Acta Obstetricia et Gynecologica Scandinavica最新文献

Introduction: In recent decades, centralization of health care has resulted in a number of obstetric unit closures. While studies support better infant outcomes in larger facilities, few have investigated maternal outcomes. We investigated obstetric unit closures over time and whether obstetric volume is associated with onset of labor, postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) and obstetric anal sphincter injury (OASIS).

Material and methods: All births registered in Sweden between 1992 and 2019 (Medical Birth Register, N = 2 931 140), linked with data on sociodemographic characteristics and maternal/infant diagnoses, were used to describe obstetric unit closures. After excluding congenital malformations, obstetric volume was categorized (low: 0-1999, medium: 2000-3999, high: ≥4000 births per year). Restricting to 2004 onwards (after most closures), the association between volume and onset of labor (spontaneous as reference) was estimated. Restricting to spontaneous, full-term (≥37 weeks gestation) cephalic births, we then investigated the association between volume and PPH and, after excluding planned cesarean sections, OASIS. Odds ratios from multilevel (logistic) models clustered by hospital were estimated.

Results: The 20 dissolved obstetric units (1992-2019) had relatively stable volume until their closure. Compared to the average, women birthing in the highest volume hospitals were older (31.3 years vs. 30.4) and a higher proportion had >12 years of education (57 vs. 51%). Compared to high-volume hospitals, there was no significant difference in labor starting by elective cesarean section or induction, rather than spontaneously, among low (OR 0.88, 95% CI: 0.73-1.06) and medium (OR 0.84, 95% CI 0.71-1.01) volume hospitals. There were lower odds of PPH among low (OR 0.72, 95% CI 0.63-0.85) and medium (OR 0.83, 95% CI 0.72-0.97) volume hospitals. No significant association was found between obstetric volume and OASIS (low: OR 0.98, 95% CI 0.82-1.18; medium: OR 0.90, 95% CI 0.77-1.05).

Conclusions: There was not a strong relationship between obstetric volume and maternal outcomes. Reduced odds of PPH for women birthing in smaller units may be due to triaging high-risk pregnancies to larger hospitals. While there was no significant association between obstetric volume and onset of labor or OASIS, other important factors related to closures, such as workload and overcrowding, should be investigated.

Introduction: Being able to counsel patients with one prior cesarean birth on the risk of uterine rupture with a trial of labor after cesarean, (TOLAC) is an important aspect of prenatal care. Despite uterine rupture being a catastrophic event, there is currently no successful, validated prediction model to predict its occurrence.

Material and methods: This was a cross-sectional study using US national birth data between 2014 and 2021. The primary objective was to identify risk factors for uterine rupture during TOLAC and to generate a prediction model for uterine rupture among singleton gestations with one prior cesarean as their only prior birth. The secondary objective was to describe the maternal and neonatal morbidity associated with uterine rupture. The association of all candidate variables with uterine rupture was tested with uni- and multi-variable logistic regression analyses. We included term and preterm singleton pregnancies with one prior birth that was cesarean birth (CB) with cephalic presentation undergoing TOLAC. We excluded pregnancies with major structural anomalies and chromosomal abnormalities. The Receiver Operating Characteristics (ROC) Curve was generated. p value <0.001 was considered statistically significant.

Results: Of the 270 329 singleton pregnancies with one prior CB undergoing TOLAC during the study period, there were 957 cases of uterine rupture (3.54 cases per 1000). Factors associated with uterine rupture in multivariable models were an interpregnancy interval < 18 months versus the reference interval of 24-35 months (aOR 1.55; 95% CI, 1.19-2.02), induction of labor (aOR 2.31; 95% CI, 2.01-2.65), and augmentation of labor (aOR 1.94; 95% CI, 1.70-2.21). Factors associated with reduced rates of uterine rupture were maternal age < 20 years (aOR 0.33, 95% CI 0.15-0.74) and 20-24 years (aOR 0.79, 95% CI 0.64-0.97) versus the reference of 25-29 years and gestational age at delivery 32-36 weeks versus the reference of 37-41 weeks (aOR 0.55, 95% CI 0.38-0.79). Incorporating these factors into a predictive model for uterine rupture yielded an area under the receiver-operating curve of 0.66. Additionally, all analyzed maternal and neonatal morbidities were increased in the setting of uterine rupture compared to non-rupture.

