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Objective This study aimed to examine the association between interpregnancy body mass index (BMI, kg/m2) change and intrapartum cesarean delivery in multiparous women without a history of cesarean delivery. Study design We conducted a retrospective cohort study of all women who had more than one singleton pregnancy at 23 weeks' gestation or greater at MedStar Washington Hospital Center from January 2009 to June 2018. We excluded women who had a history of cesarean delivery, prelabor cesarean delivery, and contraindications for vaginal delivery. Interpregnancy BMI change was calculated by the change of early pregnancy BMI measured in the office. Women were categorized according to the interpregnancy BMI change (BMI loss more than 2 kg/m2, BMI change ± 2 kg/m2, and BMI gain more than 2 kg/m2). The primary outcome was an intrapartum cesarean delivery. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to calculate adjusted odds ratio (aOR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) after adjusting for predefined covariates. Results Of 2,168 women who were analyzed, 258 (12%), 1,192 (55%), and 718 (33%) had interpregnancy BMI loss more than 2 kg/m2, BMI change ± 2 kg/m2, and BMI gain more than 2 kg/m2, respectively. Women with BMI gain more than 2 kg/m2 compared with those with BMI change ± 2 kg/m2 had increased odds of intrapartum cesarean delivery (7.4 vs. 4.5%; aOR: 1.78; 95% CI: 1.10-2.86) and cesarean delivery for arrest disorders (3.1 vs. 1.1%; aOR: 3.06; 95% CI: 1.30-7.15). Women with BMI loss more than 2 kg/m2 compared with those with BMI change ± 2 kg/m2 had similar rates of cesarean delivery. Conclusion Compared with interpregnancy BMI change ± 2 kg/m2, interpregnancy BMI gain 2 kg/m2 was associated with increased odds of intrapartum cesarean delivery. Key points · BMI gain between pregnancies was associated with intrapartum cesarean delivery.. · BMI loss between pregnancies was not associated with intrapartum cesarean delivery.. · Our study suggests that at least maintaining weight between pregnancies is beneficial..

The aim of the study is to examine whether an estimated fetal weight of the current pregnancy greater than previous birth weight is associated with increased odds of intrapartum cesarean delivery. We conducted a retrospective cohort study of all women who had more than one singleton pregnancy at 23 weeks' gestation or greater at a single labor and delivery unit. We only analyzed the second pregnancy in the dataset. We excluded women who had preterm birth in the second pregnancy. Women were categorized according to the difference between estimated fetal weight and previous birth weight-estimated fetal weight close to previous birth weight within 500 g (similar weight group); estimated fetal weight significantly (more than 500 g) greater than previous birth weight (larger weight group); and estimated fetal weight significantly (more than 500 g) lower than previous birth weight (smaller weight group). The primary outcome was intrapartum cesarean delivery. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to calculate adjusted odds ratios (aORs) with 95% confidence interval (95% confidence interval [CI]) after adjusting for predefined covariates. Of 1,887 women, there were 1,415 (75%) in the similar weight group, 384 (20%) in the greater weight group, and 88 (5%) in the smaller weight group. Individuals in the larger weight group compared with those in the similar weight group had higher odds of undergoing intrapartum cesarean delivery (11.2 vs. 4.5%; aOR 2.91; 95% CI 1.91-4.45). The odds of intrapartum cesarean delivery in the smaller weight group compared with those in the similar weight group were not increased (3.4 vs. 4.5%; crude OR 0.75; 95%CI 0.23-2.42). The difference between current estimated fetal weight and previous birth weight plays an important role in assessing the risk of intrapartum cesarean delivery.· Estimated fetal weight compared with previous birth weight is an important factor.. · Cesarean delivery is infrequent if estimated fetal weight is similar to previous birth weight.. · Larger estimated fetal weight greater than the previous birth weight is associated with cesarean delivery..

Creative Arts Educ Ther (2018) 4(1):66–77 DOI: 10.15212/CAET/2018/4/7 Reflections on Minority Cultures in China: A Photo Essay 对中国少数民族文化的反思：一篇摄影短文 Abstract This article describes a journey by the author to China where he documents in words and photographs the lives of people from minority cultures, especially the Miao and the Dong. In further in reflecting on the journey, the author acknowledges the impact of his mentor – a refuge from mainland China in 1949 – and his own heritage as an American Jew descended from generations of East European Jews displaced by pograms and by the Holocaust. 摘要 本文描述了作者到中国的旅程。他用文字和照片记录了少数民族文化中人们的生活，特别是苗族和侗族。 此外，在回顾旅程时，作者承认他的导师-1949年来自中国大陆的难民以及他自己作为美国犹太人的后代所产生的影响，源于几代东欧反犹骚乱和大屠杀。 关键词: 戏剧治疗, 文化, 少数民族, 犹太人, 穆斯林, 苗族, 侗族

