Effect of preexisting chronic disease on primary cesarean delivery rates by race for births in U.S. military hospitals, 1999-2002

Cesarean section or normal vaginal delivery: A cross-sectional study of attitude of medical students

INTRODUCTION

Childbirth is regarded as an important life event for women, and growing numbers of them are making the choice to give birth by cesarean delivery. Increasing rate of births by cesarean section is an issue of concern in many countries. In order to reduce the rates of unnecessary cesarean sections, it is essential to acquire information of the reasons that motivate physicians to carry out cesarean sections rather than vaginal deliveries. The objective of present study is to evaluate whether the education process for undergraduate medical students affects their decision-making.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The present study was cross-sectional and questionnaire based. A total of 292 students participated in the study. Out of which, 150 were first-year students and 142 were doing internship in Maharashtra Institute of Medical Education and Research (MIMER), Talegaon Dabhade, Maharashtra, India. The study was conducted in the months of June and July 2019. Data was collected with the help of person to person interview of all the participants who satisfied the inclusion criteria after obtaining their informed consent. The data was entered by using Microsoft Excel 2007 and was analyzed using Epi Info version 3.3.2. The data was tabulated and analyzed according to responses which were given by the respondents.

RESULTS

A total of 292 students answered the questionnaire. Age of participants varied between 19 and 23 years. 130 males and 162 females were the subjects, out of which 40 students declared fear of labor. Most of the students preferred vaginal delivery over cesarean sections in all the four scenarios. The difference of opinion was significant in case of an uneventful pregnancy and normal pregnancy under their care. For general population as healthcare manager this difference of opinion was not significant. In case of one's own or partner's delivery, internship students preferred cesarean section but this difference was statistically non-significant.

CONCLUSION

Most of the students would recommend vaginal delivery because this form of delivery has fewer risks as compared to cesarean section. Majority of students chose vaginal delivery for the birth of their own child; however, a higher number of interns as compared to first year students preferred cesarean section. Pain associated with vaginal delivery was the most common reason given for choosing cesarean section. The student's preference for childbirth changed in due course of graduation toward cesarean section. This indicates a probable effect of medical education on permissive culture of cesarean section as a mode of delivery.

The Rate of and Factors Associated with Delivery by Caesarean Section among Women with Epilepsy: Time Trend in a Single-Centre Cohort in Mazovia, Poland

Data from literature suggest that the rate of caesarean section (CS) in women with epilepsy (WWE) is higher than in the general population. In Poland, there is neither a national registry nor another data set to access the outcome of pregnancy in WWE. Therefore, we address this gap by prospectively studying CS rates among 1021 WWE pregnancies at a single centre, their trends over time, and factors increasing the likelihood of the CS. To determine whether the diagnosis of epilepsy itself increased this likelihood, mixed models were used to analyse the contributions of specific variables, including the presence of seizures at different pregnancy-related timepoints. Over 20 years, the mean rate of CS in WWE was progressively growing and was higher than in the general population in Mazovia (47% vs. 32%). Generalized seizures in the third trimester increased the likelihood of CS with the highest odds (OR 4.4). The most frequent indication for a CS was obstetric (58.1%), followed by epilepsy-related (25.2%). Almost half of women who indicated epilepsy as the sole reason for CS had no seizure during pregnancy, and nearly 70% did not have generalized seizures. This suggests the overuse of epilepsy as an indication of CS and encourages defining more strict criteria.

Protocol versus practice: Deviations from guidelines in low-risk twin deliveries in the United States

BACKGROUND

Medical guidelines recommend vaginal delivery for low-risk twin pregnancies because cesareans increase the probability of maternal morbidity and mortality. Yet, vaginal delivery rates for twins are considerably lower than for comparable singletons. One explanation for this disparity argues that greater risk associated with twins warrants increased surgical intervention. An alternative explanation is that twin deliveries are more likely to deviate from protocols that advise vaginal birth.

METHODS

Using the 2017 Natality Detail File (N = 3,197,401), we measured alignment of vaginal birth and trial of labor (TOL) with the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists' guidelines for twin and singleton no-indicated-risk births. We calculated predicted probabilities for the population and by maternal race/ethnicity to assess whether low rates of vaginal births among twins are explained by associated risk factors, or by deviations from recommended delivery methods.

RESULTS

Overall, 31.2% of twins were born vaginally compared with 79.4% of singletons. Controlling for indicated risks, the predicted probability of vaginal birth for twins was 0.49 and 0.85 for singletons. The predicted probability of TOL for twins was 0.18 and 0.47 for singletons. Maternal race/ethnicity was only weakly associated with mode of delivery. These findings indicate that no-indicated-risk twin pregnancies, across maternal racial/ethnic categories, have lower probabilities of vaginal birth and TOL than would be expected with widespread adherence to current guidelines.

CONCLUSIONS

Given the life-threatening consequences that may result from unnecessary surgical procedures, our findings highlight the need for further research to illuminate medical and nonmedical mechanisms driving nonadherence to clinical guidelines for twin births.

