Neonatal developmental and behavioral outcomes of immediate delivery versus expectant monitoring in mild hypertensive disorders of pregnancy: 2-year outcomes of the HYPITAT-II trial

BACKGROUND

Management of preterm hypertensive disorders remains a clinical dilemma. The maternal benefits of delivery need to be weighed against the adverse neonatal consequences of preterm birth. Long-term consequences of obstetric management in offspring of women with hypertensive disorders in preterm pregnancy are largely unknown. We report child neurodevelopmental and behavioral outcomes at 2 years after the Hypertension and Preeclampsia Intervention Trial at near Term (HYPITAT-II) trial, which compared immediate delivery versus expectant monitoring in mild late preterm hypertensive disorders of pregnancy.

OBJECTIVE

To compare effects of immediate delivery vs expectant monitoring on neurodevelopmental and behavioral outcomes at 2 years of age in offspring of women with mild late preterm hypertensive disorders.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We studied children born in the HYPITAT-II trial, a study in which women (n = 704) with hypertensive disorders of pregnancy who were between 34 and 37 weeks' gestation were randomized to immediate delivery or expectant monitoring. Participating women were asked to complete the Ages and Stages Questionnaire for developmental outcome and the Child Behavior Checklist for behavioral problems when their toddlers were 2 years old.

RESULTS

We approached 545 of 704 randomized women (77%); 330 of 545 (61%) returned the questionnaires. In the immediate delivery group, 45 of 162 infants (28%) had an abnormal Ages and Stages Questionnaire score compared to 27 of 148 (18%) in the expectant monitoring group (risk difference, 9.6%; 95% CI, 0.3-18.0%); P = .045. In the pregnancies (n = 94) that delivered before reaching 36 weeks, 27% (n = 25) had an abnormal Ages and Stages Questionnaire score compared to 22% (n = 47) when delivered after 36 weeks (odds ratio, 0.77; confidence interval, 0.44-1.34). An abnormal Child Behavior Checklist outcome was found in 31 of 175 (18%) in the delivery group vs 24 of 166 (15%) in the expectant monitoring group (risk difference, 3.2%; 95% CI, -4.6% to 11.0%). After correction for maternal education, management strategy remained an independent predictor of abnormal Ages and Stages Questionnaire score (odds ratio, 0.48; confidence interval, 0.24 to -0.96, P = .03). In multivariable analyses, low birth weight, low maternal education, and immediate delivery policy were all significantly associated with an abnormal Ages and Stages Questionnaire score.

CONCLUSION

In this study, we found that early delivery in women with late preterm hypertensive disorders is associated with poorer neurodevelopmental outcomes in their children at 2 years of age. These findings indicate an increased risk of developmental delay after early delivery compared to expectant monitoring. This follow-up study underlines the conclusion of the original HYPITAT-II study that, until the clinical situation deteriorates, expectant monitoring remains the most appropriate management strategy in the light of short- and long-term neonatal outcomes in women with preterm hypertensive disorders.

Continuous glucose monitoring during diabetic pregnancy (GlucoMOMS): A multicentre randomized controlled trial

AIM

Diabetes is associated with a high risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes. Optimal glycaemic control is fundamental and is traditionally monitored with self-measured glucose profiles and periodic HbA1c measurements. We investigated the effectiveness of additional use of retrospective continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) in diabetic pregnancies.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

We performed a nationwide multicentre, open label, randomized, controlled trial to study pregnant women with type 1 or type 2 diabetes who were undergoing insulin therapy at gestational age < 16 weeks, or women who were undergoing insulin treatment for gestational diabetes at gestational age < 30 weeks. Women were randomly allocated (1:1) to intermittent use of retrospective CGM or to standard treatment. Glycaemic control was assessed by CGM for 5-7 days every 6 weeks in the CGM group, while self-monitoring of blood glucose and HbA1c measurements were applied in both groups. Primary outcome was macrosomia, defined as birth weight above the 90th percentile. Secondary outcomes were glycaemic control and maternal and neonatal complications.

