Umbilical Arterial Blood pH Research Articles

Clinical implications of a Couvelaire uterus with placental abruption: A retrospective study.

This study aimed to clarify the maternal and neonatal outcomes based on the presence or absence of a Couvelaire uterus with placental abruption. This single-center retrospective study was conducted at a tertiary perinatal center in Japan, including patients diagnosed with acute placental abruption who delivered live births via cesarean section between 2016 and 2023. Patients were divided into two groups based on the presence or absence of a Couvelaire uterus during surgery: the Couvelaire and normal uterus groups. Maternal and neonatal outcomes were assessed. This study included 76 patients: 24 in the Couvelaire group and 52 in the normal uterus group. No patients underwent hysterectomies. The Couvelaire group had significantly higher intraoperative blood loss (median 1152 vs 948 g, P = 0.010), blood transfusion rates (58% vs 31%, P = 0.022), fibrinogen administration rates (38% vs 13%, P = 0.038), intensive care unit/high care unit admission rates (29% vs 7.7%, P = 0.013), and disseminated intravascular coagulation complication rates (25% vs 7.7%, P = 0.038). There were no differences in birth weight, gestational age (median 2387 vs 2065 g, P = 0.082), Apgar score <4 at 5 min (4.2% vs 3.9%, P = 0.95), umbilical artery blood pH <7.1 (25% vs 22%, P = 0.82), and neonatal death (4.2% vs 1.9%, P = 0.57). A Couvelaire uterus indicated adverse maternal outcomes but not neonatal ones. Its presence necessitates preparation for blood transfusions and/or intensive patient follow-up.

Comparison of the effects of norepinephrine and phenylephrine on shivering and hypothermia in patients undergoing caesarean section under spinal anaesthesia at a tertiary hospital in China：a randomised, double-blind, controlled trial protocol

IntroductionPeripheral vasodilation causes a redistribution of body temperature from the core to the periphery, resulting in shivering and hypothermia. These are normal pathological and physiological processes during spinal anaesthesia. Two...

Short stature and vaginal dinoprostone as independent predictors of composite maternal-newborn adverse outcomes in induction of labor after one previous cesarean: a retrospective cohort study

BackgroundThe rates of labor induction and cesarean delivery is rising worldwide. With the confluence of these trends, the labor induction rate in trials of labor after cesarean can be as high as 27-32.7%. Induction of labor after one previous cesarean (IOLAC) is a high-risk procedure mainly due to the higher risk of uterine rupture. Nevertheless, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists considers IOLAC as an option in motivated and informed women in the appropriate care setting. We sought to identify predictors of a composite of maternal and newborn adverse outcomes following IOLAC.MethodsThe electronic medical records of women who delivered between January 2018 to September 2022 in a Malaysian university hospital were screened to identify cases of IOLAC. A case is classified as a composite adverse outcome if at least one of these 11 adverse outcomes of delivery blood loss ≥ 1000 ml, uterine scar complications, cord prolapse or presentation, placenta abruption, maternal fever (≥ 38 0C), chorioamnionitis, intensive care unit (ICU) admission, Apgar score < 7 at 5 min, umbilical artery cord artery blood pH < 7.1 or base excess ≤-12 mmol/l, and neonatal ICU admission was present. An unplanned cesarean delivery was not considered an adverse outcome as the practical management alternative for a clinically indicated IOLAC was a planned cesarean. Bivariate analysis of participants’ characteristics was performed to identify predictors of their association with composite adverse outcome. Characteristics with crude p < 0.10 on bivariate analysis were incorporated into a multivariable binary logistic regression analysis model.ResultsElectronic medical records of 19,064 women were screened. 819 IOLAC cases and 98 cases with composite adverse outcomes were identified. Maternal height, ethnicity, previous vaginal delivery, indication of previous cesarean, indication for IOLAC, and method of IOLAC had p < 0.10 on bivariate analysis and were incorporated into a multivariable binary logistic regression analysis. After adjustment, only maternal height and IOLAC by vaginal dinoprostone compared to Foley balloon remained significant at p < 0.05. Post hoc adjusted analysis that included all unplanned cesarean as an added qualifier for composite adverse outcome showed higher body mass index, short stature (< 157 cm), not of Chinese ethnicity, no prior vaginal delivery, prior cesarean indicated by labor dystocia, and less favorable Bishop score (< 6) were independent predictors of the expanded composite adverse outcome.ConclusionShorter women and IOLAC by vaginal dinoprostone compared to Foley balloon were independently predictive of composite of adverse outcome.

