Obstetric and perinatal outcomes of expectant management and immediate induction of labour in term premature rupture of membranes: promising outcomes from expectant management cohort

Background: Premature rupture of membranes (PROM) is common obstetric entity, the management even at term is controversial and there is no consensus for definite protocol of management. Objective of the present study is to compare the effectiveness, safety of expectant management of 24 hours and immediate induction with PGE2 gel in terms of maternal and fetal outcome in term PROM.Methods: 200 women were randomized to group A expectant management and group B immediate induction, after strict Inclusion and exclusion criteria. In expectant group waiting period was 24 hours. Multiple end points were examined throughout management. Chi square test and independent t tests were performed for statistical analysis. P value<0.05 was considered significant.Results: Demographic parameters of patients, maternal and gestational age were similar in both groups. Primigravidae were more in both groups A and B. Vaginal delivery rate is more in expectant group and Caesarean Section rate is high in immediate induction group. CS rate was 37% and 23% in group A and B respectively; the difference is statistically significant (p value=0.031). ‘ROM to delivery interval’ was more in group A (16.31±8.67 hrs and 13.85±5.46 hrs) (p value=0.0256). Hospital stay was comparatively more in group A (5.40±0.81 days and 4.11±0.86 days) (p value=0.435). Infective morbidity of mother and baby was low in both groups and no difference was seen.Conclusions: An expectant management allows a good number of women to go into labour and deliver vaginally without an increase in CS rate and infectious morbidity for mother and fetus.

Assessing geographical and economic inequalities in caesarean section rates between the districts of Bihar, India: a secondary analysis of the National Family Health Survey

BackgroundIn Bihar, one of the most populous and poorest states in India, caesarean sections have increased over the last decade. However, an aggregated caesarean section rate at the state level may conceal inequities at the district level.ObjectivesThe primary aim of this study was to analyse the inequalities in the geographical and socioeconomic distribution of caesarean sections between the districts of Bihar. The secondary aim was to compare the contribution of free-for-service government-funded public facilities and fee-for-service private facilities to the caesarean section rate.SettingBihar, with a population in the 2011 census of approximately 104 million people, has a low GDP per capita (US$610), compared with other Indian states. The state has the highest crude birth rate (26.1 per 1000 population) in India, with one baby born every two seconds. Bihar is divided into 38 administrative districts, 101 subdivisions and 534 blocks. Each district has a district (Sadar) hospital, and six districts also have one or more medical college hospitals.MethodsThis retrospective secondary data analysis was based on open-source national datasets from the 2015 and 2019 National Family Health Surveys, with respective sample sizes of 45 812 and 42 843 women aged 15–49 years.ParticipantsSecondary data analysis of pregnant women delivering in public and private institutions.ResultsThe caesarean section rate increased from 6.2% in 2015 to 9.7% in 2019 in Bihar. Districts with a lower proportion of poor population had higher caesarean section rates (R2=0.45) among all institutional births, with 10.3% in private and 2.9% in public facilities. Access to private caesarean sections decreased (R2=0.46) for districts with poorer populations.ConclusionMarked inequalities exist in access to caesarean sections. The public sector needs to be strengthened to improve access to obstetric services for those who need it most.

A study of feto maternal outcome in primary caesarean section

Background: Primary caesarean section is defined as caesarean section to be performed in women who have not had previous caesarean delivery. The increase in the rates of primary caesarean section is not only due to increased caesarean section in nulligravida but also due to upward rise in caesarean section rates in parous women. Through this study we aimed to examine the frequency and the indications of primary caesarean section in nulliparous and multiparous women.Methods: A prospective study was carried out in the OBGY department of smt. SCL Hospital, NHL municipal medical college from April 2020 to April 2021. All multiparous women with previous normal vaginal delivery who underwent caesarean section this time were included in this study. Patients with previous caesarean section <28 weeks of gestation, patients who did not give consent were excluded from the study.Results: 92% were 20-30 years and are gravida 2 or 3 patients. 85% patients were booked patients. Most common indication of primary caesarean section in parous women was MSL+FD (31%). Difficulty in delivery of the baby was encountered in 45% of cases. Major cause of admission in NICU was MAS.Conclusions: Primary caesarean section has become a major driver of overall caesarean section rate. Decision making on primary caesarean section should be carefully scrutinized, introducing a diagnostic second opinion for all primary caesarean section. Primary caesarean section in both multigravida and primigravida becomes mandatory in many cases to prevent maternal and feta morbidity.

Accounting for the Rising Caesarean Section Rate in Canada: What Are the Roles of Changing Needs, Practices, and Incentives?

