Meconium-stained Amniotic Fluid Research Articles

Risk Factors Associated with Early Onset of Sepsis

Background: Neonatal sepsis (EOS) is among one of the leading cause of death that usually occurs due to infection in the first month of life and can be the result of various maternal and neonatal contributing factors. Objectives: To determine maternal and neonatal contributing factors for early onset of sepsis in neonates. Study design: cross sectional study Period: From 13th April 2019 to 12th Oct 2019. Settings: Neonatal units of pediatric medicine of central park teaching hospital Lahore and Bhatti international hospital Kasur. Material and methods: After approval from hospital ethical committee total 151 neonates were selected using non-probable consecutive sampling. Neonates of both gender who were having gestational age >30 weeks with early onset sepsis were enrolled. Patients who had received antibiotics before presentation were excluded. 5ml of venous blood after proper sterilization was taken from all patients and sent to hospital laboratory for WBC count, CRP and blood culture. Data was entered in pre-designed Performa and analyzed using SPSS 20. Results: There were total 151 patients in study, minimum and maximum age was 1 day and 7 days respectively with mean age of 3.66±1.88 days. Mean gestational age was 35.5±2.6 weeks and mean birth weight was 2.2±1.4 kg. There was slight increase in female patients 51% and 49% males. Among maternal contributing factors maternal fever was found in 64.9%, premature rupture of membrane was found in 43%, foul smelling liquor in 37.1% and meconium-stained amniotic fluid was found in 33.1% neonates. Among neonatal contributing factors prematurity was found in 66.2% low birth weight was present in 64.2%, and low APGAR score was present in 56.6 % neonates. Data was stratified for gender and contributing risk factors but p value was not statistically significant. Data was stratified for gestational age and p value was significant for prematurity, low birth weight and offensive smelling liquor. Conclusion: Prematurity, low birth weight, low APGAR score and maternal fever were significant contributing factors in EOS. Keywords: EOS, Neonatal contributing factors, Maternal contributing factors

Perinatal risk factors for the occurrence of singleton apparently stillborn infants

To identify the perinatal risk factors for the occurrence of singleton apparently stillborn infants. This was a case-control study. A total of 154 singleton neonates with gestational age ≥28 weeks and Apgar score of 0-1 who were subsequently successfully resuscitated in the Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University from January 2006 to December 2015 were enrolled as the case group (apparently stillborn group). A total of 616 singleton infants born from January 2006 to December 2015 (1-minute Apgar score >1) were randomly selected in a 1:4 ratio as the control group. Univariate analysis and multivariate logistic regression were used to analyze the perinatal risk factors for the occurrence of apparently stillborn infants. The gestational age and birth weight in the apparently stillborn group were significantly lower than those in the control group (P<0.05). The incidences of fetal hydrops, cord prolapse, grade III meconium-stained amniotic fluid, placental abruption, breech presentation, severe pre-eclampsia, maternal general anesthesia at delivery, abnormal antenatal fetal heart monitoring and decreased fetal movement were significantly higher in the apparently stillborn group than those in the control group (P<0.05). The multivariate logistic analysis showed that the mother had general anesthesia at delivery (OR=34.520), decreased antenatal fetal movement (OR=28.168),placental abruption (OR=15.641), grade III meconium-stained amniotic fluid (OR=6.365), abnormal antenatal fetal heart monitoring (OR=5.739), and breech presentation (OR=2.614) were risk factors for the occurrence of apparently stillborn infants (P<0.05), while higher gestational age was a protective factor (OR=0.686, P<0.05). Attention needs to be paid to mothers with abnormal prenatal fetal heart monitoring, decreased fetal movement, preterm labor, placental abruption, breech presentation, grade III meconium-stained amniotic fluid, and general anesthesia. Preparations for resuscitation should be done to rescue apparently stillborn infants.

Presentation and outcomes of Listeria-affected pregnancies in Johannesburg tertiary hospitals: A 2-year review.

To describe maternal risk factors, presentations, peripartum findings, and pregnancy outcomes in Listeria monocytogenes-infected women. A retrospective descriptive case review. The records of 51 pregnant women infected with listeriosis who delivered infants between February 1, 2016 and February 28, 2018 at three academic hospitals in Johannesburg, South Africa, were included. The diagnosis of listeriosis was made on maternal/neonatal-sampled blood or tissue cultures. Forty-eight (82.3%) Listeria infections of maternal and neonatal listeriosis were diagnosed on blood culture. The median gestational age at diagnosis was at a preterm gestation of 33 (20-43) weeks. Twenty-eight women (54.9%) had normal vaginal deliveries. Precipitous labor was described in 18 (39%) of these women. Fetal distress was the indication for cesarean section in 22 (41.2%) women. Meconium-stained amniotic fluid was found in 21 (61.7%) women at the time of delivery. The category of very low birth weight had 14 (27.4%) neonates with an Apgar score of less than 7 at 5min. Maternal morbidities included chorioamnionitis (3 [5.8%]) and puerperal infections (7 [13.7%]). The HIV-positive anemic women had a tendency towards listerial infections. Symptoms of listeriosis were non-specific and diagnosis was detected on blood culture sampling. Risk factors included HIV seropositivity and were associated with puerperal infections and anemia.

