Vaginal prostaglandin gel to induce labour in women with one previous caesarean section

Prevalence of uterine rupture among women with one prior low transverse cesarean and women with unscarred uterus undergoing labor induction with PGE2: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

As uterine rupture may affect as many as 11/1000 women with 1 prior cesarean birth and 5/10.000 women with unscarred uterus undergoing labor induction, we intended to estimate the prevalence of such rare outcome when PGE2 is used for cervical ripening and labor induction.

METHODS

We searched MEDLINE, ClinicalTrials.gov and the Cochrane library up to September 1st 2020. Retrospective and prospective cohort studies, as well as randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on singleton viable pregnancies receiving PGE2 for cervical ripening and labor induction were reviewed. Prevalence of uterine rupture was meta-analyzed with Freeman-Tukey double arcsine transformation among women with 1 prior low transverse cesarean section and women with unscarred uterus.

RESULTS

We reviewed 956 full text articles to include 69 studies. The pooled prevalence rate of uterine rupture is estimated to range between 2 and 9 out of 1000 women with 1 prior low transverse cesarean (5/1000; 95%CI 2-9/1000, 122/9000). The prevalence of uterine rupture among women with unscarred uterus is extremely low, reaching at most 0.7/100.000 (<1/100.000.000; 95%CI <1/100.000.000-0.7/100.000, 8/17.684).

CONCLUSIONS

Uterine rupture is a rare event during cervical ripening and labor induction with PGE2.

Induction of labor at second delivery subsequent to a primary cesarean: is stage of labor at previous cesarean a factor?

PURPOSE

Parturients with a history of a cesarean delivery (CD) in the first delivery (P1), undergoing induction of labor (IOL) in the subsequent delivery (P2) are at increased risk for obstetric complications. The primary aim was to study if "the stage of labor" at previous cesarean (elective/latent/first/second) is associated with a successful IOL. The secondary aim was to search for other obstetric characteristics associated with a successful IOL.

METHODS

A retrospective longitudinal follow-up study in a large tertiary medical center. All parturients at term who underwent IOL at P2 with a singleton fetus in cephalic presentation, with a prior CD, between the years 2006 and 2014 were included. A univariate analysis was performed including the stage of labor at previous cesarean, birth weight of newborn at P1 and P2, gestational week of delivery at P2, time of interpregnancy interval, indication and mode of IOL, epidural analgesia and augmentation of labor at P2. Significant factors were incorporated in a multivariate logistic regression model.

RESULTS

During the study period, 150 parturients underwent IOL (P2) subsequent to a previous CD (P1). VBAC was achieved in 78 (52%). We found no association between the stages of labor in which the previous CD was performed to a successful IOL. Applying the multivariate logistic regression revealed that augmentation of labor with oxytocin, OR 4.17, [1.73-10.05], epidural analgesia OR 3.30 [1.12-9.73] and birth weight (P2) < 4000 g, OR 5.88, [1.11-33.33] were associated with a successful IOL.

CONCLUSION

The stage of labor at previous CD should not be incorporated among the variables found to be associated with a successful IOL. As a result of our findings, clinician's will be able to adjust a personalized consult prior to initiating IOL.

Maternal and neonatal outcomes associated with induction of labor after one previous cesarean delivery: A French retrospective study

Background

The safety of methods of labor induction in women with previous cesarean deliveries is still debated. We investigated perinatal outcomes associated with labor induction among women with a trial of labor after one cesarean delivery.

Methods

This retrospective study included 339 women with a trial of labor after one prior cesarean and a singleton term fetus in cephalic presentation in 2013–2016 in a French maternity unit. Labor induction was performed with oxytocin, artificial rupture of membranes and/or prostaglandin E2, according to the Bishop score. The primary outcome was a composite of uterine rupture, low Apgar score, neonatal resuscitation or admission to a neonatal unit. The secondary outcomes included cesarean delivery after onset of labor, postpartum hemorrhage and maternal hospital stay after delivery. We used logistic regression to estimate odds ratios adjusted (aOR) for potential confounders.

Results

In our sample, 67.3% of women had spontaneous labor and 32.7% were induced. More than half of the women received oxytocin during labor regardless of the mode of labor. The proportions of the composite outcome and of cesarean after onset of labor were higher in the induced group compared to the spontaneous group (26.1% vs 15.8%, p = 0.02 and 45.0% vs 27.6%, p<0.01, respectively). There were 9 uterine ruptures (2.6%) and this proportion was higher in the induced group compared to the spontaneous group, although this difference was not statistically significant (3.6% vs 2.2%, p = 0.48). After adjustment, labor induction was associated with higher risks of the composite outcome (aOR = 2.45, 95% CI: 1.29–4.65), cesarean after onset of labor (aOR = 2.06, 95% CI: 1.15–3.68) and maternal hospital stay after delivery ≥6 days (aOR = 6.20, 95% CI: 3.25–11.81). No association was found with postpartum hemorrhage.

Conclusion

Labor induction after one prior cesarean was associated with a higher risk of adverse perinatal outcome. Nevertheless, the higher proportion of uterine rupture did not differ significantly from that in the spontaneous labor group.

