Risk and protective factors for obstetric anal sphincter injuries: A retrospective nationwide study

Effects of Perineal Warm Compresses during the Second Stage of Labor on Reducing Perineal Trauma and Relieving Postpartum Perineal Pain in Primiparous Women: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses

Non-pharmaceutical midwifery techniques, including perineal warm compresses, to improve maternal outcomes remain controversial. The aims of this study are to assess the effects of perineal warm compresses on reducing perineal trauma and postpartum perineal pain relief. This systematic review included randomized controlled trials (RCTs). We searched seven bibliographic databases, three RCT register websites, and two dissertation databases for publications from inception to 15 March 2023. Chinese and English publications were included. Two independent reviewers conducted the risk of bias assessment, data extraction, and the evaluation of the certainty of the evidence utilizing the Cochrane risk of bias 2.0 assessment criteria, the Review Manager 5.4, and the online GRADEpro tool, respectively. Seven RCTs involving 1362 primiparous women were included. The combined results demonstrated a statistically significant reduction in the second-, third- and/or fourth- degree perineal lacerations, the incidence of episiotomy, and the relief of the short-term perineal pain postpartum (within two days). There was a potential favorable effect on improving the integrity of the perineum. However, the results did not show a statistically significant supportive effect on reducing first-degree perineal lacerations and the rate of perineal lacerations requiring sutures. In summary, perineal warm compresses effectively reduced the second-, third-/or fourth-degree perineal trauma and decreased the short-term perineal pain after birth.

Asian-White disparities in obstetric anal sphincter injury: a systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

Obstetrical anal sphincter injury describes a severe injury to the perineum and perianal muscles after birth. Obstetrical anal sphincter injury occurs in approximately 4.4% of vaginal births in the United States; however, racial and ethnic inequities in the incidence of obstetrical anal sphincter injury have been shown in several high-income countries. Specifically, an increased risk of obstetrical anal sphincter injury in individuals who identify as Asian vs those who identify as White has been documented among residents of the United States, Australia, Canada, Western Europe, and the Scandinavian countries. The high rates of obstetrical anal sphincter injury among the Asian diaspora in these countries are higher than obstetrical anal sphincter injury rates reported among Asian populations residing in Asia. A systematic review and meta-analysis of studies in high-income, non-Asian countries was conducted to further evaluate this relationship.

DATA SOURCES

MEDLINE, Ovid, Embase, EmCare, and the Cochrane databases were searched from inception to March 2023 for original research studies.

STUDY ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

Observational studies using keywords and controlled vocabulary terms related to race, ethnicity and obstetrical anal sphincter injury. All observational studies, including cross-sectional, case-control, and cohort were included. 2 reviewers followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines and the Meta-analysis of Observational Studies in Epidemiology recommendations.

METHODS

Meta-analysis was performed using RevMan (version 5.4; Cochrane Collaboration, London, United Kingdom) for dichotomous data using the random effects model and the odds ratios as effect measures with 95% confidence intervals. Subgroup analysis was performed among Asian subgroups. The risk of bias was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal tools. Meta-regression was used to determine sources of between-study heterogeneity.

Results

A total of 27 studies conducted in 7 countries met the inclusion criteria encompassing 2,337,803 individuals. The pooled incidence of obstetrical anal sphincter injury was higher among Asian individuals than White individuals (pooled odds ratio, 1.64; 95% confidence interval, 1.48-1.80). Subgroup analyses showed that obstetrical anal sphincter injury rates were highest among South Asians and among population-based vs hospital-based studies. Meta-regression showed that moderate heterogeneity remained even after accounting for differences in studies by types of Asian subgroups included, study year, mode of delivery included, and study setting.

Conclusion

Obstetrical anal sphincter injury is more frequent among Asian versus white birthing individuals in multiple high-income, non-Asian countries. Qualitative and quantitative research to elucidate underlying causal mechanisms responsible for this relationship are warranted.

Differences in rates of severe perineal trauma between midwife-led and obstetrician-led care in the Netherlands: A nationwide cohort study

Objective

To investigate trends and rates of severe perineal trauma (SPT), also known as obstetric anal sphincter injury (OASI), between midwife-led and obstetrician-led care in the Netherlands, and factors associated with SPT.

Methods

This nationwide cohort study included registry data from 2000 to 2019 (n = 2,169,950) of spontaneous vaginal births of term, live, cephalic, single infants, without a (previous) caesarean section or assisted vaginal birth.First, trends of SPT and episiotomy were shown. Second, differences in SPT rates between midwife- and obstetrician-led care were assessed. Third, associations of care factors with SPT were examined. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were used to determine which factors were important in the associations. All outcomes were stratified for parity.

