Vacuum extraction in fetal macrosomia and risk of neonatal complications: a population-based cohort study

Caesarean section and operative vaginal delivery in Estonia and Finland from 1992 to 2016: registry-based study

Proportion of normal deliveries is decreasing worldwide. This study analysed operative vaginal deliveries (OVD) and Caesarean sections (CS) with some background factors in Estonia and Finland from 1992 to 2016. Data on all deliveries from 1992 to 2016 were obtained from the Finnish Medical Birth Registry (1 481 160 births) and the Estonian Medical Birth Registry (356 063 births). Time trends were analysed by joinpoint regression, and factors associated with OVD and CS by logistic regression. Odds ratios with 95% CIs were calculated, adjusted for year, maternal age, foetal birthweight, and use of epidural/spinal anaesthesia. One out of four deliveries were operative in Estonia and in Finland by 2016. By 2016, the Estonian CS rate had tripled to 20.9% and the OVD rate had increased by nine times to 5.6%. In Finland, the CS rate increased slightly to 16.4% while the OVD rate nearly doubled to 9.4%. In Estonia, the incidence of OVD was 24% lower (aOR 0.76, 95% Cl 0.74-0.78) and the incidence of CS 9% higher (aOR 1.09, 95% Cl 1.07-1.10) than in Finland. Use of epidural/spinal anaesthesia and foetal birthweight increased the risk of OVD in both countries, maternal age increased the risk of CS in both countries. Even if the CS and OVD rates are different, operative delivery rates may be similar in different countries. Combined analysis of operative deliveries together with background factors gives a better understanding of the trends in birthcare than monitoring CS rates alone.

Assisted vaginal birth in 21st century: current practice and new innovations

Assisted vaginal birth rates are falling globally with rising cesarean delivery rates. Cesarean delivery is not without consequence, particularly when carried out in the second stage of labor. Cesarean delivery in the second stage is not entirely protective against pelvic floor morbidity and can lead to serious complications in a subsequent pregnancy. It should be acknowledged that the likelihood of morbidity for mother and baby associated with cesarean delivery increases with advancing labor and is greater than spontaneous vaginal birth, irrespective of the method of operative birth in the second stage of labor. In this article, we argue that assisted vaginal birth is a skilled and safe option that should always be considered and be available as an option for women who need assistance in the second stage of labor. Selecting the most appropriate mode of birth at full dilatation requires accurate clinical assessment, supported decision-making, and personalized care with consideration for the woman's preferences. Achieving vaginal birth with the primary instrument is more likely with forceps than with vacuum extraction (risk ratio, 0.58; 95% confidence interval, 0.39-0.88). Midcavity forceps are associated with a greater incidence of obstetric anal sphincter injury (odds ratio, 1.83; 95% confidence interval, 1.32-2.55) but no difference in neonatal Apgar score or umbilical artery pH. The risk for adverse outcomes is minimized when the procedure is conducted by a skilled accoucheur who selects the most appropriate instrument likely to achieve vaginal birth with the primary instrument. Anticipation of potential complications and dynamic decision-making are just as important as the technique for safe instrument use. Good communication with the woman and the birthing partner is vital and there are various recommendations on how to achieve this. There have been recent developments (such as OdonAssist) in device innovation, training, and strategies for implementation at a scale that can provide opportunities for both improved outcomes and reinvigoration of an essential skill that can save mothers' and babies' lives across the world.

Relations between maternal height, shoe size, and the success of vaginal delivery in birth weight over 4000 g

OBJECTIVE

Macrosomia is associated with increased risk of fetal and maternal complications such as trauma during birth, cesarean delivery, postpartum hemorrhage, and shoulder dystocia. Sonographic estimation of fetal weight is imprecise particularly in excessively large fetuses, prompting the need for additional measures to assess the feasibility of vaginal delivery of a macrosomic newborn and thus improve prenatal consultation.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This retrospective case-control study included women who delivered a singleton macrosomic newborn (birth weight>4,000 g), either vaginally (N = 762) or by urgent cesarean delivery during labor (N = 109). Using multivariable analysis, we examined correlations of maternal height≥170 cm and shoe size≥40 with successful vaginal delivery.

