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This chapter reviews the role for instrumental delivery in current practice and gives a critical account of current techniques of operative vaginal delivery by forceps. Important issues, including case choice, documentation, forceps application, avoidance of complications, and training and education are included.
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BACKGROUND: Brachial plexus injuries in foetuses delivered spontaneously by breech presentation is very rare. The aim of this study was to evaluate the frequency of brachial plexus injuries in connection with the rate of the reduction of the extended arm. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In our retrospective study we examined 1194 vaginally intended breech deliveries (> 32 completed weeks) for the frequency of extended arms and subsequent plexus brachialis palsies. RESULTS: One brachial plexus injury occurred in 796 vaginally delivered newborns (1.2@1000). The outcome corresponds with the frequency of brachial plexus palsy in spontaneous deliveries with cephalic presentation (1@1000). The mean frequency of reduction of the extended arm in vaginal deliveries in breech is 10-20%. CONCLUSION: We found that the rate of reduction of the extended arm was not associated with an increase in morbidity of newborns. DISCUSSION: Many reports in the literature demonstrate that a higher rate of caesarean section does not prevent these severe foetal injuries. Noxious factors already occurring during the prenatal phase of development can be suspected as possible causes.
BACKGROUND: Preterm infants should be delivered with as little trauma as possible. Fetal extraction during cesarean delivery can be facilitated by modification of the incision or by use of short-term tocolytic agents. A possible alternative to intravenous administration of beta-mimetics is i.v. application of nitroglycerin to induce rapid uterine relaxation. This has been recommended by various clinical teams, but with relatively little experience being available regarding preterm births. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Retrospective analysis of the perinatal data for all single neonates weighing 500 to 1500 g delivered by cesarean section at the Berlin-Neukölln Hospital in the period from 6/1995 to 9/1999 following prophylactic intraoperative i.v. application to the mother of 0.2 mg nitroglycerin (n = 55). Control groups: 1. All infants weighing 500 to 1500 g delivered by cesarean section at the Berlin-Neukölln Hospital with no intraoperative application of nitroglycerin (n = 38); 2. All infants weighing 500 to 1500 g delivered by cesarean section included in Berlin perinatal statistics (BePE) 1993-1998 (n = 715). RESULTS: There were no differences between the groups in terms of Apgar scores or the incidence of arterial umbilical pH values < or = 7.10 or of maternal blood loss > 1000 ml. Within the nitroglycerin group, in a shorter interval between nitroglycerin application and cutting of umbilical cord (< or = 3 min: n = 42; > 3 min: n = 13) 1-minute Apgar scores < 7 were observed more rarely, but no differences in arterial umbilical pH values < or = 7.10. CONCLUSIONS: 1. Intraoperative nitroglycerin application during cesarean section has no unfavorable effect on the condition of newborns < 32 SSW or between 500 and 1500 g. 2. The incidence of intraoperative maternal blood loss > 1000 ml was not increased. 3. Differences in the interval between nitroglycerin application and cutting of the umbilical cord have no clinically relevant effects on Apgar scores or arterial umbilical pH.
INTRODUCTION: Increasing evidence has demonstrated that intravaginal misoprostol (PGE1) is more effective in labor induction than dinoprostone (PGE2). Several studies have demonstrated that the administration of PGE1 instead of PGE2 reduces the induction-to-delivery interval. However, it has not been fully investigated on which phase of birth the activity of PGE1 is stronger than that of PGE2. We undertook this study to investigate whether the activity of the two prostaglandins are different over time during the induction-to-delivery interval. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 155 patients undergoing induction of labor with 50 micrograms intravaginal PGE1 were compared with 174 patients treated with 3 mg PGE2. In both groups the procedure was repeated 6, and 24 hours after the first dose until labor was achieved. Induction-to-initiation of labor time, duration of labor stages, induction-to-delivery time, mode of delivery, maternal and neonatal morbidity and changes in Bishop score were compared. RESULTS: Demographic characteristics, indications for induction, mode of delivery, fetal weight, maternal and neonatal morbidity and duration of the labor stages were similar between the groups. A significant difference was found in terms of: induction-to-initiation of labor interval (7.37 h [1-68] vs. 11.25 h [1-74], p < 0.01) and induction-to-delivery interval (11.5 h [2.5-89] vs. 14.4 h [2.7-94], p < 0.05). The Bishop score at the time of the second administration was significantly different from that at admission in the PGE1 group compared to the PGE2 group [PGE1: 4.8 +/- 2/5.6 +/- 1.9, p < 0.0005; PGE2: 3.9 +/- 2/4.2 +/- 1.4, p = 0.09]. This effect of PGE1 remained significant after correction for various explanatory variables. CONCLUSIONS: The stronger effect of PGE1 is the consequence of a faster cervical ripening, which in turn leads to a quicker achievement of active labor. DISCUSSION: Intravaginal PGE1 compared to PGE2 reduces significantly the induction-to-delivery time.
