Major Neonatal Complications Research Articles

Potential urinary biomarkers in preeclampsia: a narrative review.

Preeclampsia (PE) is a highly relevant pregnancy-related disorder. An early and accurate diagnosis is crucial to prevent major maternal and neonatal complications and mortality. Due to the association of kidney dysfunction with the pathophysiology of the disease, urine samples have the potential to provide biomarkers for PE prediction, being minimally invasive and easy to perform. Therefore, searching for novel biomarkers may improve outcomes. This narrative review aimed to summarize the scientific literature about the traditional and potential urinary biomarkers in PE and to investigate their applicability to screen and diagnose the disorder. A non-systematic search was performed in PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, and SciELO databases. There is significant divergence in the literature regarding traditionally used serum markers creatinine, cystatin C, and albuminuria, accuracy in PE prediction. As for the potential renal biomarkers investigated, including vascular epithelial growth factor (VEGF), placental growth factor (PlGF), and soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase (sFlt-1), urinary levels of PlGF and sFtl-1/PlGF ratio in urine seem to be the most promising as screening tests. The assessment of the global load of misfolded proteins through urinary congophilia, podocyturia, and nephrinuria has also shown potential for screening and diagnosis. Studies regarding the use of proteomics and metabolomics have shown good accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity for predicting the development and severity of PE. However, there are still many divergences in the literature, which requires future and more conclusive research to confirm the predictive role of urinary biomarkers in pregnant women with PE.

Effect of Anti-D titers in RhD-negative pregnant women on fetuses and newborns: A retrospective study

BackgroundTransplacental-derived anti-D IgG in RhD-negative pregnant women can trigger an immune response to Rh D-positive red cells in fetuses and newborns. We assessed the effect of anti-D titers in RhD-negative pregnant women on fetuses and newborns. MethodsThe clinical data of 142 singleton RhD-sensitized pregnancies were retrospectively collected. The pregnant women received routine prenatal care and the newborns had standard care. Based on the tertile categories of the pregnancies, the maximum titers of anti-D IgG in the pregnant women were divided into three groups ranging from low to high as follows: low-titer group (anti-D titer: 1:4–1:128, n = 57); medium-titer group (anti-D titer: 1:256–1:512, n = 50); and high-titer group (anti-D titer: 1:1024–1:4096, n = 35). ResultsThe frequencies of major neonatal complications did not significantly differ among the three groups. The high-titer group had the highest frequency of pregnancies requiring intrauterine transfusion (IUT) and number of IUTs among the three groups. The high-titer group had a significantly higher frequency of newborns treated with top-up transfusion, number of top-up transfusions, frequency of newborns treated with exchange transfusion (ET), and number of ETs when compared to the low-titer group. ConclusionHigher anti-D titers in RhD-negative pregnant women predict more severe fetal and neonatal hemolytic anemia. Increasing maternal anti-D titers results in an increased need for IUTs, and neonatal top-up transfusions and ETs. Methods for reducing titers of anti-D IgG in RhD-sensitized pregnant women warrants further investigation.

Management of urolithiasis in pregnancy: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Management of nephrolithiasis is unique in pregnancy and requires multidisciplinary care. To identify the effectiveness or safety of temporary drainage or definitive treatment methods to manage urolithiasis in pregnancy. The search strategy aimed to find both published and unpublished studies was conducted in August 2021. Studies published in any language on any date were considered for inclusion. Of a total of 3349 publications, 36 studies were included in our qualitative evaluation and 32 studies in the quantitative synthesis. The commonly reported method was stent insertion (n = 29 studies), pneumatic (n = 12), laser (n = 9) lithotripsy, and stone removal using any devices (basket, grasper, or forceps) (n = 11). In seven studies, the authors reported the outcomes of conservative management, and the results showed that the stone-free rate is 54%, and symptom relief occurred in 62% of women. Seven eligible studies reported that 79.9% of urolithiasis were expulsed through stent insertion, while this rate was 94.6% among percutaneous nephrostomy use in two included studies, 88.5% for pneumatic lithotripsy (n = 7 studies), and 76.4% for laser lithotripsy (n = 4 studies), or 95.4% for stone removal method. In addition, adverse events were reported in less than 10% of pregnant women. The results showed that stent, pneumatic or laser lithotripsy, and ureteroscopic stone removal were the commonest used methods in the included studies. They can be effective and safe treatment approaches without major maternal or neonatal complications, and could be introduced as an effective and safe therapeutic method for urolithiasis during pregnancy. However, most of the included studies had moderate quality according to critical appraisal checklists. Further prospective studies are needed to reach a conclusion.

