Hemoglobin differences in twins are related to the time of cord clamping, not intertwin transfusion - a prospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Delayed cord clamping increases placental transfusion. In vaginal deliveries higher hemoglobin concentrations are found in the second-born twin. We hypothesized it is unrelated to intertwin transfusion but to the time of cord clamping. METHODS: It was a prospective cohort study of 202 women delivering twins > 32 weeks of gestation. Monoamniotic pregnancy, antenatal intertwin transfusions, fetal demise or major abnormalities were excluded from the study. The time of cord clamping depended on the obstetrician's decision. Hemoglobin, hematocrit, and reticulocyte count were measured at birth and during the second day of life. RESULTS: At birth, hemoglobin and hematocrit levels were significantly higher in the first-born twins delivered with delayed than with early cord clamping. Higher hemoglobin and hematocrit levels were observed during the second day of life in all twins delivered with delayed cord clamping. The lowest levels were observed in twins delivered with early cord clamping. Infants delivered with delayed cord clamping were at a lower risk of respiratory disorders and NICU hospitalization. CONCLUSION: The observed differences in Hgb concentrations between the infants in a twin pregnancy are related to cord clamping time.

Impact of childbirth on women's sexuality in the first year after the delivery.

AIM: The aim was to compare the quality of sexual life before pregnancy and after delivery and to find out whether and how selected factors affect women's sexuality during this period. METHODS: The study group consisted of 433 women who completed the survey containing basic demographic questions and two Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) questionnaires: a retrospective one, regarding time before pregnancy and the current period. The inclusion criteria: time between 10 weeks and 1 year after delivery, vaginal intercourses before pregnancy and the resumption of vaginal intercourses after delivery. RESULTS: We observed the negative impact of labor on the total FSFI score, regardless of the time that had passed since birth and the delivery mode. The decrease by at least 10% of the initial FSFI score was noticed in 44.3% of the participants. FSD (Female Sexual Dysfunction) occurred statistically more commonly after delivery than before pregnancy (45.3% vs 17.1%; P < 0.001). The following factors had an impact on the risk of post-partum FSD: pre-pregnancy FSD (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 4.17 [95% confidence interval [CI] 2.38-7.31]) and nulliparity (aOR = 1.67 [95% CI 1.09-2.53]). CONCLUSION: Childbirth has an undeniable impact on women's sexuality. The prevention and treatment of sexual dysfunctions is very important, especially in this crucial period of life.

Sex education in Poland - a cross-sectional study evaluating over twenty thousand polish women's knowledge of reproductive health issues and contraceptive methods.

BACKGROUND: Reproductive health is a part of a comprehensive definition of complete physical, mental and social well-being. Sex education is an important aspect of public health. Ignorance, due to the lack of sex education leads to risky sexual behaviors. METHODS: Our cross-sectional study was aimed at investigating a representative group of Polish women's knowledge about the physiology of the menstrual cycle, contraceptive methods, infertility and cervical cancer prevention. The data were collected by face-to-face interviews and an anonymous electronic questionnaire. RESULTS: The study group involved 20,002 respondents. Most of the women were of reproductive age (mean 27.7), parous (60.8%), of higher education (71%) and living in large cities (> 500 k citizens, 36.8%). 62.2% of the women gave correct answers to at least 5 of 7 questions concerning the physiology of the menstrual cycle. Three factors had a significant influence on the number of correct answers: higher education (p = 0.0001), more frequent gynecological appointments (p = 0.0001) and living in a larger city (p = 0.002). Women of higher education level had more often used some form of contraceptive method previously (87% vs. 78.4%, p = 0.001), recommended natural family planning methods to their peers (18.4% vs. 15%, p = 0.001) and regularly attended gynecological appointments (85.7% vs. 78.8%, p = 0.001) when compared with those women with lower educational levels. The three most effective contraceptive methods identified by respondents were: oral contraceptives (71.1% answers), intrauterine devices (50.2%) and parenteral hormonal contraceptives (30.4%). The effectiveness of natural family planning was more often emphasized by women who had never used any contraceptives before (20.1% vs 6.7%). Most of the participants (80.8%) believed that in-vitro fertilization is an effective infertility treatment and should be reimbursed in Poland. Also, 95.2% of the respondents reported that they had undergone a Papanicolaou test within the past 3 years, but only 3% of these women were aware of all the risk factors for cervical cancer mentioned in our survey. CONCLUSIONS: It is very important to improve comprehensive reproductive health education in Poland, especially among women of lower educational levels and living in small centers. In future, educational programs and gynecologists should focus on implementing and improving these aforementioned issues.