Once We Find Grade III Meconium Stained Amniotic Fluid, Must We Act as Early as Possible?

Grade III meconium stained amniotic fluid (MSAF) is a common obstetric disease, and has the greatest impact on poor maternal and neonatal outcomes. There is no consensus on treatment, especially on the timing of delivery. We collected the medical records of 345 women who gave birth with grade III MSAF and analyzed the difference in baseline characteristics and maternal and neonatal outcomes relative to different labor stage, observation times in the first stage of labor, and the presence or absence of abnormal fetal heart rate (FHR) or thick amniotic fluid. Higher rate of cesarean section was observed when grade III MSAF was found in active labor. Intervention occurred at an observation time of 90-120 min, but there were no significant differences in maternal or neonatal outcomes shown when the observation time was greater than 3 or 4 hours. However, a higher rate of admission to the neonatal intensive care unit was demonstrated in cases with grade III MSAF with abnormal FHR either in the first or second stage of labor or in cases with thick MSAF in the second stage of labor. Higher rate of composite adverse neonatal outcomes was found when secondary MSAF (a transition from clear AF to MSAF) was diagnosed >3 h before delivery. In the first stage of labor, an observation time of greater than 4 hours might be possible after grade III MSAF is found if the labor has progressed and is without abnormal FHR.

Risk Factors Leading to Meconium Aspiration Syndrome in Meconium-Stained Amniotic Fluid

OBJECTIVES This study aimed to find out the risk factors leading to meconium aspiration syndrome in patients having meconium-stained amniotic fluid. METHODOLOGY This comparative study was conducted in the department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at Hayatabad Medical Complex from January 2022- June 2022. All patients admitted to the labour ward with the diagnosis of meconium-stained liquor (MSL) were included in the study through a convenient sampling technique. Patients were divided into two groups, group 1 having only meconium-stained amniotic fluid (MSAF) without meconium aspiration syndrome while group 2 having babies with the diagnosis of meconium aspiration syndrome (MAS). Both groups were compared for different risk factors for the development of MAS. Differences in the risk factors between the two groups were analyzed using Pearson’s correlation with a p-value of &lt;0.05 considered significant. SPSS vs 20 was used for statistical analysis. RESULTS 84 patients were included in the study, i.e., 61 in group 1 and 23 in group 2. The mean age of the patients was 25± 3.45. The frequency of meconium-stained amniotic fluid was 3.83%. Meconium aspiration syndrome developed in 23 babies out of 84 MSAF deliveries (27.38%). Low APGAR score (&lt; 0.00), patients handled outside the hospital (&lt;0.001) and prolonged second stage (0.003) were significant risk factors for the development of MAS. CONCLUSION In the prolonged second stage, patients handled outside the hospital by unauthorized personnel and low APGAR score at birth were statistically significant risk factors for developing meconium aspiration syndrome.

Clinical Spectrum of Neonatal Encephalopathy and the Role of CK-MB Assay in Transient Myocardial Ischaemia in Neonates with Hypoxic Ischaemic Encephalopathy: A Prospective Cohort Study

