Management strategies for acute cholecystitis in late pregnancy: a multicenter retrospective study

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to investigate the management strategies for acute cholecystitis in the third trimester of pregnancy by comparing the effectiveness of three different treatments.

METHODS

Clinical data of 102 patients with acute cholecystitis in third trimester of pregnancy admitted to three Tertiary Hospitals from January 2010 to June 2020 were collected and divided into 3 groups according to the primary treatment during their first hospitalization: Group A (surgical group; n = 11), Group B (percutaneous transhepatic gallbladder drainage (PTGD) group, n = 29) and Group C (conservative treatment group, n = 62). The length of stay, readmission rate, and preterm delivery rate of each group were analyzed retrospectively.

RESULTS

The average age of patients included in this study was 29 ± 2.16 years with an average gestational cycle of 35.26 ± 1.02 weeks. The readmission rates of patients in groups A, B, and C were 9.09%, 24.14%, and 58.06%; the preterm delivery rates were 9.09%, 3.45%, and 12.90%; and the length of stay was 4.02 ± 1.02 days, 12.53 ± 2.21 days, and 11.22 ± 2.09 days, respectively. The readmission rate was lower in group A than in groups B and C, the preterm delivery rate was lower in group B than in groups A and C, and the length of stay was shorter in group A than in groups B and C (all with statistically significant differences, P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Patients with acute cholecystitis in late pregnancy need to be appropriately graded for severity and offered a sound treatment strategy after a thorough assessment of the condition while taking into account the willingness of the patients. For patients with mild severity, conservative treatment can be adopted; for patients with moderate or severe inflammation, PTGD can be performed first for symptom control, and wait till after delivery for surgery to be considered; and in some cases of critical condition and poor symptom control, surgical intervention should be promptly performed.

Prediction of preterm birth by measurement of cervical length on transvaginal ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging in pregnancies complicated by twin-twin transfusion syndrome and treated with laser surgery

OBJECTIVES

Twin pregnancies complicated by twin-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) are at particularly high risk of preterm birth. Cervical length (CL) measurement on transvaginal ultrasound (TVS) is a powerful predictor of preterm birth, but the predictive accuracy of CL measurement on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has not yet been established. We sought to investigate the correlation between CL measurements obtained on preoperative TVS and on MRI and to quantify their predictive accuracy for preterm birth among pregnancies complicated by TTTS that underwent selective fetoscopic laser photocoagulation (SFLP), to identify whether MRI is a useful adjunct to TVS.

METHODS

This was a retrospective cohort study of pregnancies that were treated for TTTS with SFLP at a single center between April 2010 and June 2019 and that underwent TVS and MRI evaluation. Correlation was estimated using Pearson's coefficient, mean CL measurements were compared using the two-tailed paired t-test and the frequency at which a short cervix was detected by the two imaging modalities was compared using the χ-square test. Generalized linear models were used to estimate relative risk and receiver-operating-characteristics (ROC)-curve analysis was used to estimate the predictive accuracy of CL for preterm birth.

RESULTS

Among 626 pregnancies complicated by TTTS that underwent SFLP, CL measurements were obtained on preoperative TVS in 579 cases and on preoperative MRI in 434. CL ≤ 2.5 cm was recorded in 39 (6.7%) patients on TVS and 47 (10.8%) patients on MRI (P = 0.0001). Measurements of CL made on MRI correlated well with those obtained on TVS overall (r = 0.63), but correlation was weak at the shortest CLs (r < 0.20). MRI failed to detect two (40.0%), three (18.8%), nine (32.1%) and 13 (28.9%) cases diagnosed as having a short cervix on TVS at cut-offs of ≤ 1.5 cm, ≤ 2.0 cm, ≤ 2.5 cm and ≤ 2.8 cm, respectively. Over half of the pregnancies with a preoperative CL of ≤ 2.5 cm delivered by 28 weeks' gestation, regardless of imaging modality. CL measurement on TVS was superior to that on MRI to predict preterm birth, the latter performing poorly at all CL cut-offs. A CL measurement of ≤ 2.0 cm on preoperative TVS had the highest predictive ability for preterm birth, with an area under the ROC curve for delivery before 32 weeks of 0.82.

