Audit of a program to increase the use of vacuum extraction in Mulago Hospital, Uganda

BACKGROUND

Prolonged second stage of labour is a major cause of perinatal and maternal morbidity and mortality in low-income countries. Vacuum extraction is a proven effective intervention, hardly used in Africa. Many authors and organisations recommend (re)introduction of vacuum extraction, but successful implementation has not been reported. In 2012, a program to increase the use of vacuum extraction was implemented in Mulago Hospital, Uganda. The program consisted of development of a vacuum extraction guideline, supply of equipment and training of staff. The objective of this study was to investigate the impact of the program.

METHODS

Audit of a quality improvement intervention with before and after measurement of outcome parameters.

SETTING

Mulago Hospital, the national referral hospital for Uganda with approximately 33 000 deliveries per year. It is the university teaching hospital for Makerere University and most of the countries doctors and midwives are trained here. Data was collected from hospital registers and medical files for a period of two years. Main outcome measures were vacuum extraction rate, intrapartum stillbirth, neonatal death, uterine rupture, maternal death and decision to delivery interval.

RESULTS

Mode of delivery and outcome of 12 143 deliveries before and 34 894 deliveries after implementation of the program were analysed. The vacuum extraction rate increased from 0.6 - 2.4 % of deliveries (p < 0.01) and was still rising after 18 months. There was a decline in intrapartum stillbirths from 34 to 26 per 1000 births (-23.6 %, p < 0.01) and women with uterine rupture from 1.1 - 0.8 per 100 births (-25.5 %, p < 0.01). Decision to delivery interval for vacuum extraction was four hours shorter than for caesarean section.

CONCLUSIONS

A program to increase the use of vacuum extraction was successful in a high-volume university hospital in sub-Saharan Africa. The use of vacuum extraction increased. An association with improved maternal and perinatal outcome is strongly suggested. We recommend broad implementation of vacuum extraction, whereby university hospitals like Mulago Hospital can play an important role.To support implementation, we recommend further research into outcome of vacuum extraction and into vacuum extraction devices for low-income countries. Such studies are now in progress at Mulago Hospital.

[Vaginal delivery of bi-scarred uterus]

Despite awareness of obstetricians to the constant increase in the number of caesarean sections in recent years, certain dogmas concerning uterine scar still persist in our practices and influence clinical decisions. Fear of a uterine scar rupture, a major obstetric complication, is always in mind. As for bi-uterine scar, it was considered, until recently in Belgium, as a full and definitive indication against an attempted vaginal delivery. However, several previous clinical studies clearly showed that, under certain conditions, vaginal birth after two caesarean sections was usually successful with very good results in terms of maternal and fetal morbidities. Even if such a clinical situation is not common, this article aims to sensitize obstetricians to the lack of objective clinical arguments to reject a vaginal delivery in a patient having a previous history of two caesarean sections. Such a patient must be motivated and followed up within a specific framework. Moreover, this type of delivery should receive optimal monitoring.

What We Have Learned About Trial of Labor After Cesarean Delivery from the Maternal-Fetal Medicine Units Cesarean Registry

The cesarean delivery rate in the United States has risen steadily over the past 5 decades such that approximately one in three women now undergo cesarean section. The rise in repeat operations and accompanying decline in trial of labor after cesarean (TOLAC) have been major contributors to this phenomenon. The appropriate use of TOLAC continues to be a topic of interest with the recognition that most women with a history of prior cesarean are candidates for trial of labor. The NICHD MFMU Network Cesarean Registry conducted from 1999 to 2002 provided contemporary data concerning the risks and benefits of TOLAC, which in turn have helped inform practitioners and women considering their options for childbirth following cesarean delivery.

Spontaneous uterine rupture at 28 weeks: A case report

Spontaneous Uterine rupture is associated with massive intra-peritoneal bleed which can be fatal if not recognized. We report a case of 32 year old multigravida at 28 weeks of gestation with history of liver cysts, previous caesarean and uterine curettage, who presented with acute abdominal pain and tenderness; ultrasound revealed placenta percreta. CT abdomen showed haemoperitoneum. The patient underwent emergency caesarean hysterectomy due to uterine rupture at the cornual site.

