[Current debates on immunology of preeclampsia. Report of the sixth international workshop of Reunion Island (Indian Ocean, December 2008)]. / Débats actuels sur l'immunologie de la prééclampsie. Comptes rendus du sixième colloque international de La Réunion (décembre 2008).

Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) represent globally 10% of human births and their major complication, preeclampsia, 3 to 5%. The etiology of these HDP remains still uncertain, however major advances have been made these last 25 years. The Sixth International Workshop on Reproductive Immunology, Immunological Tolerance and Immunology of Preeclampsia 2008 celebrated its 10th Anniversary in Reunion-island (French overseas Department in the Indian Ocean). Over this decade, these six workshops have contributed extensively to immunological, epidemiological, anthropological and even vascular debates. The defect of trophoblastic invasion encountered in preeclampsia, intra-uterine growth retardation and to some extend also preterm labour has been understood only at the end of the 1970's. On the other hand, clinical and epidemiological findings at the end of the 20th century permitted to apprehend that "preeclampsia disease of primiparae" may in fact well be the disease of first pregnancies at the level of human couples. Among the important advances, immunology of reproduction is certainly the topic where knowledge has literally exploded in the last decade. This paper relates some major steps in comprehension of this disease and focuses on the interest to follow these immunological works and their new concepts. It seems, at the beginning of the 21st century, that we are possibly closer than ever to understand the etiology of this obstetrical enigma. In this quest, the immunology of reproduction will certainly come out as one of the main players.

[Early onset neonatal infections in the South of the Reunion Island: Incidence and use of 2002 ANAES risk criteria]. / Infection bactérienne néonatale précoce dans le sud de la Réunion: incidence et application des critères de risque Anaes 2002.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to describe the incidence of early onset neonatal infections (EONI) in the southern part of the Reunion Island, and to study the application of ANAES criteria. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was made of data collected for all live births having occurred between 1st January 2001 and 31st December 2004. RESULTS: Four hundred and thirty-seven in 16,071 neonates (out of 21,231 live births) presented with a certain or probable EONI, accounting for a regional rate of 20 per thousand (CI95 % 18-23 per thousand). Among 437 EONIs, group B streptococcus (GBS) was reported in 70.5% of the cases (n=308), Gram negative bacteria in 19.9% (n=87), of which nearly two thirds of Escherichia coli (n=56). Applying ANAES criteria led to identify 380 EONIs among 437 proven infections (sensitivity: 87%, specificity: 26%). A logistic regression analysis identified eight EONI predictors for the 7015 neonates for whom the mother GBS screening was documented: GBS positive vaginal culture (OR 4.2; CI95% 3.3-5.4), unexplained preterm birth less than 35 weeks (OR 5.7; CI95% 3.7-8.7), prolonged rupture of membranes greater than or equal to 18 hours (OR 2.1; CI95% 1.4-3.0), maternal fever greater than or equal to 37.8 degrees C (OR 3.2; CI95% 2.3-4.5), fetal tachycardia greater than or equal to 160 ppm (OR 2.7; CI95% 1.8-4.0), and thin (OR 1.6; CI95% 1.2-2.1) or thick meconium-stained amniotic fluid (OR 3.0; CI95% 2.1-4.5) or fetid fluid (OR 14.8; CI95% 4.2-51.8). CONCLUSION: The incidence of EONIS far exceeded that observed in metropolitan France, and the ANAES criteria lack sensitivity and specificity.

[Obstetrical and neonatal outcomes of gestational diabetes mellitus at Reunion Island (France)]. / Conséquences obstétricales et néonatales du diabète gestationnel dans la population du sud de l'île de la Réunion.

OBJECTIVE: To assess maternal and fetal outcomes in patients with gestational diabetes mellitus. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted at the Sud-Reunion Hospital's maternity (French overseas department located in the Indian Ocean), during the period from January 1, 2001, through December 31, 2004. During this period, 1172 pregnant women presenting gestational diabetes mellitus were compared with 1172 non-diabetic controls matched on the basis of age, parity. Student t test, Pearson chi-square test and logistic regression model were used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: Gestational diabetes mellitus complicates about 7.5% of pregnancies in Reunion Island. Its occurrence was associated with a significantly increased prevalence of pre-pregnancy obesity (27 versus 9.4%) and chronic hypertension (5.3 versus 3.3%). The prevalence of preeclampsia and obstetrical vascular disorders were not different between the two groups, respectively 2.2 versus 2.7% (P=0.43) and 6.2 versus 4.4% (P=0.06). The rate of caesarean sections and inductions of labour was increased in the study group. The term of delivery was inferior in the study group, consecutive to increased rate of labour induction at 38 week-gestation. Macrosomia and large for gestational age (LGA) newborns rate were significantly higher in the study group, respectively 8.9 versus 4.2% and 22.5 versus 10.1% (P<0.001) but the rate of admission into neonatal unit was not significantly different. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Active management of gestational diabetes mellitus is associated with low maternal and perinatal morbidity. While age and parity are controlled by the study design, the prevalence of preeclampsia and gestational hypertension are not increased in women presenting gestational diabetes mellitus.

