Clinical, epidemiological and laboratory characteristics of cases of Covid-19-related maternal near miss and death at referral units in northeastern Brazil: a cohort study.

Objective: Covid-19 poses a major risk during pregnancy and postpartum, resulting in an increase in maternal mortality worldwide, including in Brazil; however, little research has been conducted into cases of a near miss. This study aimed to describe the frequency of COVID-19-related near miss and deaths during pregnancy or in the postpartum in referral centers in northeastern Brazil, as well as the clinical, epidemiological, and laboratory characteristics of the women who experienced a severe maternal outcome.Methods: A retrospective and prospective cohort study was performed between April 2020 and June 2021 with hospitalized pregnant and postpartum women with a diagnosis of COVID-19 confirmed by real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Data from five tertiary hospitals in northeastern Brazil were evaluated. Descriptive statistical analysis was performed using Epi Info, version 7.2.5.0.Results: A total of 463 patients were included. Of these, 64 (14% of the sample) had a severe maternal outcome, with 42 cases of near miss (9%) and 22 maternal deaths (5%). Patients who had a severe maternal outcome were predominantly young (median age 30 years) and 65.6% were black or brown-skinned. The women had between 6 and 16 years of schooling; 45.3% had a stable partner; 81.3% were pregnant at the time of admission to the study; and 76.6% required a Cesarean section. The great majority (82.8%) had severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS). Other complications included hypertensive syndromes (40.6%), pneumonia (37.5%), urinary tract infections (29.7%), acute renal failure (25.0%) and postpartum hemorrhage (21.9%). Sepsis developed in 18.8% of cases, neurological dysfunction in 15.6%, and hepatic dysfunction and septic shock in 14.1% of cases each. The relative frequency of admission to an intensive care unit was 87.5%, while 67.2% of the patients required assisted mechanical ventilation, and 54.7% required noninvasive ventilation. Antibiotics were prescribed in 93.8% of cases and corticosteroids in 71.9%, while blood transfusion was required in 25.0% of cases and renal replacement therapy in 15.6%. Therapeutic anticoagulants were administered to 12.5% of the patients. Of the patients who had a severe maternal outcome, the frequency of respiratory dysfunction was 93.8%, with 50.0% developing neurological dysfunction and 37.5% cardiovascular dysfunction. Hematological dysfunction was found in 29.7%, renal dysfunction in 18.8%, and uterine dysfunction in 14.1%. Hepatic dysfunction occurred in 7.8% of the sample. The near-miss ratio for Covid-19 was 1.6/1000 live births and the maternal mortality ratio for Covid-19 was 84.8/100,000 live births, with a mortality index of 34.4% in the sample.Conclusion: This study revealed a low Covid-19-related maternal near miss (MNM) ratio of 1.6/1000 live births and a high Covid-19-related maternal mortality ratio (MMR) of 84.81/100,000 live births. The mortality index was also high. Most of the patients were admitted while pregnant, were young, married and black or brown-skinned, and none had completed university education. The majority had SARS and required admission to an intensive care unit and mechanical ventilation. Most were submitted to a Cesarean section.

A qualitative analysis of the nurturing care environment of families participating in Brazil's Criança Feliz early childhood program.

Investing in early childhood programs such as Brazil's Criança Feliz Program (PCF) to support low-income families in providing a nurturing care environment is critical to ensure that children reach their full developmental potential. We aimed to analyze the influence of the PCF on the nurturing care environment provided by families enrolled in the program in the Federal District, Brazil. A qualitative case study was conducted based on in-depth interviews with a purposive sampling of 22 caregivers enrolled in the PCF for at least six months. Eighteen subthemes emerged from the thematic analysis following the five components of the Nurturing Care Framework (i.e., good health, adequate nutrition, responsive care, early learning, and security and safety). Caregivers recognized the benefits of the PCF on children's mental health (good health) and reported challenges in providing adequate nutrition due to food insecurity (adequate nutrition). A bond between the home visitor and families was identified as critical to promote responsive parenting practices (responsive care). Caregivers appreciated the early stimulation activities provided during PCF home visits (opportunities for early learning). Access to social welfare programs, such as conditional cash transfer and food assistance, were facilitated through PCF multisectoral actions (safety and security). On the other hand, families reported not receiving support from PCF for issues such as breastfeeding, maternal mental health, and disciplinary practices. In summary, PCF enhanced the components of the nurturing care environment provided by families. However, their vulnerabilities and contextual implementation barriers may prevent families from fully benefiting from PCF activities.

