Severe neonatal outcomes associated with emergency cesarean section at term

Adenomyosis among patients undergoing postpartum hysterectomy for uncontrollable uterine bleeding: A multicenter, observational, retrospective, cohort study on histologically-based prevalence and clinical characteristics

OBJECTIVE

To assess the prevalence of adenomyosis at pathologic examination, and its association with obstetric complications, peripartum maternal clinical characteristics and neonatal birth weight in patients undergoing postpartum hysterectomy due to postpartum hemorrhage (PPH).

METHODS

A multicenter, observational, retrospective, cohort study was carried out including all women who underwent postpartum hysterectomy due to PPH at gestational week 23+0 or later, between January 2010 and May 2023. Patients were categorized into two groups based on the presence of adenomyosis at pathologic examination, and were compared for obstetric complications, peripartum maternal clinical characteristics, and neonatal birth weight.

RESULTS

The histologically-based prevalence of adenomyosis in patients undergoing postpartum hysterectomy due to PPH was 39.4%. Adenomyosis was associated with a longer hospitalization time (regression coefficient: 4.43 days, 95% CI: 0.34-8.52, P = 0.034) and a higher risk of hypertensive disorders (OR: 5.82, 95% CI: 1.38-24.46, P = 0.016), threatened preterm labor (OR: 3.34, 95% CI: 1.08-10.31, P = 0.036), urgent/emergency C-section (OR: 24.15, 95% CI: 2.60-223.96, P = 0.005), postpartum maternal complications (OR: 4.96, 95% CI: 1.48-16.67, P = 0.012), maternal intensive care unit admission (OR: 3.56, 95% CI: 1.05-12.05, P = 0.041), and low birth weight neonates (OR: 3.8, 95% CI: 1.32-11.02, P = 0.013).

CONCLUSION

In patients undergoing postpartum hysterectomy due to PPH, adenomyosis is a highly prevalent condition among, and is associated with adverse obstetric, maternal, and neonatal outcomes.

Effect of Decision-to-Delivery Time of Emergency Cesarean Section on Adverse Newborn Outcomes at East Gojjam Zone Public Hospital, Ethiopia, March 2023: Multicenter Prospective Observational Study Design

Background

An emergency cesarean section requires prompt delivery to reduce the risk for a pregnant woman or newborn. Studies have been conducted to investigate the relationship between decision-to-delivery time and neonatal outcomes, but the findings are contradictory. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the average of decision-to-delivery time of an emergency cesarean section and its effect on adverse neonatal outcomes at East Gojjam Zone Public Hospital.

Methods

A multicenter prospective study design would be carried out between November 2022 and January 2023. Using the consecutive method, a sample of 352 mother-newborn pairs was studied. Direct observation and face-to-face interviews were undertaken to gather the data using a semi-structured questionnaire. For both data input and analysis, Epi Data version 4.6 and Stata version 14 software were used. Both the crude and adjusted odds ratios were computed. Measure of significance was based on the adjusted odds ratio with a 95% confidence interval and a p-value of less than 0.05.

Results

Decision-to-delivery time interval within 30 minute was seen in 21.9% of emergency cesarean delivery. The study found a significant relationship between the first-minute low Apgar score and the delayed decision-to-delivery time interval (OR = 2.6, 95% CI: 1.1-6, p = 0.03). In addition, determinant factors for poor 1st-minute Apgar scores include danger signs during pregnancy (AOR: 2.9, 95% CI: 1.1-7.8, p = 0.03), women referred from another facility (AOR: 2.6, 95% CI: 1.5-4.6, p = 001), and non-reassuring fetal heart rate (AOR: 4.2, 95% CI: 1.1-17, p = 0.04). A delayed decision-to-delivery time interval is not statistically significantly associated with a low 5th-minute Apgar score or neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admission.

Conclusion

The study found unfavorable 1st-minute Apgar score and a longer decision-to-delivery period than recommended. This duration and negative newborn outcomes may be reduced by increasing and involving comprehensive obstetric and neonatal care facilities with skilled emergency obstetric surgeons, such as clinical midwife, integrated emergency surgeon officers, and physician.

