[Cesarean birth: justifying indication or justified concern?]

BACKGROUND

Caesarean section is the most common surgery performed in all hospitals of second level of care in the health sector and more frequently in private hospitals in Mexico.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the behavior that caesarean section in different hospitals in the health sector in the city of Aguascalientes and analyze the indications during the same period.

MATERIAL AND METHOD

A descriptive and cross in the top four secondary hospitals in the health sector of the state of Aguascalientes, which together account for 81% of obstetric care in the state, from 1 September to 31 October 2008. Were analyzed: indication of cesarean section and their classification, previous pregnancies, marital status, gestational age, weight and minute Apgar newborn and given birth control during the event.

RESULTS

were recorded during the study period, 2.964 pregnancies after 29 weeks, of whom 1.195 were resolved by Caesarean section with an overall rate of 40.3%. We found 45 different indications, which undoubtedly reflect the great diversity of views on the institutional medical staff to schedule a cesarean section.

CONCLUSIONS

Although each institution has different resources and a population with different characteristics, treatment protocols should be developed by staff of each hospital to have the test as a cornerstone of labor, also request a second opinion before a caesarean section, all try to reduce the frequency of cesarean section.

Trend in cesarean section rate

OBJECTIVE

To investigate factors influencing the increase in cesarean section CS rates, and to implement control measures.

METHODS

This retrospective analysis reviewed the birth registry of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, King Fahd Armed Forces Hospital, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. We compared the frequency of different indications for CS between January 2007 and December 2008. The numbers of CS studied were 1105 in 2007, while they were 1226 in the year 2008. Thus, the sample size studied was 2331 cesarean deliveries. Approval of the ethical committee for publication was obtained.

RESULTS

The CS rate exceeded the acceptable 15% rate suggested by the World Health Organization (WHO) at our institution, and probably in many other hospitals in Saudi Arabia. Fetal distress, previous single CS, previous multiple CS, and breech presentation were the most common indications for CS.

CONCLUSION

This high rate of CS will continue to increase due to the tendency to have large families, and the self-perpetuating character of each CS. Efforts should be made at each hospital level, and nationwide, to control this tendency.

The change in the rate of vaginal birth after caesarean section

The objective of this study was to determine whether, and to what degree, the change in the vaginal birth after caesarean section (VBAC) rate is due to a change in the characteristics of the obstetric population, the undertaking of a trial of labour (TOL), or the tendency to abandon a TOL once it has been initiated. All women with one prior low transverse caesarean section (CS) and a vertex singleton gestation at term were identified in a registry of CS deliveries occurring at eight academic centres during a 4-year period (1999-2002). Women were classified by their predicted chance of VBAC and year-to-year differences were analysed. Of the 9643 women who met criteria for analysis, 5334 (55.3%) underwent a TOL. From 1999 to 2002, the VBAC rate underwent a steady decline: 51.8% to 45.1% to 37.4% to 29.8% (P < 0.001). Although there were some changes in the characteristics of the population that predispose to successful VBAC, as well as some reduction in the chance that a VBAC is successful once a TOL is undertaken, the most pervasive reason for this decline was that women became increasingly likely to forego a TOL, regardless of their likelihood of vaginal delivery. Based on these results, it appears that the change over time in the VBAC rate is multifactorial, although the greatest change has been a decrease in the frequency with which women undertake a TOL, and this change is observed in all categories of the chance of a successful TOL.

Contemporary cesarean delivery practice in the United States

OBJECTIVE

To describe contemporary cesarean delivery practice in the United States.

STUDY DESIGN

Consortium on Safe Labor collected detailed labor and delivery information from 228,668 electronic medical records from 19 hospitals across the United States, 2002-2008.

RESULTS

The overall cesarean delivery rate was 30.5%. The 31.2% of nulliparous women were delivered by cesarean section. Prelabor repeat cesarean delivery due to a previous uterine scar contributed 30.9% of all cesarean sections. The 28.8% of women with a uterine scar had a trial of labor and the success rate was 57.1%. The 43.8% women attempting vaginal delivery had induction. Half of cesarean for dystocia in induced labor were performed before 6 cm of cervical dilation.

