Elective delivery of infants with macrosomia in diabetic women: reduced shoulder dystocia versus increased cesarean deliveries

OBJECTIVE: We sought to test the hypothesis that elective delivery of infants diagnosed with macrosomia by ultrasonographic studies in diabetic women will significantly reduce the rate of shoulder dystocia without significantly increasing cesarean section rate. STUDY DESIGN: In a prospective study diabetic women with ultrasonographic estimated fetal weight > or = 4250 gm underwent elective cesarean section; women with estimated fetal weight > or = 90th percentile but < 4250 gm underwent induction of labor. Maternal and neonatal outcomes were analyzed and compared for the periods before and after initiation of the protocol. RESULTS: A total of 2604 diabetic patients were included in this study. The rate of shoulder dystocia was significantly lower after instituting the protocol (2.4% vs 1.1%, odds ratio 2.2). The cesarean section rate increased significantly between the two periods (21.7% vs 25.1%, p < 0.04). Ultrasonography correctly identified the presence or absence of macrosomia in 87% of patients. Only 10.6% of diabetic patients at term required intervention under the protocol (6.8% labor induction, 3.8% elective cesarean section). The rate of shoulder dystocia was 7.4% in macrosomic infants delivered vaginally. CONCLUSION: An ultrasonographically estimated weight threshold as an indication for elective delivery in diabetic women reduces the rate of shoulder dystocia without a clinically meaningful increase in cesarean section rate. This practice, in conjunction with an intensified management approach to diabetes, improves the outcome of these high-risk women and their infants.     

Difficulties in delivery, including shoulder dystocia and malpresentations of the fetus

Shoulder dystocia is a true obsteric emergency. It may be suspected in large multiparous women, women who have previously delivered large babies, prolonged pregnancy, women who make poor progress in labor, and when the fetus seems very large to palpation. Women with abnormal pelves should be suspect. More liberal use of cesarean section in these situations will reduce the incidence of shoulder dystocia. It is important to have a carefully considered plan of action if shoulder dystocia does occur. The most helpful and definitive maneuver is extration of the posterior arm. Malpresentations cause acute emergencies mainly because of the associated increased incidence of prolapse of the cord. This possibility should be evaluated immediately when rupture of the membranes occurs. Prompt delivery by cesarean section is the treatment of choice with this complications.     

Common peripartum emergencies

Peripartum emergencies occur in patients with no known risk factors. When the well-being of the fetus is in question, the fetal heart rate pattern may offer etiologic clues. Repetitive late decelerations may signify uteroplacental insufficiency, and a sinusoidal pattern may indicate severe fetal distress. Repetitive variable decelerations suggesting umbilical cord compression may be relieved by amnioinfusion. Regardless of the etiology of the nonreassuring fetal heart pattern, measures to improve fetal oxygenation should be attempted while options for delivery are considered. Massive obstetric hemorrhage requires prompt action. Clinical signs, such as painless bleeding, uterine tenderness and nonreassuring fetal heart patterns, may help to differentiate causes of vaginal bleeding that may or may not require emergency cesarean delivery. The causes of postpartum hemorrhage include uterine atony, vaginal or cervical laceration, and retained placenta. The challenge of managing shoulder dystocia is to effect a rapid delivery while avoiding neonatal and maternal morbidity. The McRoberts maneuver has been shown to be the safest and most successful technique for relieving shoulder dystocia. Eclampsia responds best to magnesium sulfate, supportive care and supplemental hydralazine or labetalol as needed for severe hypertension.     

Prenatal determination of human platelet antigen type using DNA amplification following amniocentesis

OBJECTIVE: To assess the effectiveness of a newly developed individualised birthweight ratio (IBR), which corrects for physiological birthweight determinants, in identifying infants at risk from the complications of macrosomia. DESIGN: Prospective observational study. SETTING: Obstetric unit, Nottingham City Hospital. SUBJECTS: 2835 women delivered between December 1991 and July 1992 and the infants of 624 of these, selected by virtue of their birthweight for gestation and IBR centile positions. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Skinfold thickness and ponderal index measurements, operative delivery, shoulder dystocia, fetal trauma, impaired glucose tolerance. RESULTS: Using an IBR above the 90th centile as a cut off results in 2.4% of infants being reclassified as normally grown and 3.1% are reclassified as large. The IBR does not result in the identification of any more infants with abnormal ponderal indices or skinfold thicknesses than birthweight for gestation. It does, however, identify more of the infants at risk of operative delivery, shoulder dystocia, fetal trauma and impaired glucose tolerance. CONCLUSION: The IBR significantly improves upon birthweight for gestation in identifying infants who suffer from the complications of relative macrosomia.     