RESULTS

Women who delivered vaginally had lower mean intrapartum BMI (p < 0.001) and lower rate of gestational diabetes (p = 0.003). Women with a shoe size≥40 were 2.2 times more likely to give birth vaginally. Cesarean section rate was 5.9 % among women with height≥170 cm and shoe size≥40; and 16.5 % among women with height<170 cm and shoe size<40. Multivariable analysis, adjusted for gestational diabetes, parity, and BMI, revealed that shoe size≥40 and maternal height≥170 cm correlated with success in vaginal delivery, OR = 3.1 (95%CI 1.3-7.3, p = 0.009).

CONCLUSION

Shoe size and maternal height may help predict success of vaginal birth of the macrosomic newborns.

A Novel Nomogram Based on Quantitative MRI and Clinical Features for the Prediction of Neonatal Intracranial Hypertension

Intracranial hypertension (ICH) is a serious threat to the health of neonates. However, early and accurate diagnosis of neonatal intracranial hypertension remains a major challenge in clinical practice. In this study, a predictive model based on quantitative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data and clinical parameters was developed to identify neonates with a high risk of ICH. Newborns who were suspected of having intracranial lesions were included in our study. We utilized quantitative MRI to obtain the volumetric data of gray matter, white matter, and cerebrospinal fluid. After the MRI examination, a lumbar puncture was performed. The nomogram was constructed by incorporating the volumetric data and clinical features by multivariable logistic regression. The performance of the nomogram was evaluated by discrimination, calibration curve, and decision curve. Clinical parameters and volumetric quantitative MRI data, including postmenstrual age (p = 0.06), weight (p = 0.02), mode of delivery (p = 0.01), and gray matter volume (p = 0.003), were included in and significantly associated with neonatal intracranial hypertension risk. The nomogram showed satisfactory discrimination, with an area under the curve of 0.761. Our results demonstrated that decision curve analysis had promising clinical utility of the nomogram. The nomogram, incorporating clinical and quantitative MRI features, provided an individualized prediction of neonatal intracranial hypertension risk and facilitated decision making guidance for the early diagnosis and treatment for neonatal ICH. External validation from studies using a larger sample size before implementation in the clinical decision-making process is needed.

A systematic review of brachial plexus injuries after caesarean birth: challenging delivery?

BACKGROUND

Caesarean section (CS) is widely perceived as protective against obstetric brachial plexus injury (BPI), but few studies acknowledge the factors associated with such injury. The objectives of this study were therefore to aggregate cases of BPI after CS, and to illuminate risk factors for BPI.

METHODS

Pubmed Central, EMBASE and MEDLINE databases were searched using free text: ("brachial plexus injury" or "brachial plexus injuries" or "brachial plexus palsy" or "brachial plexus palsies" or "Erb's palsy" or "Erb's palsies" or "brachial plexus birth injury" or "brachial plexus birth palsy") and ("caesarean" or "cesarean" or "Zavanelli" or "cesarian" or "caesarian" or "shoulder dystocia"). Studies with clinical details of BPI after CS were included. Studies were assessed using the National Institutes for Healthy Study Quality Assessment Tool for Case Series, Cohort and Case-Control Studies.

MAIN RESULTS

39 studies were eligible. 299 infants sustained BPI after CS. 53% of cases with BPI after CS had risk factors for likely challenging handling/manipulation of the fetus prior to delivery, in the presence of considerable maternal or fetal concerns, and/or in the presence of poor access due to obesity or adhesions.

CONCLUSIONS

In the presence of factors that would predispose to a challenging delivery, it is difficult to justify that BPI could occur due to in-utero, antepartum events alone. Surgeons should exercise care when operating on women with these risk factors.

