Maternal and neonatal outcomes after uterine rupture in labor

Trial of labor after cesarean, vaginal birth after cesarean, and the risk of uterine rupture: an expert review

The decision to pursue a trial of labor after cesarean delivery is complex and depends on patient preference, the likelihood of successful vaginal birth after cesarean delivery, assessment of the risks vs benefits of trial of labor after cesarean delivery, and available resources to support safe trial of labor after cesarean delivery at the planned birthing center. The most feared complication of trial of labor after cesarean delivery is uterine rupture, which can have catastrophic consequences, including substantial maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality. Although the absolute risk of uterine rupture is low, several clinical, historical, obstetrical, and intrapartum factors have been associated with increased risk. It is therefore critical for clinicians managing patients during trial of labor after cesarean delivery to be aware of these risk factors to appropriately select candidates for trial of labor after cesarean delivery and maximize the safety and benefits while minimizing the risks. Caution is advised when considering labor augmentation and induction in patients with a previous cesarean delivery. With established hospital safety protocols that dictate close maternal and fetal monitoring, avoidance of prostaglandins, and careful titration of oxytocin infusion when induction agents are needed, spontaneous and induced trial of labor after cesarean delivery are safe and should be offered to most patients with 1 previous low transverse, low vertical, or unknown uterine incision after appropriate evaluation, counseling, planning, and shared decision-making. Future research should focus on clarifying true risk factors and identifying the optimal approach to intrapartum and induction management, tools for antenatal prediction, and strategies for prevention of uterine rupture during trial of labor after cesarean delivery. A better understanding will facilitate patient counseling, support efforts to improve trial of labor after cesarean delivery and vaginal birth after cesarean delivery rates, and reduce the morbidity and mortality associated with uterine rupture during trial of labor after cesarean delivery.

Outcome of subsequent pregnancies in women with prior uterine rupture

OBJECTIVE

To report maternal and neonatal outcomes of subsequent pregnancies in a series of women with a prior uterine rupture.

METHODS

The records of all 103,542 deliveries (22,286 by cesarean section) performed in a single tertiary medical center from 2009 to 2021 were reviewed. Women with a prior uterine rupture, defined as a separation of the entire thickness of the uterine wall, with extrusion of fetal parts and intra-amniotic contents into the peritoneal cavity documented in the operative report of the previous cesarean delivery or laparotomy, were identified for inclusion in the study.

RESULTS

The cohort included 38 women with 50 pregnancies (50 neonates). Women had been scheduled for elective cesarean delivery at early term. Mean gestational age at delivery was 36 + 4 weeks (±5 days). In 7 pregnancies (14 %), spontaneous labor occurred before the scheduled cesarean delivery (at 36 + 6, 35 + 4, 35 + 3, 34 + 6, 34 + 3, 32 + 6 and 31 + 0 gestational weeks). A recurrent uterine scar rupture was found in 4 pregnancies (8 %), and uterine scar dehiscence, in 2 pregnancies (4 %), all identified during elective repeat cesarean delivery. In none of these cases was there a clinical suspicion beforehand; all had good maternal and neonatal outcomes. One parturient with placenta previa-accreta had a planned cesarean hysterectomy.

CONCLUSION

Women with prior uterine rupture have good maternal and neonatal outcomes in subsequent pregnancies when managed at a tertiary medical center, with planned elective term cesarean delivery, or even earlier, at the onset of spontaneous preterm labor.

Diagnosis and Management of Uterine Rupture in the Third Trimester of Pregnancy: A Case Series and Literature Review

BACKGROUND

 Uterine rupture is associated with clinically significant uterine bleeding, fetal distress, expulsion or protrusion of the fetus, placenta or both into the abdominal cavity requiring prompt cesarean delivery and uterine repair or hysterectomy. Previous cesarean section is the most common risk factor. The most consistent early indicator of it is the onset of prolonged and profound fetal bradycardia.

OBJECTIVE

In this study, we present six cases of uterine rupture highlighting risk factors, and challenges in diagnosis and management, along with a review of the literature.

METHOD

A retrospective case series identified eight cases during the five-year study period. All cases from January 1, 2018 to December 31, 2022 were reviewed. Cases with multiple previous cesarean sections were excluded.

RESULT

Six cases meeting the study criteria were included in our case series. Uterine rupture was a rare occurrence with a prevalence of nine in 31,315 births representing 0.03% of deliveries. No maternal mortality or need for hysterectomy occurred in our study. Fifty percent of uterine ruptures were associated with stillbirths. The most common risk factor was a previous cesarean section in 83.3%. The most common presenting sign was non-reassuring fetal status patterns in 66.6%. A single case had a silent rupture.

CONCLUSION

Signs and symptoms of uterine rupture are nonspecific making diagnosis challenging. Delay in definitive management causes significant fetal morbidity and mortality. For best outcomes, vaginal birth after a previous cesarean section needs close monitoring in appropriately prepared units with the ability to perform immediate cesarean delivery and provide advanced neonatal support.

Concomitant Vaginal Laceration and Urinary Bladder Injury With Pubic Diastasis: A Case Report on a Rare Complication During Obstructed Labor

A serious uro-obstetric emergency is the concurrent rupture of the uterine and urine bladder following a protracted difficult delivery. In the absence of circumstances that would make the bladder more likely to cling to the lower uterine segment, the involvement of the urinary bladder in a primigravida is unique and relatively infrequent. We discuss a case of a 21-year-old patient who had an obstructed labor complicated with bladder and vaginal injury. At laparotomy, we found a pubic bone diastasis, a vaginal injury, and a bladder injury at the urethrovesical junction. As a result, bladder neck repair with urethrovesical anastomosis and vaginal repair with an external fixator were carried out for pubic bone diastasis.

