[Couder's maneuver. Knowledge and practices in a French university maternity hospital]. / Manœuvre de Couder. Connaissances et pratiques dans une maternité universitaire française.

BACKGROUND: During childbirth, the performance of a systematic Couder's maneuver could be linked to a reduction in the risk of perineal tear. OBJECTIVE: To know the practices and knowledge of childbirth professionals regarding the Couder's maneuver. To measure the effect of a training program for juniors. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Single-center questionnaire survey of senior and junior obstetricians and midwives. Before-and-after study in juniors to evaluate maneuver training. RESULTS: One hundred and twenty-five caregivers responded to the questionnaire: (19 physicians and 46 senior midwives; 21 residents and 39 midwifery students). Only one third of the respondents said they practiced the Couder's maneuver "always or almost always" (41/125, 32.8%) and less than one third felt "very comfortable" with the maneuver (34/125, 27.2%), with large differences according to profession and senior vs junior status. Being a doctor (vs midwife) was significantly related to systematic or frequent practice of the maneuver (70.0 vs 15.3%, ORMH=42.7 [9.4; 192.3]) as was being a senior (vs junior) (46.2 vs 18.3%, ORMH=15.9 [3.5; 72.9]). Less than half of the seniors surveyed had received education in maneuvering. Of those who did not practice the maneuver, the majority did not consider its systematic practice to be useful (19/26, 73.1%), and one third considered it potentially harmful (8/26, 30.8%). Theoretical and practical training of the juniors significantly improved their knowledge. CONCLUSION: There are great differences in the practice of the Couder's maneuver. It deserves to be better known, practiced and evaluated.

[Skin-to-skin during caesarean section: Assessment of professional practices]. / Le peau à peau du nouveau-né en cours de césarienne : une étude d'évaluation des pratiques professionnelles.

BACKGROUND: Considering its benefits, immediate skin-to-skin should be applied irrespective of the way of delivery. While it is increasingly applied in case of vaginal delivery, it remains difficult to implement in case of caesarean section. OBJECTIVE: To estimate the degree of implementation of skin-to-skin in case of caesarean section. METHODS: Survey in immediate postpartum with a continuous series of patients having given birth by caesarean - whether scheduled or not - in a level 3 hospital systematically realizing skin-to-skin in case of vaginal delivery. The patients were included if the caesarean section had been realized between 16/11/17 and 28/11/17. RESULTS: Thirty-five women gave birth by caesarean section during the period of study, among which 26 were planned (74%). The emergency levels were varied: 18 had a green code (51%), 12 an orange code (34%) and 5 a red code (14%). Forty-six percent of the newborn children were placed skin-to-skin. The frequency of skin-to-skin was closely linked to the planned character of the caesarean section (89 vs. 31%, P=0.005), as well as its color code (green 72%, orange 25%, red 0%). In case of impossibility to realize skin-to-skin in the course of the caesarean, the reasons were mainly related to the maternal state (63%) (malaise, bleeding, pain). In this situation, skin-to-skin was proposed to the spouse in 83% of cases and realized in recovery room with the mother in 82% of the cases. CONCLUSION: Skin-to-skin is feasible during caesarean section, regardless of the color code of the procedure.

Does an intrauterine exchange transfusion improve the fetal prognosis in parvovirus infection cases?

BACKGROUND: Almost 20% of parvovirus B19 foetal infections require intrauterine transfusions. In addition, myocardial dysfunction has been observed in severe parvovirus B19 infections. One objective of an intrauterine exchange transfusion (IUET) is to avoid an overload during the transfusion. Our aim was to study the obstetrical and neonatal outcomes in cases of IUETs performed for foetal parvovirus infections and to compare our survival rate to those studies in which simple in utero transfusions were chosen. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: This was a retrospective monocentre study of all patients followed up for parvovirus B19 infections in which IUETs were performed. An IUET was indicated when foetal hydrops was observed and/or when severe foetal anaemia was diagnosed though an elevation in the middle cerebral artery peak systolic velocity. The characteristics of each pregnancy and the neonatal outcomes were studied until hospital discharge. RESULTS: Thirty-five IUETs were performed in 26 foetuses. The median gestational age of the first IUET was 22.6 weeks. Only one foetal bradycardia incidence was recorded during the procedure. Three medical pregnancy terminations were observed in our series, secondary to severe cerebral anomalies confirmed in the magnetic resonance imaging. Five in utero deaths occurred, in which 2 of the foetuses underwent multiple IUETs. All the neonates had normal haemoglobin levels at birth, and none were transferred to the neonatal intensive care unit. The overall survival rate was 70%. CONCLUSION: IUETs exhibit a survival rate similar to that of simple intrauterine transfusions in foetal parvovirus infection cases.