Obstetrical and neonatal outcomes in obese women.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the incidence of antenatal and intrapartum complications and neonatal outcomes among pre-pregnant obese women. METHODS: At the Sud-Reunion Hospital's maternity, Reunion Islands, France, over a 54-month period, each obese pregnant woman (BMI > or = 30 kg/m2) delivering a singleton after 22-weeks gestation was compared to the next age and parity-matched woman of normal pre-pregnancy weight (BMI 18.5-25 kg/m2), who delivered after the index case. The Students t test, Mann and Whitney test, Chi-square test and logistic regression model were used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: The study enrolled 2081 obese women and 2081 controls. The incidences of pre-eclampsia, chronic and pregnancy-induced hypertension, chronic and gestational diabetes mellitus were increased in the obese women group. Prenatal care in obese women required a high rate of hospitalizations as well as a high rate of insulin treatment. Obese women were more likely to be delivered by Caesarean section. The rate of in utero fetal death, neonatal and perinatal death was significantly higher in the obese women group. The high BMI in relation with both pre-eclampsia and in utero fetal death remained unchanged after adjustment of other risk factors. CONCLUSION: Obese women were more likely to present several obstetric complications and to be delivered by Caesarean section. Obstetricians who decide on a first Caesarean section in an obese woman should be aware of the cumulated obesity and uterine scar risks that could threaten any subsequent Caesarean section.

[Study of 178 ante partum deaths in 2001-2004 in the southern part of Reunion Island]. / Etude des 178 morts foetales in utero dans le sud de l'île de la Réunion en 2001-2004.

INTRODUCTION: The perinatal mortality rate is 18.5 in the southern part of the Reunion Island (Indian Ocean), of which 2/3 are due to antepartum fetal deaths (APFD). METHODS: During a 4-year period (2001-2004) all APFD from 22 weeks gestation were recorded and analyzed with placental histology, bacteriological samples and autopsies in 27% of cases. The Australasian and New-Zealand classification PSANZ-PDC (2000) was used. Risk factors of fetal death with monofetal pregnancies are determined in comparison with live births. RESULTS: Out of 21.495 total births, 178 APFD were recorded. The main obstetrical risk factors were primiparity (OR 1.6, p = 0.002), maternal age over 34 years (OR 1.6, p = 0.01), hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (OR 3.0, p < .001) and multiple births (OR 2.5, p < 0.001). The great majority of APFD (76%) involved preterm fetuses, of which 61% of very preterm (<33 weeks), and 25% of fetuses were growth retarded (OR 3.9, p < 0.001). Only 8% of cases were considered unexplained. The main etiologies were infectious causes in 26% of cases, vascular fetal growth restriction (18%), specific perinatal conditions (14%) of which one-third were due to cord anomalies, preeclampsia (10%), maternal conditions (8%), congenital anomalies (8%) and ante-partum hemorrhage (7%). We discuss the interests and the limitations of using the Australian and New-Zealand classification PSANZ 2000. Intra-uterine growth retardation is one of the principal risk factors of fetal death. CONCLUSION: Besides well-known obstetrical risk factors such as diabetes, hypertension, multiple pregnancies, all screening of intra-uterine growth retardation in the second trimester of pregnancy should include a special survey in order to minimize the incidence of APFDs.

[Twin pregnancies in southern Reunion Island: a three-year cross-sectional study of risk factors and complications]. / Grossesses gémellaires dans le sud de l'île de la Réunion: étude transversale sur 3 ans des facteurs de risque et des complications.