Cocooned by complications: fetal survival through placental adherence

We report a case of a 31-year-old woman with 2 previous caesarean deliveries who presented a diagnostic dilemma. She underwent caesarean section where she was found to have a uterine scar dehiscence with an adherent placenta and required a hysterectomy. While individually representing high risk to the mother and/or fetus, the combination in this case protected the fetus.

Congenital Uterine Anomalies and Uterine Rupture

Congenital uterine anomalies are more common than previously recognized. While many women will have no symptoms or problems, some women with congenital uterine anomalies have increased risks of adverse outcomes during pregnancy. This article presents a case study of a woman with a congenital uterine anomaly leading to spontaneous rupture of her unscarred uterus remote from term. The most common types of congenital uterine anomalies and their associated reproductive risks are reviewed. Evaluation of congenital uterine anomalies and management alternatives are discussed.

Postmyomectomic Uterine Rupture Despite Cesarean Section

Uterine fibroids (leiomyomas) are benign smooth muscle tumors of the uterus. Fibroids can develop anywhere within the muscular wall. Leiomyomas may be associated with infertility. Laparoscopic myomectomy is often used to remove symptomatic intramural or subserosal fibroids. Advantages of the procedure include short recovery time and minimal perioperative morbidity. At the same time, the multilayer suture technique is more complicated during laparoscopy. A rare but serious complication of laparoscopic myomectomies is uterine rupture. A brief review of the literature and a clinical example of a 33-year-old woman with history of infertility, laparoscopic myomectomies and uterine rupture followed by peripartum hemorrhage is presented. The treatment of leiomyomas is a challenge not only because of possible recurrence but also due to long-term consequences following successful myomectomy. Management of patients with uterine scars should include careful planning of the route of delivery, as the risk of rupture may be increased.

Maternal near misses from two referral hospitals in Uganda: a prospective cohort study on incidence, determinants and prognostic factors

BACKGROUND

Maternal near misses occur more often than maternal deaths and could enable more comprehensive analysis of risk factors, short-term outcomes and prognostic factors of complications during pregnancy and childbirth. The study determined the incidence, determinants and prognostic factors of severe maternal outcomes (near miss or maternal death) in two referral hospitals in Uganda.

METHODS

A prospective cohort study was conducted between March 1, 2013 and February 28, 2014, where cases of severe pregnancy and childbirth complications were included. The clinical conditions included abortion-related complications, obstetric haemorrhage, hypertensive disorders, obstructed labour, infection and pregnancy-specific complications such as febrile illness, anemia and premature rupture of membranes. Near miss cases were defined according to the WHO criteria. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was conducted to identify prognostic factors for severe maternal outcomes.

RESULTS

Of 3100 women with severe obstetric complications, 130 (4.2%) were maternal deaths and 695 (22.7%) were near miss cases. Severe pre-eclampsia was the commonest morbidity (incidence ratio (IR) 7.0%, case-fatality rate (CFR) 2.3%), followed by postpartum haemorrhage (IR 6.7%, CFR 7.2%). Uterine rupture (IR 5.5%) caused the highest CFR (17.9%), followed by eclampsia (IR 0.4%, CFR 17.8%). The three groups (maternal deaths, near misses and non-life-threatening obstetric complications) differed significantly regarding gravidity and education level. The commonest diagnostic criteria for maternal near miss were admission to the high dependency unit (HDU) or to the intensive care unit (ICU). Thrombocytopenia, circulatory collapse, referral to a more specialized unit, intubation unrelated to anaesthesia, and cardiopulmonary resuscitation were predictive of maternal death (p < 0.05). Gravidity (ARR 1.4, 95% C1 1.0-1.2); elevated serum lactate levels (ARR 4.5, 95% CI 2.3-8.7); intubation for conditions unrelated to general anaesthesia (ARR 2.6 (95% CI 1.2-5.7), cardiovascular collapse (ARR 4.9, 95% CI 2.5-9.5); transfusion of 4 or more units of blood (ARR 1.9, 95% CI 1.1-3.1); being an emergency referral (ARR 2.6, 95% CI 1.2-5.6); and need for cardiopulmonary resuscitation (ARR 6.1, 95% CI 3.2-11.7), were prognostic factors.

