1
|
Macedo MD, Risløkken J, Halle T, Ellström Engh M, Siafarikas F. Occurrence and risk factors for second-degree perineal tears: A prospective cohort study using a detailed classification system. Birth 2024. [PMID: 38305584 DOI: 10.1111/birt.12817] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2023] [Revised: 10/17/2023] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 02/03/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The amount of tissue trauma within second-degree perineal tears varies widely. Therefore, subcategorization of second-degree tears and a better understanding of their occurrence and risk factors are needed. The aim of this study was to assess the occurrence of perineal tears when second-degree tears were subcategorized. Furthermore, we aimed to assess the association between variables related to perineal anatomy and other potential risk factors, with second-degree tear subcategories. METHODS This prospective cohort study included 880 primiparous and multiparous women giving birth to one child vaginally. Perineal tears were categorized using the classification system recommended by the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists. In addition, second-degree tears were subcategorized as 2A, 2B, or 2C according to the percentage of damage to the perineal body. Selected variables related to perineal anatomy were as follows: length of genital hiatus; perineal body length; and previous perineal trauma. Risk factors for second-degree tear subcategories were analyzed using a multinominal regression model. RESULTS Perineal tears occurred as follows: first-degree: 35.6% (n = 313), 2A: 16.3% (n = 143), 2B: 9.1% (n = 80), 2C: 6.6% (n = 58), and third- or fourth-degree: 1.6% (n = 14). In total, 169/880 participants underwent an episiotomy. When episiotomies were excluded, the risk for 2B, or 2C tears increased with smaller genital hiatus, larger perineal body, previous perineal trauma, primiparity, higher gestational age, instrumental vaginal delivery and fetal presentation other than occiput anterior. CONCLUSION The occurrence of second-degree tear subcategories was 16.3% for 2A tears, 9.1% for 2B tears, and 6.6% for 2C tears. Factors related to perineal anatomy increased the odds for experiencing a second-degree tear in a more severe subcategory.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marthe D Macedo
- Division Akershus University Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Akershus University Hospital, Lørenskog, Norway
| | - Jeanette Risløkken
- Division Akershus University Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Akershus University Hospital, Lørenskog, Norway
| | - Tuva Halle
- Division Akershus University Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Marie Ellström Engh
- Division Akershus University Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Akershus University Hospital, Lørenskog, Norway
| | - Franziska Siafarikas
- Division Akershus University Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Akershus University Hospital, Lørenskog, Norway
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Huber M, Larsson C, Lehmann J, Strigård K, Lindam A, Tunón K. Sonographic postpartum anal sphincter defects and the association with pelvic floor pain and dyspareunia. Acta Obstet Gynecol Scand 2023; 102:1290-1297. [PMID: 37350333 PMCID: PMC10540925 DOI: 10.1111/aogs.14606] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2022] [Revised: 04/09/2023] [Accepted: 05/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/24/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Pelvic floor pain and dyspareunia are both important entities of postpartum pelvic pain, often concomitant and associated with perineal tears during vaginal delivery. The association between postpartum sonographic anal sphincter defects, pelvic floor pain, and dyspareunia has not been fully established. We aimed to determine the prevalence of postpartum anal sphincter defects using three-dimensional endoanal ultrasonography (3D-EAUS) and evaluate their association with symptoms of pelvic floor pain and dyspareunia. MATERIAL AND METHODS This prospective cohort study followed 239 primiparas from birth to 12 months post delivery. Anal sphincters were assessed with 3D-EAUS 3 months postpartum, and self-reported pelvic floor function data were obtained using a web-based questionnaire distributed 1 year after delivery. Descriptive statistics were compared between the patients with and without sonographic defects, and the association between sonographic sphincter defects and outcomes were analyzed using logistic regression. RESULTS At 3 months postpartum, 48/239 (20%) patients had anal sphincter defects on 3D-EAUS, of which 43 (18%) were not clinically diagnosed with obstetric anal sphincter injury at the time of delivery. Patients with sonographic defects had higher fetal weight than those without defects, and a perineum <2 cm before the suture was a risk factor for defects (odds ratio [OR], 6.9). Patients with sonographic defects had a higher frequency of dyspareunia (OR, 2.4), and pelvic floor pain (OR, 2.3) than those without defects. CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest an association between postpartum sonographic anal sphincter defects, pelvic floor pain, and dyspareunia. A perineal height <2 cm, measured by bidigital palpation immediately postdelivery, was a risk factor for sonographic anal sphincter defect. We suggest offering pelvic floor sonography around 3 months postpartum to high- risk women to optimize diagnosis and treatment of perineal tears and include perineum <2 cm prior to primary repair as a proposed indication for postpartum follow-up sonography.