CONCLUSION

To decrease cesarean delivery rate in the United States, reducing primary cesarean delivery is the key. Increasing vaginal birth after previous cesarean rate is urgently needed. Cesarean section for dystocia should be avoided before the active phase is established, particularly in nulliparous women and in induced labor.

[Vaginal birth after cesarean delivery]

Vaginal birth after cesarean delivery has recently become a significant problem in obstetrics. The purpose of this paper was to present current expert knowledge about vaginal birth after cesarean delivery (VBAC), taking into account advantages and disadvantages mentioned in literature.

Vaginal birth after cesarean: new insights

OBJECTIVES

To synthesize the published literature on vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC). Specifically, to review the trends and incidence of VBAC, maternal benefits and harms, infant benefits and harms, relevant factors influencing each, and the directions for future research.

DATA SOURCES

Relevant studies were identified from multiple searches of MEDLINE; DARE; the Cochrane databases (1966 to September 2009); and from recent systematic reviews, reference lists, reviews, editorials, Web sites, and experts.

REVIEW METHODS

Specific inclusion and exclusion criteria were developed to determine study eligibility. The target population includes healthy women of reproductive age, with a singleton gestation, in the U.S. with a prior cesarean who are eligible for a trial of labor (TOL) or elective repeat cesarean delivery (ERCD). All eligible studies were quality rated and data were extracted from good or fair quality studies, entered into tables, summarized descriptively and, when appropriate, pooled for analysis. The primary focus of the report was term pregnancies. However, due to a small number of studies on term pregnancies, general population studies including all gestational ages (GA) were included in appropriate areas.

RESULTS

We identified 3,134 citations and reviewed 963 papers for inclusion, of which 203 papers met inclusion and were quality rated. Studies of maternal and infant outcomes reported data based upon actual rather than intended router of delivery. The range for TOL and VBAC rates was large (28-82 percent and 49-87 percent, respectively) with the highest rates being reported in studies outside of the U.S. Predictors of women having a TOL were having a prior vaginal delivery and settings of higher-level care (e.g., tertiary care centers). TOL rates in U.S. studies declined in studies initiated after 1996 from 63 to 47 percent, but the VBAC rate remained unimproved. Hispanic and African American women were less likely than their white counterparts to have a vaginal delivery. Overall rates of maternal harms were low for both TOL and ERCD. While rare for both TOL and ERCD, maternal mortality was significantly increased for ERCD at 13.4 per 100,000 versus 3.8 per 100,000 for TOL. The rates of maternal hysterectomy, hemorrhage, and transfusions did not differ significantly between TOL and ERCD. The rate of uterine rupture for all women with prior cesarean is 3 per 1,000 and the risk was significantly increased with TOL (4.7/1,000 versus 0.3/1,000 ERCD). Six percent of uterine ruptures were associated with perinatal death. No models have been able to accurately predict women who are more likely to deliver by VBAC or to rupture. Women with one prior cesarean delivery and previa had a statistically significant increased risk of adverse events compared with previa patients without a prior cesarean delivery; blood transfusion (15 versus 32.2 percent), hysterectomy (0.7 to 4 percent versus 10 percent), and composite maternal morbidity (15 versus 23-30 percent). Perinatal mortality was significantly increased for TOL at 1.3 per 1,000 versus 0.5 per 1,000 for ERCD. Insufficient data were found on nonmedical factors such as medical liability, economics, hospital staffing, structure and setting, which all appear to be important drivers for VBAC.

CONCLUSIONS

Each year 1.5 million childbearing women have cesarean deliveries, and this population continues to increase. This report adds stronger evidence that VBAC is a reasonable and safe choice for the majority of women with prior cesarean. Moreover, there is emerging evidence of serious harms relating to multiple cesareans. Relatively unexamined contextual factors such as medical liability, economics, hospital structure, and staffing may need to be addressed to prioritize VBAC services. There is still no evidence to inform patients, clinicians, or policymakers about the outcomes of intended route of delivery because the evidence is based largely on the actual route of delivery. This inception cohort is the equivalent of intention to treat for randomized controlled trials and this gap in information is critical. A list of future research considerations as prioritized by national experts is also highlighted in this report.

Outcome of subsequent delivery after a previous early preterm cesarean section

OBJECTIVE

To determine the vaginal birth after cesarean section (VBAC) rate and risk of uterine rupture in women with a previous early preterm cesarean section.

