Cesarean Section For Dystocia Research Articles

Ultrasound assessment of fetal head circumference at the onset of labor as a predictor of operative delivery

Objective: This study sought to determine whether ultrasound assessment of fetal head circumference (FHC) at the onset of labor can predict the likelihood of operative delivery.Methods: We performed a prospective cohort study of 200 nulliparous women with singleton, cephalic, term pregnancies in an Irish Maternity Hospital. Transabdominal ultrasound assessment of FHC was performed when spontaneous labor was diagnosed or immediately prior to induction. Odds ratios for operative delivery (instrumental delivery or cesarean section) and maternal and neonatal morbidity were calculated using logistic regression with FHC categorized at a ≥350-mm cut-off (90th percentile).Results: Ultrasound assessment of FHC at the onset of labor was highly correlated with post-delivery neonatal head circumference (NHC) (Pearson’s correlation coefficient 0.74), suggesting that it can be measured reliably. FHC ≥350 mm was associated with more than twice the risk of any operative delivery (OR 2.5, 95% CI 1.0–6.2) and a two-fold increased risk of cesarean section for dystocia (OR 2.0, 95% CI 1.0–4.3). Differences in maternal and neonatal morbidity were not statistically significant.Conclusion: These preliminary data suggest that ultrasound assessment of FHC at the onset of labor may be useful in identifying women at greater risk of intrapartum intervention and warrant further research.

Fetal pulse oximetry for fetal assessment in labour.

The use of conventional cardiotocographic (CTG) monitoring of fetal well-being during labour is associated with an increased caesarean section rate, compared with intermittent auscultation of the fetal heart rate, resulting in a reduction in neonatal seizures, although no differences in other neonatal outcomes. To improve the sensitivity of this test and therefore reduce the number of caesarean sections performed for nonreassuring fetal status, several additional measures of evaluating fetal well-being have been considered. These have demonstrated some effect on reducing caesarean section rates, for example, fetal scalp blood sampling for pH estimation/lactate measurement. The adaptation of pulse oximetry for use in the unborn fetus could potentially contribute to improved evaluation during labour and therefore lead to a reduction in caesarean sections for nonreassuring fetal status, without any change in neonatal outcomes. To compare the effectiveness and safety of fetal intrapartum pulse oximetry with other surveillance techniques. We searched the Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth Group's Trials Register (31 May 2014), contacted experts in the field and searched reference lists of retrieved studies. In previous versions of this review, we performed additional searches of MEDLINE, Embase and Current Contents. These searches were discontinued for this review update, as they consistently failed to identify any trials that were not shown in the Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth Group's Trials Register. All published and unpublished randomised controlled trials that compared maternal and fetal outcomes when fetal pulse oximetry was used in labour, (i) with or without concurrent use of conventional fetal surveillance, that is, cardiotocography (CTG), compared with using CTG alone or (ii) with or without concurrent use of both CTG and other method(s) of fetal surveillance, such as fetal electrocardiography (ECG) plus CTG. At least two independent review authors performed data extraction. We sought additional information from the investigators of three of the reported trials. We included seven published trials: six comparing fetal pulse oximetry and CTG with CTG alone (or when fetal pulse oximetry values were blinded) and one comparing fetal pulse oximetry plus CTG with fetal ECG plus CTG. The published trials, with some unpublished data, were at high risk of bias in terms of the impractical nature of blinding participants and clinicians, as well as high risk or unclear risk of bias for outcome assessor for all but one report. Selection bias, attrition bias, reporting bias and other sources of bias were of low or unclear risk. The trials reported on a total of 8013 pregnancies. Differing entry criteria necessitated separate analyses, rather than meta-analysis of all trials.Systematic review of four trials from 34 weeks not requiring fetal blood sampling (FBS) prior to study entry showed no evidence of differences in the overall caesarean section rate between those monitored with fetal oximetry and those not monitored with fetal pulse oximetry or for whom the fetal pulse oximetry results were masked (average risk ratio (RR) 0.99 using random-effects, 95% confidence intervals (CI) 0.86 to 1.13, n = 4008, I² = 45%). There was evidence of a higher risk of caesarean section in the group with fetal oximetry plus CTG than in the group with fetal ECG plus CTG (one study, n = 180, RR 1.56, 95% CI 1.06 to 2.29). Neonatal seizures and neonatal encephalopathy were rare in both groups. No studies reported details of long-term disability.There was evidence of a decrease in caesarean section for nonreassuring fetal status in the fetal pulse oximetry plus CTG group compared to the CTG group, gestation from 34 weeks (average RR (random-effects) 0.65, 95% CI 0.46 to 0.90, n = 4008, I² = 63%). There was no evidence of differences between groups in caesarean section for dystocia, although the overall incidence rates varied between the trials. The addition of fetal pulse oximetry does not reduce overall caesarean section rates. One study found a higher caesarean section rate in the group monitored with fetal pulse oximetry plus CTG, compared with fetal ECG plus CTG. The data provide limited support for the use of fetal pulse oximetry when used in the presence of a nonreassuring CTG, to reduce caesarean section for nonreassuring fetal status. A better method than pulse oximetry is required to enhance the overall evaluation of fetal well-being in labour.

