Timing of Elective Repeat Cesarean Delivery at 38 Weeks versus 39 Weeks: Rate of Spontaneous Onset of Labor before Planned Cesarean Section and Impact on Maternal Outcome: A Retrospective Cohort Study

Background: The timing of elective repeat cesarean delivery at 38 weeks versus 39 weeks is still a debatable subject, both regarding maternal and neonatal outcomes. In the Saudi context, there is lack of local data to aid decision-making regarding the timing of elective repeat cesarean delivery. Objectives: To estimate the rate of spontaneous onset of labor before the planned gestational age for repeat cesarean section in women who were booked at gestational age of (39 0/7 - 39 6/7) weeks (W39) versus (38 0/7 - 38 6/7) weeks (W38) and to compare the rate of maternal composite outcome between these groups. Design: Retrospective cohort. Setting: This study was conducted at King Abdulaziz Medical City, Jeddah, KSA. Method: Delivery registry books were reviewed to identify all deliveries from 1 January 2014 to 31 December 2016 (3 years). All low-risk pregnant women who had 2 or more cesarean deliveries and who met the inclusion criteria were included. Results: A total of 440 women were included of whom 318 (72.3%) were planned for elective cesarean section at W38 gestational age and 122 women at W39 gestational age. Mothers planned at W39 had higher rate of emergency cesarean deliveries versus those planned at W38 (18.0% versus 10.4%, p = 0.030;RR = 13.06), most frequently due to early onset of contractions (16.4% versus 8.2%, p = 0.012;RR = 12.17) or cervical dilatation (11.6% versus 5.4%, p = 0.024, RR = 16.15). No difference in the incidence of individual or composite maternal complications was noted between the two groups. Mother’s age (OR 0.93, p = 0.018) and schedule date at W39 (OR = 1.94, p = 0.028) were independently associated with spontaneous onset of labor before the scheduled gestational age, while no association was found with parity, previous number of spontaneous vaginal deliveries, number of previous cesarean deliveries or interval from last cesarean delivery. Conclusion: Elective cesarean section scheduled at 39 weeks of gestation or beyond carries a higher risk of emergency cesarean section, with no significant increase in maternal complications. The identification of factors associated with spontaneous onset of labor before the planned gestational age should be carefully identified to determine the optimal timing.

Pregnancy Outcomes of Repeat Cesarean Section in Peking Union Medical College Hospital

Objective To evaluate the effect of elective repeat cesarean section on the maternal and neonatal outcomes. Methods A retrospective clinic- and hospital-based survey was designed for comparing the maternal and neonatal outcomes of elective repeat cesarean section [RCS group （one previous cesarean section） and MRCS group （two or more previous cesarean sections）] and primary cesarean section （FCS group） at Peking Union Medical College Hospital from January 1998 to December 2007. Results The incidence of repeat cesarean section increased from 1.26% to 7.32%. The mean gestational age at delivery in RCS group （38.1±1.8 weeks） and MRCS group （37.3±2.5 weeks） were significantly shorter than that in FCS group （38.9±2.1 weeks, all P〈0.01）. The incidence of complication was 33.8% and 33.3% in RCS group and MRCS group respectively, and was significantly higher than that in FCS group （7.9%, P〈0.05）. Dense adhesion （13.5% vs. 0.4%, OR=7.156, 95% CI： 1.7-30.7, P〈0.01） and uterine rupture （1.0% vs. O,P〈0.05） were commoner in RCS group compared with FCS group. Neonatal morbidity was similar among three groups （P〉0.05）. Conclusions Repeat cesarean section is associated with more complicated surgery technique and increased frequency of maternal morbidity. However, the incidence of neonatal morbidity is similar to primary cesarean section.

Effectiveness of Seprafilm^®in Preventing Adhesions on Repeated Cesarean Sections

Due to the recent advances in assisted reproductive technology therapy and perinatal care, cesarean sections have been increasingly employed. The aim of this study was to elucidate the effectiveness of Seprafilm® in saving time during fetal deliveries and in minimizing the amount of blood loss in cesarean deliveries. In cases of second cesarean section, our results showed that Seprafilm® significantly reduced the fetal delivery time from 7.5 ± 2.8 to 5.4 ± 2.2 min (p = 0.001). The time required for total surgery was shortened from 45.3 ± 10.0 to 39.6 ± 6.5 min (p = 0.003). The blood loss was diminished from 816.4 ± 352.1 to 630.8 ± 255.9 g (p = 0.01). These results demonstrate that Seprafilm® is very effective even in repeated cesarean sections.