Cerebral palsy following cutting of the nuchal cord before delivery

Five cases identified in the course of medicolegal reviews are described where the umbilical cord wrapped around the neck of the foetus once was cut intentionally, or broken, prior to the extraction of the body. Delivery was delayed on account of shoulder dystocia for a period of time varying from three to seven minutes. All of these infants were born with a low APGAR score. Subsequently, they displayed manifestations of cerebral palsy and two of them also had permanent brachial plexus lesion. This series of incidents indicates that an unexpected arrest of the shoulders may inadvertently compound the problem that the severing of the cord prior to the delivery of the body entails. If, as in the cases presented here, hypoxic brain damage ensues, the severing of the cord may become a suspected causative factor. Our literary review has revealed no reference to severing of the cord having been followed by shoulder dystocia. Along with other instances where similar reviews drew attention to as yet unrecognized clinical phenomena, this unusual cluster of a previously unconsidered type of accident at birth underlines the value of carefully conducted medicolegal reviews as a potential clinical research tool in medicine.     

Shoulder dystocia: fifteen years'' experience in Ramathibodi Hospital

Although shoulder dystocia does not occur frequently the adverse effect to the patient and especially to infants can be catastrophic. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the incidence, the factors which may be related to or predispose to this condition and the consequence to the patients and their infants. All cases of shoulder dystocia which occurred during the fifteen year period from January 1982 to December 1996 were scrutinized. There were 17 cases of shoulder dystocia from a total of 109,923 deliveries giving the incidence of 1.6 per 10,000 deliveries. Of these 17 patients, 11 (65%) were delivered by vacuum extraction. Two patients had postpartum hemorrhage requiring blood transfusion. Infants' birthweights ranged between 3350 to 5160 grams. Erb's palsy occurred in 6 infants and all made full recovery subsequently.     

Newborn clavicle fractures

A prospective screening program of 9106 newborns identified 43 infants with clavicle fractures for a prevalence of 1 fracture in every 213 live births (0.5%). The fractures were equally distributed by right and left side involvement, and male and female sex. All fractures occurred during vaginal deliveries. None were breech presentation. Risk factors for fracture included large birth-weight, shoulder dystocia, mechanically assisted delivery, and prolonged gestational age. One in 11 newborns with a clavicle fracture also had a brachial plexus palsy.     

Postterm pregnancy--importance of this problem in modern obstetrics

Postterm pregnancy remains constantly a difficult and controversial problem in modern obstetrics. The aim of this study is to discuss the definition of the postterm pregnancy, complications for both the foetus (macrosomia associated with birth trauma and shoulder dystocia, oligohydramnios, meconium aspiration, postmaturity syndrome) and mother (increase rate of caesarean births). We discussed also the antepartum surveillance and the management of the postterm gestation (time and way of delivery). The management of postterm pregnancy should be individualised and based on the above findings. Treatment includes active methods (induction of labour, elective caesarean section) or conservative way (strict foetal antenatal surveillance).     

Epidural analgesia in labor and cesarean delivery for dystocia

Published studies assessing the effect of epidural analgesia in nulliparous labor on the frequency of cesarean delivery for dystocia are reviewed. There are at least four retrospective studies and two prospective studies that suggest that epidural analgesia may increase the risk of cesarean delivery for dystocia in first labors. The potential for epidural to increase the frequency of cesarean delivery for dystocia is likely influenced by multiple variables including parity, cervical dilatation at epidural placement, technique of epidural placement, management of epidural during labor, and the obstetrical management of labor after placement of epidural analgesia. Two studies suggest that delaying placement of the epidural until 5 cm of cervical dilatation or greater may reduce the risk of cesarean birth. Epidural is safe and may be a superior labor analgesic when compared with narcotics. However, patients should be informed that epidural analgesia may increase the risk of cesarean birth in first labors.     

Symphyseal separation and transient femoral neuropathy associated with the McRoberts' maneuver

Many authors have recommended the McRoberts' maneuver as the initial technique in the management of shoulder dystocia. There have been, however, no reported adverse maternal outcomes associated with this technique. We report a case of symphyseal separation and transient femoral neuropathy associated with the McRoberts' maneuver. An overly exaggerated lithotomy position and thigh abduction stretches the articular surfaces of the symphysis pubis and places increased pressure on the femoral nerve by the overlying inguinal ligament.     