Restrictive prescription of antibiotics in preterm infants with premature rupture of membranes

BackgroundIn preterm infants with premature rupture of membranes, antibiotic treatment is frequently started but rates of early onset sepsis are lower. In line with national guidelines, a stratified approach in the decision to start antibiotic treatment using maternal history, clinical impression and biomarkers has been implemented in our level III neonatal center and its results are evaluated.MethodsRetrospective cohort study of all preterm newborns with rupture of membranes at least 1 h prior to delivery admitted to our tertiary neonatal intensive care unit. Data on antibiotic exposure, mortality and major neonatal complications were extracted from the electronic patient charts to evaluate the effects and safety of our stratified approach.ResultsFour hundred fifty-six infants met the inclusion criteria. 120 (26%) received primary antibiotics whereas 336 (74%) did not. Of those receiving primary antibiotics, 13 (11%) had a blood culture positive sepsis, 46 (38%) met the criteria of clinical sepsis and in 61 (51%) sepsis was ruled out and antibiotics were stopped after 48-96 h. All infants with blood culture positive sepsis were identified and treated within the first 24 h of life using this approach. None of the 336 infants who were not started on antibiotics primarily needed antibiotic therapy within the first 5 days of life. There were no deaths or major neonatal complications in the group that did not receive empiric antibiotics.ConclusionsOur stratified approach for preterm infants with premature rupture of membranes allows a safe reduction of antibiotic exposure even in this high risk population. As a result, only 25% of high risk preterm newborns are treated with antibiotics of which more than half receive less than 5 days of treatment. To treat one infant with blood culture positive sepsis, only 9 infants receive empiric antibiotics.

Impact of Changes in Early Respiratory Support Management on Respiratory Outcomes of Preterm Infants.

In the period immediately after birth, preterm infants are highly susceptible to lung injury. Ventilator-induced lung injury has been recognized as a major contributing factor for bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) in preterm infants. Noninvasive respiratory support (NIRS) could decrease lung injury, and early respiratory support management might affect pulmonary outcomes. We conducted a study to evaluate the changes in early respiratory support management and their impact on respiratory outcome and complications of preterm infants in 3 different time periods over the last 13 years. This study was a retrospective, single-center cohort study. We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of preterm infants < 32 weeks of gestational age born in our hospital from 2007-2020. The study period was divided into three 3-y discrete periods: 2007-2009 (period A), 2013-2015 (period B), and 2018-2020 (period C). Changes in early respiratory support management were assessed in the 3 periods. The outcomes measured included mortality, BPD, other major neonatal complications, initial respiratory support, and duration of mechanical ventilation. In all, 1,880 clinical records were assessed in our study, with 358 in period A, 825 in period B, and 697 in period C. The use of antenatal corticosteroids increased over time (56.1% in period A, 56.7% in period B, and 74.0% in period C (P < .001). The need for surfactant decreased from 65.6% in period A to 40.7% in period B and 45.9% in period C. Increased utilization of NIRS was associated with decreased invasive mechanical ventilation within 24 h after birth. NIRS only during the hospital stay increased from 22.9% in period A to 36.8% and 45.1% in the latter 2 periods (P < .001). Oxygen therapy duration decreased from 24.3 d in period A to 14.4 d in period B and 17.2 d in period C (P < .001). The overall incidence of BPD was 32.4% in the first period, 23.9% in the second period, and 25.4% in the third period (P < .001). The moderate-to-severe forms of BPD decreased from 12.8% in period A to 7.9% in period B and 7.6% in period C (P = .009). Other neonatal complications, such as pneumothorax, pulmonary hemorrhage, persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn, surgical necrotizing enterocolitis, intraventricular hemorrhage grade III/IV, and periventricular leukomalacia, were unchanged among the 3 periods. From 2007-2020, respiratory management was characterized by a marked reduction in invasive mechanical ventilation and an increase in the use of NIRS. Changes in early respiratory support management resulted in improved respiratory outcomes with a decrease in the overall incidence of BPD. It is likely that our aim to reduce lung injury by improving our respiratory management has contributed to a favorable outcome.