Integrative Review of Racial Disparities in Perinatal Outcomes Among Beneficiaries of the Military Health System

OBJECTIVE

To examine the extent to which racial disparities exist in the perinatal outcomes of beneficiaries of the Military Health System (MHS).

DATA SOURCES

We searched the PubMed, CINAHL, and Embase databases.

STUDY SELECTION

We selected articles published in English in peer-reviewed journals in which the authors examined race in relation to perinatal outcomes among beneficiaries of the MHS. Date of publication was unrestricted through March 2021.

DATA EXTRACTION

Twenty-six articles met the inclusion criteria. We extracted data about study design, purpose, sample, setting, and results. We also assigned quality appraisal ratings to each article.

DATA SYNTHESIS

In most of the included articles, researchers observed differences in perinatal outcomes between Black and White women. Compared to White women, Black women had greater rates of cesarean birth, preterm birth, low birth weight, and small for gestational age neonates. White women had greater rates of postpartum depression than Black women.

CONCLUSION

Racial disparities in very low birth weight newborns and preterm birth may be smaller in the MHS than in the general population of the United States. The overall rates of preterm birth, cesarean birth, and neonatal mortality were lower for beneficiaries of the MHS than in the general population of the United States.

Development and Validation of a Risk Prediction Model for Cesarean Delivery After Labor Induction

Objective: The goal of the study was to develop and validate a prediction model for cesarean delivery after labor induction that included factors known before the start of induction, unlike prior studies that focused on characteristics at the time of induction. Materials and Methods: Using 17,370 term labor inductions without documented medical indications occurring at 14 U.S. hospitals, 2007-2012, we created and evaluated a model predicting cesarean delivery. We assessed model calibration and discrimination, and we used bootstrapping for internal validation. We externally validated the model by using 2122 labor inductions from a hospital not included in the development cohort. Results: The model contained eight variables-gestational age, maternal race, parity, maternal age, obesity, fibroids, excessive fetal growth, and history of herpes-and was well calibrated with good risk stratification at the extremes of predicted probability. The model had an area under the curve (AUC) for the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.82 (95% confidence interval 0.81-0.83), and it performed well on internal validation. The AUC in the external validation cohort was 0.82. Conclusion: This prediction model can help providers estimate a woman's risk of cesarean delivery when planning a labor induction.

Impact of obesity and other risk factors on labor dystocia in term primiparous women: a case control study

BACKGROUND

Purpose of this study was to investigate differences between primiparous term pregnancies, one leading to vaginal delivery (VD) and the other to acute cesarean section (CS) due to labor dystocia in the first stage of labor. We particularly wanted to assess the influence of body mass index (BMI) on CS risk.

METHODS

A retrospective case-control study in a tertiary delivery unit with 5200 deliveries annually. Cases were 296 term primiparous women whose intended vaginal labor ended in acute CS because of dystocia. Controls were primiparas with successful vaginal delivery VD (n = 302). The data were retrieved from medical records. Multiple logistic regression analyses were used to assess the associations between BMI and covariates on labor dystocia.

RESULTS

In the cases ending with acute CS, women were older (OR 1.06 [1.03-1.10]), shorter (OR 0.94 [0.91-0.96]) and more often had a chronic disease (OR 1.60 [1.1-2.29]). In this group fetal malposition (OR 42.0 [19.2-91.9]) and chorioamnionitis (OR 10.9 [5.01-23.6]) were more common, labor was less often in an active phase (OR 3.37 [2.38-4.76]) and the cervix was not as well ripened (1.5 vs. 2.5 cm, OR 0.57 [0.48-0.67] on arrival at the birth unit. BMI was higher in the dystocia group (24.1 vs. 22.6 kg/m2, p < 0.001), and rising maternal pre-pregnancy BMI had a strong association with dystocia risk. If BMI increased by 1 kg/m2, the risk of CS was 10% elevated. Among obese primiparas, premature rupture of membranes, chorioamnionitis and induction of labor were more common. Their labors were less often in an active phase at hospital admission. Severely obese primiparas (BMI ≥ 35 kg/m2) had 4 hours longer labor than normal-weight parturients.

CONCLUSIONS

Labor dystocia is a multifactorial phenomenon in which the possibility to ameliorate the condition via medical treatment is limited. Hospital admission at an advanced stage of labor is recommended. Pre-pregnancy weight control in the population at reproductive age is essential, as a high BMI is strongly associated with labor dystocia.

