Establishing a risk score for prediction of intrapartum cesarean delivery among older women: A retrospective cohort study.

OBJECTIVE: To determine risk factors and to develop a risk prediction score for intrapartum cesarean delivery (CD) in women over 40 years old. STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective cohort study, in a single university-affiliated tertiary medical center. All women aged 40 years or more who planned a trial of labor between 2012 and 2022. Women who opted for an elective CD and those with non-viable fetuses were excluded. Maternal and neonatal characteristics of women who delivered vaginally were compared to those who underwent an intrapartum CD. Risk factors were examined using univariate and multivariate analysis. A score was developed to predict the need for intrapartum CD. We assessed a receiver operating characteristic curve to evaluate the performance of our model. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: An unplanned intrapartum cesarean section. RESULTS: During the study period, 122,583 women delivered at our center, of whom 6122 (4.9 %) aged 40 years or more attempted a trial of labor. Of them, 428 (7 %) underwent intrapartum CD. Several independent risk factors were identified, including nulliparity, regional anesthesia, induction of labor, use of antibiotics during labor, multiple gestation, previous cesarean delivery, and the presence of gestational diabetes or preeclampsia. A risk score model, employing a cut-off of 7, demonstrated successful prediction of intrapartum CD, with an area under the curve of 0.86. CONCLUSION: The score model for intrapartum CD can be used by caregivers to offer a more informed consultation to women aged 40 years or more deciding on the mode of delivery.

Intrapartum fever complicated with maternal bacteremia: prevalence, bacteriology, and risk factors.

PURPOSE: To assess the prevalence, microbial profile, and clinical risk factors of maternal bacteremia associated with intrapartum fever (IPF). METHODS: A retrospective cohort study, in a single tertiary university-affiliated medical center between 2012 and 2018. Demographic and labor characteristics of women, who delivered at term (37+0/7-41+6/7) and developed bacteremia following IPF were compared to a control group of women with IPF but without bacteremia. RESULTS: During the study period there were 86,590 deliveries in our center. Of them, 2074 women (2.4%) were diagnosed with IPF, of them, for 2052 women (98.93%) the blood maternal cultures were available. In 26 patients (1.25%) maternal bacteremia was diagnosed. A lower rate of epidural anesthesia (84.6% vs 95.9%, p = 0.02) and a higher rate of antibiotics prophylaxis treatment prior to the onset of fever (30.8%.vs 12.1%, p = 0.006) were observed in patients who developed maternal bacteremia in comparison to those who have not. Maternal hyperpyrexia developed after initiation of antibiotics or without epidural anesthesia remained significantly associated with maternal bacteremia after applying a multivariate analysis, (Odds Ratio 3.14 95% CI 1.27-7.14, p = 0.009; 4.76 95% CI 1.35-12.5, p = 0.006; respectively). CONCLUSION: Maternal fever developing after initiation of antibiotics or without epidural is associated with maternal bacteremia.

The association between indications for cesarean delivery and surgery time.

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to determine risk factors for prolonged surgery time of cesarean delivery (CD). METHODS: We conducted a retrospective cohort study in a single tertiary university-affiliated medical center (2011-2022). The study group consisted of all women who underwent CD that lasted >90 min (representing the 95th percentile of CD length in our cohort). Data were compared with CDs with an operation time of <90 min. Demographic, obstetric, and surgical characteristics, as well as indications for surgery and urgency (in labor vs. elective surgery), were compared. RESULTS: Overall, during the study period, 31 660 CDs were performed in our center. Of them, 1397 (4.4%) lasted >90 min. After applying a multivariate analysis, abnormal placentation (relative risk [RR] 1.5 [95% confidence interval (CI), 1.3-1.8]), previous uterine scar (RR, 2.15 [95% CI, 1.5-3.0]), general anesthesia (RR, 3.5 [95% CI, 2.9-4.4]) and preterm delivery (RR, 2.06 [95% CI, 1.78-2.4]) were found to be associated with prolonged surgical time. CD due to malpresentation (RR, 0.57 [95% CI, 0.46-0.7]), multiple gestations (RR, 0.72 [95% CI, 0.6-0.9]), and patient request (RR, 0.56 [95% CI, 0.38-0.84]) were found to be protective factors. CONCLUSION: The main risk factors associated with additional surgery time in CD are general anesthesia, abnormal placentation, previous uterine scar, and preterm delivery.

