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Risk factors for forceps delivery in nulliparous patients.

OBJECTIVE: To identify risk factors for forceps delivery during first pregnancy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective case-control study was carried out in a tertiary maternity ward between January 2001 and December 2003. A total of 582 nulliparous women, with full-term (>37 weeks gestation), singleton, cephalic pregnancies, who delivered by the vaginal route with or without instrumental assistance were evaluated. RESULTS: The strongest risk factors for forceps delivery were birth weight greater than 4000 g (OR: 6.5; 95% CI: 1.6, 26.9), the occiput posterior position of the fetal head (OR: 5.8; 95% CI: 2.5, 13.8), and epidural analgesia (OR: 7.7; 95% CI: 4.1, 14.7). Other significant risk factors for forceps delivery were age over 35 years (OR: 2.4; 95% CI: 1.1, 5.1), induction of labor (OR: 2.1; 95% CI: 1.4, 3.1), first stage of labor longer than 420 min (OR: 2.3, 95% CI: 1.3,4.2), and a prolonged second stage of labor (OR: 1.6, 95% CI: 1.1, 2.4). CONCLUSION: Age over 35 years and induction of labor are risk factors for forceps delivery at admission. Epidural use, fetal head in occiput posterior position, and birth weight >4000 g are strong intrapartum risk factors for instrumental delivery in nulliparous women.

Adult↗

Management of the first stage of labour.

The management of delay in labour has been dominated by the use of oxytocin to augment the 'powers' of labour. However, this empirical approach has not been rigorously tested and 'failure to progress' remains a major clinical problem. A return to an analysis of the underlying pathophysiology is advocated.

Adult↗

Oxytocin treatment in twin pregnancy labour.

A continuous series of 483 twin deliveries was studied. In 30% of cases, intravenous oxytocic treatment was given for labour induction or to accelerate the first stage. In 13% of twin deliveries this treatment was applied only after the first twin's birth. In the group perfused during cervix dilatation, foetal mortality rate was significantly lower than in the nontreated group. In order to understand the reason(s) for this difference, the following factors were studied in relation to oxytocic treatment: parity, obstetrical complications, second stage duration, abnormal presentations, obstetrical maneuvers, and birth weight. Contrasting with mortality data, Apgar scores of first twins were significantly lower in the oxytocin-treated group. In summary, several variables indirectly linked to oxytocic treatment could have favoured or hampered foetal outcome in the treated group. Therefore, it is difficult to ascertain if the use of oxytocics is helpful in twin pregnancy management. In the majority of cases, however, it may at least be considered harmless.

Apgar Score↗

[Changes of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHA), 16 alpha OH-DHA and estriol levels in maternal peripheral blood during late pregnancy and labor--measured by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry with application of deuterated steroids as internal standards (author's transl)].

Serum levels of DHA, 16 alpha OH-DHA and estriol (E3) were determined in maternal peripheral vein by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) with application of deuterated steroids as internal standards during late pregnancy and labor. Deuterium labeled 3,4,4-d3-DHA, 3,4,4-d3-16 alpha OH-DHA and 2,4-d2-E3 were newly synthesized and highly specific method for determination of serum DHA, 16 alpha OH-DHA and E3 was developed by GC-MS. The mean total steroid concentrations in the third trimester (III), in the stage when patients had irregular contraction (P) and during the first stage of labor (1st) were as follows; DHA, 612.9 +/- 265.3, 877.5 +/- 365.6 and 1522.5 +/- 580.6, 16 alpha OH-DHA, 30.2 +/- 20.2, 49.4 +/- 21.9 and 161.3 +/- 43.6, E3, 50.9 +/0 25.7, 70.4 +/- 19.8 and 108.6 +/- 44.5 ng/ml (mean +/- S.D.). The values of these three steroids increased significantly from the III to the 1st. Correlation between the levels of total DHA and total E2 measured in ten patients individually in the III was 0.8665 (p less than 0.001) which changed to -0.6650 (p less than 0.01) and -0.5362 (p less than 0.05) in the stage of P and 1st. ACTH was given to eight pregnant women in the third trimester, and response of these steroids to ACTH was studied. In addition to these steroids, cortisol (F) levels were also measured by RIA. Following the administration, F increased significantly whereas no changes of DHA, 16 alpha OH-DHA and E3 levels were noticed suggesting that these steroids may not be influenced by maternal adrenal secretion. From the results obtained above, it is suggested that the endocrinological environment in maternal blood as indicated by correlations between DHA and E3 levels, changes prior to the onset of labor.