Aspirin-Loaded Polymeric Films for Drug Delivery Systems: Comparison between Soaking and Supercritical CO2 Impregnation.

Polymeric implants loaded with drugs can overcome the disadvantages of oral or injection drug administration and deliver the drug locally. Several methods can load drugs into polymers. Herein, soaking and supercritical CO2 (scCO2) impregnation methods were employed to load aspirin into poly(l-lactic acid) (PLLA) and linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE). Higher drug loadings (DL) were achieved with scCO2 impregnation compared to soaking and in a shorter time (3.4 ± 0.8 vs. 1.3 ± 0.4% for PLLA; and 0.4 ± 0.5 vs. 0.6 ± 0.5% for LLDPE), due to the higher swelling capacity of CO2. The higher affinity of aspirin explained the higher DL in PLLA than in LLDPE. Residual solvent was detected in LLDPE prepared by soaking, but within the FDA concentration limits. The solvents used in both methods acted as plasticizers and increased PLLA crystallinity. PLLA impregnated with aspirin exhibited faster hydrolysis in vitro due to the catalytic effect of aspirin. Finally, PLLA impregnated by soaking showed a burst release because of aspirin crystals on the PLLA surface, and released 100% of aspirin within 60 days, whereas the PLLA prepared with scCO2 released 60% after 74 days by diffusion and PLLA erosion. Hence, the scCO2 impregnation method is adequate for higher aspirin loadings and prolonged drug release.

Perspectives of healthcare workers on the morality of abortion: a multicenter study in seven Brazilian public hospitals.

We used the questionnaire "Mosaic of Opinions on Induced Abortion" to conduct a multi-centered study to evaluate the perspectives of physicians, nurses, social workers, psychologists and pharmacists on the morality of abortion. In all, 254 participants constituted the sample. The inadequate knowledge on Brazilian abortion laws was the only determinant negatively associated with the construct "Sexual and Reproductive Rights", corroborating the hypothesis that a better understanding of abortion legislation could mitigate the opposition of some professionals to the ethical perspective that access to safe abortion should be seen as a sexual and reproductive right.

The use of the Modified Early Obstetric Warning System (MEOWS) in women after pregnancies: a descriptive study / Aplicação do Modified Early Obstetric Warning System (MEOWS) em mulheres após gestações: um estudo descritivo

Abstract Objectives: to evaluate the modified early obstetric warning system (MEOWS) in women after pregnancies in a tertiary hospital in Brazil. Methods: a descriptive study was conducted with 705 hospitalized women. Vital signs (systolic and diastolic blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate, temperature) and lochia were registered on medical records and transcribed into the MEOWS chart of physiological parameters. On this graphic chart, yellow alerts were used to present moderate abnormalities in vital signs, while severe abnormalities were presented in red. The presence of at least one red alert or two yellow alerts were triggered to indicate the need for medical evaluation. Results: although abnormalities were found in the physiological parameters of 49.8% of the women identified from MEOWS triggers, medical evaluation was only requested for three patients (0.8%). Conclusions: in a retrospective application of the use of MEOWS showed a significant number of patients had triggered in which the nursing team did not recognize 99.2% of cases. This finding could be attributed to the fact that MEOWS has not been yet adopted in this service as part of the nursing care. The application of this tool would result in a better care because critical situations would be recognized and corrected quickly, avoiding unfavorable outcomes.

Resumo Objetivos: avaliar o modified early obstetric warning system (MEOWS) em mulheres após gestações, em um hospital terciário do Brasil. Métodos: foi realizado um estudo descritivo incluindo 705 mulheres internadas. Os sinais vitais (pressão arterial sistólica e diastólica, frequência cardíaca, frequência respiratória, temperatura) e lóquios, registrados no prontuário, foram transcritos para o gráfico de parâmetros fisiológicos do MEOWS. Neste gráfico, anormalidades moderadas nos sinais vitais eram sinalizadas por alertas amarelos, enquanto anormalidades graves eram sina-lizadas em vermelho. A presença de, pelo menos, um alerta vermelho ou dois alertas amarelos foi chamada de eventos gatilho, indicando necessidade de avaliação médica. Resultados: dentre as mulheres estudadas, 49,8% apresentaram anormalidades nos parâmetros fisiológicos, através da identificação de eventos gatilho no MEOWS, porém avaliação médica foi solicitada para apenas três pacientes, resultando num percentual de 0,8%. Conclusões: a utilização do MEOWS, de forma retrospectiva, evidenciou uma quantidade significativa de pacientes apresentando eventos gatilho, os quais não foram reconhecidos pela equipe de enfermagem em 99,2% dos casos. Este achado pode ser atribuído ao fato de o MEOWS ainda não ser adotado no serviço como parte da rotina dos cuidados de enfermagem. A aplicação dessa ferramenta resultaria numa assistência melhor, pois situações críticas seriam reconhecidas e corrigidas com maior precocidade, evitando desfechos desfavoráveis.

