Experience, and gynaecological and reproductive health follow-up of young adult women who have undergone ovarian tissue cryopreservation.

RESEARCH QUESTION: What are the experience, and gynaecological and reproductive health outcomes in young adult women who have undergone ovarian tissue cryopreservation (OTC)? DESIGN: A retrospective observational study was conducted at a single institution between May 2019 and February 2021 including 87 women aged over 18 years undergoing OTC. Medical characteristics and questionnaire data collected more than 18 months after OTC were analysed. RESULTS: Close to 74% (n = 64/87) of women had a follow-up consultation and completed the questionnaire. Most women found the information provided on the OTC technique and the strategies proposed to restore fertility with ovarian tissue understandable and useful. The majority of patients thought that OTC had a positive impact on their well-being during disease treatment. Anti-Müllerian hormone serum concentration decreased significantly after treatment (P < 0.0001) and was significantly lower when patients received chemotherapy before OTC (P = 0.0039). The total cyclophosphamide equivalent dose was significantly higher in women with FSH concentrations above 25 IU/l after treatment (P = 0.0004). More than 70% of women who planned a pregnancy after the end of treatment succeeded, with a natural pregnancy rate close to 53%. Only nine patients (8.0%) underwent ovarian tissue transplantation for fertility restoration and six of them became pregnant and delivered at least once. CONCLUSION: Young adult women expressed a good satisfaction rate with OTC and that their experience had been beneficial. The usage rate of cryopreserved ovarian tissue remains low. The gynaecological and reproductive health follow-up consultation should be included in the supportive care provided following OTC.

Evolution of Bowel Complaints after Laparoscopic Endometriosis Surgery: A 1497 Women Comparative Study.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To assess to what degree can digestive symptoms improve after endometriosis surgery for different localizations. DESIGN: A comparative retrospective study employing data prospectively recorded in the North-West Inter-Regional Female Cohort for Patients with Endometriosis (CIRENDO) from June 2009 to November 2018. SETTING: Two referral centers. PATIENTS: A total of 1497 women undergoing surgery because of pelvic endometriosis were divided into 3 groups: superficial endometriosis (Group 1, n = 396), deep endometriosis sparing the bowel (Group 2, n = 337), and deep endometriosis involving the bowel (Group 3, n = 764). INTERVENTIONS: Surgery for endometriosis. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Preoperative and postoperative gastrointestinal symptoms were evaluated with standardized questionnaires, including the Gastrointestinal Quality of Life Index (GIQLI) and Knowles-Eccersley-Scott-Symptom questionnaire (KESS). The degree of postoperative improvement in digestive symptoms was compared between the groups. The women in Group 3 were significantly symptomatic in terms of cycle-related gastrointestinal symptoms and scores of standardized questionnaires GIQLI and KESS. According to the 1-year postoperative evaluation, women in Group 3 experienced the most significant improvement in their gastrointestinal symptoms. CONCLUSION: Women with severe bowel symptoms and deep endometriosis infiltrating the bowel should be informed about the high probability of symptom improvement after the removal of bowel nodules. Conversely, in women without deep endometriosis, postoperatively, there is less improvement in baseline digestive complaints.

Live surgery of colorectal endometriosis broadcasted from a surgeon's routine operating theater is not associated with higher complications rate.

INTRODUCTION: Although live surgeries are routinely included in surgical congress programs, they are the subject of an ongoing debate in terms of patient safety and teaching value. The goal of our study was to assess the risk of postoperative complications related to live surgery broadcast from the surgeon's routine theater, in patients managed for deep endometriosis infiltrating the digestive tract. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We report a retrospective comparative study, enrolling women managed for colorectal endometriosis by a gynecologic surgeon, from September 2013 to March 2020 in two referral centers. We compared the rate of postoperative bowel fistula in women managed during live surgery in the routine operating theater, with that observed in women for whom surgery was not broadcast. RESULTS: Among 813 women, 33 (4.1% of cases) underwent surgical procedures transmitted live to various conference rooms located outside the hospital and were compared with 780 patients who underwent non-broadcast surgery. Women's age, body mass index, past surgical and obstetrical history, and major preoperative complaints were comparable. Cases presented with impaired constipation score, more frequent sciatic pain, and infiltration of the vagina, whereas overall revised American Fertility Society classification scores were more severe in controls. The rate of rectal nodules over 3 cm in size was comparable between the two groups (72.7% in cases vs. 72.1% in controls). Operative time was also comparable (153 ± 52 minutes vs. 148 ± 79 minutes). Cases were more frequently managed by disk excision of rectal nodules (63.7% vs. 30.3%), and more frequently involved the sacral plexus (18.2% vs. 7.3%). Postoperative complications were comparable between the two groups, in terms of bowel fistula (3% in the live surgery group vs. 4.1% in controls), pelvic abscess requiring secondary laparoscopy (3% vs. 4.9%), or bladder dysfunction requiring self-catheterization after discharge (6.1% vs. 5.3%). CONCLUSIONS: Performing laparoscopic management of colorectal endometriosis with live transmission of surgery from a surgeon's routine operating theater, is not related to a higher risk of major postoperative complications.