Objective The Emergency Severity Index (ESI) version 4 is a 5-level triage system (1 being the highest acuity and 5 being the lowest acuity) used in the emergency department (ED). Our goal of the study was to compare rates of readmission according to ESI in postpartum women. Study Design This was a secondary analysis of a retrospective cohort study of all women who presented to the ED within 6 weeks after cesarean delivery. The acuity level was assigned by triage nurses at the time of triage presentation. Our primary outcome was postpartum readmission. To examine if the addition of blood pressure to vital sign abnormalities would improve the prediction for readmission, we created a modified ESI. We identified women who had an ESI of level 3 and reassigned to a modified ESI of level 2 if blood pressure was in the severe range. Receiver operating characteristic curves with area under the curve (AUC) were created and compared between ESI and modified ESI. Results Of 439 women, ESI distribution was 0.2% ESI 1, 23.7% ESI 2, 56.0% ESI 3, 19.4% ESI 4, and 0.7% ESI 5. Readmission rates by ESI level were 100% ESI 1, 47% ESI 2, 18% ESI 3, 2% ESI 4, and 0% ESI 5 (p Conclusion The ESI was a useful tool to identify women who required postpartum readmission. Incorporation of severe range blood pressure as a parameter of acuity improved the prediction of readmission. Key Points

Background It is hypothesized that pregnancy causes time-limited physiologic adaptations of the reproductive system, such as increased blood flow to the uterus. With long interpregnancy intervals, those adaptations may regress, and maternal physiologic characteristics may revert to those of primigravid women. Therefore, it is plausible that long interpregnancy interval is associated with cesarean delivery, especially due to arrest disorders (failed induction of labor, arrest of dilation, or arrest of descent). Objective To examine the association between interpregnancy interval and cesarean delivery due to arrest disorders in multiparous women without a history of cesarean delivery. Materials and Methods This was a retrospective cohort study of all women who had more than 1 singleton pregnancy at 23 weeks' gestation or greater at MedStar Washington Hospital Center from January 2009 to June 2018. We defined the interpregnancy interval as the duration from the birth of the preceding offspring to the date of conception of the index offspring. We a priori decided to categorize women based on the interpregnancy interval (less than 18 months, 18−59 months, and 60 months or greater). Our primary outcome was cesarean delivery due to arrest disorders. We also examined overall cesarean delivery and cesarean delivery due to nonreassuring fetal heart tracing. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to calculate adjusted odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals, controlling for predefined covariates. Results Of 2741 women, 1143 (41.7%), 1369 (49.9%), and 229 (8.4%) had an interpregnancy interval of less than 18 months, 18−59 months, and 60 months or more, respectively. After adjusting for confounders, an interpregnancy interval of 60 months or more compared to an interpregnancy interval of 18−59 months was associated with increased odds of cesarean delivery due to arrest disorders (4.8% vs 1.3%; adjusted odds ratio, 3.06; 95% confidence interval, 1.34−6.97) and cesarean delivery due to arrest of dilation (3.1% vs 0.7%; adjusted odds ratio, 3.24; 95% confidence interval, 1.10−9.59). An interpregnancy interval of less than 18 months compared to an interpregnancy interval of 18−59 months was associated with decreased odds of cesarean delivery due to nonreassuring fetal heart tracing (2.4% vs 4.1%; adjusted odds ratio, 0.55; 95% confidence interval, 0.32−0.92). Conclusion An interpregnancy interval of 60 months or greater compared to an interpregnancy interval of 18−59 months was associated with increased odds of cesarean delivery due to arrest disorders. Beneficial effects on postpartum adaptations in the reproductive system may regress as interpregnancy interval increases.

To compare rates of operative complications between the earlier and later academic periods.This was a retrospective cohort study of women undergoing cesarean delivery at 23 weeks' gestation or greater during the academic calendar between 2012 and 2017. Our primary outcome was a composite of surgical complications including hemorrhage (4 or more red blood cell transfusion), bladder injury, bowel injury, neonatal injury, cellulitis, wound complications, intensive care unit admission, and readmission. Outcomes were compared between two periods - the earlier academic period (July and August) and the later academic period (April and May). Multivariable logistic regression or linear regression was performed, controlling for predefined covariates.There were 1251 and 1111 cesarean delivery in the earlier and later academic periods, respectively. The earlier academic period compared to the late academic period was associated with a minute longer incision to delivery time (9 versus 8 min, adjustedCesarean deliveries performed in the early months of the academic period was not associated with increased odds of surgical complications.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the rate of surgical site infection according to the choice of antibiotics in women undergoing cesarean delivery. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective cohort study of women undergoing cesarean delivery (labored, unlabored, and scheduled) from 2012 to 2017. Women with chorioamnionitis and those who did not receive any antibiotics were excluded. Our primary outcome was defined a priori as a composite of cellulitis, endometritis, deep wound infection, abdominopelvic abscess and sepsis. Outcomes were examined according to the choice of antibiotics: cefazolin, standard alternative (both clindamycin and gentamicin), and inappropriate alternatives (such as clindamycin only). Multivariable logistic regression model was used to calculate the propensity score for each observation, which was the probability of receiving a particular antibiotics regimen. The propensity score-adjusted logistic regression models were conducted to calculate adjusted odds ratios (OR) and the 95% confidence intervals (CI). Firth’s penalized likelihood approach was applied to address issues of rare events. RESULTS: Among 6,584 selected women, 6,163 (93.6%), 274 (4.2%), and 147 (2.2%) received cefazolin, standard alternative, and inappropriate alternatives, respectively. Use of standard alternative antibiotics compared to cefazolin was not associated with increased odds of the primary outcome (crude OR 1.50 [0.92–2.46]; adjusted OR 1.63 [0.97–2.60]) but was associated with increased odds of cellulitis (crude OR 2.07 [1.16–3.70]; adjusted OR 1.93 [1.03–3.31]). Use of inappropriate alternative antibiotics compared with cefazolin was associated with increased odds of the primary outcome (crude OR 4.37 [2.80–6.83]; adjusted OR 4.13 [2.59–6.36]) as well as some components of the composite outcome such as endometritis before discharge (crude OR 6.85 [3.94–11.90]; adjusted OR 6.68 [3.69–11.44]) and cellulitis (crude OR 3.36 [1.78–6.34]; aOR 3.23 [1.63–5.81]). CONCLUSION: Both standard alternative and inappropriate alternatives were associated with increased odds of surgical site infections compared with cefazolin.

