Maternal and neonatal trauma following operative vaginal delivery

Variation in Episiotomy Use Among Nulliparous Individuals by Maternity Care Provider and Associated Rates of Obstetric Anal Sphincter Injury

OBJECTIVES

To quantify variation in the association between episiotomy and obstetric anal sphincter injury (OASI) by maternity care provider in spontaneous and operative vaginal deliveries (SVDs and OVDs).

METHODS

Population-based retrospective cohort study of vaginal, term deliveries among nullipara in Canada (2004-2015). Adjusted rate ratios (ARRs) and 95% CIs were estimated using log-binomial regression to quantify the associations between episiotomy and OASI, stratified by care provider (obstetrician [OB], family physician [FP], or registered midwife [RM]) while adjusting for potential confounders.

RESULTS

The study included 631 642 deliveries. Episiotomy use varied by provider: among SVDs, the episiotomy rate was 19.6%, 14.4%, and 8.4% in the OB, FP, and RM groups, respectively. The rate of OASI was higher among SVDs with versus without episiotomy (5.8% vs 4.6%). Conversely, OASI occurred less frequently in operative vaginal deliveries with episiotomy (15.3%) compared with those without (16.7%). In all provider groups, the ARR for OASI was increased with episiotomy in SVD and decreased with episiotomy with forceps delivery. No differences in these associations were observed by provider except among vacuum delivery (ARR with episiotomy vs. without, OB: 0.88, 95% CI 0.84-0.92; FP: 0.89, 95% CI 0.83-0.96, RM: 1.22, 95% CI 1.02-1.48).

CONCLUSIONS

In nullipara, irrespective of maternity care provider, there is a positive association between episiotomy and OASI among SVDs and an inverse association between episiotomy and deliveries with forceps. The relationship between episiotomy and OASI is modified by maternity care providers among vacuum deliveries.

The use of intrapartum ultrasound in operative vaginal birth: a retrospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

Poor outcomes from operative vaginal birth have been associated with failure to recognize malposition, breakdown in interdisciplinary communication, and deviation from accepted guidelines. We recently implemented a safety bundle including routine intrapartum ultrasound and a structured time-out and procedural checklist aiming to reduce maternal and perinatal morbidity from operative vaginal birth.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to compare births where intrapartum ultrasound was used and those where it was not used during a safety bundle implementation period at Monash Health.

STUDY DESIGN

We performed a retrospective cohort study at Monash Health during the transitional phase of implementing an operative vaginal birth safety bundle. We studied all women with operative vaginal birth and fully dilated cesarean delivery with a singleton cephalic term fetus. We compared births for which intrapartum ultrasound was used and those for which it was not. The primary outcome was neonates delivered in an unexpected position. Neonatal and maternal morbidity were also assessed, including a neonatal composite of Apgar score <7 at 5 minutes, cord lactate >8 mmol/L, need for resuscitation, significant birth trauma, or neonatal intensive care unit admission. To control for confounding by indication, we estimated propensity scores for the probability of using intrapartum ultrasound for each case based on maternal and labor characteristics, and adjusted the effect estimates for the propensity scores using multivariable logistic regression models.

RESULTS

From August 2022 to July 2023, there were 1205 operative vaginal births or fully dilated cesarean deliveries at Monash Health, including 743 (61.7%) forceps, 346 (28.7%) vacuum, and 116 (9.6%) fully dilated cesarean deliveries. Over this time, we observed increased uptake of intrapartum ultrasound from 26% in August 2022 to 60% (P<.001) in July 2023, of the time-out from 21% to 58% (P<.001), and the checklist from 33% to 80% (P<.001) of operative second-stage births. Among the births where intrapartum ultrasound was used (n=509), compared with those where it was not (n=696), there were significantly more forceps births (67% vs 58%; adjusted odds ratio, 1.35; 95% confidence interval, 1.05-1.74; P=.021) and a reduction in vacuum births (24% vs 32%; adjusted odds ratio, 0.77; 95% confidence interval, 0.58-1.01; P=.059). There were no significant differences in fully dilated cesarean delivery or maternal morbidity. Intrapartum ultrasound use was associated with significantly fewer infants being delivered in an unexpected position (0.2% vs 2.2%; adjusted odds ratio, 0.08; 95% confidence interval, 0.00-0.44; P=.019) and a significant reduction in composite neonatal morbidity (22% vs 25%; adjusted odds ratio, 0.73; 95% confidence interval, 0.54-0.97; P=.031).

CONCLUSION

During the implementation of a safety bundle, the use of ultrasound before operative vaginal birth was associated with fewer infants delivered in an unexpected position and reduced neonatal morbidity.

