Serial Third-Trimester Ultrasonography Compared With Routine Care in Uncomplicated Pregnancies: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Large for Gestational Age and Adverse Outcomes: Stratified By Diabetes Status

OBJECTIVE

 To examine the association of adverse outcomes among parturients with large for gestational age (LGA; birth weight ≥ 90th) newborns, stratified by diabetes status. Additionally, we described the temporal trends of adverse outcomes among LGA neonates.

STUDY DESIGN

 This retrospective cohort study used the U.S. Vital Statistics dataset between 2014 and 2020. The inclusion criteria were singleton, nonanomalous LGA live births who labored and delivered at 24 to 41 weeks with known diabetes status. The coprimary outcomes were composite neonatal adverse outcomes of the following: Apgar score < 5 at 5 minutes, assisted ventilation > 6 hours, seizure, or neonatal or infant mortality, and maternal adverse outcomes of the following: maternal transfusion, ruptured uterus, unplanned hysterectomy, admission to intensive care unit, or unplanned procedure. Multivariable Poisson regression models were used to estimate adjusted relative risks (aRR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). Average annual percent change (AAPC) was calculated to assess changes in rates of LGA and morbidity over time.

RESULTS

 Of 27 million births in 7 years, 1,843,467 (6.8%) met the inclusion criteria. While 1,656,888 (89.9%) did not have diabetes, 186,579 (10.1%) were with diabetes. Composite neonatal adverse outcomes (aRR = 1.48, 95% CI = 1.43, 1.52) and composite maternal adverse outcomes (aRR = 1.37, 95% CI = 1.36, 1.38) were significantly higher among individuals with diabetes, compared with those without diabetes. From 2014 to 2020, the LGA rate was stable among people without diabetes. However, there was a downward trend of LGA in people with diabetes (AAPC = - 2.4, 95% CI = - 3.5, -1.4).

CONCLUSION

 In pregnancies with LGA newborns, composite neonatal and maternal morbidities were higher in those with diabetes, compared with those without diabetes.

KEY POINTS

· Large for gestational age stratified by diabetes status.. · Composite neonatal and maternal adverse outcomes are worse among individuals with diabetes as compared to those without.. · During 2014 to 2020, the trend of LGA in individuals without diabetes increased..

Indicated vs universal third-trimester ultrasound examination in low-risk pregnancies: a pre-post-intervention study

BACKGROUND

In low-risk pregnancies, a third-trimester ultrasound examination is indicated if fundal height measurement and gestational age discrepancy are observed. Despite potential improvement in the detection of ultrasound abnormality, prior trials to date on universal third-trimester ultrasound examination in low-risk pregnancies, compared with indicated ultrasound examination, have not demonstrated improvement in neonatal or maternal adverse outcomes.

OBJECTIVE

The primary objective was to determine if universal third-trimester ultrasound examination in low-risk pregnancies could attenuate composite neonatal adverse outcomes. The secondary objectives were to compare changes in composite maternal adverse outcomes and detection of abnormalities of fetal growth (fetal growth restriction or large for gestational age) or amniotic fluid (oligohydramnios or polyhydramnios).

STUDY DESIGN

Our pre-post intervention study at 9 locations included low-risk pregnancies, those without indication for ultrasound examination in the third trimester. Compared with indicated ultrasound in the preimplementation period, in the postimplementation period, all patients were scheduled for ultrasound examination at 36.0-37.6 weeks. In both periods, clinicians intervened on the basis of abnormalities identified. Composite neonatal adverse outcomes included any of: Apgar score ≤5 at 5 minutes, cord pH <7.00, birth trauma (bone fracture or brachial plexus palsy), intubation for >24 hours, hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy, seizure, sepsis (bacteremia proven with blood culture), meconium aspiration syndrome, intraventricular hemorrhage grade III or IV, periventricular leukomalacia, necrotizing enterocolitis, stillbirth after 36 weeks, or neonatal death within 28 days of birth. Composite maternal adverse outcomes included any of the following: chorioamnionitis, wound infection, estimated blood loss >1000 mL, blood transfusion, deep venous thrombus or pulmonary embolism, admission to intensive care unit, or death. Using Bayesian statistics, we calculated a sample size of 600 individuals in each arm to detect >75% probability of any reduction in primary outcome (80% power; 50% hypothesized risk reduction).

RESULTS

During the preintervention phase, 747 individuals were identified during the initial ultrasound examination, and among them, 568 (76.0%) met the inclusion criteria at 36.0-37.6 weeks; during the postintervention period, the corresponding numbers were 770 and 661 (85.8%). The rate of identified abnormalities of fetal growth or amniotic fluid increased from between the pre-post intervention period (7.1% vs 22.2%; P<.0001; number needed to diagnose, 7; 95% confidence interval, 5-9). The primary outcome occurred in 15 of 568 (2.6%) individuals in the preintervention and 12 of 661 (1.8%) in the postintervention group (83% probability of risk reduction; posterior relative risk, 0.69 [95% credible interval, 0.34-1.42]). The composite maternal adverse outcomes occurred in 8.6% in the preintervention and 6.5% in the postintervention group (90% probability of risk; posterior relative risk, 0.74 [95% credible interval, 0.49-1.15]). The number needed to treat to reduce composite neonatal adverse outcomes was 121 (95% confidence interval, 40-200). In addition, the number to reduce composite maternal adverse outcomes was 46 (95% confidence interval, 19-74), whereas the number to prevent cesarean delivery was 18 (95% confidence interval, 9-31).

CONCLUSION

Among low-risk pregnancies, compared with routine care with indicated ultrasound examination, implementation of a universal third-trimester ultrasound examination at 36.0-37.6 weeks attenuated composite neonatal and maternal adverse outcomes.