CONCLUSIONS

The analysis of near misses is a useful tool in the investigation of severe maternal morbidity. The prognostic factors for maternal death, if instituted, might save many women with obstetric complications.

[Spontaneus delivery after two previous caesarean sections - case report]

OBJECTIVE

To demonstrate the higher risk of the uterine dehiscence/rupture in spontaneously delivering women with scared uterus.

DESIGN

Case report.

SETTING

Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, General Teaching Hospital in Prague and First Medical School, Charles University.

CASE REPORT

We demonstrate the risk of uterine dehiscence on the example of 36 year-old woman with two previous caesarean sections who decided to give birth spontaneously.

CONCLUSION

The scars on uterus are the risk factor for uterine dehiscence and rupture. In present, the rising number of caesarean sections leads to increasing number of women with scars on uterus. Despite the potential risk of scars on the uterus, small number of women with history of surgery on uterus plans to give birth spontaneously. We demonstrate the higher risk of the uterine dehiscence after spontaneous delivery in woman with history of two caesarean sections and successful conservative therapy.

Uterine rupture during labor in women with twice successful vaginal births after cesarean delivery

Uterine rupture during labor is a serious complication resulting in maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality. We present the extremely rare case of a 38-year-old gravid woman admitted with labor pain at term, about to experience a uterine rupture during labor. She had previously twice delivered vaginally, and during her third pregnancy had a low transverse Cesarean section. Prior to arriving at the hospital with labor pains, she had routine prenatal care with normal prenatal laboratory tests. One day the woman reported to having sudden epigastric pain, and 40 minutes after her admission a pelvic exam was completed. The unborn baby had a persistent revealed, and a live neonate was promptly delivered with an Apgar score of 1 at one minute and 5 at five minutes. On the fifth postoperative day the woman and her baby were discharged home with no maternal and neonatal complications.

An unusual ovarian neoplasm diagnosed in a patient with rupture of unicornuate uterus during pregnancy: a case report

Unicornuate uterus is a rare disease characterized with reduced fertility, and ovarian tumor diagnosed during pregnancy is uncommon as well. These two diseases have been reported separately. However, patient suffering from both diseases has never been reported before. The authors herein report a case of a 32-year-old Chinese woman presenting with a unicornuate uterus with no horn, who suffered from acute abdominal pain and intra-abdominal hemorrhage at 26 weeks gestation. Incidentally, a borderline ovarian tumor (BOT) and rupture of uterus were found during an urgent exploratory laparotomy. During the follow-up, ovarian tumor recurred in the first year after the operation. The authors suggest that BOT with micropapillary patterns should be paid much more attention to, other than only assessing the histological type. Furthermore, they also suggest that a slightly increased in serum CA-125 value should not be ignored.

UTERINE RUPTURE FOLLOWING MYOMECTOMY IN THIRD TRIMESTER

Rupture of gravid uterus is surgical emergency causing maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality. The risk of uterine rupture is associated with uterine scars caused by previous cesarean section, myomectomy, hysteroscopic procedures, and curettage. We report a case of a 40-year-old woman in 31st week of gestation with spontaneous uterine rupture. It was her third pregnancy. She had two healthy children from previous pregnancies. Her symptoms were abdominal pain, vomiting and pain in the right shoulder lasting for 12 hours prior to admission. Ultrasound examination at admission revealed a dead fetus in the abdomen and free fluid in the abdominal cavity. She had previously undergone laparoscopic myomectomy. After myomectomy, she had one successful vaginal delivery. Every abdominal pain in pregnant woman with uterine scar should be carefully and promptly examined to exclude uterine rupture before further diagnostic procedures. This early time frame is essential for survival of the fetus and sometimes even of the mother. Uterine rupture represents indication for immediate cesarean section and it should be performed within 25 minutes of the first signs of uterine rupture. As shown in the case presented, one successful vaginal delivery after myomectomy is no guarantee for future pregnancies.

Uterine rupture after the uterine fundal pressure maneuver

OBJECTIVE

To clarify the incidence of uterine fundal pressure at delivery and its effect on uterine rupture.

STUDY DESIGN

A questionnaire was sent to 2518 institutions in Japan. We received a response from 1430.

