Fetal death Archives - Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2014;36(9):387-392
DOI 10.1590/SO100-720320140005053
To evaluate the cases of uterine rupture and dehiscence of the uterine scar at a low-risk maternity and to point out possibilities for an improved approach to these complications.
A descriptive study was conducted at a 30-bed low-risk maternity hospital that provides care to users of the public health system. The investigation was carried out by searching for cases in the delivery room registry book and later reading the medical records in order to obtain the data. The information was inserted on a form previously elaborated for this study. Cases of uterine rupure and dehiscence of the uterine scar diagnosed from 1998 to 2012 were included, with the determination of incidence, aspects related to risk factors and diagnosis, association with the use of misoprostol and oxytocin, and the outcomes observed.
A total of 39,206 deliveries were performed in this maternity during the study period, with 12 cases of uterine rupture and 16 cases of dehiscence of uterine scar being observed. The most relevant results were a high perinatal mortality associated with uterine rupture and the unsuccessful diagnosis of this complications. It was not possible to demonstrate an association with the use of misoprostol or oxytocin.
The adverse outcomes of uterine rupture could be minimized if efforts were directed at improving the diagnostic performance of the assisting teams.
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2014;36(9):387-392
DOI 10.1590/SO100-720320140005053
To evaluate the cases of uterine rupture and dehiscence of the uterine scar at a low-risk maternity and to point out possibilities for an improved approach to these complications.
A descriptive study was conducted at a 30-bed low-risk maternity hospital that provides care to users of the public health system. The investigation was carried out by searching for cases in the delivery room registry book and later reading the medical records in order to obtain the data. The information was inserted on a form previously elaborated for this study. Cases of uterine rupure and dehiscence of the uterine scar diagnosed from 1998 to 2012 were included, with the determination of incidence, aspects related to risk factors and diagnosis, association with the use of misoprostol and oxytocin, and the outcomes observed.
A total of 39,206 deliveries were performed in this maternity during the study period, with 12 cases of uterine rupture and 16 cases of dehiscence of uterine scar being observed. The most relevant results were a high perinatal mortality associated with uterine rupture and the unsuccessful diagnosis of this complications. It was not possible to demonstrate an association with the use of misoprostol or oxytocin.
The adverse outcomes of uterine rupture could be minimized if efforts were directed at improving the diagnostic performance of the assisting teams.
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2014;36(2):50-55
DOI 10.1590/S0100-72032014000200002
To evaluate pregnancy outcome and thrombophilia frequency in women with recurrent
fetal death.
Evaluation of obstetric outcomes in a retrospective cohort of pregnant women with
recurrent stillbirth after the 20th week, from 2001 to 2013.
Antithrombin activity, protein C and S activity, factor V Leiden, prothrombin gene
mutation and antiphospholipid syndrome were analyzed.
We included 20 patients who had recurrent fetal death. Thrombophilia were found
in 11 of them, 7 diagnosed with antiphospholipid syndrome, 3 with protein S
deficiency and 1 with prothrombin gene mutation. All of them were treated with
subcutaneous heparin (unfractionated heparin or enoxaparina) and 14 of them with
acetylsalicylic acid (AAS) during pregnancy. Obstetric complications occurred in
15 patients and included: intrauterine fetal growth restriction (25%), placenta
previa (15%), reduced amniotic fluid index (25%), severe preeclampsia (10%), fetal
distress (5%), and stillbirth (5%). The mean gestational age at delivery was
35.8±3.7 weeks and newborn weight averaged 2,417.3±666.2 g.
Thrombophilia screening should be performed in all pregnant women with recurrent
fetal death after the 20th week as a way to identify possible causal
factors suitable for treatment.
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2014;36(2):50-55
DOI 10.1590/S0100-72032014000200002
To evaluate pregnancy outcome and thrombophilia frequency in women with recurrent
fetal death.
