COVID-19 mitigation measures increase preterm birth and low birth weight in the public healthcare system in Uruguay.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on preterm birth (PB) and low birth weight (LBW), comparing public and private healthcare systems of the National Integrated Health System in Uruguay, where the mitigation measures for the COVID-19 pandemic generated an immediate socioeconomic and psychological crisis, which caused a sharp widening of existing socioeconomic inequalities. METHODS: A national observational study was conducted comparing perinatal outcomes in the first 6 months of 2020 (period of the pandemic without pregnancy infections), which was the beginning of the pandemic, with the same period of the previous year 2019 (pre-pandemic period with no mitigation measures) among pregnant women from the public and private health systems. Data were retrieved from the national database (Informatic Perinatal System) and analyzed by healthcare system category. RESULTS: A total of 36 559 deliveries were assessed: 18 563 in the 2019 study period and 17 996 in the 2020 study period. In the public system, there was a significant increase in the risk of LBW (adjusted relative risk [aRR] 1.12, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.05-1.36) and of the composite outcome (PB or LBW) (aRR 1.15, 95% CI 1.04-1.26). In the private system, by contrast, there was a non-statistically significant decrease of LBW and there were no changes in the incidence of PB and the composite outcome in 2020. CONCLUSION: The different evolution of birth outcomes in the public and private systems suggests an unequal impact of mitigation measures on populations of different socioeconomic levels. Given that no COVID-19 infections were identified in pregnant women during the study period, this research offers an opportunity to differentiate the biologic effects of the virus from the psychological and social impacts derived from containment measures. GOV IDENTIFIER: NCT05087160.

Tamizaje con citología anal en mujeres con lesiones premalignas del cuello uterino / Anal cytology screening in women with premalignant lesions of the uterine cervix / Rastreamento de citologia anal em mulheres com lesões pré-malignas do colo do útero

Objetivo: nuestro objetivo principal fue evaluar la prevalencia de citología anal patológica en mujeres con antecedentes de neoplasia intraepitelial cervical. Métodos: se trata de un estudio de cohorte transversal desde mayo de 2018 a agosto de 2020 en el Centro Hospitalario Pereira Rossell. Se estudiaron dos cohortes: una de mujeres que tenían diagnóstico de neoplasia intraepitelial cervical y otra de control de mujeres sanas que asistieron al control, con una proporción de 2:1. Se calculó un tamaño muestral total de 205 pacientes, siendo 135 pacientes con NIC con un IC del 95%, suponiendo una prevalencia del 10% de lesiones preneoplásicas anales. El tamaño muestral de la cohorte control fue de 70 pacientes según la relación preestablecida. Resultados: se encontró asociación entre la presencia de lesiones premalignas cervicales y anomalías epiteliales detectadas en la citología anal, con un cociente de prevalencia de 1,77 (IC del 95%: 1,19-2,62) y un odds ratio de 2,69 (1,36-5,30). No se encontraron diferencias significativas en las variables de raza, tipo de relación sexual o tabaquismo. Conclusiones: nuestro estudio concluye que existe una asociación entre la neoplasia intraepitelial cervical relacionada con el VPH y la citología anal patológica.

Objective: the main objective of the study was to assess the prevalence of anal cytology in women with a history of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia. Method: cohort transversal study conducted from May, 2018 until August, 2020 at Pereira Rossell Hospital. Two cohorts were studied, one of which included women with a diagnosis of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia and the other one included healthy women who attended their routine follow up, in a 2:1 ratio. The total size of the sample was 205 patients, 135 of which were patients with cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (confidence interval being 95%), presuming a 10% prevalence of anal pre-neoplasic lesions. The sample size of the control cohort was 70 patients as per the pre-defined ratio. Results: a association was found between the presence of malignant lesions of the cervix and epithelial anomalies detected in the anal cytology, with a prevalence coefficient of 1.77 (CI: 95%: 1,19 - 2,62) and odds ratio of 2,69 (1,36 - 5,30). No significant differences were found between race, type of sexual relationships or smoking variables. Conclusions: our study concludes there is an association between cervical intraepithelial neoplasia related to HPV and pathological anal screening.

Objetivo: Avaliar a prevalência de citologia anal patológica em mulheres com história de neoplasia intraepitelial cervical. Métodos: Trata-se de um estudo de coorte transversal de maio de 2018 a agosto de 2020, no Hospital Pereira Rossell. Foram estudadas duas coortes, uma de mulheres com diagnóstico de neoplasia intraepitelial cervical e outra de controle de mulheres saudáveis que compareceram ao controle na proporção de 2:1. Foi calculada uma amostra total de 205 pacientes, 135 pacientes com NIC com um IC de 95%, assumindo uma prevalência de 10% de lesões pré-neoplásicas anais. O tamanho da amostra da coorte controle foi de 70 pacientes de acordo com a relação pré-estabelecida. Resultados: Foi encontrada associação entre a presença de lesões pré-malignas cervicais e anormalidades epiteliais detectadas na citologia anal, com razão de prevalência de 1,77 (IC 95%: 1,19 - 2,62) e odds ratio 2,69 (1,36-5,30). Não foram encontradas diferenças significativas nas variáveis raça, tipo de relação sexual ou tabagismo. Conclusões: Nossos resultados mostram uma associação entre neoplasia intraepitelial cervical relacionada ao HPV e citologia anal patológica.