Introduction: Significant advancements have been made in the field of perinatal medicine through the use of newer monitoring technologies. However, birth asphyxia continues to cause prolonged hospitalisation due to multiple organ dysfunction and unfortunately, sometimes results in death. An elevation of the serum Creatine Kinase Myocardial Bound (CK-MB) fraction in myocardial ischaemia could indicate exposure to asphyxia and shock in neonates. Aim: The aim of this study was to examine the clinical spectrum of Neonatal Encephalopathy (NE) and investigate Transient Myocardial Ischaemia (TMI) in neonates with Hypoxic Ischaemic Encephalopathy (HIE) using CK-MB assay at birth, 24 hours, and 72 hours. Materials and Methods: A prospective clinical study was conducted in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at a Tertiary Care Hospital in Tamil Nadu, India. The study duration was eight months, from January 2014 to August 2014. A total of 70 term neonates admitted with NE symptoms were included. Among them, 65 babies with evidence of asphyxia, such as an Appearance, Pulse, Grimace,Activity and respiration (APGAR) score less than 3 at five minutes, heart rate less than 60 Beats Per Minute (bpm), meconium-stained amniotic fluid, or the need for positive pressure ventilation for more than one minute, were evaluated for TMI. Myocardial involvement was assessed through clinical evaluation, chest X-ray (CXR), Electrocardiogram (ECG), Echocardiography (ECHO), and CK-MB assay at birth, 24 hours, and 72 hours. Statistical analysis was performed using Epi Info software version 7.0. Results: The mean Gestational Age (GA) of the study participants was 38.97±1.31 weeks. During the study period, 70 babies were admitted with NE symptoms, and HIE was the cause of encephalopathy in 65 babies. Other causes included hypoglycaemia, intraventricular haemorrhage, and bilirubin encephalopathy. Meconium staining of amniotic fluid was the most common intrapartum event in HIE babies. The survival rate in encephalopathy cases was 28.57%. Shock and respiratory failure were common complications in HIE, representing 46.15% and 44.61% respectively. Cardiomegaly in CXR, ST depression in ECG, Tricuspid Regurgitation (TR) in ECHO, and elevated CK-MB were commonly detected in babies with TMI associated with HIE. Conclusion: NE caused by HIE has a high mortality and morbidity rate. 83.3% of asphyxiated babies with shock had elevated CK-MB levels at birth, but the CK-MB values at 24 hours and 72 hours were not significantly elevated.

Adverse Maternal and Perinatal Outcomes of Meconium-Stained Amniotic Fluid in Term Labor at Hospitals in South Gondar Zone, Northwest Ethiopia: A Prospective Cohort Study.

The passage of meconium during labor increased the chance of undesirable birth outcomes. The adverse effects of meconium are worsening in resource-limited countries. In Ethiopia, there is an argument concerning meconium's negative effects and management on pregnant women and their babies. Therefore, this study was intended to assess the adverse maternal and perinatal outcomes of meconium in term labor in the South Gondar Zone, Ethiopia. A prospective cohort study was conducted using 580 laboring mothers (145 exposed and 435 nonexposed groups). A two-stage sampling method was implemented to get study subjects. The data were collected using an interviewer-administered structured questionnaire and a medical chart review. SPSS version 25 was used for data analysis. Chi-squared and Fisher's exact tests were used to compare the two groups' differences. The strength of the association was measured using relative risk with a 95% CI. There was more operative delivery (28.3% versus 5.3%), puerperal sepsis (79.54% versus 2.06%), nonreassuring fetal heart rate pattern (29.7% versus 2.1%), meconium aspiration syndrome (7.58% versus 0.68%), neonatal sepsis (9% versus 4.1%), perinatal asphyxia (13.8% versus 7.6%), admission to the neonatal intensive care unit (23.4% versus 3.2%), and early neonatal deaths (4.8% versus 1.4%) among meconium stained groups as compared to the clear amniotic fluid groups. Meconium-stained amniotic fluid significantly increased adverse maternal and perinatal outcomes in Ethiopia. The risk of perinatal asphyxia, nonreassuring fetal heart rate pattern, neonatal sepsis, meconium aspiration syndrome, admission to the NICU, early neonatal death, operative delivery, and puerperal sepsis were significantly higher in meconium-exposed groups. Special attention should be given to meconium-exposed mothers during the intrapartum period and in postnatal follow-up.

Significance of echogenic amniotic fluid at term pregnancy and its association with meconium

Background: echogenicity of amniotic fluid refers to size, number, & amount of particles in AF, which in turn represents turbidity of AF. This could result in identification of echogenic particles via ultrasound, as well recognized as AF sludge, & presence of homogeneously echogenic AF. Aim and objectives: research's goal was to look into prevalence of echogenic amniotic fluid during term pregnancy & how often it was related to meconium. Subjects & methods: cross-sectional research was carried out on 70 term pregnant (37-40 weeks) women who presented to the Obstetrics & Gynecology Department at Al-Azhar New Damietta University Hospital for labour and women admitted for scheduled caesarean section. Results: Clear amniotic fluid was found in 35.71% of patients with echogenic amniotic fluid on ultrasound, meconium-stained amniotic fluid was found in only 7.14%, and amniotic with vernix caseosa was found in 57.14%. Conclusion: existence of highly echogenic amniotic fluid is unusual, & its existence generates quandary for clinician. Meconium, blood, & vernix caseosa have all been linked to echogenic AF. In current research, meconium was found in 7.14percent of cases of echogenic amniotic fluid.

