Effect of major trauma on the expected number of births in Finnish women: A nationwide population-based public data and register analysis.

BACKGROUND: The effect of major trauma on subsequent fertility is poorly described. If women have lower fertility after trauma, they would have a lower risk of anti-D mediated hemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn in a future pregnancy following the transfusion of RhD-positive blood to RhD-negative women during their resuscitation. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Data was obtained from the Care Register for Health Care, National Medical Birth Register, and open access data from Statistic Finland to evaluate the effect of major trauma (traumatic brain injuries, spine, pelvic, hip/thigh fractures) on the age-specific number of births during years 1998-2018. The total number of births before a specific maternal age for different trauma populations was calculated and these were compared to the corresponding number of births in the general population. RESULTS: There were 50,923 injured women in this study. All injured women, including when analyzed by the nature of their injury, demonstrated lower expected numbers of births starting at approximately 28 years of age compared to the general population of women in Finland. At age 49, the expected number of births in the general population was approximately 1.8, whereas for all injured women 0.6, women with TBIs and spine fractures 0.6, women with pelvic fractures 0.5, and women with hip or thigh fractures 0.3. DISCUSSION: Injured women are predicted to have lower fertility rates compared to the general population of Finnish women. The lower fertility rate should be considered when planning a blood product resuscitation strategy for injured women.

Risk of childhood neoplasms related to neonatal phototherapy- a systematic review and meta-analysis.

CONTEXT: Observational studies have shown conflicting results as to whether exposure to neonatal phototherapy is associated with increased rates of childhood cancer. OBJECTIVE: To describe the rates of childhood neoplasms and cancer after neonatal phototherapy. DATA SOURCES: The CENTRAL, PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases. STUDY SELECTION: Observational studies regardless of design were included. DATA EXTRACTION: The data were extracted by one author and validated by another. The risk-of-bias assessment was performed using the ROBINS-E and Joanna Briggs Institute critical appraisal tools. RESULTS: Six cohort and 10 case-control studies were included. The overall risk of bias was high in seven and low in nine studies. In cohort studies, the odds ratio (OR) was increased for hematopoietic cancer (1.44; confidence interval [CI]: 1.16-1.80) and solid tumors (OR: 1.18; CI: 1.00-1.40). In case-control studies, the OR was 1.63 (CI: 0.99-2.67) for hematopoietic cancers and 1.18 (CI: 1.04-1.34) for solid tumors. CONCLUSIONS: Children with a history of neonatal phototherapy had increased risk of hematopoietic cancer and solid tumors. The evidence quality was limited due to the high risk of bias and potential residual confounding. IMPACT STATEMENT: Exposure to neonatal phototherapy increased later risk of hematopoietic cancer and solid tumors. This is the most comprehensive study on the association between phototherapy and cancer, but the evidence quality was limited due risk of bias and residual confounding. Future large scale well conducted studies are still needed to better estimate the association and.

Intrapartum azithromycin to prevent maternal and neonatal sepsis and deaths: A systematic review with meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVES: A systematic review with met-analysis was performed to summarise the evidence on the effect of intrapartum azithromycin on maternal and neonatal infections and deaths. SEARCH STRATEGY: PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science databases were searched in March 2023. SELECTION CRITERIA: Randomised controlled trials comparing intrapartum single-dose of azithromycin with placebo. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Maternal infections, maternal mortality, neonatal sepsis, neonatal mortality. We used the random-effects Mantel-Haenszel method to calculate risk ratios (RR) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CI). We assessed risk of bias of the included studies and estimated the evidence certainty using the GRADE approach. MAIN RESULTS: After screening 410 abstracts, five studies with 44 190 women and 44 565 neonates were included. The risk of bias was low in four and had some concerns in one of the studies. The risk of endometritis was 1.5% in the azithromycin group and 2.3% in the placebo group (RR 0.64, 95% CI 0.55-0.75), and the evidence certainty was high. The respective risk for chorioamnionitis was 0.05% and 0.1% (RR 0.50, 95% CI 0.22-1.18; evidence certainty moderate). The wound infection rate was lower in the azithromycin group (1.6%) than in the placebo group (2.5%), RR 0.52 (95% CI 0.30-0.89; moderate certainty evidence). The maternal sepsis rate was 1.1% in the azithromycin group and 1.7% in the placebo group (RR 0.66, 95% CI 0.56-0.77; evidence certainty high). Mortality rates did not show evidence of a difference (0.09% versus 0.08%; RR 1.26, 95% CI 0.65-2.42; moderate certainty evidence). The neonatal mortality rate was 0.7% in the azithromycin group and 0.8% in the placebo group (RR 0.94, 95% CI 0.76-1.16; moderate certainty evidence). The neonatal sepsis rate was 7.6% in the azithromycin group and 7.4% in the placebo group (RR 1.02, 95% CI 0.96-1.09; moderate certainty evidence). CONCLUSIONS: Intrapartum administration of azithromycin to the mother reduces maternal postpartum infections, including sepsis. Impact on maternal mortality remains undecided. Azithromycin does not reduce neonatal sepsis or mortality rates.

