Previous Low Transverse Cesarean Section Research Articles

Development of a multivariate predictive nomogram among women with antepartum fetal death diagnosed at ≥ 34 weeks of gestation for outcome of TOLAC.

The present study was planned to develop a nomogram that will give a priori estimate on the probability of vaginal birth from maternal features in women with antepartum fetal death diagnosed at ≥ 34week's gestation and previous one low transverse cesarean section (LTCS). This will help to reduce maternal complications and increase confidence when planning a trial of labor after cesarean section (TOLAC). A prospective observational study was planned where participants underwent induction of labor with Foley's catheter (unless already in spontaneous labor) within 24h of enrolment. Participants with absent or inadequate contractions, oxytocin infusion as an additional agent was used. Data was collected on maternal predelivery features. Outcome of participants was categorized into two classes-vaginal and cesarean delivery. Classifiers were trained with data on maternal features and the accuracy of predicting outcome class determined. The classifier with maximum accuracy was used to develop a nomogram. Three hundred and one women underwent treatment as per protocol. Two hundred and twenty women attained successful vaginal delivery and eighty-one women underwent caesarean section. Factors having a significant impact on outcome were maternal body mass index (BMI), bishop score, duration of augmentation, estimated foetal weight, interval from previous LTCS, admission to active labor interval, vaginal delivery after LTCS and gestational age. The Naïve -Bayes model gave the highest prediction accuracy (0.88). Non-linear classifiers by using selective features could predict the outcome of TOLAC among women with intra-uterine fetal death attempting vaginal birth at or beyond 34weeks gestation with high accuracy.

Complete transverse transection of the normal-sized non-pregnant uterus associated with wearing a safety belt in abdominal blunt trauma: Narrative review and case study.

This review and case study illustrates a patient with a complete transverse transection of a non-pregnant uterus caused by blunt trauma associated with wearing a safety belt. The 31-year-old patient, who had a previous cesarean section, presented with impending hypovolemic shock caused by intra-abdominal hemorrhage secondary to blunt trauma while wearing a safety belt. On physical examination, a transverse straight line of ecchymosis along the line of a fastened safety belt was noted without any other external injury. The operative findings revealed a complete transverse transection which had cut through the lower part of the non-pathological, normal-sized uterus with active bleeding and mild injury to the small bowel without active bleeding. Total hysterectomy and simple closure of the small bowel were performed with successful outcomes. We hypothesize that transection was caused by the enormous pressure produced by blunt trauma transmitted through the abdomen by the fastened safety belt and the weakness of the uterine wall caused by the previous low transverse cesarean section which facilitated the separation and extension to the entire wall. In conclusion, this case study provides the following learning points: (1) Enormous forces produced by a fixed fastened safety belt during a car accident can cause complete transverse transection of a normal-sized, non-pathological uterus, leading to life-threatening intra-abdominal hemorrhage. (2) A previous cesarean section may potentiate the transection, especially when the uterus is repositioned above the pelvic brim. (3) The gynecologic condition should also be included in the differential diagnoses in cases of intra-abdominal hemorrhage. If highly suspected, gynecologists should be notified for early recognition and avoidance of delayed actions.

Prediction of vaginal birth after cesarean in China.

This study aimed to develop and validate a prediction model of vaginal birth after cesarean delivery (VBAC) in China. A nomogram for effective prediction of VBAC of singleton, cephalic and one previous low-transverse cesarean section deliveries was created by comparing the combinations of ultrasonographic and non-ultrasonographic factors from five hospitals between 2018 and 2019. A total of 1066 women were included. Of the women who underwent trial of labor after cesarean (TOLAC), 854 (80.1%) had a VBAC. Ultrasound factors included reached a higher area under the curve (AUC) combined with non-ultrasonographic factors. Of the three ultrasonographic factors analyzed, the best predictive factor for successful TOLAC was fetal abdominal circumference. A nomogram was generated with eight validated factors, including maternal age, gestational week, height, previous vaginal delivery, Bishop score, dilatation of the cervix at the time of admission, body mass index at delivery, and fetal abdominal circumference by ultrasound. The trained and validated AUC were 0.719 (95% confident interval 0.674-0.764) and 0.774 (95% confident interval 0.712-0.837), respectively. Our VBAC nomogram based on obstetric factors and fetal abdominal circumference obtained by ultrasound could be used to counsel women who are considering TOLAC.

