Failed Vacuum Extraction Research Articles

Does infection with COVID-2019 during labor increase the risk for obstetric anal sphincter injuries?

To investigate the association between coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection during the peripartum period and obstetric anal sphincter injuries (OASIS). A retrospective cohort study was conducted, including all singleton vaginal deliveries and cesarean deliveries due to failed vacuum extraction, between June 2020 and January 2022 at a large tertiary medical center. OASIS complication during childbirth was compared between women with and without peripartum diagnosis of COVID-19, defined as a positive polymerase chain reaction test obtained within 1 week before delivery or up to 3 days after delivery. Universal screening for COVID-19 was implemented. A logistic regression model was used to adjust for confounding variables. The study included 22 911 women, among whom 468 (2.0%) tested positive for COVID-19 and 22 443 women had no COVID-19 diagnosis. After adjusting for confounding variables, peripartum infection with COVID-19 was found to be independently associated with OASIS (adjusted odds ratio 4.38, 95% confidence interval 2.00-9.61; P < 0.001). Infection with COVID-19 during the peripartum period significantly increases the risk for OASIS by more than fourfold. These findings emphasize the importance of understanding the impact of COVID-19 on birth complications, such as OASIS, to improve public health measures and enhance obstetric outcomes during pandemics.

Developing the TeamOBS-vacuum-assisted delivery checklist to assess clinical performance in a vacuum-assisted delivery: a Delphi study with initial validation.

In Northern Europe, vacuum-assisted delivery (VAD) accounts for 6-15% of all deliveries; VAD is considered safe when conducted by adequately trained personnel. However, failed vacuum extraction can be harmful to both the mother and child. Therefore, the clinical performance in VAD must be assessed to guide learning, determine a performance benchmark, and evaluate the quality to achieve an overall high performance. We were unable to identify a pre-existing tool for evaluating the clinical performance in real-life vacuum-assisted births. We aimed to develop and validate a checklist for assessing the clinical performance in VAD. We conducted a Delphi process, described as an interactive process where experts answer questions until answers converge toward a "joint opinion" (consensus). We invited international experts as Delphi panelists and reached a consensus after four Delphi rounds, described as follows: (1) the panelists were asked to add, remove, or suggest corrections to the preliminary list of items essential for evaluating clinical performance in VAD; (2) the panelists applied weights of clinical importance on a Likert scale of 1-5 for each item; (3) each panelist revised their original scores after reviewing a summary of the other panelists' scores and arguments; and (4) the TeamOBS-VAD was tested using videos of real-life VADs, and the Delphi panel made final adjustments and approved the checklist. Twelve Delphi panelists from the UK (n = 3), Norway (n = 2), Sweden (n = 3), Denmark (n = 3), and Iceland (n = 1) were included. After four Delphi rounds, the Delphi panel reached a consensus on the checklist items and scores. The TeamOBS-VAD checklist was tested using 60 videos of real-life vacuum extractions. The inter-rater agreement had an intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) of 0.73; 95% confidence interval (95% CI) of [0.58, 0.83], and that for the average of two raters was ICC 0.84 95% CI [0.73, 0.91]. The TeamOBS-VAD score was not associated with difficulties in delivery, such as the number of contractions during vacuum extraction delivery, cephalic level, rotation, and position. Failed vacuum extraction occurred in 6% of the video deliveries, but none were associated with the teams with low clinical performance scores. The TeamOBS-VAD checklist provides a valid and reliable evaluation of the clinical performance of vaginal-assisted vacuum extraction.

