Treatment of women with vaginal laxity: systematic review with meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Despite several treatments that have been used for women reporting vaginal laxity (VL), to our knowledge no systematic review is available on the topic so far. AIM: In this study, we sought to summarize the best available evidence about the efficacy and safety of interventions for treating VL, whether conservative or surgical. METHODS: A comprehensive search strategy was performed in Medline, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library for reports of clinical trials published from database inception to September 2022. Studies selected for inclusion were in the English language and were performed to investigate any type of treatment for VL, with or without a comparator, whether nonrandomized studies or randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Case reports and studies without a clear definition of VL were excluded. OUTCOMES: The outcomes were interventions (laser, radiofrequency, surgery, and topical treatment), adverse effects, sexual function, pelvic floor muscle (PFM) strength, and improvement of VL by the VL questionnaire (VLQ). RESULTS: From 816 records, 38 studies remained in the final analysis. Laser and radiofrequency (RF) were the energy-based treatment devices most frequently studied. Pooled data from eight observational studies have shown improved sexual function assessed by a Female Sexual Function Index score mean difference (MD) of 6.51 (95% CI, 5.61-7.42; i2 = 85%, P < .01) before and after intervention, whether by RF (MD, 6.00; 95% CI, 4.26-7.73; i2 = 80%; P < .001) or laser (MD, 6.83; 95% CI, 5.01-8.65; i2 = 92%; P < .01). However, this finding was not shown when only 3 RCTs were included, even when separated by type of intervention (RF or laser). When RF treatment was compared to sham controls, VLQ scores did not improve (MD, 1.01; 95% CI, -0.38 to 2.40; i2 = 94%; P < .001). Patient PFM strength improved after interventions were performed (MD, 4.22; 95% CI, 1.02-7.42; i2 = 77%; P < .001). The ROBINS-I (Risk Of Bias In Nonrandomized Studies of Interventions) tool classified all non-RCTs at serious risk of bias, except for 1 study, and the risk of bias-1 analysis found a low and unclear risk of bias for all RCTs. The GRADE (Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluations) certainty of the evidence was moderate for sexual function and the VLQ questionnaire and low for PFM strength. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Sexual function in women with VL who underwent RF and laser treatment improved in observational studies but not in RCTs. Improvement in PFM strength was observed in women with VL after the intervention. STRENGTHS AND LIMITATIONS: Crucial issues were raised for the understanding of VL, such as lack of standardization of the definition and for the development of future prospective studies. A limitation of the study was that the heterogeneity of the interventions and different follow-up periods did not make it possible to pool all available data. CONCLUSIONS: Vaginal tightening did not improve sensation in women with VL after intervention, whereas RF and laser improved sexual function in women with VL according to data from observational studies, but not from RCTs. PFM strength was improved after intervention in women with VL.

VDR, CXCR1, CXCR2, PSCA Polymorphisms and Recurrent Urinary Tract Infections in Women: Genetic Association Study.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: Urinary tract infection (UTI) is one of the most common human infections. Evidence suggests that there might be a genetic predisposition to UTI. Previous small candidate gene studies have suggested that common variants in genes involved in the immune response to UTI could increase susceptibility to the development of recurrent UTI (rUTI). The objective was to conduct a gene association study to replicate previous gene association studies identifying single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) putatively associated with rUTI in adult women. METHODS: Women with a history of rUTI and healthy controls were recruited (n = 1,008) from gynaecology outpatient clinics. Participants completed a signed consent form and questionnaire for phenotyping. DNA was extracted from blood or saliva samples for each participant. Putative associated SNPs were identified from a comprehensive systematic review of prior gene association studies. Primers for each selected SNP were designed, and genotyping was conducted using a competitive polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method. The Chi-squared test was used to assess the association between each variant and rUTI. Genotyping quality was assessed by checking for deviation from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. RESULTS: We found no association between SNPs tested in the VDR (p = 0.16, p = 0.09, p = 0.36), CXCR1 (p = 0.09), CXCR2 (p = 0.39), PSCA (p = 0.74) genes, and rUTI in adult women. CONCLUSIONS: To our knowledge, this is the largest study to date, finding no significant associations. Previously reported positive associations may have been due to type 1 error, or genotyping errors. Future studies should adjust for confounders and employ adequate sample sizes. A greater understanding of the genetic components associated with rUTI may influence future treatment guidelines and screening for susceptible patients.

