Systematic review of the incidence and consequences of uterine rupture in women with previous caesarean section

A cesarean section scar dehiscence during the first trimester of an intrauterine pregnancy: a rare case report and literature review

Uterine rupture is specified as a complete laceration of the uterine wall, including its serosa, leading to a connection between the endometrial and peritoneal chambers. It can occur in any stage of pregnancy and is considered a severe and perhaps fatal complication. A 35-year-old woman at 9 weeks of gestation with a medical history of five prior cesarean sections presented with lower abdominal pain that had lasted for 5 hr. We detected small amounts of free fluid in the Douglas pouch using ultrasound. Subsequently, a laparotomy revealed a cesarean scar dehiscence from a non-cesarean scar pregnancy. Patients who experience a uterine rupture may have vague symptoms, severe abdominal discomfort, abnormal uterine bleeding, and severe hemorrhagic shock, depending on their gestational age. Ultrasound imaging can be used to diagnose this fatal condition in addition to laparoscopy to immediately identify and treat the issue in urgent cases.

The Feasibility of a Trial of Labor after Two Cesarean Deliveries: Outcomes and Prognostic Factors for Success

OBJECTIVE

 This study aimed to determine whether a trial of labor after two cesarean deliveries (TOLAC2) increases the risk of adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes and identify prognostic factors for TOLAC2 success.

STUDY DESIGN

 A retrospective cohort study was conducted at a single medical center. The study group was comprised of women with a history of TOLAC2. Outcomes were compared with women undergoing trial of labor after one previous cesarean delivery (TOLAC1). The primary outcome was trial of labor after cesarean delivery (TOLAC) success. Secondary outcomes included mode of delivery, uterine rupture, and combined adverse outcome (CAO; uterine rupture, postpartum hemorrhage, 5-minute Apgar score < 7, pH < 7.1). Logistic regression was used for the multivariate analysis to identify prognostic factors for TOLAC2 success.

RESULTS

 A total of 381 women who underwent TOLAC2 were compared with 3,635 women who underwent TOLAC1. Women attempting TOLAC2 were less likely to achieve vaginal births after cesarean delivery (VBAC; 80.8 and 92.5%; odds ratio [OR]: 0.35; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.26-0.47; p < 0.001) and more likely to experience uterine rupture (0.8 vs. 0.2%; OR: 4.1; 95% CI: 1.1-15.9; p = 0.02) but not CAO (4.2 vs. 4.8%; OR: 0.88; 95% CI: 0.5-1.5; p = 0.3). TOLAC2 women with no previous vaginal deliveries had a lower chance of VBAC and a higher risk of uterine rupture compared with TOLAC1 women without a prior vaginal delivery (45.2 vs. 86.3%; OR: 0.13; 95% CI: 0.07-0.25; p < 0.001; 2.3 vs. 0%) and TOLAC2 women with a prior vaginal delivery (45.2 vs. 85.3%; OR: 0.14; 95% CI: 0.1-0.3; p < 0.0001; 2.4 vs. 0.6%; OR: 4.1; 95% CI: 0.4-46.3; p = 0.3). Multivariate analysis revealed that a history of vaginal delivery is an independent predictor of TOLAC2 success.

CONCLUSION

 Women attempting TOLAC2 are less likely to achieve VBAC and are at greater risk of uterine rupture compared with those attempting TOLAC1. Despite these risks, the overall success rates remain very high, and the absolute risk of adverse outcomes is still very low. Prior vaginal delivery seems to have a protective effect on TOLAC outcomes. These data should be used to counsel women and assist in decision-making when considering the mode of delivery in women with two previous cesarean sections.

KEY POINTS

· TOLAC2 has a lower chance of success and higher rate of uterine rupture compared with TOLAC1.. · Previous vaginal delivery is an independent predictor of TOLAC2 success.. · Overall TOLAC2 outcomes are associated with high chances of success and low risk of uterine rupture..

Uterine Cesarean Scar Tissue-An Immunohistochemical Study

Background and Objectives: Wound healing encompasses a multitude of factors and entails the establishment of interactions among components of the basement membrane. The quantification of particle concentrations can serve as valuable biomarkers for assessing biomechanical muscle properties. The objective of this study was to examine the immunoexpression and immunoconcentration of myometrial collagen type VI, elastin, alpha-smooth muscle actin, and smooth muscle myosin heavy chain, as well as the expression of platelets and clusters of differentiation 31 in the uterine scar following a cesarean section (CS). Materials and Methods: A total of 177 biopsies were procured from a cohort of pregnant women who were healthy, specifically during the surgical procedure of CS. The participants were categorized into seven distinct groups. Group 1 consisted of primiparas, with a total of 52 individuals. The subsequent groups were organized based on the duration of time that had elapsed since their previous CS. The analysis focused on the immunoexpression and immunoconcentration of the particles listed. Results: No significant variations were observed in the myometrial immunoconcentration of collagen type VI, elastin, smooth muscle myosin, and endothelial cell cluster of differentiation 31 among the analyzed groups. The concentration of alpha-smooth muscle actin in the myometrium was found to be significantly higher in patients who underwent CS within a period of less than 2 years since their previous CS, compared to those with a longer interval between procedures. Conclusions: Our findings indicate that the immunoconcentration of uterine myometrial scar collagen type VI, elastin, smooth muscle myosin heavy chain, alpha-smooth muscle actin, and endothelial cell marker cluster of differentiation 31 remains consistent regardless of the duration elapsed since the previous CS. The findings indicate that there are no significant alterations in the biomechanical properties of the uterine muscle beyond a period of 13 months following a CS.

An Ominous Case of Uterine Rupture in an Unscarred Womb and Its Subsequent Management

Uterine rupture is a rare but critical obstetric complication that demands a swift and decisive intervention to ensure the well-being of the mother and fetus. We present a case report detailing the surgical management of a bizarre uterine rupture in a multigravida female with two previous vaginal deliveries and a previously unscarred uterus. This case highlights the challenges of treating and diagnosing, particularly in the Indian setting, an antenatally unregistered patient with rare obstetrical complications. Emphasizing the clinical challenges faced and the multidisciplinary approach employed for optimal outcomes, this report underscores the importance of a high degree of suspicion, early diagnosis, timely intervention, and comprehensive intraoperative and postoperative care in addressing this rare obstetric catastrophic event. This article's main focus is multicentric, aiming to showcase the obstacles to maintaining low maternal mortality and morbidity, the presence of inadequate awareness in society, and the importance of multimodal treatment and planning.

Uterine rupture in the first trimester: a case report and review of the literature

BACKGROUND

Uterine rupture is a rare complication that can occur in the first trimester of pregnancy. It can lead to serious maternal morbidity or mortality, which is mostly due to catastrophic bleeding. First trimester uterine rupture is rare; hence, diagnosis can be challenging as it may be confused with other causes of early pregnancy bleeding such as an ectopic pregnancy. We present a case of first trimester scar dehiscence and conduct a literature review of this rare condition.

CASE PRESENTATION

A 39-year-old African patient with four previous hysterotomy scars presented with severe lower abdominal pain at 11 weeks of gestation. She had two previous histories of third trimester uterine rupture in previous pregnancies with subsequent hysterotomies and repair. She underwent a diagnostic laparoscopy that confirmed the diagnosis of a 10 cm anterior wall uterine rupture. A laparotomy and repair of the rupture was subsequently done.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, the case presented adds to the body of evidence of uterine scar dehiscence in the first trimester. The risk factors, clinical presentation, diagnostic imaging, and management outlined may help in early identification and management of this rare but life threatening condition.

Perinatal morbidity among women with a previous caesarean delivery (PRISMA trial): a cluster-randomised trial

BACKGROUND

Women with a previous caesarean delivery face a difficult choice in their next pregnancy: planning another caesarean or attempting vaginal delivery, both of which are associated with potential maternal and perinatal complications. This trial aimed to assess whether a multifaceted intervention, which promoted person-centred decision making and best practices, would reduce the risk of major perinatal morbidity among women with one previous caesarean delivery.

METHODS

We conducted an open, multicentre, cluster-randomised, controlled trial of a multifaceted 2-year intervention in 40 hospitals in Quebec among women with one previous caesarean delivery, in which hospitals were the units of randomisation and women the units of analysis. Randomisation was stratified according to level of care, using blocked randomisation. Hospitals were randomly assigned (1:1) to the intervention group (implementation of best practices and provision of tools that aimed to support decision making about mode of delivery, including an estimation of the probability of vaginal delivery and an ultrasound estimation of the risk of uterine rupture), or the control group (no intervention). The primary outcome was a composite risk of major perinatal morbidity. This trial was registered with ISRCTN, ISRCTN15346559.

FINDINGS

21 281 eligible women delivered during the study period, from April 1, 2016 to Dec 13, 2019 (10 514 in the intervention group and 10 767 in the control group). None were lost to follow-up. There was a significant reduction in the rate of major perinatal morbidity from the baseline period to the intervention period in the intervention group as compared with the control group (adjusted odds ratio [OR] for incremental change over time, 0·72 [95% CI 0·52-0·99]; p=0·042; adjusted risk difference -1·2% [95% CI -2·0 to -0·1]). Major maternal morbidity was significantly reduced in the intervention group as compared with the control group (adjusted OR 0·54 [95% CI 0·33-0·89]; p=0·016). Minor perinatal and maternal morbidity, caesarean delivery, and uterine rupture rates did not differ significantly between groups.

INTERPRETATION

A multifaceted intervention supporting women in their choice of mode of delivery and promoting best practices resulted in a significant reduction in rates of major perinatal and maternal morbidity, without an increase in the rate of caesarean or uterine rupture.

FUNDING

Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR, MOP-142448).

The safety of trial of labor after cesarean section (TOLAC) versus elective repeat cesarean section (ERCS): a systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

Women's choice of birth following a cesarean delivery either includes a trial of elective repeat cesarean section (ERCS) or a trial of labor after cesarean (TOLAC). No comprehensive overview or systematic summary is currently available.

METHODS

EMBASE, PubMed, and the Cochrane Library databases were searched from inception to 1 February 2020. Studies reporting the safety of TOLAC and ERCS in pregnant women with prior cesarean delivery were included. Statistical analysis was performed using RevMan 5.3 and Stata 15.0. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were adopted as the effective measures.

