Previous Low Transverse Cesarean Delivery Research Articles

The association between obesity and the success of trial of labor after cesarean delivery (TOLAC) in women with past vaginal delivery.

To evaluate the effect of overweight (body mass index; BMI 25.0-29.9 kg/m2), and obesity (BMI>30 kg/m2), on the success of trial of labor after cesarean delivery (TOLAC), with consideration of successful past vaginal birth. This retrospective cohort study was performed using electronic database of obstetrics department at a university-affiliated tertiary medical center. All women admitted for TOLAC at 37-42 weeks of gestational age, carrying a singleton live fetus at cephalic presentation, with a single previous low segment transverse cesarean delivery between 1/2015 and 5/2021 were included. Primary outcome was the rate of cesarean delivery during labor, and subgroup analysis was performed for the presence of past vaginal birth. Of the 1200 TOLAC deliveries meeting the inclusion criteria, 61.9 % had BMI in the normal range, 24.6 % were overweight (BMI 25.0-29.9 kg/m2), and 13.4 % were obese (BMI of 30 kg/m2 and over). Using a multivariate analysis, BMI≥30 kg/m2 was associated with increased risk of cesarean delivery compared to normal weight. However, in the subgroup of 292 women with a history of successful vaginal birth BMI did not affect TOLAC success. BMI does not affect the success of TOLAC in women with previous vaginal birth. This information should be considered during patients counselling, in order to achieve a better selection of mode of delivery and higher patients' satisfaction.

Assessment of placenta accreta spectrum at vaginal birth after cesarean delivery

Previous cesarean delivery is a risk factor for developing placenta accreta spectrum in a subsequent pregnancy and patients with antenatally suspected placenta accreta spectrum frequently undergo planned cesarean hysterectomy. There is a paucity of data regarding unsuspected placenta accreta spectrum among patients undergoing trial of labor after cesarean delivery for attempted vaginal birth after cesarean delivery. This study aimed to investigate the incidence, characteristics, and delivery outcomes of patients with placenta accreta spectrum diagnosed at the time of vaginal birth after cesarean delivery. The Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project's National Inpatient Sample was retrospectively queried to examine 184,415 patients with a history of low transverse cesarean delivery who had vaginal delivery in the current index hospital admission between 2017 and 2020. Those with placenta previa, previous vertical cesarean delivery, other uterine scars, and uterine rupture were excluded. This study identified placenta accreta spectrum cases using the World Health Organization International Classification of Disease, Tenth Revision, codes of O43.2. Coprimary outcomes were (1) the incidence rate of placenta accreta spectrum at vaginal birth after cesarean delivery; (2) clinical and pregnancy characteristics related to placenta accreta spectrum, assessed with multivariable binary logistic regression model; and (3) delivery outcomes associated with placenta accreta spectrum by fitting propensity score adjustment. The secondary outcome was to conduct a systematic literature review using 3 public search engines (PubMed, Cochrane, and Scopus). Data on incidence rate and maternal morbidity related to placenta accreta spectrum at vaginal birth after cesarean delivery were evaluated. The incidence rate of placenta accreta spectrum at vaginal birth after cesarean delivery was 8.1 per 10,000 deliveries. Most placenta accreta spectrum cases were placenta accreta (83.3%). In a multivariable analysis, older maternal age, tobacco use, preeclampsia, multifetal pregnancy, fetal anomaly, preterm premature rupture of membrane, chorioamnionitis, low-lying placenta, and preterm delivery were associated with an increased risk of placenta accreta spectrum (all, P<.05). Of these factors, low-lying placenta had the largest odds for placenta accreta spectrum (526.3 vs 7.3 per 10,000 deliveries; adjusted odds ratio, 35.02; 95% confidence interval, 18.19-67.42). Patients in the placenta accreta spectrum group were more likely to have postpartum hemorrhage (80.0% vs 5.5%), blood product transfusion (23.3% vs 1.0%), shock or coagulopathy (20.0% vs 0.2%), and hysterectomy (43.3% vs <0.1%) than those without placenta accreta spectrum (all, P<.001). In a systematic literature review, a total of 212 studies were screened, and none of these studies examined the incidence and morbidity of placenta accreta spectrum at vaginal birth after cesarean delivery. This nationwide assessment suggests that although placenta accreta spectrum with vaginal birth after cesarean delivery is uncommon (1 of 1229 cases), the diagnosis of placenta accreta spectrum at vaginal birth after cesarean delivery is associated with significant maternal morbidity. In addition, the data suggest that low-lying placenta in the setting of previous low transverse cesarean delivery warrants careful evaluation for possible placenta accreta spectrum before a trial of labor.

