Midterm complications after primary obstetrical anal sphincter injury repair in France.

BACKGROUND: Incidence of complications following obstetrical anal sphincter injury (OASI) during vaginal delivery are poorly defined. They are only studied in high level maternities, small cohorts, all stages of perineal tear or in low-income countries. The aim of our study was to describe complications after primary OASI repair following a vaginal delivery in all French maternity wards at short and midterm and to assess factors associated with complication occurrence. METHODS: We conducted a historical cohort study using the French nationwide claim database (PMSI) from January 2013 to December 2021. All women who sustained an OASI repair following a vaginal delivery were included and virtually followed-up for 2 years. Then, we searched for OASIS complications. Finally, we evaluated factors associated with OASIS complication repaired or not and OASIS complication repairs. RESULTS: Among the 61,833 included women, 2015 (2.8%) had an OASI complication and 842 (1.16%) underwent an OASI complication repair. Women were mainly primiparous (71.6%) and 44.3% underwent an instrumental delivery. During a follow-up of 2 years, 0.6% (n = 463), 0.3% (n = 240), 0.2% (n = 176), 0.1% (n = 84), 0.06% (n = 43) and 0.01% (n = 5) of patients underwent second surgery for a perineal repair, a fistula repair, a sphincteroplasty, a perineal infection, a colostomy and a sacral nervous anal stimulation, respectively. Only one case of artificial anal sphincter was noticed. Instrumental deliveries (OR = 1.56 CI95%[1.29;1.9]), private for-profit hospitals (OR = 1.42 [1.11;1.82], reference group "public hospital"), obesity (OR = 1.36 [1;1.84]), stage IV OASIS (OR = 2.98 [2.4;3.72]), perineal wound breakdown (OR = 2.8 [1.4;5.48]), ages between 25 and 29 years old (OR = 1.59 [1.17;2.18], refence group "age between 13 and 24 years old") and 30 and 34 years old (OR = 1.57 [1.14; 2.16], refence group "age between 13 and 24 years old") were factors associated with OASIS complication repairs. CONCLUSIONS: Maternal age, stage IV OASIS, obesity, instrumental deliveries and private for-profit hospitals seemed to predict OASIS complications. Understanding factors associated with OASIS complications could be beneficial for the patient to inform them and to influence the patient's follow-up in order to prevent complications, repairs and maternal distress.

[Vaginal delivery and perineal trauma : it's time to repair]. / Accouchement par voie basse et traumatisme périnéal : quand vient le temps de la reconstruction.

Perineal injuries can occur during vaginal delivery and they are harmful to anal function, sexuality, and overall quality of life of patients. Among the feared complications, anal incontinence, often difficult to address for both patients and caregivers, has a significant impact and must be looked for during the medical history. Clinical examination of the perineum and additional tests such as endoanal ultrasound and anorectal manometry confirm the diagnosis and guide the management. Treatment often relies on multiple modalities and depends on the interval between obstetric trauma and symptom onset. When indicated, perineal reconstruction surgery restores anatomy and function.

Des lésions périnéales peuvent survenir lors d'un accouchement par voie basse et avoir des conséquences néfastes sur la fonction anale, la sexualité et la qualité de vie globale des patientes. Parmi les complications redoutées, l'incontinence anale, souvent difficile à aborder pour les patientes et les soignants, a un retentissement important et doit être recherchée lors de l'anamnèse. L'examen clinique du périnée et les examens complémentaires tels que l'échographie endoanale et la manométrie anorectale permettent de confirmer le diagnostic et d'orienter la prise en charge. Le traitement repose souvent sur plusieurs modalités et dépend du délai entre le traumatisme obstétrical et la survenue des symptômes. Lorsqu'elle est indiquée, la chirurgie de reconstruction du périnée permet de restaurer l'anatomie et de rétablir la fonction.

The impact of selective episiotomy on maternal short-term morbidity: a retrospective study.

BACKGROUND: The aim is to investigate the risk of short-term maternal morbidity caused by the selective clinical use of episiotomy (rate < 0.02), and to compare the risk of severe perineal tears with the statewide risk. METHODS: In this retrospective cohort study, we investigated the effect of selective episiotomy on the risk of severe perineal tears and blood loss in singleton term deliveries, using propensity scores with inverse probability weighting. RESULTS: This study included 10992 women who delivered vaginally between 2008-2018. Episiotomy was performed in 171 patients (1.55%), three of whom (1.75%) experienced severe perineal tears compared to 156 (1.44%) in the control cohort. The adjusted odds ratio of severe perineal tears was 2.06 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.51, 8.19 with 0.3 p value). Multivariate linear regression showed that episiotomy increased blood loss by 96.3 ml (95% CI: 6.4, 186.2 with 0.03 p value). Episiotomy was performed in 23% (95% CI: 0.228, 0.23) of vaginal deliveries in the state of Hessen, with a risk of severe perineal tears of 0.0143 (95% CI: 0.0139, 0.0147) compared to 0.0145 (95% CI: 0.0123, 0.0168) in our entire cohort. CONCLUSIONS: Selective use of episiotomy does not increase the risk of higher-grade perineal tears. However, it may be associated with maternal morbidity in terms of increased blood loss.

