Variation in the rates of operative delivery in the United States

Maternal background and perinatal complications in MCI: A retrospective cohort study

OBJECTIVE

Marginal cord insertion (MCI) is often defined as an abnormal placental cord insertion (PCI), yet there is limited discussion on the maternal backgrounds and perinatal complications associated with its occurrence. This retrospective cohort study aimed to investigate maternal backgrounds associated with MCI and to compare perinatal outcomes between MCI and normal PCI.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The study included 1038 deliveries from 2021 to 2023 in our institution, examining maternal backgrounds and perinatal outcomes. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was conducted for variables that showed significance in univariate analysis of maternal backgrounds. For perinatal outcomes, variables that exhibited significance were further analyzed using multivariable logistic regression, considering factors previously reported to be associated with those events.

RESULTS

9.5 % exhibited MCI. Assisted reproductive technology, nulliparous, and congenital uterine anomalies were identified as independent risk factors for MCI. In perinatal outcomes, fetal growth restriction (FGR) and emergency cesarean section were significantly more prevalent in cases with MCI. Even when compared to factors previously reported to be associated with FGR and emergency cesarean section, MCI remained an independent risk factor.

CONCLUSION

In addition to previously reported factors such as ART and primiparity, uterine anomalies were also identified as risk factors for MCI. It is important to manage MCI with the awareness that it increases the incidence of perinatal complications.

Obstetric Outcomes by Hospital Volume of Operative Vaginal Delivery

Importance

Characterizing hospital-level factors associated with adverse outcomes following operative vaginal delivery (OVD) is crucial for optimizing obstetric care.

Objective

To assess the association between hospital OVD volume and adverse outcomes.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This was a retrospective cohort study of OVDs in California between 2008 and 2020. OVD was determined using birth certificate and International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification or International Statistical Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision, Clinical Modification codes. This study used linked vital statistics and hospital discharge data from California. The study included singleton, nonanomalous, full-term deliveries with vertex presentation. Data analysis was performed between June 10 and October 23, 2024.

Exposure

Hospital OVD volume was categorized by the proportion of OVDs performed among all deliveries, grouped into low (<5.2%), medium (5.2%-7.4%), and high (≥7.4%) volume.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Adverse outcomes for birthing individuals included obstetric anal sphincter injuries, cervical lacerations, and postpartum hemorrhage. Neonatal outcomes included shoulder dystocia, subgaleal hemorrhage, intracranial hemorrhage, facial nerve injury, and brachial plexus injury (BPI). χ2 and multivariable Poisson regression analyses were used to assess the association between hospital OVD volume and outcomes.

Results

Among 306 818 OVDs (mean [SD] birthing parent's age, 28.5 [6.2] years; 155 157 patients with public insurance [50.6%]), hospitals with low OVD volume had an increased proportion of obstetric anal sphincter injury compared with hospitals with medium and high volumes (12.16% [7444 patients] vs 11.07% [10 709 patients] vs 9.45% [14 064 patients]). Hospitals with low volume also had a higher proportion of adverse neonatal outcomes, including shoulder dystocia (3.84% [2351 patients] vs 3.50% [3386 patients] vs 2.80% [4160 patients]), subgaleal hemorrhage (0.27% [165 patients] vs 0.18% [172 patients] vs 0.10% [144 patients]), and BPI (0.41% [251 patients] vs 0.30% [291 patients] vs 0.20% [301 patients]) compared with hospitals with medium and high volume. In multivariable analyses, low OVD volume remained associated with increased risk of obstetric anal sphincter injury (adjusted risk ratio [aRR], 1.36; 95% CI, 1.14-1.62), shoulder dystocia (aRR, 1.30; 95% CI, 1.10-1.52), subgaleal hemorrhage (aRR, 2.57; 95% CI, 1.55-4.24), and BPI (aRR, 1.73; 95% CI, 1.30-2.2.29) compared with hospitals with high OVD volume. After multivariable analysis, medium OVD volume remained associated with increased risk of subgaleal hemorrhage (aRR, 1.72; 95% CI, 1.04-2.86) and BPI (aRR, 1.35; 95% CI, 1.02-1.79) compared with high OVD volume.

Conclusions and Relevance

This study found that undergoing OVD at hospitals with low OVD volume was associated with adverse perinatal outcomes compared with hospitals with medium and high OVD volumes. Further exploration of the reasons for these differences and prevention of these differences is needed to improve obstetric outcomes.

Neonatal complications and risk factors associated with assisted vaginal delivery

To investigate neonatal injuries, morbidities and risk factors related to vaginal deliveries. This retrospective, descriptive study identified 3500 patients who underwent vaginal delivery between 2020 and 2022. Demographic data, neonatal injuries, complications arising from vaginal delivery and pertinent risk factors were documented. Neonatal injuries and morbidities were prevalent in cases of assisted vacuum delivery, gestational diabetes mellitus class A2 (GDMA2) and pre-eclampsia with severe features. Caput succedaneum and petechiae were observed in 291/3500 cases (8.31%) and 108/3500 cases (3.09%), respectively. Caput succedaneum was associated with multiparity (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 0.36, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.22-0.57, P < 0.001) and assisted vacuum delivery (AOR 5.18, 95% CI 2.60-10.3, P < 0.001). Cephalohaematoma was linked to GDMA2 (AOR 11.3, 95% CI 2.96-43.2, P < 0.001) and assisted vacuum delivery (AOR 16.5, 95% CI 6.71-40.5, P < 0.001). Scalp lacerations correlated with assisted vacuum and forceps deliveries (AOR 6.94, 95% CI 1.85-26.1, P < 0.004; and AOR 10.5, 95% CI 1.08-102.2, P < 0.042, respectively). Neonatal morbidities were associated with preterm delivery (AOR 3.49, 95% CI 1.39-8.72, P = 0.008), night-time delivery (AOR 1.32, 95% CI 1.07-1.63, P = 0.009) and low birth weight (AOR 7.52, 95% CI 3.79-14.9, P < 0.001). Neonatal injuries and morbidities were common in assisted vacuum delivery, maternal GDMA2, pre-eclampsia with severe features, preterm delivery and low birth weight. Cephalohaematoma and scalp lacerations were prevalent in assisted vaginal deliveries. Most morbidities occurred at night.Clinical trial registration: Thai Clinical Trials Registry 20220126004.

Operative delivery in the second stage of labor and preterm birth in a subsequent pregnancy: a systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to quantify the association between mode of operative delivery in the second stage of labor (cesarean delivery vs operative vaginal delivery) and spontaneous preterm birth in a subsequent pregnancy.

DATA SOURCES

MEDLINE, Embase, EmCare, CINAHL, the Cochrane Library, Web of Science: Core Collection, and Scopus were searched from database inception to April 1, 2023.

STUDY ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

All retrospective cohort studies with participants who had a second-stage cesarean delivery (defined as intrapartum cesarean delivery at full cervical dilation) or operative vaginal delivery (including forceps- and/or vacuum-assisted delivery) and that reported the rate of preterm birth (either spontaneous or not specified) in subsequent pregnancy were included.

METHODS

Both a descriptive analysis and a meta-analysis were performed. A meta-analysis was performed for dichotomous data using the Mantel-Haenszel random-effects model and used the odds ratio as an effect measure with 95% confidence intervals. The risk of bias was assessed using Cochrane's 2022 Risk Of Bias In Non-randomized Studies of Exposure tool.

RESULTS

After screening 2671 articles from 7 databases, a total of 18 retrospective cohort studies encompassing 605,138 patients were included. The pooled rates of spontaneous preterm birth in a subsequent pregnancy were 6.9% (12 studies) after second-stage cesarean delivery and 2.6% (8 studies) after operative vaginal delivery. A total of 7 studies encompassing 75,460 patients compared the primary outcome of spontaneous preterm birth after second-stage cesarean delivery vs operative vaginal delivery in an index pregnancy with an odds ratio of 2.01 (95% confidence interval, 1.57-2.58) in favor of operative vaginal delivery. However, most studies did not include important confounding factors, did not address exposure misclassification because of failed operative vaginal delivery, and considered operative vaginal delivery as a homogeneous category with no distinction between forceps- and vacuum-assisted deliveries.

CONCLUSION

Although a synthesis of the existing literature suggests that the risk of spontaneous preterm birth is higher in those with a previous second-stage cesarean delivery than in those with operative vaginal delivery, the risk of bias in these studies is very high. Findings should be interpreted with caution.