High-flow nasal cannula use in pediatric patients for other indications than acute bronchiolitis-a scoping review of randomized controlled trials.

The objective of the study is to summarize current literature on high-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) use for different indications in pediatric patient excluding acute bronchiolitis and neonatal care. The study design is a systematic scoping review. Pubmed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases were searched in February, 2023. All abstracts and full texts were screened by two independent reviewers. Randomized controlled trials focusing on HFNC use in pediatric patients (age < 18 years) were included. Studies focusing on acute bronchiolitis and neonatal respiratory conditions were excluded. Study quality was assessed by Cochrane risk of bias 2.0 tool. The main outcomes are patient groups and indications, key outcomes, and risk of bias. After screening 1276 abstracts, we included 22 full reports. Risk of bias was low in 11 and high in 5 studies. We identified three patient groups where HFNC has been studied: first, children requiring primary respiratory support for acute respiratory failure; second, perioperative use for either intraprocedural oxygenation or postoperative respiratory support; and third, post-extubation care in pediatric intensive care for other than postoperative patients. Clinical and laboratory parameters were assessed as key outcomes. None of the studies analyzed cost-effectiveness.Conclusion: This systematic scoping review provides an overview of current evidence for HFNC use in pediatric patients. Future studies should aim for better quality and include economic evaluation with cost-effectiveness analysis.Protocol registration: Protocol has been published https://osf.io/a3y46/ .

Why all newborn hip screening programs have same results-a mini review.

All newborns are screened for developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH), but countries have varying screening practices. The aim of this narrative mini review is to discuss the controversies of the screening and why it seems that all screening programs are likely to have same outcome. Different screening strategies are discussed alongside with other factors influencing DDH in this review. Universal ultrasound (US) has been praised as it finds more immature hips than clinical examination, but it has not been proven to reduce the rates of late-detected DDH or surgical management. Universal US screening increases initial treatment rates, while selective US and clinical screening have similar outcomes regarding late detection rates than universal US. This can be explained by the extrinsic factor affecting the development of the hip joint after birth and thus initial screening during the early weeks cannot find these cases.  Conclusion: It seems that DDH screening strategies have strengths and limitations without notable differences in the most severe outcomes (late-detected cases requiring operative treatment). Thus, it is important to acknowledge that the used screening policy is a combination of values and available resources rather than a decision based on clear evidence.

Non-invasive neurally adjusted ventilatory assist (NIV-NAVA) reduces extubation failures in preterm neonates-A systematic review and meta-analysis.

AIM: To analyse the evidence of non-invasive neurally adjusted ventilatory assist (NIV-NAVA) in preterm neonates compared to nasal continuous positive airway pressure (nCPAP) or nasal intermittent positive pressure ventilation (NIPPV). METHODS: We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials and included studies where NIV-NAVA was analysed in preterm (<37 gestational weeks) born neonates. Our main outcomes were the need for endotracheal intubation, the need for surfactant therapy, and reintubation rates. Risk ratios (RRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated. RESULTS: A total of five studies were included. The endotracheal intubation rate was 25% in the NIV-NAVA group and 26% in the nCPAP group (RR 0.91, CI: 0.56-1.48). The respective rates for surfactant therapy were 30% and 35% (RR 0.85, CI: 0.56-1.29). The reintubation rate in neonates previously invasively ventilated was 8% in the NIV-NAVA group and 29% in the nCPAP/NIPPV group (RR 0.29, 95%CI: 0.10-0.81). Evidence certainty was rated as low for all outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: NIV-NAVA as the primary respiratory support did not reduce the need for endotracheal intubation or surfactant therapy. NIV-NAVA seemed to reduce the reintubation rate after extubation in pre-term neonates.