Evaluation of obstetric outcomes in a retrospective cohort of pregnant women with
recurrent stillbirth after the 20th week, from 2001 to 2013.
Antithrombin activity, protein C and S activity, factor V Leiden, prothrombin gene
mutation and antiphospholipid syndrome were analyzed.
We included 20 patients who had recurrent fetal death. Thrombophilia were found
in 11 of them, 7 diagnosed with antiphospholipid syndrome, 3 with protein S
deficiency and 1 with prothrombin gene mutation. All of them were treated with
subcutaneous heparin (unfractionated heparin or enoxaparina) and 14 of them with
acetylsalicylic acid (AAS) during pregnancy. Obstetric complications occurred in
15 patients and included: intrauterine fetal growth restriction (25%), placenta
previa (15%), reduced amniotic fluid index (25%), severe preeclampsia (10%), fetal
distress (5%), and stillbirth (5%). The mean gestational age at delivery was
35.8±3.7 weeks and newborn weight averaged 2,417.3±666.2 g.
Thrombophilia screening should be performed in all pregnant women with recurrent
fetal death after the 20th week as a way to identify possible causal
factors suitable for treatment.
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2012;34(9):403-408
DOI 10.1590/S0100-72032012000900003
PURPOSE: To identify the causes of fetal death in the studied population and to measure their contribution in identifying the cause of this outcome. To propose the use of the system Relevant Condition of Death (ReCoDe) in elucidating the causes of fetal death to minimize the number of unknown causes. METHODS: Cross-sectional study related to fetal deaths seen at a specialized academic hospital in the South of Brazil, from January 2000 to December 2009. The data were collected in the death certificates, maternal medical records and the reports of study of fetuses and attachments, and the findings were compared. Data analysis was performed using SPSS version 17.0. RESULTS: Were included 111 fetuses and their respective mothers in this study. The comparison between the diagnostic causes in the pathology and clinical evaluation showed 74 (66.7%) and 73 (65.8%), respectively. Together, they found a potential cause in 48.7% of cases, while 16.2% remained unknown. When analyzing both together with the ReCoDe system, only 9.9% of stillbirths remained as "unclassified." CONCLUSIONS: The proportion of diagnoses in the cause of death among the pathological and clinical evaluation showed no significant difference. When comparing the results of the cause of death suggested by the clinic/pathology with the use of the ReCoDe system, it appears that this tool has helped to clarify the cause by reducing the amount of those that remained without a possible etiology.
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2012;34(9):403-408
DOI 10.1590/S0100-72032012000900003
PURPOSE: To identify the causes of fetal death in the studied population and to measure their contribution in identifying the cause of this outcome. To propose the use of the system Relevant Condition of Death (ReCoDe) in elucidating the causes of fetal death to minimize the number of unknown causes. METHODS: Cross-sectional study related to fetal deaths seen at a specialized academic hospital in the South of Brazil, from January 2000 to December 2009. The data were collected in the death certificates, maternal medical records and the reports of study of fetuses and attachments, and the findings were compared. Data analysis was performed using SPSS version 17.0. RESULTS: Were included 111 fetuses and their respective mothers in this study. The comparison between the diagnostic causes in the pathology and clinical evaluation showed 74 (66.7%) and 73 (65.8%), respectively. Together, they found a potential cause in 48.7% of cases, while 16.2% remained unknown. When analyzing both together with the ReCoDe system, only 9.9% of stillbirths remained as "unclassified." CONCLUSIONS: The proportion of diagnoses in the cause of death among the pathological and clinical evaluation showed no significant difference. When comparing the results of the cause of death suggested by the clinic/pathology with the use of the ReCoDe system, it appears that this tool has helped to clarify the cause by reducing the amount of those that remained without a possible etiology.