Epidural hematoma is a rare form of neonatal birth injury accounting for 2% of newborn intracranial hemorrhage. We report the first case of ultrasound-guided needle aspiration of a cranial epidural hematoma in a neonate who also suffered subgaleal and intraparenchymal hemorrhage as a complication of vacuum extraction.
INTRODUCTION: Renal artery aneurysms represent a rare entity with an incidence of 0.3 - 1.3% in angiographies. Rupture of such aneurysms are rare. During pregnancy there is an increased risk of rupture with a high mortality for mother and child. We report the first case of rupture of a left renal artery aneurysm during delivery with survival of mother and child. CASE REPORT: Due to arrest of labor during a home birth, the patient was admitted to the hospital, where an immediate forceps extraction on account of fetal asphyxia was performed. Immediately after delivery a hypovolemic shock developed. Ultrasound examination showed a huge subsplenic hematoma. Emergency laparotomy revealed a ruptured renal artery aneurysm. The renal artery was ligated on the assumption of a lower pole vessel. Despite hemodynamic stability a drop in hemoglobin occurred the following day. Angiography showed no perfusion of the left kidney. A left nephrectomy was performed without complications. The further course was uneventful. Mother and child survived. CONCLUSIONS: Rupture of aneurysms of the splenic and renal artery during later stages of pregnancy, during delivery or after childbirth are possible etiologies in cases of unexplained shock and abdominal pain. An emergency angiography in such cases helps to reveal the underlying cause and renders possible a targeted operative approach.
Instrumental vaginal deliveries have been associated with higher risks of brachial plexus injuries. The proposed mechanisms involve the indirect association of instrumental deliveries with shoulder dystocia and nerve stretch injuries secondary to rotations of 90 degrees or more. We present a brachial plexus paresis resulting from direct compression of the forceps blade in the fetal neck. A term infant was delivered by a low Kielland forceps rotation. No shoulder dystocia was noted. The immediate neonatal exam revealed an Erb's palsy and an ipsilateral bruise in the lateral aspect of the neck. The paresis resolved during the first day of life. Direct cervical compression of the fetal neck by forceps in procedures involving rotations of the presentation may result in brachial plexus injuries.
To describe the presentation and outcome of infants who develop subgaleal hematoma (SGH), we compared perinatal factors, clinical and head imaging findings, and outcome in a cohort (N = 34) of all infants admitted to Saint Louis Children's Hospital neonatal intensive care unit with SGH from January 1991 to June 2003. All except three of the infants admitted with SGH had instrumental deliveries (31 of 34; 91.2%): 21 vacuum, eight vacuum followed by forceps, two forceps). There was also a high frequency of occurrence of associated intracranial hemorrhage (17 of 34; 50%: subarachnoid hemorrhage, n = 4; intraventricular hemorrhage, n = 4; intraparenchymal hemorrhage, n = 4; subdural hemorrhage, n = 11), and skull fracture (six of 34; 19.4%; three of six [50%] of them depressed fractures). There was mortality associated with SGH (four of 34, 11.8%); those who died had significant volume loss with anemia, coagulopathy, and shock requiring large volumes of blood and blood products transfusions. The presence of ICH did not correlate with the severity of SGH or mortality, but the severity of SGH correlates with mortality. Minor neurological abnormalities were noted in only four infants at discharge. In conclusion, SGH is an uncommon type of birth trauma, and is associated with delivery or attempted delivery by instrumentation (vacuum and/or forceps). Severe hypovolemia and coagulopathy, but not intracranial hemorrhage, were the most commonly associated clinical problems with mortality. ICH does not correlate with severity of SGH. A brain computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging should be considered in evaluating a clinically symptomatic SGH. There is associated mortality in severe cases but short-term outcome in survivors is good.
With regard to injuries of the extremities caused by birth trauma, ultrasound allows simultaneous direct evaluation of the surface of osseous elements and of cartilaginous and soft-tissue structures as well. Thus, not only fractures, but also concomitant articular fluid collections, respectively haematomas and/or dislocation of an epiphysis are demonstrated in their initial extent and in their course of healing. Additionally, closed repositions, for instance of a displaced epiphysis, can be exactly monitored by ultrasound. A reduced number of roentgenograms as well as renunciation of other imaging modalities are the consequence. Own experiences in 4 patients with birth trauma to the humerus confirm the high validity of ultrasound in this area as well.