The association between unintended hysterotomy extensions with cesarean delivery and subsequent preterm birth

BACKGROUND

An increased risk for preterm birth has been observed among individuals with a previous second stage cesarean delivery when compared with those with a previous vaginal delivery. One mechanism that may contribute to the increased risk for preterm birth following a second stage cesarean delivery is the increased risk for cervical injury because of extension of the uterine incision (hysterotomy) into the cervix. The contribution of hysterotomy extension to the rate of preterm birth in a subsequent pregnancy has not been investigated and may shed light on the mechanism underlying the observed relationship between the mode of delivery and subsequent preterm birth.

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to quantify the association between unintended hysterotomy extension and preterm birth in a subsequent delivery.

STUDY DESIGN

We performed a retrospective cohort study using electronic perinatal data collected from 2 university-affiliated obstetrical centers. The study included patients with a primary cesarean delivery of a term, singleton live birth and a subsequent singleton birth in the same catchment (2005-2021). The primary outcome was subsequent preterm birth <37 weeks' gestation; secondary outcomes included subsequent preterm birth at <34, <32, and <28 weeks' gestation. We assessed crude and adjusted associations between unintended hysterotomy extensions and subsequent preterm birth with log binomial regression models using rate ratios and 95% confidence intervals. Adjusted models included several characteristics of the primary cesarean delivery such as maternal age, length of active labor, indication for cesarean delivery, chorioamnionitis, and maternal comorbidity.

RESULTS

A total 4797 patients met the study inclusion criteria. The overall rate of unintended hysterotomy extension in the primary cesarean delivery was 6.0% and the total rate of preterm birth in the subsequent pregnancy was 4.8%. Patients with an unintended hysterotomy extension were more likely to have a longer duration of active labor, chorioamnionitis, failed vacuum delivery attempt, second stage cesarean delivery, and persistent occiput posterior position of the fetal head in the primary cesarean delivery and higher rates of smoking in the subsequent pregnancy. Multivariable analyses that controlled for several confounders showed that a history of hysterotomy extension was not associated with a higher risk for preterm birth <37 weeks' gestation (adjusted rate ratio, 1.55; 95% confidence interval, 0.98-2.47), but it was associated with preterm birth <34 weeks' gestation (adjusted rate ratio, 2.49; 95% confidence interval, 1.06-5.42).

CONCLUSION

Patients with a uterine incision extension have a 2.5 times higher rate of preterm birth <34 weeks' gestation when compared with patients who did not have this injury. This association was not observed for preterm birth <37 weeks' gestation. Future research should aim to replicate our analyses with incorporation of additional data to minimize the potential for residual confounding.

Neonatal birth trauma and associated factors in low and middle-income countries: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Neonatal birth trauma, although it has steadily decreased in industrialized nations, constitutes a significant health burden in low-resource settings. Keeping with this, we sought to determine the pooled cumulative incidence (incidence proportion) of birth trauma and identify potential contributing factors in low and middle-income countries. Besides, we aimed to describe the temporal trend, clinical pattern, and immediate adverse neonatal outcomes of birth trauma. We searched articles published in the English language in the Excerpta Medica database, PubMed, Web of Science, Google, African Journals Online, Google Scholar, Scopus, and in the reference list of retrieved articles. Literature search strategies were developed using medical subject headings and text words related to the outcomes of the study. The Joana Briggs Institute quality assessment tool was employed and articles with appraisal scores of seven or more were deemed suitable to be included in the meta-analysis. Data were analyzed using the random-effect Dersimonian-Laird model. The full search identified a total of 827 articles about neonatal birth trauma. Of these, 37 articles involving 365,547 participants met the inclusion criteria. The weighted pooled cumulative incidence of birth trauma was estimated at 34 per 1,000 live births (95% confidence interval (CI) 30.5 to 38.5) with the highest incidence observed in Africa at 52.9 per 1,000 live births (95% CI 46.5 to 59.4). Being born to a mother from rural areas (odds ratio (OR), 1.61; 95% CI1.18 to 2.21); prolonged labor (OR, 5.45; 95% CI 2.30, 9.91); fetal malpresentation at delivery (OR, 4.70; 95% CI1.75 to 12.26); shoulder dystocia (OR, 6.11; 95% CI3.84 to 9.74); operative vaginal delivery (assisted vacuum or forceps extraction) (OR, 3.19; 95% CI 1.92 to 5.31); and macrosomia (OR, 5.06; 95% CI 2.76 to 9.29) were factors associated with neonatal birth trauma. In conclusion, we found a considerably high incidence proportion of neonatal birth trauma in low and middle-income countries. Therefore, early identification of risk factors and prompt decisions on the mode of delivery can potentially contribute to the decreased magnitude and impacts of neonatal birth trauma and promote the newborn's health.