Pain control and neonatal outcomes in 211 women under epidural anesthesia during childbirth at high altitude in Qinghai, China.

High altitudes are characterized by low-pressure oxygen deprivation. This is further exacerbated with increasing altitude. High altitudes can be associated with reduced oxygenation, which in turn, can affect labor, as well as maternal and fetal outcomes. Epidural anesthesia can significantly relieve labor pain. This study aimed to assess the effects of elevation gradient changes at high altitude on the analgesic effect of epidural anesthesia, labor duration, and neonatal outcomes. We divided 211 women who received epidural anesthesia into groups according to varying elevation of their residence (76 in Xining City, mean altitude 2,200 m; 63 in Haibei Prefecture, mean altitude 3,655 m; and 72 in Yushu Prefecture, mean altitude 4,493 m). The analgesic effect was assessed using a visual analog scale (VAS). Labor duration was objectively recorded. The neonatal outcome was assessed using Apgar scores and fetal umbilical artery blood pH. VAS scores among the three groups did not differ significantly (p > 0.05). The neonatal Apgar scores in descending order were: Xining group > Haibei group > Yushu group (p < 0.05). The stage of labor was similar among the three groups (p > 0.05). Fetal umbilical artery blood pH in descending order were: Xining group > Haibei group > Yushu group (p < 0.05). Elevation gradient changes in highland areas did not affect the efficacy of epidural anesthesia or labor duration. However, neonatal outcomes were affected.

The iPREFACE score is useful for predicting fetal acidemia: A retrospective cohort study of 113 patients who underwent emergency cesarean section for non-reassuring fetal status during labor

The iPREFACE score may aid in predicting fetal acidemia and neonatal asphyxia in emergency cesarean and vaginal deliveries, which may improve labor management precision in the future. This study aimed to assess the score use of the iPREFACE as an objective indicator of the need for rapid delivery in cases of repeated abnormal waveforms without concurrent indications for immediate medical intervention during labor. This retrospective cohort study was conducted among term (37+ 0 days to 41+6 days) singleton pregnant women who underwent emergency cesarean delivery owing to a nonreassuring fetal status. The integrated score index to predict fetal acidemia by intrapartum fetal heart rate monitoring-decision of emergency cesarean delivery score, calculated from a 30-minute cardiotocography waveform before the decision to perform emergency cesarean delivery, and the integrated score index to predict fetal acidemia by intrapartum fetal heart rate monitoring-removal of cardiotocography transducer score, calculated from a 30-minute cardiotocography waveform before cardiotocography transducer removal, were employed. The primary outcome was the assessment of the predictive ability of these scores for fetal acidemia, whereas the secondary outcomes were differences in umbilical artery blood gas findings and postnatal outcomes between the 2 groups, divided by the cutoff values of the integrated score index to predict fetal acidemia by intrapartum fetal heart rate monitoring-removal of cardiotocography score. The integrated score index to predict fetal acidemia by intrapartum fetal heart rate monitoring-decision of emergency cesarean delivery and integrated score index to predict fetal acidemia by intrapartum fetal heart rate monitoring-removal of cardiotocography transducer scores demonstrated the capability to predict an umbilical artery blood pH of <7.2. The integrated score index to predict fetal acidemia by intrapartum fetal heart rate monitoring-decision of emergency cesarean delivery and -removal of cardiotocography transducer score, with cutoff values of 37 and 46 points, respectively, exhibited an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.82 and 0.87, respectively. The integrated score index to predict fetal acidemia by intrapartum fetal heart rate monitoring-removal of cardiotocography transducer group with ≥46 points had higher incidence rates of an umbilical cord artery blood pH of <7.2, <7.1, and <7.0 and neonatal intensive care unit admissions for neonatal asphyxia. The integrated score index to predict fetal acidemia by intrapartum fetal heart rate monitoring, derived from cardiotocography during an emergency cesarean delivery, may enable clinicians to predict fetal acidemia in cases of nonreassuring fetal status. Improved prediction of fetal acidemia and facilitation of timely intervention hold promise for enhancing the outcomes of mothers and newborns during childbirth. Prospective studies are warranted to establish precise cutoff values and to validate the clinical application of these scores.

