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Manzotti A, Fumagalli S, Zanini S, Brembilla V, Alberti A, Magli I, Buratti E, Coraglia N, De Fusco A, Zambù D, Zanotta V, Nespoli A. What is known about changes in pelvic floor muscle strength and tone in women during the childbirth pathway? A scoping review. Eur J Midwifery 2024; 8:EJM-8-42. [PMID: 39099673 PMCID: PMC11295251 DOI: 10.18332/ejm/189955] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2023] [Revised: 02/04/2024] [Accepted: 06/12/2024] [Indexed: 08/06/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION This scoping review aims to comprehensively explore the existing research on the changes in pelvic floor function that occur throughout the childbirth pathway (antenatal, intrapartum, and postnatal period). Furthermore, it seeks to identify new opportunities and directions for future research in this field. In particular, this review focuses on investigating pelvic floor muscle strength and tone in women during the childbirth pathway. METHODS The following databases were investigated from their inception: PubMed, OVID, Medline, ScienceDirect, The Cochrane Central Library, Scopus, Web of Science, PEDro, Scholar Google, Embase, and CINHAIL. Literature research was carried out from March to October 2022. Records identified through database searching were imported to Covidence. According to Arksey and O'Malley's five-stage scoping review framework, researchers screen titles and abstracts for eligibility and exclude records that do not meet the inclusion criteria. RESULTS A total of 40 studies were included in the data extraction phase. These articles underwent a review, with a specific emphasis on examining the tone, strength, and distensibility of the pelvic floor throughout the childbirth pathway. Among the selected studies, 22 investigated pelvic floor strength, 7 the distensibility, and 3 articles the tone. CONCLUSIONS This review identified both areas of agreement and disagreement across all three themes examined, with a particular emphasis on labor and the postpartum period. Notably, the review unveiled a significant scarcity of data concerning the tone of pelvic floor muscles throughout the childbirth pathway. Further studies to investigate the relationship between midwifery care and pelvic floor outcomes are required to improve clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Manzotti
- RAISE Lab, Clinical-Based Human Research Department, Foundation COME Collaboration, Pescara, Italy
- Research Department, SOMA, Istituto Osteopatia Milano, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Sonia Zanini
- RAISE Lab, Clinical-Based Human Research Department, Foundation COME Collaboration, Pescara, Italy
- Research Department, SOMA, Istituto Osteopatia Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Veronica Brembilla
- Research Department, SOMA, Istituto Osteopatia Milano, Milan, Italy
- University of Milano-Bicocca, Monza, Italy
| | - Adele Alberti
- Research Department, SOMA, Istituto Osteopatia Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Ilaria Magli
- Research Department, SOMA, Istituto Osteopatia Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Elis Buratti
- Research Department, SOMA, Istituto Osteopatia Milano, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Andrea De Fusco
- Research Department, SOMA, Istituto Osteopatia Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Daniel Zambù
- Research Department, SOMA, Istituto Osteopatia Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Valeria Zanotta
- Research Department, SOMA, Istituto Osteopatia Milano, Milan, Italy
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Youssef A, Del Magno A, Nedu B, Dapoto F, Brunelli E. Feasibility and reproducibility of new technique for measurement of transverse diameter of levator ani muscle hiatus using two-dimensional transperineal ultrasound in nulliparous women with term pregnancy. ULTRASOUND IN OBSTETRICS & GYNECOLOGY : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY OF ULTRASOUND IN OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY 2024; 63:824-832. [PMID: 38308852 DOI: 10.1002/uog.27595] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2023] [Revised: 12/17/2023] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 02/05/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The aim of the present study was two-fold. Firstly, we aimed to develop and describe a technique for measurement of the transverse diameter (TD) of the levator ani muscle (LAM) hiatus in the coronal view using two-dimensional (2D) transperineal ultrasound (TPUS) in nulliparous women with a term pregnancy. Secondly, we aimed to evaluate the feasibility and reproducibility of 2D-TPUS assessment of LAM hiatal TD and assess intermethod agreement between 2D-TPUS and three-dimensional (3D) TPUS measurement of TD in the axial plane, which is considered the gold standard in nulliparous women with term pregnancy. METHODS We recruited a group of nulliparous women with term pregnancy before the onset of