Is Parity a Risk Factor for Late Preterm Birth? Results from a Large Cohort Study

Most preterm births occur in the late preterm period. While prematurity-related adverse outcomes are significantly diminished when birth occurs during this period, these infants are still at increased risk of complications. Parity affects the incidence of obstetric complications. The purpose of this study was to determine whether parity impacts the risk of spontaneous late preterm birth (SLPTB) and associated complications. A retrospective observational cohort study was conducted. Patients were divided into three study groups according to parity. The primary outcome was the rate of SLPTB in each group. Secondary outcomes were unplanned cesarean delivery (UCD), prolonged third stage of labor respiratory distress syndrome (RDS), transient tachypnea of the newborn (TTN), intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH), neonatal hypoglycemia, duration of NICU admission, neonatal death, and composite adverse neonatal outcome (CANO). Primiparas were more likely to have SLPTB, UCD, and CANO compared to multiparas (2.6% vs. 1.9% OR 1.5 [1.3-1.7] p < 0.01) (4.1% vs. 1.3% OR 2.7 [1.2, 5.9] p < 0.01) (8.5% vs. 4.2 OR 2.1 [1.3-3.5] p = 0.002) and grandmultiparas (2.6% vs. 1.7% OR 1.4 [1.2-1.5] p < 0.001) 8.5% vs. 4.4% OR 2.0 [1.1, 3.8], p = 0.01) but no difference in UCD compared to grandmultiparas (4.1% vs. 3.3% OR 1.2 [0.6-2.7] p = 0.28). Primiparas are at increased risk of SLPTB and UCD, and this is accompanied by an increased risk of adverse neonatal outcomes.

Analysis of the application effect of a rapid response team in emergency cesarean section

INTRODUCTION

Emergency cesarean section is one of the most critical methods in the treatment of high-risk emergency obstetric cases. The aim of this study was to explore the clinical effect of constructing a Rapid Response Team (RRT) in emergency cesarean section.

METHODS

This is a pre- and post-implementation study. The patients who underwent emergency cesarean section were retrospectively analyzed and divided into an experimental group and a control group. There were 52 patients (June-December 2020) in the control group who underwent routine emergency cesarean section without an RRT, and 51 patients (January-June 2021) in the experimental group who underwent emergency cesarean section with an RRT. The operation time indexes (DOI, decision-to-operating room interval; O-I, operating room-to-incision interval; DII, decision-to-incision interval; I-D, incision-to-delivery interval; DDI, decision-to-delivery interval), DDI pass rate, neonatal Apgar score and maternal complications in the two groups were compared. Moreover, the management time trends (DOI, DII, and DDI) in the experimental group were analyzed.

RESULTS

The DDI, DII, DOI, and O-I of the experimental group were shorter than those of the control group, and the differences were significant (p < 0.05). The DDI pass rate in the experimental group was higher than that in the control group, and the difference was significant (p < 0.01). The 1-min Apgar score of the experimental group was higher than that of the control group (p < 0.05). The key intervals of emergency cesarean section in the experimental group leveled off after approximately 3 to 4 months.

CONCLUSION

In the face of emergency situations, the implementation of an emergency cesarean section RRT can improve delivery intervals for emergency cesarean and would be conducive to maternal and infant safety.