Transobturator Versus Minisling for Urinary Incontinence: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

IMPORTANCE: The comparison between single-incision slings (SISs) and midurethral slings has been documented in the literature, but results vary according to the SIS device. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study is to assess whether SIS (Solyx) is noninferior to transobturator (TOT) (Obtryx) sling for treating women with confirmed stress-predominant urinary incontinence. STUDY DESIGN: A prospective, parallel, nonblinded, multicenter, noninferiority, randomized controlled study with 114 patients were randomized and followed 6 and 12 months after surgery. Interventions were midurethral TOT sling (Obtryx-halo; n = 58) or SIS (Solyx; n = 56). The primary outcome was improvement in the Patient Global Impression of Improvement (PGI-I). Secondary outcomes were the Kings Health Questionnaire (KHQ) instruments after treatment, subjective improvement, and surgical outcomes. RESULTS: Both groups were homogeneous ( P = NS) regarding sociodemographic and clinical variables. There was improvement in the PGI-I after 6 ( P = 0.001) and 12 months ( P = 0.001) of treatment for women who underwent TOT sling. After 6 months, KHQ scores improved in the TOT group for the following domains: role limitations ( P = 0.026) and physical limitations ( P = 0.006). After 12 months, the TOT group presented better KHQ scores that were statistically significant from the SIS group in incontinence impact ( P = 0.012), physical limitations ( P = 0.001), and severity measures ( P = 0.017). Moreover, the TOT group presented higher subjective improvement after 6 months ( P = 0.006) than the SIS group. Mesh erosion was higher in the SIS group ( P = 0.006). Reoperations were not statistically different between groups. CONCLUSION: There were higher scores in the PGI-I score and higher subjective improvement for the TOT sling after 6 and 12 months of treatment when compared with the SIS group.

PEOPLE: Lifestyle and comorbidities as risk factors for pelvic organ prolapse-a systematic review and meta-analysis PEOPLE: PElvic Organ Prolapse Lifestyle comorbiditiEs.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: The literature is scarce regarding the effects of comorbidities, clinical parameters, and lifestyle as risk factors for pelvic organ prolapse (POP). This study was performed to systematically review the literature related to body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, diabetes mellitus (DM), hypertension (HT), dyslipidemia, chronic constipation, smoking, chronic cough, occupation, and striae and varicose veins as determinants for POP. METHODS: Search terms in accordance with Medical Subject Headings were used in PubMed, Embase, LILACS, and the Cochrane Library. Clinical comparative studies between women with and without POP and containing demographic and/or clinical raw data related to lifestyle and/or comorbidities were included. The ROBINS-I (risk of bias in non-randomized studies of interventions) instrument was used. Fixed-effects and random-effects models were used for homogeneous and heterogeneous studies, respectively. RESULTS: Forty-three studies were included in the meta-analysis. BMI < 25 kg/m2 was found to be a protective factor for POP [OR 0.71 (0.51, 0.99); p = 0.04], and BMI > 30 kg/m2 was a risk factor for POP [OR 1.44 (1.37, 1.52); p < 0.00001]. Waist circumference (≥ 88 cm) was reported as a risk factor for POP [OR 1.80 (1.37, 2.38); p < 0.00001], along with HT [OR 1.18 (1.09, 1.27); p = 0.04], constipation [OR 1.77 (1.23, 2.54); p < 0.00001], occupation [OR 1.86 (1.21, 2.86); p < 0.00001], persistent cough [OR 1.52 (1.18, 1.94); p < 0.0001]), and varicose veins [OR 2.01 (1.50, 2.70); p = 0.12]. CONCLUSIONS: BMI < 25 kg/m2 is protective while BMI > 30 kg/m2 is a risk factor for POP. Large waist circumference, dyslipidemia, HT, constipation, occupation, persistent cough, and varicose veins are also determinants for POP.