Assessing the predictive accuracy of the new vaginal birth after cesarean delivery calculator

The vaginal birth after cesarean delivery calculator by the Maternal-Fetal Medicine Units Network was created to help providers counsel patients on predicted success of trial of labor after cesarean delivery using individualized risk assessment. The inclusion of race and ethnicity as predictors of vaginal birth after cesarean delivery in the 2007 calculator was problematic and potentially exacerbated racial disparities in obstetrics. Thus, a modified calculator without race and ethnicity was published in June 2021. This study aimed to assess the accuracy of the 2007 and 2021 Maternal-Fetal Medicine Units vaginal birth after cesarean delivery calculators in predicting vaginal birth after cesarean delivery success among racial/ethnic minority patients receiving obstetrical care at a single urban tertiary medical center. All patients with 1 previous low transverse cesarean delivery who underwent a trial of labor at term with a vertex singleton gestation at an urban tertiary medical center from May 2015 to December 2018 were reviewed. Demographic and clinical data were collected retrospectively. Associations between maternal characteristics and success of vaginal birth after cesarean delivery were assessed using univariate and multivariable logistic regression. Predicted vaginal birth after cesarean delivery success rates using the Maternal-Fetal Medicine Units calculator were compared with actual outcomes (ie, successful trial of labor after cesarean delivery/vaginal birth after cesarean delivery vs repeated cesarean delivery) across each racial and ethnic group. A total of 910 patients met eligibility criteria and attempted trial of labor after cesarean delivery; 662 (73%) achieved vaginal birth after cesarean delivery. The rate of vaginal birth after cesarean delivery was highest among Asian women (81%) and lowest among Black women (61%). Univariate analyses demonstrated that success of vaginal birth after cesarean delivery was associated with maternal body mass index <30 kg/m2, history of vaginal delivery, and absence of indication of arrest of dilation or descent for previous cesarean delivery. Multivariate analyses evaluating predictors of vaginal birth after cesarean delivery reported in the 2021 calculator showed that maternal age, history of arrest disorder for previous cesarean delivery, and treated chronic hypertension were not significant in our patient population. Most patients who were of White, Asian, or "Other" race with a vaginal birth after cesarean delivery had a 2007 calculator-predicted probability of vaginal birth after cesarean delivery of >65%, whereas most Black and Hispanic patients with a vaginal birth after cesarean delivery were more likely to have a predicted probability of vaginal birth after cesarean delivery between 35% and 65% (P<.001). Most White, Asian, and Other-race patients with a repeated cesarean delivery had a 2007 calculator-predicted probability of vaginal birth after cesarean delivery of >65%, whereas most Black and Hispanic patients with a repeated cesarean delivery had a predicted probability of vaginal birth after cesarean delivery between 35% and 65%. Across all racial and ethnic groups, most patients with a vaginal birth after cesarean delivery had a 2021 calculator-predicted probability of vaginal birth after cesarean delivery of >65%. The inclusion of race/ethnicity in the 2007 Maternal-Fetal Medicine Units vaginal birth after cesarean delivery calculator underestimated predicted vaginal birth after cesarean delivery success rates among Black and Hispanic patients receiving obstetrical care at an urban tertiary medical center. Thus, we support the use of the 2021 vaginal birth after cesarean delivery calculator without race/ethnicity. Excluding race and ethnicity from vaginal birth after cesarean delivery counseling may be one way in whichproviders can ultimately contribute toward the reduction of racial and ethnic disparity in maternal morbidity in the United States. Further research is needed to understand the implications of treated chronic hypertension for the success of vaginal birth after cesarean delivery.