Results

Over time, the SPT incidence increased mainly in midwife-led care and episiotomy rates decreased. Compared to midwife-led care, SPT rates were lower in obstetrician-led care among primiparous women (aOR 0.78; 99 % CI 0.74-0.81) and comparable among multiparous women (aOR 1.04; 99 % CI 0.99-1.10). Among women without epidural analgesia, these differences were smaller for primiparous women (aOR 0.88; 99 % CI 0.84-0.92), but the SPT rate was higher in obstetrician-led care among multiparous women (aOR 1.09; 99 % CI 1.03-1.15). Among women without shoulder dystocia, induction, augmentation, and pain medication, SPT rates were comparable among primiparous women, but higher among multiparous women in obstetrician-led care. In midwife-led care, SPT occurred more often among hospital versus home births. In obstetrician-led care, lower SPT incidences were found among births with epidural analgesia and for multiparous women with induction or augmentation.

Conclusions

Iinduction, augmentation, and epidural analgesia in obstetrician-led care may be an explanatory factor for the higher incidence of SPT among primiparous women in midwife-led care. More research is needed to explain differences in SPT rates and to understand how SPT can be prevented, while maintaining a high intact perineum rate.

A systematic review and meta-synthesis of qualitative studies on childbirth perineal trauma for the development of a Core Outcome Set

OBJECTIVES

Perineal injury occurs in 85% of cases during vaginal childbirth. This study aimed to synthesize qualitative data on women's perceptions of perineal trauma during vaginal childbirth.

STUDY DESIGN

Thematic synthesis was applied utilizing a structured three-step framework. First, line-by-line coding strategy was applied to the included studies. Secondly, related codes were grouped together to develop descriptive themes to emphasize what matters most for women suffering from childbirth perineal trauma. Thirdly, analytical themes were developed. The quality of the included studies was high based on the assessment using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme tool.

RESULTS

Ten eligible studies were included in the meta-synthesis. Twenty-three codes encompassing multiple aspects of childbirth trauma from women's perspective were organised into a set of eight descriptive themes: psychosocial effects, communication, recovery, pain, support, knowledge of childbirth perineal trauma, sexuality, and prioritization.

CONCLUSIONS

Among the descriptive themes, psychosocial effects, communication, and recovery exhibited the highest prevalence. The findings of this meta-synthesis may serve as a reporting guideline for future studies investigating the consequences of childbirth perineal trauma, ensuring that women's priorities are accurately reflected in reported outcomes.

Asian-white disparities in obstetric anal sphincter injury: Protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Obstetric anal sphincter injury (OASI) describes severe injury to the perineum and perineum and perianal muscles following birth and occurs in 4.4% to 6.0% of vaginal births in Canada. Studies from high-income countries have identified an increased risk of OASI in individuals who identify as Asian race versus those who identify as white. This protocol outlines a systematic review and meta-analysis which aims to determine the incidence of OASI in individuals living in high-income countries who identify as Asian versus those of white race/ethnicity. We hypothesize that the pooled incidence of OASI will be higher in Asian versus white birthing individuals.

METHODS

We will search MEDLINE, OVID, Embase, Emcare and Cochrane databases from inception to 2022 for observational studies using keywords and controlled vocabulary terms related to race, ethnicity and OASI. Two reviewers will follow the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines and Meta-analysis of Observational Studies (MOOSE) recommendations. Meta-analysis will be performed using RevMan for dichotomous data using the random effects model and the odds ratio (OR) as effect measure with a 95% confidence interval (CI). Subgroup analysis will be performed based on Asian subgroups (e.g., South Asian, Filipino, Chinese, Japanese individuals). Study quality assessment will be performed using The Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal tools.

DISCUSSION

The systematic review and meta-analysis that this protocol outlines will synthesize the extant literature to better estimate the rates of OASI in Asian and white populations in non-Asian, high-income settings and the relative risk of OASI between these two groups. This systematic summary of the evidence will inform the discrepancy in health outcomes experienced by Asian and white birthing individuals. If these findings suggest a disproportionate burden among Asians, they will be used to advocate for future studies to explore the causal mechanisms underlying this relationship, such as differential care provision, barriers to accessing care, and social and institutional racism. Ultimately, the findings of this review can be used to frame obstetric care guidelines and inform healthcare practices to ensure care that is equitable and accessible to diverse populations.

Incidencia, complicaciones inmediatas y tempranas de desgarros perineales graves durante el parto en una institución de referencia de atención obstétrica en Medellín, Colombia

