The view of the clinical obstetrician in the caesarian vs. normal childbirth controversy / A visão do obstetra clínico na polêmica cesariana X parto normal

Obstetrics has not been indifferent to the profound socioeconomic and cultural changes, nor to the scientific technological achievements of the last decades. Obviously, it also had to adjust, adapt and evolve in relation to this new vision. Changes in the obstetric population have also occurred. Women have stopped getting pregnant in their nubility. They first seek professional and economic achievement and then think about childbearing. The number of elderly and late primigravidae has grown; often, from assisted reproduction. Pregnant women have conquered the right of being better assisted and the respect regarding their convictions. We have seen and read concerning the emphasis with which women, who desire a normal birth, receive support and encouragement. Whereas other women, convicted in their decision to receive their child through cesarean, do not receive the same consideration

A Obstetrícia não ficou indiferente às profundas mudanças socioeconômicas e culturais, nem às conquistas científicas tecnológicas das últimas décadas. Obviamente, que também teve de se ajustar, adaptar e evoluir em relação a esta nova visão. Ocorreram, outrossim, mudanças na população obstétrica. A mulher deixou de engravidar na nubilidade. Procura primeiro a realização profissional e econômica e depois pensa na prole. O número de primigestas idosas e tardias cresceu, muitas vezes, oriundo da reprodução assistida. A grávida conquistou o direto de ser melhor assistida e o respeito às suas convicções. Assistimos e lemos a ênfase com que se apoia e se estimula a resolução da mulher que deseja um parto normal. A outra, também convicta em sua decisão de receber o seu filho através da cesariana, não recebe a mesma consideração

Effectiveness of expectant management versus methotrexate in tubal ectopic pregnancy: a double-blind randomized trial.

PURPOSE: To compare the effectiveness of expectant management versus methotrexate in selected cases of tubal ectopic pregnancy. METHODS: A double-blind randomized trial included 23 selected patients with a confirmed diagnosis of tubal pregnancy who met the inclusion criteria (hemodynamic stability, initial serum ß-hCG concentration <2,000 mIU/mL, declining titers of ß-hCG 48 h prior to treatment, visible tubal pregnancy on transvaginal ultrasound, a tubal mass <5.0 cm and fertility desire). The patients were divided into two groups: 10 patients in the methotrexate group (MTX 50 mg/m(2) administered as a single intramuscular dose) and 13 patients in the placebo group (saline solution administered in a single intramuscular dose). Quantitative variables were expressed as means ± standard deviations and compared by Student's t test or Mann-Whitney test. Dichotomous variables (success/treatment failure) were presented as proportions and compared by the Fisher exact test. RESULTS: Successful treatment with negative titers of ß-hCG occurred in 9 cases (90.0%) of the methotrexate group and in 12 (92.3%) of the placebo group (p > 0.999). The ß-hCG values became undetectable at 22 ± 15.4 days in the methotrexate group and 20.6 ± 8.4 days in the placebo group (p = 0.80). CONCLUSION: This study showed no statistically significant difference between the treatment with methotrexate and placebo, with similar success rates and similar time interval for ß-hCG to become undetectable.

Assessment of fetal lung maturity by ultrasound: objective study using gray-scale histogram.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate lung maturity using ultrasound (US), comparing the subjective and gray-scale histogram (GSH) techniques. METHODS: A total of 77 single pregnancies were evaluated and divided into the following two groups: 11 women of gestational age 28 to 35 + 6 weeks and 66 women ≥ 36 weeks. The women underwent to emergency or planned cesarean section, according to fetal-maternal indications. The US was performed on the mean sagittal plane of the fetal torso, in order to observe the lung and hepatic areas. Fetal lung maturity was evaluated subjectively and through GSH. After delivery, the incidence of respiratory distress in the newborn was evaluated. The analyses were considered to be correct or incorrect, and comparisons were made using the McNemar test. In order to compare lung/hepatic echogenicity using GSH in groups with and without respiratory distress, the Student's t-test was used. RESULTS: The subjective evaluation identified 41 cases (53.2%) correctly and 36 (46.8%) incorrectly, while GSH found 58 (75.3%) correctly and 19 (24.7%) incorrectly (p = 0.006). There was a significant difference in mean lung/hepatic echogenicity between the groups with and without respiratory distress (1.05 versus 1.26; p = 0.002). In the group of 28 to 35 + 6 weeks, GSH presented sensitivity, specificity and accuracy in predicting respiratory distress of 61.9%, 89.1% and 81.6%, respectively. CONCLUSION: The evaluation of fetal lung maturity through GSH was more effective than the subjective method in predicting respiratory distress among newborns.

