Customizing Health Recommendations About Physical Activity During Pregnancy: A Qualitative Study Among Practitioners in France.

While studies have long shown the beneficial health effects of physical activity during pregnancy, such recommendations have been rarely analyzed in terms of how practitioners adapt such health messages to patients' social profiles. The present study sought to apprehend the logics underlying practitioner (non)recommendations of physical activity and exercise during pregnancy, and how these were associated with social distinctions made between patients. Semi-directive interviews were conducted with 20 midwives and 17 gynaecologists and obstetricians in south-eastern France. Based on thematic analyses, the results show how recommendations draw from both medical and social knowledge, mobilizing social representations regarding physical activity, (non)normative bodies and othered social categories of class, ethnicity or obesity. The othering processes reiterate gendered social hierarchies as well as moral orders surrounding normative bodies and health-enhancing behaviours. The findings demonstrate how social hierarchies and beliefs intertwine with public health discourses about the body and health-enhancing practices, suggesting directions for reducing their impact in contexts of medicine and health.

Multidisciplinary peer-led sexual and reproductive health education programme in France, a prospective controlled-study.

BACKGROUND: Sexual education is an international priority to promote sexual and reproductive health (SRH) and to reduce risky sexual behaviour. Experts recommend holistic and comprehensive SRH peer-led education. In 2018, the French government launched a new public peer-led health prevention programme called the "Service Sanitaire" (SeSa), consisting of health education provided by healthcare students (peer educators) to teenagers. For the first time in France, the impact of the programme was prospectively evaluated during its first year to examine whether the programme improved the SRH knowledge of healthcare students and teenagers. Risk perception and risky sexual behaviour among these populations were also evaluated. METHOD: A prospective multicentre controlled study was conducted from November 2018 to May 2019. SRH knowledge was compared before and after the SeSa programme, and the evolution of this knowledge was compared, with linear regression, between healthcare students part of the SRH SeSa programme and those who were part of another programme. The same analysis of knowledge was performed with respect to teenagers who received SRH interventions as part of the SeSa compared to teenagers who did not participate in a specific SRH education programme. Risk perception and risky behaviour were studied before and after the programme among healthcare students and teenagers. RESULTS: More than 70% of the targeted population participated in the study, with 747 healthcare students and 292 teenagers. SRH peer educators increased their knowledge score significantly more than other peer educators (a difference of 2.1 points/30 [95% CI 1.4-2.9] (p [between group] <  0.001)). Teenagers participating in the SeSa interventions also had a greater increase in their knowledge score than the other teenagers (+ 5.2/30 [95% CI 3.2-7.4] p [between group] < 0.001). There was no evidence of change in sexual risk behaviours for the healthcare student population. CONCLUSION: The "Service Sanitaire" programme significantly improved the sexual and reproductive health knowledge of peer-educator healthcare students and teenagers compared to a classic education programme. Longer and/or qualitative studies are needed to evaluate changes in sexual behaviour as well as positive impacts on sexuality.

Magnetic resonance hysterosalpingography in diagnostic work-up of female infertility - comparison with conventional hysterosalpingography: a randomised study.

OBJECTIVE: To compare diagnostic accuracy of MR-hysterosalpingography (MR-HSG) and conventional hysterosalpingography (X-HSG) in the evaluation of female infertility. METHODS: Forty women received prospectively both X-HSG, the gold standard technique, and MR-HSG on the same day but the order in which they were conducted was randomised. A 1.5 Tesla MRI was performed with classical sequences for pelvic analysis and an additional 3D T1-weighted sequence with intra-uterine injection of gadolinium. Two radiologists independently interpreted X-HSG and MR-HSG according to randomisation, blinded to the other results. They both then performed a second interpretation of MR-HSG blinded to the first reading with a minimum time delay of 1 week. Diagnostic performance of MR-HSG for analysis of tubal and intracavity abnormalities was evaluated by calculating sensitivity (Se), specificity (Sp), positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV). RESULTS: Twenty-six patients were included. Diagnostic performance of MR-HSG was: Se: 91.7% (95% CI 61.5-99.8); Sp: 92.9% (95% CI 66.1-99.8) ; PPV: 91.7% (95% CI 61.5-99.8); NPV: 92.9% (95% CI 66.1-99.8). Pain analysis showed a significant statistical difference between the two procedures: average VAS for X-HSG was 4.43 (95% CI 3.50-5.36) versus 3.46 (95% CI 2.62-4.31) for MR-HSG, p=0,01. Intra- and inter-rater agreements for detection of tubal or intracavity abnormalities were 0.92 (95% CI 0.78-1.00) and 0.76 (95% CI 0.52-1.00). CONCLUSION: MR-HSG is a well-tolerated technique demonstrating high accuracy in investigating tubal patency and intra-uterine abnormalities for diagnostic work-up of female infertility. KEY POINTS: • MR-hysterosalpingography is an innovative technique. • Hysterosalpingography can be used to investigate tubal patency and intracavity abnormalities. • Hysterosalpingography is a potential 'one-stop-shop' imaging technique for a single comprehensive examination of female infertility.

