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Collier AM, Louwagie E, Khalid GA, Jones MD, Myers K, Jerusalem A. Effects of Fetal Position on the Loading of the Fetal Brain During the Onset of the Second Stage of Labor. J Biomech Eng 2024; 146:111001. [PMID: 38766990 DOI: 10.1115/1.4065557] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2023] [Accepted: 05/14/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024]
Abstract
During vaginal delivery, the delivery requires the fetal head to mold to accommodate the geometric constraints of the birth canal. Excessive molding can produce brain injuries and long-term sequelae. Understanding the loading of the fetal brain during the second stage of labor (fully dilated cervix, active pushing, and expulsion of fetus) could thus help predict the safety of the newborn during vaginal delivery. To this end, this study proposes a finite element model of the fetal head and maternal canal environment that is capable of predicting the stresses experienced by the fetal brain at the onset of the second phase of labor. Both fetal and maternal models were adapted from existing studies to represent the geometry of full-term pregnancy. Two fetal positions were compared: left-occiput-anterior and left-occiput-posterior. The results demonstrate that left-occiput-anterior position reduces the maternal tissue deformation, at the cost of higher stress in the fetal brain. In both cases, stress is concentrated underneath the sutures, though the location varies depending on the presentation. In summary, this study provides a patient-specific simulation platform for the study of vaginal delivery and its effect on both the fetal brain and maternal anatomy. Finally, it is suggested that such an approach has the potential to be used by obstetricians to support their decision-making processes through the simulation of various delivery scenarios.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alice M Collier
- Department of Engineering Science, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3PJ, UK
| | - Erin Louwagie
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027
- Columbia University
| | - Ghaidaa A Khalid
- School of Engineering, Cardiff University, Cardiff CF10 3AT, UK; Electrical Engineering Technical College, Middle Technical University, Baghdad 8998+QHJ, Iraq
| | - Michael D Jones
- School of Engineering, Cardiff University, Cardiff CF10 3AT, UK
| | - Kristin Myers
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027
| | - Antoine Jerusalem
- Department of Engineering Science, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3PJ, UK
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Moura R, Oliveira DA, Parente MPL, Kimmich N, Hynčík L, Hympánová LH, Jorge RMN. Patient-specific surrogate model to predict pelvic floor dynamics during vaginal delivery. J Mech Behav Biomed Mater 2024; 160:106736. [PMID: 39298872 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmbbm.2024.106736] [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: 05/08/2024] [Revised: 08/27/2024] [Accepted: 09/08/2024] [Indexed: 09/22/2024]
Abstract
Childbirth is a challenging event that can lead to long-term consequences such as prolapse or incontinence. While computational models are widely used to mimic vaginal delivery, their integration into clinical practice is hindered by time constraints. The primary goal of this study is to introduce an artificial intelligence pipeline that leverages patient-specific surrogate modeling to predict pelvic floor injuries during vaginal delivery. A finite element-based machine learning approach was implemented to generate a dataset with information from finite element simulations. Thousands of childbirth simulations were conducted, varying the dimensions of the pelvic floor muscles and the mechanical properties used for their characterization. Additionally, a mesh morphing algorithm was developed to obtain patient-specific models. Machine learning models, specifically tree-based algorithms such as Random Forest (RF) and Extreme Gradient Boosting, as well as Artificial Neural Networks, were trained to predict the nodal coordinates of nodes within the pelvic floor, aiming to predict the muscle stretch during a critical interval. The results indicate that the RF model performs best, with a mean absolute error (MAE) of 0.086 mm and a mean absolute percentage error of 0.38%. Overall, more than 80% of the nodes have an error smaller than 0.1 mm. The MAE for the calculated stretch is equal to 0.0011. The implemented pipeline allows loading the trained model and making predictions in less than 11 s. This work demonstrates the feasibility of implementing a machine learning framework in clinical practice to predict potential maternal injuries and assist in medical-decision making.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rita Moura
- Faculty of Engineering of the University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, s/n, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal; INEGI - Institute of Science and Innovation in Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 400, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal.
| | - Dulce A Oliveira
- INEGI - Institute of Science and Innovation in Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 400, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal.
| | - Marco P L Parente
- Faculty of Engineering of the University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, s/n, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal.
| | - Nina Kimmich
- Division of Obstetrics, University Hospital of Zurich, Raemistrasse 100, 8091 Zurich, Switzerland.
| | - Luděk Hynčík
- New Technologies - Research Centre, University of West Bohemia, Univerzitní 2732, 301 00 Pilsen, Czech Republic.
| | - Lucie H Hympánová
- Institute for the Care of Mother and Child, Third Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Ruská 2411, 100 00 Prague, Czech Republic.
| | - Renato M Natal Jorge
- Faculty of Engineering of the University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, s/n, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal.
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Villani F, Furau C, Mazzucato B, Cavalieri A, Todut OC, Ciobanu V, Dodi G, Petre I. Antenatal Perineal Training for Injuries Prevention: Follow Up after Puerperium. MEDICINA (KAUNAS, LITHUANIA) 2024; 60:1264. [PMID: 39202545 PMCID: PMC11356163 DOI: 10.3390/medicina60081264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2024] [Revised: 07/31/2024] [Accepted: 08/02/2024] [Indexed: 09/03/2024]
Abstract
Background and Objectives: This retrospective analysis investigated the impact of preparation of the pelvic floor for childbirth with stretching balloons and perineal massage on the risk of pelvic floor injuries. Materials and Methods: We analyzed 150 primiparous women who accessed private clinics in Padua (Italy) in the period 2019-2023 regarding the rate of perineal trauma and postpartum dysfunction across three groups: the balloon stretching group (BSG, N = 50, 33.3%), the perineal massage group (PMG, N = 39, 26.0%), and the control group (CG, 61, 40.7%). Results: Prenatal perineal training had a significant impact on reducing the rate of perineal injury and episiotomy (27.5% in BSG vs. 48.7% in PMG and 68.3% in CG, p = 0.008, respectively, 9.8% vs. 26% and 40%, p = 0.046) and the duration of the second stage of labor (BSG and PMG had a shorter duration compared to CG with a mean difference of -0.97892 h, p < 0.001, respectively, -0.63372 h, p = 0.002). Patients who carry out the preparation with the stretching balloon are less likely to develop urinary and anal incontinence and pain during intercourse. Specifically, the rate of urinary incontinence in BSG stands at around 23.5% compared to 43.6% in PMG (p = 0.345) and 55% in CG (p = 0.034). Dyspareunia in BSG was detected in 11.8% of cases compared to 35.5% in PMG (p = 0.035) and 61.7% in CG (p < 0.01). Symptomatology inherent to the posterior compartment was reported in 9.8% of cases in BSG vs. 23.11% in PMG (p = 0.085) and 33.3% in CG (p = 0.03%). Conclusions: Stretching balloons and perineal massage can be chosen as tools to prevent and reduce the rates of obstetric trauma during childbirth and to reduce the use of episiotomies as well as protect against the development of dysfunctions of the pelvic floor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federico Villani
- Multidisciplinary Doctoral School, “Vasile Goldis” Western University of Arad, 310414 Arad, Romania; (F.V.); (O.C.T.)
| | - Cristian Furau
- Multidisciplinary Doctoral School, “Vasile Goldis” Western University of Arad, 310414 Arad, Romania; (F.V.); (O.C.T.)
- Department of Pathophysiology, Faculty of Medicine, “Vasile Goldis” Western University of Arad, 310414 Arad, Romania;
| | - Barbara Mazzucato
- The Rehabilitation Therapy of the Pelvic Floor, UniCamillus, Saint Camillus International University of Health and Medical Sciences, 00131 Rome, Italy; (B.M.); (A.C.)
| | - Antonella Cavalieri
- The Rehabilitation Therapy of the Pelvic Floor, UniCamillus, Saint Camillus International University of Health and Medical Sciences, 00131 Rome, Italy; (B.M.); (A.C.)
| | - Oana Cristina Todut
- Multidisciplinary Doctoral School, “Vasile Goldis” Western University of Arad, 310414 Arad, Romania; (F.V.); (O.C.T.)
- Department of Pathophysiology, Faculty of Medicine, “Vasile Goldis” Western University of Arad, 310414 Arad, Romania;
| | - Victoria Ciobanu
- Department of Pathophysiology, Faculty of Medicine, “Vasile Goldis” Western University of Arad, 310414 Arad, Romania;
- Doctoral School, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timisoara, Romania;
| | - Giuseppe Dodi
- Department of Surgical, Oncological and Gastroenterological Sciences, University of Padua, 35128 Padua, Italy;
| | - Ion Petre
- Doctoral School, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timisoara, Romania;
- Department of Functional Sciences, Medical Informatics and Biostatistics Discipline, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
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Muro S, Chikazawa K, Delancey JOL, Akita K. Skeletal Muscle Complex Between the Vagina and Anal Canal: Implications for Perineal Laceration. Int Urogynecol J 2024:10.1007/s00192-024-05851-y. [PMID: 38995424 DOI: 10.1007/s00192-024-05851-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2024] [Accepted: 06/02/2024] [Indexed: 07/13/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS The anatomy of the skeletal muscles located between the vagina and anus is important during complex obstetric laceration reconstructions. We aimed to clarify the composition of skeletal muscles located between the vagina and anal canal and their three-dimensional configuration relevant to perineum repair. METHODS This observational study involved ten female cadavers. An anatomical dissection was performed to observe the muscles around the vagina and anal canal. Immunohistological analysis of the midsagittal section was performed to clarify the composition of the muscles, and dissection was performed to correspond to the cross-section. Wide-range serial sectioning and three-dimensional reconstruction were used to support these findings histologically and visualize the three-dimensional arrangement. RESULTS The region between the vagina and anal canal included the anterior part of the external anal sphincter, superficial transverse perineal muscle approaching from the lateral side, and levator ani, located cranially. They converge three-dimensionally in the median from each direction, forming a muscle complex between the vagina and anal canal. CONCLUSIONS The medial region between the vagina and anal canal in those giving birth includes a skeletal muscle complex formed by the confluence of the external anal sphincter, anterior bundle of the levator ani, and superficial transverse perineal muscle. In cases of severe perineal lacerations, these muscles could be injured. The anatomical knowledge that a part of the levator ani forms a muscle sling anterior to the anal canal is particularly important for obstetricians and gynecologists repairing obstetric lacerations and treating pelvic floor disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Satoru Muro
- Department of Clinical Anatomy, Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU), 1-5-45 Yushima, Bunkyo-Ku, Tokyo, 113-8510, Japan.
| | - Kenro Chikazawa
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Saitama Medical Center, Jichi Medical University, Saitama, Japan
| | - John O L Delancey
- University of Michigan Medical School, L4208 UHS, 1500 E. Medical Center Dr., Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Keiichi Akita
- Department of Clinical Anatomy, Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU), 1-5-45 Yushima, Bunkyo-Ku, Tokyo, 113-8510, Japan
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Ballit A, Ferrandini M, Dao TT. Novel hybrid rigid-deformable fetal modeling for simulating the vaginal delivery within the second stage of labor. COMPUTER METHODS AND PROGRAMS IN BIOMEDICINE 2024; 250:108168. [PMID: 38604009 DOI: 10.1016/j.cmpb.2024.108168] [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: 01/15/2024] [Revised: 03/14/2024] [Accepted: 04/06/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE The fetal representation as a 3D articulated body plays an essential role to describe a realistic vaginal delivery simulation. However, the current computational solutions have been oversimplified. The objective of the present work was to develop and evaluate a novel hybrid rigid-deformable modeling approach for the fetal body and then simulate its interaction with surrounding fetal soft tissues and with other maternal pelvis soft tissues during the second stage of labor. METHODS CT scan data was used for 3D fetal skeleton reconstruction. Then, a novel hybrid rigid-deformable model of the fetal body was developed. This model was integrated into a maternal 3D pelvis model to simulate the vaginal delivery. Soft tissue deformation was simulated using our novel HyperMSM formulation. Magnetic resonance imaging during the second stage of labor was used to impose the trajectory of the fetus during the delivery. RESULTS Our hybrid rigid-deformable fetal model showed a potential capacity for simulating the movements of the fetus along with the deformation of the fetal soft tissues during the vaginal delivery. The deformation energy density observed in the simulation for the fetal head fell within the strain range of 3 % to 5 %, which is in good agreement with the literature data. CONCLUSIONS This study developed, for the first time, a hybrid rigid-deformation modeling of the fetal body and then performed a vaginal delivery simulation using MRI-driven kinematic data. This opens new avenues for describing more realistic behavior of the fetal body kinematics and deformation during the second stage of labor. As perspectives, the integration of the full skeleton body, especially the upper and lower limbs will be investigated. Then, the completed model will be integrated into our developed next-generation childbirth training simulator for vaginal delivery simulation and associated complication scenarios.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abbass Ballit
- Univ. Lille, CNRS, Centrale Lille, UMR 9013 - LaMcube - Laboratoire de Mécanique, Multiphysique, Multiéchelle, F-59000 Lille, France
| | - Morgane Ferrandini
- Univ. Lille, CNRS, Centrale Lille, UMR 9013 - LaMcube - Laboratoire de Mécanique, Multiphysique, Multiéchelle, F-59000 Lille, France
| | - Tien-Tuan Dao
- Univ. Lille, CNRS, Centrale Lille, UMR 9013 - LaMcube - Laboratoire de Mécanique, Multiphysique, Multiéchelle, F-59000 Lille, France.
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Regendova A, Samesova A, Zapletalova K, Horejskova S, Svata Z, Hrdouskova M, Zapletal J, Krofta L, Hajkova Hympanova L. Comparison of Cross-Sectional Area of Pubovisceral Muscle in Nulliparous and Primiparous Women. Int Urogynecol J 2024; 35:841-848. [PMID: 38376549 PMCID: PMC11052823 DOI: 10.1007/s00192-024-05733-3] [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: 03/30/2023] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 02/21/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS The main risk factor for pelvic floor disorders is vaginal delivery, which may cause levator ani muscle (LAM) injury and denervation. LAM includes pubovisceral muscle (PVM, pubococcygeus), puborectalis muscle (PRM), and iliococcygeus muscle. We hypothesize that primiparous women with low pelvic floor muscle contraction have a reduced PVM cross-sectional area (CSA) compared to nulliparous women. METHODS (SAMPLE SIZE AND STATISTICAL APPROACHES) This single-centre prospective observational study compared healthy nulliparous (n = 40) to primiparous (n = 40) women after vaginal delivery without LAM avulsion and Oxford score ≤ 3. Demographics, questionnaires (ICIQ-UI-SF, OAB-Q-SF, PISQ-12), POP-Q, Oxford score, ultrasound measurements (minimal anteroposterior and lateral diameters, hiatal area, PRM thickness, levator-urethra gap) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-PVM CSA were evaluated. Normality was tested, and an appropriate test was used to compare the groups. Power calculation suggested 40 participants per group. RESULTS The primiparous group was older, had a higher BMI, and their hiatal area on ultrasound at contraction was larger compared to the nulliparous group. The CSA of the left-sided PVM (1.15 ± 0.50 cm2) was larger compared to the right side (1.03 ± 0.50 cm2), p = 0.02 in nulliparous women. The PVM CSA of primiparous women with low Oxford score was reduced compared to nulliparous (0.87 ± 0.30 versus 1.09 ± 0.50 cm2, p = 0.006). The intra-rater reliability for PVM CSA had an ICC of 0.90 and inter-rater ICC of 0.77. CONCLUSIONS Primiparous women after vaginal delivery with low pelvic floor contraction force had reduced PVM CSA on MRI images compared to nulliparous women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Regendova
- Charles University, Third Faculty of Medicine, Institute for the Care of Mother and Child, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Adela Samesova
- Charles University, Third Faculty of Medicine, Institute for the Care of Mother and Child, Prague, Czech Republic
- Department of Development and Regeneration, Cluster Woman and Child, Biomedical Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Katerina Zapletalova
- Charles University, Third Faculty of Medicine, Institute for the Care of Mother and Child, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Sabina Horejskova
- Charles University, Third Faculty of Medicine, Institute for the Care of Mother and Child, Prague, Czech Republic
| | | | - Monika Hrdouskova
- Charles University, Third Faculty of Medicine, Institute for the Care of Mother and Child, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Jan Zapletal
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Third Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and University Hospital Kralovske Vinohrady, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Ladislav Krofta
- Charles University, Third Faculty of Medicine, Institute for the Care of Mother and Child, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Lucie Hajkova Hympanova
- Charles University, Third Faculty of Medicine, Institute for the Care of Mother and Child, Prague, Czech Republic.