RESULTS

A total of 13 studies covering 676,532 cases were included in this meta-analysis. The results demonstrated that the rates of uterine rupture (OR = 3.35, 95%CI [1.57, 7.15], I² = 81%), neonatal asphyxia (OR = 2.32, 95%CI [1.76, 3.08], I² = 0%) and perinatal death (OR = 1.71, 95%CI [1.29, 2.25], I² = 0%) were higher in the TOLAC group compared with the ERCS group. The rates of peripartum hysterectomy (OR = 0.70, 95%CI [0.44, 1.11], I² = 62%), blood transfusion (OR = 1.24, 95%CI [0.72, 2.12], I² = 95%), and puerperal infection (OR = 1.11, 95%CI [0.77, 1.60], I² = 95%) showed no significant differences between the two groups.

CONCLUSION

TOLAC is associated with a higher risk of uterine rupture, neonatal asphyxia, and perinatal death compared with ERCS. Nevertheless, it should be noted that the risks of all complications were small in both groups. This information is important for healthcare providers and women choosing the delivery type.

Incidence of Recurrent Uterine Rupture: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to quantify the incidence of recurrent uterine rupture in pregnant women.

DATA SOURCES

A literature search of PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Central, and ClinicalTrials.gov for observational studies was performed from 2000 to 2023.

METHODS OF STUDY SELECTION

Of the 7,440 articles screened, 13 studies were included in the final review. We included studies of previous uterine ruptures that were complete uterine ruptures , defined as destruction of all uterine layers, including the serosa. The primary outcome was the pooled incidence of recurrent uterine rupture. Between-study heterogeneity was assessed with the I2 value. Subgroup analyses were conducted in terms of the country development status, year of publication, and study size (single center vs national study). The secondary outcomes comprised the following: 1) mean gestational age at which recurrent rupture occurred, 2) mean gestational age at which delivery occurred without recurrent rupture, and 3) perinatal complications (blood loss, transfusion, maternal mortality, and neonatal mortality).

TABULATION, INTEGRATION, AND RESULTS

A random-effects model was used to pool the incidence or mean value and the corresponding 95% CI with R software. The pooled incidence of recurrent uterine rupture was 10% (95% CI 6-17%). Developed countries had a significantly lower uterine rupture recurrence rate than less developed countries (6% vs 15%, P =.04). Year of publication and study size were not significantly associated with recurrent uterine rupture. The mean number of gestational weeks at the time of recurrent uterine rupture was 32.49 (95% CI 29.90-35.08). The mean number of gestational weeks at the time of delivery without recurrent uterine rupture was 35.77 (95% CI 34.95-36.60). The maternal mortality rate was 5% (95% CI 2-11%), and the neonatal mortality rate was 5% (95% CI 3-10%). Morbidity from hemorrhage, such as bleeding and transfusion, was not reported in any study and could not be evaluated.

CONCLUSION

This systematic review estimated a 10% incidence of recurrent uterine rupture. This finding will enable appropriate risk counseling in patients with prior uterine rupture.

SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION

PROSPERO, CRD42023395010.

Fetomaternal outcome of scarred uterine rupture compared with primary uterine rupture: a retrospective cohort study

OBJECTIVES

Literature comparing maternal and perinatal outcomes among women with scarred and primary uterine rupture are limited. Therefore, the study aimed to compare maternal and perinatal outcomes and associated risk factors of uterine rupture among scarred and unscarred uterus.

METHODS

This retrospective cohort study was performed at a large tertiary care of India between July 1, 2011 and June 30, 2020. We analysed all the cases of complete uterine rupture beyond the 20th week of gestation. The outcome measures were live birth rate, perinatal mortality, maternal mortality and morbidity.

RESULTS

A total of 115 complete uterine ruptures were noted in 148,102 pregnancies. Of those 115 uterine ruptures, 89 (77.3 %) uterine ruptures occurred in women with a history of caesarean delivery, and 26 (22.6 %) uterine ruptures occurred in primary uterine rupture. The primary uterine rupture group had a significantly higher incidence of lower parity, breech presentation and mean birth weight. The live birth rate (68.18% vs. 42.85 %; p=0.04) was significantly higher in the scarred group, and the stillbirth rate (57.14% vs. 31.86 %; p=0.009) was significantly higher in the primary uterine rupture group. Hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy, APGAR score, and neonatal intensive care unit admission were comparable. Postpartum haemorrhage, blood transfusion, severe acute maternal morbidity and intensive care unit stay were more frequently reported in the primary uterine rupture group.

CONCLUSIONS

The maternal and perinatal outcomes appear less favourable among women with primary uterine rupture than scarred uterine rupture.

Perinatal Outcomes of Pregnancy in Women with Scarred Uteri

Objective

Uterine scarring is risky for the pregnancy and is closely associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes. Here, we investigated risk factors and associated perinatal outcomes in singleton pregnant women with uterine scars.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study was conducted on singleton pregnant women who delivered at the West China Second University Hospital between January 1, 2021, and December 31, 2021.

Results

The control group included 13,433 cases without uterine scars. The study group involved 2397 cases with one previous cesarean delivery (PCD), 163 cases with two PCDs, 12 cases with three PCDs, and 184 cases with non-cesarean uterine scars. The study group had a significantly higher incidence of placenta previa (6.4%), placenta percreta (5.3%), preterm delivery (10.3%), postpartum hemorrhage (3.4%), uterine rupture (9.4%), hysterectomy (0.18%), and bladder injury (0.4%) when compared with the control group (P <0.05). The scarred uterus cases with 1, 2, or 3 PCDs had significantly different complications, with the higher PCD frequency correlating with increased rates of placenta previa, placenta percreta, postpartum hemorrhage, uterine rupture, and uterine resection. Moreover, the hospitalization time, cesarean operation time, and intrapartum bleeding in the current pregnancy significantly increased with increasing PCD frequency (P <0.05). Analysis of the association between the duration of the interval between PCD and re-pregnancy and pregnancy complication revealed that the incidence of pernicious placenta previa was statistically higher in cases with intervals of <2 years or ≥5 years (4.7%) than in cases with 2 years ≤ interval time <5 years (2.5%) (P <0.05).

Conclusion

Pregnancies with uterine scars may experience higher rates of adverse perinatal outcomes. This calls for increased observation during pregnancy and delivery to reduce maternal and fetal complications.

Conservative management of complete fetal expulsion into the abdominal cavity after silent uterine rupture - case report

BACKGROUND

Clinically silent uterine rupture with complete fetal expulsion into the abdominal cavity is an extremely rare complication. Diagnosis can be difficult and the risk to the mother and fetus is high. Conservative management has been described only in a few cases of partial expulsion of the fetus so far.

CASE PRESENTATION

We present a case of 43-year-old tercigravida with a history of previous laparotomic myomectomy and subsequent cesarean section. The subsequent pregnancy was complicated by uterine wall loosening and rupture at the site of the previous uterine scar after myomectomy and complete fetal expulsion into the abdominal cavity. The diagnosis was made at 24 + 6 weeks of gestation. Considering the absence of clinical symptomatology and the good condition of the fetus, a conservative approach was chosen with intensive monitoring of the maternal and fetal conditions. The pregnancy ended by elective cesarean section and hysterectomy at 28 + 0 weeks of gestation. The postpartum course was uneventful and the newborn was discharged to home care 63 days after delivery.

CONCLUSIONS

Fetal expulsion into the abdominal cavity after silent uterine rupture of the scarred uterus may be accompanied by minimal symptomatology making early diagnosis difficult. This rare complication must be considered in the differential diagnosis in women after major uterine surgery. In selected cases and under conditions of intensive maternal and fetal monitoring, conservative management may be chosen to reduce the risks associated with prematurity.

Diagnosis and Management of Uterine Rupture in the Third Trimester of Pregnancy: A Case Series and Literature Review

BACKGROUND

 Uterine rupture is associated with clinically significant uterine bleeding, fetal distress, expulsion or protrusion of the fetus, placenta or both into the abdominal cavity requiring prompt cesarean delivery and uterine repair or hysterectomy. Previous cesarean section is the most common risk factor. The most consistent early indicator of it is the onset of prolonged and profound fetal bradycardia.

OBJECTIVE

In this study, we present six cases of uterine rupture highlighting risk factors, and challenges in diagnosis and management, along with a review of the literature.

METHOD

A retrospective case series identified eight cases during the five-year study period. All cases from January 1, 2018 to December 31, 2022 were reviewed. Cases with multiple previous cesarean sections were excluded.

RESULT

Six cases meeting the study criteria were included in our case series. Uterine rupture was a rare occurrence with a prevalence of nine in 31,315 births representing 0.03% of deliveries. No maternal mortality or need for hysterectomy occurred in our study. Fifty percent of uterine ruptures were associated with stillbirths. The most common risk factor was a previous cesarean section in 83.3%. The most common presenting sign was non-reassuring fetal status patterns in 66.6%. A single case had a silent rupture.

CONCLUSION

Signs and symptoms of uterine rupture are nonspecific making diagnosis challenging. Delay in definitive management causes significant fetal morbidity and mortality. For best outcomes, vaginal birth after a previous cesarean section needs close monitoring in appropriately prepared units with the ability to perform immediate cesarean delivery and provide advanced neonatal support.

Obstetric Outcomes after Perforation of Uterine Cavity

We aimed to evaluate the pregnancy characteristics and obstetric outcomes in patients after perforation of the uterus. Study design: A retrospective cohort study was conducted and included all patients who were diagnosed with uterine perforation and treated in a tertiary referral medical center between the years 1996 and 2018. Up to two deliveries after perforations were investigated. Results: During the study period, 51 women were diagnosed with uterine perforation during gynecological procedures, including intrauterine device (IUD) insertion. The mean age of patients at the time of diagnosis was 27.9 (±4.7) years. The majority, 76.5% (n = 39), experienced perforation during IUD insertion, and 23.5% (n = 12) of the patients experienced perforation during surgical procedures. Most of the patients were multiparous or grand multiparous, 45.8. % (n = 22) and 39.6% (n = 19) respectively. Anteflexed uterus was found in 86.4% of the patients (n = 38). Five patients (9.8%) had pelvic abscesses after the IUD insertion. A total of 50 patients had 71 deliveries subsequent to uterine perforation. One patient experienced intrauterine fetal death due to fetal malformations. One patient experienced uterine rupture. No other major obstetric complications were noted. Conclusions: Uterine perforation may be associated with adverse obstetric outcomes. The possibility of uterine rupture must be considered while managing the deliveries of patients after uterine perforation. Moreover, a larger cohort and further studies are needed to establish an association between uterine perforation and adverse outcomes of the subsequent deliveries.