Surgical Management by Disk Excision or Rectal Resection of Low Rectal Endometriosis and Risk of Low Anterior Resection Syndrome: A Retrospective Comparative Study.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To assess the risk of low anterior resection syndrome (LARS) between women managed by either disk excision or rectal resection for low rectal endometriosis. DESIGN: Retrospective study of a prospective database. SETTING: University hospital. PATIENTS: One hundred seventy-two patients managed by disk excision or rectal resection for deep endometriosis infiltrating the rectum <7 cm from the anal verge. INTERVENTIONS: Rectal disk excision and/or segmental resection using transanal staplers. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: One hundred eight patients (62.8%) were treated by disk excision (group D) and 64 (37.2%) by rectal resection (group R). All patients answered the LARS score questionnaire. Follow-up was 33.3 ± 22 months for group D (range 12-108 months) and 37.3 ± 22.1 months (range 12-96 months) for group R (p = .25). The rates of rectovaginal fistula and pelvis abscess requiring radiologic drainage and surgery in the D and R groups were, respectively, 7.4% and 8.3% vs 7.8% and 9.3%. The rate of women with normal bowel movements postoperatively was higher in group D (61.1% vs 42.8%, p = .05). Women enrolled in group R reported higher frequency of stools (p <.001), clustering of stools (p = .02), and fecal urgency (p = .05). Regression logistic model revealed 2 independent risk factors for minor/major LARS: performing low rectal resection (adjusted odds ratio 2.28; 95% confidence interval, 1.1-4.7) and presenting with bladder atony requiring self-catheterization beyond postoperative day 7 (adjusted odds ratio 2.52; 95% confidence interval, 1.1-5.8). CONCLUSION: The probability of normal bowel movements is higher after disk excision than after low rectal resection in women with deep endometriosis infiltrating the low rectum.

[Non endometroid endometrial cancer guidelines evaluation: A multicentric retrospective study]. / Évaluation de l'application des recommandations des cancers de l'endomètre de type 2 : étude rétrospective multicentrique.

INTRODUCTION: Non endometrioid endometrial cancer are infrequent and have poor prognosis. The aim of the study was to evaluate non endometrioid endometrial cancer managment by evaluating endometrial cancer guidelines application. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This multicentric retrospective study enrolled non endometrioid endometrial cancer between January 2009 to December 2019. Analyses adapted at last French guidelines applicated corresponding of year management. RESULTS: Seventy-four non endometrioid endometrial cancer analysed in 10 centers: 34 carcinosarcoma (45,9 %), 29 serous carcinoma (39,2 %), 9 clear cells carcinoma (12,2 %) and 2 undifferentiated carcinoma (2,7 %). For initial management, endometrial cancer guidelines applicated to 45,9 %. First reason of initial guidelines « non-application ¼ was lack of surgical lymph node stadification (57,1 %). For adjuvant management, endometrial cancer guidelines applicated to 38.7 %. First reason of adjuvant guidelines « non-application ¼ was lack lymph node stadification to complete staging when it previously incompletly operated (67,6 %). DISCUSSION: Non endometrioid endometrial cancer guidelines applicability is difficult. This explicated by high age and comorbidity when surgical lymph node stadification is necessary. Using new staging technic will allow target management and better select lymph node staging indication.

