The changing indications and rates of cesarean section in one academic center over a 16-year period (1997–2012)

Predictive Factors for Successful Vaginal Delivery after a Trial of External Cephalic Version: A Retrospective Cohort Study of 946 Women

OBJECTIVE

Our aim was to find the factors which predict a vertex presentation of vaginal delivery (VD) in women who are admitted for a trial of external cephalic version (ECV).

STUDY DESIGN

This is a retrospective cohort study of women who underwent a trial of ECV and delivered between November 2011 and December 2018 in a single tertiary center. The main outcome measure was successful VD of a fetus in the vertex presentation. Women who achieved VD in the vertex presentation or underwent cesarean delivery were compared on the basis of variety of predictive factors. Adverse neonatal and maternal outcomes were reported. Logistic regression was used for the multivariate analysis.

RESULTS

A total of 946 women were included; 717 (75.8%) women had a successful ECV and 663 (70.1%) women had a VD in the vertex presentation. Parous women had 79.3% VD rate (570/719) and nulliparous women had 41.0% VD rate (93/227). Women with an amniotic fluid index (AFI) of 50 to 79, 80 to 200, and >200 mm had 34.8, 71.0, and 83.1% VD rate, respectively. Parous versus nulliparous women had an adjusted odds ratio (aOR) of 5.42 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 3.90-7.52, p < 0.001), women with AFI 50 to 79 mm compared with AFI 80 to 200 mm had an aOR of 0.21 (95% CI 0.12-0.37, p < 0.001), and women with an AFI >200 mm compared with AFI 80 to 200 mm had an aOR of 1.74 (95% CI: 1.03-2.92, p = 0.037) to achieve VD. The final prediction model for the chances of a VD based on data on admission for ECV was reported. The Hosmer-Lemeshow test was used to evaluate the goodness of fit of the model (p = 0.836).

CONCLUSION

Being parous and having an AFI >200 mm are positive independent predictive factors for achieving VD of a vertex presenting fetus after ECV. Whereas AFI 50 to 79 mm is a negative independent predictive factor.

KEY POINTS

· The goal of ECV is to achieve a vertex VD.. · Predictors for ECV success might not predict a VD.. · Parity & AFI independently predict a VD after ECV..

The Inconsistency Between Women's Preference and Actual Mode of Delivery in China: Findings From a Prospective Cohort Study

Background

Previous studies have found that the rates of cesarean preference were much lower than the actual rates of cesarean births in China. We aimed to observe this inconsistency between preferred and actual modes of delivery and the factors associated with the inconsistency.

Methods

We conducted a prospective cohort study at the maternity hospital with the largest number of deliveries in Beijing. We collected data through a questionnaire applied in the outpatient department, and medical records from the hospital's information system. Unconditional logistic regression was used to identify factors influencing the inconsistency between preferred and actual delivery mode.

Results

The rates of actual cesarean section and of cesarean preference were 41 and 17%, respectively (χ² = 82.9, P < 0.0001). The overall inconsistency rate was 31%, with 119 women preferred vaginal delivery but experienced cesarean section, accounting for 67% women undergoing cesarean section. Risk factors for this inconsistency between preferred vaginal delivery and actual cesarean section included: maternal obesity, receiving assisted reproduction, having an abnormal amniotic fluid volume, and fetal distress. Pre-labor rupture of membranes was a unique factor associated with such inconsistency between cesarean section preference and vaginal delivery at delivery.

Conclusions

The inconsistent rate between preferred delivery at late pregnancy and actual delivery is high in China. Further research is needed to understand how to lower cesarean rates in China, taking maternal preferences for vaginal deliveries into account.