Rupture-mediated large uterine defect at 30th gestational week with protruded amniotic sac and fetal head without fetal compromise after laparoscopic electromyolysis: Case report and literature review

BACKGROUND

We describe a case of a rupture-mediated large uterine defect, which occurred on the 30th gestation week presenting a protruding amniotic sac sac without fetal compromise after a laparoscopic electromyolysis.

CASE PRESENTATION

A 28-year-old woman in her 30th week of gestation (gravida 2, para 0) presented with whole abdominal and right lower quadrant pain at Sanggye Paik Hospital. Ultrasound examination showed normal amniotic fluid and placentation but with breech presentation. She had undergone laparoscopic right ovarian cystectomy due to endometriosis 5 years earlier. Cardiotocography revealed an intermittent variable deceleration and no uterine contraction. Magnetic resonance imaging ruled out acute appendicitis. Four hours later, we observed a protrusion of the amniotic sac with the fetal head through a large uterine defect on magnetic resonance imaging, and performed emergency cesarean section. A boy was delivered without fetal compromise. During the cesarean section, multiple myometric wall defects and thinning were identified. After reconstruction of the uterine wall, the flaccid uterus bled persistently; thus, a cesarean hysterectomy was performed. Packed red cells and frozen plasma were transfused. The mother and neonate had uneventful puerperal and neonatal courses, respectively. After cesarean hysterectomy, we were informed that the mother had undergone a combined laparoscopic electromyolysis during the laparoscopic right ovarian cystectomy. Three years later, the child showed normal neural development.

CONCLUSIONS

Before myomectomy or electromyolysis, patients should be informed of the possibility of uterine rupture during subsequent pregnancies. If a pregnant woman has abdominal pain, clinicians should take a detailed history of uterine surgery and consider uterine rupture. Although, fortunately, the outcomes in this case were uneventful, urgent delivery is required when uterine rupture is diagnosed.

Risk management of vaginal birth after cesarean section (Review)

The increasing number of patients who desire to experience vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC) and the optimized protocols for trial of labor after cesarean (TOLAC) has led to a shift of old obstetrical paradigms. The VBAC trend is accompanied with numerous challenges for healthcare professionals, from establishing suitability of each pregnant patient profile for TOLAC to active labor management, and ethical or legal issues, which occasionally are not included in specific guidelines. That is why an individualized risk assessment and management can serve obstetricians as a useful tool for improving outcomes of patients, satisfaction, and also for avoiding legal or moral liabilities. The risk management concept aims to reduce foreseen risks and to emulate strategies for prediction and prevention of unwanted events. In obstetrics, and particularly for the VBAC topic, this concept is relatively new and undefined, and thus its features are disparate between guideline recommendations and clinical studies. This narrative review intends to offer a new and organic perspective over clinical aspects of TOLAC and VBAC risk management.

Uterine rupture during pregnancy: The URIDA (uterine rupture international data acquisition) study

OBJECTIVE

To describe the characteristics and peripartum outcomes of patients diagnosed with uterine rupture (UR) by an observational cohort retrospective study on 270 patients.

METHODS

Demographic information, surgical history, symptoms, and postoperative outcome of women and neonates after UR were collected in a large database. The statistical analysis searched for correlation between UR, previous uterine interventions, fibroids, and the successive perinatal outcomes in women with previous UR.

RESULTS

Uterine rupture was significantly associated with previous uterine surgery, occurring, on average, at 36 weeks of pregnancy in women also without previous uterine surgery. UR did not rise exponentially with an increasing number of uterine operations. Fibroids were related to UR. The earliest UR occurred at 159 days after hysteroscopic myomectomy, followed by laparoscopic myomectomy (251 days) and laparotomic myomectomy (253 days). Fertility preservation was feasible in several women. Gestational age and birth weight seemed not to be affected in the subsequent pregnancy.

CONCLUSION

Data analysis showed that previous laparoscopic and abdominal myomectomies were associated with UR in pregnancy, and hysteroscopic myomectomy was associated at earlier gestational ages. UR did not increase exponentially with an increasing number of previous scars. UR should not be considered a contraindication to future pregnancies.

The incidence, risk factors and maternal and foetal outcomes of uterine rupture during different birth policy periods: an observational study in China

Background

Currently, there are no studies on changes in the incidence of uterine rupture or maternal and foetal outcomes in women with uterine rupture during different birth policy periods in China. Moreover, the results of association studies of maternal age, parity and previous caesarean section number with the risk of maternal and foetal outcomes in women with uterine rupture have not been consistent. This research aims to conduct and discuss the above two aspects.

Methods

We included singleton pregnant women with no maternal complications other than uterine rupture from January 2012 to June 2019 in China’s National Maternal Near Miss Surveillance System. The data in this study did not differentiate between complete and partial uterine rupture and uterine dehiscence. Through Poisson regression analysis with a robust variance estimator, we compared the incidences of uterine rupture and maternal and foetal outcomes in women with uterine rupture during different birth policy periods in China and determined the relationship between maternal age, parity or previous caesarean section number and uterine rupture or maternal and foetal outcomes in women with uterine rupture.

Results

This study included 8,637,723 pregnant women. The total incidences of uterine rupture were 0.13% (12,934) overall, 0.05% during the one-child policy, 0.12% during the partial two-child policy (aRR = 1.96; 95% CI: 1.53–2.52) and 0.22% (aRR = 2.89; 95% CI: 1.94 4.29) during the universal two-child policy. The maternal near miss and stillbirth rates in women with uterine rupture were respectively 2.35% (aRR = 17.90; 95% CI: 11.81–27.13) and 2.12% (aRR = 4.10; 95% CI: 3.19 5.26) overall, 5.46 and 8.18% during the first policy, 1.72% (aRR = 0.60; 95% CI: 0.32–1.17) and 2.02% (aRR = 0.57; 95% CI: 0.37–0.83) during the second policy, and 1.99% (aRR = 0.90; 95% CI: 0.52–1.53) and 1.04% (aRR = 0.36; 95% CI: 0.24–0.54) during the third policy. The risk of uterine rupture increased with parity and previous caesarean section number.