The prevention of perineal trauma during vaginal birth

Perineal trauma after vaginal birth is common, with approximately 9 of 10 women being affected. Second-degree perineal tears are twice as likely to occur in primiparous births, with a incidence of 40%. The incidence of obstetrical anal sphincter injury is approximately 3%, with a significantly higher rate in primiparous than in multiparous women (6% vs 2%). Obstetrical anal sphincter injury is a significant risk factor for the development of anal incontinence, with approximately 10% of women developing symptoms within a year following vaginal birth. Obstetrical anal sphincter injuries have significant medicolegal implications and contribute greatly to healthcare costs. For example, in 2013 and 2014, the economic burden of obstetrical anal sphincter injuries in the United Kingdom ranged between £3.7 million (with assisted vaginal birth) and £9.8 million (with spontaneous vaginal birth). In the United States, complications associated with trauma to the perineum incurred costs of approximately $83 million between 2007 and 2011. It is therefore crucial to focus on improvements in clinical care to reduce this risk and minimize the development of perineal trauma, particularly obstetrical anal sphincter injuries. Identification of risk factors allows modification of obstetrical practice with the aim of reducing the rate of perineal trauma and its attendant associated morbidity. Risk factors associated with second-degree perineal trauma include increased fetal birthweight, operative vaginal birth, prolonged second stage of labor, maternal birth position, and advanced maternal age. With obstetrical anal sphincter injury, risk factors include induction of labor, augmentation of labor, epidural, increased fetal birthweight, fetal malposition (occiput posterior), midline episiotomy, operative vaginal birth, Asian ethnicity, and primiparity. Obstetrical practice can be modified both antenatally and intrapartum. The evidence suggests that in the antenatal period, perineal massage can be commenced in the third trimester of pregnancy to increase muscle elasticity and allow stretching of the perineum during birth, thereby reducing the risk of tearing or need for episiotomy. With regard to the intrapartum period, there is a growing body of evidence from the United Kingdom, Norway, and Denmark suggesting that the implementation of quality improvement initiatives including the training of clinicians in manual perineal protection and mediolateral episiotomy can reduce the incidence of obstetrical anal sphincter injury. With episiotomy, the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics recommends restrictive rather than routine use of episiotomy. This is particularly the case with unassisted vaginal births. However, there is a role for episiotomy, specifically mediolateral or lateral, with assisted vaginal births. This is specifically the case with nulliparous vacuum and forceps births, given that the use of mediolateral or lateral episiotomy has been shown to significantly reduce the incidence of obstetrical anal sphincter injury in these groups by 43% and 68%, respectively. However, the complications associated with episiotomy including perineal pain, dyspareunia, and sexual dysfunction should be acknowledged. Despite considerable research, interventions for reducing the risk of perineal trauma remain a subject of controversy. In this review article, we present the available data on the prevention of perineal trauma by describing the risk factors associated with perineal trauma and interventions that can be implemented to prevent perineal trauma, in particular obstetrical anal sphincter injury.

Side effects from epidural analgesia in laboring women and risk of cesarean delivery

BACKGROUND

Epidural analgesia may cause maternal hypotension and changes in the fetal heart rate. The implications of such side effects on the course of labor and delivery are incompletely understood.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to assess whether the occurrence of maternal or fetal side effects associated with labor epidural analgesia increased the risk for cesarean delivery.

STUDY DESIGN

This was a cohort study of all women who underwent epidural analgesia during labor for the period October 1, 2020 to December 31, 2020. Excluded were cases of multiples, fetal death, noncephalic presentation, and gestational age at birth <37.0 weeks. Maternal vital signs and fetal heart rate tracings for the 1 hour before and 1 hour after epidural analgesia was administered were reviewed. The occurrence of maternal hypotension, defined as a continuous variable and dichotomized into a decrease in maternal systolic blood pressure to <90 mm Hg or a drop in systolic blood pressure by >20% below the last value before epidural analgesia was administered, was related to changes in the fetal heart rate category. The principal outcome was cesarean delivery rate; binary logistic regression analysis was used to control for confounders, and mediation model analysis was used to quantify the extent to which significant variables participated in the causation pathway to cesarean delivery (SPSS version 28 was used for the analyses).

RESULTS

A total of 439 women met the study criteria. Significant adverse reactions owing to epidural occurred in 184 of 439 women (41.9%) and included severe maternal hypotension in 159 of 439 participants (36.2%) and worsening fetal heart rate category in 50 of 439 participants (11.4%). The logistic regression analysis revealed that cervical dilation at epidural (P=.03), the duration of labor after epidural (P<.001), and worsening fetal heart rate category within 60 minutes of epidural administration (P=.01) were independently associated with recourse to cesarean delivery. The mediation analysis showed that both cervical dilatation at epidural administration and worsening fetal heart rate category had significant direct and indirect effects in the pathway to cesarean delivery.

CONCLUSION

Worsening fetal heart rate category related to labor epidural independently increased the risk for cesarean delivery.

Maternal complications and risk factors associated with assisted vaginal delivery

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to elucidate the maternal complications and risk factors linked with assisted vaginal delivery.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective, descriptive analysis of hospital records, identifying 3500 cases of vaginal delivery between 2020 and 2022. Data encompassing demographics, complications from the vaginal delivery including post-partum haemorrhage, birth passage injuries, puerperal infection and other pertinent details were documented. Various critical factors, including the duration of the second stage of labor, maternal anemia, underlying maternal health conditions such as diabetes mellitus and hypertension, neonatal birth weight, maternal weight, the expertise of the attending surgeon, and the timing of deliveries were considered.

RESULTS

The rates for assisted vacuum and forceps delivery were 6.0% (211/3500 cases) and 0.3% (12/3500), respectively. Postpartum haemorrhage emerged as the predominant complication in vaginal deliveries, with a rate of 7.3% (256/3500; P < 0.001). Notably, postpartum haemorrhage had significant associations with gestational diabetes mellitus class A1 (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 1.46; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.01-2.11; P = 0.045), assisted vaginal delivery (AOR 5.11; 95% CI 1.30-20.1; P = 0.020), prolonged second stage of labour (AOR 2.68; 95% CI 1.09-6.58; P = 0.032), elevated maternal weight (71.4 ± 12.2 kg; AOR 1.02; 95% CI 1.01-1.03; P = 0.003) and neonates being large for their gestational age (AOR 3.02; 95% CI 1.23-7.43; P = 0.016).

CONCLUSIONS

The primary complication arising from assisted vaginal delivery was postpartum haemorrhage. Associated factors were a prolonged second stage of labour, foetal distress, large-for-gestational-age neonates and elevated maternal weight. Cervical and labial injuries correlated with neonates being large for their gestational age. Notably, puerperal infections were related to maternal anaemia (haematocrit levels < 33%).

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION

Thai Clinical Trials Registry: 20220126004.

C-sections and hospital characteristics: a long term analysis on low-risk deliveries

BACKGROUND

Policymakers aim to reduce C-section (CS) rates, due to well documented overtreatment. However, little is known about how hospital characteristics relate to their c-section rates on low-risk deliveries (CSR-LRD).

METHODS

CSR-LRD were computed using inpatient data from all Portuguese National Health Service hospitals (2002-2011). Linear and Fractional Response Models were estimated to quantify the relationship between CSR-LRD and a set of hospital characteristics: hospital size, type (exclusively obstetrics or not), Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) availability, obstetrician-to-obstetric bed ratio, and teaching status.

RESULTS

CSR-LRD increased from 11.7% (2002) to 14.1% (2008), declining to 12.5% in 2011. While larger hospitals and hospitals with NICU had higher CSR-LRD rates, teaching status and obstetrician-to-obstetric bed ratio had no significant effect. Adjusted estimates, controlling for those four characteristics, indicate 91% of the variation in the CSR-LRD is left unexplained.

CONCLUSION

Hospital characteristics do not explain variation in CSR-LRD rates. Further studies considering medical practice, financial incentives to hospitals and/or physicians, and patient education are needed.

Exploring the impact of indication on variation in rates of intrapartum caesarean section in six Palestinian hospitals: a prospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

Caesarean section rates are rising globally. No specific caesarian section rate at either country-level or hospital-level was recommended. In Palestinian government hospitals, nearly one-fourth of all births were caesarean sections, ranging from 14.5 to 35.6%. Our aim was to assess whether variation in odds for intrapartum caesarean section in six Palestinian government hospitals can be explained by differences in indications.

METHODS

Data on maternal and fetal health were collected prospectively for all women scheduled for vaginal delivery during the period from 1st March 2015 to 30th November 2016 in six government hospitals in Palestine. Comparisons of proportions in sociodemographic, antenatal obstetric characteristics and indications by the hospital were tested by χ2 test and differences in means by one-way ANOVA analysis. The odds for intrapartum caesarean section were estimated by logistic regression. The amount of explained variance was estimated by Nagelkerke R square.

RESULTS

Out of 51,041 women, 4724 (9.3%) underwent intrapartum caesarean section. The prevalence of intrapartum caesarean section varied across hospitals; from 7.6 to 22.1% in nulliparous, and from 5.8 to 14.1% among parous women. The most common indications were fetal distress and failure to progress in nulliparous, and previous caesarean section with an additional obstetric indication among parous women. Adjusted ORs for intrapartum caesarean section among nulliparous women ranged from 0.42 (95% CI 0.31 to 0.57) to 2.41 (95% CI 1.70 to 3.40) compared to the reference hospital, and from 0.50 (95% CI 0.40-0.63) to 2.07 (95% CI 1.61 to 2.67) among parous women. Indications explained 58 and 66% of the variation in intrapartum caesarean section among nulliparous and parous women, respectively.

