Impact of childbirth on pelvic floor dysfunction in women who have undergone previous pelvic floor reconstructive surgery: systematic review and meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: The aim of the study was to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis of the impact of pregnancy and childbirth (vaginal delivery [VD]) or cesarean section (CS) on the recurrence of pelvic floor disorders in women who had previously undergone pelvic floor reconstructive surgery for pelvic organ prolapse (POP) or stress urinary incontinence (SUI), to facilitate future evidence-based counseling. METHODS: PubMed, Cochrane, Embase, BJOG, Scopus, etc. were screened, from 1990 to date. Inclusion criteria included cohort studies, case-control studies, case series, and case reports that reported on the primary outcome measure of the review. Exclusion criteria included studies on surgical procedures whose outcomes are unlikely to be impacted by pregnancy and childbirth or are obsolete. Meta-analysis was performed using Review Manager 5.3. RESULTS: Seven papers on midurethral slings (MUS; 181 women in both VD and CS groups respectively) and three papers on different hysteropexy techniques (47 and 29 women in the VD and CS groups respectively), were included in the meta-analysis. No difference was seen between the two groups regarding the recurrence of SUI in women who had previously undergone MUS surgery (OR: 1.18 [0.66, 2.09]; Z = 0.56; p = 0.58) or the recurrence of POP following hysteropexy using various apical suspension procedures (OR: 1.81 [0.04, 80.65]; Z = 0.31; p = 0.76). There are insufficient data to support meta-analyses for individual MUS sub-types or hysteropexy procedures. CONCLUSION: Current literature does not demonstrate a protective effect of CS in preventing recurrent SUI in women who had undergone MUS surgery for SUI. When hysteropexy is considered irrespective of the apical suspension procedure employed, the incidence of recurrent POP appears similar after CS and VD.

Obesity is not an independent risk factor for peri- and post-operative complications following mid-urethral sling (MUS) surgeries for the treatment of stress urinary incontinence (SUI).

OBJECTIVE: To inquire whether obesity is a risk factor of peri- and post-operative complications following Mid-urethral sling (MUS) surgeries for SUI repair using the Clavien-Dindo classification system (CDcs). METHODS: This retrospective cohort included 304 women who undergone a MUS in a 1000 beds tertiary University medical center between the years 2012-2018. Univariate analysis was conducted to compare clinical and operative traits by BMI group and to examine associations of obesity and complications rates and severity according to the CDcs. Multivariate analysis was conducted to assess the risk for post-operative complications and adjust to potential confounders. RESULTS: The study group included 106 (34.9%) women with BMI 30 or higher and the comparison group included 198 (65.1%) women with BMI lower than 30. In the study group we found a significantly higher prevalence of hypertension (P = 0.019), previous abdominal surgeries (P = 0.012) including cesarean section (P = 0.025), previous pelvic floor surgeries (P = 0.005) and pelvic organ prolapse (P = 0.02). In the control group we found a significantly higher rates of concomitant hysterectomy which performed during the MUS (P = 0.005). Obesity was not associated with increased rates of peri and post-operative complications (P = 0.973). CONCLUSIONS: In our study, obesity was not associated with peri- and post-operative complications following MUS.

The association between aspartate aminotransferase (AST) to platelets (PLT) ratio (APRI) and the development of intrahepatic cholestasis in pregnancy and other related complications.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the association between aspartate aminotransferase (AST) to platelet count ratio index (APRI score), during the first and third trimesters of pregnancy and the development of intrahepatic cholestasis in pregnancy (ICP). METHODS: Case-control study was conducted. The study included patients diagnosed with ICP by elevated bile acids (n = 118) and a control group of women with symptoms such as elevated liver enzymes or pruritus with normal level of bile acids (n = 127) who attended a large tertiary teaching medical center between the years 2014 and 2021. The groups were compared in terms of obstetrical characteristics, perinatal outcomes, first- and third-trimester laboratory tests, and APRI scores during the first and third trimester. A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was performed to determine the APRI score cutoff value that could predict ICP. RESULTS: The third-trimester APRI scores of patients with ICP were significantly higher than those of the control group (P < 0.001). The ROC analysis revealed that the cutoff value for the APRI score was 0.42 with 65.3% sensitivity and 73.2% specificity. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that the third-trimester APRI score is positively associated with ICP.