Evaluation of the usefulness of ultrasound measurement of the lower uterine segment before delivery of women with a prior cesarean delivery: a randomized trial

The main reason to avoid trial of labor after cesarean delivery is the possibility of uterine rupture. Identifying women at risk is thus an important aim, for it would enable women at low risk to proceed with a secure planned vaginal birth. To evaluate the impact of proposing mode of delivery based on the ultrasound measurement of the lower uterine segment thickness on a composite outcome of maternal-fetal mortality and morbidity, compared with usual management, among pregnant women with a previous cesarean delivery. This multicenter, randomized, controlled, parallel-group, unmasked trial was conducted at 8 referral university hospitals with a neonatal intensive care unit and enrolled 2948 women at 36 weeks 0 days to 38 weeks 6 days of gestation with 1 previous low transverse cesarean delivery and no contraindication to trial of labor. Women in the study group had their lower uterine segment thickness measured by ultrasound. Those with measurements >3.5 mm, were encouraged to choose a planned vaginal delivery, and those with measurements ≤3.5 mm, were encouraged to choose a planned repeat cesarean delivery. This measurement was not taken in the control group; their mode of delivery was decided according to standard management. The primary outcome was a composite criterion comprising maternal mortality, uterine rupture, uterine dehiscence, hysterectomy, thromboembolic disease, transfusion, endometritis, perinatal death, or neonatal encephalopathy. Prespecified secondary outcomes were repeat cesarean deliveries, elective or after trial of labor. The study group included 1472 women, and the control group included 1476 women. These groups were similar at baseline. The primary outcome occurred in 3.4% of the study group and 4.3% of the control group (relative risk, 0.78; 95% confidence interval, 0.54-1.13: risk difference,-1.0%; 95% confidence interval,-2.4 to 0.5). The uterine rupture rate in the study group was 0.4% and in the control group 0.9% (relative risk, 0.43; 95% confidence interval, 0.15-1.19). The planned cesarean delivery rate was 16.4% in the study group and 13.7% in the control group (relative risk, 1.21; 95% confidence interval, 1.00-1.47), whereas the rates of cesarean delivery during labor were 25.1% and 25.0% (relative risk, 1.01; 95% confidence interval, 0.89-1.14) in the study and control groups, respectively. Ultrasound measurements of lower uterine segment thickness did not result in a statistically significant lower frequency of maternal and perinatal adverse outcomes than standard management. However, because this study was underpowered, further research should be encouraged.

Prediction of vaginal birth after cesarean delivery in term gestations: a calculator without race and ethnicity

