Precision of vacuum cup placement and its association with subgaleal hemorrhage and associated morbidity in term neonates

PURPOSE

To evaluate whether the precision of vacuum cup placement is associated with failed vacuum extraction(VE), neonatal subgaleal hemorrhage(SGH) and other VE-related birth trauma.

METHODS

All women with singleton term cephalic fetuses with attempted VE were recruited over a period of 30 months. Neonates were examined immediately after birth and the position of the chignon documented to decide whether the cup position was flexing median or suboptimal. Vigilant neonatal surveillance was performed to look for VE-related trauma, including subgaleal/subdural hemorrhages, skull fractures, scalp lacerations. CT scans of the brain were ordered liberally as clinically indicated.

RESULTS

The VE rate was 5.89% in the study period. There were 17(4.9%) failures among 345 attempted VEs. Thirty babies suffered from subgaleal/subdural hemorrhages, skull fractures, scalp lacerations or a combination of these, giving an incidence of VE-related birth trauma of 8.7%. Suboptimal cup positions occurred in 31.6%. Logistic regression analysis showed that failed VE was associated with a non-occipital anterior fetal head position (OR 3.5, 95% CI 1.22-10.2), suboptimal vacuum cup placement (OR 4.13, 95% CI 1.38-12.2) and a longer duration of traction (OR 8.79, 95% CI 2.13-36.2); while, VE-related birth trauma was associated with failed VE (OR 3.93, 95% CI 1.08-14.3) and more pulls (OR 4.07, 95% CI 1.98-8.36).

CONCLUSION

Suboptimal vacuum cup positions were related to failed VE but not to SGH and other vacuum-related birth trauma. While optimal flexed median cup positions should be most desirable mechanically to effect delivery, such a position does not guarantee prevention of SGH.

Vacuum-assisted delivery outcomes: is advanced maternal age a factor?

PURPOSE

This study evaluated age-related maternal outcomes of vacuum-assisted vaginal deliveries (VAD).

METHODS

This retrospective cohort study included all nulliparous women with singleton VAD in one academic institution. Study group parturients were maternal age ≥ 35 years and controls < 35. Power analysis revealed that 225 women/group would be sufficient to detect a difference in the rate of third- and fourth-degree perineal tears (primary maternal outcome) and umbilical cord pH < 7.15 (primary neonatal outcome). Secondary outcomes were maternal blood loss, Apgar scores, cup detachment, and subgaleal hematoma. Outcomes were compared between groups.

RESULTS

From 2014 to 2019, 13,967 nulliparas delivered at our institution. Overall, 8810 (63.1%) underwent normal vaginal delivery, 2432 (17.4%) instrumental, and 2725 (19.5%) cesarean. Among 11,242 vaginal deliveries, 10,116 (90%) involved women < 35, including 2067 (20.5%) successful VAD vs. 1126 (10%) women ≥ 35 years with 348 (30.9%) successful VAD (p < 0.001). Rates of third- and fourth-degree perineal lacerations were 6 (1.7%) with advanced maternal age and 57 (2.8%) among controls (p = 0.259). Cord pH < 7.15 was similar: 23 (6.6%) study group and 156 (7.5%) controls (p = 0.739).

CONCLUSION

Advanced maternal age and VAD are not associated with higher risk for adverse outcomes. Older, nulliparous women are more likely to undergo vacuum delivery than younger parturients.

Mode of birth in subsequent pregnancy when first birth was vacuum extraction or second stage cesarean section at a tertiary referral hospital in Uganda

INTRODUCTION

The trends of increasing use of cesarean section (CS) with a decrease in assisted vaginal birth (vacuum extraction or forceps) is a major concern in health care systems all over the world, particularly in low-resource settings. Studies show that a first birth by CS is associated with an increased risk of repeat CS in subsequent births. In addition, CS compared to assisted vaginal birth (AVB), attracts higher health service costs. Resource-constrained countries have low rates of AVB compared to high-income countries. The aim of this study was to compare mode of birth in the subsequent pregnancy among women who previously gave birth by vacuum extraction or second stage CS in their first pregnancy at Mulago National Referral Hospital, Uganda.

METHODS

This was a retrospective cohort study that involved interviews of 81 mothers who had a vacuum extraction or second stage CS in their first pregnancy at Mulago hospital between November 2014 to July 2015. Mode of birth in the subsequent pregnancy was compared using Chi-2 square test and a Fisher's exact test with a 0.05 level of statistical significance.

RESULTS

Higher rates of vaginal birth were achieved among women who had a vacuum extraction (78.4%) compared to those who had a second stage CS in their first pregnancy (38.6%), p < 0.001.

CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

Vacuum extraction increases a woman's chance of having a subsequent spontaneous vaginal birth compared to second stage CS. Health professionals need to continue to offer choice of vacuum extraction in the second stage of labor among laboring women that fulfill its indication. This will help curb the up-surging rates of CS.

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.

Severe neonatal birth injury: Observational study of associations with operative, cesarean, and spontaneous vaginal delivery

AIM

To determine the association of successful and unsuccessful operative vaginal delivery attempts with risk of severe neonatal birth injury.

METHODS

We conducted a population-based observational study of 1 080 503 births between 2006 and 2019 in Quebec, Canada. The main exposure was operative vaginal delivery with forceps or vacuum, elective or emergency cesarean with or without an operative vaginal attempt, and spontaneous delivery. The outcome was severe birth injury, including intracranial hemorrhage, brain and spinal damage, Erb's paralysis and other brachial plexus injuries, epicranial subaponeurotic hemorrhage, skull and long bone fractures, and liver, spleen, and other neonatal body injuries. We determined the association of delivery mode with risk of severe birth injury using adjusted risk ratios (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI).

RESULTS

A total of 8194 infants (0.8%) had severe birth injuries. Compared with spontaneous delivery, vacuum (RR 2.98, 95% CI 2.80-3.16) and forceps (RR 3.35, 95% CI 3.07-3.66) were both associated with risk of severe injury. Forceps was associated with intracranial hemorrhage (RR 16.4, 95% CI 10.1-26.6) and brain and spinal damage (RR 13.5, 95% CI 5.72-32.0), while vacuum was associated with epicranial subaponeurotic hemorrhage (RR 27.5, 95% CI 20.8-36.4) and skull fractures (RR 2.04, 95% CI 1.86-2.25). Emergency cesarean after an unsuccessful operative attempt was associated with intracranial and epicranial subaponeurotic hemorrhage, but elective and other emergency cesareans were not associated with severe injury.

CONCLUSIONS

Operative vaginal delivery and unsuccessful operative attempts that result in an emergency cesarean are associated with elevated risks of severe birth injury.

Failed vacuum and preterm delivery risk in the subsequent pregnancy: a multicenter retrospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

Second-stage cesarean delivery is associated with subsequent preterm delivery. Failed vacuum-assisted delivery is a subgroup of second-stage cesarean delivery in which the fetal head is engaged deeper in the pelvis and, thus, is associated with an increased risk of short-term maternal complications.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to investigate the maternal and neonatal outcomes of women at their subsequent delivery after a second-stage cesarean delivery with failed vacuum-assisted extraction vs after a second-stage cesarean delivery without a trial of vacuum-assisted extraction.

STUDY DESIGN

This was a multicenter retrospective cohort study. The study population included all women in their subsequent pregnancy after a second-stage cesarean delivery who delivered in all university-affiliated obstetrical centers (n=4) in a single geographic area between 2003 and 2021. Maternal and neonatal outcomes of women who had second-stage cesarean delivery after a failed vacuum-assisted delivery were compared with women who had second-stage cesarean delivery without a trial of vacuum-assisted delivery. The primary outcome of this study was preterm delivery at <37 weeks of gestation. The secondary outcomes were vaginal birth rate and other adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes. Univariate analysis was followed by multiple logistic regression modeling.

RESULTS

During the study period, 1313 women met the inclusion criteria, of whom 215 (16.4%) had a history of failed vacuum-assisted delivery at the previous delivery and 1098 (83.6%) did not. In univariate analysis, women with previously failed vacuum-assisted delivery had similar preterm delivery rates (<37, <34, <32, and <28 weeks of gestation), a successful trial of labor after cesarean delivery rates, uterine rupture, and hysterectomy. However, multivariable analyses controlling for confounders showed that a history of failed vacuum-assisted delivery is associated with a higher risk of preterm delivery at <37 weeks of gestation (adjusted odds ratio, 2.05; 95% confidence interval, 1.11-3.79; P=.02), but not with preterm delivery at <34 or <32 weeks of gestation.

CONCLUSION

Among women with a previous second-stage cesarean delivery, previously failed vacuum-assisted delivery was associated with an increased risk of preterm delivery at <37 weeks of gestation in the subsequent birth.

