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Invasive therapies (surgery or radiological embolization) are used to control severe post-partum hemorrhage. The intra-uterine tamponade balloon is a potential alternative, well documented after vaginal delivery. However, available data on its use after cesarean delivery remain scarce. This study assessed the efficacy of the intra-uterine tamponade balloon during post-partum hemorrhage in a cesarean delivery setting. Using a retrospective impact design, post-partum hemorrhage-related outcomes before ("pre-balloon" period) versus after implementation of intra-uterine tamponade balloon ("post-balloon" period) were compared. All women with post-partum hemorrhage requiring potent uterotonic treatment with prostaglandins after cesarean delivery over a 9-year period were eligible. The primary outcome was the rate of invasive procedure (conservative surgery, radiological embolization and/or hysterectomy). p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. A total of 279 patients were included (140 vs. 139). Most baseline characteristics were comparable between the two studied periods. The success rate of the intra-uterine tamponade balloon was 82%, and no related complications occurred. Rates of invasive procedures and transfusion were significantly reduced (28.6% vs. 11.5%, p < 0.001 and 44.3% vs. 28.1%, p = 0.006 respectively) during the "post-balloon" period, and length of hospital stay was shorter (p < 0.001). Implementation of intra-uterine tamponade balloon during post-partum hemorrhage after cesarean delivery appears to be safe and effective, with a decrease in both invasive procedures and transfusion rates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fetal death is defined as the spontaneous cessation of cardiac activity after fourteen weeks of amenorrhea. In France, the prevalence of fetal death after 22 weeks is between 3.2 and 4.4/1000 births. Regarding the prevention of fetal death in the general population, it is not recommended to counsel for rest and not to prescribe vitamin A, vitamin D nor micronutrient supplementation for the sole purpose of reducing the risk of fetal death (Weak recommendations; Low quality of evidence). It is not recommended to prescribe aspirin (Weak recommendation; Very low quality of evidence). It is recommended to offer vaccination against influenza in epidemic periods and against SARS-CoV-2 (Strong recommendations; Low quality of evidence). It is not recommended to systematically look for nuchal cord encirclements during prenatal screening ultrasounds (Strong Recommendation; Low Quality of Evidence) and not to perform systematic antepartum monitoring by cardiotocography (Weak Recommendation; Very Low Quality of Evidence). It is not recommended to ask women to perform an active fetal movement count to reduce the risk of fetal death (Strong Recommendation; High Quality of Evidence). Regarding evaluation in the event of fetal death, it is suggested that an external fetal examination be systematically offered (Expert opinion). It is recommended that a fetopathological and anatomopathological examination of the placenta be carried out to participate in cause identification (Strong Recommendation. Moderate quality of evidence). It is recommended that chromosomal analysis by microarray testing be performed rather than conventional karyotype, in order to be able to identify a potentially causal anomaly more frequently (Strong Recommendation, moderate quality of evidence); to this end, it is suggested that postnatal sampling of the placental fetal surface for genetic purposes be preferred (Expert Opinion). It is suggested to test for antiphospholipid antibodies and systematically perform a Kleihauer test and a test for irregular agglutinins (Expert opinion). It is suggested to offer a summary consultation, with the aim of assessing the physical and psychological status of the parents, reporting the results, discussing the cause and providing information on monitoring for a subsequent pregnancy (Expert opinion). Regarding announcement and support, it is suggested to announce fetal death without ambiguity, using simple words and adapting to each situation, and then to support couples with empathy in the various stages of their care (Expert opinion). Regarding management, it is suggested that, in the absence of a situation at risk of disseminated intravascular coagulation or maternal vitality, the patient's wishes should be taken into account when determining the time between the diagnosis of fetal death and induction of birth. Returning home is possible if it's the patient wish (Expert opinion). In all situations excluding maternal life-threatening emergencies, the preferred mode of delivery is vaginal delivery, regardless the history of cesarean section(s) history (Expert opinion). In the event of fetal death, it is recommended that mifepristone 200mg be prescribed at least 24hours before induction, to reduce the delay between induction and delivery (Low recommendation. Low quality of evidence). There are insufficient data in the literature to make a recommendation regarding the route of administration (vaginal or oral) of misoprostol, neither the type of prostaglandin to reduce induction-delivery time or maternal morbidity. It is suggested that perimedullary analgesia be introduced at the start of induction if the patient asks, regardless of gestational age. It is suggested to prescribe cabergoline immediately in the postpartum period in order to avoid lactation, whatever the gestational age, after discussing the side effects of the treatment with the patient (Expert opinion). The risk of recurrence of fetal death after unexplained fetal death does not appear to be increased in subsequent pregnancies, and data from the literature are insufficient to make a recommendation on the prescription of aspirin. In the event of a history of fetal death due to vascular issues, low-dose aspirin is recommended to reduce perinatal morbidity, and should not be combined with heparin therapy (Low recommendation, very low quality of evidence). It is suggested not to recommend an optimal delay before initiating another pregnancy just because of the history of fetal death. It is suggested that the woman and co-parent be informed of the possibility of psychological support. Fetal heart rate monitoring is not indicated solely because of a history of fetal death. It is suggested that delivery not be systematically induced. However, induction can be considered depending on the context and parental request. The gestational age will be discussed, taking into account the benefits and risks, especially before 39 weeks. If a cause of fetal death is identified, management will be adapted on a case-by-case basis (expert opinion). In the event of fetal death occurring in a twin pregnancy, it is suggested that the surviving twin be evaluated as soon as the diagnosis of fetal death is made. In the case of dichorionic pregnancy, it is suggested to offer ultrasound monitoring on a monthly basis. It is suggested not to deliver prematurely following fetal death of a twin. If fetal death occurs in a monochorionic twin pregnancy, it is suggested to contact the referral competence center, in order to urgently look for signs of acute fetal anemia on ultrasound in the surviving twin, and to carry out weekly ultrasound monitoring for the first month. It is suggested not to induce birth immediately., (Copyright © 2024 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Masson SAS.. All rights reserved.)