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Koenig JB, Burnett LA. Understanding the Role of Obesity and Metabolism in Pelvic Floor Disorders. UROGYNECOLOGY (PHILADELPHIA, PA.) 2024; 30:389-393. [PMID: 38564623 DOI: 10.1097/spv.0000000000001478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Jenny B Koenig
- From the Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences
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Kobayashi AJ, Sesillo FB, Do E, Alperin M. Effect of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs on pelvic floor muscle regeneration in a preclinical birth injury rat model. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2024; 230:432.e1-432.e14. [PMID: 38065378 PMCID: PMC10990831 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajog.2023.12.001] [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: 08/25/2023] [Revised: 11/22/2023] [Accepted: 12/03/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pelvic floor muscle injury is a common consequence of vaginal childbirth. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are widely used postpartum analgesics. Multiple studies have reported negative effects of these drugs on limb muscle regeneration, but their impact on pelvic floor muscle recovery following birth injury has not been explored. OBJECTIVE Using a validated rat model, we assessed the effects of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug on acute and longer-term pelvic floor muscle recovery following simulated birth injury. STUDY DESIGN Three-month old Sprague Dawley rats were randomly assigned to the following groups: (1) controls, (2) simulated birth injury, (3) simulated birth injury+nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug, or (4) nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug. Simulated birth injury was induced using a well-established vaginal balloon distension protocol. Ibuprofen was administered in drinking water (0.2 mg/mL), which was consumed by the animals ad libitum. Animals were euthanized at 1, 3, 5, 7, 10, and 28 days after birth injury/ibuprofen administration. The pubocaudalis portion of the rat levator ani, which, like the human pubococcygeus, undergoes greater parturition-associated strains, was harvested (N=3-9/time point/group). The cross-sectional areas of regenerating (embryonic myosin heavy chain+) and mature myofibers were assessed at the acute and 28-day time points, respectively. The intramuscular collagen content was assessed at the 28-day time point. Myogenesis was evaluated using anti-Pax7 and anti-myogenin antibodies to identify activated and differentiated muscle stem cells, respectively. The overall immune infiltrate was assessed using anti-CD45 antibody. Expression of genes coding for pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines was assessed by quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction at 3, 5, and 10 days after injury. RESULTS The pubocaudalis fiber size was significantly smaller in the simulated birth injury+nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug compared with the simulated birth injury group at 28 days after injury (P<.0001). The median size of embryonic myosin heavy chain+ fibers was also significantly reduced, with the fiber area distribution enriched with smaller fibers in the simulated birth injury+nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug group relative to the simulated birth injury group at 3 days after injury (P<.0001), suggesting a delay in the onset of regeneration in the presence of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. By 10 days after injury, the median embryonic myosin heavy chain+ fiber size in the simulated birth injury group decreased from 7 days after injury (P<.0001) with a tight cross-sectional area distribution, indicating nearing completion of this state of regeneration. However, in the simulated birth injury+nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug group, the size of embryonic myosin heavy chain+ fibers continued to increase (P<.0001) with expansion of the cross-sectional area distribution, signifying a delay in regeneration in these animals. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs decreased the muscle stem cell pool at 7 days after injury (P<.0001) and delayed muscle stem cell differentiation, as indicated by persistently elevated number of myogenin+ cells 7 days after injury (P<.05). In contrast, a proportion of myogenin+ cells returned to baseline by 5 days after injury in the simulated birth injury group. The analysis of expression of genes coding for pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines demonstrated only transient elevation of Tgfb1 in the simulated birth injury+nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug group at 5 but not at 10 days after injury. Consistently with previous studies, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug administration following simulated birth injury resulted in increased deposition of intramuscular collagen relative to uninjured animals. There were no significant differences in any outcomes of interest between the nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug group and the unperturbed controls. CONCLUSION Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs negatively impacted pelvic floor muscle regeneration in a preclinical simulated birth injury model. This appears to be driven by the negative impact of these drugs on pelvic muscle stem cell function, resulting in delayed temporal progression of pelvic floor muscle regeneration following birth injury. These findings provide impetus to investigate the impact of postpartum nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug administration on muscle regeneration in women at high risk for pelvic floor muscle injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alyssa J Kobayashi
- Division of Biological Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA
| | - Francesca Boscolo Sesillo
- Division of Urogynecology and Reconstructive Pelvic Surgery, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Sciences, University of California San Diego, San Diego, CA
| | - Emmy Do
- Division of Biological Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA
| | - Marianna Alperin
- Division of Urogynecology and Reconstructive Pelvic Surgery, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Sciences, University of California San Diego, San Diego, CA; Sanford Consortium for Regenerative Medicine, La Jolla, CA.
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9
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Muro S, Moue S, Akita K. Twisted orientation of the muscle bundles in the levator ani functional parts in women: Implications for pelvic floor support mechanism. J Anat 2024; 244:486-496. [PMID: 37885272 PMCID: PMC10862148 DOI: 10.1111/joa.13968] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2023] [Revised: 09/05/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
This study presents a comprehensive investigation of the anatomical features of the levator ani muscle. The levator ani is a critical component of the pelvic floor; however, its intricate anatomy and functionality are poorly understood. Understanding the precise anatomy of the levator ani is crucial for the accurate diagnosis and effective treatment of pelvic floor disorders. Previous studies have been limited by the lack of comprehensive three-dimensional analyses; to overcome this limitation, we analysed the levator ani muscle using a novel 3D digitised muscle-mapping approach based on layer-by-layer dissection. From this examination, we determined that the levator ani consists of overlapping muscle bundles with varying orientations, particularly in the anteroinferior portion. Our findings revealed distinct muscle bundles directly attached to the rectum (LA-re) and twisted muscle slings surrounding the anterior (LA-a) and posterior (LA-p) aspects of the rectum, which are considered functional parts of the levator ani. These results suggest that these specific muscle bundles of the levator ani are primarily responsible for functional performance. The levator ani plays a crucial role in rectal elevation, lifting the centre of the perineum and narrowing the levator hiatus. The comprehensive anatomical information provided by our study will enhance diagnosis accuracy and facilitate the development of targeted treatment strategies for pelvic floor disorders in clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Satoru Muro
- Department of Clinical AnatomyTokyo Medical and Dental UniversityTokyoJapan
| | - Shoko Moue
- Department of Clinical AnatomyTokyo Medical and Dental UniversityTokyoJapan
| | - Keiichi Akita
- Department of Clinical AnatomyTokyo Medical and Dental UniversityTokyoJapan
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Mitteroecker P, Fischer B. Evolution of the human birth canal. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2024; 230:S841-S855. [PMID: 38462258 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajog.2022.09.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2022] [Revised: 09/07/2022] [Accepted: 09/07/2022] [Indexed: 03/12/2024]
Abstract
It seems puzzling why humans have evolved such a small and rigid birth canal that entails a relatively complex process of labor compared with the birth canal of our closest relatives, the great apes. This study reviewed insights into the evolution of the human birth canal from recent theoretical and empirical studies and discussed connections to obstetrics, gynecology, and orthopedics. Originating from the evolution of bipedality and the large human brain million years ago, the evolution of the human birth canal has been characterized by complex trade-off dynamics among multiple biological, environmental, and sociocultural factors. The long-held notion that a wider pelvis has not evolved because it would be disadvantageous for bipedal locomotion has not yet been empirically verified. However, recent clinical and biomechanical studies suggest that a larger birth canal would compromise pelvic floor stability and increase the risk of incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse. Several mammals have neonates that are equally large or even larger than human neonates compared to the size of the maternal birth canal. In these species, the pubic symphysis opens widely to allow successful delivery. Biomechanical and developmental constraints imposed by bipedality have hindered this evolutionary solution in humans and led to the comparatively rigid pelvic girdle in pregnant women. Mathematical models have shown why the evolutionary compromise to these antagonistic selective factors inevitably involves a certain rate of fetopelvic disproportion. In addition, these models predict that cesarean deliveries have disrupted the evolutionary equilibrium and led to new and ongoing evolutionary changes. Different forms of assisted birth have existed since the stone age and have become an integral part of human reproduction. Paradoxically, by buffering selection, they may also have hindered the evolution of a larger birth canal. Many of the biological, environmental, and sociocultural factors that have influenced the evolution of the human birth canal vary globally and are subject to ongoing transitions. These differences may have contributed to the global variation in the form of the birth canal and the difficulty of labor, and they likely continue to change human reproductive anatomy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philipp Mitteroecker
- Unit for Theoretical Biology, Department of Evolutionary Biology, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
| | - Barbara Fischer
- Unit for Theoretical Biology, Department of Evolutionary Biology, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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DeLancey JOL, Masteling M, Pipitone F, LaCross J, Mastrovito S, Ashton-Miller JA. Pelvic floor injury during vaginal birth is life-altering and preventable: what can we do about it? Am J Obstet Gynecol 2024; 230:279-294.e2. [PMID: 38168908 PMCID: PMC11177602 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajog.2023.11.1253] [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: 09/15/2023] [Revised: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
Pelvic floor disorders after childbirth have distressing lifelong consequences for women, requiring more than 300,000 women to have surgery annually. This represents approximately 10% of the 3 million women who give birth vaginally each year. Vaginal birth is the largest modifiable risk factor for prolapse, the pelvic floor disorder most strongly associated with birth, and is an important contributor to stress incontinence. These disorders require 10 times as many operations as anal sphincter injuries. Imaging shows that injuries of the levator ani muscle, perineal body, and membrane occur in up to 19% of primiparous women. During birth, the levator muscle and birth canal tissues must stretch to more than 3 times their original length; it is this overstretching that is responsible for the muscle tear visible on imaging rather than compression or neuropathy. The injury is present in 55% of women with prolapse later in life, with an odds ratio of 7.3, compared with women with normal support. In addition, levator damage can affect other aspects of hiatal closure, such as the perineal body and membrane. These injuries are associated with an enlarged urogenital hiatus, now known as antedate prolapse, and with prolapse surgery failure. Risk factors for levator injury are multifactorial and include forceps delivery, occiput posterior birth, older maternal age, long second stage of labor, and birthweight of >4000 g. Delivery with a vacuum device is associated with reduced levator damage. Other steps that might logically reduce injuries include manual rotation from occiput posterior to occiput anterior, slow gradual delivery, perineal massage or compresses, and early induction of labor, but these require study to document protection. In addition, teaching women to avoid pushing against a contracted levator muscle would likely decrease injury risk by decreasing tension on the vulnerable muscle origin. Providing care for women who have experienced difficult deliveries can be enhanced with early recognition, physical therapy, and attention to recovery. It is only right that women be made aware of these risks during pregnancy. Educating women on the long-term pelvic floor sequelae of childbirth should be performed antenatally so that they can be empowered to make informed decisions about management decisions during labor.
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Affiliation(s)
- John O L DeLancey
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI.
| | - Mariana Masteling
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
| | - Fernanda Pipitone
- Faculty of Medicine, Hospital das Clinicas of the University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Jennifer LaCross
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
| | - Sara Mastrovito
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli, Rome, Italy
| | - James A Ashton-Miller
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI; Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
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Abe-Takahashi Y, Kitta T, Ouchi M, Chiba H, Higuchi M, Togo M, Kusakabe N, Kakizaki H, Shinohara N. Morphological examination of pelvic floor muscles in a rat model of vaginal delivery. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 2024; 24:95. [PMID: 38297206 PMCID: PMC10832168 DOI: 10.1186/s12884-024-06278-5] [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: 04/04/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 02/02/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study investigated morphological changes in the composition of the pelvic floor muscles, degree of atrophy, and urethral function in a rat of simulated birth trauma induced by vaginal distension (VD) model. METHODS Female Sprague-Dawley rats were classified into four groups: a sham group, and 1, 2, and 4 weeks post-VD (1 W, 2 W, and 4 W, respectively) groups. We measured the amplitude of urethral response to electrical stimulation (A-URE) to evaluate urethral function. After measuring the muscle wet weight of the pubococcygeus (Pcm) and iliococcygeus (Icm) muscles, histochemical staining was used to classify muscle fibers into Types I, IIa, and IIb, and the occupancy and cross-sectional area of each muscle fiber were determined. RESULTS There were 24 Sprague-Dawley rats used. A-URE was significantly lower in the 1 W group versus the other groups. Muscle wet weight was significantly lower in the VD groups versus the sham group for Pcm. The cross-sectional area of Type I Pcm and Icm was significantly lower in the VD groups versus the sham group. Type I muscle fiber composition in Pcm was significantly lower in the VD groups versus the sham groupand lowest in the 2 W group. Type I muscle fiber composition in Icm was significantly lower in the 2 and 4 W groups versus the sham group. CONCLUSION Muscle atrophy and changes in muscle composition in the pelvic floor muscles were observed even after improvements in urethral function. These results may provide insight into the pathogenesis of stress urinary incontinence after VD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yui Abe-Takahashi
- Department of Renal and Genitourinary Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
- Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Health Sciences, Hokkaido University of Science, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Takeya Kitta
- Department of Renal and Urologic Surgery, Asahikawa Medical University, Asahikawa, Japan.
| | - Mifuka Ouchi
- Department of Renal and Genitourinary Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Hiroki Chiba
- Department of Renal and Genitourinary Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Madoka Higuchi
- Department of Renal and Genitourinary Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Mio Togo
- Department of Renal and Genitourinary Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Naohisa Kusakabe
- Department of Renal and Genitourinary Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Hidehiro Kakizaki
- Department of Renal and Urologic Surgery, Asahikawa Medical University, Asahikawa, Japan
| | - Nobuo Shinohara
- Department of Renal and Genitourinary Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
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Okada Y, Nakagawa C, Shigeta M, Nomura Y, Inoue E, Ichizuka K, Yoshimura Y. Evaluation of levator ani muscle elasticity after vaginal delivery and cesarean section using shear wave elastography. J Med Ultrason (2001) 2024; 51:95-101. [PMID: 37740863 PMCID: PMC10904486 DOI: 10.1007/s10396-023-01369-w] [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: 06/14/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 09/25/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE The risk of pelvic floor muscle injury is commonly considered to be higher in vaginal than in cesarean delivery. This study aimed to compare levator ani muscle (LAM) elasticity after vaginal and cesarean delivery using shear wave elastography (SWE). METHODS Postpartum women who underwent a single SWE evaluation 1 month after their first delivery were divided into vaginal and cesarean delivery groups. The elastic moduli of both sides of the LAM were measured in a horizontal section and compared between the groups. In addition, a subgroup analysis was performed to compare LAM elasticity according to the delivery method within the vaginal delivery group-normal vaginal delivery, episiotomy, and operative vaginal delivery. RESULTS Sixty-two women were included (vaginal delivery, n = 47; elective cesarean section, n = 15). Multiple regression analysis revealed that the LAM elastic modulus was significantly lower in the vaginal delivery group than in the cesarean delivery group (right LAM: 44.2 vs. 72.7 kPa, p = 0.0036; left LAM 40.4 vs. 82.7 kPa, p < 0.0001). In the subgroup analysis, the right LAM elastic modulus was significantly lower in the operative vaginal delivery subgroup than in the normal vaginal delivery subgroup (p = 0.0131). However, there was no significant difference in the left LAM elastic modulus between the three subgroups. CONCLUSION LAM elasticity was significantly lower after vaginal delivery than after cesarean delivery. Furthermore, the elasticity of the right LAM was lower after operative vaginal delivery than after normal vaginal delivery. SWE has the potential to provide an objective quantitative assessment of postpartum pelvic floor muscle recovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoshiyuki Okada
- Department of Female Pelvic Health Center, Showa University Northern Yokohama Hospital, 35-1 Chigasaki-Chuo, Tsuzuki-Ku, Yokohama City, Kanagawa, 224-8503, Japan.
