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Jane Bendix,1 Hanne Kristine Hegaard,2 Jens Langhoff-Roos,3 Thomas Bergholt3 1Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Nordsjaellands Hospital Hillerod, University of Copenhagen, Hillerod, Denmark; 2The Research Unit of Women’s and Children’s Health, The Juliane Marie Centre for Women, Children and Reproduction, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark; 3Department of Obstetrics, The Juliane Marie Centre, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark Purpose: Population-based studies evaluating the use and extent of antenatal obstetric hospitalizations (AOH) are sparse. The objective of the present study was to describe the prevalence, time trend, and risk factors for AOH in Denmark. Materials and methods: A retrospective national register-based cohort study was conducted that included all pregnancies with delivery after 22 gestational weeks in Denmark from 2003 to 2012. The outcomes were AOH and the diagnoses leading to these hospitalizations. AOH was defined as an antenatal hospitalization for at least 1 day with at least one obstetric International Classification of Diseases-10 diagnosis and admission date more than 3 days before delivery. Results: The study included 617,906 pregnancies; 48,366 (7.8%) pregnancies were associated with 64,072 AOH before delivery. The percentage of pregnancies with AOH decreased from 8.6% to 7.1%. The median length of stay decreased from 3 to 2 days, and admission for at least 7 days was almost halved. Threatened preterm delivery was the most frequent diagnostic category for AOH. A decline was seen in all diagnostic categories except maternal diseases. Significant risk factors for AOH were multiple pregnancies, low or high maternal age and body mass index, nulliparity, lower educational levels, unemployment or being outside the workforce, single partner status, and smoking. The relative risk of very preterm delivery before gestational age of 34 weeks was higher in pregnancies with AOH compared with pregnancies without AOH (relative risk 15.2; 95% confidence interval: 14.6–15.8). Conclusion: This study shows a shift toward less use and shorter duration of antenatal hospitalization in Denmark. The most common indication used in pregnancies with AOH was threatened preterm delivery, and more than one-third resulted in very preterm deliveries. Keywords: obstetric admissions, pregnancy complications, diagnosis, Danish health registry study, time trend

Kirstine Sneider,1 Jens Langhoff-Roos,2 Iben Blaabjerg Sundtoft,3 Ole Bjarne Christiansen4,5 1Department of Clinical Research, Vendsyssel Hospital, Hjørring, 2Department of Obstetrics, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, 3Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, 4Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Aalborg University Hospital, Aalborg, 5The Fertility Clinic, University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark Objective: To validate the diagnosis of second trimester miscarriages/deliveries (16+0 weeks to 27+6 weeks of gestation) recorded as miscarriages in the Danish National Patient Registry or spontaneous deliveries in the Danish Medical Birth Registry, and asses the validity of risk factors, pregnancy complications, and cerclage by review of medical records. Materials and methods: In a cohort of 2,358 women with a second trimester miscarriage/delivery in first pregnancy and a subsequent delivery during 1997–2012, we reviewed a representative sample of 682 medical records. We searched for clinically important information and calculated positive predictive values of the registry diagnoses stratified by type of registry, as well as sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and kappa coefficients of risk factors, pregnancy complications, and cerclage. Results: Miscarriage/spontaneous delivery in the second trimester was confirmed in 621/682 patients (91.1%). Pregnancy complications in second trimester miscarriages were underreported, resulting in low sensitivities and poor to moderate agreements between records and registries. There was a good agreement (kappa >0.6) between medical records and the registries regarding risk factors and cerclage. The diagnosis of cervical insufficiency had “moderate” kappa values for both miscarriages and deliveries (0.55 and 0.57). Conclusion: Spontaneous second trimester deliveries and miscarriages recorded in the registers were confirmed by medical records in 91%, but register-based information on pregnancy complications need to be improved. We recommend that all pregnancies ending spontaneously beyond the first trimester are included in the national birth registry and described by appropriate variables. Keywords: second trimester, miscarriage, preterm birth, prematurity, registries, reproducibility of results, cerclage, cervical insufficiency

Sneider K, Langhoff-Roos J, Sundtoft IB, Christiansen OB. Clin Epidemiol. 2015;7:517–527. The authors have advised that a number of errors were made in the data of some of the tables. Page 521, Table 3, there were some errors in the data within the “Multiple pregnancies” and “Major fetal anomaly” rows.The correct Table 3 is as follows: Read the original article