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.

A prospective study on neonatal ophthalmic injuries associated with forceps delivery

BACKGROUND

Assisted delivery by forceps is needed to expedite vaginal delivery in certain maternal and fetal conditions. The aim of this study was to evaluate the incidence and the extent of ophthalmological injuries in neonates after forceps delivery.

METHODS

Women with cephalic fetuses delivered vaginally by forceps from July 2020 to June 2022 were recruited prospectively. Ophthalmologists would be consulted when there were signs of external ophthalmic injuries, such as periorbital forceps marks or facial bruising. Demographic data, pregnancy characteristics, delivery details, and perinatal outcomes were evaluated to identify any associated risk factors for neonatal ophthalmological injuries.

RESULTS

A total of 77 forceps deliveries were performed in the study period, in which 20 cases (26%) required ophthalmological consultations. There were more right or left occipital fetal head positions in the group requiring ophthalmological assessment than those that did not require assessment (35% vs 12.3% [P = 0.023]). The degree of moulding of the fetal head was more marked in the former group (65% vs 28% [P = 0.001]). The overall incidence of detectable ophthalmological lesions was 16.9% (13/77). All ophthalmic injuries were mild, and most resolved with conservative management.

CONCLUSIONS

In our study cohort, external ophthalmic injuries were common after forceps delivery. We recommended ophthalmological consultation in newborns delivered by forceps with evidence of compressive trauma to rule out serious ophthalmological trauma.

Clinical and Physician Factors Associated With Failed Operative Vaginal Delivery

OBJECTIVE

To examine clinical and physician factors associated with failed operative vaginal delivery among individuals with nulliparous, term, singleton, vertex (NTSV) births.

METHODS

This was a retrospective cohort study of individuals with NTSV live births with an attempted operative vaginal delivery by a physician between 2016 and 2020 in California. The primary outcome was cesarean birth after failed operative vaginal delivery, identified using linked diagnosis codes, birth certificates, and physician licensing board data stratified by device type (vacuum or forceps). Clinical and physician-level exposures were selected a priori, defined using validated indices, and compared between successful and failed operative vaginal delivery attempts. Physician experience with operative vaginal delivery was estimated by calculating the number of operative vaginal delivery attempts made per physician during the study period. Multivariable mixed effects Poisson regression models with robust standard errors were used to estimate risk ratios of failed operative vaginal delivery for each exposure, adjusted for potential confounders.

RESULTS

Of 47,973 eligible operative vaginal delivery attempts, 93.2% used vacuum and 6.8% used forceps. Of all operative vaginal delivery attempts, 1,820 (3.8%) failed; the success rate was 97.3% for vacuum attempts and 82.4% for forceps attempts. Failed operative vaginal deliveries were more likely with older patient age, higher body mass index, obstructed labor, and neonatal birth weight more than 4,000 g. Between 2016 and 2020, physicians who attempted more operative vaginal deliveries were less likely to fail. When vacuum attempts were successful, physicians who conducted them had a median of 45 vacuum attempts during the study period, compared with 27 attempts when vacuum attempts were unsuccessful (adjusted risk ratio [aRR] 0.95, 95% CI 0.93-0.96). When forceps attempts were successful, physicians who conducted them had a median of 19 forceps attempts, compared with 11 attempts when forceps attempts were unsuccessful (aRR 0.76, 95% CI 0.64-0.91).

CONCLUSION

In this large, contemporary cohort with NTSV births, several clinical factors were associated with operative vaginal delivery failure. Physician experience was associated with operative vaginal delivery success, more notably for forceps attempts. These results may provide guidance for physician training in maintenance of operative vaginal delivery skills.

Is There Still a Place for Forceps Delivery in Modern Obstetrics?

BACKGROUND

Nowadays, we are witnessing a decrease of vaginal instrumental deliveries and continuous increase of caesarean section rate. However, proper identification of possibility of execution, indications for instrumental delivery and their skilful use may improve the broadly understood maternal and neonatal outcomes. The aim of this study is to present prevalence, risk factors, indications and outcomes of forceps deliveries among the patients at Department of Perinatology, Lodz.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A retrospective study was conducted at the Department of Perinatology, Medical University of Lodz. The study included forceps deliveries carried out between January 2019 and December 2022. Total number of 147 cases were analysed in terms of indications for forceps delivery and maternal and neonatal outcomes such as vaginal - or cervical - laceration, postpartum haemorrhage, perineal tear, newborn injuries, Apgar score, umbilical cord blood gas analysis, NICU admission and cranial ultrasound scans.

RESULTS

The prevalence of forceps delivery was 2.2%. The most common indication for forceps delivery was foetal distress (81.6%). Among mothers, the most frequent complication was vaginal laceration (40.1%). Third-and fourth-degree perineal tears were not noted. Regarding neonatal outcomes, Apgar score ≥ 8 after 1st and 5th minute of life received accordingly 91.2% and 98% of newborns. Only 8.8% experienced severe birth injuries (subperiosteal haematoma, clavicle fracture).

CONCLUSIONS

Although foetal distress is the most common indication for forceps delivery, the vast majority of newborns were born in good condition and did not require admission to NICU. Taking into consideration high efficacy and low risk of neonatal and maternal complications, forceps should remain in modern obstetrics.

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

BACKGROUND

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

METHODS

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

RESULTS

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

CONCLUSIONS

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

Caesarean section, vaginal instrumental delivery and perineal morbidity in the Slovak Republic in the years 2007-2018

OBJECTIVE

Analysis of caesarean section, vaginal instrumental deliveries and severe perineal morbidity in the Slovak Republic in the years 2007-2018.

METHODS

The analysis of prospectively collected caesarean section and vaginal instrumental delivery data in the years 2007-2018, and episiotomies and severe perineal morbidity data in the years 2008-2018 from obstetrics hospitals in the Slovak Republic.

RESULTS

Caesarean section rate progressively increased from 24.1% in 2007 up to 30.8% in 2013 and decreased to 29.6% in 2018. Vacuum-extraction frequency was 1.3% in 2007 and increased up to 2.0% till 2018. Forceps frequency decreased since 2008-2018 from 0.56% to 0.43%. In the years 2008-2018, frequency of perineal tears of the 3rd and 4th degree increased from 0.4% to 0.8%. Frequency of episiotomies decreased in the years 2008-2018 from 74.7% to 47.7%.

CONCLUSION

The highest caesarean section rate in the Slovak Republic - 30.8% occurred in 2013, but slowly decreased in the following years. The frequency of vacuum extraction increased and forceps decreased. Frequency of episiotomies had decreased and severe perineal tears held an increasing trend.

Prospective assessment of vacuum deliveries from midpelvic station in a tertiary care university hospital: Frequency, failure rates, labor characteristics and maternal and neonatal complications

BACKGROUND

Midpelvic vacuum extractions are controversial due to reports of increased risk of maternal and perinatal morbidity and high failure rates. Prospective studies of attempted midpelvic vacuum outcomes are scarce. Our main aims were to assess frequency, failure rates, labor characteristics, maternal and neonatal complications of attempted midpelvic vacuum deliveries, and to compare labor characteristics and complications between successful and failed midpelvic vacuum deliveries.

STUDY DESIGN

Clinical data were obtained prospectively from all attempted vacuum deliveries (n = 891) over a one-year period with a total of 6903 births (overall cesarean section rate 18.2% (n = 1258). Student's t-test, Mann-Whitney U-test or Chi-square test for group differences were used as appropriate. Odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals are given as indicated. The uni- and multivariable analysis were conducted both as a complete case analysis and with a multiple imputation approach. A p-value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant.

RESULTS

Attempted vacuum extractions from midpelvic station constituted 36.7% (n = 319) of all attempted vacuum extractions (12.9% (n = 891) of all births). Of these 319 midpelvic vacuum extractions, 11.3% (n = 36) failed and final delivery mode was cesarean section in 86.1% (n = 31) and forceps in the remaining 13.9% (n = 5). Successful completion of midpelvic vacuum by 3 pulls or fewer was achieved in 67.1%. There were 3.9% third-degree and no fourth-degree perineal tears. Cup detachments were associated with a significantly increased failure rate (adjusted OR 6.13, 95% CI 2.41-15.56, p< 0.001).

CONCLUSION

In our study, attempted midpelvic vacuum deliveries had relatively low failure rate, the majority was successfully completed within three pulls and they proved safe to perform as reflected by a low rate of third-degree perineal tears. We provide data for nuanced counseling of women on vacuum extraction as a second stage delivery option in comparable obstetric management settings with relatively high vacuum delivery rates and low cesarean section rates.