OBJECTIVES: To describe characteristics of multiples pregnancies in southern Reunion Island. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A three-year [corrected] cross-sectional observational study aimed at describing risk factors, events and [corrcected] complications and associated with twin pregnancies from 22 weeks gestation onward, within a tertiary care hospital centre, the Groupe Hospitalier Sud-Réunion. RESULTS: The study included 241 multiple pregnancies out of 15 837 pregnant women. The regional incidence of multiple pregnancies was 1.5%. Indicators of eligible twin pregnancies (n=234) were mother age up or equal to 35 years (63% of women, OR 8.4; CI95% 6.3-11.1), infertility treatments (15%): ovarian stimulations (OR: 50.2; CI95% 24.7-102) and in vitro-fertilisations (OR: 44.3; CI95% 22.6-86.3). A low maternal corpulence before pregnancy (BMI<20) and celibacy were negatively associated with twin pregnancies. Prenatal cares for twin pregnancies were globally adequate. The need for hospitalisation was 50% (30% of whom for preterm delivery threats). Twin pregnancies increased risks for pre eclampsia (OR: 3.0; CI95% 1.6-5.7) and gestational diabetes (OR: 1.9; CI95% 1.2-2.8). Caesareans and instrumental delivery rates were 50% and 12% (vs 16% and 7%), respectively. Twin infants were preterm for 62% and very preterm for 18%. Last, they were more likely to die than singletons (perinatal mortality: 78 per thousand for monochorionic twins, 57 per thousand for bichorionic twins vs 17 per thousand, p<0.0001, respectively). CONCLUSION: In Reunion Island, the incidence of multiple pregnancies is similar to that seen in Europe, but seems less due to assisted reproduction techniques. In return, they are associated with higher morbidity and mortality rates.

[Chikungunya infection in pregnancy: Evidence for intrauterine infection in pregnant women and vertical transmission in the parturient. Survey of the Reunion Island outbreak]. / Infection à Chikungunya chez la femme enceinte et risque de transmission materno-foetale.

PURPOSE: Since February 2005, an outbreak of Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) infections occurred in Reunion Island. It is transmitted by the Aedes albopictus mosquito. Neonatal cases observations suggest possible fetal transmission during pregnancy. MATERIAL [corrected] AND METHODS. Observations made in 160 pregnant mothers infected by CHIKV between June 1, 2005 and February 28, 2006, in the south of Reunion island were recorded. RESULTS: Three of nine miscarriages before 22 weeks of gestation could be attributed to the virus. 3,829 births took place during this time. Among the 151 infected women, 118 were viremia negative at delivery, and none of the newborns showed any damage. Among the 33 with positive viremia at delivery, 16 newborns (48.5%) presented neonatal Chikungunya. DISCUSSION: Though fetal contamination risks appear to be rare before 22 weeks of gestation, they are potentially dangerous. After 22 weeks gestation, newborns infection occurs if the mother is viremia positive at delivery. Transplacental transmission is suspected, but the pathogenic mechanism remains unknown.

[Full term abdominal pregnancy]. / Grossesse abdominale menée à terme.

Abdominal pregnancy is a rare localization of ectopic pregnancy, more frequently observed in underdeveloped countries. We report a case of abdominal pregnancy carried to full term delivery, discovered at a time of a cesarean for low site of placenta attachment. Discovery of an abdominal pregnancy at the time of C-section seems exceptional with clinical and ulrasonographic surveillance of pregnancy. The objective of our article is to emphasize the importance of localizing the appendix at the first quarter echography and the utility of the endovaginal ulrasound.

[Cervical cerclage in Reunion island: Evaluation of physicians' practice patterns]. / Le cerclage du col utérin à la Réunion : une évaluation des pratiques professionnelles.

UNLABELLED: Cervical incompetency is one of the direct causes of neonatal morbidity and mortality; a unique and efficient treatment of which is cervical cerclage. The objective of this study was the evaluation of physicians' practice patterns concerning cerclage in Reunion Island, in order to reinforce the management and information of patients at risk. The indications and complications of cerclages effectuated in 2010 and 2011 were compared to the literature. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In this retrospective study, all the medical records of cerclage realized in Reunion Island during two years were collected and analyzed, specifically data concerning patients' cerclage, the complications, and the outcome of the pregnancy. RESULTS: We listed 200 cerclages, which were predominantly prophylactic cerclages (75.5%) and represented 0.71% of all births. A total of 71% of the indications of cerclage in Reunion Island did not take into account the recommendations of the literature. Analysis revealed the frequent use of prophylactic cerclage and subsequently reflected the insufficient use of therapeutic cerclage. In those cases, the rate of premature delivery was indeed lower (P=0.003), as well as the rate of chorioamniotitis (P=0.003). CONCLUSION: Cerclage is an efficient treatment to extend the length of the pregnancy. Nevertheless, it is important to comply with the recommendations given by the literature, by spotting the patients at risk of premature delivery, and recommend cerclage only in case of real cervical incompetency, for the sake of improving their management and reducing the rate of complications.