Comportamiento del Parto Pretérmino durante un período de crisis socioeconómica en los diferentes sectores sociales en Uruguay / Pretermina Delivery Behavior During a period of socioeconomic crisis in the different social sectors in Uruguay

Introducción : El parto de pretérmino (PP) es un síndrome complejo que se da en los diferentes sectores sociales con factores asociados diversos. En Uruguay los subsectores de atención -público y privado del Sistema nacional integrado de salud (SNIS) diferencian a los sectores sociales de acuerdo al poder adquisitivo y los determinantes sociales adversos. La prevalencia del PP ha variado en ambos subsectores en la última década de acuerdo a múltiples circunstancias, sin embargo, las crisis socioeconómicas afectan de manera diferente a los diferentes sectores sociales. Se puede evaluar esto por el impacto de la crisis socio económica aguda que afectó a las embarazadas en el periodo de la parapandemia COVID 19 antes del comienzo de la 1era ola de infecciones por el SARS - Cov2 en Uruguay. Objetivos: Analizar la prevalencia del PP de acuerdo al subsistema de asistencia de las mujeres embarazadas (público o privado) durante el periodo marzo - octubre 2020. Describir las principales características diferenciales de estas 2 poblaciones y su eventual relación con la prevalencia del PP. Metodología: estudio descriptivo de nacimientos pretérminos y caracterización de estos embarazos en los dos subsectores de salud, durante el 15 de marzo y el 30 de septiembre del 2020, mediante análisis de la base de datos nacional del SIP. Resultados : La incidencia de PP fue 11.4% en el subsector público y 9,6% en el sector privado, lo cual es significativo estadísticamente. El perfil de las madres de pretérmino en el subsector público tuvo mayor incidencia de adolescentes (22,3% vs 5,0%), consumo de alcohol (2,2% vs 0,7%) y violencia de género (1,3% vs 0,5%), mientras que en el subsector privado mayor incidencia de madres añosas (28,4% vs 18,2%), patologías maternas (85,9% vs 65,8%) y embarazo múltiple (18,8% vs 11,0%). Conclusiones: El perfil de la mujer asistida en el sector privado que tiene un PP es diferente al del sector público, lo que sugiere la existencia de 2 modelos de PP: el del sector público, relacionado con un medio socio económico adverso y vulneración de derechos, y otro, el del sector privado, donde no se aprecian estas vulneraciones de derechos. Esto tiene implicancias en el abordaje fisiopatológico, preventivo, diagnóstico y terapéutico del PP.

Introduction. Pretérmina delivery (PP) is a complex syndrome that occurs in different social sectors with diverse associated factors. In Uruguay, care subsectors -public and private from the National Integrated Health System (SNIS) differentiate social sectors according to purchasing power and adverse social determinants. The prevalence of the PP has varied in both subsectors in the last decade according to multiple circumstances, however, socioeconomic crises affect differently from the different social sectors. This can be evaluated due to the impact of the acute socio -economic crisis that affected the pregnant women in the Covid 19 parapandemics period before the start of the 1st wave of SARS - COV2 infections in Uruguay. Objectives: Analyze the prevalence of the PP according to the assistance subsystem of pregnant women (public or private) during the March - October 2020 period. Describe the main differential characteristics of these 2 populations and their eventual relationship with the prevalence of the PP. Methodology: Descriptive study of preterm births and characterization of these pregnancies in the two health subsectors, during March 15 and September 30, 2020, through analysis of the National Database of the SIP. Results: The incidence of PP was 11.4% in the public subsector and 9.6% in the private sector, which is statistically significant. The profile of preterm mothers in the public subsector had a greater incidence of adolescents (22.3% vs 5.0%), alcohol consumption (2.2% vs 0.7%) and gender violence (1.3 % vs 0.5%), while in the private subsector greater incidence of old mothers (28.4% vs. 18.2%), maternal pathologies (85.9% vs 65.8%) and multiple pregnancy (18, 8% vs 11.0%). Conclusions: The profile of the assisted woman in the private sector that has a PP is different from the public sector, which suggests the existence of 2 PP models: that of the public sector, related to an adverse socio -economic medium and violation of rights , and another, that of the private sector, where these violations of rights are not appreciated. This has implications in the pathophysiological, preventive, diagnosis and therapeutic approach of the PP.

Effect of the unfavorable maternal-fetal environment cause by mitigation measures of the covid-19 pandemic in the public maternity of reference of Uruguay.

INTRODUCTION: The mitigation measures to face the health emergency due to the COVID 19 pandemic generated a deep economic, social, and psychological crisis at the community level. This effect is greater in the people, who are the most violated in their rights. In relation to the social crisis and gender perspective, women are particularly affected by the pandemic. Given the disadvantaged situation of women socially, economically, and politically, their self-care is diminished. OBJECTIVE: To identify whether there is an association between the classic risk factors for prematurity and fetal growth restriction and the increase in these pathologies in the period March-September 2020, in a maternity hospital that assists women from low resources. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective study, with a comparative analysis of the periods between 15 March and 30 September 2019 and the same period in 2020. The data were obtained from an electronic clinical database. The prevalence of preterm birth and small-for-gestational age newborn was analyzed. Indicators available in the database that reflect maternal conditions that lead to an unfavorable maternal environment were selected and they were classified into categories. RESULTS: In the period of 2019, 3225 births were registered and in the period of 2020, 3036 births. In the 2019 period, 12.2% of prematurity was evidenced, while in the 2020 period, 14.5% (RR = 1.19, IC 95% = 1.05-1.35, p = .005). In relation to PEG 5.5% in the first period versus 6.9% in the second (RR = 1.26, CI 95% = 1.04-1.53, p = .01). No increases were found in the indicators that are traditionally related to the etiologies proposed to explain the increase in prematurity and small-for-age gestational, there was no evidence of an increase in inflammatory or vascular conditions. CONCLUSION: The economic, psychological and social crises, in the 1st semester of the health emergency, seriously affected the social determinants of the health of pregnant women who use the Public Maternity of reference in Uruguay. This situation is at the base of the poor perinatal results in the period of the maximum mediated mitigation of the pandemic.