Dehydroepiandrosterone↗

Epidural versus intramuscular fentanyl. Analgesia and pharmacokinetics in labour.

In a randomised double blind trial, 36 patients in the first stage of labour received either epidural or intramuscular fentanyl at the same time as the epidural test dose of bupivacaine. Analgesia was more rapid in onset and more complete in the epidural fentanyl group. Supplementary doses of bupivacaine were required within the first hour in 62% of the intramuscular fentanyl group compared with only 16% in the epidural group. Plasma fentanyl concentrations showed wide interindividual variation, but after epidural fentanyl the peak occurred earlier. There was no correlation between analgesia and plasma fentanyl concentration, and epidural fentanyl produced superior analgesia but a systemic contribution to this effect cannot be ruled out.

Adult↗

Minute ventilation and oxygen consumption during labor with epidural analgesia.

Oxygen consumption (VO2) and minute ventilation (VE) were measured between and during uterine contractions in the first stage of labor before and after lumbar epidural analgesia (LEA) in 11 women who served as their own controls. VO2 and VE between contractions were essentially unchanged by LEA to a T10 or higher sensory level. Before LEA, both VO2 and VE were increased significantly during contractions by 63% and 74% respectively, whereas following LEA there was no significant increase in VO2 or VE during contractions. In the second stage of labor, VO2 and VE were measured in seven patients electing to have no analgesia or sedation and in 10 patients having complete pain relief produced by LEA. Measurements were obtained 5-10 min before delivery. During contractions with pushing, VO2 and VE were decreased by 25% and 31%, respectively, in patients having LEA as compared with patients having no analgesia or sedation. These results suggest that the increase in VO2 and VE are due primarily to pain associated with uterine contractions and that LEA decreased the work of breathing and the oxygen consumption of the parturient in both the first and second stages of labor.

Adult↗

Cervical length assessment by ultrasound as a predictor of preterm labour--is there a role for routine screening?

Transvaginal ultrasonography has recently been shown to be an objective, reproducible and reliable method to assess the cervix and predict the risk of preterm delivery in high-risk pregnancies. Assessment of the cervix includes cervical length measurement (CLM) and measurement of dilatation of the internal os in a dynamic functional examination. There is an inverse correlation between cervical length and the frequency of preterm delivery. The high negative predictive value avoids unnecessary interventions such as tocolysis or cerclage in high-risk pregnancies. In contrast, a length of 25 mm or less at 28-30 weeks of gestation is associated with a significantly increased incidence of preterm delivery. Studies in women with high risk for preterm delivery, i.e. contractions, premature rupture of the membranes and history of preterm delivery, have shown a high sensitivity and a high positive predictive value, however in low-risk groups they have failed to show a high sensitivity. From large observational studies in low-risk populations we know that the 50th percentile of the cervical length is 35 mm at 24 weeks of gestation. Advantages of CLM as a screening test include the fact that sonographical assessment of the cervix is a widely accepted and well-standardised method, which requires only a relatively short period of training. Disadvantages of screening are two factors, the first being the low sensitivity of the test and the low prevalence of preterm deliveries in a low-risk population, resulting in cut off values being set at a very low level (i.e. 5th percentile) in order to get acceptable specificity. Secondly, screening is only worthwhile if an effective preventive therapy is available. The debate about tocolysis and cerclage is not yet concluded. Therefore we would not currently recommend cervical length measurement as a screening tool-but as a routine method in high risk gravidas with or without symptoms. Further interest should be focused on scoring systems combining ultrasound with biochemical, endocrinological and maybe molecular cell methods such as the measurement of fetal DNA in maternal blood to prevent preterm deliveries in the general population.