CONCLUSIONS

Although measurement of CL on MRI correlates well with that on TVS overall, it performs poorly at accurately detecting a short cervix. TVS outperforms MRI in evaluation of the cervix and remains the optimal modality for CL measurement in pregnancies at high risk for preterm birth, such as those undergoing SFLP for TTTS. © 2023 The Authors. Ultrasound in Obstetrics & Gynecology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.

Maternal and Neonatal Outcomes of Pregnancy within 7 years after Roux-Y Gastric Bypass or Sleeve Gastrectomy Surgery

PURPOSE

Few studies examine whether maternal and neonatal outcomes differ by time from metabolic and bariatric surgery (MBS) to conception. We describe maternal and neonatal outcomes among women with pregnancy after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) or sleeve gastrectomy (SG) overall and by whether conception occurred during the period when pregnancy is not recommended (< 18 months postoperative) versus later.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A prospective cohort study enrolled 135 US adult women (median age, 30 years, body mass index [BMI], 47.2 kg/m2) who underwent RYGB or SG (2006-2009) and subsequently reported ≥ 1 pregnancy within 7 years. Participants self-reported pregnancy-related information annually. Differences in prevalence of maternal and neonatal outcomes by postoperative conception timeframe (< 18 versus ≥ 18 months) were assessed.

RESULTS

Thirty-one women reported ≥ 2 postoperative pregnancies. At time of postoperative conception (median 26 [IQR:22-52] months postoperative) median BMI was 31 (IQR:27-36) kg/m2. Excessive gestational weight gain (55%), cesarean section (42%) and preterm labor or rupture of membranes (40%) were the most common maternal outcomes. Forty percent of neonates had a composite outcome of still birth (1%), preterm birth (26%), small for gestational age (11%), or neonatal intensive care unit admission (8%). Prevalence of outcomes did not statistically significantly differ by timeframe.

CONCLUSION

In US women who conceived ≤ 7 years following RYGB or SG, 40% of neonates had the composite neonatal outcome. The prevalence of maternal and neonatal outcomes post-MBS were not statistically significant by conception timeframe.

Effect of preoperative low-normal cervical length on perinatal outcome after laparotomy-assisted fetoscopic spina bifida repair

OBJECTIVE

To determine if preoperative cervical length in the low-normal range increases the risk of adverse perinatal outcome in patients undergoing fetoscopic spina bifida repair.

METHODS

This was a retrospective cohort study of patients who underwent fetal spina bifida repair between September 2014 and May 2022 at a single center. Cervical length was measured on transvaginal ultrasound during the week before surgery. Eligibility for laparotomy-assisted fetoscopic spina bifida repair was as per the criteria of the Management of Myelomeningocele Study, although maternal body mass index (BMI) up to 40 kg/m² was allowed. Laparotomy-assisted fetoscopic spina bifida repair was performed, with carbon dioxide insufflation via two 12-French ports in the exteriorized uterus. All patients received the same peri- and postoperative tocolysis regimen, including magnesium sulfate, nifedipine and indomethacin. Postoperative follow-up ultrasound scans were performed either weekly (< 32 weeks' gestation) or twice a week (≥ 32 weeks). Perinatal outcome was compared between patients with a preoperative cervical length of 25-30 mm vs those with a cervical length > 30 mm. Logistic regression analyses and generalized linear mixed regression analyses were used to predict delivery at less than 30, 34 and 37 weeks' gestation.

