Magnesium sulfate in preeclampsia: Broad indications, not only in neurological symptoms.

The role of magnesium sulfate for treatment of eclampsia is well established. The medication proved to be superior to other anticonvulsants to reduce the incidence of recurrent convulsions among women with eclampsia. Additionally, magnesium sulfate has been indicated for women with preeclampsia with different severe features. However, despite these recommendations, many clinicians are still not confident with the use of magnesium sulfate, even in settings with high incidence of preeclampsia and unacceptable rates of maternal mortality. This review brings basic science and clinical information to endorse recommendations to encourage clinicians to use magnesium sulfate for patients with all severe features of preeclampsia, not only for women with neurological symptoms. Additionally, other benefits of magnesium sulfate in anesthesia and fetal neuroprotection are also presented. Finally, a comprehensive algorithm presents recommendations to manage patients with preeclampsia with severe features between 34 and 36+6 weeks.

Is telehealth useful in the management of placenta accreta spectrum in low-resource settings? Results of an exploratory survey.

OBJECTIVE: The optimal management of placenta accreta spectrum (PAS) requires the participation of multidisciplinary teams that are often not locally available in low-resource settings. Telehealth has been increasingly used to manage complex obstetric conditions. Few studies have explored the use of telehealth for PAS management, and we aimed evaluate the usage of telehealth in the management of PAS patients in low-resource settings. METHODS: Between March and April 2023, an observational, survey-based study was conducted, and obstetricians-gynecologists with expertise in PAS management in low- and middle-income countries were contacted to share their opinion on the potential use of telehealth for the diagnosis and management of patients at high-risk of PAS at birth. Participants were identified based on their authorship of at least one published clinical study on PAS in the last 5 years and contacted by email. This is a secondary analysis of the results of that survey. RESULTS: From 158 authors contacted we obtained 65 responses from participants in 27 middle-income countries. A third of the participants reported the use of telehealth during the management obstetric emergencies (38.5%, n = 25) and PAS (36.9%, n = 24). Over 70% of those surveyed indicated that they had used "informal" telemedicine (phone call, email, or text message) during PAS management. Fifty-nine participants (90.8%) reported that recommendations given remotely by expert colleagues were useful for management of patients with PAS in their setting. CONCLUSION: Telehealth has been successfully used for the management of PAS in middle-income countries, and our survey indicates that it could support the development of specialist care in other low resource settings.

Are international guideline recommendations for the management of placenta accreta spectrum applicable in low- and middle-income countries?

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to explore how obstetricians-gynecologists in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) can apply current international clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) for the management of placenta accreta spectrum (PAS) in limited resource settings. METHODS: This was an observational, survey-based study. Clinicians with expertise in managing patients with PAS in LMICs were contacted for their evaluation of the recommendations included in four PAS clinical practice guidelines. RESULTS: Out of the 158 clinicians contacted, we obtained responses from 65 (41.1%), representing 27 middle income countries (MICs). The results of this survey suggest that the care of PAS patients in middle income countries is very different from what is recommended by international CPGs. Participants in the survey identified that their practice was limited by insufficient availability of hospital infrastructure, low resources of local health systems and lack of trained multidisciplinary teams (MDTs) and this did not enable them to follow CPG recommendations. Two-thirds of the participants surveyed describe the absence of centers of excellence in their country. In over half of the referral hospitals with expertise in managing PAS, there are no MDTs. One-third of patients with intraoperative findings of PAS are managed by the team initially performing the surgery (without additional assistance). CONCLUSION: The care of patients with PAS in middle income countries frequently deviates from established CPG recommendations largely due to limitations in local resources and infrastructure. New practical guidelines and training programs designed for low resource settings are needed.

A research agenda to improve incidence and outcomes of assisted vaginal birth.

Access to emergency obstetric care, including assisted vaginal birth and caesarean birth, is crucial for improving maternal and childbirth outcomes. However, although the proportion of births by caesarean section has increased during the last few decades, the use of assisted vaginal birth has declined. This is particularly the case in low- and middle-income countries, despite an assisted vaginal birth often being less risky than caesarean birth. We therefore conducted a three-step process to identify a research agenda necessary to increase the use of, or reintroduce, assisted vaginal birth: after conducting an evidence synthesis, which informed a consultation with technical experts who proposed an initial research agenda, we sought and incorporated the views of women's representatives of this agenda. This process has allowed us to identify a comprehensive research agenda, with topics categorized as: (i) the need to understand women's perceptions of assisted vaginal birth, and provide appropriate and reliable information; (ii) the importance of training health-care providers in clinical skills but also in respectful care, effective communication, shared decision-making and informed consent; and (iii) the barriers to and facilitators of implementation and sustainability. From women's feedback, we learned of the urgent need to recognize labour, childbirth and postpartum experiences as inherently physiological and dignified human processes, in which interventions should only be implemented if necessary. The promotion and/or reintroduction of assisted vaginal birth in low-resource settings requires governments, policy-makers and hospital administrators to support skilled health-care providers who can, in turn, respectfully support women in labour and childbirth.