RESULTS

Between July 2011 and September 2015, we randomized 300 pregnant women with type 1 (n = 109), type 2 (n = 82) or with gestational (n = 109) diabetes to either CGM (n = 147) or standard treatment (n = 153). The incidence of macrosomia was 31.0% in the CGM group and 28.4% in the standard treatment group (relative risk [RR], 1.06; 95% CI, 0.83-1.37). HbA1c levels were similar between treatment groups.

CONCLUSIONS

In diabetic pregnancy, use of intermittent retrospective CGM did not reduce the risk of macrosomia. CGM provides detailed information concerning glycaemic fluctuations but, as a treatment strategy, does not translate into improved pregnancy outcome.

New diagnostic criteria for gestational diabetes mellitus and their impact on the number of diagnoses and pregnancy outcomes

AIMS/HYPOTHESIS

Detection and management of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) are crucial to reduce the risk of pregnancy-related complications for both mother and child. In 2013, the WHO adopted new diagnostic criteria for GDM to improve pregnancy outcomes. However, the evidence supporting these criteria is limited. Consequently, these new criteria have not yet been endorsed in the Netherlands. The aim of this study was to determine the impact of these criteria on the number of GDM diagnoses and pregnancy outcomes.

METHODS

Data were available from 10,642 women who underwent a 75 g OGTT because of risk factors or signs suggestive of GDM. Women were treated if diagnosed with GDM according to the WHO 1999 criteria. Data on pregnancy outcomes were obtained from extensive chart reviews from 4,431 women and were compared between women with normal glucose tolerance (NGT) and women classified into the following groups: (1) GDM according to WHO 1999 criteria; (2) GDM according to WHO 2013 criteria; (3) GDM according to WHO 2013 fasting glucose threshold, but not WHO 1999 criteria; and (4) GDM according to WHO 1999 2 h plasma glucose threshold (2HG), but not WHO 2013 criteria.

RESULTS

Applying the new WHO 2013 criteria would have increased the number of diagnoses by 45% (32% vs 22%) in this population of women at higher risk for GDM. In comparison with women with NGT, women classified as having GDM based only on the WHO 2013 threshold for fasting glucose, who were not treated for GDM, were more likely to have been obese (46.1% vs 28.1%, p < 0.001) and hypertensive (3.3% vs 1.2%, p < 0.001) before pregnancy, and to have had higher rates of gestational hypertension (7.8% vs 4.9%, p = 0.003), planned Caesarean section (10.3% vs 6.5%, p = 0.001) and induction of labour (34.8% vs 28.0%, p = 0.001). In addition, their neonates were more likely to have had an Apgar score <7 at 5 min (4.4% vs 2.6%, p = 0.015) and to have been admitted to the Neonatology Department (15.0% vs 11.1%, p = 0.004). The number of large for gestational age (LGA) neonates was not significantly different between the two groups. Women potentially missed owing to the higher 2HG threshold set by WHO 2013 had similar pregnancy outcomes to women with NGT. These women were all treated for GDM with diet and 20.5% received additional insulin.

CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION

Applying the WHO 2013 criteria will have a major impact on the number of GDM diagnoses. Using the fasting glucose threshold set by WHO 2013 identifies a group of women with an increased risk of adverse outcomes compared with women with NGT. We therefore support the use of a lower fasting glucose threshold in the Dutch national guideline for GDM diagnosis. However, adopting the WHO 2013 criteria with a higher 2HG threshold would exclude women in whom treatment for GDM seems to be effective.