Trends in Apgar scores and umbilical artery pH: a population-based cohort study on 10,696,831 live births in Germany, 2008–2022

Low Apgar scores and low umbilical arterial (UA) blood pH are considered indicators of adverse perinatal events. This study investigated trends of these perinatal health indicators in Germany. Perinatal data on 10,696,831 in-hospital live births from 2008 to 2022 were obtained from quality assurance institutes. Joinpoint regression analysis was used to quantify trends of low Apgar score and UA pH. Additional analyses stratified by mode of delivery were performed on term singletons with cephalic presentation. Robustness against unmeasured confounding was analyzed using the E-value sensitivity analysis. The overall rates of 5-min Apgar scores < 7 and UA pH < 7.10 in liveborn infants were 1.17% and 1.98%, respectively. For low Apgar scores, joinpoint analysis revealed an increase from 2008 to 2011 (annual percent change (APC) 5.19; 95% CI 3.66–9.00) followed by a slower increase from 2011 to 2019 (APC 2.56; 95% CI 2.00–3.03) and a stabilization from 2019 onwards (APC − 0.64; 95% CI − 3.60 to 0.62). The rate of UA blood pH < 7.10 increased significantly between 2011 and 2017 (APC 5.90; 95% CI 5.15–7.42). For term singletons in cephalic presentation, the risk amplification of low Apgar scores was highest after instrumental delivery (risk ratio 1.623, 95% CI 1.509–1.745), whereas those born spontaneous had the highest increase in pH < 7.10 (risk ratio 1.648, 95% CI 1.615–1.682). Conclusion: Rates of low 5-min Apgar scores and UA pH in liveborn infants increased from 2008 to 2022 in Germany.What is Known:• Low Apgar scores at 5 min after birth and umbilical arterial blood pH are associated with adverse perinatal outcomes.• Prospective collection of Apgar scores and arterial blood pH data allows for nationwide quality assurance.What is New:• The rates of liveborn infants with 5-min Apgar scores < 7 rose from 0.97 to 1.30% and that of umbilical arterial blood pH < 7.10 from 1.55 to 2.30% between 2008–2010 and 2020–2022. • In spontaneously born term singletons in cephalic presentation, the rate of metabolic acidosis with pH < 7.10 and BE < −5 mmol/L in umbilical arterial blood roughly doubled between the periods 2008–2010 and 2020–2022.

Perinatal Birth Asphyxia Among Newborns at Jiblah Public Health Hospital in Ibb City, Yemen, During Six Years of Conflict and Its Predictive Factors: A Retrospective Cross-Sectional Study.

Birth asphyxia is a major cause of infant death across the world, especially in developing countries, where the issue is significantly underreported and underestimated, particularly in fragile and conflict-affected states. The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence and risk factors for birth asphyxia in women at Jiblah University Hospital in Ibb, Yemen, and its predictive factors throughout six years of conflict. We conducted a retrospective cross-sectional chart review and analysis of the birth database spanning from June 2013 to September 2019 at Jiblah University Hospital in Ibb, Yemen. We used APGAR (appearance, pulse, grimace, activity, and respiration) scores <7 at both the first- and fifth-minute post-delivery with umbilical cord arterial blood pH <7 (metabolic acidosis) and/or neurologic manifestations (seizures or an altered tone) within the first 24 hours of life to define birth asphyxia cases. Factors associated with birth asphyxia were analyzed using univariate and multivariate regression analysis with an odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI). A total of 5,193 neonates were delivered during the study period. The prevalence of birth asphyxia in 309 (6%) neonates. In a multivariate analysis, illiteracy (OR: 2.90; 95% CI: 0.98-8.41), referred mothers (OR: 3.04; 95% CI: 1.42-6.40), advanced maternal age (OR: 1.05; 95% CI: 1.02-1.07), home delivery (OR: 6.50; 95% CI: 3.09-12.57), prematurity (OR: 1.43; 95% CI: 1.05-1.93), and low birth weight (OR: 3.09; 95% CI: 1.93-4.93) were predictors for birth asphyxia and were statistically significant (p<0.05). In this study, the prevalence of birth asphyxia was equivalent to that of other underdeveloped nations. However, continual attention and treatments are required to lower the risk of birth asphyxia. Illiteracy, referred mothers, advanced maternal age, home delivery, prematurity, and low birth weight were all predictors of birth asphyxia in this research. Most birth asphyxia factors mentioned in this study can be managed through effective prenatal, intrapartum, and postpartum care, as well as a strict following of national obstetrics and neonatal guidelines.