Impact of Gestational Weight Gain Recommendations for Obese Women on Neonatal Morbidity.

In 2013, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOGs) developed gestational weight gain guidelines to minimize the risks associated with obesity during pregnancy. However, a growing body of evidence suggests that current recommendations should be revised for obese women. The objective of this study is to assess the impact of gestational weight gain recommendations for obese women (body mass index ≥ 30 kg/m2) on neonatal and maternal outcomes in Quebec. Secondary analysis of the QUARISMA trial was performed including obese women who delivered a full-term singleton in cephalic presentation from 2008 to 2011 in Quebec. Outcomes assessed were composite risks of major neonatal and maternal complications, minor neonatal and maternal complications, as well as obstetrical interventions. Outcomes were compared between weight gain recommendations (reference group) and three weight gain/loss categories using logistic regressions. In second analysis, obese women were stratified by obesity class. Among the 16,808 eligible obese women, 605 lost weight during pregnancy, 2,665 gained between 0 and 4.9 kg, 4,355 gained weight within the recommendations (5-9.09 kg), and 9,183 gained at least 9.1 kg. Results showed a significant reduction in major neonatal morbidity (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 0.69, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.51-0.94), minor maternal morbidity (aOR = 0.79, 95%CI = 0.67-0.93), and assisted vaginal delivery (aOR = 0.82, 95%CI = 0.68-0.99) among women who gained 0 to 4.9 kg compared with the reference group. Cesarean delivery and preeclampsia/eclampsia were significantly reduced with weight loss (aOR = 0.76, 95%CI = 0.64-0.89 and 0.58, 95%CI = 0.42-0.78) compared with the reference group. Weight gain above recommendations was associated with an increased risk of minor neonatal morbidity, major and minor maternal morbidity, as well as cesarean delivery. Compared with a weight gain within the recommendations, a gestational weight gain/loss of less than 5 kg in obese women is associated with a reduced risk of major neonatal morbidity, minor maternal morbidity, preeclampsia/eclampsia, cesarean delivery, and assisted vaginal delivery. Guidelines on gestational weight gain for obese women should be updated. · Gestational weight gain/loss of less than 5 kg reduces the risk of perinatal complications.. · As suggested by ACOG recommendations, guidelines for obese women should be updated.. · Recommendations stratified by obesity class should be included in revised guidelines..

Maternal and neonatal complications during delivery according to passive versus active second stage in woman with medical conditions (ComPActSS).

The incidence of serious complications during vaginal delivery with a passive second stage in women with medical conditions is unknown. Our retrospective cohort study with matched groups (pairing 1 passive with 2 active second stage) included women who had a medical delivery plan from the high risk obstetric team at our center. The primary outcome was a composite of major maternal and neonatal complications. The primary outcome occurred in 50% (12/24) of women in the passive group versus 35.4% (17/48) (p = 0.24) in the active group. In the passive group, we observed a longer passive second stage of labor (28 vs. 8 min, p < 0.001), a tendency towards more assisted vaginal births (29.2% vs. 12.5%, p = 0.08), and more traumatic deliveries (16.7% vs. 0%, p = 0.012). The higher proportion of complications in women who had a passive second stage should encourage physicians to make this recommendation only in selected cases.

Psychological morbidity and associated factors among perinatal patients referred for psychiatry assessments at a tertiary care centre in Sri Lanka

