Influencia de la visita puerperal temprana en la detección y evolución de la depresión posparto

Objectives

The aim of this study was to determine the influence of early postpartum home visits in reducing the incidence of puerperal depression in our environment.

Material and methods

A total of 430 patients with uncomplicated pregnancy and delivery were randomized to two homogeneous groups (one group receiving an early postpartum home visit and a control group). The hospital anxiety and depression scale was used to assess puerperal depression at 7 and 30 days.

Results

At 7 days, 10.2% of the patients had a positive score for puerperal depression. At 30 days, the incidence of puerperal depression was lower in the group receiving an early home visit (0.9%) than in the control group (3.7%).

Conclusion

The incidence of postpartum depression in our setting was similar to the expected incidence. Early postpartum home visits seem to be useful in detecting this disorder and in reducing symptoms.     

Pronóstico perinatal y materno de la gestación múltiple en función del protocolo intraparto

Objectives

To evaluate maternal and fetal outcomes of multiple pregnancy according to route of delivery.

Material and methods

We performed a retrospective study of all twin deliveries in the previous 5 years and evaluated the route of delivery, especially in the final year. The information was recorded with Microsoft EXCEL and was analyzed with the statistical program SPSS 12.0 for Windows.

Results

The mean gestational age was 35.3 weeks. Route of delivery was through cesarean section in 59.8%. The mean interval between twins was 7.82 minutes when the first twin was delivered vaginally. Neonatal morbidity was found in 49%, and was higher in the second twin and in preterm deliveries.

Conclusions

Multiple pregnancies are associated with a large number of maternal and perinatal complications, as well as with a greater number of cesarean sections. Consequently, correct intrapartum management is required to reduce neonatal morbility as far as possible.     

Factores psicológicos en mujeres que padecen pelvialgia crónica grave operadas por laparoscopia o laparotomía

Purpose

To analyze the importance of psychological factors, understood as levels of anxiety and depression, among women with chronic pelvic pain and to evaluate the possibility of a relationship between these psychological factors and the persistence of pain after surgery.

Material and methods

We studied 41 women with chronic pelvic pain for more than 6 months who had undergone laparoscopy or laparotomy as a diagnostic-therapeutic method. The results in these women were compared with those in a control group of 86 women attending the clinic for bilateral tubal ligation. These patients were interviewed before surgery to evaluate their depression and anxiety levels using the Beck test and the STAI scale. The persistence of pain after surgery was assessed through a telephone survey.

Results

Levels of depression and anxiety were higher in the chronic pelvic pain group than in the control group but no differences were found in the trait anxiety variable. When interviews were carried out 3 months after surgery, the percentage of patients who continued to have postoperative pain was significantly higher in the chronic pelvic pain group than in the control group.

Conclusion

Quality of life is impaired in women experiencing pelvic pain for more than 6 months, due to increased levels of depression and state anxiety. Persistence of pain 3 months after surgery, despite elimination of its apparent gynecological cause, could be influenced by anxiety and depression.     

Ensayo clínico controlado de la influencia del entrenamiento aeróbico en la tolerancia al ejercicio y los síntomas depresivos en primigestantes colombianas

Introduction

Depression in pregnancy affects almost 60% of pregnant women and several studies have shown that aerobic exercise can reduce depressive symptoms by increasing physical capacity. However, this effect has not been determined in pregnancy.

Objective

To evaluate the influence of aerobic training on exercise tolerance and depressive symptoms in Colombian nulliparous pregnant women.

Materiales and methods

We carried out a simple controlled trial in 80 nulliparous pregnant women, between 16 and 20 weeks of pregnancy, randomized to two groups. 1) The control group continued their usual activities, with no specific exercise regime. 2) The intervention group performed aerobic training between 50% and 65% of their maximal heart rate for 50 minutes, three times a week for 12 weeks. Exercise tolerance was assessed using the 6-minute walk test and symptoms of depression were assessed by the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale (CES-D) at baseline and immediately after the 3-month intervention.

Results

The mean age was 21 ± 3 years and gestational age was 18 ± 2 weeks. Seventy-four women completed the study. After the intervention, participants who exercised had a higher exercise tolerance, measured by the 6-minute walk test, and a greater reduction in depressive symptoms than the control group, as measured by the CES-D scale, P<.05.

Conclusions

A supervised 3-month program of primarily aerobic exercise during pregnancy reduces depressive symptoms and improves exercise tolerance. These results provide new evidence of the benefits of exercise in preventing maternal depression.     

