Previous Cesarean Delivery Research Articles

Maternal and perinatal health in undocumented migrants: estimating access and outcomes through HMIS

Abstract Background Vulnerability and inequality are exacerbated in undocumented migrants, the most invisible to health systems. Objectives To estimate maternal and perinatal health needs in undocumented migrants and test a methodology for systematic monitoring & evaluation. Methods Population-based retrospective cohort study based on routine data through maternity records and temporary registration code in a sub-national Health Management Information System. Results 420924 deliveries including 1524 undocumented migrants having accessed maternity care through the NHS in Lombardy Region (Italy) from 2016 to 2021 were included. Demographics and social determinants: undocumented migrants were born in Europe (non-EU) (36%), Americas (30%), Africa (6%), Western Pacific (3%), South-East Asia (2%), Italy (2%), were stateless (7%); 52% had no/low schooling, 92% were unemployed and 52% non-married, compared to 15%, 20%, and 44% Italians. Obstetric history and antenatal care: 22% undocumented migrants had a previous abortion and 15% a previous cesarean delivery; 58% had ≥5 antenatal visits, 67% first ANC visit in trimester 1, 64% ≥ 2 ultrasounds incl. first in trimester 1, 6% full laboratory tests, compared to 90%, 97%, 97%, and 66% Italians. Intra-partum and perinatal care: 45% undocumented migrants delivered in a public hospital with neonatal intensive care unit; 69% had a normal delivery, 5% instrumental delivery, 10% and 27% emergency and total cesarean section; 2.6% neonates had emergency resuscitation and 49% were breastfed <2h from birth. Outcomes: 81% physiological pregnancies, 2.3% severe hemorrhage, 4.8% intra-uterine growth retardation, 9.3% pre-term delivery, 17% small for gestational age, 7% low birth weight, 0.6% poor Apgar score, 3% malformations. Conclusions Maternal and perinatal health was poor in undocumented migrants, varying by birthplace. Social determinants, health coverage and outcomes showed vulnerability and inequality compared to the general population. Key messages • Tailored interventions are needed: outreach health promotion on safe motherhood and neonatal care, healthcare provider training, cultural mediation, translation, and functional language learning. • A systematic monitoring and evaluation system needs to routinely collect, integrate, and analyze data on key indicators.

Previous caesarean delivery and the presence of caesarean scar defects could affect pregnancy outcomes after in vitro fertilization frozen-thawed embryo transfer: a retrospective cohort study

BackgroundDue to various iatrogenic and social factors, the global caesarean delivery (CD) rate has risen sharply in the past 30 years. It is more complicated and dangerous for women with a scarred uterus to experience pregnancy again than for women with a previous vaginal delivery (VD). In this study we investigated the impact of previous caesarean delivery (CD) and caesarean scar defects (CSDs) on pregnancy outcomes after in vitro fertilization frozen-thawed embryo transfer (IVF-FET).MethodsWe conducted a retrospective cohort study that included 1122 women aged < 40 years who had a history of only one parturition (after 28 weeks of pregnancy) and who underwent their first FET cycle between January 2014 and January 2020. Patients were divided into the CD group, VD group, and CSD group. Thereafter, according to the number of transferred embryos, the CD, VD, and CSD groups were divided into the single embryo transfer (SET) group and the double embryo transfer (DET) group. Outcome measures in this study were live birth, clinical pregnancy, multiple pregnancy, ectopic pregnancy, pregnancy loss, pregnancy complications, preterm birth, and neonatal birth weight. Multivariate logistic regression was performed to evaluate the relationship between pregnancy outcomes and CD.ResultsIn SET patients, the clinical pregnancy and live birth rates were decreased in the CSD group compared with the VD and CD groups. In DET patients, the clinical pregnancy and live birth rates were significantly lower in theCSD group than in the CD and VD groups. After adjustment for confounders, previous CD and CSD were associated with a significantly lower clinical pregnancy rate and live birth rate than previous VD in the total sample. This effect was observed in DET patients, but not in SET patients. Additionally, DET patients with previous CD had a significantly higher multiple pregnancy rate (AOR = 0.47, 95% CI = 0.29, 0.75, P = 0.002) than those with previous VD, but no significant associations were observed in CSD and multiple pregnancies (AOR = 0.55, 95% CI = 0.23, 1.34, P = 0.192) between DET patients with CD and those with VD after adjusting for potential confounders.ConclusionsOur study showed that during an FET cycle, previous CD and the presence of a CSD could negatively affect pregnancy outcomes especially in DET patients.

