptured EP was; 20.7% versus 4.3% P = 0.031, and surgical approach; 55.2% versus 27.9%, P = 0.001. Significantly higher median volume of blood loss; median volume 852 versus 300 ml, P = 0.042 were observed in patients during the COVID-19 epoch. CONCLUSION: The COVID-19 pandemic led to delayed presentation of patients with EP, and the requirement of subsequent emergency surgical management and excessive blood loss. Special attention should be given to the decline in routine medical care during the pandemic.

Maternal and neonatal outcomes following a proactive peripartum multidisciplinary management protocol for placenta creta spectrum as compared to the urgent delivery.

BACKGROUND: Adherent and invasive placenta, termed Placenta Creta Spectrum (PCS), is associated with increased maternal morbidity and mortality. Incidence and risk factors for Placenta Creta are on the rise and call to optimize the obstetric care for this condition. OBJECTIVES: We sought to compare maternal and neonatal outcomes between a ProActive Peripartum Multidisciplinary Approach (PAMA) as compared to the urgent management of the Placenta Creta Spectrum patients. STUDY DESIGN: We conducted a single-center prospective observational study between 2005-2016. PCS patients registered with the implementation of a PAMA protocol 2014-2016 epoch(E2) were compared with the pre-PAMA 2005-2013 epoch(E1), managed by urgent team recruitment. The PAMA protocol is grounded on a continuum of care; A. Antenatal: PCS risk assessment based on clinical history and imaging, surgical, anesthesia, urological consults and designation of a dedicated team to be present at planned surgery; B. Delivery: planned at 34-35 weeks, massive transfusion protocol activation, insertion of ureteral catheters, vertical uterine incision, placement of vessel loops on the iliac vessels, avoidance of active placenta delivery, followed by the decision of hysterectomy or uterine repair; C. Post-operative care: intensive care admission. We evaluated maternal and neonatal outcomes. RESULTS: During the study period 158,438 deliveries were registered in our institution; we identified a total of 72 PCS cases (0.05%): 50(69.4%) in E1 and 22 (30.6%) in E2. Patient characteristics were comparable among epochs. Significantly, patients in E2 vs. E1 had fewer events of massive blood transfusion 36.0% vs. 13.6%, p = 0.05; were transfused less RBC units: median 4 vs. 1.5, p = 0.012, had no transfusion-related respiratory complications and hemorrhage control re-laparotomies. Hysterectomy and hollow visceral injury rates were comparable (72% vs. 63.7%, 26% vs. 22%; respectively). The hysterectomy pathology assessment was available for the majority of the cases in both epochs; percreta diagnosis rate significantly increased in E2. The neonatal outcome was similar among the epochs. CONCLUSIONS: Institution of a PAMA protocol for PCS resulted in eliminating the urgent deliveries and in reducing the associated significant hemorrhagic related maternal morbidity, with no increase in the rate of hysterectomy or adverse neonatal outcome.