Pelvic floor disorders among amateur runners.

BACKGROUND: Sports and physical activity are known risk factors for pelvic floor dysfunction (PFD). The aim of this study is to examine the impact of amateur running on PFD, quality of life (QoL), and sexual function. METHODS: Amateur runners were contacted through social media. Their PFD, sexual function, and QoL were evaluated by self-reporting validated questionnaires (PFDI-20, PISQ-12, IIQ-7). They were divided by degree of effort into two categories, 'High effort' and 'Moderate effort'. The differences between the two groups were examined by a Mann-Whitney U Test, T-Test, and Chi-square test. RESULTS: 180 women were included. A high incidence of PFD was found among 'High effort' runners in comparison to 'Moderate effort' runners. In addition, women who scored above the median in the PFDI-20 showed significantly greater impairment in QoL and sexual function. Interestingly, the 'High effort' group reported experiencing higher intensity orgasms compared with women in the 'Moderate effort' group. A correlation was also found between the weekly running distance and the intensity of orgasm experienced (P value = 0.004). CONCLUSION: 'High effort' runners present a higher incidence of PFD in comparison to 'Moderate effort' runners. Professional pelvic floor muscle training counselling should be considered even for amateur runners. Future interventional physical therapy studies should be carried out in order to investigate preventative strategies.

Correlation between total deceleration area in CTG records and cord blood pH in pregnancies with IUGR.

PURPOSE: Fetal cardiotocography is the most common method to assess fetal well-being during labor. Nevertheless, its predictive ability for acidemia is limited, both in low-risk and high-risk pregnancies (Nelson et al. in N Engl J Med 334: 613-9, 1996; Rinciples P et al. in Health and Human Development Workshop Report on Electronic Fetal Monitoring : Update on Definitions. no. 2007, 510-515, 2008), especially in high-risk pregnancies, such as those complicated by growth restriction. In this study we aim examine the association between deceleration and acceleration areas and other measure of fetal heart rate in intrapartum fetal monitoring and neonatal arterial cord blood pH in pregnancies complicated by growth restriction. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective cohort study of 100 deliveries complicated by growth restriction, delivered during 2018, was conducted. Known major fetal anomalies, non-vertex presentation and elective cesarean deliveries were excluded. Total deceleration and acceleration areas were calculated as the sum of the areas within the deceleration and acceleration, respectively. RESULTS: In deliveries complicated by growth restriction, cord blood pH is significantly associated with total deceleration area (p = 0.05) and correlates with cumulative duration of the decelerations (Spearman's rank -0.363, p < 0.05), and total acceleration area (-0.358, p < 0.05). By comparing the cord blood pH in deliveries with a total deceleration area that was above and below the median total deceleration area, we demonstrated a significant difference between the categories. CONCLUSIONS: Cord blood pH significantly correlates with total deceleration area and other fetal monitoring characteristics in neonates with growth restriction. Future studies using real-time, machine-learning based techniques of fetal heart rate monitoring, may provide population specific threshold values that will support bedside clinical decision making and perhaps achieve better outcomes.

The association of intrapartum deceleration and acceleration areas with MRI findings in neonatal encephalopathy.

BACKGROUND: Hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) is an important contributor to disability worldwide. The current cardiotocography (CTG) predictive value for neonatal outcome is limited. OBJECTIVE: To assess the association of intrapartum CTG deceleration and acceleration areas with early MRI cerebral pathology in infants with HIE. METHODS: Term and near-term low-risk pregnancies that resulted in HIE, treated with therapeutic hypothermia with sufficient CTG records from a single, tertiary hospital between 2013 and 2021 were enrolled. Accelerations and decelerations areas, their minimum and maximum depths, and duration were calculated as well as the acceleration-to-deceleration area ratio during the 120 min prior to delivery. These data were assessed for associations with higher degrees of abnormality on early MRI scans. RESULTS: A total of 77 infants were included in the final analysis. Significant associations between increased total acceleration area (p = 0.007) and between a higher acceleration-to-deceleration area ratio (p = 0.003) and better MRI results were detected. CONCLUSION: In neonates treated for HIE, acceleration area and acceleration-to-deceleration ratio are associated with the risk of neonatal brain MRI abnormalities. To increase the role of these measurements as a relevant clinical tool, larger, more powered prospective trials are needed, using computerized real-time analysis. IMPACT: The current cardiotocography predictive value for neonatal outcome is limited. This study aimed to assess the association of intrapartum deceleration and acceleration areas with the degree of cerebral injury in early cerebral MRI of neonates with encephalopathy. Lower acceleration area and acceleration-to-deceleration ratio were found to be associated with a higher degree of neonatal brain injury. Brain MRI is a marker of long-term outcome; its association with cardiotocography indices supports their association with long-term outcome in these neonates. Future computer-based CTG area analysis could assist in delivery room decision making to better time interventions and prevent hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy.

