Obstetric Anesthesia Practice Significantly Evolved: A Field for Cesarean Delivery Parturient for the Provision of Safe Anesthesia in Urgent Circumstances

General anesthesia and Obstetric Anesthesia is the gold standard for a cesarean section but there are some cases where general anesthesia is unavoidable. The use of general anesthesia for cesarean delivery has decreased in recent years due to the widespread use of neuraxial techniques. The choice of anesthesia techniques for cesarean delivery depends on several factors, including the patient’s psychology and the attending physician’s experience. It is chosen because of its safety profile and its benefits to the mother and fetus. It may be indicated due to emergency, maternal refusal of regional techniques, or regional contraindications. Major complications include failed intubation, gastric content aspiration, and increased bleeding risk. This study aims to evaluate the impact of a newly launched team on obstetric anesthesia practice.

Effect of China's Universal Two-child Policy on the Rate of Cesarean Delivery: A Case Study of a Big Childbirth Center in China

China's universal two child policy was released in October of 2015.How would this new policy influence the rate of overall cesarcan delivery(CD)in China?The objective of this paper is to investigate the trend of overall CD rate with the increase of number of multiparous women based on a big childbirth center of China(a tertiary hospital)in 2016.In this study,22530 cases from the medical record department of a big childbirth center of China from January 1 to December 31 in 2016 were entolled as research objects.Electronic health records of these selected objects were retrieved.According t0 the history of childbirth,the selected cases were divided into primiparous group containing 16340 cases and multiparous group containing 6190 cases.Chi-square test was carried out to compare the rate of CD,neuraxial labor analgesia,maternity insurance between the two groups;1-test was performed to compare the in-hospital days and gestational age at birth between the two groups.Pearson corrclation coefficient was used to evaluate the rclationship among observed monthly rate of multiparas,overall CD rate,and Elective Repeat Cesarean Delivery(ERCD)rate.The results showed that the CD rate in multiparous group was 55.46%,which was higher than that in primiparous group(34.66%,P<0.05).The rate of neuraxial labor analgesia in multiparas group was 9.29%,which was lower than that in primiparas group(35.94%,P<0.05).However,the rate of maternity insurance was higher in multiparas group(57.00%)than that in primiparas group(41.08%,P<0.05).The hospital cost and in-hospital days in multiparas group were higher,and the gcstational age at birth in multiparas group was lower than in primiparas group(P<0.05).The overall CD rate slightly dropped in the first 4 months of the year(P<0.05),then increased from 36.27%(April)to 43.21%(Dcember)(P<0.05).The rate of multiparas women and ERCD had the same trend(P<0.05).There were linear correlations among the rate of overall CD,the rate of multiparas women and the rate of ERCD rate(P<0.05).With the opening of China's two-child policy,the increasing rate of overall CD is directly related with the high rate of ERCD.Trials of Labor After Cesarean Section(TOLAC)in safe mode to reduce overall CD rate are warranted in the future.

Dural puncture epidural technique provides better anesthesia quality in repeat cesarean delivery than epidural technique:Randomized controlled study

BACKGROUND Repeat cesarean deliverys involve a longer surgery and more severe visceral traction than primary cesarean deliverys.The dural puncture epidural(DPE)technique provides faster and more effective analgesia for labor,but there is no sufficient evidence to indicate whether it is suitable for parturients undergoing repeat cesarean delivery.AIM To determine the efficacy and safety of the DPE anesthesia technique in patients undergoing repeat cesarean delivery.METHODS Patients undergoing repeat cesarean delivery were randomly divided into the DPE and epidural anesthesia(EA)groups.A 25-G spinal needle was used for dural puncture via a 19-G epidural needle.The patients in the two groups were injected with 5 mL of 2%lidocaine followed by 15 mL of a mixture of 1%lidocaine+0.5%ropivacaine as the epidural dosage.The primary outcome was the onset time of sensory block to the T6 dermatome level and the sensory and motor block degree.RESULTS A total of 115 women were included(EA:57,DPE:58).The mean time to sensory block to the T6 Level was significantly shorter in the DPE group than in the EA group(14.7 min vs 16.6 min;95%confidence interval,13.9 to 15.4 vs 15.8 to 17.4;P=0.001).The cranial sensory block level was significantly higher at 5,10,and 15 min after the initial dose in the DPE group than in the EA group(P<0.05).The sacral sensory block level was significantly higher and the modified bromage score was significantly lower in the DPE group at each time point(P<0.05).Adverse effects and neonatal outcomes were comparable between the two groups(P>0.05).CONCLUSION The DPE technique provided higher-quality anesthesia than the EA technique,with a rapid onset of surgical anesthesia,better cranial and sacral sensory block spread and a higher motor block degree,without increasing the incidence of maternal or fetal side effects in patients undergoing repeat cesarean delivery.