Women's Experiences with and Preference for Induction of Labor with Oral Misoprostol or Foley Catheter at Term

Objective We assessed experience and preferences among term women undergoing induction of labor with oral misoprostol or Foley catheter. Study Design In 18 of the 29 participating hospitals in the PROBAAT-II trial, women were asked to complete a questionnaire within 24 hours after delivery. We adapted a validated questionnaire about expectancy and experience of labor and asked women whether they would prefer the same method again in a future pregnancy. Results The questionnaire was completed by 502 (72%) of 695 eligible women; 273 (54%) had been randomly allocated to oral misoprostol and 229 (46%) to Foley catheter. Experience of the duration of labor, pain during labor, general satisfaction with labor, and feelings of control and fear related to their expectation were comparable between both the groups. In the oral misoprostol group, 6% of the women would prefer the other method if induction is necessary in future pregnancy, versus 12% in the Foley catheter group (risk ratio: 0.70; 95% confidence interval: 0.55-0.90; p = 0.02). Conclusion Women's experiences of labor after induction with oral misoprostol or Foley catheter are comparable. However, women in the Foley catheter group prefer more often to choose a different method for future inductions.

Neonatal and obstetric outcomes in diet- and insulin-treated women with gestational diabetes mellitus: a retrospective study

BACKGROUND

To evaluate the neonatal and obstetric outcomes of pregnancies complicated by gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). Screening and treatment - diet-only versus additional insulin therapy - were based on the 2010 national Dutch guidelines.

METHODS

Retrospective study of the electronic medical files of 820 singleton GDM pregnancies treated between January 2011 and September 2014 in a university and non-university hospital. Pregnancy outcomes were compared between regular care treatment regimens -diet-only versus additional insulin therapy- and pregnancy outcomes of the Northern region of the Netherlands served as a reference population.

RESULTS

A total of 460 women (56 %) met glycaemic control on diet-only and 360 women (44 %) required additional insulin therapy. Between the groups, there were no differences in perinatal complications (mortality, birth trauma, hyperbilirubinaemia, hypoglycaemia), small for gestational age, large for gestational age (LGA), neonate weighing >4200 g, neonate weighing ≥4500 g, Apgar score <7 at 5 min, respiratory support, preterm delivery, and admission to the neonatology department. Neonates born in the insulin-group had a lower birth weight compared with the diet-group (3364 vs. 3467 g, p = 0.005) and a lower gestational age at birth (p = 0.001). However, birth weight was not different between the groups when expressed in percentiles, adjusted for gestational age, gender, parity, and ethnicity. The occurrence of preeclampsia and gestational hypertension was comparable between the groups. In the insulin-group, labour was more often induced and more planned caesarean sections were performed (p = 0.001). Compared with the general obstetric population, the percentage of LGA neonates was higher in the GDM population (11.0 % vs.19.9 %, p = <0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Neonatal and obstetric outcomes were comparable either with diet-only or additional insulin therapy. However, compared with the general obstetric population, the incidence of LGA neonates was significantly increased in this GDM cohort.

Induction of labour at term with oral misoprostol versus a Foley catheter (PROBAAT-II): a multicentre randomised controlled non-inferiority trial

BACKGROUND

Labour is induced in 20-30% of all pregnancies. In women with an unfavourable cervix, both oral misoprostol and Foley catheter are equally effective compared with dinoprostone in establishing vaginal birth, but each has a better safety profile. We did a trial to directly compare oral misoprostol with Foley catheter alone.

METHODS

We did an open-label randomised non-inferiority trial in 29 hospitals in the Netherlands. Women with a term singleton pregnancy in cephalic presentation, an unfavourable cervix, intact membranes, and without a previous caesarean section who were scheduled for induction of labour were randomly allocated to cervical ripening with 50 μg oral misoprostol once every 4 h or to a 30 mL transcervical Foley catheter. The primary outcome was a composite of asphyxia (pH ≤7·05 or 5-min Apgar score <7) or post-partum haemorrhage (≥1000 mL). The non-inferiority margin was 5%. The trial is registered with the Netherlands Trial Register, NTR3466.

