Oxytocin For Augmentation Of Labor Research Articles

Patterns of oxytocin use for induction and augmentation of labour among healthcare providers in Nigeria

BackgroundThe practice of intrapartum use of oxytocin for induction and augmentation of labour is increasing worldwide with documented wide variations in clinical use, especially dose administrations. There is also evidence of intrapartum use by unauthorized cadre of staff.AimThis study assessed the patterns – frequency of intrapartum use of oxytocin, the doses and routes of administration for induction and augmentation of labour, and identified the predictors of oxytocin use for induction and augmentation of labour by healthcare providers in Nigeria.MethodsThis was a cross-sectional study conducted among healthcare providers – doctors, nurses/midwives and community health workers (CHWs) in public and private healthcare facilities across the country’s six geopolitical zones. A multistage sampling technique was used to select 6,299 eligible healthcare providers who use oxytocin for pregnant women during labour and delivery. A self-administered questionnaire was used to collect relevant data and analysed using STATA 17 statistical software. Summary and inferential statistics were done and further analyses using multivariable regression models were performed to ascertain independent predictor variables of correct patterns of intrapartum oxytocin usage. The p-value was set at < 0.05.ResultsOf the 6299 respondents who participated in the study, 1179 (18.7%), 3362 (53.4%), and 1758 (27.9%) were doctors, nurses/midwives and CHWs, respectively. Among the respondents, 4200 (66.7%) use oxytocin for augmentation of labour while 3314 (52.6%) use it for induction of labour. Of the 1758 CHWs, 37.8% and 49% use oxytocin for induction and augmentation of labour, respectively. About 10% of the respondents who use oxytocin for the induction or augmentation of labour incorrectly use the intramuscular route of administration and about 8% incorrectly use intravenous push. Being a doctor, and a healthcare provider from government health facilities were independent positive predictors of the administration of correct dose oxytocin for induction and augmentation of labour. The CHWs were most likely to use the wrong route and dose administration of oxytocin for the induction and augmentation of labour.ConclusionOur study unveiled a concerning clinical practice of intrapartum oxytocin use by healthcare providers in Nigeria – prevalence of intrapartum use of oxytocin, inappropriate routes of administration for induction and augmentation of labour, varied and inappropriately high start dose of administration including unauthorized and high intrapartum use of oxytocin among CHWs.

Pulmonary oedema in the course of severe maternal outcome in South Africa: A cohort study combined with clinical audit.

To describe the incidence and outcomes of pulmonary oedema in women with severe maternal outcome during childbirth and identify possible modifiable factors through audit. All women with severe maternal outcome (maternal deaths or near misses) who were referred to Tygerberg referral hospital from health facilities in Metro East district, South Africa, during 2014-2015 were included. Women with severe maternal outcome and pulmonary oedema during pregnancy or childbirth were evaluated using three types of critical incident audit: criterion-based case review by one consultant gynaecologist, monodisciplinary critical incident audit by a team of gynaecologists, multidisciplinary audit with expert review from anaesthesiologists and cardiologists. Of 32,161 pregnant women who gave birth in the study period, 399 (1.2%) women had severe maternal outcome and 72/399 (18.1%) had pulmonary oedema with a case fatality rate of 5.6% (4/72). Critical incident audit demonstrated that pre-eclampsia/HELLP-syndrome and chronic hypertension were the main conditions underlying pulmonary oedema (44/72, 61.1%). Administration of volumes of intravenous fluids in already sick women, undiagnosed underlying cardiac illness, administration of magnesium sulphate as part of pre-eclampsia management and oxytocin for augmentation of labour were identified as possible contributors to the pathophysiology of pulmonary oedema. Women-related factors (improved antenatal care attendance) and health care-related factors (earlier diagnosis and management) would potentially have improved maternal outcome. Although pulmonary oedema in pregnancy is rare, among women with severe maternal outcome a considerable proportion had pulmonary oedema (18.1%). Audit identified options for prevention of pulmonary oedema and improved outcome. These included early detection and management of preeclampsia with close monitoring of fluid intake and cardiac evaluation in case of suspected pulmonary oedema. Therefore, a multidisciplinary clinical approach is recommended.