labor. The study was conducted in two phases: Phase 1 involved developing and describing the 2D-TPUS technique for measuring LAM hiatal TD, and Phase 2 focused on assessing the technique's feasibility, reproducibility and intermethod agreement with 3D-TPUS measurement of LAM hiatal TD. In Phase 1, we enrolled 30 women. Each woman underwent acquisition of a 3D-TPUS volume, which was analyzed using multiplanar mode to identify and determine the appearance of the lateral borders of the LAM in the coronal plane, at the level of the plane of minimal hiatal dimensions. These borders were used as landmarks for TD measurement. Additionally, we measured the distance between the plane used for TD measurement and the center of the urethra in the axial view. In Phase 2, we recruited 100 women. Each woman underwent acquisition of three 2D-TPUS videoclips in the coronal plane, each encompassing a sweep of the entire LAM hiatus, and a 3D volume, all obtained during rest. On the 2D videoclips, TD was measured twice by one operator and once by another operator. In the 3D volume, TD was measured once, by one operator, in the axial plane; this measurement was considered the gold standard. Each operator was blinded to all other measurements during their assessments. We analyzed intraobserver and interobserver reproducibility and performed an intermethod (2D vs 3D) comparison. Bland-Altman analysis was conducted, and Levene's W0 test and Student's t-test were performed to explore clinical factors that might contribute to systematic differences. RESULTS In Phase 1, we identified successfully the landmarks denoting the lateral borders of the LAM hiatal TD in the coronal view. These appeared as two symmetrical hypoechogenic indentations located at the inner border of the hyperechogenic structure of the LAM, at the point of maximum distance between the two sides of the LAM. The distance between the urethra and the plane where TD should be measured using 3D-TPUS in the axial plane had a median of 4 mm and varied from 0 to 9 mm. This enabled us to describe a method for assessing LAM hiatal TD in the coronal plane using 2D-TPUS. In Phase 2, LAM hiatal TD was measured successfully in all 2D and 3D acquisitions from the entire group of 100 women. The analyses for intraobserver and interobserver reproducibility and the intermethod comparison (2D vs 3D) revealed almost perfect agreement in TD measurements using 2D-TPUS, with intraclass correlation coefficients of 0.95 (95% CI, 0.92-0.96), 0.87 (95% CI, 0.78-0.92) and 0.85 (95% CI, 0.78-0.90), respectively. The average differences between measurements were 0.1 mm for intraobserver, 1.0 mm for interobserver and 0.2 mm for intermethod repeatability. No systematic differences were observed in any of the measurement sets, except in the interobserver analysis, although this difference was clinically not significant (38.2 vs 37.2 mm, P = 0.01). None of the examined clinical factors (maternal body mass index and maternal age) exhibited a statistically significant impact on intraobserver, interobserver or intermethod reliability. CONCLUSIONS Utilizing our technique, described herein, to measure the LAM hiatal TD in the coronal view using 2D-TPUS is not only feasible but also highly reproducible and accurate in nulliparous women with term pregnancy. Moreover, it yields measurements that are comparable to those obtained in the reconstructed axial plane generated by 3D-TPUS. © 2024 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Youssef
- Obstetric Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - A Del Magno
- Obstetric Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - B Nedu
- Obstetric Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - F Dapoto
- Obstetric Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - E Brunelli
- Obstetric Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
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Youssef A, Brunelli E, Fiorentini M, Pilu G, Spelzini F. Soft-tissue dystocia due to paradoxical contraction of the levator ani as a cause of prolonged second stage: concept, diagnosis, and potential treatment. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2024; 230:S856-S864. [PMID: 38462259 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajog.2022.12.323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2022] [Revised: 12/23/2022] [Accepted: 12/26/2022] [Indexed: 03/12/2024]
Abstract