L'accès aux soins obstétriques d'urgence, y compris l'accouchement vaginal assisté et la césarienne, est essentiel pour améliorer les effets de la maternité et de l'accouchement. Toutefois, bien que la proportion de césariennes ait augmenté ces dernières décennies, le recours à l'accouchement vaginal assisté a diminué. C'est particulièrement le cas dans les pays à revenu faible ou intermédiaire, bien que l'accouchement vaginal assisté soit souvent moins risqué qu'une césarienne. Nous avons donc mené un processus en trois étapes afin d'imaginer un programme de recherche qui permettrait d'augmenter le recours à l'accouchement vaginal assisté ou de le réintroduire. Après avoir réalisé une synthèse des données probantes, qui a servi de base à une consultation avec des experts techniques qui ont proposé un programme de recherche initial, nous avons sollicité et incorporé les avis des représentantes des femmes pour ce programme. Ce processus nous a permis d'imaginer un programme de recherche complet, avec des sujets classés comme suit: (i) la nécessité de comprendre la perception qu'ont les femmes de l'accouchement vaginal assisté et de fournir des informations appropriées et fiables; (ii) l'importance de la formation des prestataires de soins de santé en matière de compétences cliniques, mais aussi de respect dans les soins de santé, de communication efficace, de prise de décision partagée et de consentement éclairé; ou (iii) les obstacles à la mise en œuvre et à la durabilité et les facteurs qui les facilitent. Les réactions de femmes nous ont appris qu'il était urgent de reconnaître que l'accouchement, la naissance et le post-partum sont des processus humains intrinsèquement physiologiques et dignes au cours desquels les interventions ne devraient être mises en œuvre qu'en cas de nécessité. La promotion et/ou la réintroduction de l'accouchement vaginal assisté dans les régions à faibles ressources nécessitent que les pouvoirs publics, les décideurs politiques et les administrations d'hôpitaux soutiennent les prestataires de soins de santé qualifiés, qui pourront à leur tour soutenir respectueusement les femmes pendant l'accouchement.

El acceso a la atención obstétrica de emergencia, incluido el parto vaginal asistido y el parto por cesárea, es crucial para mejorar los resultados de la maternidad y el parto. No obstante, aunque el porcentaje de partos por cesárea ha aumentado en las últimas décadas, el uso del parto vaginal asistido ha disminuido. Esto ocurre especialmente en los países de ingresos bajos y medios, a pesar de que un parto vaginal asistido suele ser menos arriesgado que un parto por cesárea. Por lo tanto, llevamos a cabo un proceso de tres pasos para identificar un programa de investigación necesario para aumentar el uso del parto vaginal asistido o volver a incorporarlo: tras realizar una síntesis de la evidencia, que sirvió de base para una consulta con expertos técnicos que propusieron un programa de investigación inicial, buscamos e integramos las opiniones de las representantes de las mujeres sobre este programa. Este proceso nos ha permitido identificar un programa de investigación exhaustivo, con temas categorizados como: (i) la necesidad de comprender las percepciones de las mujeres sobre el parto vaginal asistido, y proporcionar información adecuada y fiable; (ii) la importancia de formar a los profesionales sanitarios en habilidades clínicas, pero también en atención respetuosa, comunicación efectiva, toma de decisiones compartida y consentimiento informado; o (iii) las barreras y los facilitadores de la implementación y la sostenibilidad. A partir de las opiniones de las mujeres, nos enteramos de la urgente necesidad de reconocer las experiencias del parto, el alumbramiento y el posparto como procesos humanos inherentemente fisiológicos y dignos, en los que las intervenciones solo deben aplicarse si son necesarias. La promoción o la reincoporación del parto vaginal asistido en regiones de escasos recursos exige que los gobiernos, los responsables de formular políticas y los administradores de hospitales apoyen a los profesionales sanitarios capacitados que, a su vez, pueden ayudar a las mujeres en el trabajo de parto y el alumbramiento de manera respetuosa.