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Showa University Northern Yokohama Hospital, Kanagawa, Japan.
| | - Chie Nakagawa
- Department of Female Pelvic Health Center, Showa University Northern Yokohama Hospital, 35-1 Chigasaki-Chuo, Tsuzuki-Ku, Yokohama City, Kanagawa, 224-8503, Japan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Showa University Northern Yokohama Hospital, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Miwa Shigeta
- Department of Female Pelvic Health Center, Showa University Northern Yokohama Hospital, 35-1 Chigasaki-Chuo, Tsuzuki-Ku, Yokohama City, Kanagawa, 224-8503, Japan
| | - Yukiko Nomura
- Department of Female Pelvic Health Center, Showa University Northern Yokohama Hospital, 35-1 Chigasaki-Chuo, Tsuzuki-Ku, Yokohama City, Kanagawa, 224-8503, Japan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Showa University Northern Yokohama Hospital, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Eisuke Inoue
- Showa University Research Administration Center, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kiyotake Ichizuka
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Showa University Northern Yokohama Hospital, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Yasukuni Yoshimura
- Department of Female Pelvic Health Center, Showa University Northern Yokohama Hospital, 35-1 Chigasaki-Chuo, Tsuzuki-Ku, Yokohama City, Kanagawa, 224-8503, Japan
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Delgado A, Amorim MM, Oliveira ADAP, Souza Amorim KC, Selva MW, Silva YE, Lemos A, Katz L. Active pelvic movements on a Swiss ball reduced labour duration, pain, fatigue and anxiety in parturient women: a randomised trial. J Physiother 2024; 70:25-32. [PMID: 38036399 DOI: 10.1016/j.jphys.2023.11.001] [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: 07/07/2022] [Revised: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 11/01/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023] Open
Abstract
QUESTION How much do active pelvic movements on a Swiss ball during labour affect maternal and neonatal outcomes? METHOD A randomised trial with concealed allocation, blinded assessors and intention-to-treat analysis. PARTICIPANTS Two-hundred parturient women. INTERVENTION The experimental group performed pelvic anteversion and retroversion, lateral pelvic tilts and circular hip movements according to individual obstetric evaluation (foetal station and position, cervical dilatation and the presence of early pushing urge) on a Swiss ball. The control group received usual care. Both groups were permitted to walk and shower. OUTCOME MEASURES The primary outcome was the duration of the first stage of labour. The secondary outcomes were the duration of the second stage of labour, pain intensity, delivery mode, medication use, local swelling, fatigue, anxiety, satisfaction and neonatal outcomes. RESULTS The experimental intervention reduced the duration of labour by 179 minutes (95% CI 146 to 213) in stage one and 19 minutes (95% CI 13 to 25) in stage two. It decreased pain by approximately 2 points (95% CI 2 to 2) on a 0-to-10 scale at 30, 60 and 90 minutes. It reduced the risk of a caesarean section (ARR 0.14, 95% CI 0.03 to 0.25; NNT 7, 95% CI 4 to 32) and vulvar swelling (ARR 0.11, 95% CI 0.03 to 0.19; NNT 9, 95% CI 5 to 31). It reduced fatigue by 18 points (95% CI 16 to 21) on a 15-to-75-point scale and anxiety by 9 points (95% CI 8 to 11) on an 18-to-72-point scale. Other effects were negligible or unclear. CONCLUSION Active pelvic movements on a Swiss ball during labour reduced the duration of labour, pain intensity, and maternal fatigue and anxiety; they also lowered the risk of caesarean section and vulvar swelling. Several effects exceeded the smallest worthwhile effect. REGISTRATION NCT04124835.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandre Delgado
- Instituto de Medicina Integral Prof. Fernando Figueira, Recife, Brazil.
| | - Melania M Amorim
- Instituto de Medicina Integral Prof. Fernando Figueira, Recife, Brazil; Medical Academic Unit, Federal University of Campina Grande, Campina Grande, Brazil
| | | | | | | | | | - Andrea Lemos
- Physical Therapy Department, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Recife, Brazil
| | - Leila Katz
- Instituto de Medicina Integral Prof. Fernando Figueira, Recife, Brazil
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15
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Li Y, Gong T, Lin X, Wei X, Cai X, Chen X, Lin L, Wang G. Evaluating changes in the strength of the levator ani muscle after vaginal delivery using T2-parameter mapping. Eur J Radiol 2023; 168:111137. [PMID: 37856940 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejrad.2023.111137] [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: 03/07/2023] [Revised: 10/02/2023] [Accepted: 10/05/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate pelvic floor muscle injury in patients with levator ani muscle (LAM) weakness after vaginal delivery using T2-parameter mapping. MATERIALS AND METHODS 40 parturients (patient group) and 25 nonparturients (healthy control group) were enrolled in the study. The LAM weakness group had a Modified Oxford Grading System (MOGS) grade of less than 3 after vaginal delivery. All participants underwent pelvic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans, including T2 and T2* mapping, on which the main branches of the LAM, the puborectalis and iliococcygeus, were evaluated. The differences in T2 and T2* values in the puborectalis and iliococcygeus between patients with LAM weakness and controls were analyzed using an independent samples t test or a Mann-Whitney U test. RESULTS For both the right and left iliococcygeus, the T2* values of the patient group were lower than those of the control group (P = 0.002 and 0.008, respectively), while no significant difference was observed in the T2 values between the groups (P = 0.45 and 0.69, respectively). For both the right and left puborectalis, no significant differences in the T2* (P = 0.25 and P = 0.25, respectively) or T2 values (P = 0.38 and 0.43, respectively) were observed between the patient and control groups. CONCLUSION T2* mapping as a quantitative measurement is an effective imaging tool to assess LAM injury in women after vaginal delivery. The iliococcygeus was more susceptible to vaginal delivery damage than the puborectalis, and pelvic floor dysfunction may be mainly driven by iliococcygeus injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuchao Li
- Shandong Provincial Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China; Department of Ultrasound, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Tao Gong
- Department of Radiology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Xueyan Lin
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Xinhong Wei
- Department of Ultrasound, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Xianyun Cai
- Department of Radiology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Xin Chen
- Department of Radiology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | | | - Guangbin Wang
- Shandong Provincial Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China; Department of Radiology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong, China.
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16
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Das S, Hendriks GAGM, van den Noort F, Manzini C, van der Vaart CH, de Korte CL. 3D ultrasound strain imaging of puborectal muscle with and without unilateral avulsion. Int Urogynecol J 2023; 34:2225-2233. [PMID: 37058159 PMCID: PMC10506943 DOI: 10.1007/s00192-023-05498-1] [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: 09/02/2022] [Accepted: 01/29/2023] [Indexed: 04/15/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS The puborectal muscle (PRM), one of the female pelvic floor (PF) muscles, can get damaged during vaginal delivery, leading to disorders such as pelvic organ prolapse. Current diagnosis involves ultrasound (US) imaging of the female PF muscles, but functional information is limited. Previously, we developed a method for strain imaging of the PRM from US images in order to obtain functional information. In this article, we hypothesize that strain in the PRM would differ from intact to the avulsed end. METHODS We calculated strain in PRMs at maximum contraction, along their muscle fiber direction, from US images of two groups of women, which consisted of women with intact (n1 = 8) and avulsed PRMs (unilateral) (n2 = 10). Normalized strain ratios between both ends of the PRM (avulsed or intact) and the mid region were calculated. Subsequently, the difference in ratio between the avulsed and intact PRMs was determined. RESULTS We observe from the obtained results that the contraction/strain pattern of intact and undamaged PRMs is different from PRMs with unilateral avulsion. Normalized strain ratios between avulsed and intact PRMs were statistically significant (p = 0.04). CONCLUSION In this pilot study, we were able to show that US strain imaging of PRMs can show differences between intact PRMs and PRMs with unilateral avulsion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shreya Das
- Medical Ultrasound Imaging Center, Department of Medical Imaging, Radboud University Medical Center, Geert Grooteplein Zuid 10 (767), PO Box 9101 (766), 6500 HB, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Gijs A G M Hendriks
- Medical Ultrasound Imaging Center, Department of Medical Imaging, Radboud University Medical Center, Geert Grooteplein Zuid 10 (767), PO Box 9101 (766), 6500 HB, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Frieda van den Noort
- Robotics and Mechatronics, Technical Medical Center, University of Twente, Enschede, The Netherlands
| | - Claudia Manzini
- Department of Reproductive Medicine and Gynecology, University Medical Center, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - C H van der Vaart
- Department of Reproductive Medicine and Gynecology, University Medical Center, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Chris L de Korte
- Medical Ultrasound Imaging Center, Department of Medical Imaging, Radboud University Medical Center, Geert Grooteplein Zuid 10 (767), PO Box 9101 (766), 6500 HB, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
- Physics of Fluids, TechMed Center, University of Twente, Enschede, The Netherlands.
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Martínez Franco E, Molinet Coll C, Altimira Queral L, Balsells S, Carreras M, Parés D. Factors involved in changes in the levator ani during pregnancy. Int Urogynecol J 2023; 34:1933-1938. [PMID: 36805781 DOI: 10.1007/s00192-023-05487-4] [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: 11/29/2022] [Accepted: 01/24/2023] [Indexed: 02/23/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS Levator ani muscle (LAM) dimensions increase during pregnancy to allow the delivery of the fetus. The objective was to investigate which factors are involved in LAM modifications during pregnancy. METHODS A prospective longitudinal observational study was conducted between July 2015 and March 2018. Ninety-nine nulliparous pregnant women were included. Data on the physical examination, 4D transperineal ultrasound and hormonal concentrations (progesterone, oestradiol and relaxin) were collected during the first and third trimesters. RESULTS We found higher hiatal dimensions at the beginning of pregnancy than in other studies with nonpregnant women. Increases in the levator ani hiatal (LH) dimensions were observed at contraction (1.01 ±1.96 cm2), rest (0.82 ± 2.51 cm2) and on Valsalva (2.36 ± 3.64 cm2) throughout pregnancy. The distensibility in the third trimester was higher than in the first trimester (5.79 vs 4.24 cm2; p=0); however, the contractility was lower (-3.32 vs -3.5 cm2; p=0.04). Women with lower scores on the Modified Oxford Grading Scale in the third trimester presented with lower contractility in the LAM. A larger LH at the end of pregnancy was associated with age and body mass index. Eleven women developed ballooning during pregnancy; in these women, relaxin was higher in both trimesters than in women without ballooning, but these results were not statistically significant. The linear models to predict third-trimester Valsalva LH, distensibility and contractility were not conclusive and did not show any factors to predict LAM modifications during pregnancy. CONCLUSIONS Hormones could play a role in modifying the muscle properties of LAM from the beginning of pregnancy, but we did not find an association between LAM measurements and hormone concentration in this study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva Martínez Franco
- Gynecology and Obstetrics Department, Parc Sanitari Sant Joan de Déu, Sant Boi de Llobregat, Universitat de Barcelona (UB), C/Antoni Pujadas num 42, 08830 Sant Boi de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Cristina Molinet Coll
- Gynecology and Obstetrics Department, Parc Sanitari Sant Joan de Déu, Sant Boi de Llobregat, Universitat de Barcelona (UB), C/Antoni Pujadas num 42, 08830 Sant Boi de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Laura Altimira Queral
- Chemistry Laboratory, Parc Sanitari Sant Joan de Déu, Sant Boi de Llobregat, Universitat de Barcelona (UB), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Sol Balsells
- Statistical Advising Service, Fundació Sant Joan de Déu, Sant Boi de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Manel Carreras
- Gynecology and Obstetrics Department, Parc Sanitari Sant Joan de Déu, Sant Boi de Llobregat, Universitat de Barcelona (UB), C/Antoni Pujadas num 42, 08830 Sant Boi de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
| | - David Parés
- Colorectal Surgery Unit, Department of Surgery, Hospital Germans Trias i Pujol, Badalona, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
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Boudry T, Lallemant M, Ramanah R, Mottet N. Influence of in utero fetal death on perineal tears in vaginal deliveries. Sci Rep 2023; 13:7484. [PMID: 37160998 PMCID: PMC10170066 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-34185-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2023] [Accepted: 04/25/2023] [Indexed: 05/11/2023] Open
Abstract
The aim of this work was to evaluate and compare the incidence of perineal tears and Obstetrical anal sphincter injuries (OASIS) after vaginal delivery following a in utero fetal death (IUFD) compared with those with a live-birth. We conducted a single-center, retrospective cohort study using a database of all women who underwent a spontaneous vaginal delivery in the level III maternity ward. Exclusion criteria were breech presentation, cesarean section birth, instrumental delivery, multiple pregnancy, delivery before 24 + 6 weeks of gestation (WG) and termination of pregnancy for medical reasons. Women from the database were divided into two groups: an "in utero fetal death" (IUFD) group and a control group. Women were included in the IUFD group if they had a spontaneous vaginal delivery following a fetal demise after 24 + 6 WG in cephalic presentation between January 2006 and June 2020. Women in the "control" group were selected from the same database and were included if they underwent a spontaneous vaginal delivery of a live fetus in cephalic presentation, after 24 + 6 WG, during the same period. Each woman in the "IUFD" group was matched to two women (ratio 1:2) in the control group for parity, maternal age, body mass index, gestation and birth weight. The primary outcome was the presence of a sutured or unsutured perineal tear. During the study period, 31,208 patients delivered at a level III maternity hospital. Among them, 215 and 430 women were included in the IUFD group and the control group respectively. The two groups were comparable for all demographic and clinical characteristics except for an epidural analgesia (92% versus 70% in the control group, p < 0.01) and labor induction (86% versus 17% in the control group, p < 0.01). The incidence of any perineal tears was 13% (28/15) in the IUFD group versus 16% (70/430) in the control group. Relative risk of any perineal tears was non significative (RR = 0.8 IC95% [0.5-1.2]). The incidence of first-degree perineal tears was 10% in the IUFD group and 11% in the control group. The incidence of second-degree perineal tears was 18% in the IUFD group and 28% in the control group. Relative risk of first-degree perineal tears (RR = 0.88 95% CI [0.5-1.4]) and second-degree tears (RR = 0.51 95% CI [0.2-1.4]) were non significative. No obstetrical anal sphincter injury was found in either group. Vaginal delivery following a fetal demise did not appear to be either a risk factor or a protective factor for perineal tears. But there as a trend toward a lower incidence of second degree perineal tears in this context.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thibaud Boudry
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Medical Center of Besancon, University of Franche-Comte, Alexander Fleming Boulevard, 25000, Besançon, France
| | - Marine Lallemant
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Medical Center of Besancon, University of Franche-Comte, Alexander Fleming Boulevard, 25000, Besançon, France
- Université de Franche-Comté, FEMTO-ST Institute, UMR CNRS 6174, Department of Applied Mechanics, Besançon, France
| | - Rajeev Ramanah
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Medical Center of Besancon, University of Franche-Comte, Alexander Fleming Boulevard, 25000, Besançon, France
- Nanomedicine Laboratory, INSERM EA4662, University of Franche-Comte, 25000, Besancon, France
| | - Nicolas Mottet
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Medical Center of Besancon, University of Franche-Comte, Alexander Fleming Boulevard, 25000, Besançon, France.