748 Can Failed Vacuum Extraction Be Predicted?

748 Can Failed Vacuum Extraction Be Predicted?

Unintended uterine extension at the time of cesarean delivery – risk factors and associated adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes

Objective To identify risk factors, maternal and neonatal adverse outcomes related to unintended lower segment uterine extension during cesarean delivery (CD). Methods A retrospective cohort analysis in a single, university-affiliated medical center between 1 January 2018 and 31 December 2019. All singleton pregnancies delivered by CD were included. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to identify maternal and obstetrical predictors for uterine extension during CD. For secondary outcomes, we assessed the correlation between uterine extension and any adverse maternal or neonatal outcome. Risk factors were analyzed using ROC statistics to measure their prediction performance for a uterine extension. Results Overall, 1746 (19.3%) CDs were performed during the study period. Of them, 121 (6.9%) CDs were complicated by unintended uterine extension. There was no difference in maternal demographics and clinical data stratified by uterine extension at CD. Uterine extensions were significantly more common following induction of labor, intrapartum fever, premature rupture of membranes, a trial of labor after cesarean, advanced gestational age, emergent CD, and in particular CD during the second stage of labor (37.2% vs. 6.5%) and after failed vacuum extraction (6.6% vs. 1.1%), p < .05 for all. The incidence of postpartum hemorrhage and re-laparotomy did not differ between the groups. Most of the extensions were caudal-directed (40.4%), and were closed by a two-layer closure (92%). Mean extension size was 4.5 ± 1.7 cm. Using multivariable analysis, the only factor that remained significant was CD at the second stage of labor (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 54.2, 95% CI 4.5–648.9, p = .002), with an area under the ROC curve 0.653 (95% CI 0.595–0.712, p < .001). Emergent CD, body mass index, birth weight, failed vacuum attempt, and trial of labor after cesarean were not significant. For secondary outcomes, an unintended uterine extension was associated with longer operation time, higher estimated blood loss, greater pre- to post-CD hemoglobin difference, increased blood products transfusion, puerperal fever, and longer hospital stay. No clinically significant neonatal adverse outcomes were observed. Conclusions In our cohort, second-stage CD was the strongest predictor for an unintended uterine extension. Following uterine extension, women had increased infectious and blood-loss morbidity.

Precision of vacuum cup placement and its association with subgaleal hemorrhage and associated morbidity in term neonates.

To evaluate whether the precision of vacuum cup placement is associated with failed vacuum extraction(VE), neonatal subgaleal hemorrhage(SGH) and other VE-related birth trauma. All women with singleton term cephalic fetuses with attempted VE were recruited over a period of 30months. Neonates were examined immediately after birth and the position of the chignon documented to decide whether the cup position was flexing median or suboptimal. Vigilant neonatal surveillance was performed to look for VE-related trauma, including subgaleal/subdural hemorrhages, skull fractures, scalp lacerations. CT scans of the brain were ordered liberally as clinically indicated. The VE rate was 5.89% in the study period. There were 17(4.9%) failures among 345 attempted VEs. Thirty babies suffered from subgaleal/subdural hemorrhages, skull fractures, scalp lacerations or a combination of these, giving an incidence of VE-related birth trauma of 8.7%. Suboptimal cup positions occurred in 31.6%. Logistic regression analysis showed that failed VE was associated with a non-occipital anterior fetal head position (OR 3.5, 95% CI 1.22-10.2), suboptimal vacuum cup placement (OR 4.13, 95% CI 1.38-12.2) and a longer duration of traction (OR 8.79, 95% CI 2.13-36.2); while, VE-related birth trauma was associated with failed VE (OR 3.93, 95% CI 1.08-14.3) and more pulls (OR 4.07, 95% CI 1.98-8.36). Suboptimal vacuum cup positions were related to failed VE but not to SGH and other vacuum-related birth trauma. While optimal flexed median cup positions should be most desirable mechanically to effect delivery, such a position does not guarantee prevention of SGH.

Long-term neurological morbidity among children delivered by vacuum extraction - a national cohort study.