Treatment of Cesarean Scar Pregnancy with Traditional Chinese Medicine and Warming Moxibustion

We aimed to report the clinical characteristics of cesarean scar pregnancy (CSP), improve the understanding of uterine scar pregnancy, and assess the outcomes of our treatment strategy for CSP. We present 30 patients with CSP diagnosed by transvaginal ultrasonography. Patients received B ultrasound-guided lauromacrogol injection, followed by evacuation under B ultrasound guidance, and intrauterine balloon compression for hemostasis. Postoperatively, all patients received Bushenquyu decoction and warming moxibustion. All patients showed fast recovery and preserved fertility. The combination of lauromacrogol injection and suction curettage under hysteroscopic guidance is an effective conservative treatment for CSP that can help preserve the reproductive function. Postoperative traditional Chinese medicine and warming moxibustion may reduce the risk of ectopic pregnancy and increase the rate of subsequent intrauterine pregnancy.

Risk factors and outcomes associated with type of uterine rupture

PURPOSE

To identify risk factors associated with the occurrence of complete uterine rupture (CUR) in comparison to partial uterine rupture (PUR) to further investigate to what extent a standardized definition is needed and what clinical implications can be drawn.

METHODS

Between 2005 and 2017 cases with CUR and PUR at Charité University Berlin, Germany were retrospectively identified. Demographic, obstetric and outcome variables were analyzed regarding the type of rupture. Binary multivariate regression analysis was conducted to identify risk factors associated with CUR. In addition, the intended route of delivery (trial of labor after cesarean delivery (TOLAC) and elective repeat cesarean delivery (ERCD)), divided according to the type of rupture, was compared.

RESULTS

92 cases with uterine rupture were identified out of a total of 64.063 births (0.14%). Puerperal complications were more frequent in CUR (67.9 versus 41.1%, p = 0.021). Multiparity ≥ 3 was more frequent in CUR (31 versus 10.7%, p = 0.020). Factors increasing the risk for CUR were parity ≥ 3 (OR = 3.8, p = 0.025), previous vaginal birth (OR = 4.4, p = 0.011), TOLAC (OR = 6.5, p < 0.001) and the use of oxytocin (OR = 2.9, p = 0.036). After multivariate analysis, the only independent risk factor associated with CUR was TOLAC (OR = 7.4, p = 0.017).

CONCLUSION

TOLAC is the only independent risk factor for CUR. After optimized antenatal counselling TOLAC and ERCD had comparable short-term maternal and fetal outcomes in a high resource setting. A high number of previous vaginal births does not eliminate the risk of uterine rupture. A clear distinction between CUR and PUR is essential to ensure comparability among studies.

Cesarean Scar Thickness Decreases during Pregnancy: A Prospective Longitudinal Study

Background and Objectives: The aim of this study is to evaluate changes in uterine scar thickness after previous cesarean delivery longitudinally during pregnancy, and to correlate cesarean section (CS) scar myometrial thickness in the first trimester in two participants groups (CS scar with a niche and CS scar without a niche) with the low uterine segment (LUS) myometrial thickness changes between the second and third trimesters. Materials and Methods: In this prospective longitudinal study, pregnant women aged 18−41 years after at least one previous CS were included. Transvaginal sonography (TVS) was used to examine uterine scars after CS at 11−14 weeks. The CS scar niche (“defect”) was defined as an indentation at the site of the CS scar with a depth of at least 2 mm in the sagittal plane. Scar myometrial thickness was measured, and scars were classified subjectively as a scar with a niche (niche group) or without a niche (non-niche group). In the CS scar niche group, RMT (distance from the serosal surface of the uterus to the apex of the niche) was measured and presented as CS scar myometrial thickness in the first trimester. The myometrial thickness at the internal cervical os was measured in the non-niche group. The full LUS and myometrial LUS thickness at 18−20 and 32−35 weeks of gestation were measured in the thinnest part of the scar area using TVS. Friedman’s ANOVA test was used to analyse scar thickness during pregnancy and Mann−Whitney test to compare scar changes between CS scar niche and non-niche women groups. For a pairwise comparison in CS scar thickness measurements in the second and third trimesters, we used Wilcoxon Signed Ranks test. Results: A total of 122 eligible participants were recruited to the study during the first trimester of pregnancy. The scar niche was visible in 40.2% of cases. Uterine scar myometrial thickness decreases during pregnancy from 9.9 (IQR, 5.0−12.9) at the first trimester to 2.1 (IQR, 1.7−2.7) at the third trimester of pregnancy in the study population (p = 0.001). The myometrial CS scar thickness in the first trimester (over the niche) was thinner in the women’s group with CS scar niche compared with the non-niche group (at internal cervical os) (p < 0.001). The median difference between measurements in the CS scar niche group and non-niche group between the second and third trimester was 2.4 (IQR, 0.8−3.4) and 1.1 (IQR, 0.2−2.6) (p = 0.019), respectively. Myometrial LUS thickness as percentage decreases significantly between the second and third trimester in the CS scar niche group compared to the non-niche group (U = 1225; z = −2.438; p = 0.015). Conclusions: CS scar myometrial thickness changes throughout pregnancy and the appearance of the CS scar niche was associated with a more significant decrease in LUS myometrial thickness between the second and third trimesters.

Pregnancy outcomes and associated factors for uterine rupture: an 8 years population-based retrospective study

Background

Uterine rupture is an obstetrical emergency with serious undesired complications for laboring mothers resulting in fatal maternal and neonatal outcomes. The aim of this study was to assess the incidence of uterine rupture, its association with previous uterine surgery and vaginal birth after caesarean section (VBAC), and the maternal and perinatal implications.

Methods

This is a population-based retrospective study. All pregnant women treated for ruptured uterus in one center between 2013 and 2020 were included. Their information retrieved from the medical records department were reviewed retrospectively.

Results

A total of 209,112 deliveries were included and 41 cases of uterine rupture were identified. The incidence of uterine rupture was 1.96/10000 births. Among the 41 cases, 16 (39.0%) had maternal and fetal complications. There were no maternal deaths secondary to uterine rupture, while perinatal fatality related to uterine rupture was 7.3%. Among all cases, 38 (92.7%) were scarred uterus and 3 (7.3%) were unscarred uterus. The most common cause of uterine rupture was previous cesarean section, while cases with a history of laparoscopic myomectomy were more likely to have serious adverse outcomes, such as fetal death. 24 (59.0%) of the ruptures occurred in anterior lower uterine segment. Changes in Fetal heart rate monitoring were the most reliable signs for rupture.

Conclusions

Incidence of uterine rupture in the study area, Shanghai, China was consistent with developed countries. Further improvements in obstetric care and enhanced collaboration with referring health facilities were needed to ensure maternal and perinatal safety.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12884-022-04415-6.

Epidemiology of uterine rupture among pregnant women in China and development of a risk prediction model: analysis of data from a multicentre, cross-sectional study

OBJECTIVES

To describe the epidemiology of uterine rupture in China from 2015 to 2016 and to build a prediction model for uterine rupture in women with a scarred uterus.

SETTING

A multicentre cross-sectional survey conducted in 96 hospitals across China in 2015-2016.

PARTICIPANTS

Our survey initially included 77 789 birth records from hospitals with 1000 or more deliveries per year. We excluded 2567 births less than 24 gestational weeks or unknown and 1042 births with unknown status of uterine rupture, leaving 74 180 births for the final analysis.

PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES

Complete and incomplete uterine rupture and the risk factors, and a prediction model for uterine rupture in women with scarred uterus (assigned each birth a weight based on the sampling frame).

RESULTS

The weighted incidence of uterine rupture was 0.18% (95% CI 0.05% to 0.23%) in our study population during 2015 and 2016. The weighted incidence of uterine rupture in women with scarred and intact uterus was 0.79% (95% CI 0.63% to 0.91%) and 0.05% (95% CI 0.02% to 0.13%), respectively. Younger or older maternal age, prepregnancy diabetes, overweight or obesity, complications during pregnancy (hypertensive disorders in pregnancy and gestational diabetes), low education, repeat caesarean section (≥2), multiple abortions (≥2), assisted reproductive technology, placenta previa, induce labour, fetal malpresentation, multiple pregnancy, anaemia, high parity and antepartum stillbirth were associated with an increased risk of uterine rupture. The prediction model including eight variables (OR >1.5) yielded an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.812 (95% CI 0.793 to 0.836) in predicting uterine rupture in women with scarred uterus with sensitivity and specificity of 77.2% and 69.8%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The incidence of uterine rupture was 0.18% in this population in 2015-2016. The predictive model based on eight easily available variables had a moderate predictive value in predicting uterine rupture in women with scarred uterus. Strategies based on predictions may be considered to further reduce the burden of uterine rupture in China.

Induction of Labor with Vaginal Dinoprostone (PGE2) in Patients with a Previous Cesarean Section: Obstetric and Neonatal Outcomes

BACKGROUND

Vaginal dinoprostone (PGE2) is currently used as the prostaglandin of choice in many obstetric units. However, few studies have evaluated its safety, especially in women who previously had a cesarean section.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of PGE2 in pregnant women who are undergoing induction of labor (IOL), and who have had a previous cesarean section.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A prospective observational study was conducted in La Mancha Centro Hospital in Alcázar de San Juan, Spain, from 1 February 2019 to 30 August 2020. Obstetric and neonatal outcomes, following IOL with PGE2, in 47 pregnant women who wanted a trial of labor after cesarean (TOLAC), and 377 pregnant women without a history of cesarean section, were analyzed. The outcomes were analyzed by bivariate and multivariate analyses using binary and multiple linear regression.