Cervix Uteri↗

Impact of midtrimester dilation and evacuation on subsequent pregnancy outcome.

OBJECTIVE: This study was undertaken to evaluate the impact of second-trimester dilation and evacuation (D&E) on subsequent pregnancy outcome. STUDY DESIGN: Medical record review of 600 patients undergoing midtrimester (14-24 weeks) D&E from 1996 to 2000 and evaluation of subsequent pregnancy outcome. Mann Whitney U, Spearman rho, and chi(2) tests were used in statistical analysis with a P value <.05 considered significant. RESULTS: Ninety-six subsequent pregnancies were identified, including 12 first-trimester spontaneous abortions, 1 second-trimester fetal death, 1 ectopic pregnancy, and 5 elective terminations. Seventy-seven pregnancies resulted in the delivery of a live-born infant at a median gestational age of 39.0 weeks. Five pregnancies (6.5%) were complicated by spontaneous preterm birth. Patients delivered preterm had an earlier gestational age at D&E (18.0 vs 20.0 weeks, P =.02) and a trend toward less preoperative cervical dilation (2.0 vs 3.0 cm, P =.09) than patients delivered at term. CONCLUSION: Second-trimester D&E is not a risk factor for midtrimester pregnancy loss or spontaneous preterm birth. Preterm delivery in future gestations appears less likely when greater preoperative cervical dilation is achieved with laminaria, possibly because of a decrease in cervical trauma.

Abortion, Induced↗

The relationship between cervical dilatation at initial presentation in labour and subsequent intervention.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the relationship between the cervical dilatation at which women present in labour and the subsequent likelihood of caesarean section. DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. SETTING: University teaching hospital. POPULATION: 3,220 women met the entry criteria from 14,050 deliveries between January 1995 and December 1999. METHODS: Women meeting the following criteria were identified: those in spontaneous labour with a singleton pregnancy and a cephalic presentation at 37-42 weeks of gestation; all women delivering within 36 hours of first presentation were included. Women who had spontaneous rupture of the membranes before first attendance were excluded. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The primary outcome was the rate of caesarean section. Secondary outcomes were operative vaginal delivery, fetal weight, cord pH, five minute Apgar score, length of labour, labour augmentation with oxytocin and epidural analgesia. RESULTS: The risk of caesarean section decreased with increasing cervical dilatation at presentation. This was true for nulliparous (n = 1,168) and parous women (n = 2,052). The caesarean section rate of nulliparous women presenting at 0-3cm (n = 812) was 10.3%, compared with 4.2% for those presenting at 4cm-10 cm (n = 356), and the mean duration of labour before presentation was 2.0 hours versus 4.5 hours, respectively (P = 0.0001). For parous women the caesarean section rates were 5.7% and 1.3%, respectively (P = 0.0001). There were significantly greater frequencies of use of oxytocin and epidural analgesia by women presenting earlier in labour. The caesarean section rate of 185 nulliparae (15.8%) who were initially allowed home was no different from those admitted immediately (9.2% vs 8.2%, P = 0.67). Similarly, 196 (9.5%) of multiparae went home and had a caesarean section rate of 3.6%, compared with 3.1% if admitted immediately (P = 0.76). CONCLUSIONS: Women who present to hospital at 0-3cm spend less time in labour before presentation and are more likely to have obstetric intervention than those presenting in more advanced labour. Outcomes were similar whether or not the woman was initially allowed home.

Adult↗

A comparison of magnesium sulfate and alcohol for the prevention of premature labor.

In travenous magnesium sulfate and alcohol were compared as treatments for premature labor. A successful treatment was the absence of contractions for a 24 hour interval. Early treatment was found to be essential for successful management of premature labor. There is a significant correlation of cervical dilatation at the onset of treatment to success at controlling premature labor. There was no statistically significant relation to weeks of gestation or parity to success at controlling premature labor. In this study magnesium sulfate was the better agent for controlling premature labor.

Clinical Trials as Topic↗

Multicenter randomized clinical trial of home uterine activity monitoring for detection of preterm labor.