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Malin Huber
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Obstetrics and GynecologyUmeå UniversityUmeåSweden
| | - Charlotta Larsson
- Department of Surgical and Perioperative SciencesUmeå UniversityUmeåSweden
| | - Jan‐P Lehmann
- Department of SurgeryÖstersund HospitalÖstersundSweden
| | - Karin Strigård
- Department of Surgical and Perioperative SciencesUmeå UniversityUmeåSweden
| | - Anna Lindam
- Unit of Research, Education and Development, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Östersund HospitalUmeå UniversityUmeåSweden
| | - Katarina Tunón
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Obstetrics and GynecologyUmeå UniversityUmeåSweden
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Johnson K, Elvander C, Johansson K, Saltvedt S, Edqvist M. The effect of organizational belonging and profession on clinicians' attitudes toward supporting vaginal birth and interprofessional teamwork-a cross-sectional study. Acta Obstet Gynecol Scand 2023; 102:355-369. [PMID: 36629126 PMCID: PMC9951341 DOI: 10.1111/aogs.14502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2022] [Revised: 11/05/2022] [Accepted: 12/13/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of organizational belonging and profession on clinicians' attitudes toward supporting vaginal birth and interprofessional teamwork in Swedish maternity care. MATERIAL AND METHODS The study used a cross-sectional design, with a web-based survey sent to midwives, physicians and nurse assistants at five labor wards in Sweden. The survey consisted of two validated scales: the Swedish version of the Labor Culture Survey (S-LCS), measuring attitudes toward supporting vaginal birth, and the Assessment of Collaborative Environments (ACE-15), measuring attitudes toward interprofessional teamwork. Two-way ANOVA was conducted to assess the main effect of and interaction effect between organizational belonging and profession for the different subscales of the S-LCS and the ACE-15, together with Tukey's honest significant difference post-hoc analysis and partial eta squared to determine effect size. The relation between the subscales was assessed using the Pearson's correlation analysis. RESULTS A total of 539 midwives, physicians and nurse assistants completed the survey. Organizational belonging significantly influenced attitudes toward supporting vaginal birth and interprofessional teamwork, with the largest effect for Positive team culture (F = 38.88, effect size = 0.25, p < 0.001). The effect of profession was strongest for the subscale Best practices (F = 59.43, effect size = 0.20, p < 0.001), with midwives being more supportive of strategies proposed to support vaginal birth than physicians and nurse assistants. A significant interaction effect was found for four of the subscales of the S-LCS, with the strongest effect for items reflecting the Unpredictability of vaginal birth (F = 4.49, effect size = 0.07, p < 0.001). Labor ward culture (unit microculture) specifically related to supporting vaginal birth was strongly correlated to interprofessional teamwork (r = 0.598, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS In the current study, both organizational belonging and profession influenced attitudes toward supporting vaginal birth and interprofessional teamwork. Positive team culture was positively correlated to an organizational culture supportive of vaginal birth. Interventions to support vaginal births should include efforts to strengthen teamwork between professions, as well as considering women's values, preferences and informed choices.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Karin Johnson
- Clinical Epidemiology Division, Department of Medicine SolnaKarolinska InstitutetSolnaSweden,Department of Women's Health and Health professionsKarolinska University HospitalStockholmSweden
| | - Charlotte Elvander
- Clinical Epidemiology Division, Department of Medicine SolnaKarolinska InstitutetSolnaSweden
| | - Kari Johansson
- Clinical Epidemiology Division, Department of Medicine SolnaKarolinska InstitutetSolnaSweden,Department of Women's Health and Health professionsKarolinska University HospitalStockholmSweden
| | - Sissel Saltvedt