Condition-specific validation of the Arabic version of the Prolapse and Incontinence Knowledge Questionnaire (PIKQ) among parturient.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: Pregnancy and mode of delivery have a major effect on pelvic floor disorders (PFD). Assessing knowledge regarding PFD is essential not only for making more informed decisions regarding mode of delivery, but also for seeking help when PFD appear. The Prolapse and Incontinence Knowledge Questionnaire (PIKQ) is a validated tool that assesses women's knowledge regarding urinary incontinence (UI) and pelvic organ prolapse (POP). Validation of the Arabic version of the PIKQ had never been carried out. The purpose of this study was to conduct a condition specific validation among parturients of the PIKQ in the Arabic language. METHODS: Translation of the PIKQ to the Arabic language was carried out according to international recommended guidelines. A cross-sectional study of pregnant women was conducted from June to September 2020 at the Soroka University Medical Center, Israel. The recommended 10:1 ratio between the number of subjects and the number of items in the questionnaire (n=24) was maintained. A total of 244 third trimester pregnant women have completed the Arabic version of the PIKQ. In addition to the validation of the psychometric characteristics, construct validity, criterion validity, and reliability were tested as well. RESULTS: Initially, exploratory factor analysis (EFA) was conducted, resulting in two 12-item scales representing UI and POP. Then, to validate the scale construct we conducted confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). Results of the CFA demonstrated that the PIKQ displayed construct validity, with standardized factor loadings ranging from 0.30 to 0.62. Finally, Cronbach's alpha indicated a good internal reliability for the two factors UI and POP. Criterion validity further supported the validity of the scale. CONCLUSIONS: The Arabic version of the PIKQ is a new, reliable, consistent, and valid instrument to examine the level of knowledge regarding UI and POP in Arabic speaking pregnant women. This instrument may be used to assess women's knowledge about PFD and to direct the need for educational interventions that may empower women to make informed decisions regarding perinatal care.

The Correlation between Fetal Monitor Decelerations Area and Neonatal Cord pH among Preeclamptic parturient: an Automated Approach to a Clinical Challenge.

OBJECTIVE: To examine whether a correlation exists between electronic fetal monitoring (EFM) in the final 120 minute prior to delivery and neonatal cord blood pH among parturients with preeclampsia. STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective cohort study of parturients with term and near-term preeclampsia who delivered at Soroka University Medical Center between 2013 and 2020 was conducted. EFM tracings, demographical data, and obstetrical outcomes were retrieved from the patients' electronic medical records. Using MATLAB program, area under the curve (AUC) measurements were applied. Correlation was calculated using the Spearman's correlation coefficient. RESULTS: EFM of 88 parturients with preeclampsia were assessed. A significant negative correlation was demonstrated between cord blood pH and the decelerations AUC, total decelerations duration, and deceleration depth. No correlation was demonstrated between area over the curve (acceleration) and cord blood pH. In a multivariate linear regression, total deceleration AUC was found independently negatively associated with cord blood pH (beta = -0.264, p = 0.011) controlling for second stage of labor duration and induction of labor. CONCLUSION: Among parturients with preeclampsia, EFM indices may assist in the diagnosis of fetal acidemia. Further studies are needed to strengthen and establish the use of electronic EFM in the management of labor and delivery. KEY POINTS: · A negative correlation was demonstrated between cord blood pH and the decelerations AUC.. · Total deceleration AUC was found independently negatively associated.. · Among parturients with preeclampsia, EFM indices may assist in the diagnosis of fetal acidemia..

Factors associated with compliance to the recommendations for postpartum diabetes mellitus screening among women with gestational diabetes mellitus.