Análisis del impacto de la pandemia COVID-19 sobre la calidad de los servicios de salud sexual y reproductiva / Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the quality of sexual and reproductive health services / Análise do impacto da pandemia COVID-19 sobre a qualidade dos serviços de saúde sexual e reprodutiva

Resumen: Antecedentes: la pandemia COVID-19 tiene el potencial de impactar fuertemente en la agenda de la salud y los derechos sexuales y reproductivos desde la disminución de la calidad de los servicios de salud. Justificación: Uruguay se destaca por una situación privilegiada en lo referido a los derechos sexuales y reproductivos y por tal motivo es necesario, por un lado, sistematizar el impacto de la pandemia COVID-19 y, por otro, desarrollar medidas para prevenir dicho impacto sobre los servicios para mantener el más alto estándar de cuidados en lo relacionado a los derechos sexuales y reproductivos a pesar de la pandemia actual. Propósito: sistematizar el potencial impacto de la pandemia en los servicios de atención sanitaria de salud sexual y reproductiva y promover estrategias para detectar y prevenir dicho impacto. Metodología: se aborda el impacto de la pandemia COVID-19 sobre los derechos sexuales y reproductivos en dos dimensiones: la del modelo de retrasos en la atención de salud y la del análisis del impacto en cada derecho específico. Perspectivas: promover acciones de discriminación positiva desde los servicios de salud sexual y reproductiva a la vez que se realiza la vigilancia epidemiológica para facilitar el acoplamiento de las prestaciones en derechos sexuales y reproductivos a los cambios que se procesan en la respuesta sanitaria y social frente a la pandemia COVID-19.

Summary: Background: the COVID 19 pandemic may severely influence the sexual and reproductive rights and health agenda as a result of a decrease in the health services. Justification: Uruguay has a privileged situation in terms of sexual and reproductive rights. Therefore, we need to systematize and develop measures to prevent the impact of the covid-19 pandemic on these services in order to keep the highest standards of care in connection with sexual and reproductive rights, despite the current pandemic. Objective: to systematize the potential impact of the covid-19 pandemic on sexual and reproductive rights and health services and to promote strategies to identify and prevent this impact. Method: the impact of the covid-19 pandemic on sexual and reproductive rights is analysed from two perspectives: by considering the delay in the provision of health care services and by exploring its impact on each specific sexual and reproductive right. Perspectives: to promote positive discrimination actions at the sexual and reproductive rights services, while conducting epidemiological surveillance to contribute to the matching of sexual and reproductive rights services to the changes caused by the covid-19 pandemic on the health system and on society.

Resumo: Antecedentes: a pandemia COVID-19 tem o potencial de impactar fortemente sobre a agenda da saúde e os direitos sexuais e reprodutivos a partir da queda na qualidade dos serviços de saúde. Justificativa: o Uruguai se destaca por uma situação privilegiada em matéria de direitos sexuais e reprodutivos (DDSSRR) e por isso é necessário, por um lado, sistematizar o impacto da pandemia COVID-19 e por outro, desenvolver medidas para prevenir esse impacto sobre os serviços para manter o mais alto padrão de atendimento em relação aos direitos sexuais e reprodutivos, apesar da pandemia atual. Objetivo: sistematizar o impacto potencial da pandemia COVID-19 nos serviços de saúde sexual e reprodutiva e promover estratégias para detectá-lo e preveni-lo. Metodologia: o impacto da pandemia COVID-19 sobre os DDSSRR é abordado em duas dimensões: a do modelo de atrasos na assistência de saúde e a da análise do impacto em cada um dos DDSSRR. Perspectivas: promover ações de discriminação positiva dos serviços de saúde sexual e reprodutiva, enquanto a vigilância epidemiológica é feita para facilitar o acoplamento dos benefícios dos direitos sexuais e reprodutivos às mudanças que ocorrem na resposta sanitária e social a pandemia COVID19.

Abordaje obstétrico integral de la prematurez y restricción del crecimiento fetal y su relación con las enfermedades crónicas del adulto / Obstetric comprehensive approach to pre-term birth and growth restriction and its relationship with chronic adult diseases / Abordagem obstétrica integral da prematuridade e restrição do crecimiento fetal e sua relação com as doenças crônicas do adulto

Resumen: Los síndromes obstétricos de parto de pretérmino (PP) y restricción de crecimiento fetal (RCIU) comparten mecanismos etiopatogénicos y fisiopatológicos que muchas veces interactúan y se retroalimentan. Desde el punto de vista etiológico, las condiciones específicas que los generan esquemáticamente se pueden clasificar en inflamación, estrés materno, déficit en las condiciones socioeconómicas y vulnerabilidad de derechos, actuación de disruptores endocrinos, alteraciones de la dieta y de la microbiota y afecciones vasculares. Estas condiciones, actuando aislada o más frecuentemente combinadamente, generan un entorno materno desfavorable para el desarrollo del embarazo provocando efectos específicos como son la reacción inmune materna, mediada o no por la presencia de infecciones, la activación del eje hipotálamo-hipófiso-adrenal, la disminución de la acción de la progesterona, las disbiosis, tanto intestinales como vaginales, y la disfunción por envejecimiento placentario. El entorno desfavorable así generado impactará en la unidad útero-placento-fetal, produciendo, bien el PP o bien el RCIU, de acuerdo a la primacía de diferentes respuestas; independientemente de cuál de las respuestas sindromáticas predomine, ambos, el PP y el RCIU, tienen en común el desarrollo del feno-genotipo ahorrador, imprescindible para la sobrevida fetal. El costo de esta modulación epigenética es el aumento de las enfermedades crónicas del adulto, que conceptualmente son enfermedades transmisibles por la vulnerabilidad social donde se desarrolla el ciclo de vida de esas personas.