Conclusions: Uterine rupture prediction models utilizing TOLAC characteristics have modest performance.

Introduction: Asthma is the most common chronic disease during pregnancy. Maternal asthma has been associated with a multitude of unwanted pregnancy outcomes, in some studies also with neurodevelopmental disorders. Here we investigated associations between maternal asthma and neurodevelopmental disorders.

Material and methods: We studied a retrospective population-based cohort of 1 271 439 mother-child pairs from singleton live births in Finland between the years 1996-2018. We used multiple high-cover registers for data collection. Adjusted unconditional Cox regression models were used to investigate associations between maternal asthma, asthma medication used during pregnancy, and offspring's neurodevelopmental disorder diagnoses.

Results: We identified 106 163 mother-child pairs affected by maternal asthma. We found that maternal asthma was associated with offspring neurodevelopmental disorders, but the differences in absolute prevalence between the control and exposure groups were small. Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) was found in 4114 (3.9%) offspring with maternal asthma and in 32 122 (3.0%) controls (adjusted hazard ratio (HR): 1.49; 95% CI 1.44-1.54); autism in 1617 (1.5%) offspring versus 13 701 (1.3%) controls (HR: 1.33; 95% CI 1.26-1.40); motor-developmental disorder in 1569 (1.5%) offspring versus 12 147 (1.1%) controls (HR: 1.37; 95% CI 1.30-1.45); language disorder in 3057 (2.9%) offspring versus 28 421 (2.7%) controls (HR: 1.13; 95% CI 1.08-1.17), learning disabilities in 849 (0.8%) offspring versus 6534 (0.6%) controls (HR: 1.51; 95% CI 1.41-1.62); mixed developmental disorder in 1633 (1.5%) offspring versus 14 434 (1.3%) controls (HR 1.20; 95% CI, 1.14-1.26); and intellectual disability in 908 (0.9%) versus 9155 (0.9%) controls (HR: 1.12; 95% CI 1.04-1.20). No substantial differences were found between allergic and non-allergic asthma phenotypes, and neither allergic tendency nor respiratory infection was associated with a similar likelihood of neurodevelopmental disorders.

Conclusions: Maternal asthma and allergic and non-allergic phenotypes showed weak associations with the offspring's neurodevelopmental disorders. The association is concerned especially with learning disabilities, ADHD, motor development, and autism.

Introduction: Cesarean sections are increasing worldwide and are associated with altered risks of complications for both mother and child. Vaginal birth after cesarean section is associated with lower maternal and neonatal morbidity than in repeat cesarean section. Only a few studies have considered the indication for the previous cesarean section to be of importance for the outcome of subsequent labor. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether the indication for a previous cesarean section affects the outcomes at a subsequent delivery in women with induction of labor.

Material and methods: This retrospective cohort study of the four largest delivery units in Stockholm during 2012-2015 included 1150 women with one previous cesarean section with induction of labor.

Inclusion criteria: women with induced labor and a previous cesarean section, singleton pregnancy, cephalic presentation, gestational age of ≥34 weeks. The women were grouped by indication for the previous cesarean section.

Primary outcome: mode of delivery (vaginal birth after previous cesarean section or repeat cesarean section).

Secondary outcomes: induction to delivery time, postpartum hemorrhage, uterine rupture. Neonatal outcomes: birth weight, Apgar score <7, arterial umbilical cord blood gas pH <7.0.

Results: Our study found that the indication of labor dystocia at the previous cesarean section, increased the risk of repeat cesarean section (aOR 5.35; 95% CI: 1.64-17.50) in women with induction of labor. Other risk factors for repeat cesarean section were birth weight >4000 g, maternal BMI ≥30 or if vaginal prostaglandin was used as the method for induction of labor. A previous vaginal delivery and use of oxytocin increased the chance of a vaginal delivery in this group of women.