This is the first nationwide cohort study of vacuum extraction (VE) and long-term neurological morbidity. We hypothesized that VE per se, and not only complicated labor, can cause intracranial bleedings, which could further cause neurological long-term morbidity. The aim of this study was to investigate the risk of neonatal mortality, cerebral palsy (CP), and epilepsy among children delivered by VE in a long-term perspective. The study population included 1 509 589 term singleton children planned for vaginal birth in Sweden (January 1, 1999 to December 31, 2017). We investigated the risk of neonatal death (ND), CP, and epilepsy among children delivered by VE (successful or failed) and compared their risks with those born by spontaneous vaginal birth and emergency cesarean section (ECS). We used logistic regression to study the adjusted associations with each outcome. The follow-up time was from birth until December 31, 2019. The percentage and total number of children with the outcomes were ND (0.04%, n = 616), CP (0.12%, n = 1822), and epilepsy (0.74%, n = 11 190). Compared with children delivered by ECS, those born by VE had no increased risk of ND, but there was an increased risk for those born after failed VE (adj OR 2.23 [1.33-3.72]). The risk of CP was similar among children born by VE and those born spontaneously vaginally. Further, the risk of CP was similar among children born after failed VE compared with ECS. The risk of epilepsy was not increased among children born by VE (successful/failed), compared with those who had spontaneous vaginal birth or ECS. The outcomes ND, CP, and epilepsy are rare. In this nationwide cohort study, children born after successful VE had no increased risk of ND, CP or epilepsy compared with those delivered by ECS, but there was an increased risk of ND among those born by failed VE. Concerning the studied outcomes, VE appears to be a safe obstetric intervention; however, it requires a thorough risk assessment and awareness of when to convert to ECS.

Factors Affecting Clinical over and Underestimation of Fetal Weight-A Retrospective Cohort.

Clinical estimation of fetal weight is an integral component of obstetric care that might dictate the timing and mode of delivery. Inaccurate fetal weight estimation might result in unnecessary interventions or in underestimating potential risks, resulting in inappropriate intrapartum care. This retrospective study assessed factors associated with under- or overestimation of birthweight and evaluated the obstetric implications. It included singleton births ≥24 w with clinically estimated fetal weight (EFW) up to 1 week before delivery, during 2014-2020. Estimates &gt;±10% of the actual birthweight were considered inaccurate and categorized as overestimation (&gt;10% heavier than the actual birthweight) or underestimation (&gt;10% smaller than the birthweight). Multivariable logistic regression was performed to reveal factors associated with inaccurate EFW. Maternal characteristics and obstetric outcomes were compared. The primary outcomes for the overestimation group were the neonatal composite adverse outcome, induction of labor and cesarean delivery rates. The primary outcomes for the underestimation group were rates of shoulder dystocia, 3rd- or 4th-degree perineal lacerations, and failed vacuum extraction. Among 38,615 EFW, 5172 (13.4%) were underestimated, 6695 (17.3%) were overestimated and 27,648 (69.3%) accurate. Multivariable logistic regression found increasing gestational age as an independent risk-factor for underestimation (odds ratio (OR) 1.15 for every additional week, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.12-1.2). Major factors independently associated with overestimation were nulliparity (OR 1.95, CI 1.76-2.16), maternal obesity (OR 1.52, CI 1.33-1.74), smoking (OR 1.6, CI 1.33-1.93), and oligohydramnios (OR 1.92, CI 1.47-2.5). Underestimation was an independent risk-factor for shoulder dystocia (OR 1.61, CI 1.05-2.46) and 3rd- or 4th-degree perineal lacerations (OR 1.59, CI 1.05-2.43). Overestimation was an independent risk-factor for neonatal composite adverse outcome (OR 1.15, CI 1.02-1.3), induced labor (OR 1.30, CI 1.21-1.40) and cesarean delivery (OR 1.59, CI 1.41-1.79). Clinicians should be aware of factors and adverse obstetric implications associated with over- or underestimation of birthweight.

Gynatresia with cryptomenorrhea following cesarean section after failed vacuum extraction: Case report in a 26-year-old woman

Acquired Gynaetresia is underreported in developing countries and is usually due to harmful cultural practices. It may result from obstructed labor or labor trauma. This is a rare case report of a 26-year-old P1 + 0 who presented with no penetration during coitus and history of amenorrhea about 1 year and 7 months after cesarean delivery. Failed attempts at vacuum extraction were made before surgery. She was investigated and a diagnosis of Gynaetresia with cryptomenorrhea was confirmed. She had vaginoplasty and menstrual and sexual functions were established. Postpartum genital examination should be ensured, no matter the mode of delivery to ensure Gynaetresia is diagnosed early and managed promptly.