Admission Cardiotocography: Its Role in Predicting Perinatal Outcome in Term, Uncomplicated (Low Risk) Pregnant Women in Spontaneous Labour

Introduction: Labour admission cardiotocography (CTG) is commonly used non-invasive method of fetal monitoring in Sri Lanka. It may have a potentialto predict perinatal outcome in low-risk term pregnancies. Objectives: Objectives of the study were to determine the perinatal outcomes of normal, suspicious and pathological admission CTGs and role of labour admission cardiotocography as a predictive test for perinatal outcome in low-risk term pregnancies in spontaneous labour. Methods: This study was a prospective observational study done involving 445 low risk, term pregnancies in spontaneous labour. Labour admission CTG was performed in each pregnancy and categorized into normal, suspicious and pathological CTG according to criteria depicted by National Institute of Clinical Excellence (NICE) guideline 2007. Apgar score less than 7 at five minutes, resuscitation at birth, admission to neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), seizure within first 24 hours of birth and meconium-stained amniotic fluid were the primary outcome measures to assess fetal asphyxia. Mode of delivery in each category, nuchal cord at birth were also assessed. Results: Majority of participants were in 25-to-29-year age group and were nulliparous. Frequencies of normal, suspicious and pathological CTG were 74.8%, 18% and 7.2% respectively. Pathological CTG was significantly associated with low Apgar score compared to non-pathological CTG group (p 0.005) while other outcome measures were not significant. Rate of operative delivery was 68% in pathological group and 20.8% in non-pathological CTG group. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) of labour admission CTG to detect fetal asphyxia were 51.85%, 95.69%, 43.75% and 96.85% respectively. Conclusions: Incidence of pathological labour admission CTG was 7.2%. Apgar score less than 7 at five minutes of birth was significantly associated with pathological CTG group compared to non-pathological CTG (p 0.05). Worsening of CTG from normal to pathological showed increasing rate of operative delivery. Even though sensitivity and positive predictive values of labour admission CTG were low, specificity and negative predictive values were high for detecting low Apgar score. Therefore, labour admission CTG has a value in excluding adverse perinatal outcomes in low-risk term pregnancies in spontaneous labour.

OUTCOMES AND ASSOCIATED FACTORS OF BABIES DIAGNOSED WITH MECONIUM ASPIRATION SYNDROME (MAS): A CASE CONTROL STUDY

Introduction: Meconium aspiration syndrome (MAS) is an illness that linked with significant respiratory morbidity among neonates born through meconium-stained amniotic fluid (MSAF). MAS, the most common cause of serious sickness and death in newborns, occurs in around 5% to 10% of births. 6–25% of all babies have meconium-stained amniotic fluid (MSAF), and approximately 11% will have MAS. This case-control study examines the outcomes and factors associated with MAS in babies born with MSAF. Methods: This single-center case-control study was performed in Kalkaal Hospital from December 15, 2020 to December 15, 2021. The hospital review board of the examined and approved the research protocol. During this period 430 neonates were admitted to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) in the Hospital. Among the 430, 63 neonates had Meconium aspiration syndrome and were included as the case group in the study. 63 neonates without meconium-stained amniotic fluid or meconium aspiration syndrome were selected purposively for the study. In both groups a record was made on information about fetal distress, gestational age of baby and delivery mode. Additionally, complications like prolonged duration of labor, obstructed labor, and presence of premature rupture of membrane (PROM), and maternal age were recorded. Results: 50.8% of the neonates born with meconium-stained amniotic fluid were males, while 49.2% were females. 61 of the MAS neonates were still alive, while two had expired while all of the control groups were alive. The variables that showed to have significant effect on MAS include fetal distress(p&lt;0.000), gestational age greater than 42 weeks (p = 0.01), and obstructed labor (p = 0.023). The results of the study indicates that 66.7% (n=42) of the patients in the case group had fetal distress with a odds ratio of 19, gestational age above 42 weeks in the case group were 31.7% with a odds ratio of 3.19 and 27% (n=17) of the patients had obstructed labor with a odds ratio of 2.96. Conclusion: The research found out that fetal distress, gestational age greater than 42 weeks, and obstructed labor all contribute significantly to meconium aspiration. Identification and screening of these risk factors may assist in the care of patients with meconium aspiration, therefore minimizing MAS-related complications, morbidity, and death.