Is Grand Multiparity an Independent Risk Factor for Blood Transfusion?

The relation between grand multiparity and poor pregnancy outcome, especially postpartum hemorrhage and blood transfusion, has displayed inconsistent findings. Some studies have identified an increased maternal and neonatal morbidity, but the more recent literature is less clear about the risks. The objective of the study is to determine the association of grand multiparity with postpartum blood transfusion. We conducted a retrospective cohort study in a single tertiary university-affiliated medical center between 2011 and 2019. All women were categorized into one of three groups based on the number of previous deliveries: (a) nulliparous (no previous delivery), (b) multiparous (1-4 previous deliveries), and (c) grand multiparous (≥ 5 previous deliveries). We compared the demographic, clinical, and pregnancy outcomes of the study groups. The primary outcome was the need for red blood cell transfusion during the index admission. During the study period, there were 87,343 deliveries in our center. Among the study population, 36,777 (42.1%) were nulliparous, 49,072 (56.1%) were multipara, and 1494 (1.7%) were grand multiparous. Overall, 1602 women (1.8%) were treated with RBC transfusion. Cesarean delivery, macrosomia, preterm delivery, multiple gestations, antenatal anemia, thrombocytopenia, intrauterine fetal death (IUFD), and prolonged second or third stage of labor were more prevalent among women who were treated with RBC transfusion. After controlling for potential confounders, including maternal age, preterm delivery, IUFD, mode of delivery, and antenatal thrombocytopenia, grand multiparity was found to be an independent protective factor for RBC transfusion (RR = 0.2 (0.007-0.56). After controlling for cofounders, grand multiparity alone is not associated with postpartum blood transfusion.

Risk factors for blood component therapy in parturients-Case-control study.

OBJECTIVE: Postpartum hemorrhage is a major cause of maternal morbidity and mortality, so early identification of patients at risk is crucial. In this study, we aim to assess the risk factors for major transfusion in parturients. METHODS: A case-control study was conducted between 2011 and 2019. The cases included women who were treated with postpartum major transfusion compared with two control groups, one of which was treated with 1-2 packed red blood cells and one of which was not treated with packed red blood cells. Cases were matched with controls based on two variables: multiple pregnancies and previous history of three or more cesarean sections. A multivariable conditional logistic regression model was used to determine the role of the independent risk factors. RESULTS: Of the 187 424 deliveries included in the present study, 246 (0.3%) women were treated with major transfusions. After applying a multivariate analysis, maternal age (odds ratio [OR] 1.07, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.996-1.16), antenatal anemia with hemoglobin less than 10 g/dL (OR 12.58, 95% CI 2.86-55.25), retained placenta (OR 5.5, 95% CI 2.15-13.78), and cesarean delivery (OR 10.12, 95% CI 0.93-1.95) remained independent risk factors for major transfusions. DISCUSSION: Retained placenta and antenatal anemia (hemoglobin < 10 g/dL) are independent risk factors for major transfusion. Of these, anemia was found to be the most significant.

Estimating predictors of severity of group A Streptococcus infection in pregnancy.