368 Predictors and adverse outcome of uterine extension at the time of cesarean delivery

To identify risk factors and perinatal adverse outcomes related to unintended lower segment uterine extension during cesarean delivery (CD). A retrospective cohort analysis in a single, university affiliated medical center between January 1st 2018 to December 31st 2019. All singleton pregnancies delivered by CD were included. Univariate and multivariate analysis were performed to identify maternal and obstetrical predictors for uterine extension during CD. For secondary outcomes, we assessed correlation between uterine extension and any adverse maternal or neonatal outcome. ROC statistics was utilized to measure predictors prediction performance for uterine extension. Overall, 1,746 (19.3%) CDs were performed during study period. Of them, 121 (6.9%) CDs were complicated by unintended uterine extension. Uterine extensions were more common following induction of labor, intrapartum fever, premature rupture of membranes, trial of labor after cesarean, advanced gestational age, urgent CD and in particular during second stage of labor (37.2% vs. 6.5%) and after failed vacuum extraction (6.6% vs. 1.1%), p<0.05 for all. Using a multivariable analysis, the only factor that remained significant was CD at second stage of labor (aOR 54.2, 95% CI 4.5-648.9, p=0.002), with area under the ROC curve 0.653 (95% CI 0.595-0.712, p<0.001). For secondary outcomes, unintended uterine extension was associated with longer operation time, higher estimated blood loss, greater pre- to post CD hemoglobin difference, increased blood products transfusion, puerperal fever and longer hospital stay. No clinically significant neonatal adverse outcomes were observed. In out cohort, second stage CD was the strongest predictor for unintended uterine extension. Following uterine extension, women had increased infectious and blood loss morbidity.

454 Pregnancy outcome after cesarean section following a failed vacuum attempt

To compare pregnancy outcome of women who underwent cesarean section (CS) in second stage of labor, with or without a following failed vacuum extraction attempt (VE). A retrospective cohort study of women who underwent cesarean section during the second stage of labor in a single tertiary university affiliated medical center (2012-2019). Pregnancy outcome was compared for women who underwent cesarean section following a failed vacuum extraction to women who had cesarean section during the second stage of labor with no vacuum extraction attempt. Neonatal outcomes included umbilical artery pH less than 7.1, Apgar at 5 minutes < 7, hypoxemic ischemic encephalopathy and NICU admission. Maternal outcomes included duration of hospitalization, need for blood transfusion and need for re-surgery in 45 days. Overall, 88,375 women delivered during the study period. Of them, 120 women had a cesarean section following failed vacuum (study group). Another 551 women underwent cesarean section in the second stage of labor without VE attempt (control group). The groups were similar with regard to obstetrical and demographic characteristics. The rates of umbilical artery pH<7.1 (17.50% vs 6.53%, p<0.001), NICU admission (13.33% vs 2.90%, p<0.001), hypoxemic ischemic encephalopathy (5.83% vs 0.18%, p<0.001) and epicranial sub-aponeurotic hemorrhage (16.67% vs 2.18%, p<0.001) were significantly higher in the study group. No significant differences were found in maternal outcomes. In a sub-analysis including only labor with reassuring fetal heart tracing, failed vacuum attempt was associated with higher rate of NICU admission and epicranial hemorrhage (16.67% vs 3.13%, p=0.009, 27.78% vs. 3.41, p=0.001, respectively). Failed vacuum attempt is associated with a significant increased neonatal morbidity, but not increased maternal morbidityView Large Image Figure ViewerDownload Hi-res image Download (PPT)

Primary cesarean section in term, low-risk multiparous women: a single clinic retrospective observational study