Effect of intraoperative injection of esketamine on postoperative analgesia and postoperative rehabilitation after cesarean section

BACKGROUND Following cesarean section,a significant number of women encounter moderate to severe pain.Inadequate management of acute pain post-cesarean section can have far-reaching implications,adversely impacting maternal emotional wellbeing,daily activities,breastfeeding,and neonatal care.It may also impede maternal organ function recovery,leading to escalated opioid usage,heightened risk of postpartum depression,and the development of chronic postoperative pain.Both the Chinese Enhanced Recovery After Surgery(ERAS)guidelines and the American ERAS Society guidelines consistently advocate for the adoption of multimodal analgesia protocols in post-cesarean section pain management.Esketamine,functioning as an antagonist of the N-Methyl-D-Aspartate receptor,has been validated for pain management in surgical patients and has exhibited effectiveness in depression treatment.Research has suggested that incorporating esketamine into postoperative pain management via pain pumps can lead to improvements in short-term depression and pain outcomes.This study aims to assess the efficacy and safety of administering a single dose of esketamine during cesarean section.AIM To investigate the effect of intraoperative injection of esketamine on postoperative analgesia and postoperative rehabilitation after cesarean section.METHODS A total of 315 women undergoing elective cesarean section under combined spinal-epidural anesthesia were randomized into three groups:low-dose esketamine(0.15 mg/kg),high-dose esketamine(0.25 mg/kg),and control(saline).Postoperative Visual Analog Scale(VAS)scores were recorded at 6 hours,12 hours,24 hours,and 48 hours.Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale(EPDS)scores were noted on 2 days,7 days and 42 days.Ramsay sedation scores were assessed at specified intervals post-injection.Postoperative adverse reactions were also recorded.RESULTS Low-dose group and high-dose group compared to control group,had significantly lower postoperative VAS pain scores at 6 hours 12 hours,and 24 hours(P<0.05),with reduced analgesic usage(P<0.05).EPDS scores and postpartum depression rates were significantly lower on 2 days and 7 days(P<0.05).No significant differences in first exhaust and defecation times were observed(P>0.05),but ambulation times were shorter(P<0.05).Ramsay scores were higher at 5 minutes,15 minutes,and upon room exit(P<0.05).Low-dose group and high-dose group had higher incidences of hallucination,lethargy,and diplopia within 2 hours(P<0.05),and with low-dose group had lower incidences of hallucination,lethargy,and diplopia than high-dose group(P<0.05).CONCLUSION Esketamine enhances analgesia and postpartum recovery;a 0.15 mg/kg dose is optimal for cesarean sections,balancing efficacy with minimized adverse effects.

Clinical nursing value of predictive nursing in reducing complications of pregnant women undergoing short-term massive blood transfusion during cesarean section

BACKGROUND Cesarean hemorrhage is one of the serious complications,and short-term massive blood transfusion can easily cause postoperative infection and physical stress response.However,predictive nursing intervention has important clinical significance for it.AIM To explore the effect of predictive nursing intervention on the stress response and complications of women undergoing short-term mass blood transfusion during cesarean section(CS).METHODS A clinical medical record of 100 pregnant women undergoing rapid mass blood transfusion during sections from June 2019 to June 2021.According to the different nursing methods,patients divided into control group(n=50)and observation group(n=50).Among them,the control group implemented routine nursing,and the observation group implemented predictive nursing intervention based on the control group.Moreover,compared the differences in stress res-ponse,complications,and pain scores before and after the nursing of pregnant women undergoing rapid mass blood transfusion during CS.RESULTS The anxiety and depression scores of pregnant women in the two groups were significantly improved after nursing,and the psychological stress response of the observation group was significantly lower than that of the control group(P<0.05).The heart rate and mean arterial pressure(MAP)of the observation group during delivery were lower than those of the control group,and the MAP at the end of delivery was lower than that of the control group(P<0.05).Moreover,different pain scores improved significantly in both groups,with the observation group considerably less than the control group(P<0.05).After nursing,complications such as skin rash,urinary retention,chills,diarrhea,and anaphylactic shock in the observation group were 18%,which significantly higher than in the control group(4%)(P<0.05).CONCLUSION Predictive nursing intervention can effectively relieve the pain,reduce the incidence of complications,improve mood and stress response,and serve as a reference value for the nursing of women undergoing rapid mass transfusion during CS.