RESULTS

The study included 99 patients with a preoperative cervical length > 30 mm and 12 patients with a cervix 25-30 mm in length. One further case which underwent spina bifida repair was excluded because cervical length was measured > 1 week before surgery. No differences in maternal demographics, gestational age (GA) at surgery, duration of surgery or duration of carbon dioxide uterine insufflation were observed between groups. Cases with low-normal cervical length had an earlier GA at delivery (median (range), 35.2 (25.1-39.7) weeks vs 38.2 (26.0-40.9) weeks; P = 0.01), higher rates of delivery at < 34 weeks (41.7% vs 10.2%; P = 0.01) and < 30 weeks (25.0% vs 1.0%; P < 0.01) and a higher rate of preterm prelabor rupture of membranes (PPROM) (58.3% vs 26.3%; P = 0.04) at an earlier GA (mean ± SD, 29.3 ± 4.0 weeks vs 33.0 ± 2.4 weeks; P = 0.05) compared to those with a normal cervical length. Neonates of cases with low-normal cervical length had a longer stay in the neonatal intensive care unit (20 (7-162) days vs 9 (3-253) days; P = 0.02) and higher rates of respiratory distress syndrome (50.0% vs 14.4%; P < 0.01), sepsis (16.7% vs 1.0%; P = 0.03), necrotizing enterocolitis (16.7% vs 0%; P = 0.01) and retinopathy (33.3% vs 1.0%; P < 0.01). There was an association between preoperative cervical length and risk of delivery at < 30 weeks which was significant only for patients with a maternal BMI < 25 kg/m² (odds ratio, 0.37 (95% CI, 0.07-0.81); P = 0.02).

CONCLUSIONS

Low-normal cervical length (25-30 mm) as measured before in-utero laparotomy-assisted fetoscopic spina bifida repair may increase the risk of adverse perinatal outcomes, including PPROM and preterm birth, leading to higher rates of neonatal complications. These data warrant further research and are of critical relevance for clinical teams considering the eligibility of patients for in-utero spina bifida repair. Based on this evidence, patients with a low-normal cervical length should be aware of their increased risk for adverse perinatal outcome. © 2022 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.

Applying the Robson classification to routine facility data to understand the Caesarean section practice in conflict settings of South Kivu, eastern DR Congo

INTRODUCTION

Sub-Saharan Africa has low Caesarean (CS) levels, despite a global increase in CS use. In conflict settings, the pattern of CS use is unclear because of scanty data. We aimed to examine the opportunity of using routine facility data to describe the CS use in conflict settings.

METHODS

We conducted a facility-based cross-sectional study in 8 health zones (HZ) of South Kivu province in eastern DR Congo. We reviewed patient hospital records, maternity registers and operative protocol books, from January to December 2018. Data on direct conflict fatalities were obtained from the Uppsala Conflict Data Program. Based on conflict intensity and chronicity (expressed as a 6-year cumulative conflict death rate), HZ were classified as unstable (higher conflict death rate), intermediate and stable (lower conflict death rate). To describe the Caesarean section practice, we used the Robson classification system. Based on parity, history of previous CS, onset of labour, foetal lie and presentation, number of neonates and gestational age, the Robson classification categorises deliveries into 10 mutually exclusive groups. We performed a descriptive analysis of the relative contribution of each Robson group to the overall CS rate in the conflict stratum.

RESULTS

Among the 29,600 deliveries reported by health facilities, 5,520 (18.6%) were by CS; 5,325 (96.5%) records were reviewed, of which 2,883 (54.1%) could be classified. The overall estimated population CS rate was 6.9%. The proportion of health facility deliveries that occurred in secondary hospitals was much smaller in unstable health zones (22.4%) than in intermediate (40.25) or stable health zones (43.0%). Robson groups 5 (previous CS, single cephalic, ≥ 37 weeks), 1 (nulliparous, single cephalic, ≥ 37 weeks, spontaneous labour) and 3 (multiparous, no previous CS, single cephalic, ≥ 37 weeks, spontaneous labour) were the leading contributors to the overall CS rate; and represented 75% of all CS deliveries. In unstable zones, previous CS (27.1%) and abnormal position of the fetus (breech, transverse lie, 3.3%) were much less frequent than in unstable and intermediate (44.3% and 6.0% respectively) and stable (46.7%and 6.2% respectively). Premature delivery and multiple pregnancy were more prominent Robson groups in unstable zones.

CONCLUSION

In South Kivu province, conflict exposure is linked with an uneven estimated CS rate at HZ level with at high-risks women in conflict affected settings likely to have lower access to CS compared to low-risk mothers in stable health zones.