Noninvasive respiratory support preventing reintubation after pediatric cardiac surgery-A systematic review.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the optimal postextubation respiratory support in pediatric cardiac surgery patients. DESIGN: Systematic review of randomized controlled trials. SETTING: Pediatric or neonatal intensive care units. PARTICIPANTS: All aged children (<16 years) having cardiac surgery and postoperative invasive ventilation. INTERVENTION: Noninvasive respiratory support, including high flow nasal cannula (HFNC), conventional oxygen therapy (COT), noninvasive positive pressure ventilation (NIPPV), continuous positive pressure (CPAP), and noninvasive high-frequency oscillatory ventilation (NHFOV). MEASUREMENT AND MAIN RESULTS: Studies were not pooled for statistical synthesis due to the limited number and quality of the included studies. Risk ratios with 95% confidence intervals were calculated for individual studies. A total of 167 studies were screened and six were included. The risk of bias was low in one, high in one, and had some concerns in four of the studies. Extubation failure (defined as reintubation) was the main outcome of interest. Risk ratio for reintubation was 0.10 (CI 0.02-0.40) and 1.07 (CI 0.16-7.26) in HFNC versus COT, 0.49 (CI 0.05-5.28) in HFNC versus NIPPV, 0.40 (CI 0.08-1.94) in HFNOV versus CPAP, 0.75 (CI 0.26-2.18) in HFNOV versus NIPPV, and 1.37 (CI 0.33-5.73) in CPAP versus NIPPV. Treatment durations did not differ between the groups. CONCLUSION: We did not find clear evidence of a difference in reintubation rates and other clinical outcomes between different noninvasive ventilation strategies. Evidence certainty was assessed to be very low due to the risk of bias, the small number of included studies, and high imprecision. Future quality studies are needed to determine the optimal postextubation support in pediatric cardiac surgery patients.

Antibiotic Treatment Duration for Community-Acquired Pneumonia in Outpatient Children in High-Income Countries-A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND: The optimal treatment duration of community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) in children has been controversial in high-income countries. We conducted a meta-analysis to compare short antibiotic treatment (3-5 days) with longer treatment (7-10 days) among children aged ≥6 months. METHODS: On 31 January 2022, we searched PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases for studies published in English from 2003 to 2022. We included randomized controlled trials focusing on antibiotic treatment duration in children with CAP treated as outpatients. We calculated risk differences (RDs) with 95% confidence intervals and used the fixed-effect model (low heterogeneity). Our main outcome was treatment failure, defined as need for retreatment or hospitalization within 1 month. Our secondary outcome was presence of antibiotic-related harms. RESULTS: A total of 541 studies were screened, and 4 studies with 1541 children were included in the review. Three studies had low risk of bias, and one had some concerns. All 4 studies assessed treatment failures, and the RD was 0.1% (95% confidence interval, -3.0% to 2.0%) with high quality of evidence. Two studies (1194 children) assessed adverse events related to antibiotic treatment, and the RD was 0.0% (-5.0% to 5.0%) with moderate quality of evidence. The diagnostic criteria varied between the included studies. CONCLUSIONS: A short antibiotic treatment duration of 3-5 days was equally effective and safe compared with the longer (current) recommendation of 7-10 days in children aged ≥6 months with CAP. We suggest that short antibiotic courses can be implemented in treatment of pediatric CAP.

Association between pediatric traumatic brain injury and epilepsy at later ages in Finland: A nationwide register-based cohort study.