FINDINGS

Between July, 2012, and October, 2013, we randomly assigned 932 women to oral misoprostol and 927 women to Foley catheter. The composite primary outcome occurred in 113 (12·2%) of 924 participants in the misoprostol group versus 106 (11·5%) of 921 in the Foley catheter group (adjusted relative risk 1·06, 90% CI 0·86-1·31). Caesarean section occurred in 155 (16·8%) women versus 185 (20·1%; relative risk 0·84, 95% CI 0·69-1·02, p=0·067). 27 adverse events were reported in the misoprostol group versus 25 in the Foley catheter group. None were directly related to the study procedure.

INTERPRETATION

In women with an unfavourable cervix at term, induction of labour with oral misoprostol and Foley catheter has similar safety and effectiveness.

FUNDING

FondsNutsOhra.

Immediate delivery versus expectant monitoring for hypertensive disorders of pregnancy between 34 and 37 weeks of gestation (HYPITAT-II): an open-label, randomised controlled trial

BACKGROUND

There is little evidence to guide the management of women with hypertensive disorders in late preterm pregnancy. We investigated the effect of immediate delivery versus expectant monitoring on maternal and neonatal outcomes in such women.

METHODS

We did an open-label, randomised controlled trial, in seven academic hospitals and 44 non-academic hospitals in the Netherlands. Women with non-severe hypertensive disorders of pregnancy between 34 and 37 weeks of gestation were randomly allocated to either induction of labour or caesarean section within 24 h (immediate delivery) or a strategy aimed at prolonging pregnancy until 37 weeks of gestation (expectant monitoring). The primary outcomes were a composite of adverse maternal outcomes (thromboembolic disease, pulmonary oedema, eclampsia, HELLP syndrome, placental abruption, or maternal death), and neonatal respiratory distress syndrome, both analysed by intention-to-treat. This study is registered with the Netherlands Trial Register (NTR1792).

FINDINGS

Between March 1, 2009, and Feb 21, 2013, 897 women were invited to participate, of whom 703 were enrolled and randomly assigned to immediate delivery (n=352) or expectant monitoring (n=351). The composite adverse maternal outcome occurred in four (1·1%) of 352 women allocated to immediate delivery versus 11 (3·1%) of 351 women allocated to expectant monitoring (relative risk [RR] 0·36, 95% CI 0·12-1·11; p=0·069). Respiratory distress syndrome was diagnosed in 20 (5·7%) of 352 neonates in the immediate delivery group versus six (1·7%) of 351 neonates in the expectant monitoring group (RR 3·3, 95% CI 1·4-8·2; p=0·005). No maternal or perinatal deaths occurred.

INTERPRETATION

For women with non-severe hypertensive disorders at 34-37 weeks of gestation, immediate delivery might reduce the already small risk of adverse maternal outcomes. However, it significantly increases the risk of neonatal respiratory distress syndrome, therefore, routine immediate delivery does not seem justified and a strategy of expectant monitoring until the clinical situation deteriorates can be considered.

FUNDING

ZonMw.

Adjuvanted vaccines in pregnancy: no evidence for effect of the adjuvanted H1N1/09 vaccination on occurrence of preeclampsia or intra-uterine growth restriction

OBJECTIVE

During the H1N1/09 pandemic, pregnant women in the Netherlands were vaccinated with an adjuvanted vaccine. During pregnancy, the maternal immune system changes to enable placental development and growth and acceptance of the semi-allogeneic fetus. As an adjuvant is a pro-inflammatory substance, it may interfere with these immunological changes, resulting in poor placentation or placental growth, which may result in preeclampsia (PE) and fetal intra-uterine growth restriction (IUGR). This study investigated a possible association between adjuvanted H1N1/09 vaccination and the development of PE and/or IUGR.

STUDY DESIGN

Case-control study. Cases were Dutch women with PE and/or IUGR occurring during H1N1/09 vaccination program. Controls had uncomplicated pregnancies during the same period. Maternal characteristics, pregnancy and neonatal outcomes were collected from medical files. Participants were contacted by telephone to enquire about vaccination. Data were analyzed using t-tests, Chi-square tests or Fisher's exact tests. Multivariate analysis was conducted to control for confounders.