The role of ethnicity on pregnancy outcomes in women with epilepsy: The need for specific research

The role of ethnicity on pregnancy outcomes of women with epilepsy (WWE) has received little research attention but is important to guide management. The aim of this review is to identify and describe current knowledge of ethnicity for WWE giving birth. Literature searches were performed with the following terms: ethnic/race combined with epilepsy/seizure, antiepileptic drugs (AED), and/or pregnancy, and combined them with congenital malformation, birth outcome, or pregnancy complication, with English language restriction in PubMed, EMBASE, and Web of Science. Both primary studies and review articles were included. Ethnicity disparities exist in specific congenital malformations, pregnancy complications, and birth outcomes among the general population. There is also ethnicity-related diversity of AED disposition. Information on ethnicity is rarely considered in studies about pregnant WWE. The association between ethnicity and pregnancy outcomes of WWE remains to be elucidated. The lack of data relating to ethnicity in pregnancy studies among WWE needs addressing. Knowledge of potential effects of ethnicity on pregnancy outcomes in WWE will help inform better clinical care around the world.

Obstetrical complications in women with epilepsy

PURPOSE

Better knowledge of risk factors for women with epilepsy giving birth.

METHOD

Investigating all studies reporting complications in pregnancy and deliveries in women with epilepsy during the last 15 years.

RESULTS

Studies have observed that women with epilepsy have a higher risk of preeclampsia, gestational hypertension, bleeding in pregnancy, caesarean delivery (CD), excessive bleeding postpartum, preterm birth, and small for gestational age. It has been unclear whether the increased risk of complications is due to the epilepsy per se, the use of antiepileptic drugs (AED), or the combination of both factors. Recent studies strongly indicate an association between AED use, and complications in pregnancy and labour.

CONCLUSION

Newer drugs commonly used in treatment of epilepsy are associated with an increased risk of pregnancy complications, as well as complication during labour and delivery.

Asthma during pregnancy in a population-based study--pregnancy complications and adverse perinatal outcomes

Background

Asthma is one of the most common chronic diseases, and prevalence, severity and medication may have an effect on pregnancy. We examined maternal asthma, asthma severity and control in relation to pregnancy complications, labour characteristics and perinatal outcomes.

Methods

We retrieved data on all singleton births from July 1, 2006 to December 31, 2009, and prescribed drugs and physician-diagnosed asthma on the same women from multiple Swedish registers. The associations were estimated with logistic regression.

Results

In total, 266 045 women gave birth to 284 214 singletons during the study period. Maternal asthma was noted in 26 586 (9.4%) pregnancies. There was an association between maternal asthma and increased risks of pregnancy complications including preeclampsia or eclampsia (adjusted OR 1.15; 95% CI 1.06–1.24) and premature contractions (adj OR 1.52; 95% CI 1.29–1.80). There was also a significant association between maternal asthma and emergency caesarean section (adj OR 1.29; 95% CI 1.23–1.34), low birth weight, and small for gestational age (adj OR 1.23; 95% CI 1.13–1.33). The risk of adverse outcomes such as low birth weight increased with increasing asthma severity. For women with uncontrolled compared to those with controlled asthma the results for adverse outcomes were inconsistent displaying both increased and decreased OR for some outcomes.

Conclusion

Maternal asthma is associated with a number of serious pregnancy complications and adverse perinatal outcomes. Some complications are even more likely with increased asthma severity. With greater awareness and proper management, outcomes would most likely improve.

Epilepsy in pregnancy: best evidence for care

Epilepsy is the most commonly encountered neurologic disorder during pregnancy. A majority of women with epilepsy continue antiepileptic drug regimens during pregnancy. To provide evidence-based care to women with epilepsy, it is critical that healthcare providers possess a basic knowledge of seizures, antiepileptic medications, and interventions specific to this patient population, as well as an understanding of the patient's basic needs and concerns. This article provides a discussion of seizure types, common antiepileptic medications, and provides evidence-based interventions related to the fetus and the mother during preconception, intrapartum, and postpartum periods.

Effect of maternal chronic disease on obstetric complications in twin pregnancies in a United States cohort

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the effect of maternal chronic disease on obstetric complications among twin pregnancies.

DESIGN

Multicenter, retrospective, observational study.

SETTING

Clinical centers (19 hospitals).

PATIENT(S)

Twin pregnancies (n = 4,821) delivered ≥ 23 weeks of gestation and classified by maternal chronic disease (either none or any of the following: asthma, depression, hypertension, diabetes, and heart, thyroid, gastrointestinal or renal disease).

INTERVENTION(S)

None.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S)

Gestational age at delivery, gestational hypertension, pre-eclampsia, gestational diabetes, placental abruption, placenta previa, hemorrhage, chorioamnionitis, maternal postpartum fever, premature rupture of membranes, labor onset (spontaneous vs. nonspontaneous), route of delivery, and maternal admission to intensive care unit.

RESULT(S)

Women with chronic disease delivered earlier (mean gestational length, 34.1 vs. 34.6 weeks) and were less likely to have term birth (risk ratio 0.80; 95% confidence interval 0.70-0.90). Cesarean delivery after spontaneous labor (risk ratio 1.20; 95% confidence interval 1.05-1.37) was also increased with chronic disease. No statistically significant effects were observed for other complications studied. Women who used assisted reproductive technology were more likely to hemorrhage, independent of chronic disease, but other findings were generally similar to the non-assisted reproductive technology sample.

