The smaller firstborn: exploring the association of parity and fetal growth.

PURPOSE: To investigate the association of parity with a range of neonatal anthropometric measurements in a cohort of uncomplicated term singleton pregnancies. METHODS: Retrospective cohort study of patients with a singleton term birth at a single tertiary center (2014-2020) was carried out. The primary exposure was parity. The following neonatal anthropometric measures were considered: birthweight, head circumference, length, ponderal index, and neonatal body mass index (BMI). RESULTS: A total of 8134 patients met the study criteria, 1949 (24.0%) of whom were nulliparous. Compared with multiparous patients, infants of nulliparous patients had a lower mean percentile for birthweight (43.1 ± 26.4 vs. 48.3 ± 26.8 percentile, p < 0.001), head circumference (44.3 ± 26.4 vs. 48.1 ± 25.5 percentile, p < 0.001), length (52.6 ± 25.1 vs. 55.5 ± 24.6 percentile, p < 0.001), ponderal index (34.4 ± 24.0 vs. 37.6 ± 24.2 percentile, p < 0.001), and BMI (39.1 ± 27.1 vs. 43.9 ± 27.3 percentile, p < 0.001). In addition, infants of nulliparous patients had higher odds of having a small (< 10th percentile for gestational age) birthweight (aOR 1.32 [95% CI 1.12-1.56]), head circumference (aOR 1.54 [95% CI 1.29-1.84]), length (aOR 1.50 [95% CI 1.16-1.94]), ponderal index (aOR 1.30 [95% CI 1.12-1.51]), and body mass index (aOR 1.42 [95% CI 1.22-1.65]). Most neonatal anthropometric measures increased with parity until a parity of 2, where it seemed to reach a plateau. CONCLUSION: Parity has an independent impact on a wide range of neonatal anthropometric measures, suggesting that parity is associated with both fetal skeletal growth and body composition. In addition, the association of parity with fetal growth does not follow a continuous relationship but instead reaches a plateau after the second pregnancy.

Trial of labor following cesarean in preterm deliveries: success rates and maternal and neonatal outcomes: a multicenter retrospective study.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the rates of vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC) among parturients attempting preterm trial of labor following a cesarean delivery (TOLAC) vs. term TOLAC. METHODS: A multicenter historic cohort study was conducted at two university-affiliated centers between August 2005 and March 2021. Parturients in their second delivery, attempting TOLAC after a single low segment transverse cesarean delivery were included. We retrospectively examined computerized medical records of all preterm (< 37 weeks) and term (37-42 weeks) births. Multifetal gestations and postterm deliveries (≥ 42 weeks) were excluded. A univariate analysis was conducted, followed by a multivariate analysis. RESULTS: 4865 second deliveries following previous cesarean were identified: 212 (4.4%) preterm and 4653 (95.6%) term. Hypertensive disorders, diabetes and fertility treatments were significantly more prevalent in the preterm group. VBAC rate was significantly lower in preterm group (57.5 vs 79.7%., p < 0.01), including both spontaneous and vaginal-assisted deliveries. In multivariate analysis, preterm TOLAC was independently associated with TOLAC failure [adjusted odds ratio 2.24, [95% confidence interval 1.62-3.09]. Overall, maternal outcomes were favorable. Rates of uterine rupture, re-laparotomy and postpartum hemorrhage were comparable between groups. Neonatal outcomes were less favorable among the preterm group; however, preterm vs. term TOLAC was not associated with low 5 min Apgar score (aOR 1.76, 95% CI 0.92-3.40). CONCLUSION: In our study, VBAC rates were lower in preterm compared to term deliveries. Maternal outcomes were comparable. Neonatal outcomes were less favorable in the preterm group, more likely due to prematurity than delivery mode.

Surgical Treatment of Bartholin's Gland Abscess: Is Word Catheter Superior to Marsupialization?

STUDY OBJECTIVE: Bartholin's gland abscess may occur in up to 2% of the women. Surgical drainage using the Word catheter application or marsupialization is the treatment of choice in the management of Bartholin's gland abscess. We aimed to compare the abscess recurrence rates between these 2 surgical methods. DESIGN: A retrospective cohort database study. SETTING: A university-affiliated, high-volume teaching hospital in southern Israel. PATIENTS: All women who were surgically treated for Bartholin's gland abscess. INTERVENTIONS: Different clinical and postoperative characteristics were retrieved from the patients' records. A univariate analysis was conducted, and p <.05 was considered significant. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: During the study period, 321 women were admitted to our center with Bartholin's gland abscess and were managed surgically. Of these, 215 (67%) were treated using the Word catheter and 106 (33%) by drainage and marsupialization. No differences were found in clinical and microbiologic features between the study groups. In addition, recurrence rates as well as recurrent admissions did not differ significantly. Postoperative complications were similar between the groups. CONCLUSION: Our study reassures that both the Word catheter application and marsupialization are appropriate and safe when treating Bartholin's gland abscess.