OBJECTIVE: To identify the clinical characteristics of pregnancy associated group A streptococcus (GAS) infection and predictors for intensive care unit (ICU) admission. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study of culture-proven pregnancy-related GAS infections in tertiary hospital Electronic medical records were reviewed, for cases of cultures positive GAS that were identified between January 2008 and July 2021. A GAS infection was defined by the isolation of the pathogen from a sterile liquid or tissue site. Blood and urine cultures were obtained from all patients with peripartum hyperpyrexia (fever >38 °C). Medical Personnel screening included cultures of the throat, rectum, and skin lesions (if present). In cases of hemodynamic instability patients were transferred ad hoc to ICU, according to the obstetrician and intensivist judgment. RESULTS: Of the 143,750 who delivered during the study period, 66 (0.04%) were diagnosed as having a pregnancy associated GAS infection. Of these, 57 patients presented postpartum, and represented the study cohort. The most common presenting signs and symptoms among puerperal GAS, were postpartum pyrexia (72%), abdominal pain (33%), and tachycardia (>100 bpm, 22%). 12 women (21.0%) developed streptococcal toxic shock syndrome (STSS. Predictors for STSS and ICU admission were: antibiotic administration >24 h from presentation postpartum, tachycardia, and a C-reactive protein level >200 mg/L. Women that received antibiotic prophylaxis during labor had a significantly lower rate of STSS (0 vs 10, 22.7%; p = .04). CONCLUSION: Deferral of medical intervention >24 h from the first registered abnormal sign had the most important impact on deterioration of women with invasive puerperal GAS. Antibiotic prophylaxis during labor in women with GAS may reduce associated complications.

Labor induction in third trimester non-viable fetus.

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to assess the efficacy of three different labor induction methods for non-viable third-trimester fetuses. METHODS: This retrospective cohort study included women who had an intra-uterine fetal death or termination of pregnancy at or after 28 weeks of gestation and underwent labor induction by either transcervical foley catheter and concomitant oxytocin infusion or regular doses of vaginal Prostin© or Propess©.The primary outcome was induction to the delivery interval. Secondary outcomes included the rate of women who delivered within 24 h, time spent in the delivery room, failed induction, adverse outcomes and reported occurrence of moderate to severe pain. RESULTS: Between January 2017 to June 2020, 107 women met the inclusion criteria. 25 women underwent induction of labor using transcervical foley catheter, 44 using Propess©, and 58 by Prostin©. The three groups were found to be demographically similar. The rate of women who delivered within 24 h was higher in the transcervical foley catheter group compared to the Propess© and Prostin© groups (72% vs 25% vs 29.3%, p < .001 respectively). Time to delivery was shorter among the transcervical foley catheter group compared to the Propess© and Prostin© groups (16.97 h vs 39.4 vs 39.3, p < .001 respectively). When comparing the Foley catheter group to both Propess© and Prostin©, moderate to severe pain was significantly more commonly reported in the prostaglandins groups (36.0% vs 50.0% vs 65.62%, p = .04). No difference was found in adverse outcomes, defined as intrapartum fever, post-partum hemorrhage and retained placenta. CONCLUSION: Cervical foley catheter with concomitant oxytocin infusion is the most effective method for induction of labor in third trimester non-viable in fetus compared to PGE2.

Prediction model for prolonged hospitalization following cesarean delivery.

INTRODUCTION: A rise in the rate of cesarean delivery (CD) has been found to be associated with a higher length of hospital stay, making it a public health concern. We aimed to evaluate risk factors for prolonged hospitalization following CD. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study, in a single tertiary medical center, was conducted (2011-2019). Cesarean deliveries were categorized into three groups according to the postpartum length of stay (a) up to 3 days (the routine post cesarean hospital stay in our center, reference group) (b) 4-9 days, and (c) 10 days or above (prolonged hospitalization). Risk factors were examined using univariate analysis as well as multivariate logistic regression. A specific risk prediction score was developed to predict the need for prolonged hospitalization and ROC curve was assessed utilizing the performance of our model. RESULTS: Overall, 87,424 deliveries occurred during the study period. Of them, 19,732 (22.5%) were cesarean deliveries. Hospitalization period was distributed as follows: 10,971 (55.6%) women were hospitalized for up to 3 days, 7,576 (38.4%) stayed for 4-9 days and 1,185 (6%) had a prolonged hospitalization period (≥10 days). Using multivariate analysis, multiple pregnancy (OR = 1.29, 95%CI 1.05-1.58), preterm delivery < 37 weeks (OR = 8.32, 95%CI 6.7-10.2), Apgar score < 7 (OR = 1.41, 95%CI 1.11-1.78) and non-elective CD (OR = 1.44, 95%CI 1.15-1.8) were identified as independent risk factors for prolonged hospitalization. Antenatal thrombocytopenia (PLT < 100 K) was found to be a protective factor (OR = 0.51, 95%CI 0.28-0.92). Our score model included antenatal risk factors and was found to be predicting the outcome, with an AUC of 0.845 (95%CI 0.83-0.86, p-value < 0.001). CONCLUSION: A prediction score model for prolonged hospitalization after CD may be beneficial for risk assessment and post-partum management.