RESULTS

A total of 424 women were included in this study. The percentage of cesarean sections in the TOLAC group was 44.7% (21), compared with 31.6% (119) in the group without a history of cesarean section (adjusted odds ratio: 1.4; 95% CI: 0.68-2.86). In the multivariate analysis, no statistically significant differences were observed between both groups for obstetric and neonatal outcomes (p > 0.05). However, two uterine ruptures (4.3%) occurred in the group of patients with a history of cesarean section who underwent IOL with PGE2.

CONCLUSIONS

The induction of labor with vaginal dinoprostone (PGE2), in patients with a previous history of cesarean section, was not associated with worse obstetric or neonatal outcomes compared with the group of patients without a history of cesarean section in our study sample. However, further research is needed regarding this IOL method, and it should be used with caution in this population group.

Comparison of Clinical and Reproductive Outcomes between Adenomyomectomy and Myomectomy

STUDY OBJECTIVE

Women with adenomyosis may show a lower pregnancy rate and a higher miscarriage rate than healthy women. There is also a general agreement that leiomyomas, either submucosal or intramural, negatively affect fertility, when compared with women without myomas. Some of these women may benefit from adenomyomectomy, however this cytoreductive procedure is considered invasive and technically challenging especially in severe diffuse cases. The study aimed to compare the clinical and reproductive outcomes of patients who underwent adenomyomectomy with those of patients who underwent intramural myomectomy.

DESIGN

A retrospective study.

SETTING

Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Center of Gynecological Endoscopy and Minimally Invasive surgery, First Faculty of Medicine, General University Hospital in Prague.

PATIENTS

A total of 55 women who underwent surgical resection of uterine adenomyosis and 55 patients who underwent myomectomy for intramural uterine myomas were included in this study. All study participants wished to retain and possibly improve their reproductive potential.

INTERVENTIONS

Between 2004 and 2019, 110 women underwent laparoscopic or open uterus-sparing surgery for clinically significant uterine adenomyosis (group A) or myomas (group B), respectively.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

Two groups of women who underwent different fertility-saving procedures were compared. Although all women entering the study had declared their wish to conceive, only 28 patients in group A (group A1) and 24 women in group B (group B1) finally aimed toward pregnancy. The mean age and follow-up period was 35.0 years and 76.81 months, respectively, in group A and 34.8 years and 72.5 months, respectively, in group B. The pregnancy and delivery rates were 75.0% and 46.4%, respectively, in group A1 vs 96.0% and 70.8%, respectively, in group B1, with no significant differences between the 2 groups. The open surgical approach was significantly more frequently employed in group A (47.3% vs 16.4%; p <.01).

CONCLUSION

In this study, women who underwent surgery involving the uterine muscularity, including myomectomy or adenomyomectomy, had comparable reproductive outcomes, with no significant differences.

Impact of third-trimester measurement of low uterine segment thickness and estimated fetal weight on perinatal morbidity in women with prior cesarean

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to estimate the impact of third-trimester ultrasound with measurement of the lower uterine segment thickness (LUST) and estimation of fetal weight (EFW) on maternal and perinatal morbidity among women with a prior cesarean delivery.

METHODS

We performed a secondary analysis of the QUARISMA trial, including women who delivered at term after 1 prior cesarean delivery in tertiary care centres. Major and minor maternal and perinatal morbidities were compared between centres that had introduced LUST and EFW measurements into routine practice and those that had not, using generalized estimating equations and adjusted odds ratios (aOR). In a secondary analysis, we compared women who underwent a trial of labour with and without LUST and EFW measurements.

RESULTS

We observed a significant reduction in major perinatal morbidity (aOR 0.52; 95% CI 0.28-0.96, P = 0.04), minor perinatal morbidity (aOR 0.49; 95% CI 0.25-0.96, P = 0.04), and minor maternal morbidity (aOR 0.56; 95% CI 0.34- 0.94, P = 0.03) but no significant difference in major maternal morbidity (aOR 0.40; 95% CI 0.04-3.69, P = 0.42) in the 2 centres that had introduced third-trimester ultrasound with EFW and LUST measurements (1458 women), compared with the 4 centres (1247 women) that had not. Among women who underwent a trial of labour, we observed a reduction in major perinatal morbidity (aOR 0.25; 95% CI 0.11-0.54, P < 0.001) and a lower rate of uterine rupture (0% vs. 0.3%, P = 0.045) with LUST and EFW measurements.

CONCLUSION

Third-trimester ultrasound with EFW and LUST measurement is associated with a significant reduction in major perinatal morbidity in women with a prior caesarean delivery.

Determinants of Successful Vaginal Birth After Caesarean Section at Public Hospitals in Ambo Town, Oromia Region, Central Ethiopia: A Case-Control Study

BACKGROUND

The World Health Organization recommends a caesarean section (CS) rate at health facilities from 10 to 15%, but the rate is higher at most of the institutions in different countries, including Ethiopia resulting in negative health-related and economic consequences. Vaginal birth after caesarean section (VBAC) is a safe and appropriate choice to decrease the rate of CS. Though the success rate is 60-80%, the number of mothers who experience the trial of labor is decreasing and the overall CS rate is rising. There is also limited information on determinants of successful VBAC in Ethiopia. Therefore, the study aimed to identify determinants of successful VBAC at public hospitals in Ambo town.

METHODS

A Facility-based retrospective unmatched case-control study was employed at public hospitals in Ambo town, Ethiopia, from June 1 to July 1, 2020. A systematic random sampling technique was used to select cases (n=74) and controls (n=221). The data were collected using a structured questionnaire and it was filled IN by reviewing the client's medical record. The data were entered into Epi Info and exported to SPSS for analysis. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regression analysis was carried out for data analysis. Finally, statistical significance was determined based on the odds ratio with its 95% confidence interval and a p-value of <0.05.

RESULTS

Mothers whose age was less than 25 years and 25-29 years (AOR: 8.88; 95% CI 3.03, 26.03) and (AOR: 5.37; 95% CI 2.28, 12.66), respectively, mothers who had a history of previous successful VBAC (AOR: 3.01; 95% CI 1.47, 6.13), had a history of previous spontaneous vaginal delivery (AOR: 3.85; 95% CI 1.84, 8.05) and cervical dilation ≥4cm at admission (AOR: 2.05: 95% CI 1.14, 3.67) were independent determinants of successful VBAC.

CONCLUSION

The study identified that past and present obstetric conditions played a significant role in the success of VBAC. Therefore, health workers have to consider those predictors while counselling and choosing mothers for trial of labor after caesarean section (TOLAC).

Patterns of cesarean birth among women living with HIV in Ontario: A cross-sectional, population-level study

BACKGROUND

In Canada, as is found globally, women of reproductive age are a growing demographic of persons living with HIV. Combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) treatment enables women living with HIV (WLWH) to become pregnant without perinatal transmission, and they are increasingly planning to become pregnant. Since 2014, Canadian guidelines no longer recommend routine elective cesarean birth (CB) for women who are virally suppressed and receiving cART. It is unknown whether their obstetric care has changed since this update. Our objective was to describe trends in cesarean births among WLWH in Ontario, Canada, over a 12-year period.

METHODS

Our research is co-led and codesigned with WLWH. We conducted a retrospective population-level cohort study using linked health administrative databases at ICES (formally, the Institute for Clinical and Evaluative Sciences). Participants were all women who gave birth in Ontario, between 2006/07 and 2017/18. We assessed their intrapartum characteristics and used multivariable regression to determine an association between HIV status and CB, controlling for sociodemographic and clinical variables.

RESULTS

Since 2014, the overall proportion of CB among WLWH remained stable and was higher than among women without HIV (39.9% vs 29.0%, P < 0.001). In addition, the proportion of primary CB decreased between 2006 and 2010 and between 2014 and 2018 (28.5%-19.3%), whereas the proportion of repeat CB increased (13.1%-20.5%, P = 0.013).

CONCLUSIONS

Because of decreasing HIV-related indications for CB, more practitioners may be following the guidelines for first-time mothers. Currently, no guidelines exist for care of WLWH with a previous CB, and opportunities for vaginal birth may be missed in this population.

Uterine rupture: Results from a prospective population-based study in Italy

OBJECTIVE

To determine the incidence of uterine rupture (UR), and evaluate risk factors, management, and associated maternal and perinatal outcomes.

STUDY DESIGN

This multicentre prospective population-based study involved six regions in Italy accounting for 49% of national births. The study population comprised all women aged 11-59 years delivering at ≥22 gestational weeks with a diagnosis of UR from September 2014 to August 2016. Maternal and pregnancy characteristics and information on potential risk factors were collected. Unadjusted relative risks (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were computed with respect to the background population.

RESULTS

In total, 74 cases of UR occurred among the study population (rate 0.16/1000 pregnancies; mean age 34 years; 14 perinatal deaths, one maternal death). A significantly higher risk of UR was observed for maternal age ≥ 35 years (RR = 1.58, 95% CI 1.00-2.51), multiparity (RR = 5.71, 95% CI 3.14-10.04), previous caesarean section (RR = 20.5, 95% CI 11.11-37.74) and uterine scarring (RR = 6.44, 95% CI 2.94-14.12). A significant association was observed between UR and caesarean section as the mode of delivery (RR = 27.9, 95% CI 10.2-76.5) and gestational age < 37 weeks (RR = 11.82, 95% CI 7.46-18.71).

CONCLUSIONS

This study found a low rate of UR compared with other European countries, probably due to the high rate of primary caesarean sections and to resistance towards trial of labour and vaginal delivery after caesarean section among obstetricians in Italy. The unforeseen increase in caesarean sections -and, as a result, an increase in placenta accreta spectrum disorders, peripartum hysterectomy and related maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality as a consequence of previous uterine scarring - failed to ensure better maternal and perinatal outcomes.