Factors associated with spontaneous perineal lacerations in deliveries without episiotomy in a university maternity hospital in the city of Recife, Brazil: a cohort study.

Objectives: The objective of this study is to determine factors associated with spontaneous perineal laceration in low-risk pregnant women who delivered vaginally without episiotomy in a university maternity hospital in Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil. Methods: A prospective cohort study was conducted with 222 low-risk, full-term pregnant women admitted in labor with a single fetus in cephalic presentation. Women with malformed fetuses were excluded from the study. The variables analyzed were: the frequency and severity of lacerations, the women's biological, sociodemographic, clinical and obstetrical characteristics, neonatal characteristics, and data on their deliveries and procedures. For the data analysis, risk ratios and their 95% confidence intervals were calculated. A significance level of 5% was adopted and multiple regression analysis was performed. Results: Spontaneous first-degree perineal tears were registered in 47% of the women, second-degree tears in 31%, and third degree tears in only 1.8%. There were no cases of fourth-degree tears. Having experienced normal childbirth previously constituted a protective factor against vaginal tearing (OR = 0.46; 95%CI: 0.23-0.91; p = .027). Conclusion: The principal protective factor against spontaneous lacerations was having experienced normal childbirth previously. Intrapartum strategies aimed at protecting the perineum and pelvic floor muscle training during prenatal care should be encouraged in these women.

Measurement properties of the questionnaire "Mosaic of opinions on induced abortion": a multicenter study in seven Brazilian hospitals.

OBJECTIVE: In Brasil, abortion is legal in cases of rape, when there is a risk of maternal death, and in cases of fetal anencephaly. However, the literature reports that some doctors refuse to care for women with such demands or come to perform it in a discriminatory manner. Pretest, test and evaluate the measurement properties of the "Mosaic of Opinions on Induced Abortion," a questionnaire developed to investigate the perspectives of Brazilian healthcare professionals about the morality of abortion. METHODS: Firstly, the questionnaire was pretested in an intentional sample of specialists. Secondly, it was tested in a randomized sample of 32 healthcare professionals. Finally, we conducted a multi-center study in seven university hospitals to evaluate the measurement properties of the questionnaire. RESULTS: Combined samples of the three phases totalized 430 individuals. In pretest and test, all the evaluated aspects obtained satisfactory results. In the multicenter phase, confirmatory factorial analysis led to an important reduction of the questionnaire, which also obtained good indicators of reliability, beyond the validation of construct and criteria. CONCLUSION: Questionnaire has been validated and is suitable for use in other surveys in Brasil.

Measurement properties of the questionnaire "Mosaic of opinions on induced abortion": a multicenter study in seven Brazilian hospitals

SUMMARY In Brasil, abortion is legal in cases of rape, when there is a risk of maternal death, and in cases of fetal anencephaly. However, the literature reports that some doctors refuse to care for women with such demands or come to perform it in a discriminatory manner. OBJECTIVE: Pretest, test and evaluate the measurement properties of the "Mosaic of Opinions on Induced Abortion," a questionnaire developed to investigate the perspectives of Brazilian healthcare professionals about the morality of abortion. METHODS: Firstly, the questionnaire was pretested in an intentional sample of specialists. Secondly, it was tested in a randomized sample of 32 healthcare professionals. Finally, we conducted a multi-center study in seven university hospitals to evaluate the measurement properties of the questionnaire. RESULTS: Combined samples of the three phases totalized 430 individuals. In pretest and test, all the evaluated aspects obtained satisfactory results. In the multicenter phase, confirmatory factorial analysis led to an important reduction of the questionnaire, which also obtained good indicators of reliability, beyond the validation of construct and criteria. CONCLUSION: Questionnaire has been validated and is suitable for use in other surveys in Brasil.

