Continuous recording of intrarectal pressures during the second phase of labour: correlations with postpartum pelvic floor complaints. A biomechanical-clinical study.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: We correlated intrarectal pressure parameter recordings during the second phase of labour in primiparous women with postpartum pelvic floor (PF) complaints to try to define a critical pressure threshold for the occurrence of permanent PF injury. METHODS: Using a microsystem device, the duration of bearing-down efforts, the area under the pressure curve and the peak pressure during bearing-down efforts were continuously recorded in 43 women with spontaneous delivery (group one) and in 17 women with forceps-assisted delivery (group two). PF complaints were assessed using ICS-validated questionnaires established before delivery and 14 ± 6 months after delivery. RESULTS: Postpartum PF complaints were not significantly different between the groups. The first and second phases of labour were longer in women of group two. The three parameters measured were not correlated with the baby's weight or mode of delivery. The duration of bearing-down efforts was correlated with difficulty voiding and lower abdominal discomfort in women of group one only. The area under the pressure curve was correlated with feeling of urgency to void, urge incontinence, drops escape, decreased frequency of orgasm and difficulties in reaching orgasm in women of group two only. Peak pressure values were not correlated with any PF dysfunction. CONCLUSIONS: Intrarectal pressure parameters during second phase of labour show no significant correlations with obstetric parameters, but were significantly correlated with some urinary and sexual PF complaints 14 months after spontaneous and forceps-assisted delivery with a higher incidence of significant correlations in women of group two with forceps-assisted delivery, probably because of the longer first and second phases of labour.

Women and healthcare providers' perceptions of a midwife-led unit in a Swiss university hospital: a qualitative study.

BACKGROUND: The development of medical-led care in obstetrics over the past decades has contributed to improving outcomes for both mother and child. Although efficiency has improved in complex situations, unnecessary interventions are still practiced in low-risk pregnancies, contrary to international recommendations. A shift to a less interventionist model of care has encouraged many countries to review their policies on maternal health care and develop models such as the "midwife-led unit" (MLU) where the midwife plays a predominant role with a minimum of routine intervention. Existing research has provided convincing evidence that MLUs lead to better maternal and neonatal outcomes when compared to traditional models. They not only improve the level of satisfaction amongst women, but are also associated with reduced healthcare costs. This study aimed to explore the perceptions of women and healthcare providers regarding the creation of an MLU in a Swiss university hospital. METHODS: A descriptive research study using qualitative methods was conducted among pregnant women and new mothers in a Swiss maternity unit, including also midwives and medical staff. Data collection was carried out through one-to-one interviews, focus groups, and telephone interviews (n = 63). After transcription, thematic analysis was performed. RESULTS: The triangulation of perceptions of women and healthcare providers indicated support for the implementation of an MLU to promote physiological delivery. Most women welcomed the idea of an MLU, in particular how it could help in offering continuity of care. Healthcare providers were optimistic about the implementation of an MLU and recognised the need for some women to have access to a less interventionist approach. From the women's perspective, barriers concerned the lack of awareness of midwives' full scope of practice, while barriers for midwives and obstetricians were related to the challenge to develop a good interprofessional collaboration. CONCLUSION: Alternative models to provide maternity care for low-risk women have been developed and evaluated widely in several countries outside Switzerland. This study showed that women and healthcare providers were favourable towards the development of a new care model, while taking into account the specific expectations and barriers raised by participants.

Performance of an automated multiplex immunofluorescence assay for detection of Chlamydia trachomatis immunoglobulin G.

Chlamydia serology is indicated to investigate etiology of miscarriage, infertility, pelvic inflammatory disease, and ectopic pregnancy. Here, we assessed the reliability of a new automated-multiplex immunofluorescence assay (InoDiag test) to detect specific anti-C. trachomatis immunoglobulin G. Considering immunofluorescence assay (IF) as gold standard, InoDiag tests exhibited similar sensitivities (65.5%) but better specificities (95.1%-98%) than enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs). InoDiag tests demonstrated similar or lower cross-reactivity rates when compared to ELISA or IF.