Posterior rectal pouch after large full-thickness disc excision of deep endometriosis infiltrating the low/mid rectum and relationship with digestive functional outcome.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of our study is to describe MRI appearance of a posterior rectal pouch (PRP) for patients managed for low rectal endometriosis by large full-thickness disc excision and to assess its relationship with postoperative functional digestive symptoms. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Single center retrospective study including patients managed by low/mid rectal disc excision using a semi-circular stapler (the Rouen technique) from June 2009 to October 2016. Intraoperative findings and data provided by standardized gastrointestinal self-questionnaires (GIQLI, KESS, Wexner and Bristol), before and 1 year after the surgery, were prospectively recorded. Postoperative pelvic MRI were reviewed and PRP was assessed in three planes and its volume was estimated on a 3D T2 weighted sequence. RESULTS: Eighteen patients were included in the study. All patients had postoperative PRP while none of them presented with rectal stenosis. The mean (± SD) volume of the PRP was estimated at 66 ± 32 mL. The mean antero-posterior diameter was 56 mm ± 22 mm, mean height at 44 mm ± 15 mm and mean width at 46 mm ± 11 mm. No positive correlation between the volume of the PRP and the GIQLI questionnaire was found at one year after surgery (r = -0.24, 95%CI -0.51-0.69, p = 0.44). CONCLUSION: Large disc excision of low and mid rectum leads to a posterior rectal pouch, with no significant impact on postoperative functional digestive outcomes, but it is not followed by bowel stenosis.

Experimental and clinical evidence of differential effects of magnesium sulfate on neuroprotection and angiogenesis in the fetal brain.

Clinical studies showed beneficial effects of magnesium sulfate regarding the risk of cerebral palsy. However, regimen protocols fluctuate worldwide and risks of adverse effects impacting the vascular system have been reported for human neonates, keeping open the question of the optimal dosing. Using clinically relevant concentrations and doses of magnesium sulfate, experiments consisted of characterizing, respectively, ex vivo and in vivo, the effects of magnesium sulfate on the nervous and vascular systems of mouse neonates by targeting neuroprotection, angiogenesis, and hemodynamic factors and in measuring, in human fetuses, the impact of a 4-g neuroprotective loading dose of magnesium sulfate on brain hemodynamic parameters. Preclinical experiments using cultured cortical slices from mouse neonates showed that the lowest and highest tested concentrations of magnesium sulfate were equally potent to prevent excitotoxic-induced cell death, cell edema, cell burst, and intracellular calcium increase, whereas no side effects were found regarding apoptosis. In contrast, in vivo data revealed that magnesium sulfate exerted dose-dependent vascular effects on the fetal brain. In particular, it induced brain hypoperfusion, stabilization of Hif-1α, long-term upregulation of VEGF-R2 expression, impaired endothelial viability, and altered cortical angiogenesis. Clinically, in contrast to 6-g loading doses used in some protocols, a 4-g bolus of magnesium sulfate did not altered fetal brain hemodynamic parameters. In conclusion, these data provide the first mechanistic evidence of double-sword and dose-dependent actions of magnesium sulfate on nervous and vascular systems. They strongly support the clinical use of neuroprotection protocols validated for the lowest (4-g) loading dose of magnesium sulfate.

Association Between Planned Cesarean Delivery and Neonatal Mortality and Morbidity in Twin Pregnancies.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the association between the planned mode of delivery and neonatal mortality and morbidity in an unselected population of women with twin pregnancies. METHODS: The JUmeaux MODe d'Accouchement (JUMODA) study was a national prospective population-based cohort study. All women with twin pregnancies and their neonates born at or after 32 weeks of gestation with a cephalic first twin were recruited in 176 maternity units in France from February 2014 to March 2015. The primary outcome was a composite of intrapartum mortality and neonatal mortality and morbidity. Comparisons were performed according to the planned mode of delivery, planned cesarean or planned vaginal delivery. The primary analysis to control for potential indication bias used propensity score matching. Subgroup analyses were conducted, one according to gestational age at delivery and one after exclusion of high-risk pregnancies. RESULTS: Among 5,915 women enrolled in the study, 1,454 (24.6%) had planned cesarean and 4,461 (75.4%) planned vaginal deliveries, of whom 3,583 (80.3%) delivered both twins vaginally. In the overall population, composite neonatal mortality and morbidity was increased in the planned cesarean compared with the planned vaginal delivery group (5.2% compared with 2.2%; odds ratio [OR] 2.38, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.86-3.05). After matching, neonates born after planned cesarean compared with planned vaginal delivery had higher composite neonatal mortality and morbidity rates (5.3% compared with 3.0%; OR 1.85, 95% confidence interval 1.29-2.67). Differences in composite mortality and morbidity rates applied to neonates born before but not after 37 weeks of gestation. Multivariate and subgroup analyses after exclusion of high-risk pregnancies found similar trends. CONCLUSION: Planned vaginal delivery for twin pregnancies with a cephalic first twin at or after 32 weeks of gestation was associated with low composite neonatal mortality and morbidity. Moreover, planned cesarean compared with planned vaginal delivery before 37 weeks of gestation might be associated with increased composite neonatal mortality and morbidity.