Mild thrombocytopenia and the risk for postpartum hemorrhage in twin pregnancies.

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to investigate the association of mild thrombocytopenia with postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) and blood transfusion among women with twin gestations. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study (Jan 2015 to May 2019) was performed. Women with twin pregnancies and pre-delivery mild thrombocytopenia were compared to those with normal platelet count. The primary outcome was the rate of PPH, defined as a composite of one or more of the following: (1) need for packed red blood cell transfusion; (2) postpartum hemoglobin decline of ≥3 g/dL; and (3) the use of postpartum uterotonics agents in addition to oxytocin. RESULTS: Of 1085 women who were included in final analysis, 315 (30.9%) had mild thrombocytopenia (and 770 (69.1%) served as controls. The rate of PPH was increased in the study group (14% vs. 9.4%, P = 0.03), as was the use of uterotonic agents (3.8% vs. 1.3%, respectively, P = 0.02). The rate of blood product transfusion and hemoglobin decline >3 g/dL was not significantly different between the groups. In multivariate logistic regression analysis, mild thrombocytopenia was associated with a higher risk for PPH (OR 1.55 [95% CI 1.02-2.35], P = 0.02). CONCLUSION: Mild thrombocytopenia in twin pregnancies is associated with an increased risk of interventions such as the use of uterotonic agents.

Route of postpartum oxytocin administration and maternal hemoglobin decline - A randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: Oxytocin uterotonic agents are routinely administered during the third stage of labor, however, the administration route is varying, intravenously or intramuscularly. We aimed to compare the effect of different regimens of postpartum oxytocin administration on hemoglobin (Hb) and hematocrit (Hct) decline. METHODS: A randomized, 3-arm study of women who delivered vaginally at term in a single tertiary medical center was conducted. Immediately following the delivery of the fetus women randomly received one of 3 oxytocin regimens: 1) intramuscular 10units (IM group); 2) intravenous 10units in 100 ml 0.9%NaCl solution over 10-15 min (IV group); or 3) combined IV + IM regimens (IV + IM group). Primary outcome was defined as the level of Hb decline between prepartum and postpartum measurements. RESULTS: Overall, 210 women (70 in each group) were randomized, with 171 included in the final analysis (IM group-61, IV group-57, IV + IM group-53). There was no significant difference between the groups regarding maternal age, pre-pregnancy body-mass-index (BMI), parity, operative vaginal deliveries rate, the rate of episiotomy or perineal tears or neonatal birthweight. Mean prepartum Hb and Hct level were 12.3 ± 1.1 g/dl and 36.9 ± 2.7%, respectively, with no significant difference between the groups. Mean postpartum HB and Hct decline was 1.3 ± 0.8 g/dl and 3.7 ± 2.3%, respectively, with no difference between the groups. In multivariable analysis after adjusting for parity, pre-pregnancy BMI, labor induction, episiotomy or perineal tears and neonatal birthweight, oxytocin regimen was not associated with any difference in hematological measurements. CONCLUSION: Postpartum Hb and Hct decline was usually minor following vaginal deliveries, and was not affected by postpartum oxytocin regimen.

Low glucose at 3-hour 100 gram oral glucose tolerance test: implications for glucose control.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the clinical significance of a low 180-minute glucose value in a 100 g oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) and a single high abnormal value. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study. The study group included women with 180-minute plasma glucose levels of ≤60 mg/dL and one abnormal value in the OGTT. The control group was comprised of women with one abnormal value in the OGTT and normal 180-minute glucose value. The primary outcome was glycemic control, defined as fasting blood glucose measurements > 90 mg/dL or post-prandial glucose values >140 mg/dL or 120 mg/dL (one-hour and two-hour post-prandial, respectively) in >30% of the measurements. Secondary outcomes were the rate of insulin treatment and the perinatal outcome consisting of birthweight, large-for-gestational-age, and polyhydramnios. RESULTS: Three hundred and one women were included, 143 in the study group and 158 in the control group. Pre-pregnancy BMI, first trimester fasting glucose levels, previous GDM, and familial diabetes were similar for both groups. Suboptimal glycemic control was more prevalent among the women in the study group (14% vs. 5.1%, respectively, p= .01). The need for insulin treatment was similar in both groups. CONCLUSIONS: Women with one abnormal value and a 180-minute hypoglycemia in the OGTT are at increased risk for suboptimal glycemic control.