- Nanomedicine Laboratory, INSERM EA4662, University of Franche-Comte, 25000, Besancon, France.
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Dietz HP. Diagnosis of maternal birth trauma by pelvic floor ultrasound. Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol 2023; 285:86-96. [PMID: 37087835 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejogrb.2023.04.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2023] [Revised: 04/01/2023] [Accepted: 04/06/2023] [Indexed: 04/25/2023]
Abstract
BRIEF SUMMARY Maternal somatic birth trauma due to vaginal delivery is more common than generally assumed and an important cause of future morbidity. Maternal birth trauma may involve both psychological and somatic morbidity, some of it long-term and permanent. Somatic birth trauma is now understood to encompass not just episiotomy, perineal tears and obstetric anal sphincter injuries (OASI), but also trauma to the levator ani muscle, termed 'avulsion'. This review will focus on recent developments in the imaging diagnosis of maternal birth trauma, discuss the most important risk factors and strategies for primary and secondary prevention. Translabial and exo-anal ultrasound allow the assessment of maternal birth trauma in routine clinical practice and enable the use of levator avulsion and anal sphincter trauma as key performance indicators of maternity services. This is likely to lead to a greater awareness of maternal birth trauma amongst maternity caregivers and improved outcomes for patients, not the least due to an increasing emphasis on patient autonomy and informed consent in antenatal and intrapartum care.
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Xu L, Sima Y, Xiao C, Chen Y. Exosomes derived from mesenchymal stromal cells: a promising treatment for pelvic floor dysfunction. Hum Cell 2023; 36:937-949. [PMID: 36940057 DOI: 10.1007/s13577-023-00887-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2022] [Accepted: 02/25/2023] [Indexed: 03/21/2023]
Abstract
Pelvic floor dysfunction (PFDs), which include pelvic organ prolapse (POP), stress urinary incontinence (SUI) and anal incontinence (AI), are common degenerative diseases in women that have dramatic effects on quality of life. The pathology of PFDs is based on impaired pelvic connective tissue supportive strength due to an imbalance in extracellular matrix (ECM) metabolism, the loss of a variety of cell types, such as fibroblasts, muscle cells, peripheral nerve cells, and oxidative stress and inflammation in the pelvic environment. Fortunately, exosomes, which are one of the major secretions of mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs), are involved in intercellular communication and the modulation of molecular activities in recipient cells via their contents, which are bioactive proteins and genetic factors such as mRNAs and miRNAs. These components modify fibroblast activation and secretion, facilitate ECM modelling, and promote cell proliferation to enhance pelvic tissue regeneration. In this review, we focus on the molecular mechanisms and future directions of exosomes derived from MSCs that are of great value in the treatment of PFD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leimei Xu
- Department of Gynecology, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, 128 ShenYang Road, Shanghai, 200011, People's Republic of China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine-Related Diseases, Shanghai, China
| | - Yizhen Sima
- Department of Gynecology, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, 128 ShenYang Road, Shanghai, 200011, People's Republic of China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine-Related Diseases, Shanghai, China
| | - Chengzhen Xiao
- Department of Gynecology, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, 128 ShenYang Road, Shanghai, 200011, People's Republic of China
| | - Yisong Chen
- Department of Gynecology, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, 128 ShenYang Road, Shanghai, 200011, People's Republic of China. .,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine-Related Diseases, Shanghai, China.
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Effects of the Oxytocin Hormone on Pelvic Floor Muscles in Pregnant Rats. MEDICINA (KAUNAS, LITHUANIA) 2023; 59:medicina59020234. [PMID: 36837436 PMCID: PMC9962430 DOI: 10.3390/medicina59020234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2022] [Revised: 01/02/2023] [Accepted: 01/06/2023] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Oxytocin induction is a known risk factor for pelvic floor disorders (PFDs). The aim of the study was to investigate the effects of oxytocin induction on pelvic floor muscles in pregnant rats. Methods: Thirty-two female Wistar rats were included and divided into four groups (n = 8). The groups were as follows: virgin group (group I)-from which muscles were dissected at the beginning of the experiment; spontaneous vaginal delivery (group II) which has delivery spontaneously; saline control group (group III) and oxytocin group (group IV). In groups III and IV, pregnancy was induced on d 21 of pregnancy, with 2.5 mU saline solution or iv oxytocin, respectively, delivered by the intravenous (iv) route in pulses at 10-min intervals for 8 h. Then, the rats were euthanized, the m. coccygeus, m. iliocaudalis and m. pubocaudalis muscles were excised and tissue samples were taken. After histological processing, the vertical and horizontal dimensions of the muscles were analyzed under a light microscope. Results: In group IV; the measurement of the horizontal dimension of the m. pubocaudalis muscles was 50.1 ± 5.4 µm and it was significantly higher than other groups (p < 0.001). In group III; the mean value of the horizontal dimension of m. coccygeus muscle was found to be 49.5 ± 10.9 µm and it was significantly higher than other groups (p < 0.009). Between-group comparisons revealed no difference in mean m. iliocaudalis muscle dimension (p > 0.05). Conclusions: As a result of our study it can say that whether oxytocin induced or not, vaginal birth is a process that affects the pelvic muscles.
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Hilde G, Stær-Jensen J, Siafarikas F, Engh ME, Bø K. Postpartum pelvic floor muscle training, levator ani avulsion and levator hiatus area: a randomized trial. Int Urogynecol J 2023; 34:413-423. [PMID: 36418566 PMCID: PMC9870957 DOI: 10.1007/s00192-022-05406-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2022] [Accepted: 10/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS Vaginal delivery may lead to tearing of the levator ani (LA) muscle from its bony insertions (complete LA avulsion) and increased levator hiatus (LH) area, both risk factors for pelvic floor dysfunctions. Early active rehabilitation is standard treatment after musculo-skeletal injury. We hypothesized that pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) early postpartum would reduce the presence of LA avulsions and reduce LH area. METHODS We carried out a planned secondary analysis from a randomized controlled study. Primiparous women (n=175) giving birth vaginally were included 6 weeks postpartum, stratified on complete LA avulsion, and thereafter randomized to PFMT or control. The training participants (n=87) attended a supervised PFMT class once a week and performed home-based PFMT daily for 16 weeks. The control participants (n=88) received no intervention. Presence of complete LA avulsion, LH area at rest, maximal contraction, and maximal Valsalva maneuver were assessed by transperineal ultrasound. Between-group comparisons were analyzed by analysis of covariance for continuous data, and relative risk (RR) for categorical data. RESULTS Six months postpartum, the number of women who had complete LA avulsion was reduced from 27 to 14 within the PFMT group (44% reduction) and from 28 to 17 within the control group (39% reduction). The between-group difference was not significant, RR 0.85 (95% CI 0.53 to 1.37). Further, no significant between-group differences were found for LH area at rest, during contraction, or Valsalva. CONCLUSIONS Supervised PFMT class combined with home exercise early postpartum did not reduce the presence of complete LA avulsion or LH area more than natural remission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gunvor Hilde
- Department of Rehabilitation Science and Health Technology, Faculty of Health Sciences, OsloMet – Oslo Metropolitan University, Pilestredet, P.O. Box 4, St. Olavs plass, NO-0130 Oslo, Norway
| | - Jette Stær-Jensen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Akershus University Hospital, Lørenskog, Norway
| | - Franziska Siafarikas
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Akershus University Hospital, Lørenskog, Norway ,Division Akershus University Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Marie Ellström Engh
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Akershus University Hospital, Lørenskog, Norway ,Division Akershus University Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Kari Bø
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Akershus University Hospital, Lørenskog, Norway ,Department of Sports Medicine, Norwegian School of Sport Sciences, Oslo, Norway
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23
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van den Noort F, Manzini C, Hofsteenge M, Sirmacek B, van der Vaart CH, Slump CH. Unsupervised convolutional autoencoders for 4D transperineal ultrasound classification. J Med Imaging (Bellingham) 2023; 10:014004. [PMID: 36785585 PMCID: PMC9921518 DOI: 10.1117/1.jmi.10.1.014004] [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: 10/14/2021] [Accepted: 01/23/2023] [Indexed: 02/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose 4D Transperineal ultrasound (TPUS) is used to examine female pelvic floor disorders. Muscle movement, like performing a muscle contraction or a Valsalva maneuver, can be captured on TPUS. Our work investigates the possibility for unsupervised analysis and classification of the TPUS data. Approach An unsupervised 3D-convolutional autoencoder is trained to compress TPUS volume frames into a latent feature vector (LFV) of 128 elements. The (co)variance of the features are analyzed and statistical tests are performed to analyze how features contribute in storing contraction and Valsalva information. Further dimensionality reduction is applied (principal component analysis or a 2D-convolutional autoencoder) to the LFVs of the frames of the TPUS movie to compress the data and analyze the interframe movement. Clustering algorithms ( K -means clustering and Gaussian mixture models) are applied to this representation of the data to investigate the possibilities of unsupervised classification. Results The majority of the features show a significant difference between contraction and Valsalva. The (co)variance of the features from the LFVs was investigated and features most prominent in capturing muscle movement were identified. Furthermore, the first principal component of the frames from a single TPUS movie can be used to identify movement between the frames. The best classification results were obtained after applying principal component analysis and Gaussian mixture models to the LFVs of the TPUS movies, yielding a 91.2% accuracy. Conclusion Unsupervised analysis and classification of TPUS data yields relevant information about the type and amount of muscle movement present.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frieda van den Noort
- University of Twente, Technical Medical Centre, Robotics and Mechatronics, Faculty of Electrical Engineering Mathematics and Computer Science, Enschede, The Netherlands
| | - Claudia Manzini
- University Medical Centre Utrecht, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Merijn Hofsteenge
- University of Twente, Technical Medical Centre, Robotics and Mechatronics, Faculty of Electrical Engineering Mathematics and Computer Science, Enschede, The Netherlands
| | - Beril Sirmacek
- Saxion University of Applied Sciences, School of Creative Technology, Smart Cities Group, Enschede, The Netherlands
| | - Carl H. van der Vaart
- University Medical Centre Utrecht, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Cornelis H. Slump
- University of Twente, Technical Medical Centre, Robotics and Mechatronics, Faculty of Electrical Engineering Mathematics and Computer Science, Enschede, The Netherlands
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Sesillo FB, Rajesh V, Wong M, Duran P, Rudell JB, Rundio CP, Baynes BB, Laurent LC, Sacco A, Christman KL, Alperin M. Muscle stem cells and fibro-adipogenic progenitors in female pelvic floor muscle regeneration following birth injury. NPJ Regen Med 2022; 7:72. [PMID: 36526635 PMCID: PMC9758192 DOI: 10.1038/s41536-022-00264-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2021] [Accepted: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Pelvic floor muscle (PFM) injury during childbirth is a key risk factor for pelvic floor disorders that affect millions of women worldwide. Muscle stem cells (MuSCs), supported by the fibro-adipogenic progenitors (FAPs) and immune cells, are indispensable for the regeneration of injured appendicular skeletal muscles. However, almost nothing is known about their role in PFM regeneration following birth injury. To elucidate the role of MuSCs, FAPs, and immune infiltrate in this context, we used radiation to perturb cell function and followed PFM recovery in a validated simulated birth injury (SBI) rat model. Non-irradiated and irradiated rats were euthanized at 3,7,10, and 28 days post-SBI (dpi). Twenty-eight dpi, PFM fiber cross-sectional area (CSA) was significantly lower and the extracellular space occupied by immune infiltrate was larger in irradiated relative to nonirradiated injured animals. Following SBI in non-irradiated animals, MuSCs and FAPs expanded significantly at 7 and 3 dpi, respectively; this expansion did not occur in irradiated animals at the same time points. At 7 and 10 dpi, we observed persistent immune response in PFMs subjected to irradiation compared to non-irradiated injured PFMs. CSA of newly regenerated fibers was also significantly smaller following SBI in irradiated compared to non-irradiated injured PFMs. Our results demonstrate that the loss of function and decreased expansion of MuSCs and FAPs after birth injury lead to impaired PFM recovery. These findings form the basis for further studies focused on the identification of novel therapeutic targets to counteract postpartum PFM dysfunction and the associated pelvic floor disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Boscolo Sesillo
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Division of Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery, University of California, San Diego, San Diego, CA, 92037, USA
- Sanford Consortium for Regenerative Medicine, La Jolla, CA, 92037, USA
| | - Varsha Rajesh
- Division of Biological Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92161, USA
| | - Michelle Wong
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Division of Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery, University of California, San Diego, San Diego, CA, 92037, USA
| | - Pamela Duran
- Sanford Consortium for Regenerative Medicine, La Jolla, CA, 92037, USA
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - John B Rudell
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Division of Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery, University of California, San Diego, San Diego, CA, 92037, USA
- Sanford Consortium for Regenerative Medicine, La Jolla, CA, 92037, USA
| | - Courtney P Rundio
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Division of Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery, University of California, San Diego, San Diego, CA, 92037, USA
- Sanford Consortium for Regenerative Medicine, La Jolla, CA, 92037, USA
| | - Brittni B Baynes
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Division of Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery, University of California, San Diego, San Diego, CA, 92037, USA
| | - Louise C Laurent
- Sanford Consortium for Regenerative Medicine, La Jolla, CA, 92037, USA
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, University of San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92037, USA
| | - Alessandra Sacco
- Development, Aging and Regeneration Program, Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, La Jolla, CA, 92037, USA
| | - Karen L Christman
- Sanford Consortium for Regenerative Medicine, La Jolla, CA, 92037, USA
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Marianna Alperin
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Division of Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery, University of California, San Diego, San Diego, CA, 92037, USA.
- Sanford Consortium for Regenerative Medicine, La Jolla, CA, 92037, USA.