History-indicated cervical cerclage in management of twin pregnancy

OBJECTIVE

Cervical cerclage, when performed in twin gestation, has been reported to be associated with poor outcome. However, the role of first-trimester history-indicated cerclage among women with a twin pregnancy and a history of preterm birth has not been evaluated. The aim of this study was to assess pregnancy outcomes among women with a twin pregnancy who underwent first-trimester history-indicated cervical cerclage compared with outcomes in those managed expectantly.

METHODS

This was a retrospective matched case-control study. The study group comprised all women with a twin pregnancy who had undergone first-trimester history-indicated cerclage during the period 2006 to 2017 at Hadassah-Hebrew University Medical Center. A control group of women with a twin pregnancy who were managed expectantly was established by matching age, history of spontaneous preterm birth (20-36 weeks' gestation) and year of delivery. Pregnancy and delivery characteristics and neonatal outcomes were compared between the two groups.

RESULTS

Data from 82 women with a twin gestation were analyzed, of whom 41 underwent first-trimester history-indicated cerclage and 41 were matched controls who were managed expectantly. Gestational age at delivery was higher in the cerclage group than in those managed expectantly (median 35 vs 30 weeks; P < 0.0001). Rates of spontaneous preterm birth before 24 weeks (2.4% vs 19.5%; odds ratio (OR), 0.10 (95% CI, 0.01-0.87); P = 0.03), before 28 weeks (12.2% vs 34.1%; OR, 0.27 (95% CI, 0.09-0.84); P = 0.03), before 32 weeks (22.0% vs 56.1%; OR, 0.22 (95% CI, 0.08-0.58); P = 0.003) and before 34 weeks (34.1% vs 82.9%; OR, 0.11 (95% CI, 0.04-0.30); P < 0.0001) were significantly lower in the cerclage group than in the control group. Median birth weight was higher in the cerclage group (2072 g vs 1750 g; P = 0.003), with lower rates of low birth weight (< 2500 g) (65.0% vs 89.4%; P = 0.001) and very low birth weight (< 1500 g) (21.3% vs 37.9%; P = 0.03) than in the group managed expectantly. Rates were also lower in the cerclage group for stillbirth, admission to the neonatal intensive care unit, respiratory distress syndrome, intraventricular hemorrhage, necrotizing enterocolitis, sepsis, neonatal mortality and composite adverse neonatal outcome.

CONCLUSIONS

History-indicated cerclage performed in the first trimester, as compared with expectant management, in women with a twin pregnancy had an overall positive effect on pregnancy and neonatal outcomes. These findings suggest the need for adequate randomized trials on cerclage placement in this subset of women. Copyright © 2018 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Minicraniotomy with a subgaleal pocket for the treatment of subdural fluid collections in infants

OBJECTIVE

Various surgical techniques have been described to treat subdural fluid collections in infants, including transfontanelle aspiration, burr holes, subdural drain, subduroperitoneal shunt, and minicraniotomy. The purpose of this study was to describe a modification of the minicraniotomy technique that avoids the implantation of external drainage catheters and potentially carries a higher success rate.

METHODS

In this retrospective study, the authors describe 11 cases involving pediatric patients who underwent parietal minicraniotomies for the evacuation of subdural fluid collections. In contrast to cases previously described in the literature, no patient received a drain; instead, a subgaleal pocket was created such that the fluid could flow from the subdural to the subgaleal space. Preoperative and postoperative data were reviewed, including neurological examination findings, radiological findings, complications, hospital length of stay, and findings on follow-up examinations and imaging. The primary outcome was failure of the treatment strategy, defined as an increase in subdural fluid collection requiring further intervention.

RESULTS

Eleven patients (8 boys and 3 girls, median age 4.5 months) underwent the described procedure. Eight of the patients had complete resolution of the subdural collection on follow-up imaging, and 2 had improvement. One patient had a new subdural collection due to a second injury. Only 1 patient underwent aspiration and subsequent surgical repair of a pseudomeningocele after the initial surgery. Notably, no patients required subduroperitoneal shunt placement.

