Search Results (28)

Background: Adolescent pregnancies represent a significant global health challenge, with increased risks of maternal and neonatal complications. Traditional obstetrical risk assessment tools have limited applicability in this population due to unique physiological and anatomical characteristics. This study aimed to develop and validate novel predictive scores specifically designed for obstetrical risk stratification in adolescent pregnancies. Methods: A retrospective study was conducted over seven years (2018–2024) in Brasov County, Romania, including 1322 adolescent pregnancies (ages 12–16 years). Two novel predictive scores were developed: the Cervical Ripening Ultrasound Index (CRUI) for predicting successful vaginal delivery and labor induction, and the ADOLESRISK score for comprehensive obstetrical risk stratification. Statistical analysis included logistic regression, ROC curve analysis, and validation testing using SPSS 26.0 and R Studio version 4.3.2. Results: The CRUI score demonstrated superior predictive performance (AUC = 0.87, 95% CI: 0.84–0.90) compared to traditional Bishop score (AUC = 0.62, 95% CI: 0.58–0.66) for successful labor induction in adolescents. The ADOLESRISK score achieved 84% sensitivity and 76% specificity for predicting major obstetrical complications, significantly outperforming conventional risk assessment tools. Key risk factors incorporated included maternal age, educational level, nutritional status, and specific ultrasound parameters. Internal validation using train–test split methodology (70–30%) confirmed robust performance in the independent validation cohort (n = 397), with maintained discriminative ability (CRUI: AUC = 0.85, 95% CI: 0.80–0.90; ADOLESRISK: AUC = 0.82, 95% CI: 0.77–0.87) across different demographic subgroups. Conclusions: The CRUI and ADOLESRISK scores represent significant advances in adolescent obstetrical care, providing clinicians with tools for personalized risk assessment and management. Implementation of these scores could potentially reduce maternal complications by 25–30% and improve neonatal outcomes by 20–25%, representing a major contribution to adolescent reproductive health globally. Full article

Background: Maternal obesity may influence the efficacy and course of induction of labor (IoL). Misoprostol, a prostaglandin E1 analogue, is widely used for cervical ripening, but evidence regarding its effectiveness in obese women remains limited. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of oral misoprostol for IoL across different body mass index (BMI) categories. Methods: This prospective study was conducted at a tertiary center. Term singleton pregnancies with medical indications for IoL and an unfavorable cervix (Bishop score < 6) received oral misoprostol 50 μg every 4 h to a maximum of 200 μg. Primary outcomes were vaginal delivery (VD) rates. Secondary outcomes included cesarean section (CS) rate, oxytocin use, labor duration, analgesia, adverse events, and neonatal outcomes. Results: Among 291 participants (43.0% overweight; 40.2% obese), the Bishop score increased from 2.3 to 6.2 (p < 0.0001). VD occurred in 77.3%, and CS in 22.7%. Most women delivered within 48 h (96.6%). Higher BMI correlated with longer time to contractions, pain onset, and delivery, as well as with more misoprostol doses. Neonatal outcomes were uniformly favorable, with median Apgar scores of 10 at 1, 5, and 10 min, and mean umbilical pH values ranging from 7.2 to 7.3. Adverse events were infrequent, with tachysystole observed in 1.7% of cases. Conclusions: Oral misoprostol is an effective and safe IoL method across BMI categories, achieving high vaginal delivery rates and favorable neonatal outcomes. Obesity modestly prolongs induction and increases dose requirements, supporting individualized dosing and close monitoring. Full article