Routine third-trimester ultrasound assessment for intrauterine growth restriction

Intrauterine growth restriction significantly impacts perinatal outcomes. Undetected IUGR escalates the risk of adverse outcomes. Serial symphysis-fundal height measurement, a recommended strategy, is insufficient in detecting abnormal fetal growth. Routine third-trimester ultrasounds significantly improve detection rates compared with this approach, but direct high-quality evidence supporting enhanced perinatal outcomes from routine scanning is lacking. In assessing fetal growth, abdominal circumference alone performs comparably to estimated fetal weight. Hadlock formulas demonstrate accurate fetal weight estimation across diverse gestational ages and settings. When choosing growth charts, prescriptive standards (encompassing healthy pregnancies) should be prioritized over descriptive ones. Customized fetal standards may enhance antenatal IUGR detection, but conclusive high-quality evidence is elusive. Emerging observational data suggest that longitudinal fetal growth assessment could predict adverse outcomes better. However, direct randomized trial evidence supporting this remains insufficient.

To know or not to know: Effect of third-trimester sonographic fetal weight estimation on outcomes of large-for-gestational age neonates

OBJECTIVE

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the impact of late third-trimester sonographic estimation of large for gestational age fetuses on pregnancy management and selected fetal and maternal adverse outcomes.

METHODS

A retrospective cohort study was conducted in a tertiary, university-affiliated medical center between 2015 and 2019. All singleton large-for-gestational-age neonates born during this period were included. The cohort was divided into two groups: neonates for whom fetal weight was estimated on late third trimester (<14 days before delivery) sonography and neonates with no recent fetal weight estimation. The groups were compared for pregnancy management strategies, rates of labor induction, cesarean deliveries, and maternal and neonatal outcomes.

RESULTS

A total of 1712 neonates were included in the study, among whom 791 (46.2%) had a late third-trimester fetal weight estimation (study group) and 921 (53.8%) did not (control group). Compared to the control group, the study group was characterized by higher rates of maternal primiparity (24.20% vs 19.20%, P = 0.013), higher maternal body mass index (26.0 ± 6.2 kg/m2 vs 24.7 ± 4.5 kg/m2, P = 0.002), more inductions of labor (29.84% vs 16.40%, P < 0.001) and cesarean deliveries (31.0% vs 19.97%, P < 0.001). There were no clinical differences in neonatal birth weight (4041 ± 256 g vs 3984 264 g, P < 0.001) and no significant differences between other neonatal outcomes, as rates of admission to the neonatal intensive care unit, jaundice, hypoglycemia, and shoulder dystocia.

CONCLUSION

Late third-trimester sonographic fetal weight estimation is associated with a higher rate of labor induction and planned and intrapartum cesarean deliveries. In this retrospective cohort study, those interventions did not lead to reduction in maternal or neonatal adverse outcomes.

Diagnostic performance of 32 vs 36 weeks ultrasound in predicting late-onset fetal growth restriction and small-for-gestational-age neonates: a systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

Fetal growth restriction is an independent risk factor for fetal death and adverse neonatal outcomes. The main aim of this study was to investigate the diagnostic performance of 32 vs 36 weeks ultrasound of fetal biometry in detecting late-onset fetal growth restriction and predicting small-for-gestational-age neonates.

DATA SOURCES

A systematic search was performed to identify relevant studies published until June 2022, using the databases PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus.

STUDY ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

Cohort studies in low-risk or unselected singleton pregnancies with screening ultrasound performed at ≥32 weeks of gestation were used.

METHODS

The estimated fetal weight and abdominal circumference were assessed as index tests for the prediction of small for gestational age (birthweight of <10th percentile) and detecting fetal growth restriction (estimated fetal weight of <10th percentile and/or abdominal circumference of <10th percentile). The quality of the included studies was independently assessed by 2 reviewers using the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies 2 tool. For the meta-analysis, hierarchical summary area under the receiver operating characteristic curves were constructed, and quantitative data synthesis was performed using random-effects models.

RESULTS

The analysis included 25 studies encompassing 73,981 low-risk pregnancies undergoing third-trimester ultrasound assessment for growth, of which 5380 neonates (7.3%) were small for gestational age at birth. The pooled sensitivities for estimated fetal weight of <10th percentile and abdominal circumference of <10th percentile in predicting small for gestational age were 36% (95% confidence interval, 27%-46%) and 37% (95% confidence interval, 19%-60%), respectively, at 32 weeks ultrasound and 48% (95% confidence interval, 41%-56%) and 50% (95% confidence interval, 25%-74%), respectively, at 36 weeks ultrasound. The pooled specificities for estimated fetal weight of <10th percentile and abdominal circumference of <10th percentile in detecting small for gestational age were 93% (95% confidence interval, 91%-95%) and 95% (95% confidence interval, 85%-98%), respectively, at 32 weeks ultrasound and 93% (95% confidence interval, 91%-95%) and 97% (95% confidence interval, 85%-98%), respectively, at 36 weeks ultrasound. The observed diagnostic odds ratios for an estimated fetal weight of <10th percentile and an abdominal circumference of <10th percentile in detecting small for gestational age were 8.8 (95% confidence interval, 5.4-14.4) and 11.6 (95% confidence interval, 6.2-21.6), respectively, at 32 weeks ultrasound and 13.3 (95% confidence interval, 10.4-16.9) and 36.0 (95% confidence interval, 4.9-260.0), respectively, at 36 weeks ultrasound. The pooled sensitivity, specificity, and diagnostic odds ratio in predicting fetal growth restriction were 71% (95% confidence interval, 52%-85%), 90% (95% confidence interval, 79%-95%), and 25.8 (95% confidence interval, 14.5-45.8), respectively, at 32 weeks ultrasound and 48% (95% confidence interval, 41%-55%), 94% (95% confidence interval, 93%-96%), and 16.9 (95% confidence interval, 10.8-26.6), respectively, at 36 weeks ultrasound. Abdominal circumference of <10th percentile seemed to have comparable sensitivity to estimated fetal weight of <10th percentile in predicting small-for-gestational-age neonates.

