Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of oral lactobacilli to improve the vaginal flora of postmenopausal women

Objective

The purpose of this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study was to evaluate the influence of the orally administered probiotic strains Lactobacillus rhamnosus GR-1 and Lactobacillus reuteri RC-14 on the quality of the vaginal flora in postmenopausal women.

Study design

Postmenopausal women with Nugent scores between 4 and 6 in initial vaginal swab, were randomized into two groups. Women in the intervention group received probiotic capsules containing 2.5 × 10⁹ CFU (colony forming units) each of lyophilized L. rhamnosus GR-1 and L. reuteri RC-14 and women in the control group received an oral placebo once daily, in both groups for 14 days. Final vaginal swabs were taken 1 day after the last administration of the medication. The primary efficacy variable was a change in the Nugent score between baseline and the end of the study of at least two grades in each individual patient.

Results

Seventy two women were recruited in the study, 35 assigned to the intervention group and 37 to the control group. Twenty-one of the 35 subjects (60%) in the intervention group and 6 of the 37 subjects (16%) in the control group showed a reduction in the Nugent score by at least two grades. The difference in the number of patients with improvement was highly significant (p = 0.0001). The median difference in Nugent scores between baseline and the end of the study was 3 in the intervention group and 0 in the control group (p = 0.0001).

Conclusion

Our results provide evidence for an alternative modality to restore the normal vaginal flora using specific probiotic strains administered orally.     

Lactobacillus rhamnosus GR-1 and L. reuteri RC-14 to prevent or cure bacterial vaginosis among women with HIV

Objective

To assess, among women with HIV, whether long-term oral Lactobacillus rhamnosus GR-1 and Lactobacillus reuteri RC-14 supplementation can prevent bacterial vaginosis (BV) and enhance the cure rate of metronidazole among those with BV.

Methods

A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial conducted among 65 HIV-infected women with an aberrant microbiota (Nugent score 4-10) who were randomized to receive daily probiotics or placebo for 6 months. Those with BV (Nugent score 7-10) additionally received metronidazole for 10 days (400 mg twice daily).

Results

We did not find an enhanced cure rate of BV among women with HIV treated with adjuvant probiotics to metronidazole treatment. Among women with an intermediate vaginal flora, probiotics tended to increase the probability of a normal vaginal flora (odds ratio 2.4; P = 0.1) and significantly increased the probability of a beneficial vaginal pH (odds ratio 3.8; P = 0.02) at follow-up.

Conclusion

Supplementation of probiotic L. rhamnosus GR-1 and L. reuteri RC-14 did not enhance the cure of BV among women living with HIV, but may prevent the condition among this population. Trial registration: NCT00536848.     

Associations with asymptomatic colonization with candida in women reporting past vaginal candidiasis: an observational study

Objective

Asymptomatic vaginal colonization with Candida species is a known risk factor for vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC). Taking known risk factors for symptomatic VVC, the authors sought to identify factors associated with asymptomatic colonization.

Study design

As part of a randomized controlled trial which compared vaginal candidal colony counts in women taking garlic tablets or placebo, 192 asymptomatic women collected a baseline screening swab for Candida species. Eligibility for this study included at least one self-reported episode of VVC in the previous 12 months and age 18–50 years. Known risk factors for VVC were compared in women colonized with candida and those without colonization.

Results

37% of asymptomatic women who self-reported VVC in the previous 12 months were colonized with vaginal Candida species. Using multivariate analysis, two factors were associated with asymptomatic colonization: a current sexual partner (P = 0.02) and being born outside of Australia (P = 0.05). Use of oral contraceptives was not statistically significant (P = 0.27).

Conclusions

Clinical relevance of asymptomatic colonization with vaginal yeast and its link to episodes of VVC warrants further investigation.     

Incidence of corneal abrasions during pelvic reconstructive surgery

Objectives

To compare the incidence of corneal abrasions after robotic/laparoscopic sacral colpopexies versus vaginal apical suspensions, and to determine risk factors associated with the development of corneal abrasions.

Study design

This retrospective cohort study included all women undergoing robotic/laparoscopic sacral colpopexy or vaginal apical suspensions over a 5-year period. The incidence of corneal abrasions was compared between groups and statistical analysis was performed.

