Reducing vaccine hesitancy in pregnancy by the health literacy model inclusive of modern communication tools.

Albeit the vaccination is one of the most successful and cost-effective public health interventions, reluctance or refusal to vaccinate represents one of the ten threats to global health by the World Health Organization. Additional efforts to promote vaccination are required for at higher risk categories, such as pregnant women. Our approach supports the role of a clear and transparent communication by using efficient interventions and educational strategies to increase both willingness and confidence for preventable diseases in neonates and infants by vaccinations in pregnancy.

A visual tool inclusive of fetal ultrasound and autopsy findings to reach a balanced approach to counseling on trisomy 18 in early second trimester.

Identified by the eponym "Edwards' Syndrome," trisomy 18 (T18) represents the second most common autosomal trisomy after T21. The pathophysiology underlying the extra chromosome 18 is a nondisjunction error, mainly linked with the advanced maternal age. More frequent in female fetuses, the syndrome portends high mortality, reaching a rate of 80% of miscarriages or stillbirths. The three-step evaluation includes first trimester screening for fetal aneuploidy using a combination of maternal age, fetal nuchal translucency thickness, fetal heart rate and maternal serum free ß-hCG and PAPP-A; followed by the research for fragments of fetal DNA in maternal blood; and, finally, invasive techniques leave to the established diagnosis. Starting with the first trimester scan, selected ultrasound findings should be investigated to define not only the impact of the genetic problem on the fetus, but also to address the prenatal counseling. Previous series underline that T18 is not uniformly lethal. An active dialogue on the choices in the management of infants with T18 has emerged, sustained by the transition from the comfort care to the intervention attitude. Survival rates for individuals with supposedly fatal conditions have increased. In this novel scenario, an ad hoc counseling is pivotal. To support it, a comparative analysis by pictorial assays between ultrasound and autopsy findings could be beneficial. We provide an illustrative tool from a clinical case managed in early second trimester, with the purpose to strive a balanced approach in the hard choice faced by couples of fetuses with T18.

Old and novel insights into emergency peripartum hysterectomy: a time-trend analysis.

PURPOSE: To assess changing trends, role of the triad patient-pregnancy-health professionals and health care cost in emergency peripartum hysterectomy (EPH). METHODS: Demographics, indications, perinatal outcomes, perioperative complications in EPH cases performed in a 10-year period were extracted from the local birth registry. Experience of health professionals in the management of the post-partum haemorrhage was valued. Two subgroups (Period I, 2009-2013 vs. Period II, 2014-2018) were recognized. Overall and detailed EPH ratios/1000 deliveries were calculated. Cost analysis was achieved in agreement with the diagnosis-related group (DGR) system. RESULTS: A total of 39 EPH were performed among 36,053 deliveries. EPH incidence increased from 0.8 to 1.32‰ across study periods (p < 0.001). The mean maternal age (36.9 ± 4.7 vs. 38.9 ± 5.9 years, p = 0.035) and the high socio-economic status (0 vs. 19.2%, p = 0.027) were statistically different. Multiparity (84.6 vs. 96.2%, p = 0.005), previous caesarean section (CS) (0.9 ± 0.9 vs. 1.2 ± 1.6, p = 0.049), and emergent CS (7.7 vs. 19.2%, p = 0.048) were found statistically different. In Period II, increased attempts in conservative approaches (7.7 vs. 36.8%, p = 0.007), reduction in blood loss (3184 ± 1753 vs. 2511 ± 1252 mL, p = 0.045), advanced age of gynecologists performing EPH (54.5 ± 9.2 vs. 60.3 ± 6.4 years, p = 0.024), and augmented health care costs (mean DRG of € 2.782 vs. 3.371,95, p < 0.001) were observed. CONCLUSIONS: As a "near-miss" event, advances on identification of EPH factors are mandatory. Time-trend analyses might add information and address novel strategies.