Conclusions: Our study showed that the indication for the previous cesarean section affects the outcome in the subsequent delivery in women with induction of labor. If the indication for the previous cesarean section was labor dystocia, the risk of repeat cesarean section was increased.

Introduction: Optimal counseling of women for vaginal breech birth requires consideration of both established and emerging risk factors for adverse perinatal outcomes. Currently, rising prevalences of maternal obesity and impaired glucose tolerance challenge obstetric care. We aimed to investigate the effects of these parameters on the outcome of vaginal breech birth to improve counseling practices.

Material and methods: A total of 361 women (without previous vaginal births) attending vaginal birth of a singleton fetus in breech presesntation between 01/2015 and 11/2021 were included in this retrospective single-center study. Data were derived from the hospital data base. We analyzed the effect of the maternal body mass index (BMI) at birth (compared to pre-pregnancy BMI), excessive weight gain, gestational diabetes, and neonatal birthweight on obstetrical and neonatal short-term outcomes (intrapartum cesarean delivery, performance of obstetric maneuvers (Løvset-, Bracht-, Veit-Smellie maneuver and Bickenbach's arm delivery), admission to the neonatal unit, Apgar score after 5 minutes <7, and arterial cord pH-value <7.10). Multivariable logistic regression was used for analysis and adjustment of variables.

Results: Overall, 246 women (68.1%) had a successful vaginal birth. Intrapartum cesarean delivery (n = 115/361; 31.9%) was independently associated with maternal BMI at birth (p = 0.0283, aOR = 1.87 (1.19-3.97)) if birthweight was ≥3800 g. The rate of intrapartum cesarean delivery was also higher in women with gestational diabetes (p = 0.0030, aOR = 10.83 (2.41-60.84)). A significantly higher risk of neonatal acidosis (arterial pH-value <7.10) was observed in women with BMI at birth ≥30 kg/m² (p = 0.0345, aOR = 1.84 (1.04-3.22)) without affecting other outcomes. Pre-pregnancy BMI, gestational weight gain and BMI-gain did not significantly affect the obstetrical and neonatal birth outcomes.

Conclusions: When neonatal birthweight is ≥3800 g, maternal BMI at birth (p = 0.0283; aOR = 1.87 (1.19-3.97)) is independently associated with the rate of intrapartum cesarean delivery. However, pre-pregnancy BMI and BMI-gain during pregnancy were not associated with the need for intrapartum cesarean delivery or other adverse outcomes. Consequently, BMI at the time of birth could be more informative than pre-pregnancy BMI and may improve counseling of women attempting vaginal breech birth.

Introduction: Intimate partner violence against women is a global health issue. Exposure to intimate partner violence during pregnancy leads to health-related problems for both the mother and the newborn. However, current knowledge on its occurrence varies widely and assessing the problem using standardized tools in different contexts is needed. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence and associated factors of IPV in pregnant women in Denmark and Spain through digital screening tools.

Material and methods: A cross-sectional design was used to systematically screen for intimate partner violence among pregnant women attending antenatal care by using standardized digital screening tools, Woman Abuse Screening Tool and Abuse Assessment Screen.

Results: A total of 17 220 pregnant women in Denmark and 2222 pregnant women in Spain were invited to participate. The response rate was high in both countries (77.3% and 92.5%, respectively). Overall, 6.9% (n = 913) and 13.7% (n = 282) screened positive in Denmark and Spain, respectively. Logistic regressions estimated crude and adjusted odds ratio with 95% confidence intervals of the relationship between sociodemographic variables and intimate partner violence. In both countries, being unmarried and lacking social support were risk factors of intimate partner violence. Additionally, in Denmark, pregnant women older than 40 years, unemployed or foreign, were at higher risk, while having higher educational levels was a protective factor. In Spain, not having a partner at the time of questionnaire completion and having at least one child prior to the current pregnancy were risk factors of intimate partner violence.