- Department of Women's Health and Health professionsKarolinska University HospitalStockholmSweden,Department of Women's and Children's Health, Department of Medicine SolnaKarolinska InstitutetSolnaSweden
| | - Malin Edqvist
- Clinical Epidemiology Division, Department of Medicine SolnaKarolinska InstitutetSolnaSweden,Department of Women's Health and Health professionsKarolinska University HospitalStockholmSweden
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Edqvist M, Dahlen HG, Häggsgård C, Tern H, Ängeby K, Tegerstedt G, Teleman P, Ajne G, Rubertsson C. One Plus One Equals Two-will that do? A trial protocol for a Swedish multicentre randomised controlled trial to evaluate a clinical practice to reduce severe perineal trauma {1}. Trials 2020; 21:945. [PMID: 33225972 PMCID: PMC7682019 DOI: 10.1186/s13063-020-04837-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2020] [Accepted: 10/22/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Severe perineal trauma sustained during childbirth is a serious complication since it can lead to both short- and long-term consequences for women. Some of the methods used to prevent perineal injuries have been evaluated in clinical trials, but there are still gaps in the evidence. A new clinical practice has been introduced, adopted by more than half of the maternity wards in Sweden with the aim of reducing severe perineal trauma. This procedure involves two midwives assisting the woman during the second stage of labour. Methods/design In this multicentre randomised controlled trial, 2946 women will be randomised to be assisted by one or two midwives during the second stage of labour. Women age 18–47, who plan for their first vaginal birth, with a singleton pregnancy in cephalic presentation, will be asked to participate when admitted to the maternity ward. Five maternity wards comprising 19,500 births/year in different parts of Sweden will participate in this study. The sample size is powered to demonstrate a 50% reduction (from 4.1–2.0%) in primary outcome, which is the prevalence of severe perineal trauma (3rd and 4th degree). Secondary outcomes will include maternal and neonatal outcomes, women’s experiences, midwives’ experiences of the intervention, incontinence, and pelvic floor symptoms. The primary analysis is intention to treat. Questionnaires will be sent to the women at 1 month and 1 year after the birth to assess women’s experiences, pain, incontinence, pelvic floor symptoms, sexual function, and mental health. Discussion It is important for care during labour and birth to be evidence based. There is a strong desire among midwives to reduce the risk of severe perineal trauma. This may lead to new strategies and practices being implemented into practice without scientific evidence. The intervention might have negative side effects or unintended consequences. On the other hand, there is a possibility of the intervention improving care for women. Trial registration {2a} ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03770962. Registered on 10 December 2018
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M Edqvist
- Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden. .,Clinical Epidemiology Unit, Department of Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - H G Dahlen
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Western Sydney University, Sydney, Australia
| | - C Häggsgård
- Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - H Tern
- Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - K Ängeby
- Centre for Clinical Research and Education, Region Värmland, Karlstad, Sweden.,School of Education, Health and Social Studies, Dalarna University, Karlstad, Sweden
| | - G Tegerstedt
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, CLINTEC, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - P Teleman
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine, Skåne University Hospital, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - G Ajne
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, CLINTEC, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - C Rubertsson
- Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Hildebrand E, Nelson M, Blomberg M. The impact of the nine-item list intervention on the rate of obstetric anal sphincter injury in women with spontaneous and operative vaginal births. Acta Obstet Gynecol Scand 2020; 100:179-180. [PMID: 32981034 PMCID: PMC8048468 DOI: 10.1111/aogs.14004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2020] [Accepted: 09/18/2020] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Eric Hildebrand
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Marie Nelson
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Marie Blomberg
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Transanale (3D‑)Ultraschalldiagnostik von Sphinkterdefekten und rektovaginalen Fisteln. COLOPROCTOLOGY 2020. [DOI: 10.1007/s00053-020-00450-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
|