Socio-cultural and clinician determinants in the maternal decision-making process in the choice for trial of labor vs. elective repeated cesarean section: a questionnaire comparison between Italian settings.

Objective To identify socio-cultural and clinician determinants in the decision-making process in the choice for trial of labor after cesarean (TOLAC) or elective repeat cesarean section (ERCS) in delivering women. Methods A tailored questionnaire focused on epidemiological, socio-cultural and obstetric data was administered to 133 patients; of these, 95 were admitted for assistance at birth at Fondazione Policlinico Universitario "A. Gemelli" (FPG) IRCCS, Rome, and 38 at S. Chiara Hospital (SCH), Trento, Italy. Descriptive analysis and logistic regression modeling were performed. Results Vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC) rates were higher at SCH than at FPG (68.4% vs. 23.2%; P < 0.05). Maternal age in the TOLAC/VBAC group was significantly higher at SCH than at FPG (37.1 vs. 34.9 years, P < 0.05). High levels of education and no-working condition corresponded to a lower rate of VBAC. Proposal on delivery mode after a previous CS was missed in the majority of cases. Participation in prenatal course was significantly less among women in the ERCS groups. Using logistic regression, the following determinants were found to be statistically significant in the decision-making process: maternal age [odds ratio (OR) = 0.968 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.941-0.999); P = 0.019], education level [OR = 0.618 (95% CI 0.419-0.995); P = 0.043], information received after the previous CS [OR = 0.401 (95% CI 0.195-1.252); P = 0.029], participation in antenatal courses [OR = 0.534 (95% CI 0.407-1.223); P = 0.045] and self-determination in attempting TOLAC [OR = 0.756 (95% CI 0.522-1.077); P = 0.037]. Conclusion In the attempt to promote person-centered care, increases in TOLAC/VBAC rates could be achieved by focusing on individual maternal needs. An ad hoc strategy for making birth safer should begin from accurate information at the time of the previous CS.

Third-Trimester Conditional Reference Values for Longitudinal Fetal Growth Assessment.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to derive longitudinal reference values of fetal growth (estimated fetal weight [EFW] and abdominal circumference [AC]) during the third trimester and to develop coefficients for conditional growth assessment. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A prospective cohort study was conducted involving consecutive singleton pregnancies in a low-risk population for a routine third-trimester scan at 30+0-34+6 weeks and follow-up at 37+0-38+6 weeks for an additional ultrasound. Statistical analysis was based on multilevel modeling using MLwiN software. Unconditional centiles were calculated from z-values at each gestational age, and conditional centiles were calculated from z-values at a given measurement (30-34 weeks) and the expected measurement (37-38 weeks). RESULTS: At 30-34 weeks, 8 and 9.3% of the fetuses had an unconditional EFW below the 10th and above the 90th centile, respectively. At 37-38 weeks, these figures were 10.3 and 9.3%, respectively. Regarding the unconditional AC, at the first scan, 8.9 and 9.6% had values below the 10th and above the 90th centile, while at the second scan 10.5 and 10.5% had values below the 10th and above the 90th centile, respectively. The proportion with a conditional EFW below the 10th and above the 90th centile was 10.2 and 9.4% at the second scan, respectively. For conditional AC, these figures were 10.7 and 10.3%, respectively. CONCLUSION: We have produced reference centiles for EFW and AC growth during the third trimester as a useful tool for quantifying growth.

Increased secretory sphingomyelinase activity in the first trimester of pregnancy in women later developing preeclampsia: a nested case-control study.