OBJECTIVE: Since women with GDM have an increased risk to develop type 2 DM, a 75 g OGTT is recommended 6-12 weeks postpartum for all women with GDM. However, screening rates remain low. The aim of this study was to find factors affect the rate of postpartum DM screening. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective cohort study between 2016 and 2017 at the Soroka Medical Center, comparing women with GDM who underwent postpartum DM screening test to those who did not. RESULTS: 257 women who had a diagnosis of GDM and met the inclusion criteria were included. 53 (20.6%) had a postpartum DM screening test and 204 (79.4%) did not complete the postpartum DM screening. Women who underwent a DM screening postpartum were more likely to be older, with significantly higher rates of vacuum-assisted delivery, more likely to be diagnosed with GDMA2 as compared to GDMA1 during pregnancy and, with high probability of receiving recommendations for screening at a postpartum visit. CONCLUSIONS: The rates of postpartum DM screening for women with GDM are low and need to increase. Age greater than 25, vacuum delivery, GDMA2, and having received a recommendation for postpartum screening increased the likelihood of undergoing a postpartum DM screening.

Is epidural analgesia an independent risk factor for OASIS? A population-based cohort study.

INTRODUCTION: To evaluate whether epidural analgesia is an independent risk factor for OASIS. METHODS: A population-based cohort study including all women who delivered by spontaneous vaginal delivery or by instrumental delivery beyond 24 weeks gestation was conducted. Deliveries occurred between 1988 and 2016 at a large university tertiary medical center. Women with multiple gestations and those lacking prenatal care were excluded from the analysis. RESULTS: During the study period, 252,542 women delivered at the Soroka University Medical Center and met the inclusion criteria. Of these, 583 (0.23%) were diagnosed with OASIS. Women with OASIS were more likely to be younger, nulliparous, with suspected fetal macrosomia, had higher rates of labor induction and vacuum extraction delivery, higher rates of conceiving after infertility treatments, more advanced gestational age at delivery, higher mean birth weight, higher rates of post-partum hemorrhage and need for blood transfusions. Use of epidural analgesia during pregnancy was significantly high among the OASIS group. Rates of episiotomy were not significantly different between the groups. Using a multimodal logistic regression model, after controlling for vacuum delivery, large for gestational age, nulliparity, gestational age, ethnicity, maternal age, induction of labor, fertility treatments, non-reassuring fetal heart rate and non-progressive second stage of labor, epidural analgesia was found to be significantly associated with OASIS. CONCLUSION: Epidural analgesia was found to be an independent risk factor for OASIS in our population.

Atopic Dermatitis and Infertility: A Nationwide Retrospective Cohort Study.

BACKGROUND: Given that common pathophysiological factors play a role in atopic dermatitis (AD) and infertility, we assumed that the 2 conditions might demonstrate an epidemiological association. Large-scale epidemiological data on this topic are lacking. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this work was to evaluate the potential association between AD and infertility in a broad community-based population. METHODS: A nationwide retrospective cohort study was conducted, analyzing the association between AD and infertility. We compared AD patients diagnosed by a dermatologist between 2002 and 2018 and a matched control group. The study population was subdivided according to age into adults (age ≥18 years) and children (age <18 years), and was further subdivided according to AD severity, classified as either mild or moderate-to-severe according to AD-related drug use and healthcare services utilization. RESULTS: The study included 127,150 patients with AD and 127,071 comparison enrollees. AD was associated with a higher prevalence of infertility than that of the control group (1.4 and 1.1%, respectively). The prevalence of infertility, per 1,000 patient-years, was increased in patients with AD compared to that of the control group (2.17 and 1.7, respectively). Multivariate analysis for infertility demonstrated that AD was a key risk factor for infertility in both males and females with mild AD and moderate-to-severe AD. CONCLUSION: A significant association between AD and infertility was observed. This association suggests that infertility may be an additional manifestation of AD. Further studies are warranted to evaluate the impact of AD management in the setting of infertility and vice versa.