Factors associated with the outcome of TOLAC after one previous caesarean section: a retrospective cohort study

The factors associated with the outcome of trial of labour after one previous Caesarean Section; a retrospective cohort study. A retrospective observational study was performed on all eligible consecutive singleton pregnancies planned for trial of labour after one previous Caesarean Section (TOLAC) over a period of 18 months to study the success rate of vaginal birth after Caesarean Section (VBAC) and to find out the factors associated with successful and failed TOLAC. All of the data were entered in electronic format and the data was analysed in detail. Of the 1324 women studied, the VBAC rate was 65.3% and the incidence of scar rupture was 0.5%. The composite adverse maternal (postpartum haemorrhage and intensive care admission) and foetal outcome (still birth, 5-minute APGAR <7 and NICU admission) was more in the failed TOLAC group. Various demographic, clinical and obstetric factors were studied in detail between the successful and failed TOLAC groups. The favourable Bishop Score (>4) was independently associated with successful TOLAC (OR 4.3; 95% CI 3.3-5.6 p < .001). Maternal age of >30 years, (OR 0.57; 95% CI 0.41-0.79; p = .001), labour induction (OR 0.43; 95% CI 0.33-0.56; p < .001) and estimated foetal weight of >3500 g (0.31; 95% CI 0.14-0.6; p = .002) were the factors independently associated with failed TOLAC. Previous indication for a Caesarean Section and previous vaginal delivery were not found to be independently associated with the outcome of TOLAC. The predictive models for TOLAC need to be used cautiously and the risk assessment should be done on an individual basis.IMPACT STATEMENTWhat is already known on this subject? TOLAC is a reasonable strategy in Obstetrics especially after one Caesarean Section to minimise the morbidity associated with rising Caesarean Section. However, the maternal and foetal morbidity are more following unsuccessful TOLAC. The factors which predict the outcome of TOLAC are multifactorial which include maternal demographic factors, previous obstetric factors like indication for Caesarean Section, intraoperative complications, inter-pregnancy interval, current obstetric factors such as gestational age, Bishop Score before delivery, labour factors and foetal factors, e.g. sex and foetal size.What do the results of this study add? We tried to include all the possible factors which probably influence TOLAC and found only Bishop Score, maternal age, foetal size and labour induction were the factors independently associated with the outcome of TOLAC. A Bishop Score of >4 admission was the greatest predictor of successful TOLAC (OR 4.3). Similarly, labour induction and foetal size of >3.5 kg were associated with 60% and 70% less chance of VBAC, respectively.What are the implications of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research? The factors found to be associated with successful and failed TOLAC may be utilised to develop a predictive model. More so, prospective studies are needed to test such predictive models.

Time matters-a Swedish cohort study of labor duration and risk of uterine rupture

INTRODUCTION

Uterine rupture is an obstetric emergency associated with maternal and neonatal morbidity. The main risk factor is a prior cesarean section, with rupture occurring in subsequent labor. The aim of this study was to assess the risk of uterine rupture by labor duration and labor management.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

This is a Swedish register-based cohort study of women who underwent labor in 2013-2018 after a primary cesarean section (n = 20 046). Duration of labor was the main exposure, calculated from onset of regular labor contractions and birth; both timepoints were retrieved from electronic medical records for 12 583 labors, 63% of the study population. Uterine rupture was calculated as events per 1000 births at different timepoints during labor. Risk estimates for uterine rupture by labor duration, induction of labor, use of oxytocin and epidural analgesia were calculated using Poisson regression, adjusted for maternal and birth characteristics. Estimates were presented as adjusted rate ratios (ARR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI).

RESULTS

The prevalence of uterine rupture was 1.4% (282/20 046 deliveries). Labor duration was 9.88 hours (95% CI 8.93-10.83) for women with uterine rupture, 8.20 hours (95% CI 8.10-8.31) for women with vaginal delivery, and 10.71 hours (95% CI 10.46-10.97) for women with cesarean section without uterine rupture. Few women (1.0/1000) experienced uterine rupture during the first 3 hours of labor. Uterine rupture occurred in 15.6/1000 births with labor duration over 12 hours. The highest risk for uterine rupture per hour compared with vaginal delivery was observed at 6 hours (ARR 1.20, 95% CI 1.11-1.30). Induction of labor was associated with uterine rupture (ARR 1.54, 95% CI 1.19-1.99), with a particular high risk seen in those induced with prostaglandins and no risk observed with cervical catheter (ARR 1.19, 95% CI 0.83-1.71). Labor augmentation with oxytocin (ARR 1.60, 95% CI 1.25-2.05) and epidural analgesia (ARR 1.63, 95% CI 1.27-2.10) were also associated with uterine rupture.

CONCLUSIONS

Labor duration is an independent factor for uterine rupture among women attempting vaginal delivery after cesarean section. Medical induction and augmentation of labor increase the risk, regardless of maternal and birth characteristics.

Antenatal and intrapartum consent: Implications of the NSW Consent Manual 2020

The provision of informed consent for antenatal and intrapartum care remains a contentious issue among healthcare professionals and has been the topic of controversies in the pages of this journal. Recently, the New South Wales (NSW) Department of Health has fundamentally changed the ground rules for the provision of maternity care within the state. In this opinion piece, we try to provide guidance to clinicians to help them deal with the medicolegal environment created by this document which is likely to affect practitioners not just in NSW.

The incidence, risk factors and maternal and foetal outcomes of uterine rupture during different birth policy periods: an observational study in China

Background

Currently, there are no studies on changes in the incidence of uterine rupture or maternal and foetal outcomes in women with uterine rupture during different birth policy periods in China. Moreover, the results of association studies of maternal age, parity and previous caesarean section number with the risk of maternal and foetal outcomes in women with uterine rupture have not been consistent. This research aims to conduct and discuss the above two aspects.

Methods

We included singleton pregnant women with no maternal complications other than uterine rupture from January 2012 to June 2019 in China’s National Maternal Near Miss Surveillance System. The data in this study did not differentiate between complete and partial uterine rupture and uterine dehiscence. Through Poisson regression analysis with a robust variance estimator, we compared the incidences of uterine rupture and maternal and foetal outcomes in women with uterine rupture during different birth policy periods in China and determined the relationship between maternal age, parity or previous caesarean section number and uterine rupture or maternal and foetal outcomes in women with uterine rupture.

Results

This study included 8,637,723 pregnant women. The total incidences of uterine rupture were 0.13% (12,934) overall, 0.05% during the one-child policy, 0.12% during the partial two-child policy (aRR = 1.96; 95% CI: 1.53–2.52) and 0.22% (aRR = 2.89; 95% CI: 1.94 4.29) during the universal two-child policy. The maternal near miss and stillbirth rates in women with uterine rupture were respectively 2.35% (aRR = 17.90; 95% CI: 11.81–27.13) and 2.12% (aRR = 4.10; 95% CI: 3.19 5.26) overall, 5.46 and 8.18% during the first policy, 1.72% (aRR = 0.60; 95% CI: 0.32–1.17) and 2.02% (aRR = 0.57; 95% CI: 0.37–0.83) during the second policy, and 1.99% (aRR = 0.90; 95% CI: 0.52–1.53) and 1.04% (aRR = 0.36; 95% CI: 0.24–0.54) during the third policy. The risk of uterine rupture increased with parity and previous caesarean section number.

Conclusion

The uterine rupture rate in China continues to increase among different birth policy periods, and the risk of maternal near miss among women with uterine rupture has not significantly improved. The Chinese government, obstetricians, and scholars should work together to reverse the rising rate of uterine rupture and improve the pregnancy outcomes in women with uterine rupture.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12884-021-03811-8.

Ultrasonic assessment of cesarean section scar to vesicovaginal fold distance: an instrument to estimate pre-labor uterine rupture risk

BACKGROUND

The number of Cesarean sections (CS) is growing worldwide, intensifying the risk of complications in subsequent pregnancies and leading to increased maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality . In particular, the literature shows a higher risk of uterine rupture (UR) in subsequent pregnancy with trial of labor after cesarean section (TOLAC) Furthermore, there are few data about pre-labor UR in scarred uteri.

OBJECTIVE

Since the key factor for management is timing, the aim of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of prenatal ultrasound (US) of scars in the early determining of pre-labor UR risk in women with a previous CS during their subsequent pregnancy.

METHODS

From April 2014 to November 2018 a retrospective analysis was performed in order to evaluate the scar to vesicovaginal fold (VVF) distance in three patients with pre-labor UR and in 60 cases of the control group.

RESULTS

The periconceptional CS scar-VVF distance in the three UR cases resulted significantly increased compared to the controls (23.7 ± 3.5 mm vs 2.3 ± 2.7 mm, p < 005); moreover, a time interval of less than 18 months and a previous pre-labor preterm CS were found as known risk factors.

CONCLUSION

In this study, a higher uterine incision due to placenta previa or isthmic myoma seems to be correlated with a major risk of UR. Therefore, periconceptional US examination of CS-VVF distance, (which represents the level of the previous CS), seems to be a useful predictive factor of pre-labor UR in subsequent pregnancies.

Uterine scar rupture at the site of the placenta accreta presenting as a case of sudden death

Uterine rupture during pregnancy is a known complication of placenta accreta. This paper presents a case of sudden maternal death in the 27^th week of gestation due to a ruptured uterine scar at the site of placenta accreta with a short inter-pregnancy period of 6 months with previous two C-sections. Autopsy findings revealed a massive hemoperitoneum and a thinned out anterolateral uterine wall. Internal examination revealed clotted and fluid blood in the peritoneal cavity with rupture of the anterior uterine wall at the site of the placenta accreta in a healed cesarean section scar. Placenta accreta is a rare complication of pregnancy. However, it is becoming more frequent and a significant risk factor with the increasing rate of C-section.

Prevalence and predictors of uterine rupture among Ethiopian women: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Background

Uterine rupture has a significant public health importance, contributing to 13% of maternal mortality and 74%-92% of perinatal mortality in Sub-Saharan Africa, and 36% of maternal mortality in Ethiopia. The prevalence and predictors of uterine rupture were highly variable and inconclusive across studies in the country. Therefore, this systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to estimate the pooled prevalence and predictor of uterine rupture in Ethiopia.

Methods

This systematic review and meta-analysis followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses 2009 checklist. PubMed, Cochrane Library, Google Scholar, and African Journals Online databases were searched. The Newcastle- Ottawa quality assessment tool was used for critical appraisal. I² statistic and Egger’s tests were used to assess the heterogeneity and publication bias, respectively. The random-effects model was used to estimate the pooled prevalence and odds ratios with a 95% confidence interval.