RESULTS

Of reporting institutions, 89.4% used fundal pressure in at least some of their deliveries. Among the 347,771 women who delivered vaginally in this study, 38,973 (11.2%) were delivered with the assistance of fundal pressure. There were six cases of uterine rupture associated with uterine fundal pressure, with one case resulting in maternal death secondary to amniotic fluid embolism.

CONCLUSION

Since uterine fundal pressure may potentially cause serious injury to either the mother and/or neonates, the indications for application need to be clearly elucidated, and obstetric care providers also need comprehensive education and training.

Maternal and fetal morbidity associated with uterine rupture of the unscarred uterus

OBJECTIVE

We sought to report obstetric and neonatal characteristics and outcomes following primary uterine rupture in a large contemporary obstetric cohort and to compare outcomes between those with primary uterine rupture vs those with uterine rupture of a scarred uterus.

STUDY DESIGN

This was a retrospective case-control study. Cases were defined as women with uterine rupture of an unscarred uterus. Controls were women with uterine rupture of a scarred uterus. Demographics, labor characteristics, and obstetric, maternal, and neonatal outcomes were compared. Primary rupture case outcomes were also compared by mode of delivery.

RESULTS

There were 126 controls and 20 primary uterine rupture cases. Primary uterine rupture cases had more previous live births than controls (3.6 vs 1.9; P < .001). Cases were more likely to have received oxytocin augmentation (80% vs 37%; P < .001). Vaginal delivery was more common among cases (45% vs 9%; P < .001). Composite maternal morbidity was higher among primary uterine rupture mothers (65% vs 20%; P < .001). Cases had a higher mean estimated blood loss (2644 vs 981 mL; P < .001) and higher rate of blood transfusion (68% vs 17%; P < .001). Women with primary uterine rupture were more likely to undergo hysterectomy (35% vs 2.4%; P < .001). Rates of major composite adverse neonatal neurologic outcomes including intraventricular hemorrhage, periventricular leukomalacia, seizures, and death were higher in cases (40% vs 12%; P = .001). Primary uterine rupture cases delivering vaginally were more likely to ultimately undergo hysterectomy than those delivering by cesarean (63% vs 9%; P = .017).

CONCLUSION

Although rare, primary uterine rupture is particularly morbid. Clinicians must remain vigilant, particularly in the setting of heavy vaginal bleeding and severe pain.

Risk of uterine rupture among women attempting vaginal birth after cesarean with an unknown uterine scar

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to estimate the association of uterine rupture and previous incision type, either unknown or low transverse, among women who attempt a trial of labor after 1 previous cesarean delivery.

STUDY DESIGN

We conducted a secondary analysis of a prospective multicenter observational study of 15,519 women with term singletons who attempted a trial of labor after 1 previous cesarean delivery. Odds ratios for the association between uterine incision location, either unknown or low transverse, and uterine rupture were estimated with the use of multivariable logistic regression.

RESULTS

Between 1999 and 2002, 99 of the 15,519 women (0.64%) who attempted a trial of labor after 1 previous cesarean delivery experienced a uterine rupture. Pregnant women with an unknown scar had lower odds of uterine rupture (adjusted odds ratio, 0.71; 95% confidence interval, 0.37-1.37) compared with women with a known low transverse scar. Other adverse maternal outcomes did not differ between the 2 groups of women.

CONCLUSION

Among this cohort, women with an unknown uterine incision who attempted a trial of labor were not at increased risk of uterine rupture compared with women with a known low transverse incision.

Selected maternal morbidities in women with a prior caesarean delivery planning vaginal birth or elective repeat caesarean section: a retrospective cohort analysis using data from the UK Obstetric Surveillance System

OBJECTIVE

To conduct a secondary analysis of data from the UK Obstetric Surveillance System (UKOSS) to estimate the rates of specific maternal risks associated with planned vaginal birth after caesarean (VBAC) and elective repeat caesarean section (ERCS).

DESIGN

A retrospective cohort analysis using UKOSS data from 4 studies conducted between 2005 and 2012.

SETTING

All hospitals with consultant-led maternity units in the UK.

POPULATION

Pregnant women who had a previous caesarean section.