A well-orchestrated EXIT strategy: A case of a successful ex utero intrapartum treatment procedure for cystic hygroma

A fetal neck mass such as cystic hygroma imposes a challenge in the continuing prenatal care and birth strategy for a 26-year-old gravida 2 para 1 (1001) with a scarred uterus from previous low transverse cesarean section (CS). An intricate delivery for the fetus with a potential airway obstruction necessitates an ex utero intrapartum treatment (EXIT) delivery. The patient was initially scheduled to undergo the procedure at 38 weeks of gestation, but preterm labor ensued. Close antenatal monitoring was done which carried the pregnancy to term. The multidisciplinary approach and planning requires consensus among varied specialties as this maternal–fetal surgery differs immensely from a regular CS. This aims to document and discuss the preoperative, operative and postoperative management done for this patient. The EXIT procedure was performed at 38 weeks' age of gestation with good maternal outcomes. The fetus was delivered safely.

Factors associated with successful vaginal birth after a cesarean section: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BackgroundEvidence for the relationship between maternal and perinatal factors and the success of vaginal birth after cesarean section (VBAC) is conflicting. We aimed to systematically analyze published data on maternal and fetal factors for successful VBAC.MethodsA comprehensive search of Medline, Embase, and the Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, from each database’s inception to March 16, 2018. Observational studies, identifying women with a trial of labor after one previous low-transverse cesarean section were included. Two reviewers independently abstracted the data. Meta-analysis was performed using the random-effects model. Risk of bias was assessed by the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale.ResultsWe included 94 eligible observational studies (239,006 pregnant women with 163,502 VBAC). Factors were associated with successful VBAC with the following odds ratios (OR;95%CI): age (0.92;0.86–0.98), obesity (0.50;0.39–0.64), diabetes (0.50;0.42–0.60), hypertensive disorders complicating pregnancy (HDCP) (0.54;0.44–0.67), Bishop score (3.77;2.17–6.53), labor induction (0.58;0.50–0.67), macrosomia (0.56;0.50–0.64), white race (1.39;1.26–1.54), previous vaginal birth before cesarean section (3.14;2.62–3.77), previous VBAC (4.71;4.33–5.12), the indications for the previous cesarean section (cephalopelvic disproportion (0.54;0.36–0.80), dystocia or failure to progress (0.54;0.41–0.70), failed induction (0.56;0.37–0.85), and fetal malpresentation (1.66;1.38–2.01)). Adjusted ORs were similar.ConclusionsDiabetes, HDCP, Bishop score, labor induction, macrosomia, age, obesity, previous vaginal birth, and the indications for the previous CS should be considered as the factors affecting the success of VBAC.