Introducción: los desgarros perineales severos (DPS) son complicaciones obstétricas que se presentan durante la atención del parto. Pueden desencadenar fístulas rectales e incontinencia fecal y urinaria, morbilidad a mediano y largo plazo que requiere un diagnóstico, manejo y seguimiento adecuado. Objetivo: determinar la incidencia de los DPS y las complicaciones relacionadas inmediatas −primeras 48 horas− y tempranas −primeros tres meses− posteriores a la atención del parto.Metodología: se hizo un estudio de cohorte descriptiva de pacientes con DPS durante la atención del parto en un centro de referencia de atención obstétrica en Medellín, Colombia, entre enero del 2015 y diciembre del 2017. Se revisaron las historias clínicas y se registraron los datos clínicos y las complicaciones inmediatas y tempranas en las que asistieron a cita de control de piso pélvico. Se presentan medidas descriptivas de resumen.Resultados: se atendieron 14.247 partos vaginales. La incidencia de DPS fue del 1,6 % (233/14.247), 1,3 % (184/14.267) de grado III y 0,3 % (49/14.247) de grado IV. El 66,5 % (155/233) tuvo parto vértice instrumentado, 81,9 % (191/233) episiotomía; la mediana del periodo expulsivo fue de 19 minutos (RIQ 12-35), y el 3 % (7/233) presentó distocia de hombros. Las complicaciones inmediatas en las pacientes con DPS fueron: 0,85 % (2/233) dehiscencia de sutura e infección de la herida, 0,85 % (2/233) solo dehiscencia y 0,42 % (1/233) solo infección de la herida. El 18,4 % (43/233) asistieron al control uroginecológico al tercer mes. Entre ellas, el 38,2 % (13/43) tuvo al menos una complicación, principalmente incontinencia fecal y de flatos, 16,3 % (7/43) y 13,9 % (6/43) respectivamente. Conclusiones: la incidencia de DPS y de complicaciones del posparto inmediato en la institución fueron poco frecuentes. Se deben mejorar las estrategias de seguimiento posparto mediante protocolos institucionales, con el fin de identificar y brindar un manejo oportuno de las complicaciones a mediano plazo.  

Time trends in episiotomy and severe perineal tears in Portugal: a nationwide register-based study

INTRODUCTION

Rates of episiotomy and severe perineal tears (SPT) are indicators of the quality of obstetric care. Time-trends in the reported occurrence of episiotomy and SPT can contribute to understand both, changes in care and in the frequency of risk factors. Therefore, we aimed to estimate time trends in the frequency of SPT in Portugal and its relationship with episiotomy.

METHODS

We conducted a nationwide register-based study using data from the national inpatient database of all Portuguese public hospitals between 2000 and 2015. Time-trend analysis using joinpoint regression models was performed to identify trends (joinpoints) and compare time changes in the prevalence of SPT and risk factors expressed as annual percentage changes (APC) with 95% Confidence Intervals (95% CI). Poisson regression models were fitted to estimate whether time-trends in SPT rates were explained by changes in risk factors and to assess the association between episiotomy and SPT. Adjusted relative risk (aRR) and their respective 95% CI were obtained.

RESULTS

From 908,999 singleton vaginal deliveries, 20.6% were instrumental deliveries, 76.7% with episiotomy and 0.56% were complicated by SPT. Among women with non-instrumental deliveries and no episiotomy SPT decreased from 2009 onwards (1.3% to 0.7%), whereas SPT kept increasing in women with episiotomy for both non-instrumental (0.1% in 2000 to 0.4% in 2015) and instrumental deliveries (0.7% in 2005 to 2.3% in 2015). Time-trends in potential risk factors did not explain the observed increase in SPT. Episiotomy was associated with a decrease in SPT with adjusted RR varying between 2000 and 2015 from 0.18 (95%CI:0.13-0.25) to 0.59 (95%CI:0.44-0.79) for non-instrumental deliveries and from 0.45 (95%CI:0.25-0.81) to 0.50 (95%CI:0.40-0.72) for instrumental deliveries.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings suggest that episiotomy rate could safely further decrease as the main factor driving SPT rates seems to be an increase in awareness and reporting of SPT particularly among women who underwent an episiotomy.

Substantial Obstetric Anal Sphincter Injury during Vacuum Assisted Delivery: An Obstetrical Issue or Device Related?

BACKGROUND

Obstetric anal sphincter injuries (OASIS) might be associated with long-term urinary and anorectal morbidities. The aim of the study was to investigate the risk factors and clinical implications of OASIS associated with vacuum-assisted deliveries versus normal vaginal deliveries.

METHODS

A series of 413 consecutive OASIS cases were retrospectively analyzed. A comparison was made between OASIS cases diagnosed following vacuum-assisted deliveries versus OASIS cases diagnosed following normal vaginal deliveries. Multivariable analysis was used to study the association between vacuum-assisted deliveries and superficial (3A and 3B) versus deep (3C and 4) perineal tears.

RESULTS

The study population comprised 88,123 singleton vaginal deliveries. Diagnosis of OASIS was made in 413 women (0.47% of the total cohort), 379 (91.8%) of whom had third-degree tears and 34 (8.2%) of whom had fourth-degree tears. Among the 7410 vacuum-assisted deliveries, 102 (1.37%) had OASIS, whereas, among the 80,713 normal vaginal deliveries, only 311 (0.39%) had OASIS. In a multivariate analysis, only vacuum-assisted delivery was found to be associated with a significant risk of deeper (3C or 4) perineal tears (OR = 1.72; 95% CI 1.02-2.91; p = 0.043).

CONCLUSIONS

Vacuum-assisted instrumental intervention is a significant risk factor for OASIS and especially for deeper tears, independent of other maternal and obstetric risk factors.