The Zavanelli maneuver: 12 years of recorded experience

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the applicability and safety of the Zavanelli maneuver (manual return to the vagina of the partially born but undeliverable fetus with subsequent extraction by cesarean). DATA SOURCES: MEDLINE computer database, Science Citation Index, and Index Medicus, 1985 through 1997 using the search terms Zavanelli maneuver, cephalic replacement, abdominal rescue, head entrapment, and shoulder dystocia. METHOD OF STUDY SELECTION: Efforts to return 103 partially born but undeliverable fetuses to the uterus have been reported in 30 publications since the first case was reported in 1985. All cases were accepted for review, successful or not. TABULATION, INTEGRATION, AND RESULTS: Clinically relevant features were extracted from each case report. In 92 cases, fetuses presented by the vertex. Cephalic replacement was successful in 84 of those. In 11 cases, the fetus presented by the breech. Podalic replacement was successful in all of those. Seven women suffered tissue-disruptive trauma. There were no maternal deaths or fetal injuries ascribed to the maneuver. CONCLUSION: The 92% overall success rate is remarkable for a new procedure; even more noteworthy, in most cases it was applied by operators with no experience with it, and for cephalic replacement, it was used only after conventional maneuvers had failed. Using it early in the treatment of obstructed partial vaginal delivery is recommended.     

Cesarean birth: how to reduce the rate

The cesarean section rate, which approached 25%, has stabilized and started a modest decline. A stated United States national goal by the year 2000 is a rate of 15%. Suggested rates are 12% for primary and 3% for repeat cesarean sections. The major indications for cesarean section are prior cesarean delivery (8%), dystocia (7%), breech presentation (4%), fetal distress (2% to 3%), and others. The major areas of reduction must occur in the categories of prior cesarean delivery and dystocia. An expanded use of trial of labor and vaginal birth after a prior cesarean section will produce further reductions. Countries in Europe achieve > 50% vaginal birth after a prior cesarean section compared with 25% in the United States. A heightened awareness must occur regarding the decision to perform the first cesarean section. The residual impact, a scarred uterus, affects 12% to 14% of women seen for delivery. Even if 50% achieve a vaginal birth after a prior cesarean section, the national goals are unachievable. The obstetrician must consciously consider the impact of "once a cesarean, always a scar."     

Changes in indications for cesarean delivery: United States, 1985 and 1994

OBJECTIVES: The percentages of cesarean deliveries attributable to specific indications (breech, dystocia, fetal distress, and elective repeat cesarean) were computed for 1985 and 1994. METHODS: Data were derived from the 1985 and 1994 National Hospital Discharge Surveys. RESULTS: Dystocia was the leading indication for cesarean delivery in both years. In comparison with 1985, cesareans performed in 1994 that were attributable to dystocia and breech presentation increased, those attributable to fetal distress did not change significantly, and elective repeat cesareans declined. CONCLUSIONS: Studying indications for cesareans can be useful for hospitals, clinicians, and researchers in determining strategies to lower primary and repeat cesarean rates.     

Birth trauma. A five-year review of incidence and associated perinatal factors

OBJECTIVE: To determine the current incidence of clavicular fracture (CF), facial nerve injury (FNI) and brachial plexus injury (BPI) and identify the existence, if any, of associated perinatal factors with each injury. STUDY DESIGN: A case-controlled study design was selected and the study conducted for births between January 1, 1985 and January 1, 1990, at Christ Hospital and Medical Center, a tertiary care center with level III perinatal services in suburban Chicago. Among a population of 19,370 consecutive deliveries, we identified the occurrences of CP, FNI and BPI by database search, and maternal and neonatal chart reviews. A control group was randomly selected. Maternal, labor, delivery and neonatal variables were then compared between the birth trauma and control groups for each specific injury. RESULTS: The incidence per 1,000 live births and per 1,000 live-born cephalic singletons delivered vaginally for CF was 4.5 and 5.7; for FNI, 0.6 and 0.7; and for BPI, 0.9 and 1.1, respectively. To varying degrees, the data demonstrate that the occurrences of these injuries are associated significantly more often with prolonged gestation, epidural anesthesia, prolonged second stage of labor, oxytocin use, forceps delivery, shoulder dystocia, macrosomia, low Apgar scores and a previous maternal obstetric history of macrosomia when compared to controls. Other significantly associated variables include the presence of meconium in labor and neonatal hyperbilirubinemia. Despite the presence of multiple perinatal factors that are individually associated statistically with the injured groups, multiple logistic regression analysis predicted 44.2% of CF's, none of the FNIs and only 19% of the BPIs. CONCLUSION: While multiple perinatal variables are statistically associated with the specific birth injuries studied, the use of multiple logistic regression analysis shows that the ability to predict these injuries is markedly limited.     