The Godmother Project: A Virtual Initiative to Support Pregnant and Postpartum Women in Brazil During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic increased maternal distress and demand for social support and educational services, while restriction measures decreased the availability of these services. PROJECT DESCRIPTION: The Godmother Project, a person-centered, WhatsApp-based support and health education initiative, was created after all in-person perinatal educational activities offered at 3 Brazilian hospitals were canceled in 2020. The project was developed in response to pregnant/postpartum women who called the hospitals with questions for health care professionals (HCPs). Health education nurses teamed up with staff from the communication department to design a project to (1) provide a direct communication channel between women and HCPs to answer health-related questions, (2) offer reliable virtual health education material, (3) identify women in need of additional assessment/referrals, (4) offer each woman continuous support from a specific nurse educator (Godmother), and (5) offer a virtual forum where women going through similar experiences could interact. PROJECT DEVELOPMENT AND ROLLOUT: The project provides direct communication between WhatsApp groups of 25-30 pregnant/postpartum women and a Godmother. It also offers access to a virtual library of educational materials prepared in response to women's needs/demands. The project, which began in July 2020 with 1 WhatsApp group of 5 women and 1 Godmother, currently has 305 groups, 6,942 active participants, and 4 Godmothers. Enrollments and WhatsApp groups continued to increase despite reestablishment of in-person educational activities in 2022. The vast majority of 232 participants surveyed in December 2021 were very satisfied with the project, the Godmothers, and the educational materials. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that WhatsApp groups of pregnant/postpartum women led by dedicated nurse educators can be an important tool to educate and support women during the perinatal period. This type of initiative may be especially important in contexts of physical distancing requirements or situations where social support is unavailable.

Risk factors for severe and critical Covid-19 in pregnant women in a single center in Brazil.

BACKGROUND: Risk factors for severe SARS-CoV2 infection in pregnancy have not been extensively studied. This information can help guide the management of pregnant women with COVID-19. OBJECTIVE: Examine risk factors for severe COVID-19 in pregnant women. METHODS: We reviewed the records of all pregnant women with positive SARS-CoV2 tests (qRT-PCR) managed at a single tertiary private maternity in Sao Paulo, Brazil. We categorized women as having non-severe (mild or moderate) or severe (severe or critical) COVID-19. We conducted multivariable analyses to identify differences in sociodemographic and clinical characteristics of the two groups as risk factors for severe COVID-19. RESULTS: Between March 13 and June 7 2020, 114 women tested positive for SARS-CoV-2; 80.7% (n = 92) had non-severe disease (69 mild, 23 moderate), 15.7% (n = 18) had severe, and 3.5% (n = 4) had critical COVID-19. Women with severe/critical COVID-19 (n = 22) were significantly older (35.0 ± 5.9 × 31.8 ± 5.1 years, p = 0.011), more likely to have at least one medical comorbidity (81.8% × 52.2%, p = .011) or a history of asthma (18.2% × 3.3%, p = .025), and tended to have a higher median body mass index (30.1 kg/m2, IQR 28.1-33.9 × 28.6, IQR 26.2-32.0, p = .056) than women with non-severe disease. Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified four factors as independent predictors of severe/critical COVID-19: asthma (OR 34.469, 95% CI 1.151-78.030, p = .026), non-white ethnicity (OR 7.932, 95% CI 1.311-47.973, p = .024), maternal age with a best cutoff of ≥ 34 years (OR 1.195, 95% CI 1.001-1.427, p = .048) and gestational age at diagnosis with a best cut-off of ≥ 35 weeks (OR 0.876, 95% CI 0.780-0.983, p = .025). The predictive value of the model including all variables was 0.823 (p < .001). CONCLUSION: A history of asthma, non-white ethnicity, and older maternal age were risk factors for, while higher gestational age was protective against severe/critical COVID-19 in pregnant Brazilian women.

Collaborative model of intrapartum care: qualitative study on barriers and facilitators to implementation in a private Brazilian hospital.