METHODS

Women who delivered their first child by cesarean section between 26 and 34 weeks of gestation were included in a retrospective cohort study. Medical charts were reviewed for characteristics of the index pregnancy and delivery. Information of the subsequent delivery was obtained from the medical charts or from information of the attending gynecologist if the delivery was elsewhere.

RESULTS

Two hundred and forty-six women were included: 131 (53.3%) women had a subsequent pregnancy, 64 (26.0%) had no subsequent pregnancy, and from 51 (20.7%) women no information could be obtained. Of the 131 women with a subsequent pregnancy, 93 (71.0%) underwent a trial of labor (TOL) and 80 (86.0%) achieved a vaginal delivery, resulting in a VBAC rate of 61.1%. One uterine rupture occurred with favorable neonatal outcome. The uterine rupture rate for the whole cohort was 0.8% (95% CI 0.02-4.0) and for the group of women undergoing a TOL 1.1% (95% CI 0.03-5.8).

CONCLUSION

In this small series of women with a previous early preterm cesarean section the VBAC rate was high (61.1%) and the uterine rupture rate was 1.1%.

[Prognosis of delivery from a scared uterus: 123 cases]

BACKGROUND

During these last two decades, the practitioners are more and more confronted to pregnancies on scar womb.

AIM

To analyse the behaviour to be held in front of a scar womb and to estimate materno-foetal preview after childbirth (delivery) by vaginal delivery or after a caesarean section at cold.

METHODS

It is about a retrospective study held over 123 cases of patients with a scar womb who gave birth in the department "C" of the CMNT over a period of 2 years.

RESULTS

Among the 123 cases of scar womb, 70 patients had a preventive caesarean section. The main indication was a pathological pond. Uterine scar was accepted in 53 women, 25 among them gave birth by vaginal tract and 28 had a cesarean section of 2nd intention. There were 4 cases of dehiscence of the scar. 8% of the newborns from vaginal delivery had an apgar < 7 in the 5th mn against 10% in the group of the newborn children stemming from a preventive cesarean-section.

CONCLUSION

Pregnancy on scar womb is a pregnancy at high risk requiring an adapted coverage.

Incidence and correlates of cesarean section in a capital city of a middle-income country

OBJECTIVE

To determine the prevalence and correlates of cesarean deliveries (CS) in Beirut.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study conducted on 18,837 consecutive infants born at nine hospitals from the National Collaborative Perinatal Neonatal Network (NCPNN). Stepwise Logistic Regression was performed to determine CS correlates.

RESULTS

The rate of CS was 26.4% and correlated with socio-demographic, obstetrical and provider-related variables. Regression analysis identified age, paternal occupation, mode of payment, parity, birth weight, gestational age, multiple pregnancies, adequate prenatal care, complications during pregnancy, body mass index at delivery, hospital teaching status, day of the week and year of delivery to be significant correlates of CS.

CONCLUSION

This study shows an increased CS rate in a middle-income country, and identifies the correlates of women delivering by the abdominal route. These correlates may be used for effective reduction policies in the future.

Risk of Uterine Rupture and Adverse Perinatal Outcome at Term After Cesarean Delivery

OBJECTIVE

Current information on the risk of uterine rupture after cesarean delivery has generally compared the risk after trial of labor to that occurring with an elective cesarean delivery without labor. Because antepartum counseling cannot account for whether a woman will develop an indication requiring a repeat cesarean delivery or whether labor will occur before scheduled cesarean delivery, the purpose of this analysis was to provide clinically useful information regarding the risks of uterine rupture and adverse perinatal outcome for women at term with a history of prior cesarean delivery.

METHODS

Women with a term singleton gestation and prior cesarean delivery were studied over 4 years at 19 centers. For this analysis, outcomes from five groups were studied: trial of labor, elective repeat with no labor, elective repeat with labor (women presenting in early labor who subsequently underwent cesarean delivery), indicated repeat with labor, and indicated repeat without labor. All cases of uterine rupture were reviewed centrally to assure accuracy of diagnosis.