A Study to Determine the Perinatal Outcome in Isolated Oligohydramnios at Term Pregnancy

Objective: A Study to Determine the Perinatal Outcome in Isolated Oligohydramnios at Term Pregnancy Study Design: A cross-sectional study Place and Duration: Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Hayatabad Medical Complex from October 2022 to March 2023 Methodology: Our sample size was 250 which were divided into 1:1 including 125 cases with isolated oligohydramnios and 125 control cases. Patients with chronic medical disorders and having fetal anomalies or IUGR were excluded. The mode of delivery was noted. Neonatal outcomes in the form of Apgar score, baby weight and need for NICU were noted. Results: The cases with isolated oligohydramnios were associated with an increased incidence of CTG changes, meconium-stained amniotic fluid and the cesarean section as compared to women with normal amount of amniotic fluid. There was no difference between the cases and controls as regards duration of labor, need for oxytocin augmentation, need for neonatal resuscitation, APGAR score at 5 minutes, NICU admission birth weight of neonates or incidence of LSCS for fetal distress. A significant association (OR=1.85, P&lt;0.001) was found between caesarean section in mothers with oligohydramnios compared to controls. Conclusion: Our study found increase cesarean section rate due to CTG changes and meconium stained liquor in isolated oligohydramnios. However neonatal outcome in the form of birth weight, Apgar score and NICU admission was same for both cases and control. Keywords: Oligohydramnios, Perinatal, Term Pregnancy

Maternal and neonatal morbidities associated with cesarean delivery without labor compared with induction of labor around term.

We aimed to compare the maternal and neonatal morbidities associated with elective cesarean delivery (CD) without labor and those associated with induction of labor (IOL) at ≥38 weeks of gestation. This retrospective observational study from 2013 to 2020 included singleton pregnancies in nulliparous women at ≥38 weeks of gestation. Maternal and neonatal morbidities associated with elective CD without labor were compared with those associated with IOL. Altogether, 395 women were recruited. Among these, 326 underwent delivery through IOL, while 69 underwent elective CD. The elective CD group exhibited higher maternal age, lower gestational age at birth, and lower neonatal birth weight than the IOL group (P<0.001). Moreover, the elective CD group exhibited longer hospital stay, higher rate of uterotonic agent usage, and lower rate of antibiotic usage after discharge. However, no differences were observed in postpartum bleeding, readmission, or number of outpatient visits (>3) after discharge between the groups. Perinatal morbidities were similar between the groups except the incidence of meconium-stained amniotic fluid. Elective CD exhibited similar rates of complications related to composite maternal morbidity when compared with IOL, but had a lower risk of complications related to composite neonatal morbidity (relative risk, 0.45; 95% confidence interval, 0.24-0.85). Elective CD and IOL had similar rates of composite maternal morbidity but the former exhibited some benefits against obstetric wound infection. The elective CD group exhibited a decreased risk of composite neonatal morbidity despite lower gestational age at birth and higher maternal age.

Epidemiology and risk factors for acquiring and predicting disease severity in meconium aspiration syndrome

Background. Meconium aspiration syndrome (MAS) occurs in approximately 5% of babies born through meconium-stained amniotic fluid. Risk factors associated with severity of MAS in neonates from developing countries has been infrequently described. &#x0D; Objective. To identify incidence and risk factors associated with the severity of MAS in a lower middle-income country. &#x0D; Method. A retrospective descriptive analysis was conducted on records of neonates diagnosed with MAS at four regional hospitals in the eThekwini district of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, between 1 January 2015 and 31 December 2017. &#x0D; Results. A total of 187 neonates had been diagnosed with MAS, of whom 157 survived. The overall incidence of MAS was 2 per 1 000 live births. All the neonates were born through thick meconium. The majority (n=119, 63.6%) of patients were male. Asphyxia was documented in 97 cases (51.9%) and was significantly associated with severe disease (p&lt;0.001). Seizures were noted in 91patients (48.7%), of which 86 (94.5%) occurred in neonates with asphyxia. A quarter of the sample (n=47, 25%) were outborn, with severe disease associated significantly with this group (p=0.025). Multiple logistic regression showed that the occurrence of seizures was significantly associated with severe MAS, (adjusted odds ratio = 23.7, 95% confidence interval 7.58 - 97.7; p&lt;0.001). &#x0D; Conclusion. Neonates born through thick meconium, with moderate to severe asphyxia that is associated with seizures are at increased risk of developing severe MAS. Close monitoring of labour in the intrapartum period, early recognition of fetal distress and timely obstetric intervention are crucial to prevent asphyxia.