Double-balloon catheter versus prostaglandin for cervical ripening to induce labor after previous cesarean delivery

PURPOSE

To compare the effectiveness of cervical ripening by a mechanical method (double-balloon catheter) and a pharmacological method (prostaglandins) in women with one previous cesarean delivery, an unfavorable cervix (Bishop score < 6), and a singleton fetus in cephalic presentation.

METHODS

This retrospective study, reviewing the relevant records for the years 2013 through 2017, took place in two French university hospital maternity units. This study included women with one previous cesarean delivery, a liveborn singleton fetus in cephalic presentation, and intact membranes, for whom cervical ripening, with unfavorable cervix (Bishop score < 6) was indicated for medical reasons. It compared two groups: (1) women giving birth in a hospital that uses a protocol for mechanical cervical ripening by a double-balloon catheter (DBC), and (2) women giving birth in a hospital that performed pharmacological cervical ripening by prostaglandins. The principal endpoint was the cesarean delivery rate. The secondary outcome measures were maternal and neonatal outcomes.

RESULTS

We compared 127 women with prostaglandin ripening to 117 women with DBC. There was no significant difference between the two groups for the cesarean rate (42.5% in the prostaglandin group and 42.7% in the DBC group; p = 0.973; crude OR 1.01 [0.61-1.68]; adjusted OR 1.55 [0.71-3.37]). The median interval between the start of ripening and delivery did not differ between the groups (28.7 h in the prostaglandin group vs 25.6 h in the DBC group; p = 0.880). Neonatal outcomes did not differ between the groups, either. There was one case of uterine rupture in the prostaglandin group, with no associated maternal or neonatal morbidity. There were no neonatal deaths. The postpartum hemorrhage rate was significantly higher in the DBC group.

CONCLUSION

For cervical ripening for women with one previous cesarean, the choice of a pharmacological or mechanical protocol does not appear to modify the mode of delivery or maternal or neonatal morbidity.

Cervical ripening by prostaglandin E2 in patients with a previous cesarean section

OBJECTIVE

To assess the efficacy and safety of prostaglandin in inducing labor in pregnant women with one previous cesarean section. Secondly, to evaluate predictors of successful vaginal delivery in cervical ripening by prostaglandin in these women.

STUDY DESIGN

This was an observational, retrospective, single-center study conducted in a type 3 maternity unit at Bicêtre University Hospital between January 1, 2013 and December 31, 2016. Patients with one previous cesarean section, a singleton pregnancy, a fetus in the cephalic presentation with a medical indication for induction of labor and an unfavorable cervix (Bishop score less than 6) were included in the study. Cervical ripening was performed using a dinoprostone intravaginal device for a duration of 24 h.

RESULTS

A total of 153 patients were included in the study. The rate of vaginal delivery was 55.6 % (85/153) overall and 78.3 % (36/46) in the subgroup of 46 women with a previous vaginal delivery before or after the cesarean section. There was no difference in neonatal and maternal morbidity (defined by intraoperative wounds or postpartum hemorrhage or uterine rupture) and mortality between women who delivered vaginally and women who had a cesarean section. The two cases of complete uterine rupture have been reported for patients whose labor was induced by intravaginal prostaglandin followed by intravenous oxytocin. The total maternal morbidity rate was 11.8 % (n = 8/68) in the case of emergency cesarean section. Predictors of vaginal delivery were a history of vaginal delivery, the onset of labor following cervical ripening, and a higher Bishop score before and after the 24 h following the cervical ripening.

CONCLUSION

Cervical ripening by prostaglandin after previous cesarean delivery has a 56 % success rate, with a 1.3 % risk of uterine rupture, especially when prostaglandin is combined with oxytocin. Low-risk patients should be identified to propose cervical ripening by prostaglandin.

Induction of Labour With Prostaglandin Gel in Grand Multipara with a Previous Caesarean Delivery

OBJECTIVE

This study sought to evaluate the safety of induction of labour with prostaglandin E₂ (PGE₂) gel in grand multiparous (GMP) women and to compare the labour outcome of GMP women who have undergone one previous Caesarean section (CS) with that of GMP women who never had a previous CS.

METHODS

This prospective cohort study (Canadian Task Force Classification II-2) evaluated induction of labour with 1 mg of PGE₂ gel in 96 GMP women with one previous CS (study group) and in 104 GMP women without previous CS (control group).

RESULTS

One uterine rupture occurred in the study group (1%), and another occurred in the control group (0.9%). Additional oxytocin was used in seven patients (7.3%) in the study group and in 28 others (26.9%) in the control group (P = 0.002). Both uterine ruptures occurred with oxytocin augmentation. One case of uterine scar dehiscence was found in the study group. There was no significant difference between the study group and the control group regarding the rate of vaginal delivery (74 [77.1%] vs. 78 [75%]) or the rate of CS (21 [21.9%] vs. 24 [23.1%]), respectively. There was no significant difference between the groups in 5-minute Apgar scores ≤7. There was no neonatal death in either group.