Development and Internal Validation of a Risk Prediction Model for Acute Cardiovascular Morbidity in Preeclampsia.

Women with preeclampsia are at increased short-term risk of adverse cardiovascular outcomes during pregnancy and the early postpartum period. We aimed to develop and internally validate a risk assessment tool to predict acute cardiovascular morbidity in preeclampsia. The study was conducted at an academic obstetrics hospital. Participants with preeclampsia at delivery from 2007 to 2017 were included. A model to predict acute cardiovascular morbidity at delivery and within 6 weeks after delivery was developed and evaluated. The primary composite outcome included pulmonary edema/acute heart failure, myocardial infarction, aneurysm, cardiac arrest/ventricular fibrillation, heart failure/arrest during surgery or procedure, cerebrovascular disorders, cardiogenic shock, conversion of cardiac rhythm, and difficult-to-control severe hypertension. We assessed model discrimination and calibration. We used bootstrapping for internal validation. A total of 4171 participants with preeclampsia were included. The final model comprised 8 variables. Predictors positively associated with acute cardiovascular morbidity (presented as odds ratio with 95% confidence interval) were: gestational age at delivery (20-36 weeks: 5.36 [3.67-7.82]; 37-38 weeks: 1.75 [1.16-2.64]), maternal age (≥ 40 years: 1.65 [1.00-2.72]; 35-39 years: 1.49 [1.07-2.09]), and previous caesarean delivery (1.47 [1.01-2.13]). The model had an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.72 (95% CI 0.69-0.74). Moreover, it was adequately calibrated and performed well on internal validation. This risk prediction tool identified women with preeclampsia at highest risk of acute cardiovascular morbidity. If externally validated, this tool may facilitate early interventions aimed at preventing adverse cardiovascular outcomes in pregnancy and postpartum.

OUTCOMES OF AUTOLOGOUS SINGLE THAWED EUPLOID EMBRYO TRANSFER IN WOMEN WITH HISTORY OF A PREVIOUS CESARIAN SECTION

Patients with a previous cesarean delivery (CS) who underwent a single euploid embryo transfer (SEET) have been shown to have a marked reduction in implantation, ongoing pregnancy and live birth. However, whether the mode of conception for the first pregnancy (i.e. spontaneous pregnancy vs pregnancy via assisted reproductive technology (ART)) and subsequent CS has any effect on the outcome of a subsequent SEET is yet to be understood. The objective of this study is to compare clinical outcomes of secondary pregnancy attempt via SEET in patients with initial ART treatment and primary CS compared to patients with initial spontaneous pregnancy and primary CS.

Large for gestational age presenting twin: Risk factors, maternal and perinatal outcomes

ObjectiveIn singleton pregnancies, delivery of large for gestational age (LGA) newborn is associated with various adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes, yet data regarding LGA in twin pregnancies is scarce. We aimed at evaluating maternal and neonatal outcomes associated with LGA presenting twin. Study designA multicenter retrospective computerized database study in two university-affiliated obstetrical centers, between 2005 and 2021. Parturients with di-amniotic twin pregnancy who had a trial of vaginal delivery were included. Maternal and neonatal outcomes of parturients with LGA presenting twin were compared to parturients with non-LGA presenting twin. ResultsDuring the study period, 2,491 parturients with twin pregnancies were found eligible, of those 287 (11.5%) had LGA presenting twin. Parturients with LGA presenting twin were of higher gravidity and parity, had higher rates of previous cesarean deliveries and diabetes (pre-gestational & gestational). Mode of delivery of both presenting and second twin did not differ between the study groups. Maternal outcomes were comparable, specifically, rates of shoulder dystocia, and postpartum hemorrhage did not differ. Neonatal outcomes did not differ significantly between the groups other than a single case of clavicular fracture and a single case of encephalopathy in the group of LGA presenting twin. ConclusionIn our study, delivery of LGA presenting twin was found safe to both, mother and neonate. Our findings provide reassurance regarding the safety of vaginal labor in this specific population and should be presented during counseling prior to twins' delivery.

Maternal and neonatal characteristics associated with clinical outcomes of TOLAC from 2012-20 in the USA: Evidence from a retrospective cohort study.