Comparative study between high dose versus low dose oxytocin for augmentation of labor in relation to maternal and fetal outcome

Background: The use of oxytocin is common for shortening labor to reduce maternal and fetal morbidity. However, the use of various dosage forms for labor induction is limited. Therefore, the present study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of high vs low dose oxytocin for labor augmentation and its impact on maternal and neonatal outcome. Materials and Method: This randomized, controlled study included100 subjects who were randomly assigned to Groups I (low dose oxytocin) and II (high dose oxytocin) with 50 subjects each. Maternal parameters like mode of delivery, labor duration, tachysystole, post-partum hemorrhage, uterine atony, uterine rupture, chorioamnionitis, and maternal mortality were assessed. Fetal parameters such as Apgar score and duration of NICU admission were assessed. Data was analyzed using Chi-square test. P value of &lt;0.05 was regarded statistically significant. Results: Significant differences were observed among two groups with respect to age and weight (p=0.027 and p=0.001). Duration of labor showed a significant difference for augmentation to full dilatation interval (AFD) and augmentation to delivery (AD) (p&lt;0.001) between two groups.

Effect of Oxytocin Augmentation on Neonatal Bilirubin Levels : A Case Control Study

Introduction - Hyperbilirubinemia is a commonly encountered problem in both term as well as preterminfants and is a source of concern to neonatologists.Aim- to determine the relationship between the usage of oxytocin during labour and the developmentof neonatal hyperbilirubinemia.Methodology- a case controlled study was conducted. 50 patients were given intravenous oxytocinfor the augmentation of their labour and 50 patients delivered spontaneously without the usage ofoxytocin during their labour. The neonates born to both these categories of patients were studied fortheir bilirubin levels of day 2 of life.Results- hyperbilirubinemia developed in 34% of the neonates whose mothers were given oxytocin foraugmentation of labour and hyperbilirubinemia developed in only 14% of the neonates whose mothersdelivered spontaneously without the usage of oxytocin.Conclusion- A positive relationship between the usage of oxytocin during labour and development ofneonatal hyperbilirubinemia has been established.

Prospective evaluation of clinical characteristics and maternal outcomes of women with pathologically confirmed postpartum retained placental fragments

Objective To determine the incidence, risk factors, and short-term maternal outcomes of women with pathologically confirmed retained products of conception (RPOC) following vaginal delivery. Methods Prospective cohort study of women with suspicion of RPOC following vaginal delivery, from March 2018 to April 2019. Women were followed for eight weeks postpartum. Women with complete retained placenta were excluded. Women with pathologically confirmed RPOC were compared to those without. Univariate analysis was conducted (ORs; [95% CI]) and was followed by multivariate analysis (aOR; [95% CI]). Results During the study period, there were 16,583 vaginal deliveries. A total of 96 women (0.58%) with a suspicion of RPOC were enrolled, of these, 53 women (55%) had pathologically confirmed RPOC. The most significant risk factors for pathologically confirmed RPOC were placental abruption (aOR 5.0 [2.29–11.13]) and Oxytocin augmentation of labor (aOR 1.7 [1.07–2.63]). Pathologically confirmed RPOC were associated with higher rates of prolonged hospitalization (OR 9.2 [2.83–30.05]), postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) (OR 6.6 [3.60–11.98]), hemoglobin drop > 3 g/dl (OR 11.4 [5.49–23.49]), and blood transfusion (OR 8.6 [2.07–38.18]). Women who had exploration of uterine cavity without pathological confirmation of RPOC, still had higher rates of perineal laceration (OR 17.6 [4.93–63.08]), PPH (OR 6.1 [3.05–12.21]), and a hemoglobin drop > 3 g/dl (OR 6.0 [2.13–16.95]). Conclusions Pathologically confirmed RPOC following vaginal delivery has unique characteristics and is associated with significantly higher rates of PPH and blood transfusions. These findings may assist in the development of better criteria for selecting women for manual exploration and for preventive measures to reduce PPH and complications.