Summary: Preterm birth and growth restriction are obstetric syndromes which share etiopathogenic and pathophysiological mechanisms that often interact and feed from each other. Etiologically, they may be classified into inflammation, maternal stress, low socio-economic background and vulnerability of rights, endocrine disruptors, diet and microbiota alterations and vascular conditions, depending on specific conditions. These conditions, either in isolation or more often combined, create an unfavorable environment for the development of pregnancy, causing specific effects such as maternal immune response that may be mediated by infections, the activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, drop in progesterone levels, dysbiosis, both intestinal and vaginal, and placental dysfunction caused by ageing. The unfavorable environment has an impact on the utero-feto-placental unit resulting in either preterm birth of growth restriction, depending on the predominance of the different responses. Regardless of the prevailing syndromic response, both preterm birth and growth restriction share the development of the thrifty pheno-genotype, essential for fetal survival. The cost of this epigenetic modulation is an increase in chronic adult diseases, which, conceptually, are transmissible diseases due to social vulnerability where these people live.

Resumo: As síndromes obstétricas de parto de pré-termo (PP) e de restrição do crescimento fetal (RCIU) compartem mecanismos etiopatogênicos e fisiopatológicos, que muitas vezes interagem e se retroalimentam. Do ponto de vista da etiologia, as condições específicas que as geram podem ser classificadas esquematicamente em inflamação, estresse materno, déficit nas condições socio econômicas e vulnerabilidade de direitos, ação de disruptores endócrinos, alterações da dieta e da microbiota e afecções vasculares. Estas condições, agindo de forma isolada ou mais frequentemente combinada, geram um ambiente materno desfavorável para o desenvolvimento da gravidez provocando efeitos específicos como a reação imune materna, mediada ou não pela presença de infecções, a ativação do eixo hipotálamo - hipófiso - adrenal, a diminuição da ação da progesterona, as disbioses, tanto intestinais como vaginais e a disfunção por envelhecimento placentário. Esse ambiente desfavorável impactará na unidade útero-placento-fetal, produzindo PP ou RCIU, de acordo com a preferência de diferentes respostas. Independentemente de qual das respostas sindromáticas predomine, ambos PP e RCIU, têm em comum o desenvolvimento do feno-genótipo poupador, imprescindível para a sobrevida fetal. O custo desta modulação epigenética é o aumento das doenças crônicas do adulto, que conceitualmente, são patologias transmissíveis pela vulnerabilidade social na qual o ciclo de vida dessas pessoas se desenvolve.

Descentralización de los escenarios de enseñanza-aprendizaje de los posgrados de Ginecotocología: experiencia de la Clínica Ginecotocológica A / Descentralization strategies in the teaching-learning scenario of gynecotocology postgraduates: experience in the Gynecotocology Clinic A

La Clínica Ginecotocológica A (CGA) de la Facultad de Medicina (FM) se ha comprometido con los objetivos de la reforma sanitaria en lo referente a la formación de posgrados, trabajando para ello en la descentralización de los escenarios de enseñanza-aprendizaje. En esta publicación se presenta la estrategia de descentralización de la formación de posgrados de ginecotocología de la CGA en el período 2010-2018. Se describen las herramientas que permiten mantener el contacto de los posgrados y tutores sustentados en tecnologías de la comunicación para realizar regularmente ateneos, actividades tutoriales, teleclínicas. Por otro lado, se describe la distribución logrado de postgrados, así como el logro de las destrezas en los diferentes Centros Docentes Asociados (CEDA). De la evaluación del funcionamiento de la red de CEDA de la CGA, así como de los logros formativos de recursos humanos, se concluye que es factible el aumento del cupo formativo de posgrados de Ginecotocología apelando a la descentralización estructurada de los escenarios de aprendizaje.

The Gynecotocology Clinic A (GCA) of the School of the School of Medicine is committed to the goals set in the health reform in terms of the training of postgraduates, and thus has focused on the decentralization of the educational scenario. This study presents the decentralization strategy in the training of postgraduate students in gynecotocology of the GCA between 2010 and 2018. It describes the tools that allow keeping in touch with the posgraduate students and tutors by means of technology that regularly aids grand rounds, tutorial activities, remote clinics, etc. Also, a description of the distribution of achievements by psotgraduates is provided, as well as the achievement of skills in the different Associated Teaching Centers (CEDAs in Spanish). Upon the assessment of performance of the CEDAs network of CGA, as well as the educational achievements in human resources, a conclusion is drawn as to the feasibility of increasing the number of postgraduates trained in gynecotocology appealing to structured decentralization strategies for the learning scenario.

A Clínica Ginecotocológica A (CGA) da Faculdade de Medicina (FMed-UDELAR) está comprometida com os objetivos da reforma sanitária no que diz respeito à formação dos pós-graduandos, trabalhando para isso na descentralização dos cenários de ensino-aprendizagem. Nesta publicação apresenta-se a estratégia de descentralização da formação dos pós-graduandos de ginecologia e obstetrícia da CGA no período 2010-2018. Descreve-se as ferramentas que permitem manter o contacto entre pós-graduandos e supervisores utilizando tecnologias da comunicação para realizar regularmente discussão de casos clínicos, atividades de supervisão e tele clínicas. Por outro lado, apresenta-se a distribuição geográfica dos pós-graduandos, bem como os resultados da obtenção de destrezas nos diferentes Centros docentes Associados (CEDA). A avaliação do funcionamento da rede de CEDA da CGA e dos resultados da formação de recursos humanos, permite concluir que é factível aumentar as vagas para pós-graduandos de ginecologia e obstetrícia utilizando a descentralização estruturada dos cenários de aprendizagem.