CONCLUSION

The differences in odds for intrapartum caesarean section among hospitals could not be fully explained by differences in indications. Further investigations on provider related factors as well as maternal and fetal outcomes in different hospitals are necessary.

Awareness and Knowledge of Caesarean Section Complications Among Women in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

OBJECTIVES

 To assess the awareness about and attitude towards the complications of Cesarean section in the antenatal and postnatal period among women in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

METHODS

 This cross-sectional study was conducted between January 2020 and September 2020, involving 507 women in the antenatal and postnatal period in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Data were obtained via online surveys. The questionnaire addressed the knowledge about short and long-term complications.  Results: Most participants received a poor knowledge score for the awareness of Cesarean section complications (45.4%), and only 12.6% had good knowledge. Most participants were in the age group of 32-42 years. Most participants were university-educated and had an excellent socioeconomic status. A statistically significant relationship was detected between the age group and the participant's level of knowledge regarding Cesarean sections (P = 0.030) and between the level of knowledge and experiencing Cesarean delivery by maternal request (P = 0.029).

CONCLUSION

 The study concluded that pregnant women had poor awareness regarding the complications of Cesarean sections. Most participants had a negative attitude toward Cesarean deliveries and preferred vaginal delivery.

Diagnostic assessment of traumatic brain injury by vacuum extraction in newborns: overview on forensic perspectives and proposal of operating procedures

BACKGROUND

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) during birth constitutes one of the most relevant causes of mortality and morbidity in newborns worldwide. Although improvements in obstetrical management and better indications for caesarean section have led to a consistent decrease in the incidence of perinatal mechanical injury, vacuum extraction is still associated with a high complications rate leading to several forensic issues in the evaluation of healthcare professional management.

METHODS

Vacuum-associated lesions may be topographically distinguished as extracranial or intracranial injuries. In order to achieve a correct assessment, diagnostic procedure should include post-mortem computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging, autopsy examination, brain sampling and histological/immunohistochemical examination.

RESULTS

Post-mortem imaging represents a valid aid to guarantee preliminary evidence and direct subsequent investigations. An appropriate autopsy sampling must include several areas of cortex and underlying white matter; moreover, any visceral hemorrhages or other lesions should be sampled for the histological and immunohistochemical assessment of vitality and timing.

CONCLUSIONS

This study aimed to promote a validated step-by-step procedure to be adopted in order to standardize and to make easier the post-mortem framing and timing of vacuum-associated pediatric brain injuries.

Resident and program director confidence in resident preparedness for operative vaginal deliveries in Obstetrics and Gynecology Training Programs in the United States

BACKGROUND

Operative vaginal delivery is used to expedite a safe vaginal delivery in the second stage of labor and is considered an essential part of residency training in obstetrics and gynecology.

OBJECTIVE

To assess the self-reported readiness of obstetrics and gynecology residents in the United States to perform vacuum-assisted vaginal delivery and forceps-assisted vaginal delivery compared with the perceptions of program directors.

STUDY DESIGN

The Council on Resident Education in Obstetrics and Gynecology surveyed the residents in all US training programs about their readiness to perform forceps-assisted and vacuum-assisted deliveries. The program directors were simultaneously surveyed about the readiness of their cohort to perform operative deliveries with and without attending oversight. The primary outcome of the survey was the residents' self-reported confidence in their ability to autonomously and independently perform operative deliveries.

RESULTS

Α total of 5084 out of 5514 (92.9%) resident physicians and 241 out of the 292 (83%) residency program directors completed the survey. Eighty-seven percent (95% confidence interval, 84.9-88.9) of the graduating residents reported feeling that they could autonomously perform a vacuum-assisted vaginal delivery, compared with 49.5% (95% confidence interval, 46.6-52.4) for forceps-assisted vaginal delivery (P<.01). Similarly, whereas 95.9% (95% confidence interval, 94.6-97.0) of the residents felt that they could confidently perform an emergency vacuum-assisted vaginal delivery, only 42.3% (95% confidence interval, 39.4-45.2) felt confident performing an emergency forceps-assisted vaginal delivery (P<.01). The residency program directors significantly overestimated their residents' confidence in independently performing an emergency forceps-assisted vaginal delivery or vacuum-assisted vaginal delivery than the residents themselves (54% [95% confidence interval, 47.1-60.5] vs 24% [95% confidence interval, 22.5-24.9] and 98.6% [95% confidence interval, 97.0-100] vs 71.9 [95% confidence interval, 70.6-73.2] respectively P<.01). Trainees in military-based residency programs and those interested in pursuing a career as generalists or maternal-fetal medicine specialists reported significantly higher preparedness to perform a forceps-assisted vaginal delivery.

CONCLUSION

Graduating obstetrics and gynecology residents report feeling less prepared to independently perform a forceps-assisted vaginal delivery than a vacuum-assisted vaginal delivery. The program directors had more confidence in the ability of their residents to perform an operative vaginal delivery than the residents themselves.

Adverse outcomes in vacuum-assisted delivery after detachment of non-metal cup: a retrospective cohort study

PURPOSE

To evaluate neonatal and maternal outcomes associated with detachment of non-metal vacuum cup during delivery and to identify risk factors for these detachments.

METHODS

This retrospective cohort study included women with singleton pregnancy, who underwent vacuum-assisted vaginal delivery with a non-metal vacuum cup in a single academic institution, January 2014-August 2019. Failed vacuum deliveries were excluded. Primary outcomes were defined as subgaleal hematoma (SGH) and cord blood pH < 7.15. Secondary outcome included other neonatal complications and adverse maternal outcomes. Outcomes were compared between vacuum-assisted deliveries with and without cup detachment during the procedure.

RESULTS

A total of 3246 women had successful VAD and met the inclusion criteria. During the procedure, the cup detached at least once in 665 (20.5%) deliveries and did not detach in 2581 (79.5%). The cup detachment group experienced higher rates of SGH (8.9% vs. 3.5%, p = 0.001) and cord blood pH < 7.15 (9.8% vs. 7.1%, p = 0.03). There were also more neonatal intensive care unit admissions (NICU) (4.4% vs. 2.7%, p = 0.03) and more fetuses with occiput posterior position (70.8% vs. 79.4%, p = 0.001), the vacuum duration was slightly longer (6 ± 3.7 vs. 5 ± 2.9 min) and more neonates had birth weights > 3700 g (14.1% vs, 10.3%, p = 0.006). Interestingly, there were more males in that group (60.6 vs. 54.6, p = 0.005). All these factors remained significant after controlling for potential confounders.

CONCLUSIONS

Vacuum cup detachment has several predictive characteristics and is associated with adverse neonatal outcomes that should be incorporated into decisions made during the procedure.

Reported case numbers and variability in delivery route and volume by obstetrics and gynecology residents from 2003 to 2019

BACKGROUND

The obstetrical landscape in the United States has changed over the past several decades, during which there has been a decline in the number of operative vaginal deliveries performed. Procedural cases of obstetrics and gynecology residents are tracked in the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education database, with a minimum requirement of 15 operative vaginal deliveries before graduation. Nowadays, it is unknown whether the decreasing numbers of operative vaginal deliveries are affecting the delivery case volume and experience of obstetrics and gynecology residents.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to analyze the trends in the number and route of obstetrical deliveries, including operative vaginal deliveries, performed by graduating obstetrics and gynecology residents in the United States as logged within the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education database.

STUDY DESIGN

The Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education case log data were examined for graduating obstetrics and gynecology residents between 2003 and 2019. Delivery case volume numbers for spontaneous vaginal delivery, cesarean delivery, forceps-assisted vaginal delivery, and vacuum-assisted vaginal delivery were extracted and analyzed over time using linear regression. To compare the variability in logged cases, residents at the 70th percentile for number of cases logged were compared with residents at the 30th percentile for number of cases logged for each delivery type (spontaneous vaginal delivery, cesarean delivery, forceps-assisted vaginal delivery, and vacuum-assisted vaginal delivery).

RESULTS

Overall, obstetrical delivery data for 20,268 obstetrics and gynecology residents were collected from 2003 to 2019. Over this period, the mean number of spontaneous vaginal deliveries significantly decreased over time by 20% from 320.8±138.7 to 256.1±75.6 (slope, -2.6; P<.001); however, no significant difference was noted in the reported cesarean delivery cases, with an 8% increase from 191.8±80.1 to 206.8±69.7 per graduating resident (slope, 0.136; P=.873). Notably, the mean reported cases of forceps-assisted vaginal deliveries decreased by 75% from 23.8±21.9 to 6±6.8 per graduating resident (slope, -0.851; P<.001). Similarly, the mean logs of vacuum-assisted vaginal delivery decreased by 37% from 23.8±17.1 to 15±9.5 (slope, -0.542; P<.001). The ratio of reported resident case logs comparing the volume at the 70th percentile with the volume at the 30th percentile demonstrated a significant decrease over time for spontaneous vaginal delivery (slope, -0.015; P<.001), cesarean delivery (slope, -0.015; P<.001), and vacuum-assisted vaginal delivery (slope, -0.033; P<.001) but was significantly increased for forceps-assisted vaginal delivery (slope, 0.07, P=.0065).