RESULTS

We included 254 cases and 247 controls. Of the cases, 90 (35.4%) were vaccinated, compared to 87 (35.2%) of the controls (OR:1.009, 95% CI:0.70-1.46, p:0.961). The majority (73.5%) had been vaccinated in second and third trimester. In multivariate analysis, there were no confounders influencing these results. Exploratory subgroup analysis did not show an association between vaccination status in subgroups of women with either PE or IUGR.

CONCLUSION

Our study showed no association between adjuvanted H1N1/09 vaccination and PE and/or IUGR.

Prediction of postpartum hemorrhage in women with gestational hypertension or mild preeclampsia at term

OBJECTIVE

To assess whether postpartum hemorrhage can be predicted in women with gestational hypertension or mild preeclampsia at term.

DESIGN

A cohort study in which we used data from our multicentre randomized controlled trial (HYPITAT trial).

SETTING

The study was conducted in 38 hospitals in the Netherlands between 2005 and 2008.

POPULATION

Women with gestational hypertension or mild preeclampsia at term (n = 1132).

METHODS

An antepartum model (model A) and an antepartum/intrapartum model (model B) were created using logistic regression. The predictive capacity of the models was assessed with receiver operating characteristic analysis and calibration.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE

Postpartum hemorrhage, defined as blood loss >1000 mL within 24 h after delivery.

RESULTS

Postpartum hemorrhage occurred in 118 (10.4%) women. Maternal age (odds ratio 1.03), prepregnancy body mass index (odds ratio 0.96), and women with preeclampsia (odds ratio 1.5) were independent antepartum prognostic variables of postpartum hemorrhage. Intrapartum variables incorporated in the model were gestational age at delivery (odds ratio 1.2), duration of dilatation stage (odds ratio 1.1), and episiotomy (odds ratio 1.5). Model A and model B showed moderate discrimination, with areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.59 (95% confidence interval 0.53-0.64) and 0.64 (95% confidence interval 0.59-0.70), respectively. Calibration was moderate for model A (Hosmer-Lemeshow p = 0.26) but better for model B (Hosmer-Lemeshow p = 0.36). The rates of postpartum hemorrhage ranged from 4% (lowest 10%) to 22% (highest 10%).

CONCLUSION

In the assessment of performance of a prediction model, calibration is more important than discriminative capacity. Our prediction model shows that for women with gestational hypertension or mild preeclampsia at term, distinction between low and high risk of developing postpartum hemorrhage is possible when antepartum and intrapartum variables are combined.

Management of late-preterm premature rupture of membranes: the PPROMEXIL-2 trial

OBJECTIVE

The evidence for the management of near term prelabor rupture of membranes is poor. From January 2007 until September 2009, we performed the PPROM Expectant Management versus Induction of Labor (PPROMEXIL) trial. In this trial, we showed that in women with preterm prelabor rupture of membranes (PPROM), the incidence of neonatal sepsis was low, and the induction of labor (IoL) did not reduce this risk. Because the PPROMEXIL trial was underpowered and because of a lower-than-expected incidence of neonatal sepsis, we performed a second trial (PPROMEXIL-2), aiming to randomize 200 patients to improve the evidence in near-term PPROM.

STUDY DESIGN

In a nationwide multicenter study, nonlaboring women with PPROM between 34 and 37 weeks' gestational age were eligible for inclusion. Patients were randomized to IoL or expectant management (EM). The primary outcome measure was neonatal sepsis.

RESULTS

From December 2009 until January 2011, we randomized 100 women to IoL and 95 to EM. Neonatal sepsis was seen in 3 neonates (3.0%) in the IoL-group versus 4 neonates (4.1%) in the EM group (relative risk, 0.74; 95% confidence interval, 0.17-3.2). One of the sepsis cases in the IoL group resulted in neonatal death because of asphyxia. There were no significant differences in secondary outcomes.

CONCLUSION

The risk of neonatal sepsis after PPROM near term is low. Induction of labor does not reduce this risk.