Merits and demerits of administering esketamine in preventing postpartum depression following cesarean section

Emergency cesarean section is associated with the development of postpartum depression.Esketamine has been demonstrated to have a rapid onset of antide-pressant effects.Randomized controlled trials and meta-analyses have demon-strated the efficacy of esketamine in preventing postpartum depression after ce-ssarean section.However,the data included in these analyses were derived from elective cesarean sections and differed in the dose and timing of esketamine ad-ministration.Esketamine is a dissociative anesthetic with a dose-dependent risk of inducing psychotic symptoms,including hallucinations.In the setting of cesarean section,esketamine should be administered with caution and only if the potential benefits outweigh the risks.

Effect of psychological nursing intervention combined with acupressure on postoperative recovery of women after cesarean section

BACKGROUND Psychological intervention nursing(PIN)has been considered to have a curative effect on cesarean section(CS)post-operative recovery.However,the therapeutic mechanisms remain obscure.AIM To explore the effects of PIN combined with acupressure massage on CS postoperative recovery.METHODS A retrospective study was conducted on 150 pregnant women admitted to an obstetrics department between January 2020 and January 2023.The control group(CG)received acupressure therapy(n=73),and the intervention group(IG)received acupressure therapy and PIN therapy(n=77).Postoperative recovery time was assessed by anal-exhausting,defecation,bed activity,breastfeeding,and hospital stay times.Adverse effects,including infection,bleeding,limb numbness,intrauterine hematoma,urinary retention,and venous thromboembolism,were recorded.the pain visual analogue scale(VAS)was used to evaluate the degree of pain.Anxiety and depression status were qualitatively assessed using the selfrating anxiety scale(SAS),self-rating depression scale(SDS),and Edinburgh postpartum depression scale(EPDS).The Pittsburgh sleep quality index(PSQI)was used to compare sleep quality between the groups.RESULTS The baseline data and SAS,SDS,EPDS,and PSQI scores did not significantly differ before CS(P>0.05)and neither did complication rates between the two groups after CS(P>0.05).However,anal-exhausting,defecation,waking up,breastfeeding,and hospitalization times were significantly shorter for participants in the IG than those for participants in the CG(P<0.05).The VAS,SAS,SDS,EPDS,and PSQI scores of the IG were significantly lower than those of the CG(P<0.05).CONCLUSION PIN,combined with acupressure massage,effectively promotes maternal recovery,reduces post-CS pain,and improves post-operative negative emotions and sleeping quality.

Analysis of risk factors for postpartum depression after cesarean section in women with early-onset preeclampsia