The pathogenic basis of abnormal placentation and dysfunction in preeclampsia (PE) is highly complex and incompletely understood. Secretory sphyngomyelinase activity (S-ASM) was analyzed in plasma samples from 158 pregnant women developing PE and 112 healthy pregnant controls. Serum PlGF, sFlt-1, s-Endoglin and sVCAM were measured. Results showed S-ASM activity to be higher in women who later developed PE than in those with uncomplicated pregnancies (40.6% and 28.8% higher in the late- and early-onset groups, respectively). Plasma S-ASM activity correlated significantly with circulating markers of endothelial damage in the late-PE group (endoglin and sVCAM-1), with plasma cholesterol and total lipid levels. However, these significant associations were not observed in the early-PE or control groups. This work provides the first evidence of significantly elevated circulating S-ASM activity in the first trimester of pregnancy in women who go on to develop PE; thus, it may be deduced that the circulating form of ASM is biologically active in PE and could contribute to promoting endothelial dysfunction and cardiovascular programming. Plasma S-ASM measurement may have clinical relevance as a further potential biomarker contributing to the earliest identification of women at risk of developing preeclampsia.

Angiogenic Factors and Doppler Evaluation in Normally Growing Fetuses at Routine Third-Trimester Scan: Prediction of Subsequent Low Birth Weight.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate in normally growing fetuses at routine 32-36 weeks scan the performance of maternal angiogenic factors, Doppler and ultrasound indices in predicting smallness for gestational age (SGA) at birth. METHODS: A cohort of 1,000 singleton pregnancies with normal estimated fetal weight (EFW, ≥10th centile) at 32-36 weeks scan was included. At inclusion, Doppler indices (mean uterine artery pulsatility index [mUtA-PI], cerebroplacental ratio and normalized umbilical vein blood flow by EFW (ml/min/kg) were evaluated, and blood samples were collected and frozen. Nested in this cohort, maternal circulating placental growth factor (PlGF) and soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 (sFlt-1) were assayed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in all cases with a birth weight <10th centile by customized standards and in an equivalent number of controls (birth weight ≥10th centile). RESULTS: 160 cases were included (80 SGA and 80 controls). EFW (2,128 vs. 2,279 g, p < 0.001), mUtA-PI z-values (-0.25 vs. -0.65, p = 0.034) and sFlt-1/PlGF ratio (11.10 vs. 6.74, p < 0.005) were lower in SGA. The combination of sFlt-1/PlGF ratio and EFW resulted in a 66.3% detection rate for subsequent SGA, with 20% of false-positives. Fetal Doppler indices were not predictive of SGA. CONCLUSIONS: In normally growing fetuses, maternal angiogenic factors add to ultrasound parameters in predicting subsequent SGA at birth. This supports further research to investigate composite scores in order to improve the definition and identification of fetal growth restriction.

Psychological impact of first-trimester prevention for preeclampsia on anxiety.

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to examine whether a first-trimester strategy of secondary prevention for preeclampsia increases anxiety in pregnant women. METHODS: The anxiety levels of a cohort of women screened for preeclampsia at first trimester were measured by the Spielberg State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI-S) and compared between women screened as low and high risk. In a subgroup of women, the anxiety levels were additionally measured at second and third trimester. A General Linear Model (GLM) for repeated measurements was performed to adjust for potential confounders (age, nulliparity and socio-economic level). RESULTS: A total of 255 women (135 low-risk and 120 high-risk) were evaluated. No differences were found in the mean STAI-S scores between low-risk and high-risk women: 35 (SD 9.9) and 34.6 (SD 10.1); p = 0.77. The proportion of women with high anxiety was not significantly different between groups (28/134 [20.7%] vs 24/120 [20%]; p = 0.88). No differences were found in the subgroups (51 low-risk and 50 high-risk) in which the anxiety levels were also measured at second and third trimester: 35.8 (SD 8.8) vs 35.2 (SD 9.7), p = 0.74, and 37.2 (SD 9.4) vs 35.3 (SD 8.6), p = 0.3. These differences remained non-significant after adjustment for potential confounders. CONCLUSION: A strategy of first-trimester screening for preeclampsia does not increase maternal anxiety.