Background and Objectives: For many patients, the induction-to-delivery interval is shorter with Propess than with Prostin E2. However, some patients also require Prostin E2 to sufficiently boost their dinoprostone levels to achieve cervical change and vaginal delivery. In this study, we compared the efficacy of different timings of Prostin E2 administration after Propess use. Materials and Methods: This single-institution retrospective cohort study was conducted between January 2020 and August 2023. The inclusion criterion was an unfavorable cervix (Bishop score ≤ 6) after Propess use for 8 h. We divided the patients into three groups based on the addition of Prostin E2 at the 8th (group 1), 12th (group 2), and 24th (group 3) hour after Propess insertion. The primary outcome was the cesarean section rate. The secondary outcomes were the induction-to-birth interval, Bishop score at 24 h, neonatal outcomes, and the predictors of labor induction duration. Results: A total of 63 patients were analyzed across three groups based on the timing of Prostin E2 administration (8, 12, and 24 h). The gestational age differed significantly between groups (p < 0.001), with the highest age being observed in the 24 h group. The 8 h group had the shortest induction-to-birth interval (p < 0.001) and the highest Bishop scores after 24 h of Propess use (p < 0.001). Blood loss was lowest in the 12 h group (p = 0.027). No significant differences were found in relation to the mode of birth, tachysystole, neonatal birth weight, or Apgar scores. A multivariable analysis identified gestational age (β = 3.33; p = 0.015) and Bishop score after 24 h of PGE2 (β = −1.99; p < 0.001) as being independent predictors of labor duration. Conclusions: administering Prostin E2 to patients who had a poor response after Propess use was safe; additionally, adding it at the 8th hour after Propess initiation could result in a shorter induction-to-birth interval. Full article

Background and aim: Labor induction is increasing in obstetric practice. In women with an unfavorable cervix, cervical ripening is required for successful induction. We conducted this review to compare the effectiveness and tolerance of two interventions used for cervical ripening, topical prostaglandin E2 (dinoprostone) and transcervical Foley’s catheter. Methods: We systematically searched four biomedical databases on 15 November 2024, for relevant studies. The studies’ eligibility was determined after screening their titles, abstracts, and full texts. We extracted relevant data from the studies included. RevMan software V5.4 was used to conduct the random-effect meta-analysis. Misoprostol was excluded from this review due to variability in dosing protocols and inconsistent reporting across studies. A review protocol was registered with the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO), registration number: CRD420251026183. Results: This review included 41 studies that in total enrolled 12,877 women (6722 for Foley’s catheter and 6155 for dinoprostone). The efficacy of the two interventions was comparable as evidenced by the similarity in the induction to delivery time, Bishop score change, the rate of vaginal delivery within 24 h, and the risk of induction failure. Foley’s catheter was linked with lower risks of caesarian delivery (RR = 0.84, p = 0.006), uterine hyperstimulation (RR = 0.39, p < 0.001), postpartum hemorrhage (RR = 0.76, p = 0.03), and a 1-min Apgar score < 7 (RR = 0.75, p = 0.02). However, it was associated with an extra need for oxytocin augmentation (RR = 1.18, p < 0.001). The risks of instrumental delivery, intrapartum pyrexia, postpartum infection, meconium passage, umbilical cord arterial pH < 7.1, a 5-min Apgar score < 7, and neonatal intensive care requirement were comparable for the two interventions. Conclusions: In comparison with dinoprostone, Foley’s catheter is equally effective and well tolerated. We recommend Foley’s catheter use for women with a previous caesarian delivery and in low-resource settings. Full article

Background and Objectives: This study aimed to assess the impact of early epidural analgesia (EA) on the progression of labor and delivery outcomes among nulliparous women. Materials and Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted utilizing data from the Birth Registry of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at LUHS. The dataset encompassed women who underwent childbirth between 1 January 2021 and 31 December 2021 and who received EA for labor pain management. A total of 89 women with low-risk deliveries and EA were included in the study. The cohort was divided into two groups: Group I—parturients who underwent early EA with cervical dilatation ≤3 cm—and Group II—parturients who underwent EA with cervical dilatation >3 cm but <7 cm. The results were processed using IBM SPSS. Results: Group I consisted of 25 (28.1%) women and Group II consisted of 64 (71.9%). The prevalence of obesity was higher in Group II (p = 0.021). Bishop score was statistically elevated in Group II (p = 0.018). Upon hospital admission, Group II exhibited greater cervical dilation (p = 0.001). The rate of cervical dilation was higher in Group II at 1.54 cm/h (p = 0.033). Episiotomy was more frequently performed in Group II (p = 0.014). The average durations of the first stage of labor (p = 0.045), the second stage of labor (p = 0.033), and the overall labor (p = 0.023) were prolonged in Group I. Conclusions: The cervical dilation up to 10 cm occurs at a swifter pace when EA is administered following cervical dilation exceeding 3 cm. Notable associations were observed between EA and the incidence of episiotomy as well as the duration of labor stages. Early EA exhibited no impact on neonatal outcomes. Full article