Assisted vaginal birth in 21st century: current practice and new innovations

Assisted vaginal birth rates are falling globally with rising cesarean delivery rates. Cesarean delivery is not without consequence, particularly when carried out in the second stage of labor. Cesarean delivery in the second stage is not entirely protective against pelvic floor morbidity and can lead to serious complications in a subsequent pregnancy. It should be acknowledged that the likelihood of morbidity for mother and baby associated with cesarean delivery increases with advancing labor and is greater than spontaneous vaginal birth, irrespective of the method of operative birth in the second stage of labor. In this article, we argue that assisted vaginal birth is a skilled and safe option that should always be considered and be available as an option for women who need assistance in the second stage of labor. Selecting the most appropriate mode of birth at full dilatation requires accurate clinical assessment, supported decision-making, and personalized care with consideration for the woman's preferences. Achieving vaginal birth with the primary instrument is more likely with forceps than with vacuum extraction (risk ratio, 0.58; 95% confidence interval, 0.39-0.88). Midcavity forceps are associated with a greater incidence of obstetric anal sphincter injury (odds ratio, 1.83; 95% confidence interval, 1.32-2.55) but no difference in neonatal Apgar score or umbilical artery pH. The risk for adverse outcomes is minimized when the procedure is conducted by a skilled accoucheur who selects the most appropriate instrument likely to achieve vaginal birth with the primary instrument. Anticipation of potential complications and dynamic decision-making are just as important as the technique for safe instrument use. Good communication with the woman and the birthing partner is vital and there are various recommendations on how to achieve this. There have been recent developments (such as OdonAssist) in device innovation, training, and strategies for implementation at a scale that can provide opportunities for both improved outcomes and reinvigoration of an essential skill that can save mothers' and babies' lives across the world.

Association of the Kiwi OmniCup system with maternal and neonatal morbidity: A retrospective cohort study

OBJECTIVE

To discuss the effect of the Kiwi OmniCup system on reducing adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes and provide a reference for assisted vaginal delivery methods.

METHODS

Women who gave birth to singleton term neonates in a cephalic presentation and underwent assisted vaginal delivery from 2017 to 2021 were eligible for inclusion in the study; they were divided into a Kiwi OmniCup system group and a forceps group. Binary logistic regression analysis was used to observe and compare maternal and neonatal outcomes. The primary outcomes were severe maternal and neonatal morbidity. Severe maternal morbidity was defined as the occurrence of at least one of the following outcomes: third- or fourth-degree perineal lacerations, refractory postpartum hemorrhage, thrombotic events, amniotic fluid embolism, admission to the intensive care unit, and maternal death. Severe neonatal morbidity was defined as the occurrence of at least one of the following outcomes: neonatal asphyxia requiring resuscitation or intubation, neonatal head and face injuries, neonatal fracture, and admission to the neonatal intensive care unit for longer than 24 h.

RESULTS

The rate of severe neonatal morbidity in the forceps group was significantly higher than that in the Kiwi OmniCup system group, the differences between the two groups were significant (27.2% vs. 42.3%, P < 0.001), and there was no significant difference in the rate of severe maternal morbidity between the two groups (30% vs. 30%, P > 0.05). Binary logistic regression analysis showed that Kiwi OmniCup system-assisted delivery reduced severe neonatal morbidity (adjusted odds ratio 0.49; 95% confidence interval 0.33-0.73) and did not increase severe maternal morbidity compared with forceps-assisted delivery.

CONCLUSION

The Kiwi OmniCup system, which can reduce the incidence of severe neonatal morbidity without increasing the incidence of serious adverse maternal outcomes, is worthy of clinical promotion.

Airway obstruction resulting from massive subgaleal hematoma caused by superficial temporal artery injuries in an adult patient with liver cirrhosis

Subgaleal hematoma, characterised by blood accumulation between the galea aponeurosis and the periosteum, is rarely reported in adults. A man with liver cirrhosis experienced airway obstruction secondary to an extensive subgaleal hematoma due to superficial temporal artery injuries. Within 6 hours after injury, swelling of the patient's head and neck was noted, which was associating with inspiratory wheezing and paradoxical breathing, thus necessitating emergency intubation. The branches of the superficial temporal artery were identified as the bleeding source via angiography. Subsequently, endovascular embolisation was successfully performed. This case highlights a rare association between airway obstruction and subgaleal hematoma, originating from injuries of the superficial temporal artery in an adult patient with severe coagulopathy. Airway obstruction was secondary to the hematoma progression into the facial and neck regions. It is crucial to identify and address alternative bleeding sources if conservative treatments or initial interventions for subgaleal hematomas are proven ineffective.

