Episiotomy and perineal repair practices among obstetricians in Greece

Objective

To assess current preferences regarding episiotomy and management of obstetric perineal injuries used by obstetricians in Greece, and to assess the impact of evidence-based information on everyday practices.

Methods

A questionnaire survey of obstetricians regarding episiotomy use and the management of obstetric perineal injuries.

Results

Fifty-one percent of obstetricians reported routinely performing an episiotomy during a normal vaginal delivery in primiparous women and 89% reported performing an episiotomy during vacuum-assisted deliveries. Forty-two percent of the respondents performed lateral, 44% mediolateral, and 14% midline episiotomies. Following an obstetric anal sphincter tear, half of the respondents recommended a vaginal delivery, regardless of bowel symptoms. There was significant heterogeneity of practices regarding the repair techniques of all obstetric perineal injuries.

Conclusion

The majority of obstetricians prefer to perform routine mediolateral and lateral episiotomies, for both normal and operative vaginal deliveries. The adoption of evidence-based information should be implemented while considering working and cultural backgrounds.     

Trends in major modifiable risk factors for severe perineal trauma, 1996–2006

OBJECTIVE: To examine what effect the major modifiable risk factors for severe perineal trauma have had on the rates of this trauma over time. METHODS: A retrospective observational cohort study of singleton vaginal deliveries taken from a perinatal database for the period 1996 through 2006. RESULTS: A total of 46,239 singleton vertex vaginal deliveries met the inclusion criteria. Major risk factors for severe perineal trauma were increased maternal age (odds ratio [OR] 1.28, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.1-1.5), non-African American ethnicity (OR 1.5, 95% CI 1.3-1.7), nulliparity (OR 4.8, 95% CI 4.11-5.6), fetal birth weight (OR 2.2, 95% CI 1.9-2.4), forceps (OR 8.3, 95% CI 5.4-10.8), vacuum (OR 2.9, 95% CI 1.9-4.4), and midline episiotomy (OR 5.7, 95% CI 5.0-6.4). Evaluation of the changes in rates of these factors over the study period revealed that the decline in the rates of episiotomy and the use of forceps accounted for a reduction in severe lacerations of more than 50%. CONCLUSION: Reduction of severe perineal trauma by restricted use of the 2 modifiable clinical variables, episiotomy and forceps, is evident over time.     

Incidence and risk factors for severe perineal laceration after vaginal delivery in Japanese patients

Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the frequency of severe perineal lacerations defined as either third- or fourth-degree lacerations during normal spontaneous vaginal delivery and to evaluate potential risk factors in Japanese patients. Materials and methods: An electronic audit of the perinatal database at the Tama-Nagayama Hospital of Nippon Medical School and Yamaguchi Hospital from 1997 through 2004 was completed. Singleton vaginal vertex deliveries were analyzed for potential risk factors using univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis. Results: From the database, 7,946 deliveries were identified, with 135 deliveries resulting in severe lacerations (1.7%). In the multivariate logistic regression analysis, severe lacerations were associated significantly with primiparous (odds ratio, 4.36; 95% CI, 2.17–9.57), oxytocin use (odds ratio, 2.19; 95% CI, 1.27–3.73), midline episiotomy (odds ratio, 4.68; 95% CI, 2.09–11.55), forceps-assisted delivery (odds ratio, 7.11; 95% CI, 1.95–20.59), vacuum-assisted delivery (odds ratio, 5.93; 95% CI, 3.38–10.36), and shorter attendant experience (odds ratio, 2.88; 95% CI, 1.12–9.81). Conclusions: The present study demonstrated that operator factors, such as midline episiotomy, oxytocin use, assisted delivery and attendant experience, are independent risk for severe perineal lacerations after vaginal delivery in Japanese patients. The results suggest that midline episiotomy and assisted vaginal delivery, especially forceps-assisted delivery should be avoided in patients who are being delivered of a first child whenever possible.     

妊娠合并重症肺炎7例临床分析

目的了解妊娠期重症肺炎的发病特点、临床经过及治疗和预后。方法对上海交通大学附属第六人民医院2009年8月至12月收治的7例妊娠期重症肺炎患者的临床资料进行回顾性分析。结果 7例重症肺炎发生在妊娠26.6～37周,其中H1N1 3例,肺炎支原体感染1例,病原体不明确3例;1例为医院获得性肺炎;7例患者除有肺炎症状外,均有严重呼吸困难,需呼吸机支持呼吸,血气分析均提示为I型呼吸衰竭;3例患者血压下降,病程2～3周,影像学主要表现为多灶浸润性改变。7例患者中,6例存活,1例死亡。其中4例经积极治疗,妊娠近足月,行剖宫产终止妊娠;1例发病期间早产阴道分娩;1例病情改善继续妊娠;1例来院已多脏器功能衰竭,抢救无效死亡。结论综合治疗是妊娠期重症肺炎患者的主要原则,产科的处理强调个体化,多数患者经综合治疗可取得较好疗效。     