Postpartum practice: guidelines for clinical practice from the French College of Gynaecologists and Obstetricians (CNGOF).

OBJECTIVE: To make evidence-based recommendations for the postpartum management of women and their newborns, regardless of the mode of delivery. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Systematic review of articles from the PubMed database and the Cochrane Library and of recommendations from the French and foreign societies or colleges of obstetricians. RESULTS: Because breast-feeding is associated with reductions in neonatal, infantile, and childhood morbidity (lower frequency of cardiovascular, infectious, and atopic diseases and infantile obesity) (LE2) and improved cognitive development in children (LE2), exclusive and extended breastfeeding is recommended (grade B) for at least 4-6 months (professional consensus). Pharmacological treatments for inhibition of lactation should not be given routinely to women who do not wish to breastfeed (professional consensus). Because of potentially serious adverse effects, bromocriptine is contraindicated in inhibiting lactation (professional consensus). For women aware of the risks of pharmacological treatments to inhibit lactation but choose to take them, lisuride and cabergoline are the preferred drugs (professional consensus). Regardless of the mode of delivery, only women with bleeding or symptoms of anemia should be tested for it (professional consensus). Immediate postoperative monitoring after cesarean delivery should be performed in the postanesthesia care unit (PACU). An analgesic multimodal protocol for analgesia, preferring oral administration, should be developed by the medical team and be available for all staff (professional consensus) (grade B). Thromboprophylaxis with compression stockings should begin the morning of all cesarean deliveries and maintained for at least 7 postoperative days (professional consensus) with or without the addition of LMWH, depending on the presence and severity (major or minor) of additional risk factors. It is recommended that women be informed of the dangers of closely spaced pregnancies (LE3), that effective contraception begin no later than 21 days post partum for women who do not want such a pregnancy (grade B), and that it be prescribed at the maternity ward (professional consensus). In view of the postpartum risk of venous thromboembolism, use of combination hormonal contraception is not recommended before six weeks post partum (grade B). Pelvic floor rehabilitation in asymptomatic women to prevent urinary or anal incontinence in the medium or long term is not recommended (professional consensus). Rehabilitation using pelvic floor muscle contraction exercises is recommended to treat persistent urinary incontinence at 3 months post partum (grade A), regardless of the type of incontinence. Postpartum pelvic floor rehabilitation is recommended to treat anal incontinence (grade C), but not to treat or prevent prolapse (grade C) or dyspareunia (grade C). The months following the birth are a period of transition and of psychological changes for all parents (LE2) and are still more difficult for those with psychosocial risk factors (LE2). Situations of evident psychological difficulties can have a significant effect on the child's psychological and emotional development (LE3). Among these difficulties, postpartum depression is most common, but the risk of all mental disorders is generally higher in the perinatal period (LE3). CONCLUSION: The postpartum period presents clinicians with a unique and privileged opportunity to address the physical, psychological, social, and somatic health of women and babies.

Full-Thickness Disc Excision in Deep Endometriotic Nodules of the Rectum: A Prospective Cohort.