CONCLUSION

In the reported Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education case logs, we identified that the reported number of obstetrical deliveries performed by obstetrics and gynecology residents in the United States is changing, with a significant decline recognized from 2003 to 2019 in logged numbers of spontaneous vaginal deliveries, vacuum-assisted vaginal deliveries, and forceps-assisted vaginal deliveries, without a difference in reported cesarean delivery cases per graduating resident. Furthermore, substantial variation is seen among resident volume nationwide, with the difference in high- and low-volume resident forceps-assisted vaginal delivery experience increasing over time. Awareness of these data should notify the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education and educators about reasonable targets, increased need for simulation, and new ways to teach all modes of deliveries effectively in all residency programs.

Maternal and Neonatal Complications Resulting From Vacuum-Assisted and Normal Vaginal Deliveries

Background

Operative vaginal delivery is a procedure that is performed using forceps or vacuum to extract an infant from the birth canal. It has many indications, one of which is prolonged second stage of labor. Although rare, vacuum extraction (VE) can lead to various neonatal and maternal complications. The objective of this study was to compare the rates of different neonatal and maternal complications between vacuum-assisted deliveries and spontaneous vaginal deliveries.

Methods

This is a retrospective cohort study that was conducted in King Abdulaziz Medical City, Jeddah (KAMC-J), Saudi Arabia. The data were collected from the Labor and Delivery Unit at KAMC-J. A total of 745 samples was included (586 delivered spontaneously and 157 delivered by VE). Analysis was performed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) Version 27.0.

Results

The median age was 30 years (IQR=36-34). Of all deliveries, vacuum was used in 21.1%. Perineal tear was the most frequent maternal complication (20.9%), while caput succedaneum was the commonest neonatal complication (11.8%). Post-partum hemorrhage was significantly higher among vacuum deliveries (RR=18.8; 95% CI: 5.5-64.15), as well as cephalohematoma (RR=28.9; 95% CI: 8.79-95.04) and caput succedaneum (RR=18.6; 95% CI: 10.99-31.49). The first-minute Apgar score was lower with VE (p < 0.001), and higher perineal tear degrees were reported with VE (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

The rates of maternal and neonatal complications were significantly higher among vacuum-assisted deliveries. The most serious neonatal complication was subgaleal hematoma, which is considered life-threatening. Further research is recommended to investigate subgaleal hematoma risk factors.

Does programmed intermittent epidural bolus improve childbirth conditions of nulliparous women compared with patient-controlled epidural analgesia?: A multicentre, randomised, controlled, triple-blind study

BACKGROUND

Epidural analgesia may change the mechanics of childbirth. These changes are related to the concentration of the local anaesthetic used epidurally but probably also to its mode of delivery into the epidural space.

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether the administration of programmed intermittent epidural boluses (PIEB) improves the mechanics of second-stage labour compared with patient-controlled epidural analgesia (PCEA) with a background infusion.

DESIGN

A randomised, controlled, triple-blind study.

SETTING

Multicentre study including four level III maternity units, January 2014 until June 2016.

PATIENTS

A total of 298 nulliparous patients in spontaneous labour were randomised to a PIEB or PCEA group.

INTERVENTION

After epidural initiation with 15 ml of 0.1% levobupivacaine containing 10 μg of sufentanil, patients received either an hourly bolus of 8 ml (PIEB) or a continuous rate infusion of 8 ml h (PCEA): the drug mixture used was levobupivacaine 0.1% and sufentanil 0.36 μg ml.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

The primary outcome was a composite endpoint of objective labour events: a posterior occiput position in the second stage, an occiput position at birth, waiting time at full cervical dilatation before active maternal pushing more than 3 h, maternal active pushing duration more than 40 min, and foetal heart rate alterations. Vaginal instrumental delivery rates, analgesia and motor blockade scores were also recorded.

RESULTS

From the 298 patients randomised, data from 249 (124 PIEB, 125 PCEA) were analysed. No difference was found in the primary outcome: 48.0% (PIEB) and 45.5% (PCEA) of patients, P = 0.70. In addition, no difference was observed between the groups for each of the individual events of the composite endpoint, nor in the instrumental vaginal delivery rate, nor in the degree of motor blockade. Despite an equivalent volume of medication in the groups, a significantly higher analgesia score at full dilatation was observed in the PIEB group, odds-ratio = 1.9 (95% confidence interval, 1.0 to 3.5), P = 0.04.

CONCLUSION

The mechanics of the second stage did not differ whether PIEB or PCEA was used. Analgesic conditions appeared to be superior with PIEB, especially at full dilation.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

NCT01856166.

2019 John M. Eisenberg Patient Safety and Quality Awards: SPOTting Sepsis to Save Lives: A Nationwide Computer Algorithm for Early Detection of Sepsis: Innovation in Patient Safety and Quality at the National Level (Eisenberg Award)

BACKGROUND

In recognition of the potential of data to drive care and the need for early identification of patients with sepsis, HCA Healthcare developed an automated sepsis detection algorithm-SPOT (Sepsis Prediction and Optimization of Therapy). The algorithm was deployed at scale and served as a mechanism to reduce the time to detection and improve sepsis mortality in 173 hospitals across the United States.

METHODS

The SPOT algorithm was designed as a rules-based detection of defined criteria that would interpret available electronic and basic laboratory data in near real time. Working from an organizational recognition of the need to construct a national clinical data warehouse to allow for the aggregation and analysis of data streams, HCA Healthcare designed and deployed SPOT and delivered the alert from the algorithm to the bedside to initiate existing clinical workflows for patients with sepsis.

RESULTS

SPOT improved the timeliness of sepsis detection by providing alerts when signals of sepsis become available, triggering initiation of sepsis screens. This gave an advantage of about six hours over the legacy practice of sepsis screening at shift change. When deployed alongside existing sepsis improvement initiatives, SPOT was associated with an acceleration of improvement in mortality-particularly in the not-present-on-admission (NPOA) septic shock population, the patients at greatest risk for mortality. This population had seen little improvement with prior initiatives, but mortality improved 3.9 percentage points from 2018 to 2019. When accounting for seasonal variation, there was a decline in mortality rate following the deployment of SPOT, as compared to the year prior, of 9.9% for NPOA severe sepsis and 5.1% for NPOA septic shock.

CONCLUSION

Development of the SPOT algorithm for the detection of sepsis from data available in the electronic health record resulted in more timely recognition, faster initiation of treatment, and improved survival for patients.

Associations Among Intrapartum Interventions and Cesarean Birth in Low-Risk Nulliparous Women with Spontaneous Onset of Labor

INTRODUCTION

Cesarean birth rates vary widely across hospitals in the United States, even among women who are considered low-risk for the procedure. This variation has been attributed to differences in health care provider practice, but few studies have explored patterns of labor management in relation to cesarean birth.

METHODS

This was a retrospective observational study of 26,259 nulliparous, term, singleton gestation, vertex presentation births following spontaneous onset of labor. Births occurred from 2002 to 2007 in 11 hospitals in the Consortium on Safe Labor. Generalized linear mixed modeling was used to examine the relationship between intrapartum interventions (amniotomy, epidural analgesia, oxytocin augmentation) used individually and in combination and the outcome of cesarean birth.

RESULTS

More than 90% of the women in this low-risk sample received at least one intervention regardless of mode of birth. Epidural analgesia was the most frequently applied intervention, both when used as a single intervention (18.7%) and in combination with other interventions (79.9%). The strongest associations between these interventions and cesarean birth were observed when 2 or 3 interventions were applied during labor. Compared with women who received no interventions, the strongest association was observed among women who received amniotomy-oxytocin augmentation (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 1.89; 95% CI, 1.36-2.62). The use of all 3 interventions (amniotomy-epidural analgesia-oxytocin augmentation) showed a similar positive association with cesarean birth (aOR 1.83; 95% CI, 1.50-2.21).

DISCUSSION

Findings show that the combined use of amniotomy, epidural analgesia, and oxytocin augmentation is positively associated with cesarean birth. Additional research is needed to examine the timing and sequence of interventions as well as whether a causal relationship exists between combinations of interventions and cesarean birth in low-risk nulliparous women.

Vacuum Extraction in Preterm Deliveries and Long-Term Neurological Outcome of the Offspring

BACKGROUND

Concern exists regarding a possible harmful impact of vacuum extraction on the preterm newborn. We aimed to evaluate the long-term pediatric neurodevelopmental outcomes of the preterm offspring after vacuum extraction.

METHODS

A population-based cohort analysis was performed comparing the risk for long-term neurological morbidity (up to age 18 years) in preterm (less than 37 completed weeks of gestation) children born via following three delivery modes: vacuum extraction, spontaneous delivery, and Caesarean delivery performed during the second stage of labor. A Kaplan-Meier survival curve was used to compare the cumulative neurological morbidity in all groups. A Cox proportional hazards model was used to control for confounders.