RESUMO RESUMO: No Brasil, o aborto induzido é permitido por lei em casos de estupro, risco de morte para a gestante e anencefalia fetal. Entretanto, a literatura relata que alguns médicos recusam atender mulheres com tais demandas, ou o fazem de maneira discriminatória. OBJETIVO: Pré-testar, testar e avaliar as propriedades da medida do "Mosaico de opiniões sobre o aborto induzido", um questionário para investigar as perspectivas de profissionais da saúde brasileiros sobre a moralidade do aborto. MÉTODOS: Primeiro, o questionário foi pré-testado em uma amostra intencional de especialistas. Em segundo lugar, foi testado em uma amostra aleatória de 32 profissionais da saúde. Finalmente, conduziu-se um estudo multicêntrico em sete hospitais universitários para avaliar as propriedades da medida do questionário. RESULTADOS: Combinadas, as amostras das três fases totalizaram 430 sujeitos. No pré-teste e no teste, todos os aspectos avaliados obtiveram resultados satisfatórios. Na fase multicêntrica, a análise fatorial confirmatória levou a uma importante redução do questionário, que também obteve bons indicadores de confiabilidade, além da validade de construto e de critério. CONCLUSÕES: O questionário foi validado e encontra-se apto para ser utilizado em outras pesquisas no Brasil.

Placental cord drainage in the third stage of labor: Randomized clinical trial.

METHODS: An open randomized clinical trial was developed at Instituto de Medicina Integral Prof. Fernando Figueira (IMIP) in Recife and at Petronila Campos Municipal Hospital in São Lourenço da Mata, both in Pernambuco, northeastern Brazil, including 226 low-risk pregnant women bearing a single, full-term, live fetus after delayed cord clamping, 113 randomized to placental cord drainage and 113 to a control group not submitted to this procedure. Women incapable of understanding the study objectives and those who went on to have an instrumental or cesarean delivery were excluded. RESULTS: Duration of the third stage of labor did not differ between the two groups (14.2±12.9 versus 13.7±12.1 minutes (mean ± SD), p = 0.66). Likewise, there was no significant difference in mean blood loss (248±254 versus 208±187ml, p = 0.39) or in postpartum hematocrit levels (32.3±4.06 versus 32.8±4.25mg/dl, p = 0.21). Furthermore, no differences were found between the groups for any of the secondary outcomes (postpartum hemorrhage >500 or >1000ml, therapeutic use of oxytocin, third stage >30 or 60 minutes, digital evacuation of the uterus or curettage, symptoms of postpartum anemia and maternal satisfaction). CONCLUSION: Placental cord drainage had no effect in reducing duration or blood loss during the third stage of labor. CLINICAL TRIALS REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov: www.clinicaltrial.gov, NCT01655576.

High Levels of CXCL8 and Low Levels of CXCL9 and CXCL10 in Women with Maternal RhD Alloimmunization.

Maternal RhD alloimmunization is an inflammatory response against protein antigens in fetal red blood cells (RBC). However, not all women become alloimmunized when exposed to RhD+ fetal RBC. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate levels of inflammatory chemokines in RhD- pregnant women with erythrocyte alloimmunization. CXCL8, CXCL9, CCL5, and CXCL10 levels were determined from cell culture supernatants by flow cytometry in 46 (30 non-alloimmunized RhD- and 16 previously alloimmunized RhD-) pregnant women. CXCL8 levels were significantly higher (P < 0.004), and CXCL9 (P < 0.008) and CXCL10 (P < 0.003) levels were significantly lower in alloimmunized pregnant women. No significant difference in CCL5 levels was detected between the groups. Fetal RHD genotyping was performed in the alloimmunized RhD- group by real-time PCR. Anti-D alloantibody was detected in 10 mothers and anti-D and -C in six mothers. Twelve fetuses were RHD positive and four were RHD negative. Further studies of serum chemokines and placenta tissue could provide a better understanding of the cells involved in the pathogenesis of maternal erythrocyte alloimmunization.