Impact of simulation training on the management of shoulder dystocia and incidence of permanent brachial plexus birth injury: an observational study

OBJECTIVE

To study the impact of shoulder dystocia (SD) simulation training on the management of SD and the incidence of permanent brachial plexus birth injury (BPBI).

DESIGN

Retrospective observational study.

SETTING

Helsinki University Women's Hospital, Finland.

SAMPLE

Deliveries with SD.

METHODS

Multi-professional, regular and systematic simulation training for obstetric emergencies began in 2015, and SD was one of the main themes. A study was conducted to assess changes in SD management and the incidence of permanent BPBI. The study period was from 2010 to 2019; years 2010-2014 were considered the pre-training period and years 2015-2019 were considered the post-training period.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

The primary outcome measure was the incidence of permanent BPBI after the implementation of systematic simulation training. Changes in the management of SD were also analysed.

RESULTS

During the study period, 113 085 vertex deliveries were recorded. The incidence of major SD risk factors (gestational diabetes, induction of labour, vacuum extraction) increased and was significantly higher for each of these factors during the post-training period (p < 0.001). The incidence of SD also increased significantly (0.01% vs 0.3%, p < 0.001) during the study period, but the number of children with permanent BPBI decreased by 55% after the implementation of systematic simulation training (0.05% vs 0.02%, p < 0.001). The most significant change in the management of SD was the increased incidence of successful delivery of the posterior arm.

CONCLUSIONS

Systematic simulation-based training of midwives and doctors can translate into improved individual and team performance and can significantly reduce the incidence of permanent BPBI.

Complications of instrumental vaginal deliveries and associated factors in hospitals of Western Oromia, Ethiopia

Objective:

In developing countries like Ethiopia, there is lack of evidence that shows the magnitude and factors affecting complications of instrumental delivery. Most of the research done in Ethiopia was secondary data and lacks variables like socio-demographic factors, availability of cardiotocograph, number of traction, and who conducted delivery (qualification of health workers). So, this study tried to fill the gaps by conducting primary research with secondary data and adding those variables stated above.

Methods:

Health facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted from 20 February 20 June 2020 in five public hospitals in East Wollega Zone. Single population proportion formula used to calculate sample size. Systematic random sampling was employed. Interviewer-administered structured questionnaire, checklist, and document review were used to collect data from 282 respondents. Data entered to Epi Data version 3.01 and exported to a statistical package of social sciences version 21 for analysis. Those variables with p < 0.25 in the bivariate analyses were a candidate for multivariable logistic regression and multivariable logistic regression was done to identify factors associated with complications of instrumental vaginal delivery using 95% confidence interval and p < 0.05.

Results:

Complications of instrumental vaginal delivery were 37.2%. Out of all neonates delivered by operative vaginal delivery, 69 (24.5%) developed complications. Vacuum-assisted delivery (adjusted odd ratio = 0.245, 95% confidence interval 0.092–0.658), 120–160 fetal heartbeats per minute (adjusted odd ratio = 0.298, 95% confidence interval 0.114–0.628), birthweight > 4000 g (adjusted odd ratio = 4.09, 95% confidence interval 1.729–9.499) and outlet instrumentation (adjusted odd ratio = 0.139, 95% confidence interval 0.057–0.339) were associated with complications of instrumental vaginal delivery.

Conclusion:

Magnitude of complications of instrumental vaginal delivery was high in the study area. So, health professionals should give due attention on instrument selection and application. Instrumental delivery requires a careful assessment of clinical circumstances to identify the indications and contraindications for the application of the instruments.