CONCLUSION

An ultrasound assessment of the fetal biometry at 36 weeks of gestation seemed to have better predictive accuracy for small-for-gestational-age neonates than an ultrasound assessment at 32 weeks of gestation. However, an opposite trend was noted when the outcome was fetal growth restriction. Fetal abdominal circumference had a similar predictive accuracy to that of estimated fetal weight in detecting small-for-gestational-age neonates.

Screening for small for gestational age infants in early vs late third-trimester ultrasonography: a randomized trial

BACKGROUND

Recent studies have demonstrated that a routine third-trimester ultrasound scan may improve the detection of small for gestational age infants when compared with clinically indicated ultrasound scans but with no reported reduction in severe perinatal morbidity. Establishing the optimal gestational age for the third-trimester examination necessitates evaluation of the ability to detect small for gestational age infants and to predict maternal and perinatal outcomes. Intrauterine growth restriction most often corresponds with small for gestational age infants associated with pathologic growth patterns.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to assess the performance of routine early ultrasound scans vs late ultrasound scans during the third trimester of pregnancy to identify small for gestational age infants and fetuses with intrauterine growth restriction.

STUDY DESIGN

This was an open-label, randomized, parallel trial conducted in Upper Normandy, France, from 2012 to 2015. The study eligibility criteria were heathy, nulliparous women older than 18 years with gestational age determined using the crown-rump length at the first trimester routine scan and with no fetal malformation or suspected small for gestational age fetus at the routine second trimester scan. Pregnant women were randomly assigned to a third-trimester scan group at 31 weeks gestational age ±6 days (early ultrasound scan) or at 35 weeks gestational age ±6 days (late ultrasound scan). The primary outcome of this trial was the ability of a third trimester scan to predict small for gestational age infants (customized birth weight <10th percentile) and intrauterine growth restriction (customized birth weight

RESULTS

Results from 1853 women assigned to the early ultrasound scan group and 1848 women assigned to the late ultrasound scan group were analyzed. The sensitivity was found to be higher in the late ultrasound scan group than in the early ultrasound scan group, both for identifying small for gestational age infants (27%; 22%-32% vs 17%; 13%-22%; P=.004) and intrauterine growth restriction (44%; 35%-54% vs 18%; 11%-27%; P<.001). There was little difference in the specificity between the late ultrasound scan and early ultrasound scan groups in identifying cases of small for gestational age (97%; 96%-98% and 98%; 97%-99%, respectively; P=.04) and intrauterine growth restriction (96%; 95%-97% and 97%; 96%;-97%, respectively; P=.24). Overall, the maternal and neonatal outcomes were comparable between the early ultrasound scan and late ultrasound scan groups with the exception of additional (at least 1) ultrasound scans performed (25% in the early ultrasound scan group vs 19% in the late ultrasound scan group; P<.001). Rates of perinatal death (0.4% vs 0.8%; P=.12) and adverse perinatal outcomes (1.8% vs 2.7%; P=.08) were comparable between the early ultrasound scan and late ultrasound scan assigned groups, and the overall sensitivity to detect small for gestational age infants and intrauterine growth restriction, including in the last ultrasound scan performed before delivery, were also similar (30%; 25%-36% vs 26%; 21%-31%; P=.23; and 50%; 40%-60% vs 38%; 28%-48%; P=.07).

CONCLUSION

A late ultrasound scan performed in the third trimester increases the probability of detecting small for gestational age infants and intrauterine growth restriction with fewer additional scans reported than for the early ultrasound scan group. The overall perinatal outcome risk was comparable between the 2 groups. However, the overall sensitivity for detecting small for gestational age fetuses and intrauterine growth restriction, including in the last ultrasound scan performed before delivery, remains comparable between the late ultrasound scan and early ultrasound scan groups.

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Key Words

• intrauterine growth restriction
• perinatal mortality and morbidity
• screening
• small for gestational age
• ultrasonography

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MESH Headings

• Female
• Humans
• Pregnancy
• Birth Weight
• Fetal Growth Retardation/diagnostic imaging
• Fetal Growth Retardation/epidemiology
• Gestational Age
• Pregnancy Trimester, Third
• Ultrasonography, Prenatal/methods

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Affiliation(s)

Eric Verspyck Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Rouen University Hospital, Rouen, France (Drs Verspyck, Brasseur-Daudruy, Braund, and Benichou).
Caroline Thill Department of Biostatistics, Rouen University Hospital, Rouen, France (Dr Thill)
Anne Ego University Grenoble Alpes, CNRS, Public Health Department CHU Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble Institute of Engineering, TIMC-IMAG, 38000 Grenoble, France (Dr Ego); INSERM UMR 1153, Obstetrical, Perinatal and Pediatric Epidemiology Research Team (EPOPé), Center for Epidemiology and Statistics Sorbonne Paris Cité (CRESS), FHU PREMA, Paris Descartes University, Paris, France (Dr Ego)
Elise Machevin Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Evreux Hospital, Evreux, France (Dr Machevin)
Marie Brasseur-Daudruy Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Rouen University Hospital, Rouen, France (Drs Verspyck, Brasseur-Daudruy, Braund, and Benichou)
Valentine Ickowicz Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Belvedere Hospital, Mont Saint Aignan, France (Dr Ickowicz)
Caroline Blondel Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Mathilde Private Clinic, Rouen, France (Dr Blondel)
Sophie Degré Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Le Havre Hospital, Le Havre, France (Dr Degré)
Anne Lefebure Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Elbeuf Hospital, Elbeuf, France (Dr Lefebure)
Sophia Braund Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Rouen University Hospital, Rouen, France (Drs Verspyck, Brasseur-Daudruy, Braund, and Benichou)
Jacques Benichou Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Rouen University Hospital, Rouen, France (Drs Verspyck, Brasseur-Daudruy, Braund, and Benichou); Inserm U1018, University of Rouen and University Paris-Saclay, Rouen, France (Dr Benichou); Department of Biostatistics, Rouen University Hospital, Rouen, France (Dr Benichou)