Management of red blood cell alloimmunization in pregnancy.

The main cause of fetal anemia is maternal red blood cell alloimmunization (AI). The search of maternal antibodies by indirect antiglobulin test allows screening for AI during pregnancy. In case of AI, fetal genotyping (for Rh-D, Rh-c, Rh-E and Kell), quantification (for anti-rhesus antibodies) and antibody titration, as well as ultrasound monitoring, are performed. This surveillance aims at screening for severe anemia before hydrops fetalis occurs. Management of severe anemia is based on intrauterine transfusion (IUT) or labor induction depending on gestational age. After intrauterine transfusion, follow-up will focus on detecting recurrence of anemia and detecting fetal brain injury. With IUT, survival of fetuses with alloimmunization is greater than 90% but 4.8% of children with at least one IUT have neurodevelopmental impairment.

Review shows that implementing a nationwide protocol for congenital diaphragmatic hernia was a key factor in reducing mortality and morbidity.

The French Rare Disease Reference Center for congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) was created in 2008, to implement a national protocol for foetuses and children with this serious condition. Neonatal mortality from CDH is 30-40%, mainly due to pulmonary hypoplasia and persistent pulmonary hypertension, and half of those who live have high respiratory, nutritional and digestive morbidity. CDH management requires long-term and specialised multidisciplinary care. It has been well established that a standardised management protocol improves the prognosis of children with CDH. CONCLUSION: Organising health care and implementing a nationwide French protocol were key factors for reducing mortality and morbidity from CDH.

Impact of skin-to-skin contact on the autonomic nervous system in the preterm infant and his mother.

Before, during and after mother-newborn skin-to-skin contact (SSC), parasympathetic activity was evaluated by heart rate variability (HRV) analysis. SSC had a favorable impact on maternal and premature infant parasympathetic activities with a more pronounced response for neonates when the basal HRV values were lower, without modifications of EDIN scores, temperatures or oxygen saturation.

Safety and tolerability of subcutaneous treprostinil in newborns with congenital diaphragmatic hernia and life-threatening pulmonary hypertension.

BACKGROUND: Prolonged pulmonary hypertension (PH) is highly predictive for pulmonary morbidity and death in infants with congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH). OBJECTIVES: To report the effects and tolerability of subcutaneous treprostinil in newborns with severe CDH and late life-threatening PH. METHODS: We recorded clinical and echocardiography data before and after starting subcutaneous treprostinil, on patients with severe CDH and late PH, refractory to inhaled nitric oxide and oral sildenafil. RESULTS: 14 patients were treated with treprostinil (gestational age: 39.1±2.0weeks; birth weight: 3200±600g). Prior to treatment, the pre- and post-ductal SpO2 difference (Δ SpO2) was 14±10%. Treprostinil was initiated at a median age of 12days [5-157]. After starting treprostinil, ΔSpO2 decreased to 3% at day 7 (p<0.05), and the mean blood flow velocities in the right pulmonary arteries increased by 110% (p<0.05). 2 of the 14 patients died. At the age of follow up (12months to 3years), the 12 surviving infants were all weaned from respiratory support and discharged home. CONCLUSION: The subcutaneous treprostinil improves pulmonary hemodynamics and outcomes in infants with CDH and life-threatening PH. We suggest that the treatment should be considered in infants with severe CDH and late PH. TYPE OF STUDY: Case series with no comparison group. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV.