CONCLUSIONS

The authors describe a new surgical option for subdural fluid collections in infants that allows for more aggressive evacuation of the subdural fluid and eliminates the need for a drain or shunt placement. Further work with more patients and direct comparison to other alternative therapies is necessary to fully evaluate the efficacy and safety of this new technique.

Indicators of surgical treatment of patent ductus arteriosus in preterm neonates in the first week of life

OBJECTIVE

To identify clinical and echocardiographic indicators of the necessity for early surgical closure of patent ductus arteriosus in preterm neonates.

METHODS

The prospective study was conducted at the Neonatal Unit of Hospital Municipal Odilon Behrens between 2006 and 2010. The study population comprised 115 preterm neonates diagnosed with patent ductus arteriosus in the first week after birth, of whom 55 (group S) were submitted to clinical and or surgical closure and 60 (group NS) received non-surgical treatment. The parameters analyzed were birth weight, diameter of the ductus arteriosus (DAD), left atrial-to-aortic root diameter ratio (LA:Ao), the quotient of DAD² and birth weight (mm²/kg), and ductal shunting.

RESULTS

The study population comprised 58 males and 57 females. The average birth weight of group S (924 ± 224.3 g) was significantly (P=0.049) lower than that of group NS (1012.3 ± 242.8 g). The probability of the preterm neonates being submitted to surgical closure was 62.1% (P=0.006) when the DAD2/birth weight index was > 5 mm²/kg, 72.2% (P=0.001) when the LA:Ao ratio was > 1.5, and 61.2% when ductal shunting was high (P=0.025).

CONCLUSION

The parameters DAD²/birth weight index > 5 mm²/kg, LA:Ao ratio > 1.5 and high ductal shunting were statistically significant indicators (P<0.05) of the need for surgical closure of patent ductus arteriosus in low birth weight preterm neonates. Moreover, when an LA:Ao ratio > 1.5 was associated with the occurrence of shock, the probability of surgical closure increased to 78.4%.

Comparison of 2 stitches vs 1 stitch for transvaginal cervical cerclage for preterm birth prevention

OBJECTIVE

The objective of the study was to compare the efficacy and outcomes of 2 vs 1 stitch at the time of cervical cerclage placement for preterm birth prevention.

STUDY DESIGN

This was a retrospective cohort study of women with singleton gestation undergoing history- or ultrasound-indicated transvaginal cervical cerclage prior to 24 weeks. The primary outcome was delivery at less than 37 weeks. The secondary outcomes included gestational age at delivery at less than 35, less than 34, less than 32, less than 28, and less than 24 weeks, perioperative details at the time of cerclage placement and removal, and maternal and neonatal outcomes. Comparison was made between patients with 2 vs 1 stitch at the time of cerclage placement. History- and ultrasound-indicated cerclages were analyzed separately.

RESULTS

Four hundred forty-four patients met inclusion criteria, 237 being history indicated (2 stitches, n = 86, 1 stitch, n = 151), and 207 ultrasound indicated (2 stitches, n = 117, 1 stitch, n = 90). Gestational age at delivery at less than 37 weeks was not significantly different between the 2 groups for both history- and ultrasound-indicated cerclage, even after adjusting for demographic differences and suture type (39% vs 35%; adjusted odds ratio, 1.38; 95% confidence interval, 0.64-3.01; and 44% vs 49%; adjusted odds ratio, 0.66; 95% confidence interval, 0.27-1.61, respectively).

CONCLUSION

Two stitches at the time of cerclage do not appear to improve pregnancy outcome either in the history- or the ultrasound-indicated procedures, compared with 1 stitch.

Limited relationship between cervico-vaginal fluid cytokine profiles and cervical shortening in women at high risk of spontaneous preterm birth

Objective

To determine the relationship between high vaginal pro-inflammatory cytokines and cervical shortening in women at high risk of spontaneous preterm labor and to assess the influence of cervical cerclage and vaginal progesterone on this relationship.