Perceived racism or racial discrimination and the risk of adverse obstetric outcomes: a systematic review

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Racial disparities are differences among distinct subgroups of the human species; biologically, there are no scientifically proven reasons for them to exist. OBJECTIVE: To assess the impact of racism or racial discrimination on obstetric outcomes. DESIGN AND SETTING: Systematic review conducted at a tertiary/academic hospital. METHODS: The Cochrane Library, SCOPUS/EMBASE, PubMed, Web of Science and ClinicalTrials.gov databases were searched from inception to June 2020. Studies presenting any type of racial discrimination, or any manifestation of racism that was perceived by women of any age in an obstetric scenario were included. Studies that only assessed racial disparities without including direct racism were excluded. The secondary outcomes evaluated included quality of antenatal care, intra and postpartum care, preterm birth and birthweight. The Risk of Bias In Non-randomized Studies - of Interventions (ROBINS-I) scale was used to assess the quality of evidence from non-randomized studies. RESULTS: A total of 508 records were retrieved and 29 were selected for qualitative synthesis. No meta-analysis could be performed due to the high heterogeneity across studies. Perceived racism was associated as a risk factor in 7/10 studies focusing on pregnancy and postpartum maternal outcomes, five studies on preterm birth, one study on small for gestational age and two studies on low birthweight. Overall, among the 29 studies, the risk of bias was classified as moderate. CONCLUSIONS: Perceived racism presented an association with poor obstetric outcomes. Anti-racist measures are needed in order to address the problems that are causing patients to perceive or experience racism. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION: PROSPERO database, CRD42020194382

Patient Acceptance of Telemedicine in Urogynecology Consultations - A Cross-Sectional Study Performed at a Brazilian Public Institution / Aceitação de telemedicina em consultas de uroginecologia: Estudo transversal em uma instituição pública brasileira

Abstract Objective To evaluate the acceptance of telemedicine and determine its associated factors in an urogynecology outpatient clinic of a public hospital in Brazil. Methods The present was a cross-sectional study performed between June and November 2020. The included patients had their elective appointments postponed due to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. The variables considered regarding the acceptance of telemedicine were: urogynecologic diagnosis, age, level of schooling, place of residence, access to the internet, type of device used, frequency of internet use, and use of social media platforms. The categorical variables were described by their absolute and relative frequencies. The association among variables was evaluated through the Fisher exact test, and univariate and multivariate analyses, considering the acceptance of telemedicine as the dependent variable. Results A total of 225 patients were listed, and 182 agreed to participate. The mean age was 59 years old, 81.3% of the patients had access to the internet, and 87.3% of them accepted telemedicine. There were statistically significant associations regarding the acceptance of telemedicine and high levels of schooling (p< 0.01), internet access (p< 0.01), daily use of the internet (p< 0.01), access through personal mobile phone (p< 0.01), and access through the participant's own residence (p< 0.01). In the univariate and multivariate analyses, only high levels of schooling were associated with the acceptance of telemedicine (Adjusted odds ratio: 4.82; 95% confidence interval = 1.59-14.65). Conclusion Most of the urogynecology patients of a public hospital in a developing country accepted telemedicine. Internet access and level of schooling were the factors associated with the acceptance of telemedicine in urogynecology.

Resumo Objetivo Avaliar aceitação da telemedicina e determinar seus fatores associados em uma clínica de uroginecologia de um hospital público brasileiro. Métodos Trata-se de estudo transversal realizado entre junho e novembro de 2020. Foram recrutadas pacientes que tiveram seus atendimentos eletivos adiados devido à pandemia de doença do coronavírus 2019 (coronavirus disease 2019, COVID-19, em inglês). As variáveis consideradas para a aceitação da telemedicina foram: diagnóstico uroginecológico, idade, escolaridade, local de residência, acesso à internet, tipo de dispositivo, frequência do uso da internet, e uso de plataformas de redes sociais. As variáveis categóricas foras descritas na forma de suas frequências absoluta e relativa. A associação entre essas variáveis foi avaliada por meio do teste exato de Fisher e análises uni e multivariada, e a aceitação da telemedicina foi considerada a variável dependente. Resultados Um total de 225 pacientes foram listadas, e 182 concordaram em participar. A idade média das participantes foi de 59 anos; 81,3% delas tinham acesso à internet, e 87,3% aceitaram a telemedicina. Observaram-se associações estatisticamente significativas entre a aceitação e maior escolaridade (p< 0,01), acesso à internet (p< 0,01), uso diário da internet (p< 0,01), acesso por celular próprio (p< 0,01), e acesso da própria residência (p< 0,01). Nas análises uni e multivariada, somente alto nível de escolaridade esteve associado à aceitação da telemedicina (razão de probabilidades ajustada: 4,82; intervalo de confiança de 95% = 1,59-14,65). Conclusão A maioria das pacientes atendidas em um hospital público de um país em desenvolvimento concordaram com a telemedicina. Acesso à internet e nível de escolaridade foram fatores associados à aceitação da telemedicina nessa população.