Conclusion

The uterine rupture rate in China continues to increase among different birth policy periods, and the risk of maternal near miss among women with uterine rupture has not significantly improved. The Chinese government, obstetricians, and scholars should work together to reverse the rising rate of uterine rupture and improve the pregnancy outcomes in women with uterine rupture.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12884-021-03811-8.

Revisiting the Care Pathway for Trial of Labour After Cesarean: The Decision-to-Delivery Interval Is Key

Centres providing maternity care and offering a trial of labour after cesarean must develop and use maternal educational and consent processes that emphasize choice and autonomy related to options for and decisions surrounding vaginal birth after cesarean and elective repeat cesarean delivery. These centres should have administrative systems and processes that take into account local resources for cesarean delivery services, including team-based complex maternity risk support and an urgency consensus on the fetal, maternal, and maternal-fetal indications for a surgical delivery to ensure an appropriate decision-to-delivery interval.

No. 382-Trial of Labour After Caesarean

OBJECTIVE

To provide evidence-based guidelines for the provision of a trial of labour after Caesarean section.

OUTCOMES

Fetal and maternal morbidity and mortality associated with vaginal birth after Caesarean and repeat Caesarean section.

EVIDENCE

MEDLINE database was searched for articles published from January 1, 1995, to October 31, 2017 using the key words "vaginal birth after Caesarean (Cesarean) section." The quality of evidence is described using the Evaluation of Evidence criteria outlined in the Report of the Canadian Task Force on the Periodic Health Exam.

VALIDATION

These guidelines were approved by the Clinical Practice Obstetrics Committee and the Board of the Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada.

RECOMMENDATIONS

Counselling Patients for Trial of Labour after Cesarean (TOLAC) and Invasive Placentation: Are We Missing the Mark? The Importance of Local Data and Informed Choice

OBJECTIVE

Rates of cesarean delivery are increasing, and these procedures carry potential complications, like the risk of invasive placentation, which increases with each cesarean. A trial of labour after cesarean (TOLAC) is a viable option for patients; however, it has been associated with uterine rupture, a complication with maternal and fetal risks. To better counsel patients considering TOLAC, we aimed to determine local uterine rupture rates and maternal and neonatal outcomes with TOLAC and compare these with outcomes related to invasive placentation.

METHODS

A 4-year retrospective chart review was conducted at our tertiary centre of all patients with a history of a previous cesarean delivery. We assessed rates of TOLAC, vaginal delivery after cesarean (VBAC), and uterine rupture, as well as maternal and neonatal outcomes associated with invasive placentation. Cases of uterine rupture from 1988 to the present were also reviewed, and their outcomes were compared with those of invasive placentation.

RESULTS

Our uterine rupture rate was 0.44% and VBAC rate was 73.8%. We identified 8 cases of uterine rupture since 1988 and 67 invasive placentas during the 4-year chart review. Invasive placentation was associated with a significantly increased risk of neonatal respiratory morbidity, hysterectomy, maternal complications, and longer length of maternal hospital stay when compared with uterine rupture.

CONCLUSION

While uterine rupture remains a potential complication of TOLAC, it is rare with overall excellent maternal and neonatal outcomes. Invasive placentation, the risk of which increases with cesarean delivery, carries potentially higher complication rates than uterine rupture. Local complication data is important for individual sites offering TOLAC. The implications of invasive placentation cannot be overlooked when counselling patients considering TOLAC.

ACOG Practice Bulletin No. 205: Vaginal Birth After Cesarean Delivery

Trial of labor after cesarean delivery (TOLAC) refers to a planned attempt to deliver vaginally by a woman who has had a previous cesarean delivery, regardless of the outcome. This method provides women who desire a vaginal delivery the possibility of achieving that goal-a vaginal birth after cesarean delivery (VBAC). In addition to fulfilling a patient's preference for vaginal delivery, at an individual level, VBAC is associated with decreased maternal morbidity and a decreased risk of complications in future pregnancies as well as a decrease in the overall cesarean delivery rate at the population level (). However, although TOLAC is appropriate for many women, several factors increase the likelihood of a failed trial of labor, which in turn is associated with increased maternal and perinatal morbidity when compared with a successful trial of labor (ie, VBAC) and elective repeat cesarean delivery (). Therefore, assessing the likelihood of VBAC as well as the individual risks is important when determining who is an appropriate candidate for TOLAC. Thus, the purpose of this document is to review the risks and benefits of TOLAC in various clinical situations and to provide practical guidelines for counseling and management of patients who will attempt to give birth vaginally after a previous cesarean delivery.

No. 155-Guidelines for Vaginal Birth After Previous Caesarean Birth

OBJECTIVE

To provide evidence-based guidelines for the provision of a trial of labour (TOL) after Caesarean section.

OUTCOME

Fetal and maternal morbidity and mortality associated with vaginal birth after Caesarean (VBAC) and repeat Caesarean section.

EVIDENCE

MEDLINE database was searched for articles published from January 1, 1995, to February 28, 2004, using the key words "vaginal birth after Caesarean (Cesarean) section." The quality of evidence is described using the Evaluation of Evidence criteria outlined in the Report of the Canadian Task Force on the Periodic Health Exam.

RECOMMENDATIONS

VALIDATION: These guidelines were approved by the Clinical Practice Obstetrics and Executive Committees of the Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada.