An episiotomy is a cut between the vagina and the anus that may be performed by an obstetrician during childbirth and can result in increased blood loss or severe birth tears. In this study, we investigated the risks of both bleeding and severe tears caused by a highly selective local practice of episiotomies below 2% and compared the results with statewide data. The study included 10992 women who delivered between 2008­2018, 171 of whom underwent episiotomies according to the hospital's protocols. Having an episiotomy did not increase the likelihood of severe birthing tears but was associated with an increase in estimated blood loss. Therefore, although highly selective use of episiotomy is unlikely to cause more severe tears, it has the potential to worsen the mother's health by increasing blood loss.

The association between BMI, episiotomy, and obstetric anal sphincter injuries (OASIS) in singleton vaginal deliveries.

OBJECTIVE: Prevalence of obesity in reproductive age and pregnant women has been on the rise during the past several decades. The relationship between body mass index (BMI) and obstetric anal sphincter injuries (OASIS) or episiotomy has not yet been thoroughly investigated. The objective of this study was to shed light on this issue. METHODS: This retrospective cohort study was performed using electronic database of an obstetrics department at a university-affiliated tertiary medical center. All spontaneous singleton vaginal deliveries at term between January 2015 and December 2021 were included. The primary outcome was the incidence of OASIS (third- and fourth-degree perineal tears) and obesity. These were compared across three BMI categories: normal (BMI below 25 kg/m2), overweight (BMI 25.0-29.9 kg/m2), and obesity (BMI of 30 kg/m2 and over). RESULTS: Of the overall 13,932 spontaneous vaginal deliveries identified, 34.7 % had BMI in the normal range, 43.1 % were overweight, and 25.4 % were obese. Multivariate analysis demonstrated lower rates of OASIS in obese (OR 0.2, 95 %CI 0.04-0.9) and in overweight (OR 0.3, 95 %CI 0.1-0.99) women, as compared to the normal-weight cohort. In addition, lower rates of episiotomy were noted in the obese cohort (OR 0.7, 95 %CI 0.6-0.8). CONCLUSIONS: Decreased incidence of OASIS was noted in women with obesity, in conjunction with lower use of episiotomy. These findings imply that obstetrics clinics might consider a more conservative approach to episiotomy in obese patients.

Prevalence and associated factors of maternal birth trauma following vaginal delivery at University of Gondar Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, North-West Ethiopia, 2022.

BACKGROUND: Maternal injury with any form of perineal trauma following vaginal delivery is very common which ranges globally from 16.2 to 90.4%. The frequency of Obstetric anal sphincter Injuries and the incidence of cervical laceration increases rapidly. However, in Ethiopia, there is limited evidence on the prevalence of maternal birth trauma and its determinant factors after vaginal delivery. OBJECTIVE: To assess the magnitude and associated factors of Maternal Birth Trauma after vaginal delivery at University of Gondar Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Gondar, North-West Ethiopia, 2022. METHODS: An Institution based cross-sectional study was conducted among mothers with singleton vaginal delivery at University of Gondar Comprehensive Specialized Hospital from 9th May to 9th August 2022 among 424 study participants. Pre-tested semi-structured questioner was utilized. Epi-Data version 4.6 was used for data entry and exported to SPSS version 25 for data management and analysis. To identify the determinant factors, binary logistic regression model was fitted and variables with p-value < 0.2 were considered for the multivariable binary logistic regression analysis. In the multivariable binary logistic regression analysis, Variables with P-value < 0.05 were considered to have statistical significant association with the outcome variable. The Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR) with 95% CI was reported to declare the statistical significance and strength of association between Maternal Birth Trauma and independent variables. RESULTS: A total of 424 mothers who delivered vaginally were included. The mean age of participants was 26.83 years (± 5.220 years). The proportion of birth trauma among mothers after vaginal delivery was47.4% (95%CI: 43.1, 51.7). Of different forms of perineal trauma, First degree tear in 42.8%, OASIs in 1.5% and Cervical laceration in 2.5% study participants. In the multivariable binary logistic regression analysis being primiparous (AOR = 3.00; 95%CI: 1.68, 5.38), Gestational age ≥ 39 weeks at delivery (AOR = 2.96; 95%CI: 1.57, 5.57), heavier birth weight (AOR = 12.3; 95%CI: 7.21, 40.1), bigger head circumference (AOR = 5.45; 95%CI: 2.62, 11.31), operative vaginal delivery (AOR = 6.59; 95%CI: 1.44, 30.03) and delivery without perineum and/or fetal head support (AOR = 6.30; 95%CI: 2.21, 17.94) were significantly associated with the presence of maternal birth trauma. CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION: Maternal birth trauma following vaginal delivery was relatively high in this study. Prim parity, gestational age beyond 39 weeks at delivery, heavier birth weight, bigger head circumference, operative vaginal delivery and delivery without perineum and/or fetal head supported were factors affecting perineal outcome. The Ministry of Health of Ethiopia should provide regular interventional training as to reduce maternal birth trauma.