The association between amateur running with varying degrees of effort and sexual function among women.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: Sports and physical activity are known risk factors for altered pelvic floor function, which may affect sexual activity. The aim of this study was to examine the impact of amateur running on sexual function. METHODS: Amateur runners were contacted through social media. Their pelvic floor dysfunction (PFD), sexual function and quality of life were evaluated by self-reported validated questionnaires (PFDI-20, PISQ-12, IIQ-7). They were divided by degrees of effort into 'High effort' and 'Moderate effort.' The differences between the two groups were examined by Mann-Whitney U, t and chi-square tests. RESULTS: One hundred eighty amateur runners were included. No significant differences in the sexual function were found between the two groups. The 'High effort' group reported experiencing higher intensity orgasms compared with women in the 'Moderate effort' group, and a correlation was found between the weekly running distance and intensity of orgasm that they experienced (p = 0.004). CONCLUSIONS: High effort physical activity may be associated with improved orgasm, which may be explained by better clitoral circulation and better function of the pelvic floor muscles. Clinicians that treat symptoms related to PFD and sexual dysfunction may raise awareness of the advantages of physical activity and pelvic floor muscle training and rehabilitation, which may improve tone and circulation and hence sexual function.

The effect of vitamin D deficiency and supplementation on urinary incontinence: scoping review.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: Vitamin D receptors are found in skeletal and smooth muscle cells throughout the body, specifically in the bladder detrusor muscle. We reviewed the current literature on the association between vitamin D deficiency and urinary incontinence (UI), and whether vitamin D supplementation plays a role in the treatment of UI symptoms. METHODS: We performed a scoping review of all available studies. PubMed, Google Scholar, and PEDro databases were searched from inception until August 2020 with the keywords "urinary incontinence," "pelvic floor disorders," "lower urinary tract symptoms," "overactive bladder," and various terms for vitamin D. No language restrictions were imposed. The reference lists of all retrieved articles were also searched. RESULTS: The search revealed 12 studies of different research methodologies after elimination. In 6 out of the 7 cross-sectional studies reviewed, a significant association between vitamin D deficiency or insufficiency and the onset and severity of UI was found. In 2 out of the 3 prospective studies included, no association between vitamin D intake and UI was found; however, both randomized controlled trials that were reviewed found that vitamin D supplementation is effective for the treatment of UI. CONCLUSIONS: The existing literature supports an association between low levels of serum vitamin D and UI. Initial evidence regarding the effect of vitamin D supplementation on UI is accumulating, yet additional, comprehensive research is warranted to establish these findings.

Association between striae gravidarum and pelvic floor dysfunction symptoms during pregnancy.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: Striae gravidarum are linear atrophic scars appearing on the abdomen of pregnant women reported to be related to pregnancy-induced changes in the connective tissue. Pelvic floor distress symptoms are also known to be linked to connective tissue weakness. Given that common pathophysiological pathways may play a role in both striae gravidarum and pelvic floor dysfunction symptoms, we sought to examine whether there is a correlation between them during pregnancy. METHODS: A prospective observational study among third-trimester pregnant women who visited a tertiary medical center for routine pregnancy follow-up was conducted by using the Pelvic Floor Distress Inventory (PFDI-20) questionnaire to evaluate pelvic floor distress symptoms and the Davey method for evaluating striae gravidarum severity. Obstetrical characteristics as well as pelvic floor distress symptoms were compared between two groups according to the severity of striae gravidarum. Univariate analysis was carried out using appropriate tests; PFDI scores were compared between the groups using the Mann-Whitney test. RESULTS: Women with striae gravidarum were significantly older (31.06 vs. 28.83 years, p < 0.01), had a lower body mass index (27.5 vs. 30.98, p < 0.01), and gave birth to smaller neonates (3155 vs. 3389 g, p < 0.01). In addition, the overall and median PFDI-20 scores differed between the groups (with severe SG having the highest median score of 20 and those with milder SG having a score of 16 compared to 14 in those without SG). A distinct association between the PFDI-20 score and SG severity was not demonstrated (p = 0.63). CONCLUSIONS: In our population, an association was demonstrated between pelvic floor distress symptoms and the presence of striae gravidarum. However, following a linear regression model, no statistically significant association between SG severity and total PFD-20 score was seen. Our findings strengthen the hypothesis of common connective tissue involvement in the pathophysiology of both conditions.