CONCLUSION

A low dose (1.0 mg) of PGE₂ gel for induction of labour in GMP women with one previous CS is appropriate and appears to be safe for both mother and baby. Augmentation by oxytocin should be used judiciously.

Double-balloon catheter for induction of labour in women with a previous cesarean section, could it be the best choice?

Introduction

We analysed the efficacy and safety of double-balloon catheter for cervical ripening in women with a previous cesarean section and which were the most important variables associated with an increased risk of repeated cesarean delivery.

Materials and methods

We designed an observational retrospective study of 418 women with unfavourable cervices (Bishop Score <5), a prior cesarean delivery, and induction of labour with a double-balloon catheter. Baseline maternal data and perinatal outcomes were recorded for a descriptive, bivariate, and multivariate analysis. A p value <0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results

Most women improved their initial Bishop Score (89.5%) although only a 20.8% of them went into spontaneous active labour. Finally, 51.4% of the women achieved a vaginal delivery. Five cases of intrapartum uterine rupture (1.2%) occurred. After multivariate analysis, main risk factors for repeated cesarean section were dystocia in the previous pregnancy (OR 1.744; CI 95% 1.066–2.846), the absence of previous vaginal delivery (OR 2.590; CI 95% 1.066–6.290), suspected fetal macrosomia (OR 2.410; CI 95% 0.959–6.054), and duration of oxytocin induction period (OR 1.005; CI 95% 1.004–1.006). The area under the curve was 0.789 (p < 0.001).

Conclusions

Double-balloon catheter seems to be safe and effective for cervical ripening in women with a previous cesarean delivery and unfavourable cervix. In our study, most women could have a vaginal delivery in spite of their risk factors for cesarean delivery. A multivariate model based on some clinical variables has moderate predictive value for intrapartum cesarean section.

[Cervical ripening after previous cesarean section with dinoprostone vaginal insert]

OBJECTIVES

Because, to date in France, 20 % of pregnant women had a scared uterus and because the best mean of cervical ripening is unknown and controversial, we want to evaluate efficacy and safety of dinoprostone for cervical ripening in women with previous cesarean.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We conducted a retrospective unicentric study, from 2010 to 2014, at Limoges regional university hospitals. Two hundred and sixty nine patients, with medical indication for induction of labor and scared uterus, were included and ripened with dinoprostone (Propess^® and/or Prostine^®). Women had unfavorable cervix with Bishop score inferior to 6.

RESULTS

Overall rate of vaginal delivery was 62 %. Patients have had more of one prostaglandin in 19 % of cases; the cesarean rate was significantly higher in this case (cesarean: 55.6 % vs. vaginal delivery: 44.4 %; P=0.0043). Overall, there were respectively 4 % and 0.7 % of post-partum hemorrhage and uterine rupture. One percent of newborns had a severe acidosis (pH<7 in umbilical artery) and 1 % was admitted to the Intensive Neonatal Care Unit.

CONCLUSION

Dinoprostone is an effective procedure in patients with previous cesarean section requiring labor induction, with a morbidity comparable to other methods of induction of labor.

Is it worth inducing labour in women with a previous caesarean delivery?

The aim of this study was to determine the outcome of labour induction following a previous caesarean section. A total of 43 cases were identified; 23 out of those (53.5%) achieved vaginal delivery. The remaining 20 cases (46.5%) had a repeat caesarean. A total of 25 women had ≥ 1 previous vaginal deliveries and in the remaining 18, the previous caesarean was the only pregnancy carried before the current pregnancy. Out of the 23 women who successfully delivered vaginally, 16 cases (69.6%) had a history of ≥ 1 previous vaginal delivery, while no such history was reported in the remaining seven cases (30.4%). The indications for a repeat caesarean were failed induction of labour in five cases (25%); fetal distress in seven cases (35%); failure-to-progress in eight cases (40%). Only one case (2.3%) of uterine rupture was reported. In conclusion, labour induction following a previous caesarean section is an effective and safe intervention. Vaginal delivery can be anticipated in the majority of these women. This study emphasises the need for thorough counselling of these women regarding benefits and risks of induction of labour, and also highlights the necessity of shared patient-doctor decision-making.

Oxytocin versus dinoprostone vaginal insert for induction of labor after previous cesarean section: a retrospective comparative study

OBJECTIVE

To compare the efficacy and safety of two methods for induction of labor after previous cesarean section.

METHODS

To compare 247 women with a previous cesarean section who were induced with a dinoprostone vaginal insert and 279 women with a previous cesarean section induced with oxytocin, between 2001 and 2008. We evaluated vaginal delivery rate, maternal morbidity and newborn morbidity and mortality.

RESULTS

The overall rate of vaginal delivery was 65.2%. We did not find significant differences between induction with dinoprostone vaginal insert and oxytocin in the rate of cesarean section performed (35.6% vs. 34.1%, P=0.71). There were nine cases of uterine rupture (rate of 1.7%), of which four occurred with dinoprostone vaginal insert and five when using oxytocin (P=0.89). We found no significant differences in neonatal outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS

Both tested methods appear to be equally safe and effective for induction of labor in women with a previous cesarean section.