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

A randomized controlled trial reducing cesarean delivery rates in China by introducing trial of labor after cesarean and electrohysterography

OBJECTIVE

A cesarean delivery (CD) can affect health of both mother and child and future pregnancies. Since the abandonment of the one-child policy in China, obstetricians tend to perform a repeat CD rather than a trial of labor after cesarean (TOLAC). This study aims to reduce CD rates by increasing vaginal births after cesarean (VBAC) rates and introducing electrohysterography (EHG) for accurate monitoring.

METHODS

In total, 82 women received counseling regarding TOLAC at the Shijiazhuang Sixth Hospital in China. Women opting for TOLAC were randomized for either external tocodynamometry (TOCO, i.e. standard care) or EHG. The primary outcome was the VBAC rate. Secondary outcomes were indications for CD, percentage of assisted vaginal deliveries, labor duration, maternal blood loss, complications and neonatal outcomes.

RESULTS

After accounting for preterm delivery and dropouts, all counseled women opted for a TOLAC (100%). After randomization, 42 women were included in the TOCO-group and 37 in the EHG-group. Women did not receive pain medication and labor was not augmented with oxytocin. The VBAC rate was 71.4% in the TOCO-group, versus 78.4% in the EHG-group (p = .48). Birth was assisted with forceps in 11.9% of TOCO-group versus 2.7% of EHG-group (p = .21). One secondary CD (i.e. a shift from intended vaginal delivery to surgical delivery within the same labor) was performed because of a suspicion of uterine rupture (TOCO-group). Other indications for CD were: fetal distress, labor dystocia, fetal position, cephalopelvic disproportion. There were no significant differences in secondary study outcomes. No complications were reported.

CONCLUSION

This study showed an average VBAC rate of 75%, without any complications, in a hospital with no previous experience with TOLAC. The VBAC rate with EHG-monitoring was higher than TOCO, although this difference was not significant. To demonstrate a significant difference, larger clinical studies are necessary.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

The Daily Board of the Medical Ethics Committee of The Maternal and Child Hospital of Shijiazhuang approved the study protocol (number 20171018, Dutch Trial Register NL8199).

Clinical analysis of incomplete rupture of the uterus secondary to previous cesarean section

Uterine rupture is a rupture of the body or lower part of the uterus during pregnancy or delivery. Total of 98 cases with incomplete uterine rupture were classified as the incomplete uterine rupture group, 100 cases with a history of cesarean delivery without uterine rupture were classified as the non-ruptured uterus group, and controls were selected using a systematic sampling method. The maternal age ≥35 years were associated with 2.18 times higher odds of having an incomplete uterine rupture. The odd of having an incomplete uterine rupture was 3.744 times higher for a woman with delivery interval ≤36 months. Having pregnancy complication was associated with 3.961 times higher odds of having an incomplete uterine rupture. The neonatal weight was lighter in the incomplete uterine rupture group (P = 0.007). The number of preterm birth and transfer to the NICU were higher in the incomplete uterine rupture group (P ＜ 0.01). The operation time and the length of time in hospital were longer in the group with incomplete uterine rupture (P ＜ 0.01). Age ≥35 years, delivery interval ≤36 month, and pregnancy with complication were independent risk factors of incomplete rupture of the uterus secondary to previous cesarean section.

Obstetric complications and outcomes of singleton pregnancy with previous caesarean section according to maternal age

INTRODUCTION

To delineate obstetric complications and neonatal outcomes by maternal age in singleton pregnancies with previous caesarean section (CS).

METHODS

A retrospective study involved 7715 singleton gestations with previous CS was conducted in a single centre. Statistical methods were used to describe and analyse the incidence of various complications and adverse outcomes classified by maternal ages. After selecting the reference group (30-34 years), multivariate logistic-binomial regression model was used to investigate the outcomes using SPSS.

RESULTS

From 2013 to 2017, the proportion of advanced maternal age (AMA, ≥35 years) women with a history of CS increased yearly, especially in the 35-39 years age group. AMA women accounted for 39.4% of all pregnancies and has a high incidence of in vitro fertilization(IVF), progesterone therapy in early pregnancy, pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH), gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), placenta previa, premature rupture of membranes (PROM) and postpartum haemorrhage (PPH). Compared to the 30-34 years group, the risks of PIH, GDM, placenta previa, PROM and PPH increased in AMA pregnancies. Very advanced age (≥40 years) may be associated with placenta accreta while young mothers (20-24 years) have a higher prevalence of premature birth. Vaginal bleeding during pregnancy is a risk factor for maternal complications, maternal and neonatal morbidity.

DISCUSSION

AMA is associated with increased risk of PIH, GDM, placenta previa, PROM and PPH. Vaginal bleeding may be a predictor during pregnancy.