Conclusions: Prevalence results and found associated factors contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of the occurrence of intimate partner violence during pregnancy in Denmark and Spain, while highlighting the feasibility of digital systematic screening in antenatal settings.

Introduction: Although perinatal death rates in the Nordic countries are among the lowest in the world, the risk of perinatal death is unevenly distributed across the Nordic countries, despite similarity in health care systems and pregnancy care. Birth registration practices across countries may explain some of the differences. We investigated differences in national registration of perinatal mortality within the Nordic countries and its impact on perinatal mortality according to gestational age.

Material and methods: Each country provided information by answering a questionnaire about registration of perinatal deaths. Furthermore, we collected aggregated count data based on Medical Birth Registries (MBR) from all Nordic countries in 2000 to 2021. Perinatal mortality was defined as stillbirth or neonatal death occurring within first 7 days of life. Data were grouped into six groups by gestational age (GA): extremely preterm (>28 + 0 weeks, subdivided into 22 + 0-23 + 6 and 24 + 0-27 + 6), very preterm (GA 28 + 0-31 + 6), moderate preterm (GA 32 + 0-33 + 6), late preterm (GA 34 + 0-36 + 6), term (GA 37 + 0-40 + 6) and late term or post-term birth (GA ≥ 41 + 0). Perinatal mortality rate and risk ratio with 95% confidence intervals were calculated per country for each gestational age group. For Denmark, separate analyses included and excluded induced abortions.

Results: The study included 6 343 805 live births, 22 727 stillbirths and 8932 liveborn infants who died within the first week of life after GA 22 + 0. Further 25 057 births were included with GA < 22 + 0, unknown GA and as a result of induced abortion. Overall, perinatal mortality rates decreased during year 2000-2021 in all Nordic countries. After exclusion of induced abortions, the perinatal mortality rate was similar in the five Nordic countries. The perinatal mortality rate for extremely preterm born infants was highest in Denmark, whereas the highest rate among infants born late term/post-term was in Sweden.

Conclusions: The perinatal mortality rate in the Nordic countries is still decreasing, especially in the group of extremely preterm born infants. This study supports the need for further standardization of birth registration practices to ensure the validity of international comparisons.

Introduction: Timing of induction of labor (IOL) at term has been investigated in multiple settings. In Denmark, the 'When to INDuce for OverWeight' (WINDOW) study compares IOL at 39 weeks of gestation versus expectant management in low-risk women with obesity. However, knowledge on women's expectations of and experience with IOL is sparse. The aim of this study was to explore women's motivation to join the WINDOW study and their experience when randomized to IOL at 39 gestational weeks.

Material and methods: A qualitative interview study of 25 pregnant women with obesity randomized in the WINDOW study to IOL at 39 weeks of gestation was conducted. Participants were recruited from four hospitals in Central Denmark Region and were interviewed four to six weeks after giving birth. A thematic analysis was performed using a phenomenological approach.

Results: The analysis resulted in three main themes, (1) Motivation for IOL, (2) The IOL process, and (3) IOL in recollection and in the future. Participants perceived inclusion into the WINDOW study as a "great opportunity," as they hoped to be randomized to IOL at 39 weeks of gestation. Their main motivation for participating was physical discomfort in late pregnancy and a wish for "knowing" the timing of the birth. BMI-related risk factors were mentioned by few as a motivating factor. Some participants described the IOL process as a team effort between the couple and the midwives and were positive towards future IOL. Others associated the IOL process with prolonged labor or described the body as "reluctant" to respond to the induction regime. A desire to experience spontaneous onset of labor in a future pregnancy was mentioned.

Conclusions: Physical discomfort and wanting to "control" the onset of labor were main motivations for women's decision to participate in the WINDOW study, hoping they would be allocated for IOL. Comprehensive information and being supported by midwives through the IOL process was crucial for a positive IOL experience. Some participants were positive towards a future IOL. Others speculated if their body was not ready for birth in 39 weeks of gestation and/or associated the IOL process with a challenging labor.