AimsOur objective was to study the psychological morbidity and associated risk factors among antenatal and postnatal patients referred for the psychiatric assessment at University Psychiatry Unit of National Hospital of Sri Lanka.MethodAll the Clinic records of perinatal referrals from 1st January 2019 to 31st December 2019 were assessed. Sociodemographic details, delivery details, health of the newborn, past and present psychiatry illness related details were obtained using a questionnaire. Data were analysed using SPSS.ResultTotal of 161 perinatal referrals were studied. Mean age of the mothers were 28.7 years (SD = 6.60). About 18 (11.8%) were not legally married, partner passed away or estranged. Above Ordinary level education was having 34.5% of participants. Majority were postnatal mothers (61.5%). Some mothers (32.3%) have reported the pregnancy was unexpected whilst 20(32.3%) and 49(30.8%) have experienced delivery complications and neonatal illnesses respectively. Past mental illnesses were found among 31(20.7%) of mothers. Out of whole perinatal referrals maternity blues (28.9%) was the commonest current psychiatry diagnosis. Among antenatal mothers, adjustment disorder (28.8%) and depressive disorder (17.3%) were the commonest. Schizophrenia, Schizophreniform disorder and bipolar illness were found among 8(5%), 6(3.7%) and 3(1.9%) mothers respectively. Major psychoactive substance use disorder was found among 4 (2.5%) mothers. Presence of pregnancy related complications were significantly associated with postpartum metal illnesses(p = 0.008).ConclusionCommonest perinatal mental illness was the maternity blues. Depressive disorder was the commonest major mental illness and neonatal complications were associated with psychological morbidity in postnatal mothers.

Kielland’s rotational forceps delivery: comparison of maternal and neonatal outcomes with pregnancies delivering by non-rotational forceps

We compared complications in pregnancies that had Kielland’s rotational forceps delivery (KRFD) with non-rotational forceps delivery (NRFD). Maternal outcomes included post-partum haemorrhage (PPH) and obstetric anal sphincter injury (OASIS); neonatal outcomes included admission to neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), 5-minute Apgar scores <7, hypoxic ischaemic encephalopathy (HIE), jaundice, shoulder dystocia and birth trauma. The study population included 491 (2.1%) requiring KRFD, 1,257 (5.3%) requiring NRFD and 22,111 (93.0%) that had SVD. In pregnancies with NRFD compared to KRFD, there was higher incidence of OASIS (8.5% vs. 4.7%; p = .006) and a non-significant increased trend for PPH (15.0% vs. 12.4%; p = .173). There was no significant difference in rates of admission to NICU (p = .628), 5-minute Apgar score <7 (p = .375), HIE (p = .532), jaundice (p = .809), severe shoulder dystocia (p = .507) or birth trauma (p = .514). Our study demonstrates that KRFD has lower rates of maternal complications compared to NRFD whilst the rates of neonatal complications are similar. IMPACT STATEMENT What is already known on this subject? Kielland’s rotational forceps is used for achieving vaginal delivery in pregnancies with failure to progress in second stage of labour secondary to fetal malposition. The use of Kielland’s forceps has significantly declined in the last few decades due to concerns about an increased risk of maternal and neonatal complications, despite the absence of any major studies demonstrating this increased risk. What do the results of this study add? There are some studies which compare the risks in pregnancies delivering by Kiellands forceps with rotational ventouse deliveries but there is limited evidence comparing the risks of rotational with non-rotational forceps deliveries. Our study compares the major maternal and neonatal complications in a large cohort of pregnancies undergoing rotational vs. non-rotational forceps deliveries. What are the implications of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research? The results of our study demonstrate that maternal and neonatal complications in pregnancies delivering by Kielland’s rotational forceps undertaken by appropriately trained obstetricians are either lower or similar to those delivering by non-rotational forceps. Consideration should be given to ensure that there is appropriate training provided to obstetricians to acquire skills in using Kielland’s forceps.

Antenatal corticosteroids administration on mortality and morbidity in premature twins born at 25∼34 gestational weeks: A retrospective multicenter study