Results

Sixteen studies were included, with a total of 91,784 women in the meta-analysis. The pooled prevalence of uterine rupture was 2% (95% CI: 1.99, 3.01). The highest prevalence was observed in the Amhara regional state (5%) and the lowest was in Tigray region (1%). Previous cesarean delivery (OR = 9.95, 95% CI: 3.09, 32.0), lack of antenatal care visit (OR = 8.40, 95% CI: 4.5, 15.7), rural residence (OR = 4.75, 95% CI: 1.17, 19.3), grand multiparity (OR = 4.49, 95% CI: 2.83, 7.11) and obstructed labor (OR = 6.75, 95%CI: 1.92, 23.8) were predictors of uterine rupture.

Conclusion

Uterine rupture is still high in Ethiopia. Therefore, proper auditing on the appropriateness of cesarean section and proper labor monitoring, improving antenatal care visit, and birth preparedness and complication readiness plan are needed. Moreover, early referral and family planning utilization are the recommended interventions to reduce the burden of uterine rupture among Ethiopia women.

Symptomatic Uterine Rupture: A Fifteen Year Review

Background and objectives: To assess the incidence of complete and partial uterine rupture during childbirth in a single tertiary referral centre as well as the significant risk factors, symptoms and peripartum complications. Materials and Methods: A retrospective single-centre study involved all cases of uterine rupture at the Kaunas Perinatal Centre in 2004–2019. Data were from a local medical database complemented with written information from medical records. We included 45,893 women with an intact uterus and 5630 with uterine scars. Women (n = 5626) with scarred uterus’ after previous cesarean delivery. The diagnosis was defined by clinical symptoms, leading to an emergency cesarean delivery, when complete or partial uterine rupture (n = 35) was confirmed. Asymptomatic cases, when uterine rupture was found at elective cesarean section (n = 3), were excluded. The control group is represented by all births delivered in our department during the study period (n = 51,525). The outcome was complete (tearing of all uterine wall layers, including serosa and membranes) and partial uterine rupture (uterine muscle defect but intact serosa), common uterine rupture symptoms. Risk factors were parameters related to pregnancy and labour. Results: 51,525 deliveries occurred in Kaunas Perinatal Centre during the 15 years of the study period. A total number of 35 (0.06%) symptomatic uterine ruptures were recorded: 22 complete and 13 partial, leading to an incidence rate of 6.8 per 10,000 deliveries. The uterine rupture incidence rate after a single previous cesarean delivery is 44.4 per 10,000 births. 29 (83%) cases had a uterine scar after previous cesarean, 4 (11%) had a previous laparoscopic myomectomy, 2 (6%) had an unscarred uterus. The most significant risk factors of uterine rupture include uterine scarring and augmentation or epidural anaesthesia in patients with a uterine scar after cesarean delivery. The most common clinical sign was acute abdominal pain in labour 18 (51%). No maternal, six intrapartum perinatal deaths (17%) occurred, and one hysterectomy (2.8%) was performed due to uterine rupture. Neonatal mortality reached 22% among the complete ruptures. Average blood loss was 1415 mL, 4 (11%) patients required blood transfusion. Conclusions: The incidence rate of uterine rupture (complete and incomplete) at Kaunas Perinatal Centre is 6.8 per 10,000 deliveries. In cases with a scar of the uterus after a single cesarean, the incidence of uterine rupture is higher, exceeding 44 cases per 10,000 births. The most significant risk factors were uterine scar and augmentation or epidural anaesthesia in a previous cesarean delivery. Acute abdominal pain in labour is the most frequent symptom for uterine rupture.

Is Uterine Myomectomy a Real Contraindication to Vaginal Delivery? Results from a Prospective Study

OBJECTIVES

The main goal of our research was to explore correlations between a history of uterine myomectomy and maternal-fetal outcomes, throughout a comparison between vaginal deliveries in patients with or without a history of uterine myoma excision.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A prospective study was carried out at two tertiary care hospitals between January 2019 and January 2020. Women were assigned into two groups according to the history of laparoscopic or laparotomic myomectomy (Group 1) or without myomectomy (Group 2).

RESULTS

80 women successfully delivered after myomectomy. Pregnancies with previous laparoscopic or laparotomic myomectomy were associated with a minor rate of spontaneous labor onset (RR 1.17; 95% CI 1.04 - 1.31) and with an increased rate of emergency cesarean section (RR 1.22; 95% CI 1.09 - 1.36). Moreover, myomectomy group had a significant number of indications to emergency cesarean section correlated to suspected uterine rupture (RR 1.19; 95% CI 1.02-1.39). There were no uterine ruptures or neonatal deaths recorded. First stage of labor was longer in the myomectomy group (316 vs 204 mins, p = 0.01). No differences in the rates of the prolonged first and second stage of labor, postpartum hemorrhage and vaginal laceration, and no neonatal adverse outcomes were found between groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Pregnancies after myomectomy might be associated with an elevated rate of emergency cesarean section only due to a higher percentage of suspected uterine rupture, without a real hazard of adverse obstetric or neonatal outcomes.

Prevalence and determinants of uterine rupture in Ethiopia: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Uterine rupture is a serious public health concern that causes high maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality in the developing world. Few of the studies conducted in Ethiopia show a high discrepancy in the prevalence of uterine rupture, which ranges between 1.6 and 16.7%. There also lacks a national study on this issue in Ethiopia. This systematic and meta-analysis, therefore, was conducted to assess the prevalence and determinants of uterine rupture in Ethiopia. We followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines for systematic review and meta-analysis of studies. All observational published studies were retrieved using relevant search terms in Google scholar, African Journals Online, CINHAL, HINARI, Science Direct, Cochrane Library, EMBASE and PubMed (Medline) databases. Newcastle–Ottawa assessment checklist for observational studies was used for critical appraisal of the included articles. The meta-analysis was done with STATA version 14 software. The I² test statistics were used to assess heterogeneity among included studies, and publication bias was assessed using Begg's and Egger's tests. Odds ratio (OR) with a 95% confidence interval (CI) was presented using forest plots. A total of twelve studies were included in this study. The pooled prevalence of uterine rupture was 3.98% (95% CI 3.02, 4.95). The highest (7.82%) and lowest (1.53%) prevalence were identified in Amhara and Southern Nations, Nationality and Peoples Region (SNNPR), respectively. Determinants of uterine rupture were urban residence (OR = 0.15 (95% CI 0.09, 0.23)), primipara (OR = 0.12 (95% CI 0.06, 0.27)), previous cesarean section (OR = 3.23 (95% CI 2.12, 4.92)), obstructed labor(OR = 12.21 (95% CI 6.01, 24.82)), and partograph utilization (OR = 0.12 (95% CI 0.09, 0.17)). Almost one in twenty-five mothers had uterine rupture in Ethiopia. Urban residence, primiparity, previous cesarean section, obstructed labor and partograph utilization were significantly associated with uterine rupture. Therefore, intervention programs should address the identified factors to reduce the prevalence of uterine rupture.

Considering Labor After Cesarean in a Woman with Class 3 Obesity

Because of the high cesarean rate in the United States, perinatal care providers are increasingly called upon to counsel women considering labor after cesarean. This counseling can be more complicated for women with class 3 obesity, defined as a body mass index at or exceeding 40. Although labor after cesarean may be less likely to result in successful vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC) for this population, the risks of repeat cesarean are also higher for these women. This case report describes the benefits and risks of labor after cesarean, the chance of successful VBAC, and clinical recommendations to aid women in achieving VBAC when class 3 obesity is present.

Cesarean scar thickness in non-pregnant women as a risk factor for uterine rupture

Introduction: Whether there is an association between residual myometrial thickness (RMT) after cesarean section (CS) and the risk of uterine rupture (UR) or uterine scar dehiscence at the subsequent delivery has been sparsely investigated.Materials and methods: Our cohort included 149 women with a first CS in whom we measured RMT by transvaginal ultrasonography 6-15 months after their delivery. We did a follow-up study on delivery outcomes in the women's subsequent births. The exposure was scar measurements in the non-pregnant uterus, and the primary outcome was a diagnosis of UR or dehiscence. We calculated likelihood ratios (LRs) with 95% confidence intervals of having UR or dehiscence with a thin RMT (<3 mm).Results: Among the 149 women, 39 had a repeat CS (14 scheduled and 25 unscheduled procedures), and within these, we found one woman with UR and five women with uterine dehiscence. The proportion of women with a thin RMT was significantly higher among cases (4/6) than in controls (4/33); the LR was 5.5 (95% CI 1.9-16.2).Conclusions: The results suggest a significant association between a thin RMT as measured by transvaginal ultrasonography in the non-pregnant uterus after a first scheduled CS and the risk of UR or dehiscence at a subsequent delivery.

Maternal risk factors for adverse outcome in asphyxiated newborns treated with hypothermia: parity and labor duration matter

Introduction: Perinatal asphyxia remains a frequent cause of neonatal mortality and long-term neurodevelopmental sequelae, despite the introduction of therapeutic hypothermia. Specific maternal characteristics may predispose asphyxiated newborns treated with hypothermia to worse outcome.Objective: To investigate the possible association between specific maternal factors and adverse outcome in asphyxiated newborns treated with hypothermia.Methods: We conducted a retrospective review of our database of 215 asphyxiated newborns treated with hypothermia from 2008 to 2015. We collected maternal characteristics including parity and labor duration, and we defined adverse outcome as death and/or brain injury. We compared the maternal characteristics between the asphyxiated newborns who developed adverse outcome and those who did not.Results: Asphyxiated newborns born to nulliparous mothers had a significantly higher risk of adverse outcome (61%), compared to asphyxiated newborns born from primiparous (19%) and multiparous (20%) mothers (p = .002). Labor duration was longer in nulliparous mothers (p = .04). Among mothers who delivered vaginally, labor duration was significantly longer in newborns developing adverse outcome (p = .04). In multivariable analysis, parity was confirmed as an independent predictor of adverse outcome in all newborns, but labor duration showed a borderline non-significant association with adverse outcome (p = .051) only in newborns born vaginally. Labor duration beyond 12 h of life was associated with maximal sensitivity and specificity in detecting asphyxiated newborns at an increased risk of adverse outcome despite hypothermia treatment (AUC 0.62, p = .044).Conclusions: Newborns with evidence of perinatal asphyxia, born to nulliparous mothers, and especially to those in whom the duration of labor has been prolonged, might be at higher risk of death or brain injury despite the use of therapeutic hypothermia.