OBJECTIVE To examine and compare the validity of three known risk-assessment tools (CMQCC [California Maternal Quality Care Collaborative], AWHONN [Association of Women's Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses], and NYSBOH [New York Safety Bundle for Obstetric Hemorrhage]) in women undergoing cesarean delivery. METHODS We conducted a retrospective cohort study that evaluated all women undergoing cesarean delivery at 23 weeks of gestation or longer from 2012 to 2017 at an urban hospital with average of 1,200 cesarean deliveries per year. Data were obtained by chart review. Severe postpartum hemorrhage was defined as transfusion of at least four units of packed red blood cells during the intrapartum or postpartum period. For each risk-assessment tool, women were stratified into low-risk, medium-risk, and high-risk groups. Risk factors were examined using multivariable logistic regression. RESULTS Of 6,301 women who underwent cesarean delivery, a total of 76 (1.2%) had severe postpartum hemorrhage. Women classified as low- or medium-risk had lower rates of severe postpartum hemorrhage (0.4-0.6%) compared with women classified as high-risk (1.8-5.1%) (P

Cerclage placed for a sonographically short cervix has been shown to reduce the risk of preterm delivery in women with a history of prior preterm birth. While short cervix is traditionally placed before viability, the threshold gestational age at which viability is achieved continues to decrease, and, as a result, a larger subset of women may be ineligible to receive this potentially beneficial procedure.To evaluate the association between obstetric outcomes and perioperative complications after placement of an ultrasound-indicated cerclage at periviability compared to placement in the previable period.This retrospective cohort study of patients who underwent ultrasound-indicated cerclage evaluated obstetric outcomes and perioperative complications based on gestational age at cerclage placement. Ultrasound-indicated cerclage was considered to have been placed at periviability if placed at 22 to24 weeks (exposed) and at previability if placed at 16 to22 weeks gestational age (unexposed). The primary outcome was preterm delivery36 weeks. Secondary outcomes included mean gestational age at delivery, preterm delivery32 weeks,28, and24 weeks, preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM), chorioamnionitis, and perioperative complications. Adjusted analyses were performed to account for demographic and obstetric factors.Of the 426 patients included in the analysis, 94 (22%) had cerclage placed between ≥22 weeks to24 weeks, while 332 (78%) had cerclage placed at22 weeks. On univariate analysis, women who had a periviable cerclage placed were less likely to have a recurrent preterm delivery36 weeks compared to women with previable cerclage placement (26.6 versus 38.3%, respectively, p = .04). The adjusted model did not demonstrate a significant difference in risk for preterm delivery36 weeks associated with periviable versus previable cerclage (odds ratio 0.66, 95%CI 0.37-1.17). Secondary outcomes were similar between the previable and periviable groups, including mean gestational age at delivery (35.1 versus 36.2 weeks, respectively, p = .08) and preterm delivery before 32-week gestation (20.7 versus 13.8%, respectively, p = .17). Intraoperative and postoperative complications were rare and rates were similar between groups.Obstetric outcomes between patients receiving periviable and previable cerclage are similar. Ultrasound-indicated cerclage placement is associated with a relatively low rate of complications. Given the evidence supporting benefit of cerclage for women with short ultrasound cervical length and prior preterm birth, our findings demonstrate that benefits of placement at ≥22 weeks to24 weeks may outweigh risks.

Objective To examine labor induction by race/ethnicity and factors associated with disparity in induction. Study Design This is a retrospective cohort study of 143,634 women eligible for induction ≥24 weeks' gestation from 12 clinical centers (2002–2008). Rates of labor induction for each racial/ethnic group were calculated and stratified by gestational age intervals: early preterm (240/7–336/7), late preterm (340/7–366/7), and term (370/7–416/7 weeks). Multivariable logistic regression examined the association between maternal race/ethnicity and induction controlling for maternal characteristics and pregnancy complications. The primary outcome was rate of induction by race/ethnicity. Inductions that were indicated, non-medically indicated, or without recorded indication were also compared. Results Non-Hispanic black (NHB) women had the highest percentage rate of induction, 44.6% (p Conclusion Compared with other racial/ethnic groups, NHW women were more likely to undergo non-medically indicated induction at term. As labor induction may avoid the occurrence of stillbirth, whether this finding explains part of the increased risk of stillbirth for NHB women at term merits further research.