SummaryBackgroundThe risks of a few maternal and/or neonatal morbidities are higher with the trial of labour after caesarean (TOLAC) owing to unplanned caesarean delivery. Thus, it is imperative to consider the trade-off between the risk of side effects and the potential benefits before TOLAC utilisation and whether TOLAC should be provided to women with specific characteristics related to previous caesarean delivery. We aimed to investigate maternal and neonatal characteristics associated with TOLAC utilisation, compare maternal and/or neonatal morbidities in TOLAC women with women who chose planned caesarean deliveries, and assess specific characteristics related to maternal and/or neonatal morbidities in women with TOLAC utilisation.MethodsIn this retrospective cohort study, we used nationwide, linked birth and infant death data in the United States between 2012 and 2020, which covers all 50 states in the US. Poisson regression models using generalised estimating equations yielded adjusted prevalence ratios (aPRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of TOLAC utilisation and unsuccessful TOLAC by maternal and neonatal characteristics. Logistic regression models using generalised estimating equations yielded adjusted odds ratios (aORs) with 95% CIs of maternal and neonatal morbidities. Statistical analysis was performed from February 2022 to July 2022.FindingsThe sample included 4,898,441 women with mean (SD) maternal age years (5.4 years; range 13–50). Several specific maternal and neonatal characteristics were significantly associated with unsuccessful TOLAC, although women with TOLAC utilisation were associated with significantly lower risks of maternal unplanned hysterectomy (aOR, 0.60; 95% CI, 0.60–0.61), admission to intensive care (aOR, 0.84; 95% CI, 0.84–0.85), and neonatal seizures (aOR, 0.80; 95% CI, 0.74–0.84). In women who attempted TOLAC, advanced maternal age, higher maternal body mass index, more than 2 previous caesarean deliveries, having maternal co-morbidities and fetal malpresentation increased the likelihood of maternal and neonatal morbidities.InterpretationWhen utilising TOLAC, specific maternal and neonatal characteristics in pregnant women should be considered in conjunction with the potential benefits of TOLAC in preventing maternal and neonatal morbidities.FundingThis study is funded by the Clinical Medicine Plus X - Young Scholars Project, Peking University, the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities (No: PKU2022LCXQ008).

The synergistic effects of short inter-pregnancy interval and micronutrients deficiency on third-trimester depression.

ObjectiveTo explore the effect of inter-pregnancy interval (IPI) and micronutrients on depression in the third trimester of pregnancy.Materials and methodsA total of 5,951 eligible pregnant women were included in this single-center retrospective cohort study. Variables with potential effects on third-trimester depression were collected. These variables included: maternal factors [age, pregnancy interval, body mass index (BMI), BMI change, gravidity, native place, education, smoking, and alcohol consumption], previous delivery outcomes [preterm birth, preeclampsia, intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP), gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), fetal growth restriction (FGR), and delivery mode], and micronutrients in early pregnancy (folic acid, 25-hydroxy vitamin D, vitamin B12, calcium, and ferritin). Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to screen the factors affecting the occurrence of depression. Based on these factors, the nomogram model was established. At the same time, the interaction between IPI and micronutrients was verified.ResultsThe incidence of depression in the third trimester of pregnancy was 4.3%. Univariate and multivariate analysis showed that there were five independent risk factors for third-trimester depression: gravidity, previous cesarean section delivery, folic acid, and vitamin D levels in early pregnancy and IPI. According to the multivariate logistic regression analysis, the prediction model and nomogram were established. The prediction cut-offs of the corresponding factors were calculated according to the Youden index. Finally, the synergistic effect of short IPI and micronutrient deficiency was verified.ConclusionThere is a synergistic effect between short IPI and micronutrient deficiency in early pregnancy, which can aggravate the occurrence of depression in late pregnancy.