Timing of delivery in women with prior uterine rupture: a decision analysis

Background: Uterine rupture is an obstetric complication with high rates of associated maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality. However, limited guidance for the timing of delivery in women with a history of prior uterine rupture exists.Objective: To determine the optimal gestational age of delivery in women with prior uterine rupture.Study design: A decision-analytic model was built using TreeAge software to compare the outcomes of repeat cesarean delivery when performed at 32, 33, 34, 35, or 36 weeks gestation in a theoretical cohort of 1000 women with prior uterine rupture. Strategies involved expectant management until a later gestational age accounting for the risks of spontaneous uterine rupture, spontaneous labor, uterine rupture following spontaneous labor, and stillbirth during each successive week that a woman was still pregnant. Maternal outcomes included uterine rupture, hysterectomy, and death. Neonatal outcomes included hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy, cerebral palsy, and death. Probabilities were derived from the literature and total quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) were calculated. Sensitivity analyses were used to vary model inputs to investigate the robustness of our baseline assumptions.Results: In our theoretical cohort of 1000 pregnant women with a history of prior uterine rupture, cesarean delivery at 34 weeks maximized maternal and neonatal QALYs. Compared to delivery at 36 weeks, delivery at 34 weeks would prevent 38.6 uterine ruptures, 0.079 maternal deaths, 6.10 hysterectomies, and 12.1 neonatal deaths but results in 4.70 more cases of cerebral palsy. Univariate sensitivity analysis found that repeat cesarean at 34 weeks remained the optimal strategy until the probability of spontaneous repeat uterine rupture (baseline estimate: 0.68%) fell below 0.2% or rose above 0.9%, at which point, a strategy of delivery at 35 or 32 weeks became optimal, respectively. However, Monte Carlo simulation demonstrated that delivery at 35 weeks was the optimal strategy 37% of the time, whereas 34 weeks was the optimal strategy 17% of the time.Conclusion: The optimal time for repeat cesarean delivery in women with prior uterine rupture appears to be between 34-0/7 and 35-6/7 weeks gestation.

Vaginal birth after caesarean versus elective repeat caesarean delivery after one previous caesarean section: a cost-effectiveness analysis in four European countries

BACKGROUND

The OptiBIRTH study incorporates a multicentre cluster randomised trial in 15 hospital sites across three European countries. The trial was designed to test a complex intervention aimed at improving vaginal birth after caesarean section (VBAC) rates through increasing women's involvement in their care. Prior to developing a robust standardised model to conduct the health economic analysis, an analysis of a hypothetical cohort was performed to estimate the costs and health effects of VBAC compared to elective repeat caesarean delivery (ERCD) for low-risk women in four European countries.

METHODS

A decision-analytic model was developed to estimate the costs and the health effects, measured using Quality Adjusted Life Years (QALYs), of VBAC compared with ERCD. A cost-effectiveness analysis for the period from confirmation of pregnancy to 6 weeks postpartum was performed for short-term consequences and during lifetime for long-term consequences, based on a hypothetical cohort of 100,000 pregnant women in each of four different countries; Belgium, Germany, Ireland and Italy. A societal perspective was adopted. Where possible, transition probabilities, costs and health effects were adapted from national data obtained from the respective countries. Country-specific thresholds were used to determine the cost-effectiveness of VBAC compared to ERCD. Deterministic and probabilistic sensitivity analyses were conducted to examine the uncertainty of model assumptions.

RESULTS

Within a 6-week time horizon, VBAC resulted in a reduction in costs, ranging from €3,334,052 (Germany) to €66,162,379 (Ireland), and gains in QALYs ranging from 6399 (Italy) to 7561 (Germany) per 100,000 women birthing in each country. Compared to ERCD, VBAC is the dominant strategy in all four countries. Applying a lifetime horizon, VBAC is dominant compared to ERCD in all countries except for Germany (probabilistic analysis, ICER: €8609/QALY). In conclusion, compared to ERCD, VBAC remains cost-effective when using a lifetime time.

CONCLUSIONS

In all four countries, VBAC was cost-effective compared to ERCD for low-risk women. This is important for health service managers, economists and policy makers concerned with maximising health benefits within limited and constrained resources.

Practice Bulletin No. 184: Vaginal Birth After Cesarean Delivery

Trial of labor after cesarean delivery (TOLAC) refers to a planned attempt to deliver vaginally by a woman who has had a previous cesarean delivery, regardless of the outcome. This method provides women who desire a vaginal delivery the possibility of achieving that goal-a vaginal birth after cesarean delivery (VBAC). In addition to fulfilling a patient's preference for vaginal delivery, at an individual level, VBAC is associated with decreased maternal morbidity and a decreased risk of complications in future pregnancies as well as a decrease in the overall cesarean delivery rate at the population level (1-3). However, although TOLAC is appropriate for many women, several factors increase the likelihood of a failed trial of labor, which in turn is associated with increased maternal and perinatal morbidity when compared with a successful trial of labor (ie, VBAC) and elective repeat cesarean delivery (4-6). Therefore, assessing the likelihood of VBAC as well as the individual risks is important when determining who is an appropriate candidate for TOLAC. Thus, the purpose of this document is to review the risks and benefits of TOLAC in various clinical situations and to provide practical guidelines for counseling and management of patients who will attempt to give birth vaginally after a previous cesarean delivery.

Contemporary analysis of maternal and neonatal morbidity after uterine rupture: A nationwide population-based study

AIM

Uterine rupture is a rare but feared perinatal event. Despite abundant research and changes to guidelines implemented to reduce this complication, evaluation of whether uterine rupture still engenders significant maternal/neonatal morbidity has not been conducted. We analyzed recent cases of maternal/neonatal morbidity after uterine rupture.