BACKGROUND: To date, a majority of patients presenting with large endometriosis of the rectum are managed worldwide by colorectal resection. However, postoperative rectal function may be impacted by radical rectal surgery. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to assess the postoperative outcomes of patients with rectal endometriosis who are managed by full-thickness disc excision and to compare outcomes of the 2 procedures using a transanal approach. DESIGN: This was a prospective study. SETTINGS: The study was conducted at a university hospital. PATIENTS: Fifty patients with colorectal endometriosis that was managed by disc excision between June 2009 and November 2014 were included in the study. INTERVENTIONS: The procedure included laparoscopic deep shaving, followed by full-thickness disc excision to remove the shaved rectal area. Disc excision was performed using a semicircular transanal stapler (the Rouen technique) in 20 patients, an end-to-end anastomosis circular transanal stapler in 28 patients, and transvaginal excision in 2 patients. MAIN OUTCOMES MEASURES: Preoperative and postoperative assessments of pelvic symptoms and digestive function using standardized gastrointestinal questionnaires were the main measures. RESULTS: The largest diameter of specimens achieved was significantly higher using the Rouen technique (58 ± 9 mm) than the end-to-end anastomosis stapler (34 ± 6 mm). Two rectovaginal fistulas were recorded (4%), and 8 patients presented with transitory bladder voiding (16%). Median postoperative values for the Gastrointestinal Quality of Life Index and the Knowles-Eccersley-Scott-Symptom Questionnaire improved progressively 1 and 3 years after surgery. For patients intending to get pregnant, the cumulative pregnancy rate was 80%, and 63% of pregnancies were spontaneous. LIMITATIONS: The study sample size is small and the design is not comparative; however, direct comparison of patients managed by disc excision and colorectal resection would be inappropriate, because of differences regarding nodule localization and size. CONCLUSIONS: Disc excision is a valuable alternative to colorectal resection in selected patients presenting with rectal endometriosis, achieving better preservation of rectal function. The Rouen technique allows for successful removal of large nodules of the low and midrectum, with favorable postoperative outcomes. (See video abstract, http://links.lww.com/DCR/A208.).

Mortality and morbidity in early preterm breech singletons: impact of a policy of planned vaginal delivery.

OBJECTIVE: To compare neonatal morbidity and mortality rates in preterm singleton breech deliveries from 26(0/7) to 29(6/7) weeks of gestation in centers with a policy of either planned vaginal delivery (PVD) or planned cesarean delivery (PCD). STUDY DESIGN: Women with preterm singleton breech deliveries occurring after preterm labor or preterm premature rupture of membranes (pPROM) were identified from the databases of five perinatal centers and classified as PVD or PCD according to the center's management policy. The independent association between planned mode of delivery and the risk of neonatal hospital death or morbidity was tested and quantified with ORs through two-level multivariable logistic regression modeling. RESULTS: Of 142 782 deliveries during the study period, 626 (0.4%) were singletons in breech presentation from 26(0/7) to 29(6/7) weeks of gestation: after exclusions, 130 were in the PVD group and 173 in the PCD group. Severe newborn morbidity was similar in the two groups. Newborn mortality was 12% in the PCD group and 16% in the PVD group. Three neonates (1.7%, 95% CI: 0.34-5.0) died from head entrapment after vaginal delivery in the PVD group. Nonetheless, the policy of PVD was not associated with increased risks of neonatal death (aOR: 1.01, 95% CI: 0.33-2.92) or severe morbidity. CONCLUSION: Risks of mortality and severe morbidity in preterm breech were not increased by a policy of vaginal delivery. Head entrapment leading to death is however possible in cases of vaginal delivery but its rarity should be balanced with the maternal consequences of early preterm cesarean delivery.

Neonatal outcome of very preterm twins: policy of planned vaginal or cesarean delivery.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study was to compare neonatal mortality and morbidity in very preterm twins with the first twin in cephalic presentation in hospitals with a policy of planned vaginal delivery (PVD) and those with a policy of planned cesarean delivery (PCD). STUDY DESIGN: Women with preterm cephalic first twins delivered after preterm labor and/or premature preterm rupture of membranes from 26(0/7) to 31(6/7) weeks of gestation were identified from the databases of 6 perinatal centers and classified as PVD or PCD according to the center's management policy from 1999 to 2010. Severe neonatal morbidity was defined as any of the following: intraventricular hemorrhage grades 3-4, periventricular leukomalacia, necrotizing enterocolitis, bronchopulmonary dysplasia, and hospital death. The independent effect of the planned mode of delivery, defined by the center's management policy, was tested and quantified with a 2-level multivariable logistic regression. RESULTS: The PVD group included 248 women, and the PCD group 63. Maternal characteristics did not differ between the 2 groups. The rate of vaginal delivery was 85.9% (213 of 248) vs 20.6% (13 of 63) (P < .001), and the rate of cesarean delivery for the second twin was 1.6% (4 of 248) vs 4.8% (3 of 63) (P = .13) for PVD and PCD. PVD had no independent effect on either newborn hospital mortality or severe neonatal composite morbidity. CONCLUSION: A policy of planned vaginal delivery of very preterm twins with the first twin in cephalic presentation does not increase either severe neonatal morbidity or mortality.

