1
|
Oyelese Y. Randomized controlled trials: not always the "gold standard" for evidence in obstetrics and gynecology. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2024; 230:417-425. [PMID: 37838101 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajog.2023.10.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2023] [Revised: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 10/07/2023] [Indexed: 10/16/2023]
Abstract
Randomized controlled trials are considered the "gold standard" for therapeutic interventions, and it is not uncommon for sweeping changes in medical practice to follow positive results from such trials. However, randomized controlled trials are not without their limitations. Physicians frequently view randomized controlled trials as infallible, whereas they tend to dismiss evidence derived from sources other than randomized controlled trials as less credible or reliable. In several situations in obstetrics and gynecology, there are no randomized controlled trials to help guide the clinician. In these circumstances, it is important to evaluate the entire body of evidence including observational studies, rather than dismiss interventions altogether simply because no randomized controlled trials exist. Randomized controlled trials and observational studies should be viewed as complementary rather than at odds with each other. Some reversals in widely adopted clinical practice have recently been implemented following subsequent studies that contradicted the outcomes of major randomized controlled trials. The most notable of these was the withdrawal from the market of 17-hydroxyprogesterone caproate for preterm birth prevention. Such reversals could potentially have been averted if the inherent limitations of randomized controlled trials were carefully considered before implementing these universal practice changes. This Clinical Opinion underscores the limitations of an exclusive reliance on randomized controlled trials while disregarding other evidence in determining how best to care for patients. Solutions are proposed that advocate that clinicians adopt a more balanced perspective that considers the entirety of the available medical evidence and the individual patient characteristics, needs, and wishes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yinka Oyelese
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA; Maternal Fetal Care Center, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Qiu L, Lv M, Chen L, Chen Z, Shen J, Wang M, Cai Y, Zhao B, Luo Q. Comparison of two emergency cervical cerclage techniques in twin pregnancies: A retrospective cohort study matched with cervical dilation. Int J Gynaecol Obstet 2024; 164:1036-1046. [PMID: 37712448 DOI: 10.1002/ijgo.15081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2023] [Revised: 08/05/2023] [Accepted: 08/17/2023] [Indexed: 09/16/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This retrospective cohort study aimed to assess the efficacy of emergency cervical cerclage (ECC) performed with the combined McDonald-Shirodkar technique in twin pregnancies between 18 and 26 weeks of pregnancy with painless cervical dilation 1 to 6 cm. METHODS A retrospective cohort study matched with the degree of cervical dilation was conducted. The study group (case group) included women with twin pregnancies undergoing combined McDonald-Shirodkar approach with cervical dilation ≥1 cm between 18 to 26 weeks of gestation at four institutions, from December 2015 to December 2022. To minimize confounding factors, we elucidated the causality structure using a directed acyclic graph and performed 1:1 case-control matching. A control group underwent the McDonald approach. The primary outcome was gestational age (GA) at delivery. The secondary outcomes were pregnancy latency; the rates of spontaneous preterm birth at <28, <30, <32, and <34 weeks; and neonatal outcomes. Additional subanalysis was performed by dividing the patients into two subgroups of women with cervical dilation ≥3 cm and <3 cm. RESULTS A total of 84 twin pregnancies were managed with either the combined McDonald-Shirodkar approach (case group: n = 42) or the McDonald approach (control group: n = 42). Demographic characteristics were not significantly different in the two groups (P > 0.05). After adjusting for confounders that were represented by a directed acyclic graph, median GA at delivery was significantly higher (30.5 vs 27 weeks; Bate: 3.40 [95% confidence interval (CI), 2.13-4.67], P < 0.001) and median pregnancy latency was significantly longer (56 vs 28 