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2012;34(4):153-157
DOI 10.1590/S0100-72032012000400003
PURPOSE: To evaluate the influence of maternal complications, prematurity, fetal anthropometric parameters and conditions of the newborn on different degrees of chorioamnionitis. METHODS: We analyzed 90 placentas from deliveries performed at the General Hospital of Triângulo Mineiro Federal University with a diagnosis of inflammation in the anatomopathological exams. We reviewed the medical records to obtain relevant maternal and fetal information. The infections were classified as grade I - deciduitis; grade II - chorioamnionitis; grade III - chorioamnionitis and vasculitis; grade IV - neonatal sepsis and grade V - fetal death and pneumonitis. RESULTS: Among the pregnant women analyzed, 50.0% had no complications, 15.0% had ruptured membranes, 15.0% urinary tract infection, 7.5% hypertensive disorders, 7.5% transvaginal infection, 5.0% hematogenous infection, and 11.1% other complications. More than a half the neonates were males and 72.2% were born at term. Analysis of the degree of chorioamnionitis showed that 56.7% had grade I, 22.2% grade II, 4.4% grade III, 10.0% grade IV, and 6.7% grade V. Data were analyzed statistically by the Χ2 test for qualitative variables and by the Spearman test for correlation analysis. The higher grades of chorioamnionitis were observed in cases of maternal complications. We observed negative correlations between all parameters and the degree of fetal chorioamnionitis, which were significant regarding weight, length, thoracic circumference and Apgar score in the first and fifth minutes. CONCLUSIONS: The different patterns of chorioamnionitis were related to different maternal and fetal clinical features, affecting the life conditions of the newborn and the severity of morphological lesions found in stillbirths.
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2012;34(4):153-157
DOI 10.1590/S0100-72032012000400003
PURPOSE: To evaluate the influence of maternal complications, prematurity, fetal anthropometric parameters and conditions of the newborn on different degrees of chorioamnionitis. METHODS: We analyzed 90 placentas from deliveries performed at the General Hospital of Triângulo Mineiro Federal University with a diagnosis of inflammation in the anatomopathological exams. We reviewed the medical records to obtain relevant maternal and fetal information. The infections were classified as grade I - deciduitis; grade II - chorioamnionitis; grade III - chorioamnionitis and vasculitis; grade IV - neonatal sepsis and grade V - fetal death and pneumonitis. RESULTS: Among the pregnant women analyzed, 50.0% had no complications, 15.0% had ruptured membranes, 15.0% urinary tract infection, 7.5% hypertensive disorders, 7.5% transvaginal infection, 5.0% hematogenous infection, and 11.1% other complications. More than a half the neonates were males and 72.2% were born at term. Analysis of the degree of chorioamnionitis showed that 56.7% had grade I, 22.2% grade II, 4.4% grade III, 10.0% grade IV, and 6.7% grade V. Data were analyzed statistically by the Χ2 test for qualitative variables and by the Spearman test for correlation analysis. The higher grades of chorioamnionitis were observed in cases of maternal complications. We observed negative correlations between all parameters and the degree of fetal chorioamnionitis, which were significant regarding weight, length, thoracic circumference and Apgar score in the first and fifth minutes. CONCLUSIONS: The different patterns of chorioamnionitis were related to different maternal and fetal clinical features, affecting the life conditions of the newborn and the severity of morphological lesions found in stillbirths.