METHODS: Introital sonography was performed on 131 patients between the first and 13th day (average 4.2 days) after delivery. 41 non-pregnant nulliparous women without any complaints of urinary incontinence served as controls. Post-partum morphological changes were analysed using a 5-MHz vaginal scanner and correlated with parity and mode of delivery. RESULTS: The occurrence of cystoceles and opening of the proximal urethra were strongly related with parity and mode of delivery being more common in multiparous women after vaginal deliveries than after caesarean sections. In the control group, the urethrovesical angle beta was 96 degrees in rest and 102 degrees when straining. After vaginal deliveries, a significantly larger angle was observed when compared to patients after caesarean section. During straining, the bladder neck shortened from 21.4 mm to 13.1 mm compared to -0.7 mm after vaginal delivery. CONCLUSION: Morphological changes of the lower urinary tract after delivery are common. The sonographic appearance of these changes is almost identical to those observed in patients with urinary stress incontinence.
Urinary tract infections (UTI) are the most frequent nosocomial infections of women during puerperium. Since, in these women, diagnostic accuracy is affected by lochial secretion, suprapubic urinary bladder puncture (SPB) is recommended. Between December 1989 and January 1993, we subjected 903 women to suprapubic urinary bladder puncture (SpBP) at the 4th or 5th day after delivery. A urine culture of SpBP was done in all cases. Semiquantitative leukocyte counts (n = 891) and nitrite test (n = 830) were done on mid-stream urine (MSU). Side by side with microbiological investigation for urinary tract pathogens via SpPB, MSU was performed in 246 cases immediately after SpPB had been carried out. Leukocyte counts were also estimated in SpBP urine samples. In 370 (41.1%) of 903 SpBP, one or more microorganisms were cultivated. Only 36 (4.0%) of 903 women showed UTI symptoms. Microorganisms were detectable via SpBP in only 26 (72.7%) of these 36 symptomatic patients. Vaginal-operative or secondary caesarean section are related to an increased UTI rate (p < 0.001). UTI were also significantly (p < 0.0001) more frequent in women subjected to catheterisation sub partu (54.5%) compared to no catheterism (24.4%). No significant differences between the number of leukocytes in MSU sediment and the SpBP findings were seen. Semiquantitative leukocyte counts in SpBP offered a significantly (p < 0.001) increased number of leukocytes in cases with microorganism detection in SpBP irrespective of MSU findings. These results justify the designation of uterine tract infection also in the absence of complaints as "infection" and not common "bacteriuria".(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Within a prospective study of the course of HIV-infection in women, 80 HIV-infected women without AIDS were delivered of 80 children between 1985 and September 1992. The median of the age of gestation was 38 weeks. Until 1988 Caesarean section was chosen as mode of delivery (45 women). Later when the mode of delivery appeared to have no influence on the frequency of maternofetal HIV transmission, vaginal delivery was preferred (35 women). None of the infants was breastfed. Three infants --delivered vaginally--died within the first 6 months of life before their infection status could be determined. Seventy-seven children could be observed for 18 months or longer regularly every three months. 10 of the 77 children were found to be HIV- infected by serological, virological and clinical criteria. Taking into account the mode of delivery, of 32 children who were delivered vaginally or by emergency Caesarean section 8 were found to be HIV-infected. None of 26 children delivered by elective Caesarean section after an uneventful pregnancy is infected. In 19 women Caesarean section was performed within 2 hours after onset of labour or after episodes of preterm labour which required hospital admission for treatment. Two children of these women are infected. No differences of CD4+ cell counts and p24 antigenaemia could be determined between the mothers of the three groups. The risk of fetal HIV infection was increased by preterm labour (p < 0.01) and the mode of delivery (p < 0.01). A correlation between loss of CD4 cells in the mother and increased risk of infection for the child is seen in children born spontaneously or delivered by emergency Caesarean section (p < 0.001). No correlation was found between the length of labour at delivery, the time of the rupture of membranes before birth as well as of the parity and the risk of fetal infection in that group. These findings point to labour as an important factor which increases the risk of maternofetal transmission of HIV. The onset of labour is accompanied by dramatic immunological alterations as a sudden increase of chemotactics and inflammatory cytokines at the maternofetal interface. The accumulation and stimulation of maternal immune cells will--if these cells are carriers of HIV--result in production and release of infectious HIV. This virus may accumulate in the maternofetal interface or gain access to the amniotic cavity. Since amniotic fluid is swallowed by the fetus, the largest potential port of entry for HIV in the fetus are the fetal lungs and the gastrointestinal tract. For the prevention of maternofetal transmission of HIV delivery before onset of labour or alternatively the protection of the fetus during parturition by means of potent antiviral compounds can be considered.