Emergency Cesarean Delivery in a Parturient with Fontan Circulation and Reduced Platelets: A Case Report

NOWADAYS,Fontan circulation always refers to the hemodynamic status after total cavo-pul-monary connection, which was first created in the 1990s. There are two modern surgeryforms, one creating a channel within the right atrium and another making an extra-cardiac channel to connect infe-rior venous cava directly to the right pulmonary artery. Parturients with Fontan circulation are at increased risk of cardiac morbidity and thrombotic complications. We pre-sented a parturient with reduced platelet status of un-known reason undergoing an emergent cesarean delivery.

Gastric Perforation after Cesarean Delivery: An Unintended Consequence of the Opioid Epidemic

30 year old female now para 1 presented to the Emergency Department with nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain 6 days after an uncomplicated primary cesarean delivery. She did not respond to conservative management and underwent exploratory laparotomy for worsening pain, pneumoperitoneum and intraabdominal fluid collections. Gastric perforations required repair via gastrojejunostomy. Postoperative course was unremarkable. The anti-opioid campaign has altered the approach to postoperative pain management in both positive and negative ways. It has sparked new interest in alternative approaches to postoperative pain management, which include an increased role for non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). We present a case of a woman who had a significant complication due to the reliance of non-opioid pain medications after cesarean delivery.

Chinese Medicine Plaster as A New Treatment for Surgical Site Infection in Patients with Cesarean Delivery:A Randomized,Double-Blind,Controlled Trial

Objective To evaluate the efficacy of Chinese plaster containing rhubarb and mirabilite on surgical site infection(SSI)in patients with cesarean delivery(CD)by performing a randomized controlled trial.Methods This randomized controlled trial included 560 patients with CD due to fetal head descent enrolled at a tertiary teaching center between December 31,2018 and October 31,2021.Eligible patients were randomly assigned to a Chinese medicine(CM)group(280 cases)or a placebo group(280 cases)by a random number table,and were treated with CM plaster(made by rhubarb and mirabilite)or a placebo plaster,respectively.Both courses of treatment lasted from the day 1 of CD,followed day 2 until discharge.The primary outcome was the total number of patients with superficial,deep and organ/space SSI.The secondary outcome was duration of postoperative hospital stay,antibiotic intake,and unplanned readmission or reoperation due to SSI.All reported efficacy and safety outcomes were confirmed by a central adjudication committee that was unaware of the study-group assignments.Results During the recovery process after CD,the rates of localized swelling,redness and heat were significantly lower in the CM group than in the placebo group[7.55%(20/265)vs.17.21%(47/274),P<0.01].The durution of postoperative antibiotic intake was shorter in the CM group than in the placebo group(P<0.01).The duration of postoperative hospital stay was significantly shorter in the CM group than in the placebo group(5.49±2.68 days vs.8.96±2.35 days,P<0.01).The rate of postoperative C-reactive protein elevation(≽100 mg/L)was lower in the CM group than in the placebo group[27.6%(73/265)vs.43.8%(120/274),P<0.01].However,there was no difference in purulent drainage rate from incision and superficial opening of incision between the two groups.No intestinal reactions and skin allergies were found in the CM group.Conclusions CM plaster containing rhubarb and mirabilite had an effect on SSI.It is safe for mothers and imposes lower economic and mental burdens on patients undergoing CD.