Effects of maternal posture and cognitive-behavioral interventions on labor outcomes in primigravidas with abnormal fetal head position: a randomized controlled clinical trial

Objective Fetal head malposition can result in neonatal and maternal complications. Fetal head malposition occurs frequently in labor. Appropriate and timely managements are required. Maternal posture and cognitive-behavioral interventions could improve labor outcomes in primigravidas with fetal head malposition. Methods A randomized controlled clinical trial was performed between January and December 2022 (Chinese Clinical Trial Registry, ChiCTR2100049359). Eligible primigravidas were randomly assigned into four groups. Group A received traditional perinatal care. Group B, C, and D received posture management, posture management with music therapy, and posture management with video education, respectively, in addition to traditional perinatal care. The maternal postures referred to place pregnant women in certain positions (lateral, lateral-prone, hands and knees, open knee-chest) to change the anatomical structure of pelvis, thus, to facilitate the fetal downward movement and birth. Maternal and neonatal outcomes were recorded and compared. Results A total of 136 primigravidas were included, with 34, 35, 34, and 33 women in group A, B, C, and D, respectively. The incidences of cesarean section were lower in groups B, C, and D than that in group A (5.7%, 2.9%, and 3.0% versus 20.6%, p < 0.05). The fetal position correction rates at the time of full dilation of cervix were higher in groups B, C, and D than that in group A (66.7%, 63.6%, 68.8% versus 27.6%, p < 0.05). Primigravidas in groups B, C, and D had better experiences and a lower anxiety level than those in group A (p < 0.001). The four groups had no statistically significant differences in the total labor duration, operative vaginal delivery, umbilical artery blood pH, and neonatal Apgar scores. Conclusion Fetal head malposition could happen in primigravidas. Maternal posture management and cognitive-behavioral interventions during labor could improve labor outcomes in primigravidas with fetal head malposition.

Umbilical cord arterial blood pH an indicator of rise in cesarean section rate due to false-positive indications by CTG

Background: Cesarean section rate is rising globally, now accounting for more than 1 in 5 (21%) of all childbirths. This number is set to continue increasing over the coming decade unless the factors which increase the rate of cesarean section are kept in check. Intrapartum cardiotocography (CTG) has shown a false-positive rate of cesarean section. This has been correlated with neonatal umbilical cord blood pH analysis. Aims and Objectives: (1) Correlation of non-reassuring CTG, resulting in cesarean section with umbilical cord arterial blood pH. (2) To find the false-positive indications of cesarean section due to CTG. Materials and Methods: This observational study was conducted in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology of SKIMS, Soura, from September 2020 to July 2022 over a period of 22 months. Women with a gestational age of more than 34 weeks with singleton pregnancy were included in the study. Those with CTG-documented fetal distress were subjected to umbilical cord arterial blood pH monitoring. Results: A total of 85 patients underwent cesarean sections in view of fetal distress documented by CTG, but only 45 neonates had actual distress as documented by umbilical cord blood sampling. Conclusion: Social and non-medical factors no doubt have caused an alarming rise in cesarean sections, but at the same time, there are some iatrogenic causes, namely CTG, which lead to the rise in the cesarean section rate due to false-positive indications. This has been further supported by the fact that the pH of the umbilical cord blood of neonates with intrapartum non-reassuring CTG does not correspond to fetal acidemia in all cases. Hence, a significant number of cesarean sections is being done for false-positive indications.

The comparison of umbilical cord artery pH in newborns with and without thick meconium stained amniotic fluid

Meconium-stained amniotic fluid (MSAF) affects 15-20% of term pregnancies. Recent studies have shown that MSAF has adverse effects on neonatal outcomes. There is no scientific consensus on the incidence of fetal distress in MSAF neonates, and most cesarean sections due to MSAF are unnecessary. The present study was conducted to assess umbilical artery blood pH in neonates with MSAF and to examine whether there is a relationship between MSAF and fetal distress. A clinical survey case-control was conducted on the neonates of 200 pregnant women admitted to a delivery unit of the obstetrics and Gynecology center in Amir al-Momenin Hospital, Zabol in 2014. Neonates born with MSAF made up the case group, and the control group consisted of neonates born with clear amniotic fluid. Umbilical cord arterial pH, gestational age, gender, mode of delivery, and one and five-minute Apgar scores were considered in both groups. The mean pH of the umbilical cord artery blood in the infants of the case group was 7.25, and the mean pH of the umbilical cord artery in the infants of the control group was 7.29 (P = 0.93). The mean gestational age in the case and control groups was 40.08 weeks and 38.32 weeks, respectively (P= 0.03). In this study, a cesarean delivery (P=0.001) and female gender (P= 0.016) were higher in the case group than in the control group. MSAF does not necessarily imply fetal distress, so urgent cesarean sections are unnecessary. This study showed that based on the acidity variables of the umbilical cord artery, there is no statistically significant correlation between the Apgar score at the 1st and 5th minute. While a significant difference has been observed between the type of delivery, gestational age and baby's gender.