Análisis de la vía del parto en los diferentes escenarios asistenciales en Uruguay / Analysis of ways of delivery in the different health scenarios in Uruguay / Análise da via de parto nos diferentes setores assistenciais no Uruguai

Antecedentes: en Uruguay, el Ministerio de Salud ha seleccionado la disminución de las cesáreas innecesarias como uno de los objetivos sanitarios nacionales por considerarlo un problema de salud pública. Objetivos: analizar las tasas de cesáreas por sector asistencial: público versus privado y Montevideo versus interior, usando la clasificación de Robson como insumo para su disminución. Material y método: estudio descriptivo de corte transversal que categoriza cada nacimiento ocurrido en Uruguay en 2017 en uno de los diez grupos de Robson, según el sector de asistencia y el lugar geográfico donde ocurrió, informando el tamaño relativo, la tasa de cesáreas y las contribuciones absolutas y relativas hechas por cada grupo a la tasa global de cesáreas. Resultados: la tasa de cesáreas en 2017 fue de 44%. Los grupos que más contribuyeron a la tasa global de cesáreas (70% de las cesáreas practicadas en el país) fueron: mujeres con una o más cesáreas previas, cesáreas electivas o inducciones fallidas en nulíparas y el grupo de nulíparas de término con inicio espontáneo. Luego de ajustar por las variables pronósticas, la probabilidad de terminar en cesáreas en el sector privado fue 18% mayor que en el sector público, sin mostrar diferencias en los resultados perinatales. Las tasas de cesáreas por grupos de Robson en Montevideo y en el interior se muestran muy similares. Conclusiones: fomentar el parto vaginal después de una cesáreas, evitar cesáreas electivas e inducciones innecesarias y disminuir la primera cesáreas son las medidas propuestas para bajar las tasas de cesáreas innecesarias. Guías clínicas basadas en la mejor evidencia científica que sistematicen estas intervenciones ayudarán a implementar los cambios.

Background: in Uruguay, the Ministry of Public Health has set the reduction of unnecessary C-sections as one of the "National Health Goals", as it considers this a public health issue. Objectives: to analyse the C-section rates by health sector: the private sector versus the public sector and Montevideo versus the rest of the country, using the Robson classification and an input to be used to reduce the rate. Method: transversal descriptive study that categorizes every birth in Uruguay during 2017 according to the Robson criterion in one of the 10 groups, depending on the healthcare center and the geographical place of birth, reporting the relative size, the C-section rate and the absolute and relative contributions of each group to the global CS rate. Results: in 2017 the CS rare was 44%. The groups that contributed the most to the global CS rate (70% of the CS in the country) were the following: women with previous CS, elective CS or failed induced labor in nulliparous women and the term nulliparous women with spontaneous initiation of labor group. After adjusting the prognostic variables, the possibility of ending up in CS in the private sector was 18% higher than in the public sector, without there being any differences in terms of the perinatal results. CS rates by Robson group in Montevideo and the rest of the country are very similar. Conclusions: vaginal birth must be encouraged after a CS, elective CS and unnecessary induction of labor must be avoided, and the number of first CS needs to be reduced. These are the measures proposed to reduce the unnecessary CS rates. Clinical guidelines based on the best scientific evidence that systematize these interventions will contribute to the implementation of changes.

Antecedentes: o Ministério da Saúde do Uruguai (MS) definiu como um dos "Objetivos sanitários nacionais" a redução do número de cesáreas (CS) necessárias por considerar que este é um problema de saúde pública. Objetivos: analisar as taxas de CS por setor assistencial: público vs privado e geográfico: Montevideo vs Interior usando a classificação de Robson, como insumo para sua redução. Material e métodos: estudo descritivo transversal que classifica cada nascimento ocorrido no Uruguai em 2017, em um dos 10 grupos de Robson de acordo com o setor de assistência e o lugar onde aconteceu, informando tamanho relativo, taxa de CS e as contribuições absolutas e relativas de cada grupo à taxa global de CS. Resultados: a taxa de CS em 2017, foi de 44%. Os grupos que mais contribuíram para a taxa global de CS (70% das CSs realizadas no país) foram: as cesareadas previas, as cesáreas eletivas ou induções falidas em nulíparas e o grupo de nulíparas a termo com início espontâneo. Depois de ajustar pelas variáveis prognósticas, a probabilidade de terminar em CS no setor privado foi 18% maior que no setor público, sem diferenças nos resultados perinatais. As taxas de CS por grupos de Robson em Montevideo e no Interior foram similares. Conclusões: fomentar o parto vaginal depois de uma CS, evitar CS eletivas e induções desnecessárias e diminuir a quantidade de primeira CS, são las medidas propostas para reduzir as taxas de cesáreas desnecessárias. Pautas clínicas baseadas na melhor evidência científica que sistematizem estas intervenções ajudarão a implementar as mudanças propostas.

Abordaje vaginal para el tratamiento de las patologías de piso pélvico: aspectos anátomo-funcionales y técnicas quirúrgicas / Vaginal approach to treat pelvic floor disoders: functional and anatomic aspects and surgical techniques / Abordagem vaginal para o tratamento de patologias do assoalho pélvico: aspectos anatomofuncional e técnicas cirúrgicas

El desarrollo de la cirugía vaginal y de las diferentes técnicas terapéuticas de las patologías del piso pélvico femenino en la realidad de la ginecotocología de Uruguay ha presentado un importante desarrollo en los últimos 20 años. El objetivo es presentar la forma de abordaje diagnóstico y los fundamentos y arsenal quirúrgico de la Unidad de Patología de Piso Pélvico de la Clínica Ginecotocológica A, en base a la teoría integral. Se realiza una descripción evolutiva de las diferentes técnicas quirúrgicas implementadas y desarrolladas en nuestro medio, así como la fundamentación anátomo-funcional de las mismas. Como conclusión del análisis evolutivo es fundamental conceptualizar que las alteraciones funcionales y anatómicas de los órganos pélvicos femeninos forman parte de una unidad y no de la suma de compartimentos estancos, celdas o sectores. En este sentido, desarrollar estrategias terapéuticas quirúrgicas cada vez menos invasivas, con correcciones sitio específico, aparece como la perspectiva estratégica por sobre las correcciones estereotipadas.(AU)

