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Pregnancy is a period of increased vulnerability for migrant women, and access to healthcare, use and quality of care provided during this period are important aspects to characterize the support provided to this population. A systematic review of the scientific literature contained in the MEDLINE and SCOPUS databases was carried out, searching for population based studies published between 1990 and 2012 and reporting on maternal healthcare in immigrant populations. A total of 854 articles were retrieved and 30 publications met the inclusion criteria, being included in the final evaluation. The majority of studies point to a higher health risk profile in immigrants, with an increased incidence of co-morbidity in some populations, reduced access to health facilities particularly in illegal immigrants, poor communication between women and caregivers, a lower rate of obstetrical interventions, a higher incidence of stillbirth and early neonatal death, an increased risk of maternal death, and a higher incidence of postpartum depression. Incidences vary widely among different population groups. Some migrant populations are at a higher risk of serious complications during pregnancy, for reasons that include reduced access and use of healthcare facilities, as well as less optimal care, resulting in a higher incidence of adverse outcomes. Tackling these problems and achieving equality of care for all is a challenging aim for public healthcare services.

Inter-observer agreement in the interpretation according to the FIGO guidelines of 33 cardiotocographic tracings by experts and subsequent clinical decision was evaluated, using the kappa statistic (K) and the proportions of agreement (Pa). Overall agreement in the classification of tracings was fair (K = 0.48) and was better for normal (Pa = 0.62), than for suspicious (Pa = 0.42) or pathologic tracings (Pa = 0.25). Overall agreement on clinical decision was slightly higher (K = 0-59), but mostly was centred on the decision to take 'no action' (Pa = 0.79). Experts especially disagreed over the decisions to 'monitor closely' (Pa = 0.14) or to 'intervene immediately' (Pa = 0.38). These limitations should be taken into account in clinical audits and in medical jurisprudence.

Background  The EUropean Project on obstetric Haemorrhage Reduction: Attitudes, Trial, and Early warning System (EUPHRATES) is a set of five linked projects, the first component of which was a survey of policies for management of the third stage of labour and immediate management of postpartum haemorrhage following vaginal birth in Europe. Objectives  The objectives were to ascertain and compare policies for management of the third stage of labour and immediate management of postpartum haemorrhage in maternity units in Europe following vaginal birth. Design  Survey of policies. Setting  The project was a European collaboration, with participants in 14 European countries. Sample  All maternity units in 12 countries and in selected regions of two countries in Europe. Methods  A postal questionnaire was sent to all or a defined sample of maternity units in each participating country. Main outcome measures  Stated policies for management of the third stage of labour and the immediate management of postpartum haemorrhage. Results  Policies of using uterotonics for the management of the third stage were widespread, but policies about agents, timing, clamping and cutting the umbilical cord and the use of controlled cord traction differed widely. For immediate management of postpartum haemorrhage, policies of massaging the uterus were widespread. Policies of catheterising the bladder, bimanual compression and in the choice of drugs administered were much more variable. Conclusions  Considerable variations were observed between and within countries in policies for management of the third stage of labour. Variations were observed, but to a lesser extent, in policies for the immediate management of postpartum haemorrhage after vaginal birth. In both cases, policies about the pharmacological agents to be used varied widely.

Analysis of most cardiotocographic events is poorly reproducible, even when experts use the FIGO guidelines. This may be explained by some still ambiguous guidelines, by eyeball limitations in evaluation of subtle events, and by the incapacity of busy clinicians to assess complex and multiple cardiotocographic events in a systematic and disciplined fashion.

Linear and nonlinear fetal heart rate (FHR) indices, namely mean FHR, interval index (II), very low, low and high frequencies, approximate (ApEn) and sample entropy (SampEn), were computed, immediately before delivery, in the initial and final FHR tracing segments, from 48 normal, 10 mildly acidemic and 10 moderate-to-severely acidemic fetuses. Progression of labor was associated with a significant increase in linear frequency domain indices whereas nonlinear indices were significantly decreased. Moderate-to-severe fetal acidemia was associated with a significant decrease in nonlinear indices. The best discrimination between moderate-to-severe acidemic fetuses and the remaining cases was obtained combining II and ApEn(2,0.15), with a specificity of 71% and a sensitivity of 80%. These findings support the hypothesis of increased autonomic nervous system activity in the final minutes of labor and of decreased central nervous system activity, both in the final minutes of labor and in moderate-to-severe acidemic fetuses.

Letrozole 2.5 mg offers longer disease control than aminoglutethimide and letrozole 0.5 mg in the treatment of postmenopausal women with advanced breast cancer, previously treated with anti-oestrogens.

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