Cervical Dilation at the Time of Cesarean Section for Dystocia

Cervical Dilation at the Time of Cesarean Section for Dystocia

Identification of a myometrial molecular profile for dystocic labor

BackgroundThe most common indication for cesarean section (CS) in nulliparous women is dystocia secondary to ineffective myometrial contractility. The aim of this study was to identify a molecular profile in myometrium associated with dystocic labor.MethodsMyometrial biopsies were obtained from the upper incisional margins of nulliparous women undergoing lower segment CS for dystocia (n = 4) and control women undergoing CS in the second stage who had demonstrated efficient uterine action during the first stage of labor (n = 4). All patients were in spontaneous (non-induced) labor and had received intrapartum oxytocin to accelerate labor. RNA was extracted from biopsies and hybridized to Affymetrix HuGene U133A Plus 2 microarrays. Internal validation was performed using quantitative SYBR Green Real-Time PCR.ResultsSeventy genes were differentially expressed between the two groups. 58 genes were down-regulated in the dystocia group. Gene ontology analysis revealed 12 of the 58 down-regulated genes were involved in the immune response. These included (ERAP2, (8.67 fold change (FC)) HLA-DQB1 (7.88 FC) CD28 (2.60 FC), LILRA3 (2.87 FC) and TGFBR3 (2.1 FC)) Hierarchical clustering demonstrated a difference in global gene expression patterns between the samples from dystocic and non-dystocic labours. RT-PCR validation was performed on 4 genes ERAP2, CD28, LILRA3 and TGFBR3ConclusionThese findings suggest an underlying molecular basis for dystocia in nulliparous women in spontaneous labor. Differentially expressed genes suggest an important role for the immune response in dystocic labor and may provide important indicators for new diagnostic assays and potential intrapartum therapeutic targets.

Contemporary cesarean delivery practice in the United States

To describe contemporary cesarean delivery practice in the United States. Consortium on Safe Labor collected detailed labor and delivery information from 228,668 electronic medical records from 19 hospitals across the United States, 2002-2008. The overall cesarean delivery rate was 30.5%. The 31.2% of nulliparous women were delivered by cesarean section. Prelabor repeat cesarean delivery due to a previous uterine scar contributed 30.9% of all cesarean sections. The 28.8% of women with a uterine scar had a trial of labor and the success rate was 57.1%. The 43.8% women attempting vaginal delivery had induction. Half of cesarean for dystocia in induced labor were performed before 6 cm of cervical dilation. To decrease cesarean delivery rate in the United States, reducing primary cesarean delivery is the key. Increasing vaginal birth after previous cesarean rate is urgently needed. Cesarean section for dystocia should be avoided before the active phase is established, particularly in nulliparous women and in induced labor.

Adherence to Guidelines on the Management of Dystocia and Cesarean Section Rates

The purpose of this study was to investigate to what extent the Society of Obstetricians and Gynecologists of Canada (SOGC) guidelines on dystocia are being followed, and whether adherence to the guidelines is related to cesarean section rates. Data were extracted from a maternity database for nulliparous women with singleton, cephalic pregnancies at 37 or more completed weeks of gestation for a 4-year period. Patients delivered by elective cesarean section were excluded. Data were examined to determine whether those who had a cesarean section for dystocia in the first stage of labor fulfilled SOGC guidelines. In addition, the obstetricians were divided into two groups (high or low) according to their cesarean section rate for dystocia to determine whether a higher section rate was associated with an increased guideline violation rate. There were 239 nulliparous women who had a cesarean section for dystocia in the first stage of labor. The guidelines were followed in 47.7% of spontaneous labors and 77.5% of inductions. The mean section rate for dystocia in the first stage of labor was 10.8% in the high group and 6.6% in the low group, and the incidence of guideline violations in these groups was 48.0% and 39.6%, respectively ( P = 0.07). The study had a power of 0.88 to detect a 40% difference in guideline violation rates between the two groups. We conclude that many women have cesarean section for dystocia performed without fulfilling SOGC guidelines.