Vaginal surgery and the different therapeutic techniques to treat pelvic floor disorders in the context of Gynecotocology in Uruguay have dramatically developed in the last 20 years. The study aims to present the different diagnostic approaches, the principles and the surgical possibilities at the Pelvic Floor Pathology Department of Gynecotocology Clinic "A", based on the comprehensive theory. It comprises a description of the evolution of the different surgical techniques implemented and developed in our country, as well as the anatomic and functional grounds that support them. In order to come up with a conclusion on the analysis of this evolution it is of the essence to conceptualize that the functional and anatomic alterations of the female pelvic organs are all part of a whole, rather than the addition of different domains, cells or sectors. In that sense, developing surgical strategies that are gradually less invasive and include specific-site correction seems to be the best the strategic perspective over stereotype corrections.(AU)

O desenvolvimento da cirurgia vaginal e das diferentes técnicas terapêuticas das patologias do assoalho pélvico feminino mostrou um avanço importante nos últimos 20 anos na tocoginecologia do Uruguai. O objetivo é apresentar a forma de abordagem diagnóstica e os fundamentos e o arsenal cirúrgico da Unidad de Patología de Piso Pélvico da Clínica Ginecotocológica A, baseado na teoria integral. Faz-se uma descrição evolutiva das diferentes técnicas cirúrgicas desenvolvidas e implementadas no nosso meio, assim como a fundamentação anatomofuncional das mesmas. Como conclusão da análise evolutiva é fundamental incorporar o conceito de que as alterações funcionais e anatómicas dos órgãos pélvicos femininos formam parte de uma unidade e não da soma de compartimentos estanques. Nesse sentido, o desenvolvimento de estratégias terapêuticas cirúrgicas cada vez menos invasivas, com correções específicas para um ponto específico, aparece como a perspectiva estratégica sobre as correções estereotipadas.(AU)

Cáncer de cuello uterino, estrategias innovadoras en la descentralización del conocimiento y su manejo. Proyecto ECHO Uruguay / Cervical cancer, innovative strategies in the decentralization of knowledge and its management. ECHO Uruguay Project

El Proyecto ECHO (Extension of Community Health Outcomes) es una iniciativa de alcance internacional cuyo ánimo fue mejorar el acceso a la atención especializada para las poblaciones rurales mediante la utilización de tecnologías de la comunicación. Desde el año 2014 se introdujo en Uruguay, abordando actualmente varias patologías. La Clínica Ginecotocológica A de la Facultad de Medicina desarrolla las teleclínicas ECHO para el abordaje de la prevención y el tratamiento del cáncer de cuello uterino (CCU) en Uruguay de forma mensual desde junio del 2015 hasta la fecha. El objetivo de este trabajo es mostrar los resultados del Proyecto ECHO en Uruguay en el abordaje preventivo del CCU. Entre junio de 2015 y julio de 2016 se realizaron un total de 13 teleclínicas sobre CCU. Se conectaron profesionales desde seis departamentos del país: Paysandú, Rivera, Tacuarembó, San José, Colonia y Montevideo. Los centros asistenciales que se conectaron fueron nueve. Se abordaron 21 casos clínicos, dando respuesta a las interrogantes planteadas y realizándose actualizaciones de temas relevantes sobre la patología. Participan especialistas de diferentes áreas: ginecólogos clínicos, ginecólogos especialistas en tracto genital, anatomopatólogos, imagenólogo, oncólogos, radioterapeutas y residentes de ginecotocología. El promedio de participantes por teleclínica en este período fue de 15. En el abordaje del CCU el proyecto ha brindado la posibilidad de homogeneizar criterios diagnósticos además de la actualización mantenida en todos los aspectos de la enfermedad.

ECHO (Extension of Community Health Outcomes) Project is a global initiative which aims to improve access of rural populations to specialized health care service, by means of using communication technologies. It was introduced in Uruguay in 2014 and it has addressed several conditions already. The Gynecotological Clinic A of the School of Medicine has developed ECHO Tele-Clinics to address prevention and treatment of cervical cancer in Uruguay on a monthly basis, since June 2015 and until today. The study aims to present the results obtained in Project ECHO in Uruguay in the prevention of cervical cancer. 13 Tele-Clinics on cervical cancer were developed from June 2015 until July 2016. Professionals of six departments around Uruguay - Paysandú, Rivera, Tacuarembó, San José, Colonia and Montevideo - participated of them, and 9 healthcare centers took part of the initiative. 21 clinical cases were discussed, answers were provided for the queries submitted and an update on relevant aspects of the condition was given. The Tele-Clinics involved specialists in different areas: clinical gynecologists, gynecologists specialized in the genital tract, pathologists, imagenology specialists, oncologists, radiotherapists, and gynecology residents. Average number of participants was 15. The Project has enabled the homogenization of diagnostic criteria as well as a sustained update on all aspects of the disease in the handling of cervical cancer.

O Projeto ECHO (Extension of Community Health Outcomes) é uma iniciativa com alcance internacional, cujo objetivo é melhorar o acesso à atenção especializada para as populações rurais utilizando tecnologias de comunicação. Foi introduzido no Uruguai em 2014 e atualmente inclui várias patologias. A Clínica Ginecotocológica A da Facultad de Medicina realiza teleclínicas ECHO para a abordagem da prevenção e tratamento do câncer de colo do útero (CCU) no Uruguai mensalmente desde junho de 2015. O objetivo deste trabalho é mostrar os resultados do Projeto ECHO no Uruguai na abordagem preventiva do CCU. Entre junho de 2015 e julho de 2016 foram realizadas 13 teleclínicas sobre CCU. Profissionais de seis departamentos do país: Paysandú, Rivera, Tacuarembó, San José, Colônia e Montevidéu e nove centros assistenciais estiveram conectados. Foram discutidos 21 casos clínicos, respondendo às dúvidas apresentadas e também atualizando temas relacionados a essa patologia. Participaram especialistas de diferentes áreas: ginecologistas clínicos, ginecologistas especializados em sistema genital, patologistas, oncologistas, especialistas em imagens e em radioterapia e residentes de tocoginecologia. O número medio de participantes por teleclínica foi 15. Na abordagem do CCU, o Projeto oferece a possibilidade de homogeneizar critérios diagnósticos além do realizar uma atualização permanente em todos os aspectos da enfermidade.