Risk of intrapartum cesarean delivery in twin pregnancies: A retrospective cohort study.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the risk of intrapartum cesarean delivery (CD) between patients with twin and singleton pregnancies undergoing a trial of labor and identify risk factors for intrapartum CD in twin pregnancies. METHODS: The present study was a retrospective cohort study of patients with a twin or singleton pregnancy who underwent a trial of labor at ≥340/7 weeks in a single center (2015-2022). The primary outcome was the rate of intrapartum CD. In twin pregnancies, this outcome was limited to CD of both twins. The association of plurality with intrapartum CD was estimated using multivariable Poisson regression. RESULTS: A total of 20 754 patients met the study criteria, 669 of whom had a twin pregnancy. Patients with twins had a greater risk of intrapartum CD (of both twins) than those with singleton pregnancies (22.1% vs 15.9%, respectively; aRR 1.38 [95% CI: 1.15-1.66]), primarily due to a greater risk of failure to progress. In addition, 4.1% of the twin pregnancies had a CD for the second twin, resulting in an overall CD rate in twin pregnancies of 26.2%. Variables associated with intrapartum CD in twin pregnancies included nulliparity (aOR 3.50, 95% CI: 2.34-5.25), birthweight discordance >20% (aOR 2.47, 95% CI: 1.27-4.78), and labor induction (aOR 1.64, 95% CI: 1.07-2.53). The rate of intrapartum CD was highest when all three risk factors were present (67% [95% CI: 41%-87%]). CONCLUSION: Twin pregnancies are associated with a greater risk of intrapartum CD than singleton pregnancies. Information on the individualized risk of intrapartum CD may be valuable when counseling patients with twins regarding mode of delivery.

Use of antibiotics in women undergoing correction of an obstetric anal sphincter injury: Results from a national Israeli survey.

OBJECTIVE: Obstetric anal sphincter injures (OASIS) have long-term implications on women's health. Administration of antibiotic prophylaxis and treatment following OASIS repair is controversial. We conducted a national survey to provide data about practice routines regarding antibiotic prophylaxis and treatment following OASIS repair in Israeli labor and delivery units. METHODS: A national survey was performed among obstetricians and gynecologists from 24 university-affiliated delivery centers within the jurisdiction of the Israeli Ministry of Health during 2020. Representatives from each center completed the "Google form" electronic survey. For each questionnaire item, the most common answer was chosen to represent the center's answer. RESULTS: The number of physicians who responded per center varied from 1 to 14 (median, 3.5). Preoperative and postoperative antibiotic treatment was given in 75% and 92% of the centers, respectively. While most centers (58.3%) recommend pelvic floor physical therapy on release, recommendations about functional radiologic tests vary. In all centers, there is a designated clinic for postpartum follow-up of OASIS. Most centers (83%) allow trial of vaginal delivery in the subsequent pregnancy, on an individual basis. CONCLUSION: Heterogeneity exists in managing OASIS in Israel, particularly regarding administration of antibiotics. Further studies are needed to examine the consequences of different management protocols.

Early breast expression for very low birth infants admitted to neonatal intensive care unit: the challenges of cesarean deliveries.