Factors associated with urinary retention after vaginal delivery under intraspinal anesthesia: a path analysis model

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS

Women who have intraspinal anesthesia for delivery are more likely to experience postpartum urinary retention (PUR), which, if not recognized and treated promptly, can result in long-term urinary dysfunction. Many factors influencing PUR have been proposed, but no study has been conducted to investigate the relationship between them. This study is aimed at determining the influencing factors of PUR and to explore the relationship between them.

METHODS

A prospective, cross-sectional survey using self-made questionnaires was conducted among 372 puerperae in a Grade A hospital in Guangzhou, China, from April to September 2022. SPSS25.0 and AMOS24.0 were used for data analysis, and a path analysis model was established to determine the relationship between the influencing factors.

RESULTS

The incidence of PUR was 49.85%. Residence, the level of postpartum pain, and the change of postnatal urination position had a direct effect on PUR. Episiotomy and analgesic duration have both direct and indirect effects on PUR. Forceps delivery, perineal edema and oxytocin had an indirect effect on PUR. Variables could influence the occurrence of PUR by mediating the analgesic duration, episiotomy, postpartum pain level, and postnatal urination position changes.

CONCLUSIONS

This study provides an empirical model to illustrate the relationship between PUR and related factors in women who delivered under intraspinal anesthesia. In future management, more attention should be paid to women who live in cities, have higher levels of postpartum pain, longer analgesic duration, higher grade of perineal edema, and received episiotomy, forceps delivery, and oxytocin during labor.

Relationship Between Neonatal Brain Injury and Objective Measures of Head Trauma: A Case-Control Study

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Neonatal brain injury is a common and devastating diagnosis conferring lifelong challenges for children and families. The role of mechanical forces applied to the head, often referred to as "birth trauma," are often considered although evidence for this association is lacking. The objective of this study was to investigate the association between common types of neonatal brain injury and scalp swelling using a novel method to quantify scalp swelling as an unbiased proxy for mechanical forces applied to the head.

METHODS

Case-control study using population-based, prospectively collected tertiary care center databases and healthy controls from the Human Connectome Development Project. Included were infants born 32-42 weeks gestational age and MRI in the first 9 days. Outcomes categories included healthy neonates, hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) with or without brain injury, or stroke (ischemic or hemorrhagic). Volume of scalp swelling was objectively quantified by a novel imaging method blinded to brain injury. Variables included mode of delivery and use of instrumentation. Statistical tests included Kruskal-Wallis test, chi square, and multivariable and multinomial logistic regression.

RESULTS

There were 309 infants included (55% male): 72 healthy controls, 77 HIE without brain injury on MRI, 78 HIE with brain injury, and 82 with stroke (60 ischemic, 22 hemorrhagic). Scalp swelling was present in 126 (40.8%, 95% confidence interval [CI] 35.2%-46.5%) with no difference in proportions between outcome groups. Compared to healthy controls, median volume was higher in those with HIE without brain injury (17.5 mL, 95% CI 6.8-28.2), HIE with brain injury (12.1 mL, 95% CI 5.5-18.6), but not ischemic stroke (4.7 mL, 95% CI -1.2-10.6) nor hemorrhagic stroke (8.3 mL, 95% CI -2.2-18.8). Scalp swelling was associated with instrumented delivery (OR 2.1, 95% CI 1.0-4.1), but not associated with increased odds of brain injury in those with HIE (OR 1.5, 95% CI 0.76-3.30). Scalp swelling measures were highly reliable (ICC = 0.97).

DISCUSSION

"Birth trauma" quantified by scalp swelling volume was more common in infants with difficult deliveries, but not associated with greater odds of brain injury due to hypoxia or stroke. These results may help parents and practitioners to dissociate the appearance of trauma with the risk of brain injury.

Fostering Excellence in Obstetrical Surgery

Introduction

This obstetric surgery review is directed toward the common obstetrical surgeries (caesarean delivery, VBAC/TOLAC, operative vaginal delivery, placenta accreta spectrum) with evidence for quality and safety to allow for obstetrical outcome excellence.

Materials and Methods

This focused scoping review has used a structured process for article identification and inclusion for each of the focused surgeries.

Results

The review results provide an obstetrical surgery (OS) overview for caesarean delivery, vaginal birth after caesarean delivery and/or trial of labor after caesarean delivery, operative vaginal delivery, placenta accreta spectrum; considerations for quality and safety variance due to non-clinical human factors; quality improvement (QI) tools; OS QI implementation cohorts; implementation considering certain barriers and solutions.