BACKGROUND Early-onset preeclampsia significantly increases maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality.Many pregnant women with early onset preeclampsia choose cesarean section as their delivery method.Although extensive research has explored the association between postpartum depression(PPD)and cesarean section,few studies have investigated the risk factors after cesarean section in women with early-onset preeclampsia.AIM To examine these risk factors through a retrospective,observational analysis of 287 women who underwent a cesarean section for early preeclampsia between June 2014 and March 2024.METHODS Participants were assessed in person during the 32nd week of pregnancy,2 days post-cesarean,and 6 weeks postpartum.According to the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale(EPDS),participants who underwent cesarean section were divided into PPD(n=60)and non-PPD groups(n=227).Furthermore,PPD was diagnosed at 6 weeks postpartum according to depressive symptoms(EPDS score≥11).The demographic and clinical features of PPD were screened.Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to identify PPD risk factors.RESULTS The prevalence of PPD was 20.9%(60/287)among the 287 women who underwent cesarean section for early-onset preeclampsia.Multivariate logistic regression analyses revealed that advanced age(age>40 years)[odds ratio(OR)=1.93,95%CI:1.31-2.82],previous preeclampsia(OR=7.15,95%CI:5.81-8.85),pre-pregnancy obesity(OR=2.42,95%CI:1.62-3.63),gestational diabetes mellitus(OR=3.52,95%CI:2.51-4.92),preexisting hypertension(OR=1.35,95%CI:1.03-1.89),PPD symptoms(EPDS≥11)at 2 days postpartum(OR=6.15,95%CI:1.32-28.35),high prenatal self-rating anxiety scale score(OR=1.13,95%CI:1.06-1.18),and pain at 6 weeks postpartum(OR=2.16,95%CI:1.28-3.66)were independently associated with PPD.CONCLUSION Risk factors for PPD after cesarean section in women with early-onset preeclampsia include advanced age(age>40 years),pre-pregnancy obesity,previous preeclampsia,gestational diabetes mellitus,preexisting hypertension,PPD symptoms(EPDS≥11)at 2 days postpartum,prenatal anxiety,and pain at 6 weeks postpartum.The early identi-fication of these factors and interventions can mitigate the risk of PPD.

Vaginal Cesarean Section, an Alternative to High-Risk Trigger on Scarred Uterus

The objective is to report a clinical case of vaginal cesarean section performed to expel a dead fetus in scarred uterus. For this indication, vaginal hysterectomy constitutes an alternative to vaginal expulsion with a high risk of uterine rupture and to classic abdominal cesarean section with risk of significant surgical trauma, particularly adhesions. However, this surgical technique, described since the 19th century, remains unknown to many practitioners and few publications exist on the subject throughout the world. Considered obsolete by some practitioners, it retains all its advantages in the practice of modern obstetrics. We report this case of expulsion of fetal death on a tri-scarred uterus performed by vaginal cesarean section at the Health District Reference Health Center (District Hospital) of Commune I in Bamako, Mali in a 37-year-old patient with a pregnancy of 27 weeks of amenorrhea.

Clinical Value of Predictive Nursing Intervention on Deep Venous Thrombosis of Lower Extremities after Cesarean Section

[Objectives]To explore the clinical nursing value of predictive nursing intervention in patients with deep venous thrombosis of lower extremities after cesarean section.[Methods]From December 2022 to April 2023,105 pregnant and lying-in women who were hospitalized in the Gynecology Department of Pingquan Hospital and underwent cesarean section and met the inclusion criteria were included as the study objects.According to the medical records,they were divided into observation group(n=52 cases)and control group(n=53 cases).The clinical experimental subjects were divided into two groups.One group was the control group with routine nursing,and the other group was the observation group with predictive nursing intervention.The number of cases of deep venous thrombosis of lower extremities in the two groups was recorded to evaluate the clinical value.[Results]The incidence of deep venous thrombosis of lower extremities in the two groups after cesarean section was compared,and it was suggested that the incidence of the observation group was lower than that of the control group(P<0.05).[Conclusions]Special predictive nursing intervention can greatly reduce the incidence of deep venous thrombosis of lower extremities after cesarean section,improve nursing satisfaction,and improve clinical efficacy,which is worthy of recommendation.

Effect and Value of Quality Nursing Intervention in Breastfeeding after Cesarean Section among Primigravid Women

Objective:To analyze the effect of using quality nursing care for primigravid women undergoing cesarean delivery.Methods:A total of 80 cases of primigravid women undergoing cesarean section from June 2022 to June 2023 were randomly selected.They were divided into two groups:Group A(40 cases)received routine care and Group B(40 cases)received quality care.The division was done using a computerized randomization method.The effects of the nursing care received in the two groups were compared.Conclusion:Quality nursing care for primigravid women undergoing cesarean section can enhance breastfeeding rates,alleviate maternal anxiety,improve feeding practices,and enhance breastfeeding self-efficacy.

