Section Rate For Fetal Distress Research Articles

Prevalence and Complications of Subclinical and Overt Hypothyroidism in Pregnancy at North Indian Tertiary Care Center.

Thyroid disorders are one of the commonest endocrine problems among pregnant women. It is often argued that it is not only overt, but subclinical thyroid dysfunction also has similar adverse effects on maternal and fetal outcomes. There is a huge deficiency of data from the Indian population to assess the prevalence of thyroid dysfunction in pregnancy. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of thyroid disorders in pregnancy and their impact on obstetrical outcomes in the Indian population. The study also had the objective of finding a correlation between maternal and fetal thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels in hypothyroid pregnancies. Around 1055 pregnant women in the first and second trimesters were enrolled in the study. A detailed history was noted and general examinations were done. Apart from routine obstetrical investigations, TSH level estimation was done. If the TSH level was deranged, then free T4 (fT4) and free T3 (fT3) levels were also estimated. Furthermore, 50 hypothyroid and euthyroid pregnant women from the same cohort were followed till delivery. Their obstetrical and perinatal outcomes were noted. The prevalence of thyroid dysfunction was 36.5% in this study, which was quite high in the population. Moreover, hypothyroid groups were prone to have pregnancy-induced hypertension (P = 0.03), intrauterine growth restriction (P = 0.05), and preterm delivery (P = 0.04) as compared to control. Cesarean section rate for fetal distress was significantly higher among pregnant hypothyroid women (P = 0.05). Neonatal respiratory distress and low appearance, pulse, grimace, activity, and respiration (APGAR) () scores were significantly more in the hyperthyroidism group (P = 0.04 and P = 0.02, respectively). Maternal TSH was significantly correlated with hemoglobin levels, HbA1c, and systolic blood pressure. Significant adverse effects on maternal and fetal outcomes were seen emphasizing the importance of routine antenatal thyroid screening.

Does ST analysis of fetal ECG reduce cesarean section rate for fetal distress?

Objective: Each pregravidic, gestational or intrapartum complication may, per se, have a different impact on the operative delivery rate, regardless of which fetal monitoring system was adopted. We wanted to verify if CTG plus ST interval analysis (STAN) of fetal ECG might be able to reduce the number of operative delivery for fetal distress in high-risk pregnancies compared to low-risk women monitored with CTG alone.Materials and methods: In this cohort study, we evaluated 100 high-risk pregnancies consecutively with STAN® S31 (Neoventa Medical, Gotenburg, Sweden) and 160 low-risk pregnancies consecutively with continuous CTG (Hewlett Packard, 50 IP, Palo Alto, CA).Results: We found that STAN monitoring, although associated with a higher total operativity rate, both vaginal (11% versus 3.12%, p = 0.015) and cesarean (17% versus 4.37%, p = 0.001), reduced the cesarean section rate performed for fetal distress (29.41% versus 85.71%, p = 0.023) compared with low-risk CTG monitoring group.Conclusion: CTG plus ST interval analysis of fetal ECG reduced the risk of operative cesarean delivery for fetal distress in high-risk gestations.

English

Aim of the present study is to determine amniotic fluid index in labour and to assess the course of labour, mode of delivery and perinatal outcome in relation to AFI. Objective of the study is the early detection of fetal distress and prevention of neonatal morbidity and mortality. This study was conducted in Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Rangaraya Medical College, Kakinada from October, 2011 to October 2013, to evaluate perinatal outcome in relation to AFI with a gestational age between 37-42 weeks. AFI was measured and the perinatal outcome compared between three groups. The cesarean section rate for fetal distress and low birth weight babies, <2.5 kgs was higher in patients with oligohydroamnios. There was a significant difference in meconium staining, APGAR at 1 & 5 mins <7 at the time of birth between three groups. Oligohydroamnios has a significant correlation with cesarean section for fetal distress and low birth weight babies.

Correlation of Amniotic Fluid Index with Perinatal Outcome

We aimed to evaluate the predictive value of amniotic fluid index (AFI) (<5) for adverse perinatal outcome in terms of cesarean section for fetal distress, birth weight, meconium staining, Apgar scores, and cord pH at birth. This was a prospective study of 200 antenatal women booked at Ram Manohar Lohia (RML) Hospital during the years 2009-2011 with gestational age between 34 and 41weeks. The women's history, clinical examination recorded, and AFI were measured and the perinatal outcome was compared between two groups, i.e., AFI<5 and >5. The cesarean section rate for fetal distress and low birth weight babies, <2.5kg, was higher in patients with oligohydramnios (p=0.048, 0.001, respectively). There was no significant difference in meconium staining, Apgar score at 5min <7, and cord pH at birth between the two groups (p=0.881, 0.884, 0.764, respectively). Oligohydramnios has a significant correlation with cesarean section for fetal distress and low birth weight babies.