INTRODUCTION: A collaborative (midwife-obstetrician) model of intrapartum care (CMIC) is associated with lower caesarean section (CS) rates than physician-led models. In 2019, the largest private maternity hospital in Latin America (14.000 deliveries/year, 89% CS) created a quality improvement initiative to optimise intrapartum care and safely reduce CS in low-risk women managed by its internal team of healthcare providers (HCP). We conducted formative research to identify potential barriers and facilitators to the implementation of a CMIC. METHODS: Three groups of stakeholders participated in focus groups and interviews: hospital managers and clinical coordinators, HCP working in labour/delivery wards and pregnant women intending to give birth in the hospital. We explored participants' views about the acceptability of implementing a CMIC where a nurse-midwife (NM) on shift would be the main intrapartum HCP, with continuous support/supervision of a dedicated, in-house, obstetrician-gynaecologist (OB-GYN). A thematic analysis approach was used. RESULTS: 12 HCPs, 5 clinical coordinators, 2 hospital managers and 7 women participated. OB-GYNs, coordinators and managers highlighted health system, organisational and structural factors (NMs' limited experience/skills, professional roles, financial reimbursement) as potential barriers. NMs identified logistical and human resources as additional barriers. Women viewed the CMIC with perplexity and insecurity because of cultural beliefs about the dominant role of OB-GYNs, and limited information about NM's capabilities. All professionals agreed that women's acceptance of a CMIC will require educational interventions and communication strategies to inform potential users about the advantages and safety of this model. CONCLUSION: There are important barriers and facilitators to implement a CMIC in a private Brazilian maternity hospital. Factors related to health system structure and organisation may have the greatest impact. A CMIC is more likely to succeed if stakeholders' concerns about responsibilities, power and financial revenues are addressed, and educational interventions targeted at users are deployed prior to its implementation.

Route of oxytocin administration for preventing blood loss at caesarean section: a systematic review with meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVES: Assess the effects of different routes of prophylactic oxytocin administration for preventing blood loss at caesarean section (CS). DESIGN: Systematic review and meta-analysis. METHODS: Medline, EMBASE, CINAHL, Cochrane Library, BVS, SciELO and Global Index Medicus were searched through 24 May 2020 for randomised controlled trials (RCTs) comparing different routes of prophylactic oxytocin administration during CS. Study selection, data extraction and quality assessment were conducted by two investigators independently. We pooled results in fixed effects meta-analyses and calculated average risk ratio (RR), mean difference (MD) and 95% CI. We used GRADE to assess the overall quality of evidence for each outcome. RESULTS: Three trials (180 women) were included in the review. All studies compared intramyometrial (IMY) versus intravenous oxytocin in women having prelabour CS. IMY compared with intravenous oxytocin administration may result in little or no difference in the incidence of postpartum haemorrhage (RR 0.14, 95% CI 0.01 to 2.70; N=100 participants; 1 RCT), hypotension (RR 1.00, 95% CI 0.29 to 3.45; N=40; 1 RCT), headache (RR 3.00, 95% CI 0.13 to 69.52; N=40; 1 RCT) or facial flushing (RR 0.50, 95% CI 0.05 to 5.08; N=40; 1 RCT); IMY oxytocin may reduce nausea/vomiting (RR 0.13, 95% CI 0.02 to 0.69; N=140; 2 RCTs). We are very uncertain about the effect IMY versus intravenous oxytocin on the need for additional uterotonics (RR 0.82; 95% CI 0.25 to 2.69; N=140; 2 RCTs). IMY oxytocin may reduce blood loss slightly (MD -57.40 mL, 95% CI -101.71 to -13.09; N=40; 1 RCT). CONCLUSIONS: There is limited, low to very low certainty evidence on the effects of IMY versus intravenous oxytocin at CS for preventing blood loss. The evidence is insufficient to support choosing one route over another. More trials, including studies that assess intramuscular oxytocin administration, are needed on this relevant question. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER: CRD42020186797.

Timing of oxytocin administration to prevent post-partum hemorrhage in women delivered by cesarean section: A systematic review and metanalysis.