The clinical characteristics of perineal tears: A study carried out on 14 pregnant women in a tertiary center: Case series

Background

The sheer quality of the female genital tract is not always respected at the time of childbirth because no protocol for the management of perineal tears exists in our services these days. The management remains dependent on a gynecologist and obstetrician. The study aimed to describe the characteristics of perineal tears.

Methods

Our cross-sectional, retrospective, and descriptive study focused on patients admitted for childbirth and hospitalized in the obstetrics department of the Saint Luc Tertiary Clinic for a period from March 2021 to March 2022. During this period, we recorded 111 deliveries with 14 perineal tears.

Results

A total of 111 deliveries were recorded with a 12.6% frequency of perineal tears. 64.3% of women aged between 26 and 35 and 71.4% of primiparous women were affected by perineal tears. For delivery, 64.3% of births were eutocic deliveries, with 42.9% of children born with a birth weight greater than 4 kg, and the cephalic presentation delivered 86% of children. For degrees of perineal tears, 64.3% of patients had first-degree perineal tears. For postpartum treatment of perineal tears, analgesics help calm the pain, and antibiotic therapy has been considered. For fourth and third-degree tears, episiotomy was performed as a surgical procedure.

Conclusion

Perineal tears are the trauma often encountered in obstetrics; the first few suffer from it essentially. The high birth weight of children is often the cause. They require immediate management to prevent or avoid infections.

•

Women have a very complex anatomy, hence the high risk of trauma or tears of the perineum that are often unavoidable during childbirth. Young primiparous women are the most vulnerable to perineal tears with a very high prevalence.

•

The high weight and cephalic presentation of children at delivery are the factors causing perineal tears in women. Vaginal delivery and the number of foetuses has an impact on the integrity of the perineum.

•

During childbirth, perineal tears should be brought to the attention of obstetric providers to avoid complications for the woman.

Can We Predict Feto-Maternal Adverse Outcomes of Vacuum Extraction?

Introduction Vacuum extraction (VE) is an important modality in modern obstetrics, yet sometimes results in maternal or neonatal adverse outcomes, which can cause a lifetime disability. We aimed to characterize potential risk factors for adverse outcomes that in retrospect would have led the physician to avoid the procedure. Materials and Methods Retrospective cohort of 3331 singleton pregnancies, ≥ 34 w delivered by VE. 263 deliveries (7.9%) incurred a VE-related feto-maternal adverse outcome, defined as one or more of the following: 3-4th-degree perineal laceration, subgaleal hematoma, intracranial hemorrhage, shoulder dystocia, clavicular fracture, Erb's palsy or fracture of humerus. 3068 deliveries (92.1%) did not have VE-related adverse outcomes. Both groups were compared to determine potential risk factors for VE adverse outcomes. Results Multivariable regression found seven independent risk factors for VE-related feto-maternal adverse outcomes: Nulliparity - with an odds ratio (OR) of 1.82 (95% CI = 1.11-2.98, p = 0.018), epidural anesthesia (OR 1.99, CI = 1.42-2.80, p < 0.001), Ventouse-Mityvac (VM) cup (OR 1.86, CI = 1.35-2.54, p < 0.001), prolonged second stage as indication for VE (OR 1.54, CI = 1.11-2.15, p = 0.010), cup detachment (OR 1.66, CI = 1.18-2.34, p = 0.004), increasing procedure duration (OR 1.07 for every additional minute, CI = 1.03-1.11, p < 0.001) and increasing neonatal birthweight (OR 3.42 for every additional kg, CI = 2.33-5.02, p < 0.001). Occiput anterior (OA) position was a protective factor (OR 0.62, CI = 0.43-0.89, p = 0.010). Conclusions VE-related adverse outcomes can be correlated to clinical characteristics, such as nulliparity, epidural anesthesia, VM cup, prolonged second stage as indication for VE, cup detachment, prolonged procedure duration and increasing neonatal weight. OA position was a protective factor. This information may assist medical staff to make an informed decision whether to choose VE or cesarean delivery (CD).

Obstetric anal sphincter injuries-Maternal, fetal and sociodemographic risk factors: A retrospective register-based study

INTRODUCTION

Obstetric anal sphincter injuries (OASIS) are severe complications to vaginal births with potentially serious long-term consequences and large impact on quality of life. The aim was to determine risk and protective factors for OASIS.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

We performed a retrospective register-based observational study. A cohort of 988 988 singleton term deliveries 2005-2016 in Sweden were included. Data from the Swedish Medical Birth Registry and Statistics Sweden were extracted to identify cases of OASIS and maternal and fetal characteristics. Modified Poisson Regression analyses were performed to assess risk factors.

RESULTS

The rate of OASIS was 3.5% (n = 34 583). Primiparity (adjusted risk ratio [aRR] 3.13, 95% CI 3.05-3.21), vacuum extraction (aRR 2.79, 95% CI 2.73-2.86), forceps (aRR 4.27, 95% CI 3.86-4.72), and high birthweight (aRR 2.61, 95% CI 2.50-2.72) were associated with a significantly increased risk of OASIS. Increasing maternal age and decreasing maternal height also increased the risk of OASIS. Obesity increased the risk of OASIS (aRR 1.04, 95% CI 1.04-1.08), if fetal birthweight was not adjusted for. Smoking (aRR 0.74, 95% CI 0.70-0.79) and low maternal education (aRR 0.87, 95% CI 0.83-0.92) were associated with a decreased frequency of reported OASIS. Previous cesarean section increased the risk of OASIS (aRR 1.41, 95% CI 1.36-1.47).