Pregnancy outcome after cesarean section following a failed vacuum attempt.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the pregnancy outcome of women who underwent cesarean section in the second stage of labor, with or without a vacuum extraction attempt. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study of women who underwent a cesarean section during the second stage of labor in a single tertiary university-affiliated medical center (2012-2019). Pregnancy outcome was compared for women who underwent cesarean section following a failed vacuum extraction to women who had cesarean section during the second stage of labor with no vacuum extraction attempt. Neonatal outcomes included umbilical artery pH less than 7.1, Apgar at 5 min < 7, hypoxemic ischemic encephalopathy and NICU admission. Maternal outcomes included duration of hospitalization, need for blood transfusion and need for re-surgery in 45 days. RESULTS: Overall, 88,375 women delivered during the study period. Of them, 120 women had a cesarean section following a failed vacuum (study group). Another 551 women underwent a cesarean section in the second stage of labor without a VE attempt (control group). The groups were similar with regard to obstetrical and demographic characteristics. The rates of umbilical artery pH < 7.1 (17.50% vs 6.53%, p < .001), NICU admission (13.33% vs 2.90%, p < .001), hypoxemic ischemic encephalopathy (5.83% vs 0.18%, p < .001) and epicranial sub-aponeurotic hemorrhage (16.67% vs 2.18%, p < .001) were significantly higher in the study group. No significant differences were found in maternal outcomes. In a sub-analysis including only labor with reassuring fetal heart tracing, failed vacuum attempt was associated with higher rate of NICU admission and epicranial hemorrhage (16.67% vs 3.13%, p = .009, 27.78% vs. 3.41, p = .001, respectively). CONCLUSION: Failed vacuum attempt is associated with a significant increased neonatal morbidity, but not increased maternal morbidity.

The impact of breast augmentation on breast feeding in primigravida women - A cohort study.

OBJECTIVE: Breast augmentations are among the most common interventional cosmetic procedures performed nowadays, but scarcity of data exists on its effects on breastfeeding. Our aim was to evaluate whether breast augmentation adversely affects breastfeeding. STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective cohort study using database of a 2.3-million-member state mandate health maintenance organization (HMO). We identified primigravida women with a singleton pregnancy who delivered between the years 1998-2016, at gestational age of >34 weeks of gestation. Study group included women with breast augmentation surgery, which compared to control group of women who did not undergo breast augmentation. The primary outcome was documentation of any breastfeeding during the first three months postpartum. RESULTS: Overall, 14,919 women were included, of them, 3913 and 11,006 women with and without breast augmentation, respectively. Women with breasts augmentation were younger (29.8 ± 3.6 years vs. 30.9 ± 4.0 years, p < 0.001), had lower pre-pregnancy BMI (25.2 ± 5.0 vs. 26.36 ± 5.0 Kg/m2, p < 0.001), belong to higher socioeconomic status level and less religious communities. Breastfeeding rates in the study group were lower as compared to controls (70.7% VS 85.1%; p < 0.0001), with an adjusted odds ratio of 0.42(95% CI: 0.38-0.461). Maternal diabetes mellitus and advanced maternal age were associated with a lower likelihood of breastfeeding (95% CI:0.45-0.78, p-value < 0.0001), while belonging to religious communities were associated with higher breastfeeding rates (95% CI: 1.34-1.99, p-value < 0.0001). CONCLUSION: Women with breast augmentation tend to breastfeed less than women without breast augmentation, during the first three month of postpartum.

Predicting the need for blood transfusion requirement in postpartum hemorrhage.