A Retrospective Chart Review Study Title of Project: Analysis of Caesarean Sections Using Robson 10-Group Classification System at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation, Georgetown, Guyana, South America

Background: The WHO recommends a cesarean delivery rate (CDR) of less than 15%. The CDR at GPHC increased from 17.8% in 2010 to a peak of 26.1% in 2019, nearly twice the WHO recommendation. The purpose of this study is to analyze trends of and the CDR using Robson 10-group classification system (R-TGCS) at a tertiary facility in Guyana (Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation). Methods: This study is a facility based, one-year retrospective chart review of patients who had cesarean deliveries (CDs) between January 1st, 2019 and December 31st, 2019. Pertinent information including maternal age, gestational age at delivery, gravidity and parity and indication for CD, were collected. The overall CDR was calculated and information on each patient was used to allot the patients into one of the ten R-TGCS. The dependent variable was Robson classification group. Results: The total number of CDs for the period was 1641 out of 6277 deliveries above 28 weeks gestational age. Demographically, the most common age range of the cohort was 20-34 years, accounting for 73.8% of the cohort. The mean duration of hospitalization after CD was 3.5 (±3) days. The mean gestational age at delivery was 38 (±2.2) weeks. The most common indications for CD were non reassuring fetal heart tracings (32.2%), previous CD pre-labor (17.9%) and previous CS in labor (9.3%). The most common R-TGCS groups Conclusion: The study showed that groups 5 (multipara with scarred uterus/previous CD), 1 (nullipara in labor) and 3 (multipara without scarred uterus/previous CD) were the major contributors to the overall CDR, with group 5 alone contributing one-quarter to the CDR. Keywords: Robson’s Ten-Group Classification, Cesarean delivery.

Vaginal misoprostol versus combined intracervical foley’s catheter and oxytocin infusion for second trimester pregnancy termination in women with previous caesarean sections: a randomised control trial

Second trimester pregnancy termination has been reported to be associated with 3–5 times higher maternal morbidity and mortality risks more than first trimester termination. Medical methods had been thoroughly assessed and it is considered the anchor of the safe abortion care. Howevere, there is no global agreement regarding the ideal method for induction of the second trimester abortion in a scarred uterus. The aim of this study was to achieve vaginal expulsion in an expeditious manner with less maternal complications. A total of 158 women having, a history of previous caesarean section undergoing second trimester pregnancy termination, were randomly allocated into group (1) vaginal misoprostol group (n = 79) or group (2) combined intracervical foley’s catheter plus intravenous oxytocin infusion group (n = 79). The primary endpoint was complete fetal expulsion. Meanwhile, secondary outcomes were the rates of maternal complications, in terms of the need for surgical evacuation of retained product of conception (ERPOC), severe haemorrhage, uterine rupture, blood transfusion, cervical laceration, diarrhoea, vomiting and fever. The registration number of this trial https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04501809. This study showed that the combined use of intracervical foley’s catheter and oxytocin is an effective, and safe alternative to vaginal misoprostol for termination of the second trimester pregnancy in women having a previous caesarean delivery. Impact statement Why was this study conducted? The purpose of this study is to achieve an expeditious delivery for second trimester pregnancy termination in a scarred uterus by combined mechanical and pharmacological methods without significant morbidity. Physicians should balance the benefit of achieving vaginal exlpusion in an expeditious manner versus the risk of uterine rupture or any other maternal complications. What does this add to what is known? This study showed that a combined mechanical and pharmacolohical approach for second trimester termination of pregnancy has comparable efficacy and safety to vaginal misoprostol which is more affordable to the low resources countries where termination of pregnancy in a scarred uterus still has an increased maternal morbidity. What is the implication of this study on clinical practice? The combined use of intracervical foley’s catheter with intravenous oxytocin infusion is a safer option than vaginal misoprostol with less serious maternal complications.

The safety of misoprostol alone use for second-trimester termination of pregnancy in women with previous caesarean deliveries

Purpose To investigate the safety of misoprostol use in second-trimester pregnancy termination among women with previous caesarean sections. Materials and methods This is a retrospective cohort study conducted in a tertiary centre, examining 359 patients whose pregnancy was terminated with misoprostol alone between 14 and 24 weeks with the indication of foetal anomalies. Two dose regimens were administered vaginally or sublingually: (1)400 mcg misoprostol every 3–6 h; (2) 200 mcg misoprostol every 3–6 h following a loading dose of 400 mcg. The patients were divided into three groups according to the number of previous caesarean sections (CSs) and compared in terms of demographic and clinical characteristics and complications. Termination-related complications were the primary outcomes considered. Results Of the 217 patients, 80 (36.8%) had no previous uterine scar, 79 (36.4%) had one previous CS, and 58 (26.7%) had at least two prior CSs. The overall complication rate was 0.9%. There were no differences among groups in terms of complications (p > 0.05). There was no difference in complications in women with prior CS when they were compared according to the misoprostol regimens used (p > 0.05). The total dose of misoprostol used ranged from200 to 3,600 mcg. The treatment success of misoprostol during the second trimester was 92.1%. According to regression analysis, an increase in the week of gestation increased the failure rate of misoprostol for inducing second-trimester abortion by 2.7 times (95%CI (1.38–5.39)). Conclusion Misoprostol alone is a safe and effective option for terminating second-trimester pregnancies with one or more previous CSs in settings where mifepristone is unavailable.