CONCLUSIONS

Primiparity, instrumental delivery, and high birthweight significantly increased the risk of OASIS. Obesity, low height, increasing age, and previous cesarean section also increased the risk whereas smoking and low maternal educational level were associated with a lower OASIS rate.

Mediolateral/lateral episiotomy with operative vaginal delivery and the risk reduction of obstetric anal sphincter injury (OASI): A systematic review and meta-analysis

Introduction and hypothesis

OASI complicates approximately 6% of vaginal deliveries. This risk is increased with operative vaginal deliveries (OVDs), particularly forceps. However, there is conflicting evidence supporting the use of mediolateral/lateral episiotomy (MLE/LE) with OVD. The aim of this study was to assess whether MLE/LE affects the incidence of OASI in OVD.

Methods

Electronic searches were performed in OVID Medline, Embase and the Cochrane Library. Randomised and non-randomised observational studies investigating the risk of OASI in OVD with/without MLE/LE were eligible for inclusion. Pooled odds ratios (OR) were calculated using Revman 5.3. Risk of bias of was assessed using the Cochrane RoB2 and ROBINS-I tool. The quality of evidence was assessed using Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE).

Results

A total of 703,977 patients from 31 studies were pooled for meta-analysis. MLE/LE significantly reduced the rate of OASI in OVD (OR 0.60 [95% CI 0.42–0.84]). On sub-group analysis, MLE/LE significantly reduced the rate in nulliparous ventouse (OR 0.51 [95% CI 0.42–0.84]) and forceps deliveries (OR 0.32 [95% CI 0.29–0.61]). In multiparous women, although the incidence of OASI was lower when a ventouse or forceps delivery was performed with an MLE/LE, this was not statistically significant. Heterogeneity remained significant across all studies (I² > 50). The quality of all evidence was downgraded to “very low” because of the critical risk of bias across many studies.

Conclusions

MLE/LE may reduce the incidence of OASI in OVDs, particularly in nulliparous ventouse or forceps deliveries. This information will be useful in aiding clinical decision-making and counselling in the antenatal period and during labour.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s00192-022-05145-1.

Delivery Mode after Ileal Pouch-Anal Anastomosis among Pregnant Women with Ulcerative Colitis

Objectives:

The appropriate and recommended delivery mode after ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (IPAA) for ulcerative colitis (UC) has not been sufficiently evaluated. This study was designed to compare the delivery outcomes associated with cesarean section (CS) and vaginal delivery (VD) after IPAA.

Methods:

We conducted a questionnaire-based survey of female patients who underwent IPAA for UC between July 1987 and May 2018. Additionally, we reviewed clinical data and collected information regarding pouch function and postpartum complications.

Results:

In total, 45 patients had 68 deliveries, including 64 CS deliveries and four VDs. Fecal incontinence worsened in seven patients, including six CS patients and one VD patient. The Wexner scores of these patients before and after delivery were 5.4 ± 0.4 and 14.8 ± 1.0, respectively (p = 0.005). Four patients in the CS group and one in the VD group (p = 0.32) had increased stool frequency. Bowel obstructions developed during 11/64 (17.2%) deliveries, and one patient required surgical intervention. One patient with four VDs (three before IPAA and one after IPAA) developed vaginal fistula 5 months after the final VD. Information on episiotomies could not be obtained.

Conclusions:

Pouch function can decline even after CS. Notably, bowel obstruction can develop after CS. However, we cannot recommend a particular delivery method after IPAA. Further analyses to elucidate the relationship between CS and postoperative complications or vaginal fistula and episiotomy in VDs should be conducted.

Temporal trends in obstetric anal sphincter injury from the first vaginal delivery in Austria, Canada, Norway, and Sweden

INTRODUCTION

Obstetric anal sphincter injuries (OASI) are severe complications that can cause considerable short- and long-term morbidity. Austria, Canada, Norway, and Sweden have similar socio-economic characteristics, and all four countries have access to national birth registers. In this study, we hypothesized that the incidence of OASI should be very similar for different obstetric scenarios in these four countries. Therefore, the aim was to compare the incidence of OASI in these four countries in primiparous women, with spontaneous or instrumental delivery (vacuum or forceps), and in women with a first vaginal birth after cesarean section (VBAC).

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Aggregated data on 1 933 930 vaginally delivered primiparous women and women with VBAC were retrieved from the birth registers gathered in Austria, Canada, Norway, and Sweden. The annual rate of OASI (ICD-10 codes O70.2-O70.3) was presented as the percentage of women with a spontaneous delivery, vacuum or forceps delivery, and a VBAC during the period 2004-2016.