Cervical cancer - causes and prevention of hpv infections in the opinions of young polish women: a cross-sectional survey.

OBJECTIVE: Introduction: Cervical cancer is an important issue of gynecologic oncology. The awareness of this disease, the attitude towards HPV vaccination and cytological screening play an important role in decreasing morbidity and mortality due to cervical cancer. The aim: To assess the various aspects of knowledge regarding cervical cancer, risk factors for this disease, the role of HPV infection and the attitude to primary (vaccination) and secondary (cytological screening) prevention among young women. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Materials and methods: The study was performed using CAWI method based on original questionnaire in electronic form. Online completing of the survey was voluntary and anonymous. RESULTS: Results: The study was conducted in a group of 2058 women aged 19-33. In total 98.4% of respondents came across the term "cervical cancer", 84.1% knew that cervical cancer could be prevented and the following were identified as the main risk factors: cervical cancer in closest relatives (85.3%) and HPV infection (81.9%). Although according to 82.0% of women HPV infection can be prevented by vaccination, only 18.4% of respondents were vaccinated. The main reason for non-vaccination was lack of knowledge about the availability of the vaccine (41.2%) and high price (32.0%). Of the unvaccinated people, 63.5% declare their will to be vaccinated in the future. Concerning secondary prevention, 98.6% of the respondents admitted that they knew the term "cytological examination", 89.0% indicated that this examination detected the presence of pre-cancerous lesions, and according to 58.4% of respondents, this test should be performed after sexual initiation. Despite the fact that 80.5% of respondents confirmed the fact of beginning sexual activity (44.4% of them had more than 1 partner), 17.1% of the respondents admitted that they didn't go to gynecologist yet. Approximately 84% of respondents believe that the amount of information on cervical cancer prophylaxis and HPV infections currently providing is insufficient. CONCLUSION: Conclusions: The basic terms regarding primary (vaccination) and secondary (prophylactic tests) prevention of cervical cancer have been widely known. However, the knowledge about specific risk factors, sexual behaviors contributing to HPV infection and, consequently, the ability to self-identify as belonging to higher risk group is insufficient. It is justified to conduct educational activities regarding the assessment of risks related to cervical cancer addressed to young women. Together with education, HPV vaccination and secondary prevention programs require financial support.

The first trimester aneuploidy biochemical markers in IVF/ICSI patients have no additional benefit compared to spontaneous conceptions in the prediction of pregnancy complications.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to determine if the levels of biochemical aneuploidy markers in in vitro fertilisation (IVF)/intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) pregnancies differ from those in spontaneous pregnancies and to verify if biochemical markers could predict pregnancy outcome in IVF/ICSI gestations. METHODS: This was a prospective observational study performed in a group of 551 patients who underwent a combined first trimester prenatal screening (ultrasound scan and serum markers). All patients were divided into two groups according to the mode of conception: IVF/ICSI pregnancies (study group) and spontaneous conceptions (control group). The concentrations of first trimester biochemical markers were presented as multiples of median (MoM) and were compared between the study and control groups. Analysed pregnancy complications included: preterm delivery (PTD), small for gestational age (SGA), gestational hypertension (GH), preeclampsia (PE) and gestational diabetes (GDM). RESULTS: The analysis was performed on 183 IVF/ICSI and 368 spontaneously conceived gestations, with complete data regarding obstetric outcome. There were no significant differences in the concentrations of biochemical markers between the analysed groups. Pregnancy-associated plasma protein-A (PAPP-A) levels were lower in hypertensive than in normotensive patients, although the difference was not significant. Twenty-three patients had GDM (12.5%), 16 had GH or PE (8.7%), SGA was diagnosed in 18 (9.8%) and 25 delivered preterm (13.6%). CONCLUSIONS: The trend for lower PAPP-A MoM was visible in all affected patients, although the results did not reach statistical significance. The first trimester biochemical markers in assisted reproduction technique (ART) pregnancies do not seem to have additional effect on predicting the risk of pregnancy complications.

