Project description:ObjectiveWe evaluated the association between the presence of predelivery uterine contractions and transient tachypnoea of the newborn (TTN) in women undergoing an elective caesarean section.DesignA retrospective cohort study.SettingNational Hospital Organization Kofu National Hospital, which is a community hospital, between January 2011 and May 2019.ParticipantsThe study included 464 women who underwent elective caesarean section. The exclusion criteria were missing data, twin pregnancy, neonatal asphyxia, general anaesthesia and elective caesarean section before term.Primary and secondary outcome measuresPatients were grouped according to the presence or absence of uterine contractions on a 40-min cardiotocogram (CTG) performed within 6 hours before caesarean delivery. We performed a multivariable logistic regression analysis to examine the association between predelivery uterine contractions and TTN.ResultsThe incidence of TTN was 9.9% (46/464), and 38.4% (178/464) of patients had no uterine contraction. The absence of uterine contractions was significantly associated with an increased risk of TTN (adjusted OR 2.04; 95% CI 1.09 to 3.82) after controlling for gestational diabetes mellitus, small for gestational age, male sex and caesarean section at 37 weeks.ConclusionsAccurate risk stratification using a CTG could assist in the management of infants who are at risk of developing TTN.
Project description:BackgroundThe OptiBIRTH study incorporates a multicentre cluster randomised trial in 15 hospital sites across three European countries. The trial was designed to test a complex intervention aimed at improving vaginal birth after caesarean section (VBAC) rates through increasing women's involvement in their care. Prior to developing a robust standardised model to conduct the health economic analysis, an analysis of a hypothetical cohort was performed to estimate the costs and health effects of VBAC compared to elective repeat caesarean delivery (ERCD) for low-risk women in four European countries.MethodsA decision-analytic model was developed to estimate the costs and the health effects, measured using Quality Adjusted Life Years (QALYs), of VBAC compared with ERCD. A cost-effectiveness analysis for the period from confirmation of pregnancy to 6 weeks postpartum was performed for short-term consequences and during lifetime for long-term consequences, based on a hypothetical cohort of 100,000 pregnant women in each of four different countries; Belgium, Germany, Ireland and Italy. A societal perspective was adopted. Where possible, transition probabilities, costs and health effects were adapted from national data obtained from the respective countries. Country-specific thresholds were used to determine the cost-effectiveness of VBAC compared to ERCD. Deterministic and probabilistic sensitivity analyses were conducted to examine the uncertainty of model assumptions.ResultsWithin a 6-week time horizon, VBAC resulted in a reduction in costs, ranging from €3,334,052 (Germany) to €66,162,379 (Ireland), and gains in QALYs ranging from 6399 (Italy) to 7561 (Germany) per 100,000 women birthing in each country. Compared to ERCD, VBAC is the dominant strategy in all four countries. Applying a lifetime horizon, VBAC is dominant compared to ERCD in all countries except for Germany (probabilistic analysis, ICER: €8609/QALY). In conclusion, compared to ERCD, VBAC remains cost-effective when using a lifetime time.ConclusionsIn all four countries, VBAC was cost-effective compared to ERCD for low-risk women. This is important for health service managers, economists and policy makers concerned with maximising health benefits within limited and constrained resources.
Project description:ObjectiveTo test whether steroids reduce respiratory distress in babies born by elective caesarean section at term.DesignMulticentre pragmatic randomised trial.Setting10 maternity units.Participants998 consenting women randomised at decision to deliver by elective caesarean section; 503 randomised to treatment group.InterventionsThe treatment group received two intramuscular doses of 12 mg betamethasone in the 48 hours before delivery. The control group received treatment as usual.Outcome measuresThe primary outcome was admission to special care baby unit with respiratory distress. Secondary outcomes were severity of respiratory distress and level of care in response.ResultsSex, birth weight, and gestation were not different between the two groups. Of the 35 babies admitted to special baby units with respiratory distress, 24 were in the control group and 11 in the intervention group (P = 0.02). The incidence of admission with respiratory distress was 0.051 in the control group and 0.024 in the treatment group (relative risk 0.46, 95% confidence interval 0.23 to 0.93). The incidence of transient tachypnoea of the newborn was 0.040 in the control group and 0.021 in the treatment group (0.54, 0.26 to 1.12). The incidence of respiratory distress syndrome was 0.011 in the control group and 0.002 in the treatment group (0.21, 0.03 to 1.32).ConclusionsAntenatal betamethasone and delaying delivery until 39 weeks both reduce admissions to special care baby units with respiratory distress after elective caesarean section at term.