CONCLUSION(S)

Chronic disease was associated with additional risk of earlier delivery and cesarean section after spontaneous labor in a nationwide sample of US twin pregnancies.

Association of maternal diabetes and child asthma

BACKGROUND

Perinatal programming is an emerging theory for the fetal origins of chronic disease. Maternal asthma and environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) are two of the best-known triggers for the perinatal programming of asthma, while the potential role of maternal diabetes has not been widely studied.

OBJECTIVE

To determine if maternal diabetes is associated with child asthma, and if so, whether it modifies the effects of ETS exposure and maternal asthma.

METHODS

We studied 3,574 Canadian children, aged 7-8 years, enrolled in a population-based birth cohort. Standardized questionnaires were completed by the children's parents, and data were analyzed by multivariable logistic regression.

RESULTS

Asthma was reported in 442 children (12.4%). Compared to those without asthma, asthmatic children were more likely to have mothers (P = 0.003), but not fathers (P = 0.89), with diabetes. Among children without maternal history of diabetes, the likelihood of child asthma was 1.4-fold higher in those exposed to ETS (adjusted odds ratio, 1.40; 95% confidence interval, 1.13-1.73), and 3.6-fold higher in those with maternal asthma (3.59; 2.71-4.76). Among children born to diabetic mothers, these risks were amplified to 5.7-fold (5.68; 1.18-27.37) and 11.3-fold (11.30; 2.26-56.38), respectively. In the absence of maternal asthma or ETS, maternal diabetes was not associated with child asthma (0.65, 0.16-2.56).

CONCLUSION

Our findings suggest that maternal diabetes may contribute to the perinatal programming of child asthma by amplifying the detrimental effects of ETS exposure and maternal asthma.

Risk adjustment for cesarean delivery rates: how many variables do we need? An observational study using administrative databases

Background

Various studies indicate that inter-hospital comparisons have to take case mix into account and that risk adjustment procedures are necessary to control for potential predictors of cesarean delivery (CD). Different data sources have been used to retrieve information on potential predictors of CD. The aim of this study was to compare the discrimination capacity and fit of predictive models of CD created using different sources and to assess whether more complex models improve inter-hospital comparisons.

Methods

We created 4 predictive models of CD. One model included only variables from Hospital Discharge Records of the index hospitalization, one included also information from previous hospitalizations, one also clinical variables from birth certificates (BC) and one also socio-demographic variables. We compared the four models using the Receiver Operator Curve and the Akaike and Bayesian Information Criteria.

Results

Information from Birth Certificates improved the discrimination and model fit. Adding socio-demographic variables or past comorbidities did not improve the discrimination capacity or the model fit. Hospital-specific CD resulting from the models were highly correlated.

Conclusions

Record linkage improves the performance of the models but does not affect inter-hospital comparisons.

Pregnancy complications in patients with epilepsy

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Epilepsy is a common neurological disorder affecting 0.4-0.8% of pregnant women. Preeclampsia, gestational hypertension, bleeding in pregnancy, induction of labour, caesarean delivery and major congenital malformations of the children occur more frequently in this group. The objective of this review is to evaluate the pregnancy and delivery complications including congenital abnormalities in women with epilepsy. This review comments on results of recently published studies including the Medical Birth Registry of Norway. A second aim of the review is to examine the effect of antiepileptic-drug treatment on pregnancy complications, and also their association with congenital abnormalities associated with these medications.

RECENT FINDINGS

Women with epilepsy have a higher risk of preeclampsia, gestational hypertension, bleeding in pregnancy and excessive bleeding postpartum. They also have higher incidence of congenital anomalies and delayed cognitive development in their children. It has been unclear whether the increased risk of complications is due to the epilepsy per se, the use of antiepileptic drugs, or the combination of both factors. Recent studies strongly indicate an association to the medications and the dose used in pregnancy.

SUMMARY

Several drugs commonly used in treatment of epilepsy are associated with increased pregnancy complications, as well as an increased risk of congenital abnormalities.

Racial and ethnic differences in indication for primary cesarean delivery at term: experience at one U.S. Institution

BACKGROUND

Black and Latina women in the United States are known to undergo cesarean delivery at a higher rate than other women. We sought to explore the role of medical indications for cesarean delivery as a potential explanation for these differences.

METHODS

A retrospective cohort study was conducted of 11,034 primiparas delivering at term at the University of California, San Francisco, between 1990 and 2008. We used multivariable analyses to evaluate racial and ethnic differences in risks of, and indications for, cesarean delivery.