Histomorphometry and detection of glycosaminoglycans in the endocervical epithelium of pregnant rats after local administration of hyaluronidase.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to detect the presence of glycosaminoglycans and to investigate histomorphometric aspects of the endocervical epithelium in pregnant rats after local administration of hyaluronidase. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ten pregnant rats were randomly distributed into two groups. On day 18 of pregnancy 1 mL of distilled water and 0.02 mL of hyaluronidase were administered to the control group (CG) and the study group (SG), respectively On day 20 the rats were sacrificed, followed by dissection and removal of the uterine cervix, which was prepared for histomorphometry (endocervical epithelium thickness and leucocyte infiltration) and for immunohistochemistry with alcian blue reaction and its respective blockers. The paired Student t test was used to compare the groups. RESULTS: The SG was characterized by reduced epithelial thickness (mean: 291.01 +/- 71.1 vs. 764.30 +/- 50.94; p < 0.0001) and a larger number of eosinophils (mean: 3.72 +/- 1.60 vs. 0.54 +/- 0.70; p < 0.0001). Alcian blue staining (pH 0.5) indicated a very strong reaction (3+) for the CG. With pH 2.5, the staining was also very intense (4+) in the CG. With methylation, both groups showed negative reactions after alcian blue staining (pH 2.5). With the methylation reaction followed by saponification and with enzymatic digestion of the lamina, staining showed a weak reaction (1+) in both groups. CONCLUSION: The SG presented with significant alterations related to the reduction of epithelial thickness and an increase in leucocyte infiltration. Furthermore, the use of hyaluronidase resulted in a significant decrease of the sulfated glycosaminoglycans.

Trophoblastic infiltration in tubal pregnancy evaluated by immunohistochemistry and correlation with variation of Beta-human chorionic gonadotropin.

Objective. To evaluate trophoblastic cell proliferation and angiogenesis in tubal pregnancy assessed by immunohistochemical study and their correlation with an average variation of ß -hCG in an interval of 48 hours before surgery. Methods. A prospective study was conducted on 18 patients with a diagnosis of tubal pregnancy. The patients were divided into two groups of ectopic pregnancy of which 11 showed rise of ß -hCG levels and 7 patients showed declining ß -hCG levels in an interval of 48 hours prior to surgery. Trophoblastic cell proliferation and angiogenesis were assessed by Ki-67 and VEGF, respectively. Trophoblastic cell proliferation was assessed by Ki-67 and was classified into three groups (grade I: less than 1/3 of stained nuclei, grade II: 1/3 to 2/3 of the stained nuclei, and grade III: more than 2/3 of the nuclei stained). The cases analyzed for VEGF were divided into three groups (grade I: less than 1/3 of the stained cytoplasm; grade II: 1/3 to 2/3 of the stained cytoplasm; grade III: more than 2/3 of the stained cytoplasm). Statistical analysis was performed using the chi-square, ANOVA, and Kruskal-Wallis tests. Results. The mean variation in the serum ß -hCG levels in 48 hours in tubal pregnancy patients correlated with trophoblastic cell proliferation assessed by Ki-67 and showed a decline of 13.46% in grade I, a rise of 45.99% in grade II, and ascension of 36.68% in grade III (P = 0.030). The average variation in the serum ß -hCG in 48 hours, where angiogenesis was evaluated by VEGF, showed a decline of 18.35% in grade I, a rise of 32.95% in grade II, and ascension of 37.55% in grade III (P = 0.047). Conclusions. Our observations showed a direct correlation of increased levels of serum ß -hCG in 48h period prior to surgery with higher trophoblastic cell proliferation assessed by Ki-67 and angiogenesis assessed by VEGF in tubal pregnancy.