Relationships between hypertensive disorders in pregnancy and obstructive sleep apnea syndrome

Objective: To investigate the impact of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) on pregnancy outcomes, especially the relationship between OSAS and hypertensive disorders in pregnancy (HDP). Methods: A total of 228 pregnant women with high risk of OSAS who underwent sleep monitoring during pregnancy in Peking University People's Hospital from January 2021 to April 2022 were collected by reviewing their medical records for retrospective analysis. According to the diagnosis of OSAS, the pregnant women were divided into OSAS group (105 cases) and non-OSAS group (123 cases). The non-parametric Mann-Whitney U test, χ2 test or Fisher's exact test were used to compare the general data and maternal and fetal outcomes between the two groups, and the occurrence of each type of HDP was further compared. Results: (1) Compared with the non-OSAS group, the median pre-pregnancy body mass index (23.6 vs 27.6 kg/m2) and the proportion of snoring [28.9% (33/114) vs 59.2% (61/103)] in the OSAS group were higher, and the differences were both statistically significant (both P<0.001). (2) The incidence of HDP [67.6% (71/105) vs 39.0% (48/123)] and gestational diabetes mellitus [GDM; 40.0% (42/105) vs 26.8% (33/123)] of pregnant women in the OSAS group were higher than those in the non-OSAS group, and the median delivery week was shorter than that in the non-OSAS group (38.4 vs 39.0 weeks). The differences were all statistically significant (all P<0.05). Between-group differences for the delivery way, postpartum hemorrhage, the rate of intensive care unit admission, preterm birth, small for gestational age infants, neonatal asphyxia, the rate of neonatal intensive care unit admission, newborn birth weight and the proportion of umbilical artery blood pH<7.00 were not statistically significant (all P>0.05). (3) Compared with the non-OSAS group, the incidence of chronic hypertension [11.4% (14/123) vs 22.9% (24/105)] and chronic hypertension with superimposed pre-eclampsia [11.4% (14/123) vs 30.5% (32/105)] were higher in the OSAS group, and the differences were both statistically significant (both P<0.01). Conclusion: OSAS is related to HDP (especially chronic hypertension and chronic hypertension with superimposed pre-eclampsia) and GDM, which could provide a practical basis for the screening, diagnosis and treatment of OSAS in pregnant women at high risk.

Efficiency of the Cerebroplacental Ratio in Identifying High-Risk Late-Term Pregnancies.

Background and Objectives: Over the last few years, great interest has arisen in the role of the cerebroplacental ratio (CPR) to identify low-risk pregnancies at higher risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes. This study aimed to assess the predictive capacity of the CPR for adverse perinatal outcomes in all uncomplicated singleton pregnancies attending an appointment at 40-42 weeks. Materials and Methods: This is a retrospective cohort study including all consecutive singleton pregnancies undergoing a routine prenatal care appointment after 40 weeks in three maternity units in Spain and the United Kingdom from January 2017 to December 2019. The primary outcome was adverse perinatal outcomes defined as stillbirth or neonatal death, cesarean section or instrumental delivery due to fetal distress during labor, umbilical arterial cord blood pH < 7.0, umbilical venous cord blood pH < 7.1, Apgar score at 5 min < 7, and admission to the neonatal unit. Logistic mixed models and ROC curve analyses were used to analyze the data. Results: A total of 3143 pregnancies were analyzed, including 537 (17.1%) with an adverse perinatal outcome. Maternal age (odds ratio (OR) 1.03, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.01 to 1.04), body mass index (OR 1.04, 95% CI 1.03 to 1.06), racial origin (OR 2.80, 95% CI 1.90 to 4.12), parity (OR 0.36, 95% CI 0.29 to 0.45), and labor induction (OR 1.79, 95% CI 1.36 to 2.35) were significant predictors of adverse perinatal outcomes with an area under the ROC curve of 0.743 (95% CI 0.720 to 0.766). The addition of the CPR to the previous model did not improve performance. Additionally, the CPR alone achieved a detection rate of only 11.9% (95% CI 9.3 to 15) when using the 10th centile as the screen-positive cutoff. Conclusions: Our data on late-term unselected pregnancies suggest that the CPR is a poor predictor of adverse perinatal outcomes.