Does giving birth in a "birth environment room" versus a standard birth room lower augmentation of labor? - Results from a randomized controlled trial.

In the last decade, there has been an increased interest in exploring the impact of the physical birth environment on midwifery practice and women's birth experiences. This study is based on the hypothesis that the environment for birth needs greater attention to improve some of the existing challenges in modern obstetric practice, for example the increasing use of augmentation and number of interventions during delivery. A randomized controlled trial was carried out to study the effect of giving birth in a specially designed "birth environment room" on the use of augmentation during labor. The study took place at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Herning Hospital, Denmark and included 680 nulliparous women in spontaneous labor at term with a fetus in cephalic presentation. Women were randomly allocated to either the "birth environment room" or a standard birth room. The primary outcome was augmentation of labor by use of oxytocin. Secondary outcomes were duration of labor, use of pharmacological pain relief, and mode of birth. Differences were estimated as relative risks (RR) and presented with 95% confidence intervals. No difference was found on the primary outcome, augmentation of labor (29.1% in the "birth environment room" versus 30.6% in the standard room, RR 0.97; 0.89-1.08). More women in the "birth environment room" used the bathtub (60.6% versus 52.4%, RR 1.18; 1.02-1.37), whereas a tendency to lower use of epidural analgesia (22.6% versus 28.2%) did not reach statistical significance (RR 0.87; 0.74-1.02). The chance of an uncomplicated birth was almost similar in the two groups (70.6% in the "birth environment room" versus 72.6% in the standard room, RR 0.97; 0.88-1.07) as were duration of labor (mean 7.9 hours in both groups). Birthing in a specially designed physical birth environment did not lower use of oxytocin for augmentation of labor. Neither did it have any effect on duration of labor, use of pharmacological pain relief, and chance of birthing without complications. We recommend that future trials are conducted in birth units with greater improvement potentials.

Dosage of oxytocin for augmentation of labor and women's childbirth experiences: A randomized controlled trial.

IntroductionThe aim of this study was to compare childbirth experiences and experience of labor pain in primiparous women who had received high‐ vs low‐dose oxytocin for augmentation of delayed labor.Material and methodsA multicenter, parallel, double‐blind randomized controlled trial took place in six Swedish labor wards. Inclusion criteria were healthy primiparous women at term with uncomplicated singleton pregnancies, cephalic fetal presentation, spontaneous onset of labor, confirmed delayed labor progress and ruptured membranes. The randomized controlled trial compared high‐ vs low‐dose oxytocin used for augmentation of a delayed labor progress. The Childbirth Experience Questionnaire version 2 (CEQ2) was sent to the women 1 month after birth. The CEQ2 consists of 22 items in four domains: Own capacity, Perceived safety, Professional support and Participation. In addition, labor pain was reported with a visual analog scale (VAS) 2 hours postpartum and 1 month after birth. The main outcome was the childbirth experience measured with the four domains of the CEQ2. The clinical trial number is NCT01587625.ResultsThe CEQ2 was sent to 1203 women, and a total of 1008 women (83.8%) answered the questionnaire. The four domains of childbirth experience were scored similarly in the high‐ and low‐dose oxytocin groups of women: Own capacity (P = .36), Perceived safety (P = .44), Professional support (P = .84), Participation (P = .49). VAS scores of labor pain were reported as similar in both oxytocin dosage groups. Labor pain was scored higher 1 month after birth compared with 2 hours postpartum. There was an association between childbirth experiences and mode of birth in both the high‐ and low‐dose oxytocin groups.ConclusionsDifferent dosage of oxytocin for augmentation of delayed labor did not affect women’s childbirth experiences assessed through CEQ2 1 month after birth, or pain assessment 2 hours or 1 month after birth.