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Are levator hiatal dimensions in mid-pregnancy associated with mode of delivery? Int Urogynecol J 2022; 33:3529-3534. [PMID: 35230480 PMCID: PMC9666291 DOI: 10.1007/s00192-022-05111-x] [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: 11/06/2021] [Accepted: 01/26/2022] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS Slow progress of labour is a risk for operative delivery. Smaller levator hiatal dimensions are possible risk factors for slow progress and operative delivery. Our aim was to explore associations between hiatal dimensions antenatally, duration of second stage of labour and mode of delivery. METHODS Prospective cohort study of 65 nullipara examined at 20 weeks gestation and 6 months postpartum. Levator hiatal anteroposterior diameter and area were measured using 2D/3D transperineal ultrasound and compared between women with normal vaginal delivery and operative delivery (vacuum or caesarean) using t-test and with Spearman's rank to explore correlations with duration of second stage. ROC analysis established a cut-off for high risk of operative delivery. RESULTS Two-dimensional anteroposterior diameter and 3D hiatal area at rest were smaller in women with operative delivery than with normal delivery, 5.0 cm vs. 5.7 cm, p = 0.007 and 18.5 cm2 vs. 14.9 cm2, p < 0.001. From the ROC curve for 2D anteroposterior diameter, a cut-off of 5.6 cm, (sensitivity = 0.94, specificity = 0.63) and for 3D hiatal area a cut-off of 17.6 cm2 (sensitivity = 0.94, specificity = 0.65) predicted operative delivery. We found inverse correlations between second stage of labour and anteroposterior diameter at rest, r = -0.330, contraction, r = -0.365, area at rest, r = -0.324, and contraction, r = -0.521, all p < 0.05. CONCLUSIONS Smaller hiatal dimensions at 20 weeks gestation were associated with longer second stage of labour and increased risk of operative delivery in nullipara. A 2D anteroposterior hiatal diameter < 5.6 cm and 3D hiatal area < 17.6 cm2 at rest imply increased risk of operative delivery.
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Van Gruting IMA, Stankiewicz A, Van Delft KWM, Doumouchtsis SK, Inthout J, Sultan AH, Thakar R. Diagnostic test accuracy of magnetic resonance imaging and pelvic floor ultrasound for diagnosis of levator ani muscle avulsion. ULTRASOUND IN OBSTETRICS & GYNECOLOGY : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY OF ULTRASOUND IN OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY 2022; 60:559-569. [PMID: 35633511 DOI: 10.1002/uog.24955] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2021] [Revised: 05/17/2022] [Accepted: 05/19/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To estimate the diagnostic test accuracy of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and pelvic floor ultrasound for levator ani muscle (LAM) avulsion in a general parous population, with view to establishing if ultrasound could substitute for MRI to diagnose LAM avulsion. METHODS This was a cross-sectional study of 135 women 4 years after their first delivery. Signs and symptoms of pelvic floor dysfunction were assessed using validated methods. All women underwent four-dimensional transperineal ultrasound (TPUS), three-dimensional endovaginal ultrasound (EVUS) and MRI. Images were acquired at rest, on pelvic floor muscle contraction (PFMC) and on maximum Valsalva maneuver, and analyzed by two blinded observers. Predefined cut-off values were used to diagnose LAM avulsion. In the absence of a reference standard, latent class analysis (LCA) was used to establish diagnostic test characteristics for LAM avulsion as the primary outcome measure. Secondary outcomes were kappa (κ) agreement between imaging techniques, intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) for hiatal measurements at rest, on PFMC and on maximum Valsalva maneuver, and the association of LAM avulsion with signs and symptoms of pelvic floor dysfunction. RESULTS The prevalence of LAM avulsion was 23.0% for MRI, 11.1% for TPUS and 17.8% for EVUS. The prevalence of LAM avulsion using LCA was 15.7%. The sensitivity for LAM avulsion of TPUS (71% (95% CI, 50-90%)) and EVUS (91% (95% CI, 74-100%)) was lower than that of MRI (100% (95% CI, 84-100%)). The specificity of TPUS (100% (95% CI, 97-100%)) and EVUS (95% (95% CI, 91-99%)) was higher than that of MRI (91% (95% CI, 85-97%)). MRI and EVUS had high predictive values for the assessment of major LAM avulsion (positive predictive value (PPV), 95% and negative predictive value (NPV), 100%; PPV, 100% and NPV, 98%, respectively), while TPUS had high predictive values for minor LAM avulsion (PPV, 100% and NPV, 95%). Major LAM avulsion on MRI and EVUS was associated with anterior vaginal wall prolapse, which was not found for TPUS. The agreement in the diagnosis of LAM avulsion (κ, 0.69) and hiatal measurements (ICC, 0.60-0.81) was highest between MRI and EVUS. CONCLUSIONS Pelvic floor ultrasound can be implemented as a triage test to assess parous women for LAM avulsion because of its high specificity. Ultrasound cannot substitute for MRI because of its lower sensitivity. The predictive ability of ultrasound is moderate for the presence, and very good for the absence, of LAM avulsion. A positive test should be confirmed by a different observer or imaging technique. © 2022 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.
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Affiliation(s)
- I M A Van Gruting
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Croydon University Hospital, London, UK
| | - A Stankiewicz
- Department of Radiology, Croydon University Hospital, London, UK
- Department of Radiology, University Hospitals of North Midlands NHS Trust, Stoke-on-Trent, UK
| | - K W M Van Delft
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Jeroen Bosch Ziekenhuis, Den Bosch, The Netherlands
| | - S K Doumouchtsis
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Epsom & St Helier University Hospitals, London, UK
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, St George's University of London, London, UK
| | - J Inthout
- Radboud Institute for Health Sciences, Section of Biostatistics, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - A H Sultan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Croydon University Hospital, London, UK
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, St George's University of London, London, UK
| | - R Thakar
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Croydon University Hospital, London, UK
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, St George's University of London, London, UK
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A review of levator ani avulsion after childbirth: Incidence, imaging and management. Midwifery 2022; 115:103494. [PMID: 36191381 DOI: 10.1016/j.midw.2022.103494] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2021] [Revised: 09/06/2022] [Accepted: 09/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Key Content • Levator ani muscle (LAM) avulsion injury occurs occultly during childbirth, most commonly during operative vaginal deliveries. • Injuries of levator ani have long term sequelae for pelvic floor health. As life expectancy increases the burden of disease upon urogynaecology services will need to be considered. • Diagnosis of this condition can be difficult as there is no agreed 'gold standard' imaging modality. • There is no consensus regarding surgical management of LAM avulsion. Learning objectives • Review anatomy and function of levator ani muscle • Identify the risk factors for levator ani avulsion injury • Role of imaging to appropriately identify LAM injury and current management options including appropriate follow up • Management of subsequent pregnancy following LAM avulsion Ethical issues • Is there value to the patient in diagnosing levator ani avulsion when there is no recommended treatment for these injuries?
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Xu Z, He H, Yu B, Jin H, Zhao Y, Zhou X, Huang H. Application of Transperineal Pelvic Floor Ultrasound in Changes of Pelvic Floor Structure and Function Between Pregnant and Non-Pregnant Women. Int J Womens Health 2022; 14:1149-1159. [PMID: 36046177 PMCID: PMC9420742 DOI: 10.2147/ijwh.s361755] [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: 02/09/2022] [Accepted: 08/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective To evaluate the changes of pelvic floor tissue structure and function between pregnant and non-pregnant women from the view of transperineal pelvic floor ultrasound. Methods Thirty-eight cases of women with a second singleton pregnancy and thirty-two cases of women with a first singleton pregnancy underwent transperineal pelvic floor ultrasound, and their results were compared with forty-two cases of healthy non-pregnant women. Results The differences of bladder neck descent (BND), rectal ampulla distance and levator hiatus area (LHA) among the three groups were statistically significant (P<0.05), and the differences of BND, rectal ampulla distance, LHA between the women with a second singleton pregnancy group and non-pragnent group were statistically significant (P<0.05). The BND, retrovesical angle at rest (RVA-R) and retrovesical angle underwent Valsalva maneuver (RVA-V) in the group of stress urinary incontinence (SUI) during pregnancy were larger than those in non-SUI group, with significant difference (P<0.05), especially BND and RVA-V (P = 0.00). Conclusion Transperineal pelvic floor ultrasound has a high resolution of pelvic floor structure and function changes during pregnancy, and can dynamically evaluate pelvic floor function, providing a theoretical basis for early diagnosis and prevention of female pelvic floor dysfunction (FPFD) in subsequent pregnancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhihua Xu
- Department of Ultrasonic Diagnosis, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Huiliao He
- Department of Ultrasonic Diagnosis, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Beibei Yu
- Department of Ultrasonic Diagnosis, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Huipei Jin
- Department of Ultrasonic Diagnosis, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Yaping Zhao
- Department of Ultrasonic Diagnosis, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiuping Zhou
- Department of Ultrasonic Diagnosis, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Hu Huang
- Department of Ultrasonic Diagnosis, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China
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Huang G, He Y, Hong L, Zhou M, Zuo X, Zhao Z. Restoration of NAD + homeostasis protects C2C12 myoblasts and mouse levator ani muscle from mechanical stress-induced damage. Anim Cells Syst (Seoul) 2022; 26:192-202. [PMID: 36046029 PMCID: PMC9423866 DOI: 10.1080/19768354.2022.2106303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Excessive mechanical traction damages the levator ani muscle (LAM), increasing the incidence of pelvic floor dysfunction (PFD). In this study, we explored the effects of oxidized nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) on the damage to both muscle cells and LAM tissue induced by mechanical stress (MS) at the cellular and animal levels. The cell damage model was established using a four-point bending system. The LAM damage model was established using vaginal distention and traction. Exogenous addition of PJ34, an inhibitor of poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase-1 (PARP-1), and the nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN) precursor of NAD+ increased NAD+ levels. ATP content and mitochondrial membrane potential were measured to assess mitochondrial function. NAD+ levels, cell viability, and PARP-1 activity were detected using commercial kits. DNA damage in cells was detected with immunofluorescence staining, and LAM damage was detected with tissue TUNEL staining. PARP-1 activity and DNA damage of LAM were detected by immunohistochemistry. A small amount of DNA damage and PARP-1 activation did not affect NAD+ levels, while excessive DNA damage and PARP-1 activation led to an imbalance of NAD+ homeostasis. Furthermore, increasing NAD+ levels in vivo and in vitro could rescue mitochondrial dysfunction and damage to both muscle cells and LAM tissue induced by MS. In conclusion, MS can induce damage to both C2C12 cells and LAM tissue. Restoring NAD+ homeostasis can rescue this damage by improving mitochondrial function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guotao Huang
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei Province, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yong He
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei Province, People’s Republic of China
| | - Li Hong
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei Province, People’s Republic of China
| | - Min Zhou
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei Province, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiaohu Zuo
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei Province, People’s Republic of China
| | - Zhihan Zhao
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei Province, People’s Republic of China
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Chen S, Routzong M, Abramowitch SD, Grimm MJ. A Computational Procedure to Derive the Curve of Carus for Childbirth Computational Modeling. J Biomech Eng 2022; 145:1143456. [PMID: 35900843 DOI: 10.1115/1.4055108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Computational modeling serves an important role in childbirth-related research. Prescribed fetal descent trajectory is a key characteristic in childbirth simulations. Two major types of fully prescribed fetal descent trajectory can be identified in the literature: straight descent trajectories and curve of Carus. The straight descent trajectory has the advantage of being simpler and could serve as a reasonable approximation for relatively small fetal movements during labor, but it cannot be used to simulate the entire childbirth process. Curve of Carus is the well-recognized fetal descent trajectory with physiological significance. However, no mathematical description of the curve of Carus can be found in the existing computational studies. This status of curve of Carus simulation in the literature hinders the direct comparison of results across different studies and the advancement of computational techniques built upon previous research. The goals of this study are: (1) propose a universal approach to achieve the curve of Carus for the second stage of labor, from the point when the fetal head engages the pelvis to the point when the fetal head is fully delivered. (2) demonstrate its utility when considering various fetal head sizes. The current study provides a detailed formulation of the curve of Carus, considering geometries of both the mother and the fetus. The maternal geometries were obtained from MRI data, and the fetal head geometries were based on laser scanning of a replica of a real fetal head.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheng Chen
- Departments of Mechanical and Biomedical Engineering, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI
| | - MeganR Routzong
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | | | - Michele J Grimm
- Departments of Mechanical and Biomedical Engineering, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI
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Liu Y, Liu P, Peng C, Chen C, Lu Y, Li Y, Chen R. Three‐dimensional magnetic resonance imaging assessment of levator ani in women progressing from full‐term pregnancy to 10 months postpartum. J Obstet Gynaecol Res 2022; 48:2552-2562. [PMID: 35869635 DOI: 10.1111/jog.15370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2022] [Revised: 07/05/2022] [Accepted: 07/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Yunlu Liu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nanfang Hospital Southern Medical University Guangzhou China
| | - Ping Liu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nanfang Hospital Southern Medical University Guangzhou China
| | - Cheng Peng
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nanfang Hospital Southern Medical University Guangzhou China
| | - Chunlin Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nanfang Hospital Southern Medical University Guangzhou China
| | - Yijia Lu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nanfang Hospital Southern Medical University Guangzhou China
| | - Yige Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nanfang Hospital Southern Medical University Guangzhou China
| | - Ruiying Chen
- Department of Radiology, Nanfang Hospital Southern Medical University Guangzhou China
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Predicting Route of Delivery Using Quantification of Maternal Expulsive Efforts in the Second Stage of Labor. Obstet Gynecol 2022; 140:31-38. [DOI: 10.1097/aog.0000000000004837] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2022] [Accepted: 04/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Sawai M, Yuno C, Shogenji M, Nakada H, Takeishi Y, Kawajiri M, Nakamura Y, Yoshizawa T, Yoshida M. Prevalence of symptoms of pelvic floor dysfunction and related factors among Japanese female healthcare workers. Low Urin Tract Symptoms 2022; 14:380-386. [PMID: 35761770 DOI: 10.1111/luts.12455] [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: 01/18/2022] [Revised: 05/30/2022] [Accepted: 06/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Women working in the medical field may be at risk for pelvic floor dysfunction due to high physical activity levels leading to increased abdominal pressure; however, the actual situation remains unknown. This study aimed to clarify the prevalence of symptoms of pelvic floor dysfunction and its associated factors among Japanese women working in the medical field. METHODS A cross-sectional study was conducted among female employees at a public hospital in Japan from July to August 2020. Participants answered a web-based questionnaire. Three types of symptoms related to pelvic floor dysfunction were assessed based on one or more subscale scores in the Pelvic Floor Distress Inventory-Short Form 20 (PFDI-20). RESULTS Out of 466 female employees in the hospital, 294 responded (response rate 63.1%). The mean age was 42.8 ± 10.3 years old and 221 (73.5%) were nurses. The prevalence of at least one type of symptom was 63.9%. The prevalence of recto-anal symptoms (45.9%) was highest, followed by lower urinary tract (37.1%) and pelvic organ prolapse symptoms (22.8%). The total PFDI-20 score was associated with constipation (β = .254), body mass index (β = .136), and part-time work (β = .167) after adjusting for other variables. CONCLUSION This study showed a high prevalence of symptoms related to pelvic floor dysfunction among women working in the medical field. Lifestyle management to prevent constipation and obesity is a promising strategy to improve symptoms of pelvic floor dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moe Sawai
- Department of Nursing, Tohoku University School of Medicine, Health Sciences, Sendai, Japan
| | - Chikako Yuno
- Division of Nursing, Komatsu Municipal Hospital, Komatsu, Japan
| | - Miho Shogenji
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Institute of Medical, Pharmaceutical and Health Sciences, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan
| | - Harumi Nakada
- Division of Nursing, Komatsu Municipal Hospital, Komatsu, Japan
| | - Yoko Takeishi
- Department of Women's Health Nursing & Midwifery, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan
| | - Maiko Kawajiri
- Department of Women's Health Nursing & Midwifery, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan
| | - Yasuka Nakamura
- Department of Women's Health Nursing & Midwifery, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan
| | - Toyoko Yoshizawa
- Department of Women's Health Nursing & Midwifery, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan
| | - Mikako Yoshida
- Department of Women's Health Nursing & Midwifery, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan
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Karaca SY, Adıyeke M, İleri A, Vural T, Şenkaya AR, İleri H, Özeren M. Obstetric Perineal Tears in Pregnant Adolescents and the Influencing Factors. J Pediatr Adolesc Gynecol 2022; 35:323-328. [PMID: 34748916 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpag.2021.10.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2021] [Revised: 10/02/2021] [Accepted: 10/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
STUDY OBJECTIVE The incidence and risk factors of obstetric perineal tear occurrence in vaginal delivery of adolescent pregnant patients are not well established. We aimed to describe the incidence of obstetric perineal tears in adolescents and the maternal obstetric risk factors associated with this situation. DESIGN Retrospective cohort study SETTING: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tepecik Education and Research Hospital, Izmir, Turkey PARTICIPANTS: Adolescent pregnant patients (≤19 years) who delivered vaginally in our institution between January 2014 and January 2021 INTERVENTIONS AND MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The main outcome measures were the incidence of perineal tears, the degree of perineal tears, and the risk factors associated with severe perineal tears in adolescents. Severe perineal tears include third- and fourth-degree lacerations. A third-degree tear is defined as partial or complete disruption of the anal sphincter muscles, and a fourth-degree tear is defined as lacerations involving the rectal mucosa. RESULTS A total of 3441 adolescents who had a vaginal delivery were included in the study. The rate of severe perineal tear was 5.8% (200/3441). Risk factors associated with obstetric laceration in adolescents in multivariate analysis were nulliparity (OR = 1.72; 95% CI, 1.14-2.41; P = 0.007), high birth weight (OR = 4.1; 95% CI, 2.71-6.21; P < 0.001), and labor induction (OR = 1.36; 95% CI, 1.01-1.85; P = 0.02). Spontaneous onset of labor and previous delivery reduced the risk of severe perineal tear in adolescent pregnant patients (respectively, OR = 0.68; 95% CI, 0.51-0.94; P = 0.02 and OR = 0.51; 95% CI, 0.33-0.79; P = 0.007). CONCLUSIONS In adolescents, the risk of severe perineal tear was associated with nulliparity, birth weight, and labor induction. The only possible modifiable risk factor was labor induction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suna Yıldırım Karaca
- Health Sciences University Tepecik Education and Research Hospital, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Izmir, Turkey; Ege University, Institute of Health Sciences, Department of Stem Cell, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Mehmet Adıyeke
- Health Sciences University Tepecik Education and Research Hospital, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Alper İleri
- Health Sciences University Tepecik Education and Research Hospital, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Izmir, Turkey.