ObjectiveTo evaluate the effects of antenatal corticosteroids (ACS) administration on mortality and major neonatal complications in early life of preterm twins. Study DesignThis study retrospectively enrolled 1 662 twins delivered at 25∼34+6gestational weeks in China from January 2013 to December 2014. They were divided into ACS group and no-ACS group according to weather their mothers received ACS or not. Moreover, they were subgrouped as 25∼27+6 and 28∼34+6gestational week groups. Multivariable logistic regression was used to analyze the effects of ACS on the incidence of mortality and major morbidities. ResultsA total of 910 neonates (54.8 %) received one or more doses of ACS, and 752 neonates (45.2 %) did not receive any ACS. No significant difference in infant mortality was observed between the ACS and no-ACS groups (P = 0.321). The ACS group had decreased incidence of respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) and mild RDS compared with the no-ACS group (both P < 0.05). There were no significant differences in the incidence of bronchopulmonary dysplasia, intraventricular hemorrhage, necrotizing enterocolitis, retinopathy of prematurity, patent ductus arteriosus, sepsis and severe RDS between the two groups (all P > 0.05). The subgroup analysis showed that the incidence of RDS was lower in the ACS group than in the no-ACS group (P = 0.036) at 28∼34+6weeks. However, the incidence of mild ROP was higher in the ACS group than that in the no-ACS group (P = 0.047) at 25∼27+6 weeks. Multivariable logistic regression analysis demonstrated a decreasing risk of RDS (aOR = 0.661, 95 %CI:0.506−0.863, P = 0.002) after adjusting the gestational week, birth weight, small for gestational age, delivery mode, 5 min Apgar score, and maternal perinatal complications. ConclusionIn twin preterm infants, ACS administration is associated with a reduced risk of RDS. However, our data suggest that it may not have a beneficial effect on mortality and other short-term morbidities.

In-line filtration in very preterm neonates: a randomized controlled trial

In-line filtration is increasingly used in critically-ill infants but its benefits, by preventing micro-particle infusion in very preterm neonates, remain to be demonstrated. We conducted a randomized controlled trial among very preterm infants allocated to receive either in-line filtration of all the intra-venous lines or standard care without filters. The primary outcome was differences greater than 20% in the median changes in pro-inflammatory cytokine serum concentrations measured at day 3 and day 8 (+/−1) using a Luminex multianalytic profiling technique. Major neonatal complications were analyzed as secondary predefined outcomes. We randomized 146 infants, assigned to filter (n = 73) or control (n = 73) group. Difference over 20% in pro-inflammatory cytokine concentration between day 3 and day 8 was not found statistically different between the two groups, both in intent-to-treat (with imputation) and per protocol (without imputation) analyses. The incidences of most of neonatal complications were found to be similar. Hence, this trial did not evidence a beneficial effect of in-line filtration in very preterm infants on the inflammatory response syndrome and neonatal morbidities. These data should be interpreted according to local standards in infusion preparation and central line management.

Predictors of perinatal outcome in early-onset fetal growth restriction: A study from an emerging economy country.

To identify antenatal predictors of adverse perinatal outcomes in a population of preterm fetuses with early placental insufficiency diagnosed by Doppler abnormalities. In this cross-sectional study of a cohort of singleton pregnant women diagnosed with early placental insufficiency, relationships between perinatal variables (arterial and venous Doppler, gestational age, birth weight, oligohydramnios, estimated fetal weight, and fetal weight z-scores) and major neonatal complications were analyzed by logistic regression. Two hundred sixty-five women were delivered, between 24 and 33 weeks gestation. The overall frequency of intact survival was 57.9% (n = 154). Gestational age thresholds for best prediction of survival was 27 + 6 weeks and for intact survival was 29 + 0 weeks gestation. Fetal weight and absent/reversed ductus venosus a-wave were the main predictors of survival in the regression model. When fetal weight was substituted for fetal weight z-score, ductus venosus abnormal Doppler predicted mortality and absent or reversed umbilical artery diastolic velocities predicted intact survival. This study illustrates the impact of gestational age and fetal weight on perinatal outcomes in early placental insufficiency, with well-defined thresholds. Gestational age and fetal weight, or a combination of fetal weight z-scores and fetal Doppler parameters, were the best predictors of intact survival in our sample.