TO COMPARE THE EFFICACY OF PGE2 GEL AND 25ΜG OF INTRAVAGINAL MISOPROSTOL FOR INDUCTION OF LABOR IN TERM PROM

Background: Induction of labour is one of the most common obstetric interventions worldwide. The study was conducted to compare the efficacy and safety of 25µg (low dose) vaginal Misoprostol with intracervical Dinoprostone for cervical ripening and induction of labour in term pregnancy.&#x0D; Methods: For the purpose of this study, 100 term pregnancy patients (only primigravidae and second gravidae) were included who had spontaneous rupture of membrane before onset of labor. Data was collected from cases admitted in labor room at Pannadhay Mahila Chikitsalaya associated with RNT Medical College,Udaipur between July 2014 to July 2015.&#x0D; Results: Requirement of Oxytocin for augmentation of labor between group A and group B. It is evident from the table that oxytocin was required in only 16% of patients in group A, while 46% in group B. This indicates that requirement of oxytocin was significantly less in misoprostol group (P&lt;0.001).&#x0D; Conclusion: This study was designed to assess efficacy of a 25 μg misoprostol vaginal tablet, Finding confirms that vaginal misoprostol tablet is as effective as dinoprostone in cervical ripening and labour induction with dinoprostone.&#x0D; Keywords: Cervical ripening, Dinoprostone, Labour induction, Low- dose misoprostol.

Room4Birth - the effect of an adaptable birthing room on labour and birth outcomes for nulliparous women at term with spontaneous labour start: study protocol for a randomised controlled superiority trial in Sweden

BackgroundAn important prerequisite for optimal healthcare is a secure, safe and comfortable environment. There is little research on how the physical design of birthing rooms affects labour, birth, childbirth experiences and birthing costs. This protocol outlines the design of a randomised controlled superiority trial (RCT) measuring and comparing effects and experiences of two types of birthing rooms, conducted in one labour ward in Sweden.Methods/designFollowing ethics approval, a study design was developed and tested for feasibility in a pilot study, which led to some important improvements for conducting the study. The main RCT started January 2019 and includes nulliparous women presenting to the labour ward in active, spontaneous labour and who understand either Swedish, Arabic, Somali or English. Those who consent are randomised on a 1:1 ratio to receive care either in a regular room (control group) or in a newly built birthing room designed with a person-centred approach and physical aspects (such as light, silencer, media installation offering programmed nature scenes with sound, bathtub, birth support tools) that are changeable according to a woman’s wishes (intervention group). The primary efficacy endpoint is a composite score of four outcomes: no use of oxytocin for augmentation of labour; spontaneous vaginal births (i.e. no vaginal instrumental birth or caesarean section); normal postpartum blood loss (i.e. bleeding < 1000 ml); and a positive overall childbirth experience (7–10 on a scale of 1–10). To detect a difference in the composite score of 8% between the groups we need 1274 study participants (power of 80% with significance level 0.05). Secondary outcomes include: the four variables in the primary outcome; other physical outcomes of labour and birth; women’s self-reported experiences (the birthing room, childbirth, fear of childbirth, health-related quality of life); and measurement of costs in relation to the hospital stay for mother and neonate. Additionally, an ethnographic study with participant observations will be conducted in both types of birthing rooms.DiscussionThe findings aim to guide the design of birthing rooms that contribute to optimal quality of hospital-based maternity care.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov NCT03948815. Registered 13 May 2019—retrospectively registered.

Clinical experiences with the use of oxytocin injection by healthcare providers in a southwestern state of Nigeria: Across-sectional study.