Factors Associated with Obstetric Anal Sphincter Injury During Vacuum-Assisted Vaginal Delivery.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: Obstetric anal sphincter injury (OASI) is a major complication associated with vacuum-assisted vaginal delivery (VAVD). The aim of this study was to evaluate risk factors related to vacuum extraction that are associated with OASI. METHODS: This was a case-control study performed at a tertiary university teaching hospital. Included were patients aged 18-45 years who had a singleton pregnancy resulting in a live, term, VAVD. The study group consisted of women diagnosed with OASI following vacuum extraction. The control group included women following VAVD without OASI. Matching at a ratio of 1:2 was performed. Groups were compared regarding demographic, obstetric. and labor-related parameters, specifically focusing on variables related to the vacuum procedure itself. RESULTS: One hundred and ten patients within the study group and 212 within the control group were included in the final analysis. Patients in the OASI group were more likely to undergo induction of labor, use of oxytocin during labor, increased second stage of labor, higher likelihood of the operator being a resident, increased number of pulls, procedure lasting under 10 min, occipito-posterior head position at vacuum initiation, episiotomy, increased neonatal head circumference, and birthweight. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that increased week of gestation (OR 1.67, 95% CI 1.25-2.22, p < 0.001), unsupervised resident performing the procedure (OR 4.63, 95% CI 2.17-9.90), p < 0.001), indication of VAVD being fetal distress (OR 2.72, 95% CI 1.04-7.10, p = 0.041), and length of procedure under 10 min (OR 4.75, 95% CI 1.53-14.68, p = 0.007) were associated with OASI. Increased maternal age was associated with lower risk of OASI (OR 0.9, 95% CI 0.84-0.98, p = 0.012). CONCLUSIONS: When performing VAVD, increased week of gestation, unsupervised resident performing the procedure, fetal distress as vacuum indication, and vacuum procedure under 10 min were associated with OASI. In contrast, increased maternal age was shown to be a protective factor.

Factors influencing delivery-related complications and their consequences in hard-to-reach areas of Bangladesh.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Bangladesh's high maternal mortality ratio is exacerbated by delivery-related complications, particularly in hard-to-reach (HtR) areas with limited healthcare access. Despite this, few studies have explored delivery-related complications and factors contributing to these complications among the disadvantaged population. This study aimed to investigate the factors contributing to delivery-related complications and their consequences among the mothers residing in the HtR areas of Bangladesh. METHODS: Data were collected using a cross-sectional study design from 13 HtR sub-districts of Bangladesh between September 2019 and October 2019. Data from 1,290 recently delivered mothers were analysed. RESULTS: Around 32% (95% CI: 29.7-34.8) of the mothers reported at least one delivery-related complication. Prolonged labour pain (21%) was the highest reported complication during the delivery, followed by obstructive labour (20%), fever (14%), severe headache (14%). Mothers with higher education, a higher number of antenatal care (ANC) visits, complications during ANC, employed, and first-time mothers had higher odds of reporting delivery-related complications. More than one-half (51%) of these mothers had normal vaginal delivery. Nearly one-fifth (20%) of mothers who reported delivery-related complications were delivered by unskilled health workers at homes. On the other hand, about one-fifth (19%) of the mothers without any complications during delivery had a caesarean delivery. Nine out of ten of these caesarean deliveries were done at the private facilities. CONCLUSION: Delivery-related complications are significantly related to a woman's reproductive history and other background characteristics. Unnecessary caesarean delivery is prominent at private facilities.