AIM OF THE STUDY: In preterm infants, the use of human milk is associated with unique benefits. However, successful breast feeding rates and prolonged breastfeeding duration is often reduced in preterm infants. Nevertheless, early initiation of breast expression after birth is believed to be one of the major variables that should improve the odds of successful breastfeeding. Hence, we aimed to assess correlation between timing of milk expression initiation and volume produced in regards to mode-of-delivery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Prospective, observational study. Mothers delivering infants weighing < 1500 g measured 24-h milk volumes on days 1-7, 14, and 21. RESULTS: Mothers delivering vaginally (N = 11) expressed milk sooner (3.82 ± 5.03 h) than mothers in the cesarean group (N = 42; 11.5 ± 9.1 h). There were no significant differences in daily number of expressions (i.e. day 1 3.6 ± 1.6 versus 2.5 ± 2.1, p = .125) or daily volume (i.e. day 1 - 7.5 ± 6.1 ml versus 11.6 ± 22.9 ml, p = .563), until day 6 from which, both were lower in the cesarean group (i.e. day 21 - number - 6.0 ± 1.3 versus 4.6 ± 1.7, p = .029; volume - 796 ± 465ml versus 435 ± 368ml, p = .018). Expressed volume initially did not correlate with earlier expression, however, latter expressed volume inversely correlated with earlier expression. In multivariate-analysis, mode of delivery, gestational age, and daily number of expressions were correlated with volumes on day 21 (p = .001). CONCLUSIONS: Earlier human-milk expression is related to volumes on the second and the third week of lactation. This is overwhelmed by delivery mode, and by frequent milk expression from day 2. When early milk expression is not possible, more frequent milk expression might help increasing volumes.

Trial of labor of vertex-nonvertex twins following a previous cesarean delivery.

BACKGROUND: Maternal and neonatal outcomes of trial of labor after cesarean delivery of twins are similar to those of singleton trials of labor after cesarean delivery. However, previous studies did not stratify outcomes by second-twin presentation on admission to labor. OBJECTIVE: To examine maternal and neonatal outcomes following trial of labor after cesarean delivery in twins with vertex-nonvertex presentation. STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective multicenter study was conducted including data on deliveries occurring between the years 2005 and 2020. We included trials of labor after a previous cesarean delivery (at ≥320/7 weeks' gestation) of twin gestations with a vertex-presenting first twin on admission to labor. The exposed group was defined as deliveries with a nonvertex second twin at admission to labor, whereas the comparison group included deliveries with a vertex second twin at admission. Only parturients who attempted vaginal delivery were included. Cases of prelabor fetal death of either twin or major fetal anomalies were excluded. The primary outcome was uterine rupture. RESULTS: A total of 236 twin trials of labor after cesarean delivery were included, of which 128 involved nonvertex second twins and 108 a second vertex twin. Uterine rupture rates were comparable between the groups (1/128 [0.9%] vs 1/108 [0.8%]; P=1.000). Successful trial of labor after cesarean delivery of both twins occurred in 76.6% of the exposed group vs 81.5% of the comparison group, whereas cesarean delivery of both twins was performed in 21.9% of the exposed group vs 17.6% of the comparison group (P=.418; odds ratio, 1.32; confidence interval, 0.7-2.5). Two cases of cesarean delivery of the second twin occurred in the exposed group and 1 in the comparison group (1.6% vs 0.9%, respectively, P=1.000). There was no difference between the groups in maternal outcomes, including rates of postpartum hemorrhage, blood transfusion, placental abruption, thromboembolic events, and maternal fever. Neonatal outcomes were also comparable between the groups, including rates of intensive care admission and low (≤7) 5-minute Apgar scores. CONCLUSION: Our data show that trial of labor after cesarean delivery of noncephalic second twins holds favorable maternal and neonatal outcomes, comparable with those of vertex-vertex trials of labor after cesarean delivery. Second-twin noncephalic presentation should not discourage parturients and caregivers from considering trial of labor after cesarean delivery if desired.

Vacuum-assisted vaginal deliveries among parturients with congenital uterine anomalies; risk factors and outcomes.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the maternal and neonatal outcomes associated with vacuum-assisted vaginal delivery (VAVD) in a subset of parturients with congenital uterine anomalies. STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective database study was conducted at a single tertiary center between 2005 and 2019. Parturients with known congenital uterine anomalies who had vaginal deliveries were enrolled, whereas parturients with failed VAVD, didelphic uterus, and delivery after intrauterine fetal death were excluded. Various maternal and neonatal outcomes were compared between parturients who achieved spontaneous vaginal delivery (SVD) and those who delivered via VAVD. The maternal composite outcome was calculated for each group and included one or more of the following: post-partum hemorrhage, hemoglobin drop ≥ 4 gr/dL, blood transfusions, retained placental products, and obstetric anal sphincter injuries. Univariate analysis was performed followed by multivariate logistic regression analysis controlling for potential confounders. Adjusted odds ratios (aORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated. RESULTS: After the application of the exclusion criteria, 332 parturients were found eligible. Of those, 289 (87%) had SVD and 43 (13%) had VAVD. VAVD was more common among primiparous parturients and epidural analgesia users. Parturients with VAVD had higher rates of third-degree perineal tear, postpartum hemorrhage, and blood transfusions. The maternal composite outcome was significantly more prevalent in the VAVD group (44.2% vs. 20.8%, p < 0.01). After controlling for potential confounders, the maternal composite outcome was found to be independently associated with VAVD (aOR 2.3, 95% CI 1.10-4.60). The neonatal results were overall comparable, except for scalp trauma and Erb's palsy/clavicular fracture, which were more prevalent in the VAVD group. CONCLUSION: In a special population of parturients with congenital uterine anomalies, VAVD was found to be associated with significantly higher rates of adverse maternal outcomes and perinatal birth trauma. These findings should be presented to parturients during consultations about modes of delivery.