Effect of epidural vs parenteral opioid analgesia on the progress of labor: a meta-analysis

CONTEXT: Epidural labor analgesia, if selected by the patient, is associated with high cesarean delivery rates. Results of randomized trials comparing rates of cesarean delivery using epidural anesthesia vs parenteral opioids are inconsistent. OBJECTIVE: To review the effects of epidural vs parenteral opioid analgesia on cesarean delivery rates. DATA SOURCES: Studies were identified by searching MEDLINE from January 1966 through January 1998, the Cochrane Database of Perinatal Trials, and relevant nonindexed journals and abstracts. STUDY SELECTION: We included all studies that randomized patients to epidural vs parenteral opioid labor analgesia. DATA EXTRACTION: Two authors independently extracted data from 10 trials enrolling 2369 patients. Odds ratios (ORs) for categorical data, weighted mean differences (WMDs) for continuous data, and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using a random-effects model. DATA SYNTHESIS: The risk of cesarean delivery did not differ between patients receiving epidural (8.2%) vs parenteral opioid (5.6%) analgesia (OR, 1.5; 95% CI, 0.81-2.76). Epidural patients had longer first (WMD, 42 minutes; 95% CI, 17-68 minutes) and second (WMD, 14 minutes; 95% CI, 5-23 minutes) labor stages. While epidural patients were more likely to have instrumented delivery (OR, 2.19; 95% CI, 1.32-7.78), they were no more likely to have instrumented delivery for dystocia (OR, 0.68; 95% CI, 0.31-1.49). After epidural analgesia, neonates were less likely to have low 5-minute Apgar scores (OR, 0.38; 95% CI, 0.18-0.81) or to need naloxone (OR, 0.24; 95% CI, 0.07-0.77). Women receiving epidural analgesia had lower pain scores during the first (WMD, -40 mm on a 100-mm scale; 95% CI, -42 to -38 mm) and second (WMD, -29 mm; 95% CI, -38 to -21 mm) stages of labor. The odds of dissatisfaction were lower with epidural analgesia (OR, 0.25; 95% CI, 0.20-0.32). CONCLUSIONS: Epidural labor analgesia is not associated with increased rates of instrumented vaginal delivery for dystocia or cesarean delivery. Patients receiving epidural analgesia have longer labors. Patient satisfaction and neonatal outcome are better after epidural than parenteral opioid analgesia.     

Pelvic and perineal sequelae of delivery

Vaginal delivery especially with dystocia, may result in relaxation or disruption of fascial and ligamentous supports of pelvic organs. The relationship between first childbirth and obstetric trauma is strong but additional pregnancies and deliveries are aggravating factors as well as ageing and hormonal effects of the menopause. These anatomic changes are contributing to the development of stress urinary incontinence, anal incontinence and genital prolapse. Preventing obstetric trauma needs changes in current obstetric practice: reduction in the episiotomy rate, use of vacuum extractor in preference to forceps. General practitioners can help at the time of postnatal control by making a full clinical evaluation of pelvic floor damage, referring women for further investigation and asking them about postnatal sexual difficulties. Postpartum perineal physiotherapy is indicated for women at risk: pelvic floor congenital weakness instrumental delivery, postpartum urinary and/or anal incontinence.     

Postoperative vomiting: drug prevention and therapy with established agents in the child

OBJECTIVES: To study the characteristics of the labour course and perinatal prognosis in cases of fetal persistent occiput-transverse position (POTP) and persistent occiput-posterior position (POPP). METHODS: All the cases, delivered with POTP and POPP in or hospital from Nov, 1995 to July 1996 were analyzed retrospectively. RESULTS: In abnormal fetal occipital position group, the following indices were significantly higher than those of normal group: fetal macrosomia, uterine inertia, and duration of each labour course. The speed of descending of presentation was obviously slower. The incidence of abnormal labour course was markedly increased. The rate of operative delivery was significantly higher. The total rate of operative delivery was 82.81% in the POTP group, and 92.31% in the POPP group. The incidence fetal hypoxia and neonatal asphyxia was markedly high in the abnormal occiput group. CONCLUSIONS: The POTP and POPP are major cases of dystocia. If management is unsuitable, perinatal prognosis will be poor.     

Brachial plexus paralysis: its incidence, predisposing factors and outcome

METHODS: We have studies, retrospectively, the risk factors, incidence and outcome of obstetric palsy in all infants delivered between January 1990 and December 1994 at the Obstetric and Gynecological Department and afferent to the Neonatological Division of the University of Messina. Twenty-eight of the 5556 live born full term infants (5/1000) were at birth diagnosed as having a brachial plexus paresis. Of these eight (1.6/1000) had persistent palsy. RESULTS: In about 40-50% of the infants with brachial plexus palsy the obstetric history was characterized by high birthweight, shoulder dystocia, and parity 1. The infants who recovered totally did so during the first 12 months of life. All infants had upper brachial plexus, or Erb's palsy, which is more favorable than entire brachial plexus palsy. At follow-up (15 months-5 years), all infants with persistent palsy were afflicted by varying degrees of arm function compromise. CONCLUSIONS: We stress that, in several cases, obstetric brachial plexus palsy results in life-long handicap, and that prevention, early diagnosis and therapy need to be the goals of the obstetrical and pediatric management.