OBJECTIVE: This study was undertaken to examine how pediatric traumatic brain injury (pTBI) correlates with incidence of epilepsy at later ages in Finland. METHODS: This nationwide retrospective register-based cohort study extended from 1998 to 2018. The study group consisted of 71 969 pediatric (<18 years old) patients hospitalized with TBI and a control group consisting of 64 856 pediatric patients with distal extremity fracture. Epilepsy diagnoses were gathered from the Finnish Social Insurance Institution. Kaplan-Meier and multivariable Cox regression models were conducted to analyze the probability of epilepsy with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). RESULTS: Cumulative incidence rates (CIRs) for the first 2 years were .5% in the pTBI group and .1% in the control group. The corresponding rates after 15 years of follow-up were 1.5% in the pTBI group and .7% in the control group. Due to proportional hazard violations, the study population was split to the first 2 years and in subgroup analysis 4 years. During the first 2 years of surveillance, the hazard ratio (HR) for the pTBI group was 4.38 (95% CI = 3.39-5.66). However, between years 2 and 20, the HR for the pTBI group was 2.02 (95% CI = 1.71-2.38). A total of 337 patients (.47%) underwent neurosurgery, and 36 (10.7%) patients subsequently developed epilepsy. The CIR for the first year after TBI was 4.5% (95% CI = 2.3-6.7) in operatively managed patients and .3% (95% CI = .3-.4) in nonoperatively managed patients. Corresponding figures after 15 years were 12.0% (95% CI = 8.2-15.8) and 1.5% (95% CI = 1.4-1.6). During the first 4 years of surveillance, the HR for the operative pTBI group was 14.37 (95% CI = 9.29-20.80) and 3.67 (95% CI = 1.63-8.22) between years 4 and 20. SIGNIFICANCE: pTBI exposes patients to a higher risk for posttraumatic epilepsy for many years after initial trauma. Children who undergo operative management for TBI have a high risk for epilepsy, and this risk was highest during the first 4 years after injury.

Azithromycin for acute bronchiolitis and wheezing episodes in children - a systematic review with meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to analyse the efficacy of azithromycin in acute bronchiolitis and wheezing. METHODS: PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases were searched for randomized controlled trials comparing azithromycin to placebo in children <2 years of age. Main outcomes were progress of acute wheezing episode and recurrence of wheezing. We used random-effects model to calculate mean difference (MD) with 95% confidence interval (CI) or risk ratios (RR) with CI. RESULTS: We screened 1604 abstracts and included 7 studies. Risk of bias was low in three and had some concerns in four studies. Need for intensive care unit treatment was assessed in four studies (446 children) and the risk difference was 0.0% (CI -2.0 to 2.0; low quality evidence). Hospitalization duration was -0.27 days shorter in the azithromycin group (MD-0.27, CI -0.47 to -0.07; three studies; moderate quality evidence). Azithromycin did not prevent recurrence of wheezing (RR 0.84, CI 0.45-1.56; three studies), hospital readmissions (RR 1.14, CI 0.82-1.60; four studies). CONCLUSIONS: We found moderate quality evidence that azithromycin may reduce hospitalization duration. Low certainty evidence suggests that azithromycin does not reduce the need for intensive care unit treatment. Furthermore, azithromycin did not prevent wheezing recurrence. IMPACT: Azithromycin may reduce hospitalization time in acute bronchiolitis and wheezing episodes among children aged less than two. Azithromycin administrated during the acute wheezing period, does not have preventive effect on wheezing recurrence. Azithromycin seemed to have similar adverse event profile than placebo. Future studies with clinically relevant outcomes, and sufficient sample sizes are needed, before implementing azithromycin into clinical use.

Lumbar puncture position in infants-a systematic review and meta-analysis.

To analyze the optimal lumbar puncture position in infants. A systematic review and meta-analysis. Infants (age < 1 year). December 2022 in PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science. Randomized controlled trials focusing on lumbar puncture positions were included. Other lumbar puncture position than standard lateral decubitus position. First puncture success and overall success rate. Secondary outcome was desaturation during puncture and procedure-related harms. Risk of bias 2.0 assessment was performed. Outcomes are reported as risk ratios (RR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). We screened 225 abstracts, and six studies were included. Four studies compared sitting position, one study head elevated lateral position, and one study prone position to lateral position. Risk of bias was high in two studies. First puncture success rate in sitting position (RR 1.00, CI: 0.78-1.18; 2 studies) and overall success rate in sitting position were similar to lateral position (RR 0.97, CI: 0.87-1.17; 3 studies). First attempt success rate was higher in elevated lateral position (RR 1.48, CI: 1.14-1.92; 1 study) and in prone position (RR 1.09, CI: 1.00-1.17; 1 study).  Conclusion: Sitting position seems to be equally effective in terms of first attempt and overall success in lumbar puncture than standard lateral position. Elevated lateral position and prone positions had better first attempt success than standard lateral position, but these were assessed only in one study each and thus further studies in these positions are needed.  Trial registration: This review was registered in PROSPERO. ID: CRD42022382953. What is Known: •  Success rate in lumbar puncture has been poor and first attempt success rate has varied between 50 to 80% in literature. •  Optimal lumbar puncture positions for infants have been debated between sitting and lateral decubitus position mostly. What is New: •  This is the first meta-analysis focused on lumbar puncture positions in infants, and it found that sitting position was equal to standard lateral position. • Prone position and head elevated lateral positions had higher first puncture success rates, but these were assessed both only in one study, which creates uncertainty to the finding.