The Department of Neurological Surgery at the University of Miami/Jackson Memorial Hospital's legacy of patient care, teaching, and research in the neurosciences extends over a period of 50 years. The department's founder was Dr. David Reynolds. The subsequent chairman, Dr. Hubert Rosomoff, formed a solid foundation that helped put the department on the map. Drs. Barth Green and Roberto Heros, the immediate past chair and co-chairman, garnered both national and international attention for the department. Dr. Green focused his career on complex spine and spinal cord disorders, and was pivotal in creating the world's largest research center for spinal cord injuries. Dr. Heros is a master educator and pioneer neurovascular surgeon, as well as a former president of several neurosurgical national and international organizations. In aggregate, the department has made major contributions to the foundations of neurosurgery.

Background The optimal route of delivery in early-onset preeclampsia before 34 weeks is debated because many clinicians are reluctant to proceed with induction for perceived high risk of failure. Objective Our objective was to investigate labor induction success rates and compare maternal and neonatal outcomes by intended mode of delivery in women with early preterm preeclampsia. Study Design We identified 914 singleton pregnancies with preeclampsia in the Consortium on Safe Labor study for analysis who delivered between 24 0/7 and 33 6/7 weeks. We excluded fetal anomalies, antepartum stillbirth, or spontaneous preterm labor. Maternal and neonatal outcomes were compared between women undergoing induction of labor (n = 460) and planned cesarean delivery (n = 454) and women with successful induction of labor (n = 214) and unsuccessful induction of labor (n = 246). We calculated relative risks and 95% confidence intervals to determine outcomes by Poisson regression model with propensity score adjustment. The calculation of propensity scores considered covariates such as maternal age, gestational age, parity, body mass index, tobacco use, diabetes mellitus, chronic hypertension, hospital type and site, birthweight, history of cesarean delivery, malpresentation/breech, simplified Bishop score, insurance, marital status, and steroid use. Results Among the 460 women with induction (50%), 47% of deliveries were vaginal. By gestational age, 24 to 27 6/7, 28 to 31 6/7, and 32 to 33 6/7, the induction of labor success rates were 38% (12 of 32), 39% (70 of 180), and 54% (132 of 248), respectively. Induction of labor compared with planned cesarean delivery was less likely to be associated with placental abruption (adjusted relative risk, 0.33; 95% confidence interval, 0.16–0.67), wound infection or separation (adjusted relative risk, 0.23; 95% confidence interval, 0.06–0.85), and neonatal asphyxia (0.12; 95% confidence interval, 0.02–0.78). Women with vaginal delivery compared with those with failed induction of labor had decreased maternal morbidity (adjusted relative risk, 0.27; 95% confidence interval, 0.09–0.82) and no difference in neonatal outcomes. Conclusion About half of women with preterm preeclampsia who attempted an induction had a successful vaginal delivery. The rate of successful vaginal delivery increases with gestational age. Successful induction has the benefit of preventing maternal and fetal comorbidities associated with previous cesarean deliveries in subsequent pregnancies. While overall rates of a composite of serious maternal and neonatal morbidity/mortality did not differ between induction of labor and planned cesarean delivery groups, women with failed induction of labor had increased maternal morbidity highlighting the complex route of delivery counseling required in this high-risk population of women.

OBJECTIVE: Much of the literature on clinical decision-making regarding the optimal route of delivery for periviable birth, 23 0/7 – 25 6/7 weeks’ gestation, has focused on neonatal risks. In fact, routine cesarean delivery at these early gestational ages has not been shown to improve neonatal mortality or neurological outcomes. Neonatal risks associated with route of delivery are well known. Conversely, there is a paucity of data on maternal morbidity associated with route of delivery. We examined maternal morbidity according to attempted route of delivery in women undergoing periviable birth. STUDY DESIGN: In a secondary analysis of the Consortium on Safe Labor, a retrospective cohort study, maternal outcomes were compared between attempted vaginal delivery and planned cesarean delivery in women undergoing periviable birth. Analyses were repeated to compare maternal outcomes among actual mode of delivery (vaginal delivery vs. cesarean delivery). Multivariable Poisson regression was used to estimate adjusted relative risks (aRR) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CI), controlling for predefined covariates. RESULTS: Of 678 women who underwent periviable birth, 558 (82.3%) and 120 (17.7%) attempted vaginal delivery and planned cesarean delivery, respectively. Of 558 women who attempted a vaginal delivery, 411 (73.7%) achieved a vaginal delivery. Women who attempted a vaginal delivery compared to those who had a planned cesarean delivery were less likely to have endometritis (3.1% vs. 15.0%; aRR 0.18, 95% CI 0.09-0.35). Women who attempted a vaginal delivery compared to those who had a planned cesarean delivery had 7 days shorter total length of hospital stay (P