Prevalence and contributing factors of severe perineal damage following episiotomy-assisted vaginal delivery

ObjectiveThis study was conducted to investigate the risk factors of third- and fourth-degree lacerations following vaginal deliveries in Taiwanese women, and to offer clinical guidance for the reduction of severe perineal lacerations.Materials and methodsA total of 1879 women who underwent vaginal deliveries assisted by midline episiotomy at a tertiary hospital were included. Obstetric risk factors were analyzed for women with and without third- and fourth-degree lacerations.ResultsTwo hundred and five deliveries (10.9%) resulted in third- or fourth-degree lacerations. Parity, duration of first and second stages of labor, rate of instrument-assisted vaginal deliveries, the newborn's birth weight and head circumference, and the ratio of the newborn's birth weight to maternal body mass index were significantly different between women with and without severe perineal lacerations. Logistic regression demonstrated that nulliparity (odds ratio = 3.626, p < 0.001), duration of second stage of labor (odds ratio = 1.102, p = 0.044), instrument-assisted vaginal delivery (odds ratio = 4.102, p < 0.001), and newborn's head circumference (odds ratio = 1.323, p < 0.001) were independent risk factors of severe perineal lacerations. Instrument-assisted vaginal delivery was a common independent risk factor for severe lacerations shared between primiparous and multiparous women.ConclusionsWith regard to severe perineal lacerations during vaginal delivery, there are multiple obstetric contributory factors despite routine episiotomy, among them, nulliparity, longer labor duration, greater newborn head circumference, and instrument-assisted vaginal delivery. The latter should only be performed after careful evaluation.     

Classification and management of extensive obstetric perineal injuries in the Czech and Slovak Republics

Objective

To assess the classification, repair, and follow up of extensive obstetric perineal injuries in the Czech and Slovak Republics.

Methods

A survey conducted in 2009 using questionnaires distributed to obstetric departments regarding classification and management of obstetric perineal injuries.

Results

Although 15 centers in the Czech Republic and 2 in the Slovak Republic indicated use of a 4-degree classification system, none of these centers reported using the classification accepted by the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists. Use of a 3-degree classification system in accordance with definitions in Czech textbooks was reported by 14 Czech and 3 Slovak maternity hospitals. There was significant heterogeneity in clinical practice regarding techniques to repair extensive obstetric perineal injuries, antibiotic prophylaxis, early postpartum care, and follow up.

Conclusions

There is great inconsistency in the classification and management of extensive obstetric perineal injuries. Uniform recommendations should be created and accepted, not only in the Czech and Slovak Republics, but worldwide.     

不同膀胱容量会阴超声检查在压力性尿失禁诊断中的意义

目的探讨不同膀胱容量对女性压力性尿失禁(SUI)各项超声指标的影响以及超声在女性SUI诊断中的应用价值。方法对2005年6月至2007年3月南京军区福州总医院妇产科收治的42例SUI患者(SUI组),选择其中10例,禁水、禁食4h,逆行膀胱灌注(100、200、300、500mL);选择同期收住院的无SUI和(或)盆腔器官脱垂,因子宫良性肿瘤行子宫切除术的患者35例为对照组。分别在安静状态下和屏气用力动作时,采用经会阴超声检测患者膀胱颈的移动度(Mu)、膀胱颈至耻骨联合后缘中点的距离(Br、Bs),并将两种状态下的图像冻结并储存入计算机;运用计算机程序测量两种状态下的尿道膀胱后角(αr、αs)和膀胱颈的旋转角度(θ)。结果不同膀胱容量的各项超声指标检测结果类似(P>0.05)。SUI组与对照组安静及屏气用力状态时Mu、Br、Bs、αr、αs、θ、ΔB(Br与Bs的差值)值分别为(1.61±0.31)cm、(3.86±0.67)cm、(4.80±0.69)cm、(118.33±9.48)°、(134.93±14.67)°、(30.31±4.05)°、(0.91±0.14)cm与(0.91±0.17)cm、(2.64±0.37)cm、(2.92±0.42)cm、(93.66±6.52)°、(103.29±9.23)°、(15.83±2.58)°、(0.27±0.13)cm,两组各项指标比较差异均有统计学意义(P<0.01)。SUI组Mu、ΔB、θ与SUI的严重程度呈正相关(r分别=0.884,0.908,0.838,P<0.01)。结论(1)不同膀胱容量对女性SUI的各项超声指标无影响。(2)尿道高活动性是SUI的病因之一。(3)会阴超声在SUI的诊断中具有重要的应用价值。     

Effect of far-infrared radiation on perineal wound pain and sexual function in primiparous women undergoing an episiotomy

Objective

To evaluate the effect of far-infrared radiation on postpartum perineal pain and sexual function in primiparous women undergoing an episiotomy and 2nd degree perineal laceration.