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2012;34(2):56-62
DOI 10.1590/S0100-72032012000200003
PURPOSE: To describe the characteristics of pregnancies complicated by maternal syphilis and fetal death. METHODS: Retrospective descriptive study performed by reviewing the medical records of 48 pregnant women with maternal syphilis and fetal death outcome admitted to Hospital Geral de Nova Iguaçu, Baixada Fluminense, State of Rio de Janeiro, during the period from 2005 to 2008. Birth weight >500 g and fetal death documented by Death Certificate were the inclusion criteria. The following aspects were analyzed: sociodemographic factors, reproductive history, aspects of the current pregnancy, prenatal care, Venereal Disease Research Laboratory (VDRL) testing, and other gestational conditions, in addition to syphilis. The fetal deaths were classified as maternal, placental or fetal. Percentage, mean, standard deviation (SD), maximum and minimum values were reported. RESULTS: The mean maternal age was 22.7 years (SD=0.9 years), and at least 50% of the patients had low educational level. At hospital admission, 68.8% of the subjects were in the third trimester, with a mean gestational age of 29.2 weeks (SD=0.5), and more than 50% were in labor. The vast majority of fetal deaths (93%) occurred before maternal hospitalization. Among the patients who received prenatal care (54.2%), 30.8% had no VDRL test, 30.8 and 15.4% had a reactive and non-reactive result, respectively, and none had more than one prenatal VDRL test. At the time of childbirth, most of the mothers (95.8%) carried out VDRL testing. Overall, the VDRL titers varied from 1:1 to 1:512, with predominant values >1:4 (91.7%). In 23% of cases other clinical conditions related to fetal death, in addition to syphilis, were found. CONCLUSIONS: The infection was the main clinically identified cause of fetal death in this patient series. Fetal death occurred during the preterm period and in the presence of high titers of maternal infection, suggesting recent syphilis infection.
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2012;34(2):56-62
DOI 10.1590/S0100-72032012000200003
PURPOSE: To describe the characteristics of pregnancies complicated by maternal syphilis and fetal death. METHODS: Retrospective descriptive study performed by reviewing the medical records of 48 pregnant women with maternal syphilis and fetal death outcome admitted to Hospital Geral de Nova Iguaçu, Baixada Fluminense, State of Rio de Janeiro, during the period from 2005 to 2008. Birth weight >500 g and fetal death documented by Death Certificate were the inclusion criteria. The following aspects were analyzed: sociodemographic factors, reproductive history, aspects of the current pregnancy, prenatal care, Venereal Disease Research Laboratory (VDRL) testing, and other gestational conditions, in addition to syphilis. The fetal deaths were classified as maternal, placental or fetal. Percentage, mean, standard deviation (SD), maximum and minimum values were reported. RESULTS: The mean maternal age was 22.7 years (SD=0.9 years), and at least 50% of the patients had low educational level. At hospital admission, 68.8% of the subjects were in the third trimester, with a mean gestational age of 29.2 weeks (SD=0.5), and more than 50% were in labor. The vast majority of fetal deaths (93%) occurred before maternal hospitalization. Among the patients who received prenatal care (54.2%), 30.8% had no VDRL test, 30.8 and 15.4% had a reactive and non-reactive result, respectively, and none had more than one prenatal VDRL test. At the time of childbirth, most of the mothers (95.8%) carried out VDRL testing. Overall, the VDRL titers varied from 1:1 to 1:512, with predominant values >1:4 (91.7%). In 23% of cases other clinical conditions related to fetal death, in addition to syphilis, were found. CONCLUSIONS: The infection was the main clinically identified cause of fetal death in this patient series. Fetal death occurred during the preterm period and in the presence of high titers of maternal infection, suggesting recent syphilis infection.