OBJECTIVE: To examine the association of a resident-driven quality initiative with cesarean delivery surgical site infections. METHODS: This was a quasi-experimental, preintervention and postintervention study of women undergoing cesarean delivery at 23 weeks of gestation or greater between January 2015 and June 2018 at a single tertiary care center. We implemented a resident-driven, evidence-based surgical bundle, excluding women who underwent emergency cesarean or had chorioamnionitis. The bundle included routine prophylactic antibiotics (both cefazolin and azithromycin), chlorhexidine alcohol skin preparation, use of clippers instead of a razor, vaginal cleansing with povidone iodine, placental removal by umbilical cord traction, subcutaneous tissue closure if wound thickness >2 cm, suture skin closure, dressing removal between 24 and 48 hours, and use of postoperative chlorhexidine soap. Our primary outcome was surgical site infections (superficial incisional, deep incisional, and organ or space surgical site infections) occurring up to 6 weeks postpartum. Outcomes were compared between the preimplementation period (January 2015-August 2016) and postimplementation period (December 2016-June 2018). Coarsened Exact Matching with k-to-k solution was performed using age, race–ethnicity, body mass index (kg/m(2)), rupture of membranes, and labor. RESULTS: In total, 1,624 underwent cesarean delivery in the preimplementation and 1,523 postimplementation periods, respectively; 1,100 women in the postimplementation period were matched to 1,100 women in the preimplementation period. The rate of surgical site infections in the unmatched cohort was significantly lower in the post-implementation period compared to those in the preimplementation period (2.2% [33/1,523] vs. 4.5% [73/1,624]; odds ratio 0.47 [95%CI 0.31–0.71]; P

Objective: To examine maternal and neonatal outcomes in women with and without SARS-CoV-2 during pregnancy. Study Design: We conducted a multicenter retrospective cohort study of all pregnant women delivering at three hospitals in a large not-for-profit health care organization from March through July 2020. We compared outcomes between women with and without confirmed SARS-CoV-2 during pregnancy. Coarsened exact matching was performed to match women with and without SARS-CoV-2 using maternal age, body mass index, gestational age at delivery, parity and institution of delivery. The primary outcome was a composite of maternal complications including stillbirth, postpartum hemorrhage, intraamniotic infection, endometritis and ICU admission. Secondary outcomes of neonatal complications included Apgar score

The unsteady flow characteristics around two partially buried objects, a short cylinder and a truncated cone, were examined with a three-dimensional, non-hydrostatic hydrodynamic model under similar steady unidirectional currents with flow Reynolds numbers, Re, of 86,061 and 76,209, respectively. Model simulations were conducted with the two objects partially buried in a simulated rippled river bed. A Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes (RANS) equation model coupled with a κ-ε turbulence closure was used to validate the experimental velocity measurements. A large eddy simulation (LES) turbulence model was subsequently used to characterize the unsteady flow structure around the objects. The LES closure allowed for the characterization of highly unsteady coherent turbulent structures such as the horse-shoe vortex, the arch-shaped vortex, as well as vortex shedding in the wake of the object.

To compare maternal and neonatal outcomes based on length of the latent phase during induction with rupture of membranes before 6 cm dilation. This is a retrospective cohort study using data from the Consortium of Safe Labor study, including 9,763 nulliparous and 8,379 multiparous women with singleton, term pregnancies undergoing induction at 2 cm dilation or less with rupture of membranes before 6 cm dilation after which the latent phase ended. Outcomes were evaluated according to duration of oxytocin and rupture of membranes. At time points from 6 to 18 hours of oxytocin and rupture of membranes, the rates of nulliparous women remaining in the latent phase declined (35.9–1.4%) and the rates of vaginal delivery for those remaining in the latent phase at these time periods decreased (54.1–29.9%) Nulliparous women remaining in the latent phase for 12 hours compared with women who had exited the latent phase had significantly increased rates of chorioamnionitis (12.1% compared with 4.1%) and endometritis (3.6% compared with 1.3%) and increased rates of neonatal intensive care unit admission (8.7% compared with 6.3%). Similar patterns were present for multiparous women at 15 hours. Based on when neonatal morbidity increased, in an otherwise uncomplicated induction of labor with rupture of membranes, a latent phase after initiation of oxytocin of at least 12 hours for nulliparous women and 15 hours in multiparous women is a reasonable criterion for diagnosing a failed induction.