Results

5/216 (2.3%) patients developed corneal abrasions in the sacral colpopexy group compared to 1/332 (0.3%) in the vaginal group (p = 0.04). Eye protection was more frequently documented in the sacral colpopexy group compared to the vaginal group (98.6% vs. 83.4%, p < 0.001). Women in the sacral colpopexy group were younger, with longer operating times, more intravenous fluids, and lower estimated blood loss. Risk factors for corneal abrasion could not be identified due to the low number of patients with corneal abrasions.

Conclusion

More corneal abrasions occurred with laparoscopic and robotic sacral colpopexy compared to vaginal apical suspension procedures. Risk factors could not be identified in this study.     

Prevalence of Candida species and potential risk factors for vulvovaginal candidiasis in Aligarh,India

Objectives

The objectives were to determine the frequency of Candida species in women of different age groups as well as to suggest the criteria for the diagnosis of vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC).

Study design

A prospective study of vulvovaginal candidiasis was carried out using laboratory diagnosis, with the estimation of vaginal pH and the direct microscopic and biochemical examination of vaginal discharge/secretions. Vaginal cultures for Candida species were collected from 1050 women with vulvovaginal symptoms.

Results

Out of 1050 women, 215 (20.47%) were positive for Candida species. Of 215 women, 172 (80%) had pH within the normal range and 167 (77.67%) were showing yeast cells and mycelia on direct microscopic examination. Candida albicans accounted for 46.9% of cases, Candida glabrata 36.7%, Candida parapsilosis 10.2%, Candida tropicalis 2.8%, Candida krusei 1.4%, and Candida kiefer 1.9%. The frequency of culture positivity was related to pregnancy (P < 0.001), an increase in parity (P < 0.001), and use of oral contraceptives (P < 0.001) and antibiotics (P < 0.001). The most common signs and symptoms in 215 women with positive cultures were pruritus with or without vaginal discharge and vaginal erythema.

Conclusion

Our study suggests that vulvovaginal candidiasis can only be diagnosed by using clinical criteria in correlation with vulvovaginal symptoms and Candida cultures.     

Efficacy of ginger on intraoperative and postoperative nausea and vomiting in elective cesarean section patients

Objective

To evaluate the efficacy of dry powdered ginger, given orally, on nausea and vomiting during and after an elective cesarean section performed under combined spinal epidural anesthesia.

Study design

239 women, ginger (n = 116) and placebo (n = 123), who underwent elective cesarean section at term under combined spinal-epidural anesthesia were provided with standard preoperative antiemetic treatment in addition to a randomized study drug. They were given two capsules (1 g each) of either dry powdered ginger or placebo, one capsule a half-hour before induction of anesthesia and the second 2 h after surgery. The study was double-blinded and the incidences of nausea and vomiting were assessed both intraoperatively and postoperatively. Levels of pain and pruritus were also assessed postoperatively.

Results

The intraoperative incidence of nausea was 52% and 61%, ginger versus placebo (p = 0.149). The number of episodes of intraoperative nausea was less in the ginger group compared to placebo (mean difference was −0.396, 95% CI −0.738, −0.054) and the result was statistically significant (p = 0.023). The incidence of intraoperative vomiting was 27.35% in the ginger group and 36.59% in the placebo group, and the difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.126). The number of episodes of vomiting during surgery was less in the ginger group compared to placebo: (mean difference −0.158, 95% CI −0.626, 0.311) although statistically insignificant (p = 0.505). Furthermore, postoperatively, there was no statistical difference in the incidence of nausea and vomiting assessed at 0, 2, 2 ½ and 24 h after surgery. There were also no differences in postoperative pain or pruritus.

Conclusion

Ginger given in dry powdered form reduced the number of episodes of intraoperative nausea compared to a placebo, but it had no effect on incidence of nausea, vomiting, or pain during and after an elective cesarean section performed under combined spinal epidural anesthesia.     

Clinical evaluation of peripartum outcomes of mediolateral versus lateral episiotomy

Objective

To evaluate the incidence and extent of vaginal and perineal trauma among primiparous women after mediolateral and lateral episiotomy.

Methods

In a prospective randomized study at University Hospital Pilsen, Czech Republic, 790 consecutive primiparous women were enrolled between April 2010 and April 2012. Mediolateral episiotomy (MLE) followed an angle of at least 60° from the midline. Lateral episiotomy (LE) started 1–2 cm laterally from the midline and was directed toward the ischial tuberosity. A rectal examination was performed before episiotomy repair.