RESULTS

During the study period 11,662 preterm newborns met the inclusion criteria, 97.2% (n = 11,338) of which were born via spontaneous vaginal delivery, 2.3% (n = 267) underwent vacuum extraction, and 0.5% (n = 57) were delivered by Caesarean section during the second stage of labor. Gestational age at delivery median (range) was 36 (29 to 36) weeks for vacuum extractions, 36 (23 to 36) for spontaneous vaginal delivery, and 35 (29 to 36) for Caesarean delivery within second stage of labor. Total pediatric hospitalizations involving neurological diagnoses were comparable between the groups as were the cumulative incidences of total neurological morbidity in the survival curves (log rank P = 0.723). In the Cox regression model, vacuum delivery in preterm newborns was not found to be associated with later pediatric neurological hospitalizations.

CONCLUSIONS

Vacuum extraction performed on preterm newborns does not appear to be independently associated with severe long-term neurological morbidity, as reflected by later pediatric hospitalizations.

Caesarean section in uninsured women in the USA: systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study is to assess the odds of caesarean section (CS) for uninsured women in the USA and understand the underlying mechanisms as well as consequences of lower use.

STUDY DESIGN

Systematic review and meta-analysis.

DATA SOURCES

PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Library and CINAHL from the first year of records to April 2018.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

We included studies that reported data to allow the calculation of ORs of CS of uninsured as compared with insured women.

OUTCOMES

The prespecified primary outcome was the adjusted OR of deliveries by CS of uninsured women as compared with privately or publicly insured women. The prespecified secondary outcome was the crude OR of deliveries by CS of uninsured women as compared with insured women.

RESULTS

12 articles describing 16 separate studies involving more than 8.8 million women were included in this study. We found: 0.70 times lower odds of CS in uninsured as compared with privately insured women (95% CI 0.63 to 0.78), with no relevant heterogeneity between studies (τ2=0.01); and 0.92 times lower odds for CS in uninsured as compared with publicly insured women (95% CI 0.80 to 1.07), with no relevant heterogeneity between studies (τ2=0.02). We found 0.70 times lower odds in uninsured as compared with privately and publicly insured women (95% CI 0.69 to 0.72).

CONCLUSIONS

CSs are less likely to be performed in uninsured women as compared with insured women. While the higher rates for CS among privately insured women can be explained with financial incentives associated with private insurance, the lower odds among uninsured women draw attention at barriers to access for delivery care. In many regions, the rates for uninsured women are above, close or below the benchmarks for appropriate CS rates and could imply both, underuse and overuse.

"Doing something" about the cesarean delivery rate

There is a general consensus that the cesarean delivery rate in the United States is too high, and that practice patterns of obstetricians are largely to blame for this situation. In reality, the US cesarean delivery rate is the result of 3 forces largely beyond the control of the practicing clinician: patient expectations and misconceptions regarding the safety of labor, the medical-legal system, and limitations in technology. Efforts to "do something" about the cesarean delivery rate by promulgating practice directives that are marginally evidence-based or influenced by social pressures are both ineffective and potentially harmful. We examine both the recent American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG)/Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine Care Consensus Statement "Safe Prevention of Primary Cesarean Delivery" document and the various iterations of the ACOG guidelines for vaginal birth after cesarean delivery in this context. Adherence to arbitrary time limits for active phase or second-stage arrest without incorporating other clinical factors into the decision-making process is unwise. In a similar manner, ever-changing practice standards for vaginal birth after cesarean driven by factors other than changing data are unlikely to be effective in lowering the cesarean delivery rate. Whether too high or too low, the current US cesarean delivery rate is the expected result of the unique demographic, geographic, and social forces driving it and is unlikely to change significantly given the limitations of current technology to otherwise satisfy the demands of these forces.

Epidemiology of Cesarean Delivery in Qassim, Saudi Arabia

BACKGROUND:

There is a global increase in the rate of cesarean deliveries, with the higher morbidity and mortality. Few published data on cesarean delivery exist in Qassim, Kingdom Saudi Arabia (KSA).

OBJECTIVES:

To investigate the incidence, type, indications, maternal and perinatal outcomes of cesarean delivery.

METHODS:

A retrospective study was conducted during three months (August-October 2016) at Maternity and Children’s Hospital (MCH), Buraidah, Qassim, KSA. The medical files of parturient women during the period were revised and the data extracted through questionnaires.

RESULTS:

There were 936 deliveries during the study period. The mean (SD) of their age, parity and gestational age were 28.6 (6.3) years, 3.0 (2.1) and 38.8 (1.6) weeks, respectively. Out of these 936 deliveries, 396 (42.3%), 21 (2.2%), 114 (12.2%), 405 (43.3%) were vaginal, instrumental, elective and emergency cesarean deliveries, respectively. The indications of the cesarean delivery were; repeated cesarean deliveries (201, 21.5%), failure to progress (87, 9.3%), fetal distress (72, 7.7%); breach (60, 6.4%), antepartum hemorrhage (54, 5.8%), hypertension (36, 3.8%) and diabetes mellitus (9, 1.0%) and more than one indication (6; 0.6%). In binary regression, while age, parity, birth weight and newborn gender were not associated with cesarean delivery, education ≤ secondary level (OR = 2.40, 95% CI = 1.59-3.61, P < 0.001), obesity (OR = 2.30, 95% CI = 1.51-3.48, P < 0.001 and morbid obesity (OR = 3.48, 95% CI = 2.16-5.60, P < 0.001) were associated with cesarean delivery. Nine (2.2%) vs three (0.6%), P = 0.03 women in the group of the cesarean and vaginal delivery respectively developed endometritis. Apgar score at one minute was significantly lower in newborn delivered by cesarean. There were three stillbirths (all of them were delivered by emergency cesarean), P = 0.120. Fifty-four of the newborn was admitted to the nursery; 39 (7.5%) vs.15 (3.6%) were delivery by cesareans vs vaginal delivery; P = 0.010.

CONCLUSION:

There is a high incidence of cesarean delivery in this hospital; most of them were due to repeated cesarean delivery. Obese women were at higher risk of cesarean delivery.

Impact of Provider Competition under Global Budgeting on the Use of Cesarean Delivery

OBJECTIVE

To examine the impact of provider competition under global budgeting on the use of cesarean delivery in Taiwan.

DATA SOURCES/STUDY SETTING

(1) Quarterly inpatient claims data of all clinics and hospitals with birth-related expenses from 2000 to 2008; (2) file of health facilities' basic characteristics; and (3) regional quarterly point values (price conversion index) for clinics and hospitals, respectively, from the fourth quarter in 1999 to the third quarter in 2008, from the Statistics of the National Health Insurance Administration.

STUDY DESIGN

Panel data of quarterly facility-level cesarean delivery rates with provider characteristics, birth volumes, and regional point values are analyzed with the fractional response model to examine the effect of external price changes on provider behavior in birth delivery services.

PRINCIPAL FINDINGS

The decline in de facto prices of health services as a result of noncooperative competition under global budgeting is associated with an increase in cesarean delivery rates, with a high degree of response heterogeneity across different types of provider facilities.

CONCLUSIONS

While global budgeting is an effective cost containment tool, intensified financial pressures may lead to unintended consequences of compromised quality due to a shift in provider practice in pursuit of financial rewards.

Odon device for instrumental vaginal deliveries: results of a medical device pilot clinical study

Background

A prolonged and complicated second stage of labour is associated with serious perinatal complications. The Odon device is an innovation intended to perform instrumental vaginal delivery presently under development. We present an evaluation of the feasibility and safety of delivery with early prototypes of this device from an early terminated clinical study.

Methods

Hospital-based, multi-phased, open-label, pilot clinical study with no control group in tertiary hospitals in Argentina and South Africa. Multiparous and nulliparous women, with uncomplicated singleton pregnancies, were enrolled during the third trimester of pregnancy. Delivery with Odon device was attempted under non-emergency conditions during the second stage of labour. The feasibility outcome was delivery with the Odon device defined as successful expulsion of the fetal head after one-time application of the device.

Results

Of the 49 women enrolled, the Odon device was inserted successfully in 46 (93%), and successful Odon device delivery as defined above was achieved in 35 (71%) women. Vaginal, first and second degree perineal tears occurred in 29 (59%) women. Four women had cervical tears. No third or fourth degree perineal tears were observed. All neonates were born alive and vigorous. No adverse maternal or infant outcomes were observed at 6-weeks follow-up for all dyads, and at 1 year for the first 30 dyads.

Conclusions

Delivery using the Odon device is feasible. Observed genital tears could be due to the device or the process of delivery and assessment bias. Evaluating the effectiveness and safety of the further developed prototype of the BD Odon Device™ will require a randomized-controlled trial.

Trial registration

ANZCTR ACTRN12613000141741 Registered 06 February 2013. Retrospectively registered.

Impact of recommended changes in labor management for prevention of the primary cesarean delivery

BACKGROUND

The dramatic rise in cesarean delivery rates worldwide in recent decades, without evidence of a concomitant decrease in cerebral palsy rates, has raised concerns about its potential negative consequences for maternal and infant health. In 2014, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine jointly published an Obstetric Care Consensus for safe prevention of the primary cesarean delivery.