Background: Multiparous women who have previously delivered vaginally are generally considered to be at low risk for cesarean section. We aimed to determine the incidence rate and indications for primary cesarean section and operative vaginal deliveries among multiparous women with previous vaginal births. Patients and methods: Multiparous women who had delivered their babies in our clinic between January 2004 and December 2019 were enrolled in this retrospective observational study. The inclusion criteria were as follows: delivery at 37 weeks of gestation or more, singleton pregnancy with a live fetus, had one or more past vaginal deliveries including instrumental vaginal birth, and no history of previous cesarean section. Women with placenta previa, abruptio placentae, severe pregnancy-induced hypertension, and uncontrolled medical diseases were referred to tertiary hospitals and excluded from this study. The frequency of occurrence and indications for cesarean section and vacuum extraction, duration of labor, and the effect of induction of labor on the cesarean section rates were analyzed. Results: A total of 3094 multiparous women were enrolled. Primary cesarean section was performed in 30 women (30/3094=0.97%). The indications for cesarean section included the following: breech presentation in 28 women, myomectomy after the first vaginal birth in one (of 29 elective cesarean sections), and failed vacuum extraction after a prolonged second stage in one (one emergency cesarean section). Vacuum extraction was performed in 61 women (61/3094=2.0%), the indications for which were non-reassuring fetal status (n=38), prolonged 2nd stage of labor (n=10), and narrow pelvic outlet (n=10). Vaginal breech delivery occurred in 11 women. Induction of labor (n=402) did not affect the cesarean section rate. Conclusion: In multiparous women, breech presentation was the main indication for primary cesarean sections, and the cesarean section rate was very low in women with cephalic presentation.

Pregnancy outcome after cesarean section following a failed vacuum attempt

Objective To compare the pregnancy outcome of women who underwent cesarean section in the second stage of labor, with or without a vacuum extraction attempt Methods A retrospective cohort study of women who underwent a cesarean section during the second stage of labor in a single tertiary university-affiliated medical center (2012–2019). Pregnancy outcome was compared for women who underwent cesarean section following a failed vacuum extraction to women who had cesarean section during the second stage of labor with no vacuum extraction attempt. Neonatal outcomes included umbilical artery pH less than 7.1, Apgar at 5 min < 7, hypoxemic ischemic encephalopathy and NICU admission. Maternal outcomes included duration of hospitalization, need for blood transfusion and need for re-surgery in 45 days. Results Overall, 88,375 women delivered during the study period. Of them, 120 women had a cesarean section following a failed vacuum (study group). Another 551 women underwent a cesarean section in the second stage of labor without a VE attempt (control group). The groups were similar with regard to obstetrical and demographic characteristics. The rates of umbilical artery pH < 7.1 (17.50% vs 6.53%, p < .001), NICU admission (13.33% vs 2.90%, p < .001), hypoxemic ischemic encephalopathy (5.83% vs 0.18%, p < .001) and epicranial sub-aponeurotic hemorrhage (16.67% vs 2.18%, p < .001) were significantly higher in the study group. No significant differences were found in maternal outcomes. In a sub-analysis including only labor with reassuring fetal heart tracing, failed vacuum attempt was associated with higher rate of NICU admission and epicranial hemorrhage (16.67% vs 3.13%, p = .009, 27.78% vs. 3.41, p = .001, respectively). Conclusion Failed vacuum attempt is associated with a significant increased neonatal morbidity, but not increased maternal morbidity

Fetal molding examined with transperineal ultrasound and associations with position and delivery mode