In most high-income countries, including Canada, the share of births by Caesarean section (C‑section) has risen over the past decades to far exceed World Health Organization recommendations of the proportion justified on medical grounds (15 percent). Although unnecessary C-sections represent an important cost for health care systems, they are not associated with clear benefits for the mother and the child and can sometimes represent additional risks. Drawing on administrative records of nearly four million births in Canada, as well as macro data from the United States and Australia, we provide a comprehensive account of rising C-section rates. We explicitly consider the contributions of the main factors brought forward in the policy literature, including changing characteristics of mothers, births, and physicians as well as changing financial incentives for C-section deliveries. These factors account for at most one-half of the increase in C-section rates. The majority of the remaining increase in C-sections over the period 1994–2011 occurred in the early 2000s. We suggest that some event or shock in the early 2000s is likely the primary determinant of the recent strong increase in the C-section rate in Canada.

Impact of maternal nationality on caesarean section rate variation in a high-income country

Background: Caesarean section (CS) rates have been reported to differ between immigrants and native-born women in high-income countries. Objective: We assessed the CS rate and its relationship with the CS rate in country of nationality and other explanatory factors among women of different nationalities including Qatari women who underwent deliveries at our hospital to generate evidence that will quantify and help explain the observed CS rates in our hospital. Methods: In this retrospective cross-sectional study conducted at the second-largest public maternity hospital in Qatar, Al-Wakra Hospital (AWH), data for all births delivered in 2019 were retrieved from the hospital's electronic medical records. The CS rates and the crude and adjusted risks of Caesarean delivery for mothers from each nationality were determined, and the common indications for CS were analyzed based on nationality. The association between nationality and Caesarean delivery was examined using binomial logistic regression analysis, with Qatari women as the reference group. The correlation between CS rate in country of nationality and observed CS rates in Qatar was also examined using Pearson's correlation. Results: The study population consisted of 4816 births by women of 68 nationalities, of which 4513 births were by women from 25 countries. The highest proportion of deliveries (n-1247, 25.9%) was by Indian women. The frequency of CS was the highest and lowest among Egyptian (49.6%) and Yemeni women (17.9%), respectively. Elective CS was predominantly performed in women of Arab nationalities; the most common indication was a history of previous multiple CSs. Emergency CS was primarily performed in women of Asian and Sub-Saharan African nationalities; the most common indications were failure to progress and fetal distress. For most nationalities, the CS rate in Qatar was associated with those of the countries of nationality. Conclusions: The observed CS rates varied widely among women of different nationalities. The variation was influenced by maternal factors and medical indications as well as the CS rates in the country of nationality. We posit that cultural preferences, acculturation, and patient expectations influenced observed findings. More efforts are required to reduce primary CS rates and to help women make the most informed decisions regarding modes of delivery. Key Message: CS rates varied widely among women of different nationalities. The variation was influenced by medical indications, maternal preferences, and CS rate in countries of nationality. The solution to reducing CS rates should be a culturally informed response.

Comparative study of intravaginal misoprostol versus dinoprostone gel for induction of labour in primigravida

Background: Labour is an inevitable consequence of pregnancy. The aim of the present research was to study the safety, efficacy and effect of intravaginal misoprostol and dinoprostone gel for induction of labour.Methods: 300 patients who required induction of labour in a tertiary care centre were included in this prospective randomized controlled study from August 2019 to August 2021 with a study duration of 12 months. 50% of cases received 25 µg of intravaginal misoprostol and repeated for a maximum of 6 doses every 4 hours as needed. 50% cases received 0.5 mg dinoprostone gel and repeated for maximum of 2 doses every 6 hours as needed. The patients selected were evaluated initially by modified Bishop’s score and admission test for fetal wellbeing. After drug insertion, patients were monitored for fetal heart rate, vital signs, progress of labour. A partogram was strictly maintained in all patients.Results: The highest number in both groups being below 40 weeks which were 74% and 76% in dinoprostone and misoprostol groups respectively. Rest were between 40.1-41.6 weeks. The mean induction delivery interval in dinoprostone was more (16.15±3.1) than in misoprostol (12.26±2.21). Requirement of oxytocin augmentation was less in misoprostol group than dinoprostone group. Caesarean section rate was less in misoprostol group. Maternal side effects were minimal in either groups and neonatal outcome was good in both the groups.Conclusions: Both misoprostol and dinoprostone gel are safe, effective for cervical ripening and induction but misoprostol is more cost effective and stable at room temperature.

Comparison of caesarean section rate and maternal complications in elective induction versus spontaneous labor

Background: Elective induction of labor is defined as an initiation of labor, either by mechanical or pharmacological means at a time earlier than nature regardless of a medical or obstetric indication. Objectives were to estimate the proportion of caesarean sections and vaginal deliveries and magnitude of maternal complications following elective induction and spontaneous labor.Methods: The study entitled “comparison of caesarean section rate and maternal complications in elective induction versus spontaneous labor in LD Hospital, Kashmir” was a hospital based observational study, conducted in the Postgraduate Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, LallaDed Hospital of Government Medical College, Srinagar over a period of one and a half years.Results: Women in induced labor group had slightly increased risk of caesarean section than those in spontaneous group. Fetal distress was the most common indication for caesarean section in both the groups. There was no difference in both groups regarding maternal complications such as perineal lacerations; postpartum hemorrhage (PPH); need for blood transfusions and post partum hospital stay.Conclusions: Though induction of labor is associated with a slight increased risk of caesarean delivery, it is not related to other maternal complications. Therefore inductions are safe in hands of safe obstetricians.