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to assess the role of lactate and hemoglobin levels as predictors for the need for blood transfusion in post-partum hemorrhage (PPH). METHODS: A retrospective cohort study of women with PPH in a single university-affiliated tertiary medical center between August 2018 and June 2020. PPH was defined as an estimated excessive blood loss (of more than 500 ml following vaginal delivery and 1000 ml following a cesarean delivery) requiring at least one uterotonic drug and fluid resuscitation. Women were stratified by the need of requiring blood transfusion due to hemorrhage. The criteria for blood transfusion were: (1) clinically severe uncontrollable ongoing hemorrhage; (2) symptomatic anemia (maternal tachycardia >110 beats per minute, dizziness, syncope or presyncope) in the presence of Hb 7-8 g/dL; or (3) postpartum Hb level < 7 g/dL regardless of maternal symptoms or signs of anemia. Demographic, labor characteristics as well as laboratory data were collected. For all women the Shock Index (SI: heart rate divided by systolic blood pressure) was calculated. Women without available data on immediate (more than 15 min from the bleeding initiation) hemoglobin (Hb) level and lactate concentrations were excluded. RESULTS: Overall, out of 22,241 deliveries during the study, 94 women were included, of them 26 (23.4%) required blood transfusion. The antepartum Hb level was lower in the transfused group (11.7 ± vs 12.4 ± 1.0 re/dL, p = .01). No significant differences were found in demographic and labor characteristics. In multivariate logistic regression analysis, a lower immediate postpartum Hb and a higher SI higher were associated with blood transfusion requirement (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 3.45 [CI] 1.82-7.69, p < .001] and aOR 1.25 [CI 1.03-1.55, p = .03], respectively). The combination of SI, immediate postpartum Hb and lactate concentration provided the best integration, with an area under the curve of 0.86, sensitivity 92.65%, specificity 61.54%, positive and negative predictive values of 86.3% and 76.2%, respectively. CONCLUSION: The combination of SI, immediate postpartum Hb and lactate levels is a good predictor for the need of blood requirement in PPH.

Prolonged exposure to meconium in cases of spontaneous premature rupture of membranes at term and pregnancy outcome.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the impact of prolonged exposure to meconium-stained amniotic fluid (MSAF), in women with term pre-labor spontaneous rupture of membranes (PROM), on pregnancy outcome. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study of women who gave birth in a single university-affiliated tertiary medical center (2011-2019). Eligibility was limited to singleton pregnancies at term who presented with PROM. Women with MSAF were immediately induced and were compared to low-risk pregnant women with clear amniotic fluid (CAF) at admission who underwent induction of labor 24 h after rupture of membranes. All women were stratified into 4-time frame groups from rupture of membranes to delivery: T0: 0-7 h, T1: 8-13 h, T2: 14-18 h, and T3: > 18 h for the MSAF group. The time frames for the CAF were: T0 - 24-31 h, T1: 32-38 h, T2: 40-44 h, and T3: > 44 h. The maternal adverse composite outcome included any of the following: intrapartum fever (IPF), prolonged second stage (PSS), need for manual removal of suspected retained placenta, postpartum hemorrhage, and readmission within 45 days after delivery. The adverse composite neonatal outcome included one or more of the following: meconium aspiration syndrome, neonatal asphyxia, need for respiratory support, and intracranial hemorrhage. RESULTS: Overall, 1631 women met the inclusion criteria (536 in the MSAF and 1095 in the CAF group). Both groups showed a gradual decrease in the rate of vaginal delivery over time, the vaginal delivery rate in the MSAF group was 75.7% at T0 in comparison to 61.6% at T3 (p < .001). In the CAF group, the vaginal delivery rate was 84.5% at T0 in comparison to 68.8% at T3 (p < .001). This decrease was in concomitance with an increase in the rates of prolonged second-stage and intrapartum fever. There were no significant differences in the rates of postpartum hemorrhage, suspected retained placenta, or readmission within 45 days between women with either MSAF or CAF. There was a significant gradual increase in the adverse composite neonatal outcome in the MSAF group (1.9% at T0, 5.2% at T1, 6.0% at T2, and 8.2% at T3. p = .038). No similar increase was found in the CAF group (2.5% at T0, 4.1% at T1, 2.6% at T2, and 4.1% at T3. p = .449). CONCLUSION: Prolonged rupture of membranes in the presence of meconium does not affect maternal outcomes, however, prolonged exposure to meconium lead to an increased adverse neonatal outcome.