Honey for acute cough in children - a systematic review.

To analyze the efficacy of using honey to treat acute cough in children. Systematic review, synthesis without meta-analysis. We searched PubMed, Scopus, CENTRAL, CINAHL, and Web of Science databases on August 15, 2022, for words honey and cough. Randomized controlled trials conducted in children were included. Risk-of-bias and evidence quality were assessed. Studies were not pooled due to lack of key information. Instead, we provided the range of observed effects for the main outcomes. Three hundred ninety-six papers were screened, and 10 studies were included. Two studies had high risk-of-bias and six had some concerns. Honey seemed to decrease cough frequency more than placebo/no treatment (range of observed effect 0.0-1.1 points) and cough medication (0.2-0.9 points). Sleep improved more often in the honey group (range of effect was 0.0-1.1) compared to placebo/no treatment and (- 0.2-1.1 points) compared to cough medication. Quality of the evidence was low to very low. CONCLUSION: We found low quality evidence that honey may be more effective than cough medication or placebo/no treatment in relieving symptoms and improving sleep in children with acute cough. Better quality randomized, placebo-controlled blinded trials are needed to confirm the effectiveness of honey in treating acute cough in children. TRIAL REGISTRATION: CRD42022369577. WHAT IS KNOWN: • Honey has been suggested to be effective as a symptomatic treatment in acute cough. • Prior randomized trials have had conflicting results and thus an overview of the literature was warranted. WHAT IS NEW: • Based on low quality evidence honey may be more effective than placebo or over-the-counter medications for acute symptom reliwef in cough. • Future studies with better reporting are needed to confirm the results.

Trends in the epidemiology of fear of childbirth and association with intended mode of delivery: A nationwide register-based cohort study in Finland.

INTRODUCTION: Fear of childbirth (FOC) is a common obstetrical challenge that affects the health of women. The epidemiology of FOC has not been studied in Finland for the last decade. The aim of this study was to analyze the epidemiology and risk factors for FOC and to evaluate the association between FOC and the rate of elective cesarean section (CS) as an intended mode of delivery. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Data from the National Medical Birth Register were used to evaluate the epidemiology of FOC and to determine the main risk factors for FOC in Finland between 2004 and 2018. Nulliparous and multiparous women were analyzed separately. Logistic regression model was used to determine the main risk factors for FOC. Multivariable logistic regression model was used to assess the intended mode of delivery in those pregnancies with diagnosed maternal FOC. Adjusted odds ratios (aOR) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated. RESULTS: A total of 1 million pregnancies were included. The annual rate of pregnancies with maternal FOC increased from 1.5% (CI: 1.4-1.6) in 2004 to 9.1% (CI: 8.7-9.3) in 2018 for all women. For nulliparous women, the rate increased from 1.1% (CI: 1.0-1.3) in 2004 to 7.1% (CI: 6.7-7.5) in 2018, and from 1.8% (CI: 1.7-2.0) in 2004 to 10.3% (10.0-10.7) in 2018 for multiparous women. The strongest risk factors for maternal FOC were higher maternal age and gestational diabetes. For multiparous women, the strongest risk factors were gestational diabetes and previous CS. The total odds for elective CS were notably higher among women with FOC (aOR 8.63, CI: 8.39-8.88). CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of maternal FOC rose six-fold during our study period. However, the numbers of elective CS among women with this diagnosis, which had earlier risen in parallel, leveled off in 2014.