RESULTS

The overall rate of cesarean delivery in our cohort was 21.9 percent. Black and Latina women were at significantly higher odds of undergoing cesarean delivery than white women (adjusted odds ratio or AOR: 1.54; 95% CI: 1.30, 1.83, and 1.21; 95% CI: 1.03, 1.43, respectively). Black women were at significantly higher odds of undergoing cesarean delivery for nonreassuring fetal heart tracings than white women (AOR: 2.19; 95% CI: 1.55, 3.09), and black women (AOR: 1.55; 95% CI: 1.21, 1.98), Latina women (AOR: 1.48; 95% CI: 1.19, 1.85), and Asian women (AOR: 1.47; 95% CI: 1.22, 1.85) were at significantly higher odds of undergoing cesarean delivery for failure to progress. Black, Latina, and Asian women were at significantly lower odds of undergoing cesarean delivery for malpresentation than white women (AOR: 0.56; 95% CI: 0.34, 0.89, 0.66; 95% CI: 0.44, 0.98, and 0.55; 95% CI: 0.40, 0.76, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

Racial and ethnic differences exist in specific indications for cesarean delivery among primiparas. Clarifying the possible reasons for increased cesareans for nonreassuring fetal heart tracing in black women, in particular, may help to decrease excess cesarean deliveries in this racial and ethnic group. (BIRTH 39:2 June 2012).

Predictors of cesarean delivery for periviable neonates

OBJECTIVE

To test for racial or ethnic disparities or both in periviable cesarean delivery and describe sociodemographic and clinical characteristics associated with periviable cesarean delivery.

METHODS

This was a retrospective cohort study of state-level maternal and neonatal hospital discharge data linked to vital statistics data for deliveries occurring between 23 0/7 and 24 6/7 [corrected] weeks of gestation in California, Missouri, and Pennsylvania from 1995 to 2005 (N=8,290).

RESULTS

Approximately 79% of the population was aged 18-35 years, and almost half were nulliparous. Almost 20% of the women were African American, 36.4% were Hispanic, and 33.6% were white. Overall, 33.6% of periviable neonates were delivered by cesarean. In multivariable analyses adjusting for sociodemographic and clinical characteristics, cesarean delivery did not differ among African American and Hispanic women compared with white women (odds ratio [OR] 0.89, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.76-1.05; and OR 0.95, 95% CI 0.83-1.09, respectively). Women presenting with preterm labor were significantly less likely to undergo cesarean delivery (OR 0.84, 95% CI 0.73-0.96), whereas women presenting with preterm premature rupture of membranes (OR 1.29, 95% CI 1.14-1.45) or abruption (OR 2.43, 95% CI 2.09-2.81) were more likely to have cesarean deliveries. The strongest predictor of periviable cesarean delivery was pregnancy-induced hypertension (OR 15.6.4, 95% CI 12.3-19.7).

CONCLUSION

Unlike disparities observed at later gestational ages, cesarean delivery did not differ by race and ethnicity among this periviable cohort. Instead, medical indications such as pregnancy-induced hypertension, preterm premature rupture of membranes, or abruption were associated with a higher likelihood of cesarean delivery. Periviable deliveries represent a subset of deliveries, wherein race and ethnicity do not influence mode of delivery; the acuity of the clinical encounter dictates the course of care.

Obstetric outcome in women with epilepsy: a hospital-based, retrospective study

OBJECTIVE

To report the complications during pregnancy and delivery in women with epilepsy, compared with a control group without epilepsy, with special focus on potential risk factors, such as epilepsy severity and dosage of antiepileptic drugs.

DESIGN

Hospital-based retrospective study.

SETTING

Data from pregnancy notification forms and hospital case records.

POPULATION

Women with a past or present history of epilepsy (n = 205) delivered in Bergen, Norway, in the period 1999-2006, and a matched control group of women (n = 205) without epilepsy.

METHODS

Data were compared and odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated by multiple logistic regression models.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Pre-eclampsia (mild and severe), gestational hypertension, vaginal bleeding (early and late), caesarean section, vaginal operative delivery, postpartum haemorrhage and major malformations.

RESULTS

Women with epilepsy using antiepileptic drugs had an increased risk of severe pre-eclampsia (OR, 5.0; 95% CI, 1.3-19.9), bleeding in early pregnancy (OR, 6.4; 95% CI, 2.7-15.2), induction (OR, 2.3; 95% CI, 1.2-4.3) and caesarean section (OR, 2.5; 95% CI, 1.4-4.7) adjusted for maternal age, parity, education, smoking, medical conditions and body mass index ≥30 kg/m(2) . There was also an increased risk of malformations in the offspring (OR, 7.1; 95% CI, 1.4-36.6). Women without antiepileptic drug use had increased risks of forceps delivery and preterm birth. Active epilepsy (seizures during the last 5 years) versus nonactive epilepsy did not discriminate for any of these complications; 84.5% of women with epilepsy and antiepileptic drug use were using folate.

CONCLUSION

Women with epilepsy using antiepileptic drugs had an increased risk of pregnancy and delivery complications, whereas women not using antiepileptic drugs had few complications. Seizures, high doses of antiepileptic drugs, obesity and lack of folate could not explain these increased risks.