To accommodate passage through the birth canal, the fetal skull is compressed and reshaped, a phenomenon known as molding. The fetal skull bones are separated by membranous sutures that facilitate compression and overlap, resulting in a reduced diameter. This increases the probability of a successful vaginal delivery. Fetal position, presentation, station, and attitude can be examined with ultrasound, but fetal head molding has not been previously studied with ultrasound. This study aimed to describe ultrasound-assessed fetal head molding in a population of nulliparous women with slow progress in the second stage of labor and to study associations with fetal position and delivery mode. This was a secondary analysis of a population comprising 150 nulliparous women with a single fetus in cephalic presentation, with slow progress in the active second stage with pushing. Women were eligible for the study when an operative intervention was considered by the clinician. Molding was examined in stored transperineal two-dimensional and three-dimensional acquisitions and differentiated into occipitoparietal molding along the lambdoidal sutures, frontoparietal molding along the coronal sutures, and parietoparietal molding at the sagittal suture (molding in the midline). Molding could not be classified if positions were unknown, and these cases were excluded. We measured the distance from the molding to the head midline, molding step, and overlap of skull bones and looked for associations with fetal position and delivery mode. The responsible clinicians were blinded to the ultrasound findings. Six cases with unknown position were excluded, leaving 144 women in the study population. Fetal position was anterior in 117 cases, transverse in 12 cases, and posterior in 15 cases. Molding was observed in 79 of 144 (55%) fetuses. Molding was seen significantly more often in occiput anterior positions than in non-occiput anterior positions (69 of 117 [59%] vs 10 of 27 [37%]; P=.04). In occiput anterior positions, the molding was seen as occipitoparietal molding in 68 of 69 cases and as parietoparietal molding in 1 case with deflexed attitude. Molding was seen in 19 of 38 (50%) of occiput anterior positions ending with spontaneous delivery, 42 of 71(59%) ending with vacuum extraction, and in 7 of 8 (88%) with failed vacuum extraction (P=.13). In 4 fetuses with occiput posterior positions, parietoparietal molding was diagnosed, and successful vacuum extraction occurred in 3 cases and failed extraction in 1. Frontoparietal molding was seen in 2 transverse positions and 4 posterior positions. One delivered spontaneously; vacuum extraction failed in 3 cases and was successful in 2. Only 1 of 11 fetuses with either parietoparietal or frontoparietal molding was delivered spontaneously. The different types of molding can be classified with ultrasound. Occipitoparietal molding was commonly seen in occiput anterior positions and not significantly associated with delivery mode. Frontoparietal and parietoparietal moldings were less frequent than reported in old studies and should be studied in larger populations with mixed ethnicities.

Trends in obstetric policies in cases of failed vacuum extraction in Japan

Objective: In April 2008, the guidelines for obstetric practice in Japan have made the following recommendations: (1) do not use vacuum extraction (VE) for more than 20 min, and consider forceps delivery (FD) or an emergency cesarean section (CS) if necessary (20-minute VE trial rule), and (2) do not try VE more than five times, even if VE has been used for less than 20 min (5-time VE trial rule). The aims of the present study were to compare the obstetric policies related to failed VE before and after 2008.Methods: We reviewed the obstetric records of all cases of VE in cases of singleton pregnancy with a neonatal birth weight ≥ 2500 g beyond 37 weeks’ gestation at our hospital from April 2002 to March 2014.Results: The success rate of VE decreased significantly (96.8 versus 94.1%, p = .02), while the rate of CS increased significantly (2.2 versus 5.0%, p < .01); however, there were no significant differences in these values between the two periods.Conclusions: We could not find the effects of the recommendation limiting the practice of VE.

Effect of team training and monitoring on the rate of failed mid and low cavity vacuum extraction: a hospital based intervention study

BackgroundClinical team training has been advocated as a means to improve delivery care, and failed extractions is a suggested variable for clinical audit in instrumental vaginal delivery.Other activities may also have intended or unintended effects on care processes or outcomes.MethodsWe retrospectively observed 1074 mid and low vacuum extraction deliveries during three time periods (prevalence periods): Baseline (period 0), implemented team training (period 1 and 2) and monitoring of traction force during vacuum extraction (period 2). Our primary outcome was failed extraction followed by emergency cesarean section or obstetric forceps delivery.ResultsThe prevalence proportion (relative risk) of failed extraction decreased significantly after implementation of team training, from 19% (period 0) to 8 % (period 1), corresponding to a relative risk of 0.48 [0.26–0.87]. The secondary procedural outcome complicated delivery (duration > 15 min or number of pulls > 6, or cup detachment > 1) was decreased in period 2 compared to period 1, RR 0.42 [0.23–0.76]. Secondary clinical (neonatal) outcome were not affected.ConclusionClinically based educational efforts and increased monitoring improved procedural outcome without improving neonatal outcome. The study design has inherent limitations in making causal inference.

Randomised Italian Sonography for occiput POSition Trial Ante vacuum (R.I.S.POS.T.A.).