Is trial of labor harmful in breech delivery? A cohort comparison for breech and vertex presentations.

INTRODUCTION: Planned vaginal delivery in breech presentation is accompanied by an excess neonatal risk that has, however, rarely been compared to that of delivery in vertex presentation. Because of the severity of complications that can occur in long-term follow-up, the risk of asphyxia is of particular concern. MATERIAL AND METHODS: To assess immediate neonatal status after a planned vaginal delivery of fetuses in breech compared with vertex presentation, we planned a retrospective hospital cohort study of singleton term deliveries from 2000 to 2011. The indicators used to assess neonatal status were: 5-min Apgar score<7, acidosis, both moderate (pH<7.15) and severe (pH<7.0), asphyxia (pH<7.0 and base deficit≥12.0mmol/L), transfer to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), and in-hospital neonatal death. RESULTS: Compared with 43,595 trials of vaginal delivery in vertex presentation at term during the 12-year study period (93.8% of all vertex presentations), the 665 breech deliveries for which planned vaginal delivery was planned (43.2% of all breech presentations) had a quadrupled risk of severe acidosis (ORa 4.3 [2.2-7.5]), but no increase in the risk of asphyxia (ORa 0.7 [0.1-3.0]), NICU transfer (ORa 0.8 [0.4-1.3]) or in-hospital death (ORa 1.3 [0.1-6.0]). Moreover, compared with the 876 planned cesareans, the risk of severe acidosis in the 665 trials of vaginal delivery in breech presentation was four times higher (OR 4.3 [2.3-4.7]), but we observed no increase in neither asphyxia nor other risks studied. CONCLUSION: In our hospital, planned vaginal delivery is safe for breech presentations because it is associated with an increase of severe acidosis but not asphyxia.

Management of severe fetal anemia by Doppler measurement of middle cerebral artery: are there other benefits than reducing invasive procedures?

OBJECTIVE: Doppler measurement of peak velocity of systolic blood flow in the middle cerebral artery (PVS-MCA) can safely replace invasive testing in the diagnosis of fetal anemia in Rh-alloimmunized pregnancies and PSV-MCA is now the reference technique. However, no study has evaluated its impact in antenatal care and in survival rate. Our objective was to evaluate the impact of the measurement of PVS-MCA in antenatal management and neonatal outcome in maternal red cell alloimmunization requiring in utero transfusion (IUT). STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective study between January 1999 and January 2013. We excluded all cases of hydrops without follow-up before first IUT. From 1999 to 2006, an IUT was indicated on the optical index at 450 nm (Period 1) and was then replaced by the use of PVS-MCA (Period 2). RESULTS: 77 patients were included, 39 in Period 1 (104 IUT) and 38 in Period 2 (89 IUT). 5 cases of hydrops fetalis (12.8%) were diagnosed during the follow up in Period 1 and none during Period 2. The average number of IUT, the delays between 2 IUT and between last IUET and birth were comparable. The total rate of complication per IUT during the first period was 9.6% vs 1.1% during the second one (p=0.01). The overall survival rate in our population was 34/39 (86.8%) during Period 1 vs 38/38 (100%) during Period 2. CONCLUSION: PSV-ACM allowed an improved monitoring with fewer occurrences of hydrops. Conversely, it did not modify antenatal management and timing of delivery.

[Is self-confidence a factor for successful breastfeeding?]. / Les mères confiantes en elles allaitent-elles plus longtemps leur nouveau-né ?

