Patrick S. Ramsey

Preterm premature rupture of membranes: Is there an optimal gestational age for delivery?

OBJECTIVE: To characterize neonatal and maternal morbidity and mortality rates in pregnancies complicated by preterm premature rupture of membranes (PROM) and determine whether there is an optimal delivery gestational age. METHODS: We reviewed maternal and neonatal outcomes of women with PROM 24 weeks or more that resulted in delivery at less than 37 weeks at our institution from August 1998 to August 2000. Standardized management included the use of antibiotics, betamethasone at less than 32 weeks, and expectant management until 24 weeks or more. Outcomes evaluated included neonatal mortality, composite major and minor neonatal morbidity, individual major and minor neonatal morbidity rates, maternal infection morbidity, and maternal and neonatal length of stay. Gestational age–specific maternal and neonatal outcomes were compared with a referent group of pregnancies complicated by preterm PROM that delivered between 36 0/7 and 36 6/7 weeks of gestation. RESULTS: During the study interval, 430 women with preterm PROM were identified. Composite major neonatal morbidity was significantly higher among pregnancies delivered at 33 weeks of gestation or less after preterm PROM as compared with those who delivered at 36 weeks. Composite neonatal minor morbidity was significantly higher among pregnancies delivered at 34 weeks or less after preterm PROM as compared with those who delivered at 36 weeks. However, there was no improvement in the composite major and minor neonatal morbidity rates for those pregnancies delivered beyond 34 weeks of gestation. Both maternal and infant length of stay were significantly longer for cases of preterm PROM delivered at 34 weeks or less as compared with those who delivered at 36 weeks. CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that expectant management of women at 34 weeks and beyond is of limited benefit. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: II-3

Vaginal misoprostol versus concentrated oxytocin plus vaginal PGE2 for second-trimester labor induction

OBJECTIVE: To compare the efficacy, side effects, and complications of high-dose vaginal misoprostol with concentrated intravenous oxytocin plus low-dose vaginal prostaglandin (PGE2) for second-trimester labor induction. METHODS: One hundred twenty-six consenting women with maternal or fetal indications for pregnancy termination and no prior cesarean delivery were randomly assigned to receive either vaginal misoprostol 600 μg 1×, 400 μg every 4 hours 5× (misoprostol group, n = 60) or escalating-dose concentrated oxytocin infusions (277–1,667 mU/min) plus vaginal PGE2 10 mg every 6 hours 4× (oxytocin group, n = 66). Both groups received concurrent extra-amniotic saline infusion for cervical ripening. Women who failed their assigned regimen received 20 mg of PGE2 suppositories every 4 hours until delivery. Analysis was by intent to treat. RESULTS: Demographic characteristics were similar between study groups. Median induction-to-delivery interval was significantly shorter in the misoprostol group (12 hours) than in the oxytocin group (17 hours; P < .001). There was a higher induction success rate at 24 hours in the misoprostol group (95%) than in the oxytocin group (85%; P = .06), although this difference did not reach statistical significance. The incidence of live birth (25% versus 17%), chorioamnionitis (5% versus 2%), and postpartum hemorrhage greater than 500 mL (3% versus 3%) were similar between the misoprostol and oxytocin groups, respectively. Diarrhea (2% versus 11%; P = .04), nausea/emesis (25% versus 42%; P = .04), and retained placenta requiring curettage (2% versus 15%; P = .008) were significantly less common in the misoprostol group when compared with the oxytocin group, respectively. Isolated intrapartum fever, however, was more frequent in the misoprostol group (67%) than in the oxytocin group (21%; P < .001). CONCLUSION: Compared with concentrated oxytocin plus low-dose vaginal PGE2, high-dose vaginal misoprostol is associated with significantly shorter induction-to-delivery intervals, fewer side effects, a lower incidence of retained placenta, and comparable incidence of live birth. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: I