RESULTS

A total of 39,117 women were studied. In term pregnant women with a prior cesarean delivery, the overall risk for uterine rupture was 0.32% (125 of 39,117), and the overall risk for serious adverse perinatal outcome (stillbirth, hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy, neonatal death) was 106 of 39,049 (0.27%). The uterine rupture risk for indicated repeat cesarean delivery (labor or without labor) was 7 of 6,080 (0.12%); the risk for elective (no indication) repeat cesarean delivery (labor or without labor) was 4 of 17,714 (0.02%). Indicated repeat cesarean delivery increased the risk of uterine rupture by a factor of 5 (odds ratio 5.1, 95% confidence interval 1.49-17.44). In the absence of an indication, the presence of labor also increased the risk of uterine rupture (4 of 2,721 [0.15%] compared with 0 of 14,993, P<.01). The highest rate of uterine rupture occurred in women undergoing trial of labor (0.74%, 114 of 15,323).

CONCLUSION

At term, the risk of uterine rupture and adverse perinatal outcome for women with a singleton and prior cesarean delivery is low regardless of mode of delivery, occurring in 3 per 1,000 women. Maternal complications occurred in 3-8% of women within the five delivery groups.

The outcome and cumulative morbidity associated with the second and third postcesarean delivery

The purpose of this study was to compare the outcome and cumulative morbidity among women who delivered twice after a cesarean delivery (CD), and who underwent in the second delivery either a trial of labor (TOL) or planned cesarean delivery (PCD). Eligible women (N = 399) were divided into two groups based on first post-CD: a TOL (n = 304) or PCD (n = 95). Women attempting a TOL were successful in 70 and 75% in the first and second post-CD, respectively. All participants undergoing a PCD subsequently had a third PCD. The overall morbidity was 8.4 and 5.3% among PCD and TOL groups, respectively ( P = 0.258). Women attempting a TOL after a previous CD had a 70 and 53% likelihood for at least one successful or two successful vaginal births in the two subsequent deliveries, respectively. No significant difference was documented between the groups regarding the cumulative morbidity.

Maternal anthropometric risk factors for caesarean delivery before or after onset of labour

OBJECTIVE

To quantify the effects of pre-pregnancy body mass and gestational weight gain, above and beyond their known effects on birthweight, on the risk of primary and repeat caesarean delivery performed before or after the onset of labour.

DESIGN

Hospital-based historical cohort study.

SETTING

Canadian university-affiliated hospital.

POPULATION

A total of 63 390 singleton term (> or = 37 weeks gestation) infants with cephalic presentation.

METHODS

We studied prospectively archived deliveries at the Royal Victoria Hospital in Montreal, Canada, from 1 January 1978 to 31 March 2001 using multiple logistic regression models to estimate relative odds of caesarean delivery.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE

Caesarean delivery, primary or repeat and before or after the onset of labour.

RESULTS

Pregravid obesity (body mass index > or = 30 kg/m2) increased the likelihood of primary caesarean delivery before (OR = 2.01, 95% CI 1.39-2.90) and after (OR = 2.12, 95% CI 1.86-2.42) the onset of labour. High net rate of gestational weight gain (> 0.50 kg/week) increased the risk but only after labour onset (OR = 1.40, 95% CI 1.23-1.60). Among women with a previous caesarean, high weight gain modestly increased risk but only before labour (OR = 1.38, 95% CI 1.04-1.83), whereas obesity increased the risk of caesarean delivery both before (OR = 1.85, 95% CI 1.44-2.37) and after (OR = 1.96, 95% CI 1.11-3.47) labour onset. Increased risks of macrosomia accounted for the association between pregravid adiposity and repeat caesarean delivery performed after but not before the onset of labour.

CONCLUSIONS

Pregravid obesity increases the risk of caesarean delivery both before and after the onset of labour and both with and without a history of caesarean.

Trial of labor and vaginal birth after cesarean section in patients with uterine Müllerian anomalies: a population-based study

OBJECTIVE

The aim of our study was to determine the success rate of vaginal birth after cesarean section among patients with Müllerian anomalies in comparison to the success rate of vaginal birth after cesarean section in patients with normal uterus with emphasis on the rate of uterine rupture.