BACKGROUND: There is no consensus on the best timing for prophylactic oxytocin administration during cesarean section (CS) to prevent post-partum hemorrhage (PPH). OBJECTIVES: Assess the effects of administrating prophylactic oxytocin at different times during CS. METHODS: We searched nine databases to identify relevant randomized controlled trials (RCT). We pooled results and calculated average risk ratios (RR), mean differences (MD), and 95% confidence intervals (CI). We used GRADE to assess the overall evidence certainty. RESULTS: We screened 13,389 references and included four trials. We found no statistically significant differences between oxytocin given before versus after fetal delivery on PPH (RR 0.60, 95%CI 0.15-2.47; 1 RCT, N = 300) or nausea/vomiting (RR 1.21, 95%CI 0.69-2.13; 1 RCT, N = 300). There was a significant reduction in the need for additional uterotonics when oxytocin was given immediately before uterine incision versus after fetal delivery (RR 0.37, 95%CI 0.18-0.73; I2 = 0%; 2 RCTs; N = 301). Oxytocin given before fetal delivery significantly reduced intra-operative blood loss (MD -146.77mL, 95%CI -168.10 to -125.43; I2 = 0%; 3 RCTs, N = 601) but did not change the incidence of blood transfusion (RR 0.50, 95%CI 0.13-1.95; I2 = 0%; 2 RCTs, N = 301) or hysterectomy (RR 3.00; 95%CI 0.12-72.77; I2 = 0%; 2 RCTs, N = 301). One trial (N = 100) compared prophylactic oxytocin before versus after placental separation and found no significant differences on PPH, additional uterotonics, or nausea/vomiting. CONCLUSIONS: In women having pre-labor CS, there is limited evidence indicating no significant differences between prophylactic oxytocin given before versus after fetal delivery on PPH, nausea/vomiting, blood transfusion, or hysterectomy. Earlier oxytocin administration may reduce the volume of blood loss and need for additional uterotonics. There is very limited evidence suggesting no significant differences between prophylactic oxytocin given before versus after placental separation on PPH, need for additional uterotonic, or nausea/vomiting. The overall certainty of the evidence was mostly low or very low due to imprecision. Protocol: CRD42020186797.

Possible formation of pulmonary microthrombi in the early puerperium of pregnant women critically ill with COVID-19: Two case reports.

BACKGROUND: Limited data are available on the management of pregnant women with severe or critical forms of COVID-19, such as the optimal timing of provider-initiated delivery, and post-partum care, including antithrombotic prophylaxis. We present the clinical course, pre- and post-partum management, and outcomes of two pregnant women critically ill with COVID-19. CASES: Both women had confirmed SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia with rapid clinical decompensation that required admission to the intensive care unit, intubation, and delivery by emergency cesarean section at 32 and 29 weeks. Both patients clinically improved in the first two postoperative days, but this was followed by clinical, laboratory and radiological deterioration on the third postoperative day; however, they both improved again after full anticoagulation. This pattern suggests the possible formation of pulmonary microthrombi in the early puerperium. We discuss the challenges faced by the multiprofessional team in the management of these patients. CONCLUSIONS: There are few resources to guide health professionals caring for pregnant women with critical COVID-19. These two cases contribute to the rapidly evolving knowledge on the management and outcomes of pregnant women with COVID-19.

Obstetric emergency simulation training course: experience of a private-public partnership in Brazil.

BACKGROUND: Lack of skills on how to diagnose and manage obstetric emergencies contribute to substandard institutional care and preventable maternal deaths in Brazil. Simulation-based obstetric emergency team training can reduce adverse maternal outcomes. However, this type of training is expensive and not widely available, especially in low resource settings. We present the experience of a private-public partnership that offered a two-day obstetric emergency simulation-training course to hundreds of Brazilian professionals working in the public sector. We also present participants´ short-term learning outcomes (Kirkpatrick's level 2) and satisfaction (Kirkpatrick's level 1). METHODS: This was a non-experimental before-and-after study. The free 16-h course was held over a 14 months period in a large private hospital's simulation center using multidisciplinary scenario and model-based training. The training sessions consisted of four (4-h) modules on pre-eclampsia/eclampsia, hemorrhage, sepsis and resuscitation. An anonymous questionnaire collected participants´ satisfaction at the end of each module. Learning outcomes were assessed by comparing differences in participants´ pre- versus immediate post-course test scores. Wilcoxon, Kruskal-Wallis and Friedman tests were used for statistical analyses. P < 0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS: 340 professionals (117 doctors, 179 registered nurses-RN and 44 licensed practical nurses-LPN) working in 33 public Brazilian hospitals were trained. There was a significant increase in post-course test scores in all four modules. On average, scores increased 55% in the hypertension and 65-69% in the hemorrhage, sepsis and resuscitation modules (p = 0.019). Knowledge acquisition of RN and LPN was similar in the hypertension, hemorrhage and sepsis modules and significantly higher than doctors´ (p < 0.05). On a 0 to 10 scale, mean overall satisfaction ranged from 9.6 (for the hypertension module) to 9.8 (for the resuscitation module). CONCLUSIONS: This successful experience of a private-public partnership to offer obstetric emergency simulation training required strategic organization and a strong commitment from both sides. This promising private-public partnership model could be replicated in similar settings. The training course obtained high satisfaction scores and significantly improved the knowledge of public-sector health professionals on how to manage the main causes of maternal mortality.