Trial of Labor After Cesarean of Small for Gestational Age Neonates Among Women with No Prior Vaginal Delivery - a Retrospective Study

To evaluate the characteristics and outcomes of women who had never delivered vaginally and underwent a trial of labor after cesarean (TOLAC) of small for gestational age (SGA) neonates, and to identify risk factors for unplanned repeat cesarean delivery. A retrospective cohort study from two tertiary medical centers. All women undergoing a TOLAC with no prior vaginal delivery, delivering a singleton SGA neonate at term between 2005 and 2020 were included. Factors associated with successful vaginal delivery were examined by a multivariable analysis. Of the 255 women who met the inclusion criteria and underwent TOLAC, 72.2% delivered vaginally. In a multivariable analysis, maternal height [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) (95% CI): 1.10 (1.02-1.19), p = 0.012] and epidural administration [aOR (95% CI): 2.78 (1.0-7.73), p = 0.050] were positively independently associated with TOLAC success, and hypertensive disorders were negatively independently associated with TOLAC success [aOR (95% CI): 0.52 (0.004-0.74), p = 0.029]. The success rate of TOLAC among women with no prior vaginal delivery, delivering a SGA neonate is relatively high. Maternal height, hypertensive disorders, and epidural administration are independent factors associated with TOLAC success. Epidural administration is a modifiable factor and should be taken in consideration during TOLAC management.

Socio-demographic characteristics and outcomes of pregnant women who delivered prior to and after the termination of the one-child policy in China: a comparative study

Background

The new Chinese fertility policy has recently received widespread public attention. However, there are few studies available on the comprehensive epidemiology of maternal and infant health with respect to the characteristic changes of childbearing women. In the study, we compared the maternal characteristics and pregnancy outcomes at different time points according to policy adjustments, accessed the possible relationship among these factors, and evaluated the impacts of these policies for medical and policy assistance.

Methods

This was a retrospective study. Data were collected from three representative hospitals in Zhejiang Province using stratified random sampling. The annual number of births, and maternal and child healthcare levels were the determining factors of sampling. Women who gave birth in November of 2012, 2014, and 2016 were recruited in accordance with the time of the change in the fertility policy, and we explored the differences in maternal socio-demographic characteristics, delivery mode and pregnancy outcomes.

Results

A total of 11,718 women were recruited, including 3480, 4044, and 4194 in November of 2012, 2014, and 2016, respectively. The proportions of multiparous women, women who aged ≥35 years, who received higher education, who had previous cesarean sections (CS), and who delivered in a high level hospital increased over time. In 2016, multipara accounted for 49.12, 14.47% were aged ≥35 years, nearly half of women had previous CS and delivered in a provincial hospital, 41.73% gave birth by CS, and 31.62% suffered pregnancy complications. The results of multiple logistic regression mode showed CS risk decreased significantly in 2014 (OR_adj = 0.62; 95% CI, 0.55–0.67) relative to 2012, and risks of pregnancy complications (OR_adj = 2.30; 95% CI, 1.86–2.83) and multiple births (OR_adj = 3.25; 95% CI, 2.19–4.83) only increased in 2016 compared to 2012.

Conclusions

Some pregnancy outcomes increased as several key characteristics of childbearing women changed after China ended its “one-child” policy. This suggests that policy providers and medical staff need to strengthen healthcare in a consistent fashion regarding changes in birth policy.

Outcomes of pregnancy and delivery in women with cardiac disease compared to matched healthy controls

OBJECTIVE

We compared pregnancy and delivery outcomes between women with cardiac disease versus matched healthy controls. The primary outcome was the frequency of unplanned cesarean delivery.

METHODS

In this single-center retrospective case-control study, women with cardiac disease were identified and matched (1:2 ratio, according to maternal age, parity, number of prior cesareans, gestational age, delivery onset and fetal presentation) to healthy controls who delivered within the same year. Outcomes were frequency of unplanned cesarean delivery, complications during pregnancy and postpartum course, intensive care unit (ICU) admissions, and length of hospitalization.