STUDY DESIGN

A retrospective population-based study was designed, including all patients with a previous cesarean section that attempted vaginal birth after cesarean section during the study period. Women with known Müllerian anomalies were included in the study group. The control group consisted of women with normal uterus. The rates of vaginal birth after cesarean section, uterine rupture, maternal morbidity, and perinatal outcome were compared between the groups.

RESULTS

Of 5571 eligible patients, 165 (2.96%) had Müllerian anomalies. The rate of vaginal birth after cesarean section was significantly lower among patients with Müllerian anomalies than in patients with normal uterus, 37.6% (62/165) vs 50.7% (2740/5406), respectively (P = .0009). During the study period, there were 10 cases of uterine rupture, all in patients with normal uterus. The major indication for repeated cesarean delivery among Müllerian anomalies patients was malpresentation, 58.3% (60/103) vs 14.4% (385/2666) in patients with normal uterus (P < .001).

CONCLUSION

A trial of vaginal birth after cesarean section in patients with uterine Müllerian malformations and cephalic presentation is not associated with a higher rate of maternal morbidity and uterine rupture.

Ethnic disparity in the success of vaginal birth after cesarean delivery

OBJECTIVE

To estimate whether maternal race/ethnicity is independently associated with successful vaginal birth after cesarean delivery (VBAC).

STUDY DESIGN

A retrospective cohort study from January 1, 1997 to July 30, 2002 of women with singleton pregnancies and a previous cesarean delivery. The odds ratio (OR) for successful VBAC as a function of ethnicity was corrected for age >35 years, parity, weight gain, diabetes mellitus, hospital site, prenatal care provider, gestational age, induction, labor augmentation, epidural analgesia, and birth weight >4000 g.

RESULTS

Among 54 146 births, 8030 (14.8%) occurred in women with previous cesarean deliveries. The trials of labor rates were similar among Caucasian (46.6%), Hispanic (45.4%), and African American (46.0%) women. However, there was a significant difference among ethnic groups for VBAC success rates (79.3% vs. 79.3% vs. 70.0%, respectively). When compared to Caucasian women, the adjusted OR for VBAC success was 0.37 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.27-0.50) for African American women and 0.63 (95% CI 0.51-0.79) for Hispanic women.

CONCLUSION

African American and Hispanic women are significantly less likely than Caucasian women to achieve successful VBAC.

Evidence-based strategies for reducing cesarean section rates: a meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Canada's cesarean section rate reached an all-time high of 22.5 percent of in-hospital deliveries in 2002 and was associated with potential maternal and neonatal complications. Clinical practice guidelines represent an appropriate mean for reducing cesarean section rates. The challenge now lies in implementing these guidelines. Objectives of this meta-analysis were to assess the effectiveness of interventions for reducing the cesarean section rate and to assess the impact of this reduction on maternal and perinatal mortality and morbidity.

METHODS

The Cochrane Library, EMBASE, and MEDLINE were consulted from January 1990 to June 2005. Additional studies were identified by screening reference lists from identified studies and expert suggestions. Studies involving rigorous evaluation of a strategy for reducing overall cesarean section rates were identified. Randomized controlled trials, controlled before-and-after studies, and interrupted time series studies were evaluated according to Effective Practice and Organisation of Care Group criteria.

RESULTS

Among the 10 included studies, a significant reduction of cesarean section rate was found by random meta-analysis (pooled RR = 0.81 [0.75, 0.87]). No evidence of publication bias was identified. Audit and feedback (pooled RR = 0.87 [0.81, 0.93]), quality improvement (pooled RR = 0.74 [0.70, 0.77]), and multifaceted strategies (pooled RR=0.73 [0.68, 0.79]) were effective for reducing the cesarean section rate. However, quality improvement based on active management of labor showed mixed effects. Design of studies showed a higher effect for noncontrolled studies than for controlled studies (pooled RR = 0.76 [0.72, 0.81] vs 0.92 [0.88, 0.96]). Studies including an identification of barriers to change were more effective than other interventions for reducing the cesarean section rate (pooled RR = 0.74 [0.71, 0.78] vs 0.88 [0.82, 0.94]). Among included studies, no significant differences were found for perinatal and neonatal mortality and perinatal and maternal morbidity with respect to the mode of delivery. Only 1 study showed a significant reduction of neonatal and perinatal mortality (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

The cesarean section rate can be safely reduced by interventions that involve health workers in analyzing and modifying their practice. Our results suggest that multifaceted strategies, based on audit and detailed feedback, are advised to improve clinical practice and effectively reduce cesarean section rates. Moreover, these findings support the assumption that identification of barriers to change is a major key to success.