Objective To compare perinatal outcomes in women with oligohydramnios and an unfavorable cervix undergoing labor induction with misoprostol to prostaglandin E2. Study Design We conducted a secondary analysis of women with oligohydramnios undergoing labor induction in the Consortium on Safe Labor study (2002–2008). Oligohydramnios was recorded in the medical chart. We evaluated perinatal outcomes. We limited the analysis to women with an unfavorable cervix defined by simplified Bishop score ≤ 4. Misoprostol was compared with prostaglandin E2. Women could have received oxytocin, underwent mechanical dilation, or had artificial rupture of membranes, but women who underwent induction with both misoprostol and prostaglandin E2 were excluded. We calculated adjusted odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals, controlling for maternal age, maternal body mass index (kg/m 2 ), parity, and mechanical dilation. Results Among women with oligohydramnios and an unfavorable cervix who underwent induction of labor, 141 (39.4%) received misoprostol and 217 (60.6%) received prostaglandin E2. There were no significant differences in cesarean delivery, chorioamnionitis, postpartum hemorrhage, transfusion, neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admission, NICU stay > 72 hours, mechanical ventilation, and neonatal sepsis. Conclusion In women with oligohydramnios and an unfavorable cervix, induction of labor with misoprostol was comparable to prostaglandin E2.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate maternal and neonatal outcomes by attempted mode of operative delivery from a low station in the second stage of labor. METHODS: Retrospective study of 2,518 women carrying singleton fetuses at 37 weeks of gestation or greater who underwent attempted forceps-assisted delivery, attempted vacuum-assisted vaginal delivery, or cesarean delivery from a low station in the second stage of labor. Primary outcomes were stratified by parity and included a maternal adverse outcome composite (postpartum hemorrhage, transfusion, endometritis, peripartum hysterectomy, or intensive care unit admission) and a neonatal adverse outcome composite (5-minute Apgar score less than 4, respiratory morbidity, neonatal intensive care unit admission, shoulder dystocia, birth trauma, or sepsis). RESULTS: In nulliparous patients, the maternal adverse composite was not significantly different between women who underwent attempted forceps (12.1% compared with 10.8%, adjusted odds ratio [OR] 0.77, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.40–1.34) or vacuum (8.3% compared with 10.8%, adjusted OR 0.68, 95% CI 0.40–1.16) delivery compared with cesarean delivery. Among parous women, the maternal adverse composite was not significantly different with attempted forceps (10.7% compared with 12.5%, adjusted OR 0.40, 95% CI 0.09–1.71) or vacuum (11.3% compared with 12.5%, adjusted OR 0.44, 95% CI 0.11–1.72) compared with cesarean delivery. Compared with neonates delivered by cesarean, the neonatal adverse composite was significantly lower among neonates born to nulliparous women who underwent attempted forceps (9.4% compared with 16.7%, adjusted OR 0.44, 95% CI 0.27–0.72) but not among those who underwent vacuum delivery (11.9% compared with 16.7%, adjusted OR 0.68, 95% CI 0.44–1.04). Among parous women, the neonatal adverse composite was not significantly different after attempted forceps (4.1% compared with 12.5%, adjusted OR 0.28, 95% CI 0.06–1.35) or vacuum (12.5% compared with 12.5%, adjusted OR 1.03, 95% CI 0.28–3.87) compared with cesarean delivery. CONCLUSION: A trial of forceps delivery from a low station compared with cesarean delivery was associated with decreased neonatal morbidity among neonates born to nulliparous women. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: II

Objective To compare maternal and neonatal morbidities among obese women and their offspring by attempted delivery approach. Methods We performed a retrospective cohort study of 47,372 obese women at delivery (body mass index 30 or greater) eligible for vaginal delivery who were carrying singleton vertex fetuses at 37 weeks of gestation or greater. Prior cesarean delivery, congenital anomalies, and antepartum stillbirth were exclusion criteria. We analyzed outcomes by attempted delivery route and stratified by parity. The composite maternal outcome included intensive care admission, death, hemorrhage, transfusion, or thromboembolism. The neonatal composite included intensive care unit admission, death, seizure, ventilator use, birth injury, or asphyxia. Adjusted relative risks (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using Poisson regression. Results Among nulliparous women attempting vaginal delivery (n=15,268), the success rate was 72.6% and among parous women (n=23,426), it was 93.7%. The maternal composite outcome rate was not statistically higher among nulliparous women (7.7% compared with 4.2% [adjusted RR 1.58, 95% CI 0.96-2.59]) but it was among parous women (7.6% compared with 2.5% [adjusted RR 2.45, 95% CI 1.23-4.90]) attempting vaginal delivery related to hemorrhage, blood transfusion, or both. In contrast, the neonatal composite outcome rate was lower in parous women (6.0% compared with 11.6% [adjusted RR 0.65, 95% CI 0.51-0.83]) but not in nulliparous women (10.2% compared with 12.4% [adjusted RR 0.91, 95% CI 0.74-1.12]) parous. Conclusion In obese nulliparous women, attempted vaginal delivery was not associated with increased composite maternal or neonatal morbidity. In obese parous women, attempted vaginal delivery was associated with increased composite maternal morbidity and lower composite neonatal morbidity. Level of evidence II.

Study Objective The objective of this study was to describe prevalence and location of obstetric lacerations in adolescents. Design Retrospective cohort study. Setting We performed an analysis of the Consortium on Safe Labor database including tertiary care university-affiliated urban hospitals. Participants All primiparous women who delivered vaginally were included. Interventions Vaginal and perineal lacerations were compared between age groups 15 or younger, 16-21, 22-34, 35-39, and older than 40 years. Main Outcome Measures Outcome measures included vaginal, perineal, labial, and periurethral lacerations. χ2 and Fisher exact tests were used as appropriate, with P Results A total of 9777 patients were included in the analysis. Young adolescents and adolescents had significantly higher rates of labial and periurethral lacerations compared with individuals aged 22-34 years. The prevalence of third- and fourth-degree perineal tears increased with age. Conclusion Adolescent primiparous women are less likely to have severe perineal obstetric tears, but have higher rates of labial and periurethral tears.