To assess whether sonographic diagnosis of fetal head position before instrumental vaginal delivery can reduce the risk of failed vacuum extraction and improve delivery outcome. Randomised Italian Sonography for occiput POSition Trial Ante vacuum (R.I.S.POS.T.A.) is a randomized controlled trial of term (37 + 0 to 41 + 6 weeks' gestation) singleton pregnancies with cephalic presentation requiring instrumental delivery by vacuum extraction, which was conducted between April 2014 and June 2017 and involved 13 Italian maternity hospitals. Patients were randomized to assessment of fetal head position before attempted instrumental delivery by either vaginal examination (VE) alone or VE plus transabdominal sonography (TAS). Primary outcome was incidence of emergency Cesarean section due to failed vacuum extraction. A sample size of 653 women per group was planned to compare the primary outcome between the two groups. The sample size estimation was based on the hypothesis that the risk of failed vacuum delivery in the VE group would be 5% and that ultrasound assessment of fetal position prior to vacuum extraction would decrease this risk to 2%. On interim analysis, the trial was stopped for futility. During this period, 222 women were randomized and 221 were included in the final data analysis, of whom 132 (59.7%) were randomized to evaluation of fetal head position by VE only and 89 (40.3%) to assessment by VE plus TAS prior to vacuum extraction. No significant differences were observed between the two groups with respect to incidence of emergency Cesarean section due to failed instrumental delivery and other maternal and fetal outcomes. Women randomized to assessment by VE plus TAS showed higher incidence of non-occiput anterior position of the fetal head at randomization and lower incidence of incorrect diagnosis of occiput position compared with women undergoing assessment by VE alone. A higher rate of episiotomy was noted in the women undergoing both VE and TAS compared with those in the VE-only group. Our prematurely discontinued randomized controlled trial did not demonstrate any benefit in terms of reduced risk of failed instrumental delivery or maternal and fetal morbidity in women undergoing sonographic assessment of fetal head position prior to vacuum extraction. Copyright © 2018 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Birthing experience and quality of life after vacuum delivery and second-stage caesarean section: a prospective cohort study in Uganda.

To assess perceptions of women undergoing vacuum extraction or second-stage caesarean section (SSCS) in a tertiary referral hospital in sub-Saharan Africa. Prospective cohort study, with six-month follow-up, of women who gave birth to a term singleton in cephalic presentation by vacuum extraction (n=289) or SSCS (n=357) between 25 November 2014, to 8 July 2015, in Mulago Hospital, Uganda. Excluded were women who had failed vacuum extraction, severe birth complications and those whose babies had died. Outcome measures were birthing experience satisfaction, physical component summary (PCS) and mental component summary (MCS) of the SF-12 quality-of-life questionnaire, pain scores and dyspareunia. One day after vacuum extraction, 63.7% (181/284) of women were feeling well vs. 48.1% (167/347) after SSCS (OR 1.89; 95%CI 1.37-2.61) and mean pain sores were 2.70 vs. 3.87 (P<0.001). In both groups, >90% of women were satisfied with their birthing experience. At six weeks, in vacuum extraction vs. SSCS, mean pain sores were 0.40 vs. 0.89 (P<0.001); mean PCS was 48.67 vs. 44.03 (P<0.001); mean MCS was 52.80 vs. 51.23 (P=0.203); 40% (70/175) vs. 28.3% (70/247) of women had resumed sexual intercourse (OR 1.69; 95%CI 1.12-2.54) and 21.4% (15/70) vs. 28.6% (20/70) had dyspareunia (OR 0.68; 95%CI 0.32-1.47). No differences were found at six months after birth. One day and six weeks after birth, outcomes were better in women who had vacuum extraction. At six months, outcomes were similar. To promote quick recovery, vacuum extraction should be the first intervention considered in the second stage of labour.