Risk adjustment in maternity care: the use of indirect standardization

PURPOSE

Annual US national rates of family physicians providing maternity care are decreasing and rates of cesarean delivery are increasing. Family physicians tend to have lower cesarean delivery rates than obstetrician specialists, but this association is usually explained by an assumed lower pre-delivery risk for cesarean delivery. This study was developed to compare the estimated risk of cesarean delivery in patients of the two specialties.

METHODS

A retrospective cohort study within an urban teaching hospital compared 100 family- physician treated subjects to 300 subjects treated by obstetrician-specialists. Risk factors for cesarean delivery were identified, and an indirect standardization procedure was used to compare the pre-38 week of gestation risk of cesarean delivery in the two groups.

RESULTS

The patients treated by family physicians had a projected pre-38 week of gestation risk of cesarean delivery (17.4%) that was similar to the actual rate of cesarean delivery in the obstetrician-specialist group (16.7%). The Standardized Cesarean Delivery Ratio was 1.04.

CONCLUSION

Lower cesarean delivery rates provided by family physicians may not be simply due to case-mix issues. Additional studies comparing the pre-delivery estimation of cesarean delivery risk would be helpful in measuring the relative levels of obstetric risk of patients treated by different maternity-care provider types.

Asthma and pregnancy: a review of two decades

The prevalence of asthma among pregnant women varies among studies from 4 to 8%, making it by far the most common respiratory disorder complicating pregnancy. Controversy exists among the numerous retrospective and prospective studies regarding pregnancy outcomes of asthmatic patients. Overall, the literature indicates that women with severe asthma are at an increased risk for preterm delivery, low birth weight, preeclampsia and Caesarean delivery, especially in the absence of inhaled corticosteroid therapy. Asthmatic women carrying a female fetus may particularly be at increased risk of these adverse outcomes. On the other hand, mild or moderate, well-controlled asthma is associated with favorable pregnancy and perinatal outcomes. Pregnancy also influences the course of asthma. Recently published data indicate that the real risk for an exacerbation during pregnancy may be underestimated. There is no question, however, that the risk of having an exacerbation correlates closely with the severity of asthma. The mechanisms responsible for these changes are not fully understood. Maternal hypoxia or inflammatory processes have been suggested and could explain reduced fetal growth through alterations in placental function. The goal of asthma therapy is to maintain adequate oxygenation of the fetus by prevention of exacerbations. Optimal management of asthma during pregnancy should include scheduled monitoring of objective lung function tests, avoiding triggers, patient education and tailored pharmacologic therapy. Inhaled corticosteroids are the treatment of choice for all levels of persistent asthma, yet other drug classes, such as beta(2)-agonists and theophylline, are effective and safe for use during pregnancy.

Pregnancy and perinatal outcome in epileptic women: A population-based study

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the pregnancy outcome of patients with epilepsy.

STUDY DESIGN

A population-based study comparing all singleton pregnancies of patients with and without epilepsy was performed. Patients lacking prenatal care were excluded from the analysis. Deliveries occurred between the years 1988 and 2002 in a tertiary medical center. Stratified analysis, using a multiple logistic regression model, was performed to control for confounders.

RESULTS

During the study period 139 168 singleton deliveries occurred in our medical center. Of these, 220 (0.2%) were of patients with epilepsy. With the exception of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), no other significant differences regarding maternal outcomes were noted between the groups. However, a higher rate of congenital malformations was noted among the epileptic population (7.7% vs. 3.8%; p < 0.001). Also, a higher rate of cesarean deliveries (CD) was found among epileptic women (17.3% vs. 11.55%, p = 0.008). This association was persistent after controlling for possible confounders, using a multivariable analysis (OR = 1.5, 95% CI 1.1-2.3; p = 0.05).

CONCLUSION

The course of pregnancy of patients with epilepsy is favorable, except for higher rates of cesarean deliveries, GDM, and congenital malformations.

Independent risk factors for cesarean section among women with thrombophilia

OBJECTIVE To determine the prevalence of cesarean section (CS) in pregnant women with a diagnosis of thrombophilia and to identify risk factors for CS.

STUDY DESIGN

The women were recognized by an ICD-9 code from a computerized database. Maternal records were reviewed between the years 2000 and 2005. Pregnancy characteristics of 86 women with thrombophilia were compared according to the mode of delivery: CS (n = 18) versus vaginal delivery (n = 68).

RESULTS

The prevalence of CS in the study population was 21% (18/86). Women with CS had a lower gestational age at delivery (P = 0.019), lower birth weight (P = 0.048), higher incidence of the following: preterm delivery (P < 0.001), gestational hypertension (P = 0.028), intrauterine growth retardation/antepartum death/placental abruption (P = 0.065) and non-reassuring fetal heart rate (NRFHR) monitoring (P < 0.001) compared to those with vaginal delivery. In a multiple logistic regression analysis only NRFHR monitoring, birth weight and malpresentation remained statistically significant.