Objective The aim of the study was to examine the association between cervical exam at the time of artificial rupture of membranes (AROM) and cord prolapse. Study Design We conducted a retrospective cohort study using the data from the Consortium on Safe Labor. We included women with cephalic presentation and singleton pregnancies at ≥ 23 weeks' gestation who underwent AROM during the course of labor. Multivariable logistic regression was used to calculate the adjusted odds ratio (aOR) with 95% confidence interval (95% CI), controlling for prespecified covariates. Results Of 57,204 women who underwent AROM, cord prolapse occurred in 113 (0.2%). Compared with dilation 6 to 10 cm + station ≥ 0 at the time of AROM, Conclusion Cervical dilation

Study Objective To determine the rate of elective repeat cesarean delivery (CD), vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC) attempt, and VBAC success in adolescent mothers presenting for delivery of a second child after a prior CD compared to their adult counterparts. Design Retrospective cohort study analyzing data from the Consortium on Safe Labor Database which includes data for 228,668 deliveries from 2002 to 2008. Setting 19 hospitals within 12 institutions in the United States. Participants 10,791 women age ≤ 35 (428 adolescents, age ≤ 19 and 10,363 adults age 20-35) with history of prior CD presenting for delivery of a second child. Methods The database was accessed for information on patient characteristics, prenatal comorbidities, and delivery data. Rates of repeat CD, VBAC attempt, and VBAC success were calculated. Multiple logistic regression was applied to identify predictors of VBAC success. Results Adolescents had a lower overall repeat CD rate and higher VBAC attempt rate compared to adults (80.61% vs 85.32%, P = .0072; 40.42% vs 30.09%, P P = .8368). Delivery at a teaching hospital and greater gestational age were predictive of VBAC success. Gestational diabetes mellitus, induction of labor, and higher maternal body mass index were predictive of VBAC failure. Adolescence was not an independent predictor of VBAC outcome. Conclusions Adolescents are more likely to attempt VBAC and are likely to be as successful as their adult counterparts. Adolescents should be encouraged to attempt a trial of labor after prior CD when appropriate to lower the risks of lifelong maternal morbidity from numerous repeat CDs.

Objective Dendritic cells (DC) mediate intestinal immune tolerance. Despite striking differences between the colon and the ileum both in function and bacterial load, few studies distinguish between properties of immune cells in these compartments. Furthermore, information of gut DC in humans is scarce. We aimed to characterise human colonic versus ileal DC. Design Human DC from paired colonic and ileal samples were characterised by flow cytometry, electron microscopy or used to stimulate T cell responses in a mixed leucocyte reaction. Results A lower proportion of colonic DC produced pro-inflammatory cytokines (tumour necrosis factor-α and interleukin (IL)-1β) compared with their ileal counterparts and exhibited an enhanced ability to generate CD4 + FoxP3 + IL-10 + (regulatory) T cells . There were enhanced proportions of CD103 + Sirpα − DC in the colon, with increased proportions of CD103 + Sirpα + DC in the ileum. A greater proportion of colonic DC subsets analysed expressed the lymph-node-homing marker CCR7, alongside enhanced endocytic capacity, which was most striking in CD103 + Sirpα + DC. Expression of the inhibitory receptor ILT3 was enhanced on colonic DC. Interestingly, endocytic capacity was associated with CD103 + DC, in particular CD103 + Sirpα + DC. However, expression of ILT3 was associated with CD103 − DC. Colonic and ileal DC differentially expressed skin-homing marker CCR4 and small-bowel-homing marker CCR9, respectively, and this corresponded to their ability to imprint these homing markers on T cells. Conclusions The regulatory properties of colonic DC may represent an evolutionary adaptation to the greater bacterial load in the colon. The colon and the ileum should be regarded as separate entities, each comprising DC with distinct roles in mucosal immunity and imprinting.

The pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease is incompletely understood but results from a dysregulated intestinal immune response to the luminal microbiota. CD4 T cells mediate tissue injury in the inflammatory bowel disease-associated immune response. Dendritic cells (DC) generate primary T-cell responses and mediate intestinal immune tolerance to prevent overt inflammation in response to the gut microbiota. However, most information regarding function of intestinal DC has come from mouse models, and information in humans is scarce. We show here that intestinal DC subsets are skewed in ulcerative colitis (UC) in humans, with a loss of CD103 lymph-node homing DC; this intestinal DC subset preferentially generates regulatory T cells in mice. We show infiltrates of DC negative for myeloid marker CD11c, with enhanced expression of Toll-like receptors for bacterial recognition. After mixed leukocyte reaction, DC from the inflamed UC colon had an enhanced ability to generate gut-specific CD4 T cells with enhanced production of interleukin-4 but a loss of interferon γ and interleukin-22 production. Conditioning intestinal DC with probiotic strain Lactobacillus casei Shirota in UC partially restored their normal function indicated by reduced Toll-like receptor 2/4 expression and restoration of their ability to imprint homing molecules on T cells and to generate interleukin-22 production by stimulated T cells. This study suggests that T-cell dysfunction in UC is driven by DC. T-cell responses can be manipulated indirectly through effects of bacterial conditioning on gut DC with implications for immunomodulatory effects of the commensal microbiota in vivo. Manipulation of DC to allow generation of DC-specific therapy may be beneficial in inflammatory bowel disease.