OBJECTIVE

We sought to assess whether modification of our protocol to implement these recommendations helped to decrease our primary cesarean delivery rate safely.

STUDY DESIGN

This is a before-and-after retrospective cohort study at a university referral hospital. In March 2014, the threshold for defining active labor changed from 4 to >6 cm and arrest of first-stage labor from lack of cervical change despite regular contractions after 3 hours of oxytocin administration with amniotomy and epidural anesthesia to no change after 4 hours of adequate or 6 hours of inadequate contractions in women with an epidural. The definition of second-stage arrest of labor changed simultaneously from lack of progress for 3 hours with adequate contractions in women with epidural anesthesia to no progress for ≥4 hours in nulliparas or 3 hours in multiparas with an epidural. We compared maternal and neonatal outcomes over two 1 year periods: from March 2013 to February 2014 (before, preguideline) and from June 2014 to May 2015 (after, postguideline). We included all women with singleton pregnancies at ≥37 weeks' gestation, in vertex presentation, in spontaneous or induced labor, and with epidural anesthesia. We excluded women with an elective or previous cesarean delivery and those with obstetric or fetal complications.

RESULTS

This study included 3283 and 3068 women in the before and after periods, respectively. The groups had similar general and obstetric characteristics. The global cesarean delivery rate decreased significantly from 9.4% in the preguideline to 6.9% in the postguideline period (odds ratio, 0.71; 95% confidence interval, 0.59-0.85; P < .01). The cesarean delivery rate for arrest of first-stage labor fell by half, from 1.8% to 0.9% (odds ratio, 0.51; 95% confidence interval, 0.31-0.81; P < .01) but was significant only among nulliparous women. The cesarean delivery rate for second-stage arrest of labor decreased but not significantly between periods (1.3% vs 1.0%; odds ratio, 0.73; 95% confidence interval, 0.44-1.22; P = .2), and the cesarean delivery rate for failure of induction remained similar (3.7% vs 3.5%; odds ratio, 1.06; 95% confidence interval, 0.06-13.24; P = .88). The median duration of labor before cesarean delivery also became significantly longer among nulliparous women during the later period. Maternal and neonatal outcomes did not differ between the 2 periods, except that the rate of 1 minute Apgar score <7 fell significantly in the later period (8.4% vs 6.9%; odds ratio, 0.80; 95% confidence interval, 0.66-0.97; P = .02).

CONCLUSION

The modification of our protocol by implementing the new consensus recommendations was associated with a reduction of the rate of primary cesarean delivery performed for arrest of labor with no apparent increase in immediate adverse neonatal outcomes in nulliparous women at term with singleton pregnancies in vertex presentation and with epidural anesthesia. Further studies are needed to assess the long-term maternal and neonatal safety of these policies.

Maternal Body Mass Index and Amniotic Fluid Index in Late Gestation

OBJECTIVES

To determine the effect, if any, of an increasing maternal body mass index (BMI) on sonographically diagnosed oligohydramnios in late gestation and how it subsequently affects obstetric and neonatal outcomes.

METHODS

This retrospective cohort study evaluated all women with singleton gestations who had a sonographic examination at 40 to 42 weeks' gestational age at North Shore University Hospital from 2010 through 2013. Underweight women (prepregnancy BMI < 18.5 kg/m² ) were excluded because of higher rates of oligohydramnios and fetal growth restriction. Patients were classified into 5 groups by late-pregnancy BMI. The primary variable of interest was the diagnosis of oligohydramnios (amniotic fluid index < 5 cm). Secondary variables of interest included the mode of delivery and indication for primary cesarean delivery. A multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed.

RESULTS

Oligohydramnios was identified in 189 of 1671 patients (11.3%). There was no significant difference in the amniotic fluid index between BMI groups. The rate of primary cesarean delivery increased with each successive BMI group (P < .001) such that women in the class III obesity group had an approximately 3-fold higher rate of primary cesarean delivery than women in the normal BMI group and a 2-fold higher rate than women in the overweight BMI group. In the final multivariable logistic regression model, a high BMI, nulliparity, and excessive gestational weight gain were associated with primary cesarean delivery. However, oligohydramnios did not contribute significantly to the model.

CONCLUSIONS

The maternal BMI is not associated with oligohydramnios in late gestation. An increasing maternal BMI significantly increases the risk of primary cesarean delivery.

Risk factors and between-hospital variation of caesarean section in Denmark: a cohort study

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to estimate the effects of risk factors on elective and emergency caesarean section (CS) and to estimate the between-hospital variation of risk-adjusted CS proportions.

DESIGN

Historical registry-based cohort study.

SETTINGS AND PARTICIPANTS

The study was based on all singleton deliveries in hospital units in Denmark from January 2009 to December 2012. A total of 226 612 births by 198 590 mothers in 29 maternity units were included.

PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES

We estimated (1) OR of elective and emergency CS adjusted for several risk factors, for example, body mass index, parity, age and size of maternity unit and (2) risk-adjusted proportions of elective and emergency CS to evaluate between-hospital variation.

RESULTS

The CS proportion was stable at 20%-21%, but showed wide variation between units, even in adjusted models. Large units performed significantly more elective CSs than smaller units, and the risk of emergency CS was significantly reduced compared with smaller units. Many of the included risk factors were found to influence the risk of CS. The most important risk factors were breech presentation and previous CS. Four units performed more CSs and one unit fewer CSs than expected.

CONCLUSION

The main risk factors for elective CS were breech presentation and previous CS; for emergency CS they were breech presentation and cephalopelvic disproportion. The proportions of CS were stable during the study period. We found variation in risk-adjusted CS between hospitals in Denmark. Although exhaustive models were applied, the results indicated the presence of systematic variation between hospital units, which was unexpected in a small, well-regulated country such as Denmark.

Perceived changes in knowledge and confidence of doctors and midwives after the completion of the Standardized Trainings in Obstetrical Emergencies

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

There are only few training programs in obstetric emergencies currently in use and only some of them were evaluated with an adequate sample of participants. Therefore, we present the evaluation of the novel Standardized Trainings in Obstetrical Emergencies (STrObE), conducted in Lithuania. The aim of this study was to analyze whether participants' self-reported knowledge and confidence increased after the trainings, and whether the impact of the trainings was long-lasting.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Data was collected across the majority of hospitals providing secondary and tertiary obstetrical care in Lithuania in 2015. A total of 650 obstetricians-gynecologists and midwives attended the trainings; 388 (response rate 59.7%) of them filled in the initial questionnaire before the trainings, 252 (64.9%) immediately after, 160 (41.2%) 6 weeks after, and 160 (41.2%) 6 months after the trainings, which was the final sample for the analyses. Participants used a Likert-type scale to evaluate their knowledge and confidence about management of urgent obstetrical situations: vacuum-assisted vaginal delivery, shoulder dystocia, postpartum hemorrhage, preeclampsia/eclampsia, early preterm labor, and dystocia. We assessed how participants' self-reported knowledge and confidence changed after the trainings (compared to before the trainings) and how long the effect was retained for.

RESULTS

The mean score of self-reported knowledge in obstetrical emergencies increased immediately after the trainings comparing to the scores before the trainings (P<0.001) and it did not differ further between the three time points after the trainings (i.e. immediately, 6 weeks, and 6 months; P>0.05). The same pattern was observed for self-reported confidence scores. The increase in self-reported knowledge and confidence after the trainings was stable. Moreover, the self-reported knowledge and confidence gains were greater for those participants with lower work experience, although benefit was seen across all experience levels.

CONCLUSIONS

STrObE improved participants' self-reported knowledge and confidence and lasting positive effects were observed for at least 6 months after the initial trainings. Moreover, the trainings were more beneficial for those with lower work experience, although they benefited all the participants.

Hospital-ownership status and cesareans in the United States: The effect of for-profit hospitals

BACKGROUND

Given the increasing proportion of United States hospitals that are for-profit, we examined whether women who give birth in for-profit hospitals are more likely to have cesareans than women who give birth in not-for-profit hospitals. We hypothesized that cesareans are more likely to occur in for-profit hospitals because of the organizational emphasis on short-term financial indicators, including payment of shareholder dividends.

METHODS

We used logistic regression and difference of means tests to analyze data from the Listening to Mothers III survey of women who gave birth in the United States in 2011 and 2012.

RESULTS

Controlling for patient-level characteristics, we found that the odds of a woman's having a cesarean were two times higher in for-profit hospitals than in not-for-profit hospitals. We also found for-profit hospitals were significantly more likely to be members of multihospital systems and to have fewer full-time registered nurses and staff members per hospital bed.

CONCLUSION

This research suggests that women who give birth in for-profit hospitals are more likely to have cesareans than women who give birth in not-for-profit hospitals. This information is important to women when deciding where to give birth. Knowing which hospital characteristics are associated with a greater likelihood of cesarean is helpful since hospital cesarean rates may be difficult to find. These findings are also informative for obstetric professionals, who can implement improvement initiatives to decrease cesarean rates and improve the overall quality of care for childbearing women in the United States.

