E.G. Simon

Biparietal/transverse abdominal diameter ratio ≤ 1: potential marker for open spina bifida at 11–13‐week scan

In the first trimester of pregnancy, a biparietal diameter (BPD) below the 5th percentile is a simple marker that enables the prenatal detection of half of all cases of open spina bifida. We hypothesized that relating the BPD measurement to the transverse abdominal diameter (TAD) might be another simple and effective screening method. In this study we assessed the performance of using the BPD/TAD ratio during the first trimester of pregnancy in screening for open spina bifida.

Preoperative Diagnosis of Ovarian Tumors Using Pelvic Contrast-Enhanced Sonography

Objective. The purpose of this study was to assess the feasibility of using a contrast agent for the sonographic examination of adnexal tumors and identify discriminating parameters in the preoperative diagnosis of malignant tumors. Methods. We conducted a prospective descriptive monocenter study that analyzed validated echographic criteria and parameters of the enhancement curve obtained by sonographic contrast agent injection. Patients included were referred for a second opinion after the discovery of a suspicious ovarian image. The final diagnosis was reached after surgery and an anatomopathologic examination. Results. Fifty‐two tumors were analyzed. Morphologic and Doppler criteria analyses were conducted as described in the literature. The significant parameters of the enhancement curve were the time‐intensity curve total area and the duration of activity of the contrast agent during the first phase of decay (P < .002). The performance of the contrast agent was lower than that of the examiners subjective diagnosis, with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) of 0.78 versus 0.80. When borderline tumors were eliminated, there was an inversion of this, with an AUC of 0.85 versus 0.73. The inclusion of contrast results in the examiners diagnosis in the context of a bivariate model comparing malignant and borderline tumors with benign tumors provided an AUC of 0.88. Conclusions. Contrast‐enhanced sonography improves preoperative diagnosis of ovarian tumors parameters. The significant parameters of the enhancement curve were significantly different for malignant and benign tumors. Borderline tumors contribute to a reduction of the discriminating capacity of the contrast agent.

Overview and expert assessment of off-label use of misoprostol in obstetrics and gynaecology: review and report by the College national des gynecologues obstetriciens francais

The literature suggests that misoprostol can be offered to patients for off-label use as it has reasonable efficacy, risk/benefit ratio, tolerance and patient satisfaction, according to the criteria for evidence-based medicine. Both the vaginal and sublingual routes are more effective than the oral route for first-trimester cervical dilatation. Vaginal misoprostol 800μg, repeated if necessary after 24 or 48h, is a possible alternative for management after early pregnancy failure. However, misoprostol has not been demonstrated to be useful for the evacuation of an incomplete miscarriage, except for cervical dilatation before vacuum aspiration. Oral mifepristone 200mg, followed 24-48h later by vaginal, sublingual or buccal misoprostol 800μg (followed 3-4h later, if necessary, by misoprostol 400μg) is a less efficacious but less aggressive alternative to vacuum aspiration for elective or medically-indicated first-trimester terminations; this alternative becomes increasingly less effective as gestational age increases. In the second trimester, vaginal misoprostol 800-2400μg in 24h, 24-48h after at least 200mg of mifepristone, is an alternative to surgery, sulprostone and gemeprost. Data for the third trimester are sparse. For women with an unripe cervix and an unscarred uterus, vaginal misoprostol 25μg every 3-6h is an alternative to prostaglandin E2 for cervical ripening at term for a live fetus. When oxytocin is unavailable, misoprostol can be used after delivery for prevention (sublingual misoprostol 600μg) and treatment (sublingual misoprostol 800μg) of postpartum haemorrhage. The use of misoprostol to promote cervical dilatation before diagnostic hysteroscopy or surgical procedures is beneficial for premenopausal women but not for postmenopausal women. Nonetheless, in view of the side effects of misoprostol, its use as a first-line treatment is not indicated, and it should be reserved for difficult cases. Misoprostol is not useful for placing or removing the types of intra-uterine devices used in Europe, regardless of parity.

Postpartum practice: guidelines for clinical practice from the French College of Gynaecologists and Obstetricians (CNGOF)