Sudden Fetal Hematologic Changes as a Complication of Amnioreduction in Twin-Twin Transfusion Syndrome.

We present the first case of a monochorionic twin pregnancy in which sudden hematologic changes occurred as a complication of the amnioreduction procedure for twin-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS). At 33 weeks of gestation, 4 days after the amnioreduction, the recipient developed severe anemia while the donor developed severe polycythemia. Postnatal placental examination revealed several arteriovenous and venoarterial anastomoses, a pale placental mass of the recipient and a congested and plethoric placental mass of the donor. We speculate on the pathophysiologic changes and potential deleterious effects provoked by the decompressive amnioreduction. Decompression of the placenta and anastomoses after the amnioreduction may have led to an acute blood shift from recipient to donor (thus also a reversal of feto-fetal transfusion), resulting in anemia in the recipient and polycythemia in the donor twin. In the past 15 years, 13 TTTS cases with late presentation were treated with amnioreduction. This is the first time we encountered this severe complication, yielding an incidence of 8%. Although the optimal treatment in TTTS with late presentation is not known, perinatologists should be aware that treatment with amnioreduction can lead to sudden hematologic changes.

How to identify pregnant women at risk of pre-eclampsia? - a review of the current literature.

Pre-eclampsia remains a major cause of poor perinatal outcome worldwide. As administering acetylsalicylic acid in a high risk population reduces the risk of PE, it is essential to identify women at risk of PE. Several algorithms for PE risk assessment have been developed. They include maternal factors combined with uterine artery pulsatility index, mean arterial pressure, serum pregnancy-associated plasma protein-A, placental growth factor, and serum soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1. Beside PE prophylaxis with acetylsalicylic acid, a proper management of women considered at a high risk of PE is essential. The sFlt-1:PlGF ratio between 20 and 34 + 6 weeks may be used to predict a short-term absence of PE or to predict the risk of PE diagnosis within 4 weeks and a significant shortening of the duration of pregnancy associated with it. The sFlt-1:PlGF ratio may be helpful in deciding about hospitalization or choosing the optimal time for corticosteroid administration in women at risk of PE. It may also help to reduce overall healthcare costs.

Rapid cervical phIGFBP-1 test in asymptomatic twin pregnancies is inefficient in predicting preterm delivery prior to 34 gestational weeks.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the effectiveness of a rapid second trimester test for cervical phIGFBP-1 in the prediction of sponta-neous preterm delivery prior to 34 weeks in asymptomatic twin pregnancies. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A prospective observational study conducted on 232 twin pregnancies tested for phIGFBP-1 at 20-24 weeks of gestation. 151 patients assessed as asymptomatic, with cervical length > 25 mm at 20-24 weeks were analysed. The primary outcome was the delivery < 34 weeks of gestation. RESULTS: The spontaneous preterm delivery before completing 34 weeks occurred in 23 patients (15.2%), including 9 in dichorionic and 14 in monochorionic pregnancies. The sensitivity of phIGFBP-1 test was 0.39 and specificity 0.63 in predicting delivery before 34 gestational weeks. phIGFBP-1 had a low positive predictive value of 0.16 and high negative predictive value (0.85). Both positive and negative predictive values of delivery < 34 weeks were close to 1. CONCLUSIONS: A test for phIGFBP1 presence is not an effective additional tool for predicting preterm delivery before 34 weeks in twin gestation.

Twin Chorionicity and the Risk of Hypertensive Disorders: Gestational Hypertension and Pre-eclampsia.