Factors predicting Success of Vaginal Birth after Cesarean Section

ABSTRACT Aim The aim of this article is to study the various factors that can predict the success of vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC) section. Materials and methods A retrospective cohort study of deliveries was conducted from 1 January 2014 to 31 December 2014 by the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology in our hospital. Patients with previous low transverse cesarean section who had undergone a trial of labor were identified. Maternal inpatient and prenatal records were reviewed in all eligible subjects. During labor, uterine activity and fetal heart rate were monitored. When indicated, oxytocin or prostaglandin E2 was used for induction of labor according to Bishop score. Emergency cesarean delivery was considered in cases with the appearance of scar tenderness, fetal distress, nonprogress of labor, and deep transverse arrest. Results A total of 200 women were eligible for VBAC, but after written informed consent, 131 (65.5%) subjects were given trial of labor at term after one prior cesarean delivery among 3,604 deliveries while 69 (34.5%) subjects opted for elective repeat cesarean section. The overall VBAC success rate was 63.3% (76 of 120) in our study. History of spontaneous labor (p = 0.042) and history of previous vaginal delivery (p = 0.038) were found to be significantly associated with increased chance of success of VBAC, and lesser interdelivery interval was not found to be associated with decreased success rate (p = 0.096). Neither indication of previous cesarean nor birth weight of newborn (>3 kg) was found to be related to the success of VBAC. Conclusion Vaginal birth after cesarean section is a safe practice as long as it is offered with a proper selection of candidates with factors having a high success rate. Physicians need to be aware of factors having a good outcome before counseling mothers so that failure rates decrease and successful VBAC is increased. How to cite this article Verma ML, Nisha S, Singh U, Sankhwar PL, Qureshi S. Factors predicting Success of Vaginal Birth after Cesarean Section. J South Asian Feder Obst Gynae 2016;8(3):198-201.

Vaginal birth after caesarean section (VBAC) in women with spontaneous labour: Predictors of success

We evaluated the predictors of VBAC success in Jordanian women with a single previous low transverse caesarean section of a gestational age of at least 28 weeks, followed by a trial of spontaneous labour at two tertiary hospitals between January 2008 and February 2010. Among 207 women, 117 (57%) women achieved a successful VBAC. Multivariate analysis showed that a cervical dilatation of ≥ 7 cm at the time of previous caesarean section was an independent predictor of successful VBAC (with a success rate of 80%). Parity of ≥ 2 was significantly associated with increased odds of success (OR = 2.7, 95% CI: 1.2, 6.2). Compared with women who had no previous VBAC, those with previous VBAC had higher odds of success (OR = 3.8 (95% CI: 1.5, 9.5). We concluded that women with a previous caesarean section who achieved a cervical dilatation of ≥ 7 cm before caesarean, had a previous history of successful VBAC and had parity of ≥ 2, have the greatest likelihood of successful VBAC.

Sonographic assessment of post-cesarean section uterine scar in pregnant women

Purpose: To detect location of uterine cesarean scar in relation to cervix in pregnancies with previous cesarean section (CS) and to compare location between elective and emergent previous CS. Study design: Prospective study, 91 pregnant women with previous low transverse CS. Two groups: previous elective [36 (39.6%)] and emergent CS [55 (60.4%)]. Transvaginal ultrasound was performed between 14 and 16 weeks. Cervical length (CL) and distance between external oss to hypoechogenic line (EO-HL distance), which describes location of cesarean scar, were measured. Surgical incision was considered cervical when EO-HL distance was smaller than CL. Results: Mean CL and EO-HL distance: 45.4 + 7. 0 and 39.0 + 9.4 mm, respectively for all patients. No significant differences were observed in CL (45.9 + 6.2 vs. 45.1 + 8.5 mm; p = not significant [NS]) and EO-HL distance (40.7 + 9.7 vs. 37.9 + 9.1 mm; p = NS) between both groups. Sixty-four cases (70.3%) had cervical scar, eight (8.8%) at the level of the internal oss and 19 (20.9) in the lower uterine segment. No significant difference was observed between both groups regarding location of scar (cervix −72 vs. 67% emergent vs. elective, respectively; p = NS). Conclusion: CS incisions are mostly performed in cervix, in elective as well as in emergent operations.