Objective: To assess the benefits and safety of early human fibrinogen concentrate in postpartum haemorrhage (PPH) management., Design: Multicentre, double-blind, randomised placebo-controlled trial., Setting: 30 French hospitals., Population: Patients with persistent PPH after vaginal delivery requiring a switch from oxytocin to prostaglandins., Methods: Within 30 minutes after introduction of prostaglandins, patients received either 3 g fibrinogen concentrate or placebo., Main Outcome Measures: Failure as composite primary efficacy endpoint: at least 4 g/dl of haemoglobin decrease and/or transfusion of at least two units of packed red blood cells within 48 hours following investigational medicinal product administration. Secondary endpoints: PPH evolution, need for haemostatic procedures and maternal morbidity-mortality within 6 ± 2 weeks after delivery., Results: 437 patients were included: 224 received FC and 213 placebo. At inclusion, blood loss (877 ± 346 ml) and plasma fibrinogen (4.1 ± 0.9 g/l) were similar in both groups (mean ± SD). Failure rates were 40.0% and 42.4% in the fibrinogen and placebo groups, respectively (odds ratio [OR] = 0.99) after adjustment for centre and baseline plasma fibrinogen; (95% CI 0.66-1.47; P = 0.96). No significant differences in secondary efficacy outcomes were observed. The mean plasma FG was unchanged in the Fibrinogen group and decreased by 0.56 g/l in the placebo group. No thromboembolic or other relevant adverse effects were reported in the Fibrinogen group versus two in the placebo group., Conclusions: As previous placebo-controlled studies findings, early and systematic administration of 3 g fibrinogen concentrate did not reduce blood loss, transfusion needs or postpartum anaemia, but did prevent plasma fibrinogen decrease without any subsequent thromboembolic events., Tweetable Abstract: Early systematic blind 3 g fibrinogen infusion in PPH did not reduce anaemia or transfusion rate, reduced hypofibrinogenaemia and was safe., (© 2021 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

Anaesthetists often stand in the front line to manage postpartum neurological deficits, although epidural analgesia is rarely responsible for these complications. An epidural analgesia was performed to relieve pain during spontaneous labor in a 34-year-old parturient. An emergency C-section was subsequently required due to fetal heart rate abnormalities. Twelve hours after catheter removal, the parturient developed a severe right leg motor and sensory neurological deficit, predominant on L5 and S1 roots and diagnosed by a neurologist as a central nerve root injury. Lumbar MRI identified a non-compressive epidural bleeding in front of the L5 vertebral body. Epidural bleeding after labor epidural analgesia is a rare complication that may jeopardize the functional prognosis. It may be difficult in some cases to differentiate an upper plexus injury due to labor and delivery from a central epidural analgesia-related nerve root lesion. Fetal head compression at the pelvic brim may induce neurological deficits in several well-differentiated nervous territories, thus mimicking an anaesthetic-induced perimedullar radiculopathy., (Copyright © 2014 Société française d’anesthésie et de réanimation (Sfar). Published by Elsevier SAS. All rights reserved.)

The aim of the study was to review maternal hypotension during caesarean delivery with spinal anesthesia. Obstetric complications, such as obstetric hemorrhage and problems related to concomitant maternal diseases are not considered. Reports of hypotension during spinal anesthesia for elective caesarean delivery are frequent (70-80%) when pharmacological prophylaxis is not used. Although some physical methods (leg wrapping, thromboembolic stockings) and the prevention of aorto-caval compression (left lateral tilt of the uterus) are useful, main prevention relies on two pharmacological methods, vasopressor therapy and intravascular fluid loading generally in combination. Ephedrine has been the vasopressor of choice in obstetrics for decades but phenylephrine is now the preferred first line approach during elective procedures at least. Crystalloid preloading is clinically ineffective and should be abandoned. Crystalloid coloading at the onset of sympathetic blockade is better but its efficacy may depend on the volume infused and the speed of administration. Preloading with hydroxyethylstarch is more consistently effective in reducing the incidence and severity of hypotension and hydroxyethylstarch coloading appears equally effective. Preoperative tests and new monitoring devices are available to predict or permit early detection of hypotension, but their feasibility and reliability in routine clinical practice is not yet established. With these tools, it may become possible to tailor prophylaxis to the assessed risk of the individual. Combining a prophylactic vasopressor regimen with hydroxyethylstarch preloading, hydroxyethylstarch coloading or crystalloid coloading is the best method to decrease the incidence and severity of hypotension during spinal anesthesia for caesarean delivery.

The ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) is a complication of controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (COH) protocols performed in women undergoing assisted reproductive technologies. This syndrome is characterized by multiple intra-ovarian corpus luteum and constitution of a third space that can lead to a life-threatening situation. Although the pathophysiology remains unclear, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and other cytokines, secreted under the influence of exogenous gonadotrophins administered for COH, are involved in increasing capillary permeability. The clinical course varies from increased size of the ovaries to anasarca with potentially fatal circulatory dysfunction. Mortality rate, though not accurately quantified, is significant (1/45 000 to 1/500 000) and mostly due to thromboembolic complications. The only effective treatment is prevention, by adapting ovarian stimulation protocols to OHSS risk factors. There are no specific treatments and therapy is mainly symptomatic until the condition resolves spontaneously., (Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.)