Delivery of a Fetus with a Non-Reassuring Status Is Associated with Significant Maternal Morbidity

OBJECTIVES

When a labor process is complicated by non-reassuring fetal status (NRFS), obstetricians focus on delivery to optimize neonatal status. We explored maternal morbidity in the setting of NRFS. Our hypothesis is that delivery of a live newborn with NRFS is associated with significant maternal morbidity. Design, Participants, Setting, and Methods: A large retrospective cohort study of 27,886 women who delivered between January 2013 and December 2016 in a single health system was studied. Inclusion criteria included (1) women over the age of 18 at the time of admission; (2) singleton pregnancy; (3) live birth; and (4) gestational age greater than or equal to 37 weeks at the time of admission. NRFS was defined as umbilical cord pH less than or equal to 7.00, fetal bradycardia, late decelerations, and/or umbilical artery base excess ≤-12. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression and propensity score analyses were performed, and propensity score adjusted odds ratios (AORPS) were derived. p values <0.05 were considered statistically significant. Primary outcomes are maternal blood transfusion, maternal readmission, maternal intensive care unit (ICU) admission, and cesarean delivery in relation to umbilical artery pH, fetal bradycardia, and late decelerations.

RESULTS

Umbilical artery pH less than or equal to 7 was associated with maternal blood transfusion (AORPS 6.83 [95% CI 2.22-21.0, p < 0.001]), maternal readmission (AORPS 12.6 [95% CI 2.26-69.8, p = 0.0039]), and cesarean delivery (AORPS 5.76 [95% CI 3.63-9.15, p < 0.0001]). Fetal bradycardia was associated with transfusion (AORPS 2.13 [95% CI 1.26-3.59, p < 0.005]) and maternal ICU admission (AORPS 3.22 [95% CI 1.23-8.46, p < 0.017]). Late decelerations were associated with cesarean delivery (AORPS 1.65 [95% CI 1.55-1.76, p < 0.0001]), clinical chorioamnionitis (AORPS 2.88 [95% CI 2.46-3.37, p < 0.0001]), and maternal need for antibiotics (AORPS 1.89 [95% CI 1.66-2.15, p < 0.0001]). Umbilical artery base excess less than or equal to -12 was associated with readmission (AORPS 6.71 [95% CI 2.22-20.3, p = 0.0007]), clinical chorioamnionitis (AORPS 1.89 [95% CI 1.24-2.89, p = 0.0031]), and maternal need for antibiotics (AORPS 1.53 [95% CI 1.03-2.26, p = 0.0344]).

LIMITATIONS

The retrospective design contributes to potential bias compared to the prospective design. However, by utilizing multivariate logistic regression analysis with a propensity score method, specifically inverse probability of treatment weighting, we attempted to minimize the impact of confounding variables. Additionally, only a portion of the data set had quantitative blood losses recorded, while the remainder had estimated blood losses.

CONCLUSION

NRFS is associated with significant maternal complications, in the form of increased need for blood transfusions, ICU admissions, and increased infection and readmission rates. Strategies for minimizing maternal complications need to be proactively considered in the management of NRFS.

Neonatal outcomes of elective labor induction in low-risk term pregnancies

The rate of labor induction has increased in recent years. The results of previously conducted studies examining associations between elective induction of labor (IOL) and neonatal outcomes have been contradictory. The aim of this study was to examine the intrinsic neonatal risks following IOL. We conducted a population-based cohort study, including all women with recorded low-risk singleton pregnancies at a gestational age between 37 + 0 and 41 + 6 weeks in Sweden from 1999 to 2017. Data were collected from the Swedish Medical Birth register. Two study groups were compared-the elective induction group with the spontaneous labor onset group. The results showed that the rate of elective IOL increased from 7.2% in 1999 to 16.4% in 2017. Elective IOL was associated with a higher OR for chorioamnionitis, bacterial sepsis, intracranial hemorrhage, assisted ventilation, hyperbilirubinemia, APGAR < 7 at 5 min, and neonatal seizures compared to deliveries with spontaneous labor onset. Regarding mortality outcomes, no significant differences were shown between the groups for either early term or full-term deliveries. We conclude that IOL is associated with neonatal complications, although causality could not be established in this observational study. It is important to be aware of the increased risk and perform IOL with caution.