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Impact of a Hybrid Model of Prenatal Care on the Diagnosis of Fetal Growth Restriction

OBJECTIVE

Fetal growth restriction (FGR) is associated with poor neonatal outcomes and stillbirth, and screening via fundal height or ultrasound is routinely performed. During the novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, we developed a hybrid model of prenatal care which decreased the frequency of in-person visits and incorporated telemedicine visits. We sought to determine if prenatal FGR diagnoses decreased with this hybrid model compared with routine prenatal care.

STUDY DESIGN

This was a retrospective cohort study of singleton nonanomalous neonates with birth weights <10th percentile at term. The "routine care" group was consisted of those who born between April and July 2019 with in-person prenatal care, and the "hybrid care" group was consisted of those who born between April and July 2020 with both in-person and telemedicine prenatal cares at a collaborative academic practice. The primary outcome was the rate of diagnosis of small for gestational age (SGA) as defined as infant birth weight <10th percentile without a prenatal diagnosis of FGR. The secondary outcome was timing of diagnosis of FGR.

RESULTS

Overall, 1,345 and 1,296 women gave birth in the routine and hybrid groups, respectively. The number of in-person prenatal care visits decreased from 15,024 in the routine period to 7,727 in the hybrid period; 3,265 telemedicine visits occurred during the hybrid period. The total number of prenatal patients remained relatively stable at 3,993 and 3,753 between periods. Third trimester ultrasounds decreased from 2,929 to 2,014 between periods. Birth weights <10 percentile occurred in 115 (8.6%) births during the routine period and 79 (6.1%) births during the hybrid period. Of 115, 44 (38.3%) cases were prenatally diagnosed with FGR in the routine versus 28 of 79 (35.4%) in the hybrid group (p = 0.76). Median gestational age at diagnosis did not vary between groups (36 vs. 37 weeks, p = 0.44).

CONCLUSION

A hybrid prenatal care model did not alter the detection of FGR. Future efforts should further explore the benefits of incorporating telemedicine into prenatal care.

KEY POINTS

· Telemedicine visits can provide comprehensive prenatal care.. · FGR was diagnosed equally with hybrid versus routine prenatal care.. · FGR diagnosis was not delayed with hybrid care..

Stress, anxiety and depression levels in pregnancy: outpatient versus inpatient

OBJECTIVE

To compare stress, anxiety and depression levels among 3 groups of pregnant women: 1) low-risk outpatient (LRO), 2) high-risk outpatient (HRO), and 3) inpatient (IP).

METHODS

This was a cross-sectional study using validated instruments. Inclusion criteria were pregnancies 23-37 weeks and maternal age > 18 years. The primary outcome was mean/median scores of Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), State Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), and Edinburgh Depression Scale (EDS). Secondary outcome was rate of abnormal scores.

RESULTS

Among 190 women approached, 180 (95%) participated, with 60 (33%) in each group. Mean PSS scores (range 0-40) significantly increased from LRO (12.0, standard deviation [SD] 7.8) to HRO (14.7, SD 7.9) to IP (15.6, SD 8.2); p = .04. Mean STAI scores (range 20-80) also significantly increased from LRO (32.0, SD 11.1) to HRO (35.8, SD 11.9) to IP (40.9, SD 13.1); p < .01. Abnormal anxiety (STAI ≥ 40) was present in 40% of women and significantly higher among IP compared to LRO (56% vs 25%; RR 2.24, 95% CI 1.36-3.67; aRR 2.24, 95% CI 1.34-3.74).

CONCLUSION

Stress and anxiety scores significantly differ in LRO, HRO, and IP women. While depression screening is common postpartum, screening for stress, anxiety and depression prenatally may be beneficial.

Educational Multimedia Tool Compared With Routine Care for the Uptake of Postpartum Long-Acting Reversible Contraception in Individuals With High-Risk Pregnancies: A Randomized Controlled Trial

OBJECTIVE

To assess whether an intervention with a multimedia educational tool, compared with routine care, would increase the use of long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARC) at 12 weeks postpartum in individuals with high-risk pregnancies.

METHODS

In this single-center randomized trial, we assigned individuals aged 13-50 years with high-risk pregnancies to either a multimedia educational tool or routine care. Participants were included during pregnancy through postpartum day 1. Those randomized to the multimedia educational tool (MET) group were provided a tablet with the preloaded 3-5-minute multimedia presentation (https://prezi.com/view/jpFrXaPnnxuqRkcI3A4a/), which was viewed without the presence of research staff and resent by secure email every 4 weeks if undelivered. The primary outcome was uptake of LARC (implant or intrauterine device) within 12 weeks of delivery. The secondary outcomes included overall use of any method of contraception and composite maternal and neonatal adverse outcomes. A priori estimates indicated that 380 participants were needed to detect a 40% difference in use of LARC (baseline 40%; alpha=0.05, power=0.8, assumed loss to follow-up 20%). Relative risk (RR) and number needed to treat (NNT), along with 95% CIs, were calculated.