Objective: International comparison of complete uterine rupture.Design: Descriptive multi-country population-based study.Setting: International.Population: International Network of Obstetric Survey Systems (INOSS).Methods: We merged individual data, collected prospectively in nine population-based studies, of women with complete uterine rupture, defined as complete disruption of the uterine muscle and the uterine serosa, regardless of symptoms and rupture of fetal membranes.Main Outcome Measures: Prevalence of complete uterine rupture, regional variation and correlation with rates of caesarean section (CS) and trial of labour after CS (TOLAC). Severe maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality.Results: We identified 864 complete uterine ruptures in 2 625 017 deliveries. Overall prevalence was 3.3 (95% CI 3.1-3.5) per 10 000 deliveries, 22 (95% CI 21-24) in women with and 0.6 (95% CI 0.5-0.7) in women without previous CS. Prevalence in women with previous CS was negatively correlated with previous CS rate (ρ = -0.917) and positively correlated with TOLAC rate of the background population (ρ = 0.600). Uterine rupture resulted in peripartum hysterectomy in 87 of 864 women (10%, 95% CI 8-12%) and in a perinatal death in 116 of 874 infants (13.3%, 95% CI 11.2-15.7) whose mother had uterine rupture. Overall rate of neonatal asphyxia was 28% in neonates who survived.Conclusions: Higher prevalence of complete uterine ruptures per TOLAC was observed in countries with low previous CS and high TOLAC rates. Rates of hysterectomy and perinatal death are about 10% following complete uterine rupture, but in women undergoing TOLAC the rates are extremely low (only 2.2 and 3.2 per 10 000 TOLACs, respectively.) TWEETABLE ABSTRACT: Prevalence of complete uterine rupture is higher in countries with low previous CS and high TOLAC rates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Develop a core outcome set of international consensus definitions for severe maternal morbidities.Design: Electronic Delphi study.Setting: International.Population: Eight expert panels.Methods: All 13 high-income countries represented in the International Network of Obstetric Surveillance Systems (INOSS) nominated five experts per condition of morbidity, who submitted possible definitions. From these suggestions, a steering committee distilled critical components: eclampsia: 23, amniotic fluid embolism: 15, pregnancy-related hysterectomy: 11, severe primary postpartum haemorrhage: 19, uterine rupture: 20, abnormally invasive placentation: 12, spontaneous haemoperitoneum in pregnancy: 16, and cardiac arrest in pregnancy: 10. These components were assessed by the expert panel using a 5-point Likert scale, following which a framework for an encompassing definition was constructed. Possible definitions were evaluated in rounds until a rate of agreement of more than 70% was reached. Expert commentaries were used in each round to improve definitions.Main Outcome Measures: Definitions with a rate of agreement of more than 70%.Results: The invitation to participate in one or more of eight Delphi processes was accepted by 103 experts from 13 high-income countries. Consensus definitions were developed for all of the conditions.Conclusion: Consensus definitions for eight morbidity conditions were successfully developed using the Delphi process. These should be used in national registrations and international studies, and should be taken up by the Core Outcomes in Women's and Newborn Health initiative.Tweetable Abstract: Consensus definitions for eight morbidity conditions were successfully developed using the Delphi process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses a controlled trial on the use and efficacy of single-dose intravenous iron infusion, or oral iron, for the treatment of fatigue in women following postpartum hemorrhage. Topics include the use of the Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory and the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale to determine the efficacy of both oral and intravenous iron therapy, the association of intravenous iron with reduction in aggregated physical fatigue within 12 weeks after postpartum hemorrhage, and patient-reported outcomes of a fast hematopoietic response without serious adverse reactions.

The article discusses the Danish randomized controlled pilot study of postpartum anemia treatment through red blood cell transfusions and single dose intravenous iron injections. The results of the aforementioned anemia treatments in women patients, including through offering several charts on the treatment, are discussed.

Women with pre-term pre-labour rupture of membranes (PPROM) 22–33 weeks’ gestation were included in a retrospective cohort study with a structured audit to identify risk factors of major complications following PPROM and to assess whether these complications are predictable. Of the 234 women analysed, 106 (45%) delivered within three days. Eighty-four women (36%) had at least one major complication and 45% of these complications occurred within three days. The complication rate was 64% in early PPROM before 28 weeks’ gestation and 11% in late PPROM at 28 weeks’ gestation or later. Nulliparous women had an increased risk of major complications (adjusted hazards ratio: 3.07 (95% confidence interval: 1.28–7.37)). The complication rates were highest in early PPROM and during the first three days after PPROM. Multiparous women with late PPROM, who do not deliver within the first three days, have the lowest risk of major complications and are suitable for home care. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The prevalence of obstetric anal sphincter injuries (OASIS) varies between hospitals and countries from rates <1% to >5%. A cohort study in Paris reports on nearly 20 000 births with a decrease in episiotomy rate between 2006 and 2016 from 14 to 4% and OASIS rates of 0.9 and 0.8% (Blanc-Petitjean et al. I J Gynecol Obstet Hum Reprod i 2020;101870). [Extracted from the article]