Validation of fullPIERS model for prediction of adverse outcomes among women with severe pre-eclampsia.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the accuracy of the Pre-eclampsia Integrated Estimate of RiSk (fullPIERS) model for the prediction of complications among patients with severe pre-eclampsia in northeastern Brazil. METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted of data for all patients with severe pre-eclampsia admitted to a center in Recife in 2014. The fullPIERS model was applied to calculate the predicted probability of complications. A receiver operating characteristic curve was constructed to determine the accuracy of the model, and the area under the curve was calculated. Multiple logistic regression analysis was performed. RESULTS: Among 325 included women, 55 (16.9%) had one or more complication before discharge. The area under the curve was 0.72 (P<0.001), determining a cutoff point for fullPIERS probability of 1.7%. Sensitivity was 60.0% and specificity was 65.1%; the positive likelihood ratio was 1.72 and the negative likelihood ratio was 0.61. In multivariate analysis, the only variable that remained significantly associated with complications was a fullPIERS probability of more than 1.7% (odds ratio 5.87, 95% confidence interval 3.16-10.89; P<0.001). CONCLUSION: The fullPIERS model is a useful tool for predicting complications in women with severe pre-eclampsia, with the cutoff point of 1.7%.

Selective episiotomy vs. implementation of a non-episiotomy protocol: a randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Despite all the evidence corroborating the selective use of episiotomy and although routine use of the procedure is contraindicated, there are no evidences corroborating if episiotomy is necessary in any circumstance. The present clinical randomized trial was performed to compare maternal and perinatal outcomes in women submitted to a non-episiotomy protocol versus one of selective episiotomy. METHODS: An open-labelled, randomized clinical trial was carried out in a tertiary teaching hospital in Recife, Northeastern Brazil. Women in labor with a full-term live foetus, dilatation of 6 to 8 cm and cephalic presentation (vertex position) were included. Exclusion criteria consisted of bleeding disorders and an indication for a caesarean section. After signing the consent form, 241 women were randomized to a non-episiotomy protocol (the experimental group) or to a selective episiotomy group (the control group). No episiotomies were to be performed in the experimental group except under exceptional circumstances. In the control group, selective episiotomies were to be performed in accordance with the healthcare professionals' clinical judgement. Maternal and perinatal outcomes were evaluated. Ratio Risk (RR) and the 95% confidence interval (95% CI) were calculated for our outcomes. RESULTS: The analysis include 115 women assigned to a non-episiotomy protocol and 122 to selective episiotomy. There was no difference between the two groups with respect to maternal or perinatal outcomes. The episiotomy rate was similar (two cases in each group, about 1.7%), as was the duration of the second stage of labor, the frequency of perineal tears, severe perineal trauma, need for perineal suturing and blood loss at delivery. CONCLUSIONS: A non-episiotomy protocol appears to be safe for mother and child, and highlights the need to investigate whether there is, in fact, any indication for this procedure. TRIAL REGISTRATION: This trial was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov under reference number ( NCT02178111 ).

Clonidine versus Captopril for Severe Postpartum Hypertension: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: Changes during the puerperium are still unclear, particularly in women with hypertension. The choice of antihypertensives, both to control very high blood pressure episodes and to keep blood pressure stable, also requires further elucidation. Currently, there are no clear data to guide the decision for the choice of postpartum antihypertensives. Captopril plays an important role in the treatment of very high blood pressure episodes and may be used postpartum. Clonidine has been used as an alternative in pregnant or postpartum women with contraindications to captopril, with satisfactory effect. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of clonidine compared to captopril for treating severe postpartum hypertension. METHODS AND FINDINGS: A randomized, drug-controlled, triple-blind clinical trial evaluating postpartum women receiving captopril or clonidine. Inclusion criteria consisted of: women with hypertensive disorders of pregnancy systolic blood pressure (SBP) ≥180 mmHg and/or diastolic blood pressure (DBP) ≥110 mmHg], requiring magnesium sulfate. Exclusion criteria were: heart disease, smoking, illicit drug use, contraindications to captopril, clonidine or oral medication, and having used captopril/clonidine previously. The primary outcome was the frequency of very high blood pressure episodes while in the obstetric intensive care unit. A total of 90 postpartum women met the study inclusion criteria, with 45 randomized to each group. There were fewer very high blood pressure episodes during hospitalization (2.1 ± 2.1 vs. 3.5 ± 4.7, p = 0.08), greater percentage reduction in SBP (14.0% ± 8.6% vs. 10.8% ± 8.8%, p = 0.08) and fewer women requiring sodium nitroprusside (2.3% vs. 13.3%; RR: 0.17; 95%CI: 0.02-1.39; p = 0.06) in the clonidine group compared to the captopril group; however, these differences were not significant. The groups were similar regarding daily mean SBP or DBP; however, on the third postpartum day, mean SBP was lower in the clonidine compared to the captopril group (151.9 ± 11.8 mmHg vs. 158.1 ± 13.6 mmHg, p = 0.02). Although not statistically significant, adverse reactions were more common in the captopril group (28.8%) compared to the clonidine group (18.6%). CONCLUSION: Clonidine and captopril represent safe, effective treatments for severe postpartum hypertension. TRIAL REGISTRATION: clinicaltrials.gov: www.clinicaltrial.gov, NCT01761916.