Twin gestation is known to be a risk factor for hypertensive disorders of pregnancy. However, the relationship between hypertensive disorders (pre-eclampsia (PE) and gestational hypertension (GH)) and chorionicity of twin pregnancy is unclear, and published data is conflicting. We decided to analyze the relationship between placentation and prevalence of hypertensive disorders. It was a retrospective cohort study. 312 twin pregnancies delivered between 2009 and 2014 were analyzed, 79 of which were monochorionic and 233 dichorionic. The occurrence of PE and GH was established according to American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists' (ACOG) guidelines. Hypertensive disorders were diagnosed significantly more often in dichorionic than in monochorionic twin pregnancies (19.7% vs. 8.9%; OR = 2.53 95% CI 1.04-6.45; p = .03). PE occurred more frequently in DCP (13.3% vs. 3.8%; OR = 3.88 95% CI 1.09-16.46; p = .02). There were no differences between those two groups in the prevalence of GH (6.4% vs. 5.1%; p = .79). The logistic regression model for the occurrence of PE included chorionicity, mother's age lower than 18 or higher than 40, pre-gestational obesity, in vitro fertilization, primiparity, gestational age at delivery, gestational diabetes, and active smoking. It showed that dichorionicity remained an independent risk factor for PE (adjusted OR = 4.97.0 95% CI 1.06-23.38; p = .04). Dichorionicity seems to be a risk factor for PE but not for GH development.

Relation between time interval from antenatal corticosteroids administration to delivery and neonatal outcome in twins.

AIM: The aim of this study was to evaluate the perinatal outcome in twins, who were administered one complete course of antenatal corticosteroids (ACS) depending on the time interval from corticosteroids to delivery. METHODS: We carried out a retrospective analysis of medical data of women with twins who received a course of ACS and delivered before 34 weeks within or beyond 7 days after ACS were given. Among 652 twin deliveries between 2006 and 2014, 106 met the criteria (50 patients delivered <7 days and 56 ≥ 7 days after ACS administration). RESULTS: There were no differences in the mean gestational age at labor, mean birthweight, perinatal mortality or newborns' general condition between women who delivered <7 and ≥7 days after corticosteroids. Newborns in the ≥7 days group suffered from respiratory disorders significantly more often (74.1% vs 54.5%, P = 0.003) and were hospitalized longer (42.6 ± 19.1 vs 33.4 ± 21.7 days, P < 0.001). Significantly more infants in the <7 days group were administered antibiotics (55.6% vs 25%, P = 0.001). In the multiple logistic regression analysis, the only factors significantly influencing the incidence of respiratory complications in twins were delivery following ACS therapy within 7 days (adjusted odds ratio, 0.16; 95% confidence interval, 0.02-0.90) and female sex (adjusted odds ratio, 0.71; 95% confidence interval 0.40-0.90). CONCLUSION: There is a relation between neonatal outcomes in twins and time interval between ACS administration and birth. Therefore, a single ACS course should be administered with caution in order to allow for the completion of the treatment without exceeding an interval of 7 days to delivery. © 2016 Japan Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology.

Risk factors for depressive symptoms in early postpartum period and after puerperium - are they the same?

OBJECTIVES: Correlation between the occurrence of postnatal depressive symptoms at 5 days and 6 weeks postpartum is well established. The objective of the study was to determine the influence of psychosocial and perinatal factors on the occurrence of postpartum depressive symptoms 2 to 5 days and 6 weeks after delivery. METHODS: 373 women in early postpartum (EPG) and 107 women 6 weeks after delivery (late postpartum group - LPG) completed a questionnaire including questions concerning mothers' characteristics, obstetric and neonatal complications during pregnancy, psychiatric factors and Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS). RESULTS: 21.6% of mothers from EPG and 14.2% in LPG achieved ≥10 points in EPDS. In both groups patients with ≥10 points reported stressful situations during pregnancy, sedative agents usage and a history of suicidal attempts. In EPG women with ≥10 points significantly more frequent delivered preterm, were hospitalized during pregnancy and their newborns had more health problems. In LPG mothers with ≥10 points more often reported several obstetric complications. Maternal comorbidity or sociodemographic factors did not correlate with the risk of depressive symptoms. CONCLUSION: The risk factors for depressive symptoms after delivery vary in different time intervals. Therefore screening for PD should not be performed once in a single selected risk group.

Placental examination with dye injections in post-delivery chorionicity assessment in dichorionic triplet pregnancy.