RESULTS

From July 2020 through December 2020, 536 persons were screened and 380 randomized as follows: 190 for the multimedia educational tool and 190 for routine care. Demographic characteristics were similar between groups. The primary outcome-available for more than 90% of participants-was higher in the MET group (32.4%) than in the routine care (RC) group (20.9%) (RR 1.55; 95% CI 1.09-2.21; NNT nine, with 95% CI 5-42). Overall use of contraception was also higher in the MET group than in the RC group (RR 1.16; 95% CI 1.03-1.32).

CONCLUSION

Among individuals with high-risk pregnancies, compared with routine care, use of a multimedia-based educational tool increased the uptake of postpartum LARC by 55%.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT04291040.

FUNDING SOURCE

Funded in part by Investigator-Initiated studies of Organon.

Number and quality of randomized controlled trials in obstetrics published in the top general medical and obstetrics and gynecology journals

BACKGROUND

There has been an increasing number of randomized controlled trials published in obstetrics and maternal-fetal medicine to reduce biases of treatment effect and to provide insights on the cause-effect of the relationship between treatment and outcomes.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to identify obstetrical randomized controlled trials published in top weekly general medical journals and monthly obstetrics and gynecology journals, to assess their quality in reporting and identify factors associated with publication in different journals.

STUDY DESIGN

The 4 weekly medical journals with the highest 2019 impact factor (New England Journal of Medicine, The Lancet, The Journal of the American Medical Association, and British Medical Journal), the top 4 monthly obstetrics and gynecology journals with obstetrics-related research (American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Ultrasound in Obstetrics & Gynecology, Obstetrics & Gynecology, and the British Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology), and the American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology Maternal-Fetal Medicine were searched for obstetrical randomized controlled trials in the years 2018 to 2020. The primary outcome was the number of obstetrical randomized controlled trials published in the obstetrics and gynecology journals vs the weekly medical journals and the percentage of trials published, overall and per journal. The secondary outcomes included the proportion of positive vs negative trials overall and per journal and the assessment of the study characteristics of published trials, including quality assessment criteria.

RESULTS

Of the 4024 original research articles published in the 9 journals during the 3-year study period, 1221 (30.3%) were randomized controlled trials, with 137 (11.2%) randomized controlled trials being in obstetrics (46 in 2018, 47 in 2019, and 44 studies in 2020). Furthermore, 33 (24.1%) were published in weekly medical journals, and 104 (75.9%) were published in obstetrics and gynecology journals. The percentage of obstetrical randomized controlled trials published ranged from 1.5% to 9.6% per journal. Overall, 34.3% of obstetrical trials were statistically significant or "positive" for the primary outcome. Notably, 24.8% of the trials were retrospectively registered after the enrollment of the first study patient. Trials published in the 4 weekly medical journals enrolled significantly more patients (1801 vs 180; P<.001), received more often funding from the federal government (78.8% vs 35.6%; P<.001), and were more likely to be multicenter (90.9% vs 42.3%; P<.001), non-United States based (69.7% vs 49.0%; P=.03), and double blinded (45.5% vs 18.3%; P=.003) than trials published in the obstetrics and gynecology journals. There was no difference in study type (noninferiority vs superiority) and trial quality characteristics, including pretrial registration, ethics approval statement, informed consent statement, and adherence to the Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials guidelines statement between studies published in weekly medical journals and studies published in obstetrics and gynecology journals.

CONCLUSION

Approximately 45 trials in obstetrics are being published every year in the highest impact journals, with one-fourth being in the weekly medical journals and the remainder in the obstetrics and gynecology journals. Only about a third of published obstetrical trials are positive. Trials published in weekly medical journals are larger, more likely to be funded by the government, multicenter, international, and double blinded. Quality metrics are similar between weekly medical journals and obstetrics and gynecology journals.

Adverse Outcomes among Low-Risk Pregnancies at 39 to 41 Weeks: Stratified by Birth Weight Percentile

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to assess the risk of adverse outcomes among low-risk pregnancies at 39 to 41 weeks, stratified by birth weight percentile.

STUDY DESIGN

This retrospective cohort study utilized the U.S. vital statistics datasets (2013-2017) and evaluated low-risk women with nonanomalous cephalic singleton gestations who labored and delivered at 39 to 41 weeks, regardless of ultimate mode of delivery. Newborns were categorized as small (<10th percentile), large (>90th percentile), or appropriate (10-90th percentile) for gestational ages (SGA, LGA, and AGA, respectively). The primary outcome, composite neonatal adverse outcome (CNAO), included Apgar's score <5 at 5 minutes, assisted ventilation >6 hours, seizure, or neonatal death. The secondary outcome, composite maternal adverse outcome (CMAO), included intensive care unit admission, blood transfusion, uterine rupture, or unplanned hysterectomy. Multivariable Poisson's regression was used to estimate the association (using adjusted relative risk [aRR] and 95% confidence interval [CI]).

RESULTS

Of 19.8 million live births during the study interval, approximately 8.9 million (44.9%) met the inclusion criteria, with 9.9% being SGA, 9.2% being LGA, and 80.9% being AGA. SGA newborns delivered at 40 (aRR = 1.17; 95% CI: 1.12-1.23) and at 41 weeks (aRR = 1.55; 95% CI: 1.45-1.66) had a higher risk of CNAO than at 39 weeks. Similarly, LGA newborns delivered at 40 (aRR = 1.13; 95% CI: 1.07-1.19) and 41 weeks (aRR = 1.44; 95% CI: 1.35-1.54) and AGA newborns delivered at 40 (aRR = 1.24; 95% CI: 1.21-1.26) and 41 weeks (aRR = 1.57; 95% CI: 1.53-1.61) also had a higher risk of CNAO than at 39 weeks. CMAO was also significantly higher at 40 and 41 weeks than at 39 weeks, regardless of whether the mothers delivered SGA, LGA, or AGA newborns.