First trimester screening for early and late preeclampsia based on maternal characteristics, biophysical parameters, and angiogenic factors.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this article is to develop the best first-trimester screening model for preeclampsia (PE) based on maternal characteristics, biophysical parameters, and angiogenic factors in a low-risk population. METHODS: A prospective cohort of 9462 pregnancies undergoing first-trimester screening is used. Logistic regression predictive models were developed for early and late PE (cut-off of 34 weeks' gestation at delivery). Data included the a priori risk (maternal characteristics), mean arterial pressure (MAP), and uterine artery (UtA) Doppler (11-13 weeks) in all cases. Plasma levels (8-11 weeks) of human chorionic gonadotrophin, pregnancy-associated plasma protein A, placental growth factor (PlGF), and soluble Fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 (sFlt-1) were analyzed using a nested case-control study design. RESULTS: The best model for early PE (n = 57, 0.6%) included a priori risk, MAP, UtA Doppler, PlGF, and sFlt-1 achieving detection rates of 87.7% and 91.2% for 5% and 10% false-positive rates, respectively (AUC: 0.98 [95% CI: 0.97-0.99]). For late PE (n = 246, 2.6%), the best model included the a priori risk, MAP, UtA Doppler, PlGF, and sFlt-1 achieving detection rates of 68.3% and 76.4% at 5% and 10% of false-positive rates, respectively (AUC: 0.87 [95% CI: 0.84-0.90]). CONCLUSION: Preeclampsia can be predicted with high accuracy in general obstetric populations with a low risk for PE, by combined algorithms. Angiogenic factors substantially improved the prediction.

Forms of Circulating Luteinizing Hormone Human Chorionic Gonadotropin Receptor for the Prediction of Early and Late Preeclampsia in the First Trimester of Pregnancy.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the value of circulating luteinizing human chorionic gonadotropin receptor (LHCGR) forms for the prediction of preeclampsia (PE) in the first trimester of pregnancy. METHODS: Case-control study, based on a cohort of 5,759 pregnancies, including 20 early PE, 20 late PE, and 300 controls. We recorded/measured maternal characteristics, mean arterial pressure (MAP), uterine artery (UtA) Doppler, placental growth factor (PlGF), soluble Fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 (sFtl-1), and LHCGR forms (hCG-LHCGR and soluble LHCGR), and their independent predictive values were analyzed by logistic regression. RESULTS: For early PE, the model included black ethnicity, chronic hypertension, previous PE, MAP, UtA Doppler, PlGF, sFlt-1, and LHCGR forms, achieving detection rates (DR) of 83% at 10% of false-positive rates (FPR) [AUC: 0.961 (95% CI: 0.921-1)]. For late PE, the model included body mass index, previous PE, UtA Doppler, PlGF, sFlt-1, and LHCGR forms, with DR of 75% at 10% of FPR [AUC: 0.923 (95% CI: 0.871-0.976)]. In both early and late PE, LHCGR forms improved DR by 6-15%. CONCLUSIONS: LHCGR forms improved the prediction for early and late PE. These results should be confirmed in larger prospective studies.

Role of maternal plasma levels of placental growth factor for the prediction of maternal complications in preeclampsia according to the gestational age at onset.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to describe the distribution of placental growth factor (PlGF) plasma levels in pregnancies complicated by preeclampsia (PE) according to the gestational age at clinical onset and to assess PlGF's predictive role for maternal complications. METHODS: A total of 84 women whose pregnancies were complicated by PE before 37 weeks' gestation were enrolled. According to gestational age at onset, three groups were defined: group I, <28 weeks; group II, 28 to 31(+6) weeks; and group III, 32 to 36(+6) weeks. PlGF plasma levels were measured at diagnosis, and their association with maternal complications was investigated. Plasma PlGF levels below 12 pg/mL were designated as very low. RESULTS: PlGF levels were very low in seven (87.5%) of eight women diagnosed before 28 weeks' gestation, 29 (78.4%) of 37 patients diagnosed between 28 and 32 weeks' gestation, and 16 (41%) of 39 cases diagnosed after 32 weeks' gestation. The sensitivity of very low PlGF values for predicting maternal complications was 76.9%, but the false positive rate was 65.5%. Positive and negative predictive values were 34.5% and 76.9%, respectively. CONCLUSION: The predictive role of a low PlGF level in predicting maternal complications in very early PE is limited because of both its low specificity and low positive predictive value.