Cáncer de cuello uterino en Uruguay: controversias en la prevención / Cervical cancer in Uruguay: controversies in prevention

En esta revisión se analizan de manera crítica las diferentes estrategias de prevención del cáncer de cuello uterino (CCU) con hincapié en la vacunación, las modalidades de implementación, así como en las estrategias sanitarias y regulaciones nacionales. El objetivo no es tomar postura a favor o en contra de la obligatoriedad de medidas sanitarias, sino realizar una discusión crítica de la estrategia. Se discute que la argumentación de una política de obligatoriedad u otra de recomendación está definida por dos ejes fundamentales: primero, la definición de si se está ante un riesgo sanitario poblacional, y, segundo, si es necesario promover decisiones informadas para lograr mayor impacto. En este sentido, lo fundamental es definir si se considera abordar la infección por el virus del papiloma humano (VPH) dentro de una estrategia integral de prevención como enfermedad de transmisión sexual. De esa forma se debería discutir firmemente la obligatoriedad para todos los involucrados en la cadena de transmisión. La vacunación contra el VPH se recomienda dentro de programas integrales de educación, prevención secundaria, terciaria y aun cuaternaria. Se deben ofrecer iguales condiciones de protección poblacional contra el CCU, y en este sentido es sustancial que el Estado se responsabilice de estas acciones y del acceso a todas ellas, es decir que la equidad se debería alcanzar en el acceso a la vacuna, pero también en las otras medidas de prevención recomendadas. Lo discutible es que, como respuesta a nuestra imposibilidad de evitar muertes evitables con medidas que ya conocemos, se tenga la necesidad de recurrir a acciones compulsivas, con lo que se intenta subsanar lo que no se ha podido alcanzar sobre el resto de las medidas preventivas que sí han demostrado disminuir la incidencia y mortalidad por CCU.

This review provides a critical analysis of the different cervical cancer prevention strategies, with an emphasis on immunization, implementation modalities, health strategies and national regulations. Rather than favoring or opposing the obligation to observe health policies, the study aims to offer a critical discussion on the strategy. It is often said that arguments in favor of the obligatory nature of a policy or recommendation are defined by two main axes: the first one refers to defining whether the population is facing a health risk in the population and the second one, whether informed decisions need to be promoted to achieve a larger impact. Thus, defining if addressing HPV infection within a comprehensive prevention strategy, as a sexually transmitted disease, is of paramount importance. To that end, the obligatory nature for all individuals involved in the epidemiological chain should be extensively discussed. HPV vaccination is recommended in the framework of comprehensive educational programs, as in secondary, tertiary and quaternary prevention. Equality in terms of population protection against cervical cancer needs to be achieved, and in this respect the government needs to take responsibility for these actions and universal access to all strategies. In other words, equal access to vaccination is essential, as well as to other recommended prevention measures. However, the need to refer to compulsory measures to stop avoidable deaths with measures we already know may be arguable, as this is a way to make up for failure to achieve other preventive measures, which have been demonstrated to reduce cervical cancer incidence and mortality.

Nesta revisão faz-se uma análise crítica das diferentes estratégias de prevenção do Câncer de Colo do Útero (CCU), enfatizando a vacinação, as formas de implementação, bem como as estratégias sanitárias e regulações nacionais. O objetivo não é tomar uma posição a favor ou contra a obrigatoriedade de medidas sanitárias, mas discutir criticamente a estratégia. Discute-se a argumentação de uma política de obrigatoriedade ou de recomendação, que está definida por dois eixos fundamentais: primeiro definir se existe um risco sanitário populacional e, segundo, se é necessário promover decisões informadas para conseguir um impacto maior. Para isso é fundamental definir se se considera abordar a infecção por VPH dentro de uma estratégia integral de prevenção como doença de transmissão sexual. Dessa forma deveria discutir-se firmemente a obrigatoriedade para todos os integrantes da cadeia de transmissão. A vacinação contra o VPH está recomendada como parte de programas integrais de educação, prevenção secundária, terciária e até quaternária. Deve-se oferecer condições iguais de proteção populacional contra o CCU, e nesse caso é substancial que o Estado se responsabilize por estas ações e pelo acesso a todas elas, isto é que estabelecer equidade no acesso à vacina, mas também a outras medidas de prevenção recomendadas. É discutível que, como resposta a nossa impossibilidade de prevenir mortes evitáveis com medidas conhecidas, seja necessário recorrer a ações compulsivas, tentando corrigir o que não foi possível alcançar com o resto das medidas preventivas que demonstraram diminuir a incidência e a mortalidade por CCU. Palavras-chave: Neoplasias do colo do útero; Vacinas contra papillomavirus; Promoção da saúde; Uruguai.