Adverse obstetrical and neonatal outcomes in elective and medically indicated inductions of labor at term.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the adverse neonatal and maternal outcomes after medically indicated and elective labor induction. Both induction groups were also compared to women with spontaneous onset of labor. METHOD: Retrospective cohort study of 13 971 women with live, cephalic singleton pregnancies who delivered at term (from 1997 to 2007). Adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes were compared between women who underwent an induction of labor in the presence and absence of standard medical indications. RESULTS: Among 5090 patients with induced labor, 2059 (40.5%) underwent elective labor inductions, defined as inductions without any medical or obstetrical indication. Risks of cesarean or instrumental delivery, postpartum hemorrhage >500 ml, prolonged maternal hospitalization >6 days, Apgar<7 at 5 min of life, arterial umbilical cord pH<7.1, admission in neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) and prolonged NICU hospitalization >7 days were similar between nulliparous who underwent elective and medical labor induction. Similar results were obtained for multiparous. All the above mentioned risks, but the Apgar<7 at 5 min of life, were significantly increased after induction in comparison to spontaneous labor. CONCLUSION: Elective induction of labor carries similar obstetrical and neonatal risks as a medically indicated labor induction. Thus, elective induction of labor should be strongly discouraged.

Interstitial pregnancies' diagnosis and management: an eleven cases series.

PRINCIPLES: Interstitial pregnancy represents 2% of ectopic pregnancies, but it is a highly morbid condition with a 2.5% of maternal mortality. Its diagnostic and therapeutic management remains controversial. The aim of this review is to describe the management of interstitial pregnancy in our institution between 2001 and 2011 and to define some general rules for the clinical practice. METHODS: Single institution retrospective study. RESULTS: Eleven women were treated for interstitial pregnancy. The median age was 33 years and the median gestity was 4. Seven patients had a history of gynaecological surgery and four interstitial pregnancies followed in vitro fertilisation. The diagnosis was made at a median gestational age of seven weeks with a median beta-HCG level of 5,838 U/l. Six of the eleven patients received an initial treatment with intracornual methotrexate, three with intramuscular methotrexate and two with surgery. The median time to beta-HCG resolution was 58 days. Three of the eleven patients needed a second line treatment: two after intramuscular methotrexate and one after intracornual methotrexate. Six patients had further pregnancies and delivered by caesarean section. CONCLUSIONS: A high prevalence of previous ectopic pregnancies, gynaecological surgery and of pregnancies resulting from in vitro fertilisation was observed. The earliness of the diagnosis was the factor that allowed a conservative treatment in most cases. Beta-HCG level follow up was fundamental in allowing a second line therapy but beta-HCG can persist over a long period of time and this must be taken into account due to its possible psychological impact. Intracornual methotrexate seems to be more efficacious than intramuscular methotrexate in our series.

[Performance of ultrasound estimation of fetal weight in fetuses weighing < or = 2000 g and more than 4000 g]. / Performance de l'estimation du poids foetal par echographie pour les foetus < or = 2000 g et les macrosomes (> or = 4000 g).

Decreasing perinatal morbidity and mortality is one of the main goals of obstetrics. Prognosis of preterm births depends on gestational age and birthweight. Multidisciplinary management is discussed with the parents according to these two parameters. In other circumstances, a suspected macrosomy will influence the management of the last weeks of pregnancy. Induction of labor or Cesarean delivery will be considered to avoid shoulder dystocia, brachial plexus injury or perinatal asphyxia. Birthweight needs to be estimated with accuracy, and this article describes the efficiency of various ultrasound weight estimation formulae for small and large fetuses.