The diagnostic accuracy of external pelvimetry and maternal height to predict dystocia in nulliparous women: a study in Cameroon

In many developing countries, most women deliver at home or in facilities without operative capability. Identification before labour of women at risk of dystocia and timely referral to a district hospital for delivery is one strategy to reduce maternal and perinatal mortality and morbidity. Our objective was to assess the prediction of dystocia by the combination of maternal height with external pelvimetry, and with foot length and symphysis-fundus height. A prospective cohort study. Three maternity units in Yaoundé, Cameroon. A total of 807 consecutive nulliparous women at term who completed a trial of labour and delivered a single fetus in vertex presentation. Anthropometric measurements were recorded at the antenatal visit by a researcher and concealed from the staff managing labour. After delivery, the accuracy of individual and combined measurements in the prediction of dystocia was analysed. Dystocia, defined as caesarean section for dystocia; vacuum or forceps delivery after a prolonged labour (>12 hours); or spontaneous delivery after a prolonged labour associated with intrapartum death. Ninety-eight women (12.1%) had dystocia. The combination of a maternal height less than or equal to the 5th percentile or a transverse diagonal of the Michaelis sacral rhomboid area less than or equal to the 10th percentile resulted in a sensitivity of 53.1% (95% CI 42.7-63.2), a specificity of 92.0% (95% CI 89.7-93.9), a positive predictive value of 47.7% (95% CI 38.0-57.5) and a positive likelihood ratio of 6.6 (95% CI 4.8-9.0), with 13.5% of all women presumed to be at risk. Other combinations resulted in inferior prediction. The combination of the maternal height with the transverse diagonal of the Michaelis sacral rhomboid area could identify, before labour, more than half of the cases of dystocia in nulliparous women.

THIS MONTH IN ANESTHESIOLOGY

THIS MONTH IN ANESTHESIOLOGY

168 Adherence to guidelines on cesarean section for dystocia in the first stage of labor

168 Adherence to guidelines on cesarean section for dystocia in the first stage of labor

An evaluation of the haemostatic suture in hysterotomy closure in the mare.

This study was designed to evaluate the haemostatic suture as a means of preventing haemorrhage from the hysterotomy in mares after caesarean section. At 2 university hospitals 1982-1994, 48 mares had caesarean section for dystocia, 10 as an elective, and 8 mares concurrently with colic surgery. The haemostatic suture was used in 31 of 66 mares (47%) and surgery period was significantly (P<0.05) shorter when it was not applied. Anaemia (PCV<30%) was recorded in 13 (22%) of 58 mares, excluding the colic group, and the haemostatic suture did not after this proportion of mares that had anaemia. Anaemia was 5 times more probable following caesarean section than vaginal delivery, evidence that bleeding from the hysterotomy is a serious and common complication of caesarean section in mares. Severe uterine haemorrhage was recorded in 3 mares that had an haemostatic suture (10%) and in 2 mares that did not (6%). The latter two mares died of haemorrhage. The suture, therefore did not eliminate post operative anaemia and severe uterine haemorrhage. If omitted, the hysterotomy should be closed with a full thickness pattern that is sufficiently tight to compress vessels in the uterine wall.

Epidural analgesia in labor: an evaluation of risks and benefits.

Intrapartum epidural analgesia has become increasingly popular because it is the most effective method of providing pain relief during labor. Much attention is given to its safety and efficacy, and many health care providers and consumers are unaware of its potential drawbacks. This article reviews the literature about the effects of epidural analgesia on the mother and infant. We performed a computer-assisted MEDLINE search for articles and a review of bibliographies from articles on epidural analgesia. When reported data were incomplete, authors were contacted for more detailed information. The most common procedure-related complications, hypotension, inadvertent dural puncture, and headache, are easily treated and usually self-limited. Permanent morbidity and mortality are rare. Retrospective studies and randomized controlled trials both demonstrate that epidural analgesia is associated with increases in duration of labor, instrument vaginal delivery, and cesarean birth. To date only three trials randomized patients to narcotic versus epidural groups, and all showed a twofold to threefold increase in cesarean section for dystocia. Limiting epidural use in nulliparous labor and delaying its placement until after 5 cm of cervical dilation may reduce the risk of operative intervention for dystocia. Epidural analgesia may also increase intervention for fetal distress. Several studies show its association with maternal fever in labor. Its association with chronic back pain, neonatal behavioral changes, and maternal-infant bonding are more tenuous and require further study. Epidural analgesia is a safe and effective method of relieving pain in labor, but is associated with longer labor, more operative intervention, and increases in cost. It must remain an option; however, caregivers and consumers should be aware of associated risks. Women should be counseled about these risks and other pain-relieving options before the duress of labor.