Recurrences and fertility after endometrioma ablation in women with and without colorectal endometriosis: a prospective cohort study.

STUDY QUESTION: What are the recurrence and pregnancy rates in women managed for ovarian endometrioma by ablation using plasma energy with and without associated surgery for colorectal endometriosis? SUMMARY ANSWER: Concomitant management of colorectal endometriosis does not impact either risk of recurrences or probability of pregnancy in women managed for endometrioma ablation using plasma energy. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY: No consensus exists on how best to manage patients presenting with ovarian endometriomas and colorectal endometriosis, in terms of impact on fertility preservation and recurrence rates. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION: A prospective series of consecutive patients managed for ovarian endometriomas by ablation using plasma energy, over a period of 48 consecutive months. The study included patients with associated colorectal endometriosis (n = 52) and those who were free of colorectal localizations of the disease (n = 72). No women were lost to follow-up. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS: The 124 women included in this study were managed for either unilateral or bilateral ovarian endometriomas using plasma energy at a university tertiary care center. Recurrences and pregnancy rate were compared in patients with and without colorectal endometriosis. The minimum length of follow-up was 1 year. Cyst recurrences were assessed using pelvic ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging. Kaplan-Meier and actuarial life-table analysis were used to estimate the recurrence-free survival curve and the probability of pregnancy. The Cox model was used to assess independent predictive factors for recurrences. Pregnancy likelihood and independent predictors were estimated using a regression logistic model. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE: Mean follow-up was 32 ± 18 months. Forty-eight patients (40.3%) were presumed infertile and attended an assisted reproductive techniques (ART) center. Eighteen patients presented with a recurrence (14.5%). Bilateral localization of endometriomas was the only factor independently related to an increased risk of recurrences [hazard ratio 3.3, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.2-9.4]. Of the 83 women wishing to conceive (66.9%), 51 became pregnant (61.4%) and 33 of these pregnancies were spontaneous (64.7%). The rates of pregnancy were 65.8% for the group of patients with associated colorectal endometriosis and 57.8% for controls (P = 0.50). Age over 35 years was the only independent factor for which association with pregnancy rates approached the significance threshold (adjusted odds ratio 0.35, 95% CI 0.12-1, P = 0.06). LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION: The study sample size may be insufficient to reveal statistically significant differences related to risk factors which have low impact on the probability of recurrence and pregnancy. Data on ovarian reserve before and after the procedure was not available in all patients, which would have added to our results and the discussion about treatment of endometrioma in general. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS: Concomitant management of colorectal endometriosis does not impact either risk of recurrences or the probability of pregnancy in women having benefited from ovarian endometrioma ablation using plasma energy. Moreover, surgical management of colorectal and ovarian endometriosis may allow spontaneous conception in one out of three patients, thus reducing expenses related to ART management. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTERESTS: No financial support was received for this study. Horace Roman reports personal fees for participating in a symposium and masterclass presenting his experience in the use of PlasmaJet.

Survival and morbidity of preterm children born at 22 through 34 weeks' gestation in France in 2011: results of the EPIPAGE-2 cohort study.

IMPORTANCE: Up-to-date estimates of the health outcomes of preterm children are needed for assessing perinatal care, informing parents, making decisions about care, and providing evidence for clinical guidelines. OBJECTIVES: To determine survival and neonatal morbidity of infants born from 22 through 34 completed weeks' gestation in France in 2011 and compare these outcomes with a comparable cohort in 1997. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: The EPIPAGE-2 study is a national, prospective, population-based cohort study conducted in all maternity and neonatal units in France in 2011. A total of 2205 births (stillbirths and live births) and terminations of pregnancy at 22 through 26 weeks' gestation, 3257 at 27 through 31 weeks, and 1234 at 32 through 34 weeks were studied. Cohort data were collected from January 1 through December 31, 1997, and from March 28 through December 31, 2011. Analyses for 1997 were run for the entire year and then separately for April to December; the rates for survival and morbidities did not differ. Data are therefore presented for the whole year in 1997 and the 8-month and 6-month periods in 2011. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES: Survival to discharge and survival without any of the following adverse outcomes: grade III or IV intraventricular hemorrhage, cystic periventricular leukomalacia, severe bronchopulmonary dysplasia, retinopathy of prematurity (stage 3 or higher), or necrotizing enterocolitis (stages 2-3). RESULTS: A total of 0.7% of infants born before 24 weeks' gestation survived to discharge: 31.2% of those born at 24 weeks, 59.1% at 25 weeks, and 75.3% at 26 weeks. Survival rates were 93.6% at 27 through 31 weeks and 98.9% at 32 through 34 weeks. Infants discharged home without severe neonatal morbidity represented 0% at 23 weeks, 11.6% at 24 weeks, 30.0% at 25 weeks, 47.5% at 26 weeks, 81.3% at 27 through 31 weeks, and 96.8% at 32 through 34 weeks. Compared with 1997, the proportion of infants surviving without severe morbidity in 2011 increased by 14.4% (P < .001) at 25 through 29 weeks and 6% (P < .001) at 30 through 31 weeks but did not change appreciably for those born at less than 25 weeks. The rates of antenatal corticosteroid use, induced preterm deliveries, cesarean deliveries, and surfactant use increased significantly in all gestational-age groups, except at 22 through 23 weeks. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: The substantial improvement in survival in France for newborns born at 25 through 31 weeks' gestation was accompanied by an important reduction in severe morbidity, but survival remained rare before 25 weeks. Although improvement in survival at extremely low gestational age may be possible, its effect on long-term outcomes requires further studies. The long-term results of the EPIPAGE-2 study will be informative in this regard.