Analysis of Intrapartum Cardiotocography Findings in Labour, its Correlation with Umbilical Arterial Blood pH and Neonatal Outcome

Background: Cardiotocography (CTG) is being used in all labouring women to detect intrapartum hypoxemia which further requires confirmatory tests. But in a setting where these facilities are not available, umbilical artery pH analysis can help not only in identifying neonates with intrapartum hypoxemia but can also help in anticipating neonatal adverse outcomes. The aim of the study was to analyse intrapartum cardiotocography and its correlation with umbilical artery pH and neonatal outcome. Methods: Total of 317 consecutive single, term, labouring women were included in the present study. After taking CTG, it was classified into normal, non-reassuring and abnormal groups according to National Institute of Clinical Excellence (NICE) guideline 2017. At birth umbilical cord arterial blood was taken to detect neonatal hypoxemia. At the same time, APGAR score at 5 minute of birth, NICU admission and neonatal mortality was also recorded. Neonates with umbilical artery blood pH of ≤7.2 were considered as asphyxiated. Results: Among 317 women 48.8% had normal CTG, 35% had non-reassuring and 15.4% had abnormal CTG. APGAR score was found to be &lt;7 in 17.3%, and same number of neonates had NICU admission. Out of 113 non-reassuring CTG, 5.9% had acidosis. This number was much higher in abnormal CTG group where 11% had acidosis. There were 6 neonatal mortalities. A statistically significant association was found between intrapartum CTG and umbilical artery pH and neonatal outcomes. Conclusion: Cardiotocography is an effective screening tool that is routinely used in all labouring women for screening of fetal hypoxia. By doing that timely intervention can be under taken to avoid neonatal morbidity and mortality.

Real-time imaging as visual biofeedback in active second stage of labor among nulliparas: a randomized controlled trial

A prolonged second stage of labor increases the risk of severe perineal laceration, postpartum hemorrhage, operative delivery, and poor Apgar score. The second stage is longer in nulliparas. Maternal pushing during the second stage of labor is an important contributor to the involuntary expulsive force developed by uterine contraction to deliver the fetus. Preliminary data indicate that visual biofeedback during the active second stage hastens birth. This study aimed to evaluate if visual feedback focusing on the perineum reduced the length of the active second stage of labor in comparison with the control. A randomized controlled trial was conducted in the University Malaya Medical Centre from December 2021 to August 2022. Nulliparous women about to commence the active second stage, at term, with singleton gestation, reassuring fetal status, and no contraindication for vaginal delivery were randomized to live viewing of the maternal introitus (intervention) or maternal face (sham/placebo control) as visual biofeedback during their pushing. A video camera Bluetooth-linked to a tablet computer display screen was used; in the intervention arm, the camera was focused on the introitus, and in the control arm, on the maternal face. Participants were instructed to watch the display screen during their pushing. The primary outcomes were the intervention-to-delivery interval and maternal satisfaction with the pushing experience assessed using a 0-to-10 visual numerical rating scale. Secondary outcomes included mode of delivery, perineal injury, delivery blood loss, birthweight, umbilical cord arterial blood pH and base excess at birth, Apgar score at 1 and 5 minutes, and neonatal intensive care unit admission. Data were analyzed with the t test, Mann-Whitney U test, chi-square test, and Fisher exact test, as appropriate. A total of 230 women were randomized (115 to intervention and 115 to control arm). The active second stage duration (intervention-to-delivery interval) was a median (interquartile range) of 16 (11-23) and 17 (12-31) minutes (P=.289), and maternal satisfaction with the pushing experience was 9 (8-10) and 7 (6-7) (P<.001) for the intervention and control arm, respectively. Women randomized to the intervention arm were more likely to agree to recommend their management to a friend (88/115 [76.5%] vs 39/115 [33.9%]; relative risk, 2.26 [95% confidence interval, 1.72-2.97]; P<.001) and more likely to have less severe perineal injury (P=.018). Real-time viewing of the maternal introitus as visual biofeedback during pushing resulted in higher maternal satisfaction compared with the sham control of viewing the maternal face; however, the time to delivery was not significantly shortened.