Anesthetic dilemmas in an achondroplastic patient undergoing elective cesarean section

Achondroplasia is a genetic condition characterized by skeletal dysplasia that results in characteristic craniofacial and spinal abnormalities.It is the most common form of short-limbed skeletal dysplasia.A morbidly obese pregnant patient warrants specific anatomical and physiological considerations,such as a difficult airway with potential hypoxia,full stomach precautions,and a reduced functional residual capacity.Achondroplasia increases the risks of maternal and fetal complications.Although neuraxial techniques are generally preferred for cesarean sections,there is no consensus among patients with achondroplasia.We aimed to discuss the anesthetic challenges in an achondroplastic patient and report our regional anesthesia approach for an elective cesarean section.

The Dose-response of Intrathecal Ropivacaine Co-administered with Sufentanil for Cesarean Delivery under Combined Spinal-epidural Anesthesia in Patients with Scarred Uterus

Background：Spinal anesthesia is considered as a reasonable anesthetic option in lower abdominal and lower limb surgery.This study was to determine the dose-response of intrathecal ropivacaine in patients with scarred uterus undergoing cesarean delivery under combined spinal-epidural anesthesia.Methods：Seventy-five patients with scarred uterus undergoing elective cesarean delivery under combined spinal-epidural anesthesia were enrolled in this randomized,double-blinded,dose-ranging study.Patients received 6,8,10,12,or 14 mg intrathecal hyperbaric ropivacaine with 5 μg sufentanil.Successful spinal anesthesia was defined as a T4 sensory level achieved with no need for epidural supplementation.The 50％ effective dose （ED50） and 95％ effective dose （ED95） were calculated with a logistic regression model.Results：ED50 and ED95 ofintrathecal hyperbaric ropivacaine for patients with scarred uterus undergoing cesarean delivery under combined spinal-epidural anesthesia （CSEA） were 8.28 mg （95％ confidence interval [CI]：2.28-9.83 mg） and 12.24 mg （95％ CI：10.53-21.88 mg）,respectively.Conclusion：When a CSEA technique is to use in patients with scarred uterus for an elective cesarean delivery,the ED50 and ED95 of intrathecal hyperbaric ropivacaine along with 5 μg sufentanil were 8.28 mg and 12.24 mg,respectively.In addition,this local anesthetic is unsuitable for emergent cesarean delivery,but it has advantages for ambulatory patients.

Goal-directed Fluid Therapy May Improve Hemodynamic Stability of Parturient with Hypertensive Disorders of Pregnancy Under Combined Spinal Epidural Anesthesia for Cesarean Delivery and the Well-being of Newborns

Background： Hypotension induced by combined spinal epidural anesthesia in parturient with hypertensive disorders of pregnancy （HDP） can easily compromise blood supply to vital organs including uteroplacental perfusion and result in fetal distress. The aim of this study was to investigate whether the goal-directed fluid therapy （GDFT） with LiDCOrapid system can improve well-being of both HDP parturient and their babies. Methods： Fifty-two stable HDP parturient scheduled for elective cesarean delivery were recruited. After loading with 10 ml/kg lactated Ringer＇s solution （LR）, parturient were randomized to the GDFT and control group. In the GDFT group, individualized fluid therapy was guided by increase in stroke volume （ASV） provided via LiDCO rapid system. The control group received the routine fluid therapy. The primary endpoints included maternal hypotension and the doses of vasopressors administered prior to fetal delivery. The secondary endpoints included umbilical blood gas abnormalities and neonatal adverse events. Results： The severity of HDP was similar between two groups. The total LR infusion （P 〈 0.01） and urine output （P 〈 0.05） were higher in the GDFT group than in the control group. Following twice fluid challenge tests, the systolic blood pressure, mean blood pressure, cardiac output and SV in the GDFT group were significantly higher, and the heart rate was lower than in the control group. The incidence of maternal hypotension and doses of phenylephrine used prior to fetal delivery were significantly higher in the control group than in the GDFT group （P 〈 0.01）. There were no differences in the Apgar scores between two groups. In the control group, the mean values of pH in umbilical artery/vein were remarkably decreased （P 〈 0.05）, and the incidences of neonatal hypercapnia and hypoxemia were statistically increased （P 〈 0.05） than in the GDFT group. Conclusions： Dynamic responsiveness guided fluid therapy with the LiDCOrapid system may provide potential benefits to stable HDP parturient and their babies.