Obstetric anal sphincter injury in the second birth after perineal wound complication in the first birth: A nationwide register cohort study.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether perineal wound complications in the first birth, alone or in conjunction with obstetric anal sphincter injury (OASI), is associated with an increased risk of OASI in the second birth. DESIGN: Nationwide population-based cohort study. SETTING: Sweden. POPULATION: Women (n = 411 317) with first and second singleton vaginal births in Sweden, 2001-2019. METHODS: Data on diagnostic codes and surgical procedures were retrieved from the Swedish Medical Birth Register and the Swedish Patient Register. A perineal wound complication was defined as wound infection, dehiscence or perineal haematoma within 2 months of childbirth. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Associations between wound complications in the first birth and OASI in the second birth were investigated with logistic regression and presented as adjusted odds ratios (aORs) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs). RESULTS: In total, 2619 (0.6%) women had a wound complication in the first birth, and 5318 (1.3%) had an OASI in the second birth. Women with a wound complication but no OASI in the first birth had more than doubled odds of OASI in the second birth (aOR 2.73, 95% CI 2.11-3.53). Women with OASI and a wound complication in the first birth had almost tenfold odds (aOR 9.97, 95% CI 6.53-15.24) of recurrent OASI. CONCLUSIONS: Perineal wound complication in the first birth increases the likelihood of OASI in a subsequent birth.

Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of the Prevalence of Levator Ani Avulsion with Obstetric Anal Sphincter Injury and its Effects on Pelvic Floor Dysfunction.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: The objective was to evaluate the prevalence of levator ani avulsion (LAA) among primiparous women with obstetric anal sphincter injury (OASI) and how this association could affect future pelvic floor dysfunction. METHODS: Three electronic databases (MEDLINE/PubMed/EMBASE) were searched in December 2018 and again in October 2022. Nine full-text articles were included in the analysis. The exclusion criteria were language other than English, studies not based on primiparous women only, conference abstracts, and evaluation without ultrasound or MRI. RESULTS: The overall prevalence of LAA was 24% (95% CI: 18-30%). Those with OASI, were at a higher risk of LAA, OR 3.49 (95% CI: 1.46 to 8.35). In women with LAA + OASI versus OASI alone, Three of Five studies showed worsened AI symptoms. Three of Five studies assessing urinary incontinence (UI) reported no significant difference in UI, whereas two reported increased UI. All studies that looked at pelvic organ prolapse reported a higher incidence of symptomatic prolapse and reduced pelvic floor muscle strength in women with LAA + OASI compared with those without LAA. CONCLUSION: Levator ani avulsion is prevalent following vaginal birth and is strongly associated with OASI. Incidence of AI does not increase in women with LAA and OASI, but they had greater symptom bother. OASI with LAA appears to increase the incidence of pelvic floor weakness and pelvic organ prolapse. There is no consensus agreement on the effect of LAA + OASI on UI.

Pelvic floor dysfunction after intervention, compared with expectant management, in prolonged second stage of labour: A population-based questionnaire and cohort study.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of vacuum extraction (VE) or caesarean section (CS), compared with expectant management, on pelvic floor dysfunction (PFD) 1-2 years postpartum in primiparous women with a prolonged second stage of labour. DESIGN: A population-based questionnaire and cohort study. SETTING: Stockholm, Sweden. POPULATION: A cohort of 1302 primiparous women with a second stage duration of ≥3 h, delivering from December 2017 to November 2018. METHODS: The 1-year follow-up questionnaire from the Swedish National Perineal Laceration Register was distributed 12-24 months postpartum. Exposure was VE or CS at 3-4 h or 4-5 h, compared with expectant management. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Pelvic floor dysfunction was defined as at least weekly symptoms of urinary incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse or a Wexner score of ≥4. The risk of PFD was calculated using Poisson regression with robust variance estimation, presented as crude and adjusted relative risks (RRs and aRRs) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs). The implication of obstetric anal sphincter injury (OASI) on pelvic floor disorders was investigated through mediation analysis. RESULTS: In total, 35.1% of women reported PFD. Compared with expectant management, the risk of PFD was increased after VE at 3-4 h (aRR 1.33, 95% CI 1.06-1.65) and 4-5 h (aRR 1.34, 95% CI 1.05-1.70), but remained unchanged after CS. The increased risk after VE was not mediated by OASI. CONCLUSIONS: Pelvic floor dysfunction was common in primiparous women after a prolonged second stage, and the risk of PFD increased after VE but was unaffected by CS, compared with expectant management. If a spontaneous vaginal delivery eventually occurred, allowing an extended duration of labour did not increase the risk of PFD.