Vaginal Birth after a Cesarean Section at Good Shepherd Mission Hospital at Tshikaji in Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC)

Background: The success rate of vaginal birth after cesarean section with a single cesarean scar is greater than 50%, the lack of the information about the safety of vaginal birth after cesarean delivery pushes most of obstetricians to increase the num ber of cesarean sections following a previous cesarean section. Guidelines for Vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC) indicate that TOLAC offers women with no contraindications and one previous transverse low-segment cesarean. The objective of the current study was to study the outcome of trial of labour after caesarean section (TOLAC), the indications for emergency repeat cesarean section and to determine the maternal and fetal prognosis in vaginal birth after caesarian section (VBAC) at Tshikaji Mission Hospital. Patients, Material and Methods: This is a retrospective study of the records of 126 women were selected to undergo the TOLAC in the department of gynecology and obstetrics at the Tshikaji Mission Hospital over the period from January 1st to December 31st, 2021. The data on demography, antenatal care, labour and delivery and outcomes were collected from the maternity unit of this hospital. The data were analyzed using SPSS version 2.0. Results: The TOLAC in 126 studied women. The course of work allowed vaginal delivery 107 parturient women, a success rate of successful VBAC of 85% after the TOLAC. The repeat emergency cesarean section was necessary for delivery in 15% of cases for failed TOLAC. There was no maternal mortality, but we recorded one fetal death or 0.8% of perinatal mortality, 2 cases of cicatricial dehiscence, the incidence of 1.6%. Maternal morbidity after delivery on cicatricial uterus was dominated by postpartum hemorrhages, with 19 cases or 15.1% of cases. Cervical dilatation of more than 3 cm at the time of admission, the parity more than 3 and were the significant factors in favor of a successful VBAC. Birth weight of more than 3500 g, fetal distress and malpresentation were associated with a lower success rate of VBAC. The TOLAC in selected cases has great importance in the present era of the rising rate of primary CS especially in rural areas. Conclusion: Pregnancy on a cicatricial uterus represents a high-risk pregnancy. Trial of VBAC in selected cases has great importance in the present era of the rising rate of primary CS especially in rural areas. There is a significantly high vaginal birth after caesarian section (VBAC) success rate among selected women undergoing trial of scar in Tshikaji Hospital. TOLAC remains the option for childbirth in low resource settings as Kasai region in DRC. Adequate patient education and counselling in addition to appropriate patient selection for TOLAC remain the cornerstone to achieving high VBAC success rate.

Effects of intravenous infusion of esketamine on analgesia and postpartum antidepressant after cesarean section

Objective:Postpartum depression and postoperative pain affect postpartum physical and psychological rehabilitation.Esketamine,as a dexer of ketamine,has analgesic and antidepressant effects.This study was to investigate the effect of intravenous infusion of esmololone on postoperative analgesia and postpartum depression in parturients undergoing cesarean section.Methods:435 parturients undergoing cesarean section under combined spinal and epidural anesthesia were randomly divided into three groups.All of the subjects were given continuous intravenous infusion 5 minutes after delivery of the fetus.HE:0.4 mg/kg esketamine;LE:0.2 mg/kg esketamine;C:saline.Intraoperative records of MAP and HR at entry operating room(T0),skin resection(T1),beginning of test drug pumping(T2),10 min of pumping(T3)20min of pumping(T4),end of pumping(T5),end of operation(T6)and the adverse reactions before leaving the room were recorded.Postoperative analgesia with intravenous analgesia pump:2.5 ug/kg Sufentanil+8 mg Ondansetron+100 mL Saline.VAS score and sufentanil consumption and adverse reactions were recorded at 2 h(T0’)4 h(T1’)、8 h(T2’)、12 h(T3’)、24 h(T4’)after operation.The Edinburgh Postpartum Depression Scale(EPDS)was used to evaluate the depression status of pregnant women 1 day before operation,1 d,3 d,1 w and 6 w after operation.Result:There was no significant difference in mean arterial pressure(MAP)and heart rate(HR)among the three groups(P>0.05).Compared with C,the incidence of dizziness and diplopia was higher in HE and LE(P<0.05).Compared with C,VAS scores,the sufentanil dosage,and EPDS scores decreased at 1 and 3d postoperatively in both the HE and LE.(P<0.05).Conclusion:The analgesic effect of esketamine after cesarean section is remarkable,which can reduce the use of opioids and improve the short-term depression of pregnant women.