Perioperative warming with a thermal gown prevents maternal temperature loss during elective cesarean section. A randomized clinical trial / O aquecimento no perioperatório com avental cirúrgico térmico impede a perda de temperatura materna durante a cesariana eletiva. Estudo clínico randômico

Abstract Background and objectives: Decrease in body temperature is common during general and regional anesthesia. Forced-air warming intraoperative during cesarean section under spinal anesthesia seems not able to prevent it. The hypothesis considers that active warming before the intraoperative period avoids temperature loss during cesarean. Methods: Forty healthy pregnant patients undergoing elective cesarean section with spinal anesthesia received active warming from a thermal gown in the preoperative care unit 30 min before spinal anesthesia and during surgery (Go, n = 20), or no active warming at any time (Ct, n = 20). After induction of spinal anesthesia, the thermal gown was replaced over the chest and upper limbs and maintained throughout study. Room temperature, hemoglobin saturation, heart rate, arterial pressure, and tympanic body temperature were registered 30 min before (baseline) spinal anesthesia, right after it (time zero) and every 15 min thereafter. Results: There was no difference for temperature at baseline, but they were significant throughout the study (p < 0.0001; repeated measure ANCOVA). Tympanic temperature baseline was 36.6 ± 0.3 °C, measured 36.5 ± 0.3 °C at time zero and reached 36.1 ± 0.2 °C for gown group, while control group had baseline temperature of 36.4 ± 0.4 °C, measured 36.3 ± 0.3 °C at time zero and reached 35.4 ± 0.4 °C (F = 32.53; 95% CI 0.45-0.86; p < 0.001). Hemodynamics did not differ throughout the study for both groups of patients. Conclusion: Active warming 30 min before spinal anesthesia and during surgery prevented a fall in body temperature in full-term pregnant women during elective cesarean delivery.

Resumo Justificativa e objetivos: A redução da temperatura corporal é comum durante a anestesia tanto geral quanto regional. O sistema de ar forçado aquecido no intraoperatório durante a cesariana sob anestesia peridural não parece conseguir impedi-la. A hipótese considera que o aquecimento ativo antes do período intraoperatório evita a perda de temperatura durante a cesariana. Métodos: Quarenta pacientes grávidas, saudáveis, submetidas à cesariana eletiva com anestesia espinal receberam aquecimento ativo de um avental térmico na unidade de cuidados pré-operatórios 30 minutos antes da anestesia e durante a cirurgia (Go, n = 20) ou nenhum aquecimento ativo a qualquer momento (Ct, n = 20). Após a indução da anestesia espinhal, o avental térmico foi colocado sobre o tórax e os membros superiores e mantido durante o estudo. Temperatura ambiente, saturação de hemoglobina, frequência cardíaca, pressão arterial e temperatura corporal timpânica foram registradas 30 minutos antes (fase basal) da anestesia espinhal, logo após a anestesia (tempo zero) e a cada 15 minutos subsequentemente. Resultados: Não houve diferença de temperatura na fase basal, mas as diferenças foram significativas ao longo do estudo (p < 0,0001; Ancova de medida repetida). A temperatura timpânica na fase basal foi de 36,6 ± 0,3 °C, mediu 36,5 ± 0,3 °C no tempo zero e atingiu 36,1 ± 0,2 °C no grupo avental, enquanto a temperatura basal do grupo controle foi de 36,4 ± 0,4 °C, mediu 36,3 ± 0,3 °C no tempo zero e atingiu 35,4 ± 0,4 °C (F = 32,53; IC de 95% 0,45-0,86, p < 0,001). A hemodinâmica não diferiu ao longo do estudo em ambos os grupos de pacientes. Conclusão: O aquecimento ativo 30 minutos antes da anestesia espinhal e durante a cirurgia evitou a queda da temperatura corporal em mulheres grávidas a termo durante a cesariana eletiva.