| | - Tayfun Vural
- Health Sciences University Tepecik Education and Research Hospital, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Ayşe Rabia Şenkaya
- Health Sciences University Tepecik Education and Research Hospital, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Hande İleri
- Alsancak State Hospital, Department of Family Medicine, İzmir, Turkey
| | - Mehmet Özeren
- Ege University, Institute of Health Sciences, Department of Stem Cell, Izmir, Turkey
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Escalona-Vargas D, Siegel ER, Oliphant S, Eswaran H. Evaluation of Pelvic Floor Muscles in Pregnancy and Postpartum With Non-Invasive Magnetomyography. IEEE JOURNAL OF TRANSLATIONAL ENGINEERING IN HEALTH AND MEDICINE 2022; 10:1800106. [PMID: 34950538 PMCID: PMC8673696 DOI: 10.1109/jtehm.2021.3130785] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2021] [Revised: 11/10/2021] [Accepted: 11/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Objective: To record and characterize features of levator ani muscles (LAM) activity in pregnancy and postpartum using non-invasive and novel Magnetomyography (MMG) technique with amplitude and spectral parameters. Methods: Nulliparous women with uncomplicated pregnancies participated in the MMG data collection during rest and voluntary LAM contractions (Kegels) with modulated intensity in third trimester and approximately 2 months postpartum (PP). Simultaneous surface electromyography was recorded to document the recruitment of accessory muscles. Moderate strength Kegel (MK) MMG trials were analyzed. Amplitude and spectral parameters including root-mean square (RMS) amplitude, power spectrum density (PSD) and normalized PSD (rPSD) in three frequency bands (low, middle, high) were computed on MK epochs. Statistical comparisons between pregnancy and postpartum were calculated. Results: MMG recordings were measured from 10 pregnant women. Results showed decreased RMS and power between third trimester and postpartum, trending towards significance. rPSD values in the low frequency band decreased significantly (p = 0.028) from third trimester to postpartum, while significant increase was observed in the middle frequency band (p = 0.018). Conclusions: This study shows that MMG as non-invasive tool has the ability to detect and characterize changes of LAM activity with amplitude and spectral parameters during pregnancy and postpartum.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Escalona-Vargas
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyUniversity of Arkansas for Medical Sciences Little Rock AR 72205 USA
| | - E R Siegel
- Department of BiostatisticsUniversity of Arkansas for Medical Sciences Little Rock AR 72205 USA
| | - S Oliphant
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyUniversity of Arkansas for Medical Sciences Little Rock AR 72205 USA
| | - H Eswaran
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyUniversity of Arkansas for Medical Sciences Little Rock AR 72205 USA
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Rieger MM, Wong M, Burnett LA, Sesillo FB, Baynes BB, Alperin M. Mechanisms governing protective pregnancy-induced adaptations of the pelvic floor muscles in the rat preclinical model. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2022; 226:708.e1-708.e13. [PMID: 34801444 PMCID: PMC9172206 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajog.2021.11.1353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2021] [Revised: 10/21/2021] [Accepted: 11/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The intrinsic properties of pelvic soft tissues in women who do and do not sustain birth injuries are likely divergent. However, little is known about this. Rat pelvic floor muscles undergo protective pregnancy-induced structural adaptations-sarcomerogenesis and increase in intramuscular collagen content-that protect against birth injury. OBJECTIVE We aimed to test the following hypotheses: (1) the increased mechanical load of a gravid uterus drives antepartum adaptations; (2) load-induced changes are sufficient to protect pelvic muscles from birth injury. STUDY DESIGN The independent effects of load uncoupled from the hormonal milieu of pregnancy were tested in 3- to 4-month-old Sprague-Dawley rats randomly divided into the following 4 groups, with N of 5 to 14 per group: (1) load-/pregnancy hormones- (controls), (2) load+/pregnancy hormones-, (3) reduced load/pregnancy hormones+, and (4) load+/pregnancy hormones+. Mechanical load of a gravid uterus was simulated by weighing uterine horns with beads similar to fetal rat size and weight. A reduced load was achieved by unilateral pregnancy after unilateral uterine horn ligation. To assess the acute and chronic phases required for sarcomerogenesis, the rats were sacrificed at 4 hours or 21 days after bead loading. The coccygeus, iliocaudalis, pubocaudalis, and nonpelvic tibialis anterior musles were harvested for myofiber and sarcomere length measurements. The intramuscular collagen content was assessed using a hydroxyproline assay. An additional 20 load+/pregnancy hormones- rats underwent vaginal distention to determine whether the load-induced changes are sufficient to protect from mechanical muscle injury in response to parturition-associated strains of various magnitude. The data, compared using 2-way repeated measures analysis of variance followed by pairwise comparisons, are presented as mean±standard error of mean. RESULTS An acute increase in load resulted in significant pelvic floor muscle stretch, accompanied by an acute increase in sarcomere length compared with nonloaded control muscles (coccygeus: 2.69±0.03 vs 2.30±0.06 μm, respectively, P<.001; pubocaudalis: 2.71±0.04 vs 2.25±0.03 μm, respectively, P<.0001; and iliocaudalis: 2.80±0.06 vs 2.35±0.04 μm, respectively, P<.0001). After 21 days of sustained load, the sarcomeres returned to operational length in all pelvic muscles (P>.05). However, the myofibers remained significantly longer in the load+/pregnancy hormones- than the load-/pregnancy hormones- in coccygeus (13.33±0.94 vs 9.97±0.26 mm, respectively, P<.0001) and pubocaudalis (21.20±0.52 vs 19.52±0.34 mm, respectively, P<.04) and not different from load+/pregnancy hormones+ (12.82±0.30 and 22.53±0.32 mm, respectively, P>.1), indicating that sustained load-induced sarcomerogenesis in these muscles. The intramuscular collagen content in the load+/pregnancy hormones- group was significantly greater relative to the controls in coccygeus (6.55±0.85 vs 3.11±0.47 μg/mg, respectively, P<.001) and pubocaudalis (5.93±0.79 vs 3.46±0.52 μg/mg, respectively, P<.05) and not different from load+/pregnancy hormones+ (7.45±0.65 and 6.05±0.62 μg/mg, respectively, P>.5). The iliocaudalis required both mechanical and endocrine cues for sarcomerogenesis. The tibialis anterior was not affected by mechanical or endocrine alterations. Despite an equivalent extent of adaptations, load-induced changes were only partially protective against sarcomere hyperelongation. CONCLUSION Load induces plasticity of the intrinsic pelvic floor muscle components, which renders protection against mechanical birth injury. The protective effect, which varies between the individual muscles and strain magnitudes, is further augmented by the presence of pregnancy hormones. Maximizing the impact of mechanical load on the pelvic floor muscles during pregnancy, such as with specialized pelvic floor muscle stretching regimens, is a potentially actionable target for augmenting pregnancy-induced adaptations to decrease birth injury in women who may otherwise have incomplete antepartum muscle adaptations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary M Rieger
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA
| | - Michelle Wong
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA
| | - Lindsey A Burnett
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA
| | - Francesca Boscolo Sesillo
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA
| | - Brittni B Baynes
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA
| | - Marianna Alperin
- Division of Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA.
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Gregory WT, Cahill AG, Woolfolk C, Lowder JL, Caughey AB, Srinivas SK, Tita AT, Tuuli MG, Richter HE. Impact of pushing timing on occult injury of levator ani: secondary analysis of a randomized trial. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2022; 226:718.e1-718.e10. [PMID: 35202591 PMCID: PMC9064971 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajog.2022.02.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2021] [Revised: 02/08/2022] [Accepted: 02/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Evidence of detachment of the levator ani muscle system is seen more frequently in patients with pelvic floor disorders. It has been suggested that passive descent of the fetus before pushing could be used to decrease operative vaginal delivery and levator ani muscle injury. OBJECTIVE This planned analysis aimed to determine whether immediate or delayed pushing was associated with an increased proportion of injury to the levator ani muscle system after the first delivery among nulliparous women. STUDY DESIGN The Optimizing Management of the Second Stage study was a multicenter randomized trial. Nulliparous women with term pregnancies and neuraxial analgesia were randomly assigned at complete cervical dilation to either immediate pushing or delayed pushing for 1 hour. A subset of participants consented to longitudinal objective pelvic floor assessments: (1) during postpartum stay (initial), (2) at 6 weeks (postpartum 1), and (3) at 6 months (postpartum 2) with transperineal 3-dimensional ultrasound. Following the completion of all visits by all subjects, saved 3-dimensional ultrasound volumes were assessed in a masked fashion. The outcome was "occult" levator ani muscle injury on the right or left, defined as a widening of the attachment of the levator ani to its origin utilizing the levator-urethra gap measurement. Measurements and proportions were compared between the 2 groups by study visit using the χ2 test or Fisher exact test for categorical variables and the t test or Mann-Whitney U test for continuous variables as appropriate. RESULTS Here, 941 of 2414 randomized subjects (39.0%) participated in the pelvic floor assessments: 452 in the immediate pushing group and 489 in the delayed pushing group. We obtained sonograms on 67%, 83%, and 77% of the pelvic floor assessment participants at the initial, postpartum 1, and postpartum-2 visits, respectively. Demographic and labor characteristics were comparable between the 2 groups; 94% of participants were non-Hispanic, and 50% of participants were Black. Levator ani muscle injury was noted in 77 participants (13.6%) at the initial visit, 99 (13.1%) at PP1, and 72 (10.6%) at PP2. There was no difference in injury between women in the immediate pushing group and women in the delayed pushing group. These findings did not change when the threshold (sensitivity) of levator ani muscle injury was adjusted to a less conservative measure. CONCLUSION Among nulliparous women at term with neuraxial analgesia, the rates of occult levator ani muscle injury were not different between women undergoing immediate pushing and women undergoing delayed pushing in the second stage of labor. Further research efforts are needed to understand the development and potential prevention of subsequent pelvic floor disorders.
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A biomechanical study of the birth position: a natural struggle between mother and fetus. Biomech Model Mechanobiol 2022; 21:937-951. [PMID: 35384526 DOI: 10.1007/s10237-022-01569-2] [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: 09/16/2021] [Accepted: 02/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
Birth trauma affects millions of women and infants worldwide. Levator ani muscle avulsions can be responsible for long-term morbidity, associated with 13-36% of women who deliver vaginally. Pelvic floor injuries are enhanced by fetal malposition, namely persistent occipito-posterior (OP) position, estimated to affect 1.8-12.9% of pregnancies. Neonates delivered in persistent OP position are associated with an increased risk for adverse outcomes. The main goal of this work was to evaluate the impact of distinct fetal positions on both mother and fetus. Therefore, a finite element model of the fetal head and maternal structures was used to perform childbirth simulations with the fetus in the occipito-anterior (OA) and OP position of the vertex presentation, considering a flexible-sacrum maternal position. Results demonstrated that the pelvic floor muscles' stretch was similar in both cases. The maximum principal stresses were higher for the OP position, and the coccyx rotation reached maximums of 2.17[Formula: see text] and 0.98[Formula: see text] for the OP and OA positions, respectively. Concerning the fetal head, results showed noteworthy differences in the variation of diameters between the two positions. The molding index is higher for the OA position, with a maximum of 1.87. The main conclusions indicate that an OP position can be more harmful to the pelvic floor and pelvic bones from a biomechanical point of view. On the other side, an OP position can be favorable to the fetus since fewer deformations were verified. This study demonstrates the importance of biomechanical analyses to further understand the mechanics of labor.