Smaller pelvic floor dimensions seem to have been an evolutionary need to provide adequate support for the pelvic organs and the fetal head. Pelvic floor dimension and shape contributed to the complexity of human birth. Maternal pushing associated with pelvic floor muscle relaxation is key to vaginal birth. Using transperineal ultrasound, pelvic floor dimensions can be objectively measured in both static and dynamic conditions, such as pelvic floor muscle contraction and pushing. Several studies have evaluated the role of the pelvic floor in labor outcomes. Smaller levator hiatal dimensions seem to be associated with a longer duration of the second stage of labor and a higher risk of cesarean and operative deliveries. Furthermore, smaller levator hiatal dimensions are associated with a higher fetal head station at term of pregnancy, as assessed by transperineal ultrasound. With maternal pushing, most women can relax their pelvic floor, thus increasing their pelvic floor dimensions. Some women contract rather than relax their pelvic floor muscles under pushing, which is associated with a reduction in the anteroposterior diameter of the levator hiatus. This phenomenon is called levator ani muscle coactivation. Coactivation in nulliparous women at term of pregnancy before the onset of labor is associated with a higher fetal head station at term of pregnancy and a longer duration of the second stage of labor. In addition, levator ani muscle coactivation in nulliparous women undergoing induction of labor is associated with a longer duration of the active second stage of labor. Whether we can improve maternal pelvic floor relaxation with consequent improvement in labor outcomes remains a matter of debate. Maternal education, physiotherapy, and visual feedback are promising interventions. In particular, ultrasound visual feedback before the onset of labor can help women increase their levator hiatal dimensions and correct levator ani muscle coactivation in some cases. Ultrasound visual feedback in the second stage of labor was found to help women push more efficiently, thus obtaining a lower fetal head station at ultrasound and a shorter duration of the second stage of labor. The available evidence on the role of any intervention aimed to aid women to better relax their pelvic floor remains limited, and more studies are needed before considering its routine clinical application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aly Youssef
- Obstetric and Prenatal Medicine Unit, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Policlinico Sant'Orsola Malpighi, Bologna, Italy.
| | - Elena Brunelli
- Obstetric and Prenatal Medicine Unit, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Policlinico Sant'Orsola Malpighi, Bologna, Italy
| | - Marta Fiorentini
- Obstetric and Prenatal Medicine Unit, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Policlinico Sant'Orsola Malpighi, Bologna, Italy
| | - Gianluigi Pilu
- Obstetric and Prenatal Medicine Unit, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Policlinico Sant'Orsola Malpighi, Bologna, Italy
| | - Federico Spelzini
- Azienda Unità Sanitaria Locale della Romagna, Infermi Hospital, Rimini, Italy
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Resta S, De Vito M, Patelli C, Lu JLA, Gabrielli G, Chiodo E, Mappa I, Rizzo G. Validation of an automated software (Smartpelvic™) in assessing hiatal area from three dimensional transperineal pelvic volumes of pregnant women: comparison with manual analysis. J Perinat Med 2024; 52:165-170. [PMID: 37938105 DOI: 10.1515/jpm-2023-0323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 11/09/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The aim of this investigation was to evaluate the agreement between a manual and an automatic technique in assessing levator hiatus area (LHA) during pregnancy from three-dimensional (3D) pelvic floor volumes obtained by trans-perineal ultrasound (TPUS). METHODS 3D volumes were acquired during rest, maximum pelvic floor contraction and Valsalva maneuver from 66 pregnant women. Manual selection of LHA and automatic software (Smart Pelvic™) were applied on TPUS volume starting from a C-plane view. To evaluate intra- and inter-observer variability measurements of LHA were performed twice by the same operator and once by a second sonographer. Reference hiatal contours obtained manually by the first operator were compared with the automated ones. Reproducibility was evaluated by intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) and Bland-Altman plots. RESULTS LHA measurement, using automatic software, achieved excellent intra-observer and inter-observer reproducibility in pregnant women both at rest and after dynamic analysis (ICC>0.9). Further, an excellent agreement resulted between manual selection of the LHA and automatic imaging (ICC>0.9). The average time taken to obtain LHA manually was significantly longer when compared to the automatic analysis (p≤0.0001). CONCLUSIONS Smart pelvic software resulted from a reliable method for automatically measuring the LHA, showing high reproducibility and accuracy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Serena Resta
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Università di Roma Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Marika De Vito
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Università di Roma Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Chiara Patelli
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Università di Verona, Verona Italy
| | - Jia Li Angela Lu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Università di Roma Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Gianluca Gabrielli