RESULTS

The incidence of OASI varied considerably between countries and over time. Canada and Sweden had the highest rates, and Austria and Norway the lowest. In Norway, the rate of OASI decreased consistently for all types of deliveries after introducing a perineal protection program in 2004 (p < 0.001). During vacuum delivery, the incidence of OASI varied between countries from 4.1% to 15.5% across the study period. In Canada and Norway, the rate of OASI after a forceps delivery was similar in 2004 at ~20% and with differing trajectories to 24.3% (β 0.49) and 6.2% (β -1.15) (trend, all p < 0.001) in 2016.

CONCLUSIONS

This comparative register study suggests that there may be considerable potential for lowering the incidence of OASI. The perineal protection program implemented by Norway has been successful. Each country should critically, without prejudice, analyze their current clinical practices and rate of OASI and consider the best preventive strategy.

Could Subtle Obstetrical Brachial Plexus Palsy Be Related to Unilateral B Glenoid Osteoarthritis?

Background: Several factors associated with B glenoid are also linked with obstetrical brachial plexus palsy (OBPP). The purpose of this observational study was to determine the incidence of OBPP risk factors in type B patients. Methods: A cohort of 154 patients (68% men, 187 shoulders) aged 63 ± 17 years with type B glenoids completed a questionnaire comprising history of perinatal characteristics related to OBPP. A literature review was performed following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) to estimate the incidence of OBPP risk factors in the general population. Results: Twenty-seven patients (18%) reported one or more perinatal OBPP risk factors, including shoulder dystocia (n = 4, 2.6%), macrosomia >4 kg (n = 5, 3.2%), breech delivery (n = 6, 3.9%), fetal distress (n = 8, 5.2%), maternal diabetes (n = 2, 1.3%), clavicular fracture (n = 2, 1.3%), and forceps delivery (n = 4, 2.6%). The comparison with the recent literature suggested that most perinatal OBPP risk factors were within the normal range, although the incidence of shoulder dystocia, forceps and vaginal breech deliveries exceeded the average rates. Conclusion: Perinatal factors related to OBPP did not occur in a higher frequency in patients with Walch type B OA compared to the general population, although some of them were in the high normal range.

Women's experience and satisfaction with midwife-led maternity care: a cross-sectional survey in China

BACKGROUND

Low risk pregnancy ending in a vaginal birth is best served and guided by a midwife. Utilizing a midwife in such cases offers many emotional and economic advantages and does not increase the risks for mother or neonate. However, women's experience and satisfaction of midwife-led maternity care is rarely reported in China. The primary objective of this study is to describe the experience of Chinese women receiving midwife-led maternity care, and to report their satisfaction level of the experience.

METHODS

The study is a cross-sectional survey of 4192 women who had natural birth from March-June 2019 in a maternity care center, Shanghai, China. We used a self-administered questionnaire addressing items related to women's experience during childbirth, as well as their satisfaction with midwife-led maternity care. We also included demographic and perinatal characteristics of each participant. Descriptive statistics and correlations analysis between groups of different experience and satisfaction were used.

RESULTS

In this sample, 87.7% of women had a Doula and a family member present during childbirth. Epidural anesthesia was used in 75.6% and episiotomy was needed in 23.2%. Free positioning during the first stage of labor and free positioning during the second stage of labor and delivery were adopted in 84.3 and 67.9% of the cases, respectively. Moderate to severe perineal pain and moderate to severe perineal edema were reported in 43.1 and 12.2% of the participants, respectively. High satisfaction level was found when there was midwife-led prenatal counseling and presence of Doula and family member, Lamaze breathing techniques, warm perineal compresses, epidural anesthesia, free positioning during the first stage of labor, and midwifes' postpartum guidance. Negative satisfaction was seen with perineal pain and edema.

CONCLUSION

Women in this survey generally had high satisfaction with midwife-led maternity care. This satisfaction is probably felt because of the prenatal counseling by the midwife and allowing a Doula and a family member in the room during childbirth. Other intangible factors to improve the satisfaction level were Lamaze breathing techniques, warm perineal compresses, epidural anesthesia, free positioning during first stage of labor, and early skin to skin contact.

Diagnosis and Management of Postpartum Pelvic Floor Disorders

Pelvic floor disorders are common in the postpartum period. These disorders can significantly affect one's quality of life during a period that is already filled with emotional and physiologic change. This review focuses on the presentation, diagnosis, and treatment of the 3 major pelvic floor disorders in postpartum women, namely, urinary incontinence, fecal incontinence, and pelvic organ prolapse.

Obstetric anal sphicnter injury in a Spanish hospital

OBJECTIVE

Estimation of the prevalence of obstetric anal sphincter injury (OASIS) in our environment and study of the associated risk factors.

STUDY DESING

A retrospective observational study of cases and controls of assisted deliveries at the Severo Ochoa University Hospital of Leganés during the period from January 1, 2012, to December 31, 2017. A total of 88 OASIS diagnosed in the study period is compared with a randomly selected group of 181 controls of similar characteristics, vaginal births of cephalic of 36 weeks gestation or more, occurring during the same period.