Multifetal gestations after traumatic brain injury: a nationwide register-based cohort study in Finland.

BACKGROUND: There is a paucity of information regarding the association between traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) and subsequent multifetal gestations. Since TBIs are known to negatively affect the neuroendocrine system, we hypothesized that the functions of the whole reproductive system might be disturbed as a result. The aim of this study is to determine the association between previous TBIs and the risk of multifetal gestations using nationwide registers. METHODS: In this retrospective register-based cohort study, data from the National Medical Birth Register (MBR) were combined with data from the Care Register for Health Care. All fertile-aged women (15-49 years) who had sustained a TBI before pregnancy were included in the patient group. Women with prior fractures of the upper extremity, pelvis, and lower extremity were included in the control group. A logistic regression model was used to assess the risk for multifetal gestation after TBI. Odds ratios (ORs) and adjusted odds ratios (aOR) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) between the groups were compared. The model was adjusted by maternal age and maternal BMI during pregnancy and previous births. The risk for multifetal gestations were evaluated during different periods following the injury (0-3 years, 3-6 years, 6-9 years, and 9 + years). RESULTS: A total of 14 153 pregnancies occurred after the mother had sustained a TBI, and 23 216 pregnancies occurred after the mother had sustained fractures of the upper extremity, pelvis, or lower extremity. Of these, 201 (1.4%) women had multifetal gestations after TBI and 331 (1.4%) women had multifetal gestations after fractures of the upper extremity, pelvis, or lower extremity. Interestingly, the total odds of multifetal gestations were not higher after TBI when compared to fractures of the upper extremity, pelvis, and lower extremity (aOR 1.04, CI 0.86-1.24). The odds were highest at 6-9 years (aOR 1.54, 1.03-2.29) and lowest at 0-3 years (aOR 0.84, CI 0.59-1.18). CONCLUSION: The risk for multifetal gestations after TBIs was not higher than after the other traumas included in this study. Our results provide good baseline information on the effects of TBIs on the risk for multifetal gestations, but further research is required on this topic.

Factors associated with fear of childbirth in a subsequent pregnancy: a nationwide case-control analysis in Finland.

BACKGROUND: Fear of childbirth can develop due to the concerns or adverse maternal or foetal outcomes experienced in a previous pregnancy. The aim of this study was to examine the main risk factors associated with the development of fear of childbirth during subsequent pregnancies and deliveries. METHODS: In this case-control study, data from the National Medical Birth Register were used to evaluate the events in previous pregnancies that were potential risk factors for fear of childbirth in subsequent pregnancies. The first and second pregnancies of women registered during our study period (2004-2018) were included. The exposure variable was delivery mode, obstetric challenge or adverse neonatal outcomes during the first pregnancy. The outcome was the development of FOC during the second pregnancy. Adjusted odds ratios with 95% CIs were used for comparison. RESULTS: A total of 13 064 pregnancies were included in the case group and 195 351 in the control group. Previous emergency caesarean section was the strongest risk factor for the development of FOC in the second pregnancy (adjusted odds ratio 5.27, CIs 4.83-5.75). In addition, unplanned CS (adjusted odds ratio 3.93, CIs 3.77-4.10) and vacuum delivery (adjusted odds ratio 1.69, CIs 1.61-1.77) also increased the odds of fear of childbirth. Of the obstetric complications, third- or fourth-degree tear of the perineum was the strongest risk factor (adjusted odds ratio 2.99, CIs 2.69-3.31), followed by shoulder dystocia (adjusted odds ratio 2.82, CIs 2.16-3.62). Neonatal mortality also increased the odds for the development of FOC (adjusted odds ratio 2.17, CIs 1.77-2.64). CONCLUSION: The main risk factors for the development of fear of childbirth in the second pregnancy were previous fear of childbirth, unplanned CS, vacuum delivery, perineal tear or shoulder dystocia. The results of this study can be used in a clinical setting to improve the prevention of fear of childbirth.

Intensive care unit admissions with and without COVID-19 in Finland from 2017 to 2021: a retrospective register-based study.