The Pubic Diastasis Measurement, a Key Element for the Diagnosis, Management, and Prognosis of the Bladder Exstrophy.

OBJECTIVE: To demonstrate the feasibility of measuring the fetal pubic diastasis (PD) distance on antenatal ultrasound in normal fetuses and to compare it to fetuses with bladder exstrophy. METHODS: Firstly, a prospective multicentric study was conducted to determine the feasibility of the PD ultrasound measurement during the second half of pregnancy. Secondly, data from a single center were used to develop a nomogram for PD values in normal fetuses. Thirdly, retrospective PD measurements were collected from fetuses with bladder exstrophy, diagnosed in seven French Multidisciplinary Centers for Prenatal Diagnosis (MCPDs). RESULTS: Operators from several MCPDs examined 868 fetuses and found that overall PD ultrasound measurement was feasible in 71% of cases and that the ossification of pubic points increased to be always visible from 27 weeks of gestation onward. Performed in a single center by a referring operator on 1,539 fetuses, the feasibility reached 94.74%. Both set of measurements were concordant (mean PD distance value of 5.42 ± 1.8 mm). Interestingly, all 23 fetuses with bladder exstrophy showed a significantly larger PD distance (mean 15.74 ± 3.9 mm). CONCLUSION: PD measurement in the fetus is feasible and reliable in the second half of gestation and can be used to support the antenatal diagnosis of bladder exstrophy with PD values exceeding 10 mm.

Development and validation of an objective structured assessment of technical skill tool for the practice of breech presentation delivery.

OBJECTIVE: To develop and test the validity of an Objective Structured Assessment of Technical Skills (OSATS) tool for breech presentation delivery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Monocentric prospective study conducted in the Department of Gynecology, Obstetrics, Fetal Medicine and Reproductive Medicine at the University Hospital of Nice. The study consisted of two parts, the development of the OSATS scoring system and its objective validation. Several experts in obstetrics from university hospital centers and private French hospitals were invited to participate in the development phase of the scoring system. For the validation phase, we formed a group of 20 novices and a group of 20 experts, who had to perform a breech presentation delivery on a simulator, according to a standardized scenario. Each participant was filmed and two experts would then evaluate their performance by viewing anonymized videos and using the OSATS score. RESULTS: The scores obtained by the expert group were significantly higher than those of the novice group, with a total score of 21.73/25 versus 6.95/25 (p < 0.0001), a task-specific score of 87.2/110 versus 44.3/110 (p < 0.0001) and an overall score of 108.93/135 versus 51.25/135 (p < 0.0001), respectively. CONCLUSION: The OSATS score developed in this study for breech presentation delivery is a reliable model to assess the competence level in procedural skills using a simulator.

Hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy for the treatment of recurrent ovarian cancer in elderly women.

Our aim was to evaluate the morbidity and survival associated with combined cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) in the treatment of recurrent ovarian cancer for patients aged 70 years and older. We conducted a monocentric study in a French university hospital and collected data on 15 women aged ≥ 70 years, treated by cytoreduction and HIPEC for ovarian cancer relapse. The median overall survival was 35 months, with a median disease-free survival of 15.6 months. When a Peritoneal Cancer Index subgroup analysis was performed, a statistically significant difference in the disease-free survival could be observed for a Peritoneal Cancer Index ≤ 13 (p = 0.036). A trend towards improvement of disease-free survival was observed when the Completeness of Cytoreductive Score was equal to 0 (p = 0.0915).