BackgroundPostpartum hemorrhage (PPH) is a leading cause of maternal mortality in Nigeria and in most low- and middle-income countries. The World Health Organization (WHO) strongly recommends oxytocin as effective, affordable, and the safest drug of first choice in the prevention and treatment of PPH in the third stage of labor. However, there are concerns about its quality. Very high prevalence of poor-quality oxytocin, especially in Africa and Asia, has been reported in literature. Excessive and inappropriate use of oxytocin is also common in low-resource settings.ObjectiveTo assess clinical experiences with quality of oxytocin used by healthcare providers in Lagos State, Nigeria.MethodsThis was a descriptive cross-sectional study conducted in 2017, with 705 respondents (doctors and nurses) who use oxytocin for obstetrics and gynecological services recruited from 195 health facilities (public and registered private) across Lagos State. Data collection was quantitative, using a pretested self-administered questionnaire. Data analysis was performed with IBM SPSS version 21. Statistical significance was set at 5 percent (p<0.05). Ethical approval was obtained from Lagos University Teaching Hospital Health Research Ethics Committee.ResultsOnly 52 percent of the respondents knew oxytocin should be stored at 2°C to 8°C. About 80 percent of respondents used oxytocin for augmentation of labor, 68 percent for induction of labor, 51 percent for stimulation of labor, and 78 percent for management of PPH. Forty-one percent used 20IU and as much as 10% used 30IU to 60IU for management of PPH. About 13 percent of respondents reported believing they had used an ineffective brand of oxytocin in their practice. Just over a third (36%) had an available means of documenting or reporting perceived ineffectiveness of drugs in their facility; of these, only about 12 percent had pharmacovigilance forms in their facilities to report the ineffectiveness.ConclusionThe inappropriate and inconsistent use of oxytocin, especially overdosing, likely led to the high perception of medicine effectiveness among respondents. This is coupled with lack of suspicion of medicine ineffectiveness by clinicians as a possible root cause of poor treatment response or disease progression. Poor knowledge of oxytocin storage and consequent poor storage practices could have contributed to the ineffectiveness reported by some respondents. It is necessary to establish a unified protocol for oxytocin use that is strictly complied with. Continuous training of healthcare providers in medicine safety monitoring is advocated.

Inter-institutional variations in oxytocin augmentation during labour in German university hospitals: a national survey

BackgroundThere are several international guidelines on oxytocin regimens for induction and augmentation of labour, but no agreement on a standardised regimen in Germany. This study collated and reviewed the oxytocin regimens used for labour augmentation in university hospitals, with the long-term aim of contributing to the development of a national clinical guideline.MethodsGermany has 34 university hospital compounds, representing 39 maternity units. In this observational study we asked units to provide standard operational procedures on oxytocin augmentation during labour or provide the details in a structured survey. Data were collected on the dosage of oxytocin, type and volume of solutions used, indications and contraindications for use and discontinuation, case-specific administration, and on who developed the procedures. Findings were analysed descriptively.ResultsA total of 35 (90%) units participated in this study. Standard operating procedures were available in 24 units (69%), seven units (20%) did not have procedures and information was missing from four units (11%). Midwives participated in the development of standard operating procedures in 15 units (43%). Infusions were most commonly prepared using six units of oxytocin in 500 ml 0.9% normal saline solution (12 mU/ml). The infusions were started at 120 mU/hour and increased by 120 mU/hour at 20-min intervals up to a maximum dosage of 1200 mU/hour. The most common indication for use was delayed progress in labour. Infusions were stopped when uterine contractions became hypertonic and/or the fetal heart rate showed signs of distress. Most of the practices described aligned with international guidance. All units used reduced oxytocin dosages for women with a history of previous caesareans section, as recommended in the international guidelines, and restrictive use was advised in multiparous women. The main difference between units related to combined use of amniotomy and oxytocin, recommended by three guidelines but used in only four maternity units (11%).ConclusionsWhile there was considerable variation in the oxytocin augmentation procedures, most but not all practices used in these 35 German maternity units were comparable. Establishing a national guideline on the criteria for and administration of oxytocin for augmentation of labour would eliminate the observed differences and minimise risk of administration and medication error.

Can Oxytocin Augmentation Modify the Risk of Epidural Analgesia by Maternal Age in Cesarean Sections?