CONCLUSION

Among low-risk pregnancies, the risks of composite neonatal and maternal adverse outcomes increase from 39 through 41 weeks' gestation, irrespective of whether newborns are SGA, LGA, or AGA.

FIGO (international Federation of Gynecology and obstetrics) initiative on fetal growth: best practice advice for screening, diagnosis, and management of fetal growth restriction

Fetal growth restriction (FGR) is defined as the failure of the fetus to meet its growth potential due to a pathological factor, most commonly placental dysfunction. Worldwide, FGR is a leading cause of stillbirth, neonatal mortality, and short- and long-term morbidity. Ongoing advances in clinical care, especially in definitions, diagnosis, and management of FGR, require efforts to effectively translate these changes to the wide range of obstetric care providers. This article highlights agreements based on current research in the diagnosis and management of FGR, and the areas that need more research to provide further clarification of recommendations. The purpose of this article is to provide a comprehensive summary of available evidence along with practical recommendations concerning the care of pregnancies at risk of or complicated by FGR, with the overall goal to decrease the risk of stillbirth and neonatal mortality and morbidity associated with this condition. To achieve these goals, FIGO (the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics) brought together international experts to review and summarize current knowledge of FGR. This summary is directed at multiple stakeholders, including healthcare providers, healthcare delivery organizations and providers, FIGO member societies, and professional organizations. Recognizing the variation in the resources and expertise available for the management of FGR in different countries or regions, this article attempts to take into consideration the unique aspects of antenatal care in low-resource settings (labelled “LRS” in the recommendations). This was achieved by collaboration with authors and FIGO member societies from low-resource settings such as India, Sub-Saharan Africa, the Middle East, and Latin America.

Stillbirth in term and late term gestations in Stockholm during a 20-year period, incidence and causes

Introduction

The incidence of stillbirth has decreased marginally or remained stable during the past decades in high income countries. A recent report has shown Stockholm to have a lower incidence of stillbirth at term than other parts of Sweden. The risk of antepartum stillbirth increases in late term and postterm pregnancies which is one of the factors contributing to the current discussion regarding the optimal time of induction of labor due to postterm pregnancy.

Material and methods

This is a cohort study based on the Stockholm Stillbirth Database which contains all cases of stillbirth from 1998-2018 in Stockholm County. All cases were reviewed systematically and the cause of death was evaluated according to the Stockholm Stillbirth Classification. Stillbirths diagnosed between gestational week (GW) 37+0 and 40+6 n = 605 were compared to stillbirths diagnosed from GW 41+0 and onwards n = 157, according to the cause of stillbirth and pregnancy and maternal characteristics. The aim was to evaluate the incidence of stillbirth over time and the incidence of stillbirth diagnosed from GW 41+0.

Results

In Stockholm County the overall incidence of stillbirth has decreased from 4.6/1000 births during the period 1998-2004 to 3.4/1000 births during the period 2014-2018, p-value <0.001. When comparing the same time periods, the incidence of stillbirth diagnosed from GW 41+0 and onwards has decreased from 0.5/1000 births to 0.15/1000 births, p-value <0.001. Among women still pregnant at GW 41+0 the incidence of stillbirth has decreased from 1.8/ 1000 to 0.5/ 1000. When comparing stillbirths diagnosed at GW 37+0-40+6 with stillbirths diagnosed from GW 41+0 and onwards infection was a more common cause of stillbirth in the latter group.

Conclusion

In Stockholm County there was a decreasing incidence of stillbirth overall and in stillbirths diagnosed from 41+0 weeks of gestation and onwards during the period 1998-2018. In stillbirths diagnosed from GW 41+0 and onwards infection was a more common cause of death compared to stillbirths diagnosed between GW 37+0 and 40+6.

Predictors of neonatal brachial plexus palsy subsequent to resolution of shoulder dystocia

OBJECTIVE

The objective was to ascertain factors among deliveries complicated by shoulder dystocia (SD) and neonatal brachial plexus palsy (NBPP).

METHODS

At 11 hospitals, deliveries complicated by SD were identified. The inclusion criteria were vaginal delivery of non-anomalous, singleton at 34-42 weeks. Adjusted odds ratios (aOR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were created to evaluate the predictive value of the models for NBPP.

RESULTS

Of the 62,939 individuals who delivered vaginally, 1,134 (1.8%) had SD and met other inclusion criteria. Among the analytic cohort, 74 (6.5%) had NBPP. The factor known before delivery which was associated with NBPP was diabetes (aOR = 3.87; 95% CI = 2.13-7.01). After delivery, the three factors associated with NBPP were: (1) birthweight of at least 4000 g (aOR = 1.83; 95% CI = 1.05-3.20); (2) calling for help during the SD (aOR = 4.09, 95% CI = 2.29-7.30), and (3) the duration of SD ≥120 sec (aOR = 2.47, 95% CI = 1.30-4.69). The AUC under the ROC curve for these independent factors was 0.79 (95% CI = 0.77 - 0.82).

CONCLUSIONS

Few factors were identified that were associated with NBPP after SD, but they could not reliably predict which neonates will experience the complication.

How often do we incidentally find a fetal abnormality at the routine third-trimester growth scan? A population-based study

BACKGROUND

Third-trimester scans are increasingly used to try to prevent adverse outcomes associated with abnormalities of fetal growth. Unexpected fetal malformations detected at third-trimester growth scans are rarely reported.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the incidence and type of fetal malformations detected in women attending a routine third-trimester growth scan.

