Chun-Chih Huang

Adverse Maternal and Neonatal Outcomes in Adolescent Pregnancy.

STUDY OBJECTIVE To investigate the outcomes of adolescent pregnancy. DESIGN Retrospective cohort study from the Consortium on Safe Labor between 2002 and 2008. SETTING Twelve clinical centers with 19 hospitals in the United States. PARTICIPANTS Nulliparous women (n = 43,537) younger than 25 years of age, including 1189 younger adolescents (age ≤ 15.9 years), 14,703 older adolescents (age 16-19.9 years), and 27,645 young adults (age 20-24.9 years). INTERVENTIONS Adjusted odds ratio (aOR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated, controlling for maternal characteristics and pregnancy complications (young adults as a reference group). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Maternal, neonatal outcomes, cesarean indications, and length of labor. RESULTS Younger adolescents had an increased risk of maternal anemia (aOR = 1.25; 95% CI, 1.07-1.45), preterm delivery at less than 37 weeks of gestation (aOR = 1.36; 95% CI, 1.14-1.62), postpartum hemorrhage (aOR = 1.46; 95% CI, 1.10-1.95), preeclampsia or hemolysis, increased liver enzyme levels, and low platelet syndrome (aOR = 1.44; 95% CI, 1.17-1.77) but had a decreased risk of cesarean delivery (aOR = 0.49; 95% CI, 0.42-0.59), chorioamnionitis (aOR = 0.63; 95% CI, 0.47-0.84), and neonatal intensive care unit admission (aOR = 0.80; 95% CI, 0.65-0.98). Older adolescents had an increased risk of maternal anemia (aOR = 1.15; 95% CI, 1.09-1.22), preterm delivery at less than 37 weeks of gestation (aOR = 1.16; 95% CI, 1.08-1.25), and blood transfusion (aOR = 1.21; 95% CI, 1.02-1.43), but had a decreased risk of cesarean delivery (aOR = 0.75; 95% CI, 0.71-0.79), chorioamnionitis (aOR = 0.83; 95% CI, 0.75-0.91), major perineal laceration (aOR = 0.82; 95% CI, 0.71-0.95), and neonatal intensive care unit admission (aOR = 0.89; 95% CI, 0.83-0.96). Older adolescents were less likely to have a cesarean delivery for failure to progress or cephalopelvic disproportion (aOR = 0.89; 95% CI, 0.81-0.98). For adolescents who entered spontaneous labor, the second stage of labor was shorter (P < .01). CONCLUSION Adolescents were less likely to have a cesarean delivery. Failure to progress or cephalopelvic disproportion occurred less frequently in older adolescents. Adolescents who entered spontaneous labor had a shorter second stage of labor.

Maternal and Neonatal Outcomes by Attempted Mode of Operative Delivery From a Low Station in the Second Stage of Labor.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate maternal and neonatal outcomes by attempted mode of operative delivery from a low station in the second stage of labor. METHODS: Retrospective study of 2,518 women carrying singleton fetuses at 37 weeks of gestation or greater who underwent attempted forceps-assisted delivery, attempted vacuum-assisted vaginal delivery, or cesarean delivery from a low station in the second stage of labor. Primary outcomes were stratified by parity and included a maternal adverse outcome composite (postpartum hemorrhage, transfusion, endometritis, peripartum hysterectomy, or intensive care unit admission) and a neonatal adverse outcome composite (5-minute Apgar score less than 4, respiratory morbidity, neonatal intensive care unit admission, shoulder dystocia, birth trauma, or sepsis). RESULTS: In nulliparous patients, the maternal adverse composite was not significantly different between women who underwent attempted forceps (12.1% compared with 10.8%, adjusted odds ratio [OR] 0.77, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.40–1.34) or vacuum (8.3% compared with 10.8%, adjusted OR 0.68, 95% CI 0.40–1.16) delivery compared with cesarean delivery. Among parous women, the maternal adverse composite was not significantly different with attempted forceps (10.7% compared with 12.5%, adjusted OR 0.40, 95% CI 0.09–1.71) or vacuum (11.3% compared with 12.5%, adjusted OR 0.44, 95% CI 0.11–1.72) compared with cesarean delivery. Compared with neonates delivered by cesarean, the neonatal adverse composite was significantly lower among neonates born to nulliparous women who underwent attempted forceps (9.4% compared with 16.7%, adjusted OR 0.44, 95% CI 0.27–0.72) but not among those who underwent vacuum delivery (11.9% compared with 16.7%, adjusted OR 0.68, 95% CI 0.44–1.04). Among parous women, the neonatal adverse composite was not significantly different after attempted forceps (4.1% compared with 12.5%, adjusted OR 0.28, 95% CI 0.06–1.35) or vacuum (12.5% compared with 12.5%, adjusted OR 1.03, 95% CI 0.28–3.87) compared with cesarean delivery. CONCLUSION: A trial of forceps delivery from a low station compared with cesarean delivery was associated with decreased neonatal morbidity among neonates born to nulliparous women. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: II