Results

MLE was performed for 390 women, and LE for 400. The groups did not differ in maternal or neonatal characteristics. No difference was found in incidence or extent of vaginal and perineal trauma; or in additional perineal (1.8% vs 1.5%, P = 0.6) or vaginal (8.5% vs 10.6%, P = 0.2) trauma continuing along the episiotomy incision. The incidence of anal sphincter injury did not differ between MLE and LE (1.5% vs 1.3%, P = 0.7). MLE was associated with shorter repair times (P < 0.05), less suturing material (P < 0.05), and shorter distances from the anus (P < 0.001).

Conclusion

Risk of additional vaginal and perineal trauma, and anal sphincter injury after adequately performed mediolateral episiotomy is relatively low and corresponds to that of lateral episiotomy.     

Índice de masa corporal y aumento de peso en el embarazo. Resultado obstétrico de la inducción de parto

Objective

To determine the obstetric results of labor induction in relation to body mass index (BMI) and gestational weight gain at the Leon Hospital between January and March, 2008.

Material and method

We conducted a prospective cohort study of 127 labor inductions. The variables included were the medical reason for induction, the procedures employed for cervical ripening and induction, maternal age at the end of pregnancy, type of labor, parity, initial Bishop's score, BMI, weight, height, gestational weight gain, neonatal weight and Apgar test at 1 and 5 minutes.

Results

Inductions were performed in 21.3% of births, while vaginal delivery was achieved in 81.1%. A total of 36.2% of the patients were overweight, 21.2% were obese and 4.7% were morbidly obese.

Conclusions

A non-statistically significant association was observed between failure of vaginal delivery and BMI (P = .08) and body weight gain (P = .07). These two variables seem to increase the chances of failure of cervical ripening and induction of labor, increasing the percentage of cesarean sections.     

Surveillance and risk factors on hysterectomy wound infection rate in Gran Canaria,Spain

Objectives

Surveillance programs for nosocomial infection control may find out opportunities for improvement. The aim of this study was to determine the incidence of surgical site infection and their potential risk factors after hysterectomy in a tertiary hospital in Gran Canaria, Spain.

Study Design

Prospective study on patients undergoing abdominal or vaginal hysterectomy between 1st June 2000 and 31st December 2004. Surgical site infection incidence rates were calculated according to procedure, and National Nosocomial Infection Surveillance (NNIS) system risk categories. We also reviewed antimicrobial prophylaxis use and morbidity. To determine associate risk factors a multivariate analysis was performed.

Results

A total of 1540 women were surveyed; neoplasm (30.5%), obesity (24.3%), and diabetes (16.2%) grouped the main morbidity. About 81 cases (5.2%) met criteria for postoperative surgical site infection (6.0% for abdominal procedure and 3.1% for vaginal procedure). Most patients (86.4%) had adequate antimicrobial prophylaxis, but inadequacy was more frequent by vaginal (17.6%) than abdominal procedure (12.0%) (p = 0.005). NNIS high-risk patients had significantly higher infection rates than did low-risk patients (p = 0.01). The most common causative organism isolated was Escherichia coli (17.5%). Multivariate analysis showed obesity, inadequate antimicrobial prophylaxis, and abdominal procedure as the main risk factors.

Conclusion

Rate of surgical site infection is high. Enhanced and multidisciplinary efforts are needed.     

A pilot study on the combined use of letrozole,mifepristone and misoprostol in termination of first trimester pregnancy up to 9 weeks’ gestation

Objective

To assess the feasibility of adding letrozole to the standard regimen of mifepristone and misoprostol for termination of pregnancy up to 63 days.

Study design

We recruited 50 subjects who had requested legal termination of pregnancy up to 63 days. Medical abortion was performed with a singe dose of 200 mg mifepristone and 10 mg of letrozole daily for 3 days followed by 800 mcg vaginal misoprostol.

Results

The complete abortion rate was 98% (95% CI: 94–100%). The median induction-to-abortion interval of the regimen was 5.1 h (range 1.2–56 h). No serious adverse effects were reported.

Conclusions

The results of this pilot study suggest that a regimen of mifepristone, letrozole and misoprostol is associated with a high complete abortion rate without major adverse events.     