METHODS

Deliveries complicated by uterine rupture from 2011 to 2012 in the United States were selected. Comparison cases without uterine rupture were used as controls. Measures of maternal/neonatal complications were compared with χ² test, and relative risks were calculated. Logistic regression was used to identify the most significant complications. P < 0.05 indicated statistical significance.

RESULTS

From 7 922 016 births, 1925 cases of uterine rupture and 3765 controls were identified. Regression models retained four maternal outcomes; blood transfusion was the most common (~15%) and unplanned hysterectomy had the highest odds (~97-fold). For newborns, the model retained three measures of morbidity; neonatal intensive care unit admission was the most common (~35%) and seizures had the highest odds (~20-fold).

CONCLUSIONS

Despite efforts to reduce complications, mothers remain at significant risk of unplanned hysterectomy and intensive care unit admission. Neonates are at sizeable risk for neonatal intensive care unit admission and seizures, recognized markers of long-term neurobehavioral abnormality. Uterine rupture remains a major risk for mothers and babies.

Pregnancy, Delivery, and Neonatal Outcomes of In Vitro Fertilization-Embryo Transfer in Patient with Previous Cesarean Scar

Background

What role should previous cesarean section play in affecting clinical pregnancy outcomes and avoiding the complications of in vitro fertilization? In this article, we focus on elective single-embryo transfer (eSET) versus double-embryo transfer (DET) and assess the clinical efficacy and safety of eSET in patients who have a previous cesarean scar.

Material/Methods

The pregnancy, delivery, and neonatal outcomes of 130 patients who had a previous cesarean scar and received in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer (IVF-ET) were retrospectively analyzed. The number of transferred embryos was chosen depending on patients’ desire after acknowledging all benefits and risks, including eSET (eSET group, n=56) and DET (DET group, n=74). A total of 101 patients with previous vaginal delivery receiving IVF-ET in the same period were included as a control group.

Results

The pregnancy rates, multiple birth rates, abortion rates, ectopic pregnancy rates, gestational age at delivery, preterm birth rates, neonatal birth weight, and take-home baby rates were similar between the previous cesarean section group and the previous vaginal delivery group. A previous cesarean section scar did not affect embryo implantation and pregnancy outcomes in IVF. In the eSET and DET groups of previous cesarean section patients, the embryo implantation rates, pregnancy rates, abortion rates, and take-home baby rates were similar. However, the rate of multiple pregnancies reached 50% in the DET group, which led to more preterm births and lower birth weight.

Conclusions

Elective single-embryo transfer is a well-accepted strategy to avoid multiple pregnancies and improve the obstetric and neonatal outcomes of singleton pregnancy in IVF patients with a previous cesarean section.

Concomitant Vesicouterine Rupture with Avulsion of Ureter: A Rare Complication of Vaginal Birth after Cesarean Section

Uterine rupture is the most serious and life threatening complication and occurs in 0.7-0.9% of vaginal birth after lower segment caesarean section. Cases of bladder rupture along with uterine rupture have been rarely reported and avulsion of ureter, required ureteric implantation is even rarer. This case report describe a very rare case of vesicouterine rupture with avulsion of ureter following vacuum assisted delivery in a grandmulti with previous lower segment cesarean section (LSCS). Haematuria is the most common presentation of bladder rupture. Antenatal counseling regarding this entity is recommended if woman opted for vaginal birth after cesarean section. Intrapartum and postpartum high index of suspicion are important in clinching the diagnosis.

Posterior uterine rupture secondary to use of herbs leading to peritonitis and maternal death in a primigravida following vaginal delivery of a live baby in western Uganda: a case report

Uterine rupture is a potentially avoidable complication resulting in poor perinatal and maternal outcomes. This case had a number of unusual features including delivery of a healthy live baby; spontaneous posterior uterine rupture in a primigravida (and unscarred uterus); and delayed presentation with signs of peritonitis and sepsis rather than haemorrhage. A 19-year old primigravida had a vaginal delivery of a live infant at term, reporting having taken herbs to induce labour. She deteriorated and was transferred to our unit where she was found to have reduced consciousness, a distended abdomen and signs of sepsis. At laparotomy there was blood-stained ascites, signs of peritonitis and a posterior lower segment uterine rupture. A sub-total hysterectomy was performed but the patient's condition worsened resulting in maternal death 5 days post-operatively. This case highlights a number of differences in the presentation, management and outcomes of uterine rupture in resource-poor compared to resource-rich countries.

Nonreassuring fetal status during trial of labor after cesarean

OBJECTIVE

Concern for uterine rupture has led to the decline in vaginal births after cesarean. Nonreassuring fetal status (NRFS) may precede uterine rupture. The objective of this study was to estimate the risks of uterine rupture, uterine dehiscence, and adverse fetal outcomes associated with NRFS during trial of labor after cesarean (TOLAC).

STUDY DESIGN

In a retrospective cohort study of the previously reported Maternal-Fetal Medicine Units Network prospective cohort cesarean registry, we compared women undergoing repeat cesarean for NRFS after TOLAC to those requiring repeat cesarean for other intrapartum indications. Exclusion criteria included women with a prior cesarean who underwent elective or indicated repeat cesarean or women with a multiple gestation. Primary outcomes included uterine rupture or dehiscence. Secondary outcomes included 5-minute Apgar score <7 and neonatal intensive care unit admission. Planned subanalyses for term and preterm deliveries were performed. Stratified and logistic regression analyses were used.

RESULTS

Of 17,740 women undergoing TOLAC, 4754 (26.8%) had a failed vaginal birth after cesarean. Of those, NRFS was the primary indication for cesarean in 1516 (31.9%). Women with NRFS as the primary indication for repeat cesarean were at increased risk of uterine rupture (adjusted odds ratio, 3.32; 95% confidence interval, 2.21-5.00), uterine dehiscence (adjusted odds ratio, 1.70; 95% confidence interval, 1.09-2.65), 5-minute Apgar score <7, and neonatal intensive care unit admission compared to women with other primary indications.