Home uterine activity monitoring has been described as an effective means of detecting uterine contractions, but controversy exists whether it is home uterine activity monitoring or increased nursing support in conjunction with it that contributes to earlier detection of preterm labor. In this study 377 women at risk for preterm labor from three centers were prospectively, randomly assigned to high-risk prenatal care alone (not monitored) or to the same care with twice-daily home uterine activity monitoring without increased nursing support (monitored). The two groups were medically and demographically similar at entry into the study. Routine visits, nonroutine visits, and gestational age at diagnosis of preterm labor were similar in both groups. Preterm labor occurred in 41 of 198 monitored and 39 of 179 not monitored patients. Mean cervical dilatation was 1.4 cm in 41 monitored compared with 2.5 cm for 37 not monitored (p = 0.0006); 73.1% of monitored and 27.5% of not monitored had preterm labor detected before 2 cm dilatation (p = 0.00009). Neonatal outcome of singleton pregnancies showed greater birth weight, fewer days in the neonatal intensive care unit, and fewer babies requiring oxygen therapy and mechanical ventilation in the monitored group. The better outcomes are probably due to the increased likelihood of diagnosis of preterm labor before advanced cervical dilatation with home uterine activity monitoring, thus providing the clinician with a better chance to initiate tocolytic therapy directed at improving pregnancy outcome.

Birth Weight↗

Management of prolonged latent phase labor.

Prolonged latent phase labor can be a physical, emotional, and mental challenge for both the woman in labor, her support system, and nurse-midwife. In this article, four nurse-midwives offer suggestions for coping with this common clinical dilemma.

Analgesics↗

A placebo-controlled randomized trial of the terbutaline pump for prevention of preterm delivery.

To determine the efficacy of the terbutaline pump for the prevention of preterm delivery, patients in preterm labor defined by progressive cervical change underwent intravenous magnesium sulfate tocolysis (with or without oral indomethacin, as necessary), and once labor was arrested, were randomized to one of three treatment arms: terbutaline by pump, saline by pump (blinded), or oral terbutaline. If recurrent preterm labor occurred despite maximization of therapy, the treatment arm was determined and therapy was changed; saline pump and oral terbutaline were switched to terbutaline pump, terbutaline pump was switched to oral terbutaline. Patients who continued to labor were readmitted for aggressive intravenous therapy. Women randomized to the terbutaline pump (n = 15), saline pump (n = 12), and oral terbutaline (n = 15) groups were similar in terms of gravidity, parity, days of tocolysis before study entry, gestational age at entry, and cervical dilatation at entry. The mean gestational age at delivery was the same in all three groups (35 weeks), as were neonatal outcomes. Terbutaline by pump, saline by pump, and oral terbutaline appear equivalent for the prevention of preterm delivery. The terbutaline pump should remain experimental.

Administration, Oral↗

Pregnancy prolongation in women with preterm cervical dilatation utilizing out-patient preterm labor services.

OBJECTIVE: To identify the impact of cervical dilatation on pregnancy prolongation in women with hospital evaluation of preterm labor (PTL) symptoms. METHODS: The study population was identified from a database comprising women receiving out-patient perinatal services. Women diagnosed with PTL, having a singleton gestation, with cervical dilatation of > or =2 cm, intact membranes, and at 22.0-34.9 weeks when hospitalized for evaluation of PTL symptoms were included. Data were analyzed by cervical dilatation at hospital evaluation. The primary study outcome was gestational gain from PTL diagnosis. RESULTS: A total of 1435 patients were analyzed; mean cervical dilatation at hospitalization was 2.6 +/- 0.7 cm at a mean of 32.4 +/- 2.1 weeks' gestation. Following hospitalization, patients gained a mean of 26.0 +/- 17.2 days. Eighty-seven per cent resumed out-patient services. Approximately 15% delivered within 1 week of PTL evaluation. CONCLUSION: Even women with advanced cervical dilatation can achieve significant gestational gain. The degree of cervical dilatation has significant impact on latency to delivery in women evaluated for PTL.