Development and validation of an objective structured assessment of technical skill tool for the practice of vertex presentation delivery.

OBJECTIVE: To develop and test the validity of an objective structured assessment of technical skill (OSATS) tool for vertex presentation delivery simulations. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Monocentric prospective study conducted in the Department of Gynecology, Obstetrics, Fetal Medicine and Reproductive Biology at the University Hospital of Nice. The study consisted of two parts, the development of the scoring system and then its validation. Experts in obstetrics from several academic institutions and private French hospitals were invited to participate in the development phase of the scoring system. For the validation phase, we formed a group of 20 novices and a group of 20 experts, who performed a childbirth simulation according to a standard scenario. Each participant was filmed and then two experts evaluated their performance with the OSATS score by viewing anonymized videos. RESULTS: The scores obtained by the expert group were significantly higher than those of the novice group, whether we compared the total score or each part of the score (task-specific or global) independently. We obtained a p value of 0.03 for the total score, p = 0.036 for the task-specific score, and p < 0.001 for the overall score. CONCLUSION: The OSATS score developed in this study for vertex presentation delivery is a reliable mean to assess the medical students' competence in procedural skills using a simulator.

[Gynecological cancers in elderly women]. / Cancers gynécologiques pelviens chez la femme âgée.

Pelvic gynaecological cancers are common in elderly women. Diagnosis and the decision to treat require multidisciplinary expertise. An oncologic, surgical and geriatric evaluation contributes to a split decision and personalised care. The care team is involved in the geriatric evaluation, information, education and patient monitoring throughout the treatment plan.

Abortion medical management between 14-16 weeks' amenorrhea after French legislation deadline extension.

BACKGROUND: The National French Assembly promoted a law in 2022 allowing an extension of the period of abortion up to 16 week's amenorrhea. Medication protocols vary internationally, and there are no French data on medical management between 14- and 16-weeks' amenorrhea. OBJECTIVE: To assess effectiveness and feasibility of a medical management abortion between 14 and 16 weeks of amenorrhea. STUDY DESIGN: We retrospectively collected data from women undergoing medical abortion between 14 and 16 weeks' amenorrhea from April 2022 to April 2023 in Archet's University hospital, Nice, France. Medical protocol consisted in a single dose of oral mifepristone 600 mg and 36-48 h later, vaginal gemeprost 1 mg. Three hours after gemeprost, oral 400 µg of misoprostol were administered every three hours, to a maximum of three doses. Success was defined as fetal expulsion. RESULTS: Thirty women were enrolled in the study. Twenty-nine (96.7 %) patients aborted successfully. The median dose of misoprostol required was 800 µg (400 µg -1200 µg) and the median induction-to-abortion interval after first prostaglandin administration was 7 h (5.5-11.6). One patient (3.3 %) didn't expulse the fetus after 3 doses of misoprostol. Nine patients (30.0 %) had additional surgical aspiration for retained product of conception within 24 h. We encountered one post-abortum hemorrhage controlled only with surgical intra uterine aspiration. We did not need complementary hemostatic procedure and we reported no immediate or late complication. CONCLUSIONS: Medical abortion between 14 and 16 weeks of amenorrhea provides a noninvasive and effective management for a daycare mid trimester abortion in 96.7 % of cases, with a 36.7 % of risk of staying in hospital overnight and 30.0 % to have additional surgery for retained product of conception (RPOC).

Comparative study of second-line labor induction methods in patients with unfavorable cervix after first-line low-dose oral misoprostol.