Conservative management of cervical pregnancy with embryonic heart activity by ultrasound-guided local injection: an eight case series.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy of conservative management of cervical pregnancy with embryonic heart activity by ultrasound-guided local injection. METHODS: Retrospective case series at University tertiary care Hospital. Eight patients diagnosed with cervical pregnancy with embryonic heart activity managed conservatively. The intervention was ultrasound-guided local injection of methotrexate (1 mg/kg) and potassium chloride (2 meq/mL). Measurements were occurrence of morbidity, necessity for further intervention, the initial titers of beta-hCG, interval of time in which the levels of beta-hCG became negative, period for regression of cervical pregnancy at ultrasound and future pregnancy. RESULTS: All patients were treated successfully. The initial levels of beta-hCG ranged from 3013 to 71199 mUI/mL. One case evaluated with infection. There was no need for additional intervention in our series study. The interval of time for the levels of beta-hCG becomes negative range from 2 to 12 weeks. The period for the regression of the cervical pregnancy at ultrasound range from 3 to 14 weeks. In two cases intrauterine pregnancies occurred after the treatment. CONCLUSION: Conservative management of cervical pregnancy with embryonic heart activity by ultrasound-guided injection is an effective treatment avoiding the need of further intervention.

Values of beta-human chorionic gonadotrofin as a risk factor for tubal pregnancy rupture evaluated by histopathology.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the depth of trophoblastic infiltration in tubal wall in ectopic pregnancy (EP) assessed by histopathology and their correlation with initial values of ß-hCG. METHODS: A prospective study including 27 patients with diagnosis of EP was realized. The tubal pregnancies were histologically classified according to the depth of infiltration of trophoblastic tissue on the wall of the tube (stage I: limited to mucosa; stage II: reaching the muscularis layer; stage III: complete infiltration of the tubal wall). The comparison between groups for numeric variables was performed by ANOVA. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was performed to obtain the cutoff value of ß-hCG associated with the degree of trophoblast invasion into the wall of the tube evaluated by histology. RESULTS: The mean ß-hCG in patients evaluated by histopathology as stage I + II was 2868 mIU/ml and stage III was 11 202 mIU/ml (p = 0.017). ß-hCG levels that best predicted for stage III was 2906 mIU/ml, with a sensitivity of 85.7% and a specificity of 69.2%. CONCLUSION: There is a direct correlation between serum ß-hCG and the depth of trophoblast infiltration of the tube wall at histopathology.

The expression of glycosaminoglycans and proteoglycans in the uterine cervix of albino rats after local hyaluronidase infusion.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the local effect of hyaluronidase injection on the expression of glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) and proteoglycans (PGs) in the extracellular matrix of the uterine cervix from pregnant albino rats. METHODS: Ten pregnant rats were divided into two groups on day 18 of pregnancy. The experimental group (Gexp) of rats received an intracervical infusion of 0.02 mL of hyaluronidase diluted to 1 mL with distilled water, whereas the control group (Gc) received 1 mL of distilled water. On day 20 of pregnancy, the pregnant rats were sacrificed and the uterine cervixes from all rats were then dissected. The qualitative expression of hyaluronic acid (HA) was assessed by immunohistochemistry and quantified by sandwich ELISA. To compare the quantitative GAG values between groups, a Student's t-test for independent samples was performed. PGs were also assessed by immunohistochemical analysis. RESULTS: The electrophoretic profile of newly synthesized radioactively labeled GAGs degraded by specific enzymes showed that there were two predominant GAGs in both Gc and Gexp, i.e. heparan sulfate (HS) and a mixture of hondroitin sulfate (CS) and dermatan sulfate (DS). The concentrations of GAGs showed a significant reduction of CS/DS (p < 0.004) and HS (p < 0.005) relative to Gc. HA staining was less intense in the lamina propria and area surrounding the blood vessels in Gexp compared to Gc. The HA contents were also significantly reduced (p < 0.012). CONCLUSIONS: Intracervical hyaluronidase infusion promoted a significant reduction in the concentration of sulfated GAGs as assessed by both qualitative (histochemical) and quantitative (fluorometric) measurements of HA.