Project description:BackgroundControlling massive haemorrhage from morbidly adherent placenta (MAP) at caesarean section is a major surgical challenge to obstetricians. This study compares different intra-operative interventions to control haemorrhage from morbidly adherent placenta and its impact on maternal morbidity.MethodsRetrospective analysis was done for baseline characteristics, intra-operative and postoperative complications of 125 patients with morbidly adherent placenta who had elective CS at 35-38 weeks gestation in the period from 01/2012 to 01/2017. The included patients were categorized into three groups according to intra-operative interventions they had for controlling bleeding; Group A (n = 42) had only balloon tamponade, Group B (n = 40) had balloon tamponade and bilateral uterine artery ligation, in Group C (n = 43) all cases were managed by bilateral uterine artery ligation and inverting the cervix into the uterine cavity and suturing the anterior and/or the posterior cervical lips into the anterior and/or posterior walls of the lower uterine segment using the cervix as a natural tamponade.ResultsThere were no differences of baseline characteristics of patients in all groups. Group C had significantly better outcomes as compared with groups A and B; less total blood loss (Group C 2869.5 ml vs Group B 4580 ml, Group A 4812 ml, P < 0.001), less requirement of blood transfusion more than 4 units (Group C 4/43, Group B 10/40,Group A 12/42, P < 0.02), significant reduction in prolonged hospital stay over 10 days (Group C 2/43, Group B 9/40,Group A 14/42, P < 0.001) and lower risk of coagulopathy (Group C 4/43, B 8/40, A 9/42), visceral injuries (Group C 4/43 vs B 8/40, A 10/42,P < 0.01) and need for hysterectomy (Group C 4/43 vs B 11/40, A 13/42,P < 0.001).ConclusionA combination bilateral uterine artery ligation and using the cervix as a natural tamponade are very effective and simple methods in controlling bleeding resulting from separated placenta accreta.Trial registrationThe findings are part of the research project registered in ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02590484 . Registered 28 October 2015.
Project description:Caesarean section is associated with moderate-to-severe postoperative pain, which can influence postoperative recovery and patient satisfaction as well as breastfeeding success and mother-child bonding. The aim of this systematic review was to update the available literature and develop recommendations for optimal pain management after elective caesarean section under neuraxial anaesthesia. A systematic review utilising procedure-specific postoperative pain management (PROSPECT) methodology was undertaken. Randomised controlled trials published in the English language between 1 May 2014 and 22 October 2020 evaluating the effects of analgesic, anaesthetic and surgical interventions were retrieved from MEDLINE, Embase and Cochrane databases. Studies evaluating pain management for emergency or unplanned operative deliveries or caesarean section performed under general anaesthesia were excluded. A total of 145 studies met the inclusion criteria. For patients undergoing elective caesarean section performed under neuraxial anaesthesia, recommendations include intrathecal morphine 50-100 µg or diamorphine 300 µg administered pre-operatively; paracetamol; non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs; and intravenous dexamethasone administered after delivery. If intrathecal opioid was not administered, single-injection local anaesthetic wound infiltration; continuous wound local anaesthetic infusion; and/or fascial plane blocks such as transversus abdominis plane or quadratus lumborum blocks are recommended. The postoperative regimen should include regular paracetamol and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs with opioids used for rescue. The surgical technique should include a Joel-Cohen incision; non-closure of the peritoneum; and abdominal binders. Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation could be used as analgesic adjunct. Some of the interventions, although effective, carry risks, and consequentially were omitted from the recommendations. Some interventions were not recommended due to insufficient, inconsistent or lack of evidence. Of note, these recommendations may not be applicable to unplanned deliveries or caesarean section performed under general anaesthesia.
Project description:Nausea and vomiting are common complications in patients undergoing caesarean delivery under regional anaesthesia. When experienced after surgery, they may delay recovery, reduce patient satisfaction and affect the bonding between mother and baby. Various pharmacological and non-pharmacological approaches for prophylaxis and treatment of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) have been employed with different degree of efficacy. In this pilot randomised controlled trial, we aimed to determine the possible preventative effects of chewing gum on the rate of PONV in expectant mothers undergoing neuraxial anaesthesia for elective lower segment caesarean section. All participants underwent spinal anaesthesia with administration of 10-11.5 mg of intrathecal heavy Bupivicaine 0.5% according to anaesthetists' preference, Morphine 100 μg and Fentanyl 25 μg. Postoperative analgesia regimen was also standardised. Two hundred ninety-six patients were randomised to an intervention arm to receive chewing gum in addition to standard therapy and to a non-intervention arm to receive standard therapy. After exclusions, 258 patients were followed up 24 h postoperatively. Standard therapy is defined as Ondansetron 4 mg IV intra-operatively. The primary outcomes were the incidences of nausea and vomiting in the first 24 h postoperatively. Secondary outcomes were the number of episodes of nausea or vomiting in the recovery room and on the ward 24 h postoperatively, use of anti-emetics postoperatively, severity of nausea and patient satisfaction with the intervention. Our study revealed no significant differences in rates of postoperative nausea and vomiting between the intervention and standard therapy groups (41.4% v 36.9% p = 0.461). There were no significant differences in secondary outcomes between groups. Chewing gum does not reduce the incidence of PONV after elective LSCS under spinal anaesthesia. Our trial was registered with clinicaltrials.org (NCT04191694).