Cesarean delivery on maternal request and childhood intelligence： a cohort study

Background Cesarean section births have been steadily increasing over the past decade and have become an epidemic in China. Cesarean delivery on maternal request is a major contributor to this upward trend, and there has been of much concern about its impact on maternal and child health. Most of mothers believe that cesarean delivery on maternal request can improve the child＇s intelligence, but direct evidence is sparse. In this cohort study, we aimed to directly assess the impact of cesarean delivery on maternal request on childhood intelligence. Methods Intelligence quotient （IQ） of 4144 preschool children from 21 cities/counties of Zhejiang and Jiangsu province whose mothers were registered in a population-based perinatal surveillance program during 1993-1996 was assessed with Chinese Wechsler Young Children Scale of Intelligence （C-WYCSI） in 2000. The outcomes were full-scale IQ, verbal IQ, and performance IQ of C-WYCSI. Mode of delivery and covariates were obtained from the surveillance program. We estimated unadjusted and adjusted effects of cesarean delivery on maternal request and assisted vaginal delivery on IQ scores compared with spontaneous vaginal delivery using regression analysis. Results The mean full-scale, verbal, and performance IQ for all children was 99.3_＋16.1,93.6_＋17.7, and 105.3_＋14.3. In crude analysis, cesarean delivery on maternal request versus spontaneous vaginal delivery was associated with an increase of 3.9 （95% confidence interval, 0.6 to 7.2） points in full-scale IQ, 4.8 （1.2 to 8.4） points in verbal IQ, and 2.4 （-0.6 to 5.3） points in performance IQ. After adjusting for maternal education, occupation, and IQ, the advantage was reduced to 1.6 （-1.3 to 4.5）, 2.3 （-0.8 to 5.5）, and 0.6 （-2.0 to 3.3） points for full-scale, verbal, and performance IQ, respectively. Assisted vaginal delivery versus spontaneous vaginal delivery was not associated with IQ scores in any analysis. Conclusion Neither cesarean delivery on maternal request nor assisted vaginal delivery affected children＇s IQ.

Cesarean delivery on maternal request: an overview in China

In recent years, the cesarean section rate has been high. Because of the lack of research on cesarean section without medical indication, the surgery is facing huge risks. To compensate for the lack of domestic-related research, and help clinicians to weigh the pros and cons of cesarean section, the paper reviews the reasons for cesarean delivery on maternal request （CDMR） and the advantages and disadvantages of CDMR so as to put forward constructive advice.

Postpartum Hemorrhage Following Cesarean Delivery in Women with a Scarred Uterus:A Retrospective Cohort Study

Objective:To develop a model to predict the risk of postpartum hemorrhage(PPH)following cesarean delivery in women with a scarred uterus.Methods:A total of 4,637 pregnant women with scarred uterus who underwent a cesarean delivery at a large hospital between January 2014 and December 2017 were enrolled.The women were divided into PPH(n=287)and non-PPH(n=4,350)groups.A model to predict PPH(blood loss≥1,000 mL within 24 h following cesarean delivery)was developed using multivariate logistic regression analysis.Receiver operating characteristic curve was drawn,and the area under curve(AUC)was calculated.Results:The incidence of PPH was 6.19%(287 of 4,637 women).Seven independent risk factors were associated with PPH:maternal age(odds ratio[OR]=1.42,95%confidence interval[CI]:1.02-1.97),previous gravidity(OR=1.24,95%CI:1.01-1.50),placental location(posterior wall of uterus,OR=0.69,95%CI:0.47-1.02;other locations,OR=1.21,95%CI:0.81-1.80),placenta previa(incomplete placenta previa,OR=10.51,95%CI:5.99-18.42;complete placenta previa,OR=31.65,95%CI:21.07-47.54),placenta accreta(OR=6.39,95%CI:4.02-10.16),hypertensive disorders of pregnancy(OR=2.27,95%CI:1.40-3.68),and fetal position(breech position,OR=2.07,95%CI:1.19-3.60;transverse position,OR=1.07,95%CI:0.48-2.41).A predictive model with AUC of 0.89 was developed(95%CI:0.86-0.91,P<0.001).Conclusions:A model was developed to predict PPH following cesarean delivery in women with a scarred uterus.