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Deprest JA, Cartwright R, Dietz HP, Brito LGO, Koch M, Allen-Brady K, Manonai J, Weintraub AY, Chua JWF, Cuffolo R, Sorrentino F, Cattani L, Decoene J, Page AS, Weeg N, Varella Pereira GM, Mori da Cunha de Carvalho MGMC, Mackova K, Hympanova LH, Moalli P, Shynlova O, Alperin M, Bortolini MAT. International Urogynecological Consultation (IUC): pathophysiology of pelvic organ prolapse (POP). Int Urogynecol J 2022; 33:1699-1710. [PMID: 35267063 DOI: 10.1007/s00192-022-05081-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2021] [Accepted: 12/27/2021] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS This manuscript is the International Urogynecology Consultation (IUC) on pelvic organ prolapse (POP) chapter one, committee three, on the Pathophysiology of Pelvic Organ Prolapse assessing genetics, pregnancy, labor and delivery, age and menopause and animal models. MATERIALS AND METHODS An international group of urogynecologists and basic scientists performed comprehensive literature searches using pre-specified terms in selected biomedical databases to summarize the current knowledge on the pathophysiology of the development of POP, exploring specifically factors including (1) genetics, (2) pregnancy, labor and delivery, (3) age and menopause and (4) non-genetic animal models. This manuscript represents the summary of three systematic reviews with meta-analyses and one narrative review, to which a basic scientific comment on the current understanding of pathophysiologic mechanisms was added. RESULTS The original searches revealed over 15,000 manuscripts and abstracts which were screened, resulting in 202 manuscripts that were ultimately used. In the area of genetics the DNA polymorphisms rs2228480 at the ESR1 gene, rs12589592 at the FBLN5 gene, rs1036819 at the PGR gene and rs1800215 at the COL1A1 gene are significantly associated to POP. In the area of pregnancy, labor and delivery, the analysis confirmed a strong etiologic link between vaginal birth and symptoms of POP, with the first vaginal delivery (OR: 2.65; 95% CI: 1.81-3.88) and forceps delivery (OR: 2.51; 95% CI: 1.24-3.83) being the main determinants. Regarding age and menopause, only age was identified as a risk factor (OR : 1.102; 95% CI: 1.02-1.19) but current data do not identify postmenopausal status as being statistically associated with POP. In several animal models, there are measurable effects of pregnancy, delivery and iatrogenic menopause on the structure/function of vaginal support components, though not on the development of POP. CONCLUSIONS Genetics, vaginal birth and age all have a strong etiologic link to the development of POP, to which other factors may add or protect against the risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan A Deprest
- Department Development and Regeneration, Cluster Urogenital Surgery, Biomedical Sciences, and Clinical Department Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University Hospitals Leuven, KU Leuven, Herestraat 49, B-3000, Leuven, Belgium.
| | - Rufus Cartwright
- Department of Epidemiology & Biostatistics, Imperial College London, Norfolk Place, London and Department of Urogynaecology, LNWH NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - Hans Peter Dietz
- Sydney Medical School Nepean, Nepean Hospital, Penrith, NSW, 2750, Australia
| | - Luiz Gustavo Oliveira Brito
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas, Campinas, SP, Brazil
| | - Marianne Koch
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Kristina Allen-Brady
- Department of Internal Medicine, Genetic Epidemiology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Jittima Manonai
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Adi Y Weintraub
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Soroka University Medical Center, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva, Israel
| | - John W F Chua
- Department of Gynecology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Romana Cuffolo
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Trust, Oxford, UK
| | - Felice Sorrentino
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Institute of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Foggia, Foggia, Italy
| | - Laura Cattani
- Department Development and Regeneration, Cluster Urogenital Surgery, Biomedical Sciences, and Clinical Department Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University Hospitals Leuven, KU Leuven, Herestraat 49, B-3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Judith Decoene
- Department Development and Regeneration, Cluster Urogenital Surgery, Biomedical Sciences, and Clinical Department Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University Hospitals Leuven, KU Leuven, Herestraat 49, B-3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Anne-Sophie Page
- Department Development and Regeneration, Cluster Urogenital Surgery, Biomedical Sciences, and Clinical Department Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University Hospitals Leuven, KU Leuven, Herestraat 49, B-3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Natalie Weeg
- Sydney Medical School Nepean, Nepean Hospital, Penrith, NSW, 2750, Australia
| | - Glaucia M Varella Pereira
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas, Campinas, SP, Brazil
| | - Marina Gabriela M C Mori da Cunha de Carvalho
- Department Development and Regeneration, Cluster Urogenital Surgery, Biomedical Sciences, and Clinical Department Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University Hospitals Leuven, KU Leuven, Herestraat 49, B-3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Katerina Mackova
- Department Development and Regeneration, Cluster Urogenital Surgery, Biomedical Sciences, and Clinical Department Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University Hospitals Leuven, KU Leuven, Herestraat 49, B-3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Lucie Hajkova Hympanova
- Department Development and Regeneration, Cluster Urogenital Surgery, Biomedical Sciences, and Clinical Department Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University Hospitals Leuven, KU Leuven, Herestraat 49, B-3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Pamela Moalli
- Division of Urogynecology & Pelvic Reconstructive Surgery, UPMC Magee-Womens Hospital, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Oksana Shynlova
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Physiology, Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Marianna Alperin
- Division of Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Diego, School of Medicine, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Maria Augusta T Bortolini
- Department of Gynecology, Sector of Urogynecology, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
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Vila Pouca MCP, Ferreira JPS, Parente MPL, Natal Jorge RM, Ashton-Miller JA. On the management of maternal pushing during the second stage of labor: a biomechanical study considering passive tissue fatigue damage accumulation. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2022; 227:267.e1-267.e20. [PMID: 35101408 PMCID: PMC9308631 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajog.2022.01.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2021] [Revised: 01/07/2022] [Accepted: 01/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND During the second stage of labor, the maternal pelvic floor muscles undergo repetitive stretch loading as uterine contractions and strenuous maternal pushes combined to expel the fetus, and it is not uncommon that these muscles sustain a partial or complete rupture. It has recently been demonstrated that soft tissues, including the anterior cruciate ligament and connective tissue in sheep pelvic floor muscle, can accumulate damage under repetitive physiological (submaximal) loads. It is well known to material scientists that this damage accumulation can not only decrease tissue resistance to stretch but also result in a partial or complete structural failure. Thus, we wondered whether certain maternal pushing patterns (in terms of frequency and duration of each push) could increase the risk of excessive damage accumulation in the pelvic floor tissue, thereby inadvertently contributing to the development of pelvic floor muscle injury. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to determine which labor management practices (spontaneous vs directed pushing) are less prone to accumulate damage in the pelvic floor muscles during the second stage of labor and find the optimum approach in terms of minimizing the risk of pelvic floor muscle injury. STUDY DESIGN We developed a biomechanical model for the expulsive phase of the second stage of labor that includes the ability to measure the damage accumulation because of repetitive physiological submaximal loads. We performed 4 simulations of the second stage of labor, reflecting a directed pushing technique and 3 alternatives for spontaneous pushing. RESULTS The finite element model predicted that the origin of the pubovisceral muscle accumulates the most damage and so it is the most likely place for a tear to develop. This result was independent of the pushing pattern. Performing 3 maternal pushes per contraction, with each push lasting 5 seconds, caused less damage and seemed the best approach. The directed pushing technique (3 pushes per contraction, with each push lasting 10 seconds) did not reduce the duration of the second stage of labor and caused higher damage accumulation. CONCLUSION The frequency and duration of the maternal pushes influenced the damage accumulation in the passive tissues of the pelvic floor muscles, indicating that it can influence the prevalence of pelvic floor muscle injuries. Our results suggested that the maternal pushes should not last longer than 5 seconds and that the duration of active pushing is a better measurement than the total duration of the second stage of labor. Hopefully, this research will help to shed new light on the best practices needed to improve the experience of labor for women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria C P Vila Pouca
- Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal; Laboratório Associado de Energia, Transportes e Aeronáutica, Institute of Science and Innovation in Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, Porto, Portugal.
| | - João P S Ferreira
- Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal; Laboratório Associado de Energia, Transportes e Aeronáutica, Institute of Science and Innovation in Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, Porto, Portugal
| | - Marco P L Parente
- Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal; Laboratório Associado de Energia, Transportes e Aeronáutica, Institute of Science and Innovation in Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, Porto, Portugal
| | - Renato M Natal Jorge
- Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal; Laboratório Associado de Energia, Transportes e Aeronáutica, Institute of Science and Innovation in Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, Porto, Portugal
| | - James A Ashton-Miller
- Departments of Mechanical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI; Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
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Dexamethasone for Inner Ear Therapy: Biocompatibility and Bio-Efficacy of Different Dexamethasone Formulations In Vitro. Biomolecules 2021; 11:biom11121896. [PMID: 34944539 PMCID: PMC8699596 DOI: 10.3390/biom11121896] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2021] [Revised: 12/10/2021] [Accepted: 12/14/2021] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Dexamethasone is widely used in preclinical studies and clinical trials to treat inner ear disorders. The results of those studies vary widely, maybe due to the different dexamethasone formulations used. Laboratory (lab) and medical grade (med) dexamethasone (DEX, C22H29FO5) and dexamethasone dihydrogen phosphate-disodium (DPS, C22H28FNa2O8P) were investigated for biocompatibility and bio-efficacy in vitro. The biocompatibility of each dexamethasone formulation in concentrations from 0.03 to 10,000 µM was evaluated using an MTT assay. The concentrations resulting in the highest cell viability were selected to perform a bio-efficiency test using a TNFα-reduction assay. All dexamethasone formulations up to 900 µM are biocompatible in vitro. DPS-lab becomes toxic at 1000 µM and DPS-med at 2000 µM, while DEX-lab and DEX-med become toxic at 4000 µM. Bio-efficacy was evaluated for DEX-lab and DPS-med at 300 µM, for DEX-med at 60 µM, and DPS-lab at 150 µM, resulting in significantly reduced expression of TNFα, with DPS-lab having the highest effect. Different dexamethasone formulations need to be applied in different concentration ranges to be biocompatible. The concentration to be applied in future studies should carefully be chosen based on the respective dexamethasone form, application route and duration to ensure biocompatibility and bio-efficacy.
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Williams H, Cattani L, Van Schoubroeck D, Yaqub M, Sudre C, Vercauteren T, D'Hooge J, Deprest J. Automatic Extraction of Hiatal Dimensions in 3-D Transperineal Pelvic Ultrasound Recordings. ULTRASOUND IN MEDICINE & BIOLOGY 2021; 47:3470-3479. [PMID: 34538535 DOI: 10.1016/j.ultrasmedbio.2021.08.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2021] [Revised: 08/04/2021] [Accepted: 08/11/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
The aims of this work were to create a robust automatic software tool for measurement of the levator hiatal area on transperineal ultrasound (TPUS) volumes and to measure the potential reduction in variability and time taken for analysis in a clinical setting. The proposed tool automatically detects the C-plane (i.e., the plane of minimal hiatal dimensions) from a 3-D TPUS volume and subsequently uses the extracted plane to automatically segment the levator hiatus, using a convolutional neural network. The automatic pipeline was tested using 73 representative TPUS volumes. Reference hiatal outlines were obtained manually by two experts and compared with the pipeline's automated outlines. The Hausdorff distance, area, a clinical quality score, C-plane angle and C-plane Euclidean distance were used to evaluate C-plane detection and quantify levator hiatus segmentation accuracy. A visual Turing test was created to compare the performance of the software with that of the expert, based on the visual assessment of C-plane and hiatal segmentation quality. The overall time taken to extract the hiatal area with both measurement methods (i.e., manual and automatic) was measured. Each metric was calculated both for computer-observer differences and for inter-and intra-observer differences. The automatic method gave results similar to those of the expert when determining the hiatal outline from a TPUS volume. Indeed, the hiatal area measured by the algorithm and by an expert were within the intra-observer variability. Similarly, the method identified the C-plane with an accuracy of 5.76 ± 5.06° and 6.46 ± 5.18 mm in comparison to the inter-observer variability of 9.39 ± 6.21° and 8.48 ± 6.62 mm. The visual Turing test suggested that the automatic method identified the C-plane position within the TPUS volume visually as well as the expert. The average time taken to identify the C-plane and segment the hiatal area manually was 2 min and 35 ± 17 s, compared with 35 ± 4 s for the automatic result. This study presents a method for automatically measuring the levator hiatal area using artificial intelligence-based methodologies whereby the C-plane within a TPUS volume is detected and subsequently traced for the levator hiatal outline. The proposed solution was determined to be accurate, relatively quick, robust and reliable and, importantly, to reduce time and expertise required for pelvic floor disorder assessment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helena Williams
- Department of Development and Regeneration, Cluster Urogenital Surgery, Biomedical Sciences, KU Leuven; School of Biomedical Engineering & Imaging Sciences, King's College London, United Kingdom; Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
| | - Laura Cattani
- Department of Development and Regeneration, Cluster Urogenital Surgery, Biomedical Sciences, KU Leuven; Clinical Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, UZ Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Dominique Van Schoubroeck
- Department of Development and Regeneration, Cluster Urogenital Surgery, Biomedical Sciences, KU Leuven; Clinical Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, UZ Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Mohammad Yaqub
- Department of Computer Vision, Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Carole Sudre
- School of Biomedical Engineering & Imaging Sciences, King's College London, United Kingdom
| | - Tom Vercauteren
- School of Biomedical Engineering & Imaging Sciences, King's College London, United Kingdom
| | - Jan D'Hooge
- Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Jan Deprest
- Department of Development and Regeneration, Cluster Urogenital Surgery, Biomedical Sciences, KU Leuven; Clinical Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, UZ Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
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Levator-Urethra Gap: Normative Data in a Nonpregnant Nulliparous Population. Female Pelvic Med Reconstr Surg 2021; 27:e696-e700. [PMID: 34534198 DOI: 10.1097/spv.0000000000001115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study aimed to establish a normative range of the levator-urethra gap (LUG) measurement in nonpregnant, nulliparous women to be used as a standard against which assessments of injury or avulsion of the levator ani could be made. METHODS Nulliparous women in the Pacific Northwest who were planning pregnancy within the ensuing 12 months underwent high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and 3-dimensional transperineal ultrasonography. In the plane of minimal hiatal dimensions, the LUG was measured on both the right and left sides for 3 contiguous image slices. RESULTS One hundred thirty-five participants underwent examinations, of which 134 had evaluable MRIs and 70 had evaluable ultrasounds. Mean (SD) age was 30.8 (4.0) years, and mean (SD) body mass index was 25.9 (6.4). The majority of the participants self-identified as White (80%) and non-Hispanic (89%). The 99th percentile was no greater than 2.39 cm on any slice for either MRI or US-based measurements. In the MRI set, the lowest LUG values at which all 3 measurements on a side were found to have exceeded a putative threshold value (for injury) were 2.1 cm for the right side and 2.05 cm for the left side. The corresponding LUG values in the ultrasound set were 2.2 cm on the right and 2.25 cm on the left. CONCLUSIONS The LUG threshold in 3 successive slices in the minimal hiatal dimension suggestive of levator ani injury could be as low as 2.1 cm when using MRI and 2.25 cm when using ultrasound in a similar population.