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Università di Roma Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Erika Chiodo
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Università di Roma Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Ilenia Mappa
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Università di Roma Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Rizzo
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Università di Roma Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
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Xodo S, Trombetta G, Morassutto C, Baccarini G, Celante L, Driul L, Londero AP. Does transperineal ultrasound predict the risk of perineal trauma in women with term pregnancy? A prospective observational study. Ultrasonography 2024; 43:47-56. [PMID: 38029735 PMCID: PMC10766888 DOI: 10.14366/usg.23045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2023] [Revised: 08/09/2023] [Accepted: 09/19/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE This study was conducted to evaluate the prevalence of perineal trauma during childbirth and to assess the correlations of the pelvic floor dimensions and fetal head station with obstetric trauma in a prospectively recruited cohort of women. METHODS The study included women with a gestational age of at least 37 weeks, who were carrying a single fetus in a cephalic presentation. Transperineal ultrasound (TPU) was performed prior to the onset of labor or labor induction. The purpose was to measure the anteroposterior diameter (APD) of the levator ani muscle (LAM) and the angle of progression, at both rest and maximum Valsalva maneuver. The head-perineum distance was assessed only at rest. RESULTS A total of 296 women were included. Of the 253 women who delivered vaginally, 19% (48/253) experienced no perineal trauma, 18.2% (46/253) received an episiotomy during childbirth, 34.4% (87/253) sustained a first-degree laceration, 25.3% (64/253) had a second-degree laceration, and 3.2% had a third- or fourth-degree laceration (8/253). Women with episiotomy had a significantly shorter median APD under Valsalva than women without perineal trauma. Furthermore, women with LAM coactivation (identified by a negative difference between the APD at Valsalva and the APD at rest) were approximately three times more likely to undergo an operative vaginal delivery and over five times more likely to sustain a third- or fourth-degree tear during childbirth than women who exhibited normal relaxation of the LAM during the Valsalva maneuver. CONCLUSION TPU may predict the risk of perineal trauma in women with term pregnancy during childbirth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Serena Xodo
- Clinic of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University of Udine, Udine, Italy
| | - Giulia Trombetta
- Clinic of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University of Udine, Udine, Italy
| | - Caterina Morassutto
- SC Politiche del Farmaco, Dispositivi Medici e Protesica dell’Azienda Regionale di Coordinamento per la Salute, Udine, Italy
| | | | - Lisa Celante
- Clinic of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University of Udine, Udine, Italy
| | - Lorenza Driul
- Clinic of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University of Udine, Udine, Italy
- Department of Medical Area (DAME), University of Udine, Udine, Italy
| | - Ambrogio P Londero
- Department of Neuroscience, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Infant Health, University of Genoa, Genova, Italy
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Unit, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genova, Italy
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Youssef A, Brunelli E, Fiorentini M, Pilu G, El-Balat A. The correlation between levator ani co-activation and fetal head regression on maternal pushing at term. J Matern Fetal Neonatal Med 2022; 35:9654-9660. [PMID: 35282757 DOI: 10.1080/14767058.2022.2050363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess the correlation between fetal head regression and levator ani muscle (LAM) co-activation under Valsalva maneuver. STUDY DESIGN This study was a secondary analysis of a prospective cohort study on the association between the angle of progression (AoP) and labor outcome. We scanned a group of nulliparous women at term before the onset of labor at rest and under maximum Valsalva maneuver. In addition to the previously calculated AoP, in the present study, we measured the anteroposterior diameter of LAM hiatus (APD) on each ultrasound image. LAM co-activation was defined as APD at Valsalva less than that at rest, whereas fetal head regression was defined as AoP at Valsalva less than that at rest. We calculated the correlation between the two phenomena. Finally, we examined various labor outcomes according to the presence, absence, or co-existence of these two phenomena. RESULTS We included 469 women. A total of 129 (27.5%) women presented LAM co-activation while 50 (10.7%) showed head regression. Only 15 (3.2%) women showed simultaneous head regression and LAM co-activation. Women with coexisting LAM co-activation and head regression had the narrowest AoP at Valsalva in comparison with other study groups (p < .001). In addition, they had the highest risk of Cesarean delivery (40%) and longest first, second, and active second stage durations, although none of these reached statistical significance. CONCLUSION In nulliparous women at term before the onset of labor fetal head regression and LAM co-activation at Valsalva are two distinct phenomena that uncommonly coexist.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aly Youssef