Caesarean Section Rate and Frequencies of Indications Using Robson–Ten Classifications

OBJECTIVES: To determine the caesarean section rate (CSR) and frequency of different indications of caesarean section (CS) in a tertiary care hospital. METHODOLOGY: A retrospective study done in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Hayatabad Medical Complex Hospital Peshawar, a tertiary care hospital, from a period of 1st January 2019 till 31st December 2019. The required data was collected from the patient’s hospital records (clinical charts) with the consent of the hospital ethical committee. RESULTS: The total number of deliveries over the study period was 5611. Out of these 1258 patients were delivered through caesarean section (CS), giving a CSR of 22%. The main contributing groups in our study were Robson Groups R5 (multiparous with prior CS, singleton, cephalic and >37 weeks), R1 (nulliparous, cephalic, singleton >37 weeks in spontaneous labor or CS) and R6 (all nulliparous breeches) with percentages of 21.1%, 17.5% and 12.9% respectively. CONCLUSION: Our study showed Robson Groups 5, 2 and 6 as the major contributors, focusing on these groups could have an impact on decreasing the cesarean section rate in future. Limiting the primary cesarean section rate can affect the overall cesarean section rate (CSR).

Outcome of Assisted Vaginal Deliveries in a Tertiary Care Centre in Bengaluru

BACKGROUND The lower segment caesarean section (LSCS) audit shows an increase in caesarean section rates worldwide. Assisted vaginal delivery and, if needed, emergency caesarean section are options available to the obstetrician to handle challenges in the second stage when spontaneous and safe delivery is not imminent. Judicious use of the instrument as well as continuing medical education in the art of assisted vaginal delivery is a must to achieve the twin goal of containing the surging caesarean section rate as well as bring about a successful and safe assisted vaginal delivery. The objective of this study was to quantify the various morbidities associated with assisted vaginal deliveries among patients in a tertiary care teaching hospital in Bengaluru. METHODS It is a retrospective study carried for four years between July 2016 and June 2020 at Ramaiah Medical College at Bengaluru. The total number of vaginal deliveries was 6318 out of which 1020 had a successful assisted vaginal delivery and were studied in terms of outcomes, maternal and foetal indications and morbidity. RESULTS Out of 1020 assisted vaginal deliveries, 86.96 % were vacuum-assisted, 3.9 % were forceps assisted and 9.11 % were both vacuum and forceps assisted. The success rate of forceps deliveries was more compared to vacuum. No significant maternal and neonatal mortality and morbidity were observed in our study. CONCLUSIONS In this study, vacuum was the most used method of assisted vaginal delivery and was safer for mothers and babies. It is also easier to teach and learn. Forceps delivery was more used in preterm delivery. KEY WORDS Assisted Vaginal Delivery, Vacuum, Forceps, Sequential use of Instruments, Maternal and Neonatal Morbidity.

CS in Uruguay From 2008 to 2018: Country Analysis Based on the Robson Classification

Background: The use of caesarean section has steadily increased all over the globe, with Latin America being the region with the highest rates. Multiple factors account for that increase. The Robson classification is appropriate to systematically evaluate and compare determinants at the clinical level for caesarean section rates over time, as well as to account for local and international needs. The purpose of this study is to describe the evolution of caesarean section rates by Robson groups in Uruguay from 2008 to 2018 using a country level database.Methods: Caesarean section rates were calculated by Robson groups for each of the years included, disaggregated by care sector (public/private) and by geographical area (Capital City/Non-Capital).Results: Among the groups at lower risk of caesarean section (1 to 4), the highest rates of caesarean section were seen in women in group 2B, followed by those in group 4B. Women in groups 2B, 3 and 4 (A and B) (Figure 2) had a significant increase in the number of caesarean section in those 11 years. A significant growth was also observed in groups 5, 8, and 10. A tendency towards a relative increased was seen in groups 2A, 3, 4A-B, and 5 (Figure S5 – Supplementary Material). The private sector had higher rates of caesarean section for all groups throughout the period, except for women in group 9. The private sector in Montevideo presented the highest rates in the groups with the lowest risk of caesarean section 1, 2A, 3 and 4A, followed by the private sector outside of the capital. The analysis of the relative contribution to the overall caesarean section rate, showed that group 5 was the one with the highest contribution, and it kept growing steadily over the years, while there was a decrease in the relative contribution of group 1 to the overall caesarean section rate.Conclusion: Uruguay is no exception to the increasing caesarean section trend, even in groups of women who have lower risk of requiring caesarean section. The implementation of interventions aimed at reducing caesarean section in the groups with lower obstetric risk in Uruguay is warranted.