Amnioinfusión en rotura prematura de membranas en gestaciones pretérmino

Objective

To study the possibility of prenatal amnioinfusion as a therapeutic measure in premature rupture of membranes in preterm pregnancies.

Material and methods

We performed serialized transabdominal amnioinfusions in two patients with premature rupture of membranes in preterm pregnancy. Ringer's solution was instilled by abdominal puncture.

Results

We performed serialized transabdominal amnioinfusions until the 23rd week of pregnancy, after which time both patients showed normal amniotic fluid.

Conclusions

Transabdominal amnioinfusion is a valid therapeutic option in premature rupture of membranes in preterm pregnancy.     

Impacto psicológico de la mamografía de cribado en mujeres con resultados no concluyentes

Objective

To assess the impact of mammographic screening on anxiety, depression, and quality of life in women requiring a second mammogram 6 months after an inconclusive biennial screening mammogram.

Methodology

A total of 105 women were interviewed after they had been informed of the BI-RADS results of their screening mammography. Of these women, 72 were interviewed for a second time, after they had received a negative result of the follow-up mammogram. The assessment scales used were the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, and the Medical Outcomes Short-Form General Health Survey (SF-36). Anxiety and perceived physical comfort during the screening and follow-up mammograms were also evaluated through two questions specifically designed for this study.

Conclusions

Levels of anxiety and depression, quality of life and physical discomfort were satisfactory, with no differences between the two time points of measurement. Mammography screening does not cause emotional distress. These results should be emphasized by breast screening campaigns.     

Resultados perinatales de un protocolo de atención para gestantes con riesgo de prematuridad extrema

Introduction

Gestational age and birthweight are the most important variables that influence perinatal outcomes and future quality of life.

Method

An intervention project was applied following a protocol for the perinatal care of women admitted to the Mariana Grajales Perinatal Care Unit in Santa Clara at risk of extremely preterm delivery (26 to 32 weeks).

Objective

To evaluate perinatal results and neonatal survival in this high-risk group.

Results

The causes of extreme prematurity were, in order of frequency, aggravated preeclampsia, premature rupture of membranes, spontaneous delivery, and gastorrhagia in the second half of pregnancy. The most common route of delivery was cesarean section. Birthweight was less than 1 500 g in 52% of the neonates, mainly due to preeclampsia and preterm delivery. Low Apgar scores of 4-6 were found in 12.3% of the neonates with 100% recovery at 5 minutes. Delivery occurred at less than 30 weeks in 30.1%. Pregnancy was prolonged by 8.6 days in preeclampsia, by 6 days in premature rupture of membranes and by 322 days in preterm delivery. The most frequent complications were hyaline membrane disease (15%) and sepsis (36.9%), which provoked one death.

Conclusions

Survival in this group of high-risk neonates was high, decisively influencing the low infant mortality rate in this unit in 2009-2010.     

Factores etiopatogénicos de la prematuridad en el hospital universitario Sant Joan de Déu de Barcelona

Objective

To determine the rate of preterm births in 2010 at the Sant Joan de Déu University Hospital in Barcelona, and classify them according to the main cause by using a mapping algorithm to establish the main etiological causes of preterm birth.

Subjects and methods

All preterm births at less than 37 weeks’ gestation occurring in the Sant Joan de Déu University Hospital in 2010 (n = 396) were reviewed and assigned to a group according to their primary etiology.

Results

The preterm birth rate was 9.8%. Inflammatory causes accounted for 36% of all preterm births followed by idiopathic causes (29%). In preterm deliveries of multiple gestations, inflammatory causes accounted for 44%.

Conclusions

Inflammatory causes are the main etiology of preterm births and are more common in multiple gestations.     

Impacto de la edad materna avanzada en las complicaciones obstétricas y perinatales de las gestaciones gemelares

Objective

To evaluate the pregnancy and perinatal outcomes of twin gestations in women aged 35 or older.

Material and methods

We designed a retrospective cohort study. Maternal complications, mode of delivery and perinatal outcomes were compared in 229 women who delivered at age 35 or older and in 374 women who delivered at age less than 35 years. The computerized database and medical records of pregnant women attending the Miguel Servet University Hospital from January 2001 to December 2007 were retrospectively reviewed.

