Application of a specific clinical pathway can affect the choice of trial of labor in patients with a history of cesarean delivery.

BACKGROUND: Mode of delivery in women with previous history of cesarean delivery (CD) is highly modifiable by the practices of the delivery unit. Vaginal birth after a cesarean (VBAC) delivery is a safe and preferred alternative in most cases. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of adopting a complex set of measures aimed at the mode of delivery in this group. METHODS: This was a retrospective observational study comparing two birth cohorts before and after the implementation of a series of quality improvement (QI) interventions. The study cohorts comprised women with a history of cesarean delivery who gave birth in the period before (January 2013 - December 2015) and after (January 2018 - December 2020) the adoption of the QI measures. The measures were focused on singleton term cephalic pregnancies with a low transverse incision in the uterus. Measures included approval of all planned CDs by a senior obstetrician, re-training staff on the use of the FIGO classification for intrapartum fetal cardiotocogram, establishing VBAC management guidelines, encouraging epidural analgesia during trial of labor after cesarean (TOLAC), establishing a labor ward team and introducing a monthly maternity audit. RESULTS: Term singleton cephalic pregnancies with previous history of CD accounted for 12.55% of all births in the pre-intervention period and 12.01% in the post-intervention period. The frequency of cesarean deliveries decreased from 89.94% in the pre-intervention period to 64.47% in the post-intervention period (p < 0.0001). We observed a significant increase in TOLAC from 13.18 to 42.12% (p<0.0001) and also an increase in successful VBAC from 76.27 to 84.35% (p < 0.0001). All changes occurred without statistically significant change in overall perinatal mortality. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates the feasibility to safely increase trial of labor and vaginal birth after cesarean delivery by implementing a series of quality improvement interventions and clinical pathway changes.

Factors infl uencing delivery in women with multiple fetus pregnancy.

OBJECTIVE: This paper aims to analyze the factors that can influence the method of childbirth in women with multiple pregnancies. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective analysis of selected parameters in women with multiple pregnancies who gave birth at the 2nd Clinic of Gynecology and Obstetrics of the Faculty of Medicine (FM), Comenius University (CU) and University Hospital (UH) Bratislava in the years 2010-2022. RESULTS: Between 2010 and 2022, at the 2nd Clinic of Gynecology and Obstetrics of the FM CU and UH in Bratislava, 1.13% of births were multiple pregnancies. After statistical data processing, primiparity appeared statistically significant as a risk of acute caesarean section (C-section); multiparous women had a higher probability to give birth vaginally. Since 2017, the clinic has had a decreasing trend in the number of caesarean sections. Women with an acute caesarean section, in turn had on average a lower pH of both fetuses compared to vaginal delivery. However, the incidence of asphyxia in fetuses was not statistically significantly different. We found no risk factor increasing the likelihood of acute caesarean section for fetus B in twins. CONCLUSION: Multiple pregnancy has a higher morbidity not only for the woman but also for the fetuses. The incidence of multiple pregnancies is influenced by assisted reproduction. Delivery method depends on various factors such as chorionicity, fetal presentation, and history of a previous caesarean section.

Prevalence and risk factors for serious birth concerns in unselected population of mothers.

AIM: The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence of severe fear of childbirth in a group of pregnant women, to determine the risk factors, and to prove the impact of the fear of childbirth on various obstetrics outcomes in this group. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study population consists of pregnant women who gave birth at the 2nd Gynecology and Obstetrics Department of the Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University and University Hospital Bratislava, from January 1st, 2022, until April 31st, 2022. After signing an informed consent, the pregnant women were given a Slovak version of the Wijma Delivery Expectancy Questionnaire (S-WDEQ), which is a psychometric tool to evaluate the prevalence of severe fear of childbirth. They were given the S-WDEQ during the 36th and 38th week of gestational age. The childbirth data were collected from the hospital information system after the delivery of the baby. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: The studied group consists of 453 pregnant women who fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Extreme fear of childbirth was identified using S-WDEQ in 10.6% (48) of them. Level of education and age were not considered to be significant predictors of fear of childbirth. Statistically significant difference was not found in terms of the age groups and groups with different levels of education. At the edge of the statistical significance were primiparas, who made up 60.4% (RR: 1.29; 95% CI: 1.00-1.68; P = 0.0525) of all women with severe fear of childbirth. Women with a history of cesarean section were significantly more frequent in the group of women with serious concerns about childbirth (RR: 3.83; 95% CI: 1.56-9.40; P = 0.0033). Women who gave birth by cesarean section due to the indication of non-progressive labour were also more often represented in the group of women with serious concerns about childbirth (RR: 3.01; 95% CI: 1.07-8.42; P = 0.0358). A higher S-WDEQ score at the 36th week of gestational age in a group of primiparous women increased the statistical probability of cesarean delivery (P = 0.0030). The statistical results are not showing the impact of fear of childbirth on the induction success and the duration of the first stage of labour in primiparous women. The fear of childbirth prevalence is relatively high and it has impact on the outcome of childbirth. The use of a validated questionnaire as a screening tool to search for women with childbirth fear could positively influence their concerns by following psychoeducational interventions in clinical care settings.