Risk factors for retained placenta

OBJECTIVE Retained placenta complicates 2-3% of vaginal deliveries and is a known cause of postpartum hemorrhage. Treatment includes manual or operative placental extraction, potentially increasing risks of hemorrhage, infections, and prolonged hospital stays. We sought to evaluate risk factors for retained placenta, defined as more than 30 minutes between the delivery of the fetus and placenta, in a large US obstetrical cohort. STUDY DESIGN We included singleton, vaginal deliveries ≥24 weeks (n = 91,291) from the Consortium of Safe Labor from 12 US institutions (2002-2008). Multivariable logistic regression analyses estimated the adjusted odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for potential risk factors for retained placenta stratified by parity, adjusting for relevant confounding factors. Characteristics such as stillbirth, maternal age, race, and admission body mass index were examined. RESULTS Retained placenta complicated 1047 vaginal deliveries (1.12%). Regardless of parity, significant predictors of retained placenta included stillbirth (nulliparous adjusted OR, 5.67; 95% CI, 3.10-10.37; multiparous adjusted OR, 4.56; 95% CI, 2.08-9.94), maternal age ≥30 years, delivery at 24 0/7 to 27 6/7 compared with 34 weeks or later and delivery in a teaching hospital. In nulliparous women, additional risk factors were identified: longer first- or second-stage labor duration, whereas non-Hispanic black compared with non-Hispanic white race was found to be protective. Body mass index was not associated with an increased risk. CONCLUSION Multiple risk factors for retained placenta were identified, particularly the strong association with stillbirth. It is plausible that there could be something intrinsic about stillbirth that causes a retained placenta, or perhaps there are shared pathways of certain etiologies of stillbirth and a risk of retained placenta.

Predictors of adverse neonatal outcomes in intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy

OBJECTIVE We sought to determine predictors of adverse neonatal outcomes in women with intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP). STUDY DESIGN This study was a multicenter retrospective cohort study of all women diagnosed with ICP across 5 hospital facilities from January 2009 through December 2014. Obstetric and neonatal complications were evaluated according to total bile acid (TBA) level. Multivariable logistic regression models were developed to evaluate predictors of composite neonatal outcome (neonatal intensive care unit admission, hypoglycemia, hyperbilirubinemia, respiratory distress syndrome, transient tachypnea of the newborn, mechanical ventilation use, oxygen by nasal cannula, pneumonia, and stillbirth). Predictors including TBA level, hepatic transaminase level, gestational age at diagnosis, underlying liver disease, and use of ursodeoxycholic acid were evaluated. RESULTS Of 233 women with ICP, 152 women had TBA levels 10-39.9 μmol/L, 55 had TBA 40-99.9 μmol/L, and 26 had TBA ≥100 μmol/L. There was no difference in maternal age, ethnicity, or prepregnancy body mass index according to TBA level. Increasing TBA level was associated with higher hepatic transaminase and total bilirubin level (P < .05). TBA levels ≥100 μmol/L were associated with increased risk of stillbirth (P < .01). Increasing TBA level was also associated with earlier gestational age at diagnosis (P < .01) and ursodeoxycholic acid use (P = .02). After adjusting for confounders, no predictors were associated with composite neonatal morbidity. TBA 40-99.9 μmol/L and TBA ≥100 μmol/L were associated with increased risk of meconium-stained amniotic fluid (adjusted odds ratio, 3.55; 95% confidence interval, 1.45-8.68 and adjusted odds ratio, 4.55; 95% confidence interval, 1.47-14.08, respectively). CONCLUSION In women with ICP, TBA level ≥100 μmol/L was associated with increased risk of stillbirth. TBA ≥40 μmol/L was associated with increased risk of meconium-stained amniotic fluid.