Well being of obstetric patients on minimal blood transfusions (WOMB trial)

Background

Primary postpartum haemorrhage is an obstetrical emergency often causing acute anaemia that may require immediate red blood cell (RBC) transfusion. This anaemia results in symptoms such as fatigue, which may have major impact on the health-related quality of life. RBC transfusion is generally thought to alleviate these undesirable effects although it may cause transfusion reactions. Moreover, the postpartum haemoglobin level seems to influence fatigue only for a short period of time. At present, there are no strict transfusion criteria for this specific indication, resulting in a wide variation in postpartum policy of RBC transfusion in the Netherlands.

Methods/Design

The WOMB trial is a multicentre randomised non-inferiority trial. Women with acute anaemia due to postpartum haemorrhage, 12-24 hours after delivery and not initially treated with RBC transfusion, are eligible for randomisation. Patients with severe physical complaints are excluded. Patients are randomised for either RBC transfusion or expectant management. Health related quality of life (HRQoL) will be assessed at inclusion, at three days and one, three and six weeks postpartum with three validated measures (Multi-dimensional Fatigue Inventory, ShortForm-36, EuroQol-5D). Primary outcome of the study is physical fatigue three days postpartum. Secondary outcome measures are general and mental fatigue scores and generic health related quality of life scores, the number of RBC transfusions, length of hospital stay, complications and health-care costs.

The primary analysis will be by intention-to-treat. The various longitudinal scores will be evaluated using Repeated Measurements ANOVA. A costs benefit analysis will also be performed. The power calculation is based on the exclusion of a difference in means of 1.3 points or greater in favour of RBC transfusion arm regarding physical fatigue subscale. With missing data not exceeding 20%, 250 patients per arm have to be randomised (one-sided alpha = 0.025, power = 80%).

Discussion

This study will provide evidence for a guideline regarding RBC transfusion in the postpartum patient suffering from acute anaemia. Equivalence in fatigue score, remaining HRQoL scores and physical complications between both groups is assumed, in which case an expectant management would be preferred to minimise transfusion reactions and costs.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT00335023, Nederlands Trial Register NTR335

Induction of labour versus expectant monitoring for gestational hypertension or mild pre-eclampsia after 36 weeks' gestation (HYPITAT): a multicentre, open-label randomised controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Robust evidence to direct management of pregnant women with mild hypertensive disease at term is scarce. We investigated whether induction of labour in women with a singleton pregnancy complicated by gestational hypertension or mild pre-eclampsia reduces severe maternal morbidity.

METHODS

We undertook a multicentre, parallel, open-label randomised controlled trial in six academic and 32 non-academic hospitals in the Netherlands between October, 2005, and March, 2008. We enrolled patients with a singleton pregnancy at 36-41 weeks' gestation, and who had gestational hypertension or mild pre-eclampsia. Participants were randomly allocated in a 1:1 ratio by block randomisation with a web-based application system to receive either induction of labour or expectant monitoring. Masking of intervention allocation was not possible. The primary outcome was a composite measure of poor maternal outcome--maternal mortality, maternal morbidity (eclampsia, HELLP syndrome, pulmonary oedema, thromboembolic disease, and placental abruption), progression to severe hypertension or proteinuria, and major post-partum haemorrhage (>1000 mL blood loss). Analysis was by intention to treat and treatment effect is presented as relative risk. This study is registered, number ISRCTN08132825.

FINDINGS

756 patients were allocated to receive induction of labour (n=377 patients) or expectant monitoring (n=379). 397 patients refused randomisation but authorised use of their medical records. Of women who were randomised, 117 (31%) allocated to induction of labour developed poor maternal outcome compared with 166 (44%) allocated to expectant monitoring (relative risk 0.71, 95% CI 0.59-0.86, p<0.0001). No cases of maternal or neonatal death or eclampsia were recorded.

INTERPRETATION

Induction of labour is associated with improved maternal outcome and should be advised for women with mild hypertensive disease beyond 37 weeks' gestation.