Pelvic floor muscle injuries in women with a history of Caesarean section.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the paper is to determine the prevalence of levator ani muscle injuries and identify risk factors among women undergoing vaginal birth after Caesarean section (VBAC) compared to those with elective repeat Caesarean section (ERCS). MATERIAL AND METHODS: This prospective observational comparative study was conducted at the 2nd Clinic of Gynaecology and Obstetrics of FM CU and UN Bratislava. Women with a history of one Caesarean section were included in the study. They were divided into those who had a successful VBAC and those who delivered by ERCS. The mothers underwent a 3D/4D ultrasound examination of the pelvic floor muscles 3‒5 days after childbirth. The study evaluates the frequency and risk factors of avulsion injury of the levator ani muscle (LAM) in a group of 46 women after a successful vaginal delivery after a previous Caesarean section and 32 women after ERCS using 3D/4D transperineal ultrasound examination of the pelvic floor. RESULTS: A total of 78 women were included in the study, 46 after VBAC and 32 after ERCS. In the first group, we recorded LAM avulsion injury in 13 cases (28.3 %); in the post-ERCS group, we did not record this injury (p < 0.0001). We also found an overdistended hiatal area (21.0 vs 19.4 cm2) and a more frequent occurrence of the area exceeding 25 cm2 (21.3 % vs 6.2 %, p = 0.0340) which was approaching the statistical significance. In the first group, we identified an increase in weight during pregnancy to 15 kg and a neonatal birthweight of 4,000 g or higher as risk factors for LAM injury. CONCLUSION: In the group of women with VBAC, there is a statistically significant risk of LAM avulsion and a higher occurrence of the overdistended area of ​​the hiatus urogenitalis, especially in women with larger foetuses and in those who experienced greater weight gain during pregnancy (Tab. 3, Ref. 50). Text in PDF www.elis.sk Keywords: pelvic floor, levator ani muscle avulsion, vaginal birth after Caesarean section.

Covert postpartum urinary retention: causes and consequences (PAREZ study).

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: Increased post-voiding residual volume (PVRV), known as covert postpartum urinary retention (PUR), is an asymptomatic condition with unknown long-term adverse effects. The objectives were to determine the frequency of this phenomenon 3 days after delivery and to examine the associated risk factors and consequences of the increased residuum on women´s health 6 weeks postpartum. METHODS: We carried out a prospective observational study including a total of 926 primiparous women, giving birth to singletons. All participants underwent ultrasound determination of PVRV on day 3 postpartum. Then, risk factors were determined using logistic regression analysis. After 6 weeks, participants were invited to return for PVRV determination and to complete urogynecological and general health questionnaires. Using these data, the consequences of increased PVRV were determined. RESULTS: A total of n=90 women were diagnosed with abnormal PVRV. Mean age in the studied population was 30.4 years, BMI prior to delivery 27.8, weight of the newborn 3,420 g, and percentage of cesarean sections 15.9%. Gestational week (p=0.043), vaginal tear (p=0.032), and induction of labor (p=0.003) were risk factors for covert PUR. Puerperal incidence of urinary tract infection was 1.1% (6 out of 526) and of urinary incontinence 29.2% (155 out of 530), with no differences between the groups. In the second examination, covert PUR was no longer present, and the values of residual urine decreased for all patients in the case group. No statistically significant differences were observed in questionnaire scores in general health and wellbeing perceptions between the groups. CONCLUSIONS: We have found a few significant obstetrical-pediatric risk factors for abnormal PVRVs. Data from the follow-up suggest that covert PUR has no impact on morbidity and quality of life 6 weeks postpartum. Therefore, abnormal PVRV is a self-limited phenomenon with a tendency toward self-correction. Our findings support those of previous studies that advocate against screening for asymptomatic retention in the postpartum period, despite some similar previous recommendations.

Deoxyribonuclease activity negative correlates with extracellular DNA in uncomplicated singleton pregnancies in the third trimester.