CONCLUSION

CS in women with thrombophilia are associated with common obstetrical causes rather than specific thrombophilia dependent factors.

Fatores associados à ocorrência de cesárea e aborto em mulheres selecionadas em um centro de saúde no município do Rio de Janeiro, Brasil

OBJETIVOS: investigar fatores potencialmente associados à ocorrência de cesárea e aborto. MÉTODOS: foram analisados dados de uma coorte no pós-parto com 352 mulheres entre 15-45 anos. Os seguintes desfechos foram estudados: ocorrência de cesárea no último parto e ocorrência de aborto anterior à última gravidez. A análise estatística foi feita por meio de modelos de regressão logística multivariados e hierarquizados. RESULTADOS: as prevalências de cesárea e aborto foram de 36,3% e 34,0%, respectivamente. O modelo final revelou que as seguintes variáveis permaneceram estatisticamente associadas à ocorrência de cesárea: nível 1: cor de pele branca (OR=2,02; IC95%: 1,29-3,16); nível 2: ligadura (OR=19,68; IC95%: 5,77-67,15). As seguintes variáveis permane-ceram associadas à ocorrência de aborto: nível 1: idade >29 anos (OR=6,11; IC95%: 2,94-12,72), estado marital: vive em união (OR=4,22; IC95%: 2,03-8,78); solteira: (OR=3,70; IC95%: 1,59-8,61). CONCLUSÕES: a cor de pele branca e a prática de ligadura foram co-variáveis potencialmente associadas à ocorrência de cesárea, enquanto o estado marital em união ou solteira e a idade materna estiveram associadas à ocorrência de aborto, sendo maior a probabilidade para mulheres acima de 29 anos.

Surveillance of cesarean section deliveries, New Jersey, 1999-2004

BACKGROUND

Nationally and in New Jersey, the cesarean delivery rate has been increasing steadily for nearly a decade, and especially since 1999. The purpose of this study was to describe recent trends in cesarean section delivery in New Jersey.

METHODS

Data on delivery method, medical indications and patient characteristics were extracted from electronic birth certificate files.

RESULTS

Cesarean section deliveries increased as a proportion of live births by 6 percent annually. Growth was roughly uniform across Robson's clinical classification. Repeat cesareans contributed only proportionately to the overall trend. The greatest acceleration was observed for procedures without trial of labor, and in medical situations where cesarean delivery had been relatively rare.

CONCLUSIONS

Medical indications recorded on the birth certificate explained little of the rapid growth in utilization of cesarean delivery, since trends were comparable in most categories we examined. A sustained autonomous shift in practice patterns, patient preferences, or both seems the most likely driver of the overall trend.

Pregnancy outcome of asthmatic patients: a population-based study

OBJECTIVE

To investigate pregnancy outcome of asthmatic patients.

METHODS

A retrospective population-based study comparing all singleton pregnancies in women with and without asthma was conducted. Patients lacking prenatal care (less than three visits in prenatal care facilities) were excluded from the study. Deliveries occurred during the years 1988-2002. Stratified analysis, using a multiple logistic regression model was performed to control for confounders.

RESULTS

During the study period 139 168 singleton deliveries occurred, of which 1.4% in asthmatic patients (n = 963). Using a multivariate analysis, with backward elimination, the following complications were significantly associated with maternal asthma: diabetes mellitus (OR = 1.8, 95%CI 1.5-2.0, p < 0.001), fertility treatments (OR = 1.6, 95%CI 1.3-2.1, p < 0.001), intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) (OR = 1.5, 95%CI 1.1-1.9, p = 0.004), hypertensive disorders (OR = 1.5, 95%CI 1.2-1.7, p < 0.001) and premature rupture of membranes (OR = 1.2, 95%CI 1.1-1.5, p = 0.013). Higher rates of cesarean deliveries were found among asthmatic patients as compared to the controls (17.1% vs. 11.4%, p < 0.001). This association persisted even after controlling for possible confounders such as failure to progress in labor, mal-presentations, IUGR, etc. No significant differences regarding low Apgar scores (less than 7) at 1 and 5 minutes were noted between the groups (3.9% vs. 4.4%, p = 0.268 and 0.4% vs. 0.6%, p = 0.187, respectively). Likewise, the perinatal mortality rate was similar among patients with and without asthma (1.3% vs. 1.3%, p = 0.798).

CONCLUSION

Pregnant women with asthma are at an increased risk for adverse maternal outcome. This association persists after controlling for variables considered to co-exist with maternal asthma. However, perinatal outcome is favorable. Careful surveillance is required in pregnancies of asthmatic patients, for early detection of possible complications.

Obstetric hospitalizations in the United States for women with systemic lupus erythematosus and rheumatoid arthritis

OBJECTIVE

To estimate the national occurrence of pregnancies in women with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and to compare pregnancy outcomes in these patients with those in women with pregestational diabetes mellitus (DM) and with the general obstetric population.