Risk factors for mediolateral episiotomy at a tertiary hospital: a cross-sectional study

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: The main aim of this study was to assess the associated factors for selective mediolateral episiotomy at a tertiary, academic hospital. METHODS: A retrospective cohort analysis between 2017 and 2019 was performed. The primary outcome was the prevalence of selective mediolateral episiotomy. Independent variables were maternal, intrapartum, and neonatal characteristics. A significance level of 5% was established, and univariate and multivariate analyses with logistic regression models were performed. RESULTS: From 2,761 vaginal deliveries eligible for inclusion during this period, the prevalence of selective mediolateral episiotomy was 18.7%. Univariate analysis has shown that non-white women were protective factors (OR=0.77 [0.63-0.96]; p=0.02) for episiotomy; primiparity (OR=2.61 [2.12-3.21]; p<0.01), number of vaginal examinations between 6-10 repetitions (OR=3.16 [2.48-4.01]; p<0.01) and 11-20 repetitions (OR=5.40 [3.69-7.90]; p<0.01), longer second stage duration (OR=1.01 [1.00-1.02]; p<0.01), and women with gestational age more than 37 weeks were risk factors. Multivariate analysis reported that second stage duration (AOR=1.01 [1.00-1.03]; p<0.01), primiparity (AOR=2.03 [1.34-3.06]; p<0.01), and number of vaginal examinations between 6-10 repetitions (AOR=2.36 [1.50-3.70]; p<0.01) and 11-20 repetitions (AOR=3.29 [1.74-6.20]; p<0.01) were remained as risk factors for selective mediolateral episiotomy. CONCLUSION: A higher number of vaginal examinations during labor (over six repetitions), longer duration of second stage labor, and primiparity were risk factors associated with selective mediolateral episiotomy.

Severe Perineal Trauma in a Brazilian Southeastern Tertiary Hospital: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of severe perineal trauma (obstetric and anal sphincter injury [OASIS]) in a tertiary high-risk pregnancy facility and the associated factors. METHODS: A retrospective electronic chart review on perineal lacerations was performed from the period of April 2017 to February 2019. Obstetric and anal sphincter injury was diagnosed by a rectal examination. Primary outcome was the prevalence of OASIS (third- and fourth-degree perineal tear). Independent variables were maternal, intrapartum, and neonatal characteristics. Univariate and multivariate analyses with logistic regression models were performed. A P value lower than 0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS: The prevalence of OASIS (third/fourth-degree laceration) was 1.51% (43/2846) in our population. Our population was mostly white (66.3%) and mostly primiparous (52.1%). By comparison, the prevalence of first/second-degree laceration was 43% (1223/2846). Selective episiotomy occurred in 18.73% (517/2761) of patients, and it was not associated with OASIS (P = 0.211). Advanced maternal age (P = 0.196), higher number of vaginal examinations (P = 0.169), fetal presentation (P = 0.533), and duration of second stage (P = 0.757) were not associated with OASIS. Univariate analysis has found that forceps delivery (odds ratio [OR], 3.68 [1.74-7.79]; P = 0.001), neonatal macrossomy (OR, 3.42 [1.02-11.43]; P = 0.045), and larger head circumference (OR, 1.15 [1.02-1.32]; P = 0.026) were risk factors for OASIS, whereas higher gravidity reduced the risk (OR, 0.61 [0.42-0.91] for OASIS. However, after multivariate analysis, only head circumference (OR, 1.86 [1.10-3.14]; P = 0.020) remained as a risk factor. CONCLUSIONS: Larger neonatal head circumference increased in 86% the risk for severe perineal trauma in this cohort of women.

How do urogynecology and pelvic floor dysfunction terms used in female pelvic medicine and reconstructive surgery research relate to social media indicators?