(Acta Obstet Gynecol Scand. 2018;97:872–879) Oxytocin augmentation of labor is often used in the setting of labor dystocia to increase the likelihood of vaginal delivery, and therefore avoid cesarean section. Increasing maternal age is an established risk factor for cesarean section. Oxytocin augmentation has been found to occur more frequently among women receiving epidural analgesia, and the authors of this study proposed associations may exist among epidural analgesia, oxytocin augmentation, and maternal age and the correlation with cesarean section. This study examined the effects and interactions of oxytocin augmentation, epidural analgesia and maternal age on the risk of cesarean section in nulliparous women.

Efficacy and Safety of Sublingual versus Vaginal Misoprostol for Pre-induction Cervical Ripening among Primigravida

Introduction: Induction of labor is an intervention intended to artificially initiate uterine contractions resulting in progressive effacement and dilatation of the cervix. This is a common intervention during pregnancy in both industrialized and non-industrialized countries.Misoprostol is the commonly used induction agent. The objective of this study was to compare the efficacy of sublingual route of misoprostol with that of vaginal for pre-induction cervical ripening at term among Primigravida.Methods: This study was a hospital based cross sectional comparative study, conducted at a tertiary center, Kathmandu over a period of 6 months extending from July 2010 to December 2010. Primigravida at 40-42 weeks of gestation who met the inclusion criteria were enrolled in this study and were randomly enrolled for sublingual misoprostol and vaginal misoprostol.Results: More women in the vaginal misoprostol group had Bishop score more than six after 8 hours of insertion of first dose (80%) compared to those who received sublingual misoprostol (48%). The mean induction to delivery interval was shorter in the vaginal misoprostol group (12.12 hours) compared to (12.96) in sublingual group. Use of oxytocin for augmentation of labour was required more in the sublingual group but the difference was not significant statistically.Conclusion: Both sublingual and vaginal routes of misoprostol administration were equally effective and appeared safe for pre-induction cervical ripening at term.

Efficacy and Safety of Sublingual versus Vaginal Misoprostol for Pre-induction Cervical Ripening among Primigravida

&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Introduction: &lt;/strong&gt;Induction of labor is an intervention intended to artificially initiate uterine contractions resulting in progressive effacement and dilatation of the cervix. This is a common intervention during pregnancy in both industrialized and non-industrialized countries.Misoprostol is the commonly used induction agent. The objective of this study was to compare the efficacy of sublingual route of misoprostol with that of vaginal for pre-induction cervical ripening at term among Primigravida.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Methods:&lt;/strong&gt; This study was a hospital based cross sectional comparative study, conducted at a tertiary center, Kathmandu over a period of 6 months extending from July 2010 to December 2010. Primigravida at 40-42 weeks of gestation who met the inclusion criteria were enrolled in this study and were randomly enrolled for sublingual misoprostol and vaginal misoprostol.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Results: &lt;/strong&gt;More women in the vaginal misoprostol group had Bishop score more than six after 8 hours of insertion of first dose (80%) compared to those who received sublingual misoprostol (48%). The mean induction to delivery interval was shorter in the vaginal misoprostol group (12.12 hours) compared to (12.96) in sublingual group. Use of oxytocin for augmentation of labour was required more in the sublingual group but the difference was not significant statistically.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Conclusion: &lt;/strong&gt;Both sublingual and vaginal routes of misoprostol administration were equally effective and appeared safe for pre-induction cervical ripening at term. &lt;/p&gt;

De-medicalization of birth by reducing the use of oxytocin for augmentation among first-time mothers \u2013 a prospective intervention study