STUDY DESIGN

This was a population-based study of all women with singleton pregnancy attending antenatal care over a 2-year period in Oxfordshire, UK. Women who had a viable singleton pregnancy at dating scan were included. Women had standard obstetrical care including the offer of a routine dating scan and combined screening for trisomies; a routine anomaly scan at 18 to 22 weeks; and a routine third-trimester growth scan at 36 weeks. The third-trimester scan comprises assessment of fetal presentation, amniotic fluid, biometry, umbilical and middle cerebral artery Dopplers, but no formal anatomic assessment is undertaken. Scans are performed by certified sonographers or clinical fellows (n=54), and any suspected abnormalities are evaluated by a team of fetal medicine specialists. We assessed the frequency and type of incidental congenital malformations identified for the first time at this third-trimester scan. All babies were followed-up after birth for a minimum of 6 months.

RESULTS

There were 15,244 women attending routine antenatal care. Anomalies were detected in 474 (3.1%) fetuses as follows: 103 (21.7%) were detected before the anomaly scan, 174 (36.7%) at the anomaly scan, 11 (2.3%) after the anomaly scan and before the third-trimester scan, 43 (9.1%) at the third-trimester scan and 143 (30.2%) after birth. The 43 abnormalities were found in a total of 13,023 women who had a 36 weeks scan, suggesting that in 1 out of 303 (95% confidence interval, 233-432) women attending such a scan, a new malformation was detected. Anomalies detected at the routine third-trimester scan were of the urinary tract (n=30), central nervous system (5), simple ovarian cysts (4), chromosomal (1), splenic cyst (1), skeletal dysplasia (1), and cutaneous lymphangioma (1). Most urinary tract anomalies were renal pelvic dilatation, which showed spontaneous resolution in 57% of the cases.

CONCLUSION

When undertaking a program of routine third-trimester growth scans in women who have had previous screening scans, an unexpected congenital malformation is detected in approximately 1 in 300 women.

Routine third-trimester ultrasound in low-risk pregnancies and perinatal death: a systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to determine whether routine third-trimester ultrasounds in low-risk pregnancies decrease the rate of perinatal death compared with regular antenatal care with serial fundal height measurements.

DATA SOURCES

This was a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized control trials to identify relevant studies published from inception to October 2019. The databases used were Ovid, PubMed, Scopus, ClinicalTrials.gov, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials using a combination of key words related to "third trimester ultrasound" and "low-risk."

STUDY ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

We included all randomized control trials of singleton, nonanomalous low-risk pregnancies that were randomized to either one or more third-trimester ultrasounds (ultrasound group) or serial fundal height (fundal height group). Exclusion criteria were patients with multiple gestations, maternal medical complications, or fetal abnormalities requiring a third-trimester ultrasound.

STUDY APPRAISAL AND SYNTHESIS METHODS

The primary outcome was the rate of perinatal death. The secondary outcomes were rates of fetal growth restriction, suspected large for gestational age, polyhydramnios, oligohydramnios, fetal anomalies, antenatal interventions, stillbirth, neonatal death, cesarean delivery, induction of labor, and other neonatal outcomes. This meta-analysis was performed with the use of the random effects model of DerSimonian and Laird to produce relative risk or mean difference with a corresponding 95% confidence interval.

RESULTS

A total of 7 randomized control trials with 23,643 participants (12,343 in the ultrasound group vs 11,300 in the fundal height group) were included. The total rate of perinatal death was similar among the groups (41 of 11,322 [0.4%] vs 34 of 10,285 [0.3%]; relative risk, 1.14; 95% confidence interval, 0.68-1.89). The rate of fetal growth restriction was higher in the ultrasound group (763 of 10,388 [7%] vs 337 of 9021 [4%]; relative risk, 2.11; 95% confidence interval, 1.86-2.39) and the rate of suspected large for gestational age (1060 of 3513 [30%] vs 375 of 3558 [11%]; relative risk, 2.84; 95% confidence interval, 2.6-3.2). Polyhydramnios was also significantly higher in the ultrasound group than the fundal height group (18 of 323 [6%] vs 4 of 322 [1%] relative risk, 3.93; 95% confidence interval, 1.4-11). The rates of the remainder of the secondary outcomes were similar among the groups.

CONCLUSION

Routine third-trimester ultrasounds do not decrease the rate of perinatal death compared with serial fundal height in low-risk pregnancies. Ideally, an adequately powered trial is warranted to determine whether perinatal mortality in the fundal height group can be reduced by one-third with third-trimester ultrasound.

How often do we identify fetal abnormalities during routine third-trimester ultrasound? A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Routine third-trimester ultrasound is frequently offered to pregnant women to identify fetuses with abnormal growth. Infrequently, a congenital anomaly is incidentally detected.

OBJECTIVE

To establish the prevalence and type of fetal anomalies detected during routine third-trimester scans using a systematic review and meta-analysis.

SEARCH STRATEGY

Electronic databases (MEDLINE, Embase and the Cochrane library) from inception until August 2019.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Population-based studies (randomised control trials, prospective and retrospective cohorts) reporting abnormalities detected at the routine third-trimester ultrasound performed in unselected populations with prior screening. Case reports, case series, case-control studies and reviews without original data were excluded.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Prevalence and type of anomalies detected in the third trimester. We calculated pooled prevalence as the number of anomalies per 1000 scans with 95% confidence intervals. Publication bias was assessed.

MAIN RESULTS

The literature search identified 9594 citations: 13 studies were eligible representing 141 717 women; 643 were diagnosed with an unexpected abnormality. The pooled prevalence of a new abnormality diagnosed was 3.68 per 1000 women scanned (95% CI 2.72-4.78). The largest groups of abnormalities were urogenital (55%), central nervous system abnormalities (18%) and cardiac abnormalities (14%).