Diuretics vs. placebo for postpartum blood pressure control in preeclampsia (DIUPRE): a randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Hypertension affects about 10% of pregnancies and is responsible for both maternal and neonatal devastating complications such as eclampsia, HELLP syndrome, prematurity and maternal and neonatal death. The resolution of the disease occurs in the first twelve weeks postpartum. The behavior of blood pressure and occurrence of very high blood pressure episodes among women with severe preeclampsia is related to remodeling of the dynamics of body fluids with consequent increase in intravascular volume. The persistence of hypertension in critical levels results in increased puerperal morbidity. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effectiveness of furosemide in accelerating blood pressure recovery among women with severe preeclampsia. METHODS/DESIGN: A triple-masked placebo controlled clinical trial, will be conducted including 120 postpartum women with severe preeclampsia, after eclampsia prophylaxis with magnesium sulfate and with adequate diuresis. Women with chronic hypertension and users of diuretics will be deleted. Informed consent will be obtained from all participants. Patients will be randomized to receive furosemide (40 mg orally every twenty four hours) or placebo. The variables are systolic and diastolic blood pressure, frequency of hypertensive crises, need for maintenance of antihypertensive therapy, number of antihypertensive agents used to control blood pressure, urine output, length of hospital stay, adverse effects and maternal complications. This study was approved by the Research Ethics Committee in humans of our institution. All participants will be duly informed about the aims of the project and will be included only if they agree to participate voluntarily, signing the informed consent. TRIAL REGISTRATION: This study was registered on Clinical Trials.gov under the number NCT02163655. ( http://clinicaltrials.gov/show/NCT02163655).

Selective episiotomy vs. implementation of a non episiotomy protocol: a randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that the episiotomy rate should be around 10%, which is already a reality in many European countries. Currently the use of episiotomy should be restricted and physicians are encouraged to use their clinical judgment to decide when the procedure is necessary. There is no clinical evidence corroborating any indication of episiotomy, so until the present moment it is not yet known whether episiotomy is indeed necessary in any context of obstetric practice. OBJECTIVES: To compare maternal and perinatal outcomes in women undergoing a protocol of not performing episiotomy versus selective episiotomy. METHODS/DESIGN: An open label randomized clinical trial will be conducted including laboring women with term pregnancy, maximum dilation of 8 cm, live fetus in cephalic vertex presentation. Women with bleeding disorders of pregnancy, indication for caesarean section and those without capacity to consent and without legal guardians will be excluded. Primary outcomes will be frequency of episiotomy, delivery duration, frequency of spontaneous lacerations and perineal trauma, frequency of instrumental delivery, postpartum blood loss, need for perineal suturing, number of sutures, Apgar scores at one and five minutes, need for neonatal resuscitation and pH in cord blood. As secondary outcomes frequency complications of perineal suturing, postpartum perineal pain, maternal satisfaction, neonatal morbidity and admission newborn in NICU will be assessed. Women will be invited to participate and those who agree will sign the consent form and will be then assigned to a protocol of not conducting episiotomy (experimental group) or to a group that episiotomy is performed selectively according to the judgment of the provider of care delivery (control Group). The present study was approved by IMIP's Research Ethics Committee. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Clinical Trials Register under the number and was registered in ClinicalTrials.gov under the number NCT02178111.

Hypertension, pregnancy and weather: is seasonality involved?

