Uterine Rupture

Updated: May 20, 2024

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Background

Uterine rupture involves the complete division of all layers of uterus namely perimetrium, myometrium and endometrium. These ruptures are usually noticed in pregnancy and may lead to death of mother and neonate apparently. Although most ruptures are noticed in pregnancy, non-pregnant women also suffer from this condition due to infection, trauma, or cancer. Although uterine rupture most frequently happens during labor, it can also happen earlier in pregnancy. Women who have had prior caesarean deliveries or other uterine surgeries always experience it. Every caesarean section increases a woman’s risk of uterine rupture. A scar line from a previous C-section is frequently the location of uterine ruptures. The main factor making attempting a vaginal birth after a previous C-section (VBAC) increased risk of uterine rupture.

Epidemiology

One in 5000 to 7000 women suffer from this situation. The incidence of cases is increasing globally in scarred and unscarred uteri. The risk of uterine rupture is higher in women who have had prior caesarean delivery. For women with prior caesarean delivery, the rate of uterine rupture is roughly 1%, and 3.9% for those with multiple caesarean deliveries.

Anatomy

Pathophysiology

The term, uterine rupture generally denotes the involvement of a gravid uterus. It causes amniotic fluid, the umbilical cord, or a portion of the fetus to enter the broad ligament or peritoneum. All possible symptoms include abdominal pain, vaginal bleeding, altered uterine contractions, or an unusual fetal heart rate. The rupture may be complete or partial. Complete rupture is when all the three layers ruptures. A partial case in considered if the tear does not penetrate the wall of the uterus. Uterine ruptures can happen at any point during pregnancy, but they typically happen when a woman is in labor.

Etiology

There are two groups of pregnant women who are at risk, those who have an unscarred uterus and others with a myometrial scar from previous surgery. The percentage of C-sections increased by 25% between 1970 and 2016. TOLAC is one technique to reduce the number of caesarean deliveries. Successful TOLAC-assisted vaginal births are linked to lower rates of morbidity than planned caesarean deliveries; however, unsuccessful TOLACs that result in caesarean deliveries are linked to higher rates of morbidity. Thus, the likelihood of a successful vaginal birth is directly related to the safety of TOLAC. Women with prior J or inverted T shaped surgery are often at higher risk of this rupture. Administration of misoprostol is linked to a higher incidence of uterine rupture. Misoprostol should not be given to women having a TOLAC, according to the current recommendation of American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, the only exception is for women who have a fetal death. It is interesting to note that having previously delivered a baby vaginally lowers the risk of uterine rupture in the future. Although it is not common, the rate of unscarred uterine rupture is increasing. Compared to the rupture of a scarred uterus, the rupture of an unscarred uterus results in noticeably greater morbidity among mothers and newborns. A prolonged induction or augmentation of labor, trauma, a genetic disorder linked to uterine wall weakness, or overstretching of the uterine wall are the most common causes of ruptures involving unscarred uteri.

Conditions like Loeys-Dietz and Ehlers-Danlos weaken the uterine wall, or myometrium, increasing the risk of rupture. Vascular Ehlers-Danlos syndrome is currently diagnosed by looking for uterine rupture in women who have never had a caesarean section.

Genetics

Prognostic Factors

Many women recover from uterine ruptures with prompt surgical intervention and resuscitation. Compared to the 0.1% mortality rate linked to the rupture of a scarred uterus, the maternal mortality rate associated with the rupture of an unscarred uterus is higher (10%). Following uterine rupture, the neonatal mortality rate ranges from 6% to 25%.

Low-level evidence suggests that when the initial rupture happens in the uterine fundus, there may be a higher rate of repeated ruptures. Owing to the possibility of repeated risk due to rupture for both the mother and the fetus, most obstetricians suggest repetition of caesarean deliveries between 36 and 37 weeks.

Clinical History

Severe pain in abdomen: Women may feel an abrupt, sharp pain in the lower abdomen that is frequently characterized as ripping or tearing. A ruptured uterus may cause heavy vaginal bleeding that poses a risk to the mother and the unborn child. The blood supply to the baby may be compromised by the rupture, which could result in an abrupt and dramatic drop in the fetal heart rate. Uterine contractions may become irregular or cease completely. In extreme circumstances, the mother may experience shock, which is characterized by symptoms like pale skin, low blood pressure, and a fast heartbeat.