Antepartum ultrasound prediction of failed vacuum-assisted operative delivery: a prospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

Failed vacuum-assisted delivery (VD) is associated with increased risk of maternal perineal trauma and neonatal morbidity. Knowledge of the risk factors related to failed VD is essential in the clinical decision-making.

OBJECTIVE

To elucidate the strength of association and the predictive accuracy of different ante-partum ultrasound parameters in predicting the risk of failed VD prior to the onset of Labor and to test the diagnostic performance of a multiparametric model including pregnancy and Labor characteristics, ante and intra-partum ultrasound in anticipating failed VD.

STUDY DESIGN

Prospective study of consecutive singleton pregnancies complicated by VD undergoing a dedicated ultrasound assessment at 36-38 weeks of gestation. Head circumference (HC), estimated fetal weight (EFW) and subpubic angle and (SPA) were recorded before the onset of Labor. At the time of the VD, occiput position, head perineum distance (HPD) and angle of progression (AOP) were also recorded. Multivariate logistic regression and area under the curve (AUC) analyses were used to explore the strength of association and test the diagnostic accuracy of different maternal, Labor and ultrasound characteristics in predicting g failed VD.

RESULTS

Four hundred eight pregnancies with successful and 26 with failed VD were included in the analysis. Fetuses experiencing failed VD had a larger HC (1.21 versus 1.07 MoM; p = .0001), a higher EFW z-value (0.56 versus 0.33 z values; p = .002) and a narrower SPA (114 versus 122 p = .0001) compared to those having a successful VD. At multivariable logistic regression analysis, maternal height (aOR 0.89 95% CI 0.76-0.98), nulliparity (aOR: 1.14 95% CI 1.06-1.36), HC MoM (aOR: 1.24 95% CI 1.13-1.55) and SPA angle (aOR: 0.82 95% CI 0.67-0.95), but not EFW (p = .08) were independently associated with failed VD. When intrapartum ultrasound variables were added to the multivariate model, fetal occipital position (aOR: 1.45 95th CI 1.11-1.99) and HPD (aOR: 0.77 95th CI 0.44-0.96) were independently associated with failed VD. A multiparametric model integrating pregnancy and Labor characteristics and ante-partum ultrasound variables had an AUC of 0.837 (95% CI 0.797-0.876) for the prediction of failed VE. The addition of intra-partum ultrasound variables to the prediction model, improved the accuracy for failed VD provided by maternal and antepartum ultrasound characteristics with an AUC of 0.913 (0.888-0.937).

CONCLUSION

Antepartum prediction of failed VD is feasible. HC, SPA but not EFW are independently associated and predictive of failed VD. Adding these variables to a multiparametric model including maternal and intrapartum ultrasound parameters improves the diagnostic accuracy for failed VD.

Prevalence and associated factors of birth asphyxia among live births at Debre Tabor General Hospital, North Central Ethiopia

BACKGROUND

More than one third of the neonatal deaths at Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) in Debre Tabor General Hospital (DTGH) are attributable to birth asphyxia. Most of these neonates are referred from the maternity ward in the hospital. Concerns have also been raised regarding delayed intrapartum decisions for emergency obstetrics action in the hospital. However, there has been no recent scientific evidence about the exact burden of birth asphyxia and its specific determinants among live births at maternity ward of DTGH. Moreover, the public health importance of delivery time and professional mix of labor attendants haven't been addressed in the prior studies.

METHODS

Hospital based cross sectional study was conducted on a sample of 582 mother newborn dyads at maternity ward. Every other mother newborn dyad was included from December 2019 to March 2020. Pre-tested structured questionnaire and checklist were used for data collection. The collected data were processed and entered into Epidata version 4.2 and exported to Stata version 14. Binary logistic regressions were fitted and statistical significance was declared at p less than 0.05 with 95% CI.

RESULTS

The prevalence of birth asphyxia was 28.35% [95% CI: 26.51, 35.24%]. From the final model, fetal mal-presentation (AOR = 6.96: 3.16, 15.30), premature rupture of fetal membranes (AOR = 6.30, 95% CI: 2.45, 16.22), meconium stained amniotic fluid (AOR = 7.15: 3.07, 16.66), vacuum delivery (AOR =6.21: 2.62, 14.73), night time delivery (AOR = 6.01: 2.82, 12.79) and labor attendance by medical interns alone (AOR = 3.32:1.13, 9.78) were positively associated with birth asphyxia at 95% CI.

CONCLUSIONS

The prevalence of birth asphyxia has remained a problem of public health importance in the study setting. Therefore, the existing efforts of emergency obstetric and newborn care should be strengthened to prevent birth asphyxia from the complications of fetal mal-presentation, premature rupture of fetal membranes, meconium stained amniotic fluid and vacuum delivery. Moreover, night time deliveries and professional mixes of labor and/delivery care providers should be given more due emphasis.

The association between vacuum-assisted vaginal delivery and anal sphincter injury

INTRODUCTION

Vacuum-assisted vaginal delivery (VAVD) is considered a major risk factor for obstetric anal sphincter injuries (OASIS). However, it is difficult to estimate its true contribution to the occurrence of OASIS, as its performance may be confounded by other determinants. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate the association of VAVD with OASIS among primiparous women compared to SVD.

METHODS

A retrospective cohort study including all primiparous women who vaginally delivered a cephalic singleton gestation during the years 2011 to 2020. As VAVDs were not performed before 34 gestational weeks, we capped the cohort at this gestational age. Women were allocated into two groups: VAVDs and spontaneous vaginal deliveries (SVD). We compared women with OASIS to those without and performed a multivariate analysis including factors that were found significant in the univariate analysis. We further divided the whole cohort into different subcategories. The primary outcome was the rate of OASIS in VAVD compared to SVD.

RESULTS

Overall, 23,272 primiparous vaginal deliveries were available for evaluation. Of these, 3595 delivered by VAVD and 19,677 delivered spontaneously. OASIS occurred in 421 (1.8%) of the deliveries. OASIS were more common in VAVDs than in SVDs [83 (2.3%) vs. 338 (1.7%), respectively, OR (95% CI) 1.35 (1.06-1.72), p = 0.01]. After multivariate regression analysis, OASIS were not found to be independently associated with the mode of delivery [aOR 1.21 (95% CI) 0.88-1.68, P = 0.23]. In a categorical analysis of OASIS rates by risk factors and mode of delivery, VAVD was not associated with an increase in OASIS among women giving birth to neonates weighing > 3500 g compared to SVD [OR (95% CI) 1.02 (0.65-1.62), P = 0.90].

CONCLUSION

Among primiparous women VAVD did not increase the risk of OASIS compared to SVD.

Antibiotic prophylaxis for operative vaginal delivery

BACKGROUND

Vacuum and forceps assisted vaginal deliveries are reported to increase the incidence of postpartum infections and maternal readmission to hospital compared to spontaneous vaginal delivery. Prophylactic antibiotics may be prescribed to prevent these infections. However, the benefit of antibiotic prophylaxis for operative vaginal deliveries is still unclear. This is an update of a review last published in 2017.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the effectiveness and safety of antibiotic prophylaxis in reducing infectious puerperal morbidities in women undergoing operative vaginal deliveries including vacuum or forceps delivery, or both.

SEARCH METHODS

For this update, we searched Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth's Trials Register, ClinicalTrials.gov, the WHO International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (ICTRP) (5 July 2019), and reference lists of retrieved studies.

SELECTION CRITERIA

All randomised controlled trials comparing any prophylactic antibiotic regimens with placebo or no treatment in women undergoing vacuum or forceps deliveries were eligible. Participants were all pregnant women without evidence of infections or other indications for antibiotics of any gestational age. Interventions were any antibiotic prophylaxis (any dosage regimen, any route of administration or at any time during delivery or the puerperium).

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two review authors assessed trial eligibility and risk of bias. Two review authors extracted the data independently using prepared data extraction forms. Any discrepancies were resolved by discussion and a consensus reached through discussion with all review authors. We assessed methodological quality of the two included studies using the GRADE approach.