OBJECTIVES: It is not clear, which factors affect extracellular DNA (ecDNA) concentrations in healthy women with singleton uncomplicated pregnancies, although deoxyribonucleases (DNases) are hypothesized to be responsible for the cleavage of plasma ecDNA. The aim of this study was to analyze potential determinants of total ecDNA including plasma DNase activity. METHODS: Plasma samples were collected from 48 healthy women with singleton uncomplicated pregnancies in the third trimester (gestation week 37). DNA was isolated and quantified using fluorometry and real time PCR. DNase activity was assessed using the single radial enzyme-diffusion method. RESULTS: Neither ecDNA, nor DNase activity were affected by maternal age or BMI. DNase activity negatively correlated with total plasma ecDNA (r=-0.40, p=0.007). Similar associations were found for ecDNA of nuclear and mitochondrial origin, but not with fetal DNA quantified using Y-targeted PCR in male fetus-bearing pregnancies. CONCLUSIONS: The role of plasma ecDNA of fetal and maternal origin is studied in the pathogenesis of pregnancy-complications. The results indicate that plasma DNase activity could negatively regulate ecDNA concentrations and should, thus, be analyzed in preeclampsia, preterm birth and other ecDNA-related pregnancy complications.

Religion Affects Future Female Doctors' Approach to HPV Vaccination in Czech and Slovak Republics.

The objective of this study is to summarize the factors, including religion, affecting an individual's decision to get vaccinated or reject vaccination. Anonymous questionnaire-based electronic study is conducted in all faculties of medicine in Czech and Slovak republics. One thousand four hundred and six (1406) questionnaires were analyzed. Responders not practicing any religion received vaccination more often and would recommend vaccination more often. Catholic religion was the most important demographic factor affecting the rate of vaccination. In the group of Catholic female students, 21.9% were vaccinated. In the group of non-Catholic female students, 55.5% were vaccinated. In conclusion, female medical students' approach to vaccination depends, among other factors, on their individual beliefs.

Comparison of opinions of Slovak and Czech female medical students on HPV vaccination.

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to identify the differences in the use of HPV vaccination between female medical students in the Czech and Slovak Republics and their possible causes. METHODS: We performed a cross-sectional survey among female students of general medicine in all faculties of medicine in the Czech and Slovak Republics. RESULTS: We obtained 630 questionnaires from the Czech Republic and 776 questionnaires from the Slovak Republic. In the Czech Republic, 65.4% of female medical students underwent HPV vaccination, while in the Slovak Republic, the figure was 21.1%. In the Czech Republic, residency and religion of students did not influence their rate of vaccination. However, in the Slovak Republic, village residency with less than 5,000 inhabitants lowered the probability of vaccination with OR = 0.56 (95% CI: 0.38-0.84), and the Catholic religion lowered the probability of vaccination with OR = 0.40 (95% CI: 0.28-0.57). Czech students were informed about the possibility of vaccination by a paediatrician in 55.7% of cases, while the figure for Slovak students was 26.8%. In the Czech Republic, 75.7% of students participated in regular cervical oncologic screening, while in the Slovak Republic, the figure was 57.7%. Vaccination of relatives would be recommended by 86.5% and 80.5% of Czech and Slovak students, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The adoption of an oncologic prevention programme and the more extensive propagation by paediatricians are probably the medical reasons for the higher HPV vaccination among Czech students. Demographic factors - village residency and religion - are also important.

Effect of SARS-CoV-2 Infection and COVID-19 Vaccination on Oxidative Status of Human Placenta: A Preliminary Study.

Infection with SARS-CoV-2 during pregnancy increases the risk of pregnancy complications associated with inflammation, which could lead to oxidative stress in the placenta. Whether vaccination against COVID-19 has any effect is unclear. This study aimed to analyze the effects of SARS-CoV-2 infection and vaccination against COVID-19 during pregnancy on oxidative stress in the placenta and on extracellular DNA (ecDNA) in umbilical cord plasma. Placenta samples from healthy uninfected and unvaccinated control patients who recovered from COVID-19 and women vaccinated against COVID-19 during pregnancy were collected. Biomarkers of oxidative damage and antioxidant capacity were assessed in the placenta homogenates. EcDNA and deoxyribonuclease activity were quantified in umbilical cord plasma using real-time PCR and the single radial enzyme diffusion method, respectively. Markers of oxidative damage to lipids and proteins as well as antioxidant capacity in the placenta did not differ between the study groups. No differences were observed in total, nuclear or mitochondrial ecDNA, or deoxyribonuclease activity in the umbilical cord plasma. Taking into account the limits of a small observational study, our results suggest that the infection with SARS-CoV-2 and vaccination against COVID-19 do not induce any major disturbances in the balance between the production of free radicals and antioxidant activity in the placenta. This is in line with the minor effects on fetal outcomes and ecDNA as a suggested marker of fetal well-being.

The effect of anti-pandemic measures on some aspects of obstetric care in a single obstetric unit in the Slovak Republic.