Duration of Oxytocin and Rupture of the Membranes Before Diagnosing a Failed Induction of Labor

OBJECTIVE: To compare maternal and neonatal outcomes based on length of the latent phase during induction with rupture of membranes before 6 cm dilation. METHODS: This is a retrospective cohort study using data from the Consortium of Safe Labor study, including 9,763 nulliparous and 8,379 multiparous women with singleton, term pregnancies undergoing induction at 2 cm dilation or less with rupture of membranes before 6 cm dilation after which the latent phase ended. Outcomes were evaluated according to duration of oxytocin and rupture of membranes. RESULTS: At time points from 6 to 18 hours of oxytocin and rupture of membranes, the rates of nulliparous women remaining in the latent phase declined (35.9–1.4%) and the rates of vaginal delivery for those remaining in the latent phase at these time periods decreased (54.1–29.9%) Nulliparous women remaining in the latent phase for 12 hours compared with women who had exited the latent phase had significantly increased rates of chorioamnionitis (12.1% compared with 4.1%) and endometritis (3.6% compared with 1.3%) and increased rates of neonatal intensive care unit admission (8.7% compared with 6.3%). Similar patterns were present for multiparous women at 15 hours. CONCLUSION: Based on when neonatal morbidity increased, in an otherwise uncomplicated induction of labor with rupture of membranes, a latent phase after initiation of oxytocin of at least 12 hours for nulliparous women and 15 hours in multiparous women is a reasonable criterion for diagnosing a failed induction.

Implementation of universal rapid human immunodeficiency virus screening on labor and delivery

Background: A case of mother to child transmission (MTCT) of HIV at a medical center in Washington, DC, resulted in the implementation of universal opt-out rapid testing of patients admitted for delivery. This article evaluates the policy’s efficacy and implementation. Methods: We evaluated the implementation using the Reach, Efficacy, Adoption, Implementation, and Maintenance (RE-AIM) framework. Results: We could not evaluate decrease in MTCT rate secondary to low sample size (n = 3324) and no true-positive results. Patients not tested (n = 458) were predominately secondary to physician omission (93.7%) and were more likely to be White (p < 0.01) and older (p < 0.01). There was a negative relationship with physician omission over time. Conclusion: The policy was successfully implemented with decreasing proportions of patients not tested. Earlier inclusion of testing into standard admission orders and nurse-based approach may have expedited adoption. Given the low incidence of new HIV diagnosis in labor, we were unable to assess decrease in MTCT.

Early Preterm Preeclampsia Outcomes by Intended Mode of Delivery

BACKGROUND: The optimal route of delivery in early‐onset preeclampsia before 34 weeks is debated because many clinicians are reluctant to proceed with induction for perceived high risk of failure. OBJECTIVE: Our objective was to investigate labor induction success rates and compare maternal and neonatal outcomes by intended mode of delivery in women with early preterm preeclampsia. STUDY DESIGN: We identified 914 singleton pregnancies with preeclampsia in the Consortium on Safe Labor study for analysis who delivered between 24 0/7 and 33 6/7 weeks. We excluded fetal anomalies, antepartum stillbirth, or spontaneous preterm labor. Maternal and neonatal outcomes were compared between women undergoing induction of labor (n = 460) and planned cesarean delivery (n = 454) and women with successful induction of labor (n = 214) and unsuccessful induction of labor (n = 246). We calculated relative risks and 95% confidence intervals to determine outcomes by Poisson regression model with propensity score adjustment. The calculation of propensity scores considered covariates such as maternal age, gestational age, parity, body mass index, tobacco use, diabetes mellitus, chronic hypertension, hospital type and site, birthweight, history of cesarean delivery, malpresentation/breech, simplified Bishop score, insurance, marital status, and steroid use. RESULTS: Among the 460 women with induction (50%), 47% of deliveries were vaginal. By gestational age, 24 to 27 6/7, 28 to 31 6/7, and 32 to 33 6/7, the induction of labor success rates were 38% (12 of 32), 39% (70 of 180), and 54% (132 of 248), respectively. Induction of labor compared with planned cesarean delivery was less likely to be associated with placental abruption (adjusted relative risk, 0.33; 95% confidence interval, 0.16–0.67), wound infection or separation (adjusted relative risk, 0.23; 95% confidence interval, 0.06–0.85), and neonatal asphyxia (0.12; 95% confidence interval, 0.02–0.78). Women with vaginal delivery compared with those with failed induction of labor had decreased maternal morbidity (adjusted relative risk, 0.27; 95% confidence interval, 0.09–0.82) and no difference in neonatal outcomes. CONCLUSION: About half of women with preterm preeclampsia who attempted an induction had a successful vaginal delivery. The rate of successful vaginal delivery increases with gestational age. Successful induction has the benefit of preventing maternal and fetal comorbidities associated with previous cesarean deliveries in subsequent pregnancies. While overall rates of a composite of serious maternal and neonatal morbidity/mortality did not differ between induction of labor and planned cesarean delivery groups, women with failed induction of labor had increased maternal morbidity highlighting the complex route of delivery counseling required in this high‐risk population of women.