Investigators have attempted to derive tools that could provide clinicians with an easily obtainable estimate of the chance of vaginal birth after cesarean delivery for those who undertake trial of labor after cesarean delivery. One tool that has been validated externally was derived from data from the Maternal-Fetal Medicine Units Cesarean Registry. However, concern has been raised that this tool includes the socially constructed variables of race and ethnicity. This study aimed to develop an accurate tool to predict vaginal birth after cesarean delivery, using data easily obtainable early in pregnancy, without the inclusion of race and ethnicity. This was a secondary analysis of the Cesarean Registry of the Maternal-Fetal Medicine Units Network. The approach to the current analysis is similar to that of the analysis in which the previous vaginal birth after cesarean delivery prediction tool was derived. Specifically, individuals were included in this analysis if they were delivered on or after 37 0/7 weeks' gestation with a live singleton cephalic fetus at the time of labor and delivery admission, had a trial of labor after cesarean delivery, and had a history of 1 previous low-transverse cesarean delivery. Information was only considered for inclusion in the model if it was ascertainable at an initial prenatal visit. Model selection and internal validation were performed using a cross-validation procedure, with the dataset randomly and equally divided into a training set and a test set. The training set was used to identify factors associated with vaginal birth after cesarean delivery and build the logistic regression predictive model using stepwise backward elimination. A final model was generated that included all variables found to be significant (P<.05). The accuracy of the model to predict vaginal birth after cesarean delivery was assessed using the concordance index. The independent test set was used to estimate classification errors and validate the model that had been developed from the training set, and calibration was assessed. The final model was then applied to the overall analytical population. Of the 11,687 individuals who met the inclusion criteria for this secondary analysis, 8636 (74%) experienced vaginal birth after cesarean delivery. The backward elimination variable selection yielded a model from the training set that included maternal age, prepregnancy weight, height, indication for previous cesarean delivery, obstetrical history, and chronic hypertension. Vaginal birth after cesarean delivery was significantly more likely for women who were taller and had a previous vaginal birth, particularly if that vaginal birth had occurred after a previous cesarean delivery. Conversely, vaginal birth after cesarean delivery was significantly less likely for women whose age was older, whose weight was heavier, whose indication for previous cesarean delivery was arrest of dilation or descent, and who had a history of medication-treated chronic hypertension. The model had excellent calibration between predicted and empirical probabilities and, when applied to the overall analytical population, an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.75 (95% confidence interval, 0.74-0.77), which is similar to the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of the previous model (0.75) that included race and ethnicity. We successfully derived an accurate model (available at https://mfmunetwork.bsc.gwu.edu/web/mfmunetwork/vaginal-birth-after-cesarean-calculator), which did not include race or ethnicity, for the estimation of the probability of vaginal birth after cesarean delivery.

Prédiction échographique du risque de rupture utérine après césarienne : LUSTrial, un essai randomisé pragmatique

BackgroundThe data from literature show that trial of labor and elective repeat cesarean delivery after a prior cesarean delivery both present significant risks and benefits, and these risks and benefits differ for the woman and her fetus. The benefits to the woman can be at the expense of her fetus and vice-versa. This uncertainty is compounded by the scarcity of high-level evidence that preclude accurate quantification of the risks and benefits that could help provide a fair counseling about a trial of labor and elective repeat cesarean delivery. An interesting way of research is to evaluate the potential benefits of a decision rule associated to the ultrasound measurement of the lower uterine segment (LUS). Indeed, ultrasonography may be helpful in determining a specific risk for a given patient by measuring the thickness of the LUS, i,e, the thickness of the cesarean delivery scar area. Although only small and often methodologically biased data have been published, they look promising as their results are concordant: ultrasonographic measurements of the LUS thickness is highly correlated with the intraoperative findings at cesarean delivery. Furthermore, the thinner the LUS becomes on ultrasound, the higher the likelihood of a defect in the LUS. Finally, ultrasound assessment of LUS has an excellent negative predictive value for the risk of uterine defect. Therefore, this exam associated with a rule of decision could help to reduce the rate of elective repeat cesarean delivery and especially to reduce the fetal and maternal mortality and morbidity related to trial of labor after a prior cesarean delivery. Methods/designThis is a pragmatic open multicenter randomized trial with two parallel arms. Randomization will be centralized and computerized. Since blindness is impossible, an adjudication committee will evaluate the components of the primary composite outcome in order to avoid evaluation bias. An interim analysis will be planned mid-strength of the trial. Ultrasound will be performed by expert sonographers after certification by the main investigator. Women aged 18 years or older are eligible for this trial if they have a singleton pregnancy in cephalic presentation at a gestational age from 36 to 38 weeks, a previous low transverse cesarean delivery and sign the informed consent sheet. Women will be asked to participate in this study when they reach a term of 36 to 38 weeks of gestation. After agreement, women will be randomized into two groups: in the study group, they will have the LUS measured by ultrasound and the patient will be informed that, based on a threshold value of 3.5mm for the ultrasound measurement of the LUS thickness, the patient with a higher measurement will be considered at low risk and will be encouraged to choose a trial of labor whereas the patient with a measurement is equal to or less than this threshold will be considered at risk and encouraged to choose an elective repeat cesarean; in the control group, ultrasound LUS measurement will not be performed. The mode of delivery will be decided according to standard practice at the center. The primary composite outcome will include: uterine rupture, uterine dehiscence, hysterectomy, thromboembolic complications, transfusion, endometritis, maternal mortality, fetal prenatal and intrapartum mortality, hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy and neonatal mortality. DiscussionThis trial assesses the efficacy of ultrasound measurement of the lower uterine segment in women with a prior cesarean delivery in reducing fetal and maternal morbidity and mortality and it will provide evidence in order to establish clinical recommendations. Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT01916044 (date of registration: 5 August 2013).