Outcomes and risk factors for failed trial of labor after cesarean delivery (TOLAC) in women with one previous cesarean section: a Chinese population-based study

ObjectiveTo evaluate the outcomes and risk factors for trial of labor after cesarean delivery (TOLAC) failure in patients in China.MethodsConsecutive patients who had a previous cesarean delivery (CD) and attempted TOLAC were included from 2014 to 2020. Patients who successfully delivered were classified into the TOLAC success group. Patients who attempted TOLAC but had a repeat CD due to medical issues were classified into the TOLAC failure group. Multiple logistic regression analyses were performed to examine the risk factors for TOLAC failure.ResultsIn total, 720 women who had a previous CD and attempted TOLAC were identified and included. The success rate of TOLAC was 84.2%(606/720). Seven patients were diagnosed with uterine rupture, none of whom underwent hysterectomy. Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that the induction of labor (OR = 2.843, 95% CI: 1.571–5.145, P < 0.001) was positively associated with TOLAC failure, but the thickness of the lower uterine segment (LUS) (OR = 0.215, 95% CI: 0.103–0.448, P < 0.001) was negatively associated with TOLAC failure.ConclusionsThis study suggested that TOLAC was effective in decreasing CD rates in the Chinese population. The induction of labor was positively associated with TOLAC failure, but the thickness of the LUS was negatively associated with TOLAC failure. Our findings need to be confirmed in larger samples with patients of different ethnicities.

Preterm Spontaneous Rupture of A Scarred Unicornuate Pregnant Uterus: A case report

&lt;p&gt;Uterine rupture is a life-threatening obstetrical complication. Most cases of uterine rupture are associated with a trial of labor with previous cesarean delivery or having a history of myomectomy. Herein, we describe a 33 year-old female with a spontaneous uterine rupture at 28 + 4 weeks gestation age resulting in a demised fetus. Fetal bradycardia and an irregular protruding &amp;ldquo;mass&amp;rdquo; over the left upper abdomen with no fetus in a boggy uterus were identified by sonography. An emergent cesarean section was performed and on entering the peritoneal cavity, a complete expulsion of the fetus and placenta from the uterine cavity was noted. A flaccid fetus without heartbeat with a large uterine ruptured scar extending from the left lower segment to left lateral wall were found. A right unicornuate uterus was confirmed later by hysterosalpingography and MRI. Spontaneous uterine rupture should be listed in the differential diagnosis of an acute abdomen during pregnancy.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;

Separation sign: novel ultrasound sign for ruling out diagnosis of placenta accreta spectrum.

ABSTRACTObjectiveTo assess the performance of the ‘separation sign’ as a predictor of normal placental separation in a large cohort of women at risk for placenta accreta spectrum (PAS) and in a high‐risk subgroup with placenta previa or anterior low‐lying placenta and at least one previous Cesarean delivery.MethodsThis was a prospective study of women at risk for PAS referred to a specialist clinic at between 22 and 38 weeks' gestation. All women underwent ultrasound assessment for the presence of the separation sign, which detects the difference in elasticity between the myometrium and the placenta, characterized by different rates of rebound after an ultrasound probe is used to apply pressure over the uteroplacental interface. When the sign is positive, the placenta appears to move relative to the myometrium, leading to the appearance or enhancement of the clear zone. The predictive performance of the separation sign for normal spontaneous placental separation at delivery was assessed.ResultsOf the 194 included women, 163 had a positive separation sign, all of whom went on to have normal placental separation at delivery. Of the 24 women with a negative separation sign, three (12.5%) had normal placental separation and 21 (87.5%) were diagnosed with PAS. This yielded a sensitivity of 98.2% (95% CI, 94.8–99.6%) and specificity of 100% (95% CI, 83.9–100%). In the high‐risk cohort (n = 35), a positive separation sign remained a reliable predictor of normal placental separation, with a positive predictive value of 100%, sensitivity of 88.9% (95% CI, 65.3–98.6%) and specificity of 100% (95% CI, 80.5–100%).ConclusionsThe separation sign could be a useful tool in women considered to be at risk for PAS, as it can facilitate the prediction of normal placental separation at delivery. This may prevent overtreatment, the associated iatrogenic morbidity and unnecessary allocation of clinical resources. © 2022 The Authors. Ultrasound in Obstetrics & Gynecology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.