Neonatal white matter tract microstructure and 2-year language outcomes after preterm birth

AimTo determine whether variability in diffusion MRI (dMRI) white matter tract metrics, obtained in a cohort of preterm infants prior to neonatal hospital discharge, would be associated with language outcomes at age 2 years, after consideration of age at scan and number of major neonatal complications. Method30 children, gestational age 28.9 (2.4) weeks, underwent dMRI at mean post menstrual age 36.4 (1.4) weeks and language assessment with the Bayley Scales of Infant Development–III at mean age 22.2 (1.7) months chronological age. Mean fractional anisotropy (FA) and mean diffusivity (MD) were calculated for 5 white matter tracts. Hierarchical linear regression assessed associations between tract FA, moderating variables, and language outcomes. ResultsFA of the left inferior longitudinal fasciculus accounted for 17% (p = 0.03) of the variance in composite language and FA of the posterior corpus callosum accounted for 19% (p = 0.02) of the variance in composite language, beyond that accounted for by post-menstrual age at scan and neonatal medical complications. The number of neonatal medical complications moderated the relationship between language and posterior corpus callosum FA but did not moderate the association in the other tract. ConclusionLanguage at age 2 is associated with white matter metrics in early infancy in preterm children. The different pattern of associations by fiber group may relate to the stage of brain maturation and/or the nature and timing of medical complications related to preterm birth. Future studies should replicate these findings with a larger sample size to assure reliability of the findings.

264: Machine learning model for prediction of neonatal scalp hematomas using first stage of labor data

Decision regarding the mode of delivery (either spontaneous, assisted or cesarean) during second stage of labor is one of the major challenges facing modern obstetrics. A model predicting maternal and fetal labor related outcomes, such as subgaleal hemorrhage (SGH), based on maternal and fetal variables collected during first stage of labor, may contribute substantially to the physician's decision-making process. Electronic medical records of labors during a 6-years period in a tertiary medical center were explored. Using gradient boosting, a model incorporating multiple maternal and neonatal variables was created to predict the risk for increased pressure on fetal head during delivery (SGH or cephalohematoma (SGH+CH)). This model can additionally allocate the deliveries with high risk for SGH at the beginning of second stage of labor. Elective repeated cesarean deliveries, multifetal gestations and preterm deliveries were excluded. We identified 659 (1.8%) deliveries with SGH+CH out of 36,607 parturients during a 6-years period. A machine learning based model to predict SGH+CH was developed. The area under the curve of the model was 0.89. Most importantly, the model was able to identify high risk births, using basic maternal, fetal and labor associated parameters, with increased odds ratio (OR) for several major neonatal complications; OR of 11.44 (95% Confidence Interval 7.5-17.5) for SGH, OR of 2.38 (95% CI 1.8-3.2) for neonatal intensive care admission and OR of 3.41 (95% CI 2.5-4.6) for lower than 7 APGAR score in 5 minutes after birth. Our machine learning-based model was able to accurately predict births with higher risk for SGH and CH. The same model was capable of early identification of deliveries with increased risk for several major obstetric and neonatal complications, making it an applicable tool, useful for personalized decision making during the active stage of labor.

Vasa Previa: Diagnosis and Management

(Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2016;215(2):223.e1–223.e6) Data from ultrasound scans and hospital records were examined for patients who gave birth from years 2000 to 2012. Patients with a diagnosis of vasa previa or a suspected vasa previa were considered for inclusion in the study. Only patients in whom the operative, delivery and/or pathology report specifically described a vasa previa met the criteria for a confirmed diagnosis. Among 68 pregnancies, 49 of them were confirmed to have vasa previa, either based on the operative report or the pathology report or both; 47 cases (96%) were diagnosed by antenatal ultrasound scanning, and 2 cases (4%) were documented at delivery. It was found that 86% of the cases had an identifiable placental and/or maternal risk factor. Women who were confirmed to have vasa previa delivered at a mean gestational age of 34.7 weeks. A total of 8 patients needed emergent cesarean delivery at a mean gestational age of 34.6 weeks, while the remaining 41 cases underwent planned cesarean delivery at a mean gestational age of 34.7 weeks. About 20% of the neonates (n=10) were found to have respiratory distress syndrome. However, there was no report of neonatal death or other major neonatal complications.

Short- and long-term perinatal outcome in twin pregnancies affected by weight discordance.