Fetal Neuroprotective Mechanism of Maternal Magnesium Sulfate: Proteomic Analysis.

Mg supplementation has been shown to protect preterm fetuses from white and gray matter damage, but the mechanism is unclear. The purpose of this study was to study the effect of maternal inflammation on the overall protein panel of the fetal rat brain, as well as the neuroprotective effect of magnesium-sulfate (MG). Pregnant rats at e20 (n = 6, 18 total) received injections of i.p. lipopolysaccharide (LPS) 500 ug/kg or control saline (SAL) at time 0. Dams were randomized to treatment with s.c. MG (270 mg/kg loading followed by 27 mg/kg q20 min) or saline (SAL) from -2 to +2 h, followed by an additional injection of MG (270 mg/kg) at +2 h. At 4 h after LPS administration, fetal brains were collected from the 3 treatment groups (LPS/SAL, LPS/MG, SAL/SAL) and analyzed by proteomic technique. LPS significantly decreased fetal brain complement C3, alpha-1-antiproteinase, metallothionein-3, alpha-2-macroglobulin, neurosecretory protein VGF, glutathione S-transferase mu 2, fam91a1, cnot7, mitogen-activated protein kinase levels, and significantly increased fetal brain Hbg1, while MG treatment normalized these measures to normal values. Maternal inflammation may cause brain injury via pathways other than the activation of neurotoxic cytokines; this effect could be due to increased/decreased production of certain proteins associated with securing oligodendrocytes, encouraging neuronal growth in the brain, or protecting against cerebral ischemia. MG's neuroprotective activity may be achieved by modifying the effect of LPS on proteins involved in early brain development.

The association of maternal SARS-CoV-2 vaccination-to-delivery interval and the levels of maternal and cord blood antibodies.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the correlation of maternal and cord blood levels of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in pregnant women immunized against COVID-19. METHODS: A prospective cohort study was performed of pregnant women who delivered at a single university affiliated tertiary medical center. Women who received the COVID-19 vaccine (BNT162b2 Pfizer©) were approached. The correlation between levels of maternal sera and umbilical cord SARS-CoV-2 specific IgG was assessed. RESULTS: Overall, 58 women were included; of them, 19 had received a single dose and 39 received two doses of the COVID-19 vaccine. Positive levels of umbilical cord IgG were found in 13/19 (68.4%) and 38/39 (97.4%) women after the administration of a single dose and two doses of the vaccine, respectively. The levels of SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibodies in the maternal sera of vaccinated women were positively correlated to their respective concentrations in cord blood sera (ρ = 0.857; R2 linear = 0.719; P < 0.001). Thirteen days after vaccination, the ratio of maternal-to-umbilical cord anti Spike IgG antibodies was approximately 1, indicating relatively similar levels in maternal and cord sera. CONCLUSION: After the SARS-CoV-2 vaccine, levels of maternal and cord blood antibodies were positively correlated, especially when tested after 13 days following administration of the first dose of the vaccine.

Intrapartum cesarean delivery and the risk of perinatal complications in women with and without a single prior cesarean delivery.