BackgroundThe use of synthetic oxytocin for augmentation of labor is rapidly increasing worldwide. Hyper-stimulation is the most significant side effect, which may cause fetal distress and operative delivery. We performed an intervention consisting of an educational program and modified guidelines to achieve a more appropriate use of oxytocin.MethodsThis prospective intervention study included 431 first-time mothers at term with spontaneous onset of labor before (October 2012 to May 2013), and 664 after the intervention (April 2014 to April 2015). Our outcomes were prevalence and duration of oxytocin treatment, mode of delivery, indication for operative delivery, episiotomy, anal sphincter tears, bleeding, labor duration, pain relief and the effect of oxytocin on mode of delivery.ResultsAfter the intervention, 52.9% were diagnosed with dystocia, compared with 68.9% before (p < 0.001). Oxytocin was not always used in accordance with the guidelines, but a significant reduction in oxytocin rates from 63.3% to 54.1% (p < 0.001) was obtained. More women without dystocia according to the existing guidelines were augmented after the intervention (18.9% vs 8.4%, p < 0.001). Assessing all labors, the median duration of oxytocin treatment was reduced by 72% (from 90 to 25 min) without increasing the median duration of labor (385 min in both groups). There was a moderate reduction in operative vaginal deliveries from 26.9 to 21.5% (p = 0.04), and dystocia as an indication for these deliveries increased (p = 0.01). There was a moderate increase in caesarean sections from 6.7 to 10.2% (p = 0.05), but no increase in dystocia as an indication for these deliveries. Women receiving oxytocin were more likely to have an operative vaginal birth, even after adjusting for birth weight, epidural analgesia and labor duration, OR: 2.1 (CI 1.1-4.0) before and OR 2.7 (CI 1.6-4.5) after the intervention.ConclusionsOur intervention led to a significant reduction in the use of oxytocin. However, more than half of the women remained diagnosed with dystocia. Operative vaginal births seem to be associated with oxytocin treatment. Therefore, augmentation with oxytocin should be used with caution and only when medically indicated. Even more modified guidelines for augmentation than the ones applied in this study might be appropriate.

Sequential Versus Concurrent Use of Vaginal Misoprostol Plus Foley Catheter for Induction of Labor: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

To compare between the sequential and concurrent use of vaginal misoprostol plus Foley catheter for labor induction. This single-center, non-blinded randomized study was conducted at the department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of medicine, Zagazig University. A total of 160 women with full term singleton pregnancy, cephalic presentation and bishop score≤6 were randomized for labor induction with either concurrent or sequential use of vaginal misoprostol plus Foley catheter (80 cases in each group). The primary outcome measured was induction-to-delivery interval and secondary outcomes mesaured were vaginal delivery within 24h, number of doses needed to induce labor, need of oxytocin for augmentation of labor, cesarean section rate, maternal or neonatal complications. The mean induction-to-delivery interval was 22.33±13.28h versus 18.45±14.34h (p=0.041) in sequential and concurrent group, respectively. The percentage of women who completed vaginal delivery within 24h was 51% versus 61% (p=0.046) in sequential and concurrent group, respectively. Other maternal and neonatal outcomes were similar in both groups. Concurrent use of vaginal misoprostol plus Foley catheter for labor induction was associated with shorter induction-to delivery interval compared to sequential use, and it increases the rate of vaginal delivery in the first 24h.

Management of Spontaneous Labor in Primigravidae: Labor Scale versus WHO Partograph (SLiP Trial) Randomized Controlled Trial

We aimed to compare maternal and neonatal outcomes of spontaneous term labor among primigravidae who were monitored by the novel labor scale versus the World Health Organization (WHO) partograph. A single center, double-blinded randomized trial had been conducted between July 2015 and June 2016. Nulliparous women in spontaneous labor with singleton term pregnancies were randomized to either labor scale or the WHO partograph for management of labor. Primary outcome was successful vaginal delivery. Secondary outcome included low APGAR scores, birth injuries, postpartum hemorrhage, and infection. One hundred ten patients were randomized (55 in each arm). Women managed with labor scale had significantly lower rate of cesarean deliveries than women managed with the partograph arm (3.6% versus 18.2%, P=0.03). There was a significant reduction in the rate and duration of oxytocin administration for augmentation of labor (21.8% versus 69.1%, P < 0.0001) and a significant increase in average 1-minute APGAR score in the labor scale group. Labor monitoring with the labor scale is associated with lower rate of cesarean section, less and shorter use of oxytocin for augmentation of labor. Monitoring of labor progress starting at 5 cm or more is also associated with lower rate of cesarean delivery.