Visibility and measurement of Cesarean section scars in pregnancy: a reproducibility study

To evaluate the visibility of cesarean section (CS) scars by transvaginal sonography (TVS) in pregnant women, to apply a standardized approach for measuring CS scars and to test its reproducibility throughout the course of pregnancy. In this observational cohort study, 320 consecutive pregnant women with a previous cesarean delivery were examined to assess scar visibility by two independent examiners. TVS was carried out at 11-13, 19-21 and 34-36 weeks' gestation. A scar was defined as visible when an area of hypoechogenicity representing myometrial discontinuity at the anterior wall of the lower uterine segment was identified. In a subset of patients (n = 111), visible scars were measured by two independent examiners in three dimensions: scar width, depth and length as well as the residual myometrial thickness (RMT). Descriptive analysis was used to assess scar visibility, and the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was calculated to show the strength of absolute agreement between two examiners for scar measurements. For RMT, a cut-off of 2.4 mm was used and measurement agreement was assessed using Cohen's kappa coefficient. The scar was visible in 284/320 cases (88.8%). Visible scars were significantly associated with anteverted uteri (P < 0.0001). Both examiners had 100% agreement on scar visibility at 12 and 20 weeks' gestation, while agreement was 96% at 34 weeks. The intra- and interobserver agreements for scar measurements were generally good (ICC 0.86 and 0.89, respectively). The kappa coefficient for the RMT was 0.27 in the first trimester, compared with 0.51 and 0.72 in the second and third trimesters, respectively. CS scars remain visible in the majority of women throughout pregnancy. They can be reproducibly measured in three dimensions when assessed by TVS in all trimesters of pregnancy. The agreement between two observers for CS scar measurement can be considered good for the first trimester, compared with relatively moderate agreement for the second and third trimesters.

Factors Associated With Lower Uterine Segment Thickness Near Term in Women With Previous Caesarean Section

ObjectiveTo estimate the association between potential influencing factors and lower uterine segment (LUS) thickness at term in women with previous Caesarean section. MethodsWe conducted a cohort study of women with previous low-transverse Caesarean section undergoing ultrasonographic measurement of LUS thickness between 35 and 38 weeks’ gestation in a tertiary care centre between 2006 and 2009. Measurements of the full LUS thickness and the myometrial LUS thickness were performed both transabdominally and transvaginally. The thinnest measurements for both full and myometrial LUS thicknesses were considered dependent variables. Non-parametric analyses, multivariate linear regression analyses, and multivariate regression analyses were used to evaluate the relationships between LUS thickness and the potential influencing factors of maternal age, interdelivery interval, prior vaginal delivery, and several characteristics of the previous Caesarean section. ResultsIn 377 women who underwent measurement of LUS thickness, labour before previous Caesarean section was the only characteristic associated with a greater full LUS thickness (an additional 0.9mm; 95% CI 0.5 to 1.2 mm) in multivariate linear regression analysis. Labour before previous Caesarean section (0.5 mm; 95% CI 0.2 to 0.7 mm) and the use of synthetic sutures (as opposed to catgut sutures) for the closure of the previous hysterotomy incision (0.3mm; 95% CI 0.02 to 0.5 mm) were the only two variables significantly associated with a thicker myometrial LUS. In multivariate regression analysis, three factors were predictive of a full LUS thickness of > 2.3mm: the presence of labour, a recurrent indication for Caesarean section, and the use of synthetic sutures for hysterotomy closure at previous Caesarean section (P < 0.05). ConclusionLabour at the time of previous Caesarean section is associated with a thicker LUS near term in the subsequent pregnancy. The use of synthetic sutures for hysterotomy closure is another factor potentially associated with a thicker LUS.

Sonographic Lower Uterine Segment Thickness and Risk of Uterine Scar Defect: A Systematic Review