METHODS

We studied the 2002 Nationwide Inpatient Sample of the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project to estimate the number of obstetric hospitalizations, deliveries, and cesarean deliveries in women with SLE, RA, pregestational DM, and the general obstetric population. Pregnancy outcomes included length of hospital stay, hypertensive disorders including preeclampsia, premature rupture of membranes, and intrauterine growth restriction.

RESULTS

Of an estimated 4.04 million deliveries, 3,264 occurred in women with SLE, 1,425 in women with RA, and 13,574 in women with pregestational DM. Women with SLE, RA, and pregestational DM had significantly increased rates of hypertensive disorders compared with the general obstetric population (23.2%, 11.1%, 27.4%, and 7.8%, respectively), longer hospital stays, and significantly higher risk of cesarean delivery. Although women with SLE, RA, and pregestational DM were significantly older than women in the general obstetric population, disparities in the risk of adverse outcomes of pregnancy remained statistically significant after adjustment for maternal age.

CONCLUSION

To our knowledge, this is the first study to examine national data on pregnancy outcomes in women with common rheumatic diseases. As with underlying pregestational DM, women with SLE and RA appear to have a higher age-adjusted risk of adverse outcomes of pregnancy and longer hospital stays than do pregnant women in the general population, and careful antenatal monitoring should be performed.

The interrelationship between ethnicity and obesity on obstetric outcomes

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the interrelationship between ethnicity and obesity on obstetric outcomes.

STUDY DESIGN

This was a retrospective study examining the interaction between ethnicity and obesity for obstetric outcomes. Statistical methods included univariate and multivariate regression models.

RESULTS

In this study population of 22,658 women, 2150 (9.4%) were obese (body mass index [BMI] >29). Obesity increased the rate of cesarean delivery, gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, and macrosomia in each ethnic group. When compared with obese white women, higher rates of cesarean delivery were noted in obese African American (odds ratio [OR] 1.50, P < .05) and Asian (OR 1.73, P < .05) women. Gestational diabetes was increased twofold in obese Latina (OR 1.94, P < .05) and Asian (OR 2.20, P < .05) women, while preeclampsia was increased only in obese Latina (1.93, P < .05) women.

CONCLUSION

Obesity increases the risk of cesarean delivery, gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, and macrosomia, but this effect varies among different ethnicities. The biometrics of different ethnicities and associated obstetric outcomes needs further exploration.

Treatment of asthma during pregnancy and perinatal outcomes

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Asthma is the most common, potentially serious medical problem to complicate pregnancy. Women with asthma have been shown to be at increased risk of complications during pregnancy. Managing asthma during pregnancy is unique because the effect of both the illness and the treatment on the developing fetus as well as the patient must be considered. This review summarizes the recent studies addressing the effects of asthma or asthma medications on perinatal outcomes, including the 2004 Asthma and Pregnancy Working Group of the National Asthma Education and Prevention Program.

RECENT FINDINGS

This review summarizes the recent studies addressing the effect of asthma or asthma medications on perinatal outcomes.

SUMMARY

The prevalence of asthma in pregnant women appears to be increasing. Recent evidence supports that pregnant women with moderate to severe asthma may have an increased risk of adverse perinatal outcomes. The goal of asthma management during pregnancy is to optimize maternal and fetal health.

Clinical case mix adjustment of cesarean delivery rates in U.S. military hospitals, 2002

OBJECTIVE

To assess whether significant variations in observed cesarean rates in U.S. military hospitals may be attributed to differences in clinical case mix.

METHODS

Hospital discharge records for births in U.S. military hospitals in 2002 were grouped into mutually exclusive clinical strata to calculate predicted cesarean rates for subgroups defined by maternal race, health plan, hospital location, delivery volume, teaching status, and neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) status. The 95% confidence interval (CI) around each standardized ratio (SR) of the observed-to-predicted cesarean rate was used to assess statistical significance.

RESULTS

Observed cesarean rates were significantly higher than predicted rates for small hospitals (23.1% and 20.4%, respectively, SR 1.13, 95% CI 1.08-1.19), teaching hospitals (23.7% and 22.5%, respectively, SR 1.05, 95% CI 1.02-1.08), black women (25.1% and 22.8%, respectively, SR 1.10, 95% CI 1.05-1.14), and other minorities (22.7%, and 21.6%, respectively, SR 1.05, 95% CI 1.01-1.09). No significant differences between observed and predicted cesarean rates were found across hospital locations or NICU status. Significant differences found for non-managed care beneficiaries were attributed to teaching status of the hospitals in which they delivered.

CONCLUSION

Clinical case mix does not adequately account for the relatively high rates of cesarean delivery observed for small hospitals and teaching hospitals and among black women in the study population. Further study is recommended to identify additional clinical and nonclinical factors that should be considered when comparing performance across institutions, health plans, or individual providers.