MAIN RESULTS

Two studies, involving 3813 women undergoing either vacuum or forceps deliveries, were included. One study involving 393 women compared the antibiotic intravenous cefotetan after cord clamping compared with no treatment. The other study involving 3420 women compared a single dose of intravenous amoxicillin and clavulanic acid with placebo using 20 mL of intravenous sterile 0.9% saline. The evidence suggests that prophylactic antibiotics reduce superficial perineal wound infection (risk ratio (RR) 0.53, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.40 to 0.69; women = 3420; 1 study; high-certainty evidence), deep perineal wound infection (RR 0.46, 95% CI 0.31 to 0.69; women = 3420; 1 study; high-certainty evidence) and probably reduce wound breakdown (RR 0.52, 95% CI 0.43 to 0.63; women = 2593; 1 study; moderate-certainty evidence). We are unclear about the effect on organ or space perineal wound infection (RR 0.11, 95% CI 0.01 to 2.05; women = 3420; 1 study) and endometritis (average RR 0.32, 95% CI 0.04 to 2.64; 15/1907 versus 30/1906; women = 3813; 2 studies) based on low-certainty evidence with wide CIs that include no effect. Prophylactic antibiotics probably lower serious infectious complications (RR 0.44, 95% CI 0.22 to 0.89; women = 3420; 1 study; high-certainty evidence). They also have an important effect on reduction of confirmed or suspected maternal infection. The two included studies did not report on fever or urinary tract infection. It is unclear, based on low-certainty evidence, whether prophylactic antibiotics have any impact on maternal adverse reactions (RR 2.00, 95% CI 0.18 to 22.05; women = 2593; 1 study) and maternal length of stay (MD 0.09 days, 95% CI -0.23 to 0.41; women = 393; 1 study) as the CIs were wide and included no effect. Prophylactic antibiotics slightly improve perineal pain and health consequences of perineal pain and probably reduce costs. Prophylactic antibiotics did not have an important effect on dyspareunia (difficult or painful sexual intercourse) or breastfeeding at six weeks. Antibiotic prophylaxis may slightly improve maternal hospital re-admission and maternal health-related quality of life. Neonatal adverse reactions were not reported in any included trials.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

Prophylactic intravenous antibiotics are effective in reducing infectious puerperal morbidities in terms of superficial and deep perineal wound infection or serious infectious complications in women undergoing operative vaginal deliveries without clinical indications for antibiotic administration after delivery. Prophylactic antibiotics slightly improve perineal pain and health consequences of perineal pain, probably reduce the costs, and may slightly reduce the maternal hospital re-admission and health-related quality of life. However, the effect on reduction of endometritis, organ or space perineal wound infection, maternal adverse reactions and maternal length of stay is unclear due to low-certainty evidence. As the evidence was mainly derived from a single multi-centre study conducted in a high-income setting, future well-designed randomised trials in other settings, particularly in low- and middle-income settings, are required to confirm the effect of antibiotic prophylaxis for operative vaginal delivery.

Malmström vacuum or Kielland forceps: which causes more damage to pelvic floor?

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether differences exist in the rate of levator ani muscle (LAM) avulsion between women who had undergone either Malmström vacuum delivery (MVD) or Kielland forceps delivery (KFD), allowing for potential confounding factors.

METHODS

This was a prospective observational study of nulliparous women undergoing instrumental delivery using Malmström vacuum extractor or Kielland forceps, at two hospital centers in Spain. Fetal head position (anterior, posterior or transverse) and fetal head station (low or mid) were assessed by ultrasound and digital examination, respectively. Avulsion was defined on tomographic ultrasound imaging as an abnormal insertion of the LAM in the three central slices from the plane of minimal hiatal dimensions.

RESULTS

In total, 414 patients were included in the study (212 MVD and 202 KFD). We observed a higher rate of LAM avulsion in the KFD group (KFD 49.5% vs MVD 32.5%; P = 0.001). When the results were evaluated according to fetal head position and station, we observed no differences in LAM avulsion. The crude odds ratio (OR) for the difference in avulsion between women in the KFD and MVD groups was 2.03 (95% CI, 1.36-3.03). However, when adjusted for duration of second stage of labor, fetal head circumference and fetal head station, the OR was no longer statistically significant (OR, 2.14 (95% CI, 0.95-4.85); P = 0.068).

CONCLUSION

When potential confounding factors are taken into account, the rate of LAM avulsion does not differ between women according to whether they have undergone KFD or MVD. Copyright © 2019 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Maternal complication related to instrumental delivery at Felege Hiwot Specialized Hospital, Northwest Ethiopia: a retrospective cross-sectional study

OBJECTIVE

The study aimed to determine proportion and risk factors for maternal complication related to forceps and vacuum delivery among mother who gave birth at Felege Hiwot Comprehensive Specialized Hospital (FHCSH).

RESULTS

Records of 406 mothers managed with instrumental vaginal delivery were reviewed and 97% of the reviewed card had complete documentation. The proportion of maternal complications related to instrumental delivery was 12.1%. A major complication of forceps assisted delivery was 2nd-degree perineal tear (7.4%), 3rd-degree perineal tear (1.5%), cervical tear (1.5%) and episiotomy extension (1%). However, the complication of vacuum-assisted vaginal delivery was only cervical tear (0.5%) and episiotomy extension (0.5%). Episiotomy during instrumental delivery reduce maternal complication by 86% [AOR = 0.14, 95% CI 0.07-0.3]. Forceps assisted vaginal delivery had 3.4 times more risk for maternal complication compared to vacuum-assisted vaginal delivery [AOR = 3.4, 95% CI 1.08-10.67] and the same is true for primiparity that primipara women who gave birth by the help of instrument had 3.5 times more risk for maternal complication compared to a multipara women [AOR = 3.5, 95% CI 1.26-9.98].

Operative vaginal deliveries and their impact on maternal and neonatal outcomes - prospective analysis

OBJECTIVE

Evaluation of maternal and neonatal outcomes in operative vaginal deliveries in prospective study analysis.

DESIGN

Prospective case-control study analysis.

SETTING

Prospective analysis of 292 operative vaginal deliveries (VEX, forceps) for the period June 2016 - August 2017 from overall 6056 vaginal deliveries. Type and frequency of maternal and neonatal trauma occurence was observed in connection with using vacuum-assisted delivery and forceps delivery, mainly the cephalohematomas and their complications. Collected data were statistically analysed.

RESULTS

In the reported period from overall 6056 deliveries there were 216 vacuumextractions (3.6%) and 72 forceps deliveries (1.2%) performed. Both methods were used in four patients (VEX and forceps). The most frequent trauma in newborns were cephalohematomas. Remarkable cephalohematoma, requiring further observation has occured in 40 newborns (18.5%) after vacuum-assisted delivery and in 5 newborns (6.9%), (p = 0,017) after forceps delivery. Consequential punction of cephalohematoma occured only after vacuumextraction delivery and in 6 newborns (15.0 %). The third degree perineal rupture occured after vacuumextraction in 20 patients (9.3%) and after forceps delivery in 12 patients (16.7%), (p = 0,091). The fourth degree perineal rupture occured only after vacuumextraction and in 1 case (0.5%).

CONCLUSION

The vacuumextraction compared with forceps is more likely to be associated with the statistically significant incidence of cephalohematomas and their further treatment. Forceps deliveries compared with vacuumextraction are more likely to be associated with the maternal perineal trauma, but the diference was not statistically significant.

Kiwi omnicup handheld versus Mityvac M-style conventional vacuum system: a retrospective observational study

INTRODUCTION

To improve the choice of vacuum-assisted delivery (VAD) system, we compared the outcomes of Kiwi handheld system and Mityvac M-style conventional system (both use disposable plastic cups).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Retrospective observational study with data collection from electronic medical records. The study was conducted at a tertiary medical center, with approximately 7000 deliveries annually. Categorical and continuous variables were analyzed using chi-square test and t-test, respectively. p value < .05 was considered significant. The main outcomes assessed were the overall failure rate of each system, failure rates for occipito-anterior (OA) versus occipito-transverse/occipito-anterior (OT/OP) positions, +1 versus +2 fetal stations, and early maternal/neonatal outcomes.

RESULTS

During a 10-month period, there were 507 (8.4%) attempted VADs, 36 failed (7.1%), and eight (1.5%) converted to cesarean section. Of these, 364 were Kiwi-assisted and 143 Mityvac-assisted. Background characteristics were similar. The handheld system had more failures overall (9.6 versus 0.7%), at OA (7.6 versus 0.9%), and non-OA positions (17.3% versus none), at +1 (13.25 versus 0.96%) and at +2/3 stations (6.1% versus none), than the conventional system did, respectively. There was a higher rate of early post-partum hemorrhage (15.3 versus 7.4%) in the conventional group. Both systems had similar rates of third/fourth degree perineal tears, shoulder dystocia and adverse neonatal outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggest more failures with Kiwi compared to Mityvac, overall and at any fetal position/station, without a significant difference in adverse outcome profile.

Randomised Italian Sonography for occiput POSition Trial Ante vacuum (R.I.S.POS.T.A.)

OBJECTIVE

To assess whether sonographic diagnosis of fetal head position before instrumental vaginal delivery can reduce the risk of failed vacuum extraction and improve delivery outcome.