CONCLUSION

Combining data from 13 studies and over 140 000 women, we show that during routine third-trimester ultrasound, an incidental fetal anomaly will be found in about 1 in 300 scanned women. This information should be taken into account when taking consent from women for third-trimester ultrasound and when designing and assessing cost of third-trimester ultrasound screening programmes.

TWEETABLE ABSTRACT

One in 300 women attending a third-trimester scan will have a finding of a fetal abnormality.

Identification of newborns with birthweight ≥ 4,500g: Ultrasound within one- vs. two weeks of delivery

OBJECTIVE

Our objective was to compare the diagnostic characteristics of sonographic estimated fetal weight (SEFW) done within 7 versus 8-14 days before delivery for detection of fetal macrosomia (birthweight ≥ 4500 g).

STUDY DESIGN

We performed a multicenter, retrospective cohort study of all non-anomalous singletons with SEFW ≥ 4000 g by Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographers conducted within 14 days of delivery. Cohorts were grouped by time interval between ultrasound and delivery: 0-7 days versus 8-14 days. The detection rate (DR) and false positive rate (FPR) for detection of birthweight (BW) ≥ 4500 g were compared between groups with subgroup analysis for diabetic women. Area under the receiver operator curve (AUC) was calculated to analyze all possible SEFW cutoffs within our cohort.

RESULTS

A total of 330 patients met inclusion criteria with 250 (75.8 %) having SEFW within 7 days and 80 (24.2 %) with SEFW 8-14 days prior to delivery. The rate of macrosomia was 15.1 % (N = 51). The DR for macrosomia was significantly higher when SEFW was performed within 7 days of delivery compared to 8-14 days among non-diabetic (73.0 % vs 7.1 %; p < 0.001) and diabetic women (76.5 % vs 16.7 %; p = 0.02). There was no significant change in FPR in either group. The AUC for detection of macrosomia was significantly higher when SEFW was performed within 7 days versus 8-14 days (0.89 vs 0.63; p < 0.01).

CONCLUSION

With SEFW ≥ 4000 g, the detection of BW ≥ 4500 g is significantly higher when the sonographic examination is within 7 days of birth irrespective of maternal diabetes.

Randomized Controlled Trial of the Effects of 3D-Printed Models and 3D Ultrasonography on Maternal-Fetal Attachment

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether the addition of 3D-printed models improves maternal-fetal attachment in healthy pregnancies more than 3D ultrasonography alone.

DESIGN

Randomized, parallel-group, controlled trial.

SETTING

University- and clinic system-affiliated locations in Omaha, Nebraska.

PARTICIPANTS

Between May 2018 and February 2019, 857 pregnant women were screened for inclusion in the study, and 96 women (11%) were randomly assigned to an ultrasonography group (n = 48) or to an ultrasonography plus 3D-printed model group (n = 48).

METHODS

Participants completed the Maternal Antenatal Attachment Scale (MAAS) questionnaire before they received third trimester 3D ultrasonography. Participants were randomly allocated to receive 3D ultrasonography only or 3D ultrasonography plus 3D-printed models of the fetus's face. All participants completed a second MAAS questionnaire approximately 14 days after the study ultrasonography. The primary outcome was the global MAAS score. Secondary outcomes included the MAAS subscale scores.

RESULTS

The time-by-group interaction effect indicated that change in MAAS global score from baseline for the 3D-printed model group was 3.75 points greater than the score for the ultrasonography only group (95% confidence interval [1.40, 6.10], p = .002). Similar results were observed for the subscales with regard to quality of attachment and time spent thinking about the fetus.

CONCLUSIONS

The use of fetal facial models resulted in greater increases in maternal-fetal attachment than the use of ultrasonography only. Future research into this new technology to enhance pregnancy outcomes is clearly warranted.

Ultrasound in labor admission to predict need for emergency cesarean section: a prospective, blinded cohort study

OBJECTIVE

To assess whether assessment with ultrasound could improve the detection of emergency cesarean section (ECS) in laboring women.

METHODS

Women who presented with symptoms of active labor or women in need of labor induction were invited to participate in the study. Women included in the study were evaluated with ultrasonography for fetal biometry and vaginal examinations for Bishop score assessment. The main aim in this study was determining factors associated with ECS due to fetal distress and obstructed labor.

RESULTS

No fetal biometry variable was associated with ECS due to any indication (fetal distress and obstructed labor combined) in the univariate analysis. In multivariate analyses, biometry variables were adjusted for Bishop score at admission and only abdominal circumference percentile showed a significant association with the odds of ECS due to any indication (OR:1.02, 95% CI: 1.01-1.03). Biparietal diameter and abdominal circumference variables were associated with the odds of ECS due to obstructed labor in both univariate and multivariate analyses (p < .05 for all). However, the predictive accuracy of biparietal diameter percentile (area under the curve (AUC): 0.55, 95% CI: 0.46-0.63) and abdominal circumference percentile (AUC: 0.56, 95% CI: 0.48-0.64) without adjunct variables were poor. Moreover, the addition of fetal biometry parameters to Bishop score did not improve the predictive accuracy of Bishop score.

CONCLUSION

Ultrasound assessment at admission, in addition to Bishop score assessment, did not significantly improve the prediction of ECS. Also, the fetal biometry alone had poor predictive capability for ECS. Routine ultrasound assessment at labor admission appears to be ineffective for predicting ECS.PrecisFetal biparietal diameter and abdominal circumference showed an association with emergency cesarean due to obstructed labor but the predictive accuracy of fetal biometry was low. Routine ultrasound examination at admission, in addition to Bishop score assessment, may not useful for assessing the risk of emergency section in unselected populations.