Fetal heart rate changes observed on the CTG trace during instrumental vaginal delivery

INTRODUCTION

Instrumental vaginal delivery (IVD) helps expedite delivery during second stage of labour so as to avoid a second stage caesarean section. However, due to mechanical effects on the fetal head, vacuum and forceps may cause cardiotocograph (CTG) abnormalities due to vigal stimulation as well as increased intracranial pressure.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the features observed on the CTG during IVD in term pregnancy and correlate them to perinatal outcomes.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis of 445 cases who had vacuum deliveries (227) and forceps deliveries (218) at St. George's University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust during a 12-month period was performed. CTG features were analysed at 10 minutes prior to and immediately after applications of the chosen instrument till delivery. Specific abnormalities were correlated to Apgar score and umbilical blood pH.

RESULTS

Specific CTG abnormalities after applications of vacuum and forceps were: tachycardia (99 (43.61%) versus 88 (40.37%)), increased baseline fetal heart rate (FHR) [14 (6.17%) versus 4 (1.83%) p = .0204], baro-receptor-mediated "variable" deceleration (101 (44.49%) versus 85 (38.99%)), chemoreceptor-mediated "late" deceleration (62 (27.31%) versus 76 (34.86%)), prolonged deceleration (32 (14.10%) versus 24 (11.01%)), saltatory pattern [35 (15.42%) versus 76 (34.86%) p < .0001], and reduced baseline variability (10 (4.41%) versus 7 (3.21%)). There were no significant differences in the mean Apgar Scores at 1 and 5 minutes between ventouse and forceps delivery (8 and 9, respectively) or the umbilical blood pH (both >7.20).

CONCLUSIONS

After application of instruments, 90% of CTG traces showed abnormal features. Tachycardia, baro- and chemoreceptor-mediated decelerations, and saltatory patterns were the most common abnormalities. Increased baseline FHR during vacuum as compared to forceps delivery was possibly secondary to pain/pressure and resultant sympathetic overactivity. The saltatory pattern was more common in forceps deliveries, possibly secondary to increased intracranial pressure and resultant autonomic instability. Despite these CTG abnormalities, the perinatal outcomes were good.

Women's Descriptions of Labor Onset and Progression Before Hospital Admission

We conducted a cross-sectional, descriptive, qualitative study, set in a postpartum unit, of 21 nulliparous women who spontaneously went into term labor at home. Our aim was to characterize symptoms of labor onset and progression to active labor before hospital admission for childbirth. The most frequent symptoms reported at labor onset were contractions, pain, ruptured membranes, cramping, and feelings of nervousness and excitement. Women reported that as labor progressed to the active phase, their pain increased, length and strength of contractions increased, and labor symptoms became more difficult to tolerate. Women's descriptions of symptoms of labor onset can aid the development of criteria to help women identify active labor and support decisions about timing of hospital admission for childbirth.

Variation in Cesarean Birth Rates by Labor and Delivery Nurses

OBJECTIVE

To examine variation in the cesarean birth rates of women cared for by labor and delivery nurses.

DESIGN

Retrospective cohort study.

SETTING

One high-volume labor and delivery unit at an academic medical center in a major metropolitan area.

PARTICIPANTS

Labor and delivery nurses who cared for nulliparous women who gave birth to term, singleton fetuses in vertex presentation.

METHODS

Data were extracted from electronic hospital birth records from January 1, 2013 through June 30, 2015. Cesarean rates for individual nurses were calculated based on the number of women they attended who gave birth by cesarean. Nurses were grouped into quartiles by their cesarean rates, and the effect of these rates on the likelihood of cesarean birth was estimated by a logit regression model adjusting for patient-level characteristics and clustering of births within nurses.

RESULTS

Seventy-two nurses attended 3,031 births. The mean nurse cesarean rate was 26% (95% confidence interval [23.9, 28.1]) and ranged from 8.3% to 48%. The adjusted odds of cesarean for births attended by nurses in the highest quartile was nearly 3 times (odds ratio = 2.73, 95% confidence interval [2.3, 3.3]) greater than for births attended by nurses in the lowest quartile.

CONCLUSION

The labor and delivery nurse assigned to a woman may influence the likelihood of cesarean birth. Nurse-level cesarean birth data could be used to design practice improvement initiatives to improve nurse performance. More precise measurement of the relative influence of nurses on mode of birth is needed.

Regional Gradients in Institutional Cesarean Delivery Rates: Evidence from Five Countries in Asia

BACKGROUND

Although the influence of the type of institutional setting on the risk of cesarean birth is well documented, less is known about the regional variations in institution-specific cesarean rates within countries. Our purpose was to examine regional variations in cesarean rates across public and private facilities in five Asian countries with a sizeable private sector: Bangladesh, India, Indonesia, Pakistan, and the Philippines.

METHODS

Demographic Health Survey data and a hierarchical model were used to assess regional variations in the mode of delivery while controlling for a wide range of socioeconomic, demographic, and maternal risk factors.

RESULTS

The risk of cesarean birth was greater in a private facility than in a government hospital by 36-48 percent in India and Indonesia and by 130 percent in Bangladesh. Regional gradients in cesarean birth were found to be steeper for deliveries in private facilities than in government hospitals in India, Indonesia, and the Philippines. The residents of India's high-use states were 55 percent more likely to undergo a cesarean delivery in a government hospital and 83 percent more likely in a private facility than their counterparts in the medium-use states. Similarly, compared to the residents of the Philippines's medium-use provinces, giving birth in a government facility increased the likelihood of a cesarean delivery by 84 percent and by 173 percent in a private facility.

CONCLUSIONS

Large regional variations in cesarean rates suggest the need for more informed clinical decision making with respect to the selection of cases for cesarean delivery and the establishment of well-developed guidelines and standards at the provincial or state levels.

Predictors of shoulder dystocia at the time of operative vaginal delivery

BACKGROUND

It remains uncertain whether clinical factors known prior to delivery can predict which women are more likely to experience shoulder dystocia in the setting of operative vaginal delivery.

OBJECTIVE

We sought to identify whether shoulder dystocia can be accurately predicted among women undergoing an operative vaginal delivery.

STUDY DESIGN

This was a case-control study of women undergoing a low or outlet operative vaginal delivery from 2005 through 2014 in a single tertiary care center. Cases were defined as women who experienced a shoulder dystocia at the time of operative vaginal delivery. Controls consisted of women without a shoulder dystocia at the time of operative vaginal delivery. Variables previously identified to be associated with shoulder dystocia that could be known prior to delivery were abstracted from the medical records. Bivariable analyses and multivariable logistic regression were used to identify factors independently associated with shoulder dystocia. A receiver operating characteristic curve was created to evaluate the predictive value of the model for shoulder dystocia.

RESULTS

Of the 4080 women who met inclusion criteria, shoulder dystocia occurred in 162 (4.0%) women. In bivariable analysis, maternal age, parity, body mass index, diabetes, chorioamnionitis, arrest disorder as an indication for an operative vaginal delivery, vacuum use, and estimated fetal weight >4 kg were significantly associated with shoulder dystocia. In multivariable analysis, parity, diabetes, chorioamnionitis, arrest disorder as an indication for operative vaginal delivery, vacuum use, and estimated fetal weight >4 kg remained independently associated with shoulder dystocia. The area under the curve for the generated receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.73 (95% confidence interval, 0.69-0.77), demonstrating only a modest ability to predict shoulder dystocia before performing an operative vaginal delivery.

CONCLUSION

While risk factors for shoulder dystocia at the time of operative vaginal delivery can be identified, reliable prediction of shoulder dystocia in this setting cannot be attained.

Center Variation in the Delivery of Indicated Late Preterm Births

Objective Evidence for optimal timing of delivery for some pregnancy complications at late preterm gestation is limited. The purpose of this study was to identify center variation of indicated late preterm births. Study design We performed an analysis of singleton late preterm and term births from a large U.S. retrospective obstetrical cohort. Births associated with spontaneous preterm labor, major congenital anomalies, chorioamnionitis, and emergency cesarean were excluded. We used modified Poisson fixed effects logistic regression with interaction terms to assess center variation of indicated late preterm births associated with four medical/obstetric comorbidities after adjusting for socio-demographics, comorbidities, and hospital/provider characteristics. Results We identified 150,055 births from 16 hospitals; 9,218 were indicated late preterm births. We found wide variation of indicated late preterm births across hospitals. The extent of center variation was greater for births associated with preterm premature rupture of membranes (risk ratio [RR] across sites: 0.45-3.05), hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (RR across sites: 0.36-1.27), and placenta previa/abruption (RR across sites: 0.48-1.82). We found less center variation for births associated with diabetes (RR across sites: 0.65-1.39). Conclusion Practice variation in the management of indicated late preterm deliveries might be a source of preventable late preterm birth.

Multiple repeat caesarean deliveries: do they increase maternal and neonatal morbidity?