METHODS

Randomised Italian Sonography for occiput POSition Trial Ante vacuum (R.I.S.POS.T.A.) is a randomized controlled trial of term (37 + 0 to 41 + 6 weeks' gestation) singleton pregnancies with cephalic presentation requiring instrumental delivery by vacuum extraction, which was conducted between April 2014 and June 2017 and involved 13 Italian maternity hospitals. Patients were randomized to assessment of fetal head position before attempted instrumental delivery by either vaginal examination (VE) alone or VE plus transabdominal sonography (TAS). Primary outcome was incidence of emergency Cesarean section due to failed vacuum extraction. A sample size of 653 women per group was planned to compare the primary outcome between the two groups. The sample size estimation was based on the hypothesis that the risk of failed vacuum delivery in the VE group would be 5% and that ultrasound assessment of fetal position prior to vacuum extraction would decrease this risk to 2%.

RESULTS

On interim analysis, the trial was stopped for futility. During this period, 222 women were randomized and 221 were included in the final data analysis, of whom 132 (59.7%) were randomized to evaluation of fetal head position by VE only and 89 (40.3%) to assessment by VE plus TAS prior to vacuum extraction. No significant differences were observed between the two groups with respect to incidence of emergency Cesarean section due to failed instrumental delivery and other maternal and fetal outcomes. Women randomized to assessment by VE plus TAS showed higher incidence of non-occiput anterior position of the fetal head at randomization and lower incidence of incorrect diagnosis of occiput position compared with women undergoing assessment by VE alone. A higher rate of episiotomy was noted in the women undergoing both VE and TAS compared with those in the VE-only group.

CONCLUSIONS

Our prematurely discontinued randomized controlled trial did not demonstrate any benefit in terms of reduced risk of failed instrumental delivery or maternal and fetal morbidity in women undergoing sonographic assessment of fetal head position prior to vacuum extraction. Copyright © 2018 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Escherichia coli-infected cephalohematoma in an infant

We report a case of Escherichia coli infection of a cephalohematoma in an infant delivered by vacuum extraction. After excluding potential complications, the patient was treated with intravenous ceftriaxone while hospitalized followed by oral cephalexin after discharge. Infection is a rare but serious complication of cephalohematomas in the newborn period. Escherichia coli is the most common pathogen responsible for infected cephalohematomas. Clinicians should be aware that infected cephalohematomas may be complicated by sepsis, meningitis, or osteomyelitis.

[Obstetrical anal sphincter injuries and vacuum-assisted delivery at term in primiparas]

OBJECTIVES

Operative Vaginal Delivery (OVD) is subject to a risk of perineal tears especially of Obstetrical Anal Sphincter Injuries (OASIS) that are associated with more complications and impaired quality of life. The main objective of this study was to compare the rate of OASIS in primipara at term with fetus in cephalic presentation depending on the type of delivery: OVD using vacuum extractor and spontaneous delivery.

METHODS

This is a single-center retrospective study between 01/01/2010 and 12/31/2014 including all primipara who delivered vaginally at term, a single and living fetus in cephalic presentation. Perineal lesions were classified according to the WHO classification. The primary endpoint was the proportion of OASIS.

RESULTS

3552 patients were included: 2496 spontaneous deliveries (SD) and 1056 OVD (29.72 %). There were twenty sphincter tears (0.56 %): 7 in SD group (0.28 %) and 13 in OVD (1.23 %), P<0.0001, OR=5.10 [2.00; 12.99]. Other risk factors associated with OASIS in univariable analysis were: maternal age (≥30 years), duration of expulsive efforts (≥20min) and a birth weight≥4000g.

CONCLUSION

In these patients, the risk of OASIS in case of AI increases by a factor of 5;10. The high rate of AI in these patients exposes them to a real risk of OASIS. However, the proportion of OASIS in this group remains lower than those reported in the literature and is barely higher than the national overall rate, despite a very restrictive policy of the use of episiotomy.

Prevalence of and risk factors associated with sexual health issues in primiparous women at 6 and 12 months postpartum; a longitudinal prospective cohort study (the MAMMI study)

BACKGROUND

Many women are not prepared for changes to their sexual health after childbirth. The aim of this paper is to report on the prevalence of and the potential risk factors (pre-pregnancy dyspareunia, mode of birth, perineal trauma and breastfeeding) for sexual health issues (dyspareunia, lack of vaginal lubrication and a loss of interest in sexual activity) at 6 and 12 months postpartum.

METHODS

A longitudinal cohort study of 832 first-time mothers who were recruited in early pregnancy and returned postnatal surveys at 3, 6, 9 and 12 months postpartum were assessed for sexual health issues and associated risk factors.

RESULTS

Nearly half of the women (46.3%) reported a lack of interest in sexual activity, 43% experienced a lack of vaginal lubrication and 37.5% of included women had dyspareunia 6 months after birth. On univariate analysis, vacuum-assisted birth, 2nd degree perineal tears, 3rd degree perineal tears and episiotomy were all associated with dyspareunia 6 months postpartum, but, of these only 3rd degree tears, in association with breastfeeding and pre-existing dyspareunia, remained significant on multivariable analysis. Breastfeeding, in combination, with other significant factors, was associated with dyspareunia, a lack of vaginal lubrication and a loss of interest in sexual activity 6 months postpartum, and, dissatisfaction with body image emerged as a significant factor associated with lack of interest in sexual activity at 12 months postpartum. Pre-pregnancy dyspareunia and breastfeeding emerged as common factors associated with all three outcomes of dyspareunia, a lack of vaginal lubrication and a loss of interest in sexual activity at 6 months postpartum.

CONCLUSION

Breastfeeding and pre-existing dyspareunia are associated with sexual health issues at 6 months postpartum. Pre-existing dyspareunia is associated with a lack of vaginal lubrication at 12 months postpartum and breastfeeding is associated with dissatisfaction with body image. Preparing women and their partners during the antenatal period and advising on simple measures, such as use of lubrication to avoid or minimise sexual health issues, could potentially remove stress, anxiety and fears regarding intimacy after birth. Introducing the topic of pre-existing sexual health issues antenatally may facilitate appropriate support, treatment or counselling for women.

Antibiotic prophylaxis for operative vaginal delivery

BACKGROUND

Vacuum and forceps assisted vaginal deliveries are reported to increase the incidence of postpartum infections and maternal readmission to hospital compared to spontaneous vaginal delivery. Prophylactic antibiotics may be prescribed to prevent these infections. However, the benefit of antibiotic prophylaxis for operative vaginal deliveries is still unclear.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the effectiveness and safety of antibiotic prophylaxis in reducing infectious puerperal morbidities in women undergoing operative vaginal deliveries including vacuum or forceps deliveries, or both.

SEARCH METHODS

We searched Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth's Trials Register (12 July 2017), ClinicalTrials.gov, the WHO International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (ICTRP) (12 July 2017) and reference lists of retrieved studies.

SELECTION CRITERIA

All randomised trials comparing any prophylactic antibiotic regimens with placebo or no treatment in women undergoing vacuum or forceps deliveries were eligible. Participants were all pregnant women without evidence of infections or other indications for antibiotics of any gestational age undergoing vacuum or forceps delivery for any indications. Interventions were any antibiotic prophylaxis (any dosage regimen, any route of administration or at any time during delivery or the puerperium) compared with either placebo or no treatment.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two review authors assessed trial eligibility and methodological quality. Two review authors extracted the data independently using prepared data extraction forms. Any discrepancies were resolved by discussion and a consensus reached through discussion with all review authors. We assessed methodological quality of the one included trial using the GRADE approach.

MAIN RESULTS

One trial, involving 393 women undergoing either vacuum or forceps deliveries, was included. The trial compared the antibiotic intravenous cefotetan after cord clamping compared with no treatment. This trial reported only two out of the nine outcomes specified in this review. Seven women in the group given no antibiotics had endomyometritis and none in prophylactic antibiotic group, the risk reduction was 93% (risk ratio (RR) 0.07; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.00 to 1.21; low-quality evidence). There was no difference in the length of hospital stay between the two groups (mean difference (MD) 0.09 days; 95% CI -0.23 to 0.41; low-quality evidence). Overall, the risk of bias was judged to be unclear. The quality of the evidence using GRADE was low for both endometritis and maternal length of stay.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

One small trial was identified reporting only two outcomes. Evidence from this single trial suggests that antibiotic prophylaxis may lead to little or no difference in endometritis or maternal length of stay. There were no data on any other outcomes to evaluate the impact of antibiotic prophylaxis after operative vaginal delivery. Future research on antibiotic prophylaxis for operative vaginal delivery is needed to conclude whether it is useful for reducing postpartum morbidity.

Adverse neonatal and maternal outcome following vacuum-assisted vaginal delivery: does indication matter?