Physical Examination

Examination of the abdomen: Soreness, stiffness, or a sudden reduction in uterine tension can be observed. Severe pain in the abdomen is the most common presenting symptom of uterine rupture.

Vital Signs: Monitoring blood pressure is important to identify for any signs of shock. If internal bleeding is observed, hypovolemiamay occur.

Monitoring of the Fetus: It is important to monitor the monitor fetal heart rate continously. A sharp drop in the fetal heart rate could be a sign of fetal distress due to damaged blood supply.

Examining the Pelvis: A portion of the baby may be felt outside the uterus during a pelvic exam if there is an abnormal presentation. USG scan can be used to view the condition of the uterus and helps to determine the amniotic fluid and health of fetus.

Laboratory Examinations: Hematologic changes brought on by bleeding or anemia may be detected by blood tests.

Age group

Associated comorbidity

  • Abnormalities of the uterus
  • Inducing or enhancing labor through medication
  • Uterine overdistention
  • Uterine trauma or injury
  • Placenta previa
  • Prior uterine surgery

Associated activity

Acuity of presentation

One way to describe the uterine rupture’s acuity is as follows:

Abrupt Onset: The symptoms of uterine rupture frequently appear suddenly and severely. Severe stomach pain and other symptoms of distress may be among them.

Severe Abdominal Pain: Women who have had a uterus rupture frequently complain of severe abdominal pain, which they frequently characterize as tearing, ripping, or sharp. Either localized or diffuse pain is possible.

Vaginal Bleeding: Severe vaginal bleeding may result from uterine wall rupture, posing a serious risk to the mother’s and the unborn child’s lives.

Fetal Distress: The fetus may exhibit symptoms of distress, such as a sharp drop in heart rate. One essential element of determining the acuity of uterine rupture is continuous fetal heart rate monitoring.

Shock: When uterine rupture is severe, internal bleeding can result in hypovolemic shock. Shock symptoms can include pale or clammy skin, low blood pressure, and a fast heartbeat.

Differential Diagnoses

  • Spontaneous abortion
  • Bloody show
  • Placenta previa
  • Placental abruption

Laboratory Studies

Imaging Studies

Procedures

Histologic Findings

Staging

Treatment Paradigm

A uterine rupture is a medical emergency that needs to be treated right away to protect the mother and the unborn child. Uterine rupture is usually treated with a combination of surgical and medical interventions. An overview of the treatment strategy includes emergency caesarean delivery, stabilizing the mother, monitoring conditions of the fetus, managing complications with treatment or surgery should be followed.

by Stage

by Modality

Chemotherapy

Radiation Therapy

Surgical Interventions

Hormone Therapy

Immunotherapy

Hyperthermia

Photodynamic Therapy

Stem Cell Transplant

Targeted Therapy

Palliative Care

Emergency Medical Care: If a uterus ruptures, you need to get help right away. A woman should seek emergency medical attention right away if she experiences symptoms like sudden, severe abdominal pain, changes in the fetal heart rate, or other signs of distress. Surgery: To repair the torn uterus, surgery is almost always required.

The location and size of the rupture, in addition to the mother’s and child’s health, will determine the type of surgery needed. C-sections, or emergency cesarean sections, are frequently performed. Blood Transfusion: Severe bleeding may result from uterine rupture. Transfusions of blood might be required to replenish lost blood and stabilize the mother’s health. Monitoring: Throughout and following surgery, it is essential to keep a close eye on the mother and child. This include keeping an eye on the fetal heart rate, vital signs, and other variables. ICU Care: If the mother’s condition is severe, she might need to be admitted to an intensive care unit (ICU) for close observation and assistance.

Use of antibiotics

  • Ceftriaxone: It is a cephalosporin antibiotic used as a prophylactic treatment in uterine rupture to prevent the growth of bacteria.
  • Metronidazole: It is used in the treatment of infections in the reproductive system. In uterine rupture metronidazole is employed as a prophylactic medication.