OBJECTIVE: The present study aimed at assessing the association between environmental temperature and the relative humidity of the air with frequency of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy. METHODS: A prospective and retrospective, descriptive, ecological study was held at a teaching maternity in Recife, Brazil. Data from all 26.125 pregnant women admitted between 2000 and 2006 were analysed and 5.051 had the diagnosis of hypertensive disorder of pregnancy. The incidence percentages were calculated monthly per deliveries. Data on mean monthly temperature and relative humidity of the air were collected and monthly comparisons were conducted. February was chosen as the reference month due to its lowest incidence of the disease. The relative chance of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy for each other month was estimated by odds ratio and Pearson's correlation coefficient was used to calculate the relation between the incidence of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy and the mean monthly temperature and relative air humidity. RESULTS: February presented the lowest mean monthly incidence (9.95%) and August the highest (21.54%). Pearson correlation coefficient revealed a higher incidence of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy in the cooler months (r= -0.26; p=0.046) and no significant effect of relative air humidity (r=0.20; p=0.128). CONCLUSION: The incidence of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy may be affected by variations in temperature, increasing during cooler periods.

Factors associated with the persistence/recurrence of CIN2/3 in women submitted to loop electrosurgical excision procedure in a teaching hospital in northeastern Brazil: a case-control study.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to identify risk factors associated with the persistence/recurrence of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) 2/3 in women submitted to loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP) in a hospital in northeastern Brazil. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A case-control study included 50 women with and 50 women without persistence/recurrence of CIN2/3 after LEEP at the Instituto de Medicina Integral Prof. Fernando Figueira (IMIP) between 2004 and 2011. Data were collected from June to December 2011. Inclusion criteria were diagnosis of CIN2/3 during follow-up (cases) and women free of CIN2/3 after a follow-up of 2 years or longer (controls). Exclusion criteria (cases/controls) were LEEP performed at another hospital, LEEP performed for persistent CIN1, invasive carcinoma in the cone specimen or at cytology, and/or histopathology within a 2-year follow-up period. Persistence was defined as residual disease detected in the first year after LEEP, and recurrence was defined as the reappearance of a lesion more than 1 year after surgery. Bivariate analysis was performed for biological, sociodemographic, sexual, reproductive, lifestyle, and clinical variables. Odds ratios (ORs) and their 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) were calculated, and a multiple logistic regression analysis was performed to control for potential confounding factors. The study was approved by IMIP's internal review board. RESULTS: Multiple logistic regression analysis showed a significant association between persistence/recurrence of CIN2/3 and living outside the capital city (OR=3.11, 95% CI=1.14-8.41), smoking (OR=4.22, 95% CI=1.18-15.05), and positive endocervical margins (OR=6.58, 95% CI=2.37-18.28). CONCLUSIONS: Women with persistence/recurrence of CIN2/3 are more likely to live outside the state capital, be smokers, and have positive endocervical margins, so these women should be followed up more closely.

Avaliação da adequação do rastreamento e diagnóstico de Diabetes Mellitus Gestacional em puérperas atendidas em unidade hospitalar de dois municípios da região do Vale do São Francisco - Nordeste do Brasil / Evaluation of the adequacy of tracking and diagnosis of gestational Diabetes Mellitus in pregnant women attending a hospital unit in two municipalities in the São Francisco Valley Region - Northeast Brazil

Avaliar a adequação do rastreamento e do diagnóstico de diabetes mellitus gestacional em puérperas atendidas em unidade hospitalar de dois municípios da região do Vale do São Francisco. Métodos: estudo descritivo, com 1340 puérperas que pariram no Hospital Dom Malan-IMIP-PE e Maternidade Municipal de Juazeiro-BA, de abril de 2011 a janeiro de 2012. Excluídas aquelas com diagnóstico prévio de diabetes mellitus, sem pré-natal sem exames acessíveis. Foram construídas tabelas de distribuição de frequência e medidas de tendência central e dispersão. Resultados: a média de idade gestacional da solicitação da glicemia de jejum foi 14 semanas, adequada em 46 por cento. A idade gestacional média da realização da glicemia foi 16 semanas, realizada até 30 dias após solicitação em 37,9 por cento; recebimento do resultado ocorreu em média na 20ª semana, adequada em 33,4 por cento. A segunda glicemia de jejum foi solicitada e interpretada adequadamente em 28,1 por cento dos casos; 20,8 por cento tiveram resultados glicêmicos da primeira e segunda glicemia de jejum igual ou superior a 85 mg/dL e 11,9 por cento não realizaram ou receberam a glicemia de jejum. Inadequação no rastreamento/diagnóstico detectada em 76,9 por cento (n=1022), e 5,0 por cento (n=67) de quem realizou Teste Oral de Tolerância a Glicose. Alguma inadequação foi observada em 91,9 por cento durante o rastreio. Conclusões: o rastreio/diagnóstico do diabetes gestacional entre as puérperas estudadas foi realizado inadequadamente...