Transecting versus avoiding incision of the anterior placenta previa during cesarean delivery.

OBJECTIVE: To compare maternal outcomes after transection and after avoiding incision of the anterior placenta previa during cesarean delivery. METHODS: In a retrospective study, records were reviewed for women who had anterior placenta previa and delivered by cesarean after 24 weeks of pregnancy at a tertiary center in Rouen, France. During period A (January 2000 to December 2006), the protocol was to systematically transect the placenta when it was unavoidable. During period B (January 2007 to December 2010), the technique was to avoid incision by circumventing the placenta and passing a hand around its margin. Logistic regression was used to identify independent risk factors associated with maternal transfusion of packed red blood cells. RESULTS: Eighty-four women were included (period A: n=43; period B: n=41). During period B, there was a reduction in frequency of intraoperative hemorrhage (>1000 mL) (P=0.02), intraoperative hemoglobin loss (P=0.005), and frequency of blood transfusion (P=0.02) as compared with period A. In multivariable analysis, period B was associated with a reduced risk of maternal transfusion (odds ratio 0.27; 95% confidence interval 0.09-0.82; P=0.02). CONCLUSION: Avoiding incision of the anterior placenta previa was found to reduce frequency of maternal blood transfusion during or after cesarean delivery.

Antimullerian hormone level and endometrioma ablation using plasma energy.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the impact of ovarian endometrioma vaporization using plasma energy on antimullerian hormone (AMH) level. METHOD: We report a prospective, noncomparative series (NCT01596985). Twenty-two patients with unilateral ovarian endometriomas≥30 mm, with no surgical antecedent and no ongoing pregnancy, underwent vaporization of ovarian endometriomas using plasma energy during the period of November 29, 2010 to November 28, 2012. We assessed AMH levels before surgery, 3 months postoperatively, and at the end of follow-up. RESULTS: The mean length of postoperative follow-up was 18.2±8 months. AMH level significantly varied through the 3 assessments performed in the study, as the mean values±SD were 3.9±2.6 ng/mL before the surgery, 2.3±1.1 ng/mL at 3 months, and 3.1±2.2 ng/mL at the end of the follow-up (P=.001). There was a significant increase from 3 months postoperatively to the end of follow-up (median change 0.7 ng/mL, P=.01). Seventy-one percent of patients had an AMH level>2 ng/mL at the end of the follow-up versus 76% before the surgery (P=1). During the postoperative follow-up, 11 patients tried to conceive, of whom 8 (73%) became pregnant. CONCLUSIONS: The ablation of unilateral endometriomas is followed in a majority of cases by a significant decrease in AMH level 3 months after surgery. In subsequent months, this level progressively increases, raising questions about the real factors that impact postoperative ovarian AMH production.

School-age outcomes following a randomized controlled trial of magnesium sulfate for neuroprotection of preterm infants.

In a French randomized trial, children at school-age demonstrated no evidence of harm from fetal exposure to MgSO4 before very preterm birth. Motor dysfunction/death, qualitative behavioral disorders, cognitive difficulties, school grade repetition, and education services were decreased in the children exposed to MgSO4, although the differences were not significant.