Predicting Placenta Accreta Spectrum Disorders in a Cohort of Pregnant Patients in the North-East Region of Romania-Diagnostic Accuracy of Ultrasound and Magnetic Resonance Imaging.

Background: Placenta accreta spectrum (PAS) disorders are associated with high mortality and morbidity due to postpartum hemorrhage, hysterectomy, and organ injury, and a multidisciplinary team is required for an individualized case management. In this study, we assessed the diagnostic and prognostic accuracy of the most important ultrasonographic (US) and magnetic resonance imagining (MRI) markers for PAS disorders. Material and Methods: The study included 39 adult pregnant patients with at least one previous cesarean delivery and both US and MRI investigations for placenta previa evaluated at the tertiary maternity hospital ‘Cuza Voda’, Iasi, between 2019 and 2021. The following US signs were evaluated: intra-placental lacunae, loss of the retroplacental hypoechoic zone, myometrial thinning < 1 mm, bladder wall interruption, placental bulging, bridging vessels, and the hypervascularity of the uterovesical or retroplacental space. The MRI signs that were evaluated were intra-placental dark T2 bands, placental bulging, loss of the retroplacental hypointense line on T2 images, myometrial thinning, bladder wall interruption, focal exophytic placental mass, and abnormal vascularization of the placental bed. Results: The US and MRI signs analyzed in our study presented adequate sensitivities and specificities for PAS, but no sign proved to be a useful predictor by itself. The presence of three or more US markers for accretion was associated with a sensitivity of 84.6.6% and a specificity of 92.3% (p < 0.001). The presence of three or more MRI signs supplemented these results and were associated with a sensitivity of 92.3% and a specificity of 61.5% for predicting PAS (p < 0.001). Moreover, US and MRI findings were correlated with FIGO grading and severity of PAS. Conclusions: Even though no US or MRI finding alone can predict PAS with high sensitivity and specificity, our study proves that the presence of three or more imagistic signs could significantly increase the diagnostic accuracy of this condition. Furthermore, US and MRI could be useful tools for evaluating prognostic and perinatal planning.

Risk factor analysis in women who underwent trial of labor after cesarean section: a multicenter study in Germany

Objective:Rising caesarean delivery (CD) rates throughout the world are accompanied with high rates of severe maternal complications. The aim of the present study was to analyze the outcome of trial of labor after caesarean section (TOLAC) in a Western population and identify factors associated with the success of vaginal birth after caesarean section (VBAC).Material and Methods:A retrospective study was performed at two large obstetric departments in Germany from 2008 to 2018. Women with singleton pregnancies, a history of only one previous CD with a low transverse incision, a viable fetus in cephalic presentation, and gestational age >32 weeks were included in the study. The characteristics and outcome of successful VBAC and failed TOLAC were compared. A subgroup analysis addressed gestational age, interpregnancy interval, fetal macrosomia, body mass index, and maternal age.Results:Of 1,546 patients, 62.3% achieved VBAC while 37.7% had a secondary CD. Independent factors associated with the success of TOLAC were a history of vaginal birth in previous pregnancies (p<0.001) and the use of oxytocin (p<0.001), whereas preterm birth between gestational week 32 and 37 signified a higher risk of failed TOLAC (p=0.04). The success of VBAC did not differ significantly for patients older than 40 years of age, those with a shorter interpregnancy interval than 12 months, and fetal macrosomia with birth weight exceeding 4000 grams. Maternal and neonatal outcomes were poorer in women with failed TOLAC.Conclusion:Nearly two thirds of women with a history of CD achieve VBAC in Germany. Previous vaginal birth and the augmentation of labor with oxytocin are positively associated with the achievement of VBAC and no major perinatal complications. The decision to have a TOLAC should be encouraged in the majority of patients. Further studies are needed to evaluate the feasibility of TOLAC in preterm delivery.