The Impact of Spontaneous Labor Before Elective Repeat Cesarean Delivery on Pregnancy Outcome:A Prospective Cohort Study

and neonatal outcomes.Methods:This was a prospective cohort study.All consecutive ERCDs,occurring at≥37 weeks of gestation between July 1,2017 and December 31,2019 in Makassed General Hospital,were evaluated.The maternal and neonatal outcomes of 183 laboring women undergoing unscheduled repeat cesarean delivery(URCD)group were compared with those of 204 women undergoing cesarean delivery(CD)without spontaneous labor(ERCD)group.Primary outcomes were“composite adverse maternal outcome”and“composite adverse neonatal outcome.”Fisher’s exact and Student’s t tests were used to assess the significance of differences in dichotomous and continuous variables,respectively.Two logistic regression models were constructed to identify risk factors with most significant influence on the rate of composite adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes.Results:“Composite adverse maternal outcome”was significantly more common in women who underwent spontaneous labor((40/183)21.9%vs.(19/204)9.3%,P=0.001,relative risk(RR):2.7,95%confidence interval(CI):1.50–4.90).Similarly,“composite adverse neonatal outcome”was significantly increased in the URCD group((24/183)13.1%vs.(12/204)5.9%,P=0.014,RR:2.4,95%CI:1.18–4.98).These adverse effects persisted after adjustment for confounders.Multivariate regression models revealed that,besides labor,CD-order impacted maternal outcome(RR:1.5,95%CI:1.02–2.30,P=0.036),while CD-order and teenage pregnancy influenced neonatal outcome(RR:2.1,95%CI:1.29–3.38,P=0.003,and RR:16.5,95%CI:2.09–129.80,P=0.008,respectively).Conclusion:In our study,spontaneous labor before ERCD,including deliveries at term,was associated with adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes,indicating that it is preferable to conduct ERCD before the onset of labor.Screening women with MRCD may identify those at increased risk for spontaneous labor for whom CD could be scheduled 1–2 weeks earlier.Further large prospective studies to assess the effects of such an approach on maternal and neonatal outcomes are strongly warranted.

Is Induction of Labor with Early Rupture of Membranes Associated with an Increased Rate of Clinical Chorioamnionitis?

Objective: The objective of this study was to determine if early rupture of membranes (ROM) in women undergoing induction of labor (IOL) at term is associated with an increased rate of clinical chorioamnionitis. Study Design: A retrospective cohort study was performed on women undergoing IOL. Early ROM was defined as ROM at a modified Bishop score less than 5, cervical dilation less than 4 cm, or cervical effacement less than 80%. The rate of clinical chorioamnionitis was compared between women with early and late ROM. Results: The rate of clinical chorioamnionitis was 8.6% (24/279). ROM at an effacement of less than 80% was associated with a rate of clinical chorioamnionitis of 15.4% (12/78) compared to 6.0% (12/201) at an effacement of equal to or greater than 80%, p = 0.017. The rate of cesarean delivery was higher for patients with early ROM by any definition: 32% compared to 17.5% by modified Bishop score (p = 0.031), 32.4% versus 18.2% by cervical dilation (p = 0.049), and 33.3% versus 14.9% by cervical effacement (p = 0.001). Conclusions: In patients undergoing IOL, early ROM may be associated with an increased rate of clinical chorioamnionitis when performed at a cervical effacement of less than 80% and an increased rate of cesarean delivery.