Introduction: Early induction of labor (37⁺⁰-38⁺⁶ gestational weeks) in large-for-gestational-age infants may reduce perinatal risks such as shoulder dystocia, but it may also increase the long-term risks of reduced cognitive abilities. This systematic review aimed to evaluate the cognitive and academic outcomes of large-for-gestational-age children born early term versus full term (combined or independent exposures).

Material and methods: The protocol was registered in the PROSPERO database under the registration no. CRD42024528626. Five databases were searched from their inception until March 27, 2024, without language restrictions. Studies reporting childhood cognitive or academic outcomes after early term or large-for-gestational-age births were included. Two reviewers independently screened the selected studies. One reviewer extracted the data, and the other double-checked the data. The risk of bias was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Quality Assessment Scale. In addition to narrative synthesis, meta-analyses were conducted where possible.

Results: Of the 2505 identified articles, no study investigated early-term delivery in large-for-gestational-age babies. Seventy-six studies involving 11 460 016 children investigated the effects of either early-term delivery or large-for-gestational-age. Children born at 37 weeks of gestation (standard mean difference, -0.13; 95% confidence interval, -0.21 to -0.05), but not at 38 weeks (standard mean difference, -0.04; 95% confidence interval, -0.08 to 0.002), had lower cognitive scores than those born at 40 weeks. Large-for-gestational-age children had slightly higher cognitive scores than appropriate-for-gestational-age children (standard mean difference, 0.06; 95% confidence interval, 0.01-0.11). Similar results were obtained using the outcomes of either cognitive impairment or academic performance.

Conclusions: No study has investigated the combined effect of early-term delivery on cognitive scores in large-for-gestational-age babies. Early-term delivery may have a very small detrimental effect on cognitive scores, whereas being large for gestational age may have a very small benefit. However, evidence from randomized controlled trials or observational studies is required.

Introduction: It is well known that both women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) have increased risks of adverse pregnancy outcomes, but little is known whether the combination of these two conditions exacerbates the risks. We explored risk estimates for adverse pregnancy outcomes in women with either PCOS or GDM and the combination of both PCOS and GDM.

Material and methods: Nationwide register-based historical cohort study in Sweden including women who gave birth to singleton infants during 1997-2015 (N = 281 806). The risks of adverse pregnancy outcomes were estimated for women exposed for PCOS-only (n = 40 272), GDM-only (n = 2236), both PCOS and GDM (n = 1036) using multivariable logistic regression analyses. Risks were expressed as odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) and adjusted for maternal characteristics, including maternal BMI. Women with neither PCOS nor GDM served as control group. Maternal outcomes were gestational hypertension, preeclampsia, postpartum hemorrhage, and obstetric anal sphincter injury. Neonatal outcomes were preterm birth, stillbirth, shoulder dystocia, born small or large for gestational age, macrosomia, low Apgar score, infant birth trauma, cerebral impact of the infant, neonatal hypoglycemia, meconium aspiration syndrome and respiratory distress.

Results: Based on non-significant PCOS by GDM interaction analyses, we found no evidence that having PCOS adds any extra risk beyond that of having GDM for maternal and neonatal outcomes. For example, the adjusted odds ratio for preeclampsia in women with PCOS-only were 1.18 (95% CI 1.11-1.26), for GDM-only 1.77 (95% CI 1.45-2.15), and for women with PCOS and GDM 1.86 (95% CI 1.46-2.36). Corresponding adjusted odds ratio for preterm birth in women with PCOS-only were 1.34 (95% CI 1.28-1.41), GDM-only 1.64 (95% CI 1.39-1.93), and for women with PCOS and GDM 2.08 (95% CI 1.67-2.58). Women with PCOS had an increased risk of stillbirth compared with the control group (aOR 1.52, 95% CI 1.29-1.80), whereas no increased risk was noted in women with GDM (aOR 0.58, 95% CI 0.24-1.39).

Conclusions: The combination of PCOS and GDM adds no extra risk beyond that of having GDM alone, for a number of maternal and neonatal outcomes. Nevertheless, PCOS is still an unrecognized risk factor in pregnancy, exemplified by the increased risk of stillbirth.