Background: Social Communication Disorder (SCD), introduced in the DSM-5, is distinguished from Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) by the absence of restricted and repetitive behaviors or interests (RRBIs). Aim: To compare the adaptive, sensory, communication, and cognitive profiles of children with ASD and SCD. Methods: The assessments of nine children with SCD and ten with ASD were compared with either Fisher’s Exact Test or the Mann–Whitney Test. Assessments included the Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales, the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS), the Short Sensory Profile, Bishop’s Children’s Communication Checklist, a pragmatics evaluation, and the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children IV. Results: The total ADOS score and the second subtotal “Restricted and Repetitive Behaviors” were significantly higher (p = 0.022) in the ASD group than in the SCD group. The Vineland standard score for the “Socialization” domain was significantly lower (p = 0.037) in the ASD group (mean: 51 +/− 19) than in the SCD group (mean: 80 +/− 28). The working memory index score was also significantly lower (p = 0.013) in the ASD group compared to the SCD group. Conclusions: While ASD and SCD share similarities in communication and pragmatic difficulties, some distinctions have been identified, e.g. in executive functioning and the impact on socialization, which may be linked to the absence of RRBIs in SCD. These findings highlight the challenges posed by this nosographic separation during diagnostic evaluations due to the scarcity of discriminative tools. Full article

Background: Understanding the potential risk factors for failure of pregnancy termination is crucial for informed clinical decision making. Such insights can assist clinicians in adjusting the dosage or route of various regimens, as well as in counseling patients and predicting the likelihood of successful outcomes. However, research on these risk factors has been limited, and existing studies have yielded inconsistent results. To address this gap, we conducted a study with a large sample size, focusing on identifying the potential risk factors for failure of second-trimester termination using misoprostol as a single agent, specifically between 14 and 28 weeks of gestation. Methods: A secondary analysis based on a database of second-trimester terminations was conducted. The inclusion criteria were a singleton pregnancy, gestational age between 14 and 28 weeks, an unfavorable cervix, no spontaneous labor pain, intact membranes, and termination with misoprostol alone. Potential risk factors for failure of termination, defined as no abortion within 48 h, were analyzed using univariate and multivariate analyses. Results: A total of 1094 cases were included in the analysis, consisting of 991 successful cases and 103 (9.4%) cases of failure. The significant risk factors for failure of termination included early gestational age, live fetuses, sublingual regimen of 400 mcg every 6 h, and high maternal pre-pregnancy BMI. Previous cesarean sections and lower Bishop scores tended to increase the risk but did not reach a significant level. Conclusions: Second-trimester termination with misoprostol as a single agent was highly effective, with a failure rate of 9.4%. The risk factors for failure included gestational age, fetal viability, misoprostol regimen, and maternal pre-pregnancy BMI, suggesting that these factors should be taken into consideration for second-trimester terminations with misoprostol. Full article