RESULTS

During the study period, a total of 8160 deliveries were attended in our hospital, of which 6187 were vaginal and we diagnosed a total of 88 OASIS at the time of delivery. The prevalence of OASIS is 1.07 % for total births and 1.42 % for total vaginal deliveries. In the case-control study, the univariate analysis shows statistical significance for nulliparity (OR 3.84; 95 % CI 2.155-6.834; p < 0.001), instrumental delivery (OR 8.73; 95 % CI 4.706-16.2016; p < 0.001), occipital posterior position (OR 7.23; 95 % CI 2.535-20.633; p < 0.001), long duration of the second stage of labor (OR 1.99; IC95 % 1,159-3,438; p 0.01), episiotomy (OR 3.51; 95 % CI 1,956-6,309; p < 0.001) and OBGYN labor assistant (<0.001). When performing the multivariate analysis, forceps delivery (OR19.68), Thierry spatulas delivery (OR 8.15), vacuum delivery (OR 2.74), nulliparity (OR 2.56) and fetal weight in grams (OR 1.12) remain significant in the final model.

CONCLUSION

The main risk factors for the onset of OASIS are instrumental delivery, nulliparity and fetal birth weight.

Impact of a quality improvement project to reduce the rate of obstetric anal sphincter injury: a multicentre study with a stepped-wedge design

Objective

To evaluate the impact of a care bundle (antenatal information to women, manual perineal protection and mediolateral episiotomy when indicated) on obstetric anal sphincter injury (OASI) rates.

Design

Multicentre stepped‐wedge cluster design.

Setting

Sixteen maternity units located in four regions across England, Scotland and Wales.

Population

Women with singleton live births between October 2016 and March 2018.

Methods

Stepwise region by region roll‐out every 3 months starting January 2017. The four maternity units in a region started at the same time. Multi‐level logistic regression was used to estimate the impact of the care bundle, adjusting for time trend and case‐mix factors (age, ethnicity, body mass index, parity, birthweight and mode of birth).

Main outcome measures

Obstetric anal sphincter injury in singleton live vaginal births.

Results

A total of 55 060 singleton live vaginal births were included (79% spontaneous and 21% operative). Median maternal age was 30 years (interquartile range 26–34 years) and 46% of women were primiparous. The OASI rate decreased from 3.3% before to 3.0% after care bundle implementation (adjusted odds ratio 0.80, 95% CI 0.65–0.98, P = 0.03). There was no evidence that the effect of the care bundle differed according to parity (P = 0.77) or mode of birth (P = 0.31). There were no significant changes in caesarean section (P = 0.19) or episiotomy rates (P = 0.16) during the study period.

Conclusions

The implementation of this care bundle reduced OASI rates without affecting caesarean section rates or episiotomy use. These findings demonstrate its potential for reducing perineal trauma during childbirth.

Tweetable abstract

OASI Care Bundle reduced severe perineal tear rates without affecting caesarean section rates or episiotomy use.

OASI Care Bundle reduced severe perineal tear rates without affecting caesarean section rates or episiotomy use.

Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial on the Efficacy of Hyaluronidase in Preventing Perineal Trauma in Nulliparous Women

PURPOSE

Hyaluronidase (HAase) has many uses in medicine, and reports suggest that it affects perineal tissue during fetal passage through the vaginal canal. However, its potential use for preventing perineal trauma has yet to be determined. This study sought to evaluate the efficacy and safety of perineal HAase injections in reducing perineal trauma during vaginal delivery.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A multi-center, double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized study was conducted from January 2016 to March 2017. Nulliparous women who planned to undergo vaginal delivery were recruited, and the enrolled women were randomly assigned to the HAase injection group (HAase injection, 5000 IU, n=75) or the control group (normal saline injection, n=73). The degree of perineal laceration, rate of episiotomy, and grade of perineal edema at 1 hour and 24 hours after spontaneous vaginal delivery were compared between the two groups.

RESULTS

A total of 148 women who underwent vaginal delivery were recruited. No significant differences were observed between the HAase injection and control groups in the rates of perineal laceration (p=0.422). Perineal edema significantly decreased 24 hours after delivery in the women treated with perineal HAase injections, compared to women in the control group (p=0.008). The overall incidences of adverse events, such as redness of the injection site, infection, and wound dehiscence, were similar between the two groups.

CONCLUSION

HAase injections in nulliparous women afforded no reductions in the rates of perineal lacerations and episiotomy. However, the use of perineal HAase injections did reduce perineal edema without severe adverse events.

A novel classification for evaluating episiotomy practices: application to the Burgundy perinatal network

Background

Though the rate of episiotomy has decreased in France, the overall episiotomy rate was 20% in the 2016 national perinatal survey. We aimed to develop a classification to facilitate the analysis of episiotomy practices and to evaluate whether episiotomy is associated with a reduction in the rate of obstetric anal sphincter injuries (OASIS) for each subgroup.