The rate and perioperative mortality of caesarean section in Sierra Leone

Introduction

Sierra Leone has the world’s highest maternal mortality, partly due to low access to caesarean section. Limited data are available to guide improvement. In this study, we aimed to analyse the rate and mortality of caesarean sections in the country.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective study of all caesarean sections and all reported in-facility maternal deaths in Sierra Leone in 2016. All facilities performing caesarean sections were visited. Data on in-facility maternal deaths were retrieved from the Maternal Death Surveillance and Response database. Caesarean section mortality was defined as in-facility perioperative mortality.

Results

In 2016, there were 7357 caesarean sections in Sierra Leone. This yields a population rate of 2.9% of all live births, a 35% increase from 2012, with district rates ranging from 0.4% to 5.2%. The most common indications for surgery were obstructed labour (42%), hypertensive disorders (25%) and haemorrhage (22%). Ninety-nine deaths occurred during or after caesarean section, and the in-facility perioperative caesarean section mortality rate was 1.5% (median 0.7%, IQR 0–2.2). Haemorrhage was the leading cause of death (73%), and of those who died during or after surgery, 80% had general anaesthesia, 75% received blood transfusion and 22% had a uterine rupture diagnosed.

Conclusions

The caesarean section rate has increased rapidly in Sierra Leone, but the distribution remains uneven. Caesarean section mortality is high, but there is wide variation. More access to caesarean sections for maternal and neonatal complications is needed in underserved areas, and expansion should be coupled with efforts to limit late presentation, to offer assisted vaginal delivery when indicated and to ensure optimal perioperative care.

Planned mode of delivery after previous cesarean section and short-term maternal and perinatal outcomes: A population-based record linkage cohort study in Scotland

BACKGROUND

Policy consensus in high-income countries supports offering pregnant women with previous cesarean section a choice between planning an elective repeat cesarean section (ERCS) or attempting a vaginal birth, known as a planned vaginal birth after previous cesarean (VBAC), provided they do not have contraindications to planned VBAC. However, robust comprehensive information on the associated outcomes to counsel eligible women about this choice is lacking. This study investigated the short-term maternal and perinatal outcomes associated with planned mode of delivery after previous cesarean section among women delivering a term singleton and considered eligible to have a planned VBAC.

METHODS AND FINDINGS

A population-based cohort of 74,043 term singleton births in Scotland between 2002 and 2015 to women with one or more previous cesarean sections was conducted using linked Scottish national datasets. Logistic or modified Poisson regression, as appropriate, was used to estimate the effect of planned mode of delivery on maternal and perinatal outcomes adjusted for sociodemographic, maternal medical, and obstetric-related characteristics. A total of 45,579 women gave birth by ERCS, and 28,464 had a planned VBAC, 28.4% of whom went on to have an in-labor nonelective repeat cesarean section. Compared to women delivering by ERCS, those who had a planned VBAC were significantly more likely to have uterine rupture (0.24%, n = 69 versus 0.04%, n = 17, adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 7.3, 95% confidence interval [CI] 3.9-13.9, p < 0.001), a blood transfusion (1.14%, n = 324 versus 0.50%, n = 226, aOR 2.3, 95% CI 1.9-2.8, p < 0.001), puerperal sepsis (0.27%, n = 76 versus 0.17%, n = 78, aOR 1.8, 95% CI 1.3-2.7, p = 0.002), and surgical injury (0.17% versus 0.09%, n = 40, aOR 3.0, 95% CI 1.8-4.8, p < 0.001) and experience adverse perinatal outcomes including perinatal death, admission to a neonatal unit, resuscitation requiring drugs and/or intubation, and an Apgar score < 7 at 5 minutes (7.99%, n = 2,049 versus 6.37%, n = 2,570, aOR 1.6, 95% CI 1.5-1.7, p < 0.001). However, women who had a planned VBAC were more likely than those delivering by ERCS to breastfeed at birth or hospital discharge (63.6%, n = 14,906 versus 54.5%, n = 21,403, adjusted risk ratio [aRR] 1.2, 95% CI 1.1-1.2, p < 0.001) and were more likely to breastfeed at 6-8 weeks postpartum (43.6%, n = 10,496 versus 34.5%, n = 13,556, aRR 1.2, 95% CI 1.2-1.3, p < 0.001). The effect of planned mode of delivery on the mother's risk of having a postnatal stay greater than 5 days, an overnight readmission to hospital within 42 days of birth, and other puerperal infection varied according to whether she had any prior vaginal deliveries and, in the case of length of postnatal stay, also varied according to the number of prior cesarean sections. The study is mainly limited by the potential for residual confounding and misclassification bias.

CONCLUSIONS

Among women considered eligible to have a planned VBAC, planned VBAC compared to ERCS is associated with an increased risk of the mother having serious birth-related maternal and perinatal complications. Conversely, planned VBAC is associated with an increased likelihood of breastfeeding, whereas the effect on other maternal outcomes differs according to whether a woman has any prior vaginal deliveries and the number of prior cesarean sections she has had. However, the absolute risk of adverse outcomes is small for either delivery approach. This information can be used to counsel and manage the increasing number of women with previous cesarean section, but more research is needed on longer-term outcomes.

Cesarean delivery to prevent anal incontinence: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Cesarean delivery (CD), is increasingly recommended as a mode of delivery that prevents the anal incontinence (AI) that arises in some women after vaginal delivery (VD). The assessment of the efficacy of CD in this regard was the subject of this systematic review.

METHODS

Searches were conducted in Medline, EMBASE and the Cochrane Library. Both randomized (RCTs) and non-randomized trials (NRTs) comparing the risk of sustained fecal and/or flatus incontinence after VD or CD were sought from 1966 to 1 January, 2019. Studies were eligible if they assessed AI more than 6 months after birth, and had statistical adjustment for at least one of the three major confounders for AI: age, maternal weight or parity. In addition, each study was required to contain more than 250 participants, more than 50 CDs and more than 25 cases of AI. Data after screening and selection were abstracted and entered into Revman for meta-analysis. Analyses were done for combined fecal and flatus incontinence (comAI), fecal incontinence (FI), gas incontinence (GI), CD before or during labor, time trend of incontinence after delivery, assessment of both statistical and clinical heterogeneity, parity and late incident AI.

RESULTS

Out of the 2526 titles and abstracts found, 24 eligible studies were analyzed, 23 NRTs and one RCT. These included women with 29,597 VDs and women with 6821 CDs. Among the primary outcomes, VD was found not to be a significant predictor of postpartum comAI compared to CD in 6 studies, incorporating 18,951 deliveries (OR = 0.74; 0.54-1.02). VD was also not a significant predictor of FI in 14 studies, incorporating 29,367 deliveries, (OR = 0.89; 0.76-1.05). VD was not a significant predictor of GI in six studies, incorporating 6724 deliveries (OR = 0.96; 0.79-1.18). The strength of the grading of recommendations, assessment, development and evaluations (GRADE) evidence for each of these was low for comAI and moderate for FI and GI (upgrade for lack of expected effect). Time trend FI showed incontinence at 3 months often resolved at 1 year. Other secondary analyses assessing parity, delayed incidence of FI, clinical and statistical heterogeneity, spontaneous VD only, late risk of incidence of AI, and CD in or prior to labor all had similar results as in the primary outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS

There are three components of pelvic floor dysfunction that are thought to be caused by VD and hopefully prevented by CD: AI, urinary incontinence and pelvic floor prolapse. Of these, AI was not found to be reliably prevented by CD in this review.

Comparison of the lower uterine segment in pregnant women with and without previous cesarean section in 3 T MRI

BACKGROUND

Prenatal risk stratification of women with previous cesarean section (CS) by ultrasound thickness measurement of the lower uterine segment (LUS) is challenging. There is a wide range of proposed cutoff values and a valuable algorithm for selection before birth is not available. Using 3 T magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), we aimed to identify possible shortcomings of the current protocols used for birth selection after CS. Therefore, we evaluated anatomic and morphologic differences of the LUS and its thickness in patients with CS and those without. Possible impact factors on LUS thickness were studied.

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed 3 T MRI scans of 164 pregnant women in their second or third trimester, with (patient group, n = 60) and without previous CS (control group, n = 104). Sagittal T2-weighted images were studied. Normal findings of the LUS in MRI, reliability of MRI measurements, as well as factors influencing LUS thickness were assessed. MRI findings were compared to intraoperative findings.

RESULTS

MRI provided good intra- (ICC 0.872) and fair inter-rater reliability (ICC 0.643). The relationship of the LUS and the cesarean scar to the surrounding anatomical structures and also its morphology varied strongly in patients and controls. Scar identification was possible in only 9/60 (15.0%) patients. The LUS was thinner in patients (1.9 ± 0.7 mm) than in controls (2.7 ± 1.3 mm). An LUS thinning up to 1 mm was observed in 23% of women without a previous CS and in 34% of women with normal intraoperative findings. Suspicion of a uterine dehiscence (LUS thickness < 1 mm) was only found in the patient group (5/59 (8.5%)) and was intraoperatively confirmed. In controls, LUS thickness was influenced by fetal weight, gestational age and amniotic fluid amounts.

CONCLUSION

Variability in anatomy, thickness and morphology seem to limit common prenatal LUS imaging diagnostics. Therefore, we consider that diagnostic protocols must be re-evaluated and imaging should be adjusted to the individual patient conditions. Due to its independency of ultrasound limitations, an additional MRI might be useful for altered anatomy and impaired ultrasound conditions. An LUS thinning up to 1 mm might be a normal finding and should be further investigated as reference value.

What maternal morbidities are and what they mean for women: A thematic analysis of twenty years of qualitative research in low and lower-middle income countries

Background

With an estimated 27 million annual incidents of maternal morbidity globally, how they are manifested or experienced is diverse and shaped by societal, cultural and personal influences. Using qualitative research to examine a woman's perception of her pregnancy, its complications, and potential long-term impact on her life can inform public health approaches and complement and inform biomedical classifications of maternal morbidities, historically considered a neglected dimension of safe motherhood. As part of the WHO’s Maternal Morbidity Working Group’s efforts to define and measure maternal morbidity, we carried out a thematic analysis of the qualitative literature published between 1998 and 2017 on how women experience maternal morbidity in low and lower-middle income countries.