BACKGROUND: After the COVID-19 pandemic started, critical care resources were expanded in Finland to manage a possible surge in patients requiring intensive care. The aim of this study was to evaluate the incidence of overall ICU admissions, patient diagnoses, characteristics, and length of stay during the pandemic. METHODS: This retrospective hospital register-based study was conducted in two large and one mid-size Finnish public hospitals. The required data were collected from ICU patient information systems and all adult patients were included. Monthly and yearly incidences with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were counted per 100 000 persons-years by Poisson exact method and compared by incidence rate ratios (IRR). RESULTS: A total of 4407 admissions to ICUs for any cause occurred during 2020. In 2021, this figure was 4931. During the reference years (2017-2019), the mean number of admissions to ICU was 4781. In 2020 and 2021, the proportion of patients requiring intensive care due to COVID-19 was only 3%. The incidence of all-cause ICU admissions decreased during the lockdown in 2020 when compared to the reference years. Before the start of the lockdown in February 2020, the IRR of all-cause ICU admissions was 1.02 (CI: 0.89 to 1.18). During the lockdown period, however, the IRR of all-cause ICU admissions decreased to 0.78 (CI: 0.67 to 0.90) in March. When the lockdown ended, the incidence rebounded to the same level as before the lockdown. However, in 2021, the incidence of ICU admissions remained at the same level when compared to the reference years. The most prominent changes occurred in the incidence of diseases of the nervous system, which includes epilepsy and seizures and transient cerebral ischemic attacks, in diseases of the respiratory system, and neoplasms. CONCLUSIONS: According to the findings of this study, the incidence of all-cause ICU admissions decreased after the lockdown was implemented in 2020. Furthermore, the percentage of patients requiring intensive care due to COVID-19 in Finland was only 3% in 2020 and 2021. These findings may serve to help in the planning and allocating of ICU resources during future pandemics.

Incidence of acute neurosurgery for traumatic brain injury in children-a nationwide analysis from 1998 to 2018.

BACKGROUND: Most of moderate and severe pTBIs are managed conservatively, but in some cases neurosurgical interventions are needed. The incidence rates of acute pTBI neurosurgery vary considerably between countries and operation types. Our goal was to assess the incidence of acute pTBI neurosurgery in Finland. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective Finnish register-based cohort study from 1998 to 2018. We included all patients that were 0 to 17 years of age at the time of the TBI. The incidence rates of patients with pTBI undergoing neurosurgery and the rates for specific operation types were calculated per 100,000 person-years. We compared the annual incidences with incidence rate ratios (IRR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). We stratified patients to three age categories: (i) 0 to 3 years of age, (ii) 4 to 12 years of age, and (iii) 13 to 17 years of age. RESULTS: The total number of neurosurgeries for acute pTBI during the study period was 386, and the cumulative incidence was 1.67 operations per 100,000 person-years. The cumulative incidence during the 21-year follow-up was highest at the age of 16 (IRR 4.78, CI 3.68 to 6.11). Boys had a 2.42-time higher cumulative incidence (IRR 2.35, CI 1.27 to 3.99) than girls (IRR 0.97, CI 0.35 to 2.20). The most common neurosurgery was an evacuation of an intracranial hemorrhage (n = 171; 44.3%). CONCLUSION: The incidence of neurosurgeries for pTBIs has been stable from 1998 to 2018. The incidence was highest at the age of 16, and boys had higher incidence than girls.

The rates of vaginal births after cesarean section have increased during the last decades: a nationwide register-based cohort study in Finland.

PURPOSE: Epidemiological studies assessing the effects of previous cesarean section (CS) on subsequent delivery mode using large nationwide study populations. This study aims to calculate the incidence rates of trial of labors after cesarean section (TOLACs) and evaluate the annual rates of vaginal births after cesarean section (VBAC) during the last decades in Finland. METHODS: Data from the National Medical Birth Register (MBR) were used to evaluate incidence rates of VABC in the Finnish population (1998-2018). All nulliparous women having their first and second pregnancy during our study period, and with the mode of delivery identified in both of these pregnancies were included in this study. Absolute annual numbers and incidence rates for TOLACs, elective CS, and VBAC were calculated. RESULTS: The absolute number of TOLACs had an increasing trend during our study period, increasing up to 2118 TOLACs in 2016. The incidence rates for elective CS after the first CS had a decreasing trend, decreasing from 45% in 1999, to 28% in 2018. The absolute number of VBACs had an increasing trend during our study period, peaking in 2016 (1466 VBACs). The rates for VBAC remained relatively constant, ranging between 38 and 52%, but a slightly increasing trend at the end of the study period was seen. CONCLUSION: Despite the increasing annual total number of deliveries with CS in the first pregnancy, the absolute numbers and rates for VBACs have increased towards the end of the study period in Finland. The epidemiology of TOLACs and VBACs should be better studied around the world, as with the rapidly increasing rate of CSs, these events are becoming more common challenges in health care.