ObjectiveTo study the diagnostic accuracy of sonographic measurements of the lower uterine segment (LUS) thickness near term in predicting uterine scar defects in women with prior Caesarean section (CS). Data SourcesPubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library (1965–2009). Methods of Study SelectionStudies of populations of women with previous low transverse CS who underwent third-trimester evaluation of LUS thickness were selected. We retrieved articles in which number of patients, sensitivity, and specificity to predict a uterine scar defect were available. Data SynthesisTwelve eligible studies including 1834 women were identified. Uterine scar defect was reported in a total of 121 cases (6.6%). Seven studies examined the full LUS thickness only, four examined the myometrial layer specifically, and one examined both measurements. Weighted mean differences in LUS thickness and associated 95% confidence intervals between women with and without uterine scar defect were calculated. Summary receiver operating characteristic (SROC) analysis and summary diagnostic odds ratios (DOR) were used to evaluate and compare the area under the curve (AUC) and the association between LUS thickness and uterine scar defect. Women with a uterine scar defect had thinner full LUS and thinner myometrial layer (weighted mean difference of 0.98 mm; 95% CI 0.37 to 1.59, P = 0.002; and 1.13 mm; 95% CI 0.32 to 1.94 mm, P = 0.006, respectively). SROC analysis showed a stronger association between full LUS thickness and uterine scar defect (AUC: 0.84 ± 0.03, P < 0.001) than between myometrial layer and scar defect (AUC: 0.75 ± 0.05, P < 0.01). The optimal cut-off value varied from 2.0 to 3.5 mm for full LUS thickness and from 1.4 to 2.0 for myometrial layer. ConclusionSonographic LUS thickness is a strong predictor for uterine scar defect in women with prior Caesarean section. However, because of the heterogeneity of the studies we analyzed, no ideal cut-off value can yet be recommended, which underlines the need for more standardized measurement techniques in future studies.

Authors response to: Uterine rupture and labour after a previous low transverse caesarean section

Authors response to: Uterine rupture and labour after a previous low transverse caesarean section

Uterine rupture and labour after a previous low transverse caesarean section

Uterine rupture and labour after a previous low transverse caesarean section

Predictive factors of vaginal birth after cesarean delivery

Few data about trial of labor (TOL) after cesarean section from developing countries are available and the majority of these are retrospective studies. The aim of the present study was to determine prognostic factors affecting the mode of delivery in women with one previous cesarean delivery. A prospective clinical study was conducted between February and June 2004 at the Gynaecologic and Obstetric Department of F. Hached University Teaching Hospital Sousse Tunisia. Data were collected from all women with one previous low transverse cesarean section undergoing attempted vaginal birth with gestational age > 30 weeks. Excluded were multiple gestations non-cephalic presentations placenta praevia and labor induction. (excerpt)

Uterine rupture and labour after a previous low transverse caesarean section

This study reviewed all cases of complete uterine rupture (UR) in pregnancy during the decade 1993-2002. In 69,412 deliveries, 5,320 women had a single prior caesarean section. Of these, 4,021 had a trial of labour and 3,129 (77.8%) delivered vaginally. In nine (0.22%) cases, the previous transverse scar ruptured during labour. None of these nine ruptures resulted in maternal or fetal death, peripartum hysterectomy or fetal morbidity. In our practice, a trial of labour in women with a previous low transverse caesarean is associated with a high rate of vaginal delivery and a low rate of UR.

Induction of labor: Comparison of a cohort with uterine scar from previous cesarean section vs. a cohort with intact uterus

Objective. To compare the risk of uterine rupture between a cohort of women with previous low-transverse cesarean section (CS) and a cohort with intact uterus.Methods. All women with a singleton pregnancy and previous low-transverse CS requiring induction of labor from January 1, 1992 to December 30, 2001 (n = 310) were compared with a cohort of women with intact uterus undergoing induction of labor during the same study period (n = 5420). Protocols of induction using prostaglandin E2 gel and oxytocin infusion were consistent within groups, but differed between the previous CS and the intact uterus group.Results. Uterine rupture occurred in 0.3% in the previous CS group vs. 0.03% in the intact uterus group (p = 0.37). Logistic regression analysis showed no significant difference in rate of uterine rupture between the previous CS vs. intact uterus group (p = 0.16) after controlling for maternal age, parity, gestational age at delivery, Bishop score on admission, use of prostaglandin and oxytocin, and birth weight. Our study had adequate power to detect a 0.38% difference in rate of uterine rupture between the two groups (α = 0.05, β = 0.80).Conclusion. Induction of labor is not associated with significantly higher rates of uterine rupture among women with previous low-transverse CS compared with women with intact uterus provided a consistent protocol with strict intervention criteria is adopted.