Perioperative warming with a thermal gown prevents maternal temperature loss during elective cesarean section. A randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Decrease in body temperature is common during general and regional anesthesia. Forced-air warming intraoperative during cesarean section under spinal anesthesia seems not able to prevent it. The hypothesis considers that active warming before the intraoperative period avoids temperature loss during cesarean. METHODS: Forty healthy pregnant patients undergoing elective cesarean section with spinal anesthesia received active warming from a thermal gown in the preoperative care unit 30min before spinal anesthesia and during surgery (Go, n=20), or no active warming at any time (Ct, n=20). After induction of spinal anesthesia, the thermal gown was replaced over the chest and upper limbs and maintained throughout study. Room temperature, hemoglobin saturation, heart rate, arterial pressure, and tympanic body temperature were registered 30min before (baseline) spinal anesthesia, right after it (time zero) and every 15min thereafter. RESULTS: There was no difference for temperature at baseline, but they were significant throughout the study (p<0.0001; repeated measure ANCOVA). Tympanic temperature baseline was 36.6±0.3°C, measured 36.5±0.3°C at time zero and reached 36.1±0.2°C for gown group, while control group had baseline temperature of 36.4±0.4°C, measured 36.3±0.3°C at time zero and reached 35.4±0.4°C (F=32.53; 95% CI 0.45-0.86; p<0.001). Hemodynamics did not differ throughout the study for both groups of patients. CONCLUSION: Active warming 30min before spinal anesthesia and during surgery prevented a fall in body temperature in full-term pregnant women during elective cesarean delivery.

Oxytocin in cesarean-sections. What's new? / Ocitocina em cesarianas. O que há de novo?

Abstract Oxytocin is the uterotonic agent of choice in the prevention and treatment of postpartum uterine atony. Nevertheless, there is no consensus on the optimal dose and rate for use in cesarean sections. The use of high bolus doses (e.g., 10 IU of oxytocin) can determine deleterious cardiovascular changes for the patient, especially in situations of hypovolemia or low cardiac reserve. Furthermore, high doses of oxytocin for prolonged periods may lead to desensitization of oxytocin receptors in myometrium, resulting in clinical inefficiency.

Resumo A ocitocina é o uterotônico de primeira escolha na prevenção e no tratamento da atonia uterina após o parto. Apesar disso, não existe consenso sobre qual a dose e velocidade ideais de seu uso em cesarianas. O uso de altas doses (por exemplo, 10 UI de ocitocina) em bolus pode determinar alterações cardiocirculatórias deletérias para a paciente, especialmente em situações de hipovolemia ou baixa reserva cardíaca. Além disso, altas doses de ocitocina por períodos prolongados podem levar à dessensibilização dos receptores de ocitocina localizados no miométrio e resultar em ineficácia clínica.

[Perioperative warming with a thermal gown prevents maternal temperature loss during elective cesarean section. A randomized clinical trial]. / O aquecimento no perioperatório com avental cirúrgico térmico impede a perda de temperatura materna durante a cesariana eletiva. Estudo clínico randômico.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Decrease in body temperature is common during general and regional anesthesia. Forced-air warming intraoperative during cesarean section under spinal anesthesia seems not able to prevent it. The hypothesis considers that active warming before the intraoperative period avoids temperature loss during cesarean. METHODS: Forty healthy pregnant patients undergoing elective cesarean section with spinal anesthesia received active warming from a thermal gown in the preoperative care unit 30min before spinal anesthesia and during surgery (Go, n=20), or no active warming at any time (Ct, n=20). After induction of spinal anesthesia, the thermal gown was replaced over the chest and upper limbs and maintained throughout study. Room temperature, hemoglobin saturation, heart rate, arterial pressure, and tympanic body temperature were registered 30min before (baseline) spinal anesthesia, right after it (time zero) and every 15min thereafter. RESULTS: There was no difference for temperature at baseline, but they were significant throughout the study (p<0.0001; repeated measure ANCOVA). Tympanic temperature baseline was 36.6±0.3°C, measured 36.5±0.3°C at time zero and reached 36.1±0.2°C for gown group, while control group had baseline temperature of 36.4±0.4°C, measured 36.3±0.3°C at time zero and reached 35.4±0.4°C (F=32.53; 95% CI 0.45-0.86; p<0.001). Hemodynamics did not differ throughout the study for both groups of patients. CONCLUSION: Active warming 30min before spinal anesthesia and during surgery prevented a fall in body temperature in full-term pregnant women during elective cesarean delivery.

Oxytocin in cesarean-sections. What's new?