CONCLUSION

Women attempting TOLAC who require repeat cesarean for NRFS are at increased risk of uterine rupture and uterine dehiscence.

The cost-effectiveness of a trial of labor accrues with multiple subsequent vaginal deliveries

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to estimate costs and outcomes of subsequent trials of labor after cesarean delivery (TOLAC) compared with elective repeat cesarean deliveries (ERCD).

STUDY DESIGN

To compare TOLAC and ERCD, maternal and neonatal decision analytic models were built for each hypothetic subsequent delivery. We assumed that only women without previa would undergo TOLAC for their second delivery, that women with successful TOLAC would desire future TOLAC, and that women who chose ERCD would undergo subsequent ERCD. Main outcome measures were maternal and neonatal mortality and morbidity rates, direct costs, and quality-adjusted life years. Values were derived from the literature. One-way and Monte-Carlo sensitivity analyses were performed.

RESULTS

TOLAC was less costly and more effective for most models. A progression of decreasing incremental cost and increasing incremental effectiveness of TOLAC was found for maternal outcomes with increasing numbers of subsequent deliveries. This progression was also displayed among neonatal outcomes and was most prominent when neonatal and maternal outcomes were combined, with an incremental cost and effectiveness of -$4700.00 and .073, respectively, for the sixth delivery. Net-benefit analysis showed an increase in the benefit of TOLAC with successive deliveries for all outcomes. The maternal model of the second delivery was sensitive to cost of delivery and emergent cesarean delivery. Successive maternal models became more robust, with the models of the third-sixth deliveries sensitive only to cost of delivery. Neonatal models were not sensitive to any variables.

CONCLUSION

Although nearly equally effective relative to ERCD for the second delivery, TOLAC becomes less costly and more effective with subsequent deliveries.

Persistent abdominal pain over uterine scar during labor as a predictor of delivery complications

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the significance of persistent lower abdominal pain in women with previous cesarean delivery.

METHODS

Various maternal outcomes were compared between women who underwent repeated cesareans owing to persistent lower abdominal pain (study group) and women who underwent repeated cesareans without persistent abdominal pain (control group).

RESULTS

The incidence of uterine rupture was significantly higher in the study group than in the control group (8/81 [9.9%] vs 0/119 [0.0%]; P<0.001). While all women with persistent lower abdominal pain and uterine rupture had an additional sign or symptom, only 6/73 (8.2%) women with persistent abdominal pain without uterine rupture had any additional symptoms (P<0.001). There was no difference in incidence of uterine scar dehiscence between the groups. However, the hospitalization period was significantly longer in the study group (4 vs 3.7days; P<0.05). Trial of labor was a contributing factor to uterine rupture.

CONCLUSION

Isolated persistent lower abdominal pain in women with previous cesarean is a poor indicator of uterine rupture. However, the positive predictive value for uterine rupture is 57% when an additional sign or symptom is present. Dehiscence of the uterine scar is relatively common and it is not associated with persistent abdominal pain.

Vaginal birth after cesarean and trial of labor after cesarean: what should we be recommending relative to maternal risk:benefit?

Trial of labor after cesarean (TOLAC) delivery is currently a hot obstetrical topic owing to the acute rise in the rate of cesarean deliveries, both primary and repeat. When the physician and patient are considering TOLAC, several factors should be considered: risk of uterine rupture, contraindications, minimizing risk and morbidity, choosing the appropriate candidate and whether or not to induce. Each patient has her own set of individual risk factors that may decrease her chance of successful vaginal birth after cesarean delivery or increase her risks with TOLAC. Once all things are considered, the risk:benefit of TOLAC should be weighed up before a decision is reached. Each of these factors is discussed in respect to maternal risk:benefit, with the focus on evidence presented in the current literature.

Evaluating trial of scar in patients with a history of caesarean section

Aims:

To analyze the outcome of trial of scar in patients with previous caesarean section and to assess the fetal and maternal complications after trial of scar.

Patients and Methods:

The study was conducted at Military Hospital, Rawalpindi, Pakistan, with 375 pregnant patients who had a previous delivery by caesarean and who had regular antenatal checkup. Data were recorded on special pro-forms designed for the purpose.

Results:

The results from the 375 patients who had one previous lower segment caesarean section due to non-recurrent causes were analyzed and compared with national and international studies. Indications of previous caesarean section (non-recurrent causes) included malpresentations, fetal distress/cord prolapse, failure to progress, severe pregnancy-induced hypertension/eclampsia and twins with abnormal lie of the first twin. 0 218 patients reported spontaneous labor. Among these patients, 176 delivered vaginally and 42 patients had repeat caesarean sections. There were a total of 157 patients who experienced induction of labor. 97 patients were induced by cervical ripening with mechanical method, followed by artificial rupture of membranes and augmentation (if required) with syntocinon infusion. 60 patients were induced with prostaglandin E₂ vaginal tablet.

Conclusion:

This study concludes that females with a prior caesarean are at increased risk for subsequent caesareans, regardless of mode of delivery. Eliminating vaginal-birth-after-caesarean will not eliminate the risk. Therefore, vaginal birth after caesarean should be encouraged in selected cases from obstetric units to reduce the risks of repeated caesarean sections. Failed vaginal-birth-after-caesarean can result in increased morbidity than that with elective caesarean section.