Knowledge of women during the third trimester of pregnancy regarding pelvic floor disorders.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: The objective was to examine knowledge regarding pelvic floor disorders (PFDs) among women during the third trimester of pregnancy. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted at a large teaching medical center in Israel between June and September 2020. Women in their third trimester (N = 649) were asked to complete the validated Hebrew and Arabic versions of the Prolapse and Incontinence Knowledge Questionnaire (PIKQ). The PIKQ instrument examines the knowledge of two major PFDs: urinary incontinence (UI) and pelvic organ prolapse (POP). The study population included women over 18 years of age, in the third trimester, who speak and read Hebrew or Arabic fluently. Two separate scores were calculated, one for each section of the PIKQ. The association of questionnaire scores with the different independent variables was examined using Student's t test or one-way ANOVA. Correlations were examined using Pearson's or Spearman's correlation coefficient. RESULTS: The Hebrew version was filled out by 405 women, and 244 women completed the Arabic version. The average questionnaire scores were 7.65 ± 2.8 and 5.32 ± 2 for the UI and POP sections respectively. Significantly higher average scores in both the UI and the POP sections were noted among health care workers (UI: 10.19 ± 2.3 vs 7.34 ± 2.6, p < 0.001; POP: 8.27 ± 2.7 vs 4.97 ± 2.6, p < 0.001), women with higher education (p < 0.001 in both parts) and those with higher incomes (p < 0.001 for both parts). CONCLUSIONS: Knowledge of PFD among women in the third trimester of pregnancy in Israel was found to be low. Founding educational programs for targeted groups may improve both the knowledge of PFD and the quality of life for these women.

Validation of the hebrew version of the prolapse and incontinence knowledge questionnaire (PIKQ) during pregnancy.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: Pregnancy and delivery have a major effect on pelvic floor disorders. Assessing knowledge regarding pelvic floor disorders in childbearing age women and appropriate interventions will enable women to seek appropriate medical advice once pelvic floor disorders have developed. The purpose of this study was to validate the prolapse and incontinence knowledge questionnaire in the Hebrew language. METHODS: Translation of the prolapse and incontinence knowledge questionnaire to the Hebrew language according to international recommended guidelines. A study was conducted to validate the questionnaire. The study took place between June to September 2020 in a tertiary medical center in Israel. A total of 240 third trimester pregnant women completed the Hebrew version of the prolapse and incontinence knowledge questionnaire. Construct validity, criterion validity and reliability tests were performed. RESULTS: Factor analysis of the Hebrew version of the prolapse and incontinence knowledge questionnaire demonstrated 12 strong positive factor loadings to one principal factor in the prolapse and incontinence knowledge questionnaire-pelvic organ prolapse domain (FL > 0.3) and 10/12 in the prolapse and incontinence knowledge questionnaire-urinary incontinence domain. The Hebrew prolapse and incontinence knowledge questionnaire was found to have internal consistency, with Cronbach alpha coefficient of 0.745 for the urinary incontinence domain and 0.796 for the pelvic organ prolapse domain. CONCLUSIONS: The Hebrew version of the prolapse and incontinence knowledge questionnaire is a new, reliable, consistent, and valid instrument to examine the level of knowledge regarding pelvic floor disorders in Hebrew-speaking pregnant women.

Age and/or postmenopausal status as risk factors for pelvic organ prolapse development: systematic review with meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: Age is named as a risk factor for pelvic organ prolapse (POP), despite not being the primary outcome for many observational studies. Postmenopausal status is another associated factor but has many confounders. We aimed to systematically review the role of age and/or postmenopausal status in POP development. METHODS: Systematic review addressing age and hormones, more specifically by postmenopausal status, from inception to March 2020 in four databases (PubMed, Embase, WOS, Cochrane Library). Quality of evidence was classified by the ROBINS-I classification for non-randomized studies. Experimental studies, animal studies, studies linking age with recurrent POP and case series were excluded. Effect estimates were collected from adjusted odds ratio plus 95% confidence intervals. Significance level was 5%. A discussion exploring mechanistic factors was also included. RESULTS: Nineteen studies (11 cross sectional, 6 cohort and 2 case control) were included for quantitative analysis. Only two studies presented a low overall risk of bias for age; most of the domains were of moderate risk. Every additional year was responsible for a 10% increase in the risk to develop POP (OR = 1.102 [1.021-1.190]; i2 = 80%, random analysis, p = 0.012). This trend was confirmed when age was dichotomized into a cutoff of 35 (p = 0.035) and 50 (p < 0.001) years. Although an increase in the risk for POP was noted in postmenopausal women, this did not reach statistical significance (OR = 2.080 [0.927-4.668], i2 = 0%, p = 0.076). CONCLUSION: Age is a risk factor for POP; postmenopausal status was not statistically associated with POP, prompting the need for further studies addressing this factor.