- Obstetric Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, IRCCS Sant'Orsola-Malpighi University Hospital, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Elena Brunelli
- Obstetric Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, IRCCS Sant'Orsola-Malpighi University Hospital, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Marta Fiorentini
- Obstetric Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, IRCCS Sant'Orsola-Malpighi University Hospital, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Gianluigi Pilu
- Obstetric Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, IRCCS Sant'Orsola-Malpighi University Hospital, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Ahmed El-Balat
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany
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Youssef A, Brunelli E, Fiorentini M, Lenzi J, Pilu G, El-Balat A. Breech progression angle: new feasible and reliable transperineal ultrasound parameter for assessment of fetal breech descent in birth canal. ULTRASOUND IN OBSTETRICS & GYNECOLOGY : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY OF ULTRASOUND IN OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY 2021; 58:609-615. [PMID: 33847431 DOI: 10.1002/uog.23649] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2021] [Revised: 03/20/2021] [Accepted: 03/26/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess the feasibility and reliability of transperineal ultrasound in the assessment of fetal breech descent in the birth canal, by measuring the breech progression angle (BPA). METHODS Women with a singleton pregnancy with the fetus in breech presentation between 34 and 41 weeks' gestation were recruited. Transperineal ultrasound images were acquired in the midsagittal view for each woman, twice by one operator and once by another. Each operator measured the BPA after anonymization of the transperineal ultrasound images. BPA was defined as the angle between a line running along the long axis of the pubic symphysis and another line extending from the most inferior portion of the pubic symphysis tangentially to the lowest recognizable fetal part in the maternal pelvis. Each operator was blinded to all other measurements performed for each woman. Intra- and interobserver reproducibility of BPA measurement was evaluated using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). To investigate the presence of any bias, intra- and interobserver agreement was also analyzed using Bland-Altman analysis. Student's t-test and Levene's W0 test were used to investigate whether a number of different clinical factors had an effect on systematic differences and homogeneity, respectively, between BPA measurements. RESULTS Overall, 44 women were included in the analysis. BPA was measured successfully by both operators on all images. Both intra- and interobserver agreement analyses showed excellent reproducibility in BPA measurement, with ICCs of 0.88 (95% CI, 0.80-0.93) and 0.83 (95% CI, 0.71-0.90), respectively. The mean difference between measurements was 0.4° (95% CI, -1.4 to 2.2°) for intraobserver repeatability and -0.4° (95% CI, -2.6 to 1.8°) for interobserver repeatability. The upper limits of agreement were 12.0° (95% CI, 8.9-15.1°) and 13.6° (95% CI, 9.9-17.3°) for intra- and interobserver repeatability, respectively. The lower limits of agreement were -11.2° (95% CI, -14.3 to -8.1°) and -14.4° (95% CI, -18.2 to -10.7°) for intra- and interobserver repeatability, respectively. No systematic difference between BPA measurements was found on either intra- or interobserver agreement analysis. None of the clinical factors examined (maternal body mass index, maternal age, gestational age at the ultrasound scan and parity) showed a statistically significant effect on intra- or interobserver reliability. CONCLUSIONS BPA represents a new feasible and highly reproducible measurement for the evaluation of fetal breech descent in the birth canal. Future studies assessing its usefulness in the prediction of successful external cephalic version and breech vaginal delivery are needed. © 2021 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Youssef
- Obstetric Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, IRCCS Sant'Orsola-Malpighi University Hospital, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - E Brunelli