Validation of prediction model for successful vaginal birth after Cesarean delivery based on sonographic assessment of hysterotomy scar.

To validate a prediction model for successful vaginal birth after Cesarean delivery (VBAC) based on sonographic assessment of the hysterotomy scar, in a Swedish population. Data were collected from a prospective cohort study. We recruited non-pregnant women aged 18-35 years who had undergone one previous low-transverse Cesarean delivery at ≥ 37 gestational weeks and had had no other uterine surgery. Participants who subsequently became pregnant underwent transvaginal ultrasound examination of the Cesarean hysterotomy scar at 11 + 0 to 13 + 6 and at 19 + 0 to 21 + 6 gestational weeks. Thickness of the myometrium at the thinnest part of the scar area was measured. After delivery, information on pregnancy outcome was retrieved from hospital records. Individual probabilities of successful VBAC were calculated using a previously published model. Predicted individual probabilities were divided into deciles. For each decile, observed VBAC rates were calculated. To assess the accuracy of the prediction model, receiver-operating characteristics curves were constructed and the areas under the curves (AUC) were calculated. Complete sonographic data were available for 120 women. Eighty (67%) women underwent trial of labor after Cesarean delivery (TOLAC) with VBAC occurring in 70 (88%) cases. The scar was visible in all 80 women at the first-trimester scan and in 54 (68%) women at the second-trimester scan. AUC was 0.44 (95% CI, 0.28-0.60) among all women who underwent TOLAC and 0.51 (95% CI, 0.32-0.71) among those with the scar visible sonographically at both ultrasound examinations. The prediction model demonstrated poor accuracy for prediction of successful VBAC in our Swedish population. Copyright © 2017 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Economic Evaluations Comparing a Trial of Labor with an Elective Repeat Cesarean Delivery: A Systematic Review.

For women who have had a previous low transverse cesarean delivery, the decision to undergo a trial of labor after cesarean (TOLAC) or an elective repeat cesarean delivery (ERCD) has important clinical and economic ramifications. To evaluate the cost-effectiveness of the alternative choices of a TOLAC and an ERCD for women with low-risk, singleton gestation pregnancies. We searched EMBASE, MEDLINE, CINAHL, Cochrane Library, EconLit, and the Cost-Effectiveness Analysis Registry with no language, publication, or date restrictions up until October 2015. Studies were included if they were primary research, compared a TOLAC with an ERCD, and provided information on the relative cost of the alternatives. Abstracts and partial economic evaluations were excluded. Of 310 studies initially reviewed, 7 studies were included in the systematic review. In the base-case analyses, 4 studies concluded that TOLAC was dominant over ERCD, 1 study found ERCD to be dominant, and 2 studies found that although TOLAC was more costly, it offered more benefits and was thus cost-effective from a population perspective when considering societal willingness to pay for better outcomes. In sensitivity analyses, cost-effectiveness was found to be dependent on a high likelihood of TOLAC success, low risk of uterine rupture, and low relative cost of TOLAC compared with ERCD. For women who are likely to have a successful vaginal delivery, routine ERCD may result in excess morbidity and cost from a population perspective.