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Von Aarburg N, Veit-Rubin N, Boulvain M, Bertuit J, Simonson C, Desseauve D. Physical activity and urinary incontinence during pregnancy and postpartum: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol 2021; 267:262-268. [PMID: 34839247 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejogrb.2021.11.005] [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: 06/07/2021] [Revised: 10/26/2021] [Accepted: 11/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
To assess the association of physical activity and urinary incontinence, or its recovery, during pregnancy and postpartum. A search of publications indexed in five major electronic databases (CENTRAL, PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL and PEDro) was performed from their respective inception dates to the 30 March 2020 with a combination of keywords to identify studies of interest. Google Scholar was used for non-indexed literature. All studies comparing physical activity with standard care in pregnant and postpartum women were selected. Two reviewers independently selected studies, assessed quality and extracted data. Odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals were calculated using fixed effects or random effects models, for low and moderate heterogeneity between studies, respectively. Seven studies (n = 12479) were included. Data of four studies could be pooled for meta-analyses; subgroup and sensitivity analyses were not possible. Physical activity, either during pregnancy or postpartum, is not associated with urinary incontinence, OR 0.90 (95% CI: 0.69-1.18) and OR 1.31 (95% CI: 0.74-2.34), respectively. Due to a lack of available data, urinary incontinence recovering could not be assessed. The available low evidence does not show that physical activity during pregnancy or postpartum is associated with urinary incontinence. Moderate physical activity should therefore be encouraged for the evidence-based benefits on other obstetrical outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadine Von Aarburg
- School of Health Sciences (HESAV), University of Applied Sciences and Arts, Western Switzerland (HES-SO), University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Nikolaus Veit-Rubin
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Michel Boulvain
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Jeanne Bertuit
- School of Health Sciences (HESAV), University of Applied Sciences and Arts Western Switzerland (HES-SO), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Colin Simonson
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Hôpital du Valais, Sion, Switzerland
| | - David Desseauve
- Women-Mother-Child Department, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois, Lausanne, Switzerland.
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Pelvic floor muscle injury during a difficult labor. Can tissue fatigue damage play a role? Int Urogynecol J 2021; 33:211-220. [PMID: 34783861 DOI: 10.1007/s00192-021-05012-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2021] [Accepted: 10/12/2021] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Pubovisceral muscle (PVM) injury during a difficult vaginal delivery leads to pelvic organ prolapse later in life. If one could address how and why the muscle injury originates, one might be able to better prevent these injuries in the future. In a recent review we concluded that many atraumatic injuries of the muscle-tendon unit are consistent with it being weakened by an accumulation of passive tissue damage during repetitive loading. While the PVM can tear due to a single overstretch at the end of the second stage of labor we hypothesize that it can also be weakened by an accumulation of microdamage and then tear after a series of submaximal loading cycles. We conclude that there is strong indirect evidence that low cycle fatigue of PVM passive tissue is a possible mechanism of its proximal failure. This has implications for finding new ways to better prevent PVM injury in the future.
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Pipitone F, Miller JM, DeLancey J. Injury-associated levator ani muscle and anal sphincter ooedema following vaginal birth: a secondary analysis of the EMRLD study. BJOG 2021; 128:2046-2053. [PMID: 34013655 PMCID: PMC8497388 DOI: 10.1111/1471-0528.16760] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine whether all three components of the levator ani muscle (pubovisceral [= pubococcygeal], puborectal and iliococcygeal) and the external anal sphincter are equally affected by oedema associated with muscle injury after vaginal birth. DESIGN Observational cross-sectional study. SETTING Michigan Medicine, University of Michigan. POPULATION Primiparous women classified as high risk for levator ani muscle injury during childbirth. METHOD MRI scans obtained 6-8 weeks postpartum were analysed. Muscle oedema was assessed on axial and coronal fluid-sensitive magnetic resonance (MRI) scans. Presence of oedema was separately determined in each levator ani muscle component and in the external anal sphincter for all subjects. Descriptive statistics and correlation with obstetric variables were obtained. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Oedema score on fluid-sensitive MRI scans. RESULTS Of the 78 women included in this cohort, 51.3% (n = 40/78) showed muscle oedema in the pubovisceral (one bilateral avulsion excluded), 5.1% (n = 4/78) in the puborectal and 5.1% (n = 4/78) in the iliococcygeal muscle. No subject showed definite oedema on external anal sphincter. Incidence of oedema on the pubovisceral muscle was seven times higher than on any of the other analysed muscles (all paired comparisons, P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS Even in the absence of muscle tearing, the pubovisceral muscle shows by far the highest incidence of injury, establishing that levator components are not equally affected by childbirth. External anal sphincter did not show oedema-even in women with sphincter laceration- suggesting a different injury mechanism. Developing a databased map of injured areas helps understand injury mechanisms that can guide us in honing research on treatment and prevention. TWEETABLE ABSTRACT Injury-associated levator ani muscle and anal sphincter oedema mapping on MRI reveals vulnerable muscle components after childbirth.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Pipitone
- Pelvic Floor Research Group, Michigan Medicine, University of Michigan, 1540 E Hospital Dr, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - J M Miller
- University of Michigan School of Nursing and Medical School Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 426 N Ingalls St, Ann Arbor, MI, 48104, USA
| | - Jol DeLancey
- Pelvic Floor Research Group, Michigan Medicine, University of Michigan, 1540 E Hospital Dr, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Department, Michigan Medicine, University of Michigan, 1540 E Hospital Dr, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
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Xuan R, Yang M, Gao Y, Ren S, Li J, Yang Z, Song Y, Huang XH, Teo EC, Zhu J, Gu Y. A Simulation Analysis of Maternal Pelvic Floor Muscle. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph182010821. [PMID: 34682566 PMCID: PMC8535735 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph182010821] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2021] [Revised: 09/03/2021] [Accepted: 10/07/2021] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
Pelvic floor disorder (PFD) is a common disease affecting the quality of life of middle-aged and elderly women. Pelvic floor muscle (PFM) damage is related to delivery mode, fetal size, and parity. Spontaneous vaginal delivery causes especially great damage to PFM. The purpose of this study was to summarize the characteristics of PFM action during the second stage of labor by collecting female pelvic MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) data and, further, to try to investigate the potential pathogenetic mechanism of PFD. A three-dimensional model was established to study the influence factors and characteristics of PFM strength. In the second stage of labor, the mechanical responses, possible damage, and the key parts of postpartum lesions of PFM due to the different fetal biparietal diameter (BPD) sizes were analyzed by finite element simulations. The research results showed that the peak stress and strain of PFM appeared at one-half of the delivery period and at the attachment point of the pubococcygeus to the skeleton. In addition, during the simulation process, the pubococcygeus was stretched by about 1.2 times and the levator ani muscle was stretched by more than two-fold. There was also greater stress and strain in the middle area of the levator ani muscle and pubococcygeus. According to the statistics, either being too young or in old maternal age will increase the probability of postpartum PFM injury. During delivery, the entire PFM underwent the huge deformation, in which the levator ani muscle and the pubococcygeus were seriously stretched and the attachment point between the pubococcygeus and the skeleton were the places with the highest probability of postpartum lesions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rongrong Xuan
- The Affiliated Hospital of Medical School of Ningbo University, Ningbo 315020, China;
| | - Mingshuwen Yang
- Key Laboratory of Impact and Safety Engineering (Ningbo University), Ministry of Education, Ningbo 315010, China; (M.Y.); (X.-H.H.)
| | - Yajie Gao
- School of Medicine, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, China; (Y.G.); (S.R.); (J.L.); (Z.Y.)
| | - Shuaijun Ren
- School of Medicine, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, China; (Y.G.); (S.R.); (J.L.); (Z.Y.)
| | - Jialin Li
- School of Medicine, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, China; (Y.G.); (S.R.); (J.L.); (Z.Y.)
| | - Zhenglun Yang
- School of Medicine, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, China; (Y.G.); (S.R.); (J.L.); (Z.Y.)
| | - Yang Song
- Doctoral School on Safety and Security Sciences, Obuda University, 1034 Budapest, Hungary;
| | - Xu-Hao Huang
- Key Laboratory of Impact and Safety Engineering (Ningbo University), Ministry of Education, Ningbo 315010, China; (M.Y.); (X.-H.H.)
| | - Ee-Chon Teo
- School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore 637459, Singapore;
| | - Jue Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Impact and Safety Engineering (Ningbo University), Ministry of Education, Ningbo 315010, China; (M.Y.); (X.-H.H.)
- Correspondence: (J.Z.); (Y.G.); Tel.: +86-574-8760-0421 (J.Z.); +86-574-8760-0456 (Y.G.)
| | - Yaodong Gu
- Faculty of Sports Science, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, China
- Correspondence: (J.Z.); (Y.G.); Tel.: +86-574-8760-0421 (J.Z.); +86-574-8760-0456 (Y.G.)
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Zhou M, Li B, Liu C, Hu M, Tang J, Min J, Cheng J, Hong L. M2 Macrophage-derived exosomal miR-501 contributes to pubococcygeal muscle regeneration. Int Immunopharmacol 2021; 101:108223. [PMID: 34634686 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2021.108223] [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: 06/29/2021] [Revised: 09/26/2021] [Accepted: 09/30/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Pubococcygeal muscle injury can lead to stress urinary incontinence (SUI). M2 macrophages play a crucial role in myoblast differentiation during injured muscle regeneration. However, the underlying mechanism remains unclear. Recently, exosomes have attracted increasing attention due to their mediation of cell-to-cell communication. In this study, we found that M2 macrophages extensively infiltrated the pubococcygeal muscle on day 5 after injury (VD5) in vivo. Then, C2C12 myoblasts were treated with M2 macrophage-derived exosomes (M2-EXO) and the results revealed that these exosomes could promote myotube formation. MiR-501 was identified as one of the abundant microRNAs (miRNAs) selectively loaded in M2-EXO, and subsequently confirmed to promote C2C12 myoblast differentiation by targeting YY1. Moreover, in vivo experiments showed that M2-EXO improves the inflammatory cell infiltration and have a therapeutic effect on damaged pubococcygeal muscle in SUI models. Collectively, our present results provide new insights into the promyogenic mechanism of M2 macrophages and prove that M2 macrophage exosomal miR-501 may represent a potential therapeutic to promote recovery from diseases caused by muscle injury, including SUI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Zhou
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, Hubei Province, PR China
| | - Bingshu Li
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, Hubei Province, PR China
| | - Cheng Liu
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, Hubei Province, PR China
| | - Ming Hu
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, Hubei Province, PR China
| | - Jianming Tang
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, Hubei Province, PR China
| | - Jie Min
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, Hubei Province, PR China
| | - Jianhong Cheng
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, Hubei Province, PR China
| | - Li Hong
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, Hubei Province, PR China.
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Fathy M, Elfallal AH, Emile SH. Literature review of the outcome of and methods used to improve transperineal repair of rectocele. World J Gastrointest Surg 2021; 13:1063-1078. [PMID: 34621481 PMCID: PMC8462077 DOI: 10.4240/wjgs.v13.i9.1063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2021] [Revised: 06/18/2021] [Accepted: 07/22/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Rectocele is commonly seen in parous women and sometimes associated with symptoms of obstructed defecation syndrome (ODS).
AIM To assess the current literature in regard to the outcome of the classical transperineal repair (TPR) of rectocele and its technical modifications.
METHODS An organized literature search for studies that assessed the outcome of TPR of rectocele was performed. PubMed/Medline and Google Scholar were queried in the period of January 1991 through December 2020. The main outcome measures were improvement in ODS symptoms, improvement in sexual functions and continence, changes in manometric parameters, and quality of life.
RESULTS After screening of 306 studies, 24 articles were found eligible for inclusion to the review. Nine studies (301 patients) assessed the classical TPR of rectocele. The median rate of postoperative improvement in ODS symptoms was 72.7% (range, 45.8%-83.3%) and reduction in rectocele size ranged from 41.4%-95.0%. Modifications of the classical repair entailed omission of levatorplasty, addition of implant, concomitant lateral internal sphincterotomy, changing the direction of plication of rectovaginal septum, and site-specific repair.
CONCLUSION The transperineal repair of rectocele is associated with satisfactory, yet variable, improvement in ODS symptoms with parallel increase in quality-of-life score. Several modifications of the classical TPR were described. These modifications include omission of levatorplasty, insertion of implants, performing lateral sphincterotomy, changing the direction of classical plication, and site-specific repair. The indications for these modifications are not yet fully clear and need further prospective studies to help tailor the technique to rectocele patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Fathy
- General Surgery, Mansoura University Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura 35516, Egypt
| | | | - Sameh Hany Emile
- General Surgery, Mansoura University Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura 35516, Egypt
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Vesting S, Olsen MF, Gutke A, Rembeck G, Larsson MEH. Clinical assessment of pelvic floor and abdominal muscles 3 months post partum: an inter-rater reliability study. BMJ Open 2021; 11:e049082. [PMID: 34475166 PMCID: PMC8413957 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2021-049082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Evaluation of the inter-rater reliability of clinical assessment methods for pelvic floor muscles and diastasis recti abdominis post partum. DESIGN A multicentre inter-rater reliability study. SETTING Three primary care rehabilitation centres in Sweden. PARTICIPANTS A total of 222 participants were recruited via advertising at Swedish maternity care units and social media. Eligibility for participation included female gender, ≥18 years, at maximum 3 months after childbirth. Exclusion criteria were chronic pelvic girdle pain and/or low back pain and/or pelvic floor tear grade III/IV. At each centre, 2 physiotherapists, with training and experience in pelvic floor assessment, assessed the 222 women according to a standardised protocol in random order. OUTCOME MEASURES Inter-rater reliability of the assessment of pelvic floor muscle function (involuntary and voluntary contraction and voluntary relaxation) and diastasis recti abdominis (width, depth and bulging). RESULTS Vaginal palpation of maximal voluntary contraction revealed a kappa value of 0.69 (95% CI 0.62 to 0.76). Assessments of involuntary contraction and voluntary relaxation yielded inconsistent results, with slight-to-moderate weighted kappa values ranging from 0.10 to 0.51. After 2 months of training in applying this method, diastasis recti abdominis width measured at the umbilicus by calliper yielded an intraclass correlation coefficient value of 0.83 (95% CI 0.76 to 0.87). Assessments of diastasis recti abdominis depth and bulging showed moderate kappa values, with reservation for some inconsistency between the centres. CONCLUSIONS Vaginal palpation of pelvic floor muscle strength is a reliable method for the postpartum muscle assessment. Additional research is needed to identify reliable assessment method for other pelvic floor muscle functions like involuntary contraction and voluntary relaxation. With some training, a calliper is a reliable instrument for measuring the postpartum diastasis recti abdominis width. This study provides novel thoughts about how to measure diastasis recti abdominis depth and bulging. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER NCT03703804.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabine Vesting
- Department of Health and Rehabilitation, Unit of Physiotherapy, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Närhälsan Gibraltar Rehabilitation, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Monika Fagevik Olsen
- Department of Health and Rehabilitation, Unit of Physiotherapy, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Department of Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Department of Gastrosurgical Research & Education, Sahlgrenska Academy, Gothenburg University, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Annelie Gutke
- Department of Health and Rehabilitation, Unit of Physiotherapy, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Gun Rembeck
- Region Västra Götaland, Research and Development Centre Södra Älvsborg, Borås, Sweden
- Region Västra Götaland, Regionhälsan Borås Youth Centre, Borås, Sweden
- Primary Health Care, School of Public Health and Community Medicine, Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Maria E H Larsson
- Department of Health and Rehabilitation, Unit of Physiotherapy, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Region Västra Götaland Education, Research and Development Primary Health Care, Gothenburg, Sweden
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