Effect of Height Adjusted Dose of Intrathecal Hyperbaric Bupivacine for Elective Cesarean Section: A Study of 2 Different Concentrations

Introduction: Study compare spinal anesthesia using hyperbaric bupivacine (0.5% - 0.75%) between fixed dose and height adjusted dose during elective cesarean section. Methods: Hundred parturients who had given their consent and were scheduled for elective cesarean section under spinal anesthesia, were divided into four groups—first group received 0.5% hyperbaric bupivacine fixed dose, the second group received 0.5% hyperbaric bupivacine in a dose adjusted to the height, the third received 0.75% hyperbaric bupivacine fixed dose, the fourth group received 0.75% hyperbaric bupivacine in a dose adjusted to height. The anesthesia onset time, haemodynamic changes, side effects and fetal outcome observed. Results: Spinal block provide excellent surgical anesthesia in all patients. Anesthesia onset time is longer in adjusted than fixed groups, in 0.5% (5 ± 0.816 vs. 3.84 ± 0.746) (P Conclusion: Adjusting dose of hyperbaric bupivacine (0.5% - 0.75%) to patient’s height, decreases the dose of bupivacine in use, it also provide adequate anesthesia for elective cesarean section with decrease the use of vasopressors, the incidence and severity of maternal hypotention also markedly reduced.

Prevalence of Cesarean Section at Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation, Guyana: An Institution-Based Cross-Sectional Study

The International Healthcare Community recommends that countries do not exceed a 15% rate for cesarean section (CS). Our objective was to determine the prevalence and factors associated with CS at GPHC from July to September 2022. Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out and data were collected from 1296 mothers, who met the inclusion criteria, through face-to-face interviews after obtaining prior informed consent. We performed descriptive analyses both for the outcome and independent variables. Bivariate and multiple logistic regression were used to identify factors associated with CS with a p-value Results: The prevalence of CS at GPHC was 28.9% (95%CI: 26.5-31.5). Factors associated factors with CS were mothers aged 20 to 34 years (AOR: 1.56, 95%CI: 1.02 - 2.39, P = 0.039);mothers who received more than three minimum wages (AOR: 1.95, 95%CI: 1.29 - 2.97, P = 0.002) and who attended prenatal care at both public and private health facilities (AOR: 2.49, 95% CI: 1.19 - 5.22, P = 0.022). Likewise, the highest Odds of CS were observed in mothers with gestational hypertension (AOR: 2.00, 95%CI: 1.35 - 2.96, P Conclusion: The prevalence of CS is higher than the ideal rate recommended by the International Healthcare Community. More studies are needed to understand the reasons for such high prevalence at GPHC.

Cesarean Sections according to the Robson’s Classification in Two University Hospitals of Yaoundé: Indications and Maternofetal Outcome

Introduction: Cesarean section is a surgical intervention which consists in the extraction of a fetus from the uterus after its incision. The rate of cesarean section varies depending on the country and the health facility. For this reason, in 2015, the World Health Organization (WHO) recommended the use of Robson’s classification to evaluate the practice of cesarean sections in order to identify the groups of women who had abnormally high rates. The objective of our study was to evaluate cesarean sections using the Robson’s classification in CHRACERH and in the Yaoundé Central Hospital (YCH). Methodology: We carried out a retrospective cross sectional and descriptive study in two (02) university hospitals in Yaoundé which took place from December 2017 to May 2018. We included in our study all women who gave birth over a period of two (02) years from January 2016 to December 2017 in these two health facilities. Our sampling was exhaustive over the study period. The parturients’ information was collected using an anonymous and pretested questionnaire. The Robson’s group of every parturient was determined. Descriptive parameters like mean and proportions were calculated. We compared the rates and indications of cesarean sections between the both hospitals using Chi2 test. Results: Out of 330 deliveries realized in CHRACERH, we had 90 cesarean sections;hence, a rate of 27.2%. Out of 1863 deliveries carried out at the YCH, 462 were by cesarean section, hence a rate of 24.8%. The women who belonged to groups 1, 3 and 5 contributed to the highest rates of cesarean sections in both hospitals: in CHRACERH, group 5 (31.1%), group 3 (20%) and group 1 (15.6%), at YCH: group 3 (22.5%), group 1 (21.6%) and group 5 (17.3%). The indications of the cesarean sections varied depending on the Robson’s group and the hospital, the principal indication in group 1 was acute fetal distress (28.6%) in CHRACERH and cephalopelvic disproportion (36.7%) at YCH. Cephalopelvic disproportion was the predominant indication in groups 3 of CHRACERH (44.4%) and YCH (39.2%). In groups 5, CHRACERH and of YCH, a scarred uterus was the principal indication for the cesarean section at 82.4% and 78.4% respectively. At CHRACERH, the maternofetal complications were more frequent in groups 1 and 2 at the YCH, this was the case mostly in groups 1 and 3. Conclusion: The Robson’s classification is an adequate tool for the evaluation and comparison of the rates of cesarean sections. The rates of cesarean section in CHRACERH (27.2%) and at YCH (24.8%) were higher than the rates recommended by WHO. Robson’s groups 1, 3 and 5 were identified as the groups most at risk for cesarean sections in the both hospitals.