PURPOSE

To estimate the impact of indication for vacuum-assisted vaginal delivery on neonatal and maternal adverse outcome.

METHODS

Retrospective analysis of women carrying singleton-term pregnancies undergoing vacuum-assisted vaginal delivery in a tertiary hospital (2007-2014). Cohort was stratified by indication: non-reassuring fetal heart rate or prolonged second stage. Primary outcome was adverse neonatal outcome and secondary outcome was maternal morbidity. Logistic regression analysis was utilized to adjust for potential confounders.

RESULT

Overall, 4931 women met inclusion criteria. Delivery indication was prolonged second stage in 3143 (64%) cases and non-reassuring fetal heart rate in 1788 (36%). In the non-reassuring fetal heart rate group, there were higher rates of cephalohematoma, low 5-min Apgar-score, and asphyxia. In the prolonged second-stage group, there were higher rates of sepsis and post-partum hemorrhage. Composite neonatal birth trauma and maternal morbidity were higher for vacuum-assisted vaginal delivery following prolonged second stage. Following adjustment for confounders cephalohematoma (aOR 1.21, 95% CI 1.04-1.41), low 5-min Apgar-score (aOR 2.91, 95% CI 1.26-4.67) and asphyxia (aOR 1.81 95% CI 1.35-2.44) remained significant in the non-reassuring fetal heart rate group and neonatal sepsis remained significant for the prolonged second-stage group (aOR 1.77, 95% CI 1.38-2.27), p < 0.05 for all. However, there was no longer difference in the composite birth trauma, other neonatal or maternal morbidity.

CONCLUSION

The indication for vacuum-assisted vaginal delivery has an impact on neonatal outcome. While cephalohematoma, low 5' Apgar score, and asphyxia were more common in the non-reassuring fetal heart rate group, neonatal sepsis was more common in cases of prolonged second stage of labor.

Predictive value of traction force measurement in vacuum extraction: Development of a multivariate prognostic model

OBJECTIVE

To enable early prediction of strong traction force vacuum extraction.

DESIGN

Observational cohort.

SETTING

Karolinska University Hospital delivery ward, tertiary unit.

POPULATION AND SAMPLE SIZE

Term mid and low metal cup vacuum extraction deliveries June 2012-February 2015, n = 277.

METHODS

Traction forces during vacuum extraction were collected prospectively using an intelligent handle. Levels of traction force were analysed pairwise by subjective category strong versus non-strong extraction, in order to define an objective predictive value for strong extraction.

STATISTICAL ANALYSIS

A logistic regression model based on the shrinkage and selection method lasso was used to identify the predictive capacity of the different traction force variables.

PREDICTORS

Total (time force integral, Newton minutes) and peak traction (Newton) force in the first to third pull; difference in traction force between the second and first pull, as well as the third and first pull respectively. Accumulated traction force at the second and third pull.

OUTCOME

Subjectively categorized extraction as strong versus non-strong.

RESULTS

The prevalence of strong extraction was 26%. Prediction including the first and second pull: AUC 0,85 (CI 0,80-0,90); specificity 0,76; sensitivity 0,87; PPV 0,56; NPV 0,94. Prediction including the first to third pull: AUC 0,86 (CI 0,80-0,91); specificity 0,87; sensitivity 0,70; PPV 0,65; NPV 0,89.

CONCLUSION

Traction force measurement during vacuum extraction can help exclude strong category extraction from the second pull. From the third pull, two-thirds of strong extractions can be predicted.

Decreased neonatal pain response after vaginal-operative delivery with Kiwi OmniCup versus metal ventouse

BACKGROUND

Vaginal delivery, especially operative assisted vaginal delivery, seems to be a major stressor for the neonate. The objective of this study was to evaluate the stress response after metal cup versus Kiwi Omnicup® ventouse delivery.

METHODS

The study was a secondary observational analysis of data from a former prospective randomised placebo controlled multicentre study on the analgesic effect of acetaminophen in neonates after operative vaginal delivery and took place at three Swiss tertiary hospitals. Healthy pregnant women ≥35 weeks of gestation with an estimated fetal birth weight above 2000 g were recruited after admission to the labour ward. Pain reaction was analysed by pain expression score EDIN scale (Échelle Douleur Inconfort Nouveau-Né, neonatal pain and discomfort scale) directly after delivery. For measurement of the biochemical stress response, salivary cortisol as well as the Bernese Pain Scale of Newborns (BPSN) were evaluated before and after an acute pain stimulus (the standard heel prick for metabolic testing (Guthrie test)) at 48-72 h.

RESULTS

Infants born by vaginal operative delivery displayed a lower pain response after plastic cup than metal cup ventouse delivery (p < 0.001), but the pain response was generally lower than expected and they recovered fully within 72 h.

CONCLUSIONS

Neonatal pain response is slightly reduced after use of Kiwi OmniCup® versus metal cup ventouse.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Trial was registered under under NCT00488540 on 19th June 2007.

The effect of prostaglandin induced labor and selected factors on the occurrence and extent of birth-canal injuries

OBJECTIVES

To determine the effect of labor induction using prostaglandin, gestation period and delivery type on the cause and extent of birth-canal injuries.

METHODS

A retrospective study based on the records of II. GPK UNB Ružinov. The total set (n = 1377) consisted of patients who went into labor in second half of the year 2014 at this clinic. The research used categorical data divided into groups of factors (induction, week of delivery, type of delivery) and birth injuries. Using the chi-square test and Fisher's test we evaluated individual statistical dependences. The results with the highest level of significance are expressed through contingency tests (Phi coefficient, contingency coefficient, Cramer's V). Finally, because of the highest level of significance we have done a cohort study to express the incidence of relationship between non-operative delivery per vaginam and 1st degree ruptura perieni.

RESULTS

Labor induction with prostaglandins has a positive impact on the cause and extent of birth-canal injuries, namely the increased risk of vaginal walls tearing and uterine ruptures. We confirmed that the induction of labor using PG carries a demonstrable risk of pregnancy termination by cesarean section (p = 6.17x10-9). Birth-canal injuries are also affected by the type of delivery. Non-operative vaginal delivery is a significant risk factor for first-degree perineal tear (RR = 25.52 95% CI 10.58, 61.60, OR = 33.06 95% CI 13.51, 80.90). Significant risk factors for third-grade perineal tear during vaginal delivery are forceps (p = 0.005534) / vacuum extractor (p = 0.03554).

CONCLUSION

In a group of 1377 patients we have demonstrated that the labor induction with prostaglandins, gestation period and type of delivery significantly influence the occurrence and extent of birth-canal injuries (Tab. 3, Ref. 9).

Audit of a program to increase the use of vacuum extraction in Mulago Hospital, Uganda

BACKGROUND

Prolonged second stage of labour is a major cause of perinatal and maternal morbidity and mortality in low-income countries. Vacuum extraction is a proven effective intervention, hardly used in Africa. Many authors and organisations recommend (re)introduction of vacuum extraction, but successful implementation has not been reported. In 2012, a program to increase the use of vacuum extraction was implemented in Mulago Hospital, Uganda. The program consisted of development of a vacuum extraction guideline, supply of equipment and training of staff. The objective of this study was to investigate the impact of the program.

METHODS

Audit of a quality improvement intervention with before and after measurement of outcome parameters.

SETTING

Mulago Hospital, the national referral hospital for Uganda with approximately 33 000 deliveries per year. It is the university teaching hospital for Makerere University and most of the countries doctors and midwives are trained here. Data was collected from hospital registers and medical files for a period of two years. Main outcome measures were vacuum extraction rate, intrapartum stillbirth, neonatal death, uterine rupture, maternal death and decision to delivery interval.

RESULTS

Mode of delivery and outcome of 12 143 deliveries before and 34 894 deliveries after implementation of the program were analysed. The vacuum extraction rate increased from 0.6 - 2.4 % of deliveries (p < 0.01) and was still rising after 18 months. There was a decline in intrapartum stillbirths from 34 to 26 per 1000 births (-23.6 %, p < 0.01) and women with uterine rupture from 1.1 - 0.8 per 100 births (-25.5 %, p < 0.01). Decision to delivery interval for vacuum extraction was four hours shorter than for caesarean section.

CONCLUSIONS

A program to increase the use of vacuum extraction was successful in a high-volume university hospital in sub-Saharan Africa. The use of vacuum extraction increased. An association with improved maternal and perinatal outcome is strongly suggested. We recommend broad implementation of vacuum extraction, whereby university hospitals like Mulago Hospital can play an important role.To support implementation, we recommend further research into outcome of vacuum extraction and into vacuum extraction devices for low-income countries. Such studies are now in progress at Mulago Hospital.