OBJECTIVE: The present study aimed to evaluate low-dose oral misoprostol induction, and compare different methods used in second-line induction in patients with a Bishop score less than 6. METHODS: This retrospective study analyzed the medical history and courses of pregnancy of all patients induced with first-line of low-dose oral misoprostol (50 µg every 4 h with a total of 200 µg/24 h) from April 2021 to June 2022 in a university hospital center, and reported outcomes according to the second-line method of induction. RESULTS: Among 437 labor inductions with low-dose oral misoprostol, 120 patients required a second-line induction. Predictive factors of first-line failure were higher body mass index (P = 0.011), absence of premature rupture of membranes (P = 0.021) and earlier term of pregnancy (P < 0.001). Regarding second methods of induction of labor, time from induction to delivery was shorter in the oxytocin group than the dinoprostone and misoprostol groups (24.0 vs. 41 and 51.0 h, respectively; P < 0.001), and was also significantly shorter in the dinoprostone than the misoprostol group (P = 0.048). Cesarean section rates did not differ between the three groups (P = 0.651). There were no clinically significant differences in adverse events between the groups. CONCLUSION: Normal body mass index, previous rupture of membranes and later term of induction of labor were the three favoring success factors during first-line oral misoprostol. In cases of a Bishop score <6, oxytocin may be the best option to reduce duration to delivery, with the same maternal-fetal outcomes, including a similar rate of vaginal delivery.

[Risks of urogenital infections and expulsion associated with the combination of an IUD and a menstrual cup]. / Étude RIESC : risques d'infections uro-génitales et d'expulsion dans l'association stérilet et coupe menstruelle.

OBJECTIVES: The increase in intrauterine devices (IUDs) contraception, and the growing use of reusables menstrual hygiene products such as the menstrual cup, necessitates an assessment of the implications of their co-use. The objectives are to assess whether women with IUDs who use menstrual cups have an increased risk of IUD expulsion and/or a change in the risk of upper and lower urogenital tract infections compared to women who use other menstrual hygiene products. METHOD: An observational, prospective, multicenter study was conducted in France between 2020 and 2023. Participants were recruited by health professionals and data were collected by telephone questionnaire at the time of IUD insertion and at one year. The primary endpoints were the occurrence of IUD expulsion and the occurrence of urogenital tract infections in menstrual cup users compared to non-users. RESULTS: One hundred and three women out of 119 included were analyzed, 25 of them were regular menstrual cup users and five experienced IUD expulsion. Among regular users, 12% experienced IUD expulsion compared to 2.6% among non-users, with no statistically significant difference (Chi2=3.65; P=0.056). Regarding urogenital tract infections, nine women (36%) of the regular menstrual cup users had urogenital infections, compared with 27 (34.6%) of the non-users or not regular users, with no statistically significant difference. CONCLUSION: The tendency of menstrual cup users to expel their IUDs is a reason for caution, although it is not sufficient to contraindicate co-use. Physicians should therefore systematically screen such co-use and inform patients of the risks and monitoring instructions.

Eucapnic pH coupled with arterial cord pH improves hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy prediction.

OBJECTIVE: To consider the classical use of "pH < 7.0 and/or a base deficiency ≥12 mmol/L" as markers of the risk of neonatal hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE), recalling various criticisms of the use of these markers in favor of that of neonatal eucapnic pH, which appears to be a better marker of this risk. METHODS: Fifty-five cases of acidemia with pH < 7.00 were collected from a cohort from the Nice University Hospital with eight cases of HIE. We compared the receiver operating characteristics curves established from the positive likelihood ratio (+LR) for each case of: umbilical cord artery pH (pHa), neonatal eucapnic pH (pH euc-n) in isolation (not matched to pHa), and matched pHa to its own pH euc-n. RESULTS: The areas under the curve (AUC) are identical for pHa and pH euc-n, but AUC for the matched pair pHa-pH euc-n appears superior but non-significant because of the small number in our cohort. However, using the bootstrap method, the partial AUC for a sensitivity greater than 75% indicates the significant superiority (P < 0.01) of the matched pair pHa-pH euc-n approach. CONCLUSION: The originality of this study lies in the use of two methodologic approaches: (1) standardized partial analysis of the AUCs of the pHa curve and that of pHa matched to its own pH euc-n, and (2) bootstrap statistical technique, that allowed us to conclude (P < 0.01) that the combined use of pH measured at the cord coupled with its eucapnic correction is better for diagnosing metabolic acidosis and best predicting the risk of HIE.