Magnitude, Associated Factors and Immediate Outcomes of Non-Reassuring Fetal Heart Rate Status Among Laboring Mothers at South Gondar Zone Public Hospitals, North, West Ethiopia, 2022; Cross Sectional Study

Background: Non-reassuring fetal heart rate status (NRFHRS) is an abnormal fetal heart rate monitoring which necessitates immediate intervention. It is one of the common reducible causes of perinatal morbidity and mortality in developing countries. Despite there is limited data on the magnitude, associated factors and its outcomes in Ethiopia. Objective: To assess the magnitude, associated factors and immediate outcomes of non- reassuring fetal heart rate status among laboring mothers at South Gondar zone public hospitals, northwest Ethiopia 2022. Methods: An institutional-based cross-sectional study was conducted from June 1-30, 2022. A total of 586 laboring mothers were included. The participants were selected through systematic sampling method. Bivariable and multivariable logistic regression analysis were carried out. OR with 95% CI was used and statistically significant variables were declared if p &lt; 0.05 in multivariable analysis. Result: The magnitude of NRFHRS was 21.16% (95%, CI: 17.9-24.7) with a response rate of 97.34%. Primigravida [AOR= 1.86, 95% CI: 1.03-3.37], anemia [AOR= 4.59, 95% CI: 1.87-11.30], referred [AOR= 1.95, 95% CI: 1.07-3.55], induction of labor [AOR= 3.78, 95% CI: 1.20-11.9], meconium-stained amniotic fluid [AOR= 14.13, 95% CI: 7.53-26.50], prolonged rupture of membrane [AOR= 11.70), 95% CI: 5.40-25.34] and low birth weight [AOR=5.08, 95% CI: 2.20-11.74] were significantly associated with NRFHRS. 4.8% of fetus was still birth. Conclusion: In this study the magnitude of NRFHRS was high compared to studies in Africa. Being primigravida, anemic, referred, induction of labor, meconium-stained amniotic fluid, prolonged rupture of membrane and low birth weight were significantly associated with NRFHRS. Assigning adequate number of midwifes for good labor follow-up, properly counsel on nutrition and iron and folic acid and give due attention on labor follow-up would minimize NRFHRS

Neonates Born Through Meconium-stained Amniotic Fluid among Deliveries in a Tertiary Care Centre: A Descriptive Cross-sectional Study.

The mortality and morbidity of meconium aspiration syndrome in neonates born with meconium-stained amniotic fluid in developing countries are still high. In Nepal, few studies have estimated the prevalence of meconium-stained amniotic fluid among newborns. The study aimed to find out the prevalence of neonates born through meconium-stained amniotic fluid among deliveries in a tertiary care centre. This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among neonates born in a tertiary care centre from November 2021 to March 2022. Neonates born during the study period with meconium-stained amniotic fluid were studied. Ethical approval was obtained from the Institutional Review Committee. Convenience sampling method was used. With permission from the Department of the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, the data were collected and entered in a Microsoft Excel sheet. Point estimate and 95% Confidence Interval were calculated. Among 576 neonates, the prevalence of neonates born through meconium-stained amniotic fluid was 77 (13.37%) (10.59-16.15, 95% Confidence Interval). The prevalence of neonates born through meconium-stained amniotic fluid was found to be similar to other studies done in similar settings. meconium; neonate; Nepal.

(Un)warranted variation in local hospital protocols for neonatal referral to the pediatrician: An explorative study in the Netherlands.

Studies indicate unwarranted variation in a wide range of neonatal care practices, contributing to preventable morbidity and mortality. Unwarranted variation is the result of complex interactions and multiple determinants. One of the determinants contributing to unwarranted variation in care may be variation in local hospital protocols. The purpose of this study was to examine variation in the content of obstetric and neonatal protocols for six common indications for neonatal referral to the pediatrician: large for gestational age/macrosomia, small for gestational age/fetal growth restriction, meconium-stained amniotic fluid, vacuum extraction, forceps extraction, and cesarean birth. We conducted a nationwide cross-sectional study examining protocols for neonatal referral to the pediatrician in the obstetric and neonatal departments of all Dutch hospitals. Variation in protocols was analyzed between regions, between neonatal and obstetrics departments located in the same hospital, and within neonatal and obstetrics departments. There was considerable variation in protocols between regions, between neonatal and obstetrics departments, and within neonatal and obstetrics departments. The results of this study showed considerable variation in recommendations for type of referral, admission, screening/diagnostic tests, treatment, and discharge. Furthermore, results generally showed lower referral thresholds in neonatal departments compared with obstetric departments, and higher referral thresholds in the eastern region of the Netherlands. We also found variation in local hospital protocols, which could not be explained by population characteristics but which may be explained by varying recommendations in existing national and international guidelines and/or lack of adherence to these guidelines. To reduce unwarranted variation in local protocols, evidence-based, multidisciplinary guidelines should be developed in the Netherlands. Further research addressing knowledge gaps is needed to inform these guidelines. Attention should be paid to the implementation of evidence, and only where evidence is lacking or inconclusive should agreements be based on multidisciplinary consensus. Where protocols deviate from evidence-based guidelines because of specific local circumstances, clearer, more transparent justifications should be made. Uniformity in guidance will offer clear standards for care evaluation and provide opportunities to reduce inappropriate care.