Características relacionadas ao primeiro e último parto por cesárea

OBJECTIVE

To study the association between first and last caesarian sections with tubal sterilization; to determine length of reproductive life after the first delivery.

METHODS

From February to October 2001 in a university hospital, interviews were carried out with 653 women having had at least two pregnancies. Of these women, 172 had a first caesarian section; 294 had a last caesarian section. Variables were social demographic characteristics, obstetric history and characteristics of the first and last deliveries and tubal sterilization. Bivariate analysis was performed, followed by multiple regression analysis calculating the adjusted odds ratio. Women who had undergone tubal sterilization were divided into age groups of 25 to 44 and >45 years in a percentile distribution. The Wilcoxon test was used to analyze age at tubal sterilization and length of reproductive life after the last delivery. The study was approved by the Ethics Committee.

RESULTS

Of these women, 89% completed<8 years of school education and 78% were Caucasian. On multiple regression analysis, there was an association between the first and last caesarian section (OR=15.28, 95%CI 8.54 to 27.36), having a partner (OR=3.87, CI95% 1.63 to 9.17) and giving birth in the '70s, '80s or '90s (OR=4.43, 95%CI 1.37 to 14.27), (OR=6.11, 95%CI 1.47 to 25.47) and (OR=6.67, 95%CI 1.21 to 40.26), respectively. The last caesarian section was associated with intrapartum tubal sterilization (OR=14.09, 95%CI 7.37 to 26.97), giving birth in the '70s, '80s or '90s (OR=1.81, 95%CI 1.06 to 3.09), (OR=5.53, 95%CI 3.18 to 9.61) and (OR=5.90, 95%CI 3.03 to 11.48), respectively, family income of >5 minimum wages (OR=2.41, 95%CI 1.42 to 4.08) and age at first delivery>25 years (OR=1.80, 95%CI 1.01 to 3.22). Mean age at sterilization was 29.0 and 33.2 years in women aged 25 to 44 years and >45 years, respectively (p<0.001). The duration of the reproductive period after the first delivery was 9.0 and 11.4 years for the same groups (p<0.001).

CONCLUSION

The first caesarian section was associated with the last caesarian section. The last caesarian section was associated with intrapartum tubal sterilization. Age at sterilization was lower and the reproductive period was shorter among younger women.

Vaginal birth after cesarean section: X-ray pelvimetry at term is informative

OBJECTIVE

To examine whether X-ray pelvimetry data to evaluate the likelihood of vaginal birth after previous cesarean section.

DESIGN

Retrospective study.

SETTING

University hospital.

POPULATION

Patients with a previous cesarean delivery who underwent X-ray pelvimetry and gave birth at gestational age 37 weeks during a seven-year period.

METHODS

1190 patients with a scarred uterus were compared with 15,189 patients without a scarred uterus. In the scarred uterus group, 760 patients with a transverse pelvic diameter > or =12 cm were compared with 430 patients with a transverse pelvic diameter <12 cm.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

The obstetrical outcomes were spontaneous or induced labor, and mode of delivery. The maternal morbidity outcomes were hemorrhage requiring transfusion of packed red cells, uterine rupture, bladder injury, and hysterectomy due to hemorrhage. The neonatal morbidity outcomes were the 5-min Apgar score, transfer to intensive care, and intubation.

RESULTS

Patients with a scarred uterus had a significantly higher rate of cesarean section (35.5%) than those with no prior cesarean section (9%). Among patients with a scarred uterus who were selected for vaginal delivery, 81% delivered vaginally when the transverse diameter (TD) of the pelvic inlet was greater than 12 cm, 68% when the TD was between 11.5 and 12 cm, and 58% when the TD was less than 11.5 cm. Maternal morbidity was significantly higher in the patients with a scarred uterus. The neonatal results were comparable in the different groups.

CONCLUSION

X-ray pelvimetry tailors the information given to each patient about the likelihood of having a vaginal delivery. It can also be used to optimize the selection of patients allowed to enter labor.