Correlation of umbilical cord arterial blood pH with meconium stained liquor

Intrauterine passage of meconium may be due to fetal hypoxia, or it may simply indicate a normal gastrointestinal tract maturation. Umbilical cord blood pH is the best available criterion for detecting fetal hypoxia and making appropriate decisions about care after birth.To determine the correlation of umbilical cord arterial blood pH with meconium stained liquor and neonatal outcome. To determine whether the mode of delivery had any influence on the occurrence of acidemia in the neonate complicated with meconium stained liquor. A prospective observational study was conducted for a period of 6 months. Immediately following delivery in pregnancies complicated with meconium stained liquor, blood was drawn from the umbilical artery and sent for arterial blood gas (ABG) analysis. Neonatal outcome parameters and mode of delivery were then recorded in a pre-designed proforma. There was a statistically significant correlation between abnormal pH (acidosis) and thick meconium stained liquor. Neonatal outcome parameters like Apgar scores at 1 minute and 5 minutes, intravenous antibiotic administration, NICU admission and oxygen supplementation were statistically significant when correlated with the pH level.The degree of meconium thickness independently correlates with the composite adverse neonatal outcome. Cases with meconium stained liquor should be monitored vigorously with timely interventions and proper neonatal resuscitation, especially the ones with thick meconium stained liquor, in order to prevent adverse neonatal outcome.

Accuracy of intrapartum cardiotocography in identifying fetal acidemia by umbilical cord blood analysis in low-risk pregnancies

The aim of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of intrapartum cardiotocography in identifying fetal acidemia by umbilical cord blood analysis in low-risk pregnancies.This is a retrospective cohort study of low-risk singleton pregnancies in labor after performing intrapartum cardiotocography categories I, II, and III. The presence of fetal acidemia at birth was identified by analyzing the pH of umbilical cord arterial blood (pH<7.1).No significant effect of the cardiotocography category on the arterial (p=0.543) and venous (p=0.770) pH of umbilical cord blood was observed. No significant association was observed between the cardiotocography category and the presence of fetal acidemia (p=0.706), 1-min Apgar score <7 (p=0.260), hospitalization in the neonatal intensive care unit (p=0.605), newborn death within the first 48 h, need for neonatal resuscitation (p=0.637), and adverse perinatal outcomes (p=0.373). Sensitivities of 62, 31, and 6.0%; positive predictive values of 11.0, 16.0, and 10.0%; and negative predictive values of 85, 89.0, and 87.0% were observed for cardiotocography categories I, II, and III, respectively.The three categories of intrapartum cardiotocography presented low sensitivities and high negative predictive values to identify fetal acidemia at birth in low-risk pregnancies.

Accuracy of intrapartum cardiotocography in identifying acidemia at birth by umbilical cord blood gasometry in high-risk pregnancies.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of intrapartum cardiotocography in identifying acidemia at birth by umbilical cord blood gasometry in high-risk pregnancies. This was a retrospective cohort study of singleton high-risk parturients using intrapartum cardiotocography categories I, II, and III. The presence of fetal acidemia at birth was identified by the analysis of umbilical cord arterial blood pH (<7.1). Associations between variables were determined using the chi-square test and Kruskal-Wallis tests. We included 105 cases of cardiotocography category I, 20 cases of cardiotocography category II, and 10 cases of cardiotocography category III. cardiotocography category III had a higher prevalence of cesarean sections compared to cardiotocography category I (90.0 vs. 42.9%, p<0.006). Venous pH was higher in patients with cardiotocography category I compared to cardiotocography category III (7.32 vs. 7.23, p=0.036). Prevalence of neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admission was lower in neonates of patients with cardiotocography category I compared to cardiotocography category III (3.8 vs. 30.0%, p=0.014). Prevalence of composite adverse outcomes was lower in neonates of patients with cardiotocography category I compared to cardiotocography category II (9.5 vs. 30.0%, p=0.022) and cardiotocography category III (9.5 vs. 60.0%, p=0.0004). cardiotocography categories II and III had low sensitivity (0.05 and 0.00, respectively) and high negative predictive value (NPV) (0.84 and 0.91, respectively) for identifying fetal acidemia at birth. The three categories of intrapartum cardiotocography showed high specificities (96.0, 99.0, and 99.0%, respectively). All three categories of intrapartum cardiotocography showed low sensitivity and high specificity for identifying acidemia at birth.

Perinatal maternal characteristics predict a high risk of neonatal asphyxia: A multi-center retrospective cohort study in China.