The postnatal effects of perineal trauma on maternal psychological and emotional wellbeing: A longitudinal study.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the postnatal psychological health and parenting adjustment of primiparous women experiencing perineal trauma. STUDY DESIGN: Longitudinal cohort study assessing body image, perceptions of traumatic birth, psychological distress, perineal pain, impact upon parental tasks and mother-infant bonding at 6-12 weeks (n = 103) and 6-10 months postnatally (n = 91). Primiparous women were recruited following vaginal birth and perineal suturing in a UK-based maternity hospital. al. Comparisons made according to the objective classification of perineal trauma experienced; 1st/2nd degree tear, episiotomy, and Obstetric Anal Sphincter Injuries (OASI). RESULTS: At 6-12 weeks women with an episiotomy reported a more negative perception of their body image than those with OASI. Women with OASI or an episiotomy were more likely to have experienced birth as traumatic, and those with OASI reported more avoidance symptoms of post-traumatic stress and a greater negative impact on parenting tasks. At 6-10 months significantly more avoidance symptoms continued to be reported by those with OASI, whereas those with an episiotomy reported more anxiety related symptoms in general than those with OASI. CONCLUSIONS: OASI, whilst associated with traumatic birth and some early parenting impacts, may not be linked to general negative psychological outcomes when specialist routine follow-up care is provided. Psychological impacts for women with episiotomy may merit further input than currently provided. Consideration should be given with regards to widening the access to postnatal perineal care by extending the criteria for specialist follow up beyond those sustaining OASI.

Irritable bowel syndrome worsens faecal incontinence after primary repair of major obstetric anal sphincter injuries.

AIM: Obstetric anal sphincter injuries (OASIS) occur in approximately 3%-6% of vaginal deliveries and are the leading risk factor for late-onset faecal incontinence, which is an underdiagnosed pathology. The aim of this work was to use a validated scoring system to quantify the effect of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) on the severity of faecal incontinence symptoms after primary repair of major OASIS (Grade IIIb-IV). METHOD: A prospective cohort study was performed on all women who underwent primary repair of major OASIS over a 6-year period. They were assessed with ultrasonography within 12 weeks. Two control groups (who did not have OASIS) were women who underwent elective caesarean section and primigravid women. Questionnaires were sent at least 12 months after delivery, or at first consultation for primigravids, which generated the main outcome measures: Cleveland Clinic faecal incontinence severity scores and the presence of IBS based on Rome III criteria. RESULTS: There was a total of 211 patients included in the three groups and the mean follow-up time was 26 months after sphincter repair. Ultrasonographic sphincter defects were detected in 37% but did not affect the faecal incontinence score (p = 0.47), except in patients with IBS. Within each group, patients with IBS had significantly worse faecal incontinence than those without. Women with both OASIS and IBS had the most severe faecal incontinence scores. CONCLUSION: OASIS has a limited negative effect on faecal incontinence, independent of whether residual ultrasonographic sphincter defects are present. However, the presence of IBS has a significant compounding effect on faecal incontinence in OASIS patients. The effect of IBS on faecal incontinence is also notable in caesarean section patients and primigravids, suggesting that IBS is an independent risk-factor that should have its place in predelivery assessment and counselling.

Prevention of obstetric anal sphincter injuries with perineal support and lateral episiotomy: A historical cohort study.

INTRODUCTION: There are many risk factors for obstetric anal sphincter injury (OASIS) and the interaction between these risk factors is complex and understudied. The many observational studies that have shown a reduction of OASIS rates after implementation of perineal support have short follow-up time. We aimed to study the effect of integration of active perineal support and lateral episiotomy on OASIS rates over a 15-year period and to study interactions between risk factors known before delivery. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We performed a historical cohort study over the periods 1999-2006 and 2007-2021 at Stavanger University Hospital, Norway. The main outcome was OASIS rates. Women without a previous cesarean section and a live singleton fetus in cephalic presentation at term were eligible. The department implemented in 2007 the Finnish concept of active perineal protection, which includes support of perineum, control of fetal expulsion, good communication with the mother and observation of perineal stretching. The practice of mediolateral episiotomy was replaced with lateral episiotomy when indicated. We analyzed the OASIS rates in groups with and without episiotomy stratified for delivery mode, fetal position at delivery and for parity, and adjusted for possible confounders (maternal age, gestational age, oxytocin augmentation and epidural analgesia). RESULTS: We observed a long-lasting reduction in OASIS rates from 4.9% to 1.9% and an increase in episiotomy rates from 14.4% to 21.8%. Lateral episiotomy was associated with lower OASIS rates in nulliparous women with instrumental vaginal deliveries and occiput anterior (OA) position; 3.4% vs 10.1% (OR 0.31; 95% CI: 0.24-0.40) and 6.1 vs 13.9% (OR 0.40; 95% CI: 0.19-0.82) in women with occiput posterior (OP) position. Lateral episiotomy was also associated with lower OASIS rates in nulliparous women with spontaneous deliveries and OA position; 2.1% vs 3.2% (OR 0.62; 95% CI: 0.49-0.80). The possible confounders had little confounding effects on the risk of OASIS in groups with and without episiotomy. CONCLUSIONS: We observed a long-lasting reduction in OASIS rates after implementation of preventive procedures. Lateral episiotomy was associated with lower OASIS rates in nulliparous women with an instrumental delivery. Special attention should be paid to deliveries with persistent OP position.