Determinants of sleep quality among pregnant women in China: a cross-sectional survey

Purpose: Sleep disturbances are common during pregnancy, yet few studies are currently available regarding the determinants of sleep quality among pregnant women in China. This study aimed to: (a) calculate the prevalence of sleep disorder during pregnancy, (b) examine the difference in sleep quality among three trimesters, and (c) identify determinants of sleep quality in pregnant women.

Materials and methods: This study was designed as a cross-sectional survey. Five hundred pregnant women were recruited at the outpatient department of obstetrics and gynecology of two teaching hospitals in central China. Five selfreport questionnaires were used for gathering data, including information of sample characteristics, sleep quality (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI)), prenatal depression (the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS)), perceived stress (Perceived Stress Scale (PSS)), and perceived social support (Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS)).

Results: A total of 454 pregnant women participated in the study between September 2016 and April 2017. Eighty-seven percent pregnant women experienced sleep disorder (PSQI score >5). Poorer global sleep quality, subjective sleep quality, lower sleep efficiency and sleep disturbances were most prevalent during third trimester. The significant contributors to sleep quality for pregnant women were prenatal depression, maternal age, and gestational age.

Conclusions: Sleep disorder is very common in pregnant women from China. Depressive symptoms, increased maternal age, and gestational age are determinants of sleep quality. These determinants can assist healthcare professionals in preventative intervention.     

慢性高血压并发早发型重度先兆子痫单胎孕妇围产期母儿结局的回顾性分析

目的探讨慢性高血压并发早发型重度先兆子痫较单纯早发型重度先兆子痫是否会增加母儿的不良结局。方法自1999年7月1日至2009年6月30日北京大学第一医院共收治早发型重度先兆子痫单胎孕妇300例,其中慢性高血压并发早发型重度先兆子痫者59例(A组),单纯早发型重度先兆子痫者241例(B组),对两组孕妇的母儿结局进行分析,讨论慢性高血压并发早发型重度先兆子痫是否会增加母儿的不良结局。结果两组孕妇一般情况没有明显的差异,A组的最高收缩压和舒张压明显高于B组(P0.05)。两组孕妇严重并发症如胎盘早剥、HELLP综合征、肺水肿、肝功能损害和子痫等发生率比较,差异无统计学意义(P0.05)。A组除了新生儿呼吸窘迫综合征的发生率明显高于B组外(P0.05),两组围产儿死亡率、胎儿生长受限、新生儿窒息、颅内出血和坏死性小肠结肠炎的发生率比较,差异无统计学意义(P0.05)。结论在病情允许的情况下,通过严密监测母儿一般状况、积极地对症治疗并采用适当的期待疗法,慢性高血压并发早发型重度先兆子痫较单纯早发型重度先兆子痫没有对母儿造成明显的不良后果。     

The impact of obstetric gel on the second stage of labor and perineal integrity: a randomized controlled trial

Objective: Dianatal® is a bioadhesive gliding film which reduces the opposing force to vaginal childbirth. We aimed to investigate the safety, applicability, and impact of Dianatal® obstetric gel on second stage of labor and perineal integrity.

Methods: Low-risk singleton pregnancies at term were prospectively enrolled. Eligible women were randomly assigned to either labor management without using obstetric gel, or labor management using intermittent application of obstetric gel into the birth canal during vaginal examinations, starting at active phase of labor (≥4?cm dilation). The primary measured outcome was the length of second stage of labor.

Results: Overall, 200 cases were analyzed. Demographic, obstetrical, and labor characteristics were similar between the groups. Neither adverse events nor maternal or neonatal side effects were observed. The mean lengths of the active and second stages of labor were comparable between the obstetric gel-treated and the control groups (157 versus 219 min and 48 versus 56 min, respectively). None of the women had grade III/IV perineal tears. Maternal and neonatal outcomes were not negatively influenced by using obstetric gel. No difference was found after sub-group analysis for spontaneous vaginal delivery.

Conclusion: Dianatal® obstetric gel is safe in terms of maternal or neonatal use. Albeit a trend toward shorter labor stages using Dianatal® obstetric gel, no significant differences were noted among the groups. In order to further investigate the influence of the obstetric gel on labor stage interval, perineal integrity and maternal and neonatal outcomes, larger randomized clinical trials are needed to be carried out.