RESULTS

One hundred and twelve women with cardiac disease (exposed group, 225 deliveries) were identified and matched with 450 healthy women (controls, 2003-2014). The cohort comprised of 103 women (204 deliveries) with acquired heart disease (valve disease [n = 69], arrhythmia [n = 31], 3 with cardiomyopathy and peri/myocarditis, and 9 women (21 deliveries) with congenital heart disease. The frequency of unplanned cesarean was 14 (7.9%) for the exposed group as compared with 12 (3.4%) in controls with an odds ratio of 2.33 (95% CI = 1.0.2-5.32, p = .045). This difference was accentuated in a sub-group of women with severe cardiac disease (15% vs. 4.2% in matched control group, p = .028). Seventy-one (31.6%) exposed women exhibited obstetric and cardiovascular complications during pregnancy as compared with 65 (14.4%) controls, p < .001. Twenty-five (13.9%) exposed women experienced postpartum complications versus 26 (7.5%) in the control group (p = .019). Maternal ICU admission occurred in 13 (7.3%) of the exposed group as compared with only 2 (0.6%) in controls (p < .001).

CONCLUSIONS

Women with a background cardiac condition, particularly those with severe disease, are at a higher risk for an unplanned cesarean delivery and other peripartum complications as compared with matched healthy controls.

Examining the role and relevance of the critical analysis and comparison of cesarean section rates in a changing world

Cesarean section (CS) is one of the most commonly performed surgical operations in the world and has resulted in improved maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality rates internationally. However, concerns have been raised regarding the ever increasing CS rates to what has been described as 'epidemic' proportions. Global CS rates have increased from 6.7% in 1990 to 19.1% in 2014. However, there is a vast variation in the CS rates between countries with CS rates of 44.3% reported across Latin America & the Caribbean and CS rates as low as 4.1% in central and West Africa. There is much controversy regarding the optimal figure for CS in a population. The optimal CS rates for a population have been recommend in various studies, ranging from 10% to 19%, above which no reported improvement in maternal and neonatal mortality rates is observed. This review examines the evolution of the changing indications for CS and increasing CS rates in a world where family sizes are reducing and maternal age at first pregnancy is increasing. Efforts must be made to agree on an appropriate classification system whereby CS rates can be compared accurately between units and countries as a useful tool to audit and monitor our practice. Obstetricians should consider the indications for each CS performed, be conscious of the CS rate in our own countries and institutions and most importantly, be cognizant of how the CS rate impacts the maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality rates and adjust our practice accordingly, to minimize harm.

Effectiveness and Safety of Camylofin in Augmentation of Labor: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

This systematic review and meta-analysis assessed the effectiveness and safety of camylofin compared with other antispasmodics (drotaverine, hyoscine, valethamate, phloroglucinol, and meperidine) in labor augmentation. A systematic literature search until March 27, 2018, was performed, and data on the cervical dilatation rate (CDR) and duration of stages of labor reported in 39 eligible articles were analyzed using a random-effects model. CDR was significantly higher (0.38 cm/h, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.10 to 0.67, p = 0.007), and the duration of the first stage of labor was significantly shorter (- 41.21 minutes, 95% CI, - 77.19 to - 5.22, p = 0.02) in women receiving camylofin than those receiving other antispasmodics for labor augmentation. CDR was significantly higher with camylofin compared with valethamate (0.6 cm/h, 95% CI 0.4 to 0.9, p < 0.0001) and hyoscine (20 mg) (0.5 cm/h, 95% CI 0.1 to 0.8, p = 0.02). The duration of the first stage of labor was significantly shorter with camylofin compared with hyoscine (20 mg) (- 59.9 min, 95% CI, - 117.9 to - 1.8, p = 0.04). However, CDR and the duration of first stage of labor were not statistically different between camylofin and drotaverine groups. The percentage of women having nausea and vomiting, cervical/vaginal tear, and postpartum hemorrhage were comparable with all antispasmodics, whereas tachycardia was least reported in women receiving camylofin (3, 2.07%) than those receiving other antispasmodics. This meta-analysis demonstrated the benefit of camylofin in labor augmentation with a faster CDR and reduction in the active first stage of labor in Indian women.