Objective: To compare the maternal complications of elective cesarean delivery for breech at term with those after vaginal or emergency cesarean delivery.Methods: We conducted a population-based, retrospective cohort study of 15441 primiparas who delivered singleton breech at term. Information was obtained from the Danish Medical Birth Register, the Register of Death Causes, and the Denmark Patient Register.Results: Elective cesarean delivery was associated with lower rates of puerperal fever and pelvic infection (relative risk [RR] 0.81; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.70, 0.92), hemorrhage and anemia (RR 0.91; 95% CI 0.84, 0.97), and operations for wound infection (RR 0.69; 95% CI 0.57, 0.83) than emergency cesarean delivery. There was a higher rate of puerperal fever and pelvic infection (RR 1.20; 95% CI 1.11, 1.25) than for vaginal delivery. Thromboembolic disease occurred in 0.1% of women with cesarean delivery, and anal sphincter rupture occurred in 1.7% of women with vaginal delivery. Elective cesarean delivery was not associated with subsequent ectopic pregnancy, miscarriage, placental complications, uterine rupture, or adverse neonatal outcome. Women with elective cesarean delivery were more often delivered by elective cesarean in their second pregnancy, compared with women delivered vaginally (RR 1.25; 95% CI 1.21, 1.29). Elective cesarean delivery was associated with a lower rate of a subsequent delivery during the study period and a longer mean delivery interval than for vaginal delivery.Conclusion: Elective cesarean delivery for term breech carries a low risk of severe maternal complications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: A national audit on perinatal deaths was performed to assess the quality of antenatal care, and to suggest measures for improved antenatal care.Material and Methods: Medical records of all the perinatal deaths in Latvia in the years 1995-1996 have been studied. Non-attenders and attenders of antenatal care were characterized by socio-economic and medical variables: maternal age, parity, history of perinatal outcome, health status and behavioral hazards during the index pregnancy, length of gestation and birth weight. The Nordic-Baltic perinatal death classification was used.Results: In 85 of 442 cases (19%) of perinatal deaths women had not taken advantage of antenatal care provided for them. Non-attenders were more likely to be smokers (p<0.001) and alcohol abusers (p<0.005), above 35 years of age (p<0.005), and had higher parity (p<0.001). Non-attenders more often had systemic diseases and pregnancy complications. Neonatal complications, such as congenital syphilis (p<0.05) and other infections (p<0.05), were more common among non-attenders. There was no difference in rates of preterm birth and low birth weight between attenders and non-attenders.Conclusions: One fifth of mothers with perinatal death did not attend ANC, and in some women who attended ANC, lack of intervention was related to the perinatal death. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To determine whether the conduct of the second stage of labor and delivery technique influences the incidence of rupture of the anal sphincter.Material and Method: A total of 1072 primipara delivered vaginally at term at Rigshospitalet in 1998. A questionnaire on prenatal risk factors, conduct of the second stage of labor, and delivery technique was completed by the attending midwife immediately after delivery in 90 cases with rupture of the sphincter and in two subsequent controls (n = 164), matched by use of vacuum extractor and episiotomy.Results: Partial or total sphincter rupture was found in 8.4% of primipara who delivered vaginally, in 20.9% of those delivered by vacuum extraction, and in 6.4% of those with episiotomy only. The prenatal risk factors--maternal age, birth weight, shoulder dystocia, and edema of the perineum were found to have a statistically significant effect on the incidence of rupture of the sphincter ani. In non-instrumental vaginal deliveries easing of the perineum over the caput as it advanced helped prevent a rupture of the anal sphincter. Vacuum extraction performed with the woman in a semi-recumbant position was associated with an increased risk of rupture of the anal sphincter, whereas attention to the perineum during extraction decreased the risk.Conclusions: The significant effect of prenatal risk factors did not explain a correlation between delivery technique and rupture of the sphincter ani. The present study indicates that a reduction in the incidence of sphincter rupture may be accomplished by improved obstetric care: fewer vacuum extractions and improved delivery technique. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the study was to determine the influence of intended mode of delivery on neonatal outcome in term breech delivery and to identify risk factors at intended vaginal delivery. Based on register data on all deliveries of non-malformed, singleton fetuses in breech presentation at term (n = 19,476) in Denmark, 1982-92, a review of medical records of all (n = 218) cases with Apgar score < 7 at 5 minutes, including intrapartum and early neonatal deaths and 412 controls, was performed. Planned vaginal delivery was associated with a 15 times greater risk of low Apgar score than elective Caesarean section. Low Apgar score was correlated with duration of second stage of labour, but not with age, parity, birthweight, induction, augmentation or duration of first stage of labour. In conclusion, a pre-labour decision on vaginal delivery was associated with a 15-fold increase in low Apgar score. Prediction of low Apgar score in women selected for vaginal delivery does not seem possible before the second stage of labour. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]