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2010;32(4):169-175
DOI 10.1590/S0100-72032010000400004
PURPOSE: to determine the factors associated with cesarean section in pregnancies with fetal death at a maternity hospital in Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil. METHODS: a cross-sectional study was performed, which analyzed data from the information system about mortality and medical records, from January 2005 to December 2008, of Hospital Barão de Lucena (HBL). We analyzed women with fetal death diagnosis, with gestational age of 20 weeks or more, in terms of sociodemographic characteristics, causes and types of fetal death, obstetrical precedents and birth characteristics. The associations between the variables were analyzed by the χ2 test of association and Fisher exact test, with the level of significance set at 5%. We calculated the prevalence ratio as the measure of risk and the confidence interval (CI) at 95%. Logistic regression analysis was also performed and the Odds Ratio (OR) was calculated. RESULTS: among the 258 pregnant women with fetal death, 27.5% (n=71) underwent cesarean section. After multivariate analysis, the factors that remained significantly associated with cesarean section were maternal age below 20 years (OR=0.23; 95%CI=0.06-0.85), history of one or more cesarean sections (OR=7.02; 95%CI=2.29-21.55), multiple gestation (OR=9.06; 95%CI=2.01-40.71), use of misoprostol for birth induction (OR=0.07; 95%CI=0.01-0.32), fetal death occurring during birth (OR=4.01; 95%CI=1.13-14.24), low birth weight (OR=0.33; 95%CI=0.11-0.94), presence of hypertensive disorders (OR=3.7; 95%CI=1.46-9.39) and abruptio placentae (OR=13.9; 95%CI=4.67-41.69). CONCLUSION: in HBL, the risk factors for cesarean section in pregnancies with fetal death were previous cesarean section, multiple gestation, intrapartum deaths, hypertensive disorders and abruptio placentae. The protective factors were teenage pregnancy, use of misoprostol and low birth weight.
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2010;32(4):169-175
DOI 10.1590/S0100-72032010000400004
PURPOSE: to determine the factors associated with cesarean section in pregnancies with fetal death at a maternity hospital in Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil. METHODS: a cross-sectional study was performed, which analyzed data from the information system about mortality and medical records, from January 2005 to December 2008, of Hospital Barão de Lucena (HBL). We analyzed women with fetal death diagnosis, with gestational age of 20 weeks or more, in terms of sociodemographic characteristics, causes and types of fetal death, obstetrical precedents and birth characteristics. The associations between the variables were analyzed by the χ2 test of association and Fisher exact test, with the level of significance set at 5%. We calculated the prevalence ratio as the measure of risk and the confidence interval (CI) at 95%. Logistic regression analysis was also performed and the Odds Ratio (OR) was calculated. RESULTS: among the 258 pregnant women with fetal death, 27.5% (n=71) underwent cesarean section. After multivariate analysis, the factors that remained significantly associated with cesarean section were maternal age below 20 years (OR=0.23; 95%CI=0.06-0.85), history of one or more cesarean sections (OR=7.02; 95%CI=2.29-21.55), multiple gestation (OR=9.06; 95%CI=2.01-40.71), use of misoprostol for birth induction (OR=0.07; 95%CI=0.01-0.32), fetal death occurring during birth (OR=4.01; 95%CI=1.13-14.24), low birth weight (OR=0.33; 95%CI=0.11-0.94), presence of hypertensive disorders (OR=3.7; 95%CI=1.46-9.39) and abruptio placentae (OR=13.9; 95%CI=4.67-41.69). CONCLUSION: in HBL, the risk factors for cesarean section in pregnancies with fetal death were previous cesarean section, multiple gestation, intrapartum deaths, hypertensive disorders and abruptio placentae. The protective factors were teenage pregnancy, use of misoprostol and low birth weight.
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2010;32(2):94-98
DOI 10.1590/S0100-72032010000200008
Monoamniotic twin pregnancies are very rare, but they are associated with high fetal morbidity and mortality. There is much controversy regarding the follow-up and obstetric procedures towards prenatal diagnosis of intertwined umbilical cords. In this article, we describe a case of monoamniotic pregnancy with diagnosis of intertwined umbilical cords, and we discuss aspects related to the follow-up and obstetric procedures through a brief literature review.
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2010;32(2):94-98
DOI 10.1590/S0100-72032010000200008
Monoamniotic twin pregnancies are very rare, but they are associated with high fetal morbidity and mortality. There is much controversy regarding the follow-up and obstetric procedures towards prenatal diagnosis of intertwined umbilical cords. In this article, we describe a case of monoamniotic pregnancy with diagnosis of intertwined umbilical cords, and we discuss aspects related to the follow-up and obstetric procedures through a brief literature review.