Methods

This prospective longitudinal observational study assessed 112 women with at least one previous preterm delivery between 16 and 34 weeks’ gestation. Transvaginal cervical length was measured and cervico-vaginal fluid sampled every two weeks until 28 weeks. If the cervix shortened (<25 mm) before 24 weeks’ gestation, women (cases) were randomly assigned to cerclage or progesterone and sampled weekly. Cytokine concentrations were measured in a subset of cervico-vaginal fluid samples (n = 477 from 78 women) by 11-plex fluid-phase immunoassay.

Results

All 11 inflammatory cytokines investigated were detected in cervico-vaginal fluid from women at high risk of preterm birth, irrespective of later cervical shortening. At less than 24 weeks’ gestation and prior to intervention, women destined to develop a short cervix (n = 36) exhibited higher cervico-vaginal concentrations than controls (n = 42) of granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor [(GM-CSF) 16.2 fold increase, confidence interval (CI) 1.8–147; p = 0.01] and monocyte chemotactic protein-1 [(MCP-1) 4.8, CI 1.0–23.0; p = 0.05]. Other cytokines were similar between cases and controls. Progesterone treatment did not suppress cytokine concentrations. Interleukin (IL)-6, IL-8, granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF), interferon (IFN)-γ and tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α concentrations were higher following randomization to cerclage versus progesterone (p<0.05). Cerclage, but not progesterone treatment, was followed by a significant increase in cervical length [mean 11.4 mm, CI 5.0–17.7; p<0.001].

Conclusions

Although GM-CSF and MCP-1 cervico-vaginal fluid concentrations were raised, the majority of cervico-vaginal cytokines did not increase in association with cervical shortening. Progesterone treatment showed no significant anti-inflammation action on cytokine concentrations. Cerclage insertion was associated with an increase in the majority of inflammatory markers and cervical length.

Molecular identification of bacteria in tracheal aspirate fluid from mechanically ventilated preterm infants

BACKGROUND

Despite strong evidence linking infections to the pathogenesis of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), limitations of bacterial culture methods have precluded systematic studies of airway organisms relative to disease outcomes. Application of molecular bacterial identification strategies may provide new insight into the role of bacterial acquisition in the airways of preterm infants at risk for BPD.

METHODS

Serial (within 72 hours, 7, 14, and 21 days of life) tracheal aspirate samples were collected from 10 preterm infants with gestational age ≤34 weeks at birth, and birth weight of 500-1250 g who required mechanical ventilation for at least 21 days. Samples were analyzed by quantitative real time PCR assays for total bacterial load and by pyrosequencing for bacterial identification.

RESULTS

Subjects were diagnosed with mild (1), moderate (3), or severe (5) BPD. One patient died prior to determination of disease severity. 107,487 sequences were analyzed, with mean of 3,359 (range 1,724-4,915) per sample. 2 of 10 samples collected <72 hours of life contained adequate bacterial DNA for successful sequence analysis, one of which was from a subject exposed to chorioamnionitis. All other samples exhibited bacterial loads >70copies/reaction. 72 organisms were observed in total. Seven organisms represented the dominant organism (>50% of total sequences) in 31/32 samples with positive sequences. A dominant organism represented>90% of total sequences in 13 samples. Staphylococcus, Ureaplasmaparvum, and Ureaplasmaurealyticum were the most frequently identified dominant organisms, but Pseudomonas, Enterococcus, and Escherichia were also identified.

CONCLUSIONS

Early bacterial colonization with diverse species occursafter the first 3 days of life in the airways of intubated preterm infants, and can be characterized by bacterial load and marked species diversity. Molecular identification of bacteria in the lower airways of preterm infants has the potential to yield further insight into the pathogenesis of BPD.

Contemporary Use of Cervical Cerclage

Although it was devised over 50 years ago, only recently controlled randomized trials have evaluated the efficacy of cervical cerclage. Cerclage was originally devised for women with both prior preterm birth (PTB) and cervical changes in the current pregnancy. Evidence suggests that transvaginal cerclage probably prevents second trimester loss/PTB in women with >or=3 PTB/second trimester loss (history-indicated cerclage best placed at 12 to 14 wk); and in women with a prior PTB 16 to 36 weeks and transvaginal ultrasound cervical length<25 mm in the current pregnancy (ultrasound-indicated cerclage at 14 to 23 6/7 wk).