Perinatal outcomes associated with ICP in twin pregnancies were worse than singletons: an almost 5-year retrospective cohort study

BackgroundIntrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP) is associated with an increased risk of adverse perinatal outcomes leading to high perinatal morbidity and mortality. However, few studies have examined twin pregnancies complicated by ICP. To assess the perinatal outcomes of twin pregnancies with ICP, a retrospective cohort study was conducted.MethodsA total of 633 twin pregnancies and 1267 singleton pregnancies with ICP were included. In addition, a correlation study was performed on the matched total bile acid (TBA) levels from maternal serum, fetal umbilical venous blood, and amniotic fluid of 33 twin pregnancies from twin groups.ResultsWhen compared to singletons, twin pregnancies with ICP had a higher risk of cesarean section (CS) (96.4% vs. 76.1%), preterm birth (PTB) (82.6% vs. 19.7%), fetal distress (2.0% vs. 1.3%), and neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admission (23.6% vs. 5.1%), which was significantly related to increasing TBA levels (P < 0.05). In twin pregnancies with TBA ≥100 μmol/L, the incidences of CS, PTB, fetal distress, neonatal asphyxia, and meconium-stained amniotic fluid were 94.4, 100, 11.1, 5.6, and 36.1%, respectively. Furthermore, the maximum maternal TBA levels were positively correlated with TBA levels in the amniotic fluid (r = 0.61, P < 0.05) and umbilical cord blood (r = 0.44, P < 0.05), and a similar correlation was found for maternal TBA levels at delivery. TBA levels in umbilical cord blood and amniotic fluid also had a significant and positive correlation (r = 0.52, P < 0.05).ConclusionsTwin pregnancies with ICP had a higher risk for adverse perinatal outcomes than singletons, which was associated with higher TBA levels. TBA can be transported through the placenta and is involved in uterus-placenta-fetal circulation.

Prophylactic antibiotic use during labor and delivery in China: a nationwide, multicenter, hospital-based, cross-sectional study

BackgroundProphylactic antibiotic use during delivery is common in routine obstetric practice to prevent infection globally, especially in low- and middle-income countries. In China, however, little is currently known about the national estimates for prophylactic antibiotic use during delivery. Therefore, we aimed to describe the prevalence of prophylactic antibiotic use and guideline adherence using national data in China.MethodsThis cross-sectional study analyzed a national dataset from the China Labor and Delivery Survey in 2015–2016. The primary outcomes were prophylactic antibiotic use and clinician adherence to WHO recommendations for the prevention and treatment of maternal peripartum infections. We estimated the weighted prevalence of the outcomes with Taylor series linearization and investigated the associated factors of the outcomes with logistic regression.ResultsOf the 72,519 deliveries, the prevalence of antibiotic prophylaxis was 52.0%, varying from 92.8% in Shanxi to 17.3% in Hainan. The prevalence of clinician adherence to the WHO guideline was 79.9%, ranging from 93.4% in Shandong to 50.0% in Shanxi. Prophylactic antibiotic use was associated with cesarean delivery (AOR, 55.77; 95%CI, 25.74–120.86), operative vaginal delivery (AOR, 4.00; 95%CI, 1.64–9.78), preterm (AOR, 1.96; 95%CI, 1.60–2.41), premature rupture of membranes (PROM) (AOR, 2.80; 95%CI, 1.87–4.18), and meconium-stained amniotic fluid (AOR, 1.91; 95%CI, 1.30–2.81) in all deliveries and also episiotomy (AOR, 1.48; 95%CI, 1.02–2.16) in vaginal deliveries. Clinician adherence was positively associated with cesarean delivery (AOR, 5.72; 95%CI, 2.74–11.93) while negatively associated with operative vaginal delivery (AOR, 0.26; 95%CI, 0.11–0.61), PROM (AOR, 0.50; 95%CI, 0.35–0.70), and meconium-stained amniotic fluid (AOR, 0.66; 95%CI, 0.48–0.91) in all deliveries. In vaginal deliveries, clinician adherence was negatively associated with episiotomy (AOR, 0.67; 95%CI, 0.46–0.96) and severe perineal trauma (AOR, 0.09; 95%CI, 0.02–0.44). Besides, clinicians in general hospitals prescribed prophylactic antibiotics more likely (AOR, 2.79; 95%CI, 1.50–5.19) and had a lower adherence (AOR, 0.38; 95%CI, 0.20–0.71) than their peers in maternity hospitals.ConclusionsWe observed that about half of all deliveries in China received antibiotics for prophylaxis, and most deliveries were prescribed according to the WHO guideline. Furthermore, the two prevalence rates for prophylactic antibiotic use and clinician adherence varied widely across provinces of China.