Tranexamic Acid and Ethamsylate for Reducing Blood Loss in Patient Undergoing Lower Segment Cesarean Section at High Risk for Post-Partum Hemorrhage: A Pilot Study

Objective: To assess the efficacy of intravenous tranexamic acid and ethamsylate in reducing blood loss during and after elective lower segment cesarean delivery in patients at high risk for postpartum hemorrhage. Methods: A double-blind, randomized placebo-controlled study was undertaken of women undergoing elective lower-segment cesarean delivery of a full-term pregnancy at high risk for postpartum hemorrhage at Ain Sham University Maternity Hospital in Cairo, Egypt, between January 2019 and October 2019. Patients were randomly assigned (1:1) using computer-generated random numbers to receive either 1 g tranexamic acid and 1 gm ethamsylate or 5% glucose (placebo) just after delivery of the fetus. Prophylactic oxytocin was administered to all women. Preoperative and postoperative complete blood count, hematocrit values, and maternal weight were used to calculate the estimated blood loss (EBL) during the cesarean, which was the primary outcome. Results: Analyses included 32 women in each group. Our results showed that tranexamic acid and ethamsylate significantly reduced bleeding during and after cesarean delivery. The study group’s total blood loss (149.22 ± 54.74 ml) was significantly less than the control group (353.75 ± 115.56 ml) (p < 0.001). In our study, postoperative hemoglobin and hematocrit were significantly higher in the study group than the control group (p < 0.001);Reduction in hemoglobin and hematocrit were significantly less in the study group than the control group (p < 0.001). Conclusion: The use of tranexamic acid and ethamsylate during cesarean delivery can significantly reduce blood loss during and after cesarean delivery.

Labor Pain Treated with Acupuncture or Acupressure

Opioid-dependent women have an 80% to 90% unintended pregnancy rate, almost double the overall unintended pregnancy rate: 40% globally and 51% in north America. The prescription drug abuse milieu increases the possibility opioid abusing laboring patients. In 2012, neonatal abstinence syndrome occurred in 5.8 per 1000 hospital births. Non-pharmacological labor pain management (NPLPM) is especially recommended for laboring patients with a history of substance abuse. Therefore, literature review was performed to elucidate the efficacy and safety of acupuncture, noninvasive electro-acupuncture (EA), and acupressure in labor pain management. Compared to standard intrapartum controls, bilateral EA at JiaJin or Sanyinjiao significantly reduced visual analog scale (VAS) pain scores 30-minutes post intervention (p < 0.01) and Stage 1 active phase labor length (p < 0.05). EA achieves shorter Stage 2 labor than patient-controlled epidural analgesia (p = 0.05);and 10-point lower VAS pain scores and reduced cesarean delivery rate than no-analgesia controls, p < 0.05. Current evidence indicates that EA should have a role in NPLPM, and that acupressure may have a role in NPLPM. Nevertheless, future RCTs could strengthen the argument for increased EA and acupressure use in NPLPM.

Care Bundles:Enhanced Recovery After Delivery

The care of obstetrics patients has improved dramatically over the past few decades.Unfortunately,rates of cesarean section remain high,and decreasing this rate requires close care and follow-up in the prenatal outpatient setting.Counseling regarding cesarean delivery and vaginal delivery is imperative.Opportunities still exist in helping patients objectively weigh the decision for cesarean delivery versus vaginal delivery.Additional developments have occurred in the intrapartum and the postpartum setting,with an aim to improve patient and neonatal outcomes.Changes have been implemented for patients undergoing cesarean delivery including preoperative and intraoperative treatment of pain,nausea,and vomiting,as well as postoperative care bundles that improve patient outcomes.Innovations have also occurred in the care of postpartum patients after vaginal delivery,again with improvements in patient outcomes.This article summarizes the current evidence,provides care recommendations,and identifies the next steps in improving obstetrics care.