Cesarean delivery (CD) is one of the most common procedures performed in the United States, accounting for 32% of all deliveries. Postpartum surgical site infection (SSI), wound infection and endometritis is a major cause of prolonged hospital stay and poses a burden to the health care system. SSIs complicate a significant number of patients who undergo CD – 2-7% will experience sound infections and 2-16% will develop endometritis. Many risk factors for SSI have been described. These include maternal factors (such as tobacco use; limited prenatal care; obesity; corticosteroid use; nulliparity; twin gestations; and previous CD), intrapartum and operative factors (such as chorioamnionitis; premature rupture of membranes; prolonged rupture of membranes; prolonged labor, particularly prolonged second stage; large incision length; subcutaneous tissue thickness > 3 cm; subcutaneous hematoma; lack of antibiotic prophylaxis; emergency delivery; and excessive blood loss), and obstetrical care on the teaching service of an academic institution. Effective interventions to decrease surgical site infection include prophylactic antibiotic use (preoperative first generation cephalosporin and intravenous azithromycin), chlorhexidine skin preparation instead of iodine, hair removal using clippers instead of razors, vaginal cleansing by povidone-iodine, placental removal by traction of the umbilical cord instead of by manual removal, suture closure of subcutaneous tissue if the wound thickness is >2 cm, and skin closure with sutures instead of with staples. Implementation of surgical bundles in non-obstetric patients has been promising., Creating a similar patient care bundle comprised evidence-based elements in patients who undergo CD may decrease the incidence of this major complication. Each hospital has the opportunity to create its own CD surgical bundle to decrease surgical site infection.

Introduction Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a major cause of mortality. Dendritic cells (DC) promote tumour immunity or tolerance dictated by tissue microenvironment. Proximal colon (right-sided) CRC has lower incidence but poorer prognosis than distal colon (left-sided) CRC. This may be due to immunological differences between the proximal and distal colon. However, cellular and molecular studies on these differences especially in CRC are scarce. We aimed to characterise the immune activity in both compartments. Method Activation and migration of DC from human mucosal and tumour biopsies in health and CRC were investigated using flow-cytometry, immunohistology. Functional studies were performed using migration assay techniques. E-Cadherin, a tumour dissemination inhibitor was determined by real time PCR in a separate group of tumours from anaemic CRC patient. Results Co-stimulatory molecules (CD40/CD86) were expressed on more DC from proximal than distal colon in health and CRC (p=0.03; p=0.01 respectively). In CRC, DC from proximal mucosa and tumour showed increased skin-homing (CLA) and ILT3 (marker for immature DC) indicating reduced potential to focus immune activity to this compartment (p=0.03; p=0.01 respectively). CRC-DC showed increased CCR7 (lymph node homing) with greater migration but with negative correlation with tumour size. E-Cadherin mRNA fold-change was significantly lower on proximal tumour cells compared with those in the distal compartment. Functional studies using supernatants from normal mucosae or tumours reproduced the above changes in CRC-DC; changes thus reflected changed gut micro-environment in CRC. Conclusion Higher immune activity, in proximal colon, may underlie lower tumour incidence but higher tumour aggression due to tumour evolution in immunologically active microenvironment. This may have an impact on colorectal cancer treatment, for example, optimisation of current therapies based on the anatomical site of the colorectal tumour. Hence, establishment of standardised management for colon cancer by tumour location is needed. Reference . Bernardo D, et al., Chemokine (C-C Motif) Receptor2 Mediates Dendritic Cell Recruitment to the Human Colon but Is Not Responsible for Differences Observed in Dendritic Cell Subsets, Phenotype, and Function Between the Proximal and Distal Colon. Cell Mol Gastroenterol Hepatol2016;2(1):22–39. Disclosure of Interest None Declared

Background Data on complications associated with classic cesarean delivery are conflicting. In extremely preterm cesarean delivery (22 0/7-27 6/7 weeks' gestation), the lower uterine segment is thicker. It is plausible that the rates of maternal complications may not differ between classic and low transverse cesarean. Objective We sought to compare maternal outcomes associated with classic versus low transverse cesarean after stratifying by gestation (23 0/7-27 6/7 and 28 0/7-31 6/7 weeks' gestation). Study Design We conducted a multihospital retrospective cohort study of women undergoing cesarean delivery at 23 0/7 to 31 6/7 weeks' gestation from 2005 through 2014. Composite maternal outcome (postpartum hemorrhage, transfusion, endometritis, sepsis, wound infection, deep venous thrombosis/pulmonary embolism, hysterectomy, respiratory complications, and intensive care unit admission) was compared between classic and low transverse cesarean. Outcomes were calculated using multivariable logistic regression models yielding adjusted odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals and adjusted P values controlling for maternal characteristics, emergency cesarean delivery, and comorbidities. Analyses were stratified by gestational age categories (23 0/7-27 6/7 and 28 0/7-31 6/7 weeks' gestation). Results Of 902 women, 221 (64%) and 91 (16%) underwent classic cesarean between 23 0/7 and 27 6/7 and between 28 0/7 and 31 6/7 weeks' gestation, respectively. There was no increase in maternal complications for classic cesarean versus low transverse cesarean between 23 0/7 and 27 6/7 weeks' gestation. However, between 28 0/7 and 31 6/7 weeks' gestation, classic cesarean was associated with increased risks of the composite maternal outcome (adjusted odds ratio, 1.95; 95% confidence interval, 1.10–3.45), transfusion (adjusted odds ratio, 2.42; 95% confidence interval, 1.06–5.52), endometritis (adjusted odds ratio, 3.23; 95% confidence interval, 1.02–10.21), and intensive care unit admission (adjusted odds ratio, 5.05; 95% confidence interval, 1.37–18.52) compared to low transverse cesarean. Conclusion Classic cesarean delivery compared with low transverse was associated with higher maternal complication rates between 28 0/7 and 31 6/7 weeks, but not between 23 0/7 and 27 6/7 weeks' gestation.