The Rising Cesarean Delivery Rate in America

Cesarean delivery is now the most common operation in the United States, and it has increased dramatically from 5.8% in 1970 to 32.3% in 2008. This rise has not resulted in significant improvement in neonatal morbidity or maternal health. Three recent studies of elective repeat cesarean deliveries performed before 39 completed weeks of gestation have demonstrated increased respiratory and other adverse neonatal outcomes. Maternal mortality in the United States has increased from 10 per 100,000 to 14 per 100,000 from 1998 to 2004. Contributing to this in an increasing incidence of placenta accreta associated with multiple uterine scars requiring the need for emergency cesarean hysterectomy, blood transfusion, and maternal mortality due to obstetric hemorrhage. To reverse the trend of the rising cesarean delivery rate, obstetricians must reduce the primary rate and avoid the performance of a uterine incision unless absolutely necessary for fetal or maternal indications. For women with one previous low transverse cesarean delivery, obstetricians should promote a trial of labor after previous cesarean delivery in those women who desire three or more children.

Prediction of uterine rupture associated with attempted vaginal birth after cesarean delivery

The purpose of this study was to develop a model that predicts individual-specific risk of uterine rupture during an attempted vaginal birth after cesarean delivery. Women with 1 previous low-transverse cesarean delivery who underwent a trial of labor with a term singleton were identified in a concurrently collected database of deliveries that occurred at 19 academic centers during a 4-year period. We analyzed different classification techniques in an effort to develop an accurate prediction model for uterine rupture. Of the 11,855 women who were available for analysis, 83 women (0.7%) had had a uterine rupture. The optimal final prediction model, which was based on a logistic regression, included 2 variables: any previous vaginal delivery (odds ratio, 0.44; 95% CI, 0.27-0.71) and induction of labor (odds ratio, 1.73; 95% CI, 1.11-2.69). This model, with a c-statistic of 0.627, had poor discriminating ability and did not allow the determination of a clinically useful estimate of the probability of uterine rupture for an individual patient. Factors that were available before or at admission for delivery cannot be used to predict accurately the relatively small proportion of women at term who will experience a uterine rupture during an attempted vaginal birth after cesarean delivery.

The MFMU cesarean registry: Previous preterm low transverse cesarean delivery and risk of subsequent uterine rupture

Preterm low transverse cesarean delivery (pLTCD) is often performed on an unlabored uterus with a poorly developed lower uterine segment, potentially leading to an unsuspected incision in the contractile portion of the uterus. We sought to determine if a previous pLTCD was associated with an increased risk of subsequent uterine rupture.

The MFMU Cesarean Registry: Factors affecting the success of trial of labor after previous cesarean delivery

The purpose of this study was to determine which factors influence the likelihood of successful trial of labor (TOL) after 1 previous cesarean delivery (CD). We performed a multicenter 4-year prospective observational study (1999-2002) of all women with previous CD undergoing TOL. Women with term singleton pregnancies with 1 previous low transverse CD or unknown incision were included for analysis. Fourteen thousand five hundred twenty-nine women underwent TOL, with 10,690 (73.6%) achieving successful VBAC. Women with previous vaginal birth had an 86.6% success rate compared with 60.9% in women without such a history (odds ratio [OR] 4.2; 95% CI 3.8-4.5; P < .001). TOL success rates were affected by previous indication for CD, need for induction or augmentation, cervical dilation on admission, birth weight, race, and maternal body mass index. Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified as predictive of TOL success: previous vaginal delivery (OR 3.9; 95% CI 3.6-4.3), previous indication not being dystocia (CPD/FTP) (OR 1.7; 95% CI 1.5-1.8), spontaneous labor (OR 1.6; 95% CI 1.5-1.8), birth weight <4000 g (OR 2.0; 95% CI 1.8-2.3), and Caucasian race (OR 1.8, 95% CI 1.6-1.9) (all P < .001). The overall TOL success rate in obese women (BMI > or = 30) was lower (68.4%) than in nonobese women (79.6%) (P < .001), and when combined with induction and lack of previous vaginal delivery, successful VBAC occurred in only 44.2% of cases. Previous vaginal delivery including previous VBAC is the greatest predictor for successful TOL. Previous indication as dystocia, need for labor induction, or a maternal BMI > or = 30 significantly lowers success rates.