Vacuum-Assisted Delivery Complication Rates Based on Ultrasound-Estimated Fetal Weight

This retrospective cohort study investigated the association between ultrasonographic estimated fetal weight (EFW) and adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes after vacuum-assisted delivery (VAD). It included women with singleton pregnancies at 34−41 weeks gestation, who underwent ultrasonographic pre-labor EFW and VAD in an academic institution, over 6 years. Adverse neonatal and maternal outcomes included shoulder dystocia, clavicular fracture, or third- and fourth-degree perineal tears. A receiver−operator characteristic curve was used to identify the optimal weight cut-off value to predict adverse outcomes. Fetuses above and below this point were compared. Multivariate analysis was used to control for factors that could lead to adverse outcomes. Eight-hundred and fifty women met the inclusion criteria and had sonographic EFW within two-weeks before delivery. Receiver−operator characteristic curve analysis found that ultrasonographic EFW 3666 g is the optimal threshold for adverse outcomes. Based on these results, outcomes were compared using EFW 3700 g. The average EFW in the ≥3700 g group (n = 220, 25.9%) was 3898 ± 154 g (average birthweight 3710 ± 324 g). In the group <3700 g (n = 630, 74.1%), average EFW was 3064 ± 411 g (birthweight 3120 ± 464 g). Shoulder dystocia and clavicular fractures were more frequent in the higher EFW group (6.4% and 2.3% vs. 1.6% and 0.5%, respectively; p < 0.05). Women in the ≥3700 g group experienced more third- and fourth-degree perineal tears (3.2% vs. 1%, p = 0.02). Multivariate logistic regression analysis found maternal age, diabetes and sonographic EFW ≥ 3700 g as independent risk-factors for adverse outcomes. Sonographic EFW ≥ 3700 g is an independent risk-factor for adverse outcomes in VAD. This should be considered when choosing the optimal mode of delivery.

Could Subtle Obstetrical Brachial Plexus Palsy Be Related to Unilateral B Glenoid Osteoarthritis?

Background: Several factors associated with B glenoid are also linked with obstetrical brachial plexus palsy (OBPP). The purpose of this observational study was to determine the incidence of OBPP risk factors in type B patients. Methods: A cohort of 154 patients (68% men, 187 shoulders) aged 63 ± 17 years with type B glenoids completed a questionnaire comprising history of perinatal characteristics related to OBPP. A literature review was performed following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) to estimate the incidence of OBPP risk factors in the general population. Results: Twenty-seven patients (18%) reported one or more perinatal OBPP risk factors, including shoulder dystocia (n = 4, 2.6%), macrosomia >4 kg (n = 5, 3.2%), breech delivery (n = 6, 3.9%), fetal distress (n = 8, 5.2%), maternal diabetes (n = 2, 1.3%), clavicular fracture (n = 2, 1.3%), and forceps delivery (n = 4, 2.6%). The comparison with the recent literature suggested that most perinatal OBPP risk factors were within the normal range, although the incidence of shoulder dystocia, forceps and vaginal breech deliveries exceeded the average rates. Conclusion: Perinatal factors related to OBPP did not occur in a higher frequency in patients with Walch type B OA compared to the general population, although some of them were in the high normal range.

The impact of epidural analgesia on the mode of delivery in nulliparous women that attain the second stage of labor

Objective: We aimed to evaluate the impact of epidural analgesia on the mode of delivery of nulliparous women with a term single fetus in vertex presentation (NTSV) that attained the second stage of labor.Study design: A single-center retrospective study provided a strict and constant department protocol for epidural analgesia practice and obstetric interventions, between 2005 and 2014. Epidural users were compared to nonusers. The primary outcome was the mode of delivery. Secondary outcomes were diagnosis of prolonged second stage of labor and maternal and neonatal morbidities. The outcomes were evaluated by adjusted multivariate analyses (Adjusted Odds Ratios (aOR), 95% CI).Results: During the study period, 25,643 NTSV attained the second stage of labor; 18 676 (73%) epidural users and 6967 (27%) nonusers. Epidural users had an increased risk of instrumental delivery 2.48, [2.22-2.76], along with a lower risk of cesarean delivery 0.38, [0.29-0.50]. Notably, the diagnosis of prolonged second stage of labor was comparable among the study groups 0.99, [0.89-1.12]. The epidural users had a significantly higher risk of early postpartum hemorrhage 1.15, [1.04-1.27]. The risk for neonatal morbidity was comparable among the study groups 1.21 [0.90-1.63].Conclusion: Epidural analgesia in a population of NTSV that attains the second stage of labor is associated with a higher risk of instrumental delivery, nonetheless with a reduced risk of cesarean delivery; independent of the length of the second stage of labor is and safe for the neonate.