Transcervical Foley catheter with and without extraamniotic saline infusion for labor induction: a randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the efficacy of transcervical Foley catheter alone (Foley) to transcervical Foley catheter with extraamniotic saline infusion for labor induction and cervical ripening in women with an unfavorable cervix. METHODS: This was a multicenter, randomized, controlled trial of women presenting for labor induction with a singleton, cephalic fetus, intact membranes, and unfavorable cervix (Bishop score 6 or less). Eligible women were randomly assigned to receive either Foley catheter alone or Foley catheter with extraamniotic saline infusion. All women received concurrent oxytocin administration. The primary study outcome was the induction-to-delivery interval. Secondary outcomes included cesarean delivery, maternal infectious outcomes, and immediate neonatal outcomes. Analysis was by intent to treat. RESULTS: One hundred eighty-eight women met eligibility criteria and were randomly assigned (Foley plus extraamniotic saline infusion, n=97; Foley, n=91). Baseline demographic characteristics, including parity, gestational age, and Bishop score were similar between the study groups. The median induction-to-delivery interval in the extraamniotic saline infusion arm (12.6 hours, interquartile range 9.3–18.8 hours) was similar to that in the Foley arm (13.4 hours, interquartile range 9.6–17.5 hours) (P=. 70). The proportion of women delivered by 24 hours was comparable between groups (delivery 24 hours, extraamniotic saline infusion 89.7%, Foley 87.9%, P=.70), as was the rate of cesarean delivery (Foley 18.7%, extraamniotic saline infusion 27.8%, P=.14). No significant differences were noted between the study groups with respect to rate of chorioamnionitis, endometritis, or immediate birth outcomes. CONCLUSION: In women with an unfavorable cervix, the addition of extraamniotic saline infusion to a transcervical Foley catheter does not improve efficacy for labor induction. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov, www.clinicaltrials.gov, NCT00442663 LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: I

Use of vaginal polymorphonuclear to epithelial cell ratios for the prediction of preterm birth.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the use of midtrimester vaginal polymorphonuclear cell (PMN) counts on Gram-stain preparations with PMN to epithelial cell (EPI) ratios for the prediction of subsequent spontaneous preterm birth. METHODS: From a prospective cohort study, 83 women with a spontaneous preterm birth at less than 35 weeks of gestation (cases) were compared with a control group of 108 women who delivered at term. Vaginal Gram-stain preparations were obtained at the initial study visit (20–25 weeks). Vaginal PMN and epithelial EPI cell counts were assessed on 5 nonadjacent oil immersion fields under × 1,000 magnification. Vaginal PMN/EPI ratios for each evaluated slide field were calculated to control for intraslide variation in cellular density. RESULTS: Mean delivery gestational age was 31.5 ± 3.5 weeks for the cases and 39.8 ± 1.2 weeks for the controls. Mean PMN counts were similar in the cases (13 ± 20 cells per oil immersion field) and the controls (10 ± 14 cells per oil immersion field) (P = .17). The mean PMN/EPI ratio, however, was significantly higher among the cases (3.4 ± 6.0) than among the controls (1.8 ± 2.4, P = .01). When PMN counts and PMN/EPI ratios were dichotomized by the 95th percentile cutoff (based on control values), the PMN/EPI ratio was significantly associated with subsequent development of spontaneous preterm birth at less than 35 weeks of gestation (odds ratio 3.8, 95% confidence interval 1.3–11.2), whereas PMN counts were not (odds ratio 2.1, 95% confidence interval 0.7–6.1). CONCLUSION: Midtrimester vaginal PMN counts on Gram-stain preparations were not significantly associated with subsequent spontaneous preterm birth in this population. However, the ratio of PMN to EPI counts, which provides internal standardization of variation in slide cellular density, was significantly higher in women with subsequent spontaneous preterm birth at less than 35 weeks. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: II-2

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

Spontaneous Uterine Rupture in Pregnancy After Endometrial Ablation

BACKGROUND: Uterine rupture after endometrial ablation is rare and has not been reported previously in the English literature. CASE: A 33-year-old multigravida at 26 5/7 weeks of gestation had undergone two endometrial ablation procedures. The first attempt 2 years before pregnancy was complicated by uterine perforation. She presented with severe abdominal pain. A cesarean delivery was performed for recurrent late fetal heart rate deceleration, and a complete spontaneous uterine rupture was discovered. CONCLUSION: Pregnancies that occur after endometrial ablation have a risk of morbidity. Physicians must counsel women on the importance of contraception or sterilization as a critical component of the procedure.

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.