Predelivery sonographic predictors of obstetric anal sphincter injury among nulliparous women.

OBJECTIVE: Data available at admission to delivery of nulliparous has rarely been investigated for prediction of obstetric anal sphincter injury (OASI). The aim of the present study was to study risk factors for OASI in nulliparous based on information available at admission. METHODS: A retrospective study of all nulliparous women undergoing labor, during March 2011 to January 2021 was performed. We compared women with OASI following delivery to those without by univariate and multivariable regression. RESULTS: A total of 30 262 deliveries were included and 4181 (13.4%) of those were delivered by an emergent cesarean delivery. OASI followed 453 (1.5%) deliveries. Women in the OASI group were younger 29 ± 4.4 versus 30 ± 4.8, P = 0.001. In a multivariable regression analysis, higher sonographic estimated fetal weight was positively associated with OASI occurrence (aOR, 95% CI: 1.13 [1.00-1.29]). Maternal age was inversely associated with OASI occurrence (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.95 [0.92-0.97]). CONCLUSION: Sonographic fetal weight estimation is an independent risk factor for OASI occurrence that may be available at admission for delivery among nulliparous women.

The prevention of perineal trauma during vaginal birth.

Perineal trauma after vaginal birth is common, with approximately 9 of 10 women being affected. Second-degree perineal tears are twice as likely to occur in primiparous births, with a incidence of 40%. The incidence of obstetrical anal sphincter injury is approximately 3%, with a significantly higher rate in primiparous than in multiparous women (6% vs 2%). Obstetrical anal sphincter injury is a significant risk factor for the development of anal incontinence, with approximately 10% of women developing symptoms within a year following vaginal birth. Obstetrical anal sphincter injuries have significant medicolegal implications and contribute greatly to healthcare costs. For example, in 2013 and 2014, the economic burden of obstetrical anal sphincter injuries in the United Kingdom ranged between £3.7 million (with assisted vaginal birth) and £9.8 million (with spontaneous vaginal birth). In the United States, complications associated with trauma to the perineum incurred costs of approximately $83 million between 2007 and 2011. It is therefore crucial to focus on improvements in clinical care to reduce this risk and minimize the development of perineal trauma, particularly obstetrical anal sphincter injuries. Identification of risk factors allows modification of obstetrical practice with the aim of reducing the rate of perineal trauma and its attendant associated morbidity. Risk factors associated with second-degree perineal trauma include increased fetal birthweight, operative vaginal birth, prolonged second stage of labor, maternal birth position, and advanced maternal age. With obstetrical anal sphincter injury, risk factors include induction of labor, augmentation of labor, epidural, increased fetal birthweight, fetal malposition (occiput posterior), midline episiotomy, operative vaginal birth, Asian ethnicity, and primiparity. Obstetrical practice can be modified both antenatally and intrapartum. The evidence suggests that in the antenatal period, perineal massage can be commenced in the third trimester of pregnancy to increase muscle elasticity and allow stretching of the perineum during birth, thereby reducing the risk of tearing or need for episiotomy. With regard to the intrapartum period, there is a growing body of evidence from the United Kingdom, Norway, and Denmark suggesting that the implementation of quality improvement initiatives including the training of clinicians in manual perineal protection and mediolateral episiotomy can reduce the incidence of obstetrical anal sphincter injury. With episiotomy, the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics recommends restrictive rather than routine use of episiotomy. This is particularly the case with unassisted vaginal births. However, there is a role for episiotomy, specifically mediolateral or lateral, with assisted vaginal births. This is specifically the case with nulliparous vacuum and forceps births, given that the use of mediolateral or lateral episiotomy has been shown to significantly reduce the incidence of obstetrical anal sphincter injury in these groups by 43% and 68%, respectively. However, the complications associated with episiotomy including perineal pain, dyspareunia, and sexual dysfunction should be acknowledged. Despite considerable research, interventions for reducing the risk of perineal trauma remain a subject of controversy. In this review article, we present the available data on the prevention of perineal trauma by describing the risk factors associated with perineal trauma and interventions that can be implemented to prevent perineal trauma, in particular obstetrical anal sphincter injury.