Results

Older women had an increased risk of conceptions after assisted reproductive techniques (p > 0.001), dichorionic pregnancies (p > 0.001) and gestational diabetes (p = 0.007; 95% CI: 1.119-3.19). There was no significant association between older maternal age and an increased incidence of preterm labor, premature rupture of membranes, fetal growth restriction, cesarean delivery or perinatal mortality.

Conclusion

Based on our data and previous studies, advanced maternal age in twin pregnancies does not seem to significantly increase obstetric complications or adverse perinatal results.     

Clasificación de cesáreas por Grupos de Robson en dos periodos comparativos en el Hospital de Manacor

Objective

To identify groups of women with changes in cesarean rates in two different periods.

Subjects and methods

Deliveries in the Manacor Hospital in 2000-2001 and 2005-2006, were analyzed through a retrospective review of clinical records and were grouped using Robsońs classification.

Results

The cesarean rate increased from 14 to 18.6% with a statistically significant increase among women with a single cephalic pregnancy at term who underwent labor induction or elective cesarean section. These two groups were the major contributors to the cesarean rate at our hospital.

Conclusion

A trend towards an increase in the rates of cesarean section was found during the study period. Robson's Classification allowed us to identify the groups of women contributing to this increase.     

Pronóstico perinatal y materno de las gestaciones gemelares concebidas mediante fecundación in vitro,en relación con las obtenidas espontáneamente

Objective

To determine the outcomes of twin pregnancies resulting from in vitro fertilization (IVF) compared with those resulting from spontaneous conception.

Material and methods

We performed a historical cohort study comparing neonatal outcomes of twin pregnancies resulting from IVF (n = 44) with those resulting from spontaneous conception (n = 109) in the Complejo Hospitalario Universitario de Albacete (Spain) in 2001, 2001 and 2003. The primary variable was perinatal mortality. Secondary variables were fetal morbidity (neonatal abnormalities, Apgar < 7, acidotic arterial pH, admission to the neonatal unit), preterm delivery, maternal complications, and type of delivery.

Results

No differences in perinatal mortality and morbidity were found between spontaneous twin pregnancies and twins resulting from assisted reproductive techniques. The rate of preterm labor was significantly higher in spontaneous twin pregnancies (75.2 versus 52%; p = 0.006). The incidence of gestational diabetes was significantly higher in twin pregnancies resulting from IVF than in spontaneous twin pregnancies (25.5 versus 9.7%;p = 0.01).

Conclusions

Perinatal and maternal outcomes in twin pregnancies resulting from IVF are similar to those of spontaneous twin pregnancies.     

Análisis de la relación entre riesgo gestacional y ansiedad materna

Objective

To evaluate levels of maternal anxiety in third trimester pregnancies according to pregnancy risk, classified as low, medium and high-risk/very high-risk.

Patients and methods

We performed an observational, analytical and cross-sectional study of anxiety levels in 174 pregnant women followed-up in our hospital. Levels of both state anxiety and trait anxiety were evaluated in the three groups of pregnant women.

Results

Of the 174 participants in the study, 98 (56.3%) had low risk pregnancies, 40 showed medium risk (23%) and 36 (20.7%) had high risk or very high risk pregnancies. We obtained a mean of 32.8 points for state anxiety and of 27.3 points for trait anxiety. Mean anxiety levels scores were 44.1 points in the high/very high risk group, 33 points in the medium risk group, and 28.5 points in the low risk group, with statistically significant differences (P = .0001 for the high risk group and P = .038 for the medium risk pregnancies). A significant correlation was found between trait anxiety and state anxiety (P = .0001). Statistically significant differences were observed in anxiety related to the number of children (P = .0001).

Conclusions

In pregnant women, anxiety levels were higher than average levels in the general population. Anxiety levels increased in accordance with greater risk in the pregnancy. The greater the number of children the mother already had the lower her anxiety level.     

Estudio observacional,transversal, de una muestra representativa de las mujeres españolas en edad fértil,sobre los cuidados,hábitos y promoción de la salud previamente y durante el embarazo: Estudio GESTMUJER

Objective

To identify the use of folic acid and other vitamins in Spanish women of fertile age before and during pregnancy.

Material and method

A representative survey of 1020 Spanish women aged 15 to 49 years was carried out in March 2013.

Results

Only one quarter of Spanish women planned their pregnancies and,as a result, only 28.6% of women took folic acid before becoming pregnant.