The pressure exerted on the foetal head was continuously measured with a specially designed instrument in 4 children delivered by vacuum extraction because of arrested delivery. The results were compared with the values obtained in spontaneous deliveries. Lower head pressure values were found in the vacuum group, with a head pressure to amniotic pressure ratio < 1 (normal > 1) before application of the cup. During extraction the head pressure exceeded the intraamniotic pressure. Normal progress of labour requires not only sufficient intrauterine pressure but also an adequate pressure transmission to the presenting part that must widen the birth canal. A prolonged course of labour may therefore be associated with increased pressure values due to elevated resistance of the birth canal as well as with decreased pressure values due to insufficient transmission of pressure. Hence, the load of the foetal head during uterine contraction cannot be determined from the duration of birth.
The strategy of primary Caesarean section (I. UFK) was compared to the strategy of conservative vaginal delivery (SFK) in nulliparous women with singleton breech presentation. 160 women of the I. UFK and 178 women of the SFK were entered into this retrospective study. Women with gemini, preterm delivery before 32 completed weeks of amenorrhoea, with intrauterine death and with non-viable malformations were excluded. The Caesarean section rate at the I. UFK was 85% and at the SFK 12.4%. Perinatal mortality was zero in both groups. Only 1 child (33 weeks of gestation, 1350 g) died after vaginal delivery in consequence of a wrong interpretation of a pathological CTG (I. UFK) 3 weeks post partum. In addition to this child, another 3 children (0.8%) showed late morbidity (2 after vaginal delivery, 1 after Caesarean section). Only 1 case of complete brachial palsy, which healed almost completely 4 years after delivery, can be suspected of being connected with the mode of vaginal delivery. As expected, maternal morbidity was significantly increased in the group of Caesarean section in comparison to the group of vaginal delivery in terms of fever, transfusions, and duration of hospitalisation. Life-threatening complications, however, were not seen. In conclusion, our data show, that, if performed by well experienced doctors, a conservative approach for vaginal delivery in nulliparous women with breech presentation is also a safe strategy in comparison to primary Caesarean section.
Between January 1, 1983 and June 30, 1991, 107,420 primiparae were recorded in the Swiss Statistics, which cover approx. 60 hospitals. 573 primiparae were 17 years of age or less (= Group I). The control group consisted of 106,855 primiparae between 18 and 35 years of age (Group II). Comparison of these 2 groups showed the following results: A significantly higher risk in prematurity in Group I. There was no significant difference in perinatal mortality or in birth weight under 2,500 g. A significantly lower rate of caesarean sections and of surgical assisted vaginal deliveries were recorded in Group I.
In a retrospective study we investigated the mortality and the most important complications of all very low birth-weight infants (VLBW; < or = 1500 g and/or < or = 32 weeks) born with vital signs between 1984 and 1992 at the Klinikum Grosshadern, Munich University Hospital. During this period 859 premature infants fulfilled the entrance criteria. The perinatal mortality rate was 174/859 infants (20%). During the study period the mortality rate dropped significantly from 25% (1984-1986) to 15% (1990-1992). Premature infants born after 26 gestational weeks showed the most significant decrease in mortality. Excluding non viable infants with extreme immaturity ( < 24 weeks of gestation) or lethal malformations; the mean corrected mortality rate was 11%, decreasing over the years from 16% (1984-1986) to 5% (1990-1992). Caesarean section was performed in 70% of all children (602/859), vaginal delivery in 28% (239/859), delivery by forceps in 1% (7/859), and the mode of delivery was not clearly registrated in 1% (11/859). The incidence of Caesarean section increased significantly from 55% (1984-86) to 79% (1990-92). Evaluating the mode of delivery in relation to mortality, a significant difference was found between the infants delivered vaginally (40%, 95/239) and those delivered by Caesarean section (11%, 67/602). This improved survival after Caesarean section was statistically significant for the group with a birth weight of less than 1500 g. The rate of pneumothorax also declined significantly from 19% to 9%. The rate of intracranial haemorrhage (ICH) remained almost constant during these years, but the incidence of ICH grade 3 and 4 decreased from 15% (1984-1986) to 6% (1990-1992). Probably because of improved antenatal care and the progress in neonatal intensive care, the chance of survival for VLBW infants has substantially improved over the last decade. Estimations of the prognosis of VLBW infants based on data from the 1980s are out of date.