Clinical risk factors of cesarean scar pregnancies

Objective: To explore the risk factors related to cesarean scar pregnancies (CSP). Methods: Among the patients during July 2016 to June 2021 in Peking University Third Hospital, 596 cases of CSP patients were included as study group, and 1 192 cases of intrauterine pregnancy(IUP) women with history of cesarean section(s) were chosen as control group through stratified sampling according to the civil year of previous cesarean section matched with CSP group. The correlation between the general situation of patients, the history of gravidity and parity, the history of surgeries in uterine cavity and the previous cesarean section and the occurrence of CSP was explored through multivariate logistic regression analysis. Results: The current age of 596 CSP patients was (34.6±4.4) years, and that of 1 192 IUP patients was (35.6±3.6) years (P<0.001). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the following factors may increase the risk of CSP: age<35 years old (OR=2.306, 95%CI: 1.774-2.998), history of medical abortion (OR=1.629, 95%CI 1.102-2.407), pregnancy interval<2 years from the last cesarean section (OR=2.147, 95%CI: 1.237-3.726), pregnancy interval ≥8 years from the last cesarean section (OR=1.474, 95%CI: 1.110-1.957), history of surgeries in uterine cavity before the last cesarean section (OR=2.558, 95%CI: 1.809-3.615), history of surgeries in uterine cavity after the last cesarean section (OR=8.020, 95%CI: 5.966-10.781), previous cesarean delivery ≥2 times (OR=14.051, 95%CI: 9.699-20.356) and history of previous cesarean sections before labor (OR=2.683, 95%CI: 1.930-3.731)(all P<0.05). Conclusions: The occurrence of CSP is related to the age of patients, the history of medical abortion, pregnancy interval, the history of surgeries in uterine cavity and the previous cesarean section, among which previous cesarean delivery ≥2 times and history of surgeries in uterine cavity after the last cesarean section are the strongly associated risk factors.

Time Matters: A Swedish Cohort Study of Labor Duration and Risk of Uterine Rupture

(Acta Obstet Gynecol Scand. 2021;100:1902–1909) In medium- to high-resource settings, a previous cesarean delivery (CD) is the main risk factor for uterine rupture, which is associated with maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality. Induction of labor and augmentation of labor with oxytocin are both modifiable risk factors but are also common in patients who do not experience uterine rupture. One risk factor that could potentially help identify patients at risk of uterine rupture is slower progression in labor. This study aimed to examine the relationship between duration of labor and uterine rupture in the first trial of labor after one CD. The study also aimed to evaluate risk factors such as induction and use of prostaglandins, oxytocin, and epidural analgesia.

Early arrivals: association of maternal obstetric factors with preterm births and their survival in India

ObjectivesPreterm birth (PTB) increases the risk of various acute and chronic morbidities and premature mortality in children under 5 years of age. The present study examines the association between different maternal obstetric factors and PTB. In addition, this study estimates the risk of neonatal mortality among children born preterm. Study designRetrospective two-stage stratified sample design. MethodsThe weighted prevalence of PTB was estimated using data on 148,746 most recent institutional births from the National Family Health Survey (NFHS)-4, 2015–16. The Poisson regression model was used to investigate the association between maternal obstetric factors and PTB. Using Cox's proportional hazard model, the risk of neonatal mortality among PTBs was estimated. ResultsMaternal obstetric factors, such as minimal antenatal care, delivery complications, history of previous caesarean delivery and delivery at private health facilities, were significantly associated with an increased risk of PTB. The survival probability of preterm babies sharply declined in the first week of life and thereafter was found to stabilise. The risk of mortality in the first 28 days of life increased 2.5-fold if the baby was born preterm. Optimising antenatal care was found to lower the likelihood of PTB and improve their chances of survival. ConclusionAntenatal care services and delivery care practices in private facilities were strongly associated with the incidence and survival of PTB. Evaluating associations of history of caesarean births on future pregnancies can help understand their deleterious effects on PTB. Affordable, accessible and available antenatal care services, in both public and private facilities, can increase the survival rates of PTBs.