Labor Induction Safe After Prior C-Section

Vaginal birth after previous low transverse cesarean section appears to be safe in women undergoing a trial of labor after spontaneous onset. However,

Risks of induction of labour in women with a uterine scar from previous low transverse caesarean section

Recent studies have shown that among women with uterine scars from previous caesarean section of any type, induction of labour is associated with increased risk of uterine rupture compared with spontaneous labour. We have assessed the risk of uterine rupture in a cohort of women with a previous low transverse caesarean section in whom induction and management of labour were performed according to a strict protocol. Cohort study. University Hospital. All women with a singleton pregnancy and a previous low transverse caesarean section requiring induction of labour from 1/1/1992 to 12/30/2001 (n = 310) were compared with a control cohort during the same study period constituted of women with a previous low transverse caesarean section in spontaneous labour (n = 1011). Clinical characteristics and rate of uterine rupture of women with previous caesarean section undergoing induction of labour were compared with those of women with previous caesarean section in spontaneous labour. Incidence of uterine rupture. Uterine rupture occurred in 0.3% in the previous caesarean section--induction group versus 0.3% in the previous caesarean section--spontaneous labour group (P = 0.9). Logistic regression analysis showed no significant difference in the rate of uterine rupture between the induction and spontaneous labour group (P = 0.67) after controlling for maternal age, parity, duration of labour, gestational age at delivery and birthweight. Among women with a previous low transverse caesarean section, induction of labour is not associated with significantly higher rates of uterine rupture compared with spontaneous labour, provided a consistent protocol with strict criteria for intervention is adopted.

Maternal and neonatal morbidity after elective repeat Cesarean delivery versus a trial of labor after previous Cesarean delivery in a community teaching hospital

Objective: To compare maternal and fetal outcomes after elective repeat Cesarean section versus a trial of labor in women after one prior uterine scar.Study design: All women with a previous single low transverse Cesarean section delivered at term with no contraindications to vaginal delivery were retrospectively identified in our database from January 1995 to October 1998. Outcomes were first analyzed by comparing mother–neonate dyads delivered by elective repeat Cesarean section to those undergoing a trial of labor. Secondarily, outcomes of mother–neonatal dyads who achieved a vaginal delivery or failed a trial of labor were compared to those who had elective repeat Cesarean delivery.Results: Of 1408 deliveries, 749/927 (81%) had a successful vaginal birth after a prior Cesarean delivery. There were no differences in the rates of transfusion, infection, uterine rupture and operative injury when comparing trial of labor versus elective repeat Cesarean delivery. Neonates delivered by elective repeat Cesarean delivery were of earlier gestation and had higher rates of respiratory complications (p < 0.05). Mother–neonatal dyads with a failed trial of labor sustained the greatest risk of complications.Conclusion: Overall, neonatal and maternal outcomes compared favorably among women undergoing a trial of labor versus elective repeat Cesarean delivery. The majority of morbidity was associated with a failed trial of labor. Better selection of women likely to have a successful vaginal birth after a prior Cesarean delivery would be expected to decrease the risks of trial of labor.

Vaginal Birth After Caesarean Section: Clinical and Legal Perspectives

Vaginal birth after Caesarean section (VBAC) is currently the preferred method of delivery for pregnant women who have undergone I previous low transverse Caesarean section. This common practice warrants some reconsideration in light of recent clinical data on the risks associated with VBAC, and it is incumbent upon clinicians to ensure that women under their care are fully aware of these risks. Indeed, in some circumstances, an attempt at VBAC may be perceived by the courts to represent a negligent standard of care.