Is 40 the New 30?: Pregnancy Outcomes by Degree of Weight Gain Among Obesity Subclasses

INTRODUCTION: The objective of this study was to evaluate pregnancy outcomes by obesity classification using the 2009 Institute of Medicine weight gain guidelines. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective cohort analysis of 1,886 obese women who delivered a singleton pregnancy at our institution from 2009 to 2012. Women were stratified based on prepregnancy body mass index (BMI) into subclasses of obesity: class I (BMI 30.0–34.9 kg/m2), class II (BMI 35.0–39.9 kg/m2), and class III (BMI 40.0 kg/m2 or greater). The primary outcome was cesarean delivery. Secondary outcomes included hypertensive disorders of, gestational diabetes, preterm delivery, small for gestational age, and large for gestational age. Odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals were calculated based on weight gain less than or greater than the recommended 11–20 pounds. Weight gain within guidelines was the referent for each class. RESULTS: Before pregnancy, 957 women were obese class I, 508 women were obese class II, and 421 women were obese class III. During pregnancy, 60.1% of women gained more than the recommended amount of weight; only 18.7% of women gained the recommended 11–20 pounds. Women with class I obesity increased their risk of hypertensive disorders and large for gestational age with excessive weight gain. Women with class II obesity increased their risk of cesarean delivery with excessive weight gain. Women with class III obesity increased their risk of cesarean delivery and hypertensive disorders with excessive weight gain. Less than recommended weight gain had no clear associations. CONCLUSION: Weight gain above the guideline was common and associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes among all subclasses of obesity.

Prevalence of group B Streptococcus colonization in subsequent pregnancies of group B Streptococcus-colonized versus noncolonized women.

OBJECTIVE To determine whether group B Streptococcus (GBS)-colonized pregnant women have an increased prevalence of GBS colonization in subsequent pregnancies. STUDY DESIGN This retrospective cohort study compared the prevalence of GBS colonization in initial and subsequent pregnancies of 158 women with two or more deliveries at a Midwest institution since the initiation of universal screening for GBS. RESULTS The GBS colonization rate in index pregnancies was 20%. Colonization rate in subsequent pregnancies for initially GBS-colonized women was 42% compared with 19% for women who were not colonized with GBS in the index pregnancy (p = 0.009). The relative risk for GBS-colonized women to be GBS-colonized in subsequent pregnancies was 2.2 (confidence interval = 1.3 to 3.8). CONCLUSION Previous GBS colonization is a risk factor for GBS colonization in subsequent pregnancies. Consideration of intrapartum chemoprophylaxis in women with a history of GBS colonization, assuming current colonization status is unknown, warrants further investigation.

Preterm Premature Rupture of Membranes in Human Immunodeficiency Virus-Infected Women: A Novel Case Series

Objective. To evaluate the management and outcomes of a series of human immunodeficiency virus-(HIV-) infected women whose pregnancies were complicated by preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM). Study design. We conducted a retrospective chart review of all women with confirmed HIV infection who had a pregnancy complicated by PPROM remote from term. PPROM remote from term was defined as rupture of membranes prior to 32-week gestation. Collective cases from two centers (Hennepin County Medical Center and The University of Alabama at Birmingham) were reviewed and data on management and outcomes were abstracted. Results. Of the HIV-positive women, we identified 291 pregnancies having occurred in the study interval from two institutions. Of these pregnancies, 7 (2.4%) developed PPROM remote from term with subsequent delivery from 25- to 32-week gestation. Vertical HIV transmission was noted in 2 of 6 children whose long-term followup status was confirmed (33%) of these cases. However, both of these cases occurred in women with either no antepartum/intrapartum antiviral therapy or where only zidovudine monotherapy was used. Importantly, in spite of expectant management, no cases of vertical HIV transmission occurred in women who were receiving either multidrug or highly active antiviral therapy (HAART) at the time of PPROM and who had a cesarean delivery in cases where the predelivery viral load > 1000 copies/mL. Conclusion. Our limited observations raise the question as to whether in the current era of multidrug therapy immediate delivery should be undertaken in HIV+ pregnancies complicated by PPROM at an early gestational age. This case series further suggests that in those pregnancies that lend themselves to expectant management, such a strategy may be considered appropriate.