[Endometriosis with ascites and pleural effusion: a case report]. / Endométriose avec ascite et épanchement pleural: à propos d'un cas.

Massive ascites associated with pelvic endometriosis is an uncommon combination. Pleural effusion may rarely occur. Fourteen cases are reported in the literature. We report the case of a black nulligravida woman followed for a primary infertility. Endometriosis was suspected in presence of increasing dysmenorrhea, cystic adnexal masse, umbilical nodes and ascites. The diagnosis was confirmed at exploratory laparoscopy. The patient had been followed for assisted procreation for six years and had undergone a conservative laparoscopic surgery never described. After several ascites recurrences, the pathology was resolved by Gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist therapy. But a right pleural effusion with ascites occurred following a bad therapeutic observance. This complication reveals an early pregnancy never reported for this exceptional pathology. A conservative management allowed this unique case of well outcoming pregnancy. The possible pathogenesis of ascites and pleural effusion are explored and recommendations for diagnosis and treatment options are discussed.

[Obstetrical risk factors of 365 primiparous adolescent pregnancies in Reunion Island]. / Etude des facteurs de risques obstétricaux dans le suivi de 365 grossesses primipares adolescentes à l'île de la Réunion.

OBJECTIVES: Analysis of obstetrical risk factors in teenage primiparous pregnancies in Reunion Island (4% of total births). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective study, between 2001 and 2002, comparing primiparous adolescents (13-17 years, n = 365), with primiparous controls (18-29 years, n = 2050). The analysis included demographical factors, maternal medical histories, prenatal follow-up, obstetrical risk factors, delivery modes and neonatal characteristics. RESULTS: Adolescents attended on average 8 prenatal consultations, however 4% had poor prenatal care (less than 3 visits, OR 4.2, P < 0.001 vs controls). They presented less gestational diabetes, but there were no differences concerning pre-existing hypertension, hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, medical reasons of hospitalisation between the two groups. Mode of delivery was more favorable in adolescents (half rate of caesarean sections, shorter duration of membrane ruptures). Nevertheless, adolescents presented a higher risk of severe prematurity (<32 Weeks gestation, incidence 3.6% vs 1.6%, OR 2.3, p = 0.008). CONCLUSION: With optimal prenatal care (more than 90% of our cohort), primiparous adolescents present globally a favorable course of their pregnancies and have better deliveries than their young (18-29 years) counterparts. However, there is a significant risk of severe prematurity requiring special care for these pregnancies.

[Hyperemesis gravidarum and pregnancy outcomes]. / L'hyperémèse gravidique : quelles conséquences sur la grossesse ?

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to determine the impact of hyperemesis gravidarum (HG) on pregnancy. METHODS: For this purpose, we conducted a retrospective cohort study between January 1st, 2006 and July 31st, 2009 in the level-3 maternity of the South Reunion teaching hospital, Saint-Pierre. Perinatal outcomes (gestational diabetes mellitus, hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, caesarean section, IUGR<10th percentile, low birth weight<2500 g, preterm birth<37 weeks, perinatal death) were compared among the women hospitalized for HG (exposed group) and a non-exposed group randomly selected from the South Reunion birth register. Finally, we also investigated the interactions between HG and maternal weight gain to assess whether HG might change perinatal outcomes according to weight gain. RESULTS: During the study period, 215 women hospitalized for HG delivered (cumulative incidence rate of HG 14.1‰ among total deliveries), of which 197 were included in the exposed group. The low gestational weight gain (<7 kg), used as a criterion to define severe HG, was significantly more likely in the exposed group (30.5% versus 16.1%, P<0.0001). There was no significant association between HG and the various perinatal outcomes tested. The risk of delivering a low birth weight neonate was twofold (adjusted RR: 2.0, 95%CI: 1.0-3.1), that for a small-for-gestational age infant was more likely (adjusted RR: 1.7, 95% CI: 1.1-2.4), both only in case of severe HG. CONCLUSION: Severe HG, defined for women with a gestational weight gain of less than 7 kg, is a poor prognostic factor for fetal growth.

Hysteroscopic diagnosis of ectopic pregnancy.