days; Bate: 24.04 [95% CI, 13.31-34.78], P < 0.001) in the case group compared with the control group. Rates of spontaneous preterm birth at <28, <30, <32, and <34 weeks were significantly lower in the case group than in the control group. For neonatal outcomes, there was higher birth weight (1543.75 vs 980 g; Bate: 420.08 [95% CI, 192.18-647.98], P < 0.001) and significantly lower overall perinatal mortality (7.1% vs 31%; adjusted odds ratio, 0.16 [95% CI, 0.04-0.70], P = 0.014) in the case group compared with the control group. When cervical dilation was ≥3 cm, the combined McDonald-Shirodkar procedure can significantly reduce perinatal mortality (8.3% vs 46.7%; adjusted odds ratio, 0.09 [95% CI, 0.01-0.77], P = 0.028), significantly decrease the risk of delivery at <28 and <30 weeks, and prolong GA at delivery and pregnancy latency compared with the McDonald procedure. CONCLUSIONS ECC performed with the combined McDonald-Shirodkar procedure in women with twin pregnancies who have cervical dilation 1 to 6 cm in midtrimester pregnancy may reduce the rate of spontaneous preterm birth and improve perinatal and neonatal outcomes compared with the McDonald procedure, especially for twin pregnancies in women with cervical dilation of 3 to 6 cm and prolapsed membranes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Liping Qiu
- Department of Obstetrics, Huzhou Maternity & Child Health Care Hospital, Huzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Min Lv
- Department of Obstetrics, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University, School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Lujiao Chen
- Department of Obstetrics, Zhejiang University, School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Zi Chen
- Department of Obstetrics, Zhejiang University, School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jayan Shen
- Department of Obstetrics, Huzhou Maternity & Child Health Care Hospital, Huzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Minmin Wang
- Department of Obstetrics, The First People's Hospital of Fuyang, Fuyang, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yuliang Cai
- Department of Obstetrics, Shaoxing Maternity & Child Health Care Hospital, Shaoxing, Zhejiang, China
| | - Baihui Zhao
- Department of Obstetrics, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University, School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Qiong Luo
- Department of Obstetrics, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University, School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Tang Y, Bao Y, Jiang X, Xie H, Cao Z, Qu X, Mao X, Ying H. Cervical dilation after initial cervical cerclage in twin pregnancies: is repeat cerclage beneficial? Am J Obstet Gynecol MFM 2024; 6:101305. [PMID: 38301998 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajogmf.2024.101305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2023] [Revised: 01/17/2024] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 02/03/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Yuping Tang
- Department of Obstetrics, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yirong Bao
- Department of Obstetrics, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Shanghai Institute of Maternal-Fetal Medicine and Gynecologic Oncology, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiang Jiang
- Department of Obstetrics, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Shanghai Institute of Maternal-Fetal Medicine and Gynecologic Oncology, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Han Xie
- Department of Obstetrics, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Shanghai Institute of Maternal-Fetal Medicine and Gynecologic Oncology, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhijuan Cao
- Department of Clinical Research Center, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaoxian Qu
- Department of Obstetrics, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Medicine Tongji University, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Shanghai Institute of Maternal-Fetal Medicine and Gynecologic Oncology, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaoyuan Mao
- Department of Obstetrics, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Hao Ying