Evaluation of an optimal gestational age cut-off for the definition of early- and late-onset fetal growth restriction.

OBJECTIVE: The terms early- and late-onset fetal growth restriction (FGR) are commonly used to distinguish two phenotypes characterized by differences in onset, fetoplacental Doppler, association with preeclampsia (PE) and severity. We evaluated the optimal gestational age (GA) cut-off maximizing differences among these two forms. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A cohort of 656 consecutive singleton pregnancies with FGR was created. We used the decision tree analysis to evaluate the GA cut-off that best discriminated perinatal mortality, association with PE and adverse perinatal outcome (fetal demise, early neonatal death, neonatal acidosis at birth, and 5-min Apgar score <7). RESULTS: We identified 32 weeks at diagnosis as the optimal cut-off, resulting in two groups with 7.1 and 0%, p < 0.001 perinatal mortality, 35.1 and 12.1%, p < 0.001 association with PE, and 13.4 and 4.6%, p < 0.001 composite adverse perinatal outcome. Abnormal versus normal umbilical artery (UA) Doppler classified two groups with 10.6 and 0.2%, p < 0.001 perinatal mortality, 50.0 and 11.8%, p < 0.001 association with PE, and 18.2 and 4.2%, p < 0.001 composite adverse perinatal outcome. CONCLUSIONS: UA Doppler discriminated better the two forms of FGR with average early- and late-onset presentation, higher association with PE and poorer outcome. In the absence of UA information, a GA cut-off of 32 weeks at diagnosis maximizes differences between early- and late-onset FGR.

Added value of angiogenic factors for the prediction of early and late preeclampsia in the first trimester of pregnancy.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the predictive role of angiogenic factors for the prediction of early and late preeclampsia (PE) in the first trimester. METHODS: A nested case-control study, within a cohort of 5,759 pregnancies, including 28 cases of early, 84 of late PE (cut-off 34 weeks) and 84 controls. Maternal characteristics, mean blood pressure (MAP), uterine artery (UtA) Doppler (11-13 weeks), vascular endothelial growth factor, placental growth factor (PlGF), soluble Fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 (sFlt-1) and soluble endoglin (8-11 weeks) were measured/recorded. All parameters were normalized by logarithmic transformation; logistic regression analysis was used to predict PE. RESULTS: For early PE, significant contributions were chronic hypertension, previous PE, MAP, UtA Doppler, PlGF and sFlt-1. A model including these predictors achieved detection rates (DR) of 77.8 and 88.9% for 5 and 10% false-positive rates (FPR), respectively (AUC 0.958; 95% CI 0.920-0.996). For late PE, significant contributions were provided by body mass index, previous PE, UtA Doppler, PlGF and sFlt-1. The model including these factors achieved DR of 51.2 and 69% at 5 and 10% FPR, respectively (AUC 0.888; 95% CI 0.840-0.936). CONCLUSIONS: Among angiogenic factors, not only PlGF but also sFlt-1 substantially improve the prediction for early and late PE. The data need confirmation in larger studies.

Increasing Vaccine Uptake during Pregnancy by Using Prenatal Education Classes: An Effective Tool for Health Communication and Promotion.