Risk factors for neonatal brachial plexus palsy: a systematic review and meta-analysis

AIM

To provide a comprehensive update on the most prevalent, significant risk factors for neonatal brachial plexus palsy (NBPP).

METHOD

Cochrane CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Web of Science, Embase, and ClinicalTrials.gov were searched for relevant publications up to March 2019. Studies assessing risk factors of NBPP in relation to typically developing comparison individuals were included. Meta-analysis was performed for the five most significant risk factors, on the basis of the PRISMA statement and MOOSE guidelines. Pooled odds ratios (ORs), 95% confidence intervals (CIs), and across-study heterogeneity (I² ) were reported. Reporting bias and quality of evidence was rated. In addition, we assessed the incidence of NBPP.

RESULTS

Twenty-two observational studies with a total sample size of 29 419 037 live births were selected. Significant risk factors included shoulder dystocia (OR 115.27; 95% CI 81.35-163.35; I² =92%), macrosomia (OR 9.75; 95% CI 8.29-11.46; I² =70%), (gestational) diabetes (OR 5.33; 95% CI 3.77-7.55; I² =59%), instrumental delivery (OR 3.8; 95% CI 2.77-5.23; I² =77%), and breech delivery (OR 2.49; 95% CI 1.67-3.7; I² =70%). Caesarean section appeared as a protective factor (OR 0.13; 95% CI 0.11-0.16; I² =41%). The pooled overall incidence of NBPP was 1.74 per 1000 live births. It has decreased in recent years.

INTERPRETATION

The incidence of NBPP is decreasing. Shoulder dystocia, macrosomia, maternal diabetes, instrumental delivery, and breech delivery are risk factors for NBPP. Caesarean section appears as a protective factor.

WHAT THIS PAPER ADDS

The overall incidence of neonatal brachial plexus palsy is 1.74 per 1000 live births. The incidence has declined significantly. Shoulder dystocia, macrosomia, maternal diabetes, instrumental delivery, and breech delivery are the main risk factors. Prevention is difficult owing to unpredictability and often labour-related risk.

Prevalence and Risk Factors of Incidental Findings in Brain MRIs of Healthy Neonates-The FinnBrain Birth Cohort Study

Background: Birth is a traumatic event with molding forces directed to the fetal skull, which may result in intracranial hemorrhages. However, the knowledge on prevalence and risk factors of incidental brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings in infants is still inconclusive.

Methods: The prevalence and nature of incidental MRI findings were assessed in a birth cohort of 175 asymptomatic infants. The role of delivery method as well as other potential risk factors for intracranial hemorrhages were evaluated. The infants underwent 3T MRI at the age of 2–5 weeks, and the neurological status of the infants with an incidental finding was evaluated by a pediatric neurologist. Information on the delivery method, duration of delivery, parity, used anesthesia, oxytocin induction, and Apgar score was gathered to evaluate their association with the prevalence of hemorrhages.

Results: Incidental intracranial hemorrhages were detected in 12 infants (6.9%), all following spontaneous or assisted vaginal delivery. Vacuum-assistance was found to be a risk factor for subdural hemorrhages with an odds ratio (OR) of 4.7 (95% CI [1.18; 18.9], p = 0.032). All infants were evaluated to develop normally by their clinical status.

Conclusions: Incidental intracranial hemorrhages are relatively common among infants born by vaginal delivery. They are often of little clinical significance within the first years of life and have unlikely consequences for later neurodevelopment either. Despite their benign character, investigators should be prepared to share this information with parents competently as the findings can cause parental anxiety, and especially as the popularity of MRI as a research tool is increasing.