METHOD

Women who had undergone a previous caesarean section were divided into 2 exposure groups: planned VBAC and ERCS. We calculated the incidence of each of the 4 outcomes of interest with 95% CIs for the 2 exposure groups using proxy denominators (total estimated VBAC and ERCS maternities in a given year). Incidences were compared between groups using χ(2) test or Fisher's exact test and risk ratios with 95% CI.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Severe maternal morbidities: peripartum hysterectomy, severe sepsis, peripartum haemorrhage and failed tracheal intubation.

RESULTS

The risks of all complications examined in both groups were low. The rates of peripartum hysterectomy, severe sepsis, peripartum haemorrhage and failed tracheal intubation were not significantly different between the 2 groups in absolute or relative terms.

CONCLUSIONS

While the risk of uterine rupture in the VBAC and ERCS groups is well understood, this national study did not demonstrate any other clear differences in the outcomes we examined. The absolute and relative risks of maternal complications were small in both groups. Large epidemiological studies could further help to assess whether the incidence of these rare outcomes would significantly differ between the VBAC and ERCS groups if a larger number of cases were to be examined. In the interim, this study provides important information to help pregnant women in their decision-making process.

Induction of labor versus expectant management for women with a prior cesarean delivery

OBJECTIVE

Previous studies of induction of labor in the setting of trial of labor after cesarean have compared women undergoing trial of labor after cesarean to those undergoing spontaneous labor. However, the clinically relevant comparison is to those undergoing expectant management. The objective of this study was to compare obstetric outcomes between women undergoing induction of labor and those undergoing expectant management ≥39 weeks of gestation.

STUDY DESIGN

This was a secondary analysis of data from the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development Maternal-Fetal Medicine Units Network Cesarean Registry that included women with singleton gestations at a gestational age of ≥39 weeks and a history of 1 low transverse cesarean delivery. Outcomes of induction at 39, 40, and 41 weeks were compared to expectant management beyond each gestational age period using univariable and multivariable analyses. Women with scheduled repeat cesarean deliveries done for the indication of prior cesarean delivery were excluded from the analysis.

RESULTS

In all, 12,676 women were eligible for analysis. The rate of vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC) was higher among women undergoing induction of labor at 39 weeks compared to expectant management (73.8% vs 61.3%, P < .001). The risk of uterine rupture also was higher among women undergoing induction of labor at 39 weeks compared to expectant management (1.4% vs 0.5%, P = .006, respectively). In multivariable analysis, induction of labor at 39 weeks remained associated with a significantly higher chance of VBAC and uterine rupture (odds ratio, 1.31; 95% confidence interval, 1.03-1.67; and odds ratio, 2.73; 95% confidence interval, 1.22-6.12, respectively).

CONCLUSION

Induction of labor at 39 weeks, when compared to expectant management, was associated with a higher chance of VBAC but also of uterine rupture.

[Uterine rupture without preexisting caesarean section after perforation of the uterus during evacuation]

Uterine rupture is a serious complication, associated with perinatal and maternal morbidity and mortality. This case report describes uterine rupture in a patient who did not have any previous caesarean section. The patient had acute abdominal pain, hypertonic uterus, blood in the amniotic fluid and abnormal cardiotocographic values. An abruption of the placenta was suspected, and an acute caesarean section was performed during which a rupture in fundus uteri was found. It was later experienced that the patient ten years earlier had suffered a uterine perforation during evacuation after a late abortion.

Right angular pregnancy at seven weeks' gestation: a case report treated by laparoscopic approach

Angular pregnancy (AP) or implantation of the embryo in the lateral angle of the uterine cavity close to the internal ostium of the fallopian tube is a very rare event. In fact, angular pregnancy refers to implantation of the embryo just medial to the uterotubal junction, in the lateral angle of the uterine cavity. AP must be distinguished, anatomically, from interstitial pregnancy by its position in relation to the round ligament, which crosses the Müllerian duct at the side of the uterotubal junction. AP is associated with a high rate of complications such as bleeding and ruptured uterus due to delayed diagnosis. The authors present a clinical report of AP at seven weeks' gestation without uterine rupture. They performed directly operative laparoscopy because of acute intra-abdominal hemorrhage. Laparoscopy was useful in the treatment of early angular pregnancy and could avoid the need for invasive surgery or hysterectomy.