- Department of Obstetrics, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Shanghai Institute of Maternal-Fetal Medicine and Gynecologic Oncology, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Ferro J, Diago V, Diago DM, Pellicer N, Olmo I, Vázquez S, Lara C, Perales A, Serra V. The effectiveness of cervical cerclage in twin pregnancies with a mid-trimester short cervix: A retrospective cohort study. Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol 2024; 294:33-38. [PMID: 38184898 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejogrb.2023.12.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2023] [Revised: 12/14/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To analyze the effectiveness of cerclage in twin pregnancies with a short cervix. STUDY DESIGN Retrospective cohort study performed in two University Institutions in Valencia (Spain) with two different protocols for the management of asymptomatic dichorionic diamniotic twin pregnancies with mid-trimester cervical length ≤ 25 mm: treatment with indomethacin, antibiotics and cerclage (cerclage group) (N = 43) versus expectant management (control group) (N = 37). RESULTS The initial cervical length was similar in both groups but detection of a short cervix was performed earlier in the cerclage group (21.6 vs 24.1 weeks, p < 0.001). Women with cerclage had a greater pregnancy latency (12.5 vs. 7.7 weeks, p < 0.001); higher gestational age at delivery (34.1 vs. 31.8 weeks, p < 0.04); less spontaneous preterm birth (SPB) < 28 weeks (11.6 % vs 37.8 %, p < 0.009); higher birthweight (2145 vs 1733 g, p < 0.001); lower birthweight < 1500 g (12.5 % vs 40.0 %, p < 0.001); less admissions to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) (24.1 % vs 43.3 %, p < 0.03); shorter stay at NICU (25.6 vs 49.4 days, p < 0.02); lower respiratory distress requiring mechanical ventilation (14.9 % vs 36.5 %, p < 0.02); fewer patent ductus arteriosus (8.9 % vs 26.9 %, p < 0.008); and lower composite adverse neonatal outcome (26.6 % vs. 44.8 %, p < 0.03). Cerclage and gestational age at diagnosis were the only independent predictors of SPB < 32 and < 28 weeks by multivariate analysis. The cumulative data in the literature show promising beneficial effects of cerclage. CONCLUSION Our data suggest that cerclage in asymptomatic twin pregnancies with a short cervix may reduce the earliest SPB and may improve neonatal outcome.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jaime Ferro
- Unidad de Medicina Materno-Fetal, Instituto Universitario IVI Valencia, IVIRMA Global, Valencia, Spain
| | - Vicente Diago
- Servicio de Obstetricia, Hospital Universitario y Politécnico La Fe, Valencia, Spain; Departamento de Pediatría, Obstetricia y Ginecología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - Diana M Diago
- Servicio de Obstetricia, Hospital General Universitario Santa Lucía, Cartagena, Murcia, Spain
| | - Nuria Pellicer
- Servicio de Obstetricia, Hospital Universitario y Politécnico La Fe, Valencia, Spain
| | - Inés Olmo
- Unidad de Medicina Materno-Fetal, Instituto Universitario IVI Valencia, IVIRMA Global, Valencia, Spain; Departamento de Pediatría, Obstetricia y Ginecología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - Sheila Vázquez
- Servicio de Obstetricia, Hospital Universitario y Politécnico La Fe, Valencia, Spain
| | - Coral Lara
- Unidad de Medicina Materno-Fetal, Instituto Universitario IVI Valencia, IVIRMA Global, Valencia, Spain
| | - Alfredo Perales
- Servicio de Obstetricia, Hospital Universitario y Politécnico La Fe, Valencia, Spain; Departamento de Pediatría, Obstetricia y Ginecología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - Vicente Serra
- Unidad de Medicina Materno-Fetal, Instituto Universitario IVI Valencia, IVIRMA Global, Valencia, Spain; Departamento de Pediatría, Obstetricia y Ginecología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Valencia, Valencia, Spain.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
D’Antonio F, Eltaweel N, Prasad S, Flacco ME, Manzoli L, Khalil A. Cervical cerclage for prevention of preterm birth and adverse perinatal outcome in twin pregnancies with short cervical length or cervical dilatation: A systematic review and meta-analysis. PLoS Med 2023; 20:e1004266. [PMID: 37535682 PMCID: PMC10456178 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pmed.1004266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2022] [Revised: 08/25/2023] [Accepted: 06/23/2023] [Indexed: 08/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The optimal approach to prevent preterm birth (PTB) in twins has not been fully established yet. Recent evidence suggests that placement of cervical cerclage in twin pregnancies with short cervical length at ultrasound or cervical dilatation at physical examination might be associated with a reduced risk