Third-Trimester Spontaneous Uterine Rupture After Ultrasound-Guided High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound Therapy

To editor:Uterine rupture,despite its low incidence,is a severe obstetric complication that is associated with adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes.Previous uterine scarring is a known risk factor for uterine rupture.Uterine scars can form from hysterotomy after abdominal/hysteroscopic myomectomy,cesarean delivery,or hysteroscopic surgery.Over the past few decades,ultrasound-guided high-intensity focused ultrasound(USgHIFU)has emerged as a non-invasive therapeutic tool and has found wide application for the safe and effective management strategy of uterine fibroids and adenomyosis.

No relationship between mode of delivery and neonatal mortality and neurodevelopment in very low birth weight infants aged two years

Background:To compare neonatal mortality and neurodevelopmental outcomes at two years of age in very low birth weight infants(≤1500 g)born by cesarean with those by vaginal delivery.Methods:In this retrospective,case-control study,we evaluated neonatal mortality,medical conditions and neurodevelopmental outcomes at two years of corrected age in 710 very low birth weight(VLBW)infants born between January 2005 and December 2010.Of the 710 infants,351 were born by the cesarean and 359/710 by vaginal route.Results:There were no significant differences in neonatal mortality between the cesarean delivery group and vaginal delivery group[56/351(15.9%)vs.71/359(19.8%),P=0.20].VLBW infants delivered by the cesarean procedure had a higher incidence of respiratory distress syndrome than those born by the vaginal route[221/351(63.0%)vs.178/359(49.6%),P<0.001].There were no differences in other neonatal morbidities,including intraventricular hemorrhage[126/351(35.9%)vs.134/359(37.3%),P=0.69],bronchopulmonary dysplasia[39/351(11%)vs.31/359(8.6%),P=0.38]and necrotising enterocolitis[40/351(11.4%)vs.32/359(8.9%),P=0.32]between the two groups.The incidence of poor neurodevelopment after cesarean delivery was similar to that after vaginal delivery[105/351(29.9)vs.104/359(29.0%),P=0.78].Conclusions:In neither neurodevelopment nor neonatal mortality did cesarean birth offered significant advantages to VLBW infants.Moreover,the operation might be associated with an increased risk of respiratory distress syndrome for VLBW infants.The mode of delivery of VLBW infants should be largely based on obstetric indications and maternal considerations rather than perceived better outcomes for the neonate.

Relationship between Oral Glucose Tolerance Test Characteristics and Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes among Women with Gestational Diabetes Mellitus

Background： Hyperglycemia is associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes. However, the relationships between them remain ambiguous. This study aimed to analyze the effect of different oral glucose tolerance test （OGTT） results on adverse perinatal outcomes. Methods： This retrospective cohort study included data from 15 hospitals in Beijing from June 20, 2013 to November 30, 2013. Women with gestational diabetes mellitus （GDM） were categorized according to the number and distribution of abnormal OGTT values, and the characteristics of adverse pregnancy outcomes were evaluated. Chi-square test and logistic regression analysis were used to determine the associations. Results： in total, 14,741 pregnant women were included in the study population, 2927 （19.86%） of whom had G DM. As the number of hyperglycemic values in the OGTT increased, the risk of cesarean delivery, preterm births, large-for-gestational age （LGA）, macrosomia, and neonatal complications significantly increased. Fasting hyperglycemia bad clear associations with macrosomia （odds ratios [ORs]：1.84, 95% confidence intervals [CIs]： 1.39-2.42, P 〈 0.001）, L（SA （OR： 1.70, 95% CI： 1.29-2.25. P 〈 0.001）, and cesarean delivery （OR： 1.33, 95% CI： 1.15-1.55, P 〈 0.001）. The associations were stronger as tasting glucose increased. GDM diagnosed by hyperglycemia at OGTT-2 h was more likely to lead to preterm birth （OR： 1.50, 95% Cl： 1. 11-2.03, P 〈 0.01）. Conclusions： Various characteristics of OGTTs are associated with different adverse outcomes. A careful reconsideration ofGDM wiih hierarchical and individualized management according to OGTT characteristics is needed.