Differences in rate and medical indication of caesarean section between Germany and Japan

BACKGROUND

There are growing concerns about the increasing rate of caesarean section (CS) worldwide. Various strategies have been implemented to reduce the proportion of CS to a reasonable level. Most research on medical indications for CS focuses on nationwide evaluations. Comparative research between different countries is sparse. The aim of this study was to evaluate differences in the rate and indications for CS between Japan and Germany in 2012 and 2013.

METHODS

Comparison of the overall rate and medical indications for CS in two cohort studies from Germany and Japan. We used data from the German Perinatal Survey and the Japan Environment and Children's Study (JECS).

RESULTS

We analyzed data of 1 335 150 participants from the German perinatal survey and of 62 533 participants from JECS and found significant differences between the two countries in CS rate (30.6% vs 20.6%) and main medical indications: cephalopelvic disproportion (3.2% vs 1.3%; OR: 2.4 [95% CI: 2.2-2.6]), fetal distress (7.3% vs 2.3%; OR: 3.4 [95%-CI: 3.2-3.6]), and past uterine surgery/repeat CS (8.4% vs 8.8%; OR: 0.9 [95%-CI: 0.9-1]).

CONCLUSION

There are differences in the rate and medical indications for CS between Germany and Japan at the population level. Fetal distress was identified as a medical indication for CS more often Germany than in Japan. Considering the substantial diagnostic uncertainty of electronic fetal monitoring (EFM) as the major indicator for fetal distress, it would seem to be reasonable to rethink CS decision algorithms.

Cesarean delivery due to nonreassuring fetal heart rate: the effect of phase of labor on subsequent vaginal delivery success

Introduction: To assess trial of labor and vaginal delivery rates in pregnancies following cesarean delivery (CD) due to nonreassuring fetal heart rate (NRFHR) according to phase of labor at cesarean.Materials and methods: This was a retrospective cohort of deliveries at a university hospital between 2009 and 2016. We compared primary CDs performed due to NRFHR during nonactive labor (cervical dilatation < 5 cm) and active labor (cervical dilatation ≥ 5 cm). Subsequent deliveries were reviewed for trial of labor and vaginal delivery rates, and maternal and obstetric outcomes compared.Results: Two hundred thirty-six patients underwent a CD during the nonactive phase of labor (nonactive phase group) and 126 patients during the active phase of labor (active phase group). Patients with a past active phase CD were more likely to attempt a trial of labor but equally likely to achieve a vaginal delivery. There was a trend for more CDs due to nonprogressive labor in this group. After adjustment, only past vaginal delivery was independently associated with a successful vaginal delivery, but not the phase of labor during which the past CD was performed.Conclusion: Our study points to a similar prognosis for patients with a past CD due to NRFHR, regardless of previous labor course.

Prediction of vaginal birth after one ceasarean delivery for non-progressive labor

PURPOSE

A model exists that predicts the probability of vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC). That model is not stratified by indication at first cesarean. The aim of the study was to identify factors that may predict successful VBAC in patients operated for arrest of dilatation or descent at their first cesarean.

METHODS

Retrospective analysis of all women with trials of labor after one cesarean (TOLAC) for non-progressive labor between November 2008 and October 2015 was performed (n = 231). A multivariate logistic regression analysis was carried out to generate a prediction model for VBAC at hospital admission for planned TOLAC.

RESULTS

During the study period, we had 231 parturient women who chose to undergo TOLAC following one previous cesarean delivery for non-progressive labor. Successful VBAC occurred in 155 (67.0%) parturient women. A model consisting of previous successful VBAC, lower head station on decision at previous cesarean delivery, lower newborn weight at previous cesarean delivery and larger cervical effacement on admission at delivery planned for TOLAC correctly classified 75.3% of cases (R ² = 0.324, AUC 0.80, 95% CI 0.70-0.89, p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

A predictive model, which incorporates four variables available at hospital admission for the planned TOLAC, has been developed that allows the determination of likelihood of successful VBAC following one cesarean delivery for non-progressive labor.