International Urogynecological Consultation (IUC): pathophysiology of pelvic organ prolapse (POP).

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.

Trend Changes in the individual contribution of risk factors for postpartum hemorrhage over more than two decades.

OBJECTIVE: Postpartum hemorrhage is an obstetric emergency with a rising incidence. The aim of this study was to identify trends in the specific contribution of various risk factors for postpartum hemorrhage by observing their odds ratios throughout different time periods. STUDY DESIGN: In this population-based retrospective cohort study trends of change in odds ratios for known risk factors for postpartum hemorrhage occurring in three consecutive eight-year intervals between 1988 and 2014 were compared. Two multivariable logistic regression models were used in order to identify independent risk factors for postpartum hemorrhage in our population. Trends of various risk factors were compared along the time period of the study. RESULTS: The incidence of postpartum hemorrhage increased from 0.5% to 1988 to 0.6%. Using logistic regression models, preeclampsia, vacuum extraction delivery, retained placenta, perineal or vaginal tears and delivery of a large for gestational age neonate were recognized as independent risk factors for postpartum hemorrhage. While the odds ratios for perineal or vaginal tears significantly increased, odds ratios for delivery of a large for gestational age neonate significantly decreased. Odds ratios for the other risk factors did not change significantly. CONCLUSION: In our study, not only did the rates of statistically significant risk factors for postpartum hemorrhage change during the study period, the specific contribution of each risk factor changed as well. Having a better understanding of these trends might augment our ability to predict this grave obstetric complication and improve maternal outcomes in the future.

Cervical insufficiency a prologue for future pelvic organ prolapse?

BACKGROUND: Preliminary evidence suggests that women with cervical oss insufficiency may have an increased risk to develop pelvic organ prolapse later in life, suggesting a common underlying collagen-oriented mechanism. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to determine the association between cervical oss insufficiency and the subsequent development of pelvic organ prolapse. STUDY DESIGN: A matched, case-control study, including women who delivered at the Soroka University Medical Center. Cases were women diagnosed or treated with pelvic organ prolapse (n = 1463), and controls were a representative sample of women of the same age group without pelvic organ prolapse (n = 5637). The association between pelvic organ prolapse and prior preterm birth was tested. Univariate analysis was performed using a conditional logistic regression to assess the association between preterm labor and pelvic organ prolapse. Statistically and clinically significant variables in the univariate analysis were included in the multivariable regression. RESULTS: The rate of spontaneous preterm birth did not differ between the study groups [pelvic organ prolapse - 4.0% (59/1463) vs. non- pelvic organ prolapse - 4.9% (276/5637), p = 0.16]. The median number of preterm births was higher among women without pelvic organ prolapse (controls) than in those with pelvic organ prolapse (cases) (p = 0.004). Among those who delivered preterm, the individual proportion of preterm deliveries was higher among the controls' group (p = 0.03). Similarly, the rate of cesarean deliveries was also higher among the controls group (p = 0.003). The rate of small for gestational age neonates was higher in the controls group (p = 0.0007), while that of large for gestational age neonates was higher in the case group (p = 0.02). In the univariate analysis, birthweight, vaginal delivery, and prior surgery were associated with subsequent development of pelvic organ prolapse. The multivariable analysis exhibited the same association- having birthweight, vaginal delivery, and all types of prior surgery independently associated with subsequent development of pelvic organ prolapse. CONCLUSIONS: Obstetrics characteristics associated with pelvic organ prolapse included vaginal delivery and birthweight along with non-obstetrical factors such as prior surgery. There was no association between preterm birth and subsequent development of pelvic organ prolapse. Our findings suggest that the effort during labor at term required for the delivery of appropriate for gestational age or large for gestational age newborns affects the pelvic floor and is a major contributor for the subsequent development of pelvic organ prolapse.