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: The association between social media (SoMe) indicators and citation metrics is still controversial. we aimed to evaluate the frequency of urogynecology-related terms ("urogynecology" [UG] and "pelvic floor/dysfunction" [PF/PFD]) mentioned by traditional databases (Web of Science [WOS]) and journal ranking indicators (SCImago), as well as their association with SoMe (Altmetric database). METHODS: In April 2019, two authors performed a search that was divided into three steps. The first one was to assess journals within the WOS Obstetrics/Gynecology and Urology categories updated to 2017 using UG and PF/PFD. The second step was to rank these studies in SCImago by the highest numbers of WOS and to correlate with journal h-index and SJR. The third step was to analyze SoMe indicators such as the Altmetric Attention Score (AAS) for each study and journal retrieved. RESULTS: The International Urogynecology Journal (IUJ) and Neurourology and Urodynamics (NAU) were the first (n = 1,394) and second (n = 974) most highly cited journals when using UG and PFD. IUJ also presented manuscripts with the highest AAS for UG and PF/PFD. Social media represented 74-93% of AAS calculated among the 20 top cited studies. For UG, SoMe presented 8,050 mentions, led by Twitter (n = 7,326). The same distribution was seen for PFD (8,493 mentions for SoMe, Twitter with 7,653). The higher the WOS citation, the higher the AAS (r = 0.483; p = 0.03). CONCLUSION: UG and PF/PFD terms are highly cited in databases and IUJ was the journal most frequently connected with them. Among SoMe tools, Twitter was the most frequently cited. WOS citations correlated with AAS.

Pelvic floor parameters in women with gynecological endocrinopathies: a systematic review.

There is no pooled information about pelvic floor parameters (muscle assessment, disorders) of women with gynecologicaL endocrinopathies (eg. polycystic ovary syndrome, congenital adrenal hyperplasia, premature ovarian insufficiency). Given that, a systematic review was performed on the Pubmed, Scopus, Google Scholar, Scielo and PEDro databases regarding the main gynecological endocrinopathies [polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), premature ovarian insufficiency (POI), congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) and hyperprolactinemia (HPL)] since their inception to April 2020. Data quality assessment was made by the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS) adapted for cross-sectional studies. A total of 4,272 results were retrieved from all databases. After excluding duplicate results and screening by title and abstract, nine studies were selected for quantitative analysis. Seven studies were performed with women with PCOS and two studies with POI. Women with PCOS presented a higher prevalence of urinary incontinence (UI) among obese women, a higher thickness of the levator ani muscle, and higher levels of muscle activity measured by surface electromyograph when compared to the control women. Regarding POI, there was no association with UI, FI, and POP. NOS found that the quality assessment for these selected studies ranged from 5 to 8. We concluded that higher pelvic muscle activity and volume were found in women with PCOS, with further studies needed to confirm this data. Literature was scant about POI, CAH, and HPL.

Pelvic floor parameters in women with gynecological endocrinopathies: a systematic review

SUMMARY There is no pooled information about pelvic floor parameters (muscle assessment, disorders) of women with gynecologicaL endocrinopathies (eg. polycystic ovary syndrome, congenital adrenal hyperplasia, premature ovarian insufficiency). Given that, a systematic review was performed on the Pubmed, Scopus, Google Scholar, Scielo and PEDro databases regarding the main gynecological endocrinopathies [polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), premature ovarian insufficiency (POI), congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) and hyperprolactinemia (HPL)] since their inception to April 2020. Data quality assessment was made by the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS) adapted for cross-sectional studies. A total of 4,272 results were retrieved from all databases. After excluding duplicate results and screening by title and abstract, nine studies were selected for quantitative analysis. Seven studies were performed with women with PCOS and two studies with POI. Women with PCOS presented a higher prevalence of urinary incontinence (UI) among obese women, a higher thickness of the levator ani muscle, and higher levels of muscle activity measured by surface electromyograph when compared to the control women. Regarding POI, there was no association with UI, FI, and POP. NOS found that the quality assessment for these selected studies ranged from 5 to 8. We concluded that higher pelvic muscle activity and volume were found in women with PCOS, with further studies needed to confirm this data. Literature was scant about POI, CAH, and HPL.