Methods

This population-based study included all the deliveries that occurred in the Burgundy Perinatal Network from 2011 to 2016. The main outcome was episiotomy, which was identified thanks to the French Common Classification of Medical Procedures. An ascending hierarchical cluster analysis was performed to build the classification. A clinical audit using the classification was conducted yearly in all obstetric units. The episiotomy rates were described throughout the study period for each subgroup of the classification. The OASIS rates were evaluated by subgroup and the association between mediolateral episiotomy and OASIS was investigated for each subgroup.

Results

Our analyses included 81,290 pregnant women. The classification comprised 7 subgroups: ₍₁₎ nulliparous single cephalic at term, ₍₂₎ nulliparous single cephalic at term with instrumental delivery, ₍₃₎ multiparous single cephalic at term, ₍₄₎ multiparous single cephalic at term with instrumental delivery, ₍₅₎ all preterm deliveries (< 37 weeks gestation), ₍₆₎ all breech deliveries, ₍₇₎ all multiple deliveries.

Episiotomy rates ranged from 6.2% in Group 3 to 40.9% in Group 2. From 2011 to 2016, every group except breech deliveries experienced a significant decrease in episiotomy rates, ranging from − 28.1 to − 61.0%.

The prevalence of OASIS was the highest in Groups 2 (3.0%) and 4 (2.2%). Overall OASIS rates did not significantly differ with episiotomy use (P = 0.25). However, we found that the use of episiotomy was associated with a reduction in OASIS rates in Groups 1 and 2 (odds ratio 0.6 [95% CI 0.4–0.9] and 0.4 [0.3–0.5], respectively). This reduction was only observed in Group 4 with forceps delivery (odds ratio 0.4 [0.1–0.9]).

Conclusion

We developed the first classification for the evaluation of episiotomy practices based on 7 clinically relevant subgroups. This easy-to-use tool can help obstetricians and midwives improve their practices through self-assessment.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s12884-019-2424-2) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Is Ritgen's maneuver associated with decreased perineal lacerations and pain at delivery?

Purpose: Different techniques have been studied to prevent the risk of perineal trauma during labor and post-partum pain. Limited information is available on the effect of Ritgen's maneuver. The aim of this review was to analyze whether Ritgen's maneuver during vaginal delivery has an effect on the risks of perineal trauma.Data sources: Electronic databases were searched from their inception until April 2018. No restrictions for language or geographic location were applied.Methods: We included all randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing the use of Ritgen's maneuver with a control group in women with singleton gestation and cephalic presentation at ≥37 weeks. Ritgen's maneuver was defined as an upward pressure from the coccygeal region to extend the head during vaginal delivery. Trials evaluating other technique (e.g. hands-on, perineal massage, warm compresses, etc.) were not included. All analyses were done using an intention-to-treat approach. The primary outcome was severe perineal laceration, defined as either third- or fourth-degree lacerations. Meta-analysis was performed using the random-effects model of DerSimonian and Laird to produce summary treatment effects in terms of either a relative risk (RR) with 95% confidence interval (CI).Results: Three trials including 1589 women were analyzed. Ritgen's maneuver was usually done by a midwife in the second stage during uterine contraction and/or during the crowning process. Pooled data showed no significant differences in the incidence of severe perineal lacerations (RR = 0.69, 95% CI = 0.10-4.61), and a higher risk of post-partum pain (RR = 1.95, 95% CI = 1.13-3.38).Conclusions: Ritgen's maneuver during labor is not protective for severe perineal lacerations and is associated with higher post-partum pain.

Risk and protective factors for obstetric anal sphincter injuries: A retrospective nationwide study

BACKGROUND

In view of the reported increase in obstetric anal sphincter injuries, the objective of this study was to evaluate the incidence of such injuries over time and the associated risk and protective factors.

METHODS

This was a retrospective cohort study from a national database of 168 137 primiparous women with term, singleton, cephalic, vaginal delivery between 2008 and 2014. The main outcome measure was obstetric anal sphincter injury. A multivariate regression model was used to identify risk and protective factors.

RESULTS

Age >19 years, birthweight >4000 g, and operative vaginal delivery were independent risk factors for obstetric anal sphincter injuries. Mediolateral episiotomy increased the risk for obstetric anal sphincter injuries in spontaneous vaginal birth (number needed to harm 333), whereas it was protective in vacuum delivery (number needed to treat 50). From 2008 to 2014, there was an increase in the rate of obstetric anal sphincter injuries (2.1% vs 3.1%, P < .01), vacuum deliveries (12.1% vs 12.8%, P < .01), and cesarean delivery after labor (17.1% vs 19.4%, P < .01), while forceps deliveries (0.4% vs 0.1%, P < .01) and episiotomy rate decreased (35.9% vs 26.4%, P < .01).

CONCLUSIONS

Episiotomy may be a risk or protective factor depending on the type of episiotomy and the clinical setting in which it is used. Our study supports a restrictive use of mediolateral episiotomy in spontaneous vaginal deliveries. In vacuum deliveries mediolateral episiotomy may help prevent obstetric anal sphincter injuries.