ObjectiveThis study aimed to identify various perinatal maternal characteristics that contributed to neonatal asphyxia (NA) in term and late-preterm newborns based on the data obtained from a Chinese birth registry cohort and to establish an effective model for predicting a high risk of asphyxia.MethodWe retrospectively reviewed and analyzed the birth database from July 1, 2016, to June 30, 2017, in the main economically developed regions of China. Asphyxia was defined as an Apgar score <7 at 5 min post-delivery with umbilical cord arterial blood pH < 7.2 in the infant born after 34weeks. We compared the perinatal maternal characteristics of the newborns who developed asphyxia (NA group, n = 1,152) and those who did not (no NA group, n = 86,393). Candidate predictors of NA were analyzed using multivariable logistic regression. Subsequently, a prediction model was developed and validated by an independent test group.ResultOf the maternal characteristics, duration of PROM ≥ 48 h, a gestational week at birth <37, prolonged duration of labor, hypertensive disorder, nuchal cord, and birth weight <2,500 or ≥4,000 g, abnormal fetal heart rate, meconium-stained amniotic fluid, and placenta previa were included in the predicting model, which presented a good performance in external validation (c-statistic of 0.731).ConclusionOur model relied heavily on clinical predictors that may be determined before or during birth, and pregnant women at high risk of NA might be recognized earlier in pregnancy and childbirth using this methodology, allowing them to avoid being neglected and delayed. Future studies should be conducted to assess its usefulness.

Efficacy of fixed-dose phenylephrine bolus for treating post-spinal hypotension: Comparison between pre-eclamptics and normotensives.

Pre-eclamptic parturients may have an exaggerated response to vasopressors. This study compares the efficacy of a 50 μg fixed bolus of phenylephrine for treatment of post-spinal hypotension in pre-eclamptic versus normotensive parturients. After written informed consent and ethics committee approval, 30 normotensive and 30 pre-eclamptic parturients between 18 and 40 years with singleton term pregnancy about to undergo cesarean section (CS) under spinal anesthesia were included. Post-spinal hypotension was treated with a 50 μg fixed bolus of phenylephrine. The cumulative dose of phenylephrine, the number of boluses, and the median dose required to treat the first hypotensive episode, total number of hypotensive episodes, maternal side effects, neonatal appearance, pulse, grimace, activity, and respiration (APGAR) scores, and umbilical arterial cord blood pH were noted. Statistical analysis was done using Student's t-test, Mann-Whitney U-test, Chi-square test/Fisher's exact test as appropriate. A P <0.05 was considered significant. The cumulative dose and number of boluses of phenylephrine required to treat post-spinal hypotension were comparable. The median dose required to treat the first episode of post-spinal hypotension was also similar (p = 0.792). The time to develop the first hypotensive episode was significantly earlier for group N (p = 0.002). The efficacy of a single fixed bolus of 50 μg phenylephrine was similar in both groups (p = 1.000). Neonatal median APGAR scores at 1 min after birth were significantly higher for group N (p = 0.016). A fixed-dose bolus of 50 μg phenylephrine is safe and effective in treating post-spinal hypotension in pre-eclampsia. The efficacy of phenylephrine is comparable in pre-eclamptic and normotensive parturients.

Optimal duration of cardiotocography assessment using the iPREFACE score to predict fetal acidemia

Cardiotocography (CTG) applicability to improve fetal outcomes remains controversial. This study aimed to determine the clinically optimal CTG assessment duration using the integrated score index to predict fetal acidemia by intrapartum fetal heart rate monitoring (iPREFACE score). This single-center, retrospective observational study included 325 normal full-term singleton vaginal deliveries at the Toho University Omori Medical Center, from September 2018 to March 2019. The iPREFACE(10), iPREFACE(30), and iPREFACE(60) scores were calculated at 10, 30, and 60 min immediately before delivery. The primary outcome was fetal acidemia (umbilical artery blood pH < 7.2). The secondary outcome was the correlation between all iPREFACE scores and the umbilical artery blood pH, base excess (BE), and lactate values. Patients without accurate CTG findings or with failure of umbilical artery blood sampling immediately after birth were excluded, leaving 145 patients in the final analysis. Of these, 16, three, and two had umbilical artery blood pH of < 7.2, < 7.1, and < 7.0, respectively. All iPREFACE scores significantly correlated with umbilical artery blood pH, BE, and lactate values. iPREFACE(30) had the highest predictive capacity for fetal acidemia, suggesting that 30 min immediately before delivery may be a useful scoring time in clinical practice.