No abstract

(Lancet. 2019;394:1181–1190) Preeclampsia occurs in 2% to 3% of pregnant women and is associated with substantial maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality. Prompt delivery is the recommended management for preeclamptic women after 37 weeks’ gestation, as this will decrease the risk of maternal complications while minimally affecting risk to the neonate at this gestational age. However, it is unclear what the best management strategy is for women who develop preeclampsia between 34 and 37 weeks’ gestation. In these cases, complications related to expectant management (EM), such as stillbirth or worsening fetal growth restriction and increased maternal morbidity associated with continuing the pregnancy, must be weighed against the neonatal complications associated with early delivery (infant immaturity). Current guidelines in the UK recommend EM until 37 weeks’ gestation, with earlier delivery if severe preeclampsia or other complications arise. This study from the UK compared earlier initiation of delivery with EM in women diagnosed with preeclampsia between 34 and <37 weeks gestation.

The drop in NOTSS score was unexpected and highlights that even experienced surgeons are not immune to deficiencies in non-technical skills. Consideration should be given to continuing professional development programmes focusing on non-technical skills, regardless of the level of professional experience.

There are few data to inform a decision to resuscitate babies who are unexpectedly stillborn. The outcome for 42 successfully resuscitated stillborn children, of whom 62% survived to be discharged home, is reported. Of the survivors, a poor outcome with severe disability was found in 23% (including one postneonatal death), equivocal outcome was found in 15% (two mild hypertonia; two with mild hemiplegia and no associated other disability) and 62% were free of any impairment at follow up 20 months to 8 years later. In 39 (93%) fetal problems had been identified and the resuscitation team was present at delivery. Poor outcome was associated with late return of heart beat, delayed respirations, neonatal acidaemia and early onset of seizures. Of the unexpected apparent stillbirths successfully resuscitated, 52% died or survived severely disabled, 10% had an equivocal outcome, but 36% survived apparently intact. Therefore, vigorous resuscitation is clearly indicated in these circumstances. (Arch Dis Child Fetal Neonatal Ed 1998;78:F112-F115)