Results and conclusions

Analysis of the 71 papers included in this study shows that women’s status, their marital relationships, cultural attitudes towards fertility and social responses to infertility and pregnancy trauma are fundamental to determining how they will experience morbidity in the pregnancy and postpartum periods. We explore the physical, economic, psychological and social repercussions pregnancy can produce for women, and how resource disadvantage (systemic, financial and contextual) can exacerbate these problems. In addition to an analysis of ten themes that emerged across the different contexts, this paper presents which morbidities have received attention in different regions and the trends in researching morbidities over time. We observed an increase in qualitative research on this topic, generally undertaken through interviews and focus groups. Our analysis calls for the pursuit of high quality qualitative research that includes repeat interviews, participant observation and triangulation of sources to inform and fuel critical advocacy and programmatic work on maternal morbidities that addresses their prevention and management, as well as the underlying systemic problems for women’s status in society.

Primary post-partum haemorrhage - Causation and management

This paper looks to investigate the causes and management of haemorrhage in the post-partum patient, considering the causes of obstetric bleeding and interventions that may be employed to arrest it.

Uterine rupture among mothers admitted for obstetrics care and associated factors in referral hospitals of Amhara regional state, institution-based cross-sectional study, Northern Ethiopia, 2013-2017

BACKGROUND

Maternal morbidity and mortality have been one of the most challenging health problems that concern the globe over the years. Uterine rupture is one of the peripartum complications, which cause nearly about one out of thirteen maternal deaths. This study aimed to assess the prevalence and associated factors of uterine rupture among obstetric case in referral hospitals of Amhara Regional State, Northern Ethiopia.

METHODS

Institution based cross sectional study was conducted from Dec 5-2017-Jan 5-2018 on uterine rupture. During the study randomly selected 750 charts were included by using simple random sampling method. Data were checked, coded and entered into Epi info version 7.2 and then exported to SPSS Version 20 for Analysis. Binary Logistic regression was used to identify the predictors of uterine rupture and 95% Confidence Interval of odds ratio at p-value less than 0.05 was taken as a significance level.

RESULT

The overall prevalence of uterine rupture was 16.68% (95% CI: 14%, 19.2%). Distance from health facility >10km (Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR) = 2.44; 95%CI:1.13,5.28), parity between II and IV (AOR = 7.26;95% (3.06,17.22)) and ≥V (AOR = 12.55;95% CI 3.64,43.20), laboring for >24hours(AO = 3.44; 95% CI:1.49,7.92), with referral paper(AOR = 2.94;95%CI:1.28,6.55) diagnosed with obstructed labor (AOR = 4.88;95%CI: 2.22,10.70), precipitated labor (AOR = 3.59;95%CI:1.10,11.77), destructive delivery (AOR = 5.18;95%: 1.22,20.08), No partograph (AOR = 5.21; 95% CI: 2.72,9.97), CPD(AOR = 4.08;95%CI:1.99,8.33), morbidly adherent placenta (AOR = 9.00;95%:2.46,27.11), gestational diabetic militias (AOR = 5.78; 95%CI:1. 12,20 .00 ), history of myomectomy(AOR = 5.00;95%CI:1.33,18.73), induction and augmentation of labor (AOR = 2.34;95%:1.15,4.72) obstetric procedure (AOR = 2.54;95%: 1.09,5.91), previous caesarian deliveries 4.90 (2.13,11.26) were found to be significantly associated with uterine rupture.

CONCLUSION

This finding showed that the prevalence of uterine rupture is higher. A more vigilant approach to prevent prolonged and obstructed labor, use of partograph, quick referral to a well-equipped center and prevention of other obstetrics complications need to be focused on.

Uterine rupture in pregnancy after an intervention complicated by uterine perforation: Case report and systematic review of literature

OBJECTIVES

The present study is a descriptive study of characteristics of women who had a uterine rupture during pregnancy with a history of uterine perforation and no previous caesarean section.

STUDY DESIGN

We present a case report of a woman with a uterine rupture in pregnancy subsequent to a perforation made by uterine sounding and we performed a systematic review including all case-reports of uterine ruptures after perforation during dilatation and curettage or due to uterine sounding.

RESULTS

14 case-reports were included in this review. 12 out of 14 women presented with abdominal pain prior to the uterine rupture. In eight out of 14 cases an abdominal ultrasound was performed and in five ultrasounds a uterine wall defect was detected, in two other cases free fluid was visible and in one case fetal bradycardia was seen. Neonatal outcome was uneventful in six cases, there where two immature fetuses born and in two cases there was fetal demise.

CONCLUSION

Uterine rupture in a (supposed) unscarred uterus is a relatively unknown complication. We recommend clinicians to be aware of uterine rupture in pregnant women with abdominal pain and a history of uterine manipulation. When a uterine rupture is suspected and mother and fetus are in suspected good condition, an ultrasound examination could be an easy and fast next step.

First and Third Trimester Uterine Scar Thickness in Women With Previous Caesarean: A Prospective Comparative Study

BACKGROUND

Lower uterine segment (LUS) thickness in the third trimester of gestation is associated with the risk of uterine scar defect at delivery. It was suggested that first trimester residual myometrial thickness (RMT) could also predict uterine scar defect at delivery.

OBJECTIVE

This study sought to correlate the RMT measured at the site of uterine scar in the first trimester with the LUS thickness measured in the third trimester.

METHODS

This was a prospective cohort study of women with a singleton pregnancy and a single prior low-transverse CS. All participants underwent an evaluation of uterine scar by using transvaginal ultrasound at 11 to 13 weeks, including the presence of a scar defect and measurement of RMT; and a second evaluation at 35 to 38 weeks, combining both transvaginal and transabdominal ultrasound, for the measurement of LUS thickness. Spearman's correlation test was used to compare first and third trimester measurements.

RESULTS

A total of 166 eligible participants were recruited at mean GA of 12.7 ± 0.5 weeks. We observed an absence of correlation between first trimester RMT and third trimester LUS thickness (correlation coefficient 0.10; P = 0.20). First trimester RMTs below 2.0 mm and below 2.85 mm are poor predictors of third trimester LUS thickness below 2.0 mm (sensitivity, 8% and 23%; specificity, 98% and 87%; positive predictive value, 25% and 14%, respectively).

CONCLUSION

There is a poor correlation between first trimester RMT and third trimester LUS thickness in women with a previous CS. First trimester RMT should not be used to inform women on their risk of uterine rupture or to guide clinical management.

Vaginal birth after prior myomectomy

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this retrospective cohort study was to evaluate the obstetrical and perinatal outcomes of vaginal birth in case of pregnancies achieved after prior myomectomy. We also analyzed how operative characteristics at the time of surgery might influence the choice of obstetricians about mode of delivery.

STUDY DESIGN

We analyzed retrospectively all women who underwent laparoscopic (LPS) or laparotomic (LPT) myomectomy between January 2002 and December 2014, in a network of three Institutions belonging to the University of Milano Bicocca, Italy. Women were contacted by phone interview and only cases with available follow-up data and who had a subsequent pregnancy were included. Operative characteristics and subsequent obstetrical outcomes were recorded and analyzed.

RESULTS

469 women who underwent myomectomy were contacted by phone interview, and 152 pregnancies were achieved after surgery, 96 after LPS and 56 after LPT. A total of 110 pregnancies ended in deliveries at ≥24 weeks. Seventy-three (66.4%) women had trial of labor after myomectomy (TOLAM), while 24 (21.8%) had a planned cesarean delivery (CD). Sixty-six (90.4%) of the TOLAM cases successfully accomplished vaginal delivery. No cases of uterine rupture (UR) were reported, and all deliveries ended in live births. The incidence of Neonatal Intensive Care Unit admission was 14.5% (16/110), with no cases of perinatal death. Comparing the surgical details at the time of myomectomy, the incidence of uterine cavity entered was significantly higher in planned CD group compared to TOLAM cases (p < 0.001). No other significant difference between the two groups was reported.

CONCLUSIONS

A successful vaginal delivery was accomplished by 90.4% of women who had TOLAM, without any case of UR or severe maternal and perinatal complications. TOLAM may be considered and offered as feasible and relatively safe option. Obstetricians' attitude toward mode of delivery after prior myomectomy seems to be influenced by the reported entry into the uterine cavity at the time of surgery.

Determinants of uterine rupture among cases of Adama city public and private hospitals, Oromia, Ethiopia: a case control study

BACKGROUND

Ethiopia is among the ten world countries with highest maternal death rates that accounts for more than 59% of global maternal deaths. Uterine rupture is one of the dangerous obstetric problems with high potential of causing maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality. The case fatality rate of uterine rupture is high and hence identifying factors associated with uterine rupture remains important to guide decision makers and practitioners. The study aimed to identify factors associated with uterine rupture among clients managed in Adama city public and private hospitals during January 2011 to December, 2015.

METHODS

Unmatched case control study design was employed. The sample size was determined using computer software considering the basic statistical assumptions and accordingly a total of 432 women, (144 with uterine rupture as cases and 288 with spontaneous vaginal delivery as controls) managed in all hospitals during the study period were included in the study. A data collection tool that contains available variables was designed and used to extract data from log books and client cards. Data were entered into EPI-Info-7 and exported to Stata-12 for cleaning and analysis. The study participants were characterized using descriptive statistics. The associations between uterine rupture and independent variables were modeled using binary logistic regression analysis. The association between independent variables and uterine rupture was estimated using odds ratio with 95% confidence intervals. The statistical significance of the association was declared at P-value < 0.05.

RESULTS

The odds of having a uterine rupture were found to be more than six times higher among rural residents (AOR = 6.29; 95% CI: 3.39, 11.66) compared to urban. Other independent predictors include gravidity of five or more (AOR = 27.89; 95% CI: 8.42, 92.34), having a history of cesarean section scar (AOR = 9.94; 95% CI: 3.39, 11.66) and not having an antenatal care visit (AOR = 9.64; 95% CI: 4.37, 21.29).

CONCLUSION

Rural residence, multigravidas, cesarean section scar and not having an antenatal care visit were independent predictors of uterine rupture in the current study. Therefore, improving access and strengthening essential obstetric care, antenatal and family planning services with complete packages are crucial interventions in the reduction of the odds of having uterine rupture. In addition, the strengthening of the referral system is mandatory for women residing in rural areas.