Oxytocin is the uterotonic agent of choice in the prevention and treatment of postpartum uterine atony. Nevertheless, there is no consensus on the optimal dose and rate for use in cesarean sections. The use of high bolus doses (e.g., 10IU of oxytocin) can determine deleterious cardiovascular changes for the patient, especially in situations of hypovolemia or low cardiac reserve. Furthermore, high doses of oxytocin for prolonged periods may lead to desensitization of oxytocin receptors in myometrium, resulting in clinical inefficiency.

[Oxytocin in cesarean-sections. What's new?]. / Ocitocina em cesarianas. O que há de novo?

Oxytocin is the uterotonic agent of choice in the prevention and treatment of postpartum uterine atony. Nevertheless, there is no consensus on the optimal dose and rate for use in cesarean sections. The use of high bolus doses (e.g., 10 IU of oxytocin) can determine deleterious cardiovascular changes for the patient, especially in situations of hypovolemia or low cardiac reserve. Furthermore, high doses of oxytocin for prolonged periods may lead to desensitization of oxytocin receptors in myometrium, resulting in clinical inefficiency.

The Short-Form McGill Pain Questionnaire-Revised to evaluate persistent pain and surgery-related symptoms in healthy women undergoing a planned cesarean delivery.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The incidence of chronic pain after cesarean delivery (CD) has been estimated to range between 0.3% and 18%. This wide range may be explained by differing study methodologies. Furthermore, a comprehensive characterization of pain quality is lacking. The aim of this study was to evaluate persistent pain in a healthy obstetric population undergoing planned CD and to provide a comprehensive description of pain quality. METHODS: Three hundred eighty-one women with no pain history undergoing CD were included in this prospective, observational cohort study. Spinal anesthesia was standardized, and postoperative pain was recorded at 24 hours. In each woman, pain was assessed at 8 weeks, and 6 and 12 months using questionnaires of pain intensity and interference. Pain quality was assessed using the Short-Form McGill Pain Questionnaire-Revised. RESULTS: The incidence of persistent pain at 8 weeks was 11% (95% confidence interval, 8%-14%), with pain reported as being mild and interfering with common daily activities by 32% of women. At 6 and 12 months, the incidence was 3% (95% confidence interval, 2%-6%) and 0.6% (95% confidence interval, 0%-2%) respectively, with pain rarely interfering with daily activities. However, 22% of women described other surgery-related symptoms at 12 months. CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of chronic pain at 12 months after planned CD is low (0.6%) and if present symptoms are mostly mild and not interfering with common daily activities. Using Short-Form McGill Pain Questionnaire-Revised, this study provides a comprehensive evaluation of pain quality that can be used as a basis in future post-CD pain trials.

Effect of transversus abdominis plane block with and without clonidine on post-cesarean delivery wound hyperalgesia and pain.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block is an established technique to manage post-cesarean delivery pain. Transversus abdominis plane blocks with a local anesthetic only offer no analgesic benefits compared with intrathecal morphine. Adjuvants to extend TAP block duration and possibly reduce wound hyperalgesia, known to be a risk factor for chronic pain, have not been studied. We hypothesized that a TAP block with clonidine will affect postsurgical wound hyperalgesia and improve pain outcomes. METHODS: Ninety women were randomly assigned to receive 1 of 3 TAP blocks after cesarean delivery: saline (placebo), bupivacaine (BupTAP), or bupivacaine + clonidine (CloTAP). The primary outcome was wound hyperalgesia index at 48 hours. Secondary outcomes included pain scores, analgesic consumption, and pain descriptors up to 12 months. RESULTS: Wound hyperalgesia index at 48 hours (median [25th-75th percentiles]) was 1.07 (0.48-3.26) in the placebo group, 1.27 (0.59-2.95) in the BupTAP group, and 0.74 (0.09-2.25) in the CloTAP group (P = 0.48). Morphine request in the postanesthesia care unit was significantly higher in the placebo group compared with the other TAP groups (P = 0.01). Postoperative pain scores and requests for breakthrough medication at 48 hours (30% in the placebo group, 24% in the BupTAP group, and 12% in the CloTAP group, P = 0.25) or chronic pain descriptors reported up to 12 months did not differ significantly among groups. CONCLUSIONS: Adding clonidine to a TAP block with bupivacaine did not affect wound hyperalgesia index and it did not improve short-term or long-term pain scores in women undergoing elective cesarean delivery. Further studies are warranted to determine the benefits of antihyperalgesic adjuvants in TAP solutions for specific individuals at risk for chronic pain.