Humerospinous distance measurements: accuracy and usefulness for predicting shoulder dystocia in delivery at term

Fetal sonographic characteristics associated with shoulder dystocia in pregnancies of women with type 1 diabetes

INTRODUCTION

Shoulder dystocia is a rare but severe complication of vaginal delivery and diabetic women are at high risk. The aim of this study was to identify fetal sonographic and maternal glycemic characteristics associated with shoulder dystocia in pregnant women with type 1 diabetes.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Twelve cases (5%) of shoulder dystocia among 241 consecutive vaginal deliveries in women with type 1 diabetes followed at Rigshospitalet University Hospital in 2009-2013 were retrospectively identified in a local database. Fetal sonographic and clinical data were compared with 69 women with type 1 diabetes and uncomplicated vaginal deliveries.

RESULTS

Women experiencing shoulder dystocia compared with women with uncomplicated deliveries had a higher glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) in early pregnancy [median 7.0% (range 5.9-8.1) vs. 6.6% (range 5.4-10.0, P = 0.04)], whereas in late pregnancy, HbA1c in the two groups of women was comparable [6.1% (range 5.5-6.9) vs. 6.0% (range 4.7-8.4, P = 0.30)]. Fetal biometry at 36 weeks showed a higher estimated fetal weight of 3597 g (range 3051-4069) vs. 2989 g (range 2165-4025), P < 0.001, corresponding to 20% (4-41%) vs. 5% (-20 to 44%) above the mean estimated fetal weight for gestational age (P = 0.002) and a greater abdominal circumference SD score of 2.51 (range 1.56-4.20) vs. 1.33 (range -1.08 to 4.25), P = 0.001). Head circumference was comparable. Vacuum extraction was more frequent during deliveries with shoulder dystocia (58 vs. 17%, P = 0.005). Seven (58%) newborns with shoulder dystocia had brachial plexus injuries, fractures, intra-abdominal bleeding or needed resuscitation.

CONCLUSIONS

Excessive estimated fetal weight and abdominal circumference at 36 weeks' sonographic examination may help in identifying diabetic women at high risk of later shoulder dystocia.

The fetus of a diabetic mother: sonographic evaluation

Maternal hyperglycemia is responsible for many fetal adverse outcomes. Ultrasound examination of these pregnancies aims at an early detection of congenital malformations, assessment of fetal well-being, and fetal growth. This evaluation will influence clinical decision in determining the best time and mode of delivery. We reviewed data from the literature on accuracy, usefulness, and indications of ultrasound examinations in pregnancies complicated with diabetes mellitus, whether pregestational or gestational.

After shoulder dystocia: managing the subsequent pregnancy and delivery

Among risk factors for shoulder dystocia, a prior history of delivery complicated by shoulder dystocia is the single greatest risk factor for shoulder dystocia occurrence, with odds ratios 7 to 10 times that of the general population. Recurrence rates have been reported to be as high as 16%. Whereas prevention of shoulder dystocia in the general population is neither feasible nor cost-effective, intervention efforts directed at the particular subgroup of women with a prior history of shoulder dystocia can concentrate on potentially modifiable risk factors and individualized management strategies that can minimize recurrence and the associated significant morbidities and mortality.

Fetal shoulder measurements by fast and ultrafast MRI techniques

The purpose of this study was to evaluate magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of fetal shoulder measurements of fetuses with suspected macrosomia. The actual fetal shoulder measurements made immediately after birth were compared with measurements obtained by fast and ultrafast MRI techniques antepartum. Eight singleton diabetic pregnant mothers underwent MRI examination with fast imaging in steady-state precession (TrueFISP) and spin-echo (SE) and gradient-echo (GE) echo-planar (EPI) sequences to show the fetal shoulder width. The actual shoulder width was measured immediately postpartum by a neonatologist. There was a statistically significant correlation between the MRI measurements and the actual shoulder width (P < 0.001 - P < 0.05) for all sequences. TrueFISP (r = 0.98, P < 0.001) was superior to EPI sequences (r = 0.88, P < 0.01 for SE EPI and r = 0.80, P < 0.05 for GE EPI). The images of all three sequences used were free of major motion artifacts. Fast and ultrafast sequences seem to be reliable for fetal shoulder measurements and the TrueFISP was the most accurate sequence compared to SE and GE echo-planar sequences. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2001;13:938-942.