- Obstetric Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, IRCCS Sant'Orsola-Malpighi University Hospital, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - M Fiorentini
- Obstetric Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, IRCCS Sant'Orsola-Malpighi University Hospital, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - J Lenzi
- Section of Hygiene, Public Health and Medical Statistics, Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - G Pilu
- Obstetric Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, IRCCS Sant'Orsola-Malpighi University Hospital, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - A El-Balat
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany
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Youssef A, Brunelli E, Pilu G, Dietz HP. The maternal pelvic floor and labor outcome. Am J Obstet Gynecol MFM 2021; 3:100452. [PMID: 34365028 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajogmf.2021.100452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2021] [Revised: 07/13/2021] [Accepted: 07/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Vaginal birth is the major cause of pelvic floor damage. The development of transperineal ultrasound has improved our understanding of the relationship between vaginal birth and pelvic floor dysfunction. The female pelvic floor dimensions and function can be assessed reliably in pregnant women. Maternal pushing associated with pelvic floor muscle relaxation is the central requirement of vaginal birth. Many studies have evaluated the role of the pelvic floor on labor outcomes. Smaller levator hiatal dimensions and incomplete or absent levator ani muscle relaxation seem to be associated with a longer duration of the second stage of labor and a higher risk of cesarean and operative deliveries. Here, we presented an overview of the current knowledge of the correlation between female pelvic floor dimension and function, as assessed by transperineal ultrasound, and labor outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aly Youssef
- Obstetric Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy (Drs Youssef, Brunelli, and Pilu); Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria S. Orsola-Malpighi, Bologna, Italy (Drs Youssef, Brunelli, and Pilu).
| | - Elena Brunelli
- Obstetric Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy (Drs Youssef, Brunelli, and Pilu); Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria S. Orsola-Malpighi, Bologna, Italy (Drs Youssef, Brunelli, and Pilu)
| | - Gianluigi Pilu
- Obstetric Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy (Drs Youssef, Brunelli, and Pilu); Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria S. Orsola-Malpighi, Bologna, Italy (Drs Youssef, Brunelli, and Pilu)
| | - Hans Peter Dietz
- Sydney Medical School Nepean, Department of O&G, University of Sydney, Penrith, New South Wales, Australia (Dr Dietz)
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Kamel R, Garcia FSM, Poon LC, Youssef A. The usefulness of ultrasound before induction of labor. Am J Obstet Gynecol MFM 2021; 3:100423. [PMID: 34129996 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajogmf.2021.100423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2021] [Revised: 05/19/2021] [Accepted: 05/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The indications for induction of labor have been consistently on the rise. These indications are mainly medical (maternal or fetal) or social or related to convenience or maternal preferences. With the increase in the prevalence of these indications, the incidence rates of induction of labor are expected to rise continuously. This poses a substantial workload and financial burden on maternity healthcare systems. Failure rates of induction of labor are relatively high, especially when considering the maternal, fetal, and neonatal risks associated with emergency cesarean deliveries in cases of failure. Therefore, it is essential for obstetricians to carefully select women who are eligible for induction of labor, particularly those with no clinical contraindication and who have a reasonable chance of ending up with a successful noncomplicated vaginal delivery. Ultrasound has an established role in the various areas of obstetrical care. It is available, accessible, easy to perform, and acceptable to the patient. In addition, the learning curve for skillful obstetrical ultrasound scanning is rather easy to fulfill. Ultrasound has always had an important role in the assessment of maternal and fetal well-being. Indeed, it has been extensively explored as a reliable, reproducible, and objective tool in the management of labor. In this review, we aimed to provide a comprehensive update on the different applications and uses of ultrasound before induction of labor for the prediction of its success and the potential improvement of its health-related maternal and fetal outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rasha Kamel
- Maternal-Fetal Medicine Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt (Dr Kamel).