RESUMO Existe informação não organizada sobre a avaliação do assoalho pélvico de mulheres com endocrinopatias ginecológicas (ex. síndrome dos ovários policísticos - SOP, hiperplasia adrenal congênita - HAC, insuficiência ovariana prematura - IOP). Dessa forma, objetivamos realizar uma revisão sistemática foi realizada nas bases Pubmed, Scopus, Google Scholar, Scielo e PEDro sobre as endocrinopatias ginecológicas (SOP, HAC, IOP e hiperprolactinemia (HPL) desde a origem a abril de 2020. A avaliação da qualidade de dados foi real-izada pela escala de Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS) adaptada para estudos transversais. De 4,272 resultados encontrados em todas as databases, após exclusão por duplicatas, triando por título e resumos, nove estudos foram selecionados para análise quantitativa. Sete estudos foram realizados para mulheres com SOP e dois estudos com IOP. Em suma, mulheres com SOP apresentados uma alta prevalência de incontinência urinária (IU) em mulheres obesas, alta espessura do músculo elevador do ânus, altos níveis de atividade muscular aferida por eletromiografia de superfície quando comparadas com mulheres do grupo controle. Sobre a IOP, esta não foi associada com IU, IF e POP. A escala NOS evidenciou que a qualidade dos estudos selecionados variou de 5 a 8. Concluímos que uma alta atividade e volume muscular foi encontrada em mulheres com SOP, com estudos posteriores sendo necessários para confirmar estes achados. Literatura foi escassa para IOP, HAC e HPL.

Do we know How to avoid OASIs in non-Supine Birth Positions? a retrospective cohort analysis / Sabemos como evitar as LOEAs em posições de parto não supinas? Uma análise de coorte retrospectiva

Abstract Objective To evaluate the association between the upright and supine maternal positions for birth and the incidence of obstetric anal sphincter injuries (OASIs). Methods Retrospective cohort study analyzed the data of 1,728 pregnant women who vaginally delivered live single cephalic newborns with a birth weight of 2,500 g. Multiple regression analyses were used to investigate the effect of the supine and upright positions on the incidence of OASIs after adjusting for risk factors and obstetric interventions. Results In total, 239 (13.8%) births occurred in upright positions, and 1,489 (86.2%) in supine positions. Grade-III lacerations occurred in 43 (2.5%) patients, and grade-IV lacerations occurred in 3 (0.2%) women. Supine positions had a significant protective effect against severe lacerations, odds ratio [95% confidence interval]: 0,47 [0.22- 0.99], adjusted for the use of forceps 4.80 [2.15-10.70], nulliparity 2.86 [1.44-5.69], and birth weight 3.30 [1.56-7.00]. Anesthesia (p<0.070), oxytocin augmentation (p<0.228), shoulder dystocia (p<0.670), and episiotomy (p<0.559) were not associated with the incidence of severe lacerations. Conclusion Upright birth positions were not associated with a lower rate of perineal tears. The interpretation of the findings regarding these positions raised doubts about perineal protection that are still unanswered.

Resumo Objetivo Avaliar a associação entre as posições maternas verticais e supinas ao nascimento e a taxa de incidência de lesões obstétricas do esfíncter anal (LOEAs). Métodos Estudo coorte retrospectivo que analisou os dados de 1.728 gestantes que tiveram parto vaginal cefálico simples com peso ao nascer de 2.500 g. Análises de regressão múltipla foram usadas para investigar o efeito de posições supinas ou verticais sobre a taxa de incidência de LOEAs após o ajuste para fatores de risco e intervenções obstétricas. Resultados No total, 239 (13,8%) nascimentos ocorreram nas posições verticais, e 1,489 (86,2%), nas posições supinas. Lacerações graves de grau III ocorreram em 43 (2,5%) pacientes, e de grau IV, em 3 (0,2%) mulheres. As posições supinas tiveram um efeito protetor significativo contra lacerações graves, razão de probabilidades [Intervalo de Confiança de 95%]: 0,47 [0.22-0.99], ajustado para o uso de Fórceps 4.80 [2.15-10.70], nuliparidade 2.86 [1.44-5.69], e peso ao nascer 3.30 [1.56-7.00]. Anestesia (p<0.070), aumento de ocitocina (p<0.228), distocia de ombro (p<0.670), e episiotomia (p<0.559) não estiveram associados à incidência de laceração grave. Conclusão As posições de parto verticais não estiveram associadas a uma menor taxa de ruptura perineal. A interpretação dos achados referentes a essas posições levantou dúvidas sobre a proteção perineal que ainda aguardam respostas.