< pre style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; line-height: 150%;" > < span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;" > Objectives: < /span > < span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;" > In many countries, various anti-pandemic interventions were adopted in 2020, which also affected obstetric practices. The aim of this study is to determine their effect on the frequency of caesarean section (CS) according to Robson classification (RC). < /span > < /pre > < pre style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; line-height: 150%;" > < span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;" > Material and methods: < /span > < span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;" > Deliveries in 2019 and 2020 were retrospectively analysed. Mothers were grouped according to RC, and the frequency of CR in the different groups were compared. < /span > < /pre > < pre style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; line-height: 150%;" > < span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;" > Results: < /span > < span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;" > We found a statistically significant increase in the frequency of CR in the pandemic year (20.0% vs 17.8%, p = 0.0242). When classified into RC groups, the increase in the different groups lost statistical significance. Nevertheless, the increase was most important in Robson group 5 due to maternal rejection of vaginal delivery after CR and in Robson group 2b with elective CR. In spite of our expectations, the frequency of caesarean section performed due to indication of protracted labour was not increased. < /span > < /pre > < pre style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; line-height: 150%;" > < span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;" > Conclusions: < /span > < span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;" > Interventions that were implemented during the first and second waves of the pandemic were associated with increased frequency of planned caesarean sections. < /span > < /pre >.

Impact of implementing a multifaceted intervention to reduce rates of cesarean section: A quality-improvement study.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the impact of a multifaceted intervention on reducing the rate of cesarean section (CS) without negatively affecting the rate of perinatal mortality. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of CS was performed before and after the implementation of a quality-improvement (QI) intervention in a university-affiliated teaching hospital in the Slovak Republic. All women who gave birth in 2015 (pre-intervention) and 2018 (post-intervention) were included. The different components of the intervention were introduced from September 2016. The main outcome was the overall rate of CS. A subanalysis by Robson groups was undertaken. RESULTS: After the implementation of the QI intervention, there was a 33.5% reduction in the rate of CS compared to the pre-intervention period where the rate reduced from 33.7% to 22.4% (P<0.001; relative risk 0.66, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.61-0.72; Number Needed to Treat (NNT) 8.8, 95% CI 7.3-11.2). The main contributors were the reduction in elective CS for non-obstetric reasons, a reduction in intrapartum CS for failure to progress, and an increase in the number of vaginal births after CS in the post-intervention period. CONCLUSION: The implementation of the composite QI intervention led to a significant reduction in the rate of CS without affecting the rate of perinatal mortality.

Evaluation of cesarean delivery rates at three university hospital labor units using the Robson classification system.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the frequency of cesarean delivery using the Robson 10-group classification. METHODS: A multicenter retrospective cohort study was conducted at three university hospital labor units in the Slovak Republic. The medical records of all women who gave birth at these centers from January 1 to December 31, 2017, were assessed. RESULTS: In all, 1437 of 3361 (42.8%), 729 of 2795 (26.1%), and 303 of 2080 (14.6%) births recorded at the three centers during the current study period were by cesarean delivery. Among the nulliparous term singleton vertex deliveries (Robson group 1 and 2), the frequency of cesarean delivery at the three centers was 613 of 1653 (37.1%), 278 of 1389 (20.0%), and 91 of 898 (10.1%). Among term multiparas with one fetus in a cephalic position and at least one previous cesarean delivery (Robson group 5), the frequency of cesarean delivery at the three centers was 405 of 418 (96.9%), 261 of 343 (76.1%), and 55 of 115 (47.8%). CONCLUSION: Analysis of the frequency of cesarean delivery by Robson classification could help to identify possibilities for safely decreasing cesarean delivery rates in the clinic. Robson groups 1, 2, and 5 were the most modifiable groups.

Impact of introducing specific measures to reduce the frequency of cesarean delivery for non-obstetric indications.

OBJECTIVE: To identify the frequency of cesarean delivery for non-obstetric indications before and after the introduction of specific measures to lower the rate of elective cesarean, and to evaluate the effectiveness of the introduced measures. METHODS: In the present single-center retrospective cohort study at University Hospital Trnava, Trnava, Slovak Republic, the frequency of elective cesarean was evaluated before (January 1, 2010, to December 31, 2014) and after (January 1, 2015, to December 31, 2016) the implementation of specific measures applied in January 2015 to confirm the indications for primary cesarean delivery. The frequency of elective cesarean delivery for non-obstetric indications was compared between the two periods. RESULTS: Before the intervention in 2015, 229 (2.9%) of 7768 women had elective cesarean deliveries for non-obstetric indications. After implementation of the intervention, the frequency decreased to 27 (0.8%) of 3203 women (P<0.001). CONCLUSION: The frequency of cesarean delivery for non-obstetric indications was reduced significantly by introducing specific reasonable measures. These included all non-obstetric indications for cesarean delivery being approved by a leading specialist of the related department, close cooperation with professionals from other specialties, and, additionally, staff attending professional educational lectures.