To evaluate the adequacy of tracking and diagnosis of gestational diabetes mellitus in pregnant women attending a hospital unit in two municipalities in the São Francisco Valley region. Methods: a descriptive study was carried out with 1340 pregnant women who gave birth at the Dom Malan Hospital-IMIP-PE and the Municipal Maternity Hospital of Juazeiro-BA, between April 2011 and January 2012. Women were excluded if they had received a previous diagnosis of diabetes mellitus, if they had not attended prenatal sessions or if their test results were unavailable. Tables of frequency distribution and measures of central tendency and dispersion were drawn up. Results: the mean gestational age at which a fasting blood sugar level test was requested was 14 weeks and adequate in 46 percent. The mean gestational age at which a blood sugar level test was carried out was 16 weeks, less than 30 days after requested in 37.9 percent; the result was received on average in the 20th week of pregnancy and this was adequate in 33.4 percent. A second fasting blood sugar level test was adequately requested and interpreted in 28.1 percent of cases; 20.8 percent had a fasting blood sugar level equal to or greater to 85 mg/dL on the first and second test and 11.9 percent had not taken or received the results of the blood sugar test. The tracking/diagnosis was inadequate in 76.3 percent (n=1022), and in 5.0 percent(n=67) of those who took the Oral Glucose Tolerance Test. Some inadequacy was found in 91.9 percent during tracking. Conclusions: the tracking/diagnosis of gestational diabetes among the pregnant women studied was generally inadequate...

Hypertension, pregnancy and weather: is seasonality involved? / Hipertensão, gestação e clima: a sazonalidade contribui?

Objective: The present study aimed at assessing the association between environmental temperature and the relative humidity of the air with frequency of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy. Methods: A prospective and retrospective, descriptive, ecological study was held at a teaching maternity in Recife, Brazil. Data from all 26.125 pregnant women admitted between 2000 and 2006 were analysed and 5.051 had the diagnosis of hypertensive disorder of pregnancy. The incidence percentages were calculated monthly per deliveries. Data on mean monthly temperature and relative humidity of the air were collected and monthly comparisons were conducted. February was chosen as the reference month due to its lowest incidence of the disease. The relative chance of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy for each other month was estimated by odds ratio and Pearson's correlation coefficient was used to calculate the relation between the incidence of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy and the mean monthly temperature and relative air humidity. Results: February presented the lowest mean monthly incidence (9.95%) and August the highest (21.54%). Pearson correlation coefficient revealed a higher incidence of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy in the cooler months (r= -0.26; p=0.046) and no significant effect of relative air humidity (r=0.20; p=0.128). Conclusion: The incidence of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy may be affected by variations in temperature, increasing during cooler periods. .

Objetivo: O objetivo do presente estudo foi avaliar a associação entre a temperatura e umidade relativa do ar e a incidência de síndromes hipertensivas gestacionais. Métodos: Um estudo ecológico, prospectivo e retrospectivo, foi conduzido em uma maternidade-escola, na cidade do Recife, Brasil. Dados de todas as 26.125 gestantes, admitidas entre os anos de 2000 e 2006, foram analisados e 5.051 mulheres tiveram o diagnóstico de síndrome hipertensiva gestacional no momento da admissão. A incidência percentual foi calculada mensalmente, por número de partos. Dados referentes à temperatura média mensal e umidade relativa do ar mensal foram coletados e comparações feitas mês a mês quanto à incidência da doença. O mês de fevereiro foi escolhido como mês de referência por conta da sua menor incidência. O risco relativo de síndrome hipertensiva gestacional para cada outro mês foi calculado por odds ratio e o coeficiente de correlação de Pearson foi utilizado para calcular a relação entre a incidência da doença e a média mensal de temperatura e umidade relativa do ar. Resultados: O mês de fevereiro apresentou a menor incidência mensal da doença (9,95%) e agosto, a maior (21,54%). O coeficiente de correlação de Pearson demonstrou maior incidência de síndromes hipertensivas gestacionais nos meses mais frios (r= -0,26; p=0,046), e nenhum efeito significativo da umidade relativa do ar (r=0,20; p=0,128). Conclusão: A incidência de síndromes hipertensivas gestacionais parece ser afetada por variações na temperatura, com menor incidência nos períodos mais frios. .