Development of the glenohumeral joint after subscapular release and open relocation in children with brachial plexus birth palsy: long-term results in 61 patients

BACKGROUND

We present the long-term results of remodeling of the glenohumeral joint after open subscapularis elongation and relocation of the humeral head in patients with an internal rotation contracture and joint incongruity due to brachial plexus birth palsy.

METHODS

In this before-and-after study, 61 patients who underwent open subscapularis elongation and reduction of the glenohumeral joint were evaluated with respect to joint remodeling, with a mean follow-up period of 10.2 years (range, 7-16 years). The mean age at operation was 3.2 years (range, 8 months to 15 years). Measurements of the percentage of the humeral head anterior to the midscapular line (PHHA), glenoid version, and diameter of the humeral head were recorded using magnetic resonance imaging, comparing the affected joints preoperatively vs. postoperatively (n = 31) and comparing the operated vs. unaffected sides postoperatively (n = 61).

RESULTS

The mean increase in PHHA was 27.6 percentage points (95% confidence interval, 22.4-32.7 percentage points; P < .01), from 13.2% to 40.8%. The glenoid retroversion changed by 14.8° (95% confidence interval, 11.1°-18.4°; P < .01), from 25.4° to 10.6°, approaching a normal value. All patients, even those older than 5 years, showed a clear benefit from surgery.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study confirms that open subscapularis lengthening with joint repositioning, up to the age of 5 years, gives consistent remodeling of incongruent shoulders with surprisingly small differences between the operated and unaffected shoulders at long-term follow-up. The findings indicate that open reduction is useful also in adolescents and challenges the notion that older children should be treated with derotational humeral osteotomy.

Maternal and neonatal complications of fetal macrosomia: cohort study

OBJECTIVE

To estimate the risks of maternal and neonatal complications in pregnancies with macrosomia.

METHODS

This was a retrospective cohort study conducted at a large maternity unit in the UK between January 2009 and December 2016. The incidence of maternal and neonatal complications in pregnancies with macrosomia, defined as birth weight (BW) > 4000 g, and in those with severe macrosomia, defined as BW > 4500 g, was compared with that in pregnancies with normal BW (2500-4000 g). Regression analysis was performed to determine odds ratios (ORs) for complications in macrosomic pregnancies compared to those with normal BW.

RESULTS

The study population of 35 548 pregnancies included 4522 (12.7%) with macrosomia, of which 643 (1.8%) had severe macrosomia, and 31 026 (87.3%) with normal BW. In the macrosomia group, the adjusted OR was 3.1 (95% CI, 2.6-3.6) for Cesarean section for failure to progress, 2.4 (95% CI, 2.0-3.0) for severe postpartum hemorrhage, 2.3 (95% CI, 1.9-2.8) for obstetric anal sphincter injury, 10.4 (95% CI, 8.6-12.6) for shoulder dystocia, 28.5 (95% CI, 8.9-90.7) for obstetric brachial plexus injury, 32.3 (95% CI, 3.8-278.2) for birth fractures and 4.4 (95% CI, 2.2-8.8) for hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy. The respective values in pregnancies with severe macrosomia were 4.3 (95% CI, 3.1-6.1), 2.9 (95% CI, 1.9-4.4), 3.1 (95% CI, 1.9-5.1), 28.7 (95% CI, 20.8-39.8), 73.9 (95% CI, 15.1-363.2), 87.2 (95% CI, 7.7-985.0) and 13.8 (95% CI, 5.2-36.8).

CONCLUSION

Macrosomia is associated with serious adverse perinatal outcomes. This study provides accurate estimates of risks to aid in pregnancy management. Copyright © 2019 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Maternal and neonatal complications of fetal macrosomia: systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

To determine accurate estimates of risks of maternal and neonatal complications in pregnancies with fetal macrosomia by performing a systematic review of the literature and meta-analysis.