OBJECTIVE To make evidence-based recommendations for the postpartum management of women and their newborns, regardless of the mode of delivery. MATERIAL AND METHODS Systematic review of articles from the PubMed database and the Cochrane Library and of recommendations from the French and foreign societies or colleges of obstetricians. RESULTS Because breast-feeding is associated with reductions in neonatal, infantile, and childhood morbidity (lower frequency of cardiovascular, infectious, and atopic diseases and infantile obesity) (LE2) and improved cognitive development in children (LE2), exclusive and extended breastfeeding is recommended (grade B) for at least 4-6 months (professional consensus). Pharmacological treatments for inhibition of lactation should not be given routinely to women who do not wish to breastfeed (professional consensus). Because of potentially serious adverse effects, bromocriptine is contraindicated in inhibiting lactation (professional consensus). For women aware of the risks of pharmacological treatments to inhibit lactation but choose to take them, lisuride and cabergoline are the preferred drugs (professional consensus). Regardless of the mode of delivery, only women with bleeding or symptoms of anemia should be tested for it (professional consensus). Immediate postoperative monitoring after cesarean delivery should be performed in the postanesthesia care unit (PACU). An analgesic multimodal protocol for analgesia, preferring oral administration, should be developed by the medical team and be available for all staff (professional consensus) (grade B). Thromboprophylaxis with compression stockings should begin the morning of all cesarean deliveries and maintained for at least 7 postoperative days (professional consensus) with or without the addition of LMWH, depending on the presence and severity (major or minor) of additional risk factors. It is recommended that women be informed of the dangers of closely spaced pregnancies (LE3), that effective contraception begin no later than 21 days post partum for women who do not want such a pregnancy (grade B), and that it be prescribed at the maternity ward (professional consensus). In view of the postpartum risk of venous thromboembolism, use of combination hormonal contraception is not recommended before six weeks post partum (grade B). Pelvic floor rehabilitation in asymptomatic women to prevent urinary or anal incontinence in the medium or long term is not recommended (professional consensus). Rehabilitation using pelvic floor muscle contraction exercises is recommended to treat persistent urinary incontinence at 3 months post partum (grade A), regardless of the type of incontinence. Postpartum pelvic floor rehabilitation is recommended to treat anal incontinence (grade C), but not to treat or prevent prolapse (grade C) or dyspareunia (grade C). The months following the birth are a period of transition and of psychological changes for all parents (LE2) and are still more difficult for those with psychosocial risk factors (LE2). Situations of evident psychological difficulties can have a significant effect on the childs psychological and emotional development (LE3). Among these difficulties, postpartum depression is most common, but the risk of all mental disorders is generally higher in the perinatal period (LE3). CONCLUSION The postpartum period presents clinicians with a unique and privileged opportunity to address the physical, psychological, social, and somatic health of women and babies.

Decrease of uteroplacental blood flow after feticide during second-trimester pregnancy termination with complete placenta previa: Quantitative analysis using contrast-enhanced ultrasound imaging

Contrast enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) was used to quantify the dynamic changes in uteroplacental blood flow before and after the interruption of fetal villus circulation resulting from feticide during a second trimester pregnancy termination in a patient with complete placenta previa. Quantitative analysis was performed on time-intensity curves acquired 24 h before and 48 h and 120 h after feticide and demonstrated the persistence of utero-placental blood flow with a progressive and two-step reduction in intervillous space and uteroplacental blood flow. Our results suggest that placental blood flow reduction after interruption of fetal circulation is a progressive and delayed mechanism.

[Post-partum: Guidelines for clinical practice--Short text].

OBJECTIVE To determine the post-partum management of women and their newborn whatever the mode of delivery. MATERIAL AND METHODS The PubMed database, the Cochrane Library and the recommendations from the French and foreign obstetrical societies or colleges have been consulted. RESULTS Because breastfeeding is associated with a decrease in neonatal morbidity (lower frequency of cardiovascular diseases, infectious, atopic or infantile obesity) (EL2) and an improvement in the cognitive development of children (EL2), exclusive and extended breastfeeding is recommended (grade B) between 4 to 6 months (Professional consensus). In order to increase the rate of breastfeeding initiation and its duration, it is recommended that health professionals work closely with mothers in their project (grade A) and to promote breastfeeding on demand (grade B). There is no scientific evidence to recommend non-pharmacological measures of inhibition of lactation (Professional consensus). Pharmacological treatments for inhibition of lactation should not be given routinely to women who do not wish to breastfeed (Professional consensus). Because of potentially serious adverse effects, bromocriptin is contraindicated in inhibiting lactation (Professional consensus). For women aware of the risks of pharmacological treatment of inhibition of lactation, lisuride and cabergolin are the preferred drugs (Professional consensus). Whatever the mode of delivery, numeration blood count is not systematically recommended in a general population (Professional consensus). Anemia must be sought only in women with bleeding or symptoms of anemia (Professional consensus). The only treatment of post-dural puncture headache is the blood patch (EL2), it must not be carried out before 48 h (Professional consensus). Women vaccination status and their family is to be assessed in the early post-partum (Professional consensus). Immediate postoperative monitoring after caesarean delivery should be performed in the recovery room, but in exceptional circumstances, it may be performed in the delivery unit provided safety rules are maintained and regulatory authorities are informed (Professional consensus). An analgesic multimodal protocol developed by the medical team should be available and oral way should be favored (Professional consensus) (grade B). For every cesarean delivery, thromboprophylaxis with elastic stockings applied on the morning of the surgery and kept for at least 7 postoperative days is recommended (Professional consensus) with or without the addition of LMWH according to the presence or not of additional risk factors, and depending on the risk factor (major, minor). Early postoperative rehabilitation is encouraged (Professional consensus). Postpartum visit should be planned 6 to 8 weeks after delivery and can be performed by an obstetrician, a gynecologist, a general practitioner or a midwife, after normal pregnancy and delivery (Professional consensus). Starting effective contraception later 21 days after delivery in women who do not want closely spaced pregnancy is recommended (grade B), and to prescribe it at the maternity (Professional consensus). According to the postpartum risk of venous thromboembolism, the combined hormonal contraceptive use before six postpartum weeks is not recommended (grade B). Rehabilitation in asymptomatic women in order to prevent urinary or anal incontinence in medium or long-term is not recommended (Expert consensus). Pelvic-floor rehabilitation using pelvic-floor muscle contraction exercises is recommended to treat persistent urinary incontinence at 3 months postpartum (grade A), regardless of the type of incontinence. Postpartum pelvic-floor rehabilitation is recommended to treat anal incontinence (grade C). Postpartum pelvic-floor rehabilitation is not recommended to treat or prevent prolapse (grade C) or dyspareunia (grade C). The optimal time for maternity discharge for low risk newborn depends more on the organisation of the post-discharge follow up (Professional consensus). The months following the birth are a transitional period, and psychological alterations concern all parents (EL2). It is more difficult in case of psychosocial risk factors (EL2). In situations of proven psychological difficulties, the impact on the psycho-emotional development of children can be important (EL3). Among these difficulties, postpartum depression is the most common situation. However, the risk is generally higher in the perinatal period for all mental disorders (EL3). CONCLUSION Postpartum is, for clinicians, a unique and privileged opportunity to address the physical, psychological, social and somatic health of their patients.