OBJECTIVE

The aim of the present study is to evaluate the effects of the increased number of caesarean deliveries (CDs) in cases of multiple repeat caesarean deliveries (MRCDs) on maternal and neonatal morbidity.

METHODS

MRCDs admitted to our hospital between January 2013 and September 2014 were analysed retrospectively. A total number of 1133 women were included in the study and were divided into 4 groups. Group 1: second CDs (n = 329); Group 2: third CDs (n = 225); Group 3: fourth CDs (n = 447); Group 4: fifth CDs (n = 132). The clinical, demographic, intraoperative and postoperative data of the patients were registered upon the review of patient files.

RESULTS

The differences among the groups were found to be statistically significant in terms of mean maternal age, gravida, APGAR (Activity, Pulse, Grimace, Appearance, Respiration) scores, hospital stay and operation time. In addition, the difference was also statistically significant for severe adhesion, bladder injury and premature birth. No statistically significant difference was observed among the groups with respect to placenta previa, placenta accreta, caesarean hysterectomy, uterine scar rupture.

CONCLUSIONS

According to our findings, MRCDs seem to increasing the maternal and neonatal morbidity even though they are not life-threatening.

Temporal and Regional Variations in Operative Vaginal Delivery in Canada by Pelvic Station, 2004-2012

OBJECTIVE

To describe temporal and regional variations in Canada in the use of operative vaginal delivery (OVD) at term for singleton pregnancies by pelvic station between 2004 and 2013.

METHODS

Rates of OVD among term singleton pregnancies in Canada (excluding Quebec) were estimated using information from the Discharge Abstract Database of the Canadian Institute for Health Information for the years 2004-2012 (n = 2 284 109). Deliveries were stratified by pelvic station. Temporal trends were assessed using the Cochran-Armitage test for linear trend in proportions by year. Geographic variation was assessed by calculating the rate and 95% confidence interval of each mode of delivery from 2010-2012 for each province and territory.

RESULTS

Among singleton pregnancies at term, the OVD rate decreased from 12.0% in 2004 to 10.7% in 2012 (P < 0.001), whereas Caesarean section rates (excluding those following failed OVDs) increased from 24.9% to 26.7%. Forceps deliveries decreased from 3.1% to 2.5%, primarily due to decreases in midpelvic forceps delivery. Vacuum-assisted delivery increased significantly at outlet and low stations (by 26.0% and 15.1%, respectively) and remained stable at midpelvic station. The failed OVD rate was 0.3% and decreased by 23.7% (P < 0.001). There were large variations in OVD rates by province.

CONCLUSION

Temporal trends in OVD rates varied by pelvic station, with rates of outlet and low OVD increasing and rates of midpelvic and failed OVD decreasing. Vacuum extraction is increasingly replacing forceps deliveries at outlet and low stations, whereas Caesarean sections are replacing forceps deliveries at midpelvic stations. Variations in OVD rates across provinces suggest differences in instrument preference and/or an evolution in standards of practice.

Closing the Translation Gap: Toolkit-based Implementation of Universal Decolonization in Adult Intensive Care Units Reduces Central Line-associated Bloodstream Infections in 95 Community Hospitals

BACKGROUND

Challenges exist in implementing evidence-based strategies, reaching high compliance, and achieving desired outcomes. The rapid adoption of a publicly available toolkit featuring routine universal decolonization of intensive care unit (ICU) patients may affect catheter-related bloodstream infections.

METHODS

Implementation of universal decolonization-treatment of all ICU patients with chlorhexidine bathing and nasal mupirocin-used a prerelease version of a publicly available toolkit. Implementation in 136 adult ICUs in 95 acute care hospitals across the United States was supported by planning and deployment tactics coordinated by a central infection prevention team using toolkit resources, along with coaching calls and engagement of key stakeholders. Operational and process measures derived from a common electronic health record system provided real-time feedback about performance. Healthcare-associated central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs), using National Healthcare Safety Network surveillance definitions and comparing the preimplementation period of January 2011 through December 2012 to the postimplementation period of July 2013 through February 2014, were assessed via a Poisson generalized linear mixed model regression for CLABSI events.

RESULTS

Implementation of universal decolonization was completed within 6 months. The estimated rate of CLABSI decreased by 23.5% (95% confidence interval, 9.8%-35.1%; P = .001). There was no evidence of a trend over time in either the pre- or postimplementation period. Adjusting for seasonality and number of beds did not materially affect these results.

CONCLUSIONS

Dissemination of universal decolonization of ICU patients was accomplished quickly in a large community health system and was associated with declines in CLABSI consistent with published clinical trial findings.

Predictors for failure of vacuum-assisted vaginal delivery: a case-control study

OBJECTIVE

To identify potential predictors for failed vacuum-assisted delivery.

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective case-control study conducted in two perinatal centers in the Netherlands. Cases were women who underwent a failed vacuum-assisted delivery between 1997 and 2011. A failed vacuum extraction was defined as a delivery that was started as vacuum extraction but was converted to a cesarean section because of failure to progress. As controls we studied two successful vacuum extractions that were performed before the failed one. We used multivariable logistic regression to assess the risk for failed vacuum extraction.

RESULTS

Between 1997 and 2011, 6734 trials of vacuum extraction were performed of which 309 failed (4.6%). These 309 cases were compared to the data of 618 women who underwent a successful vacuum extraction. Predictors for failed vacuum-assisted vaginal delivery were increasing gestational age (OR 1.2 per week), maternal height (OR 0.97 per cm), previous vaginal birth as compared to nulliparae (OR 0.32), estimated fetal weight ≥3750g as compared to <3250g (OR 5.7), epidural analgesia (OR 3.0), augmentation (OR 1.4), failure to progress as indication for trial of vacuum delivery (OR 1.7), station of descent of the fetal head (OR 0.31 per station more descended), and occiput posterior position (OR 2.6). The area under the receiver-operating characteristic curve of a prediction model integrating these indicators was 0.83.

CONCLUSION

Failed vacuum extraction can be predicted accurately using both ante- and intrapartum characteristics. There is a strong need for prospective studies on the subject.

Recognition and response to electronic fetal heart rate patterns: impact on newborn outcomes and primary cesarean delivery rate in women undergoing induction of labor

OBJECTIVE

The objective of the study was to examine the clinical impact of specific fetal monitoring-related practices during induced labor.

STUDY DESIGN

This was a prospective, nonrandomized study.

RESULTS

We studied 14,398 women undergoing oxytocin induction of labor. A decrease in the infusion rate of oxytocin in the face of specified category II fetal heart rate tracings was associated with a significantly reduced rate of neonatal intensive care unit admission (3.8% vs 5.2%, P = .01) and Apgar score less than 7 at 1 and 5 minutes (4.9% vs 6.4%, P = .01, 0.6% vs 1.1%, P = .04). Compliance with an in-use checklist was associated with both a reduction in the rate of neonatal intensive care unit admission (2.9 vs 4.4, P = .00) and a reduction in the cesarean delivery rate (15.8% vs 18.8%, P = .00).

CONCLUSION

Electronic fetal heart rate monitoring improves neonatal outcomes when unambiguous definitions of abnormal fetal heart rate and tachysystole are coupled with specific interventions. Utilization of a checklist for oxytocin monitoring is associated with improved neonatal outcomes and a reduction in the cesarean delivery rate.

Geographic variation in cesarean delivery in the United States by payer

BACKGROUND

The rate of cesarean delivery in the United States is variable across geographic areas. The aims of this study are two-fold: (1) to determine whether the geographic variation in cesarean delivery rate is consistent for private insurance and Medicaid (2) to identify the patient, population, and market factors associated with cesarean rate and determine if these factors vary by payer.

METHODS

We used the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project (HCUP) State Inpatient Databases (SID) to measure the cesarean rate at the Core-Based Statistical Area (CBSA) level. We linked the hospitalization data to data from other national sources to measure population and market characteristics. We calculated unadjusted and risk-adjusted CBSA cesarean rates by payer. For the second aim, we estimated a hierarchical logistical model with the hospitalization as the unit of analysis to determine the factors associated with cesarean delivery.

RESULTS

The average CBSA cesarean rate for women with private insurance was higher (18.9 percent) than for women with Medicaid (16.4 percent). The factors predicting cesarean rate were largely consistent across payers, with the following exceptions: women under age 18 had a greater likelihood of cesarean section if they had Medicaid but had a greater likelihood of vaginal birth if they had private insurance; Asian and Native American women with private insurance had a greater likelihood of cesarean section but Asian and Native American women with Medicaid had a greater likelihood of vaginal birth. The percent African American in the population predicted increased cesarean rates for private insurance only; the number of acute care beds per capita predicted increased cesarean rate for women with Medicaid but not women with private insurance. Further we found the number of obstetricians/gynecologists per capita predicted increased cesarean rate for women with private insurance only, and the number of midwives per capita predicted increased vaginal birth rate for women with private insurance only.

CONCLUSIONS

Factors associated with geographic variation in cesarean delivery, a frequent and high-resource inpatient procedure, vary somewhat by payer. Using this information to identify areas for intervention is key to improving quality of care and reducing healthcare costs.