METHODS

A search of MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL and The Cochrane Library was performed to identify relevant studies reporting on maternal and/or neonatal complications in pregnancies with macrosomia having a birth weight (BW) > 4000 g and/or those with birth weight > 4500 g. Prospective and retrospective cohort and population-based studies that provided data regarding both cases and controls were included. Maternal outcomes assessed were emergency Cesarean section (CS), postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) and obstetric anal sphincter injury (OASIS). Neonatal outcomes assessed were shoulder dystocia, obstetric brachial plexus injury (OBPI) and birth fractures. Meta-analysis using a random-effects model was used to estimate weighted pooled estimates of summary statistics (odds ratio (OR) and 95% CI) for each complication, according to birth weight. Heterogeneity between studies was estimated using Cochran's Q, I2 statistic and funnel plots.

RESULTS

Seventeen studies reporting data on maternal and/or neonatal complications in pregnancy with macrosomia were included. In pregnancies with macrosomia having a BW > 4000 g, there was an increased risk of the maternal complications: emergency CS, PPH and OASIS, which had OR (95% CI) of 1.98 (1.80-2.18), 2.05 (1.90-2.22) and 1.91 (1.56-2.33), respectively. The corresponding values for pregnancies with BW > 4500 g were: 2.55 (2.33-2.78), 3.15 (2.14-4.63) and 2.56 (1.97-3.32). Similarly, in pregnancies with a BW > 4000 g, there was an increased risk of the neonatal complications: shoulder dystocia, OBPI and birth fractures, which had OR (95% CI) of 9.54 (6.76-13.46), 11.03 (7.06-17.23) and 6.43 (3.67-11.28), respectively. The corresponding values for pregnancies with a BW > 4500 g were: 15.64 (11.31-21.64), 19.87 (12.19-32.40) and 8.16 (2.75-24.23).

CONCLUSION

Macrosomia is associated with serious maternal and neonatal adverse outcomes. This study provides accurate estimates of these risks, which can be used for decisions on pregnancy management. Copyright © 2019 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Vacuum Extraction in Preterm Deliveries and Long-Term Neurological Outcome of the Offspring

BACKGROUND

Concern exists regarding a possible harmful impact of vacuum extraction on the preterm newborn. We aimed to evaluate the long-term pediatric neurodevelopmental outcomes of the preterm offspring after vacuum extraction.

METHODS

A population-based cohort analysis was performed comparing the risk for long-term neurological morbidity (up to age 18 years) in preterm (less than 37 completed weeks of gestation) children born via following three delivery modes: vacuum extraction, spontaneous delivery, and Caesarean delivery performed during the second stage of labor. A Kaplan-Meier survival curve was used to compare the cumulative neurological morbidity in all groups. A Cox proportional hazards model was used to control for confounders.

RESULTS

During the study period 11,662 preterm newborns met the inclusion criteria, 97.2% (n = 11,338) of which were born via spontaneous vaginal delivery, 2.3% (n = 267) underwent vacuum extraction, and 0.5% (n = 57) were delivered by Caesarean section during the second stage of labor. Gestational age at delivery median (range) was 36 (29 to 36) weeks for vacuum extractions, 36 (23 to 36) for spontaneous vaginal delivery, and 35 (29 to 36) for Caesarean delivery within second stage of labor. Total pediatric hospitalizations involving neurological diagnoses were comparable between the groups as were the cumulative incidences of total neurological morbidity in the survival curves (log rank P = 0.723). In the Cox regression model, vacuum delivery in preterm newborns was not found to be associated with later pediatric neurological hospitalizations.

CONCLUSIONS

Vacuum extraction performed on preterm newborns does not appear to be independently associated with severe long-term neurological morbidity, as reflected by later pediatric hospitalizations.