OBJECTIVE: To determine maternal and neonatal complications associated with an intrapartum cesarean delivery (CD) with and without a history of a previous CD. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study of all women who underwent an unplanned intrapartum CD following a trial of labor in a university-affiliated tertiary hospital, between 2009 and 2016. Perinatal outcomes of women with and without a history of a previous CD were compared. Composite adverse maternal outcome included one or more of the following: postpartum hemorrhage, need for blood transfusion, or cesarean hysterectomy. Composite adverse neonatal outcome included one or more of the following: 5-min Apgar score <7, neonatal seizure, need for intubation, meconium-aspiration-syndrome, or hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy. RESULTS: During the study period, 42 275 women attempted vaginal delivery. Of them, 2229 (5.3%) women underwent an unplanned intrapartum CD and met inclusion criteria: 337 (15.1%) with (study group) and 1892 (84.9%) without (control group) a previous CD. Women without a previous CD were younger and were characterized by higher rates of nulliparity and induction of labor compared with women with a previous CD. Other demographic and obstetrical characteristics did not differ between the groups. Indications for CD were also comparable between the groups. Uterine rupture complicated 2.3% of trials of labor among women with a previous CD. Adverse maternal (2.7% vs 2.9%, P = 1.0) and neonatal (3.9% vs 4.3%, P = 0.88) outcomes were comparable between the groups. After adjusting for potential confounders, a previous CD was not associated independently with adverse maternal outcomes (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 0.86, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.31-2.38; P = 0.78) or neonatal outcomes (aOR 0.79, 95% CI 0.36-1.75; P = 0.56). CONCLUSION: Our study provides evidence that perinatal outcomes of intrapartum CD delivery among women with a previous CD do not differ from those in women without a previous CD. These findings might improve the consultation and informed decision-making process for couples considering a trial of labor after CD.

The risk of intrapartum cesarean delivery in advanced maternal age.

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to investigate the association of advanced maternal age with intrapartum cesarean delivery and to assess its risk factors and perinatal outcomes. STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective cohort study of all women with singleton pregnancies who attempted a trial of labor (≥24 + 0 weeks of gestation) in a single center (2011-2017). The study population was stratified by parity (nulliparous or multiparous) and further sub-categorized into three cohorts: (1) women <35 years at birth (reference group), (2) women aged 35-40 years, and (3) women >40 years. Labor and delivery characteristics and neonatal outcomes were compared. RESULTS: Overall, 55,089 women were included: 39, 192 (71.1%) were under 35 years old, 15,90712,892 (28.923.4%) were 35-40 y and 3,015 (5.5%) were >40 y. For nulliparas, the rate of intrapartum Cesarean deliveries increased with maternal age and approached 25.3% in those >40 y as compared to 8.9% for those <35 y. The positive association between Cesarean section rates and maternal age extends beyond nulliparas and is also seen in multiparas, although to a smaller degree. After adjusting for confounders, maternal age was significantly and independently associated with intrapartum cesarean delivery in a dose-dependent manner in nulliparous women, [adjusted Odd Ratio (aOR) 1.56 (95% Confidence Interval (CI) 1.39-1.76) and 2.53 (2.07-3.09)] among women aged 35-40 y and >40 y, respectively. Maternal age was not significantly associated with adverse neonatal outcome. CONCLUSION: Advanced maternal age is an independent risk factor for intrapartum Cesarean delivery. Yet, the majority of older gravidae who attempt a trial of labor, even if nulliparous, deliver vaginally without an increase in adverse neonatal outcome.

Special considerations regarding antenatal care and pregnancy complications in dichorionic twin pregnancies.

Twin pregnancies account for about 3.3% of all deliveries in the United States, with most of them being dichorionic diamniotic. Maternal physiological adaptation in twin pregnancies is exaggerated, and the rate of almost every maternal and fetal complication in twin pregnancies is higher than that in singleton pregnancies. Therefore, twin pregnancies necessitate closer antenatal surveillance by care providers, who are familiar with the specific challenges unique to these pregnancies. In addition, there is evidence that following women with twins in a specialized twin clinic can result in improved obstetrical outcomes. The importance of the first antenatal visit in twin pregnancies cannot be over emphasized and should preferably take place early in gestation, as that is the optimal period to correctly identify the number of fetuses and the type of placentation (chorionicity and amnionicity). This will allow the patients, families, and caregivers to make the appropriate modifications and tailor an optimal antenatal follow-up plan. This plan should focus on general recommendations such as weight gain and level of activity, education regarding the complications specific to twin pregnancies along with the relevant symptoms and indications to seek care, and close maternal and fetal monitoring. In this review, we summarize the available evidence and current guidelines regarding antenatal care in dichorionic diamniotic twin pregnancies.