Time at birth and short-term outcomes among extremely preterm infants in Spain: a multicenter cohort study

The first hours after birth entail a window of opportunity to decrease morbidity and mortality among extremely preterm infants. The availability of staff and its tiredness vary depending on the timing and day of the week. We hypothesized that these circumstances may impact neonatal outcomes. We have conducted a multicenter cohort study with data obtained from the Spanish neonatal network database SEN1500, where staff doctors are in the house 24/7. The main study exposure was the time of birth; secondary exposures were cumulative work hours from the medical and nurses' shifts and day of the week. The primary outcome was survival to hospital discharge. Secondary outcomes included common preterm infants' in-hospital complications. Univariate and multivariate analysis adjusting for potential confounders was performed. All extremely preterm infants (N = 8798) born between 2011 and 2019 were eligible; 35.7% of them were admitted during the night shift. No differences were found between day and night births regarding survival or morbidity. No differences were found between weekdays and weekends or when considering cumulative worked hours in the shifts. Infants born during the night shift were more likely to be intubated at birth (OR 1.20, CI95% 1.06-1.37), receive surfactant (OR 1.24, CI95% 1.08-1.44), and having anemia requiring transfusion (OR 1.23, CI 95% 1.08-1.42).

CONCLUSION

the time of birth did not seem to affect mortality and morbidity of extremely preterm infants.

WHAT IS KNOWN

• The first hours after birth in extremely preterm infants are a very valuable opportunity to decrease mortality and morbidity. • Time and day of birth have long been linked to outcomes in preterm infants, with night shifts and weekends classically having higher rates of mortality and morbidity.

WHAT IS NEW

• In this study, no differences were found between day and night births regarding survival or major morbidity. • Infants born during the night shift were more likely to be intubated at birth, receive surfactant and having anemia requiring transfusion.

Prediction of Emergency Cesarean Section Using Machine Learning Methods: Development and External Validation of a Nationwide Multicenter Dataset in Republic of Korea

This study was a multicenter retrospective cohort study of term nulliparous women who underwent labor, and was conducted to develop an automated machine learning model for prediction of emergent cesarean section (CS) before onset of labor. Nine machine learning methods of logistic regression, random forest, Support Vector Machine (SVM), gradient boosting, extreme gradient boosting (XGBoost), light gradient boosting machine (LGBM), k-nearest neighbors (KNN), Voting, and Stacking were applied and compared for prediction of emergent CS during active labor. External validation was performed using a nationwide multicenter dataset for Korean fetal growth. A total of 6549 term nulliparous women was included in the analysis, and the emergent CS rate was 16.1%. The C-statistics values for KNN, Voting, XGBoost, Stacking, gradient boosting, random forest, LGBM, logistic regression, and SVM were 0.6, 0.69, 0.64, 0.59, 0.66, 0.68, 0.68, 0.7, and 0.69, respectively. The logistic regression model showed the best predictive performance with an accuracy of 0.78. The machine learning model identified nine significant variables of maternal age, height, weight at pre-pregnancy, pregnancy-associated hypertension, gestational age, and fetal sonographic findings. The C-statistic value for the logistic regression machine learning model in the external validation set (1391 term nulliparous women) was 0.69, with an overall accuracy of 0.68, a specificity of 0.83, and a sensitivity of 0.41. Machine learning algorithms with clinical and sonographic parameters at near term could be useful tools to predict individual risk of emergent CS during active labor in nulliparous women.

Use of an artificial intelligence-based rule extraction approach to predict an emergency cesarean section

Objective

One of the major problems with artificial intelligence (AI) is that it is generally known as a “black box”. Therefore, the present study aimed to construct an emergency cesarean section (CS) prediction system using an AI‐based rule extraction approach as a “white box” to detect the cause for the emergency CS.

Methods

Data were collected from all perinatal records of all delivery outcomes at Osaka Medical College between December 2014 and July 2019. We identified the delivery method for all deliveries after 36 gestational weeks as either (1) vaginal delivery or scheduled CS, or (2) emergency CS. From among these, we selected 52 risk factors to feed into an AI‐based rule extraction algorithm to extract rules to predict an emergency CS.