Evaluation of the sentinel lymph node algorithm with blue dye labeling for early-stage endometrial cancer in a multicentric setting.

OBJECTIVES: Sentinel lymph node (SLN) removal may be a midterm between no and full pelvic dissection in early endometrial cancer. Whereas the use of blue dye alone in SLN detection has a poor accuracy, its integration in an SLN algorithm may yield better results and overcome hurdles such as the requirement of nuclear medicine facility. METHODS: Sixty-six patients with clinical stage I endometrial cancer were prospectively enrolled in a multicentre study between May 2003 and June 2009. Patent blue was injected intraoperatively into the cervix. We retrospectively assessed the accuracy of a previously described SLN algorithm consisting of the following sequence: (1) pelvic node area is inspected for removal of all mapped SLN and (2) excision of every suspicious non-SLN, (3) in the absence of mapping in a hemipelvis, a standard ipsilateral lymphadenectomy is then performed. RESULTS: Sentinel nodes were identified in 41 patients (62.1%), mostly in interiliac and obturator areas. None was detected in the para-aortic area. Detection was bilateral in 23 cases (56.1%). Seven patients (10.6%) had positive nodes. The false-negative rate was 40% using SLN detection alone. When the algorithm was applied, the false-negative rate was 14.3%. The use of a SLN algorithm would have avoided 53% of lymphadenectomies CONCLUSION: Our multicentric evaluation validates the use of a SLN algorithm based on blue-only sentinel node mapping in early-stage endometrial cancer. The application of such SLN algorithm should be evaluated in a prospective context and might lead to decrease unnecessary lymphadenectomies.

Post-traumatic transdiaphragmatic intercostal hernia: report of two cases.

Transdiaphragmatic intercostal hernias (TIH) are rare. Less than 40 cases of TIH have so far been reported, with only 8 cases involving herniation of the liver. This report presents the case of 2 patients with a right-sided abdominal lump following a fall. Thoracoabdominal CT-scan showed a TIH between the 9th and 10th ribs with liver and right colonic herniation in both patients. Both patients were successfully treated with mesh repair. The presentation, physiopathology and management of this rare occurrence are discussed.

The value of pelvic MRI in the diagnosis of posterior cul-de-sac obliteration in cases of deep pelvic endometriosis.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of our study was to define relevant MRI signs allowing preoperative diagnosis of posterior cul-de-sac obliteration in patients with deep pelvic endometriosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This retrospective study included patients who underwent pelvic MRI completed by a laparoscopic examination. Three radiologists performed the MRI review blinded and recorded the following signs: sign 1, retroflexed uterus; sign 2, retrouterine mass; sign 3, displacement of intraperitoneal fluid; sign 4, elevation of the fornix; and sign 5, adherence of bowel loops. Laparoscopic results provided the criterion standard for diagnosis of posterior cul-de-sac obliteration. The performance of MRI was evaluated by calculating the average sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and accuracy of MRI results of the two more experienced radiologists for each sign and for combinations of signs. Interobserver agreement for each sign and impression for posterior cul-de-sac obliteration were calculated for all radiologists. RESULTS: Sixty-three patients were included in the study. Posterior cul-de-sac obliteration was diagnosed in 43 patients at laparoscopy. The mean sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of each sign and impression of posterior cul-de-sac obliteration were, respectively, as follows: sign 1, 24.4%, 77.5%, 41.3%; sign 2, 97.1%, 83.7%, 92.8%; sign 3, 95.0%, 88.7%, 93.1%; sign 4, 30.2%, 97.5%, 51.6%; sign 5, 83.7%, 91.2%, 86.1%; and impression of posterior cul-de-sac obliteration, 91.9%, 91.2%, 91.7%. Interobserver concordance varied from 0.26 to 0.81 with best results obtained with the combination of signs 2, 3, and 5. Best concordances for junior radiologist evaluations were obtained with assessment of sign 3. CONCLUSION: MRI allows posterior cul-de-sac obliteration diagnosis. Pelvic fluid displacement may be the sign with greatest utility when considering both diagnostic accuracy and interobserver agreement.