Efficacy of montelukast,a leukotriene receptor antagonist,for the treatment of dysmenorrhea: A prospective,double-blind,randomized, placebo-controlled study

Objective

To investigate the effectiveness of montelukast, a leukotriene receptor antagonist, in alleviating the symptoms of dysmenorrhea.

Study design

This prospective, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study was comprised of 62 patients with dysmenorrhea who were randomly divided into 2 groups (montelukast and placebo). Data obtained from 50 patients were analyzed (montelukast: 24; placebo: 26). Using visual analog scale (VAS) scores and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) usage per menstrual cycle, values before treatment were compared to average scores over two menstrual cycles with treatment.

Results

Both the VAS scores and NSAID usage decreased significantly in both groups. The decreases were greater in the montelukast group compared to the placebo group, but the differences were not statistically significant. Nevertheless, in “highly effective cases,” which were defined as having a post-treatment value less than half of the pre-treatment value, the decreases were significantly greater in the montelukast group than in the placebo group (VAS: montelukast, 4 vs. placebo, 0 (P = 0.029); NSAID: montelukast, 9 vs. placebo, 3 (P = 0.031)).

Conclusions

The present study found that montelukast may be effective in alleviating pain associated with dysmenorrhea in some women. Montelukast is safe and does not influence hormonal levels. Therefore, montelukast is a clinically reasonable management option to consider before prescribing a hormonal agent.     

Route of delivery following successful external cephalic version

Objective

To evaluate the delivery route and the indications for cesarean delivery after successful external cephalic version (ECV).

Methods

A retrospective matched case–control study was conducted at a hospital in Lisbon, Portugal, between 2002 and 2012. Each woman who underwent successful ECV (n = 44) was compared with the previous and next women who presented for labor management and who had the same parity and a singleton vertex pregnancy at term (n = 88). The outcome measures were route of delivery, indications for cesarean delivery, and incidence of nonreassuring fetal status.

Results

Attempts at ECV were successful in 62 (46%) of 134 women, and 44 women whose fetuses remained in a cephalic presentation until delivery were included in the study. The rates of intrapartum cesarean delivery and operative vaginal delivery did not differ significantly between cases and controls (intrapartum cesarean delivery, 9 [20%] vs 16 [18%], P = 0.75; operative vaginal delivery, 14 [32%] vs 19 [22%], P = 0.20). The indications for cesarean delivery after successful ECV did not differ; in both groups, cesarean delivery was mainly performed for labor arrest disorders (cases, 6 [67%] vs controls, 13 [81%]; P = 0.63).

Conclusion

Successful ECV was not associated with increased rates of intrapartum cesarean delivery or operative vaginal delivery.     

Effects of vaginal discharge on female sexual function

Objective

To assess the effects of vaginal discharge on female sexual dysfunction (FSD) by using the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI).

Methods

In a study at a university hospital in Canakkale, Turkey, women affected by vaginal discharge and age-matched healthy control women were recruited between January and December 2012. Women were grouped in accordance with their vaginal discharge complaints and each participant completed the FSFI questionnaire.

Results

A total of 114 women were included in the study. Women in the first group (n = 58) had no vaginal discharge or had physiologic vaginal discharge, those in the second group (n = 29) had abnormal vaginal discharge with itching, and those in the third group (n = 27) had abnormal vaginal discharge without itching. Compared with the first group, women in the second and third groups had higher FSFI scores for desire, arousal, orgasm, and pain, in addition to higher overall FSFI scores. Women with genital malodor had significantly higher FSFI scores than patients without genital malodor (23.83 ± 5.07 vs 21.15 ± 4.78; P = 0.008).

Conclusion

Women with abnormal vaginal discharges were found to have better FSFI scores for some domains. This finding may be attributed to the adverse effects of sexual intercourse on vaginal infections.     

Sheathed versus standard speculum for visualization of the cervix

Objective

To determine whether modifying a plastic speculum with a flexible sheath would improve visualization and decrease pain during vaginal examination.

Methods

We conducted a prospective randomized controlled trial of 136 women undergoing vaginal speculum examination at an outpatient obstetrics and gynecology faculty practice. Patients underwent examination via a standardized technique with either a medium-sized plastic speculum (standard) or an identical speculum modified with a flexible polypropylene sheath (sheathed). Investigators recorded the percentage of the cervix visualized. After speculum insertion, patients recorded pain using a 10-cm visual analog scale.