Overt and subclinical thyroid dysfunction among Indian pregnant women and its effect on maternal and fetal outcome

Thyroid disorders are among the common endocrine problems in pregnant women. It is now well established that not only overt, but subclinical thyroid dysfunction also has adverse effects on maternal and fetal outcome. There are few data from India about the prevalence of thyroid dysfunction in pregnancy. With this background, this study aims to find prevalence of thyroid dysfunction in pregnancy and its impact on obstetrical outcome in Indian population. Six hundred and 33 pregnant women in second trimester were registered. Detailed history and examination was done. Apart from routine obstetrical investigations, TSH level estimation was done. If TSH level was deranged then free T4 and thyroperoxidase antibody level estimation were done. Patients were managed accordingly and followed till delivery. Their obstetrical and perinatal outcomes were noted. Prevalence of thyroid dysfunction was high in this study, with subclinical hypothyroidism in 6.47% and overt hypothyroidism in 4.58% women. Overt hypothyroids were prone to have pregnancy-induced hypertension (P=0.04), intrauterine growth restriction (P=0.01) and intrauterine demise (P=0.0004) as compared to control. Cesarean section rate for fetal distress was significantly higher among pregnant subclinical hypothyroid women (P=0.04). Neonatal complications and gestational diabetes were significantly more in overt hyperthyroidism group (P=0.03 and P=0.04, respectively). Prevalence of thyroid disorders, especially overt and subclinical hypothyroidism (6.47%) was high. Significant adverse effects on maternal and fetal outcome were seen emphasizing the importance of routine antenatal thyroid screening.

Therapeutic amnioinfusion for intrapartum fetal distress using a pediatric feeding tube

Objective: To evaluate the role of therapeutic amnioinfusion using a pediatric feeding tube in cases of intrapartum fetal distress. Methods: A randomized clinical trial including 438 women admitted in labor at Assiut University Hospital with nonreassuring fetal heart rate tracing. Using sealed opaque envelopes, the women were randomized to 2 groups. In the amnioinfusion group they underwent transcervical amnioifusion (1000 mL of warmed sterile saline solution) in addition to conventional treatment. In the control group they received conventional treatment only. The primary outcome was cesarean section rate for fetal distress. The secondary outcomes were neonatal and maternal complications. Results: The amnioinfusion group showed a significant reduction in the rate of cesarean section for fetal distress (relative risk [RR], 0.7; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.6–0.83), and a 30% reduction in abnormal fetal heart rate patterns (RR, 0.7; 95% CI, 0.6–0.83). Significantly fewer newborns had Apgar scores less than 7 at 1 and 5 min in the amnioinfusion group than in the control group (RR, 0.38; 95% CI, 0.26–0.55 and RR, 0.31; 95% CI, 0.15–0.64, respectively). Significantly fewer newborns had meconium below the vocal cords in the amnioinfusion group than in the control group (RR, 0.36; 95% CI, 0.13–0.97). Moreover, 14 newborns in the amnioinfusion group needed admission to the intensive care unit vs. 31 newborns in the control group. There were no significant differences between the 2 groups regarding the incidence rates of uterine hypertonus and maternal temperature higher than 38 °C. Conclusion: Therapeutic amnioinfusion is a simple and effective intervention that reduces the rates of cesarean section for intrapartum nonreassuring fetal heart tracing. In under-resourced settings, it can be performed using inexpensive catheters.

Prophylactic transcervical amnioinfusion in laboring women with oligohydramnios

Objectives: Evaluation of prophylactic intrapartum amnioinfusion in women with oligohydramnios. Methods: Assiut University Hospital during the period from February 2000 to September 2001, 160 laboring women with oligohydramnios [amniotic fluid index (AFI) ≤5 cm] were randomized into: amnioinfusion and control groups. Inclusion criteria were: term singleton gestation, vertex presentation, cervical dilatation <4 cm, and assuring fetal heart rate (FHR). Trans-cervical amnioinfusion was done with warmed normal saline. Results: there was a significant increase in AFI after amnioinfusion ( P<0.001). The amnioinfusion group showed lower cesarean section rate for fetal distress ( P=0.003), lower incidence of abnormal FHR ( P=0.006), fewer neonates with Apgar score <7 at 1 min ( P<0.001), and 5 min ( P=0.009), meconium below vocal cords ( P<0.001), umbilical arterial pH<7.1 ( P=0.003), and significantly shorter hospital stay ( P=0.02). Conclusion: Prophylactic trans-cervical amnioinfusion is a simple, safe and effective procedure.