| | - Francisca S Molina Garcia
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hospital Clínico San Cecilio, Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria IBS, Granada, Spain (Dr Molina Garcia)
| | - Liona C Poon
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China (Dr Poon)
| | - Aly Youssef
- Obstetric Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna and IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria S.Orsola-Malpighi, Bologna, Italy (Dr Youssef)
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Gilboa Y, Perlman S. Intrapartum ultrasound for the management of the active pushing phase. Am J Obstet Gynecol MFM 2021; 3:100422. [PMID: 34126251 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajogmf.2021.100422] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2021] [Revised: 05/14/2021] [Accepted: 05/26/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
The anxiety and anticipation that accompany pregnancy, labor, and delivery may be relieved by education, providing knowledge regarding the physiological process of childbirth. Intrapartum ultrasound is an available, simple, intuitive, real-time tool that enables visualization of the fetal head within the birth canal. Both the attending staff and expectant parent can assess its movements and descent in response to the pushing efforts during the active pushing phase. This review described the potential obstetrical and psychological advantages of intrapartum ultrasound in managing the active pushing phase.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yinon Gilboa
- Ultrasound Unit, Helen Schneider Hospital for Women, Rabin Medical Center, Petah Tikva, Israel; Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Sharon Perlman
- Ultrasound Unit, Helen Schneider Hospital for Women, Rabin Medical Center, Petah Tikva, Israel; Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel.
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Predicting cesarean delivery for failure to progress as an outcome of labor induction in term singleton pregnancy. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2021; 224:609.e1-609.e11. [PMID: 33412128 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajog.2020.12.1212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2020] [Revised: 12/24/2020] [Accepted: 12/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Induction of labor is one of the most common interventions in modern obstetrics, and its frequency is expected to continue to increase. There is inconsistency as to how failed induction of labor is defined; however, the majority of studies define success as the achievement of vaginal delivery. Induction of labor in nulliparous women poses an additional challenge with a 15% to 20% incidence of failure, ending in emergency operative deliveries. The Bishop score has been traditionally used before decisions for induction of labor. Nonetheless, it is subjective and prone to marked interobserver variation. Several studies have been conducted to find alternative predictors, yet a reliable, objective method still remains to be introduced and validated. Hence, there is still a need for the development of new predictive tools to facilitate informed decision making, optimization of resources, and minimization of potential risks of failure. Furthermore, a peripartum transperineal ultrasound scan has been proven to provide objective, noninvasive assessment of labor. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to assess the feasibility of developing and validating an objective and reproducible model for the prediction of cesarean delivery for failure to progress as an outcome of labor induction in term singleton pregnancies. STUDY DESIGN This was a prospective observational cohort study conducted in Cairo University Hospitals and University of Bologna Hospitals between November 2018 and November 2019. We recruited 382 primigravidae with singleton term pregnancies in cephalic presentation. All patients had baseline Bishop scoring together with various transabdominal and transperineal ultrasound assessments of the fetus, maternal cervix, and pelvic floor. The managing obstetricians were blinded to the ultrasound scan findings. The method and indication of induction of labor, the total duration of stages of labor, mode of birth, and neonatal outcomes were all recorded. Women who had operative delivery for fetal distress or indications other than failure to progress in labor were excluded from the final analysis, leaving a total of 344 participants who were randomly divided into 243 and 101 pregnancies that constituted the model development and cross-validation groups, respectively. RESULTS It was possible to perform transabdominal and transperineal scans and assess all the required parameters on all study participants. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used for selection of potential predictors and model fitting. The independent predictive variables for cesarean delivery included maternal age (odds ratio, 1.12; P=.003), cervical length (odds ratio, 1.08; P=.04), angle of progression at rest (odds ratio, 0.9; P=.001), and occiput posterior position (odds ratio, 5.7; P=.006). We tested the performance of the prediction model on our cross-validation group. The calculated areas under the curve for the ability of the model to predict cesarean delivery were 0.7969 (95% confidence interval, 0.71-0.87) and 0.88 (95% confidence interval, 0.79-0.97) for the developed and validated models, respectively. CONCLUSION Maternal age and sonographic fetal occiput position, angle of progression at rest, and cervical length before labor induction are very good predictors of induction outcome in nulliparous women at term.
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