of PTB. However, such evidence is based mainly on small studies thus questioning the robustness of these findings. The aim of this systematic review was to determine the role of cervical cerclage in preventing PTB and adverse maternal or perinatal outcomes in twin pregnancies. METHODS AND FINDINGS Key databases searched and date of last search: MEDLINE, Embase, and CINAHL were searched electronically on 20 April 2023. Eligibility criteria: Inclusion criteria were observational studies assessing the risk of PTB among twin pregnancies undergoing cerclage versus no cerclage and randomized trials in which twin pregnancies were allocated to cerclage for the prevention of PTB or to a control group (e.g., placebo or treatment as usual). The primary outcome was PTB <34 weeks of gestation. The secondary outcomes were PTB <37, 32, 28, 24 weeks of gestation, gestational age at birth, the interval between diagnosis and birth, preterm prelabor rupture of the membranes (pPROM), chorioamnionitis, perinatal loss, and perinatal morbidity. Subgroup analyses according to the indication for cerclage (short cervical length or cervical dilatation) were also performed. Risk of bias assessment: The risk of bias of the included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) was assessed using the Revised Cochrane risk-of-bias tool for randomized trials, while that of the observational studies using the Newcastle-Ottawa scale (NOS). Statistical analysis: Summary risk ratios (RRs) of the likelihood of detecting each categorical outcome in exposed versus unexposed women, and (b) summary mean differences (MDs) between exposed and unexposed women (for each continuous outcome), with their 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were computed using head-to-head meta-analyses. Synthesis of the results: Eighteen studies (1,465 twin pregnancies) were included. Placement of cervical cerclage in women with a twin pregnancy with a short cervix at ultrasound or cervical dilatation at physical examination was associated with a reduced risk of PTB <34 weeks of gestation (RR: 0.73, 95% CI [0.59, 0.91], p = 0.005 corresponding to a 16% difference in the absolute risk, AR), <32 (RR: 0.69, 95% CI [0.57, 0.84], p < 0.001; AR: 16.92%), <28 (RR: 0.54, 95% [CI 0.43, 0.67], 0.001; AR: 18.29%), and <24 (RR: 0.48, 95% CI [0.23, 0.97], p = 0.04; AR: 15.57%) weeks of gestation and a prolonged gestational age at birth (MD: 2.32 weeks, 95% [CI 0.99, 3.66], p < 0.001). Cerclage in twin pregnancy with short cervical length or cervical dilatation was also associated with a reduced risk of perinatal loss (RR: 0.38, 95% CI [0.25, 0.60], p < 0.001; AR: 19.62%) and composite adverse outcome (RR: 0.69, 95% CI [0.53, 0.90], p = 0.007; AR: 11.75%). Cervical cerclage was associated with a reduced risk of PTB <34 weeks both in women with cervical length <15 mm (RR: 0.74, 95% CI [0.58, 0.95], p = 0.02; AR: 29.17%) and in those with cervical dilatation (RR: 0.68, 95% CI [0.57, 0.80], p < 0.001; AR: 35.02%). The association between cerclage and prevention of PTB and adverse perinatal outcomes was exclusively due to the inclusion of observational studies. The quality of retrieved evidence at GRADE assessment was low. CONCLUSIONS Emergency cerclage for cervical dilation or short cervical length <15 mm may be potentially associated with a reduction in PTB and improved perinatal outcomes. However, these findings are mainly based upon observational studies and require confirmation in large and adequately powered RCTs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Francesco D’Antonio
- Center for Fetal Care and High-Risk Pregnancy, University of Chieti, Chieti, Italy
| | - Nashwa Eltaweel
- Division of Biomedical Science, Warwick Medical School University of Warwick, University Hospital of Coventry and Warwickshire, Coventry, United Kingdom
| | - Smriti Prasad
- Fetal Medicine Unit, St George’s Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | - Maria Elena Flacco
- Department of Environmental and Preventive Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Lamberto Manzoli
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Asma Khalil
- Fetal Medicine Unit, St George’s Hospital, London, United Kingdom
- Vascular Biology Research Centre, Molecular and Clinical Sciences Research Institute, St George’s University of London, London, United Kingdom
- Twins Trust Centre for Research and Clinical Excellence, St George’s Hospital, London, United Kingdom
- Fetal Medicine Unit, Liverpool Women’s Hospital, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|