Although vaginal ultrasonography combined with plasma beta-hCG determination can provide a reliable diagnosis and location of ectopic pregnancy, the results can be difficult to interpret in the early stages when hCG levels are low. Hysteroscopy can be used in such cases to differentiate between ectopic pregnancy and non-viable uterine pregnancy when viable uterine pregnancy has been ruled out. General anaesthesia and laparoscopy are avoided. We performed 60 hysteroscopic procedures between January 1989 and December 1990 in patients with suspected ectopic pregnancies. The pregnancy had been located by means of vaginal ultrasonography in every case in which the hCG was above 1500 IU/ml and in 36% of cases in which the beta-hCG was below this level. Hysteroscopy was hindered by metrorrhagia in three cases and was inconclusive in one, necessitating laparoscopy. Diagnosis was possible in all the remaining cases, as follows: ectopic pregnancy in 41 cases, with an empty uterus and occasional bleeding from an ostium; non-viable uterine pregnancy in 18 cases, with the presence of material within the cavity. Hysteroscopy therefore confirmed the diagnosis in 55% of the cases and was itself diagnostic in a further 43% of cases. Its sensitivity for the diagnosis of ectopic pregnancy was 100% and its specificity 95%. We propose a diagnostic decision tree.

[Prevalence of hepatitis C virus infection in pregnant woman on the island of Réunion]. / Prévalence de l'infection virale C chez les femmes enceintes à l'île de la Réunion.

AIMS: The aim of this prospective study was to assess the prevalence of anti-hepatitis C virus antibodies in a population of pregnant women in Réunion. METHODS: Over a 6-month period, all blood samples of pregnant women who delivered at a hospital in the south of Réunion were tested with a third generation enzyme-linked immunoassay. In addition, risk factors for hepatitis C transmission were systematically looked for. RESULTS: Among the 1,455 women tested during this period, only 2 sera were found to be positive, resulting in a prevalence of 0.14%. One of these women had a history of intravenous drug use, whereas the other had no identified risk factor. This low prevalence was found to be associated with a low frequency of risk factors of C virus infection in this population: a history of transfusion and intravenous drug use was found in 2.9% and 0.21% of cases, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of hepatitis C virus infection is particularly low in Réunion. This low prevalence is explained by the rarity of risk factors for hepatitis C transmission in this region which is close to the African continent and has a similar high prevalence of hepatitis B virus infection.

[Prevalence of hepatitis A, B, C virus markers in Réunion (south hospital and Saint Pierre prison)]. / Prévalence des marqueurs des virus des hépatites A, B, C à La Réunion (Hôpital sud et prison de Saint Pierre).

We studied the prevalence of Hepatitis A, B, C in different groups in the population of the South of Reunion Island. The aims of this study were the following: to estimate the prevalence of Hepatitis C virus (HCV) (anti-HCV antibodies) and Hepatitis B virus (HBV) (anti-HBc, HBs Ag and anti-HBs) in a population of 1455 women, who delivered in the Centre hospitalier Sud Reunion (CHSR), to estimate the prevalence of these two viruses in a population selected for risk factors (100 prisoners), to estimate the prevalence of Hepatitis A in a group of 400 persons (aged 0 to 19) hospitalised in CHSR since 1st January 1998 (100 for each 5-year age bracket), to research risks factors in these populations and immunity. The overall prevalence of anti-HCV was 0.14% in pregnant women and risk factor associated was found in 28.9% of this population (2.9% history of transfusion, 0.21% drug users). In the group of prisoners seroprevalence was 2%, far below that of prisoners in France. Anti-HCV seroprevalence is weak in Reunion Island and very inferior to seroprevalence in the French population as in other Indian Ocean islands. This is due to the low risk of parenteral transmission. Anti-HBc was found in 90 serum samples from women (overall prevalence 6.35%) and of these 90 positive samples, 9 were positive for HBs Ag (overall prevalence 0.63%), 68 were positive for anti-HBs (4.81%) and 22 (1.54%) were anti-HBc isolated (without HBs Ag and anti-HBs). The overall prevalence of anti-HBs was 62.8%. In the population of 100 prisoners, 2 were HBs Ag positive, 10 anti-HBc positive (2 anti-HBc isolated, 2 associated with HBs Ag, 6 with anti-HBs). The prevalence of anti-HBs was 22%. The major risk factor observed in this population of prisoners was tattooing and/or piercing (46%). These results show that: Reunion island is an area of low endemicity for HBV virus. The measure of protective inoculation is well followed. i.v. drug abuse and previous transfusion are weak routes of transmission. In the group aged 0 to 19, overall prevalence of anti-HAV was 11.9% with the highest rate found among 15 to 19 year-olds (25%). Seroprevalence falls with socio-economic progress. At the present time, the endemic is intermediate in Reunion Island. Given immunity levels within the young population, there is a risk of outbreak. This risk is due to the conditions in Reunion Island, but also to people who travel to other Indian Ocean countries where endemicity is high. It is thus very important that a vaccination strategy be determined.