Background and Objectives: The incidence of labor induction is steadily increasing worldwide. The main aim of this study was to evaluate the ultrasound parameters and their mutual correlation and to analyze the parameters’ predictive capability in assessing the success of labor induction. The secondary goal was to assess patients’ tolerability and acceptance of transvaginal ultrasound and digital gynecological examination. Materials and Methods: This prospective observational follow-up study included 252 women selected for labor induction. The transvaginal ultrasound examination measured the posterior cervical angle, cervical length, the length and width funneling of the cervix, the distance between the head of the fetus and the external uterine os, and the position of the fetal occiput. After the ultrasound, a digital vaginal examination was performed (according to the Bishop score), and the women were asked to rate their perception of pain for each procedure. Results: The most common indication for labor induction was post-term pregnancy (57.59%), and the most common method of labor induction was oxytocin with amniotomy (70%). The results showed that a significant independent prediction of vaginal delivery could be provided based on the Bishop score and cervical length. Other investigated ultrasound parameters, the length and width of the funneling of the cervix (p < 0.001), the fetal head stage (p < 0.001), and the size of the posterior cervical angle (p < 0.05), showed statistical significance in relation to the success of labor induction. Patients reported lower discomfort and pain during transvaginal ultrasound examination (mean score 2, IQR 3) compared to digital examination (mean score 5, IQR 4), with p < 0.001. Conclusions: The results imply that the assessment of ultrasound parameters before induction of labor is necessary to predict the outcome and reduce the possibility of complications. In terms of tolerability and choice by the patients, the transvaginal ultrasound examination was better rated than the vaginal gynecological examination. Full article

Background: Induction of labor (IOL) in nulliparas with premature rupture of membranes (PROM) and an unfavorable cervix at term poses challenges. Our study sought to investigate the impact of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) compared to oxytocin on the duration of IOL in this specific group of parturients. Methods: This was retrospective matched-case study. All nulliparas with term PROM who underwent induction between January 2006 to April 2023 at Shaare Zedek Medical Center were identified. Cases induced by either PGE2 or oxytocin were matched by the following criteria: (1) time from PROM to IOL; (2) modified Bishop score prior to IOL ≤ 5; (3) newborn birthweight; and (4) vertex position. The primary outcome was time from IOL to delivery. Results: Ninety-five matched cases were identified. All had a modified Bishop score ≤ 5. Maternal age (26 ± 4.7 years old, p = 0.203) and gestational age at delivery (38.6 ± 0.6, p = 0.701) were similar between the groups. Matched factors including time from PROM to IOL (23.5 ± 19.2 versus 24.3 ± 21.4 p = 0.780), birth weight of the newborn (3111 g versus 3101 g, p = 0.842), and occiput anterior position (present on 98% in both groups p = 0.687) were similar. Time from IOL to delivery was significantly shorter by 3 h and 36 min in the group induced with oxytocin than in the group induced with PGE2 (p = 0.025). Within 24 h, 55 (58%) of those induced with PGE2 delivered, compared to 72 (76%) of those induced with oxytocin, (p = 0.033). The cesarean delivery rates [18 (19%) versus 17 (18%)], blood transfusion rates [2 (2%) versus 3 (3%)], and Apgar scores (8.8 versus 8.9) were similar between the groups (PGE2 versus oxytocin, respectively), p ≥ 0.387. Conclusions: Induction with oxytocin, among nulliparas with term PROM and an unfavorable cervix, was associated with a shorter time from IOL to delivery and a higher rate of vaginal delivery within 24 h, with no difference in short-term maternal or neonatal adverse outcomes. Full article

The aim was to compare transperineal ultrasound (TPU) with parameters of the Bishop Score during the first stage of labour and evaluate how TPU can contribute towards improving labour management. Digital examination (DE) and TPU were performed on 42 women presenting at the labour ward with regular contractions. TPU measurements included the head–symphysis distance, angle of progression, diameter of the cervical wall, cervical dilation (CD) and cervical length (CL). To examine if TPU can monitor labour progress, correlations of TPU parameters were calculated. Agreement of DE and TPU was examined for CL and CD measurements and for two groups divided into latent (CD < 5 cm) and active stages of labour (CD ≥ 5 cm). TPU parameters indicated a moderate negative correlation of CD and CL (Pearson: r = −0.667; Spearman = −0.611). The other parameters showed a weak to moderate correlation. DE and TPU measurements for CD showed better agreement during the latent stage than during the active stage. The results of the present study add to the growing evidence that TPU may contribute towards an improved labour management, suggesting a combined approach of TPU and DE to monitor the latent first stage of labour and using only DE during the active stage of labour. Full article