Angle of fetal head progression measured using transperineal ultrasound as a predictive factor of vacuum extraction failure

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the predictive value of angle of progression (AoP) of the fetal head for a failed vacuum delivery.

METHODS

This was a prospective observational study that included women with a singleton pregnancy of ≥ 37 weeks' gestation, in cephalic presentation requiring vacuum extraction. Transperineal ultrasound was performed immediately before vacuum extraction, although AoP was measured on stored images after delivery. Vacuum extraction was defined as failed when the duration of extraction exceeded 20 min or the vacuum cup detached more than three times. We compared the demographic and ultrasound data of failed vacuum deliveries with those that were successful. The predictive value of AoP for failure of vacuum delivery was calculated.

RESULTS

AoP was measured in 235 women. Vacuum extractions failed in 30 (12.8%) women (29/184 nulliparous and 1/51 parous) and resulted in 28 vaginal deliveries by forceps and two Cesarean deliveries. Median AoP was significantly lower in the vacuum failure group compared with those with successful vacuum delivery (136.6° (interquartile range (IQR), 129.8-144.1°) vs 145.9° (IQR, 135.0-158.4°); P < 0.01). As all but one failed vacuum extraction occurred among nulliparous women, the predictive value of AoP was calculated in this subgroup of women. The area under the receiver-operating characteristics curve for prediction of vacuum extraction failure was 0.67 (95% CI, 0.57-0.77) and the optimal AoP cut-off was 145.5°. Above this value, the rate of vacuum extraction failure fell below 5%.

CONCLUSION

AoP is a predictive factor of failed vacuum extraction, especially among nulliparous women whose risk of failure is high. AoP measurement may help in choosing between forceps and vacuum extraction. Copyright © 2015 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Evaluation of delivery options for second-stage events

BACKGROUND

Cesarean delivery in the second stage of labor is common, whereas the frequency of operative vaginal delivery has been declining. However, data comparing outcomes for attempted operative vaginal delivery vs cesarean in the second stage are scant. Previous studies that examine operative vaginal delivery have compared it to a baseline risk of complications from a spontaneous vaginal delivery and cesarean delivery. However, when a woman has a need for intervention in the second stage, spontaneous vaginal delivery is not an option she or the provider can choose. Thus, the appropriate clinical comparison is cesarean vs operative vaginal delivery.

OBJECTIVE

Our objective was to compare outcomes by the first attempted operative delivery (vacuum, forceps vs cesarean delivery) in patients needing second-stage assistance at a fetal station of +2 or below.

STUDY DESIGN

We conducted secondary analysis of an observational obstetric cohort in 25 academically affiliated US hospitals over a 3-year period. A subset of ≥37 weeks, nonanomalous, vertex, singletons, with no prior vaginal delivery who reached a station of +2 or below and underwent an attempt at an operative delivery were included. Indications included for operative delivery were: failure to descend, nonreassuring fetal status, labor dystocia, or maternal exhaustion. The primary outcomes included a composite neonatal outcome (death, fracture, length of stay ≥3 days beyond mother's, low Apgar, subgaleal hemorrhage, ventilator support, hypoxic encephalopathy, brachial plexus injury, facial nerve palsy) and individual maternal outcomes (postpartum hemorrhage, third- and fourth-degree tears [severe lacerations], and postpartum infection). Outcomes were examined by the 3 attempted modes of delivery. Odds ratios (OR) were calculated for primary outcomes adjusting for confounders. Final mode of delivery was quantified.

RESULTS

In all, 2531 women met inclusion criteria. No difference in the neonatal composite outcome was observed between groups. Vacuum attempt was associated with the lowest frequency of maternal complications (postpartum infection 0.2% vs 0.9% forceps vs 5.3% cesarean, postpartum hemorrhage 1.4% vs 2.8% forceps vs 3.8% cesarean), except for severe lacerations (19.1% vs 33.8% forceps vs 0% cesarean). When confounders were taken into account, both forceps (OR, 0.16; 95% confidence interval, 0.05-0.49) and vacuum (OR, 0.04; 95% confidence interval, 0.01-0.17) were associated with a significantly lower odds of postpartum infection. The neonatal composite and postpartum hemorrhage were not significantly different between modes of attempted delivery. Cesarean occurred in 6.4% and 4.4% of attempted vacuum and forceps groups (P = .04).

CONCLUSION

In patients needing second-stage delivery assistance with a station of +2 or below, attempted operative vaginal delivery was associated with a lower frequency of postpartum infection, but higher frequency of severe lacerations.

Forceps delivery is associated with increased risk of pelvic organ prolapse and muscle trauma: a cross-sectional study 16-24 years after first delivery

OBJECTIVES

To study possible associations between mode of delivery and pelvic organ prolapse (POP) and pelvic floor muscle trauma 16-24 years after first delivery and, in particular, to identify differences between forceps and vacuum delivery.

METHODS

This was a cross-sectional study including 608 women who delivered their first child in 1990-1997 and were examined with POP quantification (POP-Q) and pelvic floor ultrasound in 2013-2014. Outcome measures were POP ≥ Stage 2 or previous prolapse surgery, levator avulsion and levator hiatal area on Valsalva. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses and ANCOVA were applied to identify outcome variables associated with mode of delivery.

RESULTS

Comparing forceps to vacuum delivery, the adjusted odds ratios (aOR) were 1.72 (95% CI, 1.06-2.79; P = 0.03) for POP ≥ Stage 2 or previous prolapse surgery and 4.16 (95% CI, 2.28-7.59; P < 0.01) for levator avulsion. Hiatal area on Valsalva was larger, with adjusted mean difference (aMD) of 4.75 cm(2) (95% CI, 2.46-7.03; P < 0.01). Comparing forceps with normal vaginal delivery, the adjusted odds ratio (aOR) was 1.74 (95% CI, 1.12-2.68; P = 0.01) for POP ≥ Stage 2 or surgery and 4.35 (95% CI, 2.56-7.40; P < 0.01) for levator avulsion; hiatal area on Valsalva was larger, with an aMD of 3.84 cm(2) (95% CI, 1.78-5.90; P < 0.01). Comparing Cesarean delivery with normal vaginal delivery, aOR was 0.06 (95% CI, 0.02-0.14; P < 0.01) for POP ≥ Stage 2 or surgery and crude OR was 0.00 (95% CI, 0.00-0.30; P < 0.01) for levator avulsion; hiatal area on Valsalva was smaller, with an aMD of -8.35 cm(2) (95% CI, -10.87 to -5.84; P < 0.01). No differences were found between vacuum and normal vaginal delivery.

CONCLUSIONS

We found that mode of delivery was associated with POP and pelvic floor muscle trauma in women from a general population, 16-24 years after their first delivery. Forceps was associated with significantly more POP, levator avulsion and larger hiatal areas than were vacuum and normal vaginal deliveries. There were no statistically significant differences between vacuum and normal vaginal deliveries. Cesarean delivery was associated with significantly less POP and pelvic floor muscle trauma than were normal or operative vaginal delivery.

[Vacuum-assisted vaginal delivery does not significantly contribute to the higher incidence of levator ani avulsion]

OBJECTIVE

To draw a comparison between spontaneous vaginal delivery and vacuum-assisted vaginal delivery in relation to the incidence and the type of levator ani avulsion in primiparas.

DESIGN

Retrospective observational study. SETTIMG: Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University Hospital of Ostrava.

METHODOLOGY

In the study, the primiparas who were from 6 to 12 months after spontaneous vaginal delivery (group A, n = 52) or after childbirth with vacuum extraction (group B, n = 51) underwent translabial 3D ultrasound. The obstetric data had been obtained from the hospital database. Translabial 3D ultrasound examination were performed by two sonographists. The monitored parameter was the distance between urethra and fibres of musculus levator ani - levator urethra gap [6]. The distance longer than 25 mm was considered an avulsion injury [6, 22]. Other parameters assessed in relation to the avulsion were: women's age, BMI, epidural analgesia, episiotomy performance, the length of the first and the second stages of labour, and fetal weight.

RESULTS

Musculus levator ani avulsion was diagnosed in 10 women - unilateral in 8 cases and bilateral in 2 cases. In group A, women after spontaneous birth, we noticed avulsion injury in 7.7% of cases, whereas in group B, women after vacuum extraction, we recorded avulsion injury in 11.8% of cases. Thus the use of vacuum extraction is not statistically significant risk factor for avulsion musculus levator ani. Statistically significant difference in comparison group A and B was recorded in BMI, the length of the second stages of labour and episiotomy performance.

CONCLUSION

We did not prove a statistically significant connection between avulsion injury and delivery with the use of vacuum extraction in comparison to avulsion injury incidence in uncomplicated vaginal delivery group (tab. 1). Vacuum extraction does not appear as a risk factor for avulsion in contrast to forceps delivery.