The Effect of Early versus Traditional Hospital Discharge on Activities of Daily Living for Women Undergoing Elective Cesarean Section. An Observational Cohort Study

Background: Cesarean section is one of the most common surgeries performed worldwide and its consequences and complications represent a major public health concern. The policy of enhanced recovery after surgery has been implemented after cesarean section to optimize perioperative care. Enhanced recovery also aims to reduce the length of hospital stay, which might imply substantial healthcare savings. Rising hospital costs are one of the factors in early discharge. Patients & Methods: This was a prospective cohort study. 158 patients met the inclusion criteria of the study, 81 patients were discharged after 48 hours and 77 patients were discharged after 24 hours. All patients received the same postoperative care and instructions. All the study participants received a phone call 1, 3, and 5 days after discharge to objectively assess the activities of daily living through Katz index of independence in activities of daily living. All patients were offered a postpartum visit 1 week after discharge during which the wound was assessed by the Southampton wound assessment scale. Moreover, other maternal complications such as mastitis, puerperal sepsis, or pyelonephritis were assessed and cases who were readmitted were documented. Initiation of successful breastfeeding and neonatal readmission were reported as well. Results: 158 patients met the inclusion/exclusion criteria of the study. There was no significant difference between the two arms of the study regarding baseline characteristics. Katz index of independence showed that the resumption of activities of daily living after CS was similar in both arms of the study on days 1, 3 and 5 after discharge. Time till the passage of flatus and stool after the cesarean section was significantly shorter among the early discharge arm (9.31 VS 14.68, p value < 0.001 & 13.25 VS 24.82, p value < 0.001 respectively). Maternal readmission was not significantly higher among the early discharge arm and at the 1-week postpartum visit, objective wound assessment by Southampton wound scoring assessment was made and there was no significant difference between the two arms of the study. Initiation of successful breastfeeding, and neonatal readmission were similar in both groups. Conclusion: The policy of early discharge can be adopted in low-risk cases scheduled for elective uncomplicated CS provided that the mother and the neonate are in good general condition and proper instructions regarding red flag manifestations are given.

Evaluation of Puerperal and Postpartum Infections after Cesarean Section and Their Clinical Outcomes

Puerperal and postpartum infections after cesarean section are a leading cause of maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality worldwide. Postpartum infections account for a significant, and often preventable, portion of the global healthcare burden. Puerperal sepsis is one of the top five causes of maternal deaths worldwide and accounts for 10% - 15% of deaths in the postpartum period. Postpartum infections also present a significant social burden: they increase maternal anxiety and the risk of postpartum depression, interfere with bonding, and negatively impact breastfeeding. To prevent complications and improve outcomes, the evaluation of these infections must be accurate and prompt. This review provided a summary of causes, clinical presentation, laboratory tests, imaging modalities, treatment options, complications, and prognosis of puerperal and postpartum infections following cesarean section. Future directions in the evaluation of these infections were also discussed, including the development of novel diagnostic assays, the use of point-of-care testing and risk factors responsible for the onset of infections. This review emphasized the significance of early diagnosis and prompted treatment of these infections in order to prevent complications and enhance maternal and neonatal outcomes. This article also provided an exhaustive overview of the evaluation and management of puerperal and postpartum infections and the clinical outcome of infections for both mother and neonate.