Vacuum extraction failure is associated with a large head circumference

Objective: To determine whether large head circumference increases the risk of vacuum extraction failure.Study design: This EMR-based study included all attempted vacuum extractions performed in a tertiary center between January 2010 and June 2015. All term singleton live births were eligible. Cases were divided into four groups: head circumference ≥90th percentile both with birth weight ≥90th percentile and <90th percentile and fetal head circumference <90th percentile with birth weight ≥90th and <90th percentile. Risk of failed vacuum extraction was compared among these groups. Other neonatal and maternal parameters were also evaluated as potential risk factors. Multinomial multivariable regression provided adjusted odds ratio for vacuum extraction failure while controlling for potential confounders.Results: During the study period, 48,007 deliveries met inclusion criteria, of which 3835 had an attempt at vacuum extraction. We identified 215 (5.6%) cases of vacuum extraction failure. The adjusted odds ratios (aOR) for vacuum extraction failure in cases of large fetal head circumference was 2.31 (95%CI, 1.7–3.15, p < .001). Primiparity, prolonged second stage and occipito-posterior presentation were also found to be significant risk factors for failed vacuum extraction.Comments: In this study, we found that large head circumference was associated with vacuum extraction failure rather than high birth weight.

OP19.08: Higher rates of interventional delivery and maternal and neonatal complications in persistent occiput posterior position with a large head circumference

We investigated whether large head circumference (HC) combined with persistent occiput posterior (OP) position is associated with higher rates of interventional delivery and obstetric and neonatal complications than OP alone or large HC alone. Term singleton deliveries in our centres from 1/2010-12/2014, delivered in vertex occiput anterior (n=41,038) or OP position (n=1740), were included. We compared delivery modes and rates of maternal and neonatal complications in OA vs. OP deliveries when HC≥90th centile; we further compared outcomes in only those delivered in persistent OP position, having HC≥90th centile vs. HC<90th centile. Persistent OP position combined with HC≥90th centile was associated with higher rates of vacuum and unplanned CS compared to those with HC<90th centile in OP position (20.1 vs. 17.2% [OR 1.53, 95% CI 0.99-2.36] and 23.4 vs. 9.2% [OR 3.326, 95% CI 2.17-5.11], respectively) or in OA position with HC≥90th (20.1% vs. 12.7% [OR 2.09, 95% CI 1.38-3.19] and 23.4% vs.12.5% [OR 2.48, 95% CI 1.66-3.7], respectively). Rates of prolonged second stage, failed vacuum extraction, and NICU admission were also increased over and above those in either OA with HC≥90th centile, or OP position with HC<90th centile. Multinomial regression modelling of delivery mode (NVD as reference group) showed that OP increased the risk of interventional delivery three-fold and HC≥90th centile further doubled the risk of vacuum delivery in primiparae and tripled it in multiparae. Large HC combined with OP position is associated with higher rates of interventional delivery and prolonged second stage of labour than those observed in OP delivery when HC <90th centile, as well as HC≥90th centile delivered in OA position. HC measurement might be included with other measures to assess women in labour, as it is associated with maternal and fetal outcomes in OP deliveries.

The Routine Use of Intrapartum Ultrasound in Clinical Decision-Making during the Second Stage of Labor - Does It Have Any Impact on Delivery Outcomes?

Background/Aims: The study aimed to assess whether the use of intrapartum transperineal ultrasound (US) can reduce the rate of failed vacuum extraction (VE). Methods: This is a retrospective cohort study including all women delivering at term with the diagnosis of protracted second stage of labor. The mode of delivery and rate of failed VE were compared between women who underwent a US examination prior to the decision on obstetrical interventions (“+US” group) and those in whom clinical decisions were based upon digital assessment only (“no-US” group). Results: The study included 635 women. Among the “no-US” group (536), there were 13 failed VE attempts (3.6%) vs. none in the “+US” group (99, p = 0.1). There was a significant difference between the groups regarding mode of delivery (p = 0.001), with a lower cesarean section (CS) rate (20.2 vs. 27.8%) among the “+US” group. Maternal age, body mass index, nulliparity, gestational age at delivery, and birth weight, as well as neonatal short-term outcome did not differ significantly between the 2 groups. Conclusions: We demonstrate that among women who had the addition of intrapartum US during the second stage of labor there was a trend toward a lower rate of failed VE (although not reaching statistical significance), with a lower rate of CS but not affecting neonatal outcome.