Comparison of the predictive ability for perinatal acidemia in neonates between the NICHD 3-tier FHR system combined with clinical risk factors and the fetal reserve index.

Electronic fetal monitoring alone is a poor screening test for detecting fetuses at risk of acidemia or asphyxia. We aimed to evaluation of predictive ability of the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD) 3-tier fetal heart rate (FHR) system combined with the maternal, obstetric, and fetal risk factors for predicting perinatal acidemia, and to compare this with the predictive of the NICHD 3-tier system alone, and the Fetal Reserve Index (FRI). A retrospective cohort study was conducted among singleton term pregnant women. Fetal heart rate tracings of the last two hours before delivery were interpreted into the NICHD 3-tier FHR classification system by two experienced obstetricians. Demographic data were compared using the χ2 or Fisher's exact test for categorical variables and the Student's t test for continuous variables. Logistic regression model was used to identify factors associated with perinatal acidemia in neonates. The Odds ratios (OR) and probabilities with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated. A total of 674 pregnant women were enrolled in this study. Using the NICHD 3-tier FHR categories I and II combined with the selected risk factors (AUC 0.62) had a better performance for perinatal acidemia prediction than the NICHD 3-tier FHR alone (AUC 0.55) and the FRI (AUC 0.52), (P<0.01). Improvement of predicting perinatal acidemia was found when NICHD category I was combined with preeclampsia or arrest disorders of labor (OR 3.2, 95% CI 1.30‒7.82) or combined with abnormal second stage of labor (OR 6.19, 95% CI 1.07‒36.06) and when NICHD category II was combined with meconium-stained amniotic fluid (OR 4.73, 95% CI 2.17‒10.31). The NICHD 3-tier FHR categories I or II combined with selected risk factors can improve the predictive ability of perinatal acidemia in neonates compared with the NICHD 3-tier system alone or the FRI.

The effect of maternal age and duration of labor on perinatal and neonatal outcomes: a retrospective cohort study.

This study aimed to investigate the effect of maternal age and duration of labor on perinatal and neonatal outcomes. The results of this study are expected to provide a basis to aid maternal and child health care personnel to implement health education for late childbearing women. This was a retrospective observational study, wherein 9,241 parturients were included from 2016 to 2018. Parturients were divided into three groups based on age: <28 (n=2,911), 28-30 (n=3,631), and >30 (n=2,699) years. According to the total duration of labor, those who did not undergo cesarean section (CS) were subgrouped into <420 minutes (n=4,065) and ≥420 minutes (n=4,094) groups. A multivariate logistic regression model was used to investigate associations between age/total duration of labor group factors to different postpartum outcomes, including a switch to emergency CS, puerperal morbidity, abnormal fetal heart rate, and meconium-stained amniotic fluid (MSAF). The rates of postpartum outcomes significantly differed in maternal age groups, including switch to emergency CS (9.07% vs. 13.03% vs. 11.23%; P<0.001), puerperal morbidity (6.32% vs. 6.46% vs. 5.00%; P=0.035), and abnormal fetal heart rate (25.34% vs. 28.21% vs. 25.67%; P=0.017). Of the comparisons between labor time groups, it was found that participants with longer labor time were also significantly higher in the use of episiotomy/forceps (46.61% vs. 69.77%; P<0.001), bleeding amount (381.35±108.02 vs. 389.60±146.40 mL; P=0.004), oxytocin use (25.03% vs. 39.56%; P<0.001), puerperal morbidity (1.98% vs. 6.86%; P<0.001), abnormal fetal heart rate (20.07% vs. 25.15%; P<0.001), and MSAF (26.53% vs. 31.91%; P<0.001). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that as age increased, the ORs of switching to emergency CS (1.58 and 1.87, both P<0.001) and having abnormal fetal heart rate (1.20 and 1.38; both P<0.01) also increased. Participants with longer labor time groups the ORs of puerperal morbidity (2.33; P<0.001) and MSAF (1.13; P=0.023) also increased. With the adjustment of covariates. Higher maternal age seems associated to the risk of switching to emergency CS and having abnormal fetal heart rate; longer total duration of labor seems associated to the risk of puerperal morbidity and MSAF.