The objective was to investigate the association between chorionicity-specific intertwin birthweight discordance and adverse outcomes including long-term follow up at 6, 18, and 48-60 months after term via Ages and Stages Questionnaire. In this secondary analysis of a cohort study (Oldenburg et al., n = 1688) and a randomized controlled trial (PREDICT study, n = 1045) twin pairs were divided into three groups according to chorionicity-specific birthweight discordance: <75th percentile, 75th-90th percentile and >90th percentile. Information on infant mortality, admittance to neonatal intensive care units, and gestational age at delivery was available for all pairs. Detailed neonatal outcomes were available for 656 pairs from PREDICT, of which 567 pairs had at least one Ages and Stages Questionnair follow-up. Logistic regression models were used for dichotomous outcomes. Ages and Stages Questionnair scores were compared using the method of generalized estimating equation to account for the correlation within twins. The 75th and 90th percentiles for birthweight discordance were 14.8 and 21.4% for monochorionic and 16.0 and 23.8% for dichorionic twins. After adjustment for small for gestational age and gender, birthweight discordance >75th and >90th percentile was associated with induced delivery <34 weeks [odds ratio 1.71 (95% confidence interval 1.11-2.65) and odds ratio 2.83 (95% confidence interval 1.73-4.64), respectively]. Discordance >75th-percentile was associated with an increased risk of infant mortality after 28 days [odds ratio 4.69 (95% confidence interval 1.07-20.45)] but not with major neonatal complications or with low mean Ages and Stages Questionnair scores at 6, 18, and 48-60 months after term. Chorionicity-specific intertwin birthweight discordance is a risk factor for induced preterm delivery and infant mortality, but not for lower scores for neurophysiological development at 6, 18, and 48-60 months.

Randomized double-blind placebo controlled study of preinduction cervical priming with 25µg of misoprostol in the outpatient setting to prevent formal induction of labour.

To compare the efficacy of preinduction outpatient use of a single dose of 25μg vaginal misoprostol between 381/2 and 40weeks with that of placebo, to decrease the interval from intervention to delivery after stretch and sweep in low-risk gravid women with Bishop's score <4. Sixty three women received 25μg vaginal misoprostol and 63 women received placebo after stretch and sweep. The duration from intervention to delivery was 3.35 (1.12-9.46) days in the misoprostol group and 5.42 (2.39-10.11) days in the placebo group which was statistically significant (p=0.029). Spontaneous labor was seen in 39 women (61.9%) in the misoprostol group and 35 women (55.6%) in the placebo group (p=0.531). Eight women in the misoprostol group and 18 in the placebo group had Lower Segment Caesarean Section (LSCS) and this difference was also statistically significant (p=0.027). There were no major maternal and neonatal complications in both groups. Preinduction use of 25μg vaginal misoprostol after stretch and sweep in the outpatient setting decreased the intervention to delivery interval when compared to placebo.

Vasa previa: diagnosis and management

Vasa previa is a rare condition that is associated with a high rate of fetal or neonatal death when not diagnosed antenatally. The majority of available studies are either small, do not include antepartum data, limited to single institutions, or are biased by inclusion of patients from registries and online vasa previa support groups. The purpose of this study was to investigate the diagnostic and management strategies for this potentially catastrophic entity and to describe further maternal and placental risk factors that may aid in the establishment of a screening protocol for vasa previa. This was a retrospective multicenter descriptive study that included all pregnancies that were complicated by vasa previa that delivered between January 1, 2000, and December 31, 2012. Nine maternal fetal medicine practices and the hospitals in which they practice participated in data collection of diagnosis, treatment, and maternal-neonatal outcomes. Sixty-eight pregnancies were identified that included the diagnosis of vasa previa or "possible vasa previa" either in the ultrasound record or in the hospital record at the time of delivery. Four cases (5.8%) appeared to resolve on repeat ultrasound examination. Fifteen of the 64 cases that were suspected of having vasa previa could not be verified or were not documented at delivery. Of the remaining 49 cases, where vasa previa was documented, 47 cases (96%) were diagnosed by ultrasound scanning antenatally. Known risk factors for vasa previa were present in 41 of 47 cases (87%). Of the 49 cases, 41 were delivered by planned cesarean delivery at a mean gestational age of 34.7 weeks, and 8 cases required emergent cesarean delivery at a mean gestational age of 34.6 weeks (range, 32.4-36.0 weeks gestation). Seven of these emergent cesarean deliveries had been diagnosed previously; 1 case had not. All of the emergent cesarean deliveries were for vaginal bleeding; 1 case was also for a concerning fetal heart rate, but only 1 of the known cases had a documented ruptured fetal vessel. None of these cases were found to have cervical shortening before the onset of bleeding. One of the undiagnosed cases resulted in a ruptured fetal vessel and a baby with no heart beat at birth who survived but had periventricular leukomalacia at 1 month of age with mild white-matter atrophy. Of the remaining neonates in this group, there were no deaths and no major complications beyond mild respiratory distress syndrome in 9 cases. There were no other major neonatal complications, which included no cases of periventricular leukomalacia, neonatal sepsis, necrotizing enterocolitis, or any grade of intraventricular hemorrhage in the confirmed cases of vasa previa. This study confirms most current recommendations that include risk-based ultrasound screening, early hospitalization at 30-34 weeks gestation, antenatal corticosteroids at 30-32 weeks gestation, and elective delivery at 33-34 weeks gestation. Thus, with these recommendations for current identification and management of vasa previa in this series of geographically diverse mostly private practice maternal fetal medicine practices, we have confirmed recent reports that show a dramatic improvement in neonatal survival and complications compared with earlier reports.