Delivery of the IUGR fetus

OBJECTIVE The purpose of this paper is to review available data regarding the management of delivery in intra uterine growth retarded fetuses and try to get recommendations for clinical obstetrical practice. MATERIALS AND METHODS Bibliographic research performed by consulting PubMed database and recommendations from scientific societies with the following words: small for gestational age, intra-uterine growth restriction, fetal growth restriction, very low birth weight infants, as well as mode of delivery, induction of labor, cesarean section and operative delivery. RESULTS The diagnosis of severe IUGR justifies the orientation of the patient to a referral centre with all necessary resources for very low birth weight or premature infants Administration of corticosteroids for fetal maturation (before 34 WG) and a possible neuroprotective treatment by with magnesium sulphate (before 32-33 WG) should be discussed. Although elective caesarean section is common, there is no current evidence supporting the use of systematic cesarean section, especially when the woman is in labor. Induction of labor, even with unfavorable cervix is possible under continuous FHR monitoring, in favorable obstetric situations and in the absence of severe fetal hemodynamic disturbances. Instrumental delivery and routine episiotomy are not recommended. For caesarean section under spinal anesthesia, an adequate anesthetic management must ensure the maintenance of basal blood pressure. CONCLUSION Compared with appropriate for gestational age fetus, IUGR fetus is at increased risk of metabolic acidosis or perinatal asphyxia during delivery.

Ultrasound in labor monitoring: how to define the plane of ischial spines?

. Furthermore,we would like to add another argument in favor ofultrasound, particularly in the evaluation of descent of thefetal head.The subjective and poorly reproducible nature ofclinical examination is often highlighted in the literatureand we believe that the clinical method to assess fetal headdescent is less standardized than are ultrasound methods.Engagement of the fetal head is assessed clinically byfetal head station according to the American College ofObstetrician and Gynecologists (ACOG)

Comment je fais… l’évaluation échographique de l’engagement

Nous sommes fréquemment sollicités en salle de naissance pour des patientes en seconde partie de travail à dilatation complète et dont l’engagement de la présentation est incertain. En effet, pour évaluer la hauteur de la présentation et notamment l’engagement de la tête les signes cliniques sont nombreux et peu performants. Cependant, la décision d’extraction par forceps ou par césarienne dépend de la hauteur du mobile fœtal. La méconnaissance du diagnostic d’engagement augmente la morbidité obstétricale. Actuellement, l’échographie est une aide à ce diagnostic.

P27.14: Arterial embolization in arterial venous shunt: about our experience in the management of placental chorioangiomas with fetal hydrops

Objectives: Oligohydramnios occurring early during the second trimester has to be considered a severe sign of poor prognosis. Amnioinfusion has been reported improving the prognosis in case of reduction of amniotic fluid volume due to premature rupture of membranes (PROM). We present our experience with amnioinfusion for oligohydramnios with or without preterm PROM. Methods: We prospectively enrolled pregnant women presenting oligohydramnios from January 2009 to December 2009. Second level scan was performed after each amnioinfusion. Further analysis such as magnetic resonance or genetic tests were performed after counselling. Results: Twenty-six cases were included in our study. Ten cases presented PROM and eight out of ten performed more than one amnioinfusion. One case of PROM revealed sonographic sign of fetal aneuploidy confirmed at karyotype. Sixteen cases were enrolled without any anamnestic or clinical sign of PROM. Ten cases presented sign of renal dysplasia before amnioinfusion confirmed after the procedure, and in two cases the second level scan revealed further anomalies. The five remaining fetuses did not presented either PROM of renal anomalies. One case out of six demonstrate intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR) and congenital heart disease, two cases presented IUGR associated to altered uterine artery Doppler. The three remaining cases remained unexplained. Conclusions: Amnioinfusion might provide benefits such as confirmation of rupture of membranes and detailed sonography examination. This procedure has to be considered in cases with oligohydramnios due to further counselling during pregnancy.