Elementos da matriz extracelular da cérvice uterina e trabalho de parto prematuro / Elements of extracellular matrix from uterine cervix and premature labor

As taxas de prematuridade não atingem quedas significativas, mesmo em países desenvolvidos, alertando os pesquisadores a buscarem alternativas clínico-farmacológicas na prevenção desta enfermidade obstétrica. A matriz extracelular ocupa espaço relevante na maturação cervical, e seu entendimento é fundamental para possíveis ações preventivas. Destaca-se a provável correlação dos níveis locais de glicosaminoglicanos na prevenção do parto prematuro por inibir processos inflamatórios na cérvice uterina

The preterm delivery rates do not decrease significantly, even in developed countries, prompting researchers to seek pharmacological and clinical alternatives to prevent this obstetrics disorder. The extracellular matrix is important in cervical length, and its understanding is essential for possible preventive actions. We emphasize the probable correlation of the local levels of glycosaminoglycans to prevent premature labor by inhibiting inflammatory processes from uterine cervix

Repercussões da cicatriz uterina resultante de cesariana prévia na dopplervelocimetria das artérias uterinas entre 26 e 32 semanas / Repercussions of previous cesarean uterine scar at uterine arteries Doppler velocimetry between the 26th and 32nd gestational weeks

OBJETIVO: Avaliar as repercussões da cicatriz uterina na dopplervelocimetria das artérias uterinas, entre 26 e 32 semanas, em gestantes primíparas com uma cesariana prévia, considerando quando esta foi realizada fora (cesárea eletiva) ou durante o trabalho de parto. MATERIAIS E MÉTODOS: Estudo prospectivo transversal em 45 gestantes, divididas em três grupos: 17 gestantes com cicatriz prévia resultante de cesariana eletiva (grupo A); 14 gestantes com uma cicatriz prévia oriunda de cesariana executada em trabalho de parto (grupo B); 14 gestantes cujo único parto anterior foi realizado por via vaginal (grupo C). A dopplervelocimetria das artérias uterinas foi realizada pela via abdominal. Foram calculados as médias, medianas e desvios-padrão (DP) para cada grupo em estudo. Em relação ao índice de pulsatilidade, a comparação dos grupos foi conduzida pelo teste não paramétrico de Kruskal-Wallis. RESULTADOS: Os valores médios do índice de pulsatilidade no grupo A variaram de 0,60 a 1,60 (média: 0,90; DP: 0,29), no grupo B, de 0,53 a 1,43 (média: 0,87; DP: 0,24), e no grupo C, de 0,65 a 1,65 (média: 1,01; DP: 0,37); p = 0,6329. CONCLUSÃO: Não houve repercussões da cicatriz de cesariana prévia na dopplervelocimetria das artérias uterinas avaliadas de 26 a 32 semanas de gestação.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the possible repercussions of the previous cesarean scar at uterine arteries Doppler velocimetry between the 26th and 32nd gestational weeks. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Prospective cross-sectional study including 45 women between 11 and 14 weeks of gestation, divided into three groups: 17 pregnant women with uterine scar resulting from a previous elective cesarean section (group A); 14 with uterine scar resulting from a previous cesarean section performed during labor (group B); and 14 pregnant women with a single previous vaginal delivery (group C). Uterine arteries Doppler velocimetry was performed with transabdominal approach. Means, medians and standard deviation (SD) were calculated for each group in the study. The groups comparison regarding pulsatility index was performed with the non-parametric Kruskal-Wallis test. RESULTS: In group A, the pulsatility index ranged from 0.60 to 1.60 (mean: 0.90; SD: 0.29), in group B, from 0.53 to 1.43 (mean: 0.87; SD: 0.24), and in group C, from 0.65 to 1.65 (mean: 1.01; SD: 0.37); with p = 0.6329. CONCLUSION: No repercussion of previous cesarean scar was observed at uterine arteries Doppler velocimetry performed in the period between the 26th and 32nd gestational weeks.