The incidence of spontaneous triplet pregnancy is approximately 1 in 7000 deliveries. Due to the fact that every presentation of a triplet and higher order pregnancy is associated with high rate of morbidity and preterm delivery, chorionicity and amnionicity remain significant predictive factors which determine specific management throughout the pregnancy. Ultrasound chorionicity assessment in triplet pregnancies is more complex than in twins, and in many cases it remains unknown. We present a case report of a 24-year-old primipara in a spontaneous dichorionic triplet pregnancy, qualified for a cesarean section at 33 weeks of gestation, with subsequent placental examination with dye injections and post-delivery chorionicity assessment.

Perinatal outcome according to chorionicity in twins - a Polish multicenter study.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to analyze the perinatal outcome of twin gestations and estimate the influence of chorionicity on the outcome in a large cohort of twin pregnancies in Poland. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective analysis of 465 twin deliveries in 6 Polish centers in 2012 was conducted. Baseline characteristics, the course of pregnancy and labor, as well as the neonatal outcome were analyzed in the study group and according to chorionicity. RESULTS: A total of 356 twin pregnancies were dichorionic (DC group) (76.6%), and 109 were monochorionic (MC group) (23.4%). There were no differences in the occurrence of pregnancy complications according to chorionicity, except for IUGR of at least one fetus (MC 43.1% vs. DC 34.6%; p = 0.003). 66.5% of the women delivered preterm, significantly more in the MC group (78% vs. 62.9%; p = 0.004). Cesarean delivery was performed in 432 patients (92.9%). Mean neonatal birthweight was statistically lower in the MC group (2074 g vs. 2370 g; p < 0.001). Perinatal mortality of at least one twin was 4.3% (2.8% in the DC group vs. 9.2% in the MC group; p = 0.004). Neonatal complications, including NICU admission, respiratory disorders, and infections requiring antibiotic therapy, were significantly more often observed among the MC twins. CONCLUSIONS: The overall perinatal outcome in the presented subpopulation of Polish twins and its dependence on cho-rionicity is similar to the reports in the literature. Nevertheless, the rates of preterm and cesarean deliveries remain higher. It seems that proper counselling of pregnant women and education of obstetricians may result in reduction of these rates.

The association of first trimester bleeding with preterm delivery.

INTRODUCTION: Preterm birth (PTB) is a predictor of perinatal morbidity and mortality, and prematurity continues to burden public healthcare with growing expenses. First trimester bleeding (FTB) has a well-known association with PTB; however, the relationship with severity of PTB is less obvious. AIM: The primary aim of the study was to analyze the influence of FTB on the risk and severity of PTB, as well as to assess the connection of FTB and other pregnancy complications. METHODS: It was an observational case control study. The material consisted of medical records of patients who delivered between 2010 and 2013. Two groups were formed - 497 women with FTB and 500 women without bleeding. RESULTS: Women with FTB were more likely to deliver preterm in general (OR=2.11; 95% CI 1.43-3.10). The risk of extremely PTB (<28 weeks) was almost four-fold (OR=3.76; 95% CI 0.97-17.06) and very PTB (28-31 weeks) more than three-fold (OR=3.41; 95% CI 0.86-15.69). FTB increased the risk of placenta previa (OR=4.81; 95% CI 1.29-20.53; P=0.007). CONCLUSION: FTB is a risk factor of PTB and is associated with greater risk of PTB-related pregnancy complications. Management of FTB pregnancies should include thorough screening for both preterm delivery and placental pathologies.

Phosphorylated IGFBP-1 in predicting successful vaginal delivery in post-term pregnancy.