The effect of intrapartum epidural analgesia on nulliparous labor: A randomized, controlled, prospective trial

Our purpose was to determine the effect of epidural analgesia on nulliparous labor and delivery. Normal term nulliparous women in early spontaneous labor were randomized to receive either narcotic or epidural analgesia. When compared with the group receiving narcotic analgesia (n = 45), the group receiving epidural analgesia (n = 48) had a significant prolongation in the first and second stages of labor, an increased requirement for oxytocin augmentation, and a significant slowing in the rate of cervical dilatation. Epidural analgesia was associated with a significant increase in malposition (4.4% vs 18.8%, p < 0.05). Cesarean delivery occurred more frequently in the epidural group (2.2% vs 25%, p < 0.05), primarily related to an increase in cesarean section for dystocia (2.2% vs 16.7%, p < 0.05). In a randomized, controlled, prospective trial epidural analgesia resulted in a significant prolongation in the first and second stages of labor and a significant increase in the frequency of cesarean delivery, primarily related to dystocia.

Effect of Active Management of Labor on the Incidence of Cesarean Section for Dystocia in Nulliparas

Effect of Active Management of Labor on the Incidence of Cesarean Section for Dystocia in Nulliparas

Effect of Active Management of Labor on the Incidence of Cesarean Section for Dystocia in Nulliparas

Effect of Active Management of Labor on the Incidence of Cesarean Section for Dystocia in Nulliparas

Effects of Epidural Analgesia: Some Questions and Answers

The effects of epidural analgesia on first labors have been studied by Thorp and colleagues. One study has been published and is the subject of a question-and-answer discussion, presented here. In this study 711 consecutive nulliparous women at term, with spontaneous onset of labor and cephalic presentation, were divided into one group (n = 447) who received epidural analgesia in labor and another group (n = 264) who received narcotics or no analgesia. The frequency of cesarean section for dystocia was significantly greater (p less than 0.005) in the epidural group (10.3%) than in the nonepidural group (3.8%), even after selection bias was corrected and the variables of maternal age and race; gestational age; cervical dilatation on admission; use, duration, and maximum infusion rate of oxytocin; labor duration; presence of meconium; and birth weight were controlled. For both groups the frequency of cesarean section for fetal distress was similar (p less than 0.20), and the frequency of low Apgar scores at 5 minutes and cord blood gas values showed no significant differences. The authors concluded that "epidural analgesia in labor may increase the incidence of cesarean section for dystocia in nulliparous women".

Anesthesia for Cesarean Section-Effects on Neonates

The effects of general and regional anesthesia on neonates after cesarean section have been studied mainly on elective cases. In this paper we studied infants delivered by elective and nonelective cesarean section at the Winnipeg Women's Hospital from 1975 to 1983 (n = 3940) to determine the effect of anesthetic technique on neonatal outcomes. A trained anesthesia nurse interviewed all parturients and reviewed their antepartum, labor and delivery, and anesthesia records. Assessments of neonatal outcomes were based on 1- and 5-minute Apgar scores, need for positive pressure oxygen by mask or intubation, and neonatal deaths (within 30 days). These outcomes were determined in three subgroups of neonates delivered by cesarean section: those delivered by elective section, those delivered by urgent cesarean section for dystocia or failure of labor to progress, and those delivered by section because of fetal distress. Overall, 12.5% of the infants had 1-minute Apgar scores of 4 or less, and 1.4% had 5-minute Apgar scores of 4 or less. Neonates born to mothers given general anesthesia had worse outcomes than those born to mothers given regional anesthesia. Among neonates delivered after elective section, general anesthesia was associated with a higher incidence of low Apgar scores at 1 minute. In neonates delivered by nonelective section, general anesthesia was associated with higher rates of low Apgar scores at 1 and 5 minutes as well as greater requirements for intubation and artificial ventilation. There were no differences seen in neonatal death rates with general and regional anesthesia in the three groups.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Cesarean Section for Dystocia, Due to Coils of the Cord around the Fetus

Cesarean Section for Dystocia, Due to Coils of the Cord around the Fetus