A comparable rate of levator ani muscle injury in operative vaginal delivery (forceps and vacuum) according to the characteristics of the instrumentation

INTRODUCTION

Forceps delivery is associated with a high rate of levator ani muscle (LAM) trauma (avulsion) at 35%-65% whereas data on avulsion rates after vacuum delivery vary greatly. Nevertheless, a common characteristic of all previous studies carried out to evaluate the association between instrumental deliveries (forceps and vacuum) and LAM avulsion, is the fact that characteristics of the instrumentation have not been described or evaluated. The objective of this study is to compare the rate of LAM avulsion between forceps and vacuum deliveries according to the characteristics of the instrumentation.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Prospective, observational study, including 263 nulliparous women, who underwent an instrumental delivery with either Malmström vacuum or Kielland forceps. The characteristics of the instrumentation, position (anterior position and other position) and height of the fetal head at the moment of instrumentation (low instrumentation [vertex at +2 station] and mid-instrumentation [head is involved but leading part above +2 station]) were assessed. Evaluation of LAM avulsion was performed at 6 months postpartum by three-/four-dimensional transperineal ultrasound. Using the multi-view mode, a complete avulsion was diagnosed when the abnormal muscle insertion was identified in all three central slices, that is, in the plane of minimal hiatal dimensions and the 2.5-mm and 5.0-mm slices cranial to this one. To detect a 30% or 15% difference in the LAM injury rate, with 80% power and 5% α-error, we needed, respectively 42 and 99 women per study group.

RESULTS

In all, 263 nulliparous individuals have been evaluated (162 vacuum deliveries, 101 forceps deliveries). Instrumentation in an occipito-anterior position was more frequent in vacuum deliveries (75.3% vs 56.4%, P = .002), whereas other positions were more frequent in the forceps deliveries group (24.7% vs 43.6%). No statistically significant differences were noted regarding the height of the fetal head at the moment of instrumentation. No statistically significant differences were found in the presence of LAM avulsion (41.4% vs 38.6%) between vacuum and forceps deliveries. The univariate analysis of the crude odds ratio was 1.17, 95% CI 0.67-1.98, P = .70 for the avulsion of the LAM and the multivariate of the adjusted OR 0.90, 95% CI; 0.53-1.55, P = .71.

CONCLUSIONS

We consider that, in our population, LAM avulsion rate should not be a factor taken into account when choosing the type of instrumentation (Malmström vacuum or Kielland forceps) in an operative delivery.

Impact of prenatal exercise on maternal harms, labour and delivery outcomes: a systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

To perform a systematic review of the relationships between prenatal exercise and maternal harms including labour/delivery outcomes.

DESIGN

Systematic review with random effects meta-analysis and meta-regression.

DATASOURCES

Online databases were searched up to 6 January 2017.

STUDY ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

Studies of all designs were included (except case studies) if they were published in English, Spanish or French and contained information on the population (pregnant women without contraindication to exercise), intervention (subjective or objective measures of frequency, intensity, duration, volume or type of exercise), comparator (no exercise or different frequency, intensity, duration, volume and type of exercise, alone ["exercise-only"] or in combination with other intervention components [e.g., dietary; "exercise + co-intervention"]) and outcome (preterm/prelabour rupture of membranes, caesarean section, instrumental delivery, induction of labour, length of labour, vaginal tears, fatigue, injury, musculoskeletal trauma, maternal harms (author defined) and diastasis recti).

RESULTS

113 studies (n=52 858 women) were included. 'Moderate' quality evidence from exercise-only randomised controlled trials (RCTs) indicated a 24% reduction in the odds of instrumental delivery in women who exercised compared with women who did not (20 RCTs, n=3819; OR 0.76, 95% CI 0.63 to 0.92, I ²= 0 %). The remaining outcomes were not associated with exercise. Results from meta-regression did not identify a dose-response relationship between frequency, intensity, duration or volume of exercise and labour and delivery outcomes.

SUMMARY/CONCLUSIONS

Prenatal exercise reduced the odds of instrumental delivery in the general obstetrical population. There was no relationship between prenatal exercise and preterm/prelabour rupture of membranes, caesarean section, induction of labour, length of labour, vaginal tears, fatigue, injury, musculoskeletal trauma, maternal harms and diastasis recti.