PURPOSE: To estimate whether phosphorylated IGFBP-1 (phIGFBP-1) in cervical secretion in term and post-term pregnancies can predict spontaneous onset of labor or vaginal delivery. METHODS: A prospective cohort study of 167 women in singleton term and post-term pregnancies, was conducted at 1st Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical University of Warsaw, between 2013 and 2014. phIGFBP-1 test (Actim Partus Medix Biochemica), ultrasound cervix assessment and Bishop score were analyzed in the study group. Spontaneous onset of labor was the primary and vaginal delivery was the secondary outcome. RESULTS: In 32.5 % of patients, spontaneous uterine contractions appeared. 67.5 % of women delivered vaginally, 32.5 % had cesarean section. phIGFBP-1 test predicted spontaneous onset of labor (sensitivity 0.69, specificity of 0.42) and successful vaginal delivery (0.67, 0.48). In the prediction of spontaneous delivery onset ultrasound cervical assessment and phIBFBP-1 had comparable sensitivity and in the prediction of successful vaginal birth all three tests had comparable sensitivity. The time from preinduction to spontaneous onset of delivery was significantly shorter in women with positive phIGFBP-1 test (13.65 ± 6.7 vs 20.75 ± 2.6 h; p = 0.006). CONCLUSION: A test for phIGFBP1 presence might be an additional tool for predicting both spontaneous onset of labor and successful vaginal delivery in post-term pregnancies.

Pregnancy beyond the age of 40 - the influence of parity on perinatal outcome.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to compare the pregnancy course and neonatal outcome in women at least 40 years old during conception. DESIGN: Data were collected on the basis of medical records of patients who gave birth between 2009-2014 at the 1st Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical University of Warsaw. Women enrolled were at least 40 years old at the moment of conception and delivered after 22 completed weeks of gestation - they were also assigned into 2 groups: primiparas and multiparas. Demographic features, pregnancy and delivery complications, mode of delivery and neonatal outcome were analyzed and compared. RESULTS: 9760 women delivered at the Department during the study period, among them 193 met the inclusion criteria for the study: 40 primiparas (average age 40.9 ± 1.14) and 153 multiparas (average age 41.3 ± 1.35). No relation between parity and preterm delivery was observed (5% primiparas vs 11.1% multiparas; p>0.05). However, gestational age at delivery was associated with the number of pregnancies - the higher the pregnancy number, the lower the gestational age (p=0.009; R=-0.188). Primiparity was associated with an increased rate of oligohydramnios (RR=4.78; 95% CI 1.15-20.63) and pregnancy induced hypertension (RR=2.34; 95% CI 0.93-5.58). Primiparas had a significantly greater risk of operative delivery (RR=1.83; 95% CI 1.42-2.12) and unsuccessful labor inductions (RR=3.60; 95% CI 1.04-5.29). They were more often diagnosed with fibroids (RR=3.04; 95%CI 1.15-7.81). No relations between parity and birth weight, fetal abnormalities or Apgar score were observed. CONCLUSIONS: Delayed childbearing of a first child seems to increase the risk of perinatal complications, which is important for counseling purposes.

Two methods of cervix ripening: intracervical Foley catether and dinoprostone - which one is actually more efficient?

OBJECTIVE: The aim was to evaluate which of the two analyzed methods of preinduction: intracervical Foley catether and intracervical dinoprostone is related to higher rate of successful vaginal delivery in shorter time and to shorter hospitalization after the delivery. DESIGN: A retrospective analysis of 198 patients with unfavorable cervix for labor induction (Bishop score ≤ 6), hospitalized at 1st Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical University of Warsaw, was carried out. In 105 patients labor preinduction was conducted with Foley catheter (study group) and in 93 with intracervical dinoprostone (control group). RESULTS: There were no significant differences regarding patients' age, body mass index (BMI), weight gain during the pregnancy, duration of pregnancy and parity between the groups. 68.6% of patients in the study group and 65.6% in the control group delivered vaginally (p=0.65). In the study group significantly less women developed spontaneous onset of labor (36.2% vs 66.7%; p<0.001). The time from preinduction to delivery onset and from preinduction to vaginal delivery were longer in the study group (780 min vs 489 min; 1682 min vs 920 min; p<0.001). The time of hospitalization after the delivery was significantly shorter in the study group (4.1 days vs 6.8; (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: Both Foley catheter and dinoprostone seem to be equally effective in achieving vaginal delivery. In terms of time effectiveness Foley catheter preinduction is related to longer time from preinduction to delivery, nevertheless shorter time of hospitalization.

Late prematurity in twins: a Polish multicenter study.