Trial of labor in patients with a previous cesarean section: does maternal age influence the outcome?

ObjectiveThis study was undertaken to evaluate the effect of maternal age on the rate of vaginal delivery and the rate of uterine rupture in patients undergoing a trial of labor (TOL) after a prior cesarean delivery. Study designA cohort study of all women with a live singleton fetus undergoing a TOL after a previous low-transverse cesarean delivery was performed between 1988 and 2002 in a tertiary care center. Patients were divided into 3 groups according to maternal age: less than 30 years old, 30 to 34 years old, and 35 years or older. Women with no prior vaginal delivery and with at least 1 prior vaginal delivery were analyzed separately. The rate of vaginal delivery and the rate of symptomatic uterine rupture were calculated. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to adjust for potential confounding variables. ResultsOf the 2493 patients who met the study criteria, there were 1750 women without a prior vaginal delivery (659, 721, and 370, respectively) and 743 women with a prior vaginal delivery (199, 327, and 217, respectively). The rate of uterine rupture was comparable between the groups (2.0%, 1.1%, 1.4%, P=.404 and 0%, 0.3%, 0.9%, P=.312). Successful vaginal delivery was inversely related to maternal age (71.9%, 70.7%, 65.1%, P=.063, and 91.5%, 91.1%, 82.9%, P=.005). After adjusting for confounding variables, maternal age equal to or greater than 35 years old was associated with a lower rate of successful vaginal delivery in patients without prior vaginal delivery (odds ratio [OR] 0.73, 95% CI: 0.56-0.94), and in patients with a prior vaginal delivery (OR: 0.47, 95% CI: 0.29-0.74). ConclusionPatients who are 35 years or older are more prone to have a failed TOL after a prior cesarean delivery.

The effect of gestational age on trial of labor after Cesarean section

Objectives: To evaluate the effect of gestational age on the rate of successful vaginal delivery and the rate of uterine rupture in patients undergoing a trial of labor (TOL) after a prior Cesarean delivery.Study design: This was a cohort study including patients with a live singleton fetus undergoing a TOL after a previous low transverse Cesarean delivery between 1988 and 2002. Patients were divided into three groups according to gestational age: 24–36 weeks 6 days, 37–40 weeks 6 days and ≥41 weeks. Obstetric outcomes, including the rates of successful vaginal delivery and symptomatic uterine rupture, were compared between the groups. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to adjust for potential confounding factors.Results: There were 253, 1911 and 329 patients in each group, respectively. In patients with advanced gestational age (≥41 weeks) the rate of uterine rupture was significantly higher (0% vs. 1.0% vs. 2.7%, p=0.006) and the rate of successful vaginal deliveries was significantly lower (83% vs. 76.9% vs. 62.6%, p<0.001). After adjusting for confounding variables, advanced gestational age was associated with a lower rate of successful vaginal delivery (odds ratio 0.68, 95% CI 0.51–0.89), and a higher rate of uterine rupture (odds ratio 2.85, 95% CI 1.27–6.42) when compared to 37–40 weeks 6 days.Conclusion: Advanced gestational age is associated with higher rates of failed TOL and uterine rupture.