A Single-center Retrospective Cohort Study on Cesarean Section under General Anesthesia

Objective Neuraxial block is the most common anesthesia method for cesarean section(CS).However,for some urgent and high-risk cesarean delivery,general anesthesia(GA)also plays a very important role.We aimed to find out the reasons of choosing GA for CS in our center and the factors that may be related to the maternal and fetal outcomes.Methods We retrospectively selected parturients who had CS procedures under GA in Peking Union Medical College Hospital from January 1,2014 to December 31,2016.Clinical data(baseline maternal status,preoperative status,perioperative information,maternal and fetal outcomes)of parturients and neonates were collected and analyzed.We summarized the common reasons for applying general anesthesia,and compared the back-to-ICU ratio and hospital stay time between parturients with different maternal American Society of Anesthesiologists(ASA)grade,gestational weeks and intraoperative blood loss,as well as the fetal one-minute Apgar score between different maternal ASA grade and gestational weeks.Results There were 98 cases of CS under GA enrolled in the study.Among the maternal and fetal factors,pregnancy with internal or surgical diseases is the most common reason(59 cases,60.2%)for choosing GA,followed by the placenta and fetal membrane abnormalities(38 cases,38.8%)and the pregnancy-specific disorders(36 cases,36.7%).ASA gradeⅢ-Ⅳof parturients(χ2=44.3,P<0.05),gestation period<37 weeks(χ2=23.4,P<0.05),and blood loss>800 ml(χ2=5.5,P<0.05)were related to the higher postoperative intensive care unit(ICU)rate in parturients.ASA gradeⅢ-Ⅳof parturients(t=-2.99,P<0.05),gestation period<37 weeks(t=2.47,P<0.05)were related to the longer hospital stay.ASA gradeⅢ-Ⅳof parturients(t=2.21,P=0.01)and gestation period<37 weeks(t=-3.21,P=0.002)were related to the lower one-minute Apgar score of neonates.Conclusion Pregnancy with internal or surgical diseases is the most common reason for choosing GA for CS.High ASA grade and short gestation period were the related factors of high postoperative ICU ratio for parturients and low one-minute Apgar score for neonates.

Maternal and Neonatal Outcome for Singleton and Twin Pregnancies in Emergency Cesarean Section vs.Urgent Cesarean Section in a Retrospective Evaluation from 2003-2012

Objectives: Emergency cesarean is performed, when a situation requires immediate action in order to reduce the risk to mother and/or child, while urgent cesarean is done if a non-life threatening but compromising situation occurs. The aim of the study was to investigate the maternal and fetal outcome for emergency and urgent cesarean. Study Design: A retrospective case-control study was performed;cases underwent emergency cesarean section, while controls underwent urgent cesarean section. We included 303 cases of women and 336 cases of children, and controls were matched. Maternal and fetal outcome parameters for singleton and twin pregnancies were investigated using the Wilcoxon test and the Chi-square-test. Results: Maternal outcome: Higher?blood loss (cases: mean 383.12 ± 232.89, range 100 - 2500 vs. controls: 336.06 ± 129.19, range 100?- 1000, p = 0.008), hemorrhage (34 vs. 11, p < 0.001) and puerperal anemia (30 vs. 10, p < 0.001). Neonatal outcome: One, five, and ten minutes Apgar levels and umbilical cord pH values are lower for cases (p < 0.001 and p < 0.001, respectively). Twins had lower five and ten minutes Apgar levels (p = 0.040 and 0.002), but higher umbilical cord pH values than singletons (p < 0.001). The perinatal mortality among singletons was 3.8%, among twins 8.1%. For cases the perinatal mortality among singletons was 5.7% and 17.14% for twins (control group 1.41% and 2.63%, respectively). Conclusion: The maternal and fetal outcome is poorer in emergency cesarean section. Especially the perinatal mortality is high in emergency cesarean section, particular for twins.