Conclusions

There is a lack of information about the role and importance of folic acid to prevent neural tube defects. Institutional campaigns are needed to promote both pregnancy planningand the use of vitamin supplements before and during pregnancy.     

Anticoagulación en gestantes portadoras de prótesis mecánicas

Objective

To study distinct anticoagulation regimens in pregnant women with prosthetic heart valves.

Subjects and methods

We performed a systematic review of the literature to determine the required levels of anticoagulation prophylaxis, timing of the introduction of oral anticoagulation and its substitution by heparins, and the maternal and fetal risks associated with different anticoagulation regimens.

Results

A target international normalized ratio (INR) of 2.5-3.5 should be achieved. Although consensus on the heparin of choice is lacking, heparin dose requirements should be based on anti-factor Xa levels (around 1.0 U/mL) or activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) (2-3 times control value). The risk of thrombosis in heparin-treated patients is approximately 7%, while the incidence of heparin embryopathy ranges from 1.6-7.4%. The switch from oral anticoagulation to heparin should be made no later than at weeks 35-36 of pregnancy.

Conclusions

The nticoagulation therapy of choice in the first trimester of pregnancy cannot currently be established. Prospective and randomized studies are required to determine the advisability of one treatment over the other     

Etiología y sensibilidad antimicrobiana en las infecciones urinarias bajas de la embarazada en España

Introduction

To improve antibiotic use in the treatment of urinary tract infections during pregnancy, knowledge of the most frequent pathogens and their susceptibilities is required.

Methods

Between march and july 2004, a prospective multicenter study was conducted in 15 national microbiology laboratories. The laboratories used their standard methods to process the samples.

Results

Pregnancy or non-pregnancy was recorded in only 1521 women; of these, 150 women were pregnant. The most frequent pathogen in pregnant women was Escherichia coli (54.6%), followed by Streptococcus agalactiae (24.3%). Isolation of gram positive strains (32.2%) was significantly more frequent in pregnant women (p < 0.001). The susceptibility rates of E.coli were 98.8% for fosfomycin, 96.2% for cefixime, and 97.6% for nitrofurantoin; these rates were lower for ampicillin (41.6%).

Conclusions

E.coli is the main uropathogen during pregnancy, because of the materno-fetal complications of urinary tract infections during pregnancy, alternative antibiotics should be used to reduce the high resistance to antibiotics that are useful in neonatal sepsis.     

Implantación de un sistema de gestión de riesgos en obstetricia: aprendiendo de los errores

Objective

To describe the implementation of a patient safety program in an obstetrics department and the results obtained.

Material and methods

The program was applied in all women admitted to the labor and delivery unit. To detect adverse events, a patient safety indicator system that allows monitoring over time was designed and an anonymous event reporting tool was activated.

Results

An adverse event occurred in 9.26% of hospitalized patients. Adverse events were more common in the puerperium (6.61%) and after cesarean delivery (16.04%) than in instrumental (10.63%) and vaginal delivery (7.40%). Most of the notifications concerned potential adverse events (near misses) and 72% led to improvements.

Conclusions

Our program detects adverse events and allows improvement measures to be designed. In obstetrics, safety is of great importance because of the potential effects to mother and child. Furthermore, childbirth is a frequent cause of hospitalization and litigation in obstetrics is common.     

Análisis de los factores de influencia sobre el resultado de 500 ciclos de inseminación intrauterina homóloga

Objective

To evaluate the results and analyse different factors influencing pregnancy rate using homologous intrauterine insemination.

Subjects and methods

Retrospective analysis of 500 homologous intrauterine insemination cycles in 183 infertile couples. Only one insemination per stimulated ovarian cycle was performed in patients with: mild endometriosis, ovulatory factor, male subfertility or unexplained infertility. We studied female age, duration of infertility, stimulation protocol, number of cycle, number of preovulatory follicles, motile sperm count and endometrial thickness related to pregnancy rate.

Results

Pregnancy rate per couple was 24% and per intrauterine insemination 9%, 11% was multiple pregnancies. Best outcome has been got in women younger than 37 years (P=.048) and in cycles with more than one preovulatory follicle. Other studied factors did not have influence in homologous intrauterine insemination outcome.

Conclusions

Female age is a prognostic factor for homologous intrauterine insemination with poor outcome in women older than 38 years. Cycles with more than one preovolatory follicle have better outcome. No differences in pregnancy rate have been achieved with motile sperm count over 1.5 millions/0.3 ml.