The study aimed at investigating the impact of late prematurity (LPT) on neonatal outcome in twins and neonatal morbidity and mortality within LPT with regard to the completed weeks of gestation. The study was conducted in six tertiary obstetric departments from different provinces of Poland (Warsaw, Lublin, Poznan, Wroclaw, Bytom). It included 465 twin deliveries in the above centers in 2012. A comparative analysis of maternal factors, the course of pregnancy and delivery and neonatal outcome between LPT (34 + 0-36 + 6 weeks of gestation) and term groups (completed 37 weeks) was performed. The neonatal outcome included short-term morbidities. The analysis of neonatal complication rates according to completed gestational weeks was carried out. Out of 465 twin deliveries 213 (44.8%) were LPT and 156 (33.55%) were term. There were no neonatal deaths among LPT and term twins. One-third of LPT newborns suffered from respiratory disorders or required antibiotics, 40% had jaundice requiring phototherapy, and 30% were admitted to NICU. The analysis of neonatal morbidity with regard to each gestational week at delivery showed that most analyzed complications occurred less frequently with the advancing gestational age, especially respiratory disorders and NICU admissions. The only two factors with significant influence on neonatal morbidity rate were neonatal birth weight (OR = 0.43, 95% CI = 0.2-0.9, p = .02) and gestational age at delivery (OR = 0.62, 95% CI = 0.5-0.8, p < .01). LPT have a higher risk of neonatal morbidity than term twins. Gestational age and neonatal birth weight seem to play a crucial role in neonatal outcome in twins.

Birth after a previous cesarean section - what is most important in making a decision?

OBJECTIVE: A retrospective analysis of the course of labour in patients after one caesarean section (CS) and of factors influencing successful attempt of vaginal birth after caesarean (VBAC). DESIGN: A group of 296 patients after one CS was divided into: group G1 (206 patients) - elective CS, group G2 (90) - VBAC attempt, and G2 to: G2a (35) - VBAC and G2b (55) - CS after an unsuccessful VB attempt. A comparative analysis between the groups and logistic regression analysis of factors influencing a successful VBAC was made. RESULTS: There were no differences regarding age, BMI, weight gain during pregnancy or gestational age between groups G1 and G2, as well as G2a and G2b. G2a patients had more often already given VB previously (28.6% vs 10.9%; p=0.03). The most frequent indication for a repeat elective CS was the lack of informed consent for VBAC (29.13% of all indications). The mean neonatal birthweight was highest in G1 (3 410 g), and in G2b higher than in G2a (3 275 g vs 3 098 g; p=0.009). There were no differences in newborns' general condition between the group. There were no cases of uterine rupture and 4 cases of uterine scar dehiscence in G1 and 1 in G2. Of all the analysed factors only spontaneous delivery onset (OR 7.78) and previous vaginal birth after the caesarean (OR 1.99) or before the caesarean (OR 2.03) had significant influence on successful VBAC trial. CONCLUSION: The right classification of patients is a significant factor having effect on the success of a VB attempt after CS.

Is Feto-Maternal Transfusion after Cesarean Delivery Different in Singleton and Twin Pregnancy?

Background: The aim of the study was to investigate if feto-maternal transfusion was related to the size of the fetal-maternal interface, and, therefore, was larger in twin pregnancy in comparison with singleton pregnancy. Methods: Blood samples from women with singleton (n = 11), and monochorionic (n = 11) and dichorionic (n = 13) twin gestations were tested. Flow cytometry tests with hemoglobin F, glycophorin A, and hemoglobin F and carbonic anhydrase simultaneous staining were used to detect fetal red blood cells and maternal F cells. Results: In all cases, the volume of feto-maternal transfusion was estimated to be low. The highest rate of fetal red blood cells in the maternal circulation was observed in the blood of women with dichorionic twin gestations both before and after delivery. An increase in fetal red blood cells was observed after cesarean section in singletons and twins. The median rate of maternal F cells was 2.23% in singleton, 2.1% in monochorionic and 3.95% in dichorionic pregnancy. Conclusions: Feto-maternal transfusion during pregnancy may be related to the multiplicity and chorionicity of pregnancy.