A review of 93 cases of ruptured uterus over a period of 2 years in a tertiary care hospital in South India

This was a retrospective descriptive study carried out on cases in JIPMER between July 2008 and June 2010 among 32,080 deliveries. The study sample included 93 women who had a ruptured uterus. Outcome variables included maternal characteristics, risk factors, management and complications of ruptured uterus. The incidence of ruptured uterus was 0.28%. Most of these women were multiparous (95%), between 20 and 30 years (82%). The majority had a scarred uterus (77%) and 83% were at term gestation. Among women with a scarred uterus, 57 women (79%) had an unknown uterine scar type and 46 women (64%) had < 18 months' duration from the last caesarean section. A total of 37 women (39.7%) presented with ruptured uterus and a dead fetus. Out of 71 women with previous caesarean section, 46 women (49.4%) were allowed trial of scar and developed a ruptured uterus in hospital. Among women with unscarred uterus, 14 presented with rupture and seven of these women were induced in hospital. Out of the 93 cases, 87% were managed with uterine repair and 12 women underwent hysterectomy. A total of 31 babies were born with good Apgar scores; 48 babies were stillborn. We conclude that the strongest association of ruptured uterus was with previous scarred uterus, multiparity and < 18 months' duration from the last caesarean section. There were no maternal deaths. Maternal morbidity was seen in 17% of cases. Perinatal mortality was 60.6%. As a result of the study, we have implemented changes to improve patients' care.

Perinatal morbidity and risk of hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy associated with intrapartum sentinel events

OBJECTIVE

To examine perinatal morbidity and rate of hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy in infants exposed to intrapartum sentinel events.

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective cohort study from 2000-2005. Perinatal mortality, perinatal morbidity and rate of hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy were compared in 3 groups of infants exposed to different risk factors for perinatal asphyxia (sentinel events, nonreassuring fetal status, elective cesarean section).

RESULTS

Five hundred eighty-six infants were studied. Perinatal mortality was 6% in the sentinel event group and 0.3% in the nonreassuring fetal status group (relative risk, 2.4; 95% confidence interval, 1.95-2.94). Perinatal morbidity was 2-6 times more frequent in infants exposed to sentinel events; the incidence of hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy was 10%, compared with 2.5% in the nonreassuring fetal status group (relative risk, 1.93; 95% confidence interval, 1.49-2.52). No infant in the elective cesarean section group died, had perinatal morbidity, or developed encephalopathy.

CONCLUSION

Intrapartum sentinel events are associated with a high incidence of perinatal morbidity and hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy.

Rupture of the Gravid Utensis

Records were reviewed of 81 cases of ruptured gravid uteri seen in the hospitals of Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, in the 32 years 1977–2008, an overall incidence of 0.025%, although the incidence 1977–1997 was 0.01 % and that of 1998–2008 was 0.036%. Grand multiparity was a prominent cause (56.5%) in the first 21 years but less so in the later period 1998–2008 (10%) although involvement of a uterine scar from a previous caesarian section was noted more (84%) in the later period than in 1977– 1997 (43.5%). Other associated factors were the use of oxytocin or PGE2. Epidural anesthesia in the later period might have provoked abnormal fetal heart rates. The need for hysterectomy decreased from 65% to 10%. Perinatal mortality decreased slightly. Although we conclude that uterine rupture is rare (0.025%) it can be catastrophic for mother and newborn and might be prevented by multi-layer uterine hysterotomy closure, a longer interpregnancy interval following a caesarian section, and no or limited use of prostaglandins.

Nonclinical factors affecting women's access to trial of labor after cesarean delivery

The use of trial of labor after cesarean (TOLAC) has declined in the last decade, and the clinical risks of TOLAC remain low. Nonclinical factors continue to affect women's access to TOLAC. This article considers 5 categories of factors that seem to be influencing rates of TOLAC and vaginal birth after cesarean: opinion leaders and professional guidelines, hospital facilities and cesarean availability, reimbursement for providing TOLAC, medical liability, and patient-level factors. An evidence base and strategies to provide guidance to create a safe environment for vaginal birth after cesarean are needed. Obstetric information systems are critical to this effort.

Simultaneous uterine and urinary bladder rupture in an otherwise successful vaginal birth after cesarean delivery

Uterine rupture is the primary concern when a patient chooses a trial of labor after a cesarean section. Bladder rupture accompanied by uterine rupture should be taken into consideration if gross hematuria occurs. We report the case of a patient with uterine rupture during a trial of labor after cesarean delivery. She had a normal course of labor and no classic signs of uterine rupture. However, gross hematuria was noted after repair of the episiotomy. The patient began to complain of progressive abdominal pain, gross hematuria and oliguria. Cystoscopy revealed a direct communication between the bladder and the uterus. When opening the bladder peritoneum, rupture sites over the anterior uterus and posterior wall of the bladder were noted. Following primary repair of both wounds, a Foley catheter was left in place for 12 days. The patient had achieved a full recovery by the 2-year follow-up examination. Bladder injury and uterine rupture can occur at any time during labor. Gross hematuria immediately after delivery is the most common presentation. Cystoscopy is a good tool to identify the severity of bladder injury.

Birth after previous cesarean delivery: short-term maternal outcomes

An estimated 40% of the 1.3 million cesarean deliveries performed each year in the United States are repeat procedures. The appropriate clinical management approach for women with previous cesarean delivery remains challenging because options are limited. The risks and benefits of clinical management choices in the woman's health need to be quantified. Thus, we discuss the available published scientific data on (1) the short-term maternal outcomes of trial of labor after cesarean and elective repeat cesarean delivery, (2) the differences between outcomes for both, (3) the important factors that influence these outcomes, and (4) successful vs. unsuccessful vaginal birth after cesarean. For women with a previous cesarean delivery, a successful trial of labor offers several distinct, consistently reproducible advantages compared with elective repeat cesarean delivery, including fewer hysterectomies, fewer thromboembolic events, lower blood transfusion rates, and shorter hospital stay. However, when trial of labor after cesarean fails, emergency cesarean is associated with increased uterine rupture, hysterectomy, operative injury, blood transfusion, endometritis, and longer hospital stay. Care of women with a history of previous cesarean delivery involves a confluence of interactions between medical and nonmedical factors; however, the most important determinants of the short-term outcomes among these women are likely individualized counseling, accurate clinical diagnoses, and careful management during a trial of labor. We recommend a randomized controlled trial among women undergoing a TOLAC and a longitudinal cohort study among women with previous cesarean to evaluate adverse outcomes, with focused attention on both mother and the infant.