The purpose of this prospective cohort study is to identify the predictive factors for vaginal delivery among women (n = 146) who underwent cervical ripening using a dinoprostone insert (PG) alone (13.7%), cervical ripening balloon (CRB) alone (52.7%), oral misoprostol (M) alone (4.1%), or repeated methods (R, 29.5%) for gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) at term, and to analyze maternal and neonatal morbidity outcomes according to the method for cervical ripening. After cervical ripening, vaginal delivery occurred in 84.2% (n = 123) and was similar among groups (90.0% after PG, 83.1% after CRB, 83.3% after M, and 83.7% after R; p = 0.89). After a multivariable logistic regression analysis adjusted for potential confounders, the internal cervical os being open before cervical ripening was a predictor of vaginal delivery (adjusted odds ratio (OR) of 4.38, 95% confidence index (CI) of 1.62–13.3, p = 0.03), and previous cesarean delivery was a predictor of cesarean delivery (aOR of 7.67, 95% CI of 2.49–24.00, p < 0.01). Birthweight was also significantly associated with cesarean delivery (aOR of 1.15, 95% CI of 1.03–1.31, p = 0.02). The rates of maternal and neonatal morbidity outcomes were 10.9% (n = 16) and 19.9% (n = 29), respectively, and did not differ according to the mode of delivery and to the method used for cervical ripening. Identifying these specific high-risk women (previous cesarean delivery and internal cervical os being closed before cervical ripening) for cesarean delivery among women who underwent cervical ripening for GDM at term is important and practical for all physicians to make a decision in partnership with women. Full article

Background: Induction of labour (IOL) is a way to stimulate the onset of labour using mechanical and pharmacological methods. IOL is one of the most frequently performed obstetric procedures worldwide. We aimed to determine compliance with guidelines and to investigate factors associated with the success of labour. Methods: In this retrospective, observational study, we analysed all induced deliveries in a Swiss hospital between January 2020 and December 2022. Results: Out of 1705 deliveries, 349 women underwent IOL, and 278 were included in this study, with an average age of 32 years (range 19–44 years). Most of the women were induced for missed deadlines (20.1%), the premature rupture of membranes (16.5%), and gestational diabetes mellitus (9.3%), and there was a good adherence to the guideline, especially with the indication and IOL monitoring (100%). However, an improvement needs to be made in measuring and documenting the Bishop score (41%). The success of labour was associated with multiparity (81.8% vs. 62.4% p = 0.001) and maternal non-obesity (73.4 vs. 54.1% p = 0.026). Conclusions: An improvement is needed in the measurement and documentation of the Bishop score. Further research is needed to confirm the found associations between parity, obesity, and the success of IOL. Full article

Doppler findings of persistent reverse end-diastolic flow (PREDF) in a fetal middle cerebral artery (MCA) are a very rare sonographic finding and are a marker of poor fetal condition. This finding often leads to intrauterine fetal death or early neonatal death. Reverse end-diastolic flow in the middle cerebral artery is an advanced hemodynamic event. Fetal cerebral circulation normally has a high impedance; in the event of fetal hypoxemia, impedance decreases, resulting in the central redistribution of blood flow to vital organs, which maintains the oxygen delivery to the brain. Reverse flow in the middle cerebral arteries describes the loss of this autoregulatory process. PREDF is a sequence that occurs due to increased extracranial or intracranial pressure. Previous case reports mentioned intracranial hemorrhage, fetal growth restriction, fetal anemia, and fetal hepatic abnormalities as problems leading to PREDF. This condition presumably arises due to cerebral edema associated with severe hypoxemia. We reported Doppler findings of PREDF MCA in a 33-year-old female patient at 30 weeks gestation who was referred to the hospital with severe preeclampsia accompanied by fetal growth restriction and oligohydramnios. A cesarean section was performed due to severe preeclampsia and a low bishop score. Hypotheses on various etiologies and their association with intrauterine/neonatal death as well as the best management still require further investigation. Full article