Gravidez ectópica cervical com embrião vivo: o uso do metotrexato é eficiente? / Cervical ectopic pregnancy with alive embryo: the use of methotrexate is effective?

A gravidez ectópica cervical é tida como de localização excepcional, representando menos de 1% das implantações ectópicas. Embora rara, constitui patologia obstétrica de elevada gravidade. Sua letalidade, no passado, atingia índices assustadores. Estabelecido o diagnóstico, a conduta clássica era a histerectomia total, pois o sangramento intravaginal oriundo do canal cervical era frequentemente mortal, diante de tentativas de tratamento conservador por curetagem e/ou sutura local, sobretudo em nulíparas, desejosas de manter a fertilidade. Mais recentemente, tem sido proposto o uso do metotrexato por via local e/ou sistêmica, por vezes associado a técnicas de ligadura e embolização arterial, como forma de evitar a cirurgia mutiladora. Este trabalho teve como objetivo buscar evidências científicas na literatura que possam avaliar a eficácia do tratamento dessas pacientes utilizando o metotrexato.

The cervical ectopic pregnancy is considered of exceptional location, less than 1% of ectopic implantations. Although rare, is extremely serious obstetric pathology. Lethality in the past, reached frightening levels. After the diagnosis, the procedure was the classic radical hysterectomy, because the bleeding originated from intravaginal cervical canal was often fatal before the attempts of conservative treatment by curettage and/or suture, especially in nulliparous women desiring to maintain fertility. More recently, it has been suggested the use of methotrexate by local and/or systemic way, frequently associated with techniques of ligation and arterial embolization, in order to avoid mutilating surgery. This study aimed to look for evidence in the scientific literature to evaluate the effectiveness of treatment of these patients using methotrexate.

Escolha da melhor via de parto para o feto prematuro em apresentação cefálica / Choice of the best mode of delivery for the preterm fetus in cephalic presentation

A prematuridade é um dos maiores problemas da obstetrícia contemporânea. Possui etiologia multifatorial e sua incidência se mantém elevada em todo o mundo apesar das propostas terapêuticas e assistenciais. A escolha da melhor via de parto para o nascituro pré-termo é um dos aspectos fundamentais para a obtenção de melhores resultados neonatais. O objetivo desta revisão foi avaliar a escolha da melhor via de parto para o feto prematuro em apresentação cefálica. Artigos observacionais e de revisão sistemática mostraram-se polêmicos, suferindo a necessidade de novos estudos com metodologia prospectiva. Concluímos que a cesariana não deve ser recomendada como estratégia benéfica rotineira para esses fetos com vistas a diminuir morbidade e mortalidade neonatais na ausência de outras indicações obstétricas para a realização do parto por via alta.

Prematuriry is one of the biggest problems of the contemporary obstetrics. It has multifactor etiology and its incidence remains high incidence all over the world despite proposals of assistance and therapeutics. Choosing the best mode of delivery for the premature infant is a fundamental aspect to reach the best neonatal results. The objective of this review was to evaluate the choice of the best mode of delivery for the preterm vertex fetuses. Observational articles and systematic reviews proved to be con troversial, suggesting the need for further studies using prospective methodology. We have come to the conclusion that cesarean section should not be recommended as routine beneficial strategy for these fetuses, aiming at reducing neonatal morbidity and mortality, in the absence of other obstetric indications for this mode of delivery.

Neurofunctional evaluation of young male offspring of rat dams with diabetes induced by streptozotocin.

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a complex disease, being one of the most prevalent diseases worldwide. As a consequence, pregnancy-associated diabetes is increasingly common. Given the numerous studies about the influence of diabetes on offspring of diabetic rat dams, the neurological outcome is of outmost importance. This paper aimed at evaluating the neurofunctional performance of young male offspring of rat dams with diabetes induced by streptozotocin. Diabetes was induced in Wistar female rats by streptozotocin administration, while control groups received vehicle injection. At two-month survival period, male offspring from each group were randomized to the water maze Morris test, in order to assess their neurofunctional status. There was no significant difference between the groups as assessed by the Morris water maze test for spatial reference task. Our results point to the need of further investigation on the offspring neurofunctional performance.