Impact of Sociodemographic and Hospital Factors on Attempts at Vaginal Birth After Cesarean Delivery

In Brief OBJECTIVE To estimate the clinical and nonclinical factors associated with whether a patient attempts a trial of labor after previous cesarean delivery or elects to have a repeat cesarean delivery. METHODS We conducted a retrospective, cohort study comparing all women with previous low transverse cesarean delivery who attempted a trial of labor with those who elected to have a repeat cesarean delivery. Data from 17 hospital sites for the period 1995–1998 were included, for a total of 15,172 patients. Bivariate, site-adjusted, and multivariable logistic regression analyses were used. RESULTS Odds of trial of labor by hospital were not uniform in the unadjusted or adjusted analyses. The odds of trial of labor decreased significantly with increasing age, gravidity, and number of previous cesarean deliveries. Medicaid patients had higher odds of trial of labor than did privately insured patients (odds ratio [OR] 1.37 [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.20, 1.55]). Patients with nonrecurrent indication for previous cesarean delivery had generally higher odds of trial of labor than did those with a recurrent indication. Black women were more likely to attempt trial of labor than were white women (OR 2.17 [95% CI 1.83, 2.56] for those with a nonrecurrent indication). CONCLUSION Clinical and nonclinical factors influence rates of attempted vaginal birth after cesarean delivery. Clinical and nonclinical factors effect vaginal birth after cesarean attempts.

Impact of sociodemographic and hospital factors on attempts at vaginal birth after cesarean delivery

Objective To estimate the clinical and nonclinical factors associated with whether a patient attempts a trial of labor after previous cesarean delivery or elects to have a repeat cesarean delivery. Methods We conducted a retrospective, cohort study comparing all women with previous low transverse cesarean delivery who attempted a trial of labor with those who elected to have a repeat cesarean delivery. Data from 17 hospital sites for the period 1995–1998 were included, for a total of 15,172 patients. Bivariate, site-adjusted, and multivariable logistic regression analyses were used. Results Odds of trial of labor by hospital were not uniform in the unadjusted or adjusted analyses. The odds of trial of labor decreased significantly with increasing age, gravidity, and number of previous cesarean deliveries. Medicaid patients had higher odds of trial of labor than did privately insured patients (odds ratio [OR] 1.37 [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.20, 1.55]). Patients with nonrecurrent indication for previous cesarean delivery had generally higher odds of trial of labor than did those with a recurrent indication. Black women were more likely to attempt trial of labor than were white women (OR 2.17 [95% CI 1.83, 2.56] for those with a nonrecurrent indication). Conclusion Clinical and nonclinical factors influence rates of attempted vaginal birth after cesarean delivery.

Uterine Rupture After a Previous Low Transverse Cesarean Delivery

Uterine Rupture After a Previous Low Transverse Cesarean Delivery

Uterine rupture after a previous low transverse cesarean delivery

Uterine rupture after a previous low transverse cesarean delivery

Posterior uterine rupture in a woman with a previous Cesarean delivery

A 33-year-old primipara with a previous low transverse Cesarean delivery underwent labor induction at 41 weeks' gestation with a 10-mg dinoprostone vaginal insert. Eleven hours later, with the cervix fullydilated, an emergency Cesarean delivery was performed because of repetitive variable decelerations followed by fetal bradycardia. A posterior uterine wall rupture extending from the fundus to the vaginawas repaired in layers. The neonate had an Apgar score of 2 and 4 and expired on the 7th day of life.

Pelvic umbrella pack for refractory obstetric hemorrhage secondary to posterior uterine rupture

BACKGROUND: Pelvic hemorrhage continues to be a serious complication of pregnancy and can lead to significant maternal morbidity. The pelvic umbrella pack is a useful alternative to control pelvic bleeding when standard measures fail. CASE: A patient with a previous low transverse cesarean delivery presented in active labor at term. After an uneventful vaginal delivery, defects in the posterior vaginal wall and lower uterine segment were identified. A hysterectomy with repair of the vaginal laceration was performed, but diffuse bleeding persisted. After routine surgical techniques failed to achieve adequate hemostasis, a pelvic umbrella pack was successfully used to tamponade pelvic bleeding. CONCLUSION: In the event of continued hemorrhage after hysterectomy, bleeding that is uncontrolled by surgical intervention may be controlled with a pelvic umbrella pack.