Implementation of Universal Human Immunodeficiency Virus Screening on Labor and Delivery [9F]

INTRODUCTION: With routine antenatal screening and antiretroviral therapy, mother to child transmission (MTCT) of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is largely preventable. A case of MTCT secondary to late undiagnosed HIV seroconversion at MedStar Washington Hospital Center (MWHC) in the District of Columbia (DC) challenged the standard antenatal screening protocol and prompted a universal screening pilot of all patients in labor. This study evaluates the implementation and efficacy of universal rapid HIV screening on labor and delivery (L&D). METHODS: This study is a pilot retrospective chart review of all viable deliveries at MWHC from July 1, 2013 to July 1, 2014. We used the RE-AIM (Efficacy, Adoption, Implementation, and Maintenance) framework for evaluation. To assess efficacy, we evaluated positive and unknown rapid HIV results on L&D. We evaluated the logistics of implementation by analyzing the trend of physician omissions and surveying physicians. RESULTS: Effectiveness on MTCT could not be evaluated secondary to low sample size of the pilot study (n=3374), and no cases of true positive screening. Those that were not tested (n=469) were predominately secondary to physician omission (93.8%). There was a negative relationship with physician omissions over time as the protocol became the new standard. Weekly variability correlated with rotations of new residents onto L&D. CONCLUSION: As this successfully implemented program continues, and the proportion not tested approaches zero, efficacy will inevitably become evident. More prompt adoption could have been achieved with continued provider awareness, and earlier addition of the screening test to the admission order profile.

Do They Stand a Chance? Vaginal Birth after Cesarean Section in Adolescents Compared to Adult Women.

STUDY OBJECTIVE To determine the rate of elective repeat cesarean delivery (CD), vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC) attempt, and VBAC success in adolescent mothers presenting for delivery of a second child after a prior CD compared to their adult counterparts. DESIGN Retrospective cohort study analyzing data from the Consortium on Safe Labor Database which includes data for 228,668 deliveries from 2002 to 2008. SETTING 19 hospitals within 12 institutions in the United States. PARTICIPANTS 10,791 women age ≤ 35 (428 adolescents, age ≤ 19 and 10,363 adults age 20-35) with history of prior CD presenting for delivery of a second child. METHODS The database was accessed for information on patient characteristics, prenatal comorbidities, and delivery data. Rates of repeat CD, VBAC attempt, and VBAC success were calculated. Multiple logistic regression was applied to identify predictors of VBAC success. RESULTS Adolescents had a lower overall repeat CD rate and higher VBAC attempt rate compared to adults (80.61% vs 85.32%, P = .0072; 40.42% vs 30.09%, P < .0001 respectively). VBAC success was similar between adolescents and adults (47.98% vs 48.78% P = .8368). Delivery at a teaching hospital and greater gestational age were predictive of VBAC success. Gestational diabetes mellitus, induction of labor, and higher maternal body mass index were predictive of VBAC failure. Adolescence was not an independent predictor of VBAC outcome. CONCLUSIONS Adolescents are more likely to attempt VBAC and are likely to be as successful as their adult counterparts. Adolescents should be encouraged to attempt a trial of labor after prior CD when appropriate to lower the risks of lifelong maternal morbidity from numerous repeat CDs.