Results

There were no substantial demographic differences between the standard (n = 67) and the sheathed (n = 68) groups. Investigators were able to visualize a significantly greater percentage of the cervix using the sheathed speculum compared with the standard speculum (95.1% ± 8.2% vs 78.2% ± 18.4%; P < 0.001), representing a 21.6% improvement in visualization, and were able to visualize the entire cervix in 42 (61.8%) patients when using the sheathed speculum compared with 11 (16.4%) patients undergoing standard speculum examination (P < 0.001). Patients undergoing examination with the sheathed speculum reported a nonsignificant decrease in pain scores (1.0 vs 1.2; P = 0.087).

Conclusion

A sheathed speculum significantly improves visualization of the cervix, without compromising patient comfort.ClinicalTrials.gov:NCT01670630     

Prospective randomized,double-blinded,placebo-controlled trial of preoperative etoricoxib for pain relief in uterine fractional curettage under paracervical block

Objective

To evaluate the analgesic efficacy of preoperative etoricoxib combined with paracervical nerve block in patients who underwent uterine fractional curettage.

Study design

This double-blinded, randomized, placebo-controlled trial included 80 women who underwent uterine fractional curettage under paracervical block. Forty women were randomly assigned to etoricoxib 120 mg and 40 women to the placebo. The main outcome measure was the intensity of pain measured using the visual analog pain score during and after the procedure. Student's t-tests, Mann–Whitney U-test, and Chi-squared test were used for statistical analysis.

Results

The intensity of pain during operative procedure in the etoricoxib group was lower than in the placebo group (median visual analog pain scores (interquartile range) 48 (43–64) vs. 61 (51–72), P = 0.001) The amount of postoperative acetaminophen used in the etoricoxib group was also lower than in the placebo group (2.2 ± 1.7 vs. 3.2 ± 1.7 tablets, P = 0.011). We found no significant adverse effects in this study.

Conclusion

The preoperative administration of 120 mg oral etoricoxib can slightly reduce pain during fractional curettage under paracervical block. However, the degree of pain reduction by this treatment has no clinical importance.     

Mifepristona 5 mg frente a 10 mg diarios en el tratamiento del leiomioma. Ensayo clínico aleatorizado

Objective

To estimate the efficacy and safety of 5 mg or 10 mg mifepristone daily in the treatment of leiomyoma.

Material and methods

Ninety women with symptomatic uterine myomas were randomised to receive 5 mg or 10 mg of mifepristone (45 per group). Leiomyomata and uterine volumes were evaluated by ultrasonography. Efficacy was estimated by the reduction of the leiomyomata and uterine volumes and the prevalence of symptoms.

Results

After treatment, in the 5 mg group there was a 60.8%, (P < .001), reduction in the fibroid volume and it was 59.4%, (P < .001), in the 10 mg group. The prevalence of symptoms decreased significantly. After treatment, 93.8% subjects from the 10 mg mifepristone group and 86.4% subjects from the 5 mg group were amenorrheic, respectively.

Conclusions

Both treatments were effective for treating uterine fibroids.     

Comparison of urine and self-collected vaginal samples for detecting human papillomavirus DNA in pregnant women

Objective

To investigate the utility of urine sampling for detecting human papillomavirus (HPV) DNA among pregnant women and to compare HPV DNA detection in urine with detection in vaginal samples.

Methods

In a cross-sectional study, urine and vaginal samples were self-collected from pregnant women attending prenatal care at Hospital Divina Providencia, Frederico Westphalen, Brazil, between October 2006 and August 2007. Part of the L1 region of the HPV genome was amplified via GP5⁺/bioGP6⁺ primers. Positive urine was genotyped for high-risk HPV genotypes (HPV16, HPV18, HPV31, HPV33, HPV39, HPV45, and HPV59).

Results

During the study period, urine samples were obtained from 133 pregnant women, 63 of whom also self-collected vaginal samples. HPV DNA was detected in 54.0% (34/63) and 61.9% (39/63) of urine and vaginal samples, respectively. HPV infection was significantly associated with first intercourse at younger than 20 years of age (P = 0.008). There was substantial agreement in HPV DNA test results between the urine and vaginal samples (κ value, 77.3%; P < 0.0001). HPV31 and HPV16 accounted for 80.7% of the oncogenic types identified.