Conclusion

Administrative health care systems and obstetrical surgery care providers cannot afford, not to consider and implement, certain evidenced-based "bottom-up/top-down" processes for quality and safety, as the patients will demand the quality and the safety, but the lawyers should not have to enforce it.

Long-term neurodevelopmental outcome in children born after vacuum-assisted delivery compared with second-stage caesarean delivery and spontaneous vaginal delivery: a cohort study

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate long-term neurodevelopment in children born after low-or mid-station vacuum-assisted delivery (VAD) compared with children delivered by second-stage caesarean delivery (SSCD) or spontaneous vaginal delivery (SVD).

DESIGN

Cross-sectional cohort study.

SETTING

Two delivery wards, Karolinska University Hospital, Sweden.

PATIENTS

253 children born by low-station or mid-station VAD, 247 children born after an SVD, and 86 children born via an SSCD accepted to participate.

INTERVENTIONS

The Five-to-Fifteen questionnaire was used as a validated screening method for neurodevelopmental difficulties, assessed by parents.

MAIN OUTCOMES MEASURES

Results in the Five-to-Fifteen questionnaire. In addition, registered neurodevelopmental ICD-10 diagnoses were collected. Regression analyses estimated associations between delivery modes.

RESULTS

Children born after VAD exhibited an increased rate of long-term neurodevelopmental difficulties in motor skills (OR 2.2, 95% CI 1.3 to 3.8) and perception (OR 1.7, 95% CI 1.002 to 2.9) compared with SVD. Similar findings were seen in the group delivered with an SSCD compared with SVD (motor skills: OR 3.3, 95% CI 1.8 to 6.4 and perception: OR 2.3, 95% CI 1.2 to 4.4). The increased odds for motor skills difficulties after VAD and SSCD remained after adjusting for proposed confounding variables. There were significantly more children in the VAD group with registered neurodevelopmental ICD-10 diagnoses such as attention deficit/hyperactivity disorders.

CONCLUSIONS

The differences in long-term neurodevelopmental difficulties in children delivered with a VAD or SSCD compared with SVD in this study indicate the need for increased knowledge in the field to optimise the management of second stage of labour.

Women's experiences of anal incontinence following vaginal birth: A qualitative study of missed opportunities in routine care contacts

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to explore experiences of women with anal incontinence following a childbirth injury, and to identify areas of missed opportunities within care they received.

DESIGN

This is a qualitative study involving semi-structured interviews.

SETTING

Participants were recruited via five hospitals in the UK, and via social media adverts and communication from charity organisations.

PARTICIPANTS

Women who have experienced anal incontinence following a childbirth injury, either within 7 years of sustaining the injury, or if they identified new, or worsening symptoms of AI at the time of menopause.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Main outcomes are experiences of women with anal incontinence following childbirth injury, and missed opportunities within the care they received.

RESULTS

The following main themes were identified: opportunities for diagnosis missed, missed opportunities for information sharing and continuity and timeliness of care.

CONCLUSIONS

Anal Incontinence following a childbirth injury has a profound impact on women. Lack of information and awareness both amongst women and healthcare professionals contributes to delays in accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Urethral Injury After Vaginal Birth and Stress Urinary Incontinence: Bulking Agents are Feasible Options

Introduction and Hypothesis

Lower urinary tract tears after vaginal delivery are a very rare event, estimated to occur in 0.03-0.05% of women and may be associated with severe stress urinary incontinence, due to great reduction of urethral resistance resulting in a significant intrinsic urethral deficit. Urethral bulking agents represent an alternative, minimally invasive anti-incontinence procedure in the management of stress urinary incontinence. Our aim is to present the management of severe stress urinary incontinence in a patient with concomitant urethral tear caused by obstetric trauma using a minimally invasive treatment option.

Methods

A 39-year-old woman referred to our Pelvic Floor Unit for severe stress urinary incontinence. Our evaluation demonstrated an undiagnosed urethral tear involving the ventral portion of the middle and distal urethra, for about 50% of urethral length. Urodynamic evaluation confirmed the presence of severe urodynamic stress incontinence. After proper counseling, she was admitted to mini-invasive surgical treatment with urethral bulking agent injection.

Results

The procedure was completed in 10 minutes and she was successfully discharged home on the same day, and no complications occurred. The treatment resulted in total relief of urinary symptoms, which persists at 6-month follow-up.

Conclusion

Treatment with urethral bulking agent injection represents a feasible mini-invasive option to manage stress urinary incontinence related to urethral tears.