Postpartum psychological distress after emergency team response during childbirth |
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Authors: | R Gina Silverstein Michael Centore Andrea Pollack Gabrielle Barrieau Priya Gopalan |
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Institution: | 1. University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, USA;2. Department of Obstetrics &3. Gynecology, Chapel Hill, NC, USA;4. Magee-Womens Hospital of UPMC, Pittsburgh, PA, USA;5. University of Montreal, Department of Anesthesiology, Montreal, Canada;6. Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA |
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Abstract: | Purpose: To evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of a protocol determining the relationship between emergency team response (ETR) during childbirth and acute stress disorder (ASD) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms.Methods: In a prospective, observational, cohort design, women experiencing ETR during childbirth were approached and recruited on postpartum day-1 and followed for six weeks. Demographics, obstetric and birth characteristics, ASD scores and PTSD scores (by Impact of Events Scale, IES and PCL-civilian) were recorded. Recruitment and retention rates were recorded, and scores were compared to women who did not experience ETR.Results: Three hundred sixty-nine were approached and 249 were enrolled (67.5% recruitment rate). One hundred twenty-five completed all procedures (50.2% retention). Twenty experienced ETR (3.5% event rate), 12 enrolled (60.0% recruitment rate) and 8 completed the study (66.7% retention). The ETR group had higher PCL and IES scores (PCL: ETR median 12, non-ETR median 2, p?=?.08; IES: ETR median 22.5, non-ETR median 20, p?=?.08). ASD scores were similar between groups.Conclusions: Methodology investigating the link between ETR and postpartum psychological distress is feasible and acceptable. A relationship between ETR and PTSD symptoms appears to exist, with ETR being associated with higher PTSD scores compared to non-ETR childbirths. Methods that incorporate awareness of the unique concerns of vulnerable populations are needed. |
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Keywords: | Postpartum PTSD ASD trauma morbidity obstetric |
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