Use of Pitocin

Pitocin is a synthetic oxytocin, employed to slow down excess bleeding.

surgical-intervention

  • C-sections, or emergency cesarean sections: The main objective of this is to delver the baby quickly and safely. Anesthesia is given to keep mother comfortable and free from pain. The surgeon shall assess the location and degree of rupture of the uterus which is essential in repairing the uterine tear.
  • Fixing the Uterine Rupture: Reduction of bleeding is the main motto of this process. To repair the damage, the uterine tissue that has been torn is carefully stitched or sutured. A secure closure of the uterine wall is the aim to avoid more complications.

phases-of-management

Diagnosis of the condition of the mother through symptoms such as altered heart rate of fetus, abrupt abdominal pain and shock is important. Ultrasound scan can help to identify the situation. A surgical birth, and the extent of the uterine rupture is evaluated. Sutures are used to close the uterine wounds to stop the bleeding and stop more problems. Blood pressure, vital signs, and other parameters are monitored constantly. Postoperative complications of mother should be closely monitored.

Medication

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Uterine Rupture

Updated : May 20, 2024

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Uterine rupture involves the complete division of all layers of uterus namely perimetrium, myometrium and endometrium. These ruptures are usually noticed in pregnancy and may lead to death of mother and neonate apparently. Although most ruptures are noticed in pregnancy, non-pregnant women also suffer from this condition due to infection, trauma, or cancer. Although uterine rupture most frequently happens during labor, it can also happen earlier in pregnancy. Women who have had prior caesarean deliveries or other uterine surgeries always experience it. Every caesarean section increases a woman’s risk of uterine rupture. A scar line from a previous C-section is frequently the location of uterine ruptures. The main factor making attempting a vaginal birth after a previous C-section (VBAC) increased risk of uterine rupture.

One in 5000 to 7000 women suffer from this situation. The incidence of cases is increasing globally in scarred and unscarred uteri. The risk of uterine rupture is higher in women who have had prior caesarean delivery. For women with prior caesarean delivery, the rate of uterine rupture is roughly 1%, and 3.9% for those with multiple caesarean deliveries.

The term, uterine rupture generally denotes the involvement of a gravid uterus. It causes amniotic fluid, the umbilical cord, or a portion of the fetus to enter the broad ligament or peritoneum. All possible symptoms include abdominal pain, vaginal bleeding, altered uterine contractions, or an unusual fetal heart rate. The rupture may be complete or partial. Complete rupture is when all the three layers ruptures. A partial case in considered if the tear does not penetrate the wall of the uterus. Uterine ruptures can happen at any point during pregnancy, but they typically happen when a woman is in labor.

There are two groups of pregnant women who are at risk, those who have an unscarred uterus and others with a myometrial scar from previous surgery. The percentage of C-sections increased by 25% between 1970 and 2016. TOLAC is one technique to reduce the number of caesarean deliveries. Successful TOLAC-assisted vaginal births are linked to lower rates of morbidity than planned caesarean deliveries; however, unsuccessful TOLACs that result in caesarean deliveries are linked to higher rates of morbidity. Thus, the likelihood of a successful vaginal birth is directly related to the safety of TOLAC. Women with prior J or inverted T shaped surgery are often at higher risk of this rupture. Administration of misoprostol is linked to a higher incidence of uterine rupture. Misoprostol should not be given to women having a TOLAC, according to the current recommendation of American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, the only exception is for women who have a fetal death. It is interesting to note that having previously delivered a baby vaginally lowers the risk of uterine rupture in the future. Although it is not common, the rate of unscarred uterine rupture is increasing. Compared to the rupture of a scarred uterus, the rupture of an unscarred uterus results in noticeably greater morbidity among mothers and newborns. A prolonged induction or augmentation of labor, trauma, a genetic disorder linked to uterine wall weakness, or overstretching of the uterine wall are the most common causes of ruptures involving unscarred uteri.

Conditions like Loeys-Dietz and Ehlers-Danlos weaken the uterine wall, or myometrium, increasing the risk of rupture. Vascular Ehlers-Danlos syndrome is currently diagnosed by looking for uterine rupture in women who have never had a caesarean section.

Many women recover from uterine ruptures with prompt surgical intervention and resuscitation. Compared to the 0.1% mortality rate linked to the rupture of a scarred uterus, the maternal mortality rate associated with the rupture of an unscarred uterus is higher (10%). Following uterine rupture, the neonatal mortality rate ranges from 6% to 25%.