CONTEXT: Maternal self-confidence and self-efficacy in breastfeeding are recognized as factors positively associated with the initiation and duration of breastfeeding. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the importance of this association using the Breast Feeding Self-Efficacy Scale (BSES). METHOD: This prospective study was conducted in 2012 in the Jeanne-de-Flandre maternity department in the Lille University Hospital (France). During their time in the maternity department, breastfeeding mothers who participated in the study completed the BSES, a brief self-assessment of their feelings of self-efficacy relating to breastfeeding. They then received follow-up telephone interviews at 1 and 3 months postpartum. RESULTS: One hundred and forty-nine mothers were included in the study. Breastfeeding rates were 86.5% at 1 month and 60% at 3 months. The BSES score of mothers who continued to breastfeed at 1 and 3 months was significantly higher than the score of mothers who had already weaned their children, with an AUROC of 0.72 at 3 months. This confirmed the reliability of the BSES for predicting adherence to breastfeeding. The BSES score of mothers who had previously breastfed was significantly higher than for those breastfeeding for the first time. The threshold score for the BSES was determined as 116/165. CONCLUSION: It is important that mothers who lack confidence in their ability to breastfeed be identified early, whether on the maternity ward or even before this point. The value of BSES-based breastfeeding support intervention needs to be evaluated through randomized trials.

Neonatal outcome after fetal anemia managed by intrauterine transfusion.

UNLABELLED: In-utero transfusion is now well under control and improves the survival of foetuses monitored for fetal anemia with a survival rate of more than 80 %. The aim was to evaluate short-term neonatal outcome after fetal severe anemia managed by intrauterine transfusions. We did a retrospective study of all neonates born after management of severe fetal anemia (n = 93) between January 1999 and January 2013 in our regional center. The two main causes of anemia were maternal red blood cell alloimmunization (N = 81, 87 %) and Parvovirus B19 infection (N = 10, 10.8 %). In the alloimmunization group, phototherapy was implemented in 85.2 % of cases with a maximum level of bilirubin of 114.4 ± 60.7 (mg/dl). Transfusion and exchange transfusion were, respectively, required in 51.9 % and in 34.6 % of cases. One neonate presented a convulsive episode, and we observed three neonatal deaths. In the parvovirus group, none of the child had anemia at birth and no management was necessary. CONCLUSION: Contemporary management of Rhesus disease is associated with encouraging neonatal outcomes. In case of Parvovirus infection, no specific management is necessary at. But, in all cases of fetal anemia, children should be followed up with particular attention to neurologic development. WHAT IS KNOWN: • In-utero transfusion is now well under control and improves the survival of fetuses monitored for fetal anemia. • Limited studies are available on the effect of IUT on postnatal outcome in infants with a history of fetal anemia. What is New: • Contemporary management of severe Rhesus disease is associated with encouraging neonatal outcomes. • The majority of infants can be managed with phototherapy and a limited number of top-up transfusions and exchange transfusions. In case of Parvovirus infection, the short-term neonatal outcome is excellent.

[Infusion of vasoactive drugs at low flow rate: effects of the syringe switch and syringe volume (experimental study)]. / Perfusion des médicaments vasoactifs à très faible débit : influence des modalités du relais et du volume des seringues (étude expérimentale).

OBJECTIVE: The flow rate of intravenous administration of vasoactive agents should be steady in order to prevent changes in hemodynamics. In the newborns, because the flow rate is often lower than 1mL/h, it is difficult to switch of the syringe. The aim of our study was to compare the variations of concentration of active substance delivered after a manual or an automatic switch off the syringe with three different volumes (10mL, 20mL and 50mL). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Glucose solution (10g/L) was used to simulate the administered substance. Saline was administered in "Y" simultaneously with the glucose solution through a catheter. The infused substance was collected at the tip of the catheter. The glucose concentration was measured at 15min-interval for 3hours. RESULTS: The manual switch of the syringe was associated with a significant alteration of the flow rate, lasting more than 15min. In contrast, the automatic switch of syringes was associated with no change of the flow rate, especially with small-volume syringes (10mL). CONCLUSION: In newborns, in order to prevent the change in flow rate of drugs after a switch of syringes, our results suggest the use of syringe-pump with built-in automatic switch and small-volume syringes.

Is intrauterine exchange transfusion a safe procedure for management of fetal anaemia?