Spontaneous uterine rupture at non-cesarean section scar site with placenta percreta in the second trimester: a case report

BACKGROUND

Uterine rupture was a common occurrence at previously cesarean-sectioned scar Early sign ofuterine rupture was a severe fetal bradycardia.

CASE REPORT

A 30-year-old, 3 gravida, 1 para woman was presented with an acute abdominal pain and hypovolemic shock. Her gestational age was estimated at 18 weeks by emergency pelvic ultrasound. She had a lower segment scar from a previous caesarean section. Initially, alive intrauterinepregnancy with massive hemoperitoneum was a provisional diagnosis. During exploratory laparotomy, a ruptured of the right uterine fundus was found with placenta percreta. Hysterectomy was performed. Fetal weight was 450 grams, APGAR score 0, 0 and the fetus could not survive. The patient was discharged on the 4th day after surgery in healthy condition.

CONCLUSION

Uterine rupture is a catastrophic kituation. Severefetal bradycardia might be an early sign. This case demonstrates the importance ofclinical judgment based on clinical acumen.

Delayed uterine rupture occurred 4 weeks after cesarean section following sexual intercourse: a case report and literature review

OBJECTIVE

Spontaneous delayed uterine rupture is life-threatening and extremely rare following sexual intercourse in postpartum. Here, we present a case of delayed uterine rupture that occurred 4 weeks after cesarean section following intercourse.

CASE REPORT

A 31-year-old postpartum woman, gravida 4, para 1, abortion 3, underwent a cesarean section for prolonged labor. She was transferred to our hospital in shock status with brisk vaginal bleeding following intercourse 4 weeks after delivery. An emergency subtotal hysterectomy was performed to stop the bleeding. The pathology confirmed tissue necrosis and suture granuloma at the previous surgical wound.

CONCLUSION

The presented case demonstrated that delayed uterine rupture may occur even 4 weeks after delivery following intercourse, without any obvious abdominal pain or infection signs, which deserved the attention of obstetricians.

[Clinical study on 67 cases with uterine rupture]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the incidence, etiology, diagnosis, treatment and outcome of uterus rupture.

METHODS

From January 1999 to May 2013, clinical data of 67 cases with uterine rupture in Woman's Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University were studied retrospectively.

RESULTS

A total of 67 cases of uterine rupture with 21(+2)-39(+2) gestational weeks out of 128 599 deliveries were recorded giving an incidence of uterine rupture was 0.052 1% (67/128 599) . Cesarean scar rupture were found in 59 cases (88%, 59/67) and noncesarean scar rupture were found in 8 cases (12%, 8/67). The causes of uterine rupture include 60 cases of scar uterus (59 cesarean scar cases and 1 myomyectomy scar case), 2 cases of assisted delivery operation trauma, 2 cases of malformed uterus, 3 cases of unknown causes (all with artificial abortion history).Non obstructive dystocia and improper oxytocin use were found to be related with uterine rupture.Fifty-two cases of cesarean scar spontaneous incomplete rupture were found and repaired during repeated cesarean delivery without maternal and fetal complications. The remaining 15 cases need emergency rescue operation for fetal distress or dead fetus, severe acute abdomen, prepartum or postpartum vaginal bleeding even maternal hypovolemia; 6/15 uterine rupture cases were diagnosed with the history, clinical symptoms and signs, 3/15 cases with ultrasonic found dead fetus in the peritoneal cavity before exploratory laparotomy and 6 cases were diagnosed just during laparotomy.Hysterectomy was done in 10/15 cases and uterine repair in 5/15 cases; there was no maternal death and 12 perinatal fetal death (5 cases of mid-late pregnancy termination for deformed fetus) of the 15 uterine rupture cases.One case with hysterectomy was complicated with stress pancreatitis and dysfunction of liver and kidney and discharged 20 days after operation, the remaining 14 cases were discharged 5-7 days postpartum.One case with repaired malformed uterus got pregnancy 4 years later and delivered a 2 000 g healthy baby by cesarean section at gestational age of 33(+4) weeks.

CONCLUSION

Uterine scar caused by caesarean section or other operations became the leading cause of uterine rupture, assisted delivery operations, history of intrauterine manipulation and uterine malformations were the predisposing risk factors of uterine rupture.