Incidence of Peripheral Nerve Decompression Surgery During Pregnancy and the First Year After Delivery in Finland From 1999 to 2017: A Retrospective Register-Based Cohort Study.

PURPOSE: We aimed to report the incidence of peripheral nerve decompression surgery during pregnancy and 12 months after delivery in Finland from 1999 to 2017. METHODS: Using nationwide data from the Finnish Care Register for Health Care and the Finnish Medical Birth Register, all women of potentially childbearing age (15-49 years) who underwent peripheral nerve decompression surgery or had a pregnancy ending in delivery from January 1, 1999, to December 31, 2017, were included. Incidence rates and incidence rate ratios for operations were calculated for both childbearing women and the age-adjusted general female population. RESULTS: In total, 308 women underwent carpal tunnel release (CTR) during pregnancy, and an additional 675 women underwent CTR within 12 months after delivery. The incidence of CTR during pregnancy was 38 per 100,000 person-years, with an incidence rate ratio of 0.5 (95% CI, 0.4-0.6), when compared with that in the general population. Women who were active smokers before becoming pregnant were more likely to undergo CTR during pregnancy (odds ratio, 2.4; 95% CI, 1.8-3.0). The highest rates of CTR were observed during the first trimester. The incidence of CTR in the first postpartum year increased steadily during the first 4 months to 79 per 100,000 person-years. During the latter 8 months, incidences were similar to those in the general population (incidence rate ratio, 1.0; 95% CI, 0.9-1.2). Women who smoked were more likely to undergo CTR during the first postpartum year (odds ratio, 1.6; 95% CI, 1.3-1.9). CONCLUSIONS: Carpal tunnel release is performed more rarely during pregnancy than in the age-matched general population. Postpartum incidences increased toward the end of the first year, reaching those observed in the general population after the first 4 months. Smoking before pregnancy is associated with increased incidences of CTR both during pregnancy and the first year after delivery. TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Prognostic II.

Effect of national COVID-19 lockdown on the incidence of muscle, tendon and ligament injuries and related surgical procedures in the working-aged Finnish population.

INTRODUCTION: The effect of lockdown on the incidence of fractures and severe injuries has been widely studied, whereas studies regarding muscle, tendon, and ligament injuries have not received as much attention. The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of the lockdown and later regional regulations due to the COVID pandemic on the incidence of muscle, tendon, and ligament injuries and related surgical procedures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study focuses on the working-age population in the catchment areas of three major Finnish hospitals. Patients were divided into three age groups 18-34, 35-50 and 51-65 years of age. Suitable injuries were retrieved from the data using appropriate ICD-10 codes and procedure codes. The monthly incidence rate ratio (IRR), with 95% confidence intervals (CI), were compared between the year 2020 and the reference years 2017-2019. RESULTS: Upper and lower extremity injury ED visits decreased by 15.7 and 8.2%. For upper extremity injuries, a decrease in incidence was observed for all three age groups in March (IRR 0.52, CI 0.33-0.80), (IRR 0.53, CI 0.31-0.91), (IRR 0.60, CI 0.38-0.95), respectively. An increase in 18-34 years of age group was detected in June (IRR 1.49, CI 1.05-2.13). Lower extremity injuries decreased in 18-34 years of age group in March (IRR 0.62, CI 0.43-0.90) and April (IRR 0.60, CI 0.42-0.87). A decrease on the incidence of surgeries was observed in April for the 35-50 (IRR 0.53, CI 0.29-0.97) and 51-65 years of age groups (IRR 0.58, CI 0.34-0.98). CONCLUSIONS: The nationwide lockdown in spring 2020 led to a notable decrease in the incidence of emergency department visits and the surgical treatment of muscle, tendon, and ligament injuries in Finland.