Historic cohort study on mode of delivery of a macrosomic baby: the women's point of view.

A historic cohort study was conducted to evaluate satisfaction with childbirth of a macrosomic baby according to mode of delivery. All 559 nulliparous women who delivered a neonate weighing >4000 g between 2008 and 2012 were included. The degree of women's satisfaction with childbirth after elective cesarean, vaginal delivery or cesarean during labor was assessed using a five-level scale. Immediate neonatal and maternal outcomes were retrieved from clinical records. Long-term maternal outcomes were evaluated using four questionnaires on urinary incontinence, anal incontinence, and sexual functioning. Ninety-nine women underwent elective cesarean, whereas 460 attempted a vaginal delivery. In the latter group, 276 women delivered vaginally, whereas 184 underwent a cesarean during labor. Long-term outcomes were assessed in 273 women (49%; elective cesarean, n = 55; vaginal delivery, n = 135; cesarean in labor, n = 83) after a mean 3-year follow up. The proportion of long-term stress or mixed urinary incontinence was, respectively, 8%, 34%, and 12%, whereas that of anal incontinence was 7%, 19%, and 6%. Sexual functioning was similar in the three groups. No major neonatal complications were observed. When pooling the vaginal delivery and the cesarean in labor groups, the likelihood of being satisfied with childbirth was 63% in the "attempted vaginal delivery" group and 85% in the elective cesarean group (adjusted risk ratio, 0.72; 95% CI 0.61-0.84). About one-third of women attempting a vaginal delivery of a macrosomic baby, would choose an elective cesarean if they could turn back time.

P07.01: Myocardial performance index (MPI) as a warning sign of fetal demise in an MCDA twin pregnancy?

A 41 year old G1P0 with spontaneous MCDA twins was enrolled in a research cohort of initially uncomplicated MCDA twin pregnancies (MPI waveforms acquired and stored for later analysis). Ultrasounds at 20–26 weeks showed concordant 10th–20th centile growth with normal amniotic fluid, umbilical artery, middle cerebral artery (MCA) and ductus venosus Doppler studies in both babies. At 28 weeks and 6 days growth and fluid remained concordant, however as Twin 1's MCA-PSV measured 1.3 MoM and Twin 2's 0.7 MoM referral for second opinion/rule out TAPS was made. At this visit at 29+1 MCA-PSVs were normal in both babies (0.9MoM and 1.0MoM), babies were moving well and it was felt there was no evidence of pathology. However at follow-up at 30+1 weeks there was single IUFD of Twin 2, whose MPI values (on later analysis for the research cohort) were noted to be increasingly abnormal (table 1). There was no ultrasonic evidence of anemia in the surviving twin, who was ultimately born at 34 weeks gestation after spontaneous preterm labour (1870 g, Hb144 g/L, no major neonatal complications) with normal neonatal intracranial ultrasound and no abnormalities at 6 month follow-up. Impression: In retrospect, fetal cardiac function measured by MPI, in particular Delta MPI and Intertwin Difference, became increasingly abnormal in Twin 2 prior to demise, while routine biometry, AFI and Dopplers did not clearly show significant pathology. Ongoing investigation of potential utility of MPI in MCDA twin surveillance is warranted.