FUNDING

ZonMw.

[Treatment of asthma during pregnancy]

Treatment of asthma during pregnancy leads to discussion concerning medication and complications of pregnancy.Insecurity about possible teratogenity leads in the first trimester in 40% of pregnant women to reduction or cessation of asthma medication.This results, in pregnant women with moderate to severe asthma, in an increased consumption of rescue medication and number of exacerbations, and reduced asthma control. Asthma-exacerbations are significantly correlated with low birthweight. Of the majority of asthma medications, consumption during pregnancy has not been shown to cause harmful effects on the foetus. Adequate therapy for maintenance and exacerbations are essential, noting that the treatment in essence should not differ between pregnant and nonpregnant asthmatic women. A preconceptional consultation by a pulmonary physician and gynaecologist could improve care for pregnant women with asthma.

Induction of labour versus expectant monitoring in women with pregnancy induced hypertension or mild preeclampsia at term: the HYPITAT trial

BACKGROUND

Hypertensive disorders, i.e. pregnancy induced hypertension and preeclampsia, complicate 10 to 15% of all pregnancies at term and are a major cause of maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality. The only causal treatment is delivery. In case of preterm pregnancies conservative management is advocated if the risks for mother and child remain acceptable. In contrast, there is no consensus on how to manage mild hypertensive disease in pregnancies at term. Induction of labour might prevent maternal and neonatal complications at the expense of increased instrumental vaginal delivery rates and caesarean section rates.

METHODS/DESIGN

Women with a pregnancy complicated by pregnancy induced hypertension or mild preeclampsia at a gestational age between 36+0 and 41+0 weeks will be asked to participate in a multi-centre randomised controlled trial. Women will be randomised to either induction of labour or expectant management for spontaneous delivery. The primary outcome of this study is severe maternal morbidity, which can be complicated by maternal mortality in rare cases. Secondary outcome measures are neonatal mortality and morbidity, caesarean and vaginal instrumental delivery rates, maternal quality of life and costs. Analysis will be by intention to treat. In total, 720 pregnant women have to be randomised to show a reduction in severe maternal complications of hypertensive disease from 12 to 6%.

DISCUSSION

This trial will provide evidence as to whether or not induction of labour in women with pregnancy induced hypertension or mild preeclampsia (nearly) at term is an effective treatment to prevent severe maternal complications.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

The protocol is registered in the clinical trial register number ISRCTN08132825.

Term breech presentation in The Netherlands from 1995 to 1999: mortality and morbidity in relation to the mode of delivery of 33824 infants

OBJECTIVE

To analyse neonatal mortality and morbidity in term infants born in breech presentation in relation to the mode of delivery (planned caesarean section, emergency caesarean section or vaginal delivery) and to compare these findings with those of the Term Breech Trial Collaborative Group [Hannah et al. Lancet 2000; October].

DESIGN

Retrospective observational study.

SETTING

The Netherlands.

POPULATION

Infants (n = 33824) born at term in breech presentation in the Netherlands between 1995 and 1999. Multiple pregnancies, antenatal death and major congenital malformations were excluded.

METHODS

Data derived from the Dutch Perinatal Database were used to compare neonatal outcome of infants born in breech presentation in relation to the different modes of delivery (i.e. planned caesarean section, emergency caesarean section and vaginal delivery). Correction was made for differences in parity, duration of gestation and birthweight, using logistic regression.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Intrapartum and first-week neonatal death, 5 minute Apgar score and birth trauma. Vaginal delivery and emergency caesarean section resulted in a sevenfold increase in low Apgar score, a threefold increase in birth trauma and a twofold increase in perinatal mortality when compared with the results of planned caesarean section.

CONCLUSIONS

This study confirms the data found by Hannah et al. on an increase in early neonatal morbidity and mortality, following a trial of labour in cases of term breech presentation. These data require carefully weighed consideration against increased maternal (long term) risks due to a rise in caesarean sections.