Major impact of body position on arterial stiffness indices derived from radial applanation tonometry in pregnant and nonpregnant women.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the impact of body position on the arterial stiffness indices provided by radial applanation tonometry in pregnant and nonpregnant women. METHODS: Twenty-four young women (18-30 years) in the third trimester of a normal pregnancy and 20 healthy nonpregnant women of the same age were enrolled. In each, applanation tonometry was carried out in the sitting and supine position. The following stiffness indices were analyzed: systolic augmentation index (sAix), sAix adjusted for heart rate (sAix@75) and diastolic augmentation index (dAix), all expressed in % of central aortic pulse pressure. RESULTS: The sAix was apparently not influenced by body position, but the transition from seated to supine was associated with a substantial decrease in heart rate. When correcting for this confounder by calculating the sAix@75, systolic augmentation was substantially lower when individuals were supine (mean ±â€ŠSD: nonpregnant 3.0 ±â€Š14.4%, pregnant 8.8 ±â€Š9.7%) than when they were sitting (nonpregnant 5.7 ±â€Š13.0%, pregnant 11.1 ±â€Š83%, P = 0.005 supine vs. seated in both study groups, P > 0.2 for pregnant vs. nonpregnant). The influence of body position on the dAix went in the opposite direction (supine: nonpregnant 9.7 ±â€Š6.6%, pregnant 4.4 ±â€Š3.5%; seated: nonpregnant 7.7 ±â€Š5.8%, pregnant 3.3 ±â€Š2.4%, P < 0.00001 supine vs. seated in both study groups, P = 0.001 for pregnant vs. nonpregnant). CONCLUSION: Body position has a major impact on the pattern of central aortic pressure augmentation by reflected waves in healthy young women examined either during third trimester pregnancy or in the nonpregnant state.

Role of Chlamydia trachomatis in miscarriage.

To determine the role of Chlamydia trachomatis in miscarriage, we prospectively collected serum, cervicovaginal swab specimens, and placental samples from 386 women with and without miscarriage. Prevalence of immunoglobulin G against C. trachomatis was higher in the miscarriage group than in the control group (15.2% vs. 7.3%; p = 0.018). Association between C. trachomatis-positive serologic results and miscarriage remained significant after adjustment for age, origin, education, and number of sex partners (odds ratio 2.3, 95% confidence interval 1.1-4.9). C. trachomatis DNA was more frequently amplified from products of conception or placenta from women who had a miscarriage (4%) than from controls (0.7%; p = 0.026). Immunohistochemical analysis confirmed C. trachomatis in placenta from 5 of 7 patients with positive PCR results, whereas results of immunohistochemical analysis were negative in placenta samples from all 8 negative controls tested. Associations between miscarriage and serologic/molecular evidence of C. trachomatis infection support its role in miscarriage.

Pelvic floor dysfunction 6 years post-anal sphincter tear at the time of vaginal delivery.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: This study aims to estimate fecal, urinary incontinence, and sexual function 6 years after an obstetrical anal sphincter tear. METHODS: Among 13,213 women who had a vaginal delivery of a cephalic singleton at term, 196 women sustained an anal sphincter tear. They were matched to 588 controls. Validated questionnaires grading fecal and urinary incontinence, and sexual dysfunction were completed by the participants. RESULTS: Severe fecal incontinence was more frequently reported by women who had sustained an anal sphincter tear compared to the controls. Women with an anal sphincter tear had no increased risk of urinary incontinence, but reported significantly more pain, difficulty with vaginal lubrication, and difficulty achieving orgasm compared to the controls. A fetal occiput posterior position during childbirth was an independent risk factor for both severe urinary incontinence and severe sexual dysfunction. CONCLUSIONS: Fecal incontinence is strongly associated with an anal sphincter tear. A fetal occiput posterior position represents a risk factor for urinary incontinence and sexual dysfunction.

[Partner violence: women trust health professionals]. / Violence: les femmes font confiance au milieu médical.

In 2008, the department of gynaecology and obstetrics of a university hospital centre implemented a program addressing interpersonal partner violence (screening, prevention and care of the patient victims). A qualitative survey was conducted to identify the needs and feelings of patients. The results show that patients are in favour of being actively and directly questioned about violence during the consultation and that they trust medical doctors and nurses to help and support them.

Preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) for HLA typing: bases for setting up an open international collaboration when PGD is not available.