Childbirth education classes represent an antenatal tool for supporting pregnant women and couples in increasing knowledge on pregnancy, delivery, breastfeeding, and newborn care. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of an additional lesson during the prenatal course regarding the advantage of vaccination to mitigation of maternal anxiety. An observational study was designed that included participants in childbirth education classes and compared courses enhanced by the extra lesson on vaccination during pregnancy versus those who did not receive it. Assessment of the impact of prenatal educational on vaccination was measured by using validated questionnaires (State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, STAI; Perceived Stress Scale, PSS; World Health Organization- Five Well-Being Index, WHO-5). A total of 145 pregnant women participated to the investigation by answering to the online survey. Of them, 33 patients (22.8%) belonged to the course without a lesson on vaccine, while 112 (77.2%) participated to online prenatal education that included an additional meeting on the usefulness of getting vaccinated during pregnancy. No statistical differences were found between study groups in terms of demographics and perinatal outcomes. Participants in the enriched course reported lower basal anxiety levels than those without the vaccine lesson (STAI-State, normal score < 40, 30 vs. 19%, p-value 0.041; STAI-State, mild score 40-50, 78 vs. 67%, p-value 0.037). With reference to the prior two weeks, maternal wellbeing level was improved by the added class (score > 13 as measurement of wellbeing: 62% vs. 80%, p-value < 0.05). Moderate perceived stress assessed by PSS was found in those pregnant women without prenatal education on vaccination (64 vs. 50%, p-value 0.042). The introduction of a lesson regarding vaccination during pregnancy in the program of prenatal education courses improved maternal anxiety levels and wellbeing, in addition to reducing perceived stress.

Could maternal ethnicity be a determinant of healthcare costs for birth assistance? Insights from a retrospective hospital-based study for the implementation of a woman-centered approach in obstetrics.

BACKGROUND: Current policy and service provision recommend a woman-centered approach to maternity care and the development of personalized models for clinical assistance. Ethnicity has been recognized as a determinant in the risk calculation of selected obstetric complications. Based on these assumptions, our aims were to describe the linkage between baseline characteristics and maternal ethnicity and to analyze the cost for the local healthcare system, distinguishing mode of delivery, absence or presence of complications at birth, and maternal stay duration for all ethnic groups. METHODS: In a 5-year period (2012-16), all women admitted for delivery at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario "A Gemelli" IRCCS, Rome, Italy, were included in the analysis. Maternal demographics, adverse outcomes, and costs were evaluated. Economic calculations were performed by using the "diagnosis-related group" (DRG) approach. RESULTS: A total of 18,093 patients were included in the analysis. An overall care expense of €42,663,481 was calculated. Caucasian was the main ethnicity (90.7%), with 9.3% minority groups. Vaginal delivery (VD) was the most common mode of delivery in all ethnic groups, with a global rate of 59.6%. The highest cesarean section (CS) rates were observed among Maghreb (51.5%) and Afro-Caribbean (47.8%) women. Minority groups had a doubled rate of complicated VD, primarily Afro-Caribbean women (69.9%), followed by Asian (64.1%), Maghreb (63.2%), and Latin American (62.7%) women. Afro-Caribbean women had the highest rate of complicated CS compared to the overall study population (37.6 versus 28.5%, p < .005). CONCLUSIONS: Minority groups have increased healthcare costs for birth assistance, mainly due to the higher rates of complications. In a prospective view, two strategies could be planned: first, calculating individualized risk to mitigate the clinical care charge, based on the ad hoc combination of ethnicity, mode of delivery, and obstetric complications; and second, endorsing the current financial return-on-investment opportunity tied to mitigating ethnic disparities in birth outcomes.

Does mild intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy require an aggressive management? Evidence from a prospective observational study focused on adverse perinatal outcomes and pathological placental findings.