Antibiotic prophylaxis for operative vaginal delivery

BACKGROUND

Vacuum and forceps assisted vaginal deliveries are reported to increase the incidence of postpartum infections and maternal readmission to hospital compared to spontaneous vaginal delivery. Prophylactic antibiotics may be prescribed to prevent these infections. However, the benefit of antibiotic prophylaxis for operative vaginal deliveries is still unclear.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the effectiveness and safety of antibiotic prophylaxis in reducing infectious puerperal morbidities in women undergoing operative vaginal deliveries including vacuum or forceps deliveries, or both.

SEARCH METHODS

We searched the Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth Group's Trials Register (31 August 2014).

SELECTION CRITERIA

All randomised trials comparing any prophylactic antibiotic regimens with placebo or no treatment in women undergoing vacuum or forceps deliveries were eligible. Participants were all pregnant women without evidence of infections or other indications for antibiotics of any gestational age undergoing vacuum or forceps delivery for any indications. Interventions were any antibiotic prophylaxis (any dosage regimen, any route of administration or at any time during delivery or the puerperium) compared with either placebo or no treatment.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two review authors assessed trial eligibility and methodological quality. Two review authors extracted the data independently using prepared data extraction forms. Any discrepancies were resolved by discussion and a consensus reached through discussion with all review authors. For this update, we assessed methodological quality of the one included trial using the standard Cochrane criteria and the GRADE approach. We calculated the risk ratio (RR) and mean difference (MD) using a fixed-effect model and all the review authors interpreted and discussed the results.

MAIN RESULTS

One trial, involving 393 women undergoing either vacuum or forceps deliveries, was included. This trial identified only two out of the nine outcomes specified in this review. It reported seven women with endomyometritis in the group given no antibiotic and none in prophylactic antibiotic group. This difference did not reach statistical significance, but the risk reduction was 93% (risk ratio (RR) 0.07; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.00 to 1.21). There was no difference in the length of hospital stay between the two groups (mean difference (MD) 0.09 days; 95% CI -0.23 to 0.41). Overall, the risk of bias was judged as low. The quality of the evidence using GRADE was low for both endometritis and maternal length of stay.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

The data were too few to make any recommendations for practice. Future research on antibiotic prophylaxis for operative vaginal delivery is needed to conclude whether it is useful for reducing postpartum morbidity.

[Neonatal subgaleal haemorrhage causing fatal course after vacuum-assisted extraction]

We present a case that emphasizes the importance of early recognition of neonatal subgaleal haemorrhage through knowledge of risk factors and adequate communication within the health team treating the woman in labour. Especially vacuum-assisted extraction of the child significantly multiplies the incidents of subgaleal haemorrhage. The high mortality is directly associated with disseminated intravascular coagulation and bleeding. Early monitoring and treatment with replacement of blood volume is crucial. Education concerning this condition is therefore of great importance.

Evaluation of pelvic floor symptoms and sexual function in primiparous women who underwent operative vaginal delivery versus cesarean delivery for second-stage arrest

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to compare the prevalence and severity of pelvic floor symptoms and sexual function at 1 year postpartum in women who underwent either operative vaginal delivery (OVD) or cesarean delivery (CD) for second-stage arrest.

METHODS

In this cohort study, women with second-stage arrest in their first pregnancy who delivered between January 2009 and May 2011 at 2 different institutions were identified by an obstetric database using International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, codes. Validated questionnaires evaluating pelvic floor symptoms and sexual function were administered. Subjects were dichotomized into those who underwent an OVD or a CD. Additional analyses by intent-to-treat and stratification of vacuum versus forceps operative deliveries were performed.

RESULTS

Of the 109 women who completed the 1-year postpartum symptom questionnaires, 53 (48.6%) had a successful OVD, 20 (18.3%) failed OVD and underwent CD, and 36 (33%) underwent CD only. There were no differences between those who had a successful OVD and those who underwent a CD in either pelvic floor function or sexual function, but bulge symptoms were more common in the OVD group (7.5% vs 0, P = 0.05). When analyzed by intent-to-treat (planned OVD vs planned CD), pelvic floor symptoms remained similar between groups. However, those in the planned CD group reported higher orgasm and overall sexual satisfaction scores.

CONCLUSIONS

In this sample of primiparous women with second-stage arrest, mode of delivery did not significantly impact pelvic floor function 1 year after delivery, except for bulge symptoms in the OVD group and sexual satisfaction in the planned CD group.

Stress and pain response of neonates after spontaneous birth and vacuum-assisted and cesarean delivery

OBJECTIVE

The objective of the study was to compare the stress response and pain expression of newborns (NBs) in the early postpartum period.

STUDY DESIGN

This was a prospective study with 280 NBs enclosed at 3 Swiss university hospitals. Stress response and pain reaction were analyzed according to the mode of delivery: elective cesarean section (ELCS), spontaneous vaginal delivery, and assisted vaginal delivery by vacuum extraction (VE). Saliva cortisol and clinical pain expression were evaluated after delivery and before and after heel prick for metabolic screening.

RESULTS

Significant differences were evident during the first 72 hours postpartum with highest nominations in the VE group. Meconium-stained amniotic fluid was the only intrapartum stress factor with an impact on clinical pain expression.

CONCLUSION

NBs delivered vaginally show a higher incidence of stress response and pain expression than infants of the ELCS group. The long-term impact of these findings remains to be determined.

Postpartum coccydynia: a case series study of 57 women

BACKGROUND

Although childbirth is a well-known cause of coccydynia, this condition has not been studied previously.

AIM

To explore the characteristics of postpartum coccydynia and identify risk factors.

DESIGN

A case series study.

SETTING

A specialist coccydynia clinic in a department of physical medicine in a university hospital.

METHODS

A series of 57 women suffering from postpartum coccydynia was analyzed and compared with a control group of 192 women suffering from coccydynia due to other causes. Dynamic radiography enabled a comparison of the coccygeal mobility in the two groups.

RESULTS

7.3% of the cases of coccydynia in female patients seen in our clinic were related to childbirth. The pain appeared as soon as the patient adopted the sitting position after delivery. The deliveries had often been performed with instruments (forceps deliveries: 50.8%; vacuum-assisted deliveries: 7.0%) or were spontaneous but described as "difficult" (12.3%). Luxation of the coccyx was observed in 43.9% of the cases and 17.0% of the controls. Fracture of the coccyx was involved in 5.3% of the cases. A body mass index >27 and ≥2 vaginal deliveries were associated with a higher prevalence of luxation of the coccyx.

CONCLUSION

Postpartum coccydynia is often associated with a difficult delivery, with the use of forceps in 50.8% of cases. Luxation and fracture of the coccyx are the two most characteristic lesions.

CLINICAL REHABILITATION IMPACT

Our results bring a better knowledge and should allow a better management of this specific etiology of coccydynia.

Ten -year review of vacuum assisted vaginal deliveries at a district hospital in Ghana

OBJECTIVE

To find the incidence, indications, failure rate and the maternal and neonatal morbidity associated with the use of the vacuum extractor in a district hospital.

METHODS

A retrospective study of vacuum assisted vaginal deliveries.

SETTING

Holy Family Hospital, Nkawkaw from 1st January 2000 to 31st December 2009.

RESULTS

There were a total of 22,947 deliveries at the Holy Family Hospital over the ten year period of the study. There were 180 (0.78% of the total deliveries) cases of vacuum extraction out of which 164 (91.1%) of the extractions had successful vacuum assisted vaginal deliveries. The incidence of successful vacuum assisted vaginal delivery was 0.71% of the total number of deliveries. The failure rate of vacuum extraction was 8.9%. The commonest indications for vacuum assisted vaginal delivery were delayed second stage 40.5%, and poor maternal effort 29.3%. The maternal complication rate was 3.1% while 16 (9.7%) babies were admitted to babies unit with birth asphyxia and other complications which were mainly minor injuries.

CONCLUSION

The vacuum extractor is an effective and safe device for assisted vaginal delivery with high success rate even in a district hospital. Steps should be taken to encourage the safe use of vacuum assisted vaginal deliveries and it should be made more accessible.

[Chronic subgaleal hematoma in a child. Case report]

Neonatal subgaleal hematomas are under-diagnosed collections of blood beneath the galea, often caused by certain obstetric procedures such as use of forceps or vacuum. They generally have low volume and often resolve spontaneously. Occasionally, they can achieve a large volume and may endanger the live of the affected newborns. Rarely, they become chronic and exceptionally they may require surgical treatment. We report the case of a child under one year of age who was referred to our department because of a subgaleal hematoma secondary to vacuum-assisted delivery that required surgical treatment.