Results

We identified 1513 singleton deliveries (1285 [84.9%] vaginal deliveries, 228 emergency CS [15.1%]) and extracted 15 rules. We achieved an average accuracy of 81.90% using five‐fold cross‐validation and an area under the receiving operating characteristic curve of 71.46%.

Conclusion

To our knowledge, this is the first study to use interpretable AI‐based rule extraction technology to predict an emergency CS. This system appears to be useful for identifying hidden factors for emergency CS.

This is the first study to construct a prediction system for an emergency cesarean section using an artificial intelligence‐based “white box” rule extraction approach.

The Impact of Severe Maternal Morbidity on Perinatal Outcomes in High Income Countries: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

While there is clear evidence that severe maternal morbidity (SMM) contributes significantly to poor maternal health outcomes, limited data exist on its impact on perinatal outcomes. We undertook a systematic review and meta-analysis to ascertain the association between SMM and adverse perinatal outcomes in high-income countries (HICs). We searched for full-text publications in PubMed, Embase, Cumulative Index of Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), and Scopus databases. Studies that reported data on the association of SMM and adverse perinatal outcomes, either as a composite or individual outcome, were included. Two authors independently assessed study eligibility, extracted data, and performed quality assessment using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. We used random-effects modelling to calculate odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals. We also assessed the risk of publication bias and statistical heterogeneity using funnel plots and Higgins I2, respectively. We defined sub-groups of SMM as hemorrhagic disorders, hypertensive disorders, cardiovascular disorders, hepatic disorders, renal disorders, and thromboembolic disorders. Adverse perinatal outcome was defined as preterm birth (before 37 weeks gestation), small for gestational age (SGA) (birth weight (BW) < 10th centile for gestation), low birthweight (LBW) (BW < 2.5 kg), Apgar score < 7 at 5 min, neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admission, stillbirth and perinatal death (stillbirth and neonatal deaths up to 28 days). A total of 35 studies consisting of 38,909,426 women were included in the final analysis. SMMs associated with obstetric hemorrhage (OR 3.42, 95% CI: 2.55-4.58), severe hypertensive disorders (OR 6.79, 95% CI: 6.06-7.60), hepatic (OR 3.19, 95% CI: 2.46-4.13) and thromboembolic disorders (OR 2.40, 95% CI: 1.67-3.46) were significantly associated with preterm birth. SMMs from hypertensive disorders (OR 2.86, 95% CI: 2.51-3.25) or thromboembolic disorders (OR 1.48, 95% CI: 1.09-1.99) were associated with greater odds of having SGA infant. Women with severe hemorrhage had increased odds of LBW infant (OR 2.31, 95% CI: 1.57-3.40). SMMs from obstetric hemorrhage (OR 4.16, 95% CI: 2.54-6.81) or hypertensive disorders (OR 4.61, 95% CI: 1.17-18.20) were associated with an increased odds of low 5-min Apgar score and NICU admission (Severe obstetric hemorrhage: OR 3.34, 95% CI: 2.26-4.94 and hypertensive disorders: OR 3.63, 95% CI: 2.63-5.02, respectively). Overall, women with SMM were 4 times more likely to experience stillbirth (OR 3.98, 95%C 3.12-7.60) compared to those without SMM with cardiovascular disease (OR 15.2, 95% CI: 1.29-180.60) and thromboembolic disorders (OR 9.43, 95% CI: 4.38-20.29) conferring greatest risk of this complication. The odds of neonatal death were significantly higher in women with SMM (OR 3.98, 95% CI: 2.44-6.47), with those experiencing hemorrhagic (OR 7.33, 95% CI: 3.06-17.53) and hypertensive complications (OR 3.0, 95% CI: 1.78-5.07) at highest risk. Overall, SMM was also associated with higher odds of perinatal death (OR 4.74, 95% CI: 2.47-9.12) mainly driven by the increased risk in women experiencing severe obstetric hemorrhage (OR 6.18, 95% CI: 2.55-14.96). Our results highlight the importance of mitigating the impact of SMM not only to improve maternal health but also to ameliorate its consequences on perinatal outcomes.