Predictive factors of maternal hypothermia during Cesarean delivery: a prospective cohort study.

Although perioperative hypothermia may increase maternal morbidity, active warming is infrequently performed to maintain normothermia during Cesarean delivery (CD). The aim of this prospective observational study was to determine the factors associated with maternal hypothermia in this setting. Women scheduled for elective or emergency CD were consecutively included in this study from November 2014 to October 2015. Maternal temperature was measured using an infrared tympanic thermometer on the patient's arrival in the operating room, at skin incision, and at the end of skin suture. Maternal hypothermia was defined by tympanic temperature < 36°C at the end of skin suture. Univariate analysis was performed, followed by multivariate logistic regression analysis, in order to determine the factors associated with maternal hypothermia at the end of the surgery. Three hundred fifty-nine women were included and analyzed during this study. The incidence of hypothermia was 23% (95% confidence interval, 18 to 27) among the total population included. According to multivariate analysis, obesity, oxytocin augmentation of labour, and use of active forced-air warming were associated with a decreased risk of maternal hypothermia, while maternal temperature < 37.1°C on arrival in the operating room,maternal temperature < 36.6°C at skin incision, and an infused volume of fluids > 650mL were significantly associated with maternal hypothermia. Both goodness of fit and predictive value of multivariate analysis were high. Several predictive factors for maternal hypothermia during CD were identified. These factors should be taken into account to help prevent maternal hypothermia during CD.

Assessment and support during early labour for improving birth outcomes.

Assessment and support during early labour for improving birth outcomes.

Initial Preference for Labor Without Neuraxial Analgesia and Actual Use: Results from a National Survey in France.

The rate of neuraxial analgesia during labor in France is one of the highest among high-income countries: 77% of vaginal deliveries in 2010. In this context, the question of how women's preferences for delivering without neuraxial analgesia relate to actual use is of interest. Our objective was to study the factors associated with women's initial preference for labor without neuraxial analgesia and those associated with its use in women who initially preferred not to have it. We used data from the 2010 French National Perinatal Survey, a cross-sectional study of a representative sample of all births in France. Data were collected from interviews with mothers in the postpartum ward and from medical records. Our sample included 7123 women who had vaginal deliveries and were at low risk for cesarean delivery. The factors analyzed were maternal sociodemographic characteristics, prenatal care, childbirth class attendance, labor management, and organization of maternity units. Multilevel Poisson regression models were used to study factors associated with women's initial preference in the overall population and to study factors associated with actual use of neuraxial analgesia in the group of women who initially preferred not to have it. Initially, 26% of our population (n = 1835) preferred to deliver without neuraxial analgesia; this preference was associated with high parity, unfavorable social conditions, and delivery in a public maternity unit. Among these women, 52% (n = 961) delivered with neuraxial analgesia. This discrepancy between initial preference and actual use was significantly associated with nulliparity (adjusted relative risk [aRR] = 1.4; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.3-1.6), oxytocin augmentation of labor (aRR = 2.4; 95% CI, 2.1-2.7), presence of an anesthesiologist in the unit 24/7 (aRR = 1.4; 95% CI, 1.2-1.6; compared with delivery in hospitals without an anesthesiologist on site 24/7), and high midwife workload (aRR = 1.1; 95% CI, 1.0-1.2). There was no clear association with maternal educational level. Our results suggest that parity, the management of labor, and availability of anesthesiologists play a major role in the intrapartum decision to use neuraxial analgesia for women who initially preferred not to have it. Further research is necessary in the clinical circumstances leading to this decision and the role of women's demands and medical staff attitudes throughout labor.