Induction of labour with a viable infant: a randomised clinical trial comparing intravaginal misoprostol and intravaginal dinoprostone

Objective To compare the efficacy and safety of vaginal misoprostol (50μg) with vaginal dinoprostone. Design Double-blind randomised trial. Setting Obstetrics Department, Poissy Hospital, France. Participants 370 patients with medical indications for induction of labour. Outcome measures Vaginal deliveries within 24 hours, as well as time to vaginal deliveries, caesarean rates, costs, and fetal, neonatal and maternal condition. Results Compared with vaginal dinoprostone, vaginal misoprostol resulted in greater efficacy in several areas: vaginal delivery within 24 hours; time to vaginal delivery; and vaginal delivery within 12 hours. There was a non-significant increase in the caesarean section rate for fetal distress in the misoprostol group, but fewer caesarean sections for failed induction. Fetal tolerance was similar in the two groups, although significantly more neonates had a cord pH <7.20 and (non-significantly) none had meconium stained amniotic fluid in the misoprostol group. The incidence of poor neonatal outcome was similar in both groups. Subgroup analysis by indication for induction showed that the higher rates of arterial cord pH <7.20 and of meconium-stained amniotic fluid with misoprostol persisted only in possible fetal compromise. Poor neonatal outcome was less frequent in the misoprostol group in cases of induction for non-fetal indications. Conclusions Vaginal misoprostol resulted in successful and earlier induction of labour more often than dinoprostone, but the safety of misoprostol raises some concern in potentially compromised infants. Misoprostol should be preferred to dinoprostone in cases of induction for non-fetal indications.

CONTINUOUS INTRAPARTUM pH, pO 2, pCO 2, and SpO 2 MONITORING

The goal of intrapartum surveillance and its further development is better patient care for both the fetus and the gravida. A normal FHR pattern is usually associated with the delivery of a normal well-oxygenated infant; however, a nonreassuring FHR is not always associated with the delivery of a compromised infant. This situation has led to an increase in unnecessary obstetric interventions in the form of a rising cesarean section rate. Fetal scalp sampling was developed in an attempt to improve the predictive value of electronic FHR monitoring, but because this technique is not widely used, management decisions are frequently made using FHR patterns alone. Much research has been performed in the search for a continuous biochemical measurement of fetal status, including continuous pH, pO2, or pCO2 and various combinations of these methodologies. None of these measurements are used in current clinical practice, mainly owing to technical problems and difficulties associated with the continuous direct measurement of these parameters in fetal blood throughout labor. The promising new field of fetal pulse oximetry has the potential to provide reliable, meaningful, and reproducible data as shown in early cross-sectional studies and more recent longitudinal studies. By identifying developing hypoxia, this technology may reduce the uncertainty associated with electronic FHR monitoring. Fetal pulse oximetry may also provide critical information relating to the detection and management of the hypoxic fetus. Any new method of intrapartum fetal monitoring requires careful evaluation to assess its potential value before its introduction into clinical practice. The use of fetal SpO2 monitoring in the presence of a nonreassuring FHR pattern is being examined in a multicenter randomized controlled trial. This study will address the question of whether supplementary monitoring of fetal SpO2 levels can lead to a reduction in the cesarean section rate for fetal distress. The available data on fetal noninvasive pulse oximetry have been obtained from a combination of well-designed cohort studies (level II-2 evidence) or from earlier multiple time series (level II-3 evidence). The results from the US Multicenter Trial (level I evidence) should provide a significant addition to current evidence. A continuous fetal noninvasive monitor measuring fetal oxygenation directly could lead to an improvement in the sensitivity and specificity of fetal surveillance. This improvement could ultimately result in a reduction in unnecessary interventions by differentiating hypoxic fetuses from nonhypoxic fetuses and, more importantly, may lead to earlier intervention for fetuses in danger of serious compromise.

Fetal blood sampling and caesarean section for fetal distress; results of a pilot study

SummaryFetal scalp blood sampling has been used widely as it was said to reduce the caesarean section rate for fetal distress. This view has been supported by little clinical evidence. We compared the caesarean section rate over 2 years, one before and one after the introduction of the liberal use of fetal blood sampling. There was a 32 per cent reduction in the caesarean section rate for fetal distress (P < 0.05) after the introduction of fetal scalp sampling. This reduction was not detrimental to the neonate as assessed by Apgar scores, or admissions to the special care baby unit, which fell with fetal scalp sampling. During the 2 years the neonatal and perinatal mortality remained steady.

Does 24-hour supervisory staff coverage in the labour and delivery area change the emergency caesarean section rate?

The influence on the emergency caesarean section rate of 24-h supervisory staff coverage in the labour and delivery area was investigated. In period I (1978-1979), the supervisory staff were inside the hospital from 07.01 to 17.00 hours, and on call at home from 17.01 to 07.00 hours of the next day, and in period II (1980-1981), the supervisory staff were inside the hospital 24 h a day. The section rate for fetal distress increased during period II. The rate for maternal complications also increased in the 17.01-24.00 hours shift and decreased in the 07.01-17.00 hours shift during period II. However, the overall emergency caesarean section rate did not change between the two periods.

The influence of scalp sampling on the cesarean section rate for fetal distress

One year's obstetric experience at Los Angeles County-University of Southern California Medical Center was reviewed and compared with previous years. The incidence of cesarean section for fetal distress is low and has remained constant over the past 7 years. Periodic changes and decreased baseline variability of the fetal heart rate accounted for 39% of the diagnoses of fetal distress in this group. Scalp sampling clarified the diagnosis of fetal distress and prevented unnecessary cesarean section. Compromised perinatal outcome in the greater than 2,500 gram weight group was confined to those who were monitored, had indications for monitoring, or had identifiable prospective risk factors, with rare exceptions.