Conclusion

Detection of HPV DNA in urine showed good agreement with detection in self-collected vaginal samples, indicating that urine might be a reliable sample for HPV testing among pregnant women.     

Campaña de lucha contra el cáncer de cuello uterino en Guinea-Bissau. Estudio de las citologías de un trimestre

Objective

To study 300 cytologies from a single trimester, within a campaign against uterine cervical cancer in Guinea-Bissau.

Design

We compared 300 cytologies from Guinea-Bissau with 880 cytologies performed in a single month in autochthonous women attending our hospital for vaginal infections and cervical lesions.

Results

Significant differences between women in Guinea-Bissau and autochthonous women were found in Trichomonal infection (2% versus 0,34%, respectively; P < .001) and in low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (2% versus 0,68%, respectively; P = .05). One case of cervical cancer was detected in a 75-year-old multiparous woman. The mean number of deceased children in these women was 2 (range 1-8).

Conclusions

To avoid both cervical cancer and neonatal mortality, a permanent program for the early detection of cervical cancer in Guinea-Bissau is clearly needed, together with family planning, prenatal care and obstetric assistance.     

Sialidase activity in aerobic vaginitis is equal to levels during bacterial vaginosis

Objective

To evaluate levels of proinflammatory cytokines and sialidase activity in aerobic vaginitis (AV) in relation to normal vaginal flora and bacterial vaginosis (BV).

Study design

In this cross-sectional study, a total of 682 consecutive non-pregnant women attending the gynecology service were assessed and 408 women were included. Vaginal rinsing samples were collected from 223 women with microscopic finding of BV (n = 98), aerobic vaginitis (n = 25) and normal flora (n = 100). Samples were tested for interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, IL-8, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, and sialidase activity.

Results

Compared to women with normal flora, vaginal levels of IL-1β were highly increased in both BV and AV (p < 0.0001). Significantly higher vaginal IL-6 was detected in AV (p < 0.0001) but not in BV, in relation to normal flora. Women with AV also presented increased IL-8 levels (p < 0.001), while those with BV presented levels similar to normal flora. Sialidase was increased in BV and AV compared with the normal group (p < 0.0001) but no difference in sialidase activity was observed between BV and AV.

Conclusion

A more intense inflammatory host response occurs for AV than for BV when compared with normal flora. Furthermore, the increased sialidase activity in AV and BV indicates that both abnormal vaginal flora types can be harmful to the maintenance of a healthy vaginal environment.     

Increasing rates of operative vaginal delivery across two decades: accompanying outcomes and instrument preferences

Objective

To examine rates and outcomes of operative vaginal delivery over a 20-year study period and the changing preference for various instruments during this period.

Study design

This retrospective analysis of prospectively gathered data was carried out at a large tertiary referral center from 1991 to 2010. All cases of operative vaginal delivery during the study period were recorded. The rates of instrumental delivery, as well as neonatal outcomes and instrument preference, were compared for individual 5-year epochs.

Results

During the study period there were 156,130 deliveries of which 17,841 were operative vaginal deliveries, an incidence of 11.4/100 deliveries and 13.6/100 vaginal deliveries. There was an increase in the rate of operative vaginal delivery across the 20-year period (P < 0.0001; R² = 0.85; Slope = 0.42). When individual 5-year epochs were compared, the incidence of instrumental delivery increased from 7.3% (2340/31,937) in the first five years, 1991–1995, to 13.7% (6179/45,177) in the final five years, 2006–2010 (P < 0.0001; OR 2.34, 95% CI = 2.23–2.47). The perinatal mortality rate in cases of instrumental delivery was decreased when these time periods were compared (7.3/1000 (17/2340) vs. 1.8/1000 (11/6179); P = 0.003, OR 0.24, 95% CI = 0.11–0.52). The choice of instrument also varied, with 68.2% (1596/2340) of instrumental deliveries in 1991–1995 being carried out with forceps compared to 32.9% (2033/6179) in 2006–2010 (P < 0.001).

Conclusion

Rates of operative vaginal delivery have increased over the 20-year study period. The rate of perinatal mortality in infants who had an assisted vaginal delivery was decreased in the 5-year epoch at the end of the study compared with the period at the beginning. The rate of forceps delivery has fallen significantly, with vacuum delivery now being the choice of the majority of clinicians.