Determination of the Bishop score (BS) is a traditional method of assessing the cervix in obstetrics and gynecology. This examination is characterized by subjectivity of assessment and low repeatability. In scientific studies intended to evaluate the results of the procedure based on the initial assessment, it is necessary to find an objective scale based on ultrasonography. We selected five ultrasound parameters, measured with a transvaginal transducer, that are equivalent to the individual BS axes (dilatation assessed in three-dimensional ultrasound (DL), angle of progression (AoP), vagino-cervical angle (VCA), strain elastography using the E-Cervix module, and cervical length (CL)). All selected parameters were characterized by good to excellent repeatability (intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) = 0.878–0.994) and reproducibility (ICC = 0.826–0.996). Each of the selected parameters significantly correlated with its corresponding BS axis. The highest value of the correlation coefficient was achieved with CL (−0.75) and DL (0.71). Other parameters were characterized by an average to high correlation (AoP and station = 0.69, hardness ratio and consistency = −0.33, position and VCA = −0.38). The best correlation with the sum of the BS points was exhibited by AoP (0.52) and CL (−0.61). The selected ultrasound parameters analogous to the BS axes were characterized by high repeatability and significant correlation with the axes of the original clinical BS. Further research into the predictive properties of a multivariate model based on these parameters is needed. Full article

Background: The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a misoprostol vaginal insert as an induction-of-labor (IOL) agent in women with an unfavorable cervix (Bishop score < 2) in achieving vaginal delivery (VD) within 48 h, depending on the gestational week, with particular emphasis on the cesarean section (CS) percentage, intrapartum analgesia application and possible side effects, such as tachysystole ratio. Methods: In this retrospective observational study involving 6000 screened pregnant patients, 190 women (3%) fulfilled the study inclusion criteria and underwent vaginal misoprostol IOL. The pregnant women were collected into three groups: patients who delivered at up to 37 weeks of gestation (<37 Group)—42 patients; patients who delivered between 37 and 41 weeks of gestation (37–41 Group)—76 patients; and patients who delivered after 41 weeks of gestation (41+ Group)—72 patients. The outcomes included time to delivery and mode of delivery, rate of tachysystole, need for intrapartum analgesia, and need for oxytocin augmentation. Results: Most of the patients delivered vaginally (54.8% in <37 Group vs. 57.9% in 37–41 Group vs. 61.1% in 41+ Group). A total of 89.5% (170/190) of patients delivered within 48 h (<37 Group—78.6% vs. 37–41 Group—89.5% vs. 41+ Group—95.8%). Statistical significance was demonstrated for the increased rate of vaginal deliveries and shortened time to delivery in the 41+ weeks group (p = 0.0026 and p = 0.0038). The indications for cesarean section were as follows: abnormal CTG pattern vs. lack of labor progression: 42.1% vs. 57.9% in <37 Group, 59.4% vs. 40.6% in 37–41 Group and 71.4% vs. 28.6% in 41+ Group. Statistical significance was demonstrated for the increased rate of abnormal CTG patterns as cesarean section indications in the 41+ Group (p = 0.0019). The need for oxytocin augmentation in each group was: 35.7% in <37 Group vs. 19.7% in 37–41 Group vs. 11.1% in 41+ Group. Statistical significance was shown for decreased need for oxytocin augmentation in +41 Group (p = 0.0016). The need for intrapartum anesthesia, depending on the group, was: 78.6% in <37 Group vs. 82.9% in 37–41 Group vs. 83.3% in 41+ Group. Statistical significance was demonstrated for increased need for intrapartum anesthesia application during labor in +41 Group (p = 0.0018). The prevalence of hyperstimulation was similar in all three groups (4.8% vs. 7.9% vs. 5.6% p > 0.05). Conclusions: The misoprostol vaginal regimen for IOL used in our study is effective in achieving vaginal delivery within 48 h. In post-term women, the use of this regimen is characterized by an increased rate of vaginal deliveries, a shorter time to delivery and a lower need for oxytocin. Full article