Timing of elective repeat caesarean section: maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality

Timing of elective repeat caesarean section should take into account both fetal and maternal considerations. The percentage of caesarean deliveries has dramatically increased during the last decades. It undoubtedly leads to an increase in the number of women having multiple caesarean sections. While maternal morbidity increases with increased number of caesarean sections, when compared with their term counterparts, late pre-term infants face increased morbidity. Establishing the optimal time of delivery for both mother and child is a major challenge faced by clinicians. The aim of this review is to better understand neonatal and maternal morbidity and mortality that are associated with elective repeat caesarean section, and to provide an educated decision regarding the optimal timing for elective repeat caesarean section.

Previous preterm cesarean delivery: Identification of a new risk factor for uterine rupture in VBAC candidates

OBJECTIVE

A major risk of trials of labor in patients with prior cesarean delivery is uterine rupture. We evaluated the question of whether a previous cesarean delivery at an early gestational age predisposes the patient to subsequent uterine rupture.

METHODS

This was a retrospective chart review of patients delivering at North Shore University Hospital with a trial of labor after previous cesarean delivery to ascertain all cases of uterine rupture. Patients who had had a previous cesarean delivery at our institution who did not suffer uterine rupture during a trial of labor served as controls.

RESULTS

Twenty-five patients suffered a uterine rupture. The incidence of prior preterm cesarean delivery (PPCD) in this group was 40%, compared to 10.9% of 691 laboring vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC) patients without rupture (p < 0.001). Patients in the rupture group with a PPCD were less likely to have experienced labor in the index pregnancy and more likely to have had an interdelivery interval of less than two years.

CONCLUSIONS

An undeveloped lower segment in the preterm uterus represents a risk for later rupture, even if the incision is transverse.

Neonatal neurological morbidity associated with uterine rupture

AIMS

To compare neonatal neurological morbidity associated with uterine rupture with morbidity associated with a non-reassuring fetal status.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective cohort analysis. Twenty-one cases of term infants delivered after a symptomatic uterine rupture were analyzed and compared with a randomly selected group of 63 infants born after a non-reassuring fetal heart rate pattern.

RESULTS

Prevalence of uterine rupture was 0.058%. Maternal factors and infant general data were similar in both groups. Infants delivered after a uterine rupture had lower Apgar scores at 1 and 5 min, lower umbilical blood pH, and required more advanced resuscitation than infants delivered after a non-reassuring fetal status. Prevalence of hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy in the uterine rupture group was 33%, compared with 5% in the other group (P<0.01, relative risk 3.7). Four infants in the uterine rupture group (19%) had moderate or severe encephalopathy; all of them had also multisystem dysfunction and an adverse outcome. No infant in the non-reassuring fetal status group showed moderate or severe encephalopathy.

CONCLUSIONS

Uterine rupture is a considerable sentinel event that involves a high rate of early and late neurological morbidity in the newborn infant.

Identifying risk factors for uterine rupture

Uterine rupture, whether in the setting of a prior uterine incision or in an unscarred uterus, is an obstetric emergency with potentially catastrophic consequences for both mother and child. Numerous studies have been published regarding various risk factors associated with uterine rupture. Despite the mounting data regarding both antepartum and intrapartum factors, it currently is impossible to predict in whom a uterine rupture will occur. This article reviews the data regarding these antepartum and intrapartum predictors for uterine rupture. The author hopes that the information presented in this article will help clinicians assess an individual's risk for uterine rupture.

Is neonatal neurological damage in the delivery room avoidable? Experience of 33 levels I and II maternity units of a French perinatal network

OBJECTIVE

To determine the frequency of avoidable neonatal neurological damage.

STUDY DESIGN

We carried out a retrospective study from January 1st to December 31st 2003, including all children transferred from a level I or II maternity unit for suspected neurological damage (SND). Only cases confirmed by a persistent abnormality on clinical examination, EEG, transfontanelle ultrasound scan, CT scan or cerebral MRI were retained. Each case was studied in detail by an expert committee and classified as "avoidable", "unavoidable" or "of indeterminate avoidability." The management of "avoidable" cases was analysed to identify potentially avoidable factors (PAFs): not taking into account a major risk factor (PAF1), diagnostic errors (PAF2), suboptimal decision to delivery interval (PAF3) and mechanical complications (PAF4).

RESULTS

In total, 77 children were transferred for SND; two cases were excluded (inaccessible medical files). Forty of the 75 cases of SND included were confirmed: 29 were "avoidable", 8 were "unavoidable" and 3 were "of indeterminate avoidability". Analysis of the 29 avoidable cases identified 39 PAFs: 18 PAF1, 5 PAF2, 10 PAF3 and 6 PAF4. Five had no classifiable PAF (0 death), 11 children had one type of PAF (one death), 11 children had two types of PAF (3 deaths), 2 had three types of PAF (2 deaths).

CONCLUSION

Three quarters of the confirmed cases of neurological damage occurring in levels I and II maternity units of the Aurore network in 2003 were avoidable. Five out of six cases resulting in early death involved several potentially avoidable factors.