[Late cerclage]. / Le cerclage tardif.

Cervico-isthmial incompetence develops in the second trimester of pregnancy. There are problems as to the correct treatment. The authors report four cases where stitches were put in late using the technique of "parachute" cerclage. This made it possible for four live babies to be born. A search of the literature shows that after late cerclage in 60-90% of cases pregnancy continues normally. But it has to be realised that complications do occur and these are mainly chorio-amnionitis which carries a bad prognosis obstetrically and also premature rupture of the membranes. The authors recommend this manoeuvre in spite of the risks because of the benefits that can be obtained. The procedure should only be carried out if there is no cervico-vaginal infection as determined by negative swabs and tocolytic treatment should also be given.

[Gas embolism and hyperbaric oxygen treatment during pregnancy: a case report and a review of the literature]. / Embolies gazeuses et thérapie par oxygénation hyperbare pendant la grossesse. A propos d'un cas et revue de la littérature.

We report the first case of a pregnant woman presenting with a paradoxical air embolism due to accidental removal of a central venous catheter. Secondary right hemiplegia associated with a confused state justified emergency hyperbaric oxygen therapy, which was followed by complete neurological recovery. The aim of this case report is to assess risk situations of gas embolism during pregnancy and puerperium, as well as indications and fetal effects of hyperbaric oxygen therapy.

[Post mortem brain MRI: an alternative for pathology examination in Bourneville tuberous sclerosis of the fetus?]. / IRM cérébrale post mortem: une substitution à l'examen anatomo-pathologique dans la sclérose tubéreuse de Bourneville du foetus?

Antenatal discovery of cardiac rhabdomyomes evokes the diagnosis of Bourneville's disease. Antenatal brain exploration with ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can highlight cerebral localizations. In the event of termination of pregnancy, confirmation of the cerebral lesions can be achieved with post mortem MRI as well as pathology examination. MRI can be usefully employed in the event pathology examination is not feasible.

[Factors associated with fecal incontinence after childbirth. Prospective study in 525 women]. / Facteurs liés à l'incontinence anale du post-partum. Etude prospective chez 525 femmes.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of fecal incontinence after childbirth and to identify the risk factors. METHODS: This was a prospective observational study with a consecutive inclusion of 525 women who delivered over a three months period. Women were questioned about their fecal continence four days and six weeks after delivery. RESULTS: The incidence of fecal incontinence four days and six weeks after childbirth was respectively 8.8% and 3.3%. The risk factors for fecal incontinence at 4 days after childbirth were instrumental delivery by forceps (adjusted odds ratio 8.64, 95% confidence interval 3.55-21.0, p < 0.001) and unassisted delivery at home (adjusted OR 8.06, 95% CI 1.30-50.0, p = 0.025). Independent risk factors for the presence of fecal incontinence 6 weeks later were: instrumental forceps delivery (adjusted OR 10.8, 95% CI 2.82-41.3, p = 0.001), unassisted delivery at home (adjusted OR 50.0, 95% CI 3.09-802, p = 0.006), bi-parietal diameter of the newborn > 93 mm (adjusted OR 4.56, 95% CI 1.46-14.1, p = 0.009) and maternal age >30 years (adjusted OR 4.60, 95% CI 1.11-19.1, p = 0.036). CONCLUSION: Fecal incontinence is common after childbirth and its prevalence is predominantly associated with instrumental delivery, unassisted delivery at home, bi-parietal diameter of the newborn and maternal age.

[Severe cytomegalic inclusions disease in the fetus of a woman immunized before pregnancy]. / Maladie des inclusions cytomégaliques sévères chez le foetus d'une femme immunisée avant la grossesse.

After detection of a fetal microcephaly at 24 weeks gestation, we performed an amniocentesis at 29 weeks with chromosomal and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) search for viral contamination. Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection was confirmed by PCR although the mother had previously been tested as immunized for CMV prior to conception. Abortion was induced; the fetus presented clinical CMV injuries confirmed by positive tissue culture (liver, brain and lungs). Recent publications have reported similar observations with variable viral strains. These findings point out the importance attentive search for ultrasonographic signs suggestive of fetal CMV infection.