In severe forms of Diamond-Blackfan anemia, preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) of histocompatibility leukocyte antigen-compatible embryos for enabling the next sibling in the family to be a stem-cell transplantation donor constitutes the sole lasting cure capable of terminating the enduring need for iterative transfusions. We report here an open collaboration between two renowned institutions to provide a family desiring this treatment even though they resided where the preimplantation genetic diagnosis procedure is banned.

Birth records from Swiss married couples analyzed over the past 35 years reveal an aging of first-time mothers by 5.1 years while the interpregnancy interval has shortened.

Although the general trend for delaying childbearing is generally viewed as causing infertility, its consequences on the interpregnancy interval have been unknown. A study of birth records for Swiss married women from 1969 to 2006 revealed that the woman's age at first birth has increased from 25.0 to 30.1 years, whereas calculated theoretical interpregnancy intervals after the first and second child decreased from 23.2 to 13 and from 22.4 to 7.9 months, respectively.

Amniotic fluid insulin-like growth factor binding protein 3 concentration as early indicator of fetal growth restriction.

OBJECTIVE: Insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) is an important regulator of fetal growth and its bioavailability depends on insulin-like growth factor binding proteins (IGFBPs). Genes coding for IGF-I and IGFBP3 are polymorphic. We hypothesized that either amniotic fluid protein concentration at the beginning of the second trimester or genotype of one of these two genes could be predictive of abnormal fetal growth. STUDY DESIGN: Amniotic fluid samples (14-18 weeks of pregnancy) from 123 patients with appropriate for gestational age (AGA) fetuses, 39 patients with small for gestational age (SGA) fetuses and 34 patients with large for gestational age (LGA) were analyzed. Protein concentrations were evaluated by ELISA and gene polymorphisms by PCR. RESULTS: Amniotic fluid IGFBP3 concentrations were significantly higher in SGA compared to AGA group (P=0.030), and this was even more significant when adjusted to gestational age at the time of amniocentesis and other covariates (ANCOVA analysis: P=0.009). Genotypic distribution of IGF-I variable number of tandem repeats (VNTR) polymorphism was significantly different in SGA compared to AGA group (P=0.029). 19CA/20CA genotype frequency was threefold decreased in SGA compared to AGA group and the risk of SGA occurrence of this genotype was decreased accordingly: OR=0.289, 95%CI=0.1-0.9, P=0.032. Genotype distribution of IGFBP3(A-202C) polymorphism was similar in all three groups. CONCLUSIONS: High IGFBP3 concentrations in amniotic fluid at the beginning of the second trimester are associated with increased risks of SGA while 19CA/20CA genotype at IGF-I VNTR polymorphism is associated with reduced risks of SGA. Neither IGFBP3 concentrations, nor IGF-I/IGFBP3 polymorphisms are associated with modified risks of LGA.

Female genital mutilation and its prevention: a challenge for paediatricians.

Female genital mutilation (FGM) is defined as an injury of the external female genitalia for cultural or non-therapeutic reasons. FGM is mainly performed in sub-Saharan and Eastern Africa. The western health care systems are confronted with migrants from this cultural background. The aim is to offer information on how to approach this subject. The degree of FGM can vary from excision of the prepuce and clitoris to infibulation. Infections, urinary retention, pain, lesions of neighbouring organs, bleeding, psychological trauma and even death are possible acute complications. The different long-term complications include the risk of reduced fertility and difficulties during labour, which are key arguments against FGM in the migrant community. Paediatricians often have questions on how to approach the subject. With an open, neutral approach and basic knowledge, discussions with parents are constructive. Talking about the newborn, delivery or traditions may be a good starting point. Once they feel accepted, they speak surprisingly openly. FGM is performed out of love for their daughters. We have to be aware of their arguments and fears, but we should also stress the parents' responsibility in taking a health risk for their daughters. It is important to know the family's opinion on FGM. Some may need support, especially against community pressure. As FGM is often performed on newborns or at 4-9 years of age, paediatricians should have an active role in the prevention of FGM, especially as they have repeated close contact with those concerned and medical consequences are the main arguments against FGM.