Factores de riesgo relacionados con las complicaciones de la hemorragia obstétrica / Risk factors related to complications of obstetric hemorrhage

Introducción: La hemorragia obstétrica es considerada una causa mayor de mortalidad materna. El reconocimiento de las mujeres con riesgo de desarrollar complicaciones durante la hemorragia obstétrica, es la primera acción para promover un tratamiento optimizado y evitar la muerte. Objetivo: Identificar los factores de riesgo de complicaciones en pacientes con hemorragia obstétrica. Métodos: Estudio observacional, analítico de casos y controles, con 12 casos (con complicaciones) y 24 controles (sin complicaciones). Se aplicó las medidas resúmenes para cada tipo de variables y la determinación de los factores de riesgos mediante la aplicación del odds ratio (OR), se utilizó el paquete estadístico SPSS versión 26.0, con un intervalo de confianza (IC) del 95 por ciento. Resultados: La combinación del choque hipovolémico, más la insuficiencia renal aguda, fue la complicación más frecuente para un 13,8 por ciento. Predominó la atonía uterina para un 50,0 por ciento como causa de hemorragia.Las variables predictivas de complicaciones fueron: el valor de creatinina ≥ 113 µmol/L (OR= 19,08; IC: 2,75-138,36), índice internacional normalizado ≥ 2 (OR= 4,66; IC: 1,46-14,90), hematocrito < 0,23 (OR= 4,00; IC: 1,76-9,08) y hemoglobina < 70 g/L (OR= 2,22; IC: 1,25-3,95). Conclusiones: La creatinina ≥ 113 µmol/L, índice internacional normalizado ≥ 2, hematocrito < 0,23 y hemoglobina < 70 g/L son los principales factores de riesgo identificados para el desarrollo de complicaciones durante la hemorragia obstétrica(AU)

Introduction: Obstetric hemorrhage is considered a major cause of maternal mortality. Recognition of women at risk of developing complications during obstetric hemorrhage is the first action to promote optimized treatment and avoid death. Objective: Identify risk factors for complications in patients with obstetric hemorrhage. Methods: Observational, analytical case-control study, with 12 cases (with complications) and 24 controls (without complications). The summary measures were applied for each type of variables and the determination of the risk factors by applying the odds ratio (OR), the SPSS statistical package version 26.0 was used, with a confidence interval (CI) of 95 percent. Results: The combination of hypovolemic shock, plus acute renal failure, was the most frequent complication for 13.8 percent. Uterine atony predominated for 50.0 percent as the cause of hemorrhage. The predictive variables of complications were: creatinine value ≥ 113 µmol/L (OR= 19.08; CI: 2.75-138.36), international normalized ratio ≥ 2 (OR= 4.66; CI: 1. 46-14.90), hematocrit < 0.23 (OR= 4.00; CI: 1.76-9.08) and hemoglobin < 70 g/L (OR= 2.22; CI: 1.25-3.95). Conclusions: Creatinine ≥ 113 µmol/L, international normalized ratio ≥ 2, hematocrit < 0.23 and hemoglobin < 70 g/L are the main risk factors identified for the development of complications during obstetric hemorrhage(AU)

Risk indicators for obstetrical anal sphincter injury in vaginal birth after caesarean section compared to first vaginal delivery.