Early postpartum discharge before 48 h: An exhaustive review.

PURPOSE: To describe the management of early discharge (less than 48 h after birth) attempts and investigate maternal and neonatal outcomes throw an exhaustive review. METHODS: This review was conducted according to PRISMA statement. The search was applied to PubMed and Google Scholar databases. Articles published before 2000 were not included to limit conclusions related to outdated medical practices. Eligibility assessment and analysis were performed independently by two reviewers. RESULTS: Of approximately 600 articles, 21 articles met the inclusion criteria, including 9 randomized trials. Fourteen studies were conducted in developed countries. Median primiparous rate was 40%. Home-visit, consultation and exclusive telephone follow-up were planned in 12, 4 and 3 studies respectively. Among the 100,311 patients of this review, mean rates of rehospitalization for maternal and neonatal causes were 1.9% [0.3-4.8] and 3.2% [0-10.1] respectively. Median breastfeeding rates at 2 weeks, 1 month and 3-6 months were 85% [73.2-100], 82% [62-91] and 63% [10-95] respectively. CONCLUSION: Length of stay after childbirth is not discriminating mother and newborn safety. The optimal length of stay would rather depend on the health of the mother and infant, the maternity discharge organization, the medical follow-up, and the subsequent support.

Preoperative high-dose-rate brachytherapy for high-risk early-stage cervical cancer: Long-term clinical outcome analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To report long-term oncological and toxicity outcomes after high-dose-rate brachytherapy (HDB) followed by oncologic surgery for patients with early-stage cervical cancer. METHODS AND MATERIALS: From 2005 to 2019, all patients treated with preoperative HDB at Antoine Lacassagne Cancer Center for early-stage (IB1-IB2-IIA - FIGO 2018) cervical cancer with local relapse risk factors were included. HDB was performed followed by hysterectomy. Oncological and toxicity outcomes were evaluated prospectively. RESULTS: We identified 61 patients, with a median follow-up of 84 months. Posthysterectomy complete pathological response was observed in 46 patients (75.4%). Six patients (9.8%) experienced recurrence, including 4 local relapses (6.6%), and 2 deaths (3.3%) due to cervical cancer. Five-year local, nodal and metastatic relapse-free survivals were 94% (95% CI 87-100%), 96% (95% CI 90-100%) and 93% (95% CI 86-100%) respectively. Five-year overall survival was 98% (95% CI 95-100%). No grade ≥ 3 acute toxicity was observed, and 3 patients (4.9%) experienced grade 2 acute toxicity. One patient presented grade 4 late digestive toxicity, and 6 patients had grade 2 late toxicity. Only 1 patient still had grade 2 toxicity, after 9 years follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: To our knowledge, we are reporting the longest follow-up of a preoperative HDB cohort. With similar oncological outcomes and less morbidity compared to primary surgery treatment followed more or less by adjuvant radiotherapy, HDB followed by hysterectomy could be a promising therapeutic option for early-stage cervical cancers with poor prognostic factors.

MRI characteristics of the uterine junctional zone: from normal to the diagnosis of adenomyosis.

OBJECTIVE: MRI was the first imaging technique to permit the visualization of the uterine junctional zone and remains the imaging method of choice to evaluate it and its associated pathology. CONCLUSION: Adenomyosis can be diagnosed using MRI with a diagnostic accuracy of 85%. The most important MR finding in making the diagnosis is thickness of the junctional zone exceeding 12 mm. The principal limitation of MRI is the absence of a definable junctional zone on imaging, which occurs in 20% of premenopausal women.

Gas gangrene of the breast: management of a potential life-threatening infection.

INTRODUCTION: Gas gangrene of the breast is a rare infection and potentially mortal. CASE REPORT: We report a case of a fast extension of a painful right breast erythema whose starting point was a right parasternal cutaneous abscess. A diagnosis of gas gangrene of the right breast was made. A right mammectomy was carried out in Emergency and an antibiotherapy adapted to the germs was given. CONCLUSION: Mixed anaerobic and aerobic florae are often responsible for the infection. Its medico-surgical management is an emergency.