Project description:IntroductionIn the UK, about a quarter of women give birth by caesarean section (CS) and are offered prophylactic broad-spectrum antibiotics to reduce the risk of maternal postpartum infection. In 2011, national guidance was changed from recommending antibiotics after the umbilical cord was cut to giving antibiotics prior to skin incision based on evidence that earlier administration reduces maternal infectious morbidity. Although antibiotics cross the placenta, there are no known short-term harms to the baby. This study aims to address the research gap on longer term impact of these antibiotics on child health.Methods and analysisA controlled interrupted time series study will use anonymised mother-baby linked routine electronic health records for children born during 2006-2018 recorded in UK primary care (The Health Improvement Network, THIN and Clinical Practice Research Datalink, CPRD) and secondary care (Hospital Episode Statistics, HES) databases. The primary outcomes of interest are asthma and eczema, two common allergy-related diseases in childhood. In-utero exposure to antibiotics immediately prior to CS will be compared with no exposure when given after cord clamping. The risk of outcomes in children delivered by CS will also be compared with a control cohort delivered vaginally to account for time effects. We will use all available data from THIN, CPRD and HES with estimated power of 80% and 90% to detect relative increase in risk of asthma of 16% and 18%, respectively at the 5% significance level.Ethics and disseminationEthical approval has been obtained from the University of Birmingham Ethical Review Committee with scientific approvals obtained from the independent scientific advisory committees from the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency for CPRD and the data provider, IQVIA for THIN. The results will be published in peer-reviewed journals, presented at national and international conferences and disseminated to stakeholders.
Project description:BACKGROUND:Delayed umbilical cord clamping is associated with greater haemoglobin concentration and iron storage between 3 and 6?months of life and with less need of blood transfusion and lower incidence of neonatal hypotension compared to early umbilical cord clamping. METHODS:The aim was to test the hypothesis that delayed cord clamping is better than early cord clamping in term infants born by elective caesarean section. Group A was subjected to immediate cord clamping while in the Group B, the umbilical cord was clamped 1?min after birth. Primary aim was revealed the difference in pre-ductal saturation between two groups while secondary aim was investigating the difference in HR, Ht, bilirubin and glycaemia. Pre-ductal SpO2 and HR were recorded at 5 and 10?min after birth, T was analysed 10?min after birth, glycaemia was revealed at 120?min while Ht and bilirubin were collected at 72?h. RESULTS:132 newborns were enrolled in the study and allocated in ratio 1:1 to group A or B. Delayed cord clamping did not improve SpO2, HR and T values compared to immediate cord clamping (p?>?0,05). However, Group B showed greater haematocrit and bilirubin values at 72?h compared to Group A (56,71 ±?6663 vs 51,56 ±?6929; p?<?0,05 and 8,54 ±?2,90 vs 7,06 ±?2,76; p?<?0,05). Glycaemia value did not differ between two groups (p?>?0,05). CONCLUSIONS:Group B did not reveal any differences in SpO2, HR, T and glycaemia compared to Group A. Group B showed greater values of haematocrit and bilirubin but without need of phototherapy. TRIAL REGISTRATION:Umbilical Cord Clamping: What Are the Benefits; NCT03878602. Registered 18 March 2019 retrospectively registered.
Project description:BackgroundPreoperative anesthesia evaluation is beginning of all anesthesia care. It enables the anesthetists to know general health status of parturient, choose of anesthesia options and discuss the possible complication regarding perioperative anesthesia care. It also creates chance for parturient to know the anesthetist, about anesthesia type as well as possible anesthesia care related complications.ObjectiveTo assess maternal satisfaction with the practice of preoperative anesthesia evaluation among patients underwent elective cesarean delivery.MethodsThis study was a cross-sectional study design conducted from March 1to April 30, 2021. All consecutive parturient that were scheduled for elective cesarean delivery under anesthesia during the study period were interviewed postoperatively after 24 h using semi structure questioner. A checklists, which developed based on the hospital's anesthetic evaluation sheet and Royal Collage of Anesthetist standards (RCOA) were used for data collection. Data were entered in SPSS version 20 and both descriptive and analytic statics analysis were performed.ResultA total of 157 elective patients undergoing elective cesarean section were included with response rate of 96.9%. All patients (100%) were evaluated in the preoperative period. However, 53(33.8%) of patients were receiving information regarding postoperative nausea and vomiting during the preoperative period compared to the standards. Educational level of the anesthetist, fasting instruction, information regarding PONV and information regarding type of anesthesia were significantly associated with overall maternal satisfaction to current practice of preoperative anesthesia evaluation.Conclusion and recommendationThe practice of delivering important information's to parturient during the preoperative anesthesia evaluation was low compared to the standard. Therefore, we recommend anesthesia professionals to give detail explanation regarding the post-operative pain management option, possible inevitable complications and proper rapport with the clients.