OBJECTIVE: To study modalities and complications of intrauterine exchange transfusion (IUET) for the management of severe fetal anaemia. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective study of all IUET procedures performed between January 1999 and January 2012 at a regional centre. Characteristics of each procedure were studied to identify risk factors for complications. Survival rates according to the different aetiologies of anaemia were evaluated. RESULTS: In total, 225 IUET procedures were performed in 96 fetuses. Major indications were feto-maternal erythrocyte alloimmunization (n=80/96, 83.3%) and parvovirus B19 infection (n=13/96, 13.5%). Twenty-six percent of the fetuses (25/96) had hydrops fetalis before the first IUET. Intrauterine fetal death occurred after 2.7% (6/225) of procedures, premature rupture of the membranes occurred after 0.9% (2/225) of procedures, and emergency caesarean section was required after 3.6% (8/225) of procedures. Fetal bradycardia [odds ratio (OR) 37, 95% confidence interval (CI) 8.3-170; p<0.01] and gestational age up to 32 weeks (OR 3.67; 95% CI, 1.07-12.58; p=0.038] were significantly associated with complications after IUET. Complications occurred in 17.7% of pregnancies (17/96) and 7.5% of IUET procedures (17/225). The overall survival rate in the study cohort was 87.5% (84/96): 90% (72/80) in the alloimmunization group and 76.9% (10/13) in the parvovirus-infected group (NS). CONCLUSION: IUET has a higher complication rate than simple intrauterine transfusion, and should be performed by well-trained specialists.

[Impact of the instrumental vaginal delivery on pain perception at two months]. / Impact de l'extraction instrumentale sur les manifestations douloureuses lors d'une vaccination à l'âge de deux mois.

INTRODUCTION: Although instrumental vaginal delivery reduces the risk of neonatal mortality, it increases the risk of specific morbidity including prolonged neonatal discomfort. Previous studies suggest that neonatal exposure to acute pain could have long-term effects on the pain response later in life. The aim of the study was to investigate whether instrumental vaginal delivery may alter the response to a noxious stimulus at the age of two months. METHOD: Newborn infants were enrolled in this prospective observational study after parental consent. A group of children born by instrumental vaginal delivery (group 2) were compared to matched controls born by vaginal delivery (group 1). Pain was assessed in each newborn infant between two and four hours after birth using the scale of pain and discomfort of the newborn baby (EDIN). These children were reassessed for pain response to immunizations (Infanrix(®) and Prevenar(®)) at two months of age using the DAN scale. RESULTS: Thirteen children were enrolled in this study, six in group 1 and seven in group 2. Gestational age, birth weight, Apgar score, and umbilical arterial blood were similar in both groups. The EDIN measured between H2 and H4 was significantly higher in group 2 (median, 4 [IQ, 3] versus 0 [3.25], P<0.05). While the DAN score before and during immunization was similar in the two groups, it was statistically higher in group 2 than in group 1 (4 [3] versus 2 [2.25], P<0.01) within the15 min following the injections. CONCLUSION: These results indicate that birth by instrumental vaginal delivery causes discomfort after birth and increases the pain response to immunization at the age of two months. This study supports the hypothesis that instrumental vaginal delivery may alter pain perception later in life.

Transposition of the great arteries: factors influencing prenatal diagnosis.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study is to highlight the factors that may affect prenatal diagnosis of transposition of the great arteries (TGA) in order to improve it. METHODS: This is a retrospective study performed between 2004 and 2009 in the maternity units from North of France. We identified a total of 68 cases of TGA (isolated or associated with only VSD or coarctation of aorta), of which 32 (47.1%) had prenatal diagnosis (PND+) and 36 did not (PND-). Maternal characteristics and ultrasound factors were studied in relation to PND. RESULTS: Maternal weight and body mass index were significantly higher in the PND- group (70.4 kg and 26.5 kg/m(2) vs 63.6 kg and 23.6 kg/m(2) , respectively). Maternal obesity (body mass index >30) was significantly more frequent in the PND- group (27.8% vs 12.5%). More than a quarter of TGA (28.1%) were diagnosed during the third trimester. CONCLUSION: Obesity is the main cause of missed PND of TGA. Obese patients with suboptimal prenatal scans may benefit from reassessment of fetal cardiac anatomy and/or from referral for fetal echocardiography.

