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Background and Objectives: Accurate diagnosis of labor progress is crucial for making well-informed decisions regarding timely and appropriate interventions to optimize outcomes for both the mother and the fetus. The aim of this study was to assess the progress of the second stage of labor using intrapartum ultrasound. Material and methods: This was a prospective study (December 2022–December 2023) conducted at the Third Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece. Maternal–fetal and labor characteristics were recorded, and two ultrasound parameters were measured: the angle of progression (AoP) and the head–perineum distance (HPD). The correlation between the two ultrasonographic values and the maternal–fetal characteristics was investigated. Multinomial regression analysis was also conducted to investigate any potential predictors of the mode of delivery. Results: A total of 82 women at the second stage of labor were clinically and sonographically assessed. The mean duration of the second stage of labor differed between vaginal and cesarean deliveries (65.3 vs. 160 min; p-value < 0.001) and between cesarean and operative vaginal deliveries (160 vs. 88.6 min; p-value = 0.015). The occiput anterior position was associated with an increased likelihood of vaginal delivery (OR: 24.167; 95% CI: 3.8–152.5; p-value < 0.001). No significant differences were identified in the AoP among the three different modes of delivery (vaginal: 145.7° vs. operative vaginal: 139.9° vs. cesarean: 132.1°; p-value = 0.289). The mean HPD differed significantly between vaginal and cesarean deliveries (28.6 vs. 41.4 mm; p-value < 0.001) and between cesarean and operative vaginal deliveries (41.4 vs. 26.9 mm; p-value = 0.002); it was correlated significantly with maternal BMI (r = 0.268; p-value = 0.024) and the duration of the second stage of labor (r = 0.256; p-value = 0.031). Low parity (OR: 12.024; 95% CI: 6.320–22.876; p-value < 0.001) and high HPD (OR: 1.23; 95% CI: 1.05–1.43; p-value = 0.007) were found to be significant predictors of cesarean delivery. Conclusions: The use of intrapartum ultrasound as an adjunctive technique to the standard clinical evaluation may enhance the diagnostic approach to an abnormal labor progress and predict the need for operative vaginal or cesarean delivery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objectives: Preterm birth is a significant concern in obstetrics and neonatology since preterm neonates are at higher risk of various health complications and may require specialized care. The optimal mode of delivery in preterm birth is a matter of debate. This study aimed to evaluate the mode of delivery in preterm neonates and the associated neonatal outcomes. Material and Methods: This was a retrospective cohort study including all preterm neonates born between January 2010 and December 2020 at the 3rd Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology of Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece. The mode of delivery in relation to gestational age groups and the cause of preterm birth were analyzed. Neonatal outcomes were also evaluated according to gestational age, indication and mode of delivery. Results: A total of 1167 preterm neonates were included in the study; the majority of them were delivered via cesarean section (76.1%). Most of the preterm neonates (n = 715; 61.3%) were delivered at 32+0–36+6 weeks, while cesarean section was the most common mode of delivery after 28+0 weeks. Furthermore, spontaneous onset of labor (OR: 6.038; 95% CI: 3.163–11.527; p < 0.001), multiple gestation (OR: 1.782; 95% CI: 1.165–2.227; p = 0.008) and fetal distress (OR: 5.326; 95% CI: 2.796–10.144; p < 0.001) were the main causes of preterm delivery at 32+0–36+6 weeks. The overall mortality rate was 8.1% among premature neonates. Regarding morbidity, 919 (78.7%) neonates were diagnosed with respiratory disorders, 129 (11.1%) with intraventricular hemorrhage and 30 (2.6%) with necrotizing enterocolitis. Early gestational age at delivery was the main risk factor of neonatal morbidity and mortality. Notably, the mode of delivery did not have any impact on neonatal survival (OR: 1.317; 95% CI: 0.759–2.284; p = 0.328), but preterm neonates born via cesarean section were at higher risk of respiratory disorders, compared to those born via vaginal delivery (OR: 2.208; 95% CI: 1.574–3.097; p < 0.001). Conclusions: Most preterm deliveries occurred in the moderate-to-late preterm period via cesarean section. Early gestational age at delivery was the main prognostic factor of neonatal morbidity and mortality, while the mode of delivery did not have any impact on neonatal survival. Future research on the mode of delivery of the preterm neonates is warranted to establish definitive answers for each particular gestational age. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objectives: Postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) is an obstetrical emergency and although the mortality rate from PPH has decreased, it is still considered a challenge in obstetrics. This study aimed to estimate the rate of primary PPH, as well as to investigate the potential risk factors and management options. Material and methods: This was a retrospective case-control study of all cases with PPH (blood loss > 500 mL, irrespective of the mode of delivery) managed in the Third Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece, from 2015 to 2021. The ratio of cases to controls was estimated to be 1:1. The chi-squared test was used to examine if there was any relationship between several variables and PPH, while subgroup multivariate logistic regression analyses of certain causes of PPH were also conducted. Results: During the study period, from a total of 8545 births, 219 (2.5%) pregnancies were complicated with PPH. A maternal age > 35 years (OR: 2.172; 95% CI: 1.206–3.912; p = 0.010), preterm delivery (<37 weeks) (OR: 5.090; 95% CI: 2.869–9.030; p < 0.001) and parity (OR: 1.701; 95% CI: 1.164–2.487; p = 0.006) were identified as risk factors for PPH. Uterine atony was the main cause of PPH in 54.8% of the women, followed by placental retention in 30.5% of the sample. Regarding management, 57.9% (n = 127) of the women received uterotonic medication, while in 7.3% (n = 16), a cesarean hysterectomy was performed to control PPH. Preterm delivery (OR: 2.162; 95% CI: 1.138–4.106; p = 0.019) and delivery via a cesarean section (OR: 4.279; 95% CI: 1.921–9.531; p < 0.001) were associated with a higher need for multiple treatment modalities. Prematurity (OR: 8.695; 95% CI: 2.324–32.527; p = 0.001) was identified as an independent predictor for an obstetric hysterectomy. From the retrospective analysis of the births complicated by PPH, no maternal death was identified. Conclusions: Most of the cases complicated with PPH were managed with uterotonic medication. An advanced maternal age, prematurity and multiparity had a significant impact on the occurrence of PPH. More research is needed on the risk factors of PPH, while the establishment of validated predictive models would be of value. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]