The role of medical abortion in the implementation of the law on voluntary termination of pregnancy in Uruguay.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the implementation of the law that liberalizes voluntary abortion in Uruguay and enables health services to offer these services to the population. METHODS: The legal and regulatory provisions are described and the national data-provided by the Ministry of Public Health's National Information System (SINADI)-on the number of voluntary terminations of pregnancy, the abortion method (medical or surgical), and whether it was performed as an outpatient or inpatient are analyzed. To determine complications, the number of maternal deaths and admissions to intensive care units for pregnant women was used. The study period ran from December 1, 2012, to December 31, 2014. RESULTS: A total of 15 996 abortions were performed during the study period; only 1.2% were surgical and 98.8% were medical. Of the latter, only 3.4% required hospitalization. Less than half of the pregnancies were terminated up to 9weeks of gestation and 54% were at 10 to 12weeks in a sample from the Pereira Rossell Hospital. CONCLUSION: The rapid nationwide rollout of voluntary termination of pregnancy services to all women was possible to a large degree thanks to the availability and broad acceptance of medical abortion, facilitated by the prior experience in applying the risk and harm reduction strategy.

Overall and abortion-related maternal mortality rates in Uruguay over the past 25years and their association with policies and actions aimed at protecting women's rights.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate changes in maternal mortality rates in Uruguay over the past 25years, as well as their distribution by cause, and their temporal relationship with social changes and Human Development Index (HDI) indicators. METHODS: Data on maternal mortality obtained directly from the Uruguayan Ministry of Public Health for the 2001 to 2015 period were analyzed together with data from the United Nations Inter-Agency Group for Child Mortality Estimation for the 1990 to 2015 period. The swiftness of the decrease in maternal mortality per five-year period, the variation in the percentage of abortion-related deaths, and the correlation with HDI indicators were evaluated. RESULTS: Maternal mortality decreased significantly, basically due to a reduction in the number of deaths from unsafe abortion, which was the principal cause of maternal mortality in the 1990s. The reduction in maternal mortality over the past 10years also coincides with a reduction in poverty and an improvement in the HDI. CONCLUSION: A rapid reduction occurred in maternal mortality in Uruguay, particularly in maternal mortality resulting from unsafe abortion. This coincided with the application of a model for reducing the risk and harm of unsafe abortions, which finally led to the decriminalization of abortion.

Conscientious objection as a barrier for implementing voluntary termination of pregnancy in Uruguay: Gynecologists' attitudes and behavior.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the attitudes and behavior of gynecologists in Uruguay with respect to the right to conscientious objection that is included in the law concerning voluntary termination of pregnancy. METHODS: The relevant laws and decrees, academic articles, legal or administrative claims, and the positions published by the institutions representing physicians or by groups of gynecologists were analyzed. RESULTS: In general, the institutions positioned themselves in favor of correct application of conscientious objection and the immense majority of gynecologists followed this conduct. Small groups mounted a strong opposition and in one department (province) all gynecologists declared themselves to be objectors. CONCLUSION: Most gynecologists, whether or not they are objectors, proved to have a "loyalty to duty," fulfilling their primary obligation to abide by the ethical duty to give treatment to the persons who need it. A small group used conscientious objection to impede the provision of care to the women who needed the service, some group members being genuine objectors and others pseudo-objectors.

From risk and harm reduction to decriminalizing abortion: The Uruguayan model for women's rights.

OBJECTIVE: To describe public policies, social actions, particularly those of obstetricians/gynecologists, and changes in abortion-related legislation in the different historical periods between 1990 and 2015, and to analyze temporal correlations with a reduction in maternal mortality. METHODS: The 1990-2015 period was divided into three different stages to permit evaluation of the legislation, health regulations, healthcare system, and professional practices related to the care provided in cases of unsafe abortion: 1990-2001, characterized by illegality and the healthcare system's denial of abortion; 2001-2012, when the model for reducing the risk and harm of unsafe abortions was developed; and 2012-2015, when abortion was finally decriminalized. RESULTS: Changes in public policies and expansion of the risk reduction model coincided with changes in the social perception of abortion and a decrease in maternal mortality and abortion rates, probably due to a set of public policies that led to the decriminalization of abortion in 2012. CONCLUSION: Changes in public policies and health actions such as the model for reducing the risk and harm of unsafe abortions coincided with a marked reduction in abortion-related maternal mortality. The challenges still to be faced include managing second trimester abortions, ensuring the creation of multidisciplinary teams, and offering postabortion contraception.

Legal termination of pregnancy as an opportunity for expanding postabortion contraception: Experience at the Pereira Rossell Hospital, Montevideo, Uruguay.

OBJECTIVE: To determine to what extent women adopted highly effective contraceptive methods after a legal abortion. METHODS: The data available during a period before and another period after liberalization of the abortion law were reviewed. The data gathering was incomplete and reliable only during certain periods, which were used in the study. RESULTS: There was an increase in the proportion of women who returned for contraception and in the proportion who used any method and long-acting methods; however, no contraception was administered immediately after abortion and only 16% of all women treated started to use a long-acting method during the period after the law was liberalized. CONCLUSION: The proposed objective was not being achieved, the recommended guidelines were not being followed, and data gathering was incomplete. Good intentions are not enough and it is always necessary to evaluate the performance of a program. The results indicate that immediate reforms are necessary in postabortion contraception services.

Implementation of the risk and harm reduction strategy against unsafe abortion in Uruguay: From a university hospital to the entire country.

The history of the creation of the risk and harm reduction model applied to unsafe abortion is reviewed, from its initial implementation by a small group of gynecologists at the Pereira Rossell Hospital Center in Uruguay to its spread to the rest of the country. Its ethical rationale, its successful application in the hospital, the decision to disseminate it with the cooperation of the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO), and the intervention procedures are explained. It was evaluated from the epidemiological and anthropological viewpoints, from the changes in professionals' and users' perception of the care offered and its impact on complications and maternal deaths. A very favorable change was seen in the number and quality of the services, the providers' attitude, and maternal morbidity and mortality were reduced. It also brought visibility to women with unplanned and unwanted pregnancies and an improved understanding of their problems, which contributed to the legislative changes that were made subsequently.