OBJECTIVE: To ascertain the most effective approach in pregnancies complicated by mild intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (mICP) by evaluating rates of adverse perinatal outcomes (APOs) and pathological placental findings. METHODS: A total of 89 pregnancies complicated by mICP (defined as total serum bile acids (TSBAs) levels <40 µmol/L) were included. One-drug (ursodeoxycholic acid [UDCA]) (n = 49, 55.1%) and combined (UDCA plus S-adenosyl methionine (SAMe)) (n = 40, 44.9%) therapies were compared. RESULTS: No differences were found in demographic, obstetric, and placental characteristics. In UDCA plus SAMe group, premature delivery was a common clinical decision (14.3 versus 25%, p-value = .201), with increased rates of instrumental vaginal delivery (VD; 28.6 versus 40%, p-value = .522), but similar cesarean section (CS) rates (26.5 versus 25%, p-value = .498). Mean placental weight was comparable (UDCA, mean 595.7 g, SD 213.1 g versus UDCA plus SAMe, mean 586.4 g, SD 102.9 g, p-value = .875). A total of 110 lesions were identified, 64 in 25 placentas of patients assigned to the UDCA and 46 in 15 placentas of patients managed by UDCA plus SAMe. Placental findings attributable to maternal malperfusion were found in 41/25 and 32/15 cases treated by UCDA and UDCA plus SAMe (165 versus 213%, p-value = .774), pathological fetal vascular supply in 17/25 and 8/15 placentas (68 versus 53%, p-value = .777), and inflammatory lesions in 6/25 and 6/15 cases (24 versus 40%, p-value = .757). CONCLUSIONS: Pregnancies complicated by mICP and managed by UDCA alone present similar APO rates and placental histopathology if compared with those treated by UDCA plus SAMe, failing to recognize advantages in the combined therapy. Further prospective studies and data sharing from ongoing RTCs could drive changes in therapeutic plan.

Cost analysis for deliveries according to maternal age classes for moving to a personalized approach in the health care.

Objective: In the last decades, childbearing has moved to higher ages, displaying adverse outcomes related to advanced maternal age at birth. Accordingly, the aim was to perform a cost analysis in women admitted for birth assistance and segregated by age classes (<20, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-45, and ≥45 years).Methods: A total of 18,093 admitted for assistance at delivery in a 5-year period (2012-2016) were included in the analysis. Costs for obstetric complications in vaginal delivery (VD) and cesarean section (CS), based on hospital discharge report from the local health care system, were calculated by using the "diagnosis-related group" (DRG) approach.Results: An overall economic cost due to clinical assistance at delivery of €42.663.481 was computed. A global rate of 59.6% of vaginal deliveries (VD) and 40.4% of cesarean section (CS) was assessed. Among of all maternal age classes, women attributable to classes 30-34 and 35-39 years reached a rate of 62.8%, while values of 24.2 and 13% were observed for those under 30 and over 40 years of age, respectively. A significant increasing trend in terms of maternal stay duration was found across all age groups (from 4.7 to 5.4 days, p < .05), as well as nonspecific delivery costs (from €2.222.49 to €2.401.29, p < .05). Uncomplicated VD decreased across the groups, until to halve between two extreme maternal age groups (38.8 versus 18.6%, p < .05), while a three-fold risk of CS complications was calculated in women over 45 years-old in comparison with those under 20 years of age (4.2 versus 13.9, p < .05), although not significantly different in the cost analysis between two extreme age groups.Conclusions: Increases in maternal age at delivery are associated with higher healthcare costs, driven largely by additional complication rates, irrespective of the delivery mode.

Conservative management of placenta previa-accreta by prophylactic uterine arteries ligation and uterine tamponade.

BACKGROUND: Placenta previa-accreta is associated with severe hemorrhage occurring while separating the placenta during cesarean delivery and hysterectomy is considered the treatment of choice. Conservative management has recently been proposed. CASE: A 26-year-old woman had pregnancy complicated by placenta previa with suspected accreta. During elective cesarean section a prophylactic double bilateral ligation of uterine arteries was performed before removal of the placenta; subsequently, the continuous small bleeding from the placental bed was stopped by tamponade with a balloon catheter filled with saline solution. The patient was discharged 5 days later. An ultrasonographic color Doppler follow-up demonstrated a renewed uterine vascularization. CONCLUSION: Double bilateral ligation of uterine arteries can be used as a prophylactic surgical treatment when a severe bleeding because of placenta previa-accreta is expected, in order to avoid hysterectomy.