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2009;31(6):285-292
DOI 10.1590/S0100-72032009000600004
PURPOSE: to investigate the main factors associated with fetal death in the city of Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil. METHODS: an observational, case-control study, including cases attended from June 1st 2004 to 31st March 2005. A number of 116 stillbirth cases and 472 live birth controls, with deliveries assisted at the service, were included. The cases were identified in the record book from the delivery room. The puerperium women were identified by the name and register number at a puerperium infirmary. The controls were selected, using the puerperium infirmary neighborhood criterion, identifying the beds with numbers immediately lower (two patients) and higher (two patients) than the patient's, as far as they had delivered live babies. In case they did not agree to participate in the research, the next beds with numbers consecutively lower or higher were approached. The χ2 association and Fisher's exact tests were used when necessary to test the association between the independent (predictive) and dependent (stillborn) variables, considering 5% as the significance level. To determine the association strength, the estimate of relative risk for case-control cases, Odds Ratio (OR) was used, with 95% as the confidence interval (CI). Logistic regression analysis according to the hierarchy model was done to control confounding factors. RESULTS: the fetal mortality rate corresponded to 24.4 by 1,000 births. After the multivariate analysis, the variables which kept significantly associated with fetal death were: malformation (OR=7.5; CI=3.2-17.4), number of pre-natal appointments lower than six (OR=4.4; CI=2.5-7.5), hemorrhagic syndromes (OR=2.9; CI=1.4-5.7), attendance in another hospital unit along the 24 hours which preceded the patient's admission in the institution (OR=2.9; CI=1.8-4.6), mothers' age over or equal to 35 years old (OR=2.2; CI=1.0-4.9) and schooling lower than eight years (OR=1.6; CI=1.02-2.6). CONCLUSIONS: it was found a high fetal mortality coefficient, the main factors associated with death were: malformation, number of pre-natal appointments lower than six, hemorrhagic syndromes, history of attendance previous to the hospital admission, mothers' age over or equal to 35 and schooling lower than eight years.
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2009;31(6):285-292
DOI 10.1590/S0100-72032009000600004
PURPOSE: to investigate the main factors associated with fetal death in the city of Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil. METHODS: an observational, case-control study, including cases attended from June 1st 2004 to 31st March 2005. A number of 116 stillbirth cases and 472 live birth controls, with deliveries assisted at the service, were included. The cases were identified in the record book from the delivery room. The puerperium women were identified by the name and register number at a puerperium infirmary. The controls were selected, using the puerperium infirmary neighborhood criterion, identifying the beds with numbers immediately lower (two patients) and higher (two patients) than the patient's, as far as they had delivered live babies. In case they did not agree to participate in the research, the next beds with numbers consecutively lower or higher were approached. The χ2 association and Fisher's exact tests were used when necessary to test the association between the independent (predictive) and dependent (stillborn) variables, considering 5% as the significance level. To determine the association strength, the estimate of relative risk for case-control cases, Odds Ratio (OR) was used, with 95% as the confidence interval (CI). Logistic regression analysis according to the hierarchy model was done to control confounding factors. RESULTS: the fetal mortality rate corresponded to 24.4 by 1,000 births. After the multivariate analysis, the variables which kept significantly associated with fetal death were: malformation (OR=7.5; CI=3.2-17.4), number of pre-natal appointments lower than six (OR=4.4; CI=2.5-7.5), hemorrhagic syndromes (OR=2.9; CI=1.4-5.7), attendance in another hospital unit along the 24 hours which preceded the patient's admission in the institution (OR=2.9; CI=1.8-4.6), mothers' age over or equal to 35 years old (OR=2.2; CI=1.0-4.9) and schooling lower than eight years (OR=1.6; CI=1.02-2.6). CONCLUSIONS: it was found a high fetal mortality coefficient, the main factors associated with death were: malformation, number of pre-natal appointments lower than six, hemorrhagic syndromes, history of attendance previous to the hospital admission, mothers' age over or equal to 35 and schooling lower than eight years.