Fetal MMP2/MMP9 polymorphisms and intrauterine growth restriction risk.

Poor embryo implantation can lead to poor feto-maternal exchanges and intrauterine growth restriction. Matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) and MMP-9 are highly involved in early embryo implantation and three functional polymorphisms have been described for these genes: MMP2 C-1306T, MMP9 C-1562T and MMP9 (CA)n repeat. We evaluated therefore the association between fetal genotype for these mutations and intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR). Amniotic fluid samples were obtained from 44 IUGR cases and 98 appropriate for gestational age (AGA) controls at 15-17 weeks gestation, and analyzed by PCR followed by restriction enzyme digestion or direct analysis on a Genetic Analyzer. Fetal MMP2 C-1306T mutation rate was higher within the IUGR than AGA population (P=0.001). The risk of IUGR occurrence was increased both in CT (OR=3.603; 95% CI=1.577-8.231; P=0.004) and TT carriers (OR=3.391; 95% CI=0.786-14.630; P=0.102), compared to the normal CC genotype. On the other side, fetal allele frequencies and genotype distributions for MMP9 C-1562T and MMP9 (CA)n were similar between the IUGR and AGA populations. We conclude that fetal MMP2 -1306 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) is associated with an increased risk for IUGR, but not MMP9 -1562 SNP nor MMP9 microsatellite.

[3D and 4D imaging in fetal echocardiography]. / Imagerie 3D et 4D en echocardiographie foetale.

Cardiac defects form the most frequently encountered group of congenital malformations (0.8%). Despite the improving ultrasonographic technology and the teaching of the investigators, the prenatal recognition of cardiac defects stays low (around 30%). The application of 3D technology in their recognition may well lead to a substantial improvement of this percentage. This technique consists of a consecutive summation of multiple 2D images and permits the three dimensional reconstruction of the different structures and the definition of their spatial position. Its importance is localised in the direct identification of normal anatomy and the possibility to reevaluate the data in an off-line version and if necessary to ask for a specialised second opinion on the same data set, thus opening the door for telemedical approach.

Profound impact of uncomplicated pregnancy on diastolic, but not systolic pulse contour of aortic pressure.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the impact of uncomplicated pregnancy on the pulse contour of central aortic pressure. METHODS: A total of 66 women with singleton pregnancy were grouped according to pregnancy duration: first trimester (T1, n = 22), second trimester (T2, n = 20), and third trimester (T3, n = 24). Non-pregnant healthy women, who took combined oral contraception, were included as controls (C, n = 21). The pulse contour of aortic pressure was obtained with radial applanation tonometry, using a commercial device (SphygmoCor). The influence of reflected waves on the contour was evaluated not only in systole, as usual with pulse contour analysis (systolic augmentation), but also in diastole (diastolic augmentation). RESULTS: Throughout pregnancy, central systolic and diastolic blood pressure remained unchanged and comparable to values in the non-pregnant state. Systolic augmentation amounted to 8.1 +/- 7.5% of pulse pressure in the control group (mean +/- SD), and there was no statistically significant deviation from this value at any stage of pregnancy (T1, 4.6 +/- 11.4%; T2, 5.0 +/- 9.3%; T3, 4.7 +/- 8.1%). In contrast, the amplitude of the diastolic augmentation wave progressively declined with advancing pregnancy (C, 6.5 +/- 2.4%; T1, 5.2 +/- 3.1%; T2, 3.8 +/- 2.6%; P = 0.002 versus C, T3, 2.3 +/- 2.0%; P < 0.0001 versus C and P = 0.0004 versus T1). CONCLUSION: The systolic shape of the central aortic pressure contour is left unaltered by pregnancy, implying a finely tuned adaptation of the cardiovascular system to the increased demand for blood flow at all stages of the gravid state. In contrast, the amplitude of reflection waves reaching the aortic root in diastole progressively decreases with advancing pregnancy.