Does perinatal exposure to exogenous oxytocin influence child behavioural problems and autistic-like behaviours to 20 years of age?

Background: The neuropeptide and hormone oxytocin is known to have a significant impact on social cognition and behaviour in humans. There is growing concern regarding the influence of exogenous oxytocin (OT) administration in early life on later social and emotional development, including autism spectrum disorder (ASD). No study has examined offspring development in relation to the dose of exogenous oxytocin administered during labour.

Cost effectiveness of universal umbilical cord blood gas and lactate analysis in a tertiary level maternity unit.

Objective: There is an increasing body of literature supporting universal umbilical cord blood gas analysis (UCBGA) into all maternity units. A significant impediment to UCBGA's introduction is the perceived expense of the introduction and associated ongoing costs. Consequently, this study set out to conduct the first cost-effectiveness analysis of introducing universal UCBGA.

The impact of introducing universal umbilical cord blood gas analysis and lactate measurement at delivery.

Background: There is growing support for umbilical cord blood gas analysis (UCBGA) to be conducted at delivery. A recent study in a tertiary level obstetric unit found that universal UCBGA was associated with improved perinatal outcomes, but there is less evidence of benefit in lower-risk environments. In such settings, lactate analysis may be a suitable alternative.

Attitudes and barriers to the introduction of umbilical cord blood gas and lactate analysis at birth.

Background: Despite a growing body of evidence demonstrating the value of universal umbilical cord blood gas analysis (UCBGA), there remains reluctance in some maternity units to adopt universal testing.

Aims: Identify perceived barriers and benefits of universal UCBGA.

Methods: Medical and midwifery staff involved in intrapartum care at four level two maternity units (one metropolitan and three regional) completed questionnaires evaluating attitudes to UCBGA.

Accurate prediction of hypoxic-ischaemic encephalopathy at delivery: a cohort study.

Objective: Hypoxic-ischaemic encephalopathy (HIE) is a major acute neurologic manifestation of perinatal asphyxia associated with significant mortality and morbidity. The study aimed to develop a simple, accurate method of predicting HIE at delivery.

Methods: Between January 2003 and December 2009, all HIE cases were identified from the 38,404 deliveries at a single tertiary centre.

The effect of time, temperature and storage device on umbilical cord blood gas and lactate measurement: a randomized controlled trial.

Objective: Umbilical cord blood gas analysis has a significant and growing role in early neonatal assessment. Factors often delay analysis of cord blood allowing values to change. Consequently, this study evaluates the impact of time, temperature and method of storage on umbilical blood gas and lactate analyses.

Benefits of introducing universal umbilical cord blood gas and lactate analysis into an obstetric unit.

Background: Current evidence suggests that umbilical arterial pH analysis provides the most sensitive reflection of birth asphyxia. However, there's debate whether umbilical cord blood gas analysis (UC-BGA) should be conducted on some or all deliveries.

Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of introducing universal UC-BGA at delivery on perinatal outcome.