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

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

Clinical and microbiological features of Bartholin's gland abscess in pregnant and non-pregnant women.

OBJECTIVE: The data regarding microbiological and clinical characteristics of Bartholin gland abscesses during pregnancy is limited. Given the hormonal and physiological changes during pregnancy we aimed to examine whether a difference exists in the clinical and microbiological features of Bartholin's gland abscess during pregnancy and the puerperium as compared with nonpregnant patients. In addition, we aim to evaluate whether a Bartholin's gland abscess during pregnancy is associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes. STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective cohort study was conducted, including all women with Bartholin's gland abscess who were treated surgically between the years 2009-2016 in the Soroka University Medical Center. Various demographic, clinical and microbiological characteristics were retrieved and a comparison was made between patients with a Bartholin's gland abscess during pregnancy and the puerperium (study group) as compared with nonpregnant patients (controls). In addition, obstetrical characteristics of patients in the study group were retrieved. RESULTS: Of the 363 women who were treated surgically, 38 (10.5%) were in the study group. Women in the study group were significantly younger (26.8 versus 32.8 p < .001). No differences were found between the groups with regard to the clinical presentation (affected side, fever, leukocytosis and need for antimicrobial treatment) or the selected mode of drainage. In addition, no difference was found in the percentage of positive culture results, nor in the distribution of the pathogens between the groups, in both groups the most common pathogen was Escherichia coli. Yet, among the study group, recurrence of the abscess was more common (13.5 versus 2.15% p = -.067) as evident by significantly higher recurrent referrals to the emergency department and recurrent hospitalizations (28.9 versus 14.8%, p < .05, and 26.3 versus 8.0% p < .001, respectively). Of note, fever after the procedures, pain, discharge and bleeding did not differ significantly between groups. No cases of premature rupture of membranes or chorioamnionitis were noted following treatment. CONCLUSIONS: In our cohort, no differences were found between the study groups in the clinical presentation and microbiological features. A significantly higher recurrence rate was noted in the study group. Among pregnant patients no adverse perinatal outcomes were noted.

Ureaplasma urealyticum: the Role as a Pathogen in Women's Health, a Systematic Review.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: To evaluate the role of Ureaplasma urealyticum as a genital pathogen in women's health. Three aspects were analyzed: (1) preterm delivery (PTD); (2) female infertility; and (3) lower genital tract pathology including pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), cervicitis, and genital discomfort (discharge, burning). RECENT FINDINGS: A systematic review was performed. Searching PUBMED and EMBASE for published articles from January 2003 to September 2017 using the key word "Ureaplasma urealyticum" yielded 1835 manuscripts. These were further screened using defined inclusion criteria: (1) original peer-reviewed observational studies; (2) English language; (3) U. urealyticum was specifically isolated; (4) present "cases"/"exposed" and "controls"/"unexposed" to enable calculating an association between U. urealyticum and the outcome studied. Altogether, 32 studies were included that underwent quality scoring based on methodology, sample size, study population, and method of identification of U. urealyticum. The association of U. urealyticum and PTD was inconsistent between the studies. Eight of the ten prospective studies failed to show an association between U. urealyticum and PTD, yet four of the six case control studies found a positive association. Regarding female infertility and genital discomfort, five of the six studies for each of these topics failed to find an association. Only two studies met the inclusion criteria for cervicitis with conflicting conclusions. Unfortunately, none of the studies met the inclusion criteria for PID. It seems that U. urealyticum has a limited role as a pathogen in female infertility, cervicitis, PID, and genital discomfort. The role as a pathogen in PTD is unclear and future studies are needed to address this issue.