Low-level evidence suggests that when the initial rupture happens in the uterine fundus, there may be a higher rate of repeated ruptures. Owing to the possibility of repeated risk due to rupture for both the mother and the fetus, most obstetricians suggest repetition of caesarean deliveries between 36 and 37 weeks.

Severe pain in abdomen: Women may feel an abrupt, sharp pain in the lower abdomen that is frequently characterized as ripping or tearing. A ruptured uterus may cause heavy vaginal bleeding that poses a risk to the mother and the unborn child. The blood supply to the baby may be compromised by the rupture, which could result in an abrupt and dramatic drop in the fetal heart rate. Uterine contractions may become irregular or cease completely. In extreme circumstances, the mother may experience shock, which is characterized by symptoms like pale skin, low blood pressure, and a fast heartbeat.

Examination of the abdomen: Soreness, stiffness, or a sudden reduction in uterine tension can be observed. Severe pain in the abdomen is the most common presenting symptom of uterine rupture.

Vital Signs: Monitoring blood pressure is important to identify for any signs of shock. If internal bleeding is observed, hypovolemiamay occur.

Monitoring of the Fetus: It is important to monitor the monitor fetal heart rate continously. A sharp drop in the fetal heart rate could be a sign of fetal distress due to damaged blood supply.

Examining the Pelvis: A portion of the baby may be felt outside the uterus during a pelvic exam if there is an abnormal presentation. USG scan can be used to view the condition of the uterus and helps to determine the amniotic fluid and health of fetus.

Laboratory Examinations: Hematologic changes brought on by bleeding or anemia may be detected by blood tests.

  • Abnormalities of the uterus
  • Inducing or enhancing labor through medication
  • Uterine overdistention
  • Uterine trauma or injury
  • Placenta previa
  • Prior uterine surgery

One way to describe the uterine rupture’s acuity is as follows:

Abrupt Onset: The symptoms of uterine rupture frequently appear suddenly and severely. Severe stomach pain and other symptoms of distress may be among them.

Severe Abdominal Pain: Women who have had a uterus rupture frequently complain of severe abdominal pain, which they frequently characterize as tearing, ripping, or sharp. Either localized or diffuse pain is possible.

Vaginal Bleeding: Severe vaginal bleeding may result from uterine wall rupture, posing a serious risk to the mother’s and the unborn child’s lives.

Fetal Distress: The fetus may exhibit symptoms of distress, such as a sharp drop in heart rate. One essential element of determining the acuity of uterine rupture is continuous fetal heart rate monitoring.

Shock: When uterine rupture is severe, internal bleeding can result in hypovolemic shock. Shock symptoms can include pale or clammy skin, low blood pressure, and a fast heartbeat.

  • Spontaneous abortion
  • Bloody show
  • Placenta previa
  • Placental abruption

A uterine rupture is a medical emergency that needs to be treated right away to protect the mother and the unborn child. Uterine rupture is usually treated with a combination of surgical and medical interventions. An overview of the treatment strategy includes emergency caesarean delivery, stabilizing the mother, monitoring conditions of the fetus, managing complications with treatment or surgery should be followed.

  • Ceftriaxone: It is a cephalosporin antibiotic used as a prophylactic treatment in uterine rupture to prevent the growth of bacteria.
  • Metronidazole: It is used in the treatment of infections in the reproductive system. In uterine rupture metronidazole is employed as a prophylactic medication.

Pitocin is a synthetic oxytocin, employed to slow down excess bleeding.

  • C-sections, or emergency cesarean sections: The main objective of this is to delver the baby quickly and safely. Anesthesia is given to keep mother comfortable and free from pain. The surgeon shall assess the location and degree of rupture of the uterus which is essential in repairing the uterine tear.
  • Fixing the Uterine Rupture: Reduction of bleeding is the main motto of this process. To repair the damage, the uterine tissue that has been torn is carefully stitched or sutured. A secure closure of the uterine wall is the aim to avoid more complications.

Diagnosis of the condition of the mother through symptoms such as altered heart rate of fetus, abrupt abdominal pain and shock is important. Ultrasound scan can help to identify the situation. A surgical birth, and the extent of the uterine rupture is evaluated. Sutures are used to close the uterine wounds to stop the bleeding and stop more problems. Blood pressure, vital signs, and other parameters are monitored constantly. Postoperative complications of mother should be closely monitored.

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