Prediction of uterine dehiscence via machine learning by using lower uterine segment thickness and clinical features

With the global increase of cesarean delivery rates, the long-term effects of cesarean delivery have started to become clearer. One of the most prominent complications of cesarean delivery in recurrent pregnancies is uterine rupture. Assessing the risk of uterine rupture by accurately predicting dehiscence is very important to prevent untimely operations and/or maternal and fetal complications. This study aimed to assess whether machine learning can be used to predict uterine dehiscence by using patients' ultrasonographic findings, clinical findings, and demographic data as features. Hence, we investigated a potential method for preventing uterine rupture and its maternal and fetal complications. The study was conducted on 317 patients with term (>37 weeks' gestation) singleton pregnancies and no medical complications or medications that may affect uterine wound healing. Demographics, body mass indices, smoking and drinking habits, clinical features, past pregnancies, number and history of abortions, interdelivery period, gestational week, number of previous cesarean deliveries, fetal presentation, fetal weight, tocography data, transabdominal ultrasonographic measurement of lower uterine segment full thickness and myometrium thickness, and lower uterine segment findings during cesarean delivery were collected and analyzed using machine learning techniques. Logistic regression, multilayer perceptron, support vector machine, random forest, and naive Bayes algorithms were used for classification. The dataset was evaluated using 10-fold cross-validation. Correct classification rate, F-score, Matthews correlation coefficient, precision-recall curve area, and receiver operating characteristic area were used as performance metrics. Among the machine learning techniques tested in this study, the naive Bayes algorithm showed the best predictive performance. Among the various combinations of features used for prediction, the essential features of parity, gravidity, tocographic contraction, cervical dilation, dilation and curettage, and sonographic thickness of lower uterine segment myometrium yielded the best results. The second-best performance was achieved with sonographic full thickness of lower uterine segment added to the base features. The base features alone could classify patients with 90.5% accuracy, whereas adding the myometrium measurement increased the classification performance by 5.1% to 95.6%. Adding the full thickness measurement to the base features raised the classification performance by 4.8% to 95.3% in terms of correct classification rate. The naive Bayes algorithm can correctly classify uterine dehiscence with a correct classification rate of 0.953, an F-score of 0.952, and a Matthews correlation coefficient value of 0.641. This result can be interpreted as indicating that by using clinical features and lower uterine segment ultrasonography findings, machine learning can be used to accurately predict uterine dehiscence.

Analysis of pregnancy outcomes following surgical treatment of cesarean scar pregnancy

PurposeTo investigate the surgical treatment approaches for patients with Cesarean scar pregnancy (CSP) and the effects on subsequent pregnancy.MethodsCSP patients admitted to Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University from January 2013 to December 2018 were retrospectively analyzed to collect their clinical characteristics, and follow-up of postoperative pregnancies.ResultsA total of 1126 CSP patients were enrolled in this study, including 595 (52.84%) CSP type I, 415 (36.86%) CSP type II, and 116 (10.30%) CSP type III cases. There were significant differences between the three types of patients in terms of β-HCG levels, gestational sac diameter, clinical symptoms and presence of fetal heartbeat at diagnosis (P < 0.01). Among these, 89.90% of CSP type I, 88.90% of CSP type II and 50% of CSP type III patients were treated with hysteroscopic lesion excision, 7.9% of CSP type I and 2.2% of CSP type II patients underwent ultrasound-monitored curettage, and the remaining patients underwent lesion excision and and simultaneous repair of excised lesions by different routes (trans-laparoscopic, transabdominal or transvaginal methods). And 5.55% of CSP type I, 22.65% of CSP type II and 43.10% of CSP type III patients were treated with adjunctive uterine artery embolization (UAE). The patients were followed up for more than 2 years after surgery. Among the 166 re-pregnancies, 58 (34.94%) were normal pregnancies, 17 patients reoccurred with CSP, the recurrent rate of CSP was 10.24%. All 58 normal pregnancies were terminated by cesarean section, with a mean gestational week of delivery of (38.36 ± 2.25) weeks, a mean birth weight of (3228.45 ± 301.96)g, and the postnatal Apgar score was (9.86 ± 0.23) points at 1 min and all 5 min were 10 points. Logistic regression analysis suggested that the number of previous cesarean deliveries was a risk factor for recurrent CSP (RCSP) (OR = 10.82, 95% CI: 2.52–46.50, P = 0.001).ConclusionsThe type of CSP is related to β-HCG values, presence of fetal heartbeat, gestational sac diameter and clinical symptoms. Hysteroscopic therapy is a commonly used surgical procedure and UAE is often used as an adjuvant treatment. For subsequent pregnancies, the number of previous cesarean deliveries is a risk factor for recurrent CSP.