OBJECTIVES: Comparison of the rate of obstetric anal sphincter injury (OASI) between women having their first vaginal birth after caesarean section (CS) and true nulliparous women with a vaginal delivery. Assessment of risk indicators for OASI in women with vaginal birth after one CS (VBAC). STUDY DESIGN: 28 535 women with their first VBAC and a cohort of 275 439 nulliparous women with a vaginal delivery of a liveborn infant in a cephalic position from the Dutch perinatal registry were analyzed. We compared the OASI rate with univariate and multivariate analysis. In women with VBAC possible risk indicators for OASI were assessed using univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: The rate of OASI was 5.2% in women with vaginal birth after CS and 4.0% in women with a first vaginal delivery. The adjusted OR (aOR) for vaginal birth after an elective CS was higher (aOR 1.34, 95% CI 1.23-1.47) compared to vaginal birth after an emergency CS (aOR 1.16, 95% CI 1.08-1.25). In women with vaginal birth after emergency CS, the aOR for the indication non-progressive labor was 1.18 (95% CI 1.08-1.29), whereas CS for suspected fetal distress was not significantly associated with obstetric anal sphincter injury in VBAC. In the 28 535 women with a VBAC, mediolateral episiotomy (MLE), birth weight < 3000 g and maternal age < 25 years were associated with a significantly lower rate of OASI. A gestational age of 42 weeks, birth weight ≥ 3500 g, operative vaginal delivery and duration of the 2nd stage of labour of ≥ 60 min were associated with a significantly higher rate of OASI. CONCLUSIONS: Women with a VBAC have a higher rate of OASI in comparison with women with a first vaginal delivery, with the exception of women with a vaginal birth after an emergency CS for suspected fetal distress. Factors associated with a significantly lower rate for OASI were MLE, maternal age < 25 and birth weight < 3000 g. A gestational age of 42 weeks, birth weight between 3500 and 4000 g and ≥ 4000 g, operative vaginal delivery and duration of the 2nd stage of delivery longer dan 60 min were associated with a significantly higher rate of OASI.

Is an episiotomy always necessary during an operative vaginal delivery with vacuum? A longitudinal study.

Objective: The use of episiotomy during operative vaginal birth (OVB) is rather debated among operators and in literature. It is also important to evaluate the indications for which episiotomy is performed. In fact, the consequences of an episiotomy can be invalidating for patients with long-lasting results. The aim of this study is the evaluation of the role of episiotomy during OVB with the vacuum extractor and its correlation with Obstetric Anal Sphincter Injuries (OASIs).Methods: On of 9165 vaginal births, a total of 498 OVB (5.4%) were enrolled in a longitudinal prospective observational study. The incidence of OASIs was evaluated in our population after OVB performed with the vacuum extractor, during which the execution of episiotomy was performed indicated by clinician in charge.Results: OASIs occurred in 4% of the patients (n = 20). Episiotomy was performed in 39% of them (n = 181). OASIs incidence was 6% (n = 17) in the No Episiotomy and 1.8% (n = 3) in Episiotomy group (p<.001). Performance of episiotomy during OVB determined a protective effect against OASIs (p = 0.025 in full cohort and p = 0.013 in the primiparous group). An expulsive phase under one hour was an almost significant protective factor (p = 0.052).Conclusions: The use of episiotomy during OVB was associated with much lower OASIs rates in nulliparous women with a vacuum extraction; OR 0.23 (CI 95% 0.07-0.81) p = 0.037 in nulliparous women and the number necessary to treat was 18 among nulliparous women to prevent 1 OASIs. A further risk factor that emerged from the analysis is a prolonged expulsive period, whereas fundal pressure does not seem to have a statistically significant influence.

Re-evaluation of modifiable risk factors for obstetric anal sphincter injury in a real-world setting.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: The objective was to identify modifiable risk factors for obstetric anal sphincter injury (OASI) in primiparous women. METHODS: This was a retrospective cohort study of primiparous women with a singleton vaginal delivery. Main outcome measures were incidence of OASI and odds ratios for possible risk factors: maternal age, body mass index and height, fetal birthweight and head circumference, gestational age, epidural analgesia, mediolateral episiotomy, and instrumental deliveries. Univariate and multivariate logistic regressions were performed using forward methods for variable selection. RESULTS: Of 19,786 primiparous women with a singleton vaginal delivery, 369 sustained an OASI (1.9%). Risk factors were identified: vacuum extraction (adjusted OR 2.06, 95% CI, 1.59-2.65, p < 0.001), increased fetal weight (aOR 1.06, 95% CI, 1.02-1.11, p = 0.002, per 100-g increments); head circumference (aOR 1.24, 95% CI, 1.13-1.35, p < 0.001, per 1-cm increments); gestational week (aOR 1.11, 95% CI, 1.02-1.2, p = 0.012, per week). Protective factors: mediolateral episiotomy (aOR 0.75, 95% CI, 0.59-0.94, p = 0.013) particularly in vacuum deliveries (aOR 0.50, 95% CI, 0.29-0.97, p = 0.040); epidural analgesia (aOR 0.64, 95% CI, 0.48-0.84, p = 0.001); maternal height ≥157 cm (aOR 0.97, 95% CI, 0.96-0.98, p = 0.006, risk decreases by 2.6% per 1 cm increase in height). CONCLUSIONS: Mediolateral episiotomy was protective against OASI in both spontaneous and instrumental deliveries of primiparae. Increased fetal weight and large fetal head circumference, particularly in short women, were significant risk factors. These findings support the performance of ultrasound to acquire updated fetal measures before admission to the labor ward.