Report of the Regional Co-ordination Meeting for the North Sea and Eastern Arctic (RCM NS&EA) 2016

The Regional Coordination Meeting NS&EA met in Edinburgh from 5th to 9th September 2016. Thirty four participants from 12 members states, representatives from Commission and ICES were in attendance. The meeting was largely devoted to subgroup work relating to regional sampling, cost sharing models, data needs and the sampling of anadromous and catadromous specie

Epidural analgesia at trial of labor after cesarean (TOLAC): a significant adjunct to successful vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC)

Epidural analgesia has been considered a risk factor for labor dystocia at trial of labor after cesarean (TOLAC) and uterine rupture. We evaluated the association between exposure to epidural during TOLAC and mode of delivery and maternal-neonatal outcomes.A single center retrospective study of women that consented to TOLAC within a strict protocol between 2006 and 2013. Epidural "users" were compared to "non-users". Primary outcome was the mode of delivery: repeat in-labor cesarean or vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC). Secondary outcomes were maternal/neonatal morbidities. Univariate/multivariate analyses for associations between epidural and mode of delivery were adjusted for significant covariates/mediators.Of a total of 105,471 births registered, 9464 (9.0%) were eligible for TOLAC; 7149 (75.5%) women consented to TOLAC, among which 4081 (57.1%) had epidural analgesia. The in labor cesarean rate was significantly lower for the epidural "users" 8.7% vs. "non-users" 11.8%, P<0.0001, with a parallel increased rate of instrumental delivery. Uterine rupture rates were comparable: 0.4% and 0.29%, respectively (P=0.31). The adjusted multivariate model showed that epidural "users" were more likely to experience a VBAC, odds ratio (OR) 4.58 [3.67; 5.70]; P<0.0001 with a similar rate of adverse maternal-neonatal outcomes.Epidural analgesia at TOLAC may emerge as a safe and significant adjunct for VBAC

Epidural analgesia at trial of labor after cesarean (TOLAC): a significant adjunct to successful vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC)

Epidural analgesia has been considered a risk factor for labor dystocia at trial of labor after cesarean (TOLAC) and uterine rupture. We evaluated the association between exposure to epidural during TOLAC and mode of delivery and maternal-neonatal outcomes.A single center retrospective study of women that consented to TOLAC within a strict protocol between 2006 and 2013. Epidural "users" were compared to "non-users". Primary outcome was the mode of delivery: repeat in-labor cesarean or vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC). Secondary outcomes were maternal/neonatal morbidities. Univariate/multivariate analyses for associations between epidural and mode of delivery were adjusted for significant covariates/mediators.Of a total of 105,471 births registered, 9464 (9.0%) were eligible for TOLAC; 7149 (75.5%) women consented to TOLAC, among which 4081 (57.1%) had epidural analgesia. The in labor cesarean rate was significantly lower for the epidural "users" 8.7% vs. "non-users" 11.8%, P&lt;0.0001, with a parallel increased rate of instrumental delivery. Uterine rupture rates were comparable: 0.4% and 0.29%, respectively (P=0.31). The adjusted multivariate model showed that epidural "users" were more likely to experience a VBAC, odds ratio (OR) 4.58 [3.67; 5.70]; P&lt;0.0001 with a similar rate of adverse maternal-neonatal outcomes.Epidural analgesia at TOLAC may emerge as a safe and significant adjunct for VBAC

"The next-generation": Long-term reproductive outcome of adults born at a very low birth weight

Background Preterm birth at very low birth weight (VLBW, &lt;1500g) has a multitude of consequences that extend to various aspects of adult life. Little is known about the long-term reproductive outcome of VLBW that survive to adulthood. Aims To evaluate the reproductive outcome of VLBW infants who survive to adulthood (next-generation). Study design Retrospective cohort Subjects Infants born at a single tertiary center between the years 1982–1997 who survived to 18 years of age (first-generation). Outcome measures The number and the birth weight of offspring from adults born with VLBW were compared to those of other birth weight groups born in the same epoch: 1500–2499g, 2500–3799g (reference group) and ≥3800g. We calculated the ratio of actual compared to expected number of children in the next-generation for extreme birth weight parents, using the reference group as a control group and adjusting for birth year. Thereafter, we measured whether first-generation VLBW had an increased risk for a VLBW in the next-generation. Results After exclusions, we identified first-generation 67,183 births, including 618 (9.2%) VLBW. There were 193 males and 184 female VLBW infants who survived to adulthood. Both female and male first-generation patients from the VLBW group had half the reproductive rate relative for the normal birth weight group. After adjusting for parental age, male and female VLBW survivors had no significant risk for a VLBW neonate in the next-generation, however, the overall number of are small and may limit any conclusion. Conclusions VLBW children who reach adulthood may be at a significantly lower reproductive capacity.</p