[The long-term follow-up of patients with a congenital diaphragmatic hernia: review of the literature]. / Hernie de coupole diaphragmatique: devenir à long terme.

The increased survival rate reached in infants with congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) has shown a concomitant increase in late morbidity. Many complications including pulmonary damage, cardiovascular disease, gastro-intestinal disease, failure to thrive, neurocognitive defects and musculoskeletal abnormalities have been described. Long-term pulmonary morbidity in CDH consists of obstructive and restrictive lung function impairments due to altered lung structure and prolonged ventilatory support. Long-term consequences of pulmonary hypertension are unknown. Gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD) is also an important contributor to overall morbidity. Failure to thrive may be caused by GERD, insufficient intake due to oral aversion and increased caloric requirements due to pulmonary morbidity. Neurological outcome is determined by an increased risk of perinatal and neonatal hypoxemia in the first days of life of CDH patients. Many studies have addressed the substantial impact of the health problems described above, on the overall well-being of CDH patients, but only a few studies focus on the health-related quality of life. Considering the scattered data indicating substantial morbidity in long-term survivors of CDH, follow-up studies that systematically assess long-term sequelae are needed. Based on such studies, a more focused approach for routine multidisciplinary follow-up programs could be established. It is the goal of the French Collaborative Network to promote exchange of knowledge, future research and development of treatment protocols.

[Impact of cocooning and maternal voice on the autonomic nervous system activity in the premature newborn infant]. / Impact du cocooning et de la voix humaine sur le système nerveux autonome (SNA) de l'enfant grand prématuré

INTRODUCTION: Discomfort, pain, and stress have an adverse impact on the psychomotor development in the premature newborn infant. Recent studies indicate that pain and stress are associated with a reduction of parasympathetic outflow. We hypothesized that cocooning associated with the human voice has a favorable impact on parasympathetic activity in the premature newborn infant. METHOD: We compared heart rate variability (HRV) before and after standardized cocooning phases associated with the human voice and carried out: 1) by the mother and 2) by a third person. HRV was assessed and expressed as an index reflecting the parasympathetic tone. RESULTS: Ten children were included (median gestational age, 33 weeks (30(+4)-33(+2))). We observed a higher HRV index after the period of cocooning associated with the human voice compared with the baseline measurement (P<0.05), whether the procedure was carried out by the mother or a third person. CONCLUSION: This study shows that cocooning associated with the human voice enhances HRV in the preterm newborn infant, indicating an increase in parasympathetic activity after cocooning associated with the human voice. However, the impact is similar whether the cocooning associated with the human voice is performed by the mother or a third person. This result suggests that cocooning associated with the human voice carried out either by the mother or a third person contributes to decreasing stress and discomfort in the premature newborn infant.

[National survey of transfusion practices in the neonatal period for the development of recommendations based on the "Haute Autorité de Santé methodology"]. / Enquête nationale sur les pratiques transfusionnelles pendant la période néonatale en vue de l'élaboration de recommandations selon la méthodologie de la Haute Autorité de santé.

Although transfusion practices have changed these last years, the neonatal period remains one period when the transfusion of blood components (in particular in red blood cells concentrates) is frequent, particularly for low birth weight premature babies. It is thus important to know well the pathophysiological characteristics specific to this age of life in order to reduce the risks of transfusion and to allow an optimal effectiveness of this treatment. Various studies on neonatal transfusion show that transfusion practices during the neonatal period are very heterogeneous from a team to another, and even within the same team. Therefore, we wanted to know the practices in France, by addressing a questionnaire to neonatology centres, in collaboration with the French Society Vigilance and Transfusion Therapy and the French Society of Neonatology (SFN). The results obtained confirm the heterogeneity of practices. To follow up on this study, we constituted a working group, in partnership with the SFN, the SFVTT and the EFS, with an aim of proposing good practice recommendations according to the methodology of the French "High Authority for Health", in order to homogenize at the national level transfusion practices of the new-born baby.