Adult↗

Efficacy of aggressive tocolysis for preterm labor with advanced cervical dilatation.

OBJECTIVE: Study the effectiveness of tocolysis for preterm labor with advanced cervical dilatation ( > or = 3 cm) to achieve sufficient latency for the effect of steroids to occur, and delivery of more mature neonates. STUDY DESIGN: We studied 249 singleton pregnancies, 23-36 weeks gestation in preterm labor, stratified by weeks of gestation and degree of cervical dilatation (Group A: 117, < 3 cm; Group B: 132, 3 cm) who were given tocolysis and compared for the length of latency and neonatal outcome. RESULTS: Maternal characteristics were similar between groups except African-American women were admitted with more advanced cervical dilatation. Latency 72 hours was achieved in Group A: > 75% at all gestational ages, and Group B: > 50%. Latency > or = 72 hours, according to the degree of cervical dilatation, was for Group A: 90%, for Group B: 50-75% from > 3-5 cm dilatation, and 40% at 5.1-6 cm dilatation. Neonatal morbidity was mild with a decreased risk of long-term disability. CONCLUSIONS: Aggressive tocolytic therapy for preterm labor with advanced cervical dilatation is efficacious, allows for steroid therapy, and allows delivery of more mature neonates.

Adrenal Cortex Hormones↗

Localization and quantification of adhesion molecule expression in the lower uterine segment during premature labor.

AIMS: To investigate localization and concentration of adhesion molecules in the human lower uterine segment during preterm parturition. METHODS: In a prospective study biopsy specimens from the lower uterine segment of 43 patients undergoing cesarean section at 24 + 0 to 36 + 4 weeks' gestation were immunostained for intercellular adhesion molecule-1, endothelial leukocyte adhesion molecule-1, vascular cell adhesion molecule-1, and platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule-1, and the concentrations measured by enzyme immunoassay. The results were analyzed in relation to the degree of cervical dilatation (< 2 cm, 2- < 4 cm, > or = 4 cm) and duration of labor (< or = 6 h, > 6-12 h; > 12 h). RESULTS: Intercellular adhesion molecule-1 and platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule-1 were strongly expressed by capillary endothelium, endothelial leukocyte adhesion molecule-1 and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 to only a minor degree. Intercellular adhesion molecule-1 concentration was greater at > or = 4 cm dilatation than at 2- < 4 cm and after > 12 h labor than after < or = 6 h. Endothelial leukocyte adhesion molecule-1 concentration was greater after > 12 h than after < or = 6 h. CONCLUSIONS: Premature labor is associated with up-regulation of adhesion molecules in the lower uterine segment.

Adult↗

Tissue concentrations of cytokines in the lower uterine segment during preterm parturition.

AIMS: To determine the concentrations of tumor necrosis factor alpha, interleukin-1 beta, interleukin-6, and interleukin-8 in the lower uterine segment during preterm parturition. METHODS: In 71 patients who delivered prematurely by non-elective cesarean tissue specimens were obtained from the lower uterine segment. The patients were grouped in relation to the stage of cervical dilatation (< 2 cm, 2- < 4 cm, > or = 4 cm), duration of labor (< or = 6 h, > 6-12 h; > 12 h), and parity (1 versus > 1). Cytokine concentrations in protein extracts of the tissue samples were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. RESULTS: Median concentration of tumor necrosis factor alpha did not change, but that of interleukin-1 beta, interleukin-6, and interleukin-8 were significantly higher at 2- < 4 cm than at < 2 cm cervical dilatation (6.6, 67.7, and 125.8 versus 1.1, 17.6, and 22.2 pg/mg protein, respectively). The concentrations of interleukin-6 and interleukin-8 showed a further increase at > or = 4 cm (297.2 and 468.6 pg/mg, respectively), but for interleukin-1 beta a decrease was observed (0.6 pg/mg). Cytokine concentrations were not related to duration of labor or parity. CONCLUSIONS: Local inflammation-associated changes that are mainly related to the stage of cervical dilatation and to only a minor degree to uterine activity may play a crucial role in preterm parturition.

Adult↗